Modular fiber reinforced plastic enclosed bridge

USH1872H · kind H · statutory invention registration

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air · US

Inventor

• Keith B. Bowman · Casstown, US

Key dates

• Grant date: Oct 3, 2000

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

A method for fabricating a fiber reinforced composite bridge module is described which in one preferred embodiment includes the steps of selecting a cross-sectional shape for the bridge module defined by an outer substantially tubular shell having a top side and a bottom side, and a floor deck near the bottom side and at least one keel beam beneath the floor deck and extending lengthwise of the outer shell, the outer shell, floor deck and keel beams defining a plurality of passageways along the length of the module, winding fiber and impregnating material on mandrels in a plurality tubular sections defining the plurality of passageways, joining the plurality of tubular sections in side-by-side relationship in an assembly substantially defining in cross section the cross-sectional shape of the module, winding fiber and impregnating material around the assembly to a preselected thickness for the outer shell; and curing the fiber and impregnating material.