US3247539A - Suspended overpass - Google Patents

Description

FIG; 1

April 26, 1966 w. w. PLEASANTS 3,247,539

SUSPENDED OVERPAS S Filed Aug. 22, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 d' 5 il i I u.: e n

April 26, 1966 w. w. PLEAsANTs SUSPENDED OVERPASS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 22, 1962 INVENTOR. WIW/am Elf/fwn@ @Je 62,1 N

April 26, 1966 w. w. PLEAsANTs 3,247,539

SUSPENDED OVEBPAS S Filed Aug. 22, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR IWI/lm iff/:willig BY 62h19 d @A April 25 1956 `w. w. PLAsAN-rs 3,247,539

` SUSPENDED ovERPAss Filed Aug. 22, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 u FIG- 5 :er V- 74 Q A TTBIYEYJ.

United States-Paghi: e"

,y Y. i 3,247,539

. SUSPENDED GVERPASS Y William'W. Pleas'nts', 536 HanselIRo'ad, Wynnewood, Pa. Filed Aug. 22, 19,62, Ser. No. 218,717 4 Claims. (Cl. 14n-19)VV This invention relates generally toi bridges and particulanly to improvements in overpas'ses for `facilitating the movement of vehicles 'at the intersection of a plurality of thorough-fares;

Various overpassesl have been proposed for facilitating movement-of vehicles at street intersections in urban areas where space is' at av premium and: disturbance of existing construction is impractical. However, these overpasses have not been entirely satisfactory Because they are too costly, take .an inordinate length-of time to design and build and occupytoo much' space. In addition, the structures commonly are supported uponl members' that riset from the street pavement',- inA consequence of which street area is removed' from servicel where' it is needed most, and visibility is reduced at a critical point'inv the intersection. Accordingly, animportant object of the invention is to provide anoverpass characterized by a ground supported framework bridging both streets atthe intersection and having suspended therefrom :an elevated overpass sect-ion extending across said intersection;y

Another object is to provide such lan overpass Wherein the ground supported :framework is characterized by interconnectedY members each arching diagonally over the intersection and havingcables depending therefrom for supporting said overpass" section.

Another object is to provide such an overpass with ramps at yboth ends ofand' furnishing approaches from street level to said elevated overpass section;

Other objects of the invention willV becomeapparent when the following description isl read withl reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of an overpass embodying the invention and erected ata street intersection;l

FIGURE 2 is an elevation of the overpass shown in FIGUREGI';

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged section online 1li-III of FIGURE 2.; Y

FIGURE 4 is a section on line IV-IV of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the ground supported framework from which the overpass section is suspended; Y

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged plan view at the crown of the ground supported framework; p Y

FIGURE 7 is a section on line VII-VII of FIGURE-6;

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged elevation at the foot ofthe ground' supported framework, as indicated by line VIII- VIII ofFIGURE 5';V

FIGURE 9 is an elevation at the foot of the ground supported framework, as indicated by line lX-IX of FIGURE 8;v

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged section on line X-X of FIGURE 2; and

FIGURE 11 -is an enlarged section on line XI-XI of FIGURE 1.

Referring tothe vdrawings and particularly to vFIGURE 2, the bridge embodying the present invention comprises a ground supported frame, generally designated 1l), fully spanning a: street intersection, an elevated Voverpass secf tion 11 suspended vfrom theframe 10, and two ramps, generally designated 12, providing approaches to the overpass section 1-1 from street level.

Referring particularly to FIGURES 5 to 9, the ground supported framework comprises an arched member, generally designated 14, which is substantially semicircular. The member 14 includes a rolled ysection 16 having l3,247,539 Patented Apr.- 26, 1966 parallel flanges 18 interconnected by a web 20. At the foot of' section 16' is a horizontally extending plate 22, and at the hea'd of section 16' is` an' upright plate 24. Aliixed to the plate 24 are a pair of vertically spaced horizotally extending connection plates 26, and aixed .to the platev 22` and depending therefrom is an upright connection plate 28;

The arched mernber 14 also includes a second rolled 'section 30having parallel iarrges 32 interconnected by a web 34. At .the fobt of section' 3l) is Ia horizontally ex'- tending plate 36; and at the head of section 30 is an upright plate 38. Aliixed to the plate 38 is a horizont-ally extending connection' plate 40 sandwiched between the connection plate 26, and atixed to thev plate 36 and depending there-from isV a` connection plate 28.

lThe ground supported framework 10 also comprises.l an arched member, generally designated 44, which is su-bstantially semicircular. The member 44 includes a rolled section 46 having parallelY anges das' interconnected by a web 5U. At the foot of section" 45 is a horizontally extending plate 52, and at the: head of section 46A is an upright plate $41 Afxed to theplate 54 are a pair of vertically 'spaced' horizontally extending connection plates 56, and affixed tothe plate 52 and depending therefrom is a' connectionl plate 2,8'.

