Patent ID: 8220095
Filing Date: 2012-07-17
Classification: E01C,E01D

Abstract:
1. A method of expanding a highway having a plurality of lanes in a first direction and a second plurality of lanes in a second direction opposite the first direction, the first and second pluralities of lanes passing under a highway overpass bridge having a center pier located between the first and second pluralities of lanes and a first fixed bridge support on a first outer side outwards from the first plurality of lanes, and a second fixed bridge support on a second outer side outwards from the second plurality of lanes, the center pier, the first fixed bridge support, and the second fixed bridge support supporting a superstructure comprising a plurality of horizontal simple span beams, the method comprising: replacing the center pier with two replacement central piers having a gap there between without changing the reaction points of the existing plurality of horizontal simple span beams; Installing a collector beam in vertical support of the existing plurality of horizontal simple span beams, the collector beam being generally transverse to the existing plurality of simple span beams; and adding at least one additional lane between the first plurality of lanes and the second plurality of lanes, passing through the gap, wherein the horizontal simple span beams are still simply supported at their original reaction points after the expansion is completed.