Concrete Marine Support Structures With Integrated Pull-Tube Passageways
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of large bore and heavy steel pipes for pull-tubes in marine concrete structures during continuous casting/slipforming operations is impractical, requiring additional resources and leading to slower, less efficient casting processes.
Innovation Solution
Integrally forming conduits or passageways within the concrete structure during the construction process, allowing for simultaneous casting of the passageway with the structure, eliminating the need for subsequent installation of steel pipes and reducing the requirement for scaffolding and access arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steel pipes are installed after casting of concrete, then the pipes can be properly installed and supported, but the construction time increases and scaffolding is required
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork is prepared in advance with integrated conduit pathways built into the formwork structure before concrete casting begins. This preliminary preparation allows conduits to be installed simultaneously with concrete placement, eliminating the need for post-casting pipe installation and scaffolding erection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the concrete structure construction with conduit installation into a single integrated process. The formwork serves dual purposes: shaping the concrete structure and providing pathways for conduits. This merging of operations eliminates sequential steps and reduces overall construction time.
2Stability of the object's composition
If steel pipes are installed during continuous casting operation, then the pipes can be integrated into the structure, but the casting operation becomes more complex and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it shapes the concrete structure, provides support during casting, and creates integrated conduit pathways. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate conduit installation equipment and operations, reducing overall complexity despite the enhanced integration capability.
3Ease of operation
If scaffolding is erected for pipe installation, then access is provided for workers, but safety risks increase and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
Conduit pathways are built into the formwork structure before concrete casting, allowing conduit installation to occur at ground level or from safe positions during the casting process. This eliminates the need for workers to access elevated structures via scaffolding, thereby removing the associated safety risks and resource requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods of constructing marine support structures for offshore installations. The methods involve forming a portion of the marine support structure as a concrete structure to support the offshore installation thereon or thereabove. A passageway for receiving at least one line is provided in the concrete structure, with the passageway being provided or formed within the concrete structure during the concrete formation process.