초록 ▼

A structural system for use in bridges, buildings and other structures. The system supports part of its load by tension action and part of its load by arch action. Cables are stretched and anchored between end supports. Lateral compressive elements are placed over the cables and fit over grooves acr

A structural system for use in bridges, buildings and other structures. The system supports part of its load by tension action and part of its load by arch action. Cables are stretched and anchored between end supports. Lateral compressive elements are placed over the cables and fit over grooves across the bottoms of the elements. The grooves vary in depth. The cables are near the bottom of the elements at the center span and near the top of the elements at the end supports.

대표청구항 ▼

A load-bearing structure for supporting a vertical load over a span comprising in combination: (a) opposing end supports; (b) a plurality of tension elements; (c) each tension element strung between and fastened to said end supports with a predetermined sag; (d) a plurality of transverse compressive

A load-bearing structure for supporting a vertical load over a span comprising in combination: (a) opposing end supports; (b) a plurality of tension elements; (c) each tension element strung between and fastened to said end supports with a predetermined sag; (d) a plurality of transverse compressive elements; (e) each transverse compressive element having a depth greater than the sag of the tension element; (f) each transverse compressive element supported by the tension elements; (g) each transverse compressive element having an upper surface at the predetermined height above the level of the tension element; (h) each transverse compressive element having a lower surface below the level of the tension element; (i) each transverse compressive element fitted in abutting relationship with the adjoining transverse compressive element; (j) the end transverse compressive elements fitted in horizontal abutting relationship with the end supports; (k) the point of attachment of the tension element to the abutment being above the center of compressive force of the transverse compressive element at its interface with said abutment; (l) means to resist shear between the adjoining transverse compressive elements; whereby the load over the span is transmitted to the end supports in part through the compressive forces of the transverse compressive element and in part through the tensile force of the tension element.