Modular Supply Channel Segmentation for Concrete Shrinkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing supply troughs require significant effort and cost for installation, as they need a trapezoidal concrete haunch foundation and expansion joints to accommodate concrete shrinkage, which increases production time and introduces weak points in the structure.
Innovation Solution
A supply channel design with separate body parts connected by angled brackets and a longitudinal strip that acts as an expansion joint, allowing for easier assembly and eliminating the need for pre-slit concrete beds, and featuring anchor lugs for pressure distribution and spacers for leveling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a trapezoidal concrete haunch foundation is used to support the supply channel, then the channel can bear vehicle loads, but the installation time and cost increase significantly due to formwork requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The supply channel is divided into modular sections that can be assembled without complex formwork. The channel body is segmented into standard lengths that can be joined using simple connection elements, eliminating the need for time-consuming haunch construction while maintaining structural integrity and load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply channel sections are pre-assembled with connection elements attached before installation. Anchor lugs and connecting pieces are pre-positioned on the channel sections, allowing for rapid assembly on-site without requiring complex formwork or prolonged construction time, thus reducing installation time while ensuring proper support structure.
2Reliability
If expansion joints are installed in the concrete bed to compensate for shrinkage, then the supply channel is protected from damage, but the structural integrity is reduced and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between supply channel sections is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing lateral movement and rotation to accommodate concrete shrinkage and settlement. The connecting pieces enable the channel sections to move relative to each other, providing built-in flexibility that eliminates the need for separate expansion joints while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system allows for parameter changes in the channel assembly, including lateral displacement and angular adjustment, to compensate for concrete bed shrinkage. This flexibility is built into the connection mechanism itself, allowing the channel to adapt to foundation movement without requiring weak expansion joint elements.
3Ease of operation
If the supply channel is designed as a single integrated unit, then transport and assembly are simplified, but adjustment flexibility for different installation conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The supply channel is segmented into standardized sections that can be easily transported and handled individually, then assembled on-site. This segmentation maintains simplicity while enabling flexibility in configuration and adjustment to suit different installation conditions and terrain variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system between channel sections incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing lateral movement, rotation, and height adjustment. This enables the channel assembly to adapt to various installation conditions while maintaining a simple assembly process through standardized connection mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A supply channel, comprising a channel body (2) which limits a channel (3) in cross-section on three sides and a cover covering the channel (3), is designed such that the channel body (2) consists of at least two separate body parts (2') extending in the longitudinal direction, which are detachably connected to each other.