Rotating Shoring Shaft with Auger Sections for Excavation Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for engaging members within soil formations, such as pile driving and excavation shoring, face challenges including high equipment requirements, limited size constraints, time-consuming shoring installation, and instability in unshored excavations, especially in sensitive soil types.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a shaft with auger sections and rotatable plates that can be embedded into the soil to provide shoring, allowing for efficient engagement and stabilization of the soil formation, with optional soil retaining extensions for added stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If pile driving is used to engage members within the ground, then the member can be securely located, but high force is required requiring relatively large equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The shoring structure is divided into multiple individual shoring units that can be independently installed. Each unit comprises a shoring member with engagement elements at its ends, allowing the overall shoring system to achieve high strength through multiple discrete components rather than requiring a single large equipment piece
Solution Approach 2:
The shoring units are designed to be self-installing through rotation into the ground. The engagement elements at the ends of each shoring member automatically engage with the ground or adjacent structures as the unit is rotated into position, eliminating the need for external heavy equipment to force the members into the ground
2Reliability
If conventional shoring methods with timbers or metal plates are used, then the excavation can be shored, but the installation is time consuming and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The shoring system consists of multiple standardized shoring units that can be independently manufactured and then quickly assembled in the excavation. Each unit is a complete, pre-fabricated assembly that requires minimal on-site construction, thereby reducing both installation time and improving placement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The shoring units are pre-assembled with all necessary components (shoring members, engagement elements, and bracing) prepared before arrival at the site. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming on-site assembly operations and ensures accurate installation
3Reliability
If a shoring structure with spaced apart steel plates and struts is used, then the excavation can be shored, but the structure may collapse or disturb the excavation wall during installation
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than lowering a large pre-assembled shoring structure that could collapse, the system uses multiple smaller shoring units that are individually installed. Each unit is stable on its own and can be progressively installed without compromising the overall excavation wall stability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of assembling the complete shoring structure before installation and then lowering it (which risks collapse), the invention inverts the sequence by having individual stable units already in place, which then support each other as more units are added
4Ease of operation
If excavation is performed before shoring is put into place, then the member can be accessed, but the excavation walls may collapse in soft or moist soils
Solution Approach 1:
The shoring units are designed to be quickly installed immediately after excavation begins. The first units provide immediate support to the excavation walls, preventing collapse before workers and equipment can access the bottom of the excavation
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 apparatus enables efficient and stable engagement of members within the soil, reducing equipment needs, shoring time, and preventing excavation wall collapse, while allowing for larger member sizes and improved access in constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus comprises an elongate shaft having at least one auger extending therearound and a plate rotatably supported at a fixed location therealong. The apparatus is operable to be rotated into a soil formation such that the augers draw the apparatus into the soil formation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for engaging a member within a soil formation. The apparatus comprises a shaft extending between top and bottom ends along a central axis and having at least one auger section therearound and a first plate, axially rotatably connected to the shaft. The apparatus may further comprise a second plate rotatably connected to the shaft above the first plate which may have connectors for engagement with a corresponding adjacent plate. The method comprises locating the shaft above a soil formation and rotating the shaft into the soil formation so as to draw the first plate into the soil formation.