MSE Retaining Wall Reinforcement Rods with Standard Steel Embeds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MSE retaining walls with steel reinforcement require specially made parts that are costly and difficult to install, leading to high costs and design complexity.
Innovation Solution
The use of cylindrical rods with a loop and outwardly extending stems secured within a concrete panel, connected via a connector plate and fastener, utilizing widely available and inexpensive materials like standard rebar and embeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specially made reinforcement parts are used in conventional MSE retaining walls, then the reinforcement effectiveness is improved, but the cost and installation difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using standard, widely available rebar and embeds that can serve multiple functions. The rebar acts as both the reinforcement element and the anchor, while the embed provides both positioning and connection functionality. This eliminates the need for specially made parts and reduces design complexity while maintaining reinforcement effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copies of standard, readily available components (standard rebar and embeds) instead of creating unique specialized parts. These standard components can be obtained from ordinary suppliers and installed using conventional techniques, thereby reducing cost and installation difficulty while achieving the required reinforcement effectiveness.
2Reliability
If specially made reinforcement parts are used in conventional MSE retaining walls, then the reinforcement effectiveness is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cheap, readily available standard rebar and embeds that can be purchased from ordinary suppliers rather than expensive specially made parts. These standard components are inexpensive and can be easily replaced if needed, significantly reducing the overall cost while maintaining sufficient reinforcement effectiveness for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
By using universal standard components that serve multiple functions (rebar for reinforcement and anchoring, embeds for positioning and connection), the patent eliminates the need for expensive specialized parts, thereby reducing cost while maintaining the required reinforcement effectiveness.
3Reliability
If specially made reinforcement parts are used in conventional MSE retaining walls, then the reinforcement effectiveness is improved, but the installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using standard rebar and embeds that can be installed using conventional construction techniques and tools already available on typical construction sites. The components are designed to work with standard installation methods, eliminating the need for specialized equipment or trained personnel, thereby reducing installation difficulty while maintaining reinforcement effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copies of standard, readily installable components instead of unique specialized parts that require special installation procedures. These standard components can be installed using ordinary construction techniques, making the installation process simpler and more accessible to typical construction crews.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and efficient MSE retaining wall with a lifespan of at least one hundred years, using readily available materials and simplified installation processes.
Implementation Method 1
A connector plate is welded at one end to the rod
Implementation Method 2
secured at another end to the stems via a fastener, for example, a bolt with nut arrangement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Disclosed are embodiments of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining wall that employs one or more reinforcement rods and that can be produced with inexpensive, widely available parts. A concrete panel is provided. A steel embed is provided with a loop and with first and second outwardly extending stems. The loop is secured within the concrete panel. A steel reinforcement rod is provided within backfill soil. A connector plate is welded at one end to the rod and is secured at another end to the stems via a fastener, such as a bolt and nut.