GB2277344A - A system for the construction of arch structures - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for the construction of arch structures consisting of connecting a series of voussoirs together in an array by means of articulated tie members affixed to the top of the voussoirs. The tie members allow articulation between adjacent voussoirs as the voussoir array is raised thus forming an arch ring which is then placed in a selected location. The tie members can then be removed, if required, and the subsequent building and finishing work, supported by the arch ring, can then be completed. <IMAGE>

Description

A SYSTEM FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ARCH STRUCTURES The present invention relates to arch structures for use in structural and civil engineering constructions, such as for example in bridge building.

Arch structures have been used extensively in structural and civil engineering work, especially in arch bridges. By virtue of the arch configuration, loading in the structure can be essentially of a compressive nature, so making the arrangement manifestly suitable for supporting loads over clear spans. Traditionally civil engineering arch structures have included a base arch ring formed of block members known as voussoirs, supporting an upper masonry formation. The voussoirs are normally of trapezoidai form to accommodate the curve of the arch. This method of construction requires the construction of a substantial temporary structure to provide support until all voussoirs have been placed and a complete arch ring is formed This method of building arches is time consuming and consequently expensive.

An alternative system of construction exists whereby the voussoirs are specially shaped to allow rotation relative to each other and are braced in the temporary condition by a complex system of beams and locking units which allow an arch ring, consisting of a number of voussoirs, to be placed as one unit. This prior art arch system has also the disadvantage of being expensive to construct due to the complexity of the temporary bracing arrangement.

It is the object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the above disadvantages of the prior art.

According to the present invention a method of forming an arch structure comprises providing a series of bodies or voussoirs connected by one or more articulated tie members, such that the array adopts a desired arch formation when raised at a selected location. The arch structure can then serve as a base arch formation for subsequent building work to provide a completed structure.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein : Fig Al shows a side view of a voussoir array, in an initial flat position, connected together by articulated tensile members, in accordance with the present invention; Fig A2 shows the side view of the voussoir array raised to form an arch ring, prior to placing at a selected location; Fig A3 shows the side view of the arch ring placed at a the selected location, on which subsequent building formations can be supported.

Referring to the drawings, an arch ring (1) for use in structural or civil engineering work, such as a bridge comprises a side by side array of individual block members (2) which constitute voussoirs of the arch. The voussoirs (2) which can be moulded from concrete are positioned relative to each other by means of articulated tie members (3) connected to the top of the voussoirs. The tie members, between the voussoirs, allow articulation (4), thus the voussoir array can be raised to the selected position to form an arch ring.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figs B1, B2 and B3.

Fig B1 shows a side view of a voussoir array, in an initial flat position, connected together by articulated tensile members, in accordance with the present invention; Fig B2 shows the side view of the voussoir arrays raised to form an arch ring, prior to placing at selected location; Fig B3 shows a side view of the arch ring placed at a selected location, on which subsequent building formations can be supported.

Referring to the drawings, where voussoirs of non-trapezoidal shape (2) are used to form the arch ring (1), the extent of rotation of the tie member (3) at the point of articulation (4), and thus the shape of the arch ring, is controlled by means of adjustment of the spacing between adjacent voussoirs, prior to raising the voussoir array to form the arch ring. The stability of the arch ring can be secured by means of installed packing systems (5) between the voussoirs.

Claims (6)

1 A method of forming an arch structure comprising providing a series of bodies or voussoirs in side by side array, connected together by one or more articulated tensile members so that articulation occurs between successive voussoirs to cause the array to adopt a desired arch formation when raised for positioning the arch formation at a selected location.

2 A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the relative pivoting movement between successive voussoirs is controlled by means of adjustment of the length of the said tie members between successive voussoirs.

3 A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein relative movement between adjacent voussoirs is prevented, once the voussoir array adopts the desired arch formation, by means of packing systems installed between the said voussoirs.

4 A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said tensile members can be removed, in whole or in part, after the arch has been positioned at said location.

5 A method is claimed in claim 5, wherein further building and finishing work are carried out on the arch.

6 A method is claimed for the formation of arch structures substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.