Reinforcement member

Abstract

A boss for assembly with a component. The boss comprises a flange member and a cylindrical body, which are positioned adjacent to the surface of the component. The cylindrical body of the boss is positioned to be inserted into the component. The flange member is positioned to be removably attached to the cylindrical body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a structural reinforcement. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for structurally reinforcing bosses and girders for assembly with members.

Background Art

[0002] In the construction of girder bridges, the plate of the girder or the lap joint connection between a plurality of girders may not be sufficiently reinforced, and thus structural reinforcement is required. In the conventional structural reinforcement method, while removing the insufficiently reinforced plate or lap joint connection and attaching an exchange member, it is necessary to support the girder from below and limit the live load on the bridge in order to prevent the collapse of the bridge.

[0003] Since it is necessary to support the bridge in this way, the structural reinforcement work is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Furthermore, when the bridge to be reinforced straddles a road or a railway, a support mechanism must be installed under the bridge, which causes a great obstacle to the traffic of the road or the railway. Similarly, when the bridge to be reinforced is carrying traffic, it is necessary to limit the live load on the bridge (for example, cut off the road or railway traffic), which is inconvenient and causes confusion.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a bolt security device including a washer, a hardened steel bush, and a hardened steel bucket attached to a bolt.

[0005] Patent Document 2 describes that a boss for assembly with a member has a rough surface portion for engaging with the surface of the member, and a method for reinforcing a girder.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] <鲜

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention relates to structural reinforcement. More specifically, this invention relates to a method for structurally reinforcing bosses and girders used for assembly with members. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a boss for assembly with a member is provided. The boss comprises a flange member positioned adjacent to the surface and cylindrical body of the member, wherein the cylindrical body of the boss is positioned to be inserted into the member, and the flange member is positioned to be removably attached to the cylindrical body.

[0009] Optionally, the flange member has a smooth surface that engages with the surface of the member.

[0010] Optionally, the smooth surface may include a Greenkote® coating or a hot-dip galvanized coating.

[0011] Optionally, the smoothness of the smooth surface is a surface finish roughness (Ra) of less than 3.2 μm, preferably less than 1.2 μm.

[0012] Optionally, the smooth surface conforms to ISO 21920-1.

[0013] Optionally, all surfaces of the member that engage with the surface are smooth.

[0014] Optionally, the flange member has a flange through-hole, the cylindrical body has a cylindrical through-hole, the flange through-hole and the cylindrical body through-hole are aligned to define a boss through-hole that penetrates the boss, and the boss through-hole is positioned to receive a bolt.

[0015] Optionally, the boss through-hole is not threaded.

[0016] Optionally, the flange through-hole is chamfered.

[0017] Optionally, the cylindrical body through-hole is chamfered.

[0018] Optionally, the chamfered portion of the flange through-hole and / or the chamfered portion of the cylindrical body through-hole are arranged to guide a bolt to the boss through-hole.

[0019] Optionally, the chamfered portion of the flange through-hole coincides with the chamfered portion between the lower surface of the head of the bolt and the shaft portion of the bolt, and the bolt is arranged to be received in the boss through-hole.

[0020] Optionally, the flange member and the cylindrical body are formed of the same material.

[0021] Optionally, the flange member and the cylindrical body are formed of materials with different tensile strengths.

[0022] Optionally, the boss contains carbon steel.

[0023] Optionally, the boss contains S355 structural steel.

[0024] In another aspect of the present invention, a kit of members or assemblies is provided. The kit of members or assemblies includes the aforementioned boss and a bolt arranged to fit inside the boss.

[0025] Optionally, the bolt is a tension control bolt.

[0026] Optionally, the bolt is arranged to fit inside the boss by tolerance fitting.

[0027] Optionally, the kit of members or assemblies includes the aforementioned boss.

[0028] Optionally, the member is a reinforcing member.

[0029] Optionally, the member is a reinforcing plate.

[0030] When the boss and the member are optionally combined, at least a portion of the boss is inserted into the member.

[0031] When the boss and the member are optionally combined, the cylindrical body of the boss is inserted into the member.

[0032] When optionally inserted into the member, the cylindrical body of the boss does not extend beyond the thickness of the member.

[0033] Optionally, the surface of the member has a rough portion that is arranged to engage with the flange member to suppress relative movement between the boss and the member.

[0034] Optionally, the flange member has a smooth surface that engages with the rough portion of the member.

[0035] Optionally, the member has at least one through hole positioned to receive a portion of the boss.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present invention, a girder is provided comprising at least one unreinforced plate, one or more reinforced plates, and the aforementioned bosses that are combined with the one or more reinforced plates.

[0037] Optionally, when combined with one or more reinforcement plates, at least a portion of the boss is inserted into one or more reinforcement plates.

[0038] Optionally, the unreinforced plate and the one or more reinforced plates are stacked, and no portion of the boss inserted into the reinforced plate extends beyond the thickness of the reinforced plate or the combined thickness of the multiple reinforced plates.

[0039] According to another aspect of the present invention, a structure incorporating the assembly or girder described herein is provided.

[0040] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a boss for combination with a member. The method comprises the steps of providing a flange member positioned adjacent to a surface of the member, and separately providing a cylindrical body, wherein the flange member can be attached to the cylindrical body when in use.

[0041] Optionally, the step of providing the flange member includes the step of laser cutting a material sheet.

[0042] Optionally, the step of providing the cylindrical body includes the step of forming the cylindrical body on a lathe by turning or machining one of its pieces.

[0043] Optionally, the process of providing the cylindrical body may include the process of forming the cylindrical body by cold forming one piece.

[0044] Optionally, the method further comprises the step of smoothing the surface of the flange member that is positioned adjacent to the surface of the member.

[0045] Optionally, the step of smoothing the surface of the flange member includes the step of manufacturing the flange in accordance with ISO 21920-1.

