COMPUTER-AID METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING AND VISUALIZING FORCE FLOWS IN A SCAFFOLDING

Description

Reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority from German patent application No. 10 2019 216 792.6, filed on October 30, 2019.

[0002] The present invention relates to a system for determining and visualizing at least force flows, but optionally also moment curves, in a rod-supporting structure, which may be designed, for example, in the form of a scaffolding and comprises several vertically extending and spaced-apart ladders or support elements, which are detachably connected to strut elements extending diagonally and / or horizontally thereto via scaffolding couplings. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a computer-aided method for planning the arrangement of load sensors in such a rod-supporting structure and to a computer-aided method for monitoring the operation of the rod-supporting structure with built-in load sensors. Furthermore, the invention relates to computer programs.

[0003] The field of application of the invention extends to the construction and monitoring of sensor-equipped rod-supporting structures, which can be designed as an auxiliary structure in the form of scaffolding, for example, a working scaffold, protective scaffold, or falsework, and are generally used to make building sections under construction or to be renovated, in particular building facades, accessible to construction workers. Furthermore, the invention also extends to applications of rod-supporting structures in the form of floor props, push-pull props, as well as climbing structures or tunnel formwork. State of the art

[0004] The system scaffolds of interest here are based on the general state of the art. They essentially consist of vertical ladder or support elements and diagonally or horizontally extending strut elements, which are releasably held together with scaffolding couplers. Swivel couplers or parallel couplers, for example, are used as scaffolding couplers. The aforementioned components are provided according to a modular system and can be combined to form different scaffolding structures depending on the building section to be scaffolded.

[0005] According to applicable regulations, such as those of the German Institute for Building Technology (DIBt), planners and users of scaffolding are required to provide structural verification using generally accepted calculations of the scaffolding's underlying beam structure. However, in practice, overloading of erected scaffolding can occur, for example, if load-bearing capacity is exceeded or if connecting elements become loose near nodes. Such events endanger safety on the construction site.

[0006] XP055769476 discloses a system for determining and visualizing force flows in a beam structure.

[0007] It is therefore the object of the present invention to create a system and a corresponding method with which the current load situation of a scaffold can be monitored in a simple manner. Disclosure of the invention

[0008] The problem is solved based on a system according to the preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with its characterizing features. Regarding a computer-aided method for planning the arrangement of load sensors in a bar structure representing a scaffold, reference is made to claim 11.

[0009] Claims 17 and 18 are directed to computer programs.

[0010] The invention includes the technical teaching that at least one load-critical part of the support elements and / or strut elements and / or scaffolding couplers of the rod support structure, which can be identified based on empirical values, is equipped with load sensors for recording static operating load values. The measured values ​​are evaluated in real time by a downstream analysis unit to detect current load situations of the scaffolding. The load sensors of the rod support structure, networked according to the invention, allow an evaluation with regard to very different load situations.

[0011] The advantage of the inventive solution lies in the fact that it creates an intelligent scaffolding system that is amenable to metrological load analysis. Not all structural elements of the scaffolding need to be equipped with the load sensors according to the invention, but only the load-critical part. The load-critical part of the scaffolding is considered to be those areas that, due to their arrangement and operational load, are subject to greater bending, kinking, or similar deformations than the other areas of the scaffolding. This load-critical part is determined from the structural design and can also be identified, for example, through a load simulation.

[0012] The solution according to the invention can be used not only with conventional scaffolding but also in conjunction with other supporting structures, such as ceiling formwork, tunnel linings, or bridge scaffolding, which are also included here. With the help of the load sensor technology, damaging forces and moments become visible before damage occurs, thus significantly improving construction site safety. Furthermore, by evaluating the operational load of a scaffolding, it can also be determined whether all of the scaffolding elements installed there are absolutely necessary, or whether partial dismantling of the scaffolding can be carried out to save material, for example by dismantling individual support elements. This can be desirable in a later construction phase, for example, when a scaffold is only used for less demanding work.Furthermore, the load sensor system according to the invention can also be used for life cycle monitoring of scaffolding elements.

