Modular bridge, a bridge module for a modular bridge, and methods for assembly

A modular bridge formed from a plurality of bridge modules, the modular bridge having a longitudinal direction along the spanning direction and including:

• a first longitudinal compression member that is, in use, at an upper part of the modular bridge cross-section;
• a second longitudinal compression member that is, in use, at a lower part of the modular bridge cross-section;
• a structural lateral element for forming a deck of the modular bridge or for supporting deck elements of the modular bridge;
• a shear element for carrying a shear load;
• and
• a tension member applying a compressive force to one of the longitudinal compression members such that when in use the other of the longitudinal compression members forms a main compression element for the modular bridge and the tension member forms a main tension element for the modular bridge;
• wherein the bridge modules form segments of the length of the modular bridge and each bridge module is of a one-piece construction, this one-piece construction comprising:
• a segment of the first longitudinal compression member of the modular bridge;
• a segment of the second longitudinal compression member of the modular bridge;
• a segment of the structural lateral element;
• and
• a segment of the shear element;
• and the bridge modules being arranged to support a portion of the tension member;
• wherein the bridge modules are formed from a composite material and are molded in one piece;
• and
• wherein the composite material is a fiber reinforced resin.

A bridge module for a modular bridge, the modular bridge having a longitudinal direction along the spanning direction, the bridge module being of one-piece construction and forming a segment of the length of the modular bridge;

• wherein the one-piece construction includes:
• a segment of a first longitudinal compression member of the modular bridge;
• a segment of a second longitudinal compression member of the modular bridge;
• a segment of a structural lateral element of the modular bridge;
• and
• a segment of a shear element of the modular bridge;
• and
• the bridge module being arranged to support a portion of a tension member;
• such that when multiple bridge modules are assembled they will form the modular bridge having the first longitudinal compression member that is, in use, at an upper part of the modular bridge cross-section;
• the second longitudinal compression member that is, in use, at a lower part of the modular bridge cross-section;
• the structural lateral element for forming a deck of the modular bridge or for supporting deck elements of the modular bridge;
• and
• the shear element for carrying a shear load;
• and
• such that the tension member, when tensioned, will apply a compressive force to one of the longitudinal compression members with the tension member forming a main tension element for the modular bridge and the other of the longitudinal compression members forming a main compression element for the modular bridge;
• wherein the bridge modules are formed from a composite material and are molded in one piece;
• and
• wherein the composite material is a fiber reinforced resin.

A method of assembly for a modular bridge, the method comprising:

• providing a plurality of bridge modules, each bridge module being of a one-piece construction and configured to form a segment of a length of the modular bridge;
• wherein the one-piece construction includes:
• a segment of a first longitudinal compression member of the modular bridge;
• a segment of a second longitudinal compression member of the modular bridge;
• a segment of a structural lateral element of the modular bridge;
• and
• a segment of a shear element of the modular bridge;
• aligning the plurality of bridge modules adjacent one another to form the modular bridge having the first longitudinal compression member that is, in use, at an upper part of the modular bridge cross-section, the second longitudinal compression member that is, in use, at a lower part of the modular bridge cross-section, the structural lateral element for forming a deck of the modular bridge or for supporting deck elements of the modular bridge, and the shear element for carrying a shear load;
• fitting a tension member to the bridge modules;
• and
• tensioning the tension member so as to apply a compressive force to one of the longitudinal compression members with the tension member configured to form a main tension element for the modular bridge and the other of the longitudinal compression members configured to form a main compression element for the modular bridge;
• wherein the bridge modules are formed from a composite material and are molded in one piece;
• and
• wherein the composite material is a fiber reinforced resin.