US3832748A

US3832748A - Erecting segmental spans

Info

Publication number: US3832748A
Application number: US00302785A
Authority: US
Inventors: W Ogletree
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1972-11-01
Filing date: 1972-11-01
Publication date: 1974-09-03
Anticipated expiration: 1991-09-03

Abstract

There is disclosed a technique for erecting segmental bridge spans. Means are provided for temporarily connecting the segments to each other in preparation for permanently joining the same together. The temporary connectors incorporate a pivotal connection, capable of adjustment under load, allowing relative adjustable pivotal movement between the movable segment and the stationary segment. The adjustable feature of the pivot connection allows the segments to be shifted for close mating engagement.

Description

United States Patent [191 Ogletree 1 Sept. 3, 1974 1 1 ERECTING SEGMENTAL SPANS {76] Inventor: William B. Ogletree, 610 Bradshaw,

Corpus Christi, Tex. 78412 [22] Filed: Nov. 1, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 302,785

[52] US. Cl 14/1, 52/86, 14/77 [51] Int. Cl E0ld 1/00 [58] Field of Search 14/77, 1, 7, 23, 13;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 811,257 l/1906 Strauss 52/741 X 2,306,311 12/1942 Holland 14/1 2,647,270 8/1953 Frost 14/13 2,780,150 2/1957 Yeoman 404/73 X 3,367,074 2/1968 Vanich 52/73 X 3,504,389 4/1970 Longbottom 14/13 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 54,672 7/1950 France 52/86 904,997 11/1945 France 52/86 70,527 12/1958 France.. 14/1 1,240,910 5/1967 Germany 14/1 Primary ExaminerNile C. Byers, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or Firm-G. Turner Moller [5 7] ABSTRACT There is disclosed a technique for erecting segmental bridge spans. Means are provided for temporarily connecting the segments to each other in preparation for permanently joining the same together. The temporary connectors incorporate a pivotal connection, capable of adjustment under load, allowing relative adjustable pivotal movement between the movable segment and the stationary segment. The adjustable feature of the pivot connection allows the segments to be shifted for close mating engagement.

17 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEDSE 3.832.748

SHEET 10F 3 FIG. 2

Pmmwsm m4 SHEEI 2 OF 3 FIG. 3

PATENTEB 3EP3 I974 SHEET 3 BF 3 FIG. 6

FIG. 7

FIG. 8

ERECTING SEGMENTAL SPANS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to method and apparatus for erecting segmental spans, such as bridges. Segmental bridge design is known in the prior art as indicated in an article entitled High Hopes for Segmental Design" in Texas Highways, pages 8-10.

A major problem in bridge construction of this type resides in the temporary support of the unconnected segments or modules so that a permanent connection can be made. It is not now practical merely to suspend the unconnected modules adjacent the stationary modules and then permanently connect them together. The reasons therefor are myriad and involve the inability to hold a suspended load completely steady during wind loading, normal cable lengthening during loading, shifting of the crane platform, as inthe case of a barge mounted crane, and the like. The two major techniques which have actually been used to provide a temporary support are (1 erect a scaffold under the unconnected module to support it during permanent attachment to the stationary module and (2) erect a gantry and overhead crane immediately adjacent the stationary module to support the unconnected module. Both of these techniques involve building a bridge in order to build a bridge and are consequently onerously expensive.

As shown in Great Britain Patent No. 1,210,680 and corresponding France Pat. No. 1,516,851, it has been suggested in the prior art to secure temporary connecting members to the modules for temporarily supporting the outboard module from the inboard module in preparation for the final or permanent connection. This suggested approach requires laterally moving the outboard module toward the inboard module. It is not clear whether the outboard module is suspended, as from a crane, during the approaching linear movement caused by the temporary connectors. If the outboard module is not suspended, the temporary connectors must necessarily cantilever the outboard module in preparation for linear movement thereby requiring the temporary connectors to be massive. Furthermore, if the outboard module is not suspended, the linear adjustment of this proposal fails to provide a vertical adjustment of the outboard modules. If the outboard module is suspended from a crane, the temporary connectors need not be so massive and a vertical adjustment is available through the crane load line. It will be appreciated, however, that a very small vertical adjustment, on the order of less than about one inch, is somewhat difficult to obtain in a 30 ton module suspended 50 feet above the ground from a crane which may be carried on a barge.

