IES69254B2 - A weighbridge - Google Patents

Abstract

A weighbridge (1) is located in a shallow pit (2) formed in a base (3) of reinforced concrete. The weighbridge (1) is formed by two identical parts (10) which are secured together. Each part (10) comprises a main frame (11) of steel surrounding a central platform (12) of reinforced concrete which is cast in situ in the main frame (11). Each main frame (11) comprises a pair of elongated side members (14) of I-section having a vertical web (15) and top and bottom flanges (16,17), respectively, portions (19) of which extend inwardly from the vertical web (15). End members (20) join the side members (14). Shuttering and reinforcing is located in each main frame (11), and concrete is poured into each part (10). The reinforced concrete tightly abuts the vertical webs (15) and the inwardly extending portions (19) of the side members (14) when the concrete has cured for minimising lateral torsional buckling of the side members (14) in use.

Description

A weighbridge The present invention relates to a weighbridge, and in particular, though not limited to a weighbridge of the type which is normally located at ground level for weighing road vehicles, for example, trucks, vans and the like.

Such weighbridges, in general, are of steel construction. They comprise a steel platform of metal plate material which is supported on a metal framework, which, in general, comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending and transversely extending members located beneath the platform. Diagonally extending members may also be provided in the framework. Alternatively, such weighbridges may comprise a frame having a pair of spaced apart side members joined by spaced apart end members, and a concrete platform is located within the frame.

Weighbridges constructed entirely of metal, have many disadvantages. In general, such weighbridges are factory manufactured, and the components of the weighbridge are welded together in the factory. The weighbridge must then be transported to its final location, generally, by way of road transport. Such weighbridges of entirely metal construction are relatively heavy and thus, relatively heavy duty equipment is required for transferring the weighbridge when constructed from the construction site to a truck, and in turn, for transferring the weighbridge from the truck to its final location, and furthermore, for manoeuvring the weighbridge into its final location. Thus, as well as the need for transporting a relatively heavy weighbridge by road, other heavy duty handling equipment must also be transported to the site of the weighbridge. This, it will be appreciated is relatively costly, and requires that costly heavy duty handling equipment is tied up on site for one or more days. This is rather wasteful of resources.

Furthermore, because of the amount of metal required in such weighbridges, weighbridges constructed entirely of metal tend to be relatively costly to produce and also to install.

In general, weighbridges which comprise a steel frame surrounding a concrete platform are also constructed in a factory and transported to the site, although, in certain cases, the concrete platform which is located within the frame may be poured on site. However, such weighbridges suffer from a number of disadvantages, in particular, the side members of the frame are inadequately supported by the concrete platform in a lateral direction. Accordingly, additional bracing is required to give lateral stability and for reducing stresses in the frame. This, thus, leads to additional expense, and in particular, significantly adds to the weight of the weighbridge.

There is therefore a need for a weighbridge which overcomes the problems of known weighbridges.

The present invention is directed.towards providing such a weighbridge.

According to the invention there is provided a weighbridge comprising a main frame surrounding a central platform of concrete, the main frame comprising a pair of elongated spaced apart side members joined at their respective corresponding ends by spaced apart elongated end members, wherein each side member is formed by a beam comprising an elongated substantially vertical web and spaced apart elongated top and bottom horizontal flanges extending along and inwardly from the vertical web, and the central platform comprises a top surface and a bottom surface, and extends into the side members and is located between the top and bottom flanges of the respective beams, the depth of the central platform adjacent the side members being such that the top and bottom surfaces of the central platform adjacent the side members tightly abut the respective top and bottom flanges of the side members. Preferably, the central platform abuts the vertical web of each side member, and advantageously, tightly abuts the vertical web of each side member.

In one aspect of the invention, the central platform is of reinforced concrete, and preferably, the concrete is poured on site when the main frame has been located in its final location.

Ideally, each side member comprises a beam of steel of I-section, and preferably, a universal column. Preferably, the end members are of steel and preferably of channel section.

