Patent ID: 6682259
Filing Date: 2004-01-27
Classification: E01B,E01D,E02D

Abstract:
A structure for supporting a road along a road axis over an underpass space spanned by the structure, the road having a predetermined width extending in the direction transverse to the road axis, comprising:two footings underlying the road with each footing being securely mounted to the earth, each footing being spaced apart in a direction substantially parallel to the road axis; a support assembly supported by the footings, the support assembly having an arcuate shape and extending at least the width of the road and traversing the underpass space for supporting the road across the underpass space spanned by the structure, the support assembly comprising: a substantially continuous inner shell having a width at least corresponding to the width of the road, and extending between the two footings so as to define the underpass space spanned by the structure; a plurality of rigid, beams surmounting the inner shell, each beam having a first end supported by one of the footings, and a second end supported by the other footing, the beams being spatially disposed in a direction transverse to the road axis and having a longitudinal axis extending in a direction substantially parallel to the road axis, the beams being substantially parallel to each other; an insulating material being positioned between each of the beams for thermally isolating the road and the support assembly from the underpass space and substantially preventing the transfer of heat therethrough; an outer shell having a first end supported by one of the footings, and a second end supported by the other footing, the outer shell being positioned above the beams and the insulating material; a substantially fluid impermeable material substantially encasing the support assembly; and a fill material extending from the substantially fluid impermeable material to support the road whereby the fill material is insulated and stores heat to substantially prevent the inadvertent icing over of the road.