Curved Ceiling Formwork Beam With Variable Openings for Low Deflection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing formwork beams used in concrete ceiling construction are heavy and prone to deflection, leading to undesirable bulges in the finished slab, and lack flexibility in integration with different slab formwork systems.
Innovation Solution
The formwork beams are designed with a slight curvature in the direction of the pour, varying opening sizes and shapes along the length, and altered dimensions to reduce weight while maintaining strength, and incorporate brackets for versatile support options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the beam is made of metal (particularly steel) to meet strength requirements, then the strength is improved, but the weight increases making handling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The beam is provided with openings (holes) throughout its structure, transforming it from a solid metal beam to a porous or hollow beam. This reduces the amount of metal material used, thereby reducing weight while maintaining structural strength through the strategic placement and sizing of openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam structure is segmented into multiple sections with varying opening sizes and distributions. The openings are not uniformly distributed but are strategically placed to optimize the strength-to-weight ratio in different regions of the beam.
2Weight of moving object
If openings are added to the beam to reduce weight, then the weight is reduced, but the beam is weakened particularly in central regions
Solution Approach 1:
The beam exhibits local quality variations through non-uniform opening distribution. The central region has fewer and smaller openings compared to end regions, providing greater structural strength where the load is highest (central region), while allowing more openings in less critical areas to reduce overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam is pre-curved in the direction of the concrete pour before use. This preliminary action creates a pre-stress condition that counteracts the expected downward deflection under load, ensuring the beam maintains its load-bearing capacity despite the weight reductions achieved through openings.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the beam is curved to pre-stress in the direction of load, then the deflection resistance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam is pre-curved during manufacturing to create a permanent arch shape that provides pre-stress resistance to deflection. This preliminary action is incorporated into the manufacturing process itself, so the complexity is managed at the production stage rather than requiring complex assembly or adjustment mechanisms during use.
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
The design reduces weight and deflection, ensuring robust support and compatibility with various formwork systems, while maintaining structural integrity and ease of handling.
Implementation Method 1
The beam is at least slightly curved in the direction of the concrete to be poured. This essentially means a certain degree of 'pre-stress' in the direction of the load, which allows the load to be absorbed particularly well.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a ceiling formwork beam (10), preferably made of steel, at least slightly curved in the direction of the concrete to be filled in and/or comprising openings (14), the size and/or shape and/or alignment and/or distribution thereof changing over the length of the beam (10), and/or the beam (10) being designed with respect to the dimensions thereof over the length, such that the beam is less weakened in a center area than in the end areas. A formwork element, in particular a panel, comprises at least one such beam.