Open Web Composite Shear Connector for Precast Concrete
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current structural framing systems for multi-story buildings face challenges in integrating structural steel and precast concrete materials effectively, leading to inadequate composite action and reduced seismic resistance, especially under increased lateral load requirements.
Innovation Solution
An open-web composite shear connector system is introduced, which combines precast concrete planks with steel beams using composite shear connectors that enhance bending strength and ductility, allowing for improved composite action and integration of precast concrete decks with steel beams, and includes the use of grout and reinforcement to increase structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If precast concrete planks are used with steel beams in conventional framing systems, then construction speed and cost-effectiveness are improved, but structural integrity and composite action between materials are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces composite shear connectors as intermediary elements between precast concrete planks and steel beams. These connectors include steel channels with grout-filled cavities that mechanically interlock with both materials, creating effective composite action. The shear connectors serve as mediators that transfer forces between the concrete and steel, resolving the contradiction by enabling fast construction while maintaining structural integrity through proven connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a true composite structure by combining precast concrete planks, steel beams, and grout-filled shear connectors into an integrated load-bearing system. The composite action is achieved through the shear connectors that bond the dissimilar materials (concrete and steel) together, allowing them to work as a unified structural element. This resolves the contradiction by demonstrating that composite construction can deliver both construction efficiency and structural strength.
2Device complexity
If conventional framing systems are used to meet current lateral load requirements, then design and construction are simpler, but they cannot satisfy increased seismic design criteria
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction combining steel and precast concrete with grout-filled shear connectors to create a framing system with enhanced seismic performance. The composite action provides superior ductility and energy dissipation capabilities compared to conventional systems, meeting increased seismic criteria while maintaining practical design and construction procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes haunched beams with curved or tapered geometries to improve seismic performance. The haunches create rotational capacity and ductility in the beam-column connections, allowing the structure to better withstand lateral seismic loads. This geometric modification maintains design simplicity while significantly enhancing reliability under seismic conditions.
3Productivity
If structural steel and precast concrete members are integrated using conventional methods, then construction is more efficient, but technologies for effective integration are underdeveloped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite shear connectors as intermediary elements between precast concrete planks and steel beams. These connectors include steel channels with grout-filled cavities that mechanically interlock with both materials, creating effective composite action. The shear connectors serve as mediators that transfer forces between the concrete and steel, resolving the contradiction by enabling fast construction while maintaining structural integrity through proven connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes precast concrete planks and pre-fabricated shear connectors that are prepared off-site before assembly. This preliminary preparation of components enables efficient on-site construction while ensuring proper integration of steel and concrete elements. The pre-cast nature of the planks and the pre-assembled connector systems reduce on-site complexity and improve construction efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for constructing multi-story building is disclosed. The system can include a plurality of vertical beams and a base beam section. The base beam section can be supported horizontally between the plurality of vertical column members and can include a composite shear connector attached thereto. The framing system can further include a plurality of concrete plank sections spanning perpendicularly to, and supported by, either side of the base beam. The plurality of concrete plank sections can be assembled in pairs. The framing system can also include grout material applied to the composite shear connector and the concrete plank sections to fill the cavities of the assembly to provide an integral framing system. A method for assembling such a system is also disclosed.