Embedded Lifting Apparatus for Precast Concrete Panel Leveling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for constructing and repairing roadways using precast concrete panels are inefficient due to the need for grading the road bed before laying panels, which increases labor, time, and costs, and lacks convenient lifting points for quick installation.
Innovation Solution
A lifting apparatus is embedded within precast concrete panels, featuring a flat base plate, a threaded cylindrical sleeve, retaining bars, and a hoisting system that allows panels to be lifted and leveled without grading the road bed, using a crane to position and elevate the panels and grout to create a smooth surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the road bed is graded before laying concrete panels, then the panels can be laid on a prepared surface, but the construction time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting apparatus is embedded in the concrete panel during manufacturing, performing the preparation action in advance. The apparatus includes a base plate and threaded sleeve that will later enable direct lifting and leveling without requiring prior road bed grading, thus eliminating the time-consuming preparation step while maintaining surface precision
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting apparatus enables the concrete panel to be self-sufficient for its own positioning and leveling. The threaded sleeve and base plate configuration allows the panel to be lifted and leveled independently without requiring external grading machinery, transforming a dependency on road bed preparation into a self-contained system
2Device complexity
If conventional concrete panels are used without embedded lifting apparatus, then the panels are simple in structure, but convenient lifting points are not available for quick installation
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting apparatus is merged with the concrete panel structure during manufacturing. The threaded sleeve is embedded within the panel, and the base plate is integrated into the bottom surface, combining the lifting function with the structural element. This integration provides convenient lifting points while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting apparatus serves multiple functions: it provides lifting points for positioning, enables leveling by pushing the base plate against the road bed, and can be used for both installation and removal operations. This multi-functionality addresses the ease of operation requirement without adding excessive complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If road grading machinery and manpower are deployed for road bed preparation, then the road bed can be prepared for panel installation, but labor costs and construction expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grading function is extracted from the construction process. Instead of grading the road bed beforehand, the lifting apparatus with its base plate pushes against the ungraded road bed during installation, eliminating the need for road grading machinery and associated labor costs while maintaining the necessary surface preparation
4Loss of time
If concrete panels are installed quickly without grading, then construction time is reduced, but the panels may not be properly leveled with adjacent panels
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting apparatus provides dynamic adjustment capability during installation. The threaded sleeve allows the base plate to be pushed against the road bed with controlled force, enabling the operator to level the panel dynamically during the installation process rather than requiring pre-graded road bed, thus achieving both speed and precision
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
Enables quick and efficient installation of precast concrete panels by providing reliable lifting points and leveling capabilities, reducing construction time and costs, and allowing for immediate vehicular traffic access.
Implementation Method 1
A threaded lifting bolt is inserted through the hoist cylinder and rotated into detachable connection with the threaded sleeve of the lifting apparatus. The bolt is continuously advanced through the sleeve until the concrete panel is elevated and leveled relative to its adjacent panels.
Implementation Method 2
a supply of grout or a similar filler is pumped below the concrete panel by way of grout tubes that run through the panel. The grout fills the space between the bottom of the panel and the ungraded road bed.
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting apparatus to be embedded within a precast concrete panel or slab to enable the panel to be lifted, positioned atop a road bed, and elevated above the road bed. A lifting apparatus is located at each corner of the panel. Each lifting apparatus has a threaded sleeve extending through the panel to receive a removable threaded lifting bolt by which to establish a lifting point at which a lifting force is applied to lift and position the panel. When the threaded lifting bolt is rotated completely through the threaded sleeve, a pushing force is applied against a base plate, whereby to elevate the panel above the road bed as is necessary to make the panel level with adjacent panels during the construction or repair of a roadway. Grout is pumped through the panel to fill the space between the panel and the road bed.