Blast-Resistant Precast Foundation Blocks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foundation systems for buildings and towers lack the ability to withstand ramming attacks and explosive blasts without requiring ground-penetrating support elements and are not efficiently deployable from pre-fabricated elements.

Innovation Solution

A foundation assembly comprising precast concrete blocks with reinforcing steel, where each block is greater than one meter in size, featuring mounting studs and sealant-filled gaps, allowing for rapid deployment without ground penetration, and incorporating conduits for utility access and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional foundation systems use ground-penetrating support elements (piers, footers), then structural stability is improved, but deployment complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddeployment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The foundation blocks are pre-fabricated with integrated reinforcement structures and connection mechanisms before deployment. The blocks arrive at the site ready-to-install, eliminating the need for on-site concrete pouring and ground penetration work, thus reducing deployment time while maintaining structural stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The foundation system is divided into discrete, modular precast blocks that can be independently manufactured and transported. These segmented blocks are assembled on-site through simple placement and connection, avoiding the need for complex ground preparation and penetration operations required by traditional monolithic foundation systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If foundation blocks are made smaller for easier handling, then ease of installation is improved, but structural strength and blast resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidblast resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The foundation blocks utilize composite construction with precast concrete combined with integrated steel reinforcement structures. This composite material approach allows the blocks to achieve high blast resistance and structural strength while maintaining a manageable size and weight for mechanical handling and installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The block dimensions are optimized to exceed one meter in size, representing a parameter change from traditional smaller foundation elements. This size increase improves blast resistance and structural strength while the blocks remain mechanically movable through careful dimensional optimization and use of mechanical assistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If foundation blocks are precast and ready-to-install, then productivity is improved, but adaptability to different site conditions worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to site conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The precast foundation blocks are designed with universal features including standardized connection interfaces, multiple mounting stud configurations, and adaptable conduit arrangements. These universal characteristics allow the same block design to be deployed across various site conditions and application scenarios, maintaining both high productivity and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The foundation system incorporates dynamic adaptability through adjustable mounting stud arrangements and flexible conduit routing options within the precast blocks. This allows the rigid precast elements to be adapted to different installation requirements and site conditions without compromising installation efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Area of stationary object

If blocks are closely spaced to reduce foundation area, then land use efficiency is improved, but vulnerability to blast propagation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoundation areaVSAvoidblast propagation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Expandable sealant material is introduced as an intermediary substance between adjacent foundation blocks. This sealant fills and seals the gaps between blocks, preventing blast wave propagation through the foundation assembly while allowing the blocks to be closely spaced for efficient land use. The sealant acts as a blast-mitigating barrier that enables compact block arrangement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8468760B1Blast-resistant foundations

Publication Date: 2013.06.25 KONTEK INDS

AI summary

Blast-resistant foundations are presented that can be used to support a tower, a building, a building supporting a tower, and a tower supporting a building. These foundations can be transported to an installation site and rapidly deployed. They are comprised of one or more precast foundation blocks that do not penetrate the ground beneath them, do not require adjacent foundation blocks to be bound to one-another at their sides with interconnecting steel, and do not require the buildings and/or towers they support to use guy-wires. They can include protected cavities that contain utility equipment and supplies, and they can include conduits from these cavities that can be extended upward through one or more legs of a tower.