TRANSPARENT OR TRANSLUCENT PANEL SYSTEMS, RELATED SYSTEMS, AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract

A system includes one or more panels that are configured to span a frame of bridge beams and be positioned below an existing bridge deck. The one or more panels are transparent or translucent and are configured to catch material that separates from the bridge deck.

Claims

1. A system, comprising: one or more panels that are configured to span a frame of bridge beams and be positioned below an existing bridge deck, wherein the one or more panels are transparent or translucent and are configured to catch material that separates from the bridge deck.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more panels includes a plurality of transparent or translucent sheets.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more panels are placed in multiple layers, and wherein the plurality of transparent or translucent sheets are flat or corrugated.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the transparent or translucent sheets contain one or more of a rubber modifier for improved impact resistance and/or UV resistant modifier for improved resistance to effects of ultraviolet light on the transparent or translucent sheets.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more panels are configured to be positioned near the top flange of the existing bridge girders.

6. The system of claim 5, further comprising at least one angle attached to a flange of the bridge beams, wherein the one or more panels are supported by the at least one angle, and wherein the one or more angles are attached to the bridge beams with a mechanical or adhesive anchor.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more panels are formed of one or more of glass polymer composites, polycarbonate, fiber reinforced polymer, fiberglass, and poly (methyl methacrylate).

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more additional supports positioned beneath the one or more panels.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more additional supports includes one or more of joists, bars, or tubes, and wherein the joists, bars, or tubes are formed of steel or a composite material.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more additional supports includes fabric straps.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more panels are suspended from the bridge deck.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more panels includes a weight of approximately 65 pounds.

13. A transparent or translucent panel for a bridge, comprising: one or more layers of a transparent or translucent material, wherein the transparent or translucent panel is configured to be positioned below an existing bridge deck and prevent material from the bridge deck falling below the transparent or translucent panel.

14. The transparent or translucent panel of claim 13, wherein the one or more layers are formed of one or more of glass polymer composites, polycarbonate, fiber reinforced polymer, fiberglass, and poly (methyl methacrylate).

15. The transparent or translucent panel of claim 14, wherein the transparent or translucent panel is formed of plurality of transparent or translucent sheets, wherein the plurality of transparent or translucent sheets are flat or corrugated, and wherein the plurality of transparent or translucent sheets contain a rubber modifier or an ultraviolet light modifier.

16. A transparent or translucent panel system, comprising: one or more transparent or translucent panels; a plurality of angles, wherein each angle is configured to couple the one or more transparent or translucent panels to bridge beams; and a plurality of anchors, wherein each anchor is configured to couple one of the plurality of anchors to one of the bridge beams.

17. The transparent or translucent panel system of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of angles is L-shaped and is formed of a steel.

18. The transparent or translucent panel system of claim 16, wherein the anchors are mechanical or adhesive anchors.

19. The transparent or translucent panel system of claim 16, wherein each of the one or more transparent or translucent panels is formed of one or more of glass polymer composites, polycarbonate, fiber reinforced polymer, fiberglass, and poly (methyl methacrylate).

20. The transparent or translucent panel system of claim 16, further comprising: one or more additional supports configured to be positioned below the transparent or translucent panel, wherein the one or more additional supports includes one or more of joists, bars, tubes, or fabric straps.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary aspects of the present disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a transparent or translucent panel system, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a bridge with the transparent or translucent panel in a first position, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a bridge with a transparent or translucent panel in a second position, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The present disclosure is now described with reference to exemplary aspects of structure and construction methods for transparent or translucent panel systems for bridge decks, for example, existing bridge decks. Some embodiments are depicted and/or described with reference to the structure and mounting methods of a transparent or translucent panel below a portion of a bridge deck, for example, to form a transparent or translucent false decking.

