Abstract: This paper presents a computational investigation of the robustness of a typical concrete deck–steel beam composite floor system with simple shear connections in the event that a center column has been removed The study provides insight into the behavior and failure modes of simple shear connections and composite floor systems comprised of such connections Analyses of a connection subassemblage indicate that loads are primarily resisted by cable action of the beams after column loss resulting in increasing tensile forces in the beams and connections that could eventually precipitate failure Simulation results show that the floor deck contributes significantly to the floor system response through: diaphragm action to prevent the exterior columns from being pulled inward and membrane action primarily through the reinforcement mesh and metal deck The analyses indicate that the capacity of the analyzed floor system under the column removal scenario is significantly less than the load specified by the Gene

Abstract: A leak in a membrane on top of a horizontal roof deck is located by applying conductive wires on the membrane underneath the aggregate in a grid pattern. A measuring and switching circuit generates voltage having a positive attached to the roof deck and a negative attached to the wires. The circuit has a relay for each wire which can be switched between a current sensor system and the negative potential. The sensor system is arranged to sense at each of the wires in turn the current flowing from the roof deck through any leak in the membrane to the wire. A microprocessor operates the relays in turn to connect all the other wires to the negative as a shield while each wire is sensed. From the output of the grid the changes in current in the x and y directions are analyzed to locate the leak in the membrane.

Abstract: The Morca footbridge is a historic suspension bridge, originally constructed in 1928. The bridge is characterized by the timber deck supported by two pairs of cables that were recently replaced. After the strengthening, an extensive program of non-destructive global tests was carried out; the field tests included complete geometric survey of the deformed configuration due to dead loads, static load tests and ambient vibration measurements. The experimental investigation was complemented by the development of a 3D finite element model and the correlation between theoretical and experimental results suggested a satisfactory state of preservation of the deck timber elements but also the potential weakness of some nodes. Hence, the dynamic tests were repeated in order to evaluate any changes in the modal parameters and the correlation with structural modifications or damage. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract: The present study is intended as analysis investigations of fatigue durability of the trough to deck plate welded joint failed at weld root in deck plate. The investigations are carried out on the basis of three key factors: fatigue strengths of the welded details obtained by analysis method in conjunction with fatigue tests, stress ranges by FEM analyses with a unit wheel load, and the loads and their frequencies for the fatigue evaluations are the wheel loads in service, represented by an equivalent wheel load, assumed from the axle load measurements. Consistency between fatigue strength and stress range is simply demonstrated. Using this method for fatigue evaluation, it is found that large-rib-deck model has longer fatigue life than standard-deck models. An increase in deck plate thickness may prolong fatigue life of the orthotropic steel deck. Load distribution due to the rigidity of pavement may also help enhancement the fatigue life.

Abstract: This paper deals with the application of under-deck cable-staying systems and combined cable-staying systems to prestressed concrete road bridges with multiple spans of medium length. Schemes using...

Abstract: A new surface ship general arrangement optimization system developed at the University of Michigan is described. The Intelligent Ship Arrangements system is a native C++, Leading Edge Architecture for Prototyping Systems-compatible software system that will assist the designer in developing rationally based arrangements that satisfy design specific needs as well as general Navy requirements and standard practices to the maximum extent practicable. This software system is intended to be used following or as a latter part of ASSET synthesis. The arrangement process is approached as two essentially two-dimensional tasks. First, the spaces are allocated to Zone-decks, one deck in one vertical zone, on the ship's inboard profile. Then the assigned spaces are arranged in detail on the deck plan of each Zone-deck in succession. Consideration is given to overall location, adjacency, separation, access, area requirements, area utilization, and compartment shape. The system architecture is quite general to facilitate its evolution to address additional design issues, such as distributive system design, in the future.

Abstract: Currently within the military there is a need for a universal light-weight bridge deck system capable of supporting extreme loads over a wide temperature range. This research presents the development, testing, and analysis of five different fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) webbed core deck panels. The performance of the FRP webbed decks are compared with an existing aluminum deck and with a baseline balsa core system, which has previously been tested as part of the development of the composite army bridge for the US Army. The study shows that for one-way bending, the FRP webbed core can exceed the shear strength of the baseline balsa core by a factor of 3.2 at a core’s density, which is 28% lighter than the balsa baseline. In addition, weight savings in excess of 30% are shown for using FRP decking in place of conventional aluminum decking. Based on test results and finite-element analysis, the failure modes of the different FRP webbed cores are discussed and design recommendations for FRP webbed core decks...

Abstract: A tensioner anti-rotation device and method that transfers rotational force from an offshore platform deck to a riser in response to waves and currents. The device includes a bracket mounted on the deck, and a rib that transfers force from the deck through the bracket, to the rib, and into the riser such that the tensioners on the riser are not subjected to torque.