[0013] The load sensors of the type of interest here are preferably designed as sensor elements for detecting normal forces, transverse forces, and / or bending moments of column or strut elements of the beam structure. These can be integrated directly into the column or strut elements and are thus protected from damage. For example, a plate sensor can be used as a sensor element for detecting normal forces. Strain gauges on struts or columns or directly on the plate sensor can also be used to detect bending moments.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the load sensor provided for detecting normal forces is integrated into the associated support element in such a way that the load sensor is placed between a lower and an upper part or at one of the ends of the support element in order to absorb compressive and tensile forces acting on the support element. In other words, the load sensor is thus combined with the support element in a sandwich arrangement. To prevent buckling of the support element in this arrangement, a central guide pin or the like can, for example, connect the two parts of the support element to one another in an axially movable manner. The load sensor provided for this arrangement can be designed as an add-on part in order to retrofit support elements with this.

[0015] In addition, it is also possible to integrate load sensors for detecting bending moments in scaffolding couplers, as these usually represent the nodes of the underlying bar structure where maximum bending moments occur, which represent essential load information.

[0016] According to a measure further improving the invention, the analysis unit connected to such a load sensor system issues a warning message to a responsible person on the construction site via a suitable communication channel in the event of an overload Ü of the rod support structure determined by comparing the current load situation A with a predefined limit load situation G during its operation.

[0017] If the analysis unit is located directly on the scaffolding, this can be achieved, for example, by acoustic signaling on site. If the analysis unit is located centrally and connected to the local load sensor system via a communication channel, for example, based on radio data transmission, the warning message in the event of an overload can be transmitted to the construction site via bidirectional communication on a return channel. This can also be done, for example, to a mobile device of a site manager.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the central or local analysis unit can be connected to a graphical monitoring unit for visualizing load ranges of varying strengths on the beam structure. The load ranges can be determined during the planning stage for the arrangement of load sensors, for example, from a load simulation and are made available during the operation of a scaffold through the continuous evaluation of measured values.

[0019] The monitoring unit for visualizing different load areas of the rod structure can also be part of a mobile device on site in order to be able to carry out an immediate assessment.

[0020] According to a measure further developing the invention, it is proposed that the mobile terminal be equipped with short-range detection means for locally reading the measured value of an individual load sensor. Such short-range detection means can, for example, contain a QR code reader, RFID chip, or the like to identify the load sensor, and a corresponding QR code or RFID transponder is provided on the load sensor as an optical or electronic identification means. This allows individual value recording of load data to be carried out on-site. The mobile terminal can also be configured to calculate the total of read-in individual values ​​to determine and output a total load (distribution). As a result, for example, concreting cycles can be recorded and easily saved for documentation purposes and transferred to the central storage unit for archiving.

[0021] Alternatively, however, it is also possible to configure at least the analysis unit of the system according to the invention as a component of a central server device, which is connected to the local load sensors of the scaffolding on the construction site via at least one communication channel. This configuration thus allows centrally provided computing capacity to be fully utilized. The central server device also forms an optional prerequisite for storing learning data from current monitoring processes obtained from the analysis unit on an assigned storage unit, which can, for example, support future planning of sensor arrangements in the same or similar beam structures.

[0022] According to the invention, the system further comprises a planning unit for planning the arrangement of load sensors in a rod-shaped supporting structure, which unit processes the static planning data supplied to it on the input side. This allows the arrangement of load sensors in a scaffold to be easily planned using the method described below: A computer-aided method for planning the arrangement of load sensors in a rod-shaped supporting structure of the system described above comprises the steps according to claim 11.

[0023] In addition, the planning of the load sensors to be positioned for monitoring purposes also includes subsequent connection planning of a suitable central or local analysis unit for measuring signal evaluation.

[0024] Once a scaffolding designed in this way has been erected on the construction site, the required operational monitoring with regard to overload can then be carried out, which includes the following essential steps: Continuous recording of measurement data from the load sensors in the rod structure by the analysis unit, evaluation of the recorded measurement data with regard to overload situations of the rod structure during operation.

[0025] This is the prerequisite for an optional warning message to be issued to the person responsible on the construction site to avert danger if an overload situation occurs.

[0026] For enhanced load monitoring, the measurement data from the load sensors integrated into or arranged on the support elements can also be evaluated to determine the presence and / or movement of people on the scaffolding. This can, for example, detect an impending scaffold overload if the maximum permissible number of people is exceeded. Furthermore, temporary load differences between support elements can also provide data on movements on the scaffolding, for example, to obtain information about construction progress.

