Patent ID: 6112629
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: E01D,E04C,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for forming a grating suitable for bridge decks, the grating comprised of primary load-bearing members and secondary load-bearing members, the method comprising the steps of:(a) providing a plurality of longitudinally extending primary load-bearing members having an upper portion, a lower portion and a web located between said upper portion and said lower portion;(b) forming a plurality of web openings in said web of said primary load bearing member s using a punch and die, the die having a die opening having a generally cross shaped configuration having a generally vertical extent having a top and bottom and a generally horizontal extent having a first side and a second side, the distance between the top and bottom of the vertical extent being shorter than the distance between the first side and the second side of the horizontal extent, the opening having a first land and a second land substantially opposite to each other, the first land extending from the top of said vertical extent to said second side, the second land extending from said first side to said bottom, the punch having a cross-section configuration to mate with said die opening to punch said web openings in said web, the web openings in each of said primary load-bearing members being aligned with the web openings in adjacent primary load-bearing members;(c) inserting a plurality of secondary load-bearing members into said web openings, said secondary load-bearing members inserted along the horizontal extent, the secondary load-bearing members having an upper edge and a lower edge, the secondary load-bearing members provided with first slots extending downwardly through the upper edge to provide top slots, the secondary load-bearing members inserted into said horizontal extent until said first slots align with webs in said primary load-bearing members;(d) rotating said secondary load-bearing members in said web opening to position said secondary load-bearing member in said generally vertical extent in said web openings of the primary load-bearing members, said top slot in said secondary load-bearing member forming a locking engagement with said web surrounding said web openings in said primary load-bearing members in forming said grating.