Precast Structural Joint Connection for Post-Installed Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting load-bearing structural components require complex formwork and on-site modifications, limiting the ease of manufacturing and transportation of precast concrete elements.
Innovation Solution
A device allowing for the subsequent connection of load-bearing structural components via a connecting element after their manufacture, simplifying formwork and enabling precast production, with detachable connections and insulating material in the expansion joint for thermal decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforcing elements are cast into concrete during construction, then force transmission between structural elements is achieved, but the formwork complexity increases and separate manufacturing of building components is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into separate embeddable elements that can be independently manufactured and then assembled on-site. The embeddable element includes a connection body with integrated tensile, compressive, and shear force transmission components that can be separately produced and connected to structural elements after concrete hardening, eliminating the need for complex formwork integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The embeddable connection elements are pre-installed into the structural elements during their separate manufacturing process before concrete casting. This allows the connection devices to be positioned and prepared in advance, simplifying the formwork design and enabling subsequent quick assembly without requiring complex formwork structures.
2Strength
If connecting devices are integrated into formwork for simultaneous construction, then force transmission is ensured, but transportation of structural components becomes more difficult and crane times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is segmented into the embeddable element and the connection body, allowing the embeddable element to be separately manufactured and pre-installed into structural components. This segmentation enables independent transportation of structural elements without the bulky connecting devices, improving logistics and reducing crane operation times during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The embeddable elements are pre-installed into the structural elements during their manufacturing phase, allowing the structural components to be transported in their finished state with connection elements already in place. This eliminates the need to handle and position large connecting devices during transportation and assembly, thereby improving productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate force transmission means are provided for tensile, compressive, and shear forces, then adaptation to different forces is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection body integrates multiple force transmission functions into a single unified component. The connection body includes a first connection element for tensile forces, a second connection element for compressive forces, and a third connection element for shear forces, all merged into one structurally coherent element that adapts to different force types without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection body is designed as a multi-functional element that can transmit tensile, compressive, and shear forces through its different connection elements. This universal design allows a single embeddable connection device to handle all types of structural forces, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and simplifying the overall device structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for the subsequent force-transmitting connection of a second load-bearing structural element (3) to a first load-bearing structural element (2) comprises a connecting device (1) for arrangement in a separation joint (4) between the first structural element (2) and the second structural element (3). Tensile force-transmitting means, compressive force-transmitting means, and shear force-transmitting means of the second structural element (42) can be connected to tensile force-transmitting means, compressive force-transmitting means, and shear force-transmitting means of the connecting device (1) after the second structural element (3) has been constructed. The force-transmitting means of the connecting device (1) comprise a contact surface (22) for absorbing horizontal compressive forces of the second structural element (3) and a bearing surface (23) for absorbing vertically directed forces of the second structural element (3).The tensile force transmitting means, compressive force transmitting means and shear force transmitting means of the connecting device (1) are connectable to the tensile force transmitting means, compressive force transmitting means and shear force transmitting means of the first structural element (2) after the first structural element (2) has been manufactured.