This invention has been tested under the following conditions. A center module was placed on suitable shoring approximately one foot off the ground. The center module and the first pair of outboard modules were equipped with the devices of this invention. A suitable hoisting device was used to raise the outboard modules into position for temporary connection to the center module. The first pair of outboard modules were temporarily connected to the center module in a total elapsed time of approximately thirty minutes. The connection between the center module and the first pair of outboard modules was demonstrably adequate to support the outboard modules from the center module. It

will accordingly be apparent that this invention allows safe and rapid erection of a segmental span.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE It is an object of this invention to provide method and apparatus for erecting a segmental span wherein temporary connecting elements defining therebetween a pivot connection are used to temporarily support the modules during a final connection step.

In summary, one aspect of this invention comprises a method of erecting a segmental span comprised of laterally abutted modules including the steps of attaching connector parts to each of a stationary and a movable module to be abutted, the connection parts defining therebetween a pivotal connection; positioning the movable module adjacent the stationary module at a first angular position and engaging the connection parts; pivoting the movable module relative to the stationary module to a second angular position defining a load support between the stationary module and the movable module; and installing a discrete connector to the modules for permanently joining the same.

In summary, another aspect of this invention comprises a structural installation including adjacent modules having means for permanently connecting the modules together; and means for temporarily joining the modules together in load supporting relation in preparation for permanent connection including first and second mating connectors rigidly connected to adjacent modules, the first connector comprising a base rigid with one of the modules, a mateable connector part mounted on the base for movement relative thereto for mating engagement with the second connector, and means'for moving the mateable connector part relative to the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side schematic view of a segmental span during erecting thereof;

FIG. 2 is an end elevation of a typical segment resting on a ground surface in preparation for hoisting;

FIG. 3 constitutes an enlarged side elevation illustrating the movable and stationary modules during temporary connection;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial plan view of one end of the hoisting beam of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a partial side elevational view of one end of the beam of FIG. 4 illustrating an erection shoe secured thereto;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an erection shoe, certain parts being omitted for purposes of clarity;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the erection shoe of FIG. 6 taken substantially along line 7 7 thereof as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows; and

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the erection shoe of FIGS. 6 and 7, taken substantially along line 88 thereof as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a segmental bridge 10 in the process of erection. The bridge 10 is illustrated as spanning a waterway 12 and comprises a pair of spaced columns 14. The basic construction technique of segmental bridges is to erect two T's which meet in the middle to provide the bridge span.

To this end, a center module 16 is placed by a crane 18 on top of each of the columns 14 and affixed in place. A first pair of outboard modules 20 are connected to the inboard module 16. A second set of outboard modules 22 are attached to the stationary inboard modules 18. For purposes of clarity, it will be noted that the modules 20 are outboard with respect to the center module 16 and inboard with respect to the modules 22. lt will be appreciated that this technique is continued until the structures on each side of the waterway l2 meet or very nearly meet. The upper surface 24 of the modules accordingly provide the base for the roadway of the bridge 10. Suitable traffic'bearing layers may be applied to the surface 24 in any convenient manner.

