Modular bridge structure

Abstract

 The bridge (1) comprises a plurality of sections or modules (M) which can be connected together longitudinally in succession in a releasable manner. Each module (M) comprises two deck members (10) articulated together about an axis (X-X) which corresponds essentially to the middle of the bridge (1) in the mounted condition, and two side members (13) each of which is articulated to a deck member (10) at the side opposite the articulation (11) between the deck members (10). Each section or module (M) can assume a folded condition for storage or transport in which the deck members (10) and side members (13) are juxtaposed, and an unfolded condition of use in which the deck members (10) are coplanar with each other and together form a portion of the road surface (2) and the side members (13) extend substantially perpendicular to that surface.
Conveniently, the side members (13) may be articulated to tread support members (17) adapted to constitute the tread surface of pedestrian catwalks (4) adjacent the road surface (12), following the connection of the modules (M). Each tread support member (17) is articulated to a respective parapet member (20).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular bridge for military and civil uses, and in particular to a temporary bridge of the type comprising a plurality of section or modules which can be connected together longitudinally in succession in a releasable manner.

[0002] The object of the present invention is to provide a modular bridge whose modules can be transported easily and can be set up extremely quickly. These and other objects are achieved according to the present invention by means of a modular bridge, characterised by the fact that each section or module comprises:
two deck members articulated together about an axis which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bridge in the mounted condition; and
two side members each of which is articulated to a deck member on its side opposite to the articulation between the deck members;
each section or module being able to assume a folded condition for storage or transport in which the deck members and side members are juxtaposed, and an unfolded condition of use in which the deck members are coplanar with each other and together form a portion of the road surface and the side members extend substantially perpendicular to the surface.

[0003] According to a further characteristic, at least one side member of each module is articulated to a tread support member which, together with the corresponding support members of adjacent modules, is adapted to form the tread surface of a pedestrian catwalk adjacent the road surface. In particular, these tread support members are arranged to take up a closed position in which they extend substantially parallel to the respective side members to which they are connected, and an unfolded position of use in which they extend substantially perpendicular to the side members.

[0004] Each tread support member is conveniently articulated to a respective collapsible parapet member.

[0005] Each module in the assembly has a structure which can be folded substantially like a concertina and can quickly be set up and locked in the condition of use.

[0006] Conveniently, each module or section may be formed of aluminium or a light alloy so as to facilitate its transport and setting up.

[0007] Further characteristics and advantages of the bridge according to the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description which follows with reference to the appended drawings, provided purely by way of non-limiting example, in which:

Figures 1 and 2 are a side view and a plan view respectively of a bridge made in accordance with the present invention,

Figure 3 shows a section or module of a bridge according to the invention in the folded condition for storage or transport,

Figure 4 and Figure 5 show a section or module of the bridge in two different phases of unfolding for setting up,

Figure 6 shows a module of the bridge in the unfolded condition of use, and

Figure 7 is a side view of a module of a bridge in the unfolded condition, showing means for connecting adjacent modules.

[0008] In Figure 1, a bridge with a modular structure conforming to the present invention is generally indicated 1 and is formed by the connection of a plurality of sections or modules M connected together longitudinally in succession, in a releasable manner. The bridge illustrated extends between two edges or banks B of a river R.

[0009] As particularly apparent from Figure 2, in the embodiment shown by way of example, the bridge 1 includes a central road surface 2 delimited laterally by two parapets or sides 3. At the sides of the road surface 2, the bridge also has two pedestrian catwalks 4 the railings of which are indicated 5.

[0010] The ends of the road surface 2 are equipped with ascending and descending inclined surfaces 6. Similarly, the ends of the pedestrian catwalks 4 are connected to ascending and descending inclined surfaces 7 provided with railings.

[0011] The structure of an individual module or section of the bridge according to the invention will now be described in greater detail.

[0012] With reference to Figures 3 to 6, a module or section M includes two deck members 10 constituted by substantially rectangular box-type structures. These deck members are connected together by means of hinged articulations 11, about an axis which corresponds essentially to the middle of the bridge 1 in the mounted condition. In Figure 2, this axis is indicated X-X.

[0013] The deck members 10 of each module M can assume a folded condition for storage or transport, shown in Figure 3, and an unfolded condition of use, shown in Figures 5 and 6, in which they are disposed substantially coplanar with each other and together constitute a portion of the road surface of the bridge. These deck members 10 may be locked in the unfolded position of use by means of the engagement of pins or similar locking means in respective hinge eyelets, indicated 12 in Figures 3 to 6. These pins and hinge eyelets together constitute locking hinges which can be disassembled.

[0014] Each module M or section of the bridge further includes two side members 13 each of which is connected to a deck member 10 adjacent the side of the latter opposite the articulation 11. The side members 13 located on the same side of adjacent modules M of the bridge are connected together (by means known in themselves) so as to form the sides or parapets 3 of the bridge.

