Self-supporting Beam with Lightening Chamber and Trellis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bridge construction methods using separate bridge beams and slabs are costly and time-consuming, and known self-supporting beams are structurally complex, heavy, and difficult to inspect, especially in limited spaces or for smaller structures.
Innovation Solution
A compact, structurally simple beam for self-supporting structures featuring a base plate, reinforcement trellises, and a lightening element with an empty chamber that reduces concrete usage and weight, allowing for faster and simpler installation, and enhanced stability through additional trellises and spacers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate bridge beams and slabs are used, then satisfactory deck performance is ensured, but construction operations become costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bridge beam and slab into a single integrated self-supporting beam structure. The beam includes a base plate, vertical trellises, horizontal trellises, and a deck plate welded together to form one monolithic component, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations and reducing construction time while maintaining structural performance
2Strength
If known self-supporting beams are used, then structural support is provided, but the beams become structurally complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The beam is segmented into distinct functional components: a base plate for foundation connection, vertical trellises for primary support, horizontal trellises for lateral stability, and a deck plate for the bridge surface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure simple and inspectable
3Strength
If known self-supporting beams are used, then structural support is provided, but inspection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The deck plate is designed as a thin-walled element with controlled thickness (5-20 mm) that provides sufficient structural support while allowing easy visual inspection of the underlying trellise structure. The thin film nature of the deck plate does not compromise strength but enables straightforward maintenance and inspection operations
4Strength
If known self-supporting beams are used, then structural support is provided, but the beam weight becomes considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-walled plate elements with optimized thickness (5-20 mm) that provide adequate structural support while minimizing material usage. The thin-film approach reduces the weight of the deck plate and overall beam structure compared to traditional solid concrete or thick steel sections, while maintaining required load-bearing capacity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
Beam (10) for self-supporting structures, comprising a base plate (11) surmounted by a plurality of reinforcement trellises (12) and by at least one lightening element (13) in which an empty chamber (15) is made.