Overhang structure and construction method for a bridge overhang

Abstract

Overhang structure for bridges including a horizontal section (41) and an upwards section (42). The horizontal section (41) has at least one integral horizontal profile (7) at its free end. It may also include a strip made of a malleable material on the lower side of the horizontal section (41). The construction method includes the steps of: placing a set of rods near an outmost edge of an outmost beam; placing the beam on its supports; placing a set of overhang structures on the rods, so the profiles are close to the rods; and affixing the structures to the beams with a retainer in each rod.

Claims

1. An overhang structure for a bridge edge comprising: a plurality of vertical rods adapted to be attached to a beam, the plurality of vertical rods includes a free end having threads; an L shaped structure having a horizontal section and a vertical section, a free end of the horizontal section rests on the bridge edge and the vertical section hangs outside the bridge edge; a plurality of bars protruding from the free end of the horizontal section; a plurality of profiles horizontally protruding from the free end of the horizontal section; wherein the plurality of profiles is set in pairs, the pair of profiles is placed close to each other, creating a space between them, wherein the corresponding vertical rod is placed in the space created by each one of the pair of profiles; a retainer is secured to the free end of the corresponding vertical rod attaching each one of the profiles to each one of the pair of profiles.

2. The overhang structure according to claim 1, wherein the free end of the horizontal section comprises a strip made of a malleable material on a lower side.

3. A method for constructing a bridge overhang, with at least one beam, the method comprising the steps of: providing an overhang structure including a plurality of vertical rods adapted to be attached to a beam, the plurality of vertical rods includes a free end having threads; an L shaped structure having a horizontal section and a vertical section, a free end of the horizontal section rests on the bridge edge and the vertical section hangs outside the bridge edge; a plurality of bars protruding from the free end of the horizontal section; a plurality of profiles horizontally protruding from the free end of the horizontal section; placing the plurality of vertical rods near an outmost edge of an outmost beam; placing said beam on supports; placing the free end of the horizontal section of the overhang structure over the outmost edge of the outmost beam; setting the profiles in pairs, the plurality of profiles is set in pairs and placed close to each other, creating a space between them; placing the corresponding vertical rod on the space created between each pair of profiles; and affixing each pair of profiles by using a retainer secured to the free end of the corresponding vertical rod.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising the step of placing a strip made of a malleable material on the beam before the structures.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) To complement the description below and in order to provide a better understanding of the invention, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description according to a preferred example of its practical embodiment. In those drawings, with an illustrative and non-limiting nature, the following has been represented:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view of an embodiment of the upper surface of the beam with several structures; and

(3) FIG. 2 is a close up of the rods and profiles in the embodiment of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(4) FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a bridge where the invention is applied. This figure shows the edge of a beam (1) on which a set of rods (2), generally vertical, have been placed, forming a line parallel to the edge of the beam (1). Generally, these rods (2) are threaded, especially at the free end. On them a retainer (3) is attached, which preferably works by threading, although it can be a clamp if its mechanical resistance is sufficient. The retainer (3) can preferably be placed at variable height at the free end of the stem (2).

(5) Usually, those beams (1) are made of steel or concrete. The rods (2) may then be welded, embedded in the beam (1) depending on the material of the beam (1).

(6) Attached to the rods (2) is an L shaped structure (4), generally made of reinforced concrete. The structure (4) has a horizontal section (41) and a upwards section (42), generally at right angles. In order to make better use of its advantages, the structure (4) is partially cantilevered on the edge of the beam (1), so that it only rests on the beam (1) at the free end of the horizontal section (41), the upwards section (42) hanging outside the edge of the beam (1). The contact area of the structure (4) and the beam (1) preferably has a strip (5) of malleable or elastic material, such as silicone, rubber . . . to ensure that this space is adequately sealed. The strip (5) can be integral to the structure (4), to the beam (1) or it can be an independent part.

(7) If the structure (4) is made of reinforced concrete, it might include protruding bars (6) for the placement of new reinforced concrete elements.

(8) The structure (4) has horizontal profiles (7) at the free end of the horizontal section (41). These profiles (7) are fixed to the rods (2) thanks to the retainers (3). Preferably, the profiles (7) are presented in pairs, creating a slot between both profiles (7) for the passage of the rods (2). This allows the positioning of the structure (4) to allow a certain amount of play along the slot. The width of the slot also allows a tolerance in the mutual position. The retainers (3) may incorporate washers, plates or other elements to ensure contact with the profiles (7).

(9) In use, the rods (2) are fixed to the beam (1), by welding (if it is metallic), embedded in the concrete mass . . . . In this second case, the rods (2) may form part of a straight metallic strip from which they emerge every certain distance to protrude from the concrete. This system increases the strength of the connection of the rods (2) to the beam (1).

(10) The method of construction therefore starts with the placement of some rods (2) near an edge of a beam (1) corresponding to an outmost edge of the bridge (the outmost edge of the outmost beam, usually on each side). This placement is preferably carried out in the workshop or on site, but before the beam (1) is raised into position. Subsequently, the beam (1) is placed on its supports. Once correctly positioned, a set of structures (4) as described is placed. The profiles (7) are placed in a position, close to the rods (2), so that the rods (2) can be attached to the profiles (7). The profiles (7) are fixed to the rods (2) with the corresponding retainer (3). Once the structure (4) is thus supported, construction can continue, placing reinforcement bars and other elements of the bridge, since the structures (4) act both as a formwork and as a safety barrier for the workers. It can be appreciated that the only operation carried out by those workers during the claimed method is helping with the positioning of the structure (4) (lifted with a crane) in position and the tightening of the retainers (3). Both tasks are carried out at a distance from the edge of the beam (1).

(11) If the strip (5) is not integral with the structure (4), it may be necessary to place it on the edge of the beam (1), either before raising the beam (1) or before placing the structure (4).