Support and lifting systems for utility tower or pole

Abstract

The disclosed technology relates to systems and methods for supporting and lifting a utility tower or pole. The disclosed technology includes a modular support assembly for a utility structure. The modular support assembly can include a connection member configured to attach to the utility structure. The modular support assembly can include a first, second, and third supporting member, each attached to the connection member and extending outwardly from the connection member at an angle. For example, the first supporting member can include a first support column a first base, and an actuator attached to the first support column. The actuator can be configured to extend or retract a length of the first supporting member.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The various examples of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for supporting and lifting a utility tower or pole, and more particularly to lifting and moving a utility tower or pole for assembly and maintenance.BACKGROUND

[0002] Many electrical utility companies utilize self-supporting towers (e.g., a guyed lattice mast utility structure) supported by a foundation (e.g., tripod grillage that bears on steel piles, or helical piles). These towers are often located in remote areas, such as wetlands or tidal areas, that can have environments that lead to accelerated corrosion of the tripod, as well as brackets and adapters positioned at the interfaces between the bottom of the tripod and the top of the support piles. When the tower foundation has significant deterioration, traditionally a utility's option was to completely replace the tower with a new structure, which is costly and may cause significant environmental disruption to the environmentally sensitive areas in which the tower may be located. The many challenges associated with the replacement of such towers, such as environmental access, environmental preservation, critical service requirements, and budgetary issues can make tower replacement a very impractical solution. Therefore, a low impact, moderate cost solution that enables the restoration or replacement of a post leg, stub angle, grillage foundation member, anchor bolt, or any other structural element at groundline area without the need to replace the entire tower provides economic and environmental benefits. In some cases, a foundation of a self-supporting tower may be so severely deteriorated that it may not be practical to reinforce the structure of the tripod, but instead it may be necessary to replace some or all of the tripod.

[0003] Certain systems and methods exist to provide ground-supported structure to assist in repairing certain components of a tower, such systems can be difficult to assemble, and are not adaptable to various topographical needs. For example, existing systems include large hydraulic or electrically operated lifting systems that are heavy, bulky, and difficult to use without the use of heavy lifting or transportation vehicles. With these existing systems, assembly is often difficult and time consuming, depending on the terrain and ground conditions. Accordingly, there is a need for a modular support system that can enable the replacement of the tripod, brackets, adapters, or other tower components without removing the tower from service or building an additional structure and without the need for large lifting and transportation vehicles. Additionally, there is a need for the modular support system to have the ability to provide a lift force on the tower, as well as make fine adjustments to lengths of the modular support system. These and other problems are addressed by the technology disclosed herein.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] The disclosed technology relates generally to systems and methods of repairing utility structures. Unlike existing systems, the disclosed technology includes a modular support assembly. The modularity of the assembly can allow the assembly to adapt to a variety of utility structures, topologies, geographical circumstances, etc. For example, the modular support assembly can be configured to support a transmission tower, a pole, and similar utility structures known in the art. As will be discussed in greater detail herein, the modular support assembly can include supporting members having repeatable components, such that the repeatable components can be easily interchanged and manufactured. Further, some of the components of the supporting members may be extendable, or be configured to manually extend and retract, so as to be adaptable to the variety of topologies and geographical circumstances.

[0005] Components of the supporting members can have like attachment, or coupling, mechanisms, as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, such that the placement of each component within the supporting member may vary. Additionally, the supporting members may be attached to the utility structure via field drilling one or more holes and bolting a connection assembly to a post leg of the utility structure. In this way, the connection assembly can be configured to be attached to the post leg at a plurality of points along the post leg, further allowing the modular support assembly to be adaptable to the factors discussed herein. Accordingly, at least one supporting member can include an actuator configured to extend and retract a length of the supporting member. While other components may be configured to be manually extended and retracted prior to installation, the actuator can be actuated when the modular support assembly is installed, providing a force on the utility structure to substantially remove a load of the utility structure from a tripod of the utility structure.

[0006] To achieve the above-described desired functions of support structure, a novel modular support assembly is employed. The modular support assembly can include a connection member configured to attach to the utility structure; a first supporting member attached to the connection member; a second supporting member attached to the connection member; and a third supporting member attached to the connection member. The first supporting member can extend outwardly from the connection member at an angle, and may include a first support column; a first base configured to support the first column; and an actuator. The actuator can be attached to the first support column and may be configured to extend or retract a length of the first supporting member. The second supporting member can extend outwardly from the connection member at an angle, and may include a second support column; and a second base configured to support the second support column. The third supporting member can extend outwardly from the connection member at an angle, and may include a third support column; and a third base configured to support the third support column.

