Modular polymer matrix composite support structure and methods of constructing same

Abstract

A load bearing support structure in the form of a traffic-bearing highway bridge including at least one modular structural section. The at least one modular structural section includes at least one beam, the at least one beam containing a pair of lateral flanges and a medial web between and extending below the flanges. A load bearing deck is positioned above and supported by the flanges of the at least one beam. The at least one beam and load bearing deck are preferably formed of a polymer matrix composite material. Each of the flanges of the at least one beam is positioned on and supported by one of a plurality of support members. Alternatively, the load bearing deck containing at least one sandwich panel is suitable for applications such as barge decks, hatchcovers, and other load bearing wall applications. Methods of constructing a support structure utilizing the modular structural section and support members are also provided.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to support structures such as bridges, piers, docks, load bearing decking applications, such as hulls and decks of barges, and load bearing walls. More particularly, this invention relates to a modular composite load bearing support structure including a polymer matrix composite modular structural section for use in constructing bridges and other load bearing structures and components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Space spanning structures such as bridges, docks, piers, load bearing walls, hulls, and decks which have provided a span across bodies of water, separations of land and water and/or open voids have long been made of materials such as concrete, steel or wood. Concrete has been used in building bridges and other structures including the columns, decks, and beams which support these structures.

Such concrete structures are typically constructed with the concrete poured in situ as well as using some preformed components precast into structural components such as supports and transported to the site of the construction.

Constructing such concrete structures in situ requires hauling building materials and heavy equipment and pouring and casting the components on site. This process of construction involves a long construction time and is generally costly, subject to delay due to weather and environmental conditions, and disruptive to existing traffic patterns when constructing a bridge on an existing roadway.

On the other hand, pre-cast concrete structural components are extremely heavy and bulky and are typically costly and difficult to transport to the site of construction due in part to their bulkiness and heavy weight. Although construction time is shortened as compared to poured in situ, extensive time with resulting delays is still a factor. Bridge construction with such precast forms is particularly difficult, if not impossible, in remote or difficult terrain such as mountains or jungle areas in which numerous bridges are constructed.

In addition to construction and shipping difficulties with concrete bridge structures, the low tensile strength of concrete can result in failures in concrete bridge structures, particularly in the surface of bridge components. Reinforcement is often required in such concrete structures when subjected to large loads such as in highway bridges. Steel and other materials have been used to reinforce concrete structures. If not properly installed, such reinforcements cause cracking and failure in the reinforced concrete, thereby weakening the entire structure. Further, the inherent hollow spaces which exist in concrete are highly subject to environmental degradation. Also, poor workmanship often contributes to the rate of deterioration.

In addition to concrete, steel also has been widely used by itself as a building material for structural components in structures such as bridges, barge decks, vessel hulls, and load bearing walls. While having certain desirable strength properties, steel is quite heavy and costly to ship and can share construction difficulties with concrete as described.

Steel and concrete are also susceptible to corrosive elements, such as water, salt water and agents present in the environment such as acid rain, road salts, chemicals, oxygen and the like. Environmental exposure of concrete structures leads to pitting and spalling in concrete and thereby results in severe cracking and a significant decrease in strength in the concrete structure. Steel is likewise susceptible to corrosion, such as rust, by chemical attack. The rusting of steel weakens the steel, transferring tensile load to the concrete, thereby cracking the structure. The rusting of steel in stand alone applications requires ongoing maintenance, and after a period of time corrosion can result in failure of the structure. The planned life of steel structures is likewise reduced by rust.

The susceptibility to environmental attack of steel requires costly and frequent maintenance and preventative measures such as painting and surface treatments. In completed structures, such painting and surface treatment is often dangerous and time consuming, as workers are forced to treat the steel components in situ while exposed to dangerous conditions such as road traffic, wind, rain, lightning, sun and the like. The susceptibility of steel to environmental attack also requires the use of costly alloys in certain applications.

Wood has been another long-time building material for bridges and other structures. Wood, like concrete and steel, is also susceptible to environmental attack, especially rot from weather and termites. In such environments, wood encounters a drastic reduction in strength which compromises the integrity of the structure. Moreover, wood undergoes accelerated deterioration in structures in marine environments.

Along with environmental attack, deterioration and damage to bridges and other traffic and weight bearing structures occurs as a result of heavy use. Traffic bearing structures encounter repeated heavy loads of moving vehicles, stresses from wind, earthquakes and the like which cause deterioration of the materials and structure.

For the reasons described above, the United States Department of Transportation "Bridge Inventory" reflects several hundred thousand structures, approximately forty percent of bridges in the United States, made from concrete, steel and wood are poorly maintained and in need of rehabilitation in the United States. The same is believed to be true for other nations.

The associated repairs for such structures are extremely costly and difficult to undertake. Steel, concrete and wood structures need welding, reinforcement and replacement. Decks and hulls of structures in marine environments rust, requiring constant maintenance and vigilance. In numerous instances, such repairs are not feasible or economically justifiable and cannot be undertaken, and thereby require the replacement of the structure. Further, in developing areas where infrastructures are in need of development or improvement, constructing bridges and other such structures utilizing concrete, steel and wood face unique difficulties. Difficulty and high cost has been associated with transporting materials to remote locations to construct bridges with concrete and steel. This process is more costly in marine environments where repairs require costly dry-docking or transport of materials. Also, the degree of labor and skill is very high using traditional building materials and methods.

Further, traditional construction methods have generally taken long time periods and required large equipment and massive labor costs. Thus, development and repair of infrastructures through the world has been hampered or even precluded due to the cost and difficulty of construction. Further, in areas where structures have been damaged due to deterioration or destroyed by natural disaster, such as earthquake, hurricane, or tornado, repair can be disruptive to traffic or use of the bridge or structure or even delayed or prevented due to construction costs.

In addressing the limitations of existing concrete, wood and steel structures, some fiber reinforced polymer composite materials have been explored for use in constructing parts of bridges including foot traffic bridges, piers, and decks and hulls of some small vessels. Fiber reinforced polymers have been investigated for incorporation into foot bridges and some other structural uses such as houses, catwalks, and skyscraper towers. These composite materials have been utilized in conjunction with, and as an alternative to, steel, wood or concrete due to their high strength, light weight and highly corrosion resistant properties. However, it is believed that construction of traffic bridges, marine decking systems, and other load bearing applications built with polymer matrix composite materials have not been widely implemented due to extremely high costs of materials and uncertain performance, including doubts about long term durability and maintenance.

As cost is significant in the bridge construction industry, such materials have not been considered feasible alternatives for many weight bearing traffic bridge designs. For example, high performance composites made with relatively expensive carbon fibers have frequently been eliminated by cost considerations. These same cost considerations have inhibited the use of composite materials in decking and hull applications.