[0027] Furthermore, the measurement data can also be evaluated for the presence of additional objects on the scaffolding. These could be pallets, building materials, or scaffolding equipment, for example. These are typically loads that remain immobile for an extended period of time and thus create an additional local static load. This local static load, like the movable (personnel) loads, can be clearly displayed graphically on a mobile device on site or a central monitoring instance for monitoring purposes.

[0028] Furthermore, it is conceivable that, as part of the load monitoring, the measurement data from the load sensors integrated into or arranged on the support elements could be evaluated to identify improperly positioned, particularly improperly inclined, support elements through a plausibility check. If, in a group of support elements expected to be equally loaded, one support element deviates due to an unusually lower load measurement, this could indicate an inclined position.

[0029] Furthermore, by comparing the measurement data of adjacent support elements, the construction progress of a distributed load carried by them can be determined, for example, during the sectioned concreting of a building's suspended ceiling. This can be output on-site in the form of so-called live data, for example, to detect unacceptably uneven load distributions at an early stage so that they can be corrected if necessary before a construction defect and / or scaffold overload occurs.

[0030] The computer-aided method for planning the arrangement of the load sensors can be implemented by a corresponding computer program whose commands can be executed on the planning unit mentioned above.

[0031] The method for monitoring the operation of the rod structure with the load sensors can be implemented as a computer program which is executed on the analysis unit specified above, which is part of a central server device. Detailed description of the drawing

[0032] Further measures improving the invention are described in more detail below, together with the description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, with reference to the figures. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a scaffolding for supporting formwork panels for concreting a building part, Fig. 2 a perspective view of a part of the scaffolding according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a system for determining and visualizing force flows in the rod structure representing the scaffolding, Fig. 4 a flow chart of a computer-aided method for planning the arrangement of load sensors in the rod structure, and Fig. 5 a flow chart of the computer-aided method for monitoring the operation of the rod structure.

[0033] According to Fig. 1 A rod support structure 1 in the form of scaffolding is mounted on a building section 2. In this arrangement, the rod support structure 1 serves to support a formwork element 3a, which is combined with two further formwork elements 3b and 3c in order to concrete a wall section 4 of the building section 2.

[0034] The Fig. 2represents an exemplary part of the scaffolding and thus of the rod-shaped supporting structure 1. This comprises a total of three vertical support elements 5a to 5c arranged at a distance from one another, which are assembled with three horizontal strut elements 6a to 6c running transversely thereto and a strut element 6d running diagonally between the vertical support elements 5a and 5b for stabilization. The individual structural elements are detachably connected to one another with standard scaffolding couplers 7 (exemplary). The illustrated area of ​​the rod structure 1 forms a load-critical part of the

[0035] Scaffolding, which is equipped with load sensors 8a to 8c (exemplary), each of which is integrated into the scaffolding elements. The individual load sensors 8a to 8c record the component stresses during use of the scaffolding and transmit them via an at least partially wireless communication channel to a remotely located central analysis unit 9 for evaluating the current load situations of the scaffolding.

[0036] According to Fig. 3 The system for determining and visualizing force flows in the rod structure 1, illustrated here in the form of a block diagram, comprises the several load sensors 8a to 8c of the rod structure 1 specified above.

[0037] The analysis unit 9 uses the measured values ​​to determine the normal forces FN, the shear forces FQ and the bending moments MB in the rod support structure 1, which represent the current load situation A of the scaffolding. The current load situation A is compared with a predefined limit load situation G in order to determine an overload Ü of the rod support structure 1 if this is exceeded. Such an overload Ü is then transmitted via a feedback communication channel as a warning message W to a responsible person P on the construction site. This can be done, for example, by signaling on a mobile device 11 of the responsible person P via an app or a messenger. This gives the responsible person P on the construction site the opportunity to react to the signaled overload Ü in a way that prevents an accident.

[0038] For monitoring purposes, the central analysis unit 9 is connected to a graphical monitoring unit integrated into the app of the mobile device 11 of the responsible party P for visualizing load situations of the rod structure 1. In addition, the current load situation can also be centrally visually monitored via another monitoring unit 11 located in the area of ​​the central analysis unit 9.

[0039] The analysis unit 9 is a central component of a server device and is connected via sensor-specific communication channels 12a to 12c to the local load sensors 8a to 8c of the scaffolding representing the rod structure 1 on the construction site.