In one aspect of the invention shuttering is provided at the lower end of the main frame for supporting the poured concrete during casting thereof. The shuttering may be provided by precast concrete slabs, and preferably, reinforced precast concrete slabs.

Ideally, reinforcing of the precast concrete slabs is integrated with reinforcing of the central platform so that the poured concrete of the central platform forms a single integral slab with the shuttering.

In a further aspect of the invention the top surface of the central platform which extends between the side members is substantially flush with a top surface of the respective top flanges of the side members.

Ideally, the depth of the central platform is deeper adjacent the side members than in a central portion of the central platform spaced apart from and between the side members.

Ideally, the shuttering is supported on a support means connected to the respective side members for supporting the shuttering at a level above the level of the bottom flanges of the side members. Preferably, the support means acts to retain concrete within the frame, and ideally, co-operates with the side members, end members and the shuttering for retaining the concrete within the main frame.

In one aspect of the invention the weighbridge is constructed from two such weighbridges, the weighbridges being secured together with their respective side members longitudinally aligned with each other. Preferably, flanges are provided on the adjacent ends of the side members of both weighbridges for bolting the adjacent weighbridges together.

In a further embodiment of the invention load cells are provided through which the weighbridge is mounted for weighing.

Additionally, the invention provides a weighbridge assembly comprising a base formed in the ground having means for carrying the load cells, and the weighbridge mounted on the base by the load cells. Ideally, at least one, and preferably, two ramps are provided to respective opposite ends of the weighbridge for accommodating driving a vehicle or the like onto the weighbridge.

Additionally, the invention provides a weighbridge in kit form comprising a pair of elongated side members and a pair of elongated end members, and means for joining the side and end members to form a main frame, shuttering for placing in or beneath the main frame for retaining poured concrete in the main frame, and means being provided on the side members for supporting the shuttering. Preferably, connecting means are provided for connecting reinforcing for the central platform to the side members .

Additionally the invention provides a method for forming a weighbridge from the kit, the method comprising the steps of assembling the side and end members and shuttering insitu, pouring the concrete into the main frame and allowing the concrete to cure.

Advantageously, the concrete is reinforced, and the method comprises the additional step of placing the reinforcing material in the main frame prior to pouring the concrete. Ideally, the reinforcing is steel reinforcing.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof which is given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a plan view of a weighbridge according to the invention insitu, Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the weighbridge insitu of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a plan view of the weighbridge of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of the weighbridge of Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is an end elevational view of the weighbridge of Fig. 1, Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of a portion of the weighbridge of Fig. 1, Fig. 7 is a plan view of the portion of Fig. δ of the weighbridge of Fig. 1, Fig. 8 is an end elevational view of a portion of 5 the weighbridge of Fig. 1, Fig. 9 is a plan view of the portion of Fig. 1, Fig. 10 is an end view of another portion of the weighbridge of Fig. 1, Fig. 11 is a plan view of the portion of Fig. 10, Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional end elevational view of a portion of the weighbridge of Fig. 1, Fig. 13 is a plan view of another portion of the weighbridge of Fig. 1, Fig. 14 is an end view of a portion of the 15 weighbridge of Fig. 1, Fig. 15 is an end view of another portion of the weighbridge of Fig. 1, Fig. 16 is a side elevational view of another portion of the weighbridge of Fig 1, Fig. 17 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a portion of a weighbridge according to another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 18 is a view similar to Fig. 17 of a portion of a weighbridge according to another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 19 is a view similar to Fig. 17 of a portion of a weighbridge according to a further embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 20 is a view similar to Fig. 17 of a portion of a weighbridge according to a still further embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 16, there is illustrated a weighbridge according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1, which in this embodiment of the invention is located in a shallow pit 2 formed in a base 3 of reinforced concrete. End ramps 4 of reinforced concrete integrally formed with the base accommodate a vehicle driving onto the weighbridge 1. The weighbridge 1 is supported on six mountings 8, each of which incorporate a load cell (not shown). The mountings 8 and load cells (not shown) will be well known to those skilled in the art, and since they do not form part of the invention, it is not intended to describe them in further detail. The base 3 is strengthened at 9 for supporting the mounting 8.

