Segmental Arch Paving Unit Interlocking Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing segmental arch pavements made of concrete exhibit recognizable zigzag joints and cross joints, making them unsuitable for demanding urban planning areas, and lack a sophisticated design despite strong load-bearing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A laying unit with compound units arranged at equal distances on the inside and outside, allowing for interlocking between adjacent units to prevent displacement and create a sophisticated, non-schematic pavement appearance, featuring protruding composite sections that provide a toothed rack effect for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If interlocking units are arranged at irregular intervals or related to individual stone elements, then the paving has strong load-bearing capacity, but continuous zigzag lines appear making the paving look schematic and imitation-like
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking units are segmented into discrete elements arranged at equal intervals along the laying unit. This segmentation allows the paving to be divided into modular sections that can be offset relative to each other, breaking the continuous zigzag pattern while maintaining the interlocking structure's load-bearing capacity through distributed connection points
Solution Approach 2:
Adjacent laying units are arranged asymmetrically by offsetting them laterally relative to each other. This asymmetric arrangement disrupts the continuous zigzag joint pattern that would otherwise create a schematic appearance, while the equal interval spacing of interlocking units ensures that the offsetting does not compromise the structural integrity or load-bearing capacity of the pavement
2Shape
If laying units are offset to avoid zigzag lines, then the pavement appearance becomes more natural and sophisticated, but the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking units are designed with universal functionality to serve both aesthetic and structural purposes. The same equally-spaced interlocking units that enable lateral offsetting for aesthetic purposes also provide the mechanical connection necessary for structural integrity. Each interlocking unit acts as a multi-functional element that simultaneously creates the desired pattern and maintains load-bearing capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking units are pre-positioned at equal intervals along the laying units before assembly. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when adjacent units are offset laterally, the interlocking units are already in position to engage with corresponding units in adjacent laying units, maintaining structural integrity from the outset rather than requiring additional reinforcement after offsetting
3Shape
If interlocking units are spaced at equal intervals, then adjacent paving units can be offset to create natural appearance, but the arrangement becomes more complex compared to irregular spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing parameter of interlocking units is standardized to equal intervals, transforming the arrangement from an irregular, variable-spacing system to a regular, fixed-spacing system. This parameter change simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process while enabling the lateral offsetting capability that creates the natural appearance, as the fixed spacing provides a consistent modular grid for offsetting
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Disclosed is a laying unit (1) for a segmental arch paving, comprising an arcuate concave inner side, an arcuate convex outer side, and end sides (3). Joining units (10) are provided on the concave inner side and the concave outer side of the laying unit, and the centre-to-centre distances between said joining units are identical along the entire laying unit. The joining units on the concave inner side each have at least one protruding joining portion and the joining units on the convex outer side each have at least two protruding joining portions, or vice versa. When two laying units are joined, the corresponding joining units of an outer side and an inner side interlock and secure the laying units against displacement in both circumferential directions.