Self-Jacking Scaffold for Cylindrical Tank Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scaffold systems for constructing large cylindrical tanks face challenges in maintaining structural stiffness under high wind loads as they are raised, requiring time-consuming detachment and reattachment due to their size and weight, which compromises safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A self-jacking scaffold system comprising scaffold sections with jacking assemblies, push-pull bar assemblies, and a space frame truss that allows continuous ring formation around the tank shell, enabling simultaneous raising and reattachment while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional scaffold sections are raised in segments, then the scaffold can be moved to greater heights, but the continuity of the top stiffener is broken and the tank shell loses stiffness to resist wind loads
Solution Approach 1:
The scaffold is divided into multiple detachable sections that can be independently raised and reconnected. Each section includes top frame elements, lower frame elements, and space frame trusses that can be assembled in segments while maintaining overall structural continuity when connected
Solution Approach 2:
The scaffold sections are pre-assembled on the ground into complete circular configurations before being lifted to height. This allows the full stiffening effect to be achieved at each level before moving to the next height, eliminating the stiffness loss that occurs during gradual raising
2Reliability
If the scaffold is quickly detached and reattached to minimize wind load damage, then productivity improves, but the time-consuming nature of handling heavy sections reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The scaffold system incorporates movable and adjustable components including detachable connections between sections and height-adjustable jacking assemblies. This dynamic design allows rapid reconfiguration and reattachment while maintaining structural integrity during and after the raising process
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized connection components and mounting brackets serve as intermediaries between scaffold sections and the tank shell. These standardized interfaces simplify the detachment and reattachment process, reducing the time and labor required while ensuring reliable connections that maintain wind load resistance
3Strength
If additional stiffeners are added to maintain tank shell stiffness during scaffold raising, then wind load resistance improves, but the device complexity and construction time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scaffold sections serve dual functions as both access platforms for construction workers and as structural stiffeners for the tank shell. The space frame trusses and continuous circular configuration provide the necessary wind load resistance without requiring separate stiffening components, simplifying the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The functional roles of the scaffold and the stiffener are merged into a single integrated structure. The scaffold sections themselves provide the stiffening effect through their rigid space frame construction and continuous circular arrangement, eliminating the need for additional dedicated stiffener components
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 self-jacking scaffold system enhances productivity and safety by allowing rapid and efficient adjustment to changing heights, reducing the need for additional stiffeners and minimizing damage from wind loads, thus improving construction efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a jacking screw, and a jacking screw bracket, wherein the plurality of jacking assemblies are coupled to at least one scaffold section
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for raising a self-jacking scaffold system including extending a jacking screw and jacking screw bracket axially upward, connecting a jacking screw bracket to an overhead tank bracket for a plurality of scaffold sections coupled to a jacking assembly, detaching a plurality of scaffold mounting brackets from a plurality of tank mounting brackets, raising the continuously coupled plurality of scaffold sections, and reattaching the plurality of scaffold mounting brackets to a plurality of tank mounting brackets. Noting the plurality of scaffold sections is continuously coupled proximate a circumference of a shell tank, the continuously coupled scaffold sections and tank mounting brackets provide stiffness to the tank shell to enable it to resist external loads and can be quickly moved and restored as required during tank construction.