Integrated Bridge Seismic Reinforcement with Shear Key and Spacer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic reinforcement devices for bridges require separate installation of horizontal force sharing and level difference preventive structures, which increases cost and complicates maintenance due to space constraints and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A seismic reinforcement device that combines horizontal force sharing and level difference preventive functions, utilizing a first member with a projecting portion and a second member with a depressed portion, along with a spacer made of a rubber elastic body, to be installed between a substructure and a superstructure, allowing for efficient use of limited space and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate horizontal force sharing structure and level difference preventive structure are installed, then seismic safety is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the horizontal force sharing structure and level difference preventive structure into a single integrated device. The stopper member simultaneously performs both functions: its protruding portion engages with the groove in the bearing to share horizontal forces during earthquakes, while also preventing excessive level differences between bridge decks. This merging eliminates the need for separate structures, reducing complexity and installation cost while maintaining seismic safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper member is designed as a multi-functional component that serves dual purposes. It acts as both a horizontal force sharing element (through engagement with the bearing groove) and a level difference preventive element (through its positioning between bridge decks). This universal design allows one structure to fulfill multiple seismic protection functions that previously required separate dedicated structures.
2Reliability
If separate horizontal force sharing structure and level difference preventive structure are installed, then seismic safety is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging two separate structures into one integrated stopper member, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, transported, and installed. This consolidation directly lowers installation costs while maintaining the dual functionality required for seismic safety.
3Reliability
If separate horizontal force sharing structure and level difference preventive structure are installed, then seismic safety is improved, but maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design means that maintenance personnel need to access and service only one structure rather than two separate ones. The stopper member's unified configuration simplifies inspection and repair procedures, making maintenance easier while still providing both horizontal force sharing and level difference prevention functions.
4Ease of operation
If brackets are expanded from lower structure to install separate devices, then device installation is enabled, but cost increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the stopper member design to eliminate the need for additional brackets expanding from the lower structure. By combining both seismic protection functions into one component that can be installed in the available space around existing bearings, the design avoids the complexity and cost of expanding bracket structures while still enabling proper device installation.
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 combined device effectively reduces installation costs and simplifies maintenance by utilizing narrow spaces around bearings, while providing buffering and supporting functions to enhance the bridge's seismic capacity and restorability.
Implementation Method 1
a spacer (6) made of a rubber elastic body... providing buffering and supporting functions
Data Source
AI summary
A seismic reinforcement device for a bridge includes a first member having a projecting portion and a second member having a depressed portion. The device has a horizontal force sharing function in which the projecting and the depressed portions are freely fitted to and engaged with one another to constitute a shear key and resist a horizontal force by causing the first member to be coupled to and supported by any one of the substructure and the superstructure and causing the second member to be coupled to and supported by the other of the substructure and the superstructure. In addition, the device has a level difference preventive function that suppresses dropping of the superstructure and reduces a level difference of the substructure and the superstructure by interposing a spacer having a predetermined thickness between the first and second members or between the substructure or the superstructure and the device.