Reinforcement Element for Concrete Slab Load Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building structures face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively absorbing large loads in the area of support elements for concrete slabs, as conventional solutions like steel mushrooms are expensive and pusher baskets have limited load capacity.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcement element comprising a base bar with attached stirrup bars, forming sloping portions at specific angles for optimal force distribution, connected by welding, and designed to be simple and inexpensive to produce, allowing for effective load absorption and integration into concrete slabs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel mushrooms are used to absorb punching shear forces in concrete slabs, then the load absorption capacity is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The steel mushroom is divided into modular components: a base plate with anchoring elements and one or more vertical legs. These segments can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the load absorption capacity through the distributed structure of multiple segments working together to resist punching shear forces
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement element is designed with nested components where vertical legs are positioned within or attached to the base plate structure. This nesting allows for compact manufacturing and assembly while ensuring that the force transmission path from the concrete slab through the legs to the base plate remains efficient, maintaining strength without requiring expensive monolithic construction
2Ease of manufacture
If pusher baskets made of reinforcing steel are inserted into foundation plates, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the load absorption capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is designed with pre-formed anchoring elements such as bent bars or welded connectors that are prepared in advance during manufacturing. These pre-prepared anchoring features enable simple insertion into the concrete foundation while ensuring adequate load transfer capacity, thus maintaining low manufacturing cost without sacrificing strength
Solution Approach 2:
The geometry of the reinforcement element is optimized by adjusting parameters such as the angle of the sloping portions (25° to 45°), the dimensions of the base plate, and the configuration of anchoring elements. These parameter changes enhance the load absorption capacity of the simple pusher basket structure, allowing it to achieve higher strength without increasing manufacturing complexity or cost
3Strength
If the base bar is connected to stirrup bars by welding, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex mechanical connection systems or high-strength permanent joints, the invention employs simple welding connections that are quick to apply and sufficient for the application lifecycle. The welding process is straightforward and can be performed with standard equipment, achieving required connection strength without the complexity of specialized fastening mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Welding is applied only at critical connection points where the stirrup bars meet the base bar, rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized welding approach provides sufficient connection strength at key load transfer locations while minimizing manufacturing complexity and time, adhering to the principle of applying complex connections only where absolutely necessary
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 solution provides a cost-effective and efficient means to absorb large loads by optimizing force distribution and connection strength, enabling better integration into concrete slabs and foundation plates, thus addressing the limitations of existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a first end region (4) which is connected to the base bar (2) by welding, in which connection reinforcing elements (11) are inserted and welded
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The reinforced element (1) is made from steel. A clamp rod (3) is fixed at the base rod (2) in the form of a bracket. The clamp rod has two end regions (4,10), a middle region (7), two inclined regions (5,9) where two end regions are connected with the base rod. One of the inclined regions run away from the base rod while the other approaches towards the base rod and the middle region is at a distance from the base rod.