The modules or segments of the bridge are substantially identical. As shown best in FIG. 2, the module 22 basically comprises a precast, open-end trapezoidal concrete box 26 having wings 28 extending from the upper end of the box 26. The box 26 includes

webs

30, 32, having tie-

down recesses

34, 36 respectively. A

cable passage

38, 40 terminates in the

recesses

34, 36 respectively. As shown best by a comparison of FIGS. 2 and 3, the

cable passages

38, 40 arcuately extend through the

webs

30, 32 and become parallel with a plurality of additional cable passages 42 along the upper section of the module 22. The

webs

30, 32 also comprise

keyways

44, 46 for mateably receiving suitable keys provided by the next adjacent module. The

keyways

44, 46 are tapered along the long and short axes of the

webs

30, 32. The

keyways

44, 46 open into the interior of the box 26 and accordingly each provide lateral restraint for the adjacent module in only one direction. Because the lateral restraint provided by the

keyways

44, 46 are in opposite directions, this has proved quite satisfactory. The lack of restraint to the inside of the box 26 affords easier mating of the key carried by the adjacent module. The module 22 provides keys 48 for receipt bythe keyway provided by the module as shown in FIG. 3. The module 22 may also provide a plurality of cable passages 50 adjacent the lower end thereof.

Although the

modules

16, 20, 22 are substantially identical, they may differ slightly in several regards. For example, the center module 16 is not typically provided with the inclined cable passages corresponding to passage 38 nor is it typically provided with a recess corresponding to the recess 34. The inclination of the

inclined passages

38, 40 may vary depending upon the position of the module relative to the center module 16. Although the

modules

20, 22 have a male side and a female side, the center module 16 may be provided with keyways on both sides thereof or with keys on both sides thereof depending upon the configuration of the adjacent modules.

The modules comprising the bridge 10 are normally cast in a suitable yard in a conventional manner. As explained in Great Britain Patent No. 1,210,680, each module is preferably cast against the finished module which will be adjacent thereto when the bridge 10 is assembled. By using the previously cast element as a mold for the adjacent element in the area of the joint, the tolerances in and around the mating keys and keyways are within acceptable limits.

In order to handle the modules, suitable beams 52 are secured to the modules in any suitable fashion. Typically, this may be accomplished by welding, clamping or bolting a beam flange to re-enforcing steel'protruding out of the module 22. As many of the beams 52 may be provided as is necessary or desirable for convenient handling of the modules, although two beams per module has proved satisfactory. A pair of linkage mechanisms 54 are conveniently used to secure the beams 52 to a hoisting frame 56 suspended by a suitable bridle 58 from the crane loadline 60.

For reasons more fully explained hereinafter, it is desirable to cant the movable module during the erection process. To this end, the linkage mechanisms 54 include long and

short links

62, 64 secured to the beams 52 by

suitable pins

66, 68. As suggested in FIG. 3, the relationship between the cable loadline 60 and the center of gravity of the module 22 is such as to cant the same when freely suspended.

The beams 52 provide several important operating features in this invention. It will be apparent that the beams 52 afford a suitable connection to the concrete modules for the hoisting frame 56. In addition, the beams 52 provide a hook 72 at one end thereof and allow connection of an erection shoe 74 at the other end thereof. As will be more fully explained hereafter, the book 72 and erection shoe 74 comprise a temporary connection 76 between a stationary or inboard module and a movable or outboard module. Accordingly, the beam 52 is designed to support a module during lifting thereof and is also designed to support an outboard module during temporary connection thereof to the stationary partial bridge span.

The beams 52 conveniently comprise a pair of

channels

78, 80 spaced apart by suitable spacers 82 to provide a slot 84 therebetween. It will be apparent that the slot 84 receives the

links

62, 64 of the hoisting mechanism. Suitable

re-enforcing plates

86, 88 are welded to the web of the

channels

78, 80 to provide additional strength around the

openings

90, 92 which receive the

pin connections

66, 68 between the beams 52 and the linkage mechanism 54.

Adjacent each end of the beam 52 are a plurality of generally vertical U-shaped members 94. The members 94 include a section 96 transverse to the beam axis below the flanges of the

channels

78, 80. As shown best in FIG. 5, the upper surface of the module 20 is provided with a plurality of troughs or depressions 98 for receiving the sections 96. Epoxy resin or the ike is normally applied between the sections 96 and troughs 98 to provide a measure of resistance against slippage in the direction shown by the arrow 100.

