Patent ID: 7716888

Claim:
A bridge structure assembly, comprising: a unitary, integrally pultruded baseplate formed from a first composite matrix comprising reinforcing fibers in a polymer resin, the baseplate comprising: a generally planar base section having a first side corresponding to a first of upper and lower faces thereof and a second side corresponding to another of the upper and lower faces; a plurality of ribs extending from the first side of the base section; a plurality of open channels disposed between the ribs and generally laterally defined and bounded by adjacent the ribs and the first side of the base section; and a top plate formed from a second composite matrix of reinforcing fibers in a polymer resin, the top plate secured to the ribs distal from the base section so as to generally enclose each open channel for at least a portion thereof to define a circumferentially enclosed passageway laterally bounded by adjacent ones of the ribs, wherein the top plate is superimposed over the baseplate; a structural support, wherein the baseplate and the top plate are mounted on the structural support such that the baseplate is superimposed over the structural support and interposed between the structural support and the top plate, wherein: the assembly includes at least a portion of a bridge; the structural support is a bridge support beam; and the baseplate and the top plate serve as vehicular bridge decking; a hole defined in the base section between a selected pair of the ribs and communicating with a corresponding enclosed passageway bounded by the selected pair of the ribs; and a fastener extending through the hole and fastening the baseplate to the bridge support beam.