[0046] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for structurally reinforcing a girder. The method includes the steps of: identifying a section of a girder that requires reinforcement, wherein the section is joined to at least one other section by a plurality of fasteners; positioning a reinforcing member over the section requiring reinforcement; and fixing the reinforcing member to the girder without removing the section. The fixing step includes removing and replacing at least one fastener through an opening in the reinforcing member.

[0047] Optionally, the step of removing the at least one fastener includes the step of removing the at least one fastener through the opening in the reinforcing member.

[0048] Optionally, the step of removing the at least one fastener includes the step of drilling out the at least one fastener through the opening in the reinforcing member.

[0049] Optionally, the step of replacing at least one fastener includes the step of removing the at least one fastener and then inserting a boss into the opening of the reinforcing member.

[0050] Optionally, the boss comprises a flange member positioned adjacent to the surface of the reinforcing member, and a cylindrical body positioned to be received within the opening of the reinforcing member, wherein the flange member is positioned to be detachably attached to the cylindrical body.

[0051] Optionally, the flange member has a smooth surface for engaging with the surface of the reinforcing member.

[0052] Optionally, when the boss is inserted into the opening of the reinforcing member, the cylindrical body of the boss penetrates the reinforcing member and reaches the section of the girder that requires reinforcement.

[0053] Optionally, the step of replacing at least one fastener includes inserting the boss into the opening of the reinforcing member, and then inserting the replacement fastener through the through-hole of the boss so as to be fixed through the reinforcing member and the section of the girder requiring reinforcement.

[0054] Optionally, the boss is positioned to receive the replacement fastener through the through hole by tolerance fitting.

[0055] Optionally, the replacement fastener may be the same as the one previously removed.

[0056] Optionally, the reinforcing member has a plurality of openings arranged to correspond to the positions of the plurality of fasteners.

[0057] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for structurally reinforcing a girder is provided. The method includes the steps of identifying a section of a girder that requires reinforcement, wherein the section is joined to at least another section by a plurality of fasteners; positioning a reinforcing member over the section requiring reinforcement; and fixing the reinforcing member to the girder without removing the section. The reinforcing member has a plurality of openings arranged to correspond to the positions of the plurality of fasteners.

[0058] Optionally, the opening in the reinforcing member is sized to accommodate the head of the fastener.

[0059] Optionally, the method further includes the step of manufacturing the reinforcing member. The step of manufacturing the reinforcing member includes the step of forming openings in the reinforcing member to correspond to the positions of the plurality of fasteners.

[0060] Optionally, the step of forming an opening includes the step of forming the opening within the reinforcing member by drilling.

[0061] Optionally, the fastening step includes removing and replacing the fasteners by accessing the individual fasteners through each corresponding opening in the reinforcing member.

[0062] Optionally, the fasteners may be removed and replaced individually, sequentially, or in sequential groups.

[0063] Optionally, the method further includes the step of examining the beam to identify the location of at least some of the plurality of fasteners.

[0064] Optionally, the multiple fasteners are multiple rivets and / or bolts.

[0065] Optionally, at least one of the fasteners may be replaced with a tension control bolt.

[0066] Optionally, the reinforcing member is fixed to the girder while the section of the girder requiring reinforcement remains joined to the girder by at least one of the plurality of fasteners.

[0067] Optionally, the method further includes the step of applying a layer of self-leveling compound between the section of the girder requiring reinforcement and the reinforcing member.

[0068] Optionally, a spacer plate may be placed between the section of the girder requiring reinforcement and the reinforcing member.

[0069] Optionally, the reinforcing member is a reinforcing plate.

[0070] Optionally, the section of the girder requiring reinforcement is connected by lap joints between girders.

[0071] Optionally, this method may be used to structurally reinforce one or more girders within a bridge.

[0072] According to another aspect of the present invention, a structurally reinforced girder is provided using the method described herein.

[0073] According to another aspect of the present invention, a structure (e.g., a bridge) incorporating the girders described herein is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0074] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0075] [Figure 1] A perspective view of the assembled boss is shown. [Figure 2] The flange member is shown. [Figure 3] This shows a cylindrical body. [Figure 4] The image shows a perspective view of the assembled boss from below. [Figure 5] A side view of the assembled boss is shown. [Figure 6] This shows a top view of the assembled boss. [Figure 7] This indicates the girders that require structural reinforcement. [Figure 8] The first step in a method for structurally reinforcing the girders is shown. [Figure 9] The third step in the method for structurally reinforcing the girders is shown. [Figure 10] The fourth step in the method for structurally reinforcing the girders is shown. [Figure 11a] The fifth step in the method for structurally reinforcing the girders is shown. [Figure 11b] The diagram shows the breakdown of the digits. [Figure 12] The sixth step in the method for structurally reinforcing the girders is shown. [Figure 13] This shows a cross-sectional view of a girder that requires structural reinforcement. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view of the girder, showing the results of the method. [Figure 15] This shows a cross-sectional view of a girder that requires structural reinforcement. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view of the girder, showing the results of the method. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0076] Figure 1 shows an assembled boss 1000. The boss 1000 consists of two parts: a cylindrical body 1002 and a flange member 1004. As shown in the figure, in the assembled state, the flange member 1004 is attached to the cylindrical body 1002. The boss 1000 has a boss through-hole 1006 defined by a flange through-hole 1008 (see Figure 2) and a cylindrical body through-hole 1010 (see Figure 3). The boss through-hole 1006 has a central axis A and is sized to accept a bolt. The boss through-hole 1006 extends through the boss 1000, i.e., through the flange member 1004 and the cylindrical body 1002. As shown in Figure 1, the boss through-hole is not threaded and is designed to accept a bolt. However, in other examples, the boss through-hole may be threaded, and the boss 1000 may be configured to accept a threaded fastener.