As shown best in FIGS. 4 and 5, a plate 102 is welded to the upper end of the members 94 and to the

channels

78, 80. The plate 102 provides a plurality of openings 104. The openings 104 provide a convenient means for securing the beam 52 to the module 20 since reenforcing cable may be passed therethrough and clamped. It should be apparent that the flanges of the

channels

78, 80, if of sufficient width, may be used as an attachment to the re-enforcing steel in the module 20. It will be seen that the re-enforcing steel passes vertically between the vertical members 94. After installation of the module to which the beam 52 is attached, the re-enforcing steel may be cut, as with a torch, to release the beam 52. The members 94 may provide a slot 106 affording access to the re-enforcing steel.

An end plate 108 is welded between the plate 102 and the channels 78, and provides a convenient attachment for a bracket 110. The bracket 110 may be used as an attachment for a safety cage in order to suspend a workman over the side of the module 20.

As previously mentioned, the beam 52 affords a connection to the erection shoe 74. To this end, the beam 52 comprises a first pair of spaced abutments 112 in the slot 84 adjacent the plate 108 for receiving a first generally T-shaped connector carried by the erection shoe 74. The beam 52 also comprises a second set of abutments 114 for receiving a second generally T-shaped connector carried by the erection shoe 74. It will be noted that the abutments 112, 114 cooperate with the plate 108 and the spacer 82 respectively to provide a pair of slots having only one open end.

Secured to the plate 102 is a stationary vertical abutment 116 which is supported by a pair of gussets 118 on opposite sides of the slot 84. As will be more fully explained hereinafter, the abutment 116 comprises a reaction member for adjusting the position of the erection shoe 74.

The erection shoe 74 is best illustrated in FIGS. 5-8

and comprises, as major components, a frame 120, means 122 connecting the frame to the beam 52 while allowing relative movement therebetween, a pivot-half 124 for cooperation with the hook 72, and means 126 for adjusting the position of the pivot-half 124 under load. As will be more fully apparent hereinafter, it is highly desirable to have the capability of adjusting the pivot axis 128 in order to position the module 22 for close mating engagement with the module 20. This capability is afforded by the movable connec tions 122 and the adjusting means 126.

The frame 120 conveniently comprises generally

parallel plates

130, 132 spaced apart by

suitable members

134, 136, 138. Disposed between the

plates

130, 132 are a pair of cradles for a motor comprising part of the adjusting means 126. A suitable passage 141 is provided through the frame 120 for an extensible member of another motor comprising part of the adjusting means 126. The frame 120 also provides a foot 142 spanning the slot 84 and engaging the plate 102. As explained more fully hereinafter, the foot 142 acts as a fulcrum for pivoting the erection shoe 74 relative to the beam 52.

The connecting means 122 comprise first and second inverted generally T-shaped

members

144, 146 having

cross-pieces

148, 150 disposed beneath the abutments 112, 114 respectively. It will accordingly be seen that the connecting

members

144, 146 cooperate with the beam 52 to allow horizontal adjustment of the erection shoe 74 throughout a limited predetermined range as suggested by the brackets 152 in FIG. 4. It will also be seen that the T-shaped

members

144, 146 allow a certain amount of vertical movement since the

cross pieces

148, 150 normally reside below the undersurface of the abutments 112, 114. It will be noted that the entrance to the abutments 112, 114 is away from the pivot-half 124 where the load of the adjacent module is imposed. It will accordingly be seen that the

plates

82, 108 constitute safety stops for the T-

members

146, 144 respectively.

The pivot-half 124 is best illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8 and comprise a pin 154 sized to cooperate with the hook 72. The pin 154 is disposed in an opening 156extending through the

frame plates

130, 132. A pair of centering

members

158, 160 provide

upper surfaces

162, 164 inclined toward the center of the frame 120 which act to deflect the hook 72 toward engagement with the pin 154.