[0024] Reference will now be made in detail to examples of the present disclosure described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0025] Exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 attached hereto. Referring now to the figures individually, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a transparent or translucent panel system. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a bridge with a transparent or translucent panel in a first position, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a bridge with a transparent or translucent panel in a second position.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a transparent or translucent panel system 10 that includes a transparent or translucent panel 1. The transparent or translucent panel system 10 may be coupled to and span a frame of parallel spaced bridge girders or bridge beams 2 seated on the bottom flange of the beams to protect people and property from hazards resulting from the deterioration of an existing bridge deck 3. The transparent or translucent panel 1 may allow for at least a portion (e.g., the majority) of the deck 3 to be viewed from below, for example, for inspection purposes. Additionally, if deteriorated material separates from the bridge deck 3, the transparent or translucent panel 1 may catch the material, preventing the material from falling below the bridge beams 2. The material may collect on the transparent or translucent panel 1, and the material may then be seen from below, indicating the location of deterioration on the bridge deck 3. The panel system 10 may include a plurality of transparent or translucent sheets, which may be flat or corrugated, with enough stiffness and impact resistance to support construction loads, wind loads, and falling material from the bridge deck 3. Additionally or alternatively, one or more reinforcements 5 may be positioned below one or more portions of the transparent or translucent panel 1, for example, extending between adjacent bridge beams 2.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a bridge with the bridge deck 3 supported by bridge beams 2. Additionally, FIG. 2 illustrates the transparent or translucent panel system 10 with the transparent or translucent panel 1 positioned on the bridge beams 2 below the bridge deck 3. For example, the bridge beams 2 may each be I-beams, each having a bottom portion or flange 2A and a top portion or flange 2B. The transparent or translucent panel 1 may be mounted to respective portions of bottom flanges 2A on adjacent bridge beams 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, edge portions of transparent or translucent panel 1 may at least partially overlap with bottom flanges 2A. Alternatively, although not shown, transparent or translucent panel 1 may be mounted to bottom flanges 2A and not overlap with portions of bottom flanges 2A. In one or more of these aspects, the transparent or translucent panel 1 may be supported by one or more reinforcements 5. In this aspect, a portion 6 of the transparent or translucent panel 1 may be positioned above the reinforcement 5. Portion 6 may be formed of one or more transparent or translucent sheets.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the transparent or translucent panel 1 may be flat and may be supported by an angle 4. The angle 4 may be attached to a portion of a bottom flange 2A of the beam 2, for example, with a mechanical or adhesive anchor 4A. In at least one aspect, anchor 4A may extend through a portion of the angle 4 and into a portion of the bottom flange 2A. It is noted, however, that if the transparent or translucent panel 1 overlaps with portions of bottom flanges 2A, then the angles 4 may not be necessary to support the transparent or translucent panel 1. Nevertheless, the angles 4 may still be used to help support or otherwise couple the transparent or translucent panel 1 to the bridge beams 2.

[0029] One or more screws, bolts, or other coupling mechanisms may be used to help couple the transparent or translucent panel 1 to the bridge beams 2, for example, via one or more angles 4. For example, at least one screw, bolt, or other coupling mechanism may be coupled to each side (e.g., longitudinally, or the left and right sides, as shown in FIGS. 1-3) of the transparent or translucent panel 1. The at least one screw, bolt, etc. may be positioned vertically and delivered vertically through (e.g., through an opening) in the horizontal leg of the angle 4, and into at least a portion of the transparent or translucent panel 1. In this aspect, the at least one screw, bolt, etc. may be positioned from below the transparent or translucent panel 1. Alternatively, the at least one screw, bolt, etc. may be delivered through (e.g., an opening) in the transparent or translucent panel 1 and also through the horizontal leg of the angel 4. In this aspect, the at least one screw, bolt, etc. may be positioned from above the transparent or translucent panel 1. Alternatively or additionally, one or more adhesives (structural VHB tape, epoxy, adhesive caulk, etc.) may be used to help couple the transparent or translucent panel 1 to the bridge beams 2. For example, the one or more adhesives may be used to couple the transparent or translucent panel 1 to the angles 4. In these aspects, the angles 4 and the screws, bolts, coupling mechanisms and/or adhesives may help to retain the transparent or translucent panel 1, for example, helping to prevent wind (e.g., uplifts), lateral loads, or other forces on the transparent or translucent panel 1 from separating the transparent or translucent panel 1 from the angles 4, and thus also from the bridge beams 2.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a bridge with the bridge deck 3 supported by the bridge beams 2, and including a transparent or translucent panel system 20. Additionally, FIG. 3 illustrates a transparent or translucent panel system 20 with a transparent or translucent panel 11 positioned on the bridge beams 2 below the bridge deck 3. For example, as discussed above, the bridge beams 2 may each be !-beams with the bottom flange 2A and the top flange 2B. As shown in FIG. 3, the transparent or translucent panel 11 may be mounted to respective portions of the top flanges 2B on adjacent bridge beams 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, edge portions of the transparent or translucent panel 11 may be mounted on and at least partially abut against top flanges 2B. Alternatively, although not shown, transparent or translucent panel 11 may at least partially overlap with the top flanges 2B, for example, if there is an opening or spacing between a portion of the top flanges 2B and the bridge deck 3. In one or more of these aspects, the transparent or translucent panel 11 may be supported by one or more reinforcements 15. In this aspect, a portion 16 of the transparent or translucent panel 11 may be positioned above the reinforcement 15.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the transparent or translucent panel 11 may be flat and may be supported by one or more angles 4. The angle 4 may be attached to a portion of top flange 2B of the beam 2, for example, with a mechanical or adhesive anchor 4A. In at least one aspect, the anchor 4A may extend through a portion of angle 4 and into a portion of top flange 2B. For example, the angle 4 may be formed of steel (e.g., galvanized steel). The angle 4 may be L-shaped, and may include a height of approximately two inches and a width of approximately two inches. The angle 4 may include a length of approximately eight feet. Furthermore, three anchors 4A may be positioned along a length of each of the angles 4 to couple the angles 4 to the bridge beams 2. The anchors 4A may be anchor bolts, for example, expansion or epoxy type anchor bolts.

