Steel Beam Support Embed for Concrete Foundation Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting steel beams to concrete foundations are time-consuming, prone to positioning errors, and induce significant stress on the embeds due to the need for field welding and alignment.
Innovation Solution
A steel beam support embed system that includes a plate with apertures and detachable anchors, which are set into the concrete form during foundation pouring, allowing for secure attachment of the steel beam without welding, using connecting ports and fasteners for adjustable alignment and mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If field welding and alignment procedures are used to connect steel beams to embeds, then secure connection is achieved, but installation time increases and positioning errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The embed is pre-assembled with the steel beam in the fabrication shop before being installed on-site. All welding and alignment operations are completed during manufacturing, eliminating time-consuming field welding and alignment procedures. The pre-assembled unit is then simply placed into the concrete foundation as a complete assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The embed and steel beam are merged into a single pre-assembled unit through welding and alignment performed during fabrication. This combination allows the connection to be established once during manufacturing rather than requiring time-consuming field operations, resolving the contradiction between connection security and installation time.
2Strength
If field welding is performed to connect the beam to the embed, then structural connection is achieved, but stress is induced on the embed at the weld location
Solution Approach 1:
The welding operation is performed in advance during fabrication rather than in the field. This allows for controlled welding conditions and proper sequencing that minimizes thermal stress and distortion on the embed. The embed is already in its final position and orientation when welded to the beam, preventing stress concentrations that would occur from field welding adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
A connection plate or transition element is used as an intermediary between the embed and the steel beam. This intermediary component distributes the weld stresses over a larger area and provides a more gradual transition, reducing stress concentrations on the embed itself while still achieving the required structural connection.
3Manufacturing precision
If a small angle is welded onto the embed for beam alignment, then positioning accuracy is achieved, but additional welding steps and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment angle or positioning features are welded to the embed during the initial fabrication process rather than being added as separate field operations. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning accuracy is achieved once during manufacturing, eliminating the need for additional alignment angles and welding steps in the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment features and structural connection are merged into a single integrated assembly process. The angle or positioning element is permanently attached during fabrication, combining the alignment function with the structural connection in one operation rather than requiring separate alignment and welding steps during installation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method is disclosed that allows for the efficient installation and connection of steel beams to a concrete foundation. A steel beam support embed according to the present disclosure can be readily set in place during the forming of the concrete foundation via detachable anchors, thus allowing the installer to avoid rebar or other foundation components that would otherwise need to be moved or adjusted for proper placement of the embed. A steel beam support embed as disclosed herein also, after its installation in the concrete foundation, provides for adjustable connection to a steel beam without the need for field welding.