The adjusting means 126 comprises first and

second motors

166, 168 of any suitable type but which are illustrated as single acting hydraulic motors. The motor 166 includes a housing 170 supported by the cradles 140 and abutting the spacing member 136. Received inside the housing 170 is an extensible member 172 which engages the abutment 116. It will be apparent that the delivery of power fluid through a conduit 174 causes the member 172 to extend thereby moving the erection shoe 74 toward the left in FIG. 5. In similar fashion, opening the conduit 174, as to a fluid reservoir, frees the erection shoe 74 for movement toward the right which will occur if the pin 54 is loaded. Although many different types of hydraulic motors are suitable, a Simplex, model RC506S, 50 ton rating, has proved satisfactory in field trials.

The motor 168 comprises a housing 176 having a leveling head 178 thereon engaging the upper surface of the frame 120 adjacent the opening 141. The leveling head 178 presents a surface of spherical curvature to allow orientation of the motor 168 relative to the frame 120 during pivotal movement thereof. The motor 168 includes an extensible member 180 passing through the frame 120 and through the slot between the abutments 1 14. A suitable fastener 182 is secured to the lower end of the extensible member 180 and is of sufficient width to contact the abutments 114. The delivery of pressurized fluid to the conduit 184 retracts the member 180 into the housing 176 and thereby presses the erection shoe 74 toward the beam 52. Opening of the conduit 184, as to a fluid reservoir, frees the extensible member 184 for movement out of the housing 176 as may be caused by pivoting of the erection shoe 74 in a clockwise direction under loading of the pin 154. It will be apparent that there is sufficient clearance provided between the T-shaped

connectors

144, 146 and the restraining abutments 1 l2, 1 14 therefore to enable pivoting of the erection shoe 74 relative to the beam 54 using the foot 142 as a fulcrum.

Referring to FIG. 3, the outboard module 22 is raised by the crane 18 to a position above the stationary or inboard module 20. The module 22 is lowered such that the hook 72 on the beam 52 passes between the

vertical frame plates

130, 132. Continued lowering of the module 22 causes the hook 72 to engage one or the other of the

inclined surfaces

162, 164 thereby centering the hook 72 for engagement with the pin 154. Continued lowering of the module 22 causes the pin 154 to pass into the eye of the hook 72. It will accordingly be seen that, at this juncture, the module 22 is mounted for pivotal movement from an inclined position as shown in FIG. 3 to a second position substantially coplanar with the stationary module 20.

It will be immediately apparent that the keys 48 on the module 22 must mate with the corresponding keyways 186 in the module 20. Since the key 48 was cast against the keyway 186, it will be apparent that the tolerances between these elements is quite close. Accordingly, a misalignment of the pivot axis 128 of the module 22 will prevent the key 48 from mating with the keyway 186. It is accordingly desirable to have the capability of adjusting the pivot axis 128.

Referring to FIG. 5, mating engagement of the hook 72 with the pivot-half 124 and consequent loading of the pin 154 creates a clockwise moment on the erection shoe 74 as symbolized by the arrow 188. It will be apparent that the erection shoe 74 will pivot in a counterclockwise direction about the foot 142 until either the fastener 182 or the crosspiece 150 engages the spaced abutments 114. Assuming for purposes of illustration that the keys 48 do not mate with the keyway 186 upon lowering of the module 22 and a judgment is made by a workman that the pivot axis 128 must be moved outwardly or toward the right in FIG. 5. Hydraulic fluid is bled off the motor 166 through the conduit 174 to allow the motor 166 to retract. Since the counterclockwise moment produces a force vector axial to the motor 166, the motor 166 will retract in accordance with the quantity of fluid bled off through the conduit 174. Retraction of the motor 166 causes the erection shoe 74 to move to the right in FIG. thereby spacing the pivot axis 128 further to the right.

Assuming for purposes of illustration that the pivot axis 128 needs to be moved inwardly or to the left in FIG. 5, power fluid is passed through the conduit 174 to extend the motor 166 thereby moving the erection shoe 74 and consequently the pivot axis 128 to the left.

