Anchored Cable-Frame Support Structure for Lightweight Soil Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retaining structures are costly, laborious to implement, and environmentally impactful, often requiring significant resources and equipment, and are difficult to adapt to varying terrain configurations while minimizing ground subsidence and maintaining stability.
Innovation Solution
A retaining structure comprising a central anchor rod, central cross with end plates, and a peripheral cable frame, featuring a pyramidal reinforcement frame and optional wooden components, allowing for easy assembly and integration into the landscape with reduced environmental footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid all-steel structure is used to ensure strength and stability, then the structural strength is improved, but the weight increases significantly making transport and installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into separate modular components: a central cross made of two bars with end plates, peripheral cables passing through cable passages, and optional pyramidal reinforcement frames. These segments can be manufactured separately, transported easily, and assembled on-site to form the complete retaining structure, significantly reducing transport weight while maintaining structural integrity through proper connection design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction combining wood or metal bars for the central cross, metal end plates with cable passages, and steel peripheral cables. This composite approach allows optimization of each component's material properties - using lighter wood where appropriate while maintaining strength at critical connection points with metal elements, achieving overall weight reduction without sacrificing structural strength
2Reliability
If traditional retaining wall methods are used to resist earth pressure, then the stability is improved, but the cost and resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining structure uses segmented modular units that can be manufactured using simpler, less expensive processes compared to traditional monolithic concrete or steel walls. Each unit consists of standard-sized bars, plates, and cables that can be produced with common fabrication equipment, reducing manufacturing costs and resource requirements while maintaining stability through the modular assembly design
Solution Approach 2:
The structure employs relatively inexpensive materials such as wooden or metal bars, standard metal plates, and steel cables that can be sourced from common suppliers. These components are designed to be replaceable and can be manufactured using economical processes, reducing overall project cost while achieving the required stability for the retaining application
3Reliability
If heavy steel structures are used to prevent ground subsidence, then the ground stabilization is improved, but the environmental footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmented design allows for precise placement of stabilization components only where needed in the ground, rather than requiring a continuous heavy steel structure. This reduces the overall material quantity and environmental impact while maintaining effective ground stabilization through targeted anchoring and reinforcement at critical locations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters by using lighter wood and metal combinations instead of heavy steel, and adjusts the structural configuration with modular components. This parameter optimization achieves the required ground stabilization function with reduced material mass and lower environmental footprint while maintaining the necessary mechanical performance
4Reliability
If complex anchoring systems are used to resist outward and toppling forces, then the structural stability is improved, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is segmented into simple, standardized components: bars with end plates containing cable passages, peripheral cables routed through these passages, and optional pyramidal frames. Each segment is designed for straightforward assembly, reducing installation complexity while providing effective resistance to outward and toppling forces through the distributed anchoring configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components serve multiple functions: the central cross bars provide structural rigidity, the end plates with cable passages enable cable routing and anchoring, and the pyramidal frames offer additional reinforcement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying installation while maintaining structural stability against various loading conditions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~13
AI summary
The invention relates to a support structure (1) comprising at least one central anchoring rod (3), intended to be driven by one end into a ground in order to form an anchor, at least two bars (51, 52) arranged so as to form a central cross (5) configured to be crossed by the central anchoring rod (3), and a frame surrounding the central cross (5). According to the invention, the at least two bars (51, 52) of the central cross (5) each have two end plates (11) respectively comprising a cable passage (111), and in that said structure (1) comprises at least one peripheral cable (7) arranged around a central cross (5) passing through the cable passages (111), so as to form the frame.