GB2210090A

GB2210090A - Bridge module

Info

Publication number: GB2210090A
Application number: GB8821963A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sydney Rowe; Susan Eileen Wright
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-09-17
Filing date: 1988-09-19
Publication date: 1989-06-01
Also published as: GB8821963D0

Abstract

A bridge comprises one or more bridge modules wherein each module is in the form of a hollow fabricated steel structure into which concrete can be poured, retained and allowed to set. In use, the lightweight module is placed on supports where required for use prior to filling with concrete. The modules are of simple constructional form and can be secured to each other in end-to-end and side-to-side fashion.

Description

BRIDGES This invention relates to bridges and a method of making bridges.

There is a requirement for an improved and simplified means whereby bridges can be constructed in a standard and simplified way instead of by means of an ad hoc design exercise for each individual bridging requirement. It is also desirable that the bridge structure can be readily erected and secured in its required location without excessive use of specialised equipment, sophisticated materials, or undue delay.

An object of the present invention is to provide means for meeting one or more of these requirements, or improvements in relation to bridges generally.

According to the invention there is provided the apparatus and method claimed in the accompanying claims.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accoinpanying drawings in which: Fig 1 shows a bridge module in side elevation; Fig 2 shows a plan view of the module of Fig 1, the direction of viewing being indicated in Fig 1 by the arrow II; and Fig 3 shows an end view of the module of Figs 1 and 2, the direction of viewing being indicated by arrow II in Fig 1.

As shown in the drawings, a bridge module 10 is adapted to be bolted or otherwise fastened to an adjacent module in end-to-end or side-to-side fashion. The module has tension members 12 to provide additional strength. The module is of channel section having side plates 14, 16, a bottom plate 18, and end plates 20, 22. The side plates 14 and 16 have top and bottom flanges 24, the latter serving to mount bottom plate 18. They also have end flanges (not shown) to provide a mounting for the end plates 20, 22.

The entire construction is of galvanised mild steel and is relatively light in weight.

In use, one or more bridge modules are positioned on support means and filled or part-filled with concrete.

Turning now to a more detailed consideration of the structure of the module, end plates 20, 22 are of 6 millimetre sheet steel, suitably apertured at 26 to receive the tension members. Side plates 14, 16 are of 3 millimetre sheet steel, suitably shaped as shown, with a linear top edge 28 and a profiled lower edge 30 with suitable flanges welded thereto. Bottom plate 18 is of 3 millimetre sheet steel spot welded to the side plates. The side plates are drilled to take lateral tension members indicated at 32, and associated mountings such as U-bolts for stanchions (not shown).

Turning now to the tension members 12, it will be seen from Figs 1 and 2 that these are provided in three pairs, each pair comprising rods 12A and 12B arranged side-by-side and in cross-over configuration and extending from the upper portion of the module at one end to the lower portion thereof at the other end. Each tension member comprises a pair of tension rods linked end-to-end by a turnbuckle (not shown) and having at their remote ends a J-form end fitting to co-operate with a D-buckle bolted to the associated end plate 20 or 22. The turnbuckles provide a ready means for suitably tensioning the tension members.

The lateral tension members 32 comprise rods formed with threaded ends to receive, on the outer side of side plates 14, 16, corresponding screw-threaded sleeves having left and right hand threads whereby the modules can be joined side-to-side. A similar arrangement is provided for end-to-end joining of the modules by means of the bolts extending through apertures 26 in the end plates 20.

Between their ends, each lateral tension member 32 is provided with a welded extension bar to prevent turning after the concrete has been poured. The tie rods prevent the side plates bulging under the weight of the concrete before it sets. Lifting plates (not shown) are fixed to each side of the module for positioning purposes.

The side and end drillings are identical so as to permit ready joining to adjacent modules. When used as a suspension bridge, each section is separated and bolted through a 25 millimetre thick plate having the same drillings as the end plates.

Bottom plate 18 is suitably profiled at 34, 36 and 38 to co-operate with lower edge 30 of the side plates.

Interestingly, the module provides a simple means for constructing a bridge of any desired length and width. The module is relatively light before filling with concrete and is thus readily transported and placed in position. Its structure is a simple sheet metal fabrication and is readily assembled on site. The resulting structure is exceptionally strong and merely requires suitable end supports.

Many modifications could be made in the above embodiment while remaining within the scope of the invention, including modifications to the exact shape and form of the generally hollow section structure into which the concrete is poured. Likewise the arrangement of the tension members can be modified to suit particular needs.

Claims

1 A bridge module.

2 A bridge module according to claim 1 adapted to be bolted or otherwise fastened to an adjacent module in endto-end or side-to-side fashion.

3 A bridge module in the form of a hollow structure into which concrete can be poured and retained and allowed to set.

4 A bridge module according to claim 3 containing concrete.

5 A bridge module according to any one of the preceding claims having tension members to provide additional strength.

6 A bridge module according to claim 5 wherein said tension members extend lengthwise of the module.

7 A bridge module according to any one of claims 3 to 6 further comprising lateral tension members to prevent lateral distortion of the module under the weight of concrete before it sets.

8 A bridge module according to any one of the preceding claims comprising screw-threaded means for joining the module to another module.

9 A bridge module according to any one of the preceding claims being of channel section.

10 A bridge module according to any one of the preceding claims comprising end flanges.

11 A bridge module according to any one of the preceding claims comprising top and bottom flanges at the sides.

12 A bridge module substantially as described herein and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

13 A bridge comprising one or more modules according to any one of the preceding claims.

14 A method of making a bridge comprising taking one or more bridge modules according to any one of claims 1 to 12, positioning same in situ on support means, and filling or part-filling the module with concrete.