In view of the problems associated with bridges and other structures formed of steel, concrete, and wood described herein, there remains a need for a bridge or like support structure with the following characteristics: light-weight; low cost, pre-manufactured; constructed of structural modular components; easily shipped, constructed, and repaired without requiring extensive heavy machinery; and resistant to corrosion and environmental attack, even without surface treatment. There is also a need for a support structure which can provide the structural strength and stiffness for constructing a highway bridge or similar support structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a load bearing support structure suitable for a highway bridge, or decking system in marine and other construction applications, constructed of modular structural sections formed of a lightweight, high performance, environmentally resistant material.

It is another object of the invention to provide a support structure such as a highway bridge structure which satisfies accepted design, performance, safety and durability criteria for traffic bearing bridges of various types.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a support structure in the form of a traffic-bearing bridge in a variety of designs and sizes constructed of modular structural sections which can be constructed quickly, cost-effectively and with limited heavy machinery and labor.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide such a support structure, such as a bridge, constructed of components which can easily and cost-effectively be shipped to the site of construction as a complete kit.

It is likewise an object of the present invention to provide a support structure including a modular structural section which can be utilized to quickly repair or replace a damaged bridge, bridge section or like support structure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a load bearing support structure including a modular structural section which can be used in decking, hull, and wall applications.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a support structure or bridge which requires minimal maintenance and upkeep with respect to surface treatment or painting.

These and other objects, advantages and features are satisfied by the present invention, which is directed to a polymer matrix composite modular load bearing support structure described herein for exemplary purposes in the form of a highway bridge. The support structure of the present invention includes at least one modular structural section and support means for supporting the at least one modular structural section. The modular structural section is positioned on and supported by the support means.

The modular structural section is preferably formed of a polymer matrix composite. The modular structural section includes at least one beam and a load bearing deck positioned above and supported by the beam. The beam includes a pair of lateral flanges and a medial web between and extending below the flanges. The flanges are positioned on and supported by the support means. In this configuration, the polymer matrix composite support structure of the present invention can provide a support surface sufficient to support vehicular traffic and to conform to established design and performance criteria. Alternatively, the modular structural section, including the load-bearing deck and beam, can be used in constructing other support structures including bridges of various types and space spanning support structures.

Further, the load bearing deck can also be used as a stand alone decking, hull, or wall system which can be integrated into a marine or construction system. The load bearing decking system can be utilized in numerous applications where load bearing decking, hulls and walls are required.

The support structure according to the present invention also reduces tooling and fabrication costs. The support structure is easy to construct utilizing prefabricated components which are individually lightweight, yet structurally sound when utilized in combination. The modularity of the components provides portability, facilitates pre-assembly and final positioning with light load equipment, and reduces the cost of shipping and handling the structural components. The support structure allows for easy construction of structures such as, but not limited to, bridges, marine decking, and other construction and transportation applications.

The load bearing deck of the modular structural section also preferably includes at least one sandwich panel including a core of elongate members or tubes positioned with sides adjacent one another and sandwiched between an upper and lower facesheet. The core and the upper and lower facesheet are preferably formed of polymer matrix composite material.

In one embodiment of the support structure described herein for a 30 foot span highway bridge, the individual components including the beams and the sandwich panels for the deck of the modular structural section each weigh less than 3600 pounds. The bridge, being constructed of a number of modular structural sections, including components manufactured from polymer matrix composites, instead of concrete, steel and wood, provides individual modular components which are fault tolerant in manufacture, as twisting and small warpage can be corrected at assembly. These properties of the bridge components decrease the cost of manufacture and assembly for the bridge. These components, including lightweight modular structural sections manufactured under controlled conditions, also allow for low cost assembly of the various applications described herein.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method of constructing a support structure such as a highway bridge. First, a plurality of spaced-apart support members are provided. Next, a modular structural section is positioned on the plurality of spaced-apart support members. The modular structural section and the support members are then connected. Preferably the modular structural section is positioned by first positioning the at least one beam upon adjacent support members, then positioning the load bearing deck upon the at least one beam, then connecting the at least one beam with the deck. The methods of the present invention provide significantly reduced time, labor and cost as compared to conventional methods of bridge and support structure construction utilizing concrete, wood and metal structures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a load bearing support structure in the form of a load bearing traffic highway bridge according to the present invention and a truck traveling thereon.

FIG. 2 is a cutaway partial perspective view of a modular structural section of the bridge according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a sandwich panel deck of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a plurality of beams positioned on support members of the bridge of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the sandwich panel deck being positioned on the beams of the bridge of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is an end view of the modular structural section of the bridge of FIG. 2 showing a support strut positioned in the end thereof.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of adjacent panels of the sandwich deck of FIG. 2 being joined with a key lock.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a support structure of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an alternative embodiment of the support structure of the present invention in the form of a load bearing highway bridge in perspective view of a load bearing highway bridge according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, Applicants provide these embodiments so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Referring now to the figures, a modular composite support structure in the form of a bridge structure 20 according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-7. This embodiment of the bridge 20 is designed to exceed standards for bridge construction such as American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards. The AASHTO standards include design and performance criteria for highway bridge structures and other support structures. The AASHTO standards are published in "Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges," American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Inc., (15th Ed., 1992) which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Support structures, including bridges, of the present invention can be constructed which meet other structural, design and performance criteria for other types of bridges, construction support structures and other applications including but not limited to load bearing deck systems of marine applications.

The support structure is described with reference to a traffic-bearing highway bridge herein. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bridge 20 is a simply-supported highway bridge capable of withstanding loads from highway traffic such as the truck T. The bridge 20 has a span defined by the length of the bridge 20 in the direction of travel of truck T. The bridge 20 comprises a modular structural section 30 and includes three beams 50, 50', 50" and a deck 32 supported on and connected with the beams 50, 50', 50" (FIG. 2). The modular structural section 30 is supported on support members 22.

In addition to a simply-supported bridge, alternatively, the bridge, including the modular structural section, can be provided in other types of bridges including lift span bridges, cantilever bridges, cable suspension bridges, and suspension bridges and bridges across open spans in industrial settings. Various spans of bridges can be provided including, but not limited to, short, medium and long span bridges. The bridge technology can also be supplied for bridges other than highway bridges such as foot bridges and bridge spans across open spaces in industrial settings. Other space spanning support structures can also be constructed in a similar manner to that indicated including, but not limited to, bridge component maintenance (replacement decking, column/beam supports, abutments, abutment forms and wraps), marine structures (walkways, decking (small/large scale)), load bearing decking systems, drill platforms, hatch covers, parking decks, piers and fender systems, docks, catwalks, super-structure in processing and plants with corrosive environments and the like which provide an elevated support surface over a span, rail cross ties, space frame structures (conveyors and structural supports) and emission stack liners. Other structures such as railroad cars, shipping containers, over-the-road trailers, rail cars, barges, and vessel hulls could also be constructed in a similar manner to that indicated. The components of the bridge 20, including the modular structural section 30 and constituent deck 32 and beam 50, as described herein, can also be provided, individually and in combination, in such other support structures as described.

