Load Transfer Device for Cellular Confinement Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cellular confinement systems face challenges in transferring loads from infill materials to tendons without exceeding the capacity of welds, and are prone to displacement and erosion, especially on slopes and during hydraulic uplift or ice action.
Innovation Solution
A load transfer device with an insertion member, integral shank, and body that includes a tendon-receiving post and through-hole, allowing for secure attachment to cellular confinement structures and tendons, enabling effective load distribution and stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If cellular confinement sections are used on slopes, then erosion resistance and stability are improved, but the welds that define the cell shape may exceed their capacity due to cumulative forces from the infill weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary load transfer device that connects the cellular confinement structure to tendons anchored in the ground. This mediator transfers the cumulative forces from the infill weight away from the welds, preventing weld failure while maintaining slope stability. The device includes a body with a tendon receiving portion and an insertion member that penetrates the cell wall, creating a force distribution path that bypasses the vulnerable weld joints.
2Strength
If stakes or tendons are used to transfer forces from filled cells to the ground, then load bearing capacity is improved, but the complexity of installation and the number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the body provides tendon attachment, the insertion member penetrates the cell wall, and the insertion end secures the connection. This merged structure eliminates the need for separate stakes, anchors, and attachment mechanisms, simplifying installation while maintaining high load bearing capacity. The device is installed by inserting it through the cell wall and anchoring the tendon, completing all load transfer functions in one component.
3Ease of operation
If the cellular confinement structure is made lightweight for ease of handling and installation, then ease of operation is improved, but the structure may be more susceptible to displacement under applied forces such as hydraulic uplift or ice action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load bearing and anchoring functions from the lightweight cellular confinement structure itself and places them in a separate load transfer device. This allows the main structure to remain lightweight and easy to handle during installation, while the detached load transfer device provides the necessary resistance to displacement forces. The insertion member penetrates the cell wall to connect these separate elements, creating a composite system that combines the advantages of both lightweight construction and high resistance to hydraulic uplift and ice action.
Data Source
AI summary
A device that includes an insertion member, a shank, and a body having a through-hole and a post. The device can be part of a cellular confinement system. A method of transferring load from an expanded cellular confinement structure to a flexible tendon includes inserting an insertion member of a device through an open slot in the structure, inserting a tendon through a through-hole in the body of the device, and wrapping the tendon around a post of the body. A kit includes a first unitary section of cells, at least one device, and at least one tendon for securing the device and the section to allow transfer of load from the web to the tendon.