US20160060886A1 - Methods and apparatuses for reinforcing structural members - Google Patents
Methods and apparatuses for reinforcing structural members Download PDFInfo
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- US20160060886A1 US20160060886A1 US14/845,163 US201514845163A US2016060886A1 US 20160060886 A1 US20160060886 A1 US 20160060886A1 US 201514845163 A US201514845163 A US 201514845163A US 2016060886 A1 US2016060886 A1 US 2016060886A1
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- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 33
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 268
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- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 20
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
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- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 4
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- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000009191 jumping Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003351 stiffener Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910000746 Structural steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
- E04G23/00—Working measures on existing buildings
- E04G23/02—Repairing, e.g. filling cracks; Restoring; Altering; Enlarging
- E04G23/0218—Increasing or restoring the load-bearing capacity of building construction elements
- E04G23/0225—Increasing or restoring the load-bearing capacity of building construction elements of circular building elements, e.g. by circular bracing
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
- E04C3/00—Structural elongated elements designed for load-supporting
- E04C3/30—Columns; Pillars; Struts
- E04C3/32—Columns; Pillars; Struts of metal
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H12/00—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures
- E04H12/02—Structures made of specified materials
- E04H12/08—Structures made of specified materials of metal
- E04H12/10—Truss-like structures
Definitions
- This technology relates generally to structural reinforcement.
- aspects of this invention relate to reinforcing round structural members of lattice structures and to reinforcing other structures.
- Lattice structures such as guyed towers with a slender mast and guy wires supporting the mast horizontally, as well as self-support towers or free standing towers, are used in the telecommunications industry.
- such towers are used to support equipment for wireless phones, broadcast and other communications devices, among other applications.
- a method of reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure comprises locating a reinforcement member having at least four facets on the round structural member, wherein at least two of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the round structural member; and securing the reinforcement member to the round structural member.
- a first leg and a second leg of the reinforcement member can extend beyond a centroid of the round structural member when the reinforcement member is located at the round structural member. Additionally, in further exemplary embodiments, a centroid of the reinforcement member can be within the round structural member when the reinforcement member is located on the round structural member.
- At least one of the points of contact is a direct point of contact between the reinforcement member and the round structural member. Additionally, in further exemplary embodiments, at least one of the points of contact is an indirect point of contact between the reinforcement member and the round structural member. In a further exemplary embodiment, the method can further comprise locating an inner tab member between the reinforcement member and the round structural member, wherein the points of contact between the reinforcement member and the round structural member are indirect points of contact via the inner tab member.
- first leg and a second leg of the reinforcement member can extend beyond a first leg and a second leg of the inner tab member.
- the reinforcement member can comprise a hot rolled plate. Also, in further exemplary embodiments, the reinforcement member comprises a cold formed plate. Also, in further exemplary embodiments, the reinforcement member can comprise an extruded shape.
- the method can comprise joining the reinforcement member with a second reinforcement member to extend a length of continuous reinforcement along the round structural member.
- the method can also comprise joining the reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member comprises joining the reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member around a splice plate of the round structural member.
- a method of reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure comprises locating first and second reinforcement members on the round structural member, the first and second reinforcement members each comprising first and second tubular members; locating a first threaded bar within the first tubular member of the first and second reinforcement members and locating a second threaded bar within the second tubular member of the first and second reinforcement members; and securing the first threaded bar at the first and second reinforcement members using first and second threaded locking members and securing the second threaded bar at the first and second reinforcement members using third and fourth locking members.
- first and second threaded bars can span a segment of the round structural member located between a first and second splice plate of the round structural member. In further exemplary embodiments, the first and second threaded bars can span a splice plate of the round structural member. Additionally, the first and second threaded bars can secure the first reinforcement member to the second reinforcement member during the installation of the first and second reinforcement members.
- a reinforcement system for a round structural member of a lattice structure comprises a reinforcement member having at least four facets, wherein the reinforcement member has an open-ended cross sectional shape, the reinforcement member coupled with the round structural member such that at least two of the at least two facets forms a point of contact with the round structural member along a longitudinal span of the round structural member.
- a first leg and a second leg of the reinforcement member extend beyond a centroid of the round structural member.
- the reinforcement system further comprises a second reinforcement member having at least four facets, wherein the second reinforcement member has an open-ended cross sectional shape, the second reinforcement member coupled with the round structural member such that each of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the round structural member along a second longitudinal span of the round structural member; and a coupling assembly spanning the first and second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly coupled to both the first and second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly configured to permit a longitudinal distance between the first and second reinforcement members to be adjusted after the first and second reinforcement members have been coupled to the round structural member.
- the reinforcement system further comprises a second reinforcement member having at least four facets, wherein the second reinforcement member has an open-ended cross sectional shape, the second reinforcement member coupled with a second round structural member such that each of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the second round structural member along a longitudinal span of the second round structural member; a splice connection between the first and second round structural members; and a coupling assembly spanning the first and second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly coupled to both the first and second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly configured to permit a longitudinal distance between the first and second reinforcement members to be adjusted after the first reinforcement member has been coupled to the first round structural member and the second reinforcement member has been coupled to the second round structural member.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of reinforcement members reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure according to an exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of a reinforcement member reinforcing a round structural member according to an exemplary embodiment.
- FIGS. 3 a to 3 d show cross sectional views of reinforcement members for reinforcing a round structural member according to exemplary embodiments.
- FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of a reinforcement member and an internal tab member for reinforcing a round structural member according to an exemplary embodiment.
- FIGS. 5 a to 5 d show cross sectional views of reinforcement members and internal tab members for reinforcing a round structural member according to exemplary embodiments.
- FIGS. 6 a to 6 c show cross sectional views illustrating methods of securing a reinforcement member to a round structural member according to exemplary embodiments.
- FIG. 7 shows view A of FIG. 1 , illustrating reinforcement members reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure according to an exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 8 a shows reinforcement members for reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure according to an exemplary embodiment and FIG. 8 b shows an example of a round structural member.
- FIG. 9 shows reinforcement members reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure according to an exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 10 shows view B of FIG. 1 , illustrating an exemplary embodiment of reinforcement members for reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure joined according to an exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 11 a shows an exemplary embodiment of reinforcement members for reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure joined according to an exemplary embodiment and FIG. 11 b shows an example of a round structural member.
- FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of reinforcement members for reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure joined according to an exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 13 a shows an exemplary embodiment of reinforcement members for reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure joined according to an exemplary embodiment and FIG. 13 b shows an example of a round structural member.
- FIG. 1 shows reinforcement members 2 reinforcing a round structural member 1 of a lattice structure according to an exemplary embodiment.
- the reinforcement members 2 reinforce the round structural member 1 .
- the reinforcement members 2 are located on the round structural member 1 and secured to the round structural member 1 , for example, with U-bolts and backing plates 10 .
- the reinforcement members 2 increase the load carrying capacity and stability of a tower or other structure to support additional weight, such as from communication equipment, mounts and transmission lines as well as the environmental forces exerted on the tower.
- a plurality of reinforcement members 2 with a plurality of U-bolts and backing plates 10 are installed in parallel and onto round structural members 1 to create a composite section to the strengthen round structural members 1 .
- a plurality of splices can be used, connecting the reinforcement members 2 together to ensure a continuous load transfer from one tower section to the next along with termination splices connected to existing leg splice plates.
- FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of a reinforcement member 2 reinforcing a round structural member 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.
- the reinforcement member 2 reinforces the round structural member 1 .
- the reinforcement member 2 has at least four facets 3 .
- the reinforcement member 2 is located on the round structural member 1 such that at least two of the at least four facets 3 forms a point of contact 4 with the round structural member.
- the reinforcement member 2 includes legs 5 that extend beyond a centroid 6 of the round structural member when the reinforcement member 2 is located at the round structural member 1 .
- the centroid 7 of the reinforcement member 2 is within the round structural member 1 when the reinforcement member 2 is located on the round structural member 1 .
- the points of contact 4 are direct points of contact between the reinforcement member and the round structural member.
- a reinforcement system for a round structural member 1 of a lattice structure comprises a reinforcement member 2 having at least four facets 3 , wherein the reinforcement member 2 has an open-ended cross sectional shape.
- the reinforcement member 2 is coupled with the round structural member 1 such that each of the at least four facets forms a point of contact 4 with the round structural member 1 along a longitudinal span of the round structural member.
- first and second legs 5 of the reinforcement member extend beyond a centroid 6 of the round structural member 1 .
- FIGS. 3 a to 3 d show cross sectional views of reinforcement members 2 for reinforcing a round structural member 1 according to exemplary embodiments.
- the reinforcement members 2 can, for example, be made with multiple bends such as 4-facets or 7-facets so as to fit snug on small round members or larger round members.
- FIG. 3 a shows an exemplary embodiment with four facets 4 for forming points of contact 4 with reinforcement members 2 (now shown)
- FIG. 3 b shows an exemplary embodiment with five facets 3 for forming points of contact 4
- FIG. 3 c shows an exemplary embodiment with seven facets 3 for forming points of contact 4
- FIG. 3 d shows and exemplary embodiment with nine facets 3 for forming points of contact.
- the reinforcement members 2 can fit snuggly on the round structural member 1 . Additionally, the strength of the reinforcement members 2 can be increased by increasing the thickness of the reinforcement members 2 .
- the reinforcement members 2 can, for example, be formed from a hot rolled plate or a cold formed plate.
- the hot rolled or cold formed plate can, for example, be made from steel through extrusion and/or by bending a plate longitudinally in a brake press.
- the extruded member can be round or sided with multiple facets.
- the hot rolled or cold formed plate can have at least three bends and four facets and can increase the number of bends to maintain a tighter fit on larger round structural members 1 .
- the hot rolled or cold formed plate can be made from any length with any number of facets.
- the plate can be formed from a length from 1 foot to 40 feet.
- FIG. 4 shows a reinforcement member 2 and an internal tab member 8 for reinforcing a round structural member 1 (not shown) according to an exemplary embodiment.
- inner tab members 8 can be welded to or otherwise coupled with the reinforcement members 2 .
- the reinforcement member 2 makes indirect points of contact with the round structural member 1 (not shown) via the internal tab member 8 .
- the reinforcement member 2 comprises the internal tab member 8 and contacts the round structural member at points of contact.
- the legs 5 of the reinforcement member 2 extend beyond the legs 9 of the inner tab member 8 in cross-sectional view, according to some embodiments.
- FIGS. 5 a to 5 c show cross sectional views of reinforcement members 2 and internal tab members 8 for reinforcing a round structural member 1 according to exemplary embodiments.
- the points of contact 4 are indirect points of contact between the reinforcement member 2 and the round structural member 1 .
- the reinforcement member 2 includes the inner tab member 8 which contacts the round structural member 1 at points of contact 4 .
- the inner tab member 8 is located between the reinforcement member 2 and the round structural member 1 , such that the points of contact 4 between the reinforcement member 2 and the round structural member 1 are indirect points of contact via the inner tab member 8 .
- FIGS. 6 a to 6 c show cross-sectional views illustrating methods of securing a reinforcement member 2 to a round structural member 1 according to exemplary embodiments.
- FIG. 6 a shows reinforcement member 2 secured to a round structural member 1 using U-bolt and backing plate 10 .
- the backing plate 10 can, for example, be tapered or flat.
- the reinforcement member 2 can also be attached to the round structural members 1 with tapered backing plates, pinching or compressing the ends of the reinforcement member 2 around the back of the round structural member 1 .
- the reinforcement member 2 can additionally be secured with blind bolts, stitch welds, and/or other fasteners.
- FIG. 6 c shows reinforcement member 2 secured to a round structural member 1 with welds 11 .
- step bolts 19 can be bolted to welded clips and staggered on each side of the reinforcement member 2 .
- Steel tabs can also be welded to the reinforcement member 2 to hoist the reinforcement member 2 or attach items such as a safety climb mount or stand-off mount.
- FIG. 6 b shows step bolts 19 which can be attached to reinforcement member 2 .
- the central axis of one or both of the step bolts 19 may pass through the round structural member 1 , or even through a centroid of the round structural member 1 , when they are coupled with the reinforcement member 2 which is coupled to the round structural member 1 .
- reinforcement members 2 can be used to strengthen round structural members 1 of various sizes.
- the overall length and inner diameter of the reinforcement members 2 is selected based on the geometry of the round structural member 1 being reinforced.
- the thickness of the reinforcement members 2 is selected based on the amount of steel area appropriate to strengthen the round structural member.
- the quantity and spacing of U-bolts with backing plates 10 and/or stitch welds 11 can be selected to ensure a minimum unbraced length of the reinforcement members 2 with respect to the round structural member 1 .
- the reinforcement members 2 can be spliced as illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 and/or terminated by welding and/or bolting to the splice plates 12 as illustrated in FIGS. 7-9 .
- the reinforcement members 2 could be used as a standalone structural members.
- FIG. 7 shows view A of FIG. 1 illustrating reinforcement members 2 reinforcing a round structural member 1 of a lattice structure according to an exemplary embodiment.
- FIGS. 8 a and 8 b show the reinforcement members 2 and the round structural member 1 separately.
- Vertical flanges can be attached with splice bolts 15 to splice plates 12 . This method of connection puts load into the round structural member 1 as well as the reinforcement members 2 , sharing the axial or tensile load based on their relative proportional cross-sectional area of steel.
- An end of the reinforcement member 2 is secured to the splice plate 12 of the round structural member on a first side of the splice plate 12 .
- the reinforcement member 2 includes vertical flanges 13 and horizontal flanges 14 for securing the reinforcement member 2 to the splice plate 12 using splice bolts 15 .
- An end of another reinforcement member 2 is secured to the splice plate 12 of the round structural member on a second side of the splice plate 12 .
- the other reinforcement member 2 includes vertical flanges 13 and horizontal flanges 14 for securing the other reinforcement member 2 to the splice plate 12 using splice bolts 15 .
- the vertical flanges 13 can be welded to the horizontal flanges 14 .
- the reinforcement members 2 , vertical flanges 13 , and horizontal flanges 14 can, for example, be made of minimum ASTM A572 Grade 50 structural steel, as well other metals and other materials.
- Vertical flanges 13 can be welded to reinforcement members 2 in any radial orientation and/or radial angular spacing.
- FIG. 9 shows reinforcement members reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure according to a further exemplary embodiment.
- An end of the reinforcement member 2 is secured to the splice plate 12 of the round structural member on a first side of the splice plate 12 .
- the reinforcement member 2 includes vertical flanges 13 and horizontal flanges 14 for securing the reinforcement member 2 to the splice plate 12 using splice bolts 15 .
- An end of another reinforcement member 2 is secured to the splice plate 12 of the round structural member on a second side of the splice plate 12 .
- the other reinforcement member 2 includes vertical flanges 13 and horizontal flanges 14 for securing the other reinforcement member 2 to the splice plate 12 using splice bolts 15 .
- the reinforcement member 2 can be welded directly to the splice plate 12 without vertical flanges 13 , horizontal flanges 14 and/or splice bolts 3 .
- FIG. 10 shows view B of FIG. 1 , illustrating an exemplary embodiment of reinforcement members 2 for reinforcing a round structural member 1 of a lattice structure joined according to an exemplary embodiment.
- FIGS. 11 a and 11 b show the reinforcement members 2 and the round structural member 1 separately.
- the reinforcement members 2 are joined to extend a length of continuous reinforcement along the round structural member 1 .
- the reinforcement members 2 are located on the round structural member 1 .
- the reinforcement members have tubular members 16 ; tubular members may be rigidly fixed and/or welded to their respective reinforcement member 2 .
- the reinforcement member 2 has two or more tubular members 16 whose longitudinal centerlines are, in cross sectional view taken perpendicular to their longitudinal axes or to the longitudinal center of the round structural member 1 , equally angularly arranged in the radial sense about the longitudinal center of the round structural member 1 .
- the tubular members are located on opposite sides of the central axis of the round structural member 1 and their centerlines may lie in the same plane as the central axis of the round structural member.
- Vertical structural members such as a threaded bars 17 are located within the tubular members 16 .
- the threaded bars 17 are secured at the reinforcement members 2 using locking members such as threaded nuts 18 .
- the reinforcing members 2 can be joined between splice plates 12 .
- the threaded bars 17 can span a segment of the round structural member 1 located between splice plates 12 of the round structural member 1 .
- U-bolts with tapered backing plates 10 can be used to pinch or compress the legs 5 of the reinforcing members 2 around the backside of the round structural member 1 . Locating U-bolts with tapered backing plates 10 near tubular member 16 can help prevent reinforcing members 2 from opening up in tension or compression due the offset in load from threaded bars 17 , shown below in FIGS. 10-13 . Other techniques such as welds 11 or structural bolts can also provide a similar strengthening technique at splices or end terminations.
- the reinforcement members 2 can span through multiple tower sections or around antenna mounts, guy attachments or any other obstruction.
- FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of reinforcement members 2 for reinforcing a round structural member 1 of a lattice structure joined according to an exemplary embodiment.
- FIGS. 13 a and 13 b show separate views of the reinforcement members 2 and the round structural member 1 .
- the reinforcement members 2 are joined to extend a length of continuous reinforcement along the round structural member 1 .
- the reinforcement members 2 are located on the round structural member 1 .
- the reinforcement members 2 have tubular members 16 and horizontal stiffeners 21 . Vertical structural members such as a threaded bars 17 are located within the tubular members 16 .
- Horizontal stiffeners 21 can be used to increase the width of the coupling assembly 20 so that the tubular members 16 and threaded bars 17 can fit around the width of the splice.
- the threaded bars 17 are secured at the reinforcement members 2 using locking members such as threaded nuts 18 .
- the threaded bars 17 span a splice plate 12 .
- the reinforcement members 2 are joined around a splice plate 12 providing continuous reinforcement.
- the process of spanning of a splice plate 12 to provide continuous reinforcement across the splice is also referred to herein as splice jumping.
- the splice jumping process can be used provide continuous reinforcement around mounts or any other obstructions.
- the threaded bars 17 can secure the reinforcement members 2 together during the installation of the reinforcement members 2 by tightening the threaded bolts 18 .
- the reinforcement members 2 can be joined to provide continuous reinforcement without waiting for the structure to settle.
- Adjustment of the distance separating the upper reinforcement member 2 from the lower reinforcement member 2 may be achieved by loosening or tightening the nuts 18 ; this may be performed in real time as the reinforcement members 2 are being installed. This saves time and cost over traditional welded solutions, and also permits the aforementioned distance separating the two reinforcement members 2 to be adjusted at a later time, which saves time and cost over traditional “bolt-in-place” solutions for spanning two sections of a member or a splice between two members.
- This adjustment in the distance between the lower reinforcement member 2 and the upper reinforcement member 2 may also permit a customized or selected amount of tensional force on the round structural member 1 to be applied at the time of installation and/or at a later time.
- reinforcement member 2 is a first reinforcement member 2
- the longitudinal span of the round structural member 1 is a first longitudinal span.
- the reinforcement system further comprises a second reinforcement member 2 having at least four facets 3 , wherein the second reinforcement member 2 has an open-ended cross sectional shape.
- the second reinforcement member 2 is coupled with the round structural member 1 such that each of the at least four facets 3 forms a point of contact 4 with the round structural member 1 along a second longitudinal span of the round structural member 1 .
- a coupling assembly 20 spanning the first and second reinforcement members is coupled to both the first and second reinforcement members 2 .
- the coupling assembly is configured to permit a longitudinal distance between the first and second reinforcement members 2 to be adjusted after the first and second reinforcement members 2 have been coupled to the round structural member 1 .
- the reinforcement system further comprises a second reinforcement member 2 having at least four facets 3 .
- the second reinforcement member 2 has an open-ended cross sectional shape and the second reinforcement member 2 is coupled with a second round structural member 1 such that each of the at least four facets 3 forms a point of contact with the second round structural member 1 along a longitudinal span of the second round structural member 1 .
- the reinforcement system further comprises a splice connection between the first and second round structural members 1 .
- the reinforcement system comprises a coupling assembly 20 spanning the first and second reinforcement members 1 .
- the coupling assembly is coupled to both the first and second reinforcement members 2 , and the coupling assembly is configured to permit a longitudinal distance between the first and second reinforcement members 2 to be adjusted after the first reinforcement member 2 has been coupled to the first round structural member 1 and the second reinforcement member 2 has been coupled to the second round structural member 1 .
- the coupling assembly 20 will create upward and downward forces on the existing flange plates (e.g., vertical flange plate 13 and/or horizontal flange plate 14 ), and in turn, remove axial loads or residual stresses from the existing tower leg such as round structural member 1 . These residual stresses will be transferred to the new leg reinforcement member 2 allowing both the existing and new leg reinforcement members 2 to work compositely, sharing any new axial or tension forces from the addition of antennas, mounts and other equipment and transmission lines added to a tower.
- the existing flange plates e.g., vertical flange plate 13 and/or horizontal flange plate 14
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Abstract
In an exemplary embodiment, a method of reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure comprises locating a reinforcement member having at least four facets on the round structural member, wherein each of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the round structural member; and securing the reinforcement member to the round structural member.
Description
- The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/045,310, filed on Sep. 3, 2014, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- This technology relates generally to structural reinforcement. In particular, aspects of this invention relate to reinforcing round structural members of lattice structures and to reinforcing other structures.
- Lattice structures such as guyed towers with a slender mast and guy wires supporting the mast horizontally, as well as self-support towers or free standing towers, are used in the telecommunications industry. In particular, such towers are used to support equipment for wireless phones, broadcast and other communications devices, among other applications.
- With the proliferation of cell phones and personal communications devices comes the need for towers to support additional equipment for wireless phone, internet and other communications devices. This increase in equipment can add a significant amount of wind area to a tower or other lattice structure, which can result in an increase in axial and tensile forces to each of the tower's structural elements (tower legs, diagonals, horizontals and subsequent internal bracing). In addition, a tower's structural elements can become weaker due to the passage of time and/or due to environmental conditions.
- Related art methods of increasing the strength of these structural elements in order to support additional equipment include reinforcing the weak area of the tower (generally areas under the proposed equipment elevation) by means of welding angle, split-pipe (pipe that has been cute longitudinally to create 180 degree, 120 degree) or some other variation of steel reinforcement, bar stock or flat plate. These related art structural members can be a poor fit, create large eccentric loads based on their individual section modulus proportion and in some cases only minimally increase the strength of round structural members such as tower legs. Additionally, these related art structural members are not continuous and require a significant amount of welding at their terminations to splice plates, adding the risk of fire, rusting and increased installation costs.
- According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure comprises locating a reinforcement member having at least four facets on the round structural member, wherein at least two of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the round structural member; and securing the reinforcement member to the round structural member.
- In further exemplary embodiments, a first leg and a second leg of the reinforcement member can extend beyond a centroid of the round structural member when the reinforcement member is located at the round structural member. Additionally, in further exemplary embodiments, a centroid of the reinforcement member can be within the round structural member when the reinforcement member is located on the round structural member.
- In further exemplary embodiments, at least one of the points of contact is a direct point of contact between the reinforcement member and the round structural member. Additionally, in further exemplary embodiments, at least one of the points of contact is an indirect point of contact between the reinforcement member and the round structural member. In a further exemplary embodiment, the method can further comprise locating an inner tab member between the reinforcement member and the round structural member, wherein the points of contact between the reinforcement member and the round structural member are indirect points of contact via the inner tab member.
- In further exemplary embodiments, first leg and a second leg of the reinforcement member can extend beyond a first leg and a second leg of the inner tab member.
- In further exemplary embodiments, the reinforcement member can comprise a hot rolled plate. Also, in further exemplary embodiments, the reinforcement member comprises a cold formed plate. Also, in further exemplary embodiments, the reinforcement member can comprise an extruded shape.
- In further exemplary embodiments, the method can comprise joining the reinforcement member with a second reinforcement member to extend a length of continuous reinforcement along the round structural member. The method can also comprise joining the reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member comprises joining the reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member around a splice plate of the round structural member.
- According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure comprises locating first and second reinforcement members on the round structural member, the first and second reinforcement members each comprising first and second tubular members; locating a first threaded bar within the first tubular member of the first and second reinforcement members and locating a second threaded bar within the second tubular member of the first and second reinforcement members; and securing the first threaded bar at the first and second reinforcement members using first and second threaded locking members and securing the second threaded bar at the first and second reinforcement members using third and fourth locking members.
- In further exemplary embodiments, the first and second threaded bars can span a segment of the round structural member located between a first and second splice plate of the round structural member. In further exemplary embodiments, the first and second threaded bars can span a splice plate of the round structural member. Additionally, the first and second threaded bars can secure the first reinforcement member to the second reinforcement member during the installation of the first and second reinforcement members.
- According to an exemplary embodiment, a reinforcement system for a round structural member of a lattice structure comprises a reinforcement member having at least four facets, wherein the reinforcement member has an open-ended cross sectional shape, the reinforcement member coupled with the round structural member such that at least two of the at least two facets forms a point of contact with the round structural member along a longitudinal span of the round structural member.
- In a further exemplary embodiment, in a cross sectional view taken perpendicular to a centroid of the round structural member, a first leg and a second leg of the reinforcement member extend beyond a centroid of the round structural member.
- In a further exemplary embodiment, wherein the reinforcement member is a first reinforcement member, wherein the longitudinal span is a first longitudinal span, the reinforcement system further comprises a second reinforcement member having at least four facets, wherein the second reinforcement member has an open-ended cross sectional shape, the second reinforcement member coupled with the round structural member such that each of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the round structural member along a second longitudinal span of the round structural member; and a coupling assembly spanning the first and second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly coupled to both the first and second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly configured to permit a longitudinal distance between the first and second reinforcement members to be adjusted after the first and second reinforcement members have been coupled to the round structural member.
- In a further exemplary embodiment, wherein the reinforcement member is a first reinforcement member, wherein the round structural member is a first round structural member, the reinforcement system further comprises a second reinforcement member having at least four facets, wherein the second reinforcement member has an open-ended cross sectional shape, the second reinforcement member coupled with a second round structural member such that each of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the second round structural member along a longitudinal span of the second round structural member; a splice connection between the first and second round structural members; and a coupling assembly spanning the first and second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly coupled to both the first and second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly configured to permit a longitudinal distance between the first and second reinforcement members to be adjusted after the first reinforcement member has been coupled to the first round structural member and the second reinforcement member has been coupled to the second round structural member.
- These and other aspects and embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated and described below.
- Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the following figures, which are presented for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting.
- In the Drawings:
-
FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of reinforcement members reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of a reinforcement member reinforcing a round structural member according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIGS. 3 a to 3 d show cross sectional views of reinforcement members for reinforcing a round structural member according to exemplary embodiments. -
FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of a reinforcement member and an internal tab member for reinforcing a round structural member according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIGS. 5 a to 5 d show cross sectional views of reinforcement members and internal tab members for reinforcing a round structural member according to exemplary embodiments. -
FIGS. 6 a to 6 c show cross sectional views illustrating methods of securing a reinforcement member to a round structural member according to exemplary embodiments. -
FIG. 7 shows view A ofFIG. 1 , illustrating reinforcement members reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 8 a shows reinforcement members for reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure according to an exemplary embodiment andFIG. 8 b shows an example of a round structural member. -
FIG. 9 shows reinforcement members reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 10 shows view B ofFIG. 1 , illustrating an exemplary embodiment of reinforcement members for reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure joined according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 11 a shows an exemplary embodiment of reinforcement members for reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure joined according to an exemplary embodiment andFIG. 11 b shows an example of a round structural member. -
FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of reinforcement members for reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure joined according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 13 a shows an exemplary embodiment of reinforcement members for reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure joined according to an exemplary embodiment andFIG. 13 b shows an example of a round structural member. -
FIG. 1 showsreinforcement members 2 reinforcing a roundstructural member 1 of a lattice structure according to an exemplary embodiment. Thereinforcement members 2 reinforce the roundstructural member 1. Thereinforcement members 2 are located on the roundstructural member 1 and secured to the roundstructural member 1, for example, with U-bolts andbacking plates 10. Thereinforcement members 2 increase the load carrying capacity and stability of a tower or other structure to support additional weight, such as from communication equipment, mounts and transmission lines as well as the environmental forces exerted on the tower. In exemplary embodiments, a plurality ofreinforcement members 2 with a plurality of U-bolts andbacking plates 10 are installed in parallel and onto roundstructural members 1 to create a composite section to the strengthen roundstructural members 1. A plurality of splices can be used, connecting thereinforcement members 2 together to ensure a continuous load transfer from one tower section to the next along with termination splices connected to existing leg splice plates. -
FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of areinforcement member 2 reinforcing a roundstructural member 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. Thereinforcement member 2 reinforces the roundstructural member 1. Thereinforcement member 2 has at least fourfacets 3. Thereinforcement member 2 is located on the roundstructural member 1 such that at least two of the at least fourfacets 3 forms a point ofcontact 4 with the round structural member. Thereinforcement member 2 includeslegs 5 that extend beyond acentroid 6 of the round structural member when thereinforcement member 2 is located at the roundstructural member 1. Thecentroid 7 of thereinforcement member 2 is within the roundstructural member 1 when thereinforcement member 2 is located on the roundstructural member 1. The points ofcontact 4 are direct points of contact between the reinforcement member and the round structural member. - In a further exemplary embodiment, a reinforcement system for a round
structural member 1 of a lattice structure comprises areinforcement member 2 having at least fourfacets 3, wherein thereinforcement member 2 has an open-ended cross sectional shape. Thereinforcement member 2 is coupled with the roundstructural member 1 such that each of the at least four facets forms a point ofcontact 4 with the roundstructural member 1 along a longitudinal span of the round structural member. In a further exemplary embodiment, in a cross sectional view taken perpendicular to a centroid of the roundstructural member 1, first andsecond legs 5 of the reinforcement member extend beyond acentroid 6 of the roundstructural member 1. - In related art systems where reinforcement does not extend beyond the
centroid 6 of roundstructural members 1, large eccentric moments can be created that require welding longitudinally to resist this coupling moment and in some cases, add a significant increase in wind loads further overstressing the structural members below. Additionally, with the offset of related art reinforcements, their corresponding splice can also become offset, requiring further welding and/or bracing to correct this issue. By contrast, in exemplary embodiments, by extending thelegs 5 of thereinforcement members 2 well beyond thecentroid 6 of the roundstructural member 1, the eccentricities can be minimized and splices can be installed radially, e.g., 180 degrees apart, through thecentroid 6 of the roundstructural members 1. -
FIGS. 3 a to 3 d show cross sectional views ofreinforcement members 2 for reinforcing a roundstructural member 1 according to exemplary embodiments. Thereinforcement members 2 can, for example, be made with multiple bends such as 4-facets or 7-facets so as to fit snug on small round members or larger round members.FIG. 3 a shows an exemplary embodiment with fourfacets 4 for forming points ofcontact 4 with reinforcement members 2 (now shown),FIG. 3 b shows an exemplary embodiment with fivefacets 3 for forming points ofcontact 4,FIG. 3 c shows an exemplary embodiment with sevenfacets 3 for forming points ofcontact 4, andFIG. 3 d shows and exemplary embodiment with ninefacets 3 for forming points of contact. Thereinforcement members 2 can fit snuggly on the roundstructural member 1. Additionally, the strength of thereinforcement members 2 can be increased by increasing the thickness of thereinforcement members 2. - In exemplary embodiments, the
reinforcement members 2 can, for example, be formed from a hot rolled plate or a cold formed plate. The hot rolled or cold formed plate can, for example, be made from steel through extrusion and/or by bending a plate longitudinally in a brake press. In exemplary embodiments, the extruded member can be round or sided with multiple facets. In exemplary embodiments, the hot rolled or cold formed plate can have at least three bends and four facets and can increase the number of bends to maintain a tighter fit on larger roundstructural members 1. The hot rolled or cold formed plate can be made from any length with any number of facets. For example, the plate can be formed from a length from 1 foot to 40 feet. -
FIG. 4 shows areinforcement member 2 and aninternal tab member 8 for reinforcing a round structural member 1 (not shown) according to an exemplary embodiment. To achieve a composite section wherereinforcement member 2 takes an increased amount of axial or tensile load,inner tab members 8 can be welded to or otherwise coupled with thereinforcement members 2. Thereinforcement member 2 makes indirect points of contact with the round structural member 1 (not shown) via theinternal tab member 8. Stated in another way, thereinforcement member 2 comprises theinternal tab member 8 and contacts the round structural member at points of contact. Thelegs 5 of thereinforcement member 2 extend beyond thelegs 9 of theinner tab member 8 in cross-sectional view, according to some embodiments. -
FIGS. 5 a to 5 c show cross sectional views ofreinforcement members 2 andinternal tab members 8 for reinforcing a roundstructural member 1 according to exemplary embodiments. The points ofcontact 4 are indirect points of contact between thereinforcement member 2 and the roundstructural member 1. Stated differently, thereinforcement member 2 includes theinner tab member 8 which contacts the roundstructural member 1 at points ofcontact 4. In particular, theinner tab member 8 is located between thereinforcement member 2 and the roundstructural member 1, such that the points ofcontact 4 between thereinforcement member 2 and the roundstructural member 1 are indirect points of contact via theinner tab member 8. -
FIGS. 6 a to 6 c show cross-sectional views illustrating methods of securing areinforcement member 2 to a roundstructural member 1 according to exemplary embodiments.FIG. 6 ashows reinforcement member 2 secured to a roundstructural member 1 using U-bolt andbacking plate 10. Thebacking plate 10 can, for example, be tapered or flat. Thereinforcement member 2 can also be attached to the roundstructural members 1 with tapered backing plates, pinching or compressing the ends of thereinforcement member 2 around the back of the roundstructural member 1. Thereinforcement member 2 can additionally be secured with blind bolts, stitch welds, and/or other fasteners.FIG. 6 c showsreinforcement member 2 secured to a roundstructural member 1 withwelds 11. In exemplary embodiments, withlegs 5 extending beyond thecentroid 6 of the roundstructural member 1, additional items such asstep bolts 19 can be bolted to welded clips and staggered on each side of thereinforcement member 2. Steel tabs can also be welded to thereinforcement member 2 to hoist thereinforcement member 2 or attach items such as a safety climb mount or stand-off mount.FIG. 6 b showsstep bolts 19 which can be attached toreinforcement member 2. As shown inFIG. 6 b, the central axis of one or both of thestep bolts 19 may pass through the roundstructural member 1, or even through a centroid of the roundstructural member 1, when they are coupled with thereinforcement member 2 which is coupled to the roundstructural member 1. - In exemplary embodiments,
reinforcement members 2 can be used to strengthen roundstructural members 1 of various sizes. The overall length and inner diameter of thereinforcement members 2 is selected based on the geometry of the roundstructural member 1 being reinforced. The thickness of thereinforcement members 2 is selected based on the amount of steel area appropriate to strengthen the round structural member. The quantity and spacing of U-bolts withbacking plates 10 and/or stitch welds 11 can be selected to ensure a minimum unbraced length of thereinforcement members 2 with respect to the roundstructural member 1. If multiple tower sections require reinforcement, thereinforcement members 2 can be spliced as illustrated inFIGS. 10-12 and/or terminated by welding and/or bolting to thesplice plates 12 as illustrated inFIGS. 7-9 . Additionally, in further exemplary embodiments, thereinforcement members 2 could be used as a standalone structural members. -
FIG. 7 shows view A ofFIG. 1 illustrating reinforcement members 2 reinforcing a roundstructural member 1 of a lattice structure according to an exemplary embodiment.FIGS. 8 a and 8 b show thereinforcement members 2 and the roundstructural member 1 separately. Vertical flanges can be attached withsplice bolts 15 to spliceplates 12. This method of connection puts load into the roundstructural member 1 as well as thereinforcement members 2, sharing the axial or tensile load based on their relative proportional cross-sectional area of steel. An end of thereinforcement member 2 is secured to thesplice plate 12 of the round structural member on a first side of thesplice plate 12. Thereinforcement member 2 includesvertical flanges 13 andhorizontal flanges 14 for securing thereinforcement member 2 to thesplice plate 12 usingsplice bolts 15. An end of anotherreinforcement member 2 is secured to thesplice plate 12 of the round structural member on a second side of thesplice plate 12. Theother reinforcement member 2 includesvertical flanges 13 andhorizontal flanges 14 for securing theother reinforcement member 2 to thesplice plate 12 usingsplice bolts 15. Thevertical flanges 13 can be welded to thehorizontal flanges 14. In one embodiment, thereinforcement members 2,vertical flanges 13, andhorizontal flanges 14 can, for example, be made of minimum ASTM A572 Grade 50 structural steel, as well other metals and other materials.Vertical flanges 13 can be welded toreinforcement members 2 in any radial orientation and/or radial angular spacing. -
FIG. 9 shows reinforcement members reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure according to a further exemplary embodiment. An end of thereinforcement member 2 is secured to thesplice plate 12 of the round structural member on a first side of thesplice plate 12. Thereinforcement member 2 includesvertical flanges 13 andhorizontal flanges 14 for securing thereinforcement member 2 to thesplice plate 12 usingsplice bolts 15. An end of anotherreinforcement member 2 is secured to thesplice plate 12 of the round structural member on a second side of thesplice plate 12. Theother reinforcement member 2 includesvertical flanges 13 andhorizontal flanges 14 for securing theother reinforcement member 2 to thesplice plate 12 usingsplice bolts 15. In further exemplary embodiments, thereinforcement member 2 can be welded directly to thesplice plate 12 withoutvertical flanges 13,horizontal flanges 14 and/or splicebolts 3. -
FIG. 10 shows view B ofFIG. 1 , illustrating an exemplary embodiment ofreinforcement members 2 for reinforcing a roundstructural member 1 of a lattice structure joined according to an exemplary embodiment.FIGS. 11 a and 11 b show thereinforcement members 2 and the roundstructural member 1 separately. Thereinforcement members 2 are joined to extend a length of continuous reinforcement along the roundstructural member 1. Thereinforcement members 2 are located on the roundstructural member 1. The reinforcement members havetubular members 16; tubular members may be rigidly fixed and/or welded to theirrespective reinforcement member 2. According to one embodiment, thereinforcement member 2 has two or moretubular members 16 whose longitudinal centerlines are, in cross sectional view taken perpendicular to their longitudinal axes or to the longitudinal center of the roundstructural member 1, equally angularly arranged in the radial sense about the longitudinal center of the roundstructural member 1. For instance, in one embodiment in which the opposing ends of thereinforcement members 2 each include twotubular members 16, the tubular members are located on opposite sides of the central axis of the roundstructural member 1 and their centerlines may lie in the same plane as the central axis of the round structural member. Vertical structural members such as a threaded bars 17 are located within thetubular members 16. The threaded bars 17 are secured at thereinforcement members 2 using locking members such as threaded nuts 18. The reinforcingmembers 2 can be joined betweensplice plates 12. As such, the threaded bars 17 can span a segment of the roundstructural member 1 located betweensplice plates 12 of the roundstructural member 1. - In exemplary embodiments, U-bolts with
tapered backing plates 10 can be used to pinch or compress thelegs 5 of the reinforcingmembers 2 around the backside of the roundstructural member 1. Locating U-bolts withtapered backing plates 10 neartubular member 16 can help prevent reinforcingmembers 2 from opening up in tension or compression due the offset in load from threadedbars 17, shown below inFIGS. 10-13 . Other techniques such aswelds 11 or structural bolts can also provide a similar strengthening technique at splices or end terminations. - In exemplary embodiments, the
reinforcement members 2 can span through multiple tower sections or around antenna mounts, guy attachments or any other obstruction.FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment ofreinforcement members 2 for reinforcing a roundstructural member 1 of a lattice structure joined according to an exemplary embodiment.FIGS. 13 a and 13 b show separate views of thereinforcement members 2 and the roundstructural member 1. Thereinforcement members 2 are joined to extend a length of continuous reinforcement along the roundstructural member 1. Thereinforcement members 2 are located on the roundstructural member 1. Thereinforcement members 2 havetubular members 16 andhorizontal stiffeners 21. Vertical structural members such as a threaded bars 17 are located within thetubular members 16.Horizontal stiffeners 21 can be used to increase the width of thecoupling assembly 20 so that thetubular members 16 and threadedbars 17 can fit around the width of the splice. The threaded bars 17 are secured at thereinforcement members 2 using locking members such as threaded nuts 18. The threaded bars 17 span asplice plate 12. As such, thereinforcement members 2 are joined around asplice plate 12 providing continuous reinforcement. The process of spanning of asplice plate 12 to provide continuous reinforcement across the splice is also referred to herein as splice jumping. The splice jumping process can be used provide continuous reinforcement around mounts or any other obstructions. - In an exemplary embodiment, the threaded bars 17 can secure the
reinforcement members 2 together during the installation of thereinforcement members 2 by tightening the threadedbolts 18. As such, thereinforcement members 2 can be joined to provide continuous reinforcement without waiting for the structure to settle. Adjustment of the distance separating theupper reinforcement member 2 from thelower reinforcement member 2 may be achieved by loosening or tightening the nuts 18; this may be performed in real time as thereinforcement members 2 are being installed. This saves time and cost over traditional welded solutions, and also permits the aforementioned distance separating the tworeinforcement members 2 to be adjusted at a later time, which saves time and cost over traditional “bolt-in-place” solutions for spanning two sections of a member or a splice between two members. This adjustment in the distance between thelower reinforcement member 2 and theupper reinforcement member 2 may also permit a customized or selected amount of tensional force on the roundstructural member 1 to be applied at the time of installation and/or at a later time. - In a further exemplary embodiment,
reinforcement member 2 is afirst reinforcement member 2, and the longitudinal span of the roundstructural member 1 is a first longitudinal span. The reinforcement system further comprises asecond reinforcement member 2 having at least fourfacets 3, wherein thesecond reinforcement member 2 has an open-ended cross sectional shape. Thesecond reinforcement member 2 is coupled with the roundstructural member 1 such that each of the at least fourfacets 3 forms a point ofcontact 4 with the roundstructural member 1 along a second longitudinal span of the roundstructural member 1. Acoupling assembly 20 spanning the first and second reinforcement members is coupled to both the first andsecond reinforcement members 2. The coupling assembly is configured to permit a longitudinal distance between the first andsecond reinforcement members 2 to be adjusted after the first andsecond reinforcement members 2 have been coupled to the roundstructural member 1. - In a further exemplary embodiment, where the
reinforcement member 2 is a first reinforcement member and the roundstructural member 1 is a first round structural member, the reinforcement system further comprises asecond reinforcement member 2 having at least fourfacets 3. Thesecond reinforcement member 2 has an open-ended cross sectional shape and thesecond reinforcement member 2 is coupled with a second roundstructural member 1 such that each of the at least fourfacets 3 forms a point of contact with the second roundstructural member 1 along a longitudinal span of the second roundstructural member 1. The reinforcement system further comprises a splice connection between the first and second roundstructural members 1. Additionally, the reinforcement system comprises acoupling assembly 20 spanning the first andsecond reinforcement members 1. The coupling assembly is coupled to both the first andsecond reinforcement members 2, and the coupling assembly is configured to permit a longitudinal distance between the first andsecond reinforcement members 2 to be adjusted after thefirst reinforcement member 2 has been coupled to the first roundstructural member 1 and thesecond reinforcement member 2 has been coupled to the second roundstructural member 1. - Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, by “jacking” the splice apart, the
coupling assembly 20 will create upward and downward forces on the existing flange plates (e.g.,vertical flange plate 13 and/or horizontal flange plate 14), and in turn, remove axial loads or residual stresses from the existing tower leg such as roundstructural member 1. These residual stresses will be transferred to the newleg reinforcement member 2 allowing both the existing and newleg reinforcement members 2 to work compositely, sharing any new axial or tension forces from the addition of antennas, mounts and other equipment and transmission lines added to a tower. - It will be appreciated that while a particular sequence of steps has been shown and described for purposes of explanation, the sequence may be varied in certain respects, or the steps may be combined, while still obtaining the desired configuration. Additionally, modifications to the disclosed embodiment and the invention as claimed are possible and within the scope of this disclosed invention.
Claims (20)
1. A method of reinforcing a round structural member of a lattice structure, the method comprising:
locating a reinforcement member having at least four facets on the round structural member, wherein at least two of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the round structural member; and
securing the reinforcement member to the round structural member.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein a first leg and a second leg of the reinforcement member extend beyond a centroid of the round structural member when the reinforcement member is located at the round structural member.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein a centroid of the reinforcement member is within the round structural member when the reinforcement member is located on the round structural member.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the points of contact is a direct point of contact between the reinforcement member and the round structural member.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the points of contact is an indirect point of contact between the reinforcement member and the round structural member.
6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising locating an inner tab member between the reinforcement member and the round structural member, wherein the points of contact between the reinforcement member and the round structural member are indirect points of contact via the inner tab member.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein a first leg and a second leg of the reinforcement member extend beyond a first leg and a second leg of the inner tab member.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement member comprises a hot rolled plate.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement member comprises a cold formed plate.
10. The method of claim 1 , comprising securing a first end of the reinforcement member to a splice plate of the round structural member on a first side of the splice plate.
11. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
joining the reinforcement member with a second reinforcement member to extend a length of continuous reinforcement along the round structural member.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein joining the reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member comprises joining the reinforcement member and the second reinforcement member around a splice plate of the round structural member.
13. A method of reinforcing a structural member of a lattice structure, the method comprising:
locating first and second reinforcement members on the round structural member, the first and second reinforcement members each comprising first and second tubular members;
locating a first threaded bar within the first tubular member of the first and second reinforcement members and locating a second threaded bar within the second tubular member of the first and second reinforcement members; and
securing the first threaded bar at the first and second reinforcement members using first and second threaded locking members and securing the second threaded bar at the first and second reinforcement members using third and fourth locking members.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the first and second threaded bars span a segment of the round structural member located between a first and second splice plate of the round structural member.
15. The method of claim 13 , wherein the first and second threaded bars span a splice plate of the round structural member.
16. The method of claim 13 , wherein the first and second threaded bars secure the first reinforcement member to the second reinforcement member during the installation of the first and second reinforcement members.
17. A reinforcement system for a round structural member of a lattice structure, the reinforcement system comprising:
a reinforcement member having at least four facets, wherein the reinforcement member has an open-ended cross sectional shape, the reinforcement member coupled with the round structural member such that each of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the round structural member along a longitudinal span of the round structural member.
18. The reinforcement system of claim 17 , wherein in a cross sectional view taken perpendicular to a centroid of the round structural member, a first leg and a second leg of the reinforcement member extend beyond a centroid of the round structural member.
19. The reinforcement system of claim 17 , wherein the reinforcement member is a first reinforcement member, wherein the longitudinal span is a first longitudinal span, the reinforcement system further comprising:
a second reinforcement member having at least four facets, wherein the second reinforcement member has an open-ended cross sectional shape, the second reinforcement member coupled with the round structural member such that each of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the round structural member along a second longitudinal span of the round structural member; and
a coupling assembly spanning the first and second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly coupled to both the first and second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly configured to permit a longitudinal distance between the first and second reinforcement members to be adjusted after the first and second reinforcement members have been coupled to the round structural member.
20. The reinforcement system of claim 17 , wherein the reinforcement member is a first reinforcement member, wherein the round structural member is a first round structural member, the reinforcement system further comprising:
a second reinforcement member having at least four facets, wherein the second reinforcement member has an open-ended cross sectional shape, the second reinforcement member coupled with a second round structural member such that each of the at least four facets forms a point of contact with the second round structural member along a longitudinal span of the second round structural member;
a splice connection between the first and second round structural members; and
a coupling assembly spanning the first and second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly coupled to both the first and second reinforcement members, the coupling assembly configured to permit a longitudinal distance between the first and second reinforcement members to be adjusted after the first reinforcement member has been coupled to the first round structural member and the second reinforcement member has been coupled to the second round structural member.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US14/845,163 US20160060886A1 (en) | 2014-09-03 | 2015-09-03 | Methods and apparatuses for reinforcing structural members |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201462045310P | 2014-09-03 | 2014-09-03 | |
| US14/845,163 US20160060886A1 (en) | 2014-09-03 | 2015-09-03 | Methods and apparatuses for reinforcing structural members |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US20160060886A1 true US20160060886A1 (en) | 2016-03-03 |
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| US14/845,163 Abandoned US20160060886A1 (en) | 2014-09-03 | 2015-09-03 | Methods and apparatuses for reinforcing structural members |
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| US (1) | US20160060886A1 (en) |
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| US10132098B1 (en) * | 2017-05-16 | 2018-11-20 | Atc Ip Llc | Non-disruptive reinforcement of telecommunications towers |
| US10519684B2 (en) | 2017-05-16 | 2019-12-31 | Atc Ip Llc | Non-disruptive reinforcement of telecommunications towers |
| US20230139715A1 (en) * | 2021-05-22 | 2023-05-04 | Ashraf Radi | Reinforcing of Solid Round Legs in Telecom Towers |
| US20230228115A1 (en) * | 2022-01-20 | 2023-07-20 | Ashraf Radi | Reinforcing of tower base in existing guyed Towers |
| US12410616B2 (en) * | 2022-06-29 | 2025-09-09 | Xi'an University Of Architecture And Technology | Reinforcement-confined circular steel tube member with enhanced end stiffness |
| US20240052590A1 (en) * | 2022-08-10 | 2024-02-15 | Great Plains Tower Products Llc | Tower structure ballast tray interface |
| US12421685B2 (en) * | 2022-08-10 | 2025-09-23 | Great Plains Tower Products Llc | Tower structure ballast tray interface |
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