The support members 22 are shown as pre-cast concrete footings with vertical columns 31. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the columns 31 preferably have a bearing pad 24 connected on an upper end. The columns 31 are arranged and spaced apart a predetermined distance to facilitate supporting the beams 50, 50', 50". The beams 50 each have flanges 51, 52 which are positioned on the load pads 24 of the support members 22. In the bridge 20 of FIG. 1, the support members are positioned at opposite ends 55, 56 of the beams 50.

The support members or other support means can be provided in various shapes, configurations and materials and can include supports from existing bridges. For example, the support members can be formed of other materials including composite materials, steel, wood or other materials. Alternatively, the beams 50 can be supported by support members 22 at various intermediate portions along the length of the beams 50. Alternative embodiments of the support members or other support means are shown in applications to the common assignee of this application entitled "MODULAR COMPOSITE SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTING SAME", filed concurrently, Ser. No. 08/723,098, (Attorney Docket No. 5637-5A) and "MODULAR COMPOSITE SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTING SAME", filed concurrently, Ser. No. 08/723,109, (Attorney Docket No. 5637-88) (hereinafter "Modular Composite Support Structure applications") the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Additional support means depend on the type of support structure constructed.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7, the modular structural section 30, including the deck 32 and beams 50, is formed of a polymer matrix composite comprising reinforcing fibers and a polymer resin. Suitable reinforcing fibers include glass fibers, including but not limited to E-glass and S-glass, as well as carbon, metal, high modulus organic fibers (e.g., aromatic polyamides, polybenzimidazoles, and aromatic polyimides), and other organic fibers (e.g., polyethylene and nylon). Blends and hybrids of the various fibers can be used. Other suitable composite materials could be utilized including whiskers and fibers such as boron, aluminum silicate and basalt.

The resin material in the modular structural section 30 including the deck 32 and the beam 50, 50', 50" is preferably a thermosetting resin, and more preferably a vinyl ester resin. The term "thermosetting" as used herein refers to resins which irreversibly solidify or "set" when completely cured. Useful thermosetting resins include unsaturated polyester resins, phenolic resins, vinyl ester resins, polyurethanes, epoxies and the like, and mixtures and blends thereof. The thermosetting resins useful in the present invention may be used alone or mixed with other thermosetting or thermoplastic resins. Exemplary thermoplastic resins include polyvinylacetate, styrenebutadiene copolymers, polymethylmethacrylate, polystyrene, cellulose acetatebutyrate, saturated polyesters, urethane-extended saturated polyesters, methacrylate copolymers and the like.

Polymer matrix composites can, through the selective mixing and orientation of fibers, resins and material forms, be tailored to provide mechanical properties as needed. These polymer matrix composite materials possess high specific strength, high specific stiffness and excellent corrosion resistance.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7, a polymer matrix composite material of the type commonly referred to as a fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) or sometimes as glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) is utilized in the deck 32 and the beams 50, 50', 50". The reinforcing fibers of the modular structural section 30 including the deck 32 and the beams 50, 50', 50" are glass fibers, particularly E-glass fibers, and the resin is a vinylester resin. Glass fibers are readily available and low in cost. E-glass fibers have a tensile strength of approximately 3450 MPa (practical). Higher tensile strengths can alternatively be accomplished with S-glass fibers having a tensile strength of approximately 4600 MPa (practical). Polymer matrix composite materials, such as a fiber reinforced polymer formed of E-glass and a vinylester resin have exceptionally high strength, good electrical resistivity, weather and corrosion-resistance, low thermal conductivity, and low flammability.

The Deck

In the bridge 20 including the modular structural section 30, shown in FIGS. 1-2, the deck 32 includes three sandwich panels 34, 34' 34". Alternatively, any number of panels can be utilized in a deck depending on the length of the desired span. As shown in FIG. 3, each sandwich panel 34 comprises a core 45 including a plurality of elongated members shown as hollow pultruded tubes 46. Alternatively, the core members can be provided in other shapes, cross-sections and configurations. The tubes 46 have side walls 48, 49, and are generally positioned adjacent sidewalls 48' of adjacent tubes 46' (FIG. 3). Alternatively, the tubes 46 could be aligned in other configurations such as having a space between adjacent sidewalls. As explained, adjacent tubes 46, 46' of the core 45 have adjacent side walls 48, 48' aligned as shown in FIG. 3. The elongate tubes 46 extend in their lengthwise direction transverse to the direction of the span of the bridge (See FIG. 2). The tubes 46 provide a degree of transverse stiffness when lain transverse across the beams 50, 50', 50". Alternatively, tubes of a variety of lengths and cross-sectional heights and width dimensions can be provided in forming a deck of the modular structural section according to the present invention. Further, tubes of different cross-sections can be laid in different directions as seen in the related Modular Composite Support Structure applications referenced previously.

The tubes can be configured in various shapes and configurations including polygonal shapes such as trapezoids and squares, circles and other shapes. An alternative trapezoidal core deck can be seen in the commonly assigned related Modular Composite Support Structure applications referenced previously.

Also, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the sandwich panels 34 each have an upper facesheet 35 and a lower facesheet 40. The tubes 46 are sandwiched between a lower surface 36 of the upper facesheet 35 and the upper surface 41 of the lower facesheet 40.

Having fabricated the upper and lower facesheets 35, 40, the lower surface 36 of the upper face sheet 35 is preferably laminated or adhered to the upper surface 47 of the tubes 46 by a resin 26 or other bonding means and joined with the tubes 46 by mechanical fastening means including, but not limited to, bolts or screws. Likewise, the upper surface 41 of the lower facesheet 40 is preferably laminated to the lower surface 27 of the tubes 46 by a resin 26 and/or other bonding means and joined with the tubes 46 by mechanical fastening means including, but not limited to, bolts or screws. The core 45, including the tubes 46, and the upper and lower facesheets 35, 40 can be alternatively joined with fasteners alone or by bonding means alone. Suitable adhesives include room temperature cure epoxies and silicones and the like. Further, alternatively, the tubes could be provided integrally formed as a unitary structural component with an upper and lower surface such as a facesheet by pultrusion or other suitable forming means.

As described, the sandwich panels 34, 34', 34" of the deck 32, being formed of polymer matrix composite material, also provide high through thickness, stiffness and strength to resist localized wheel loads of vehicles traveling over the bridge as per regulations such as those provided by AASHTO. As seen in FIG. 3, the lower face sheet 40 and the upper face sheet 35 are preferably formed of fiberglass fibers and a polyester or vinylester resin. In the deck 32 shown in FIGS. 1-7, the upper and lower facesheets 35, 40 are hand-laid, heavy weight, knitted, fiberglass fabric.

