Modular Roadway Transition Structure for Construction Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temporary roadway transition structures for bridging construction joints are costly, complex to install, and limited to short-term use, often requiring complete disassembly for maintenance, and are not suitable for larger spans or longer durations.
Innovation Solution
A modular roadway transition structure with four interconnected slabs, including a fixed fourth slab and an expansion joint, allowing secure anchoring and relative movement, enabling easy assembly, disassembly, and medium-term use without disrupting underlying construction work.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a temporary roadway transition structure with three articulated roadway slabs is used, then the structure can be installed and removed relatively easily, but it can only be used for short-term applications (4-8 weeks) and requires complete disassembly for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The roadway transition structure is divided into four separate roadway slabs (first, second, third, and fourth slabs) that can be independently positioned and secured. The expansion joint is segmented into multiple components including joint profiles, sealing profiles, and finger plates that can be independently assembled and maintained, enabling medium-term use while maintaining ease of installation and disassembly
Solution Approach 2:
The structure incorporates dynamic elements including articulated connections between slabs that allow relative movement, an expansion joint that accommodates structural movements, and a fourth slab that can be selectively secured or released. This dynamic design enables the structure to adapt to construction activities while maintaining stability for medium-term use
2Length of moving object
If large mobile bridges are used to bridge larger construction joints, then larger spans can be covered, but the solution becomes very cost-intensive and requires complete disassembly for maintenance work
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large mobile bridge, the invention segments the bridging structure into four smaller roadway slabs that can be individually handled and installed. The expansion joint is also segmented into manageable components, reducing manufacturing costs while still covering larger construction joints through the articulated arrangement of slabs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a partial bridge structure (four slabs covering only the necessary portion) rather than a complete large mobile bridge. This partial action approach reduces costs while still achieving the function of bridging larger construction joints for medium-term use
3Adaptability or versatility
If the outer end of the roadway transition structure is placed on the roadway in a movable manner, then the structure can adapt to movements, but the last slab can move relative to the roadway below causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into four slabs with the fourth slab specifically designed to be selectively secured to the roadway. This segmentation allows the fourth slab to provide stability when secured while still permitting controlled movement through the expansion joint and articulated connections when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The state of the fourth slab changes from movable to fixed depending on construction needs. Anchoring means can secure the fourth slab to the roadway to provide stability, or can be released to allow movement and facilitate maintenance, enabling parameter change between stable and adaptable states
4Stability of the object's composition
If anchoring means are used to secure roadway slabs against lifting and displacement, then the structure becomes stable, but the installation and disassembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Anchoring means are segmented and distributed across multiple roadway slabs (first, third, and fourth slabs) rather than concentrated in one location. This segmentation allows selective anchoring of individual slabs, maintaining stability while simplifying installation and disassembly by enabling incremental securing and release of anchoring points
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a roadway transition structure (1) for temporarily bridging a construction joint (2) in a roadway (3) which is located on a structure (4), wherein the roadway transition structure (1) has four roadway slabs (5, 6, 7) which are connected to one another in an articulated manner, wherein in particular the fourth roadway slab (8) is designed in such a way that it can be laid flat on the structure (4) and can be secured against lifting off and against displacement by means of anchoring means (9) to be anchored to the structure (4), and wherein an expansion joint (12) is arranged between the third roadway slab (7) and the fourth roadway slab (8). In this connection, the expansion joint (12) can also be designed to be watertight by means of a sealing profile (15). The invention further relates to a modular system for bridging a construction joint, a method for assembling a roadway transition structure (1) and a method for opening such a structure (1).