Box beam bridge and method of construction
AssigneeLawrence Technological University
InventorNabil Grace
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An improved box beam bridge and a method of construction are disclosed. The box beam bridge comprises a plurality of box beams for each lane structure of the bridge. Each of these lane structures are separately secured together and post-tensioned by means of a composite material strand. The separate lane structures are then brought together to complete the bridge width, with an interstitial box beam placed between the separate lane structures. Once arranged together, the separate lane structures and integrated interstitial box beam are secured together and post-tensioned by a second composite material strand that runs the entire width of the bridge.
Claims20
A box beam bridge, comprising:
- a first lane structure, said first lane structure comprising at least two first lane box beams arranged substantially side-by-side, wherein said at least two first lane box beams are secured and post-tensioned in a transverse direction by a first non-metallic composite material strand,
- a second lane structure being arranged substantially parallel and next to said first lane structure, said second lane structure comprising at least two second lane box beams arranged substantially side-by-side, wherein said at least two second lane box beams are secured and post-tensioned in a transverse direction by a second non-metallic composite material strand,
- an interstitial box beam arranged between said first and second lane structures,
- a third non-metallic composite material strand, wherein said third non-metallic composite material strand secures and post-tensions said first lane structure, said second lane structure and said interstitial box beam in a transverse direction, and
- a deck slab, said deck slab arranged upon said first lane structure, said second lane structure and said interstitial box beam.
A method of constructing a bridge with box beams, comprising the steps:
- arranging at least two first lane box beams substantially side-by-side,
- securing and post-tensioning said at least two first lane box beams in a transverse direction by a first non-metallic composite material strand to form a first lane structure,
- arranging at least two second lane box beams substantially side-by-side,
- securing and post-tensioning said at least two second lane box beams in a transverse direction by a second non-metallic composite material strand to form a second lane structure,
- arranging an interstitial box beam between said first and second lane structures,
- securing and post-tensioning said first lane structure, said second lane structure and said interstitial box beam in a transverse direction with a third non-metallic composite material strand,
- placing a deck slab over said first lane structure, said second lane structure and said interstitial box beam, and
- post-tensioning said deck slab, said first lane structure, said second lane structure and said interstitial box beam.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.