Socket-Projection Joint for Concrete Wind Tower Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for constructing wind turbine towers using cylindrical prefabricated concrete sections require additional operations and extended erection times due to the need for internal reinforcement in horizontal wet joints, which are subjected to significant stresses and weights.
Innovation Solution
An internally reinforced socket-projection fixing assembly combining active and passive reinforcement systems, where active reinforcement is pre-tensioned to compress the joint under normal loads and passive reinforcement handles extreme loads, with a design that minimizes additional operations and installation time by using a combination of socket-projection fixing devices with active and passive internal reinforcements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If passive reinforcement is used in horizontal wet joints, then the joint behaviour under tension is improved, but the erection process duration is extended due to setting time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement system is segmented into active and passive components with distinct functions. Active reinforcement (pre-tensioned cables) provides immediate structural contribution, while passive reinforcement (corrugated bars) provides supplementary tension resistance. This segmentation allows the erection process to proceed without waiting for passive reinforcement setting, as the active reinforcement provides immediate structural capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The active reinforcement is pre-tensioned before the concrete section is fully erected and before the passive reinforcement needs to set. This preliminary action of pre-tensioning the active reinforcement allows the joint to gain structural capacity immediately, eliminating the waiting period required for passive reinforcement setting and thereby reducing the overall erection process duration.
2Strength
If active reinforcement is used in horizontal wet joints, then the joint behaviour under tension is substantially improved, but additional installation operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges active and passive reinforcement systems into a single integrated socket-projection fixing device. The active reinforcement (pre-tensioned cable) and passive reinforcement (corrugated bar) are combined within the same duct and anchoring mechanism, allowing both reinforcement types to be installed simultaneously through the same access points and using coordinated installation procedures, thereby reducing the total number of separate installation operations.
3Strength
If internally reinforced socket-projection fixing devices are used, then the structural efficiency is improved, but the number of additional operations and erection time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The socket-projection fixing device is designed as a universal component that simultaneously provides both active and passive reinforcement functions, sealing capabilities, and anchoring mechanisms. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate operations for different reinforcement types, as the single integrated device performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate installation steps, thereby maintaining high structural efficiency while preserving erection speed.
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 solution provides an optimal balance between structural efficiency and installation speed, allowing for provisional fastening of sections with high security and enabling the filling process with curable material to be completed later, thus reducing overall construction time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
said active internal reinforcement includes means of tightening which are arranged in said projecting portion of said active internal reinforcement and against a supporting surface of one of said cylindrical prefabricated sections so that said active internal reinforcement is anchored to said supporting surface and stretched by means of said tightening means
Implementation Method 2
said passive internal reinforcement includes cured material which is arranged at least partially around said projecting portion of said passive internal reinforcement and adhered to the inside of the passive reinforcement duct in which is arranged said projecting portion of said passive internal reinforcement
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A socket-projection fixing assembly for a horizontal wet joint (3) between two cylindrical concrete sections (2.2') for a wind turbine tower, which comprises socket-projection fixing device with an active internal reinforcement (8) and a socket-projection fixing device with a passive internal reinforcement (7) so that said reinforcements each include an embedded portion which is embedded in a first section of said cylindrical sections and a projecting portion which projects from said first section and is housed in a duct (9, 10) in a second section of said cylindrical sections. Said active internal reinforcement includes tightening means (14, 16) which are arranged in said projecting portion of said active internal reinforcement and against a supporting surface (15) of one of said cylindrical sections, and said passive internal reinforcement includes cured material (12) which is arranged around said projecting portion o said passive internal reinforcement (7) and adheres to the interior of said duct (10).