A novel deployable tied arch bridge

Journal article

This paper presents a novel type of vehicle launched deployable bridge for military or relief operations. Most existing vehicle launched deployable bridges (also known as assault bridges or mobile bridges) take the form of a simply supported beam and require mechanically complex deployment sequences. This bridge has, first, an innovative deployment sequence based on a single actuator and a tied arch form; second, a stackable cross-section to reduce the package size during transport; and third, vertical suspenders which allow for “smart” redistribution of load as the bridge deflects. Analysis of the bridge is presented along with experimental results from a three-meter long scale physical model. Load cells and fiber optic strain sensors are used to monitor the physical model, and the results are shown in relation to a statics analysis. Our results suggest this novel design would have lower forces and moments than existing deployable bridges, making it lighter and potentially advancing the current state of the art.

Authors: Lederman, G; You, Z; Glisic, B

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Journal: Engineering Structures
• Volume: 70
• Pages: 1-10
• Publication date: 2014-04-20
• Acceptance date: 2014-03-13
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2014.03.015
• ISSN: 0141-0296
• Keywords: Actuation; Scale testing; Fiber optic FBG strain sensors; Deployable structure; Load cell; Tied arch bridge; Smart structure