Ground Anchor Assembly for Dike Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for stabilizing dikes, especially those made of sand or turf-like materials, face challenges in preventing subsidence due to lateral earth flow and material migration, which can be exacerbated by weather conditions and water levels, and often require expensive concrete or steel constructions that restrict dike movement.
Innovation Solution
A ground anchor assembly comprising a ground anchor, a counter member, and an elongate tensile member with a pressure distributing member that reduces or prevents earth flow by distributing forces across different earth layers, allowing the dike to swell and contract naturally while maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If concrete or steel constructions are used to stabilize dikes, then stability is improved, but the dike becomes more rigid and unable to swell and contract with climate changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible geosynthetic fabric (thin film) as the stabilization medium. This fabric can accommodate the natural swelling and contracting of the dike core while maintaining stability, unlike rigid concrete structures. The fabric conforms to the dike's dimensional changes without preventing adaptation to climate conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the flexible geosynthetic fabric with the earth core to create a composite structure. This composite material system provides both the stability needed for reinforcement and the flexibility to allow natural dimensional changes, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
2Force
If traditional ground anchors are used, then tensile forces are resisted, but lateral flow of earth material cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional tensile force resistance (traditional anchors) to two-dimensional lateral flow prevention by introducing a wide geosynthetic fabric that spans across potential slip zones. This dimensional expansion allows the system to address lateral earth flow in addition to tensile forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The geosynthetic fabric is divided into multiple segments or strips that are positioned at different locations within the dike cross-section. This segmentation allows each segment to independently resist lateral flow in its specific zone while collectively providing comprehensive stabilization throughout the dike structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dikes are stabilized without additional support, then natural movement is maintained, but subsidence occurs under weight loads
Solution Approach 1:
The geosynthetic fabric is installed in advance within the dike structure before significant subsidence or failure occurs. This preliminary placement creates a reinforcement framework that proactively prevents subsidence under future weight loads while allowing the dike to maintain its natural movement characteristics.
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of stabilizing a dike using a ground anchor assembly, the method comprising: connecting a ground anchor to a first end of a tensile member; introducing the ground anchor through the earth body and into a stable layer beneath the dike; providing a pressure distributing member on or around the tensile member at a position within the dike where stabilisation against lateral earth movement is required; and connecting a second end of the tensile member to a counter member at an outer surface of the dike.