Molded Footing Form with Radial Webs for Post Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for supporting upright structural members in building structures often require concrete, which can be costly and labor-intensive, and may not effectively manage load distribution and drainage.
Innovation Solution
A disk-like footing form with radial and concentric structural webs that distributes loads outwardly, made from fiber-reinforced polymer, and optionally includes a protective sleeve with one-way retaining features to secure the post, eliminating the need for concrete by using a one-piece molded construction and providing drainage apertures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional concrete and sonotube methods are used to support upright structural members, then the posts can be supported in upright position, but the process becomes costly and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for concrete and sonotubes from the traditional footing system. The molded footing form directly provides structural support without requiring these separate materials, thereby reducing both material costs and installation labor while maintaining the reliability of post support.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated molded footing form: load distribution, drainage provision, and post positioning/retention. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate concrete pouring, sonotube installation, and additional drainage or positioning components, directly addressing the labor-intensive nature of conventional methods.
2Strength
If conventional concrete footings are used, then load support is provided, but load distribution and drainage management are not effectively achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The molded footing form incorporates local quality variations through its integrated design: raised ribs or protrusions at specific locations provide targeted load distribution zones, while strategically positioned drainage apertures or channels manage water flow. This localized functional differentiation enhances both load support and drainage effectiveness within a single structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single molded footing form simultaneously performs multiple functions: structural load bearing, load distribution through integrated ribs, drainage through apertures, and post positioning through retaining features. This multi-functionality ensures reliable load support and drainage management without requiring separate components.
3Ease of manufacture
If fiber-reinforced polymer and one-piece molded construction are used, then cost-effectiveness and labor reduction are achieved, but the structural integrity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses fiber-reinforced polymer as a composite material that combines the strength and stiffness of fibers with the matrix material. This composite construction provides the necessary structural integrity for load bearing and soil interaction while enabling the one-piece molded design that reduces installation labor and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
While the footing form itself is one-piece molded, the fiber reinforcement within the polymer matrix is segmented at the material level, providing distributed strength throughout the structure. This segmentation at the material level maintains structural integrity while allowing the overall form to be manufactured as a single integrated component.
Data Source
AI summary
A footing form for supporting posts or other upright structural members of buildings and the like includes a primary web, and a plurality of structural webs extending upwardly from the primary web. The webs include structural webs that extend radially outward from a center portion of the base web, and a plurality of ring-like concentric webs that provide additional structural support. The webs form a plurality of upwardly-opening pockets, and apertures through the base web provide for drainage of water and the like from the upwardly-opening pockets. The footing form may have a one-piece molded construction. The footing form provides sufficient support to thereby eliminate the need for concrete or the like to support the posts.