Foundation Lifting Apparatus with Nested Counterpipe Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for lifting foundations lack the ability to safely operate in multiple stages over time, preventing assessment of work progress and maintaining results during the lifting process.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a pile, hollow counterpipe, and adjustment/locking system allows for modular preloading and lifting in multiple steps, using an actuator to apply forces through a thread system within the counterpipe, enabling secure positioning and repositioning of structures with reduced external encumbrance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current lifting systems are used, then the structure can be lifted, but the operations cannot be safely paused and resumed in multiple stages with assessment points
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting system is divided into discrete modular components including individual jacks, counterpipes with locking devices, and segmentable pile structures. This segmentation enables the system to be configured in multiple stages, allowing safe pausing and resumption of operations at assessment points while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through adjustable locking devices on counterpipes and controllable jacks that can be activated or deactivated individually. This dynamic control allows the structure to be lifted in controlled stages with the ability to pause, assess, and resume operations safely.
2Productivity
If traditional foundation lifting systems are used, then lifting can be performed, but external encumbrance and space requirements are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The counterpipes are nested within the pile structures, and locking devices are integrated within the counterpipe volumes. This nesting arrangement eliminates the need for separate external components, significantly reducing the external footprint and space requirements while maintaining full lifting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into single components: the counterpipe serves both as a structural element and as a housing for the locking device, while the jack integrates force application and positioning functions. This merging reduces the number of separate external components and minimizes space occupation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular adjustment systems are implemented, then multi-stage preloading and lifting is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking devices on counterpipes are designed to be self-contained and self-operating, requiring minimal external control mechanisms. Each counterpipe module can be independently locked or adjusted without complex centralized control, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability for multi-stage operations.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~5
AI summary
The present invention refers to an apparatus for the operations of preloading and/or lifting of foundations. In particular, said apparatus consists in piles or micropiles P of metal, each of which is anchored to the structure S through a counterpipe C, external to P, provided with a specific adjustment and locking system R. Moreover, also disclosed in the present description is a method for the lifting of foundations which utilizes said apparatus.