Adjustable Shoring Assembly for Underground Vault Roof Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reinforced concrete roofs of underground utility vaults lose strength over time, necessitating effective shoring systems to support structural loads, as existing shoring systems are not adequately designed to address long-term strength degradation.
Innovation Solution
A shoring assembly comprising an elongated column member, a crossbeam member, and adjustable brackets with jacks to support the crossbeam member against the vault roof, utilizing corrosion-resistant metal elements and filler blocks to ensure stable and adjustable support, accommodating varying vault roof lengths and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adjustable shoring systems are used to support uncured concrete and formwork loads, then the roof can be supported during construction, but the systems are not adequately designed to address long-term strength degradation after 30-60 years of service
Solution Approach 1:
The shoring system incorporates adjustable components including threaded rods with nuts that allow the height and position of support elements to be modified over time. This dynamic adjustability enables the system to accommodate roof settlement and strength degradation that occurs after 30-60 years of service, transforming a static construction support system into one that can adapt to long-term structural changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses corrosion-resistant metal elements and allows adjustment of support parameters (height, position, loading distribution) to compensate for changes in roof strength over time. The threaded adjustment mechanisms enable parameter changes that maintain support effectiveness despite the roof's declining load-bearing capacity during its service life.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed shoring systems are used, then installation is simple, but they cannot accommodate varying vault roof lengths and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The shoring system is divided into modular components including separate column members, crossbeam members, bracket assemblies, and adjustable support elements. This segmentation allows the system to be configured for different vault roof lengths and shapes by assembling appropriate numbers and arrangements of standard modules, providing versatility without requiring completely custom designs for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized modular components are designed to perform multiple functions and accommodate various vault configurations. The adjustable brackets and threaded rod assemblies can adapt to different roof geometries, making the same basic system components universally applicable to different vault sizes and shapes while maintaining relatively simple individual element designs.
3Reliability
If non-adjustable shoring systems are used, then the structure is simpler, but they cannot be adjusted to maintain support effectiveness as the roof loses strength over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates threaded rods with nuts and adjustable brackets that enable modification of support element positions and heights. This dynamic capability allows maintenance of support effectiveness as the roof loses strength over time, while the adjustment mechanisms are designed to be relatively simple to operate using standard tools.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The shoring assembly effectively maintains structural integrity by allowing adjustable and stable support of reinforced concrete roofs, extending the service life of vaults by ensuring continued load-bearing capacity beyond initial curing periods.
Implementation Method 1
The bracket comprises a jack member extendable upward to engage and move the crossbeam member upward relative to the column member into a support position against a vault roof to be shored
Data Source
AI summary
A shoring assembly for utility vaults. A crossbeam member is carried by a column member and a bracket is connected between the crossbeam member and the column member. The bracket supports the crossbeam member on the column member and comprises a jack member that is extendable upward to engage and move the crossbeam member upward relative to the column member into a support position against a vault roof to be shored.