[0007] The disclosed technology can employ a method for temporarily supporting a utility structure with a modular support assembly. The method can include attaching a connection member to a post leg of the utility structure. The method can further include installing a first supporting member. The first supporting member can include an actuator. The method can further include installing a second supporting member and installing a third supporting member. The method can further include attaching the first supporting member, the second supporting member, and the third supporting member to the connection member. The method can further include extending the actuator, such that load of the utility structure can be substantially supported by the modular support assembly.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The following detailed description of specific examples of the disclosure will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, specific examples are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities of the examples shown in the drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 provides an elevation view of a modular support assembly, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 provides a plan view of a modular support assembly, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3A provides a general key plan for a utility structure including a modular support assembly, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3B provides a partial elevation of a utility structure including a modular support assembly, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 provides a top view of a connection member, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5A provides a back view of a modular support assembly including a connection member, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 5B provides a side view of a modular support assembly including a connection member, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5C provides an illustration of field drilling locations for clip plate installation, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6A provides a top view of a pile cap plate, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6B provides an isometric view of a pile cap plate, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 provides a side view of a screw jack assembly, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8A provides a support column in a fully extended position, including an extension member, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 8B provides a support column in a fully collapsed position, including an extension member, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 8C provides a support column in a fully extended position, including an extension member, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 8D provides a support column in a fully collapsed position, including an extended member, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 9 provides an isometric view of a modular support assembly attached to a pole, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 10 provides flow diagram of an example method for assembling a modular support assembly, in accordance with the disclosed technology, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The disclosed technology includes a modular support assembly and related methods that can be used to repair a utility structure and, in particular, can be used to replace a degraded tripod or other components installed on the utility structure without requiring removal of the utility structure from service or replacement of the utility structure itself. Further, the disclosed technology enables a technician to perform maintenance and repair on a utility structure without the need for heavy or bulky equipment. In this way, the disclosed technology can enable a technician to perform repairs and maintenance in locations that may be difficult to reach or are in areas not conducive to the use of heavy equipment.

[0027] To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of the present disclosure, various illustrative examples are explained below. The components, steps, and materials described hereinafter as making up various elements of the examples disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components, steps, and materials that would perform the same or similar functions as the components, steps, and materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the disclosure. Such other components, steps, and materials not described herein can include, but are not limited to, similar components or steps that are developed after development of the examples disclosed herein.

[0028] It should also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. References to a composition containing “a” constituent is intended to include other constituents in addition to the one named.

[0029] Also, in describing the examples, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

[0030] Herein, the use of terms such as “having,”“has,”“including,” or “includes” are open-ended and are intended to have the same meaning as terms such as “comprising” or “comprises” and not preclude the presence of other structure, material, or acts. Similarly, though the use of terms such as “can” or “may” are intended to be open-ended and to reflect that structure, material, or acts are not necessary, the failure to use such terms is not intended to reflect that structure, material, or acts are essential. To the extent that structure, material, or acts are presently considered to be essential, they are identified as such.

[0031] Turning now to the figures, a modular support assembly 100 attached to a utility structure 110 is illustrated in FIG. 1 (only a portion of the utility structure 110 is shown for simplicity). As shown in FIG. 1, in some examples, the utility structure 110 can include a post leg 112. In one example, the post leg 112 is a part of a self-supporting lattice structure. The post leg 112, in some examples, can include a grillage 114. In some examples, the grillage 114 can be a tripod. In some examples, there may exist a ground line 116, such that at least a part of the tripod may be planted in the ground.

[0032] The modular support assembly 100 can include a connection member 105. The connection member 105 can be configured to attach to the utility structure 110. Specifically, in some examples, the connection member 105 can be attached to the post leg 112, as shown in FIG. 1. Attaching the connection member 105 to the post leg 112, as will be discussed in greater detail herein, may include field drilling.

[0033] The modular support assembly 100, in some examples, can further include a plurality of supporting members. The modular support assembly 100 can be configured to support a load on the utility structure 110 via distribution of load to the plurality of supporting members. The plurality of supporting members, in some examples, may include a first supporting member 120. The first supporting member 120 can be configured to be attached to the connection member 105. That is, the first supporting member 120 can be attached to the connection member 105. In some examples, the first supporting member 120 can be hingedly connected to the connection member 105. Further, as will be discussed in greater detail herein, the first supporting member 120 can be coupled to the connection member 105 via a plate. The first supporting member 120 can extend outwardly from the connection member 105 at an angle. In this way, the first supporting member 120 can extend downwardly and outwardly from the post leg 112. Additionally, the first supporting member 120 can extend from the connection member 105 and through the ground line 116.

[0034] As will be appreciated, the first supporting member 120 can include a number of modular elements, such that the modular elements are configured to be transported separately and assembled, at least partially, on site. Furthermore, the elements of the first supporting member 120 may be used in other supporting members of the plurality of supporting members, thus increasing efficiency of manufacturing and assembly of the modular support assembly 100.

