Jackable Foundation Torque Suppression via Orthogonal Roller Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jackable building foundations face challenges in maintaining a level platform under uneven and variable lifting forces, which can lead to jamming and instability during the raising and lowering process, especially in the context of storm surges and flood conditions.
Innovation Solution
A steel beam support frame platform with hydraulic jacks and cuboidal column guides featuring orthogonal I-beams and rollers, combined with a remote control system using wireless communication components, to manage torque and ensure stable vertical movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic jacks are used to raise and lower the platform, then the platform can be moved vertically to protect against floodwaters, but uneven lifting forces cause torque that leads to platform jamming and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The column guide is divided into multiple square roller frames arranged in tiers, with each frame containing rollers that engage with the I-beam. This segmentation allows the platform to be supported at multiple points along the vertical path, distributing the lifting forces and reducing torque concentration at any single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The I-beams are oriented orthogonally at alternating corners of the platform, creating an asymmetric arrangement that counteracts torque. When one corner experiences upward movement, the orthogonal orientation at adjacent corners creates compensating forces that prevent rotational jamming of the platform.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the platform is raised high above floodwaters, then flood damage protection is achieved, but the complexity of the support structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The column guide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the vertical movement of the platform, supports the hydraulic jacks, provides torque counteraction through orthogonal I-beams, and acts as a structural frame for the roller mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller frames are nested within the column guide structure, with rollers positioned within the I-beam flanges. The square roller frames are arranged in tiers within the cuboidal column guide, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces the overall footprint and structural complexity while maintaining the required lifting capacity.
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 solution effectively suppresses torque-induced jamming and ensures stable, level platform movement, protecting buildings from flood damage by raising the foundation above flood waters and safely lowering it back down, utilizing a remote-controlled system for timely flood response.
Implementation Method 1
two rollers supported on horizontal axes
Implementation Method 2
one or more hydraulic jacks are attached
Data Source
AI summary
A jackable building foundation includes a steel beam support frame platform to which one or more hydraulic jacks are attached. Vertical movement of the platform in response to jacking is constrained by cuboidal column guides at the four corners. Each of the column guides comprises two tiers of square roller frames, within each of which is an I-beam engaged between the flanges on either side by two rollers supported on horizontal axes. The orientations of the I-beams and rollers alternate orthogonally at each corner of the platform, so that torques generated by uneven jacking are suppressed and do not result in jamming of the platform as it rises.