[0015] The side members 13 are constituted, for example, by reticulated structures and, as shown particularly in Figures 3 to 6, are connected to respective deck members 10 by permanent hinged articulations 14. The side members can take up a collapsed condition for storage or transport shown in Figure 3, and an erect condition of use shown in Figure 6. In this latter condition, the side members 13 extend substantially perpendicular to the road surface formed by the deck members 10. In the embodiment illustrated, the side members are provided with hinge eyelets 15 and the deck members are similarly provided with hinge eyelets 16 which, in the erect condition of the side members, are aligned with the hinge eyelets 15 to allow the locking of the side members in the erect condition of use. The secure positioning of the side members in the position shown in Figure 6 is achieved by means of pins or similar locking means inserted in the hinge eyelets 15 and 16.

[0016] Each section or module M further includes a pair of tread support members 17 which, together with the corresponding members of adjacent modules, are adapted to form the tread surfaces for the pedestrian catwalks 4 mentioned above.

[0017] The tread support members 17 can also take up a closed position (Figure 3) in which they extend substantially parallel to the associated side members 13, and an unfolded position of use (Figure 6) in which they extend perpendicular to the side members.

[0018] The tread support members 17 are articulated to the respective side members 13 by hinges, indicated 18. The members 17 are held in the unfolded position, for example, by means of their abutment with stop surfaces of the side members 13.

[0019] A respective parapet member 20 is articulated to the free end of each tread support member 17 by means of a hinge 19. These parapet members are also able to assume a folded condition (Figure 3) in which they extend substantially parallel to the associated tread support members 17, and an erect position of use (Figure 6) in which they are held in a vertical plane, for example, as a result of their fixing by screws 21 (or snap pins) to the free ends of the tread members 17.

[0020] The deck members 10, side members 13, tread members 17 and parapet members 20 of each module may conveniently be made from a light metal, such as aluminium or light alloy.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, in the completely folded condition, each module has an extremely compact configuration. This characteristic is particularly advantageous both for storage and for transport and the setting up of the bridge.

[0022] The modules M may be connected together longitudinally in succession for example, by means of interconnecting plates provided with fixing pins, such as those indicated 30 and 31 in Figure 7. On the other hand, as experts in the art may appreciate, various other solutions may be adopted for achieving the interconnection of the various sections or modules of the bridge.

[0023] In order to cross larger distances, the bridge according to the invention may also be made in several spans, with the use of piers or support towers.

[0024] The bridge also lends itself to being formed on pontoons.

Claims

1. A modular bridge, particularly a temporary bridge, comprising a plurality of sections or modules (M) which can be connected together longitudinally in succession in a releasable manner, characterised in that each module (M) comprises
two deck members (10) articulated together about an axis (X-X) which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bridge (1) in the mounted condition, and
two side members (13) each of which is articulated to a deck member (10) on its side opposite the articulation (11) between the deck members (10);
each section or module (M) being able to assume a folded condition for storage or transport (Figure 3) in which the deck members (10) and the side members (13) are juxtaposed, and an unfolded condition (6) of use in which the deck members (10) are coplanar with each other and together form a portion of the road surface (2) and the side members (13) extend substantially perpendicular to that surface (2).

2. A bridge according to Claim 1, characterised in that the deck members (10) and the side members (13) together form an articulated structure which can be folded like a concertina.

3. A bridge according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterised in that the deck members (10) of each module (M) are articulated together about an axis (X-X) which corresponds substantially to the middle of the bridge (1) in the mounted condition.

4. A bridge according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the deck members (10) are constituted by box-type structures.

5. A bridge according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the deck members (10) of each module (M) are articulated together by permanent hinges (11) and can be locked in the respective unfolded position of use by means of hinges (12) which can be disassembled.

6. A bridge according to Claim 5, characterised in that the side members (13) of each module (M) are articulated to the deck members (10) by means of permanent hinges (14) and can be locked in the respective position of use by means of hinges (15, 16) which can be disassembled.

7. A bridge according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each side member (13) is constituted by a framework with a reticulated or like structure.

8. A bridge according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of the side members (13) of each module (M) is articulated to a tread support member (17) which, together with the corresponding support members of adjacent modules, is adapted to form the tread surface of a pedestrian catwalk (4) adjacent the road surface (2); each tread support member (17) being able to take up a closed position (Figure 3) in which it extends substantially parallel to the respective side member (13) to which it is connected and an unfolded position (6) of use in which it extends substantially perpendicular to the side member (13).

9. A bridge according to Claim 8, characterised in that each side member (13) of each module (M) is articulated to a respective tread support member (17).

10. A bridge according to Claim 8 or Claim 9, characterised in that a respective parapet member (20) is articulated to each tread support member (17).

11. A bridge according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each module (M) is made from aluminium or a light-metal alloy.

Drawing