[0035] The first supporting member 120 can include a first base 122. The first base 122 can be configured to support the first supporting member 120. That is, the first base 122 can extend at least partially into the ground, or as can be understood, below the ground line 116. In this way, the first base 122 can be planted, at least in part, below the ground line 116 during installation of the modular support assembly 100. For example, the first base 122 can be a pile. More specifically, the first base 122 can be a helical pile, as shown in FIG. 1. The first base 122, in some examples, can include a rock anchor, concrete, bolting to a steel structure, or other similar methods to ensure a firm foundation. The first supporting member 120 can further include a first support column 124. The first support column 124, as will be discussed in greater detail herein, can be configured to be manually extended or retracted. In this way, a length of the first support column 124 can be manually altered depending on one or more factors, including a desired length of the first supporting member 120, a number of components of the first supporting member 120, a number of modular elements of the first supporting member 120, a height of the post leg 112, conditions of the ground or excavation area, a height of the connection member 105 after attached, a depth of the grillage 114, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the first support column 124 can be configured to be attached to the connection member 105. That is, the first support column 124, in some examples, can be hingedly attached, or coupled, to the connection member 105. In some examples, the first support column 124 can be configured to be attached to the first base 122.

[0036] The first supporting member 120 can further include an actuator. As will be appreciated, the actuator can be a first actuator 126. The first actuator 126 can be configured to extend and retract a length of the first supporting member 120. That is, the first actuator 126 can be configured to extend and retract in length. In this way, the first actuator 126 can be configured to apply a force on the post leg 112 via the connection member 105. For example, the first actuator 126 can be a screw jack. The screw jack can be configured to extend and retract in length manually or automatically. Further, the screw jack can be configured to make fine adjustments to the length of the first supporting member 120. In some examples, the first actuator 126 can be a ratchet jack, a scissor jack, or a hydraulic, electromechanical, pneumatic, or other suitable actuator. In this way, the first actuator 126 can be configured to extend such that load of the utility structure 110 is substantially supported by the modular support assembly 100. That is, load of the utility structure 110 can be removed from the post leg 112 via extending the first actuator 126. As can be appreciated, this can allow the post leg 112 to be removed, replaced, repaired, exchanged, etc. In some examples, the first actuator 126 can be configured to be attached to the first base 122, as shown. In some examples, the first actuator 126 can be configured to be attached to the connection member 105. The first actuator 126 can be configured to attach to the first support column 124. Specifically, in some examples, the first actuator 126 can be attached to the first base 122 at one end and the first support column 124 at another end, such that when the first actuator 126 extends, the first actuator can apply a force to the utility structure 110 via the first support column 124 to lift or otherwise move the utility structure 110.

[0037] The modular support assembly 100 can further include a second supporting member 130 and a third supporting member 140. In this way, the modular support assembly 100 can be substantially in the form of a tripod, which, as understood by those skilled in the art, can provide a mechanical advantage in supporting structures. Similar to that of the first supporting member 120, the second supporting member 130 can include a second base 132 and a second support column 134. The second base 132 can include any examples of the first base 122 as discussed herein. As can be appreciated, the second base 132, in some examples, can be substantially the same example as the first base 122. In this way, the first base 122 and the second base 132 can be substantially interchangeable, such that the modular support assembly 100 can include repetitive modular elements for ease of assembly and manufacturing. Similarly, the third supporting member 140 can include a third base 142 and a third support column 144. Further, the third base 142 can include any examples of the first base 122 or the second base 132 as discussed herein. The third base 142 can thus further include substantially the same example as the first base 122 and the second base 132. Additionally, the second support column 134 and the third support column 144 can include any examples of the first support column 124 as discussed herein. Similar to the bases, the second support column 134 and the third support column 144 can include substantially the same example as the first support column 124.

[0038] In some examples, the second supporting member 130 can include a second actuator. The second actuator can include any examples of the first actuator 126 as discussed herein. In this way, the second actuator can be attached to the second base 132. Further, the second actuator can be attached to the second support column 134. In some examples, the second actuator can be configured to be attached to the connection member 105. In this way, the second actuator can be configured to provide a force on the utility structure 110 via the second support column 134 to lift or otherwise move the utility structure 110.

[0039] Similarly, the third supporting member 140 can include a third actuator. The third actuator, as can be appreciated, may include any examples of the first actuator 126 or the second actuator as discussed herein. That is, the third actuator can be configured to be attached to the third base 142, the third support column 144, the connection member 105, or any combination thereof. Thus, the third actuator can be attached to the third support column 144 such that the third actuator can be configured to provide a force on the utility structure 110 via the third support column 144 to lift or otherwise move the utility structure 110.

[0040] A top view of the modular support assembly 100 attached to the post leg 112 of the utility structure 110 is illustrated in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of supporting members can extend, at least in a horizontal direction, substantially orthogonally from the connection member 105. The horizontal direction can be defined as being parallel to a ground plane, where the ground plane is orthogonal to the top view as shown in FIG. 2. In some examples, the ground plane can be defined as including the ground line 116. In some examples, the first supporting member 120 can extend orthogonally to the second supporting member 130 in the horizontal direction.

[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, an example utility structure 110 can include four post legs. As can be appreciated, the utility structure 110 can include two legs, three legs, five legs, six legs, etc. The modular support assembly 100 can be configured to be used on any post leg of the post legs. In some examples, one or more modular support assemblies may be used simultaneously on one or more of the post legs. That is, one or more of the modular support assembly 100 can be used on any of the post legs including one or more of the post leg 112.

