Cantilevered Engineering Works Plant Using Permanent Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction methods for engineering works like bridges, viaducts, and wharfs require access from below, which is burdensome, especially in challenging environments, and existing plants are limited to specific types of foundations or require heavy, expensive equipment, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A plant comprising a main structure integrated with a derrick crane, gantry cranes, and rest units that can rest on existing structures, allowing cantilevered construction without temporary supports, enabling precise pile positioning and efficient deck construction across large spans with reduced weight and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If access from below (service roads or service pontoons) is provided for construction, then construction of foundations and substructures can be carried out, but construction costs increase and operation is restricted by environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional construction approach by building from the top (decks) downward to the foundations, rather than the traditional bottom-up method. This allows the plant to operate exclusively from the work under construction without requiring service roads or pontoons from below, eliminating the need for temporary service wharfs and enabling continuous operation regardless of tidal conditions or environmental constraints.
2Weight of moving object
If simple overhang cantilevered structure is used, then equipment weight is reduced, but gap creation is limited to 30-35 m
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic plant structure that can temporarily rest on the ground or seabed during construction phases, rather than relying solely on static cantilevered overhang. This dynamic capability allows the plant to span gaps exceeding 30-35 meters while maintaining reduced equipment weight, as the temporary ground contact provides support only during construction, not in the final structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The plant is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a construction platform and as part of the final structure. The ability to temporarily rest on the ground or seabed during construction while maintaining a lightweight design allows the same structure to handle both small and large span requirements, eliminating the need for heavily sized equipment.
3Length of moving object
If heavy equipment (Cantitravel with crawler cranes) is used, then large spans can be constructed, but equipment cost increases and operation is restricted by geotechnical and meteorological conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the support strategy by having the plant rest on the permanent structures being constructed (decks and substructures) rather than requiring heavy temporary supports like Spud Legs. This allows the construction plant to be lightweight while still capable of constructing large spans, as the growing structure itself provides the support needed during construction.
4Ease of operation
If plant rests on permanent bearing structures, then construction from work under construction is enabled, but deformation control becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates monitoring and control systems that provide feedback on the deformation and position of the plant relative to the permanent bearing structures. This allows real-time adjustments to be made during construction, ensuring that deformation remains within acceptable limits while maintaining the ability to construct autonomously from the work under construction.
Data Source
AI summary
A plant for the construction, preferably cantilevered, of engineering works which includes a main structure configured to rest, during use, on permanent structures (P) of the engineering work.