Stormwater Box Truss Structure for Vertical Load Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underground stormwater management systems face issues with structural instability and material cost under vertical loading, requiring improved strength and cost-effective design for stormwater boxes.
Innovation Solution
The use of trusses and lattice-like side panels in stormwater boxes, made from high-strength materials, to resist deformation and tilting, combined with economical fabrication and assembly methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple closely spaced columns or vertical supports are used to accommodate vehicular loads, then the box structure can resist vertical loading, but the sides or vertical members may still tilt sideways or become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces diagonal bracing members that add a new dimensional element to the box structure. These bracing members connect opposite vertical columns, creating triangular reinforcement patterns that prevent sideways tilting and buckling. This diagonal dimension works in conjunction with the vertical columns to provide comprehensive stability against both vertical and lateral loads.
2Strength
If traditional stormwater boxes are designed to bear overlying backfill and vehicular loads, then structural strength is improved, but material weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction by combining vertical columns with diagonal bracing members to create a synergistic structural system. This composite approach distributes loads more efficiently throughout the structure, allowing for optimized material selection and reduced overall material usage while maintaining or enhancing load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The box structure is segmented into distinct functional components: vertical columns for primary load bearing, diagonal bracing members for stability, and horizontal plates for containment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, reducing unnecessary material in each element while maintaining overall structural integrity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If lattice-like side panels are used to prevent backfill intrusion, then lateral protection is improved, but the panels may deflect inwardly under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reinforces the lattice-like side panels by introducing diagonal bracing members that add a new dimensional element. These bracing members transform the panel structure from a potentially deflection-prone lattice into a rigid triangular framework that resists inward deflection while maintaining the lattice's ability to prevent backfill intrusion.
Data Source
AI summary
Stormwater and fluid management runoff systems, apparatus, and methods for containing and filtering runoff may be provided. In one implementation, a stormwater management box for managing stormwater runoff may be provided. The stormwater management box may include a top plate and a base plate having a plurality of spaced apart columns positioned therebetween. The stormwater management box may include one or more side panels positioned between the top plate and the base plate, each side panel comprising a cover. The stormwater management box may also include a truss, the truss running perpendicular to the vertical plane of the one or more side panels and fitting within a vertical space between an upper surface of the bottom plate and a lower surface of the top plate.