Two-Way Precast Moment Frame for Bracing-Free Industrial Erection

Solution Overview

Problem

Current industrial construction methods require temporary and permanent bracing or shoring for lateral stability, which increases costs and safety risks, and necessitate additional manpower for crane operation and alignment of construction members.

Innovation Solution

A self-bracing and self-aligning two-way moment frame precast system that eliminates the need for temporary or permanent bracing by using a set of moment frame members with collapsible stabilizers and rebars, allowing for a free-standing structure during erection and service, and utilizing remote crane release devices for alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If temporary or permanent bracing or shoring is used for lateral stability, then structural stability is improved, but construction cost and safety risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral stabilityVSAvoidsafety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The moment frame members are designed with self-bracing capability through integrated connector portions with male and female connectors that automatically provide lateral stability when assembled, eliminating the need for external temporary or permanent bracing systems. The structure serves itself by incorporating stabilizing features directly into the frame members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The bracing function is merged with the moment frame members themselves by integrating connector portions that provide both structural connection and lateral stability. The male and female connectors incorporate features that simultaneously achieve structural assembly and bracing functions in a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If temporary or permanent bracing or shoring is used for lateral stability, then structural stability is improved, but construction cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral stabilityVSAvoidconstruction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The moment frame members are designed with self-bracing capability through integrated connector portions with male and female connectors that automatically provide lateral stability when assembled, eliminating the need for external temporary or permanent bracing systems. The structure serves itself by incorporating stabilizing features directly into the frame members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The bracing function is merged with the moment frame members themselves by integrating connector portions that provide both structural connection and lateral stability. The male and female connectors incorporate features that simultaneously achieve structural assembly and bracing functions in a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If additional manpower is used for crane operation and alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but construction cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidconstruction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Alignment features such as guide surfaces, alignment pins, and pre-positioned connector portions are built into the moment frame members during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of alignment features eliminates the need for manual alignment adjustments during construction, allowing components to self-align when lifted and positioned by the crane.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The moment frame members incorporate self-aligning features that automatically guide proper positioning during installation. The structure aligns itself through integrated guide surfaces and connector geometries without requiring additional workers to manually adjust or position components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system reduces construction costs and improves safety by eliminating the need for additional manpower and temporary bracing, enabling faster and safer erection of industrial support structures without the need for external bracing, while allowing alignment to be performed from a distance.

Implementation Method 1

the slotted stabilizer at least partially collapses in the stabilizer receiver and causes a friction fit between the stabilizer and the stabilizer receiver to eliminate the need for temporary bracing by providing stability during erection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11162256B1Self-bracing, two-way moment frame precast system for industrial support structure and method of utilizing same

Publication Date: 2021.11.02 MILLER PHILIP GLEN

AI summary

A self-bracing, two-way moment frame precast system for industrial support structure and method of erecting a precast industrial support structure without temporary or permanent bracing or shoring are disclosed. This is accomplished by utilizing a moment frame element in two directions to create free standing tower that requires no bracing during erection or in service. The system also utilizes a connection that allows the erection crane to achieve alignment during erection such that the entire system can be erected by a ground based personnel.