BR-102022026432-B1 - TRANSFER DEVICE FOR TRANSVERSE FORCES IN EXPANSION JOINTS

Abstract

DEVICE FOR TRANSFERRING TRANSVERSE FORCES IN EXPANSION JOINTS. The present invention relates to a device for transferring transverse forces in expansion joints formed by a first and a second set of parts arranged on either side of the span (37) formed by contiguous sections of artworks, where each set of parts comprises two inverted U-shaped trestles (40-44, 40-44), which are arranged parallel to each other and symmetrically positioned with respect to the longitudinal axis (15) of said artworks, the internal vertical sections (41, 45) of said trestles (40, 44) of said first set of parts forming a first channel (34) and the internal vertical sections (41) of the trestles (40, 44) of said second component forming a second channel (34), said channels being aligned with each other and with said longitudinal axis (15), where a rigid shaft (48) is inserted in a sliding and play-free manner. The sliding between said shaft and the walls of said channels is facilitated by means of low-friction plates (50, 50, 53, 53) interposed between the surfaces in contact.

Inventors

• MARCOS ONISHI
• DANIEL MASSASHI KAKO

Assignees

• PROTENDE MHK ENGENHARIA LTDA

Dates

Publication Date

20260317

Application Date

20221222

Claims (4)

1. 1. TRANSFER DEVICE FOR TRANSVERSE FORCES IN EXPANSION JOINTS formed by a first and a second set of parts arranged on either side of the span formed by contiguous sections of engineering structures such as bridges, viaducts and the like, where the first set of parts comprises a toothed plate (10) complementary to the toothed plate (10’) of the second component, characterized by the fact that each set of parts comprises two trestles (40-44, 40’-44’) in the shape of an inverted “U”, where said toothed plate is affixed to the horizontal sections (43, 47) of said trestles, which are arranged parallel and symmetrically positioned with respect to the longitudinal axis (15) of said engineering structures, the internal vertical sections (41, 45) of said trestles (40, 44) of said first set of parts forming a first channel (34) and the internal vertical sections (41’) of the trestles (40’, 44’) of said second component forming a second channel (34’), said channels being aligned with each other and with said longitudinal axis (15), where a rigid axis (48) is inserted in a sliding manner and without play.
2. 2. DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that said rigid axis (48) comprises vertical side walls which are juxtaposed to the inner faces of the inner vertical sections (41, 45) of said trestles, delimiting said channels.
3. 3. DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that each trestle (40, 44) is formed by folding a sheet forming an inverted asymmetrical “U”, whose internal (41, 45) and external (42, 46) portions are vertically oriented, and whose central, horizontal portions (43, 47) provide the fixing surfaces for the toothed plates (10, 10’).
4. 4. DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that said rigid shaft (48) has the shape of a rectangular section metal beam provided on its lateral faces with contact surfaces (49) juxtaposed to the inner faces (41, 45, 41’) of said trestles (40, 44, 40’, 44’), where low-friction material plates (50, 50’, 53, 53’) are interposed between the inner faces of said vertical sections (41, 45) of the trestles that form said channels (34, 34’) and the sides of said metal beam.

Description

Field of invention [001] In general, the present invention relates to improvements in components used in large-scale structures, such as bridges, viaducts and similar structures, built in reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete or metal structures. More particularly, it relates to expansion joints used in the spans between contiguous sections of beams and decks to compensate for dimensional variations thereof. Background of the invention [002] Any structure, including bridges and viaducts, is subject to various deformations and stresses (longitudinal and transverse) that may be due to intrinsic characteristics of the materials or to external factors such as temperature variations and usage loads. [003] As an example, concrete structures can be cited. It is known that concrete is a material composed of cement, aggregates, water, and additives. When constructing a concrete structure, it is known that this material is susceptible to so-called creep deformations, such as those caused by water loss over the life of the concrete or even the so-called creep phenomena, in which the concrete deforms due to continuously applied forces. [004] There are also deformations due to thermal variations, which can cause concrete to expand or contract. Similar phenomena can also be found in structures made of other materials. Thus, for example, steel structures can undergo large thermal deformations, but are free from shrinkage effects due to water loss. These structures generally have fundamentally linear dimensions and, therefore, the phenomena of expansion and contraction are more pronounced in them. [005] Temperature variations produce a variation in the width of the openings between the ends of the sections that make up bridges and viaducts. The drop in temperature causes the beams and decks of bridges and viaducts to contract, with a consequent increase in the width of these openings, which can cause difficulties. Thus, for example, on a road bridge, the wheels of vehicles in transit, when passing through such openings, suffer impacts that can damage them or cause defects in the vehicles or even accidents. [006] To overcome this, such openings are provided with expansion joints that close them, accommodating the deformations of the structure and enabling its normal use. Fig. 1 illustrates one of these joints, which comprises two complementary metal pieces 10 and 10’ formed by plates that are mounted at the ends of the respective concrete beams or decks (not shown), between which the opening is defined; and by a plurality of extensions or teeth that are cantilevered in the opening and arranged so that the teeth of one piece are interspersed and free between the teeth of the other piece. [007] When the beams or decks are at maximum expansion, the span between them is minimal and the teeth are fully engaged, as illustrated in Fig. 1. In the case of contraction of the beams or decks due to a drop in temperature, the span between the ends becomes larger. Following this movement, the metal parts move apart as symbolized by arrows 12-12. However, the teeth close the gap, preventing the appearance of discontinuity in the roadway of the bridge or viaduct. [008] Although the joints embodied by plates 10 and 10’ make it possible to absorb the effects of longitudinal movements as per arrows 12-12, they do not offer means of preventing the effects of any transverse displacements, i.e., perpendicular to the direction of arrows 12-12. Indeed, such transverse displacements can result in the overlapping of the teeth and their deformation, which is why they must be prevented. [009] Patent BR11201602062 entitled Bridge Connection Device discloses a connection device for a construction joint between two structural parts comprising at least one telescopic transverse member, the length of which can be altered by increasing or decreasing the insertion of tie rod segments fitted into guide segments. This document refers to the construction of buildings and does not provide for the continuity of beams or rolling surfaces in bridges or viaducts. Objectives of the invention [010] In view of the foregoing, a primary objective is to provide means that prevent transverse displacement between contiguous sections of bridges or similar structures, while at the same time allowing their longitudinal displacement. [011] Another objective is to provide means provided by a metallic device for absorbing transverse forces that is less subject to deformation caused by vehicle traffic on the rolling surface. [012] Another objective is to allow mechanical adjustment, to maintain a constant contact surface with the smallest possible opening, reducing the impact on vehicle wheels and improving user comfort. [013] Another objective is to provide a device that has a more optimized construction, being lighter and offering better operating and maintenance conditions, allowing for easy replacement of components. [014] Another objective is to enable installation in loc