[INNOVATIONS] BRIDGE-IN-A-BACKPACK Pioneering A New Building Technology
After nearly a decade of working to develop its Bridge-in-a-Backpack technology, Advanced Infrastructure Technologies and the University of Maine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center has received one of the highest honors in the engineering industry.
Brainchild of the Bridge-in-a-Backpack concept and AEWC director Habib Dagher was presented with the American Society of Civil Engineers Charles Pankow Award for innovation. Te Bridge-in-a-Backpack won in the
category for innovation after a unanimous vote from a national review committee. Te Pankow award was established by the American Society of Civil Engineers to rec- ognize collaboration in innovative design, materials used, and construction-related re- search and development that transfers into a practical application in the real world. Te Bridge-in-a-Backpack earned its
name from the materials that make up the structural spine of the bridge. It’s not a whole bridge in one bag — rather, it’s the materials for one arch of a bridge that fit into a hockey equipment-size duffel bag. Te fiber-reinforced polymer (composite) tubes are relatively light and portable, and could be transported to the construction site in this manner. During the construction phase, these composite tubes, which typically measure 12 inches in diameter, are inflated and formed into arches. Using a vacuum pump, the tubes are treated with an epoxy resin, causing them to stiffen into shape; installed several feet apart; and filled with concrete. Covered with a composite deck form topped with concrete and compacted soil, the tubes can support a standard gravel- and-asphalt roadway.
(bottom left) Filling the arches is equally simple and fast. • (bottom right) Placement of the Lightweight Arches is simple and can be done in one day, by hand or with the aid of a small boom.
Photos courtesy of Advanced Infrastructure Technologies WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE MAY-JUNE 2011 27
Royal River Bridge, Maine DOT
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