The upper and lower facesheets 35, 40 are each fabricated in this embodiment with multiple-ply quasi-isotropic fabric. "Quasi-isotropic" as used herein means an orientation of fibers approaching isotropy by orientation of fibers in several or more directions. In other words, quasi-isotropic refers to fibers oriented such that the resulting material has uniform properties in nearly all directions, but at least in two directions. The lay-up of the fabric in the facesheets 35, 40 is quasi-isotropic having fibers with an orientation of 0.degree./90.degree./45.degree./-45.degree.. The fibers are approximately evenly distributed in orientations having approximately 25 percent with a 0.degree. orientation, approximately 25 percent with a 90.degree. orientation, approximately 25 percent with a 45.degree. orientation, and approximately 25 percent with a -45.degree. orientation.

The quasi-isotropic layup of the upper and lower facesheets 35, 40 prevent warping from non-uniform shrinkage during fabrication. The orientation of the fibers provides a nearly uniform stiffness in all directions of the facesheets 35, 40. Alternatively, other types or combinations of composite materials, with varying orientations, can be used to fabricate the upper and lower facesheets 35, 40. Alternatively, the facesheets can be formed with orientations other than a quasi-isotropic layup.

The upper and lower facesheets 35, 40 are fabricated in the present embodiment by the following steps. First, the lower facesheets 40 and upper facesheets 35 are fabricated by hand layup using rolls of knitted quasi-isotropic fabric. Alternatively, the facesheets 35, 40 preferably can be fabricated by automated layup methods. The fibers of the upper and lower facesheets 35, 40 are given a predetermined orientation such as described, depending on the desired properties.

While the upper and lower facesheets 35, 40, are fabricated using a hand-layup process, the core 45 including the facesheets 35, 40 can alternatively be fabricated by other methods such as pultrusion, resin transfer molding (RTM), vacuum curing and filament winding, an automated layup process and other methods known to one of skill in the art of composite fabrication which, therefore, are not discussed in detail herein. The details of these methods are discussed in Engineered Materials Handbook: Composites, Vol. 1, ASM International (1993). Further, the facesheets and core members, alternatively, can be fabricated as a single component such as by pultruding a single sandwich panel having an upper and lower facesheet and a core including tubes. Alternative embodiments of the facesheets, and core including tubes can be seen in the related Modular Composite Support Structure applications referenced previously.

A single upper face sheet 35 and a single lower face sheet 40 each can be adhered to a number of tubes. Alternatively, any number of facesheets and any number of tubes can be connected to form the sandwich panel of the deck for a modular structural section. Also, alternatively, various sizes and configurations of facesheets and cores can be provided for various applications. The resulting deck 32 is provided as a unitary structural component which can be used by itself or as a component of a modular structural section 30 for thereby constructing a support structure or bridge 20.

As shown in FIG. 1, the three sandwich panels 34, 34', 34" are joined at adjacent side edges 33, 33', 33" to form a planar deck surface 29. The deck 32 is positioned generally above and coextensively with upper surfaces 57, 58 of the flanges 51, 52 of the beams 50 (FIGS. 1 and 5).

Each sandwich panel 34 contains a C-channel 39 at each end 44 for joining adjacent sandwich panels 34, 34' in forming the deck 32 (FIG. 7). An internal shear key lock 67 is inserted into adjacent C-channels 39, 39' to join adjacent sandwich panels 34, 34'. The shear key lock 67 is preferably formed of a bulk polymer material including, but not limited to, polymer concrete mix. Such a shear key lock 67 is preferred due to its corrosive resistant properties. Alternatively, the shear key lock 67 can be formed of various other materials such as wood, concrete or metal.

The shear key lock 67 is bonded with the sandwich panels 34, 34' by an adhesive such as room temperature cure epoxy adhesive or other handling means. Alternatively, the shear key lock 67 can be fastened with fasteners including bolts and screws and the like. Other methods of joining adjacent sandwich panels to form a deck could be utilized including plane joints with external reinforcement plates on the upper and lower surface of the sandwich panels, recessed splice joints with reinforcing plates, externally trapped joints with sandwich panels joined in a dual connector, match fitting joints, and lap splice joints. These joining methods are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, and are, therefore, not described in detail herein.

The Beam

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the modular structural section 30 also includes three beams 50, 50', 50". Any number of beams, alternatively, can be utilized to construct a modular structural section 30 of the bridge 20 depending on desired width, span and load equivalents. Each of the beams 50. 50', 50" in the bridge 20 is generally identical in length and width. However, beams of different lengths and or widths can be utilized in the modular structural section 30 of the bridge of the present invention. Alternative embodiments of the beam 50 can be seen in the related, commonly assigned Modular Composite Support Structure applications referenced previously.

As shown in FIG. 5, each of the beams 50 comprise lateral flanges 51, 52 which are positioned on and supported by one of the support members 22. Each of the beams 50 has a medial web 53 between and extending below the flanges 51, 52. The medial web 53 includes an inclined side wall 53 angled generally diagonally with relation to the lower face sheet 40. The flanges 51, 52 and the medial web 53 extend longitudinally along the length of the beams 50. The configuration of the flanges and the medial web can take a variety of configurations in alternative embodiments.

The flanges 51, 52 of the beams 50 are spaced apart, and each has a generally planar upper surface 57. The upper surfaces 57, 58 contact the lower facesheets 40 to provide support thereto. The upper surfaces 57, 58 of each flange 51, 52 also provide a surface for bonding or bolting the beam 50 to the sandwich panel 34. The flanges 51, 52 are generally positioned parallel to the lower surface 42 of the lower facesheet 40 (FIG. 7).

The inclined side walls 54 of the beams 50 extend at an angle from the flanges 51, 52. Preferably, this angle is between about 20 to 35.degree. (more preferably about 28.degree.) from the vertical perpendicular to the planar upper surfaces 57, 58 of a respective adjacent flanges 51, 52. The beams 50 are designed for simple fabrication and handling.

The medial web 53 also has a curved floor 68 between the inclined side walls 54. The floor 68 preferably extends throughout the length of the beam 50. The floor 68 defines a bottom trough 38 of the U-shaped beam 50. In alternative embodiments, the curved floor of the beam can be positioned and supported by other configurations of support members including a support member having a flat surface as can be seen in the related Modular Composite Support Structure applications referenced previously.

The fibers in the floor 68 are preferably substantially oriented unidirectionally in the longitudinal direction of the beam 50. Such unidirectional fiber orientation provides a beam 50 with sufficient bending stiffness to meet design requirements particularly in this embodiment, along its longitudinal extent.

The fibers in the inclined side walls 54 of the web 53 are oriented in the optimal manner to satisfy design criteria preferably in a substantially quasi-isotropic orientation. A significant number of .+-.45.degree. plies are necessary to carry the transverse shear loads.

