Precast Wall Coupling Assembly for Fast Flush-Mounted Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction technologies face challenges such as reliance on skilled labor, time-consuming on-site construction, unpredictable weather delays, poor quality control, and aesthetic issues with standard connection mechanisms for precast structures, which hinder efficient and scalable building projects.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly mechanism for precast structures, featuring a hollow box section member with elongated connectors and wall brackets with orthogonal flanges, allowing for flush-mounting and embedding within precast structures, along with shear connectors and elastic pads for enhanced structural continuity and rapid installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional build-on-site connection methods are used with rebars and lapping, then structural connection is achieved, but installation time and manpower requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into distinct modular components: precast elements with embedded connection devices, and corresponding receiving structures. This segmentation allows parallel preparation of components and rapid assembly on-site, eliminating the sequential time-consuming processes of traditional rebar lapping and concrete pouring.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection devices and reinforcing elements are pre-installed into the precast elements during factory production. This preliminary action ensures that all connection components are ready before site arrival, eliminating on-site preparation time and ensuring consistent connection quality through controlled factory conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional build-on-site approaches are used, then construction flexibility is maintained, but skilled workforce availability and on-site machinery requirements become critical constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The precast elements are designed with self-aligning and self-supporting features that enable workers to install them using simple equipment. The embedded connection devices automatically position themselves during installation, reducing the need for highly skilled operators and complex on-site machinery while maintaining construction flexibility.
3Loss of time
If standard connection mechanisms are used for precast structures, then installation time is reduced, but aesthetic appearance and structural continuity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection devices are extracted and embedded within the precast elements themselves, rather than being applied as external add-ons. This integration allows the connection mechanism to be concealed within the structure, maintaining clean aesthetic lines and continuous surfaces while enabling rapid installation of precast components.
4Productivity
If precast modules are used with standard connection mechanisms, then construction speed increases, but connection strength and structural integrity may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system combines multiple materials and mechanisms: embedded steel connection devices, grout or epoxy bonding agents, and mechanical interlocking features. This composite approach creates a multi-functional connection that achieves both high strength and rapid installation by leveraging the complementary properties of different materials.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection assembly mechanism for coupling vertical precast structures includes a hollow box section member, and first and second wall brackets. The hollow box section member has first and second vertical members, and first and second horizontal members. A first set of elongated connectors extending from the first vertical member is embedded within a horizontal precast structure. The second vertical member is flush-mounted on a lateral side of the horizontal precast structure. A first horizontal flange of the first wall bracket is flush-mounted with a base portion of a pocket member of a first vertical precast structure and is coupled with the first horizontal member. A second horizontal flange of the second wall bracket is flush-mounted with a base portion of a second vertical precast structure and is coupled with the second horizontal member. For such couplings, at least two connection mechanisms are used at a construction site.