It may be that the keys 48 do not mate with the keyways 186 due to a vertical misalignment thereby requiring vertical adjustment of the pivot axis 128. Assuming that a workman judges that the pivot axis 128 needs to be raised, power fluid is passed through the conduit 184 to retract the extensible member 180 thereby lowering the left end of the erection shoe 74 and raising the right end thereof as the frame 120 pivots about the fulcrum or foot 142. This accordingly raises the pin 154 and consequently raises the pivot axis 128. Conversely, if a judgement is made that the pivot axis 128 needs lowering, fluid is bled from the motor 168 through the conduit 184 to allow extension of the member 180. Since the moment produced by the load on the pin 154 tends to induce clockwise movement in the erection shoe 74, the right end thereof is depressed while raising the left end thereof.

The overall erection plan for the span shouldnow be apparent. After the center module 16 is affixed to the column 14, the mating faces between the modules 16, are coated with an epoxy resin or the like. By using the beams 52, the hooks 72 and the erection shoes 74, one of the modules 20 is placed on either side of the module 16 and temporarily connected thereto. A conventional cable or tensioning element 190 is passed through a cable passage 192 in the module 20, through a connecting passage in the module 16 and through a connecting passage in the opposite module 20. Suitable devices are attached to the cable 190 for tensioning the same with conventional connectors 194 being placed in recesses 196 to clench the

modules

16, 20 together. This technique is repeated until the span meets or very nearly meets between the columns 14.

I claim:

1. A method of erecting a segmental spancomprised of first and second adjacent interfitting modules including the steps of stationarily supporting the first module above an underlying surface;

attaching connection parts to the first and second modules to be abutted and interfitted, the connection parts providing a pivotal connection defining a path of pivotal movement of the second module toward and away from the first module;

positioning the second module adjacent the first module at a first angular position and engaging the connector parts;

adjusting the path of pivotal movement of the second module for affecting the interfitment of the modules;

pivoting the second module relative to the first module through the adjusted path of movement to a second position abutting and inter-fitting the modules;

supporting the second module from the first module;

and

then installing a discrete connector between the modules for permanently joining the same.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of removing the connection parts from the modules after the installing step.

3. The method of claim 1. wherein the path adjusting step comprises the step of moving the pivotal connection relative to only one of the modules while the connector parts are engaged.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the moving step comprises linearly moving the pivotal connection relative to the first module.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the installing step comprises threading elongate tensile elements through the modules.

6. A structural installation comprising first and second adjacent interfitted modules including means for permanently attaching the modules together; and means for temporarily joining the modules together in load supporting relation in preparation for permanent attachment including first and second mating connections providing a pivot defining a path of movement of the first module toward and away from the second module, the first connection comprising a base rigid with one of the modules, a first mateable connector part, mounted on the base for movement relative thereto, in mating engagement with the second connection, and means for altering the path of pivotal movement of the first module including means for adjusting the first mateable connector part relative to the base while the connections are mated.

7. The installation of claim 6 wherein one of the connections provides a first half of the pivot and the other connection provides a second half of the pivot, the second pivot-half being mated with the first pivot-half and wherein the adjusting means comprises means for moving the pivot relative to the second module.

8. The installation of claim 6 wherein the first connection comprising a frame carrying the first mateable connector part and means mounting the frame on the base for limited movement relative thereto along substantially perpendicular paths.

9. An erection shoe for temporarily connecting a movable span module to a stationary span module comprising a frame having a pivot-half thereon;

a member for mounting the frame on one of the modules including means connecting the member and the frame providing a path of substantially linear pivot-half movement through a limited predetermined range; and

power means carried by the frame for adjusting the position of the pivot-half through the predetermined range.

10. The erection shoe of claim 9 wherein the connecting means provides for pivot-half movement in another path generally perpendicular to the substantially linear path and the power means comprises means for adjusting the position of the pivot-half in two directions along the paths.

