Integrated Pipe Lifter Structure to Eliminate Lifting Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for moving precast concrete pipes weaken the structure by creating holes for lifting, which can lead to leakage and structural weakness.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a lengthened portion of the reinforcement cage as a lifter within the concrete mold, allowing for safe and easy lifting, transportation, and placement of precast concrete pipes without the need for post-lifting hole plugging, thereby eliminating structural weaknesses and potential leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lifting holes are created in precast concrete pipes for transportation, then the pipes can be moved and installed, but the structural integrity is weakened and leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting ports are pre-formed as integral parts of the pipe structure during the concrete casting process, rather than creating holes after the pipe is formed. This preliminary action allows the lifting features to be incorporated into the structural design, eliminating the need to compromise the pipe's structural integrity by drilling or punching holes afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting ports are merged with the pipe wall structure itself, forming a unified structural element. The ports are cast as part of the pipe body with continuous reinforcement extending through them, combining the lifting function with the structural shell rather than treating them as separate, weakening modifications.
2Ease of operation
If lifting holes are created in precast concrete pipes, then the pipes can be transported and installed, but leakage potential increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting ports are pre-formed with proper reinforcement and sealing integration during the initial casting process. This preliminary formation ensures that the ports are structurally sound from the beginning, with reinforcement continuous through the port areas and proper sealing surfaces created simultaneously with the pipe body, eliminating later vulnerability to leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting ports utilize composite construction with steel reinforcement embedded in concrete, creating a composite structural element that combines the tensile strength of steel with the compressive strength of concrete. This composite approach ensures the ports maintain structural integrity and leakage resistance comparable to the surrounding pipe wall.
3Ease of operation
If separate lifting devices are used for precast concrete pipes, then lifting can be achieved, but the device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting function is merged directly into the pipe structure itself through the incorporation of lifting ports with integrated reinforcement. This eliminates the need for separate lifting devices or attachment mechanisms, as the pipe structure becomes self-sufficient for lifting operations. The reinforcement cages extend through the ports to provide direct lifting attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting ports serve multiple functions: they provide structural reinforcement at critical locations, enable lifting during transportation, and can potentially serve as access points or connection features. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, simplifying the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a concrete apparatus with incorporated lifter are provided. A concrete apparatus is formed by placing a reinforcement system in a mold. The reinforcement system comprises a lifter. Concrete is poured into the mold such that the lifter protrudes from the poured concrete. After the concrete has hardened and the mold is removed, the lifter is used to carry and position the concrete apparatus. After the concrete apparatus is positioned, the lifter is removed at the circumference of the concrete apparatus leaving no holes, thereby eliminating water leakage due to lifting methods.