High-Capacity Beam for Modular Grid Shoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular grid shoring systems have a limited load-bearing capacity, restricting their ability to support thicker concrete platforms effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of a high-capacity beam with a conformant interface portion, a high-capacity truss portion, and beveled end faces, which is interoperable with existing modular grid shoring components, allowing for increased load-carrying capacity without significant weight increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional low-capacity beams are used in modular grid shoring systems, then the system maintains lightweight and ease of handling, but the load-bearing capacity is limited to supporting only nominal 6-inch thick concrete platforms
Solution Approach 1:
The beam is divided into two distinct segments: a conformant interface portion (for connection and interoperability) and a high-capacity truss portion (for load-bearing). This segmentation allows the truss portion to be optimized for strength while the interface portion maintains compatibility with existing modular components, achieving double the load capacity without proportionally increasing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam combines different structural configurations in a composite design: the conformant interface portion provides standardized connection interfaces, while the high-capacity truss portion provides enhanced load-bearing capability. This composite approach allows the beam to achieve superior strength-to-weight ratio by optimizing each portion for its specific function.
2Strength
If the beam truss portion height is increased to double the load capacity, then the load-bearing capacity increases to support nominal 13-inch thick concrete platforms, but the beam weight increases by about 25%
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the beam into interface and truss portions, the design isolates the weight-increasing element (the taller truss portion) from the connection elements. This allows the increased height to be concentrated where it provides maximum structural benefit while keeping the interface portion compact and easy to handle during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the truss portion, specifically increasing its height, to achieve the desired load-bearing capacity. This parameter change is localized to the truss portion and does not proportionally affect other dimensions, thereby minimizing the overall weight increase to only 25% while doubling the load capacity.
3Strength
If high-capacity beams with increased truss portion height are introduced, then the system can support thicker concrete platforms, but the interoperability with existing modular components must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The beam is segmented into a conformant interface portion and a high-capacity truss portion. The interface portion maintains the existing standardized geometry and connection features, ensuring interoperability with existing modular components. The truss portion is segmented to provide the necessary structural complexity for high capacity while being visually and functionally distinct from the interface portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The conformant interface portion serves multiple functions: it provides standardized connection interfaces for interoperability with existing modular components, maintains structural integrity, and facilitates easy assembly and disassembly. This multi-functionality allows the high-capacity beam to integrate seamlessly into existing modular grid shoring systems without requiring redesign of the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
A high-capacity beam includes interoperable features conformant with the pretexting modular grid shoring system including conformant interface rails and conformant end caps that removably engage with the conformant interface rails. The truss portion of the high-capacity beam has the same width and a greater height compared to the truss portion of the low-capacity beam. The high-capacity beam may also include a conformant T-slot and beveled end faces on respective opposing sides of the high-capacity truss portion. A nominal 8-foot length of the modular high-capacity beam weighs less than about 50 lbs., while a nominal 6-foot length of the low-capacity beam weighs less than about 40 lbs. A grid shoring assembly utilizing the high-capacity main beams is rated for supporting a nominal 13-inch concrete platform, while a grid shoring assembly utilizing the low-capacity main beams is rated for supporting a nominal 6-inch concrete platform.