Temporary Tower Support for Tripod Beam Replacement In Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical transmission utility towers with guyed lattice structures supported by tripod beams in corrosive environments face significant challenges due to deterioration, leading to costly and environmentally disruptive replacement needs, especially in remote and sensitive areas.
Innovation Solution
A temporary support structure (TSS) that allows for the replacement of tripod beams, brackets, and adapters without removing the tower from service, by transferring the tower load to a temporary pile support system and flower pot adapter lifting assembly, enabling comprehensive pile repair and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tower is replaced to address severe deterioration of the tripod beam, then the structural integrity and reliability are improved, but the cost increases significantly and environmental disruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into removable tripod beams and fixed foundation piles. Only the deteriorated tripod beam segment needs replacement, while the foundation piles remain in place, avoiding complete tower replacement and reducing cost and environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
A temporary support structure acts as an intermediary system during the transition from the old tripod beam to the new one. This intermediary structure carries the tower load during replacement operations, enabling maintenance without complete tower dismantling.
2Reliability
If the tower is replaced to repair the tripod beam, then the structural reliability is improved, but the tower must be removed from service causing operational loss
Solution Approach 1:
The support system transitions from a static tripod beam to a dynamic system where the tripod beam can be removed and replaced independently. The temporary support structure enables this dynamic transition, allowing the tripod beam to be swapped while the tower remains operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary support structure serves as an intermediary that maintains tower operational status during tripod beam replacement. It temporarily carries the load, enabling the old tripod beam to be removed and a new one installed without taking the tower out of service.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the tripod beam is reinforced to extend service life, then the duration of action is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tripod beam is designed as a replaceable component with a finite service life. Instead of permanently reinforcing it, a new tripod beam is manufactured and installed when the old one deteriorates. This approach is more economical than complex reinforcement and simplifies the structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is divided into a permanent foundation pile and a replaceable tripod beam. This segmentation allows the tripod beam to be independently replaced without affecting the foundation, extending the overall system life through component renewal rather than complex reinforcement.
4Ease of repair
If a temporary support structure is installed to enable tripod beam replacement, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A temporary support structure acts as an intermediary system that simplifies the repair process. It temporarily carries the tower load, allowing the tripod beam to be removed and replaced without complex dismantling procedures, thereby improving ease of repair despite adding temporary structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary support structure is installed in advance before tripod beam removal. This preliminary action prepares the system to bear the load before the tripod beam is taken out, enabling safe and easy replacement operations without requiring complex real-time structural modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology includes temporary support structures for use in the repair of a transmission tower. A typical transmission tower includes a tripod that receive the load of the tower and distributes it to piles embedded in the ground. A temporary support structure may temporarily remove the load of the transmission tower from the tripod to allow the tripod to be removed and replaced with a new tripod. A temporary support system may include a pile temporary support system, a beam support structure supported by the pile temporary support system, and a flower pot adapter lifting assembly configured to attach to a portion of the transmission tower to transfer a load of the transmission tower to the beam support structure.