Skewed End Assembly for Angled Precast Arch Culverts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing precast concrete arch structures are not designed to be positioned at an angle relative to the roadway, leading to non-parallel ends when angled bridge structures are required, which poses construction challenges.
Innovation Solution
A skewed end assembly comprising an inner skewed panel with an arch-shaped profile and a wedge member with a partially arch-shaped profile, featuring a ledge with bore holes and a lip with apertures, along with connectors and anchors for secure engagement, allowing the structure to be angled while maintaining parallel ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If precast concrete arch structures are positioned at an angle relative to the roadway, then the bridge structure can accommodate angled road designs, but the opposed ends of the structure will not be parallel to the roadway
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces asymmetric end configurations with skewed panels and wedge members that have different orientations and geometries. The inner skewed panel and outer skewed panel are positioned at different angles, and the wedge member has a triangular cross-section that creates asymmetric support, allowing the bridge to be angled relative to the roadway while maintaining parallel ends through careful geometric design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention resolves the contradiction by introducing additional geometric dimensions and orientations. Instead of simply rotating the entire bridge structure, it uses multi-dimensional arrangements of skewed panels at different angles and positions, along with wedge members that create three-dimensional geometric relationships, enabling the bridge to achieve both angled positioning and parallel ends simultaneously
2Shape
If skewed panels and wedge members are used to achieve parallel ends at angled positions, then the structural alignment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: inner skewed panel, outer skewed panel, wedge member, ledge, and lip. Each segment performs a specific geometric function, allowing the complex overall shape to be achieved through assembly of simpler, standardized components that can be manufactured independently and then positioned to create the required parallel ends configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A skewed end assembly for connection to an arch culvert structure is provided. The assembly may generally include an arch-shaped inner skewed panel and a wedge member having a partially arch-shaped profile adapted for engagement with the inner skewed panel. The inner skewed panel may include a ledge that may include a plurality of threaded anchors. The wedge member may include a lip adapted for engagement with the ledge. The lip may include a plurality of apertures for receiving a plurality of threaded connectors adapted for threadable engagement with the corresponding threaded anchors in the ledge. Two assemblies, each comprising an inner skewed panel and a wedge member, are placed at opposed ends of an arch-shaped bridge or culvert structure to provide generally co-planar skewed ends to the structure such that it may be positioned at an angle in relation to a roadway such that the skewed ends are generally parallel to the roadway.