[0032] In one aspect, the bridge beams 2 may each include bottom flanges 2A and top flanges 2B with cross-sectional widths of, for example, between approximately ten inches and approximately four feet and one inch, for example, approximately two feet and six inches. The bridge beams 2 may be spaced any distance away, and bridge beams 2 of a single bridge may have variable spacings. For example, the centers of the bridge beams may be spaced away by, for example, between approximately four feet and approximately ten feet. In one example, the bridge beams 2 may be spaced apart by approximately six feet and five inches. Accordingly, edges of the bottom flanges 2A and the top flanges 2B may be spaced apart by approximately four feet, for example, approximately three feet and eleven inches. In this aspect, the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 may be approximately the same or slightly less than the distance between the bottom flanges 2A or the top flanges 2B of the bridge beams 2. For example, the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 may include a width of approximately three feet and nine inches. In this aspect, there may be a small gap (e.g., approximately 1-2 inches, for example, approximately 1.5 inches) between the edges of the transparent or translucent panel 1 and the bridge beams. The angles 4 may span the gap(s) between the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 and the bridge beams 2. Additionally, the translucent or transparent panels 1, 11 may include a length (e.g., into the page of FIG. 2) of between approximately two feet to eight feet, for example, approximately four feet. The sizes of the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 may be consistent with standard sizes of the materials (e.g., acrylics or polycarbonates) and/or depend on the sizes, shapes, spacings, etc. of the flanges 2A and 2B. Furthermore, the sizes of the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 may allow for efficient fabrication, shipping (e.g., via freight), assembly, etc.

[0033] Alternatively, as discussed with respect to FIG. 2, the transparent or translucent panel 1 may at least partially rest on a portion of the bridge beams 2, for example, on top portions of the bottom flanges 2A. Alternatively, as discussed with respect to FIG. 2, the translucent or transparent panel 1 may include a width that is greater than the distance between the flanges of the bridge beams 2. For example, the bottom flanges 2A of the bridge beams 2 may be spaced apart by approximately four feet, and the transparent or translucent panel 1 may include a width that is greater than four feet, for example, approximately five feet, 5.5 feet, six feet, etc. In these aspects, the transparent or translucent panel 1 may overlap with portions of the bottom flanges 2A of the bridge beams 2. For example, the transparent or translucent panel 1 may be between approximately three inches and approximately six inches longer than the spacing between edges of the bottom flanges 2A of the bridge beams 2. In this example, the transparent or translucent panel 1 may overlap with the bottom flanges 2A of the bridge beams 2 by between approximately 1.5 inches and approximately 3 inches, forming bearing lengths on both sides of the transparent or translucent panel 1, which may help to support or couple the transparent or translucent panel 1, while also preventing material from the bridge deck from falling below the transparent or translucent panel 1. Additionally, the translucent or transparent panels 1 may include a length (e.g., into the page of FIG. 2) of between approximately two feet and approximately eight feet, for example, approximately four feet.