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the modular support assembly 100 can be configured to be attached to at least one of the post legs of the self-supporting lattice structure of the utility structure 110. In some examples, the self-supporting lattice structure can include horizontal beams disposed around the utility structure 110. The plurality of horizontal beams 310, in some examples, can span between post legs of the utility structure 110. As shown in FIG. 3B, the connection member 105, in an example, can be attached to one of the post legs a distance below one or more of the horizontal beams. In some examples, this distance can be up to 8 feet or greater.

[0043] A top view of the connection member 105 attached to the post leg 112 is illustrated in FIG. 4. The connection member 105 can include one or more plates, which can be attached the post leg 112, the plurality of supporting members, and one another. In some examples, the connection member 105 can include two exterior plates and an interior plate. The exterior plates can be attached to one another via nut and bolt, and can be attached to the interior plate via nut and bolt. In some examples, the connection member 105 can include a first plate 410, a second plate 420, and a third plate 430. In the example, the first plate 410 can be one of the exterior plates, the second plate 420 can be one of the exterior plates, and the third plate 430 can be the interior plate. In some examples, the first plate 410 and the second plate 420 can be attached to the post leg 112. Further, the third plate 430 can be attached to the first plate 410 and the second plate 420. The first plate 410 can include a first surface 412. Similarly, the second plate 420 can include a second surface 422, and the third plate 430 can include a third surface 432. In some examples, the first surface 412 and the second surface 422 can be substantially orthogonal. Further, the third surface 432 can be positioned at an approximately 45 degree angle to the first surface 412 and the second surface 422. As shown, the first supporting member 120 can be attached to the first surface 412 of the first plate 410. Similarly, the second supporting member 130 can be attached to the second surface 422, and the third supporting member 140 can be attached to the third surface 432. In some examples, the first supporting member 120 can be attached to the first surface 412 via a first clip plate 414. Similarly, the second supporting member 130 can be attached to the second surface 422 via a second clip plate 424, and the third supporting member 140 can be attached to the third surface 432 via a third clip plate 434. The first clip plate 414, the second clip plate 424, and the third clip plate 434 can be configured to be attached to the connection member 105 via nut and bolt fastening. In some examples, the first clip plate 414, the second clip plate 424, and the third clip plate 434 may be attached to the connection member 105 via field drilling.

[0044] A back view and a side view of the connection member 105 attached to the post leg 112 of the utility structure 110 is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. As shown in FIG. 5A, the third clip plate 434 can be attached to the third surface 432 such that the third supporting member 140 can extend parallel to the post leg 112 in a vertical direction, the vertical direction being orthogonal to the horizontal direction described herein. As shown in FIG. 5B, the first clip plate 414 and the second clip plate 424 can be attached to the connection member 105 such that the first supporting member 120 and the second supporting member 130 can extend outwardly and non-parallel to the post leg 112. In this way, the modular support assembly 100 can form a tripod as discussed herein.

[0045] A top view and a perspective view of a pile cap 610 is illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B. As shown in FIG. 6A, the pile cap 610 can be configured to be coupled to a first member 602, the first member 602 being selected from a group consisting of: the first actuator 126, the second actuator, the third actuator, the first support column 124, the second support column 134, and the third support column 144. In some examples, the pile cap 610 can be configured to be coupled to the first member 602 via a threaded bolt and nut fastening through two securing plates. As shown in FIG. 6B, the two securing plates can be configured to be fastened symmetrically to the pile cap 610 via a nut and bolt fastening. Further, the pile cap 610 can be configured to attach to a second member 604 on an opposing end to the first member 602. The second member 604 can be or include: the first base 122, the second base 132, or the third base 142. That is, the first base 122, the second base 132, and the third base 142 may each include the pile cap 610. Specifically, the first base 122 can include a first pile cap, the second base 132 can include a second pile cap, and the third base 142 can include a third pile cap.

[0046] An actuator 710 coupled to the pile cap 610 is illustrated in FIG. 7. As can be appreciated, the actuator 710 can be any one of the first actuator 126, the second actuator, and the third actuator as discussed herein. Furthermore, the pile cap 610 can be the first pile cap, such that the first pile cap can be attached to the first actuator 126. As shown in FIG. 7, the actuator 710 can include a first section of square tubing 702, where the actuator 710 can be coupled to the pile cap 610 via the first section of square tubing 702. The first section of square tubing 702 can include a plurality of through holes, such that the first section of square tubing 702 can be coupled to the pile cap 610 via a nut and bolt fastening. Similarly, the actuator 710 can include a second section of square tubing 704 including a plurality of through holes, such that the second section of square tubing 704 can be coupled to any support column discussed herein.

