Multi-Level Drophead for Flexible Slab Formwork Grids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dropheads in slab formwork systems are limited in structure type, require additional components for level differences, increase complexity and cost, and involve time-consuming assembly and plywood trapping during early striking.
Innovation Solution
A multi-level drophead unit with double-walled end hooks and flyplates allows easy mounting and dismounting of primary and secondary beams, enabling the construction of both standard and cantilever grids using the same components, and includes drophead adaptors to prevent plywood trapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dropheads are used to connect four peripheral beams at the same level, then the grid structure is stable, but the ability to create structures with level differences (such as cantilevers or operator platforms) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The drophead is segmented into multiple independent attachment points at different vertical levels. Each attachment point can independently connect to beams, allowing the creation of multi-level structures including cantilevers and operator platforms using the same drophead component without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The drophead is designed as a universal connector that can accommodate both standard grid configurations (beams at the same level) and specialized configurations (cantilevers, operator platforms) using the same component, eliminating the need for specialized dropheads for different structure types
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional dropheads and special secondary beams are used to create cantilever sections or operator platforms, then the required structure can be formed, but the infrastructural cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The same drophead component with multiple attachment points serves all structure configuration needs (standard grids, cantilevers, operator platforms), eliminating the time required to assemble additional specialized components and reducing overall assembly time
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions (standard beam support, cantilever creation, operator platform formation) are merged into a single drophead component, allowing all these structures to be created simultaneously during one assembly operation rather than requiring separate assembly steps for each structure type
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dropheads are used to manage level differences, then the required structure can be created, but the formwork complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The drophead is segmented into multiple attachment points at different levels within a single integrated component. This segmentation allows level difference management while maintaining reliability because all attachment points are part of one structurally sound component rather than multiple separate components that could fail independently
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional dropheads are used, then the basic grid structure can be formed, but plywood gets trapped during early striking until de-shuttering is complete
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful trapping function is extracted from the formwork system by designing the drophead with an open lower attachment point configuration. This allows plywood to pass through freely during early striking while the upper attachment points continue to provide structural support, eliminating the harmful trapping effect while maintaining formwork functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A grid beam slab formwork comprising of primary beams, secondary beams, multi-level drophead unit, and props. The multi-level drophead unit offers up to or more than six connection points for the primary beams and the secondary beams. The multi-level drophead unit allows the construction of an additional structure that otherwise requires a separate drophead or an adaptor thereby reducing an overall cost associated with the formwork. Moreover, the multi-level drophead unit enables the creation of the platform wherever needed. On the other hand, the adapter prevents entrapment of the sheathing members, such that the beams can be removed when the concrete has achieved required strength and the load can be taken by the props.