[0077] Figure 2 shows the flange member 1004 in more detail. The flange member 1004 is ring-shaped with a diameter D1 and a height h1. The flange member 1004 has a flat upper surface 1012 and an opposing flat lower surface 1014. A flange through-hole 1008 is formed in the flange member 1004, penetrating through its center and extending from the opening in the upper surface 1012 to the opening in the lower surface 1014. The flat upper surface 1012 and lower surface 1014 of the flange member 1004 extend perpendicular to the central axis of the flange through-hole 1008. The flange member 1004 is configured to be removablely attached to the cylindrical body 1002.

[0078] Both openings of the flange through-hole 1008 are chamfered, but Figure 2 shows an example where only the opening on the upper surface 1012 is chamfered. In other examples, only the opening on the upper surface 1012 may be chamfered, or only the opening on the lower surface 1014 may be chamfered. The chamfered opening of the flange through-hole 1008 helps guide the bolt into the flange through-hole 1008. When the flange member 1004 is attached to the cylindrical body 1002 to form a boss 1000, the chamfered opening of the flange through-hole 1008 helps guide the bolt into the boss through-hole 1006. When the opening on the upper surface 1012 is chamfered, preferably the chamfered portion coincides with the chamfered portion between the lower surface of the bolt head and the bolt shaft. That is, the bolt is configured to be accepted into the flange through-hole 1008 (ultimately the boss through-hole 1010). In this case, the chamfered opening on the upper surface 1012 coincides with the angular surface between the bolt head and the bolt shaft. Therefore, the bolt head fits within the flange through-hole 1008, and when the boss 1000 is installed, the bolt head is flush with the member.

[0079] Figure 3 shows the cylindrical body 1002 in more detail. The cylindrical body 1002 is a hollow cylinder having a diameter D2 and a height h2. The cylindrical body 1002 has a flat upper surface 1016 and an opposing flat lower surface 1018. The cylindrical body 1002 has a through-hole 1010 formed through its center, extending from the opening on the upper surface 1016 to the opening on the lower surface 1018. The flat upper surface 1016 and lower surface 1018 of the cylindrical body 1002 extend perpendicular to the central axis of the through-hole 1010.

[0080] Both openings of the cylindrical through-hole 1010 are chamfered, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. In other examples, only the opening on the upper surface 1016 may be chamfered, or only the opening on the lower surface 1018 may be chamfered. Similar to the chamfered opening of the flange through-hole 1008, the chamfered opening of the cylindrical through-hole 1010 is also configured to guide the bolt into the cylindrical through-hole 1010.

[0081] The flange member 1004 is configured to be removablely attached to the cylindrical body 1002. The flange member 1004 is attached with its lower surface 1014 adjacent to the upper surface 1016 of the cylindrical body 1002. The flange member 1004 is attached to the cylindrical body 1002 such that the central axis of the flange through hole 1008 is aligned with the central axis of the cylindrical body through hole 1010. Preferably, the central axis of the flange through hole 1008 is collinear with the central axis of the cylindrical body through hole 1010. The boss 1000 is assembled by attaching the flange member 1004 to the cylindrical body 1002.

[0082] Once installed, a portion of the lower surface 1014 of the flange member 1004 contacts the upper surface 1016 of the cylindrical body 1002. The remaining exposed portion of the lower surface 1014 is positioned to contact the surface of the member into which the boss 1000 is inserted, or at least partially inserted. The exposed portion of the lower surface 1014 that contacts the member is also called the facing surface of the boss, and will be described in detail later. As shown in Figure 1, the diameter D1 of the flange member 1004 is generally larger than the diameter D2 of the cylindrical body 1002, which allows the lower surface 1014 of the flange member 1004 to contact both the cylindrical body and the member.

[0083] Figure 4 shows the boss 1000 viewed from below. The lower surface 1014 of the flange member 1004 has a smooth surface. Preferably, the entire lower surface 1014 is smooth, but only a portion of the lower surface 1014 may be smooth.

[0084] Generally, providing a rough surface on the engagement surface (i.e., the contact surface between the first surface of the first part and the second surface of the second part) is advantageous because it increases friction, and as a result, the friction between the first and second parts increases. This is desirable when it is required to suppress unwanted relative motion between the two parts due to external forces (such as vibration or torque) and to extend the lifespan of the mechanical assembly.

[0085] Those skilled in the field of mechanical engineering have a strong technical preconception that the installation of rough surfaces is essential to providing sufficiently safe mechanical assemblies. This is especially true in fields where extending the lifespan of the assembly is a crucial factor, or when the assembly is used in environments where it is exposed to significant external forces (such as vibration) during operation.

[0086] Therefore, the inventors were very surprised to discover that providing a smooth lower surface 1014 would provide sufficient frictional grip between the flange member 1004 and the plate.

[0087] When the boss 1000 is inserted into the through hole of the plate, or at least partially inserted, and the flange member 1004 is in contact with the surface of the plate, the smooth lower surface 1014 provides sufficient frictional grip between the flange member 1004 and the plate. The frictional grip between the boss and the plate suppresses relative movement between the boss 1000 and the plate. The smooth surface of the joining surface ensures that proper frictional engagement occurs between the boss and the lower plate.

[0088] Since the flange member 1004 is provided as a separate part from the cylindrical body 1002, it is easy to effectively smooth the entire lower surface 1014 of the flange member 1004. One method for preparing a smooth surface is to smooth the surface of the boss 1000 using a CNC machine compliant with ISO 21920-1. Alternatively, the smooth surface may be manufactured during the cold forming process. By these methods, the lower surface 1014 of the flange member 1004 is smoothed to a surface finish roughness (Ra) of preferably less than 3.2 μm, more preferably less than 1.2 μm. The smooth surface 1014 of the flange member 1004 is a joint surface for assembly with members such as plates and girders.