[0047] Configurations of a support column with an extension member are illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8D. As can be appreciated, the examples of support columns illustrated in FIGS. 8A-D can be used for any of the first support column 124, the second support column 134, and the third support column 144. As shown in FIG. 8A, the support column can include a square tubing section 802 and an extension member 804. In some examples, the extension member 804 can be at least partially disposed within the square tubing section 802, such that the extension member 804 can be fastened via through holes of the square tubing section 802. As can be appreciated, the fastening can be such that a length of the extension member 804 disposed within the square tubing section 802 may be easily adjusted, in that a length of the support column can be adjusted at the time of installation or as needed. The extension member 804 may include a plurality of through holes configured to align with through holes of the square tubing section 802. The plurality of through holes of the extension member 804 may span up to half the length of the extension member 804. The support column can have a fully extended configuration 810, such that the length of the extension member 804 disposed within the square tubing section while still being safely bolted is at a minimum. That is, in the fully extended configuration 810, the length of the support column including the extension member 804 is at a maximum. Safely bolted can be defined by what is understood in the art, and specifically can refer to as the extension member 804 being bolted such that the extension member 804 and square tubing section 802 are unlikely to come apart or fail under load.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 8B, the support column can have a fully collapsed configuration 820, such that the length of the extension member 804 disposed within the square tubing section 802 is at a maximum. That is, in the fully collapsed configuration 820, the length of the support column including the extension member 804 is at a minimum. As shown in FIG. 8C, a support column including the square tubing section 802 and a shortened extension member 806 can have a fully extended configuration 830. The shortened extension member 806 can include a plurality of through holes configured to align with the through holes of the square tubing section 802 and spanning a length of the shortened extension member 806. The shortened extension member 806 can be characterized, as can be appreciated, as having a shorter length than the extension member 804. Further, the fully extended configuration 830 can be such that the length of the shortened extension member 806 disposed within the square tubing section 802 is at a minimum while still being safely bolted. As shown in FIG. 8D, the support column including the shortened extension member 806 can have a fully collapsed configuration 840, such that the length of the shortened extension member 806 disposed within the square tubing section 802 is at a maximum while still being safely bolted.

[0049] A modular support assembly 900 configured to attach to a pole 912 is illustrated in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, the modular support assembly 900 can include a first supporting member 920, a second supporting member 930, and a third supporting member 940. Similarly, the modular support assembly 900 can further include a first support column 924, a first base 922, a second support column 934, a second base 932, a third support column 944, and a third base 942. The first supporting member 920 can include any embodiments of the first supporting member 120 discussed herein. The second supporting member 930 can include any embodiments of the second supporting member 130 discussed herein. The third supporting member 940 can include any embodiments of the third supporting member 140 discussed herein. The first support column 924 can include any embodiments of the first support column 124 discussed herein. The first base 922 can include any embodiments of the first base 122 discussed herein. The second support column 934 can include any embodiments of the second support column 134 discussed herein. The second base 932 can include any embodiments of the second base 132 discussed herein. The third support column 944 can include any embodiments of the third support column 144 discussed herein. The third base 942 can include any embodiments of the third base 142 discussed herein. Additionally, the modular support assembly can include a connection member 905, such that the first supporting member 920, the second supporting member 930, and the third supporting member 940 can be configured to attach to the connection member 905. The modular support assembly 900 can include one or more horizontal beams 910, such that the one or more horizontal beams 910 can be disposed between any combination of the first supporting member 920, the second supporting member 930, and the third supporting member 940. That is, the one or more horizontal beams 910 can be configured to connect any combination of the first supporting member 920, the second supporting member 930, and the third supporting member 940. The connection member 905 can be configured to be attached to the pole 912. As can be appreciated, by use of the connection member 905, members and components of the modular support assembly 100 as discussed herein may be used in other contexts, such as for the modular support assembly 900, and thus for supporting the pole 912. Although not shown, the modular support assembly 900 may further include an actuator (e.g., the first actuator 126), the second actuator, the third actuator, or any combination thereof. In this way, the modular support assembly 900 may be configured to support load of the pole 912.

[0050] A method for removing load from the utility structure 110 with the modular support assembly 100 to enable repair of the utility structure 110 is shown in the block diagram of FIG. 10. The method can include attaching 1010 the connection member 105 to the post leg 112 of the utility structure 110. The method can further include installing 1020 the first supporting member 120, the second supporting member 130, and the third supporting member 140. The method can further include attaching 1030 the first supporting member 120, the second supporting member 130 and the third supporting member 140 to the connection member 105. The method can further include extending 1040 an actuator to lift the utility structure 110, such that load of the utility structure 110 is substantially supported by the modular support assembly 100.

