Tendon Seal Assembly for Corrosion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional post-tension systems in concrete structures face issues with corrosion and water intrusion due to dimensional variations in tendons and their sheaths, leading to premature failure and loss of compressive effects.
Innovation Solution
A method and seal assembly that compresses a seal or gripping member between the tubular extension and the tendon sheath using a seal activating member, such as a self-tapping nut, to create a fluid-tight seal, even with varying tendon diameters, and provides a visual indication of proper engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional seal arrangements are designed to fit the largest diameter tendons, then they can accommodate large tendon variations, but they lack sufficient sealing on lowest diameter tendons of the same nominal thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly uses a compressible seal member that can be dynamically adjusted through compression to adapt to different tendon diameters. The compression member allows the seal to be pressed against the tendon surface, creating an effective seal regardless of the tendon's actual diameter within the nominal range.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly changes the compression parameter of the seal member to adapt to varying tendon diameters. By adjusting the compression force applied through the compression member, the seal can effectively contact and seal around tendons of different sizes while maintaining sealing reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the outer sheath is removed from the wire tendon at anchor locations to allow anchor installation, then the anchor can be installed and tensioned, but the bare wire becomes exposed to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is installed at the anchor location to create a protective barrier before the tendon is exposed to the corrosive environment. This preliminary sealing action prevents corrosion from reaching the bare wire at the anchor point where the sheath has been removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member acts as an intermediary protective layer between the corrosive environment and the bare wire tendon at the anchor location. It provides a barrier that prevents direct contact between corrosive elements and the exposed wire, while still allowing the anchor to function.
3Productivity
If tendons are installed in a rugged construction environment, then construction progress can be maintained, but the tendons can be damaged by equipment, careless handling and contact with various site hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly provides protective coverage at critical locations where tendons are vulnerable to damage during installation. By having the seal in place before final installation steps, it cushions and protects the tendon from potential damage by equipment or handling operations that may occur during the construction process.
4Reliability
If a seal is compressed into engagement with the extension and sheath using a seal activating member, then a fluid-tight seal is created even with varying tendon diameters, but additional components and installation steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the seal member for creating the barrier, the compression member for applying force, and the seal activating member for installation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while making the overall system adaptable to different tendon diameters.
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 effectively prevents water and corrosive fluid intrusion, enhances the structural integrity by maintaining the compressive effects, and allows for adjustments during installation without material waste.
Implementation Method 1
compressing the seal into engagement with the extension and the sheath to seal the sheath and the extension
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for sealing and/or gripping concrete strengthening tendons. Some embodiments provide a method of forming a seal between an encapsulated anchor and a sheath of a tendon engaging the encapsulated anchor. Other embodiments provide a splice for forming a seal around a discontinuity in the sheath of a concrete tensioning tendon. Some embodiments provide a seal assembly for forming a seal between a tubular extension and a sheath of a tendon to protect an exposed portion of the tendon contained within the tubular extension. Some embodiments also provide a method of forming a fluid tight seal between tubular extension and a sheath of a tendon, while other embodiments provide a method of gripping the sheath of a tendon with a tubular extension to prevent the sheath from moving relative to the extension.