Abstract
Box beams are a
safe and quick way to build bridges. They are typically manufactured by casting
reinforced concrete around a foam core in a mold or formwork. In case of the
standard box beams, inspecting the interior of the beams post-cast is
challenging since the foam core fills the central space of the box beams. As a
result, inspecting the rate of degradation of the box beams due to water
seeping into the cracks is not easy. There is a need for a reinforced concrete
beam that can be cast in a single concrete pour that still has an internal void
to be used for inspecting the beam surfaces after casting.FIU researchers
provide methods for a concrete I-beam for bridge construction. An I-beam can
include flanges extending from a web that is joined to flanges of another beam.
When joined, two beams form an open internal void. The beams can be made of
concrete and can include an embedded reinforcement cage. A sectional formwork
can be used to construct a beam without the need for a foam core, which
provides accuracy and precision of the beam dimensions.
Benefit
Can be manufactured using a formwork that can be filled in a single pour.A foam core is not required, allowing for post-cast inspection of the interior void surface of the final beam structure
Market Application
The method has applications in the construction of structures such as bridges.
Brochure