[0051] Installing 1020 the first supporting member 120, the second supporting member 130, and the third supporting member 140 can further include determining a location of the first base 122, the second base 132, and the third base 142 and installing the first base 122, the second base 132, and the third base 142. Installing 1020 the first supporting member 120, the second supporting member 130, and the third supporting member 140 can further include attaching the first pile cap to the first base 122; attaching a second pile cap to the second base 132; attaching a third pile cap to the third base 142; attaching the first actuator 126 to the first pile cap; attaching the second support column 134 to the second pile cap; attaching the third support column 144 to the third pile cap; and attaching the first support column 124 to the first actuator 126. In some examples, attaching the first pile cap, the second pile cap, and the third pile cap to the first base 122, the second base 132, and the third base 142 respectively can include field drilling one or more holes in the first pile cap, the second pile cap, and the third pile cap; and field drilling one or more holes in the first supporting member 120, the second supporting member 130, and the third supporting member 140. In some examples, attaching 1010 the connection member 105 to the post leg 112 of the utility structure 110 can include attaching the first plate 410 and the second plate 420 to the post leg 112; and attaching the third plate 430 to the first plate 410 and the second plate 420. In some examples, attaching 1030 the first supporting member 120, the second supporting member 130, and the third supporting member 140 to the connection member 105 can include attaching the first clip plate 414 to the first surface 412; attaching the second clip plate 424 to the second surface 422; attaching the third clip plate 434 to the third surface 432; field drilling one or more holes into the first clip plate 414, the second clip plate 424, and the third clip plate 434; attaching the first supporting member 120 to the first clip plate 414; attaching the second supporting member 130 to the second clip plate 424; and attaching the third supporting member 140 to the third clip plate 434. In some examples, the method can further include raising the utility structure 110; and repairing the utility structure 110. The actuator can include any combination of the first actuator 126, the second actuator, and the third actuator. That is, extending 1040 the actuator can include any combination of: extending the first actuator 126, extending the second actuator, and extending the third actuator.

[0052] In some examples, construction of the modular support assembly 100 can proceed by the following non-limiting example sequence. Clear area of all debris, vegetation, and obstructions. Excavate required area to allow for safe working space around post leg 112 per approved procedures. Clamp the exterior and interior support plates to the existing tower leg at the height needed for post leg 112 restoration, as shown FIG. 3B, align support column members with exterior support plates and interior support plate. Determine the location and angle for each pile installation (3 total), helical piles installed approximately 60″ around the base of the post leg 112, the two exterior helical piles are to be installed matching the angle of the modular support assembly 100 columns with a tolerance of 10 degrees. Install helical piles to specified torque; install pile cap plates (3 total), the top of the pile cap plate is located no more than 12″ above grade, re-compact soil disturbed during pile installation with hand-held compactor. Install clip angles (2 total per modular support assembly 100 column) to the pile cap plate as shown on FIG. 6A. Field drill vertical leg of the cap plate clip angles at location required to connect them to the support column bottom member using threaded rod; repeat for all three support columns. Install exterior support plates to the existing post leg 112 as shown on FIG. 5A, exterior support plates can be installed into condition. A steel that is free of mechanical damage or deformation. field drill the existing post leg 112 using the exterior support plates. Connect interior support plate to exterior support plates. After proper alignment of the support columns, install clip plates to all three support plates. Install a threaded rod to connect the support column top member to the clip plate while fitting into the support column bottom member. Repeat for all three support column. Install bolts to connect bottom and top members of all three support columns. Tighten nuts at all connection points; begin restoration.

[0053] As will be appreciated, the post leg 112 may have a maximum vertical load. The maximum vertical load, in some examples, can be 50 kips or higher. In some examples, the modular support assembly 100 can have a loading verification performed before use to ensure the modular support assembly 100 is rated for handling the maximum vertical load distributed from the post leg 112. Furthermore, the modular support assembly 100 can be designed such that it can withstand lateral deflection to enable repairs or modifications that may require additional space and so that the modular support assembly 100 does not fail due to a lateral shift. For example, the modular support assembly 100 can be configured to withstand lateral deflections of up to ½″.

[0054] In this description, numerous specific details have been set forth. It is to be understood, however, that implementations of the disclosed technology may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. References to “one example,”“an example,”“some examples,”“various examples,”“one implementation,”“an implementation,”“example implementation,”“various implementations,”“some implementations,” etc., indicate that the implementation(s) of the disclosed technology so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every implementation necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one implementation” does not necessarily refer to the same implementation, although it may.

[0055] Throughout the specification and the claims, the following terms take at least the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “connected” means that one function, feature, structure, or characteristic is directly joined to or in communication with another function, feature, structure, or characteristic. The term “coupled” means that one function, feature, structure, or characteristic is directly or indirectly joined to or in communication with another function, feature, structure, or characteristic. The term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or.” Further, the terms “a,”“an,” and “the” are intended to mean one or more unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form. By “comprising” or “containing” or “including” is meant that at least the named element, or method step is present in article or method, but does not exclude the presence of other elements or method steps, even if the other such elements or method steps have the same function as what is named.

[0056] It is to be understood that the mention of one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Similarly, it is also to be understood that the mention of one or more components in a device or system does not preclude the presence of additional components or intervening components between those components expressly identified.

