Load Bearing Clamp With Irregular Surfaces for Helical Pile Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deep foundations and helical piles face challenges in connecting loads to structures, especially in remote locations with limited access, where equipment is unavailable, and the quality of field welds is variable, potentially compromising corrosion protection.
Innovation Solution
A load bearing clamp system with semi-annular clamping surfaces and tensioning members that deform the shaft to provide a friction and mechanical connection, allowing for the transfer of both tension and compression loads without welding or drilling, and a grillage system for attaching to piles that uses load bearing clamps to secure and transfer loads efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If field welding or drilling methods are used to connect structures to helical piles, then load transfer capability is improved, but corrosion protection is compromised and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp serves as an intermediary component between the structure and helical pile, providing a mechanical connection for load transfer without direct welding or drilling to the pile. The clamp members wrap around the pile and apply radial clamping forces, creating friction and mechanical interlocking to transfer loads while preserving the pile's corrosion protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into separate components: the clamp members that contact the pile, the load bearing surfaces that contact the structure, and the tensioning members that provide clamping force. This segmentation allows the pile to remain intact and protected while the clamp provides the necessary load transfer capability.
2Strength
If conventional deep foundations are used, then load bearing capacity is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp design provides multiple functions: it transfers axial loads through friction and mechanical interlocking, accommodates both solid and hollow shafts, works with various shaft diameters through adjustable clamp members, and preserves corrosion protection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized installation equipment while maintaining load bearing capacity.
3Strength
If helical piles are installed to specific torque, then bearing capacity is ensured, but termination depth becomes unknown requiring post-installation cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed to accommodate the pile at its installed elevation without requiring precise depth control. The load bearing surfaces can be positioned at the required elevation, and the clamp members can be adjusted to fit the pile diameter and position. This eliminates the need for post-installation cutting or drilling operations.
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
Enables efficient and reliable transfer of axial loads to helical piles, facilitating structure erection in remote areas without damaging corrosion protection, and providing a secure and efficient method for constructing deep foundations.
Implementation Method 1
providing friction and mechanical connection to the shaft
Implementation Method 2
at least one irregular surface that deforms at least a portion of a shaft clamped between the first and second clamp members
Data Source
AI summary
A load bearing clamp including a first clamp member, the first clamp member including a first semi-annular clamping surface, a second clamp member, the second clamp member including a second semi-annular clamping surface, the second semi-annular clamping surface opposing the first semi-annular clamping surface and at least one member for drawing the first clamp member and the second clamp member toward each other, wherein at least one of the first semi-annular clamp surface and the second semi-annular clamp surface includes at least one irregular surface that deforms at least a portion of a shaft clamped between the first and second clamp members.