Segmental Arch Pavement Interlocking Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medium to small format natural stone segmental arch pavements are insufficient in terms of load-bearing capacity to withstand modern traffic loads, and existing concrete segmental arch pavements lack aesthetic appeal and resilience, making them unsuitable for historic city quarters with high urban planning standards.
Innovation Solution
A segmental arch pavement design featuring protruding composite sections on the inside and outside of laying units, arranged at equal distances to create an interlocking effect, allowing for lateral offsetting of units and avoiding continuous zigzag lines, thereby mimicking natural stone appearance while enhancing load-bearing capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If natural stone segmental arch paving is used, then aesthetic quality and natural appearance are improved, but load-bearing capacity deteriorates and cannot withstand modern traffic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses concrete as a composite material substitute for natural stone, combining cement binder with aggregate materials to create paving units that replicate the appearance of natural stone while achieving superior load-bearing capacity and structural strength required for modern traffic conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and mechanical parameters of the paving material by using concrete composition with controlled cement content, aggregate size and type, and curing conditions to enhance compressive strength, flexural strength, and durability while maintaining aesthetic properties through surface treatment and color matching
2Strength
If conventional concrete segmental arch paving is used to increase load-bearing capacity, then strength is improved, but aesthetic quality deteriorates due to schematic paving pattern and visible zigzag joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides each laying unit into multiple individual paving elements (two or more segments) that are joined together to form a composite structure. This segmentation allows the units to be assembled in staggered patterns that break up continuous zigzag joint lines, creating a more natural, less schematic appearance while maintaining the load-bearing advantages of concrete construction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of paving elements within laying units, where elements of different sizes and shapes are positioned to create varied joint patterns. This asymmetry prevents the formation of continuous straight joint lines and creates a more organic, natural stone-like appearance while distributing loads effectively across the pavement structure
3Ease of manufacture
If interlocking sections are arranged at varying intervals or related to individual stone elements, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but the ability to offset adjacent units laterally deteriorates, forcing continuous zigzag lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs interlocking sections with standardized dimensions and spacing that serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical interlocking between adjacent laying units, enable lateral offsetting to create staggered patterns, and allow for consistent manufacturing across all units. This universal design allows any laying unit to be positioned relative to any other unit without requiring custom configurations
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A laying unit (1) for a segmental arch paving and a corresponding stone element (2) are described. The laying unit is divided into several separate stone elements, each of which has a common base (5) and stone heads (6) arranged on it, separated from each other by dummy joints (11). Interlocking sections (10) projecting from each other at equal intervals are arranged on the concave inner side and the convex outer side of the laying unit. This allows for the creation of a particularly load-bearing and aesthetically sophisticated segmental arch paving.