The inclined side walls 54, and curved floor 68 provide dimensional stability to the shape of the beam 50 during forming. The flanges 51, 52 and medial web 53 form a U-shaped open cross-section of the beam 50. The beam 50 is designed to carry multidirectional loads. The inclined side walls 54 transfer load between the deck (compression) and the floor (tension), and distribute the reaction load to the support members. As the beam 50 constitutes an open member, the resulting beam 50 provides torsional flexibility during shipping and assembly. However, when the beam 50 is connected with the deck 32, the combination thereof forms a closed section which is extremely strong and stiff.

As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the flanges 51, 52 of the beams 50 each also have respective lower surfaces 71, 72. The lower surfaces 71, 72 each provide a surface for positioning the beam 50 on the columns 31 of the support members 22 (FIG. 5). In constructing the bridge 20, the beams 50 are positioned on the load bearing pad 24 of the columns 31 of the support member 22 to provide a simply supported bridge 20 (FIGS. 4 and 5).

In the bridge 20, the U-shaped supports 50 are supported at opposite ends 55, 56 by the support members 22 (FIG. 1). The U-shaped beams 50 have sufficient strength, rigidity and torsional stiffness that for shorter spans, they are unsupported in the center portion 69 between the ends 55, 56 supported by the support members 22. Alternatively, the beams can be supported at a variety of interior locations if desired or depending on the requirements of the span length.

The beams 50, 50', 50" are also positioned horizontally adjacent one another on the support members 22. The flanges 51, 52 of each beam 50 each have an outer edge 74 (FIG. 5). Adjacent outer edges 74, 74' of adjacent beams 50, 50' preferably form a butt joint 76. As shown in FIG. 5, the flanges 51', 52 of adjacent beams 50, 50' are preferably butt joined such that the flanges do not extend over or overlap each other with the medial web 53 of adjacent support webs 53, 53'. Alternatively, other joints can be provided including joints where the flanges overlap adjacent flanges without overlapping the medial portion of the beam.

FIG. 6 illustrates an internal transverse strut 84 inserted in the open trough at the ends 55, 56 of the beam 50. The strut 84 increases the torsional stability of the beam 50 for handling and maintains wall stability during installation. The beams 50 of the bridge 20 therefore provide an improvement over prior concrete and steel beams which are extremely rigid and can permanently deform or crack if subjected to torsional stress or loads during shipping. Alternatively, various struts or diaphragms can be inserted in or around the beam or connected with the modular structural section 30. Particular alternative embodiments of such struts and diaphragms can be seen in the related Modular Composite Structural Support applications referenced previously.

Each beam 50 in the bridge 20 is hand laid using heavy knit weight knitted fiberglass fabric. The beam 50 can be formed on a mold which has a shape corresponding to the contour of the beam 50. Hand layup methods are well-known to one of ordinary skill in the art and therefore are not discussed in detail herein. Alternatively, each beam 50, can be fabricated by known automated layup methods.

The fabric used in the inclined side walls 54, is a four-ply quasi-isotropic fabric and polyester resin matrix. The beam 50 can be fabricated to a predetermined thickness using hand layup or some other method known to those skilled in the art. An additional layer of a predetermined thickness of unidirectional reinforcement fiberglass is preferably added to the floor of the beams 50 interspersed between quasi-isotropic fabrics to further increase their bending stiffness. The total thickness of the beams 50 can vary over a range of thickness. Preferably, the thick end of the beams is between about 0.5 inches and 3 inches.

As explained with respect to the core 45 and the upper and lower facesheets 35, 40, the beams 50 can alternatively be fabricated by other methods such as pultrusion, resin transfer molding (RTM), vacuum curing and filament winding and other methods known to one of skill in the art of composite fabrication and the details of these methods are thereby not discussed herein.

Being formed of polymer matrix composite materials, each of the beams 50 shown in FIGS. 1-7 weighs under 3600 pounds for a 30 foot span design. Beams 50 can, alternatively, be provided with appropriate weights corresponding to the applicable span, width and space.

The beams 50 are also preferably provided with longitudinal ends 55, 56 configured to overlappingly join and thereby secure longitudinally adjacent beams. Therefore, bridges and support structures of various spans, including spans longer than the beams 50 can be constructed by joining beams end-to-end in this fashion. If overlap joints are utilized, the overlap would be fastened with an adhesive or by mechanical means. The joints could also be formed with an inherent interlock in the lap joints.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the deck 32 is positioned above and such that it generally coextensively overlies the upper surfaces 57, 57' of the adjacent flanges 51, 51'. The deck 32 is also positioned generally parallel with the upper surfaces 57, 57', 58, 58' of the flanges 51, 51', 52, 52' thereby providing a surface for bonding or bolting the beams to the deck.

The deck 32 is connected with the beams 50 by inserting bolts 80 through holes 66 through the lower facesheet 40 and through holes 78 through the flanges 51, 52 (FIGS. 5-7). The bolts 80 are then fastened with nuts 81 or other fastening means. The bolts 80 preferably are inserted in holes 78 which extend along the span of the flanges 51, 52 at intervals of approximately two feet. At the ends 55, 56 of the beams 50 the spacing of the bolts 80 is preferably reduced to about one foot. A row of bolts 80 is preferably inserted through each flange 51, 51', 52, 52' of adjacent beams 50, 50'.

To position and access the bolts 80 for securing, holes 79 are formed through the upper facesheet 35 and upper surface 47 of the tubes 46. These holes 79, have a predetermined diameter sufficient to allow for insertion of the bolts 80 into the hollow center of the tubes 46. These holes are also aligned with holes 66, 78 in the lower facesheet 40 and the flanges 51, 52.

In addition to bolting, the flanges 51, 52 and the deck 32 are also preferably bonded together using an adhesive 83 preferably such as concresive paste or the like. Thus, a combination adhesive and mechanical bond is preferably formed between the beams 50, 50', 50" and the deck 32.

Alternatively, other connecting means can be provided for connecting the deck to the beams including other mechanical fasteners such as high strength structural bolts and the like. The deck and beams can alternatively be connected with only bolts or adhesives or by other fastening means or by overlap or interlock joints.

Also, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the bridge 20 preferably is provided with a wear surface 21 added to the upper surface 75 of the deck 32. The wear surface 21 is formed of a polymer concrete such as low temperature asphalt. Alternatively, this wear surface 21 can be formed of a variety of materials including concrete, polymers, FRP, wood, steel or a combination thereof, depending on the application.

An alternative embodiment of the bridge 120 of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 8. The beam 150 is formed as a box beam 150 replacing the beam 50. The box beam 150 is preferably formed of a polymer matrix composite material as described herein with reference to the beam 50. The discussion of the material is thereby incorporated by reference herein. Further, the box can be formed by the methods described with reference to the beam 50. A deck 32 as described herein is supported on the deck. The alternative embodiment shows that the deck 32 can be supported by a variety of supports. The box beam 150 being square carries load in one direction as opposed to the preferred U-shaped beam 50 which carries load in a number of directions.

