Bridge Beam Angular Profile Positioning via Ground-Level Clips

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bridge construction methods require precise placement of angular profiles on beams, which is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and poses a high risk of accidents due to workers needing to manually weld profiles at heights on narrow structures.

Innovation Solution

The method involves attaching clips with threaded studs to the beams, allowing for pre-calculated positioning of angular profiles, which can be affixed at different heights and angles, enabling safe and efficient placement of forms supported by these profiles, reducing the need for workers to be on top of the beams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If workers manually weld angular profiles to beams at heights on narrow structures, then precise positioning of profiles according to final camber is achieved, but construction time increases and risk of accidents increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precision of angular profilesVSAvoidconstruction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The angular profiles are pre-positioned and pre-welded to the beams at ground level before the beams are lifted into final position. This preliminary action eliminates the need for workers to perform welding operations at heights, while still achieving precise positioning relative to the final beam camber through pre-calculated positioning on the ground.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of positioning and welding angular profiles to beams at heights after beams are in final position, the method inverts the sequence by first positioning and welding profiles to beams at ground level, then lifting the entire assembly to final position. This reverses the traditional workflow to eliminate hazardous high-altitude work.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Manufacturing precision

If workers manually weld angular profiles to beams at heights, then precise positioning according to final camber is achieved, but risk of accidents increases due to working at heights and on narrow structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precision of angular profilesVSAvoidsafety of construction process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

All welding and positioning operations are performed at ground level before beam installation, eliminating exposure to hazards at heights. The preliminary preparation includes precise positioning of angular profiles relative to beam camber, maintaining manufacturing precision while dramatically improving worker safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The ground-level positioning process acts as an intermediary step that decouples the precision positioning requirement from the hazardous high-altitude welding operation. By preparing profiles at ground level and then installing the complete assembly, the method mediates between precision requirements and safety concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If workers manually position and weld angular profiles on top of beams, then correct positioning is achieved, but labor intensity and construction time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracy of angular profilesVSAvoidconstruction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Angular profiles are pre-positioned and pre-welded to multiple beams at ground level in a systematic sequence, allowing workers to efficiently prepare multiple beams before lifting operations begin. This preliminary mass preparation significantly reduces on-site construction time while maintaining positioning accuracy through pre-calculated placements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The method enables continuous workflow by preparing multiple beams in sequence at ground level, then lifting them as a coordinated group. This eliminates interruptions between positioning and welding operations that would occur if work were performed after each beam was individually installed at height, thereby improving overall construction efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11913180B1Bridge construction method and bridge

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 ALTAIR SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

Bridge construction method for a bridge formed by a series of beams placed between slabs, supported by angular profiles affixed to the beams. The method includes the steps of: fixing clips to edges of the upper surface of the beams, placing the beams on their supports, calculating the correct position of the angular profiles according to the shape or position of the beams; joining fasteners on the angular profiles, at an individual height determined according to the calculated positions; affixing the fasteners to the clips, so the angular profiles hang at the edges of the beams placing the slab on the angular profiles and casting concrete on the structure. The slabs are supported by angular profiles joined to the upper surface of the beams through a series of threaded protrusion carrying clips in said upper surface. Fasteners are joined to the clips and affixed to the angular profiles.