Frame structured bridge
OwnerHiroyuki Minakami, Motoyuki Minakamiinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A suspension bridge structure is disclosed which uses horizontal cables, tensioned between anchorages, and frame lateral girder/node members connected between the horizontal cables to form frames. A tower section protrudes between the horizontal cables and is attached to the horizontal cables. A main cable is extended between the anchorages and over the top of the tower section. The frame lateral girder/node members are suspended from the main cable. A roadway or other transportation system can be supported on the frame lateral girder/node members.
Claims27
A suspension bridge structure positioned between anchorages, especially of the type which has a bridge floor for a transportation system and a bridge pier positioned under the bridge floor, comprising
- horizontally oriented cables which extend between the anchorages;
- a tower section positioned on said bridge pier and which protrudes between the horizontal cables;
- a first plurality of frame lateral girder/node members which are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction along, and positioned between and in a connecting relationship with said horizontal cables, to form frames in combination with the horizontal cables;
- a first main cable connected at each end to said anchorages and extending over the top of said tower;
- and
- frame hangers which suspend said frame lateral girder/node members from said first main cable;
- wherein said bridge floor for a transportation system is supported by said frame lateral girder/node members.
A method of constructing a suspension bridge positioned between anchorages, especially of the type which has a bridge floor for a transportation system and a bridge pier positioned under the bridge floor, comprising the following steps:
- (a) installing a tower section on the bridge pier;
- (b) installing horizontal cables between the anchorages and placing the horizontal cables under tension;
- (c) installing main cables between the anchorages and over the tower section;
- (d) raising frame lateral girder/node members into a position between the horizontal cables using said main cables and connecting the frame lateral girder/node members to the horizontal cables;
- (e) pulling the main and horizontal cables to generate a desired amount of tension and to position the lateral girder/node members;
- (f) installing said transportation system onto said lateral girder/node members.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.