[0034] Furthermore, in any of the aspects discussed herein, the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 include a height. The height of the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 may vary depend on the desired loading requirements, length of the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11, etc. In some aspects, the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 may include a height between approximately 0.5 inches and approximately 8 inches, for example, between approximately 1.5 inches and approximately 6 inches, for example, approximately 2.5 inches.

[0035] In any of these aspects, the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 may include a weight of approximately 80 pounds or less, for example, approximately 65 pounds, such that contractors or other professionals, for example, two contractors, may lift and maneuver each of the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11.

[0036] Although not shown, the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 may be suspended (e.g., hang from) from the existing bridge deck, rather than being mounted on or otherwise supported by the bridge beams 2. For example, the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 may be clamped to the existing girders (e.g., steel girders) for support and be positioned below the bridge deck.

[0037] The components and/or materials of the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 may be configured to support the loading from construction activities, wind, and impact from falling material. In some aspects, the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 may include a plurality of transparent or translucent sheets. For example, the plurality of transparent or translucent sheets (e.g., thinner sheets of the transparent or translucent material) may be stacked vertically to form multiple layers of transparent or translucent material in a position below the bridge deck 3. In one example, the transparent or translucent sheets may be flat. In another example, the transparent or translucent sheets may be corrugated. In any of these examples, the transparent or translucent sheets may include a rubber modifier, for example, for improved impact resistance. In this aspect, the rubber modifier may be added to the material (e.g., a mixture of acrylic plastic pellets) in various percentages or ratios during the process of making the transparent or translucent sheets. In another aspect, the material used to form the transparent or translucent sheets may be naturally or inherently impact resistant, for example, when the transparent or translucent sheets are formed of a polycarbonate.

[0038] In some aspects, the material used to form the transparent or translucent sheets may change color (e.g., darken, yellow, etc.) over time and/or when exposed to ultraviolet (“UV”) light, for example, when the transparent or translucent sheets are formed of a polycarbonate. In this aspect, a UV modifier may be added to the material (e.g., a mixture of polycarbonate pellets) in various percentages or ratios during the process of making the transparent or translucent sheets. The UV modifier may help to prevent, reduce, counteract, or otherwise negate the effect(s) of UV light on the transparent or translucent sheets. In other aspects, the material used to form the transparent or translucent sheets may be naturally or inherently resistant to UV light, for example, when the transparent or translucent sheets are formed of an acrylic. Furthermore, in any of the aspects discussed herein, the transparent or translucent sheets may be formed in accordance with one or more specifications, for example, an ASTM specification (e.g., ASTM D4802).

[0039] As mentioned above, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, it may be desired to provide one or more discrete supports or reinforcements 5, 15 beneath one or more portions of the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11, for example, when the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 span longer distances or may withstand or otherwise be exposed to heavier loads. The one or more supports or reinforcements 5, 15 may include, for example, one or more of joists, bars, or tubes, and wherein the joists, bars, or tubes that are formed of steel or composite material. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more supports or reinforcements 5, 15 may include fabric straps. In this aspect, the portions 6, 16 of the transparent or translucent panel 1 may be positioned above the reinforcements 5, 15 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, one or more cracks 7 or damaged portions 8 may formed in the bridge deck 3, for example, in a bottom portion of the bridge deck 3. The one or more cracks 7 or damaged portions 8 may be visible from below the bridge deck 3 through the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11. Additionally, any material that breaks off from the bridge deck 3 in the formation of the one or more cracks 7 or damaged portions 8 may collect on the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11. In this aspect, preventing the material from falling to the ground may help to prevent injuries to people traveling under the bridge deck 3, damage to the ground below the bridge deck 3, etc. The collection of the material from the bridge deck 3 may also indicate to an inspector that one or more cracks 7 or damaged portions 8 have developed in the bridge deck 3. Unlike a fencing, wiring, grate, or other shielding material that includes openings that may be positioned below a bridge deck, the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 do not allow smaller pieces of material to pass through openings.

[0041] As discussed herein, the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 may be formed of one or more materials that is at least partially transparent or translucent, for example, allowing a substantial or majority of light to pass through the material. In this aspect, an inspector may view one or more portions of the bridge deck 3 through the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11. The transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 may be formed of, for example, one or more of, for example, a variety of commercially available materials, such as glass polymer composites, polycarbonate, fiber reinforced polymer, fiberglass, and poly (methyl methacrylate) also known as Plexiglass, Lucite, and Perspex.