[0057] The disclosed technology can be further understood according to the following clauses:

[0058] Clause 1: A modular support assembly for a utility structure, the modular support assembly comprising: a connection member configured to attach to the utility structure; a first supporting member attached to the connection member and extending outwardly from the connection member at an angle, the first supporting member comprising: a first support column; a first base configured to support the first support column; and an actuator attached to the first support column and configured to extend or retract a length of the first supporting member; a second supporting member attached to the connection member and extending outwardly from the connection member at an angle, the second supporting member comprising: a second support column; and a second base configured to support the second support column; and a third supporting member attached to the connection member and extending outwardly from the connection member at an angle, the third supporting member comprising: a third support column; and a third base configured to support the third support column.

[0059] Clause 2: The modular support assembly of Clause 1, wherein the actuator is a first actuator and the second supporting member further comprises a second actuator, wherein the second actuator is configured to extend or retract a length of the second supporting member.

[0060] Clause 3: The modular support assembly of Clause 2, wherein the third supporting member further comprises a third actuator, wherein the third actuator is configured to extend or retract a length of the third supporting member.

[0061] Clause 4: The modular support assembly of Clause 1, wherein the actuator is a screw-jack.

[0062] Clause 5: The modular support assembly of Clause 1, wherein the first base is a pile comprising a pile cap, wherein the pile cap is configured to attach to the actuator.

[0063] Clause 6: The modular support assembly of Clause 5, wherein the first support column further comprises an extension member, wherein the extension member is configured to attach to the connection member.

[0064] Clause 7: The modular support assembly of Clause 5, wherein the extension member is configured to be manually extended and retracted from the first support column, wherein the extension member is bolted to the first support column.

[0065] Clause 8: The modular support assembly of Clause 1, wherein at least one of the first base, the second base, and the third base is a helical pile.

[0066] Clause 9: The modular support assembly of Clause 1, wherein, in a horizontal direction parallel to a ground plane, the first supporting member extends outwardly from the connection member at an angle orthogonal to a direction that the second supporting member extends outwardly from the connection member.

[0067] Clause 10: The modular support assembly of Clause 1, wherein the connection member comprises: a first surface, wherein the first supporting member is configured to attach to the first surface; a second surface, wherein the second supporting member is configured to attach to the second surface; and a third surface, wherein the third supporting member is configured to attach to the third surface.

[0068] Clause 11: The modular support assembly of Clause 10, wherein the first surface is orthogonal to the second surface, and the third surface forms an approximately 45 degree angle with the first surface and the second surface.

[0069] Clause 12: The modular support assembly of Clause 10, wherein at least the first surface and the second surface of the connection member is attached to the utility structure.

[0070] Clause 13: A method for temporarily supporting a utility structure with a modular support assembly, the method comprising: attaching a connection member to a post leg of the utility structure; installing a first supporting member, wherein the first supporting member comprises an actuator; installing a second supporting member; installing a third supporting member; attaching the first supporting member, the second supporting member, and the third supporting member to the connection member; and extending the actuator, such that load of the utility structure is substantially supported by the modular support assembly.

[0071] Clause 14: The method of Clause 13, wherein installing the first supporting member, the second supporting member, and the third supporting member comprises: determining a location of a first base, a second base, and a third base; and installing a first base, a second base, and a third base.

[0072] Clause 15: The method of Clause 14, further comprising: attaching a first pile cap to the first base; attaching a second pile cap to the second base; attaching a third pile cap to the third base; attaching the actuator to the first pile cap; attaching a second support column to the second pile cap; attaching a third support column to the third pile cap; and attaching a first support column to the actuator.

[0073] Clause 16: The method of Clause 15, wherein attaching the first pile cap, the second pile cap, and the third pile cap to the first base, the second base, and the third base respectively comprises: field drilling one or more holes in the first pile cap, the second pile cap, and the third pile cap; and field drilling one or more holes in the first supporting member, the second supporting member, and the third supporting member.

[0074] Clause 17: The method of Clause 13, wherein attaching the connection member to the post leg of the utility structure comprises: attaching a first plate and a second plate to the post leg of the utility structure; and attaching a third plate to the first plate and the second plate, wherein the first plate comprises a first surface, the second plate comprises a second surface, and the third plate comprises a third surface.

[0075] Clause 18: The method of Clause 17, wherein attaching the first supporting member, the second supporting member, and the third supporting member to the connection member comprises: attaching a first clip plate to the first surface; attaching a second clip plate to the second surface; attaching a third clip plate to the third surface; field drilling one or more holes into the first clip plate, the second clip plate, and the third clip plate; attaching the first supporting member to the first clip plate; attaching the second supporting member to the second clip plate; and attaching the third supporting member to the third clip plate.

[0076] Clause 19: The method of Clause 13, wherein the actuator is a first actuator, and wherein extending the actuator comprises any combination of: extending the first actuator; extending a second actuator of the second supporting member; and extending a third actuator of the third supporting member.

[0077] Clause 20: The method of Clause 13, further comprising: raising the utility structure; and repairing the utility structure.

[0078] Although examples are described herein with respect to systems or methods, it is contemplated that examples with identical or substantially similar features may alternatively be implemented as systems, methods and / or non-transitory computer-readable media.

