Abstract A unitary arch construction including a pair of arched longitudinal opposite side structural members interconnected by crossed diagonal bracing members secured therebetween by bolting. The structural members define opposing inwardly directed shoulders extending therealong and elongated transversely extending decking members extend between, overlap and are secured to the shoulder defining portions of the longitudinal structural members at closely adjacent points spaced therealong. Also, the radius of curvature of the arched longitudinal members is substantially equal to twice the span length thereof, whereby structural strength for vertical load supporting capacity is afforded in an arch construction suitable for use in the construction of a bridge whose basic side elevation presents an extremely pleasing appearance and the approach angles at the ends of different length bridges will remain constant.
An elongated longitudinally arched bridge construction including a pair of laterally spaced opposite side arched longitudinal structural members bracingly interconnected intermediate their opposite ends, a decking structure secured and extending along between said structural members, said structural members each having a substantially constant radius of curvature substantially twice the span length of said structural members, said structural members each including a pair of oppositely arched relatively inverted and vertically stacked angle members, each pair of angle members including an outside upper vertical flange and an inwardly directed generally horizontal lower flange, each structural member further including a second lower angle member including an upper outwardly directed horizontal flange and a lower upstanding inner flange, the lower and upper flanges of said upper and lower angle members being disposed in overlapped stacked relation and rigidly secured together, said decking structure including opposite side longitudinal marginal portions thereof overlying and secured to the lower inwardly directed flanges of the corresponding upper angle members.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
161 words
An elongated longitudinally arched bridge construction including a pair of laterally spaced opposite side arched longitudinal structural members bracingly interconnected intermediate their opposite ends, a decking structure secured and extending along between said structural members, said structural members each having a substantially constant radius of curvature substantially twice the span length of said structural members, said structural members each including a pair of oppositely arched relatively inverted and vertically stacked angle members, each pair of angle members including an outside upper vertical flange and an inwardly directed generally horizontal lower flange, each structural member further including a second lower angle member including an upper outwardly directed horizontal flange and a lower upstanding inner flange, the lower and upper flanges of said upper and lower angle members being disposed in overlapped stacked relation and rigidly secured together, said decking structure including opposite side longitudinal marginal portions thereof overlying and secured to the lower inwardly directed flanges of the corresponding upper angle members.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said decking structure includes a plurality of elongated side-by-side transversely extending decking members spaced longitudinally of said bridge and having their opposite ends overlying said lower flanges and secured thereto by means of through bolts.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination of claim 2 wherein said through bolts are also secured through said upper flanges.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein the upper marginal edge of the upper outside vertical flange of the upper angle member of each longitudinal structural member includes a cylindrical pipe member extending therealong and rigidly secured thereto defining a smooth reinforcing and curb member.