Turning now to the weighbridge 1, the weighbridge 1 is formed in two parts 10 which are secured together by bolts and nuts as will be described below. The parts are substantially identical to each other and from the point of view of the present invention any differences are irrelevant, and therefore will not be further referred to. Each part 10 comprises a main frame 11 of steel and a central platform 12 of reinforced concrete which is cast insitu in the main frame 11, as will be described below. The main frames each comprise a pair of elongated side members 14 which are provided by universal columns of I-section, each having a vertical web 15 and top and bottom flanges 16 and 17, respectively. Being of l'-section. the top and bottom flanges 16 and 17 extend both inwardly and outwardly of the side members 14 relative to the weighbridge 1. The portions of the top and bottom flanges 16 and 17 extending inwardly of the vertical web 15 are identified by the reference numeral 19. End members 20 of channel shape cross-section extend between the side members 14 and are secured to the side members 14 by end plates 22 and 23 which are welded to the side members 14. Connecting brackets 26 welded to and extending from a central web 25 of each end member 20 are secured to the end plates 22 and 23 by bolts and nuts (not shown).

Shuttering is located in the lower part of the main frame 11 for receiving concrete within the main frame 11. The shuttering in this embodiment of the invention comprises a plurality of precast reinforced concrete slabs 30 which extend between and are supported on the side members 14, see Fig. 12. Support means for supporting the slabs 30 comprise elongated support members 32 of angle iron which extend along the full length of the respective side members 14 and are welded to the corresponding inner portions 19 of the bottom flanges 17. Connecting means, provided by brackets 31 are welded to the vertical webs 15 of the side merabers 14 for receiving elongated reinforcing bars 33 of flat stock steel which extend inwardly from the side members within the main frame 11. The bars 33 are secured to the brackets 31 by bolts and nuts (not shown). Holes 34 through the bars 33 are provided for securing reinforcing material, in this embodiment of the invention reinforcing steel provided by weld mesh for reinforcing the concrete of the central platform 12. Although not illustrated, the slabs 30 are provided with reinforcing steel eyes extending upwardly therefrom for engagement with the steel reinforcing of the central platform 12 and for engagement with the bars 33, so that when poured the concrete of the central platform 12 forms a single integral slab with the slabs 30.

The end plates 22 are provided at the free ends of each part 10 of the weighbridge 1 while the end plates 23 are provided at the abutting ends of the parts 10 of the weighbridge 1. Both end plates 22 and 23 carry four holes 37 to which a connecting bracket 26 are secured by the bolts and nuts (not shown). Each end plate 23 is provided with six additional holes 39 for receiving bolts and nuts (not shown) for joining and securing the two parts 10 of the weighbridge 1 together.

In use, the base 3 of the weighbridge is first prepared. The components of the main frames 11 of the two parts 10 of the weighbridge 1 are delivered on site and assembled in position in the pit 2 of the base 3. The end members 20 are assembled to the side members 14 and the main frames 11 of the parts 10 of the weighbridge 1 are joined together by the bolts and nuts (not shown) through the end plates 23. The slabs 30 are lowered into the main frames 11 and supported on the support members 32. The slabs 30 are located on « the support members 32 so that they tightly abut each other side by side. The reinforcing bars 33 are secured to the brackets 31, and the steel reinforcing is supported on the bars 33 and secured thereto and separately from the slabs 30. Any remaining voids between the slabs 30 and the side members 14 and end members 20 are closed by any suitable closing medium, typically, heavy duty tape. The concrete of the central platform 12 is then poured so that the concrete fills the areas within the main frames 11, and is levelled to form a top surface 40 which is flush with a top surface 41 of the top flanges 16. It is essential that during pouring the concrete extends up to and tightly abuts the vertical webs 15 of the side members 14, and extends between the top and bottom flanges 16 and 17 so that top and bottom surfaces of the central platform 12 when the concrete has cured tightly abut the top and bottom flanges 16 and 17, respectively.

