This invention is a new approach for modular construction. It is a type of connection that can be used to form structures of different depths and/or variable depth structures. Advantages of this approach include prefabrication, mass-production, and rapid erection which can lead to reduced constructions costs and time. Applications include all forms of truss type structural systems, but with particular emphasis on bridge and building structural systems.
A modular truss joint is a web plate with at least three connectors. Each connection includes a web integrally formed as a portion of the web plate of a certain length. Each connection is positioned at a connector angle with respect to the other connectors. The connections have continuous flanges on a periphery of the modular truss joint. Each flange is oriented transversely to the web. The connectors form a modular structure by each connecting to at least one wide flange body to form a moment resisting connection such that the modular truss joint resists flexure of the modular structure.
E04C 3/02 - Joists; Girders, trusses, or truss-like structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms
E04C 3/08 - Joists; Girders, trusses, or truss-like structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms of metal with apertured web, e.g. with a web consisting of bar-like components; Honeycomb girders
E01D 15/133 - Portable or sectional bridges built-up from readily separable standardised sections or elements, e.g. Bailey bridges
E04B 1/24 - Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons the supporting parts consisting of metal
E04B 1/41 - Connecting devices specially adapted for embedding in concrete or masonry
E04C 3/11 - Joists; Girders, trusses, or truss-like structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms of metal with non-parallel upper and lower edges, e.g. roof trusses
An adjustable structural connection can be used to join steel structural elements at a range of angles and is capable of adjusting in situ to accommodate additional angles or tolerances through cold bending. Pre-bent plate or plates may be loosely fitted around steel structural elements, such that holes in the plates align with holes of the steel structural elements. Placing bolts through the aligned holes and tightening those bolts can be used to cold bend the plate or plates and conform the angle of the pre-bent plates to a different angle defined by an apex joint of two steel structural elements. Specific tightening procedures may be employed.
E04C 3/08 - Joists; Girders, trusses, or truss-like structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms of metal with apertured web, e.g. with a web consisting of bar-like components; Honeycomb girders
E01D 15/133 - Portable or sectional bridges built-up from readily separable standardised sections or elements, e.g. Bailey bridges
E04C 3/04 - Joists; Girders, trusses, or truss-like structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms of metal
An adjustable structural connection—a connection which can be adjusted to alter the location and angle of member attachment—transforms the traditional notion of connections as a static means of connecting members at specific angles to a dynamic means of assembling a variety of structurally efficient forms. The adjustable connection connects a diagonal member to a vertical or horizontal member using either curved plate mounted to both of the structural members or a temporarily rotatable link. The adjustable connection can be used in a kit-of-parts type system, using multiple versions of the adjustable connection, which can join members at a wide variety of angles using a small number of unique components.
E04C 3/08 - Joists; Girders, trusses, or truss-like structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms of metal with apertured web, e.g. with a web consisting of bar-like components; Honeycomb girders
E04C 3/40 - Arched girders or portal frames of metal
E01D 15/133 - Portable or sectional bridges built-up from readily separable standardised sections or elements, e.g. Bailey bridges
E04C 3/04 - Joists; Girders, trusses, or truss-like structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms of metal
This disclosure presents a new strategy for modular construction: an adjustable module. This disclosure develops a new adjustable module comprised of a four-bar linkage which can form more efficient variable depth structures. Applications can include rapidly erectable bridges, roofs, buildings, and grid shells, among others. This disclosure provides specific detail related to rapidly erectable bridge applications for variable depth arch forms. Existing rapidly erectable, steel panelized bridge systems have limited material efficiency as they are comprised of rigid modules in a girder-type configuration. This disclosure shows that the module can form variable depth three- and two-hinged arches which increase the material efficiency. The module and other arch components can be made of standard rolled steel sections, thereby forming a versatile, kit-of-parts systems.
A structural plane is presented for forming a variable depth structure constructed of adjustable modules. Each module is formed of four links connected with revolute joints. The modules are connected at adjacent lateral joints and by upper and lower chords connecting the upper and lower revolute joints of the modules. The ultimate lateral joints of the modules at each end are connected to each end of the structural plane. The adjustable module and other components can form two- and three-hinged arches made of standard rolled steel sections.
E04C 3/08 - Joists; Girders, trusses, or truss-like structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms of metal with apertured web, e.g. with a web consisting of bar-like components; Honeycomb girders
E01D 15/133 - Portable or sectional bridges built-up from readily separable standardised sections or elements, e.g. Bailey bridges
E04C 3/04 - Joists; Girders, trusses, or truss-like structures, e.g. prefabricated; Lintels; Transoms of metal
E04C 3/40 - Arched girders or portal frames of metal
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