Construction of a Support Structure in the Form of a Traffic Bridge

In order to construct the bridge referenced in FIGS. 1-7, support members 22 including vertical concrete columns 31 with load bearing pads 24 are each provided and positioned at a predetermined position and distance depends on the span. Adjacent vertical columns 31 are laterally positioned a predetermined distance apart corresponding to the distance of separation between the flanges 51, 52 of the beams 50, 50', 50". The support members 22 are also positioned longitudinally a predetermined distance apart equal approximately to the length of the separation of the ends 55, 56 of the beams 50, 50', 50" which are to be supported.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the beams 50, 50', 50" are then positioned on the support members 22. The lateral flanges 51, 52 of each beam 50 are positioned on and supported by adjacent vertical columns 31 of the support members 22 as described. Further, each longitudinal end 55, 56 of the beams 50, 50', 50" is positioned on and supported by a support member 22. Adjacent flanges 52 and 51' of adjacent support beams 50 and 50' are positioned adjacent one another on a single column 31.

Adjacent sandwich panels 34 are then positioned and lowered onto the beams 50, 50', 50". The sandwich panels 34 are also aligned next to adjacent sandwich panels 34' and connected with the shear key lock 67 or other connecting means as described above. After aligning and connecting each of the sandwich panels 34, 34', 34", the deck 32, as shown in FIG. 1, is then completed.

The deck 32 is preferably aligned with the beams 50 such that the longitudinal ends of the deck 32 are positionally aligned with the ends defining the length of the beams 50. Likewise, the edges 86, 87 defining the width of the deck 32 are preferably aligned above the outside edges 88, 89 of the beams 50 defining the width of the three beams 50, 50', 50".

The deck 32 is then fastened to the beams 50 as described above using adhesives, fasteners including, but not limited to bolts, screws or the like, other connecting means or some combination thereof. A guard rail 82 is illustrated connected with the edges along the span of the bridge 20 (FIG. 1).

Alternatively, guard rails, walkways, and other accessory components can be added to the bridge. Such accessory components can be formed of the polymer matrix composite materials as described herein, or other materials including steel, wood, concrete, or other composite materials.

A bridge 20 according to the present invention can also be provided as a kit comprising at least one modular structural section 30 having a deck 32 including at least one sandwich panel 34 and at least one beam 50 and, preferably, connecting means for connecting the deck 32 and the beams 50. Such a kit can be shipped to the construction site. Alternatively, a kit for constructing a support structure can be provided comprising at least one modular section comprising at least one sandwich panel configured and formed of a material suitable for constructing a support structure without necessitating a beam.

The use of the bridge 20 in remote terrains (e.g., timber, mining, park or military uses) is facilitated by such kits which can have components, including modular structural sections 30 having a deck 32 and at least one beam 50 which each can be sized to have dimensions less than a variety of dimensional limitations of various transportation modes including trucks, rail, ships and aircraft. For example, the beam 50 and sandwich panels 34 can be sized with dimensions to fit within a standard shipping container having dimensions of 8 feet by 8 feet by 20 feet. Further, the components can alternatively be sized to fit into trailers of highway trucks which have a standard size of up to 12 foot width. Moreover, such a kit can be provided having components having dimensions which would fit in cargo aircraft, or boat hulls or other transportation means. Further, the components, including the U-shaped beams 50, and sandwich panels 34, can be provided as described which are stackable one within or on top of another to utilize and maximize shipping and storage space. The light weight of the components of the modular structural section 30 also facilitates the ease and cost of such transportation.

The lightweight modular components also facilitate pre-assembly and final positioning with light load equipment in constructing the bridge. As described, the bridge of the present invention can be easily constructed. For example, for a 30 foot span bridge, a three man crew utilizing a front end loader or forklift and a small crane can construct the bridge in less than five to ten working days. As compared to bridges constructed by conventional steel and concrete materials, the highway bridge 20 is approximately twenty percent of the weight of a similar sized bridge constructed from conventional materials. Structurally the bridge 20 also provides a traffic bearing highway bridge designed to reduce the failure risk by providing redundant load paths between the deck and the supports. Further, the specific stiffness and strength far exceed bridges constructed of conventional materials, approximately in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7 being approximately as much as 60 percent greater than conventional bridges.

The bridge 20 of the present invention can also be constructed to replace an existing bridge, and thereby, utilize the existing support members of the existing bridge. Prior to performing the steps of constructing a bridge described above, the existing bridge span of an existing bridge must be removed, while retaining the existing support members. The at least one beam 50 can then be placed on the existing support members and the bridge constructed as described. Alternatively, additional support members can be positioned or cast on the existing supports and the bridge 20 then constructed according to the method described herein. Alternative methods of constructing a bridge according to the present invention can be seen in related Modular Composite Support Structure applications referenced previously.

Further, the modular structural section 30 or its components including the beam 50 or deck 32 can be used to also repair a bridge. An existing bridge section can be removed and replaced by a modular section or component of the beam or deck as described. Further, a bridge 20, once constructed, can be easily repaired by removing and replacing a modular structural section 30, sandwich panel 34 or beam 50. Such repair can be made quickly without extensive heavy machinery or labor.

The bridge 20 of the present invention also can be provided with a variety of widths and spans, depending on the number, width and length of the modular structural sections 30. A bridge span is defined by the length of the bridge extended across the opening or gap over which the bridge is lain. Thus, the configuration of the modular structural section 30, with its sandwich panel 34 and beam 50, provides flexibility in design and construction of bridges and other support structures. For example, in alternative embodiments, a single sandwich panel may be supported by a single or multiple beams in both the span and width directions. Likewise, a single beam may support a portion or an entirety of one of more sandwich panels. Also, the length and width of the separate sandwich panels 34 need not correspond to the length and width of the beams 50 in a modular structural section 30 of the bridge 20 constructed therefrom. Alternatively, a variety of number of sandwich panels can be utilized to provide the desired span and width of the bridge.

Adjacent sandwich panels 34, 34' can be joined longitudinally in the direction of the span 21 of the bridge 20, as shown in FIG. 1 and/or laterally in the direction of the width of the bridge. As such, a bridge also can be provided with a variety of lanes of travel.

As the beams 50 can also be supported at a variety of locations along their length, the bridge span is not limited by the length of the beams. As shown in FIG. 1, the span of the bridge 20 coincides with the length of the beams 50. However, beams, in other embodiments, are provided which can be joined with adjacent beams longitudinally to form a bridge having a span comprising the sum of the lengths of the beams.

As illustrated in an alternative embodiment of the bridge 220 of FIG. 9, the bridge 220 includes adjacent beams 250, 250' joined together to form a bridge with a span equal approximately to the sum of the length of the adjacent beams 250, 250'. The bridge 220 is supported on the ends and in the middle by support members 22, 222' where the beams 250, 250' join. The bridge, designated broadly at 220, includes two modular structural sections 230, 230'. Each modular structural section 230, 230' includes a deck 232, 232' and six beams 250, 250'. Each deck 232 comprises two sandwich panels 234, 234a and 234', 234a' positioned adjacent one another. The deck 232 has a width to accommodate two lanes L, L' of traffic, with each sandwich panel 234, 234a, 234', 234a' forming a single lane of traffic in width. The deck 232 is positioned on and supported by the beams 250, 250' as described with respect to other embodiments herein.

