Institute of Fundamental Technological Research

This paper presents equilibrium mechanics and a finite element model for analysing a scissor structure that contains pivots with zero bending stiffness representing structural instability. The pivot at the centre of each structural unit, which is a feature of scissor structures, can be used to transfer the displacement between the units. It cannot, however, transfer the rotation between these units, and the angular stiffness must be considered independently for each unit. To construct a general model of the scissor structure, a scissor unit was developed using the left and right boundary connections of adjacent units to simulate a periodically symmetric structure. The proposed method allows us to obtain an accurate distribution of the internal forces and deflections without the use of special elements to account for central pivots.

scissor structure, deployable structure, smart bridge, scissors finite element, equilibrium mechanics

Scissors mechanisms are commonly used in safety engineering during the construction of temporary structures, owing to their inherent advantages of foldability, transformability, and reusability. We effectively utilized these scissors mechanism features to develop a lightweight, deployable emergency Mobile Bridge (MB) based on optimization, and control of the folding structure. Here, we discuss the problems of optimal reinforcement layout for the MB by formulating and solving three optimization problems, namely: (a) the load capacity maximization problem, (b) the weight minimization problem, and (c) coupling the load capacity maximization problem and the weight minimization problem. The potential benefits resulting from the application of reinforcement were evaluated using a combination of finite element analysis and an optimization algorithm based on the differential evolution method. The results demonstrate the significant positive influence of the additional reinforcing members. In particular, the limit load was increased by over 10 times, while the weight was decreased to approximately half. The proposed methodology enabled the development of a substantially improved version of the MB characterized by a higher load capacity and lower weight in comparison to the initial bridge design.

Mobile Bridge™ is a deployable bridge that uses a scissors mechanism to achieve its useful structural form. The bridge has a compact size in its undeployed state and can be transported easily to where it is needed. Its rapid deployment makes this type of bridge very useful in areas struck by natural disasters by enabling vehicles to cross terrain that has been made impassable. In previous research, experiments and analyses were conducted on a small-scale bridge designed for pedestrians. In order to consider a bridge of increased size, it is necessary to assess whether design and analysis techniques of the small scale bridge are applicable to the full-scale one. In this paper, we consider a full-scale deployable bridge with a lower deck and two scissor units, that allows for a light vehicle to pass across. We have carried out a light vehicle loading test in order to investigate its basic structural characteristics. Furthermore, the paper presents the theoretical design method and numerical models based on the experimental work followed by validation and comparison with the obtained experimental values.

Full-scale Mobile Bridge, Scissor type of emergency bridge, Scissors mechanism, Vehicle loading test

We have experienced many times a phenomenon in which a bridge is washed away due to a typhoon, heavy rain in the rainy season, localized torrential rain, tsunami, and other flood disasters, or in which a bridge is damaged by an earthquake or a tremor. There is accordingly increasing demand for new technology and science to restore bridges that have been washed away or damaged. The paper presents a new type of emergency bridge, called Mobile Bridge™(MB), which can be quickly constructed in case of damages after a natural disaster. The concept of the bridge is based on the application of scissor-type mechanism, which provides its rapid deployment. Up to now several experimental MBs of different size were constructed and tested. The presented research reviews fundamental numerical and experimental results for the MB version 4.0 (MB4.0). Experimental testing included strain and acceleration measurements in free and forced loading conditions. From these results, it was possible to estimate basic dynamic characteristics of the bridge. Besides, in order to provide a basis for development of new construction methods for structural reinforcement and suppression of vibrations, various numerical analyses were conducted. The conducted research allows for a better and safer design of the movable and foldable full-scale bridge, the MB.

deployable bridge, scissors-type bridge, emergency bridge, light-weight structure, temporary bridge

The paper presents a new type of emergency bridge, which can be quickly constructed in case of damages after a natural disaster. The concept of the bridge is based on the application of scissor-type mechanism, which provides its rapid deployment. In case of deployable structures apart from static analysis of different configurations of expansion, it is very important to investigate the dynamic behavior of the system. High compliance and flexibility of the scissors-type bridge may influence user's comfort and safety in case of heavy dynamic loads such as human induced impacts, wind gusts or earthquakes. Up to now, the authors constructed several types of the experimental MBs. The presented research reviews fundamental numerical and experimental results for the Mobile Bridge 4.0. Experimental testing included strain and acceleration measurements in free and forced loading conditions. From these results, it was possible to estimate basic mechanics characteristics, that is statics and dynamic property, of the bridge. The conducted research allows for a better and safer design of the structure of the Mobile Bridge.

Deployable Bridge, Scissors-type bridge, Emergency Bridge, Dynamic property, Natural frequency, Acceleration measurement

The world has seen many kinds of natural disasters, which have critically influenced the residents' lives by causing damage to infrastructure. To realize rapid rescue efforts in an emergency situation, we propose a deployable emergency bridge, called Mobile Bridge TM [1], based on the theory of foldable structures[2]and the concept of Multi-Folding Microstructures (MFM)[3]. The current research presents the fundamental,numerical and experimental results obtained for the pedestrian and vehicle Mobile Bridges. In this paper, it is considered the localized linearization problem with the fixed an angle although this bridge contains a geometrical nonlinearity of scissors structure. Additionally, a seismic response analysis is conducted for the case where the Mobile Bridge is used in the disaster area as an emergency bridge. This allows for a better and safer structural design of the Mobile Bridge, which is patented in [4],[5].

The paper presents a new type of emergency bridge, which can be quickly constructed in case of damages after a natural disaster. The concept of the bridge is based on the application of scissor-type mechanism, which provides its rapid deployment. In case of deployable structures apart from static analysis of different configurations of expansion, it is very important to investigate the dynamic behavior of the system. High compliance and flexibility of the scissors-type bridge may influence user's comfort and safety in case of heavy dynamic loads such as human induced impacts, wind gusts or earthquakes. Up to now, the authors constructed several types of the experimental MBs. The presented research reviews fundamental numerical and experimental results for the Mobile Bridge 4.0. Experimental testing included strain and acceleration measurements in free and forced loading conditions. From these results, it was possible to estimate basic mechanics characteristics, that is statics and dynamic property, of the bridge. The conducted research allows for a better and safer design of the structure of the Mobile Bridge.

Deployable Bridge, Scissors-type bridge, Emergency Bridge, Dynamic property, Natural frequency, Acceleration measurement

scissor type of bridge, emergency bridge, strut reinforcement, sectional optimization

Many natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, torrential rains occur around the world, and we to undertake quick rescue actions. However, there are many recovery problems because of the occurrence of secondary disasters at each rescue worksite.So, from the previous study of optimal structures and control regulation of MFM[1]-[2], we propose a new type of foldable bridge with scissors structure called Mobile Bridge[3]. Applying scissors mechanism to bridge form, Mobile Bridge provides not only mobility but also good structural performance, because the whole bridge can be expand or fold quickly. In this paper, we discuss the vehicles passing test on the real scale Mobile Bridge in order to evaluate the design method and application limits.

Mobile Bridge, deployable structures, temporary bridges, scissors-type structures