| Abstract |
We propose to develop, build, validate and subsequently exploit a unique air-bridge for surface transport vehicles that utilizes structural, high performance composite fabric, computer –controlled, pressurized air-filled beams (hereafter called High Bearing Capacity (HBC) air-beams) as the primary load-bearing structural spanning members. Scaled prototype HBC air-beams using a variety of commercial fabrics have been developed by CIMNE in the past few years and used to demonstrate the conceptual feasibility of such beams.
The objective of the project is therefore to develop the HBC air-beam technology of CIMNE into a fully functioning and easily deployable air-bridge. By an air-bridge we mean a light weight, low pressure, adaptive bridge formed by a collection of HBC beams connected by an upper deck of metallic, composite or hybrid material.
The new air-bridge will be readily applicable for facilitating emergency evacuation tasks, communication, provision of resources and rebuilding of devastated areas due to natural disasters. Indeed, many other applications of the air-bridges developed in this project exist in surface transport engineering (cars, lorries and trains) and in the building construction sector, among others. |
