Moment Frame Building Elevation Helical Pile Foundation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures for building structures above grade face challenges in accommodating higher flood elevation requirements, particularly in coastal areas, and often suffer from drawbacks such as inadequate resistance to lateral forces and erosion.
Innovation Solution
A moment frame support structure system comprising vertically disposed columns and horizontally disposed beams with specific attachment patterns and pilings, including helical flighting, that provides robust support against lateral forces and erosion, allowing for secure elevation of building structures above grade.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional support structures are used to elevate building structures, then the building can be positioned above grade, but the structures suffer from inadequate resistance to lateral forces and erosion
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into discrete modular components including columns, beams, and foundation elements that can be independently designed, manufactured, and assembled. Each component is optimized for specific structural functions while working together as an integrated system resistant to lateral forces and erosion.
Solution Approach 2:
Foundation elements including pilings and footings are installed and cured in advance before the moment frame is assembled and elevated into position. This preliminary preparation ensures the foundation is ready to immediately support the elevated structure and resist lateral forces from the beginning.
2Reliability
If building structures are elevated to satisfy higher flood elevation requirements, then flood damage risk is reduced, but the complexity of the support structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elevated support structure is segmented into standardized modular components (columns, beams, foundation elements) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This modularity simplifies the overall complexity by breaking down the challenging task of creating a high-elevation flood-resistant structure into manageable, repeatable units.
Solution Approach 2:
The moment frame components are designed with universal attachment features and standardized dimensions that allow the same basic elements to serve multiple functions and be used in various configurations to achieve different elevation requirements, reducing the need for custom-designed components.
3Strength
If conventional support structures are used, then installation is simpler, but the structures cannot adequately resist erosion and lateral forces from storms
Solution Approach 1:
Foundation elements are pre-installed and cured before the moment frame is assembled and lifted into position. Connection details and attachment points are pre-configured on components, allowing for streamlined installation of the elevated structure while ensuring proper structural performance against erosion and lateral forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The moment frame connection details incorporate features that accommodate settlement and movement while maintaining structural integrity. The design allows for dynamic adjustment during installation and operation to ensure continued effectiveness against erosion and lateral forces.
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
The moment frame system effectively supports building structures above grade, satisfying current flood elevation requirements while reducing the drawbacks of previous support structures by providing reliable resistance to storms and flooding, even in eroded conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The pilings include helical flighting, and such pilings may be referred to as helical piles. The combination of a moment frame and a foundation including pilings provides a reliable support structure against the forces of storms and other flooding.
Implementation Method 2
the pilings include helical flighting
Data Source
AI summary
A building structure is supported above a foundation and above grade by a moment frame comprising a plurality of columns and beams. The columns are all generally similar and the beams are all generally similar, such that each column can be attached with up to four beams. The moment frame is secured to a foundation, which may include pilings extending downwardly into the ground. The foundation can include a concrete foundation member or a foundation framework comprising a plurality of attachment members secured together by beams. The pilings can include helical flighting.