The arched member 44A also includes a rolled'section 60 having-parallel'flanges i2-'interconnected by a web 64. At the footof sectionV 60 is a horizontally extending plate 66, and Iat the head of section 60 is an upright plate 68. Axed' to. the plate 68A isza' horizontally extending connection plate'70sandwiched betweenthe'connection'pilates', andaffixed to the plate 66 and depending therefromY is a connection plate 28.

At 'the crownof thegframe a connection pin, designated 74, extends downwardly through aligned openings in the horizontally extending connection plates 26, 40, 56 and 7,0: Extending through the lower end portion of the pin 74 is-a retainer pin 76.

At each'foot'of the frame is a shoe including a horizontally extending sole plate 78 anchored to'the ground and provided with laterally spaced upstanding ears Si) having-the plate 28 sandwiched therebetween.' Extending through aligned openings in the ears and the plate 28 is apin 82, and extending through one end portion of the pin 82 is a retainer pin 84.

sections 30 and 60, a cable 90 opposite end portions 'of'Y which are'aiiixed respectively to arch sections 16 and 6l), and a cable 92 opposite end portions of which are aixed respectively to arch sections 30 and 46.

A-t anv intermediate level, between grade andthe set of cables mentioned hereinabove, is a network of cables including `a cable 94' opposite end porti-ons of'which are aflixedfrespectively to the arch `sections :16 and 46, a cable 96 opposite end portions of which are aflixed respectively to the arch sections 30and 60, a cable 9S opposite end portionsV of which are affixed respectively to the arch sections 16 and `60, a `cablellltl opposite end portions of which are -aiiixedl respectively to the arch4 sections 30 and 46, a cable 102 opposite end portions of which are conf nected respectively to the archV sections 46V and'tl and a cable A104 oppositeend4 portions `of which areconnected respectively Ito the arch sections v16 and 301 Referring particularly to AFIGURES 1 to 4 and 1v1, the overpass section 111V includestwoonelane units disposed sideby side, respectively designatedy 106' and 10S. The units i106 and 108 are similar, in consequence of which a description of the unit 106 will sulice also for a description of the unit 108. The unit 106 comprises a deck plate 11G Iformed into a series of transversely extending parallel troughs. Extending along each side of the deck plate and disposed at an angle of 4approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal is a curb plate 112. Deposited upon the dec-k plate is a paving material, for example, blacktop, designated 114, forming the road bed. The deck plate, curb plates and blacktop assembly is cradled in an open framework of piping providing a railing 116 on each side. The top rail 118 terminates at each end in an end post 120 which, at its lower end turns inwardly, as at 122, along the curb plate. The turned in portions of the end posts respectively on opposite sides and at each end of the unit are connected by a cross tie portion 124 underlying the deck plate. Intermediate posts, designated 126, have lower end portions turned inwardly, as at 128, along the curb plates, and the turned in portions of corresponding intermediate posts respectively on opposite sides of the unit are connected by a cross -tie portion 130.

Suitably connected to the crown of the framework 11 are a cable 132 and a pair of cables 134. The cable .132 extends vertically downwardly and the cables 134 diverge downwardly, on the inner side of the unit 196. Each of the cables extends through the inner top rail 118 and downwardly through an intermediate post 126, where it is suitably atiixed. Aixed respectively to the arch sections 16 and 46 and extending vertically downwardly therefrom are a pair of cables v136, on the outer side of the unit 106. `Each of the cables 136 extends downwardly through the outer Vtop rail 118 and through an intermediate post 126, where it is suitably aixed.

Referring particularly to FIGURES l, 2, and '11, the ramp 12 at each end of the 4overpass section '11 comprises a one lane up ramp part and a one lane down ramp part. These ramp parts are similar, in consequence of which a description of one part will suice for a description of both. The -up ramp part comprises a head unit 142 and a foot unit .144. Again, the units 142 and 144 are similar, in consequence of which a description of the unit 142 will suice also for a description of the unit `144. The head unit 142 comprises a deck plate 146 formed into a series of 'transversely extending parallel troughs. Extending along each side of the deck plate and disposed at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relaytive thereto is a curb plate 148. Deposited upon the deck plate is blackto-p, designated 150, to provide a suitable road bed. The deck plate, curb plates and blacktop `assembly is cradled in an open `framework of piping providing -a railing 152 on each side. The top rail 154 terminates at each end in an end post 156 which, at its lower end, turns inwardly, as at 158, alongrthe curb plate. The turned `in portions of the end posts respectively on opposite sides and at each end of the unit are connected by a cross -tie portion 160 underlying the deck plate. Intermediate posts, designated 162, have lower end portions turned inwardly, as at 164, along the curb plates, and the turned in portions of corresponding intermediate posts respectively on opposite sides of the unit are connected by a cross tie portion 166. e

