Integrated Sheet Pile Foundation for Anti-Noise Barrier Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing anti-noise barriers require multiple complex and laborious phases, including the connection of distinct foundation and structural post components, leading to high costs, long installation times, and potential structural weaknesses.
Innovation Solution
A single continuous sheet pile is used to serve as both the foundation and structural post, with integrated connection means and a stiffening plate, allowing for a simplified two-phase assembly process that eliminates the need for joint elements and ensures precise alignment and verticality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If distinct foundation and structural post components are used and connected through plates and log bolts, then the barrier can be assembled from separate elements, but the assembly operation becomes longer and more complex, increasing production costs and introducing structural criticality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the foundation element and structural post into a single integrated component. The foundation element includes an embedded portion for ground insertion and an emerging portion that directly serves as the structural post, eliminating the need for separate connection plates and log bolts between these components. This integration directly reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the modular nature of the barrier system.
Solution Approach 2:
The foundation element is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the foundation base and the structural post. The embedded portion provides foundation support while the emerging portion provides the structural post function, allowing one component to fulfill roles that previously required multiple separate components, thereby simplifying the overall assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connection elements (plates and log bolts) are used to join foundation and post, then the barrier can be assembled from separate components, but the production costs increase due to additional connection carpentry requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the foundation and post into a single integrated foundation element, the patent eliminates the need for separate connection plates and log bolts, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration reduces production costs by eliminating connection carpentry requirements while maintaining the modular assembly capability of the barrier system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connection elements are used between foundation and post, then separate components can be assembled, but the alignment and verticality of the post with respect to the foundation become critical, requiring tolerances to correct maladjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of foundation and post into a single foundation element eliminates the interface between separate components, thereby eliminating alignment and verticality issues that arise from connecting distinct elements. The monolithic structure ensures inherent alignment and verticality without requiring tolerance adjustments or correction mechanisms.
4Reliability
If a multi-phase foundation realization process is used (piles insertion, formwork arrangement, concrete casting), then the foundation can be properly constructed, but the installation time increases and the process becomes more laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex, multi-phase concrete foundation process with a simpler, pre-fabricated foundation element that can be quickly installed. The foundation element is manufactured off-site with controlled quality assurance, then installed as a complete unit, sacrificing the in-situ concrete casting process in favor of faster installation speed while maintaining foundation reliability through precise manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The foundation element is pre-manufactured with its embedded and emerging portions precisely formed before installation. This preliminary fabrication ensures proper foundation stability characteristics are built-in during manufacturing, allowing for rapid installation without requiring on-site concrete pouring, formwork arrangement, and curing time.
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 significantly reduces installation time and costs, enhances structural integrity, and eliminates potential weakening points, resulting in a faster, more efficient, and cost-effective installation of anti-noise barriers.
Implementation Method 1
a sheet pile (2) to vibro-drive
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a supporting structure (1) for an anti-noise barrier (20, 21) and relative assembly method. In accordance with the invention, the foundation and the structural post of the barrier are a single continuous piece in the shape of a sheet pile (2). The sheet pile comprises a first part (2') and a second part (2'') of such a length that, in use, the second part (2'') results insertable on the ground (50) to realize the foundation, while, contextually, the first part (2') results emerging from the ground upwards. The first part of the sheet pile (2'), besides, is provided with connection means (4, 5) through which to be able to connect the sound-absorbent panels (6), and with a plate (3) on which to lean the panels themselves in such a way that the arrangement on the ground of the foundation and of the structural post results realizable in a single phase to then proceed with the second phase of application of the panels.