Method for creating a foundation element in the ground and foundation element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating foundation elements in the ground are inefficient in terms of material usage and cost, as they require solid foundation elements that do not utilize space effectively for additional functions like geothermal purposes, and do not optimize load-bearing capacity without increasing material requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of an annular foundation element by inserting a central, detachable insert body into a hole and filling the annular space between the insert body and the hole's wall with a hardenable mass, which hardens to form a ring-shaped foundation element, allowing for reduced material usage and additional functional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a solid foundation element is constructed by filling the entire hole with curable mass, then the load-bearing capacity is maximized, but the material cost and curing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation element is segmented into an annular load-bearing structure with a central cavity, separating the load-bearing function from the central space. This segmentation allows the curable mass to be concentrated in the annular region where it provides maximum skin friction, while the central cavity remains empty or filled with non-curable material, significantly reducing the total quantity of curable mass required.
Solution Approach 2:
The curable mass is strategically placed in the annular region where it provides optimal skin friction for load-bearing, rather than uniformly distributing it throughout the entire cross-section. This local concentration of material in the high-value load-bearing zone maintains strength while reducing overall material consumption.
2Strength
If a solid foundation element is constructed, then the load-bearing capacity is maximized, but the space for additional functions like geothermal purposes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation element is segmented into an annular load-bearing structure with a central cavity, separating the load-bearing function from the central space. This segmentation allows the curable mass to be concentrated in the annular region where it provides maximum skin friction, while the central cavity remains empty or filled with non-curable material, significantly reducing the total quantity of curable mass required.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular foundation element design provides multi-functionality: the annular region serves the load-bearing function through skin friction, while the central cavity simultaneously provides space for geothermal purposes, measurement instruments, or other functional applications. This universal design allows a single foundation element to fulfill multiple functions without compromising structural integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the insert body is made of reusable materials with sheathing, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert body is extracted as a separate, removable component from the final foundation structure. This allows the insert to be manufactured separately using cost-effective materials, inserted temporarily during the pouring process to form the annular cavity, and then removed for reuse. The sheathing element remains as part of the foundation, while the insert body itself is taken out for repeated use in subsequent foundation elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert body is designed as a temporary formwork element that is discarded after serving its purpose of defining the annular cavity. However, unlike traditional disposable formwork, the insert body is recovered and reused in subsequent foundation elements, significantly reducing manufacturing costs. The sheathing element remains permanently attached to the foundation, while the insert body is recovered for repeated use.
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
This approach reduces material costs and maintains load-bearing capacity while providing space for geothermal or other functions, with minimal reduction in load-bearing capacity and enabling efficient use of excavated material for stabilization.
Implementation Method 1
a curable mass is introduced into the annular space, which cures to form an annular foundation element
Implementation Method 2
The transfer of structural loads occurs primarily through skin friction between the outer surface of the hardened foundation element and the surrounding borehole wall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for creating a foundation element in the ground, in which a hole is created in the ground and a curable mass is introduced into the hole, which hardens to form the foundation element. According to the invention, an insert body is placed approximately centrally in the hole, which is spaced apart from a circumferential wall of the hole, forming an annular space between the circumferential wall of the hole and the insert body, and a curable mass is introduced into the annular space, which hardens to form an annular foundation element.