Pre-Tensioned Discrete Element Support System

Abstract

A matting system comprised of an assembly of discrete, individual small mat segments connected by pre-tensioned cable elements. The mat segments are configured to displace at the connecting surfaces of the mat segments at a predetermined load. The pre-tensioned cable elements holding the mat segments together are elastic through a reasonable displacement range so that the mat segments of the matting system will reassemble after the applied load is removed.

Description

PRIORITY[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 655,017 tiled Jun. 4, 2012, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to the field of construction and crane matting, and more particularly to a pre-tensioned matting assembly comprised of a plurality of is discrete mat segments.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Matting systems are utilized to provide temporary support surfaces or structures for construction sites and for temporary roadways. Such matting systems are typically utilized in areas having poor soil conditions that would not otherwise be accessible to heavy trucks, cranes, and construction equipment. Typical matting systems are comprised of a plurality of boards or panel elements that are fastened together to create a mat surface. Such designs rely on the properties of the beam strength (strength is in direction of beam) of the boards or panel elements...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The presented design provides a matting system comprised of an assembly of a plurality of discrete, individual small parts or mat segments that are held together by a pre-tensioned wire or rod connector. The mat segments are designed to “give”, i.e. separate, at their adjoining connecting surfaces when the matting system is overloaded. The pre-tensioned connector holding the mat segments together is elastic through a reasonable displacement range so that the matting system will reassemble itself after the applied load is removed. Energy stored in the pre-tensioned connector assembly facilitates the positive return of the overstressed support structure back to its initial configuration.

[0008]In the presented design, the primary strength (for the matting system having a one dimensional tension system) is in the direction of assembly. The prefabricated “beam” of mat segments may be relatively weak when initially fitted together but the beam strength of the mat segments greatly enhanced when the mat segments are linked together by the pre-tensioned connector. Further, the construction geometry of the linked mat segments need not be limited to the shape of a beam or any other particular shapes. The mat segments would be made from a variety of skeletonized elements framed by a matrix of suitable material such as one made from plastic composites.

Problems solved by technology

The failure of such matting systems is primarily is due to excessive moment loads on the mat components (mat bending).

Increasing the size of the boards or panel elements of the matting system increases the moment load potential for the matting system.

Thus, a very small mat is difficult to break when compared to a large mat.

In practice, mats that are very small are not practical to use because of high installation costs and the number of connections required.

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