Michael B Jacoby

US Patent:

60819553, Jul 4, 2000

Filed:

Sep 30, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/723359

Inventors:

Chris Dumlao - Pleasanton CA
Kristina Lauraitis - San Jose CA
Michael Jacoby - Menlo Park CA
Les Fisher - Palo Alto CA
Alan Miller - Santa Cruz CA
Bryan Hurlbut - San Jose CA
Eric Abrahamson - Palo Alto CA

Assignee:

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. - Raleigh NC

International Classification:

E01D 1912

US Classification:

14 73

Abstract:

A load bearing support structure in the form of a traffic-bearing highway bridge including at least one modular structural section. The at least one modular structural section includes at least one beam, the at least one beam containing a pair of lateral flanges and a medial web between and extending below the flanges. A load bearing deck is positioned above and supported by the flanges of the at least one beam. The at least one beam and load bearing deck are preferably formed of a polymer matrix composite material. Each of the flanges of the at least one beam is positioned on and supported by one of a plurality of support members. Alternatively, the load bearing deck containing at least one sandwich panel is suitable for applications such as barge decks, hatchcovers, and other load bearing wall applications. Methods of constructing a support structure utilizing the modular structural section and support members are also provided.