[0089] The flange member 1004 and the cylindrical body 1002 may be manufactured separately before assembly. For example, the flange member 1004 may be formed using a laser cutting machine or by machining with a CNC machine or lathe. In this example, a piece of material corresponding to a desired height h1 may be provided. The piece of material is then attached to a laser cutting machine and cut to a predetermined size (diameter D1) of the flange member 1004. Next, the laser cutting machine is used to form a flange through-hole 1008 that penetrates the center of the flange member 1004.

[0090] Alternatively, the cylindrical body 1002 may be formed using a lathe. In this case, the material piece is machined to a diameter D2 to form the cylindrical body 1002. Next, the center of the cylindrical body 1002 is boring to form the cylindrical body through hole 1010. Alternatively, the cylindrical body 1002 may be formed by a cold forming process using a cold forming wire. Typically, the cold forming wire has a diameter different from the final diameter (D2), and the material is pressed into the die to form the cylindrical body 1002.

[0091] The flange member 1004 and the cylindrical body 1002 may be formed from the same material, such as carbon steel. Alternatively, they may be formed from similar materials with different tensile strengths, such as EN8A or S355. The boss 1000 is adjusted according to the member to be inserted. Preferably, the boss 1000 is made of carbon steel or S355 structural steel with a yield strength of 355 N / mm². 2 Includes the above suitable metals.

[0092] By forming the boss 1000 from two separate parts (i.e., the flange member 1004 and the cylindrical body 1002), it can be manufactured more easily and quickly compared to a single-piece molded boss 1000. In this configuration, the flange member 1004 and the cylindrical body 1002 can be manufactured individually in a simple manufacturing process. The manufacturing process for the flange member 1004 and the cylindrical body 1002 also generates less waste material compared to forming the boss part from a single piece of material. Furthermore, the two-part boss 1000 shown in Figures 1-6 can be easily manufactured using commercially available cylindrical parts and bodies. Manufacturing the boss 1000 in two parts also makes it possible to customize the size of the boss 1000. The cylindrical body 1002 and the flange member 1004 can be manufactured to accommodate bolts of different sizes, or so that the cylindrical body 1002 fits precisely within the member.

[0093] The cylindrical body 1002 and the flange member 1004 may be coated with a surface protection coating layer. The surface protection coating is preferably Greenkote®. Greenkote® coating can be applied to the cylindrical body 1002 and / or the flange member 1004 without requiring an etching primer layer, which is an advantage over zinc-based plating coatings that require an etching primer layer. Reducing the coating layer on the smooth surface of the boss enhances the smoothing effect of the coating. Furthermore, tension control bolts suitable for assembly with the members are also usually coated with Greenkote®. Instead of Greenkote®, the cylindrical body 1002, the flange member 1004 and / or the bolts may be coated with a surface protection coating by hot-dip galvanizing, painting, or electro-galvanizing.

[0094] As described above, the cylindrical body 1002 of the boss 1000 is inserted into the member, and the lower surface 1014 of the flange member 1004 is positioned adjacent to the surface of the member. The portion of the member surface that contacts the lower surface 1014 of the flange is the joint surface corresponding to the boss 1000. The joint surface of the member is the surface of the member. Therefore, the smooth lower surface 1014 of the flange member 1004 engages with the surface of the member. In some examples, only a portion of the joint surface of the flange that engages with the surface of the member may be smooth, but preferably the entire surface of the flange that engages with the surface of the member is smooth. The joint surface of the member may be roughened by, for example, spraying (sandblasting or grit blasting, etc.), knurling, or machining that creates peaks and valleys on the surface. The smooth surface of the flange member 1004 and the rough surface of the member enhance the adhesion between them and suppress the rotation of the boss 1000.

[0095] By roughening the joining surfaces of the components, the relative friction between the lower surface 1014 of the flange component 1004 and the joining surface of the component is increased, resulting in an optimal frictional grip between the boss 1000 and the component.

[0096] Figure 5 shows a side view of the boss 1000, and Figure 6 shows a top view. When the boss 1000 is inserted into the through hole of the plate, the height h2 of the cylindrical body 1002 is less than or equal to the thickness of the plate, and the bottom surface 1018 of the cylindrical body 1002 is coplanar with the bottom surface of the plate. The flange member 1004 engages with the surface of the plate and holds the boss 1000 in place. The outer diameter D2 of the cylindrical body 1002 is approximately the same as the diameter of the through hole of the plate. The inner diameter of the cylindrical body 1002 is approximately the same as the bolt that is received in the through hole, and the bolt is in friction fit or proximity fit within the boss 1000.

[0097] In Figures 1-6, the flange member 1004 of the boss 1000 is circular, but the flange may have other suitable shapes, preferably shapes that can be combined in a tile-like manner. For example, a shape in which segments are removed from opposite sides of a circular flange is also possible. In another example, the flange member may be square or hexagonal. In these examples, the distance from the center of the boss to the outer edge of the flange is shortened in a particular direction. By shortening the distance from the center of the boss 1000 to the outer edge of the flange member 1004, the required spacing between two adjacent bosses can be reduced, enabling a high-density arrangement of bosses. Regardless of the shape of the flange member 1004, the boss through-hole 1006 has a shape and dimensions suitable for receiving a bolt.

[0098] Figure 7 shows the girder 6000 before reinforcement. The girder includes a first beam 6002 and a second beam 6004. Each beam has a web plate 6008 and two flange plates 6010 and 6012, with 6010 being the upper flange plate and 6012 being the lower flange plate. The flange plates 6010 and 6012 are connected to the web plate 6008 via a corner member 6014. The corner member 6014 is connected to the upper flange plate by a plurality of rivets 6016 and to the lower flange plate by a plurality of rivets 6018. For each flange plate, there are two rows of rivets connecting the corner member 6014 to one side of the flange plate 6010 and 6012, and to the other side.

