Staircase Connection Buffer Element for Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force-transmitting connection devices between building parts, such as stairways and walls, face high production costs due to the need for stainless steel reinforcement elements near the edge for corrosion protection, which is expensive and can lead to concrete spalling under high loads, compromising the structural integrity and corrosion protection.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a reinforcement element spaced from the front edge of the building part using a buffer element made of a material with reduced rigidity, such as plastic or elastomer, to absorb forces progressively, allowing the use of structural steel instead of stainless steel and preventing concrete spalling, while ensuring adequate concrete cover and corrosion protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the reinforcement element is placed close to the front edge of the second supported building part to maximize load-bearing capacity, then the structural strength is improved, but corrosion protection is compromised and production costs increase due to the requirement for stainless steel
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer element made of concrete or concrete-like material is introduced as an intermediary between the reinforcement element and the front edge of the supported building part. This buffer element serves as a mediator that provides both mechanical buffering to prevent spalling and corrosion protection, allowing the use of cost-effective structural steel reinforcement while maintaining reliability against corrosion and structural damage.
2Strength
If the reinforcement element is placed close to the front edge to maximize load-bearing capacity, then the structural strength is improved, but concrete spalling occurs under high loads reducing structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer element is positioned in advance between the reinforcement element and the front edge of the supported building part to provide beforehand cushioning. This cushioning layer absorbs and distributes the high loads before they can cause spalling of the concrete, preventing structural damage while maintaining the load-bearing capacity of the connection device.
3Ease of manufacture
If the reinforcement element is spaced from the front edge to prevent corrosion and spalling, then production costs are reduced by using structural steel, but load-bearing capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer element acts as a mediator that enables the use of cost-effective structural steel reinforcement by providing the necessary corrosion protection and mechanical buffering. This intermediary solution maintains the load-bearing capacity while significantly reducing production costs compared to using stainless steel reinforcement.
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
The solution reduces production costs by using structural steel and enhances the structural integrity by preventing concrete spalling and improving corrosion protection through progressive rigidity and sealing, maintaining the structural integrity and reducing material costs.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer element (7) is arranged between the front edge (2a) of the second supported building part (2) and the reinforcement element (6), wherein the buffer element (7) is made of a material with reduced rigidity, in particular a plastic, rubber, foam or elastomer material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device (1) has a reinforcement element that is provided for anchoring carrier element in second structural component of staircase (2). The reinforcement element is extended in installed state based on force-introducing side of carrier element laterally in force-turned away side of carrier element. The reinforcement element is arranged in installed state on force-introductory side of carrier element spaced from a forward edge of joint facing the second structural component. A buffer element is arranged between forward edge of second structural component and reinforcement element.