Precast Concrete Rings for Underground Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for constructing underground structures require temporary shoring systems that are inefficient, leading to duplication of labor, additional soil disturbance, and increased costs, as they need to be erected, disassembled, and removed, complicating the construction process and wasting resources.
Innovation Solution
The use of precast concrete segments forming circular rings that serve as both temporary earth support and permanent structural components, with a waterproofing system and post-tensioning for resistance to lateral soil pressures, allowing for continuous excavation and construction without additional temporary supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temporary shoring systems are erected to stabilize excavation sites, then construction safety and soil stability are improved, but construction time and costs increase due to the need to erect, disassemble, and remove these systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temporary shoring function with the permanent structure by using the same precast concrete segments for both purposes. The segments form a continuous wall that provides soil stabilization during excavation and becomes the permanent retaining wall, eliminating the need for separate temporary and permanent structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The precast concrete segments serve multiple functions: they act as temporary shoring during excavation, provide permanent structural support, and form the final retaining wall. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate temporary structures and reduces overall construction time.
2Reliability
If temporary shoring walls are constructed outside the permanent structure, then soil support is provided during excavation, but additional soil disturbance and excavation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temporary shoring wall and permanent structure into a single integrated system. The precast concrete segments are installed along the excavation perimeter and serve as both temporary support and permanent structure, eliminating the need for separate temporary walls constructed outside the permanent structure.
3Reliability
If traditional two-step construction process is used (temporary shoring then permanent structure), then soil stability is maintained, but resource waste and cost increase occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temporary shoring system and permanent structure into a single integrated system using precast concrete segments. These segments provide soil stabilization during excavation and become the permanent retaining wall, eliminating the need to construct and then remove separate temporary structures, thereby reducing material waste and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding temporary shoring structures after use, the patent recovers resources by making the temporary segments permanent. The same segments that provide temporary support during excavation are retained and integrated into the permanent structure, eliminating the need to dispose of temporary materials.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are apparatus, systems and methods useful in forming vertical structures.