Pipeline crossing bridge

Abstract

A bridge comprising a first ground contacting pad and a second ground contacting pad spaced apart from one another, three or more ribs with lateral stabilizing elements extending between adjacent ribs of the three or more ribs, and an upper crossing surface supported by the three or more ribs. Each rib of the three or more ribs is supported on the first and second ground contacting pads. Each of the first and second ground contacting pads extends underneath each rib of the three or more ribs. The ribs collectively form an arch extending between the first and second ground contacting pads.

1 . A pipeline crossing bridge for vehicles comprising:
 a first ground contacting pad and a second ground contacting pad spaced apart from one another;   plural ribs with lateral stabilizing elements extending between adjacent ribs of the plural ribs, in which each rib of the plural ribs is supported on the first ground contacting pad and the second ground contacting pad and the ribs collectively form a raised arch extending between the first ground contacting pad and the second ground contacting pad, and in which each of the first ground contacting pad and the second ground contacting pad extends underneath each rib of the plural ribs;   an upper crossing surface supported by the plural ribs; and   one or more lateral alignment elements on each side of the pipeline crossing bridge for interlocking with one or more lateral alignment elements of one or more adjacent pipeline crossing bridges.   
     
     
         2 . The pipeline crossing bridge of  claim 1  positioned over a pipeline, in which the pipeline has a diameter and the first ground contacting pad and the second ground contacting pad are spaced apart wider than the diameter of the pipeline. 
     
     
         3 - 4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The pipeline crossing bridge of  claim 1  in which the pipeline crossing bridge has a lateral width of twelve feet six inches or less. 
     
     
         6 . The pipeline crossing bridge of  claim 1  further comprising a lower apron secured under the ribs, over the arch and between the ground contacting pads. 
     
     
         7 . The pipeline crossing bridge of  claim 1  in which the upper crossing surface has a first longitudinal radius of curvature, the raised arch has a second longitudinal radius of curvature, and the first longitudinal radius of curvature is larger than the second longitudinal radius of curvature. 
     
     
         8 . The pipeline crossing bridge of  claim 1  in which the bridge has a lateral width sufficiently narrow to allow horizontal transportation without the use of a pilot vehicle. 
     
     
         9 . The pipeline crossing bridge of  claim 8  in which the bridge has a lateral width of twelve feet six inches or less. 
     
     
         10 . The pipeline crossing bridge of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of lateral supports positioned between the plural ribs and the upper crossing surface. 
     
     
         11 . The pipeline crossing bridge of  claim 1  formed as an arcuate mat. 
     
     
         12 . The pipeline crossing bridge of  claim 1  in which the raised arch is a segmental arch. 
     
     
         13 . The pipeline crossing bridge of  claim 6  in which the lower apron and upper crossing surface define a hollow interior containing the plural ribs and lateral stabilizing elements. 
     
     
         14 . The pipeline crossing bridge of  claim 1  in which the plural ribs comprise three or more ribs. 
     
     
         15 . A method comprising placing the pipeline crossing bridge of  claim 1  over a buried pipeline. 
     
     
         16 . A method comprising placing the pipeline crossing bridge of  claim 1  over a ground surface lacking a foundation. 
     
     
         17 . A pipeline crossing bridge for vehicles comprising:
 a first ground contacting pad and a second ground contacting pad spaced apart from one another;   plural ribs with lateral stabilizing elements extending between adjacent ribs of the plural ribs, in which each rib of the plural ribs is supported on the first ground contacting pad and the second ground contacting pad and the ribs collectively form a raised arch extending between the first ground contacting pad and the second ground contacting pad, and in which each of the first ground contacting pad and the second ground contacting pad extends underneath each rib of the plural ribs;   an upper crossing surface supported by the plural ribs, the upper crossing surface being arcuate and having a maximum slope of twenty degrees relative to a ground surface;   one or more lateral alignment elements on each side of the pipeline crossing bridge for interlocking with one or more lateral alignment elements of one or more adjacent pipeline crossing bridges;   a lower apron secured under the ribs, over the arch and between the ground contacting pads; and   the pipeline crossing bridge being formed as an arcuate mat having a range of vertical thicknesses, from a first end of the pipeline crossing bridge to a second end of the pipeline crossing bridge, with ten inches or less deviation from a mean vertical thickness.   
     
     
         18 . The pipeline crossing bridge of  claim 17  in which the upper crossing surface has a first longitudinal radius of curvature from the first pipeline crossing bridge end to the second pipeline crossing bridge end, the raised arch has a second longitudinal radius of curvature, and the first longitudinal radius of curvature is larger than the second longitudinal radius of curvature. 
     
     
         19 . The pipeline crossing bridge of  claim 17  in which the pipeline crossing bridge is positioned over a pipeline, in which the pipeline has a diameter, and the first ground contacting pad and the second ground contacting pad are spaced apart wider than the diameter of the pipeline.