Returning to the embodiment of the support structure, the bridge of the present invention is a simply supported bridge which is designed to meet AASHTO specifications as previously incorporated by reference herein. As such, the bridge meets at least specific AASHTO standards and other standards including the following criteria. The bridge supports a load of one AASHTO HS20-44 Truck (72,000 lb) in the center of each of four lanes. The bridge also is designed such that the maximum deflection (in inches) under a live load is less than the span divided by 800. The allowable deflection for a 60 foot span would be less than 0.9 inches. Further, the bridge meets California standards that for simple spans less than 145 feet, the HS load as defined by AASHTO standards produce higher moment and deflection than other lane or alternative loadings.

The bridge 20 is also designed to meet certain strength criteria. The bridge 20 has a positive margin of safety using "first ply failure" and the failure criteria and a safety factor of four (4.0) which is commonly used in bridge construction to account for neglected loading, load multipliers, and material strength reduction factors. A positive margin of safety is understood as commonly known to one of ordinary skill in the art and the details are thereby not discussed herein.

Further, the bridge is designed and configured such that its buckling eigenvalue (E.V.) .alpha./FS>1, wherein (E.V.) is the buckling eigenvalue, .alpha. is the knockdown factor of said modular structural section, and FS is the factor of safety.

In the bridge shown in FIGS. 1-7, shear loads must be transmitted between the web 53 and flanges 51, 52 of the beams 50, 50', 50" and the sandwich panels 34, 34' of the deck 32. This load transfer is achieved in this embodiment of the bridge 20 by bolting. The maximum expected shear load is approximately 4000 lbs. while the failure load is 17000 lbs. The deformation and fracture behavior appears ductile leading to load redistribution to surrounding bolts rather than catastrophic failure. In the bridge 220 shown in FIG. 9, the shear stress in the bond is about 150 psi and the strength exceeds 1500 psi as determined from shear lap tests.

Being made of a polymer matrix composite material which is environmentally resistant to corrosion and chemical attack, the sandwich panels 34, as well as the beams 50 can also be stored outdoors, including on site of the bridge 20 construction, without deterioration or environmental harm. The sandwich panels 34 and the beams 50 are preferably gel coated or painted with an outer layer containing an UV inhibitor. Further, the sandwich panels 34 and the beams 50 can be utilized in applications in corrosive or chemically destructive environments such as in marine applications, chemical plants or areas with concentrations of environmental agents.

The invention will now be described in greater detail in the following non-limiting example.

EXAMPLE

A bridge of the configuration as described with respect to FIGS. 1-7 was constructed. The bridge had a deck with a span of thirty (30) feet and a width of eighteen (18) feet. The span is shown in FIG. 1 as the direction of travel of truck T.

The deck 32 comprised three sandwich panels 34, 34', 34". Each sandwich panel 34, 34', 34" was ten (10) feet in length and eighteen (18) feet in width. The deck 32 was supported by three beams 50, 50', 50" positioned longitudinally in the direction of the span 21 of the bridge 20. Each beam 50, 50', 50" was thirty (30) feet in length by six (6) feet in width by thirty six (36) inches in height.

In the deck 32, the upper and lower facesheets 35, 40 were hand laid using heavy weight knitted fiberglass fabric. The fabric in the upper and lower facesheets 35, 40 was a 56 ounce (oz.)/yard squared (yd.sup.2) four-ply fabric with a quasi-isotropic orientation. The upper and lower facesheets 35, 40 were fabricated by first laying up the lower facesheets 40 using rolls of 56 oz./(yd.sup.2) knitted quasi-isotropic fabric of 50 inches in width. The upper and lower facesheets each had a quasi-isotropic construction having [0.degree. (25 percent), 45.degree. (50 percent), 90.degree. (25 percent plies)]. The facesheets also had unsaturated polyester in 2 plates and vinylester in 1 plate. ACME Fiberglass Inc., Hayward Calif. performed the hand layup of the facesheets and laminated the face sheets to the pultruded tubes.

The square pultruded tubes 46 were eighteen (18) feet in length by four (4) inches in width by four (4) inches in height. The tubes 46 were stock catalogue items manufactured by Morrison Molded Fiberglass of Bristol, Va. The tubes 46 are pultruded tubes formed of Extren.RTM. Series 500/525 which comprises glass fibers in an isophthalic resin. These tubes 46 were not originally designed for use in constructing a deck for a load bearing traffic bridge, but instead, were designed for columns and handrails. The tubes provided some bending stiffness in the transverse direction. The tubes 46 were made by pultrusion, using unidirectional fibers and mats. The net modulus of the tubes in the lengthwise direction is specified as 2.5.times.10.sup.6 psi.

In constructing the deck 32, after forming the lower facesheets 40 as described, the pultruded tubes 46 were coated with the same polyester/vinylester resin 26 as used in the lower facesheet 40 and then bonded onto the lower facesheets 40. Finally the top facesheet 35 was laminated or adhered onto the partially finished sandwich panel 34. The completed sandwich panel 34 was left to cure at room temperature.

The deck 32 shown in FIG. 1 has the physical material properties shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1______________________________________Laminate Property Data DeckProperty Flange Cap Deck Core______________________________________Fiber Volume (%) 34 34 50 N/AE.sub.x (*10.sup.6 psi) 1.92 3.17 2.62 0.100E.sub.y (*10.sup.6 psi) 1.92 1.38 2.62 0.5859E.sub.z (*10.sup.6 psi) 1.04 1.01 1.35 0.100G.sub.xy (*10.sup.6 psi) 0.727 0.493 0.93 0.055G.sub.xz (*10.sup.6 psi) 0.337 0.337 0.434 0.100G.sub.yz (*10.sup.6 psi) 0.337 0.337 0.434 0.055V.sub.xy 0.322 0.316 0.322 0.33V.sub.xz 0.303 0.304 0.302 0.33V.sub.yz 0.303 0.387 0.302 0.058X.sub.c (% strain) 1.23 1.24 1.24 --X.sub.t (% strain) 1.28 1.27 1.13 --Y.sub.c (% strain) 1.23 1.22 1.24 --Y.sub.t (% strain) 1.28 1.25 1.13 --S (% strain) 2.53 2.53 2.53 --______________________________________ Each sandwich panel 34 of the deck weighed about 3400 lb. Under an 80,000 lb. load, the permitted deck strain is 208.mu..epsilon. with a margin of safety of 53. Other margin of safety information is included in Table 2, assuming a safety factor of 4.0. TABLE 2______________________________________Allowables and Margins of Safety far 30 Foot Bridge 80,000 lb. Load MoS______________________________________Beam Strain 385 .mu..epsilon. 7.25Deck Strain 208 .mu..epsilon. 13.5Deflection 0.45 in. --Bolt Shear Load 4000 lb. .25Bond Shear Stress 150 psi 1.25______________________________________

Each beam 50, 50', 50" was hand laid using heavy knit weight knitted fiberglass fabric, as shown in FIG. 4. The beam 50 was molded on the mold 28. The fabric used in the inclined side walls 54, was a four-ply, quasi-isotropic fabric and polyester resin matrix. Layers of 56-ounce knitted fiberglass quasi-isotropic fabric were laminated to a thickness of about 0.75 inches by hand layup. An additional 0.95 inches of unidirectional reinforcement fiberglass was added to the bottom of the beams 50 interspersed between quasi-isotropic fabrics to further increase their bending stiffness. The total thickness of the beams was approximately 1.7 inches.

