Segmented Concrete Staircases for Transportable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete structural elements, such as staircases and columns, are bulky, difficult to transport, require costly and time-consuming formwork, and lack aesthetic variation, limiting their use and design possibilities.
Innovation Solution
The method involves cutting concrete parts from a volume using a cutting technique, such as water jet cutting, to create separately producible elements that are easily transportable and connectable, allowing for varied shapes and materials, including stones and woods, with cut surfaces providing unique aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If concrete structural elements are produced as one-piece elements, then they have sufficient load-bearing capacity, but they become bulky, heavy, and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the structural element into multiple separate concrete parts that can be produced independently and then assembled on-site. Each part has reduced weight and volume compared to a one-piece element, making them easier to transport and handle, while the assembled structure maintains sufficient load-bearing capacity through proper connection design
2Weight of moving object
If concrete structural elements are assembled from multiple separately produced concrete parts, then they are easier to transport, but they require costly and time-consuming formwork for each different shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standardized formwork systems that can be reused across multiple production cycles and different structural elements. The formwork is designed to accommodate various shapes and dimensions through adjustable components, reducing the need to create new formwork for each unique part and thereby lowering production costs and time requirements
3Weight of moving object
If concrete structural elements are assembled from multiple separately produced concrete parts, then they are easier to transport, but they lack aesthetic variation and design possibilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface treatments, finishes, and decorative elements to specific local areas of the concrete parts. This allows each part to have unique aesthetic characteristics while maintaining the overall structural integrity. Different parts can feature varied textures, colors, or embedded materials, providing architectural diversity and design flexibility in the assembled structure
4Strength
If the transverse dimensions of the structural element vary along the longitudinal direction, then the structural element can meet specific load requirements, but it requires a large number of parts with different shapes and dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes adjustable and modular components that can be configured in different arrangements to achieve the desired varying transverse dimensions along the longitudinal direction. By changing the configuration parameters of standardized parts rather than creating entirely different custom parts, the system reduces the total number of unique components needed while still meeting the specific load-bearing requirements at different locations
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
This approach reduces production costs, enhances transportability, and offers new design possibilities with varied and attractive looks, ensuring sufficient load-bearing capacity and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a cutting method, in particular by means of a water jet cutting method, wherein a jet of liquid containing an abrasive is directed under high pressure at the material to be cut
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for producing a structural element by joining together at least two separately produced parts where at least one part is made of concrete by cutting it from a volume of concrete and where all parts extend over the entire length of the structural element; a method for producing a staircase by joining together at least two separately produced staircase parts, which are cut from a volume of material and extend over the entire length of the staircase, and a structural element and a staircase which have been produced in this way.