Composite arch structure
AssigneeArmco Inc.
InventorChristopher L. Fisher
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A composite arch structure and method of making it are taught. The composite arch structure comprises a pair of retaining wall portions and a top arch portion extending therebetween. A stiffening and load distributing member is structurally affixed to the top arch portion and extends longitudinally of the composite arch structure for the majority of the length of the structure. The composite arch structure preferably also includes longitudinally extending, load spreading buttress means on either side of the vertical axis of the structure at positions where a radial force acting on the structure forms an angle of about 45.degree. or more to the horizontal.
Claims20
In a composite arch structure of the type comprising an elongated, relatively thin gauge liner with compacted backfill thereabout, said liner comprising first and second flexible retaining wall portions and a flexible top arch portion extending therebetween, said first and second retaining walls having longitudinally extending upper edges, said top arch portion having longitudinally extending lateral edges affixed respectively to said upper edges of said first and second retaining wall portions, the improvement comprising a stiffening and load distributing member structurally connected to said top arch portion and extending centrally and longitudinally of said top arch portion for the majority at least of the length thereof.
A method of constructing a composite arch structure of the type comprising an elongated relatively thin gauge liner with compacted backfill thereabout, said liner comprising a pair of flexible retaining wall portions connected at their upper longitudinal edges to a top arch portion extending therebetween, comprising the steps of assembling said liner in situ, backfilling and compacting backfill material against the exterior surface of both sides of said liner to positions thereon where a radial force on said liner forms an angle of about 45.degree. or more to the horizontal, structurally connecting to said top arch portion of said liner an elongated stiffening and load distributing member, locating said stiffening and load distrubiting member longitudinally and centrally of said top arch portion, and continuing backfilling and compacting backfill material to cover said liner and said stiffening and load distributing member.
A method of constructing a composite arch structure of the type comprising an elongated relatively thin gauge liner with compacted backfill thereabout, said liner comprising a pair of flexible retaining wall portions connected at their upper longitudinal edges to a top arch portion extending therebetween, comprising the steps of assembling said liner in situ, structurally connecting to said top arch portion of said liner an elongated stiffening and load distributing member longitudinally and centrally of said top arch structure and backfilling and compacting backfill material about said liner and said stiffening and load distributing member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.