Eccentric Pier Brackets for Vertical Drilling in Confined Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for lifting pre-existing building structures using drilled piers face challenges in installing piers close to the structure while maintaining a vertical disposition, as conventional drill rig assemblies occupy too much horizontal space, compromising structural integrity and increasing labor when notching the footing or drilling at an angle.
Innovation Solution
The use of eccentric pier brackets allows for the installation of hollow, threaded micro piles or larger diameter pier pipes close to building foundations, providing sufficient space for drill heads and support apparatuses, enabling piers to be drilled vertically into rock strata with the aid of rotary drill heads and hydraulic rams, respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional drill rig assemblies are used to install piers, then piers can be installed with sufficient equipment support, but the horizontal space occupied by the drill rig prevents piers from being installed close to the building structure
Solution Approach 1:
The drill rig assembly is divided into a mobile base unit and a separate drill head unit. The drill head can be positioned independently on the building structure while the base unit operates from a distance, allowing pier installation close to the structure without requiring the entire drill rig to occupy horizontal space near the building.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling operation transitions from a horizontally-space-intensive setup to a vertically-oriented operation. The drill head is positioned above the pier location on the building structure, and drilling proceeds vertically downward, eliminating the need for large horizontal clearance between the drilling equipment and the building.
2Area of stationary object
If piers are drilled at an angle to reduce horizontal space, then piers can be installed closer to the building structure, but the piers cannot bear the same load as vertically oriented piers
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling system is segmented into a positionable drill head and a mobile base, allowing the drill head to be precisely positioned directly over the desired pier location. This enables vertical drilling at any horizontal position, including locations very close to the building structure, while maintaining full load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
A positioning mechanism or guide system acts as an intermediary between the mobile base and the drill head, enabling precise vertical alignment of the drill head over the pier location. This intermediary component allows the drill head to maintain vertical orientation while being positioned close to the building structure.
3Area of stationary object
If the footing is notched to accommodate angled piers, then piers can be installed closer to the building structure, but the structural integrity of the footing is compromised and installation labor increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the building structure (notching the footing) to accommodate the drilling equipment, the approach is inverted: the drilling equipment is made adaptable to work in confined spaces. The segmented drill rig with a positionable drill head allows vertical drilling close to the structure without requiring any modifications to the footing or building structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile base and positioning system are designed to automatically adapt to the available space near the building structure. The system self-adjusts its position and orientation to enable vertical drilling in confined areas without requiring manual modification of the building structure or complex installation procedures.
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 solution enables the stable lifting and stabilization of building structures by allowing piers to be drilled deep into rock strata while maintaining a vertical orientation, enhancing structural integrity and reducing installation labor, as the eccentric brackets create necessary space for machinery and support structures.
Implementation Method 1
A micro pile is drilled into the ground using a rotary drill head attached to the end of the micro pile
Implementation Method 2
larger diameter, unthreaded, pier pipes installed via hydraulic ram
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for installing remedial piers in which substantially vertical piers are located in close proximity to the wall and footing of an existing structure and are drilled to a substantial depth to penetrate a rock stratum or debris-laden soil. The piers support the structure upon eccentric brackets to transfer the structural load from the footing to the piles. Installation of the piers is followed by a continuous lift of the structure via hydraulic manifold.