[0099] The two beams 6002 and 6004 are connected via first and second lap joint connections 6020a and 6020b. The lap joint connections 6020a and 6020b include multiple lap joint plates, which overlap and are fixed to the plates of the existing beams 6002 and 6004.

[0100] Taking the first lap joint connection 6020a as an example, the connection includes a lap joint plate 6024, which is positioned on the upper surface of the upper flange plates 6010 of the two beams 6002 and 6004. The lap joint plate 6024 overlaps with the upper flange plates 6010, with the left portion connected to the upper flange plate 6010 of the first beam 6002 and the right portion connected to the upper flange plate 6010 of the second beam 6004. The second lap joint connection 6020b also includes a similar lap joint plate (not shown), which is positioned on the lower surface of the lower flange plates 6012 of the two beams 6002 and 6004.

[0101] Taking the second lap joint connection 6020b as an example, the connection includes at least one additional lap joint plate 6026, which is positioned on the upper surface of the lower flange plate 6012 and overlaps both lower flange plates 6012. The left portion of the additional lap joint plate 6026 is coupled to the lower flange plate 6010 of the first beam 6002, and the right portion is coupled to the lower flange plate 6010 of the second beam 6004. The first lap joint connection 6020a also includes a similar additional lap joint plate (not shown), which is positioned on the lower surface of the upper flange plates 6010 of the two beams 6002, 6004.

[0102] The overlapping plate 6024 is joined to the upper flange plate 6010 of the two beams 6002 and 6004 via a plurality of rivets 6028, which form two rows: one row is located on one side of the rivets 6016 that join the flange plate 6010 to the web plate 6008 via a corner member 6014, and the other row is located on the other side. The additional overlapping plate 6026 is joined to the lower flange plate 6012 via a plurality of rivets 6030 that form a single row next to the rivets 6014.

[0103] In construction, girders like the one shown in Figure 7 may require structural reinforcement, for example, if the lap joint connection between two beams is not sufficiently reinforced. When girders are used in bridge construction and structural reinforcement of the lap joint connection is required, it is necessary to support the beam from below or limit the live load on the bridge when removing an insufficiently reinforced lap joint plate and installing a stronger one.

[0104] Figure 7 shows a girder containing two beams connected by lap joints, but the girder may also consist of a single beam. In this case, if either the upper or lower flange plate is insufficiently reinforced, structural reinforcement of the girder will be necessary. Again, when the girder is used in bridge construction, it is necessary to support the beam from below or limit the live load on the bridge when removing an insufficiently reinforced flange plate and installing a stronger one.

[0105] Similarly, in Figure 7, the two beams are connected by lap joint between the upper and lower flange plates, but the two beams may also be connected by lap joint at other points, for example, between the web plates.

[0106] Figure 8 shows girder 7000. Girder 7000 is the result of the first step in a method for structurally reinforcing the girder compared to girder 6000 in Figure 7, and the lap joint connection 6020a between the upper flange plates 6010 of beams 6002 and 6004 is insufficiently reinforced.

[0107] In the first step of this method, each row of rivets 6016 and 6028 is alternately replaced with bolts 7002. The bolts 7002 replace rivets 6016 that connect the upper flange plate 6010 to the web plate 6008 (via the angled portion 6014) and rivets 6028 that connect the lap joint plate 6024 to the upper flange plate 6010. To prevent the upper flange plate 6010 and the lap joint connection 6020a from being weakened by the removal of rivets 6016 and 6028, the rivets 6016 and 6028 are replaced individually. After removing one rivet, a bolt 7002 is installed in its place, and the next rivet is removed. In this way, even if rivets 6016 and 6028 are removed and replaced with bolts 7002, the bridge will not be weakened, and there will be no need to support the bridge from below or limit the live load on the bridge. Alternatively, after removing one row of rivets 6016 and 6028, bolts 7002 may be installed in their place. The rivets 6016 and 6028 are removed by drilling, and the replacement bolts 7002 are installed and fastened according to the manufacturer's specifications before drilling out the next set of rivets.

[0108] In the 7000 beam, rivets 6016 and 6028 and bolts 7002 are arranged in alternating rows. Bolts 7002 are tension control bolts with approximately the same diameter as the removed rivets, providing a tight tolerance fit into the holes left by the removed rivets. In this example, the bolts are M24 high-strength friction joint bolts. The bolts are secured from below with nuts.

[0109] When this method is used to reinforce the structure of road bridges and railway bridge girders, and the bridge carries traffic such as automobiles and trains, this process has the advantage of reducing the time the bridge needs to be closed for traffic. This is because the rivets are individually replaced with bolts 7002 while the insufficiently reinforced sections of the girder remain connected. Therefore, the structural integrity of the bridge is not compromised even while the rivets 6016 and 6028 are being replaced. In this way, the replacement of rivets 6016 and 6028 can be interrupted or completed in multiple stages as needed, allowing traffic to continue, thus eliminating the need to limit the live load on the bridge. For example, if the bridge is a railway bridge, the replacement of rivets 6016 and 6028 with bolts 7002 can be completed in multiple stages at night when no trains are running on the bridge.

[0110] Furthermore, when this method is used to reinforce the structure of bridge girders spanning roads or railways, the process has the advantage that it does not require the bridge to be supported or supported from below while rivets 6016 and 6028 are replaced with bolts 7002. Therefore, traffic on the road or railway beneath the bridge does not need to be interrupted during this process.

[0111] In addition to replacing rivets 6016 and 6028 with bolts 7002, this process may include, or may precede, a surface treatment of the upper flange plate 6010. The surface treatment may include the application of a self-leveling material to the upper surface of the upper flange plate 6010.

[0112] In the second step of this method, a survey is performed to determine the positions of rivets 6016 and 6028 and bolts 7002 of girder 7000.

[0113] Figure 9 shows girder 8000. Girder 8000 is the result of the third step of the girder structural reinforcement method being implemented compared to girder 7000 in Figure 8.