[0040] Furthermore, the analysis unit 9 is connected to a storage unit 13 for storing learning data to support future planning of sensor arrangements in the same or similar rod structures 1'.

[0041] For this purpose, a planning unit 14 is provided as a further component of the central server facility. The planning unit 14 is intended for planning the arrangement of the load sensors 8a to 8c in the rod structure 1, thus creating the prerequisite for subsequent implementation and monitoring. Therefore, the planning to be carried out with the planning unit 14 must be carried out before the load monitoring. The planning unit 14 is also connected to the graphical monitoring unit 10 for visualizing the installation planning and uses the dimensioning data resulting from the static planning 15 of the rod structure 1 to carry out the planning task.

[0042] In the Fig. 4The computer-aided method for planning the arrangement of load sensors 8a to 8c in a rod structure 1 of the system described above is illustrated. The following steps are carried out, wherein the reference numerals refer to the system representation according to Fig. 3Refer to: Initially, a provision a of a static plan 15 of the rod support structure 1 to be implemented as scaffolding is required. Based on this, an identification b of load areas in the rod support structure 1 at risk of overload is then carried out, for example by load simulation. Based on this, a selection c of suitable load sensors 8a to 8c is carried out, which are suitable for load recording on the relevant scaffolding parts in the identified load area at risk of overload. The selected load sensors 8a to 8c are finally arranged by positioning D in the load area of ​​the rod support structure 1 at risk of overload in order to be able to measure the current load situation therein.Finally, as part of the planning process, the data connection to the analysis unit 9 must be determined. This can be established, for example, via radio data transmission, mobile radio, WLAN via directed connection channels, or at least partially via the Internet. In the case of an analysis unit 9 located locally on the construction site, this can also be done via a conventional wired connection.

[0043] The Fig. 5shows the essential sequence of steps for subsequent operational monitoring of the rod support structure 1 with the load sensors 8a to 8c, during which a continuous recording f of measurement data from the load sensors 8a to 8c in the rod support structure 1 is carried out by the analysis unit 9. Subsequently, an evaluation g of the recorded measurement data with regard to the load situation of the rod support structure 1 during operation takes place in the manner discussed above. If it is detected that an overload situation h has occurred, a warning message is issued to the person responsible on the construction site for hazard prevention.

[0044] Both the planning method described above for the load sensor arrangement in the rod structure and the subsequent real operation monitoring method of the scaffolding based thereon can each be implemented as software, which is executed on the planning unit 14, which is designed as a computer unit, or on the analysis unit 9 of the central server device or elsewhere.

[0045] The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment described above. Rather, modifications thereof are also conceivable, which are also encompassed by the scope of the following claims. List of reference symbols

[0046] 1Structural element 2Building section 3Formwork elements 4Wall section 5Ladder or support elements 6Strut elements 7Scaffolding coupler 8Load sensor 9Analysis unit 10Monitoring unit 11Mobile device 12Communication channel 13Storage unit 14Planning unit 15Static planning FN Normal force FQ Shear force MB Bending moment ACurrent load situation Gpredefined limit load situation Utransmitted overload WWarning message PResponsible person on site

Claims

1. A system for the determination and visualization of force flows in a bar-type supporting structure (1) which is preferably designed in the form of a scaffold, comprising a plurality of vertically extending ladder or support elements (5a-5c), which are set up at a distance from one another and / or which are detachably connected via scaffold couplings (7) to strut elements (6a-6d) extending transversely in the diagonal and / or horizontal direction to said ladder or support elements, wherein at least one load-critical part of the support elements (5a-5c) and / or strut elements (6a-6d) and / or scaffold couplings (7) of the bar-type supporting structure (1) is equipped with load sensors (8a-8c) for capturing static operating load values, the measured values of which are analyzed in real time by a downstream analysis unit (9) for evaluating current load situations, characterized in that the analysis unit (9) is connected to a memory unit (13) for storing learning data for supporting future planning of sensor arrangements in the same or similar bar-type supporting structures (1), wherein a planning unit (14) which accesses the memory unit (13) for planning the arrangement of load sensors (8a-8c) in a bar-type supporting structure (1) is provided, which processes dimensioning data of the static planning (15).

2. The system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the load sensors (8a-8c) are designed as sensor elements for capturing normal forces (FN), transverse forces (FQ) and / or bending moments (MB) of support or strut elements (5a-5c; 6a-6d) in the bar-type supporting structure (1).

