Structural Tensioning System for Pile Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for transferring tensional loads from driven pipe piles or helical pipe piles to superstructures are expensive and pose health risks due to welding requirements, especially with galvanized materials, and are cumbersome in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A structural tensioning system featuring a tensioning device with an elongate rod and body that couples with a bolt inside the pipe pile, allowing for torque resistance and positive tensional connection through a threaded rod, enabling load transfer to a termination point outside the pipe, which can be used for fixation or grouting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to couple the termination plate to the driven pile, then a strong structural connection is achieved, but health risks arise due to inhalation hazards from welding galvanized materials and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/chemical joining) with a mechanical bolted connection system. The tensioning device uses a bolt passed through the pipe wall and secured with a nut, creating a mechanical fastening that eliminates welding operations entirely. This substitution removes the health hazards associated with welding galvanized materials while maintaining structural connection strength through proper mechanical fastening design.
2Strength
If welding is used to create the termination connection, then structural integrity is achieved, but the process becomes expensive and cumbersome in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes welding operations with a mechanical bolted connection system that is simpler and more cost-effective to install. The bolt and nut assembly can be easily manipulated in confined spaces without requiring specialized welding equipment, skilled welders, or expensive protective equipment. This mechanical system reduces installation costs and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining structural integrity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a bolted connection is used instead of welding, then health risks and costs are reduced, but the connection may lack the positive mounting provided by welding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a tensioning device that applies preliminary tensile force to the bolted connection during installation. This pre-tensioning ensures that the bolt is firmly seated and the connection achieves its full design strength before the structure is put into service. The tensioning mechanism compensates for any clearance or play in the bolted connection, ensuring a reliable and positive mounting equivalent to or exceeding welded connections.
4Reliability
If the pipe is cut and co-axial holes are drilled for bolt installation, then a secure connection is achieved, but the installation process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection system into separate functional components: the tensioning device, the bolt, the nut, and the termination plate. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and enables parallel installation steps. The tensioning device can be installed independently, followed by the bolt and nut assembly, allowing different workers to perform different tasks simultaneously, thereby reducing overall installation time while maintaining connection security.
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 system provides a cost-effective and safer method for creating a positive tensional connection, reducing the need for welding and improving installation efficiency by allowing torque resistance and load transfer without the hazards associated with welding galvanized materials.
Implementation Method 1
resisting applied torque during installation
Implementation Method 2
resisting applied torque during installation
Implementation Method 3
transfer a tensional load
Implementation Method 4
threaded rod... enabling load transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A structural tensioning system for selective coupling to a pier pipe having an elongate threaded rod and a tensioning device. The tensioning device having an elongate body that is configured receive a treaded end of the threaded rod and defines a slot in a distal end portion, a pair of opposed co-axial elongate openings, and a pair of opposed passages that communicate between respective portions of the slot and respective portions of the pair of opposed co-axial elongate openings. A portion of each elongate opening is configured to receive a bolt that is mounted in the pier pipe when the tensioning device is positioned in a tensioning position and portions of the slot, the pair of opposed co-axial elongate openings and the pair of opposed passages are configured to selectively receive the bolt that is mounted in the pier pipe as the tensioning device is moved to the tensioning position.