[0114] In the third step of the girder structural reinforcement method, two spacer plates, 8002 and 8004, are placed on the upper surface of the upper flange plate 6010. Spacer plates 8002 and 8004 are substantially identical to each other, with one plate placed on one side of the lap joint plate 6024 and the other on the opposite side. Together with the lap joint plate 6024, spacer plates 8002 and 8004 provide a flat surface for placing additional plates.

[0115] Spacer plates 8002 and 8004 are provided with multiple holes 8006 that penetrate the plates. The positions of the holes 8006 correspond to the positions of the rivets 6016 and 6028 and bolts 7002 on the upper flange plate 6010. The positions of the rivets 6016 and 6028 and bolts 7002 are determined by the girder measurement described in the second step of this method. The rivets 6016 and 6028 and bolts 7002 have heads that protrude from the upper surface of the upper flange plate 6010. When spacer plates 8002 and 8004 are placed on the upper surface of the upper flange plate 6010, the heads of the rivets 6016 and 6028 and bolts 7002 protrude into the holes 8006 of spacer plates 8002 and 8004, holding the spacer plates 8002 and 8004 in place.

[0116] The holes 8006 in spacer plates 8002 and 8004 are circular, and their diameter is larger than the diameter of the heads of the rivets 6016 and 6028 and the bolt 7002. In this way, the heads of the rivets 6016 and 6028 and the bolt 7002 protrude into the holes 8006, allowing the spacer plates 8002 and 8004 to be held without the use of additional fasteners. Furthermore, even with the spacer plates installed, the rivets 6016 and 6028 and the bolt 7002 can be removed through the holes 8006. For example, rivet 6016 can be accessed through one of the holes 8006 and removed by drilling. As another example, bolt 7002 can be loosened by removing the corresponding nut and pulled out through the opening provided by the hole 8006. The manufacturing of spacer plates 8002 and 8004 (including the drilling of the arranged holes 8006) is carried out before they are transported to the girders to be reinforced.

[0117] In addition to the addition of spacer plates 8002 and 8004 in this process, the gap between the existing upper flange plate 6010 and the added spacer plates 8002 and 8004 is filled with self-leveling material. As a result, the corroded areas of the upper flange plate 6010 are filled, ensuring that a flat surface is provided on which spacer plates 8002 and 8004 can be fixed.

[0118] If the girder plates themselves require structural reinforcement, rather than being joined by overlapping girders, this process may be unnecessary, as the plates to be reinforced should already have a flat surface.

[0119] Figure 10 shows girder 9000. Girder 9000 is the result of the fourth step of the girder structural reinforcement method being implemented compared to girder 8000 in Figure 8.

[0120] In the fourth step of the girder structural reinforcement method, the reinforcing plate 9002, which is a reinforcing member, is placed on the flat surface provided by the lap plate 6024 and the spacer plates 8002 and 8004. The reinforcing plate 9002 is molded to precisely cover the surfaces of the lap plate 6024 and the spacer plates 8002 and 8004.

[0121] The reinforcing plate 9002 is provided with multiple holes 9004 that penetrate the plate. The positions of the holes 9004 correspond to the positions of the rivets 6016 and 6028 and bolts 7002 on the upper flange plate 6010, and are aligned with the holes 8006 on the spacer plates 8002 and 8004. The positions of the rivets 6016 and 6028 and bolts 7002 are determined by the girder measurement described in the second step of this method. The rivets 6016 and 6028 and bolts 7002 have heads that protrude from the upper surface of the upper flange plate 6010. When the reinforcing plate 9002 is placed in the predetermined position, the heads of the rivets 6016 and 6028 and bolts 7002 protrude into the holes 9004 of the reinforcing plate 9002, holding the reinforcing plate 9002 in place.

[0122] The holes 9004 in the reinforcing plate 9002 are circular, and their diameters are larger than the diameters of the heads of the rivets 6016 and 6028 and the bolts 7002. In this way, even with the spacer plate installed, the rivets 6016 and 6028 and the bolts 7002 can be removed through the holes 9004. For example, a rivet 6016 can be accessed through one of the holes 9004 and removed by drilling. For another example, a bolt 7002 can be loosened by removing the corresponding nut and pulled out through the opening provided by the hole 9004. The manufacturing of the reinforcing plate 9002 (including drilling the arranged holes 9004) is carried out before it is delivered to the girder to be reinforced.

[0123] This process offers several advantages over conventional structural reinforcement methods. Firstly, the holes 9004 in the reinforcing plate 9002 are sufficiently large, allowing rivets 6016 and 6028 and bolts 7002 to be removed through the holes 9004. This allows the reinforcing plate 9002 to be fixed to the girder without removing any insufficiently reinforced sections of the girder (e.g., the lap joint plate 6024 or the upper flange plate 6010), thus avoiding weakening the bridge. Therefore, it is not necessary to support the girder from below when installing the reinforcing plate. This is particularly advantageous when the girder is part of a bridge spanning a road or railway, as it eliminates the need to install support structures beneath the bridge and avoids the need to close the road or railway. It is also advantageous when the bridge spans a body of water. Similarly, it is not necessary to limit the live load on the bridge when installing the reinforcing plate, thus avoiding the inconvenience and disruption caused by closing the bridge for traffic.

[0124] Secondly, since it is not necessary to remove any insufficiently reinforced sections of the girder in order to install the reinforcing plate 9002, the structural integrity of the girder is not compromised at any stage of the process. Therefore, this method can be implemented in stages or interrupted at any point. This is particularly advantageous when the girder is part of a bridge carrying automobile or rail traffic, as work can be carried out over multiple nights without the need to close the bridge during periods of no traffic.

[0125] It should be noted that the advantages of the pre-fabricated reinforcing plate 9002 also apply to the spacer plates 8002 and 8004 described in Figure 9.

