Lightweight Load Resisting Arch System for Buried Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction methods for buried arch structures, such as bridges and tunnels, are hindered by the need for heavy equipment, high costs, and susceptibility to corrosion, particularly in northern climates where freeze-thaw cycles and de-icing chemicals accelerate material degradation.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight load resisting system comprising a network of arched hollow tubular support members made of fiber-reinforced polymer, connected by lateral force resisting members and filled with grout or concrete, which minimizes the requirement for heavy equipment and enhances durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If precast concrete structures are used, then construction speed is improved, but equipment weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The arch structure is divided into multiple precast segmental sections that can be manufactured separately and then assembled on-site. This segmentation allows for faster construction compared to monolithic cast-in-place methods while using lighter materials that reduce equipment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials including fiber-reinforced polymers and lightweight concrete mixes to create structurally sound yet lightweight arch sections. These composite materials provide the necessary strength while significantly reducing the weight compared to traditional reinforced concrete, thereby minimizing heavy equipment needs.
2Weight of stationary object
If cast-in-place concrete structures are used, then equipment weight is reduced, but construction time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The arch segments are premanufactured and prepared in advance using modular formwork systems that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. This preliminary preparation of standardized components eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site concrete pouring and curing operations, significantly reducing construction time while avoiding heavy equipment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic or adjustable formwork systems that can be rapidly configured and reconfigured for different arch sections. This dynamic approach allows for quick setup and teardown of construction elements, reducing the overall construction time without requiring permanent heavy equipment installations.
3Weight of stationary object
If pipe metallic structures are used, then equipment weight is reduced, but structural strength and lifespan decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials such as fiber-reinforced polymers and lightweight concrete to create arch sections that are both lightweight and structurally strong. These composite materials exceed the strength-to-weight ratio of traditional metallic pipe structures, providing greater structural strength while maintaining reduced equipment weight requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The arch sections incorporate locally optimized material properties where fiber-reinforced polymers and lightweight concrete are strategically placed to provide maximum strength where needed. This local quality enhancement ensures that the structure achieves necessary structural strength without requiring heavy equipment throughout the entire construction process.
4Strength
If reinforced concrete structures are used, then structural strength is improved, but durability against environmental degradation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials that inherently resist corrosion from water, road salt, and freeze-thaw cycles. These composite materials do not rust like traditional steel reinforcement, providing superior durability and reliability in harsh environmental conditions while maintaining the necessary structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by using lightweight concrete mixes with optimized aggregate content and fiber reinforcement ratios. These parameter modifications create a composite material that achieves the required structural strength while improving durability against environmental degradation through enhanced resistance to corrosion and freeze-thaw damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A rapidly-erectable lightweight load resisting system for the construction of buried arched bridges, tunnels or underground bunkers, has a plurality of lightweight arched tubular support members which are formed of a fiber reinforced polymer material and are substantially oriented in a vertical plane. The lightweight tubular support members are connected by at least one or more lateral force resisting members which are positioned in a direction perpendicular to the vertical plane of the tubular support members, and which are capable of transferring vertical loads to the tubular support members and of providing lateral-load capacity to the load resisting system. The tubular support members are fitted with one or more holes near the top which allows them to be filled with a suitable material to provide additional strength or stiffness.