Modular polymer matrix composite support structure and methods of constructing same
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A load bearing support structure comprising:
- at least one modular structural section; and
support means supporting said at least one modular structural section;
said at least one modular structural section supported on and connected with said support means;
said at least one modular structural section comprising;
a load bearing deck including at least one sandwich panel, said at least one sandwich panel having;
an upper surface;
a lower surface; and
a core including, a plurality of adjacent, substantially hollow, elongated core members positioned between said upper surface and said lower surface, each of said elongated core members including a pair of side walls and upper and lower walls connecting the side walls, at least one side wall of said pair of side walls is disposed at an oblique angle to one of said upper and lower surfaces such that said pair of side walls and said upper and lower walls, when viewed in cross-section, define a polygonal shape, and each of said elongated core members has one of said side walls positioned generally adjacent to one of said side walls of one of the adjacent elongated core members and the other of said side walls positioned adjacent to one of said side walls of one of the adjacent elongated core members.
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Abstract
A modular structural section for use in support structures such as load bearing decks or highway bridges. The modular structural section includes at least one beam and a load bearing deck preferably formed of a polymer matrix composite material. The deck includes a core having elongated core members having a polygonal shape, preferably a trapezoidal shape. Alternatively, the load bearing deck contains at least one sandwich panel suitable for applications such as barge decks, hatchcovers, and other load bearing wall applications. Methods of constructing a support structure utilizing the novel modular structural section and support members are also provided.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A load bearing support structure comprising:
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at least one modular structural section; and
support means supporting said at least one modular structural section;said at least one modular structural section supported on and connected with said support means; said at least one modular structural section comprising; a load bearing deck including at least one sandwich panel, said at least one sandwich panel having; an upper surface; a lower surface; and a core including, a plurality of adjacent, substantially hollow, elongated core members positioned between said upper surface and said lower surface, each of said elongated core members including a pair of side walls and upper and lower walls connecting the side walls, at least one side wall of said pair of side walls is disposed at an oblique angle to one of said upper and lower surfaces such that said pair of side walls and said upper and lower walls, when viewed in cross-section, define a polygonal shape, and each of said elongated core members has one of said side walls positioned generally adjacent to one of said side walls of one of the adjacent elongated core members and the other of said side walls positioned adjacent to one of said side walls of one of the adjacent elongated core members. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A modular structural section for constructing a support structure comprising:
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a load bearing deck including at least one sandwich panel having; an upper surface; a lower surface; and a core including, a plurality of adjacent substantially hollow, elongated core members positioned between said upper surface and said lower surface, each of said elongated core members comprises a pair of side walls and upper and lower walls connecting the side walls, at least one of said side walls is disposed at an oblique angle to one of said upper and lower surfaces such that said pair of side walls and said upper and lower walls, when viewed in cross-section, define a polygonal shape, and each of said elongated core members has one of said side walls positioned generally adjacent to one of said side walls of one of the adjacent elongated core members and the other of said side walls positioned adjacent to one of said side walls of one of the adjacent elongated core members; and modular support means supporting said deck, said deck connected with and supported on said modular support means. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of constructing a support structure comprising the steps of:
- providing the at least one support member;
positioning at least one modular structural section on said at least one support member, said at least one modular structural section comprising; at least one beam supported on said at least one support member, and a load bearing deck supported on said at least one beam, said deck including at least one sandwich panel having; a core including a plurality of adjacent elongated core members each having side walls and upper and lower walls connecting the side walls, which when viewed in cross-section define a polygonal shape, and each of said elongated core members has one of said side walls positioned generally adjacent to one of said walls of one of the adjacent elongated core members and the other of said side walls positioned adjacent to one of said side walls of one of the adjacent elongated core members; and connecting said at least one modular structural section and said at least one support member. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
- providing the at least one support member;
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27. A load bearing deck structure comprising:
at least one sandwich panel including; an upper surface; a lower surface; and a core including a plurality of adjacent substantially hollow, elongated core members positioned between said upper surface and said lower surface, each of said elongated core members including a pair of side walls and upper and lower walls connecting the side walls, at least one of said side walls is disposed at an oblique angle to at least one of said upper and lower surfaces such that said pair of side walls and said upper and lower walls, when viewed in cross-section, define a polygonal shape, and each of said elongated core members has one of said side walls positioned generally adjacent to one of said side walls of one of the adjacent elongated core members and the other of said side walls positioned adjacent to one of said side walls of one of the adjacent elongated core members; said deck adapted to be supported by support means in constructing a structure wherein at least one of said plurality of elongated core members is formed of a polymer matrix composite material comprising reinforcing fibers and a polymer resin. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31)
Specification