At the juncture of the foot and head units is an upright ground supported bent 168 comprising laterally spaced posts 170, a cross tie 172 at the `foot of the bent, a cross tie 174 at the head of the bent and a pair of braces 176. Extending across the upper portion ofthe bent are a pair of cross cables 178. Diverging downwardly from the top of the bent, on each side ofthe up and down ramps, are a set of cables 180, 182, 184 and 186. Each of the cables 18@ and 182 extends through the associated top railing 1.54 of the head unit 142 and downwardly through an intermedi-ate post 162, where it is'suitably atiixed. Each of the cables 184 and 186 extends through the associated top railing 154 of the foot unit 144 and downwardly through an intermediate post 162, where it is suitablyalixedf Referring particularly to FIGURE ll, the terminal portion of each deck plate is turned upwardly to form a flange 188 and -bridging the opposed end portions of adjacent units is a suitable plate 190.

The bridge embodying the invention is not intended to provide full clover leaf separation, but merely to elevate two lanes of through traic on a minor street where it intersects a major street. In addition, it is not intended to handle trucks, which constitute ra fairly small percentage of total traic volume at most intersections and can best be handled at grade.

Referring to FIGURE 1, the intersection may consist, for example, of a major street running north and south and a minor street running east and west. There are four lanes of travel in each street, as indicated by arrows. On the major street, right-hand turns are made at grade from the outside lane and left-hand turns are made at grade from the inside lane. On the minor street, all turns are made from grade from the outside lane, the inside lanes being reserved for through traflic by way of the over'pass structure of the invention. Thus there is complete freedom for making right turns or left turns at grade from either street and from any direction.

The structure of the invention preferably is made entirely of steel, and the whole assembly may be installed at an intersection in one days time. Since there is no excavation and no concrete required for its construction, there is no disruption of traflic and no changes necessary in existing pavement, curbing, sidewalks, etc. If the need for it ceases to exist at one intersection, the structure may be easily relocated at another intesection at a very low cost.

It will be noted that lateral support for the arches is obtained in two ways. First, at the apex, where the arches provide lateral support for each other. Second, by the cables at the intermediate level and at the upper level. In this way each arch is supported laterally at a plurality of levels.

By way of emphasis, certain features should be noted: The overpass structure is suspended from overhead so that there are no supports -in the traic lanes in the intersection area. This eliminates the possibility of vehicles running into the bridge supports, and eliminates any obstruction of visibility between vehicles entering the intersection. The structure can be used as a temporary structure during permanent construct-ion, or it may be put to other temporary uses, at resorts,.athletic events, conventions, fairs, etc. The structure is suspended from two semicircular steel arches which cross each other at the apex in the middle of the intersection to form a cross frame in plan view. Each foot or base of each arch rests upon the sidewalk and the crowns of the arches are secured together so that each gives the other lateral support. This configuration provides maximum flexibility in that a pair of standard sizearches may be arranged at various angles relative to each other to fit a variety of widths of streets.V The structure incorporates a novel roadway design which utilizes three common materials in la new arrangement which minimizes the vertical distance required between the road surface above and the clearance line below. It is important to minimize vertical distance because this controls the length of the ramp required. A convenient ramp slope is 6.4 to l, in consequence of which every foot eliminated from the vertical distance reduces ramp length by 6.4 feet and the overall ramp structure by 12.8 feet. The structure utilizes a -novel 'curb design which consists of a heavy steel plate set at a 45-degree angle. This plate has a twofold function. First, it performs the normal function of a curb, namely, controlling the pathof travel of a vehicle. The plate has a smooth surface which means that an automobile wheel will not climb it but will merely slide along. Second, it performs a structural function in tying together the ends of the sections of steel decking and giving them rigidity. The guard rail is used to transmit tension from the cables down under the roadway and also acts as a truss to lend rigidity to the overall assembly. The structure may be made up of tive identical Aunits for each lane of travel for a -total of ten units for a complete two lane overpass. These units may be fabricated in quantity at low cost in -a central Iplant. By utilizing a number of identical sections, it is possible to vary the combination of them to tit many difieren-t traflic situations. For example, one situation might dict-ate that only one lane be elevated. In `another situation the minor street may be on a hill and only Ione ramp section on one side and three on the other might be required. y

It will be understood, of course, that the present invention, as described and shown, is susceptible to various changes and modications which may be made without any departure from the general principles or real spirit of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended to claim the present invent-ion broadly, as well as specifically, as indicated in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a structure for facilitating the movement of vehicles at the intersection of a pair of thoroughfares crossing substantially at right angles, the combination comprising a rigid framework including a pair of frame members each having opposite end portions supported upon and anchored to the ground without said thoroughfares, and each arching diagonally over said intersection, means interconnecting said frame members at the crown of said framework whereby each of said members braces the other against lateral movement, an overpass section parallel to one of said thoroughfares, means fully and freely suspending said overpass section directly from said framework above said intersection, and ramp means from said one thoroughfare to said overpass section providing an approach to and an exit from said overpass section.

