External Tendon Cutting in Concrete Towers for Safe Dismantling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The dismantling of concrete towers, particularly those with tensioned tendons, poses safety risks and is labor-intensive, as the sudden relaxation of tendons during separation can lead to unpredictable movements, and existing methods do not adequately address the challenges of repowering or collapsing towers.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a rod-shaped positioning element coupled to a base frame, allowing a separating unit to be positioned within the concrete tower to safely separate tendons, using a cutting torch or other tools, without requiring personnel inside the tower, thereby enabling controlled tendon separation and reducing safety risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tendons are separated using existing methods, then the dismantling process can be completed, but safety risks increase due to unpredictable tendon movements and personnel exposure to hazards
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning element is introduced as an intermediary tool between the operator and the tendon. This positioning element can be coupled to the base frame and positioned within the concrete tower to bring the separating unit to the tendon, allowing controlled separation while keeping operators outside the tower and eliminating unpredictable movements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cutting methods with a more controlled separation system using a positioning element and separating unit. This substitution allows for precise positioning and controlled tendon separation, improving safety while managing operational complexity
2Ease of operation
If personnel are positioned inside the tower to separate tendons, then direct control is possible, but safety hazards increase due to exposure to collapsing structures and sudden tendon relaxation
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element serves as a mediator that transmits control from operators outside the tower to the separating unit inside the tower. This allows precise control of tendon separation while keeping personnel outside the hazardous zone, eliminating exposure to collapsing structures and sudden tendon relaxation
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element is positioned and the separating unit is brought to the tendon before the actual separation occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures controlled separation can be executed from outside the tower, eliminating the need for personnel to be inside during the hazardous separation process
3Productivity
If traditional dismantling methods are used, then the process can proceed, but labor intensity and operational effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element and separating unit system automates the tendon separation process by providing a mechanical means to reach and separate tendons from outside the tower. This eliminates the need for manual intervention inside the tower, reducing labor intensity while maintaining dismantling efficiency
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 method allows for the safe and cost-effective dismantling of concrete towers, including those at risk of collapse, by controlling tendon separation from outside the tower, reducing safety hazards and operational effort.
Implementation Method 1
arranging a separating unit at the separating end of the positioning element, positioning the separating end such that the separating unit has a predetermined spacing from one of the tendons, separating the tendon with the separating unit
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for cutting tensioned tensioning members (212, 214, 216, 430) of a concrete tower (102, 202), in particular of a wind turbine concrete tower, which has a multiplicity of tensioning members (212, 214, 216, 430), comprising coupling a bar-shaped positioning element (330) to a base frame (310); positioning the positioning element (330) in such a way that the cutting end thereof facing the concrete tower (102, 202) is arranged within a cutting region (220) inside the concrete tower (102, 202), wherein at least one of the tensioning members (212, 214, 216, 430) is situated within the cutting region (220); arranging a cutting unit (340) at the cutting end of the positioning element (330); positioning the cutting end in such a way that the cutting unit (340) has a predetermined spacing from one of the tensioning members (212, 214, 216, 430); cutting the tensioning member (212, 214, 216, 430) with the cutting unit (340).