Bracket Reinforcement for Corrugated Plate Load Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reinforcement methods for corrugated metal plate structures are labor-intensive and lack consistency, with previous solutions such as additional corrugated material or stiffening ribs resulting in inefficiencies and undesired unfilled spaces, and do not allow for flexible variations in reinforcement size, spacing, and positioning.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcement system comprising spaced-apart brackets and elongated reinforcing members or beams mounted atop these brackets, which are specifically designed to match the curvature and corrugation pattern of the structure, allowing for customizable reinforcement and efficient load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If additional corrugated plate material is placed over the top of the primary corrugated structure, then reinforcement is achieved, but unfilled spaces are created within the multi-layered corrugation structure
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing corrugated plate is nested within the primary corrugated structure by placing it in the corrugation valleys, with the reinforcing plate's corrugations fitting into the spaces between the primary plate's corrugations. This nesting arrangement fills the previously unfilled spaces while providing reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-layer corrugated structure to a multi-layered structure where the reinforcing plate is positioned in a different spatial dimension (within the valleys rather than on top), thereby filling empty spaces and creating a more compact, efficient reinforcement configuration.
2Strength
If stiffening ribs are used to reinforce corrugated plate structures, then structural strength is improved, but the attachment systems become labor-intensive and difficult to implement consistently
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing corrugated plate is merged with the primary corrugated structure by interlocking the corrugations directly, eliminating the need for separate stiffening ribs and complex attachment systems. The reinforcement and the primary structure become an integrated unit through the interlocking corrugation pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The corrugated plates perform their own attachment function through their inherent corrugation geometry. The peaks and valleys of the corrugations naturally interlock, providing self-attachment without requiring external fasteners, welds, or complex attachment systems, thereby simplifying installation and improving consistency.
3Strength
If unreinforced structure design is used with maximum load demand determination, then the required resistance is provided, but excess capacity is created in much of the circumferential width
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing corrugated plate is strategically positioned in specific locations (corrugation valleys) where reinforcement is most needed, rather than uniformly distributing material throughout the entire structure. This localized reinforcement approach provides the required resistance at critical points while minimizing excess capacity in non-critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of reinforcing the entire circumferential width uniformly, the solution applies reinforcement partially only where structurally necessary (in the corrugation valleys at critical load points), thereby avoiding the excess capacity that would result from uniform reinforcement across the entire structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A corrugated plate structure includes a plurality of corrugated plates connected together to form a corrugated structure having a corrugation direction and a cross-corrugation direction. A reinforcement system includes: a first bracket and a second bracket, where the first bracket extends substantially parallel to the cross-corrugation direction and mounted to side-by-side first and second corrugation crests so as to pass over a corrugation valley that joins the first and second corrugation crest, and where the second bracket is spaced in the corrugation direction from the first bracket, and the second bracket extends substantially parallel to the cross-corrugation direction and mounted to the first and second corrugation crests so as to pass over the corrugation valley. An elongated reinforcing member extends substantially parallel to the corrugation direction and mounted to both the first bracket and the second bracket.