Shear Transfer Ring Friction Load Bypass

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for transferring shear forces between concrete and steel piles, such as using welded shear studs, face challenges like high costs and safety concerns when performed underwater, potential damage to corroded steel piles, and the need for welding which is undesirable in certain environments.

Innovation Solution

The use of Shear Transfer Rings (STRs) that rely on friction forces to transfer loads between the concrete and steel piles, utilizing a tensioned steel profile that wraps around the pile to create frictional contact and bypass damaged areas, allowing for load transfer without welding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If welded shear studs are used to transfer shear forces between concrete and steel piles, then the shear force transfer is achieved, but the cost increases and safety concerns arise when performed underwater

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the welding operation from the underwater shear transfer process by using a friction-based system that can be installed without welding, thereby eliminating safety concerns and costs associated with underwater welding while maintaining effective shear force transfer between concrete and steel piles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the welding-based mechanical connection system with a friction-based mechanical system. The friction stir treatment creates a mechanically interlocked interface that transfers shear forces without requiring welding, thus improving safety and reducing costs for underwater applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If welded shear studs are used to transfer shear forces, then the connection is achieved, but the steel pile surface may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidsurface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention substitutes the welding process with a friction-based mechanical treatment that does not involve high heat or localized stress concentrations. The friction stir treatment creates a strengthened interface through mechanical interlocking and surface refinement, achieving strong connections without damaging the steel pile surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fundamental parameter of connection creation from thermal-welding to mechanical-friction. By applying controlled friction and pressure through the friction stir treatment, the system creates a strong bond between concrete and steel without the harmful thermal effects of welding that can damage the steel surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If welding is used to attach shear connectors, then the shear force transfer is achieved, but welding is undesirable in certain environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshear force transferVSAvoidenvironmental suitability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the welding-based system with a friction-based system that is environmentally adaptable. The friction stir treatment can be performed in various environments including underwater, in confined spaces, and in locations where welding is restricted, thereby improving environmental suitability while maintaining reliable shear force transfer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a universal connection system that functions across multiple environments without requiring environmental-specific modifications. The friction-based mechanism works equally well in underwater conditions, aerial applications, and restricted access areas, making it universally adaptable where welding would be limited

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 method effectively transfers loads between concrete and steel piles through friction, reducing the need for welding, enhancing safety, and maintaining structural integrity while avoiding damage to corroded steel surfaces, making it suitable for underwater and safety-sensitive applications.

Implementation Method 1

The use of Shear Transfer Rings (STRs) that rely on friction forces to transfer loads between the concrete and steel piles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11286632B1Shear transfer ring and clamp

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 TOWFIGHI SAEED

AI summary

Methods and systems are disclosed to transfer forces on a damaged pile to the lower part of the pile, bypassing the damaged area. Rings of various materials are tightly wrapped around the pile or clamps are attached to the pile, above and below the damaged area, causing calculated friction between the pile and the rings and/or clamps. Subsequently the damaged area and the rings and/or clamps are encased in a curable substance, such as concrete. After curing, the rings and/or clamps above the damaged area will receive the stresses on the pile through the friction with the pile and will transfer them to the concrete which in turn will transfer the stresses to the lower part of the pile through the lower rings and/or clamps and their friction with the lower part of the pile. Nothing is welded to the pile and the pile is not altered in any way.