PSI - Issue 64

Fernando Nunes et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 64 (2024) 1081–1088 Author name / Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2019) 000 – 000

1083

3

The feature of reusability, attributed to the clamped joints due to the absence of permanent alterations to the metallic profiles, marks a significant stride towards sustainable engineering practices. This characteristic aligns with the construction industry's shift towards resource efficiency and minimizing environmental impacts. Thus, clamped joints' operational mechanism offers a robust and cost-effective assembly solution and meets the environmental and efficiency standards required in contemporary engineering practices. 4. Anchoring and Inspection Structure with Clamped Joints External Installation - System description This is the proposal for the Anchoring and Inspection Structure with Clamped Joints for External Installation. The system utilizes L-shaped profiles anchored to the lower chords of trusses with height-adjustable clamps to accommodate flange thickness variations typical of historic structures. An adjustment and reinforcement plate featuring slotted holes is integrated to level the walkway surface, ensuring stability and structural integrity under maintenance loads. Illustrated in Figure 2, the assembly method of the platform module and mechanisms for adjustment and reinforcement is designed to manage bending stresses efficiently. By limiting the dimensions of the L-profile, the design achieves a balance between structural capacity and practical manageability, making it an effective solution for external inspections and maintenance (Cabaleiro et al., 2023).

Fig. 2. A 3D view of the developed walkway system showcases an assembled platform module, highlighting the intricacies of the L-shaped profile, adjustment plate, and clamps. 5. Assembly process The assembly process, detailed in Figure 3, involves initially positioning two L-beams secured by clamps on the truss's lower chord, roughly 400 mm apart and adjustable for rivet spacing. Lightweight components allow single person handling. The steps include attaching a 500 mm grating module to the beams, adding a third beam for a 1000 mm wide module, and then two more L-beams with spacing adjusted for rivets. The process ends with a 500 mm grid module. This efficient method, clarified by the visual, simplifies assembly.

Fig. 3. Illustration of the maintenance structure assembly process; (b) and (c) represent the process being carried out on a real bridge.