Abstract: This invention provides a novel construction method to longitudinally offset a traditional bridge substructure to a desired location by utilizing unconventional link-support or alternative support systems. This invention describes an approach to achieve longer span length, wider opening and/or greater lateral underclearance for the needed facility below a bridge span that no other traditional bridge construction methods could provide.

Abstract: A multiple-use, cable-supported bridge in which the primary lateral and vertical deck-stiffening elements are prestressed cables, or strands, extending along one or both sides of the bridge, and methods of fabricating such bridges, are shown and described. One embodiment of the strand bridge of the present invention is designed to span from a first location to a second location. A first anchor member is fixed near the first location and an opposing second anchor member is fixed near the second location. A number of tensioned cables extend between the first and second anchor members. At least one post is attached to the cables at a point between the first and second anchor members. A cross member is attached to the post and projects from the post in a direction transverse to the lengths of the cables. Decking material extends from the first location to the second location, and can be coupled to the cross member.

Abstract: The device comprises a collar consisting of two shells, designed to provide a link with the load-transmitting element. The cable has an assembly of tensioned strands contained, at the level of the collar, in a matrix filling the interstices between the strands. This matrix is totally or partially made from a plastic material susceptible to creep under the effect of the clamping action of the collar. The clamping action is applied by elongate elements transmitting a clamping force to the shells of the collar. These elongate elements are stressed so as to produce a longitudinal elastic deformation that is much greater than the maximum settlement of the matrix due to creep. This prevents any undesirable loosening of the collar.

Abstract: A suspension bridge housing high rise buildings located at opposite ends of the bridge and integrally sandwiched within the supporting pylons of the bridge. The suspension bridge supports an observation pod at its center and a continuous series of tetrahedron members forming a lattice structure within which is located a hexagonal tube. A pedestrian transportation system is included within the hexagonal tube.

Abstract: A method of construction a prestressed cable-stay bridge is provided. The method includes the constructing at least a tower having a pier, a pair of masts and a girder between the masts for securing a deck, a main beam supported on the deck along a longitudinal direction of the bridge, a pair of sub-beams connect to two ends of the main beam and suspended from a plurality of temporal stay cables from the top of the masts, an upper portion and a plurality of segment secured on the top of the main beam and the sub-beam after the performance of on the spot prestressing procedure, a plurality of side reinforcements secured to the elongate gaps at two lateral side of the bridge, a plurality of permanent stay cables instead of the temporal stay cables for suspending the bridge from the inner side of the masts and a roadway paved on the top of the bridge.

Abstract: A suspension bridge having end piers from which the bridge is suspended. The bridge has a substantially fixed stiff horizontal branch (P1) and a substantially flexible horizontal branch (P2). Each bridge branch (P1, P2) comprises three parallel longitudinally extending mutually spaced box-like bodies comprising a central body (S1) and two lateral bodies (S2, S3). Transverse ledgers (T) are located at regular intervals along the bridge and interconnect the three bodies. There is a gap between the two bridge branches (P1, P2) and in the gap there is a central body section (S1') fixedly interconnecting the central longitudinal bodies (S1) of the two bridge branches (P1, P2). Also in the gap there are two lateral body sections (S") extending between and slidable relative to the lateral bodies (S2, S3) of the two bridge branches (P1, P2). A vertical hinge joint, also in the gap, interconnects the bridge branches (P1, P2) and lies on the central longitudinal axis of the bridge.

Abstract: A cable stayed bridge which includes a pair of towers on either side of a gap and a roadway deck extending across the gap between the towers and cable stays fanning out from the top of each tower to separate longitudinally spaced load-bearing points on the decks such that a pair of cable stays extends from each load-bearing point on the deck to the tops of the respective towers with a span between towers 10 to 20 times tower height above the deck.

Abstract: A structural system for use in bridges, buildings and other structures. The system supports part of its load by tension action and part of its load by arch action. Cables are stretched and anchored between end supports. Lateral compressive elements are placed over the cables and fit over grooves across the bottoms of the elements. The grooves vary in depth. The cables are near the bottom of the elements at the center span and near the top of the elements at the end supports.

Abstract: A structural system for use in bridges, buildings and other structures. The system supports part of its load by tension action and part of its load by arch action. Cables are stretched and anchored between end supports. Lateral compressive elements are placed over the cables and fit over grooves across the bottoms of the elements. The grooves vary in depth. The cables are near the bottom of the elements at the center span and near the top of the elements at the end supports.

Abstract: A bridge structure comprising at least one pair of upstanding spaced apart rigid mast-towers and a rigid boom-like member extending upwardly and angularly respective each mast-tower. At least a tie member joining the free end of each boom-like member with the free end of its adjacent mast-tower, the tie member having a substantially fixed length and serving to support the boom-like member off the mast-tower. An elongated deck extending beneath the boom-like members and supported from above by a plurality of tie members, the tie members depending downwardly from each boom-like member free end, to define a pair of fan-like configurations. In a further embodiment of the invention, a pair of such structures are utilized, such being arranged in face-to-face relation. In a still further embodiment, a third deck structure is interposed intermediate the two face-to-face structures. In a still further embodiment, the two structures less the decks and their supporting tie members, are utilized as a cable support.

Abstract: A structural system for use in bridges, buildings and other structures. The system supports part of its load by tension action and part of its load by arch action. Cables are stretched and anchored between end supports. Lateral compressive elements are placed over the cables and fit over grooves across the bottoms of the elements. The grooves vary in depth. The cables are near the bottom of the elements at the center span and near the top of the elements at the end supports.

Abstract: A span construction having longitudinal cables extending between end supports, a flexible sheath enclosing the volume bounded by cables and end supports, a fan for forcing a gas through the sheath and gas escape holes on the underside of the sheath to raise the span in response to escaping gas. The span may have an airfoil cross-section so that it is raised in response to cross wind loading.

Abstract: A transportable bridge is provided which may be erected across a wide, e.g. 150 foot, depression, and with access to only one bank of the depression. The bridge comprises a pair of abutments and a plurality of deck units. The abutments are laterally extensible, and erectible, from a collapsed state; they each comprise a base, a pair of backstays pivoted to one end of the base, and a pair of beam columns pivoted to the other end of the base, the backstays and beam columns being at small, acute angles to the plane of the base in the collapsed position, and being erected to form a triangle in the use position. Connecting means at the free ends of the backstays and beam columns are automatically engaged upon erection. A pair of reaction beams each has one end pivoted to a beam column, intermediate its ends, and extends over the base and past the one end of the base: anchoring means anchor the reaction beams to the ground.