Bridges assembled from ocean-mobile pontoon bridge modules
US7200887B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 7, 2006 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 7, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE01D21/08
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A bridge for long, deep water crossings is supported between spans by narrow, transverse, semi-submersible pontoons. The pontoons are oriented to present minimal cross section to tidal currents under the bridge. The pontoons are pivotally attached to the bridge allowing them to be turned a few degrees right or left as tidal currents change. During fabrication, a module of bridge deck/roadway can be assembled for transport upon each pontoon deck. After remote fabrication two or more complete bridge modules can be linked pontoon-to-pontoon into a seaworthy vessel that can be towed to the erection site. At site the roadway modules are rotated transverse to the pontoon, elevated to final position and joined to other modules, completing the bridge.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.