Polygonal Shoring System for Excavation Wall Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional strut systems for bracing excavation pits are complex, labor-intensive to produce, and often result in a tight grid that hinders excavation and transportation processes, with issues like concrete shrinkage leading to cracks and limited reusability.
Innovation Solution
A strut system comprising a convex polygon or polygon segment with steel elements and an assembly table, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly, minimal ground anchors, and efficient production, enabling a large continuous opening for vertical transport and easy reusability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional linear bracing systems are used to secure excavation walls, then the walls are protected from collapse, but the grid of shoring assemblies becomes dense which complicates excavation work and hinders maneuvering of construction vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing system is divided into modular polygonal units (e.g., triangular, quadrangular) instead of continuous linear assemblies. Each polygonal unit functions as an independent bracing element, allowing selective placement and creating larger open spaces between units for construction vehicle maneuvering while maintaining wall stability through the distributed triangular or polygonal geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from one-dimensional linear bracing assemblies to two-dimensional polygonal configurations. By arranging bracing elements in polygonal patterns (triangles, quadrangles, etc.), the system achieves effective wall support while creating larger interstitial spaces that facilitate construction operations, effectively using geometric dimensioning to resolve the space conflict.
2Area of stationary object
If reinforced concrete structures are used for horizontal supporting, then large diameter excavations can be supported, but the manufacturing process becomes complex requiring rebar reinforcement, formwork, and concrete pouring
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure is segmented into reusable polygonal frame units made from steel profiles rather than monolithic reinforced concrete. These modular frames can be manufactured off-site, transported, and assembled quickly without requiring complex on-site concrete pouring, rebar tying, or formwork construction, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The material parameter changes from reinforced concrete to steel profiles for the polygonal frames. This material substitution eliminates the need for concrete curing time, complex reinforcement detailing, and formwork assembly/disassembly, while maintaining the structural capacity to support large excavation areas through the rigid steel polygonal geometry.
3Area of stationary object
If reinforced concrete supporting structures are used, then large excavations can be braced, but the structure cannot be tensioned and requires more vertical beams and lateral struts increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The polygonal bracing units are designed with adjustable and tensionable connections that allow the structure to be dynamically tuned. Hydraulic jacks or tensioning devices can be integrated into the polygonal nodes to apply and adjust pre-stress forces, enabling the structure to actively counteract earth pressures more efficiently without requiring excessive static members.
Solution Approach 2:
The polygonal frame units serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide lateral bracing, create structural nodes for force distribution, define the excavation perimeter, and offer attachment points for tensioning devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate vertical beams and lateral struts, simplifying the overall bracing system configuration while maintaining support capacity.
4Reliability
If conventional bracing systems are installed, then excavation walls are secured, but the system obstructs the excavation area hindering work of construction machinery and material transport
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing system is segmented into discrete polygonal units spaced apart from each other, creating large open working areas between the units. Construction machinery can operate freely in these interstitial zones without navigating around dense grids of shoring members, while the polygonal units themselves provide adequate wall support through their geometric configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a shoring system (1) for bracing excavation pits (2) with minimal obstruction in the excavation area of the excavation pit (2) by the bracing, wherein the shoring system (1) comprises at least one shoring element in the form of a convex polygon or polygon segment with sides and corners (3), and wherein the shoring system (1) includes at least one polygon side element (31) made of steel, at least one further steel element, and at least one steel compression element (6) with an assembly table (11). A method for manufacturing the shoring system (1) and the use of the shoring system (1) are also claimed.