The concrete of the central platform 12 is allowed to cure, and the main frames 11 with the respective central platforms 12 therein are then supported on the mountings 8.

It has been found that provided the poured concrete of the central platform 12 extends up to the vertical webs 15 of each side member 14 and between the top and bottom flanges 16 and 17 significant strength against lateral torsional buckling of the side members is provided. Thus, the need to provide additional strengthening and reinforcing members and braces in the main frames 11 is avoided. Additionally, full lateral resistance to the top and bottom flanges of the side members is provided and lateral impact on the flanges, by, for example, a vehicle is effectively avoided. Thereby, problems associated with prior art weighbridges were the central concrete platform does not extend fully between the top and bottom flanges of a pair of side members is eliminated, and a weighbridge free of struts, braces and the like which would otherwise be required to reduce stresses in the frame is provided, and accordingly, a weighbridge having considerably less steel, and thus, lighter and less expensive is provided.

In this embodiment of the invention the slabs by virtue of being connected into the reinforcing of the poured concrete of the central platform 12 form a single integral slab with poured concrete of the central platform 12, and thus, a strong central platform is provided.

In this embodiment of the invention the central portion of the central platform 12 is of depth less than the depth of the portion of the central platform which <·, extends between the top and bottom flanges IS and 17.

The depth of the central portion of the central platform 12 can be reduced to a depth which is sufficient to support the loads to be accommodated by the weighbridge. However, as mentioned above, it is essential that the depth of the central platform 12 adjacent the side members 14 should be of depth so that the top and bottom surfaces of the central platform 12 adjacent the side members 14 tightly abut the top and bottom flanges IS and 17 of the side members.

As well as the advantages of the weighbridge already discussed, the weighbridge according to the invention has many other advantages. By virtue of the fact that the weighbridge can be delivered and assembled on site, handling of the components between the factory and the final location of the weighbridge is relatively simple, straightforward and can be carried out inexpensively without the need for special heavy duty equipment and 1' machinery. By virtue of the fact that the central platform of the weighbridge is of concrete and may be cast insitu, a particularly advantageous construction of weighbridge is provided.

Additionally, by use of concrete for forming the central platform, the cost of the weighbridge is considerably less than those weighbridges known heretofore manufactured entirely of steel.

Referring now to Fig. 17 there is illustrated a transverse cross-sectional view of a portion of a weighbridge according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 50. The weighbridge 50 is substantially similar to the weighbridge 1, and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the weighbridge 50 and the weighbridge 1 is that instead of precast concrete slabs being provided for acting as a deck for supporting the concrete of the central platform 12, the slabs 30 are replaced by metal decking 51. In this embodiment of the invention the metal decking is at a level above the bottom flange 17, and during pouring of the concrete of the central platform 12 the metal decking 51 is supported on a pair of screeds (not shown) adjacent the opposite side members 14. The screeds (not shown) also support the concrete of the central platform 12 while it is being poured, and retain the concrete between the top and bottom flanges 16 and 17. Needless to say, the concrete of the central platform 12 is reinforced in substantially similar fashion as is the concrete of the central platform 12 of the weighbridge 1.

Typically, it is envisaged that the concrete of the ι> central platform 12 of the weighbridge 50 would be poured while the main frame 11 is resting on the base 3 of the pit 2, and the opposite screeds (not shown) for supporting the metal decking 51 at the desired level would be supported on the base 3. After pouring the central platform 12 of each part 10, the weighbridge 1 would be jacked up and supported on the mountings 8.

In this embodiment of the invention side kerbs 52 are provided on the side members 14 for guiding the wheels of a vehicle.

Referring now to Fig. 18 there is illustrated a transverse cross-sectional view of a portion of a weighbridge according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 55. This weighbridge 55 is substantially similar to the weighbridge 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between this weighbridge 55 and the weighbridge 1 is that the concrete of the central platform 12 is neither supported on precast concrete slabs or metal decking.

The concrete of the central platform 12 of each part 10 of the weighbridge 55 is poured with the main frame 11 of each part 10 resting on the base 3 of the pit 2.