Abstract: A pipe handling catwalk comprising: a deck including an upper surface, a first end, an opposite end and a tubular support surface on the upper surface, the tubular support surface being elongate and extending between the first end and the opposite end; a deck guide including a wall extending up from the deck upper surface and drivable along tubular support surface of the deck; a ramp mounted on the deck adjacent its first end and positionable extending at an angle from the deck; a carrier connected to the ramp to remain on the ramp and being moveable such that an end thereof can be lifted away from the ramp to reduce the inclination of the carrier relative to the angle of the ramp, the carrier including an upper surface and a tubular retaining surface thereon extending along the carrier substantially in line with the tubular support surface of the deck; and a carrier guide including an upstanding tubular engaging surface extending up from the carrier upper surface and drivable along tubular retaining surface of the carrier.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a stationary seat deck board and independently movable front and rear carriages powered by linear actuators supported by a stationary base. A head deck board is hingedly secured to the front carriage and moves with it. Leg and foot deck boards hingedly joined together are supported by the rear carriage and move with it. Additional linear actuators move the head deck board and leg deck boards between horizontal and inclined positions independently.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes an articulated deck comprising head, seat, leg and foot deck boards hingedly joined together and supported from a frame located above a stationary base. A intermediate cushioning layer, including a pocketed coil spring assembly, is secured to the deck boards. A mattress or similar structure resides on top of the intermediate cushioning layer.

Abstract: An article of flashing for a deck includes a channel with a back leg, a first side leg, and a second side leg and further includes an attachment flange fixedly connected to the channel where the channel is adapted to receive decking. A deck flashing system includes a deck with a surface and at least one edge, decking forming the surface of the deck, and flashing extending along the at least one edge, the flashing having a channel adapted to receive the decking. A method of trimming a deck includes erecting deck framing, installing decking on the framing, and installing flashing on at least one edge or the entire perimeter of the deck.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite cellular deck system was used to rehabilitate a historical cast iron thru-truss structure (Hawthorne St Bridge, Covington, VA) The most important characteristic of this application is reduction in self-weight, which raises the live load-carrying capacity of the bridge by replacing the existing concrete deck with an FRP deck This bridge is designed to HL-93 load and has a 2286 m clear span with a roadway width of 671 m The panel-to-panel connections were accomplished using full width, adhesively (structural urethane adhesive) bonded tongue and groove splices with scarfed edges To ensure proper construction, serviceability, and strength of the splice, a full-scale 2-bay section of the bridge with 3 adhesively bonded panel-to-panel connections was constructed and tested Results showed that no crack initiated in the joints under service load and no significant change in stiffness or strength of the joint occurred after 3,000,000 cycles of fatigue loading The proposed adhesive bonding technique was installed in the bridge in August 2006

Abstract: A removable, modular, cargo deck trailer system may include different types of modular, interchangeable, removable deck units which are configured to be removably and interchangeably attached to a trailer. The different types of modular, interchangeable, removable deck units may collectively include a plurality of moving apparatus for moving cargo in a lengthwise direction relative to the deck units, for moving cargo in a vertical direction relative to the deck units, and for moving cargo in at least one of a widthwise direction relative to the deck units, and in a rotating direction relative to the deck units.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a cushioning device for treadmill, wherein the treadmill has a base with a side frame on each of its both sides, a deck disposed on the base to allow for the motions of running or walking by users, and a track surrounding and disposed on the deck. The deck is fastened to the base at least at its one end. At least one cushioning devices with adjustable cushion force are correspondingly disposed between the both sides of the deck and the side frames of the base. Each cushioning device has a plunger cylinder used to provide a cushion force in the reverse direction to cushion impact loads imparted on the deck while running or walking.

Abstract: The invention relates to multi deck passenger aircraft, having passenger cabins and/or service facilities arranged on the upper and lower deck and inner load bearing cell structure provided within aircraft body. The present invention is also directed toward methods for manufacturing derivative multi deck aircrafts. Energy absorbing, floatable cargo containers ( 24 ) attached to fuselage belly. External fuel tanks ( 26 ) displaced on the top of fuselage. Center wing region of the fuselage is using for arranging rows of seats and service facilities. Addition seating configuration for narrow and wide bodied aircraft is provided. Multi deck seating configuration significantly reduces per passenger operating cost over existing technology. Less fuel per passenger is required since there is less airframe weight and wetted area per passenger. Due to the lower overall cost per passenger seat within the multi deck seating structure, the net profit and return on investment in the aircraft are also increased.

Abstract: A foot-actuated mower deck lift mechanism for a riding lawnmower comprising first and second foot pedals for adjusting the cutting height of the mower deck. The foot pedals are suitable for engagement by an operator's foot to raise, latch and lower the cutting deck. The first pedal is connected to a lift linkage to adjust the height of the cutting deck upon actuation of the first pedal by the operator's foot. The second pedal is configured to automatically latch the mower deck into a raised transport position when the first pedal is depressed a preset amount, and to unlatch the mower deck upon actuation by the operator's foot. An adjustable pin-actuated height index mechanism is implemented to provide a plurality of predetermined cutting heights for the mower deck.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes an articulated deck comprising head, seat, leg and foot deck boards hingedly joined together and supported from a frame movable relative to a stationary base. An lumbar support assembly, including a linear actuator operatively coupled to one of the deck boards, includes a plate which may be raised or lowered through an opening the articulated deck.