A modular bridge is formed from a plurality of bridge modules. In one embodiment, the bridge includes: a first longitudinal compression member that is, in use, at an upper part of the bridge cross-section; a second longitudinal compression member that is, in use, at a lower part of the bridge cross-section; a structural lateral element for forming a deck of the bridge or for supporting deck elements of the bridge; a shear element for carrying a shear load; and a tension member applying a compressive force to one of the longitudinal compression members such that when in use the other of the longitudinal compression members forms a main compression element for the bridge and the tension member forms a main tension element for the bridge. The bridge modules form segments of the length of the bridge and each bridge module is of a one-piece construction.

A new approach for modular construction 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.

An access module for a modular access structure has a longitudinally and vertically extending first frame and a longitudinally and vertically extending second frame. The second frame laterally opposes the first frame. A deformable lower support structure laterally extends between the first and second frames. The lower support structure includes a deck spanning a longitudinal length of the access module. A deformable upper support structure laterally extends between the first and second frames. The upper support structure is spaced above the deck. The access module is configurable by deformation of the lower and upper support structures between an extended configuration in which the first and second frames are spaced apart a first distance and the deck is generally horizontal and a collapsed configuration in which a distance between the first and second frames is less than the first distance. The access module is adapted to be fastened end to end to a second access module.

An access module for a modular access structure has a longitudinally and vertically extending first frame and a longitudinally and vertically extending second frame. The second frame laterally opposes the first frame. A deformable lower support structure laterally extends between the first and second frames. The lower support structure includes a deck spanning a longitudinal length of the access module. A deformable upper support structure laterally extends between the first and second frames. The upper support structure is spaced above the deck. The access module is configurable by deformation of the lower and upper support structures between an extended configuration in which the first and second frames are spaced apart a first distance and the deck is generally horizontal and a collapsed configuration in which a distance between the first and second frames is less than the first distance. The access module is adapted to be fastened end to end to a second access module.

A modular system for constructing an elevated pathway includes a first pathway segment comprising a first elevated platform portion; first edge supports to bare a load of the first elevated platform portion, wherein the first edge supports contact a ground surface and create a grade separation between the ground surface and a bottom side of the first elevated platform portion; and a first joint. The modular system also includes a second pathway segment comprising: a second elevated platform portion; second edge supports to bare a load of the second elevated platform portion, wherein the second edge supports contact the ground surface and create a grade separation between the ground surface and a bottom side of the second elevated platform portion; and a second joint to attach to the first joint to limit a motion of the second pathway segment relative to the first pathway segment.

A modular system for constructing an elevated pathway includes a first pathway segment comprising a first elevated platform portion; first edge supports to bare a load of the first elevated platform portion, wherein the first edge supports contact a ground surface and create a grade separation between the ground surface and a bottom side of the first elevated platform portion; and a first joint. The modular system also includes a second pathway segment comprising: a second elevated platform portion; second edge supports to bare a load of the second elevated platform portion, wherein the second edge supports contact the ground surface and create a grade separation between the ground surface and a bottom side of the second elevated platform portion; and a second joint to attach to the first joint to limit a motion of the second pathway segment relative to the first pathway segment.

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.

An adjustable structural connectiona connection which can be adjusted to alter the location and angle of member attachmenttransforms 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.

A bridge assembly includes a plurality of platform members which may be secured to support beams via individual platform chassis which are configured to allow tool-less attachment bolt heads thereto. A plurality of specially configured clamps are attached to the free ends of the bolts and the clamps are used to secure the platform members to the platform chassis. The platform chassis are each secured to the outer support beams via L-brackets that are mounted between the chassis and support beams. The support beams include flanged channels wherein the heads of a plurality of bolts may be attached without the need for tools. The platform members may be laid in either a parallel or perpendicular orientation with respect to the outer support beams with two different clamp styles being used depending on the orientation selected.

A modular bridge is formed from a plurality of bridge modules (4), the bridge (2) having a longitudinal direction along the spanning direction and including: a first longitudinal compression member (11,13, 70) that is, in use, at an upper part of the bridge cross-section; a second longitudinal compression member (9, 72) that is, in use, at a lower part of the bridge cross-section; a structural lateral element (9) for forming a deck of the bridge or for supporting deck elements of the bridge; a shear element (14, 16) for carrying a shear load; and a tension member (6) applying a compressive force to one of the longitudinal compression members (1,13, 70); (9, 72) such that when in use the other of the longitudinal compression members (1,13, 70); (9, 72) forms a main compression element for the bridge (2) and the tension member (6) forms a main tension element for the bridge (2). The bridge modules (4) form segments of the length of the bridge (2) and each bridge module (4) is of a one-piece construction, this single piece including: a segment (10, 12) of the first longitudinal (1) compression member of the bridge; a segment (8) of the second longitudinal compression member of the bridge; a segment (8) of the structural lateral element; and a segment (14, 16) of the shear element; and the bridge modules being arranged to support a portion of the tension member (6).