Retaining Wall Concrete Shells for Steel Beam Fire and Corrosion Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for constructing retaining walls using soil mortar lack defined strength values for shear force loads, and the structure and composition of soil mortar are uncertain, leading to unknown properties such as heat resistance and permeability to de-icing salts, which are crucial for maintaining structural integrity and safety.

Innovation Solution

Integrate a thin-walled casing element made of concrete material onto structural steel support beams, extending along the upper section of the retaining wall, providing enhanced corrosion and fire protection, while allowing easy insertion into the soil mortar.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If support beams are inserted into soil mortar to ensure load-bearing capacity, then structural strength is improved, but fire resistance and corrosion resistance deteriorate due to unknown soil mortar properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidfire resistance and corrosion resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining structural steel support beams with a concrete casing to create a hybrid structure. The concrete casing provides fire resistance and corrosion resistance properties that the soil mortar alone cannot guarantee, while the steel beam provides the necessary load-bearing capacity. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The concrete casing is applied beforehand to the support beams before insertion into the soil mortar. This protective layer is pre-installed to cushion the steel beam against fire and corrosion effects that would otherwise compromise the structural integrity. The casing acts as a preventive protective measure against harmful environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If a concrete casing is applied to support beams for fire and corrosion protection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire and corrosion protectionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a thin-walled concrete casing that provides protective functions without adding excessive complexity. The casing acts as a flexible shell that can be applied to the support beams while maintaining structural integrity. This thin-film approach provides fire and corrosion protection without creating a massively complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Temperature

If a massive concrete structure is used for fire protection, then fire resistance is improved, but weight and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a thin-walled concrete casing instead of a massive concrete structure. This thin shell provides sufficient fire resistance protection while minimizing the additional weight added to the support beams. The casing maintains structural integrity and fire protective properties without the excessive weight that would make handling and installation impractical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 concrete casing element enhances the structural integrity and safety of retaining walls by offering protection against heat and de-icing salts, ensuring easy installation and reducing the risk of corrosion, thereby improving cost-effectiveness and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a cement suspension, wherein the support beam is set into the soil mortar in the ground before hardening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4477804B1Method for forming a retaining wall in the floor and retaining wall
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 BAUER SPEZIALTIEFBAU GMBH
  • EP4477804B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for forming a retaining wall in the ground from a soil mortar, which is produced in the ground by mixing soil material and a cement slurry. Vertically oriented support beams, which incorporate reinforcing steel, are set into the soil mortar in the ground before hardening. After hardening, soil material is removed along an upper section of the retaining wall, at least on one side, while a lower section of the retaining wall remains surrounded by soil on both sides. According to the invention, a thin-walled concrete shell element is attached to at least one support beam, extending along an upper section of the support beam. The support beam is set into the soil mortar such that the upper section of the support beam, together with the concrete shell element, extends along the upper section of the retaining wall.