[0042] The transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 and the mounting systems 10, 20 discussed herein may be positioned below existing bridge decks 3 and coupled to existing bridge beams 2. The transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 do not have openings, so material (even smaller pieces of material) does not pass through the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11. When the transparent or translucent panel 1 are positioned on or near the lower or bottom flange 2A, as shown in FIG. 2, the transparent or translucent panel 1 may be used as a working platform, for example, supporting inspection and/or maintenance crews as they inspect, maintain, repair, replace, or otherwise treat the bridge deck 3.

[0043] The transparent or translucent panels 1, 11, when assembled, may have a weight that is approximately 10 pounds per square foot or less, for example, approximately, six pounds per square foot or less. The additional weight from the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 when coupled to the bridge beams 2 or to the bridge deck 3 may be less than panels formed of lumber, fencing materials, etc., which may help to improve the load carrying capacity of the bridge beams 2 and/or of the bridge deck 3. Furthermore, in some aspects, the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 may be fairly lightweight, for example, approximately 80 pounds or less, or approximately 65 pounds. In these aspects, two people may handle (e.g., lift, manipulate, etc.) the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11, for example, without the need for additional lifting equipment (e.g., a crane).

[0044] Furthermore, the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 and the mounting systems 10, 20 discussed herein may be removed and relocated to a different location (e.g., below a different bridge) once the bridge deck 3 is repaired, replaced, sufficiently inspected, etc. Additionally, if the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 are damaged, for example, during the repair of the bridge deck 3, the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 may be repaired or replaced. For example, the transparent or translucent panel 1 between two adjacent bridge beams 2 may be repaired or replaced. In another aspect, one or more portions (e.g., sections, layers, etc.) of the transparent or translucent panel 1 may be replaced when damaged, worn down, or otherwise in need of replacement. For example, referring to FIG. 2, if the portion 6 of the transparent or translucent panel 1, for example, one or more transparent or translucent sheets, is damaged, worn down, etc., then the portion 6 may be removed and either repaired or replaced with a new portion 6. Replacement of the portion 6 may include replacing one or more transparent or translucent sheets, or may include replacing the portion 6 over an entire section of the transparent or translucent panel 1. In this example, the supports or reinforcements 5 and other components of the mounting system 10 may be left in place. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the supports or reinforcements 5 and/or other components of the mounting system 10 may be removed, repaired, replaced, etc. For example, one or more of the supports or reinforcements 5, angles 4, anchors 4A, etc. may be removed, repaired, replaced, etc. Similarly, referring to FIG. 3, one or more portions of the transparent or translucent panel 11 and/or mounting system 20 may be removed, repaired, replaced, etc. In one aspect, again referring to FIG. 3, one or more portions of the transparent or translucent panel 11 and/or mounting system 20 may be temporarily removed, for example, to allow access to a bottom portion of the bridge deck 3. In this aspect, the inspector may more closely inspect the bridge deck 3, may repair the bridge deck 3, etc.

[0045] Accordingly, the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 and the mounting systems 10, 20 discussed herein form a modular system that may be used multiple times, for example, allowing for reuse of materials, reducing waste, reducing overall costs, etc. The transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 and the mounting systems 10, 20 discussed herein may be manufactured and/or supplied as a kit, as many components (e.g., angle 4) may be standard components to support the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11. Furthermore, the size and/or shape of the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 may be easily modified or adjusted for particular bridge, for example, based on particular spacings between the bridge beams 2, a desired panel thickness, etc. Additionally, the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 may be resistant to corrosion. The transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 may be able to withstand various types of weather and/or otherwise withstand exposure to the elements. For example, the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 may be more resistive to corrosion than lumber, for example, as the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 do not absorb water, do not rot, etc.

[0046] Accordingly, the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 and the support systems 10, 20 detailed above may be manufactured at reduced costs compared to other support systems. For example, the transparent or translucent panels 1, 11 and the support systems 10, 20 detailed above may be manufactured using a simple, repeatable, and modular process. The support systems 10, 20 may be modular to help in reducing the material cost over time, which may make it simple for contractors, or other suitable professionals, to install.

[0047] While principles of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to illustrative aspects for particular applications, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, examples, and substitution of equivalents all fall within the scope of the aspects described herein. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be considered as limited by the foregoing description.