Patent ID: 6493895
Filing Date: 2002-12-17
Classification: E01D,E04C

Abstract:
In combination, a girder and a structural segment for distributing a maximum bending moment normally occurring at a midpoint region of the girder under a uniform applied load, the girder having a length and first and second ends, the structural segment comprising:a first truss segment member having first and second ends, the first end of the first truss segment member being attached to the girder at a first location between the midpoint region and the first end of the girder with the first truss segment member substantially perpendicular to the girder; a second truss segment member having first and second ends, the first end of the second truss segment member being attached to the girder between the first location and the midpoint region of the girder, the second end of the second truss segment member being attached to the second end of the first truss segment member; a third truss segment member having first and second ends, the first end of the third truss segment member being attached to the girder at a second location between the midpoint region of the girder and the second end of the girder with the third truss segment member substantially perpendicular to the girder; a fourth truss segment member having first and second ends, the first end of the fourth truss segment member being attached to the girder between the second location and the midpoint region of the girder, the second end of the fourth truss segment member being attached to the second end of the third truss segment member; and means connected to the first and third truss members for applying an outward lateral force toward the ends of the girder, and a ratio of the length of the first and third truss segment members to the length of the girder having a maximum of 1:11 and a minimum of the order of 1:17.