Universal bridge deck vibrating system

Abstract

A vibration system that fits on top of a conventional truss with minimal alteration. The system comprises a propulsion assembly powering a vibration assembly. The propulsion assembly comprises two parallel rails forming a lateral path between truss ends and supporting a mobile carriage. Each rail comprises abutting segments coextensively surmounting the truss. Each segment attaches at respective truss cross-beams to define a continuous runway for carriage movement. Each segment also defines a channel for a chain rack anchored at opposite truss ends. The carriage comprises an undercarriage supporting an offset platform. The undercarriage comprises a rail-spanning frame with supporting runway tracking wheels. A motor propels the carriage by turning an axle with terminal pinions entrained about the rack. The offset counterbalances the vibration assembly to reduce torsion. A coupling hitch protrudes from the platform opposite the offset to support the vibration assembly. The vibration assembly comprises an elevator that vertically displaces a gang of vibrators between deployed and retracted positions. The elevator comprises a hydraulic cylinder coaxially centered between two sleeves with sliding arms that couple the gang to the elevator. The gang comprises a plurality of quick-coupling pendulous vibrators across the truss front. A motor drives multiple vibrators via a split axle connected to several gearboxes in series. When deployed, the vibrator tip thrusts into the concrete and undulates rapidly for a selected time. Afterwards, the vibrators retract and the carriage moves to an adjacent vibrated sector of concrete until completely traversing the truss. They system may operate automatically or manually.