Modular Auger Excavation System for Deep Basement Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deep basement excavation techniques face challenges such as high costs, prolonged downtime due to crane operation, space constraints for equipment, and inefficiencies in material removal, particularly with sticky soils like 'Bay mud', which increase excavation time and costs, and pose safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A deep basement excavation system and truck loader that eliminates the need for cranes by using modular, electric-powered auger sections with a feed hopper and discharge chute system, allowing for efficient excavation and material transfer, reducing noise and environmental impact, and enabling concurrent construction activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a heavy crane is used to excavate material from deep basement, then excavation depth can be increased, but the cost increases and downtime increases due to shoring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the excavation support function into multiple discrete support points along the excavation wall. Instead of requiring continuous heavy shoring, the segmented support system provides localized reinforcement at critical depths, allowing the auger to operate continuously without repeated crane downtime for shoring installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the heavy mechanical crane system with a lighter auger-based extraction system. The crane's function of lifting and removing soil is substituted by the auger's screw-conveyor mechanism that mechanically transports soil through the excavation wall, eliminating the need for heavy lifting equipment and associated shoring.
2Length of stationary object
If a heavy crane is placed beside the excavation site, then deep excavation can be performed, but the space required for equipment placement increases and access for dump trucks is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the soil removal function from the ground surface level and integrates it directly into the excavation wall. The auger system is embedded in the excavation wall itself, allowing soil to be extracted through the wall rather than requiring surface equipment. This eliminates the need for crane placement space and maintains truck access routes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal equipment placement (crane on surface) to vertical integration (auger in excavation wall). The soil extraction mechanism is moved from the horizontal plane to the vertical dimension of the excavation wall, allowing continuous operation without occupying surface space that would block truck access.
3Length of stationary object
If prior art excavation techniques are used for deep basements, then excavation can be performed, but the cost and time increase due to repeated shoring processes
Solution Approach 1:
The auger system enables continuous soil extraction operation. Unlike crane-based systems that require intermittent stopping for shoring installation and tensioning, the auger maintains continuous rotation and soil transport, keeping the excavation process uninterrupted and maximizing productivity throughout the deep excavation sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are installed in advance at predetermined locations in the excavation wall before the auger reaches those depths. This preliminary placement of support structures eliminates the need for reactive shoring operations during excavation, allowing the auger to proceed continuously without stopping for support installation or tensioning.
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
This system significantly reduces excavation time and costs, improves access for dump trucks, and decreases greenhouse gas emissions, allowing for deeper excavations with increased efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The auger sections lift the excavation material vertically to a height that, preferably, is about twenty feet above grade level
Implementation Method 2
A large steel ball is attached to the male square drive a bottom of the lowermost main auger section. A female support member that includes a hemispherical recess is placed atop the steel plates. The steel ball is disposed in the hemispherical recess.
Implementation Method 3
A grease channel is provided and is used to supply grease for lubrication of the steel ball in the hemispherical recess
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for the excavation of a deep basement includes at least two main auger assemblies that are disposed vertically with one assembly atop the other. Auger blades in each assembly are operatively connected together. A feed hopper attached to a bottom of the lower main auger assembly conveys excavation material through a feed hopper opening to the auger blade for lifting. A steel ball is attached to a bottom of the auger blades. The ball rests in a spherical recess and acts as a thrust bearing. A discharge opening is provided proximate a top of the uppermost main auger assembly. A pivoting discharge chute is located at the discharge opening. During use, excavation material is loaded into the feed hopper, conveyed to the auger blades, lifted by the auger blades, discharged through the discharge opening, down the discharge chute and into a dump truck bed for removal.