2. In a structure for facilitating the movement of vehicles at the intersection of a pair of thoroughfares crossing substantially at right angles, the combination comprising a rigid framework including a pair of frame members each having opposite end portions supported upon the ground without said thoroughfares, and each arching diagonally over said intersection with one of said frame members passing under the other, means interconnecting the mutually overlying crown portions of said frame members so that each of said members braces the other against lateral movement, an overpass section parallel to one of said thoroughfares, means fu-lly and freely suspending said overpass section directly -from said framework above said intersection, and ramp means from said one thoroughfare to said overpass section providing an approach to and exit from said overpass section.

3. In a structure for facilitating the movement of vehicles at the intersection of a pair of thoroughfares crossing substantially at right angles, the combination comprising a ground supported rigid framework fully spanning said intersection in both directions, an overpass section including a pair of single lane units disposed side by side and parallel to one of said thoroughfares, each of said units including a deck plate having a series of corrugations extending transversely thereof, a pair of upright curb plates extending along said deck plate and aflixed respectively to the opposite side edges thereof, a layer of paving material fully covering said deck plate from curb plate to curb plate, and means having said deck plate seated thereon, each extending parallel to said corrugations and disposed between an adjacent pair thereof and cradling said deck and curb plates and the paving material carried thereby, means aixed to each of said cradling means and fully and freely suspending each of said single lane units directly from said framework above said intersection, and ramp means providing an approach to and an exit from each of said single lane units.

4. In a structure for facilitating the movement of vehicles at the intersection of a pair of thoroughfares crossing substantially at right angles, the combination comprising a ground supported rigid framework fully spanning said intersection in both directions, an overpass section including a plurality of single lane units disposed side by side and parallel to one of said thoroughfares, ramp sections for each of said single lane units providing an approach to said unit and an exit therefrom, said overpass single lane units and said ramp single lane units all being substantially identical and each including a deck plate, a pair of curb plates aixed to `said deck plate and extending upwardly therefrom, and paving material overlying said deck plate, land means fully and freely suspending each of said overpass single lane units direct-ly from said framework above said intersection.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 146,397 1/1874 Long 14-74 X 160,650 3/1875 Cornell 104-124 2,050,313 8/ 1936 Growdon 14-73 2,363,767 11/1944 Yassin 94-1 X 2,960,704 ll/ 1960 Stoltenburg 14-18 FOREIGN PATENTS 544,038 l/ 1956 Belgium. 558,052 6/ 1957 Belgium.

9,854 4/ 1901 Great Britain. 348,722 5 193 1 Great Britain. 368,689 2/ 1939 Italy.

JACOB L. NACKENOFF, Primary Examiner.

HENRY C. SUTHERLAND, Examiner.

D. R. COMUZZI, Assistant Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. IN A STRUCTURE FOR FACILITATING THE MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES AT THE INTERSECTION OF A PAIR OF THOROUGHFARES CROSSING SUBSTANTIALLY AT RIGHT ANGLES, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING A RIGID FRAMEWORK INCLUDING A PAIR OF FRAME MEMBERS EACH HAVING OPPOSITE END PORTIONS SUPPORTED UPON AND ANCHORED TO THE GROUND WITHOUT SAID THOROUGHFARES, AND EACH ARCHING DIAGONALLY OVER SAID INTERSECTIONS, MEANS INTERCONNECTING SAID FRAME MEMBERS AT THE CROWN OF SAID FRAMEWORK WHEREBY EACH OF SAID MEMBERS BRACES THE OTHER AGAINST LATERAL MOVEMENT, AN OVERPASS SECTION PARALLEL TO ONE OF SAID THOROUGHFARES, MEANS FULLY AND FREELY SUSPENDING SAID OVERPASS SECTION DIRECTLY FROM SAID FRAMEWORK ABOVE SAID INTERSECTION, AND RAMP MEANS FROM SAID ONE THOROUGHFARE TO SAID OVERPASS SECTION PROVIDING AN APPROACH TO AN EXIT FROM SAID OVERPASS SECTION.

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