Optimized Design and Testing of a Prototype Military Bridge System for Rapid In-Theater Construction

Abstract

A prototype military bridge system using in-theater concrete with a deployable, folding truss support, and stay-in-place-form system was designed and tested. The bridge's primary advantage is a reduction in deployment requirements because of the use of in-theater materials. Numerical optimization was used in the design to reduce the deployable component weights. The results showed a potential 50% weight savings compared to the US Army Rapidly Emplaced Bridge. An experimental program investigated the critical deck component capacity, and physical and statistical analysis confirmed the deck has a military load class 70 axle load capacity.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 2006
Accession Number
ADA481580

Entities

People

  • Gerardo I. Velazquez
  • James C. Ray
  • Joseph P. Hanus
  • Lawrence C. Bank

Organizations

  • Engineer Research and Development Center

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Axial Loads
  • Bridges
  • Civil Engineering
  • Concrete
  • Construction
  • Deployment
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Fiber Reinforced Composites
  • Fiber Reinforced Polymers
  • Materials
  • Materials Processing
  • Military Bridges
  • Models
  • Optimization
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Test Methods
  • United States

Readers

  • Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
  • Facility/Structural Engineering.
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management.