Modular Formwork for Hanging Beams with Height-Adjustable Semi-Panel Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional formworks for hanging beams are time-consuming to assemble and disassemble, lack modularity, and often require non-reusable bracing elements, leading to increased costs and uncertain stability, especially in seismic regions where quick and efficient construction is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A formwork system comprising adjustable and modular panels with semi-panels that can be easily coupled and decoupled, allowing for partial disassembly and reusability, featuring height-adjustable lower panels and integrated shoring props that remain in place throughout the concrete setting and stripping processes, reducing the need for repeated shoring and enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If traditional wooden boards and bracing elements are used for formwork, then material costs are reduced, but assembly time increases and stability becomes uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork system is divided into modular panels with standardized dimensions and connection points. Each panel can be independently assembled and disassembled, allowing rapid construction while maintaining consistency. The segmentation enables workers to assemble the formwork quickly using pre-fabricated modules rather than cutting and fitting traditional wooden boards on-site.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed with universal connection mechanisms that can be used across different formwork configurations. The same panel type can serve multiple purposes in different locations, reducing the variety of components needed and speeding up assembly. The bracing elements are integrated into the panel design, eliminating the need for separate traditional bracing procedures.
2Loss of substance
If traditional wooden bracing elements are used, then initial material cost is reduced, but reusability decreases and stability becomes uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork system transitions from traditional wooden materials to engineered panel materials with optimized mechanical properties. The panels are manufactured with controlled dimensions, strength characteristics, and surface finishes that enhance durability and reusability. The connection mechanisms use standardized fasteners and joining methods that maintain structural integrity across multiple uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels utilize composite construction combining rigid outer shells with reinforced internal structures. This composite design provides both the necessary strength for formwork applications and the durability for repeated use. The integration of bracing elements into the panel structure creates a unified composite system that enhances overall stability and reusability.
3Reliability
If complete formwork removal is waited for concrete setting, then structural safety is ensured, but rental costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork is segmented into panels that can be selectively removed in stages. As concrete gains strength, certain panels can be detached and reused elsewhere while others remain in place, enabling partial formwork recovery without compromising structural safety. This staged removal process optimizes the timing of formwork reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between panels and the concrete structure transitions from fully fixed to partially released as concrete cures. The system allows dynamic adjustment of formwork retention, where panels can be progressively detached based on concrete strength development. This dynamic approach enables earlier formwork recovery compared to traditional complete-waiting methods.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple bracing elements are used for lateral support, then stability is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing function is merged directly into the panel structure itself. Bracing elements are integrated as part of the panel design rather than being separate components that need to be assembled. This integration simplifies the overall system while maintaining the necessary lateral support stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed to be self-bracing through their inherent structural configuration. The panel geometry and internal reinforcement provide lateral stability without requiring extensive external bracing systems. This self-service approach reduces assembly complexity while ensuring formwork stability during concrete pouring.
Data Source
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AI summary
Formwork for a hanging beam protruding below a floor slab, which comprises a plurality of lateral panels separated from one another by lower panels, which may be affixed to the same in a height-adjustable manner. Each lower panel is composed of two semi-panels, the first semi-panel being longer than the second semi-panel, wherein each semi-panel comprises a connecting transverse edge connected to the transverse edge of the other semi-panel, wherein the two semi-panels may be removably coupled to one another to constitute the lower panel through removable attaching means, configured for their connecting transverse edges to be attached by flat contact, wherein the connecting transverse edge of the first semi-panel forms an obtuse angle with its inner face, and the connecting transverse edge of the second semi-panel forms an acute angle that is supplementary to the aforementioned obtuse angle.