A HYDREX.RTM. polyester-vinylester blend resin provided by Reichhold Chemicals was utilized in forming the beams 50. The beams 50 were fabricated by Ron Moore Sailboats, Watsonville, Calif.

The bridge 20 was subjected to various tests to demonstrate its suitability as a highway traffic bearing bridge structure. The bridge in this embodiment was designed based on AASHTO specifications for a 60 foot span, simply supported bridge. The total 30 foot by 18 foot unit weighed less than 25,000 lbs.

The bridge met the criteria previously described. The bridge supported a load of one AASHTO HS20-44 Truck (72,000 lb. in the center of each of four lanes without unacceptable deflection). Further the bridge met California standards that for simple spans less than 145 feet, the HS ("highway standard") loads produce higher moment and deflection than lane or alternative loadings. No load reduction intensity factor was considered which would result in a 25% reduction in live load per AASHTO 3.12.1. Also, impact loading was not considered which would result in a maximum 30 percent increase in live load (AASHTO 3.8.2.1). The bridge also had a maximum deflection in inches under a live load was less than the span divided by 800. The allowable deflection for a 60 foot span would be less than 0.45 inches. The actual deflection was 0.4 inches at 72,000 lbs. A factor of safety of 4.0 applied to material strengths is commonly used in bridge construction to account for neglected loading, load multipliers, and material strength reduction factors.

The bridge shown in FIGS. 1-7 represents one quarter of a two-lane wide, 60 ft. long traffic bridge. The 30 ft. span was tested with a full truck load applied as close to the center of the bridge as possible. In practice with the 30 ft. span, the front end of the HS20-44 truck would just be exiting from the bridge as the rear is entering. The load was simulated with one and two water tanks placed on the bridge and filled to generate loads exceeding 80,000 pounds. Finite element analysis was conducted to evaluate the performance of a 60 ft. span. Finite element analysis results were within about 10 percent of the test results for the 30 foot bridge. This indicates that the material properties of the composite materials performed as expected. Other configuration can be provided by this method.

In the drawings and specification, there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, the terms are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A high load bearing support structure comprising:

at least one modular structural section; and

a support system attached to said at least one modular structural section, wherein said at least one modular structural section comprises:

at least one oblong beam comprising a pair of lateral flanges each having a terminal edge extending longitudinally along said at least one oblong beam, and a generally U-shaped medial web extending from one of said pair of lateral flanges to an opposing one of said pair of lateral flanges, said pair of lateral flanges being mounted to and supported by said support system, said at least one oblong beam being a unitary structure and formed of a polymer matrix composite material comprising reinforcing fibers and a polymer resin, wherein a first portion of said reinforcing fibers in a floor portion of said medial web of said at least one oblong beam are unidirectionally oriented and a second portion of said fibers in a vertical side wall portion are in a quasi-isotropic orientation, wherein said second portion of said fibers in said side wall portion of said medial web of said at least one oblong beam are in a quasi-istotropic orientation wherein said quasi-isotropic orientation comprises orientations of about 0.degree. about 90.degree., about +45.degree., and about -45.degree., wherein about 25% of said fibers have an orientation of about 0.degree., about 25% of said fibers have an orientation of about 90.degree., about 25% of said fibers have an orientation of about +45.degree., and about 25% of said fibers have an orientation of about -45.degree., and wherein said fibers are oriented to provide a nearly uniform stiffness in all directions of said support structure; and

a load bearing deck mounted to said pair of lateral flanges,

wherein said at least one oblong beam transfers load from said deck to said support system.

2. A high load bearing support structure as defined in claim 1, wherein said load bearing deck comprises:

at least one sandwich panel including:

a core including a plurality of elongate core members having side walls positioned generally adjacent one another;

an upper facesheet having a lower surface;

a lower facesheet having an upper surface;

at least one of said elongate core members being sandwiched between and connected with said lower surface and said upper surface.

3. A high load bearing support structure as defined in claim 2, wherein said at least one sandwich panel comprises a plurality of interconnected sandwich panels.

4. A high load bearing support structure as defined in claim 2, wherein said at least one sandwich panel is an integrally formed, unitary pultruded sandwich panel comprising pultruded facesheets and at least one pultruded core member.

5. A high load bearing support structure as defined in claim 2, wherein at least one of said upper facesheet, said lower facesheet and said elongate core members is formed of a polymer matrix composite material comprising reinforcing fibers and a polymer resin.

6. The high load bearing support structure of claim 2, wherein said elongate core members comprise an upper surface area and a lower surface area, wherein said upper surface area and said lower surface area are in contact with said upper facesheet and said lower facesheet, respectively.

7. The high load bearing support structure of claim 6, wherein 100% of said upper surface area and 100% of said lower surface area are in contact with said upper facesheet and said lower facesheet, respectively.

8. A high load bearing support structure as defined in claim 1, wherein said support system is connected with said at least one modular structural section such that said support structure is a simply-supported support structure.

9. A high load bearing support structure as defined in claim 1, further comprising a wear surface overlying an upper surface of said deck for withstanding foot and vehicular traffic.

10. A high load bearing support structure as defined in claim 1, wherein said support structure has a span of 60 feet and said support structure has a maximum deflection in inches under a predetermined load in pounds of up to 72000 pound lane load which is less than or equal to 0.9 inches.

11. A high load bearing support structure as defined in claim 1, wherein said at least one modular structural section is formed of a polymer matrix composite material comprising reinforcing fibers and a polymer resin and said fibers and said resin are selected such that said support structure will have a positive margin of safety under a predetermined required lane load and a predetermined safety factor using a first-ply failure as failure criteria.

12. The high load bearing support structure of claim 1, wherein a first of said at least one oblong beam is positioned horizontally in contact with a second of said at least one independent oblong beam.

13. The high load bearing support structure of claim 1, wherein a first flange of a first of said at least one oblong beam overlaps a second flange of a second of said at least one oblong beam.