Dome Formwork Tube Grid for Stable Ventilated Crawl Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for constructing ventilated crawl spaces and elevated platforms face static issues due to inadequate coupling of upper floor slabs, unusual load conditions, and differential subsidences, necessitating expensive and complex on-site operations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising dome-shaped formwork elements connected via overlapping side edges with vertically arranged tubular elements, utilizing interconnection means to form a channeled receptacle for concrete casting, creating a trellis-like structure that enhances static stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional systems use simple tube support without interconnection means, then installation is simpler, but static stability deteriorates due to inadequate coupling and differential subsidences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the interconnection means: it couples adjacent supporting tubes together, provides a channeled receptacle for concrete casting, and creates a integrated base structure. This merging resolves the contradiction by achieving static stability through unified coupling without requiring separate complex components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnection means is installed on the supporting tubes before the concrete slab is poured. The channeled receptacle is prepared in advance to receive the concrete casting, which then forms the permanent connection. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and coupling before the final structural element is added.
2Strength
If chemical adhesives are used to anchor reinforcement, then anchoring strength is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection means with its channeled receptacle allows the concrete itself to perform the anchoring function. When concrete is poured into the receptacle, it automatically forms the connection between supporting tubes and the base structure without requiring separate chemical adhesive applications or reinforcement anchoring operations. This self-service approach eliminates complex installation steps while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the anchoring function with the concrete slab formation process. The channeled receptacle integrates the anchoring structure with the base concrete element, so that a single concrete pouring operation achieves both the base slab and the anchoring connections simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate chemical adhesive operations.
3Productivity
If supporting tubes are used without interconnection means, then installation is faster, but differential subsidences cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection means merges multiple critical functions: it couples adjacent supporting tubes to work as a unified structure, provides a channeled receptacle for concrete casting, and creates an integrated base that distributes loads. This unified approach compensates for differential subsidences by connecting multiple tubes together rather than leaving them as isolated elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnection means is assembled on the supporting tubes before the concrete slab is poured. This preliminary coupling ensures that the tubes are properly positioned and connected to resist differential movements before the permanent concrete structure is added, allowing the system to handle subsidence issues from the outset.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for forming ventilated crawl spaces or interspaces or elevated platforms which comprise dome-shaped formwork elements supported on supporting tubes; the ventilated crawl space or interspace or elevated platform comprises first and second interconnection elements, which communicate with each other, the first interconnection elements also communicating with a lower end of the supporting tubes so as to form a channeled receptacle, which rests on a foundation or on a surface, the channeled receptacle being adapted to receive a concrete casting to form a beam for connection between the supporting tubes.