Formwork Wedging System for Irregular Tunnel Earth Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing formwork systems for tunnel construction struggle to adapt to irregularities in the earth or footing, leading to inefficient load transmission during concrete pouring, as they rely on complex systems that cannot effectively handle these irregularities.
Innovation Solution
A wedging system with point supports, comprising a threaded bar, nut, and a base with varying section designs, allows for adaptable load transmission by securing the bar to the formwork and preventing movement, enabling effective transfer of both vertical and horizontal loads to the surrounding earth, even on irregular surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If complex load transmission systems are used, then load transmission capacity is improved, but device complexity increases and adaptability to irregularities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork is divided into multiple independent panels, each with its own base and load transmission elements. This segmentation allows each panel to independently adapt to local irregularities while collectively providing sufficient load transmission capacity for the entire tunnel section.
Solution Approach 2:
Bases with variable section profiles act as intermediary elements between the formwork panels and the ground. These bases can be adjusted or selected to match irregular ground surfaces, providing effective load transmission without requiring complex overall system redesign.
2Strength
If complex load transmission systems are used, then load transmission capacity is improved, but adaptability to irregularities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each base is designed with variable section characteristics tailored to local ground conditions. The bases can have different geometries, sizes, and configurations depending on the specific irregularities encountered at each location, allowing optimal local adaptation while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable and replaceable base elements that can be modified or swapped to adapt to changing ground conditions during construction. This dynamic capability allows the formwork system to maintain adaptability throughout the tunnel construction process.
3Ease of operation
If simple load transmission elements are used, then ease of operation is improved, but load transmission reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses simple, modular base elements that are easy to handle and install, while the collective arrangement of these segmented elements provides reliable load transmission. Each simple component contributes to the overall reliability through its proper placement and connection to adjacent elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple simple base elements work together in combination to achieve reliable load transmission. The merging of these simple components creates a collectively robust system that maintains reliability while preserving the ease of operation benefits of individual simple elements.
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 system provides a simple, easy-to-handle solution for load transmission, ensuring stable and secure concrete pouring by adapting to irregularities, thus enhancing the safety and efficiency of tunnel construction processes.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded bar for transmitting vertical load... the bar for transmitting vertical load is secured to the supporting member... by screwing the nut into the upper end of the bar for transmitting vertical load
Implementation Method 2
a wedging system for transmitting loads from formwork to the land... the lower area of the base changes its shape section... rests on point supports
Implementation Method 3
two clamps, a perforated bar and at least two nuts for each bar for transmitting horizontal load... The clamps being joined by means of the bars for transmitting horizontal load
Data Source
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AI summary
The wedging system for transmitting loads from a formwork to the comprises a supporting member (3), a threaded bar (2) for the transmission of vertical load, a nut (11), and a base (1) that in turn comprises a plate (9) with a perforation (10), wherein the bar (2) for transmitting vertical load is secured to the supporting member (3), the supporting member (3) being affixed to a side wall of the formwork and the loads generated in the formwork being transmitted to the land, thereby preventing relative movement between the base (1) and the supporting member (3), by means of the insertion of the bar (2) for transmitting vertical load into the perforation (10) in the plate (9) of the base (1) and screwing the nut (11) into the upper end of the bar (2) for transmitting vertical load.