11. The erection shoe of claim 10 wherein the axis of the pivot-half and the two paths are substantially mutually perpendicular.

12. The erection shoe of claim 9 wherein the connecting means comprises means for mounting the frame for pivotal movement about an axis, means re- 5 straining the pivotal movement to a limited predetermined range and means for mounting the frame for substantially linear movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the pivot axis.

13. A method of erecting a segmental span comprised of adjacent modules including the steps of attaching connection parts to first and second modules to be abutted, the connection parts providing a pivotal connection; positioning the first module adjacent the second module at a first angular position and engaging the connector parts; then pivoting the first module relative to the second module about an axis of the pivotal connection to a second position aligned with the second module and defining a load support through the connection parts wholly supporting the second module from the first module;

then installing a discrete connector between the modules for permanently joining the same; and

then removing the connection parts from the modules.

14. Apparatus for temporarily connecting interfittable movable span modules to stationary span modules comprising a member for attachment to one of the modules;

a pivot-half carried by the member and defining an arcuate path of movable module movement toward and away from the stationary module; and

means carried by the member for alternating the arcuate path of movement for affecting the interfitment of the modules.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the altering means comprises means mounting the pivot half on the member for movement through a limited predetermined range, and means for selectively moving the pivot half through the range.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the mounting means includes means mounting the pivot half on the member for substantially linear movement.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the mounting means includes means mounting the pivot half on the member for limited pivotal movement in a path substantially perpendicular to the path of linear movement.

7 UNITED STATES PATEN OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,832 748 Dated September 3, 1.974

lnven fl William B. Ogletree It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Claim'l4, line 8 change "alternating" to -altering--.

Signed and sealed this 3rd dayof Deeember 1974.

(SEAL) Attest: I

McCOY M. GIBSON JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents FORM po'wso HO'GS) I USCOMM-DC 60376-P6D fi U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1 ID! O-JG-JJI,

Claims

1. A method of erecting a segmental span comprised of first and second adjacent interfitting modules including the steps of stationarily supporting the first module above an underlying surface; attaching connection parts to the first and second modules to be abutted and interfitted, the connection parts providing a pivotal connection defining a path of pivotal movement of the second module toward and away from the first module; positioning the second module adjacent the first module at a first angular position and engaging the connector parts; adjusting the path of pivotal movement of the second module for affecting the interfitment of the modules; pivoting the second module relative to the first module through the adjusted path of movement to a second position abutting and interfitting the modules; supporting the second module from the first module; and then installing a discrete connector between the modules for permanently joining the same.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the path adjusting step comprises the step of moving the pivotal connection relative to only one of the modules while the connector parts are engaged.

9. An erection shoe for temporarily connecting a movable span module to a stationary span module comprising a frame having a pivot-half thereon; a member for mounting the frame on one of the modules including means connecting the member and the frame providing a path of substantially linear pivot-half movement through a limited predetermined range; and power means carried by the frame for adjusting the position of the pivot-half through the predetermined range.

12. The erection shoe of claim 9 wherein the connecting means comprises means for mounting the frame for pivotal movement about an axis, means restraining the pivotal movement to a limited predetermined range and means for mounting the frame for substantially linear movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the pivot axis.

13. A method of erecting a segmental span comprised of adjacent modules including the steps of attaching connection parts to first and second modules to be abutted, the connection parts providing a pivotal connection; positioning the first module adjacent the second module at a first angular position and engaging the connector parts; then pivoting the first module relative to the second module about an axis of the pivotal connection to a second position aligned with the second module and defining a load support through the connection parts wholly supporting the second module from the first module; then installing a discrete connector between the modules for permanently joining the same; and then removing the connection parts from the modules.

14. Apparatus for temporarily connecting interfittable movable span modules to stationary span modules comprising a member for attachment to one of the modules; a pivot-half carried by the member and defining an arcuate path of movable module movement toward and away from the stationary module; and means carried by the member for alternating the arcuate path of movement for affecting the interfitment of the modules.