[0079] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the use of the ordinal adjectives “first,”“second,”“third,” etc., to describe a common object, merely indicates that different instances of like objects are being referred to and is not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

[0080] While certain examples of this disclosure have been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various examples, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed examples, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

[0081] This written description uses examples to disclose certain examples of the technology and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice certain examples of this technology, including making and using any apparatuses or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of certain examples of the technology is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0082] It is to be understood that the examples and claims disclosed herein are not limited in their application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned. The examples and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other examples and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting the claims.

[0083] Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the application and claims are based may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the examples and claims presented in this application. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions.

[0084] Furthermore, the purpose of the Abstract included herewith is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially including the practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent and legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the claims of the application, nor is it intended to be limiting to the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. A modular support assembly for a utility structure, the modular support assembly comprising:a connection member configured to attach to the utility structure;a first supporting member attached to the connection member and extending outwardly from the connection member at an angle, the first supporting member comprising:a first support column;a first base configured to support the first support column; andan actuator attached to the first support column and configured to extend or retract a length of the first supporting member;a second supporting member attached to the connection member and extending outwardly from the connection member at an angle, the second supporting member comprising:a second support column; anda second base configured to support the second support column; anda third supporting member attached to the connection member and extending outwardly from the connection member at an angle, the third supporting member comprisinga third support column; anda third base configured to support the third support column.

2. The modular support assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a first actuator and the second supporting member further comprises a second actuator, wherein the second actuator is configured to extend or retract a length of the second supporting member.

3. The modular support assembly of claim 2, wherein the third supporting member further comprises a third actuator, wherein the third actuator is configured to extend or retract a length of the third supporting member.

4. The modular support assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a screw-jack.

5. The modular support assembly of claim 1, wherein the first base is a pile comprising a pile cap, wherein the pile cap is configured to attach to the actuator.

6. The modular support assembly of claim 5, wherein the first support column further comprises an extension member, wherein the extension member is configured to attach to the connection member.

7. The modular support assembly of claim 6, wherein the extension member is configured to be manually extended and retracted from the first support column, wherein the extension member is bolted to the first support column.

8. The modular support assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first base, the second base, and the third base is a helical pile.

9. The modular support assembly of claim 1, wherein, in a horizontal direction parallel to a ground plane, the first supporting member extends outwardly from the connection member at an angle orthogonal to a direction that the second supporting member extends outwardly from the connection member.

10. The modular support assembly of claim 1, wherein the connection member comprises:a first surface, wherein the first supporting member is configured to attach to the first surface;a second surface, wherein the second supporting member is configured to attach to the second surface; anda third surface, wherein the third supporting member is configured to attach to the third surface.

11. The modular support assembly of claim 10, wherein the first surface is orthogonal to the second surface, and the third surface forms an approximately 45 degree angle with the first surface and the second surface.

12. The modular support assembly of claim 10, wherein at least the first surface and the second surface of the connection member is attached to the utility structure.

13. A method for temporarily supporting a utility structure with a modular support assembly, the method comprising:attaching a connection member to a post leg of the utility structure;installing a first supporting member, wherein the first supporting member comprises an actuator;installing a second supporting member;installing a third supporting member;attaching the first supporting member, the second supporting member, and the third supporting member to the connection member; andextending the actuator, such that load of the utility structure is substantially supported by the modular support assembly.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein installing the first supporting member, the second supporting member, and the third supporting member comprises:determining a location of a first base, a second base, and a third base; andinstalling a first base, a second base, and a third base.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:attaching a first pile cap to the first base;attaching a second pile cap to the second base;attaching a third pile cap to the third base;attaching the actuator to the first pile cap;attaching a second support column to the second pile cap;attaching a third support column to the third pile cap; andattaching a first support column to the actuator.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein attaching the first pile cap, the second pile cap, and the third piled cap to the first base, the second base, and the third base respectively comprises:field drilling one or more holes in the first pile cap, the second pile cap, and the third pile cap; andfield drilling one or more holes in the first supporting member, the second supporting member, and the third supporting member.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein attaching the connection member to the post leg of the utility structure comprises:attaching a first plate and a second plate to the post leg of the utility structure; andattaching a third plate to the first plate and the second plate,wherein the first plate comprises a first surface, the second plate comprises a second surface, and the third plate comprises a third surface.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein attaching the first supporting member, the second supporting member, and the third supporting member to the connection member comprises:attaching a first clip plate to the first surface;attaching a second clip plate to the second surface;attaching a third clip plate to the third surface;field drilling one or more holes into the first clip plate, the second clip plate, and the third clip plate;attaching the first supporting member to the first clip plate;attaching the second supporting member to the second clip plate; andattaching the third supporting member to the third clip plate.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the actuator is a first actuator, and wherein extending the actuator comprises any combination of:extending the first actuator;extending a second actuator of the second supporting member; andextending a third actuator of the third supporting member.

20. The method of claim 13, further comprising:raising the utility structure; andrepairing the utility structure.

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