Flexible Ground Plug for Dike Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for stabilizing earth bodies like dikes, particularly those made of peat or clay, face challenges such as material compaction, expansion, and shear due to weather conditions, leading to subsidence and lateral earth migration, which are not effectively addressed by traditional anchor systems that restrict movement and are costly.

Innovation Solution

A ground plug with a pressure distributing member that allows flexibility and prevents lateral earth flow by distributing forces, enabling the plug to maintain position within the dike without rotation, using materials like basalt epoxy composite and a bladed structure to optimize friction and prevent subsidence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional anchors with cement or concrete construction are used to stabilize the dike, then the dike becomes more rigid and stable, but the dike is unable to swell and contract with the climate without relative movement occurring between the concrete and the core of the dike

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedike stabilityVSAvoidclimate adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ground plug is made from a flexible material that allows the dike to swell and contract with climate changes while maintaining stability. The flexible material prevents relative movement between the anchor and the dike core, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and climate adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Stability of the object's composition

If rotation screws are used to stabilize the dike, then the dike can be stabilized, but the screws need to rotate when introduced into the dike which may cause soil relaxation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedike stabilityVSAvoidsoil relaxation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of rotating the screw into the ground, the ground plug is driven into the dike in a sliding motion without rotation. This inverted approach eliminates soil relaxation while achieving stabilization, as the plug is pushed or pulled into position rather than screwed in.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a ground plug is subjected to tensile force upon introducing into the dike to enable flexibility, then the plug can flex upon shear within the dike, but it becomes difficult to apply a driving force at the tail-end of the plug for driving the plug into the dike

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplug flexibilityVSAvoidplug installation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A drive member is introduced through a cavity in the ground plug to apply the driving force. The drive member acts as an intermediary that allows force to be applied through the plug body without requiring direct attachment to the tail-end, enabling both flexibility and ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Strength

If concrete and steel dam constructions are formed vertically into the ground beneath the dike, then a strong and stable structure is achieved, but it comes at significant expense and results in a retaining wall rather than a traditional dike

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure strengthVSAvoidmaterial cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The ground plug uses a flexible material that is less expensive than concrete and steel, providing adequate stabilization without the need for costly dam constructions. The plug maintains its function throughout the dike's lifecycle, offering a cost-effective alternative to expensive permanent structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 ground plug effectively stabilizes dikes by reducing lateral earth movement and preventing subsidence, maintaining structural integrity while allowing for climate-related expansion and contraction, without the need for additional support structures or costly materials.

Implementation Method 1

The pressure distributing member acts as a flow restricting means and distributes the forces acting in different earth layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The recess being part of the plug front end enables that the plug is subjected to tensile force upon introducing the plug into a dike. This allows the plug to be flexible such that the plug flexes upon shear within the dike.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear stress: Shear Stress

Data Source

PatentEP3068948B1Method and apparatus for stabilising a dike

Publication Date: 2019.09.25 J F KARSTEN BEHEER

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4c

AI summary

According to the invention there is provided a ground plug for stabilizing a dike, comprising a plug front end suitable for being driven into a dike, and an elongate plug body, wherein said plug body is provided with a pressure distributing member arranged to prevent earth flow in a direction (a) perpendicular to a length direction of the plug, and in that the plug front end comprises a recess for receiving a drive member.