[0126] Figure 10a shows girder 1100. Girder 1100 is the result of the fifth step of the girder structural reinforcement method being carried out on girder 9000 in Figure 10.

[0127] In the fifth step of the girder structural reinforcement method, bolts 7002 are removed through holes 9004 in the reinforcement plate 9002. Each bolt 7002 is removed individually. Once one bolt 7002 is removed, a boss 1000 is inserted into the hole 9004 in the reinforcement plate. A cylindrical body 1002 is inserted into the hole 9004, and then the flange member 1004 is attached to the top surface of the cylindrical body. As described above, once the flange member 1004 and cylindrical body 1002 are assembled, they define a through-hole for the boss to receive a bolt. After the boss 1000 is inserted, another bolt 1102 is inserted into the through-hole of the boss 1000 and secured from below with a nut (not shown). This work is completed before the removal of the next bolt 7002 to ensure that the structural integrity of the girder is not compromised. As mentioned above, the diameter of the through hole 1006 in boss 1000 is almost the same as the hole in the upper flange plate 6010 where bolt 7002 was previously attached.

[0128] Once the fifth step is completed, an assembly 1104 of bolts 1102 and bosses 1000 is placed in each row on the upper surface of the girder.

[0129] Only bolts 7002 are removed, and the lap splice plate 6024 remains fixed to beams 6002 and 6004 by rivets 6016 and 6028 that were not replaced by bolts 7002 in the first step. Furthermore, each bolt 7002 is removed individually, and another bolt 1102 is installed before the next bolt 7002 is removed. In this way, the lap splice connection 6020a is not weakened while the reinforcing plate 9002 is installed. Therefore, the reinforcing plate 9002 can be fixed to the girder without removing the lap splice plate 6024, so the girder does not need to be supported from below, nor does the live load on the bridge need to be limited.

[0130] Figure 11b shows an exploded view of the girder 1100. Figure 11b shows a portion of the girder that is not part of the lap joint connection 6020a. Figure 11b shows how the upper flange plate 6010 is connected to the angled portion 6014 via rivets 6016. The upper flange plate 6010 also has a vacant hole 1106 created by the removal of bolts 7002. The spacer plate 8002 has a hole 8006 that is aligned with the rivet and bolt holes of the upper flange plate 6010. The reinforcing plate 9002 also has a hole 9004 that is aligned with the hole 8006 of the spacer plate 8002. The boss 1000 is positioned to be received in the hole 9004 of the reinforcing plate 9002, and the bolt 1102 is positioned to be mounted in the through hole 1006 of the boss 1000. The through-hole 1006 in the boss is approximately the same diameter as the hole 1106 in the flange plate 6010, which was previously occupied by rivet 6016.

[0131] As described above, the surface of the flange member 1004 of the boss 1000 is smoothed, forming a friction grip with the upper surface of the reinforcing plate 9002. The upper surface of the reinforcing plate 9002 is also roughened, which may cooperate with the smooth portion of the boss 1000. In this way, the boss 1000 is engaged with the surface of the plate 9002 and cannot rotate within the hole 9004. This is particularly advantageous when the bolt 1102 is installed inside the boss 1000, as the rotational motion of the bolt 1102 does not cause the boss to rotate.

[0132] Figure 12 shows the girder 1200. The girder 1200 is the result of completing all steps of the structural reinforcement method for the girder. The girder 1200 is provided with several additional bolts 7002 to further strengthen the connection between the reinforcing plate 9002 and the girder 1200. In this process, holes 9004 where the boss 1000 and bolt 1102 assembly 1104 are not provided may be filled with a similar material such as metal repair putty and smoothed before painting.

[0133] Figures 13 and 14 show cross-sectional views of girders that are not part of the lap joint 6020a. Figure 13 shows girder 6000 of Figure 6 before any of the structural reinforcement methods for the girder have been implemented. Figure 12 shows how the upper flange plate 6010 is connected to the angled portion 6014 by rivets 6016. The angled portion 6014 is connected to the web plate 6008 via rivets 1202.

[0134] Figure 14 shows the girder 1200 from Figure 12 after all steps of the structural reinforcement method for the girder have been completed. Figure 14 shows that the girder 1200 has an upper flange plate 6010, a spacer plate 8002, and a reinforcement plate 9002. Holes 8006 in the spacer plate 8002 and holes 9004 in the reinforcement plate 9002 are aligned to form through holes. The rivets 6016 have been removed and replaced with bolts 1102, which are inserted through the through holes and secured from below with nuts 1302.

[0135] Returning to the fourth step mentioned earlier, the diameters of hole 8006 in spacer plate 8002 and hole 9004 in reinforcing plate 9002 are larger than the diameter of the bolt 7002 head. This is because the bolt 7002 is pulled out through holes 8006 and 9004. Therefore, holes 8006 and 9004 shown in Figure 14 are wider than the heads of bolts 7002 and 1102.

[0136] The height h2 of the cylindrical body 1002 of boss 1000 is less than or equal to the combined thickness of the spacer plate 8002 and the reinforcing plate 9002. The flange member 1004 of boss 1000 engages with the upper surface of the reinforcing plate 9002 via the smooth portion of the flange, preventing rotation of boss 1000 when bolts 1102 are installed. Additional bolts 7002 are installed near the ends of the girder and are not as long as bolts 1102 as they do not penetrate many plates. Bolts 1102 and 7002 are positioned to secure the spacer plate 8002 and the reinforcing plate 9002 to the girder via the same connection points where rivets previously secured the flange plate 6010 to the girder. In this way, the reinforcing plate 9002 can be secured to the girder without removing any existing girder sections.

[0137] Figure 14 also shows that boss 1000 provides a through hole for receiving bolt 1102. Boss 1000 needs to line holes 8006 through 9004 and narrow the diameter of the holes to an appropriate diameter so that bolt 1102 will have a tight tolerance fit within the through hole of boss 1000.

