Open Back Pier Bracket System for Eccentric Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current foundation pier systems face issues with eccentric loading during retrofit applications, leading to bending moments and potential deformation or failure of pier brackets, especially in poor soil conditions, and existing retrofit solutions are difficult and dangerous to install.
Innovation Solution
An open back pier bracket system with a two-frame rail design and reinforcing tube that transfers bending moments into the ground, featuring four evenly spaced spikes for secure footing engagement and a locking mechanism to prevent sliding, along with CNC plasma-cut and welded components for enhanced reliability and strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If retrofit piers are installed alongside existing footings, then foundation support can be provided to settling structures, but eccentric loading creates bending moments that cause pier bracket deformation and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into two separate frame rails (front rail and back rail) that are spaced apart to straddle the pier shaft. This segmentation allows each rail to independently resist bending moments, with the front rail handling downward forces and the back rail handling upward forces, thereby eliminating the bending moment that would cause deformation in a solid bracket.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional solid bracket design to a three-dimensional open-back frame structure. By spacing the front and back rails apart and connecting them with cross members, the design creates a spatial structure that resists bending moments in multiple directions, effectively addressing the eccentric loading problem from a dimensional perspective.
2Ease of operation
If traditional solid brackets are used with retrofit piers, then installation can proceed, but the brackets are difficult and dangerous to install due to eccentric loading conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is segmented into modular components including front rail, back rail, cross members, and connecting elements. This segmentation allows for easier handling and installation compared to a solid bracket, as the open-back design reduces weight and allows components to be assembled around the existing footing and pier shaft more easily.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design incorporates adjustable features and flexible connection methods that allow installers to adapt the bracket to various footing conditions and pier positions. The open-back configuration provides access for installation tools and allows for adjustment during the installation process, making the system more dynamic and easier to install despite the increased structural complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional pier brackets are used in poor soil conditions, then foundation support is provided, but the brackets deform and fail under eccentric loading
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the bracket into separate front and back rails connected by cross members, the structure creates a rigid spatial framework that resists deformation. The segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific loading conditions, with the overall structure maintaining stability under eccentric loads that would cause failure in conventional solid brackets.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket employs a composite structural approach, combining multiple steel components (rails, cross members, connecting plates) into a unified assembly. This composite structure distributes stresses across multiple elements, preventing the concentration of forces that leads to deformation and failure in single-piece brackets, thereby enhancing structural stability in poor soil conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A foundation reinforcement system may include an elongated beam, a first bracket assembly and a second bracket assembly. Each bracket assembly includes a shaft receiving portion and a seat portion. The seat portion includes a plurality of protruding members that protrude upwardly therefrom. The elongated beam is disposed atop the seat portion of the first bracket assembly such that at least one of the plurality of protruding members of the bracket assembly is disposed on each of opposing lateral sides of the elongated beam. The bracket assemblies are horizontally spaced-apart from each other. The elongated beam is disposed atop the seat portion of the second bracket assembly such that at least one of the plurality of protruding members of the second bracket assembly is disposed on each of opposing lateral sides of the elongated beam.