Protection system for tension members of a structure for collecting ice accumulations detaching from a tension member

• US 9,062,421 B2
• Filed: 07/29/2014
• Issued: 06/23/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: DYWIDAG-Systems International GmbH (DSI International Luxembourg SARL)
• Original Assignee: DYWIDAG-Systems International GmbH (DSI International Luxembourg SARL)
• Inventors: Brand, Werner
• Primary Examiner(s): HARTMANN, GARY S
• Application Number:
  US14/445,761
• Publication Number:
  US 20150026901A1
• Time in Patent Office: 329 Days
• Field of Search: 14/21, 14/22, 174/40.TD
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: E01D 11/04 Cable-stayed bridges
• CPC Class Codes: E01D 19/16 Suspension cables; Cable clamps for suspension cables ; Pre- or post-stressed cables
• CPC Class Codes: E04C 5/08 Members specially adapted to be used in prestressed constructions production of reinforced objects in general B28B23/00; prestressed structures produced in situ E04G21/12
• CPC Class Codes: E04C 5/10 Ducts
• CPC Class Codes: E04C 5/12 Anchoring devices tools or methods for tensioning in situ E04G21/12
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 7/16 Devices for removing snow or ice from lines or cables
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 30/30 in transportation, e.g. on roads, waterways or railways

Abstract

A protective system having a protective device for tension members for collecting ice accumulations detaching from a tension member that is anchored on the structure in a first abutment and in a second abutment. The tension member is exposed to climatic conditions by the section running between the abutments. To guarantee protection from falling ice accumulations, the protective device has a hose-shaped envelope, which surrounds the tension member on the circumferential side. The hose-shaped envelope is disposed on a partial longitudinal section of the tension member in an axially compressed or folded manner in a first operating position, and is movable, with the aid of a drive system, to a second operating position, in which the hose-shaped envelope extends over the length of the tension member in the stretched state.

Claims

1. A protective system for tension members of a structure, the protective system comprising:

a tension member anchored on the structure in a first abutment by a first end and in a second abutment by a second end, and being exposed to climatic conditions by the section running between the abutments;

a protective device for the tension member for collecting ice accumulations detaching from the tension member, the protective device comprising a hose-shaped envelope, which surrounds the tension member on a circumferential side, the hose-shaped envelope being disposed in an axially compressed or folded manner on a partial longitudinal section of the tension member in a first operating position, and extending over a length of the tension member in a stretched state in a second operating position; and

a drive device via which the hose-shaped envelope is movable from the first operating position to the second operating position.

2. The protective system according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the hose-shaped envelope is fixable on the structure or is fixed on the tension member, and the second end of the hose-shaped envelope is designed to be movable relative to the tension member.

3. The protective system according to claim 1, wherein guide elements are disposed along the tension member, along which the hose-shaped envelope slides when switching from the first operating position to the second operating position, the guide elements being formed by one or multiple guiding cables.

4. The protective system according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a tube piece, which surrounds the tension member at a slight radial distance and which is destined for accommodating the hose-shaped envelope in the first operating position.

5. The protective system according to claim 4, wherein the tube piece is arranged in a stationary manner on the tension member or is disposed on the structure.

6. The protective system according to claim 4, wherein the tube piece is fixedly connected to the movable second end of the hose-shaped envelope and is movably arranged on the tension member.

7. The protective system according to claim 4, wherein the tube piece accommodates the hose-shaped envelope with its inner circumference or outer circumference.

8. The protective system according to claim 1, wherein the hose-shaped envelope is made of a foil, woven or net material.

9. The protective system according to claim 1, wherein the hose-shaped envelope is made of a vapor-permeable material or has ventilation openings.

10. The protective system according to claim 1, wherein the circumference of the hose-shaped envelope is at least 1.2 times the circumference of the tension member, preferably at least 1.5 times the circumference of the tension member.

11. The protective system according to claim 1, wherein at least one ring is integrated into the hose-shaped envelope, which is located on a vertical plane with respect to the tension member longitudinal axis and/or the longitudinal axis of the envelope.

12. The protective system according to claim 1, wherein the drive device comprises at least one driven driving cable, which extends along the tension member and is connected in a force-fitting manner to the free end of the envelope.

13. The protective system according to claim 12, wherein the driving cable is designed as a continuous cable which is guided via a deflection roller in the first abutment area and/or the second abutment area.