Prior to pouring the concrete of the central platform 12 a layer 56 of filler material, typically, expanded polystyrene material is placed on the base 3 to fill a portion of each central platform 12 where concrete is not required. The concrete of the central platforms 12 is reinforced with steel in substantially similar fashion as is the central platform 12 of the weighbridge 1. On the concrete of the central platform 12 having cured, the expanded polystyrene layer 56 is removed if desired.

Referring now to Pig. 19 there is illustrated a transverse cross-sectional view of a portion of another weighbridge also according to the invention which is indicated generally by the reference numeral 60. The weighbridge 60 is substantially similar to the weighbridge 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment of the invention the top surface 61 of the central platform 12 away from the side members 14 is at a level below the level of the top surface of the top flanges 16.

However, the portion of the concrete of the central platform 12 adjacent the side member 14 extends tightly between the top and bottom flanges 16 and 17 and tightly abuts the vertical web 15 of the side members 14. The central platform 12 is reinforced in similar fashion as is the central platform 12 of the weighbridge 1. In the construction of the weighbridge 50, the main frame 11 of each part 10 is placed on the base 3 over a sheet of impermeable material, such as a sheet of heavy duty polythene which retains the concrete of the central portion 12 during casting.

Fig. 20 illustrates a portion 55 of a weighbridge according to a still further embodiment of the invention. However, the weighbridge 55 is substantially similar to the weighbridge 50 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The top surface 51 of the central platform 12 of the weighbridge 55 is at a lower level to that of the top surface of the top flanges 15 of the side members. This is substantially similar to the weighbridge 50. A timber clamp 65 which does not form part of the weighbridge 55 is illustrated in Fig. 20 for supporting the concrete between the top and bottom flanges 16 and 17 while the concrete is being cast and until it has commenced to cure. Otherwise, the weighbridge 55 is similar to the weighbridge 50.

It is envisaged in certain cases that instead of providing the shuttering as slabs of reinforced concrete any other suitable form of shuttering may be provided, for example, corrugated metal decking as illustrated in Fig. 17, timber, sheet steel or the like. Indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the central platform may be cast insitu by resting the main frame or frames 11 on the base of the pit and placing sheet polythene over the base for receiving the poured concrete, as, for example, is illustrated in Figs. 19 and 20.

While in this embodiment of the invention the central platform has been described as being of concrete which is cast insitu, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the central platform may be entirely precast and delivered on site.

It is also envisaged that where the top surface of the central platform is flush with the top surface of the top flanges of the side members, the weighbridge may be arranged so that wheels of vehicles will drive onto the top flanges of the side members. In such cases, it is envisaged that external fendering for guiding and retaining the wheels on the weighbridge would be provided.

Additionally, while particular types of reinforcing have been described for reinforcing the concrete of the central platform, any other suitable reinforcing may be used, for example, hair pin reinforcement welded to the vertical webs of the side members with or without stiffeners .

The invention is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described which may be varied in construction and detail.

Claims (5)

1. = A weighbridge comprising a main frame surrounding a central platform of concrete, the main frame comprising a pair of elongated spaced apart side members joined at their respective corresponding ends by spaced apart elongated end members, wherein each side member is formed by a beam comprising an elongated substantially vertical web and spaced apart elongated top and bottom horizontal flanges extending along and inwardly from the vertical web, and the central platform comprises a top surface and a bottom surface, and extends into the side members and is located between the top and bottom flanges of the respective beams, the depth of the central platform adjacent the side members being such that the top and bottom surfaces of the central platform adjacent the side members tightly abut the respective top and bottom flanges of the side members.

2. A weighbridge as claimed in Claim 1 in which the central platform abuts the vertical web of each side member.

3. A weighbridge as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the central platform is of reinforced concrete, and the concrete is poured on site when the main frame has been located adjacent its final location.

4. A weighbridge as claimed in any preceding claim in which the top surface of the central platform which extends between the side members is substantially flush with a top surface of the respective top flanges of the 5. Side members.

5. A weighbridge substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings .