Mechanically Secured Trough Blocks for Pipe Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unitized post tension systems for construction, while improving upon traditional methods by reducing construction time and labor requirements, still lack efficient methods for accommodating the passage of pipes through structures without compromising structural integrity or requiring specialized tools and skills.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically secured block building system utilizing trough blocks with U-shaped cross sections and anchor bars, along with cross bars, to create a continuous pipe channel by aligning interior cavities and using bolts to secure the blocks in an end-to-end arrangement, allowing for easy passage of pipes while maintaining structural strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional mortar-based construction systems are used, then pipe passage can be accommodated through masonry joints, but construction time is excessive and structural consistency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The building system is divided into modular precast concrete blocks with standardized U-shaped cavities. Each block is a self-contained unit with integrated pipe passage features, allowing rapid assembly while maintaining consistent structural and functional properties throughout the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped cavities and internal anchor bar channels are pre-formed within each concrete block during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site pipe installation complexity, as blocks are designed to accommodate pipe passages before assembly occurs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If precast concrete blocks with U-shaped cavities are used, then pipe passage is facilitated, but structural strength may be compromised without proper mechanical securing
Solution Approach 1:
Anchor bars are nested within U-shaped cavities formed in the concrete blocks. The anchor bars fit precisely within the cavities and extend through the block thickness, creating a nested configuration that mechanically secures blocks together while preserving the pipe passage function of the cavities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines precast concrete blocks with embedded steel anchor bars to create a composite structural system. The concrete provides compressive strength and fire resistance, while the steel anchor bars provide tensile strength and mechanical connection, together achieving superior structural performance.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized tools and skills are required for pipe passage installation, then precise pipe routing can be achieved, but construction requires skilled labor and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The blocks are designed with self-aligning features where U-shaped cavities and anchor bar channels are pre-positioned during manufacturing. During assembly, blocks naturally align through these pre-formed features, eliminating the need for specialized tools or skilled labor to achieve precise pipe routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from on-site pipe installation to pre-configured pipe passages defined by the U-shaped cavities. The geometric parameters of the cavities are precisely controlled during block manufacturing, ensuring consistent pipe routing capability without requiring field adjustments or specialized installation skills.
Data Source
AI summary
A set of building components of a mechanically secured block building system for constructing structures include a plurality of trough blocks. Each trough block has an interior cavity characterized by a U-shaped cross section and a pair of oppositely disposed inner ledges recessed relative to top surfaces of opposing outer walls. A bottom of each trough block includes a plurality of apertures therethrough. In an assembled configuration of the trough blocks, the trough blocks are mechanically secured in an end-to-end arrangement and the interior cavities align to define a continuous pipe channel therethrough.