Precast Elevated Tank Tower Assembly for Faster Shaft Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevated storage tanks constructed with concrete pedestals or shafts face challenges such as increased complexity, cost, and potential failure points due to the need for multiple precast pieces and on-site concrete pouring, which is prone to delays and quality issues from weather and equipment breakdowns.
Innovation Solution
Elevated tank towers with a support structure made of a plurality of precast segments that are stacked to form a cylindrical shaft, using spanning plates and vertical tie-rods for connections, and incorporating a superstructure atop the shaft to support a containment tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If on-site concrete pouring is used to construct pedestals or shafts, then the structure can support vertical loads, but construction is prone to delays and quality issues from weather and equipment breakdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-casting concrete segments off-site in a controlled environment before assembling them on-site. This eliminates the vulnerability of on-site pouring to weather and equipment issues, as the concrete segments are manufactured beforehand with guaranteed quality control, then transported and assembled when ready, independent of adverse conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the continuous concrete pedestal or shaft into discrete precast segments that can be manufactured separately and assembled in sequence. This segmentation allows each segment to be produced under controlled conditions without interruption from weather or equipment failures, and enables assembly to proceed methodically regardless of environmental conditions.
2Productivity
If multiple precast pieces are used to construct pedestals or shafts, then the structure can be assembled faster, but construction complexity increases due to additional connections required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple precast segments into a unified structural system through standardized connection details. The segments are designed with integrated reinforcement bars and connection elements that simplify the joining process, reducing overall construction complexity despite the increased number of components. The modular design allows segments to be connected systematically rather than requiring complex custom fittings.
3Stability of the object's composition
If on-site concrete pouring is used, then the structure can be constructed continuously, but any delays lead to cold joints and/or voids or other defects within the pour
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by completing the concrete pouring process off-site in a controlled environment before transport and assembly. Each precast segment is fully cured and quality-checked before leaving the precast facility, eliminating the risk of cold joints and voids that occur during extended on-site pouring operations. The segments are then assembled as complete, defect-free units.
Data Source
AI summary
An elevated tank tower includes a foundation, and a support structure including a plurality of stacked segments. One or more of the plurality segment is unitarily constructed from precast concrete configured to extend around the entirety of an outer perimeter of the support structure. Each of the stacked segments is connected to an adjacent segment with one or more spanning plates connected to the adjacent segments. A superstructure is positioned atop of the support structure and operably connected to an uppermost segment of the plurality of segments. A containment tank is positioned atop the superstructure.