[0138] Figures 15 and 16 show cross-sectional views of a girder that is part of the lap joint 6020a.

[0139] Figure 15 shows the girder 6000 of Figure 7 before any of the structural reinforcement steps of the girder have been performed. Figure 15 shows how the upper flange plate 6010 is connected to the corner section 6014 by rivets 6016. The corner section 6014 is connected to the web plate 6008 via rivets 1202. The flange plate 6016 is also connected to the lap joint plate 6024 and the additional lap joint plate 6026 via rivets 6028.

[0140] Figure 16 shows the girder 1200 of Figure 12 after all steps of the structural reinforcement method for the girder have been completed. Figure 16 shows the girder 1200 with the reinforcement plate 9002 fixed to the girder. Referring to the steps taken to convert girder 6000 to girder 1200, first the rivets 6016 and 6028 were removed and replaced with bolts 7002 (as described in the first step, referring to Figure 7). Next, the reinforcement plate 9002 was placed on top of the lap joint plate 6024 (as described, referring to Figure 10). Then the bolts 7002 were removed and pulled out through the hole 9004, and the boss 1000 was inserted into the hole 9004 to narrow the hole and restore it to a through hole of a diameter suitable for receiving bolt 1102 (as described, referring to Figure 10). The bolt 1102 was fixed from below with nuts 1302. In this way, the lap splice plates 6024 and 6026 remain connected to the upper flange plate 6010 and the additional lap splice plate 6026 while the reinforcing plate 9002 is fixed to the girder.

[0141] It should be understood that the above description is merely an example, and that further modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. In particular, although the present invention has been described in relation to structural reinforcement of lap joint connections, it can also be applied to structural reinforcement of any other plate on a girder, such as a flange plate. In this case, the reinforcing plate does not require a spacer plate and is attached directly to the flange plate.

[0142] Similarly, although the present invention has been described in relation to the use of girders in bridges, it can also be applied to other structures that incorporate girders, such as office buildings.

[0143] Furthermore, although it was explained that the boss is configured to receive a bolt in a friction fit or a tight tolerance fit secured by a nut, it may also be configured to have threads on the inside of the through hole in the boss so that the bolt can be screwed in.

[0144] Each feature disclosed in the specification, (where applicable) the claims, and the drawings may be provided individually or in appropriate combination.

[0145] Where the word "or" appears, it is to be interpreted as "and / or," meaning that the items mentioned are not necessarily mutually exclusive and can be used in any appropriate combination. Although the present invention has been described above with respect to one or more preferred embodiments, it is understood that various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A boss for assembly with a member, comprising a flange member and a cylindrical body configured to be adjacent to a surface of the member, wherein the cylindrical body of the boss is arranged to be inserted into the member, the flange member is arranged to be removably attached to the cylindrical body, the flange member has a smooth surface that engages with the surface of the member, at least a portion of the surface that engages with the surface of the member is smooth, and the smooth surface is smoothed to a surface finish roughness (Ra) of less than 3.2 μm.

2. A boss according to claim 1, wherein the smooth surface includes a hot-dip galvanized coating.

3. A boss according to claim 2, wherein the smoothness of the smooth surface is a surface finish roughness of less than 1.2 μm.

4. A boss according to claim 3, wherein the entire surface that engages with the surface of the member is smooth.

5. A boss according to claim 4, wherein the flange member has a flange through-hole, the cylindrical body has a cylindrical through-hole, the flange through-hole and the cylindrical body through-hole are aligned to define a boss through-hole that penetrates the boss, and the boss through-hole is positioned to receive a bolt.

6. A boss according to claim 5, wherein the through hole of the boss is not threaded.

7. A boss according to claim 6, wherein the flange through hole is chamfered.

8. A boss according to claim 7, wherein the cylindrical through-hole is chamfered.

9. A boss according to claim 8, wherein the chamfered portion of the flange through hole and / or the chamfered portion of the cylindrical through hole are arranged to guide a bolt into the boss through hole.

10. A boss according to claim 9, wherein the flange member and the cylindrical body are formed of the same material, or the flange member and the cylindrical body are formed of materials with different tensile strengths.

11. A boss according to claim 10, comprising carbon steel.

12. A kit of a component or assembly comprising a boss according to claim 11 and a bolt arranged to fit inside the boss.

13. A kit of a component or assembly according to claim 12, wherein the bolt is a tension control bolt.

14. A kit of a component or assembly as described in claim 12, wherein the component is a reinforcing component.

15. A kit of a component or assembly according to claim 13, wherein when the boss and the component are combined, at least a portion of the boss is inserted into the component.

16. A kit of a member or assembly comprising a boss as described in claim 12, wherein when the boss and the member are combined, the cylindrical body of the boss is inserted into the member.

17. A kit of a member or assembly according to claim 16, wherein the surface of the member has a rough portion that is arranged to suppress relative movement between the boss and the member by engaging with a flange.

18. A kit of a member or assembly according to claim 17, wherein the member has at least one through hole positioned to receive a portion of the boss.

19. A girder comprising at least one unreinforced plate, one or more reinforced plates, and a boss according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which can be combined with the one or more reinforced plates.

20. A beam according to claim 19, wherein, when combined with one or more reinforcing plates, at least a portion of the boss is inserted into the one or more reinforcing plates.

21. A method for combining bosses with a member according to any one of claims 1 to 11, A step of providing a flange member that is arranged adjacent to the surface of the member and has a surface that engages with the member, wherein at least a portion of the surface that engages with the surface of the member is smooth, and the smooth surface is smoothed to a surface finish roughness (Ra) of less than 3.2 μm, A method comprising the step of providing a separate cylindrical body, wherein the cylindrical body of the boss is arranged to be inserted into the member, and the flange member can be attached to the cylindrical body when in use.

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