Horizontal Floor Connection Structure for Shear Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load-bearing structures in logistics storage systems, particularly those using cold-formed metal panels, struggle to evenly absorb horizontal shear loads due to the limitations of secondary profiles with open cross sections, leading to potential structural weaknesses at the connections between secondary and main profiles.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element with two fastening edges and a central section is used to indirectly anchor panels to a main profile, distributing horizontal forces through the main profile rather than the secondary profiles, enhancing structural integrity and resistance to shear loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cold-formed secondary profiles with open cross section are used, then cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but resistance to horizontal shear loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple independent connecting elements distributed along the secondary profile. Each connecting element independently resists shear forces, and the collective effect of multiple elements provides sufficient horizontal load resistance while maintaining the use of cold-formed open-section profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements extend vertically between the main profile and panel, creating a three-dimensional connection system. This vertical dimension allows the cold-formed secondary profiles to effectively transfer horizontal shear loads to the main profile through the vertically oriented connecting elements, overcoming the limitation of open cross-section profiles.
2Area of stationary object
If the number of vertical supports is reduced, then usable storage area is increased, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing structure forms a composite system where cold-formed secondary profiles (inexpensive material) work together with connecting elements and hot-rolled main profiles (high-strength material). This composite construction achieves high structural integrity with reduced vertical supports by combining materials with different strengths in optimal positions.
3Strength
If connecting elements are added between panels and main profile, then resistance to horizontal forces is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Connecting elements serve as intermediary components that mediate the force transfer between panels and main profile. These standardized intermediary elements simplify the overall design by providing a ready-made solution for horizontal force resistance, rather than requiring complex direct connections or additional structural members.
Data Source
AI summary
A horizontal floor consists of a load-bearing structure and panels, which are laid thereon and together form a floor surface. The load-bearing structure is made up of at least one main profile, which is fastened on vertical supports, and secondary profiles, which are arranged transversely in relation to the main profile, are connected at their end to the main profile and on which the panels rest by way of their underside. Forces acting horizontally on the floor are absorbed by the load-bearing structure. For this purpose, a single piece connecting element is provided. The connecting element has a first fastening edge, a parallel second fastening edge, and a central portion between the two fastening edges. The first fastening edge is supported on the main profile and connected to it. The second fastening edge is supported on the underside of one of the panels and connected to this panel.