Segmented Sleeve Reinforcement for Submerged Piles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reinforcing partially submerged structural elements in marine environments are slow, cumbersome, and expensive, posing safety hazards due to deterioration and damage from environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for assembling and lowering sleeve structures around partially submerged structural elements using a combination of upper and lower units with flexible support members, allowing for incremental assembly and fixation without the need for underwater workers, utilizing releasable attachments for efficient and cost-effective reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional solutions such as tubular casings and localized grout patches are installed by workers on marine vessels and underwater, then structural reinforcement is achieved, but the process becomes slow, cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve structure is divided into multiple segments that can be assembled incrementally around the structural element. The sleeve structure includes a first segment and a second segment that can be joined together, allowing the reinforcement to be installed in portions rather than as a complete structure at once. This segmentation enables workers to install reinforcement more efficiently by working with smaller, more manageable components that can be assembled progressively.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve structure segments are prepared and positioned above the waterline before being lowered into the water. The apparatus includes a lowering mechanism that can be operated from above the waterline to descend the sleeve structure segments into position around the structural element. This preliminary preparation and positioning above water eliminates the need for workers to be underwater during the assembly process, significantly improving safety and productivity.
2Reliability
If conventional underwater reinforcement methods are used, then structural elements are reinforced, but the cost and complexity increase due to the need for underwater workers and specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus introduces an intermediary lowering mechanism that acts as a mediator between the workers above water and the reinforcement installation below water. This mechanism includes a winch or cable system that can be operated from above the waterline to lower the sleeve structure segments into position. The intermediary device transfers the reinforcement structure from the assembly location above water to the installation location below water, eliminating the need for workers to be directly in the water and reducing overall system complexity.
3Strength
If fiber-reinforced polymers are used to strengthen existing structures, then strength increases significantly, but stiffness only increases moderately due to the high strength, low stiffness nature of thin fiber-reinforced polymer cross-sections
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve structure is constructed using composite materials that combine fiber-reinforced polymer with core filler material. The core filler material provides structural stiffness and volume, while the fiber-reinforced polymer outer layer provides strength and corrosion resistance. This composite construction allows the sleeve structure to achieve both high strength and high stiffness simultaneously, overcoming the limitation of thin fiber-reinforced polymer cross-sections that have high strength-to-stiffness ratios.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve structure applies different material properties to different regions of the reinforcement system. The core filler material is used in the interior region where stiffness and volume are most important, while the fiber-reinforced polymer is used in the exterior region where strength and corrosion resistance are critical. This local differentiation of material quality allows the overall structure to achieve optimal performance in both strength and stiffness.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for reinforcement of partially submerged structural elements such as piles, posts, pillars, and pipes are disclosed. The apparatus includes an upper unit which may be fixed to the structural element above the waterline and a lower unit which is suspended from the upper unit via cables or other support members. The apparatus enables a reinforcing sleeve structure to be constructed in multiple segmented layers from above the waterline which the sleeve structure is lowered beneath the waterline. The lower unit guides the lower end of the sleeve structure down around the submerged portion of the structural element and supports the weight of the sleeve structure until it is fixed in place and filled with concrete or another reinforcing core filler material.