3. The system according to Claim 2, characterized in that the load sensor (8c) provided for capturing normal forces (FN) is arranged integrated in the associated support element (5a; 5b; 5c) in such a way that the load sensor (8c) is placed between a lower and an upper part or at one of the ends of the support element (5a; 5b; 5c) in order to absorb compressive and tensile forces acting on the support element (5a; 5b; 5c).

4. The system according to Claim 2, characterized in that load sensors (8a-8c) are arranged integrated in the support or strut elements (5a-5c; 6a-6d).

5. The system according to Claim 2, characterized in that load sensors (8) for capturing bending moments (MB) are integrated in scaffold couplings (7).

6. The system according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in the event of an overload (Ü) of the bar-type supporting structure (1) determined by comparing the current load situation (A) with a predefined limit load situation (G), the analysis unit (9) outputs a warning message (W) to a responsible person (P) on the construction site via a communication channel.

7. The system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the analysis unit (9) is connected to a graphic monitor unit (10) for the central visualization of load situations of the bar-type supporting structure (1).

8. The system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the current load situation is monitored on site via a monitor unit of a mobile terminal (11) of the person in charge (P), which is arranged by the construction site.

9. The system according to Claim 8, characterized in that the mobile terminal (11) is equipped with close-range detection means for locally reading out the measured value of a single load sensor (8a; 8b; 8c) which is equipped with optical or electronic identification means for this purpose.

10. The system according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least the analysis unit (9) is part of a central server device which is connected to the local load sensors (8a-8c) of the scaffold via at least one communication channel (12a-12c).

11. A computer-aided method for the planning of the arrangement of load sensors (8a-8c) in a bar-type supporting structure (1) as well as for the subsequent operational monitoring of a bar-type supporting structure (1) with the load sensors (8a-8c) of a system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - providing (a) static planning (15) of the bar-type supporting structure (1) to be executed as a scaffold, - identifying (b) load ranges in the bar-type supporting structure (1), which are at risk of overload, - selecting (c) load sensors (8a-8c) which are suitable for capturing the load on support elements (5a-5c) and / or strut elements (6a-6d) and / or scaffold couplings (7) in the identified load range, - positioning (d) the selected load sensors (8a-8c) in the at least load-critical part of the bar-type supporting structure (1), for a - continual capturing (f) of measurement data from the load sensors (8a-8c) in the bar-type supporting structure (1) by the analysis unit (9), - evaluating (g) the captured measurement data with regard to overload situations of the bar-type supporting structure (1) during operation, wherein - learning data for supporting future planning of sensor arrangements in the same or similar bar-type supporting structures (1) are stored by the analysis unit (9) connected to the memory unit (13) so that - the future arrangement of load sensors (8a-8c) in a bar-type supporting structure (1) is planned with a planning unit (14) which accesses the memory unit (13), which processes dimensioning data of the static planning (15).

12. The method according to Claim 11, characterized in that a determining (e) of the data connection of the load sensors (8a-8c) positioned for monitoring is carried out to the analysis unit (9) to be connected hereto13. The method according to Claim 11, characterized in that for extended load monitoring, the measurement data of the load sensors (8c) integrated in the support elements (5a-5c) or arranged hereon are evaluated to the effect that a presence and / or movement of persons located on the bar-type supporting structure (1) designed as a scaffold or a presence of additional objects there is determined.

14. The method according to Claim 11, characterized in that for extended load monitoring, the measurement data of the load sensors (8c) integrated in the support elements (5a-5c) or arranged hereon are evaluated to the effect that impermissibly positioned, in particular impermissibly inclined support elements (5a-5c) are identified by means of a plausibility check.

15. The method according to Claim 11, characterized in that by comparing the measurement data of load sensors (8c) of adjacent support elements (5a-5c), the construction progress of an area load carried by said adjacent support elements is determined.

16. The method according to Claim 11, characterized in that when an overload situation (h) occurs, a warning message is issued to the person in charge (P) on the construction site to avert the danger.

17. A computer program comprising commands which, when the program is executed by a computer-aided planning unit (14), prompt the latter to execute the method / the steps of the method according to Claim 11.

18. A computer program, comprising commands which, when the program is executed by a computer-aided analysis unit (9), prompt the latter to execute the method / the steps of the method according to Claim 11.