Patent ID: 12203233

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the present disclosure is illustrative only and not in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the presently disclosed system and method readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the assistance of this disclosure.

Each of the features and teachings disclosed herein can be utilized separately or in conjunction with other features and teachings to provide seismic remediation devices, systems, and methods. Representative examples utilizing many of these additional features and teachings, both separately and in combination, are described in further detail with reference to attachedFIGS.1-9. This detailed description is merely intended to teach a person of skill in the art further details for practicing aspects of the present teachings and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Therefore, combinations of features disclosed in the detailed description may not be necessary to practice the teachings in the broadest sense, and are instead taught merely to describe particularly representative examples of the present teachings.

In the description below, for purposes of explanation only, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present system and method. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the teachings of the present devices, systems and methods.

Moreover, the various features of the representative examples and the dependent claims may be combined in ways that are not specifically and explicitly enumerated in order to provide additional useful embodiments of the present teachings. It is also expressly noted that all value ranges or indications of groups of entities disclose every possible intermediate value or intermediate entity for the purpose of original disclosure, as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed subject matter. It is also expressly noted that the dimensions and the shapes of the components shown in the figures are designed to help understand how the present teachings are practiced, but are not intended to limit the dimensions and the shapes shown in the examples in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the dimensions and the shapes of the components shown in the figures are intended to limit the dimensions and the shapes of the components.

While most of the embodiments described below refer to a bracket for a pile and a pile cap of a pile-supported structure that is at least partially submerged in water (i.e., a pier, wharf, bridge, and the like), in other embodiments, the brackets may be adapted for vertical supports or columns and beams or caps of land-based structures.

Beginning withFIG.1, illustrated therein is a known pile supported structure20such as a pier, wharf, or dock. In the example shown inFIG.1, the piles22are wood piles driven into a ground surface24and at least partially submerged under water as indicated by rings26near the top of the piles22. The piles22are coupled to one or more pile caps28spanning the piles22. Stringers30are coupled to the pile caps28and run across the pile caps28. A deck surface32is coupled to the stringers30to create the structure20.

During a seismic event, the structure20will experience repeated cycles of up and down movements, as well as potential side to side movements, that are concentrated at the interface between the piles22and the pile caps28. As explained above, the piles22can separate from the pile caps28as a result of this up and down movement and the concern becomes whether the piles22will land squarely, if at all, under the pile caps28. With each seismic wave that passes through the structure20, the probability that the piles22land squarely with the pile caps28decreases. If the piles22do not land squarely with the pile caps28, the structure20can collapse and pose a safety risk to people or objects on the deck32and near the structure20. Alternatively, if some of the piles22remain connected to the pile caps28while some are disconnected, as above, then the structure20will not be able to support the intended load and access to the structure20will likely need to be restricted until the structure20can be adequately repaired. These type of repairs represent a significant expense and hassle for owners as well as a loss of use of the structure20for an extended period.

FIG.2illustrates a known pile supported structure40showing failure of the pile as a result of a seismic event. In particular, the structure40includes a pile42, which may be a concrete or steel pile. The pile42includes rebar or steel44encased in concrete46and may likewise be driven into the ground, as with piles22, or may be supported by footings or other typical support structures. The pile42is coupled to a pile cap48, which may in turn be connected to stringers and a deck (not shown) as with a pier or wharf, or may be connected directly to a deck as with a highway overpass in some non-limiting examples. During a seismic event, the up and down movement of the pile42and the pile cap48is concentrated at the connection between the pile42and the pile cap48.

Although the rebar44improves the properties of the concrete46when the pile42is subjected to tension forces, the concrete material46itself is known to be weak under applied tensile forces. During a seismic event, the repeated up and down motion from the seismic waves produces repeated cycles of tensile and compressive forces on the concrete that are concentrated at the connection between the pile42and the pile cap48. As a result, the concrete46is likely to crumble, leaving only the rebar44to support the pile cap48and the structure40, as shown inFIG.2. In some cases, the rebar44may prevent a total collapse of the structure40, but access to the structure40will be restricted while the structure40undergoes time consuming and expensive repairs. In some cases, the rebar44is too weak to support the remaining load and the structure40will collapse. In either situation, the failure of the concrete due to a seismic event poses a safety concern to those on or near the structure40.

Further, remediation of the above structures20,40is difficult and expensive because it typically requires disassembly of the structures20,40and installation of specialized remediation devices that resist forces during a seismic event. This process has high labor and material costs while also restricting access to the structure for an extended period of time, which can cause a loss of revenue for the owner of the structure or negative impacts on local infrastructure in some non-limiting examples.

FIG.3AandFIG.3Billustrate one or more embodiments of a seismic remediation device or system100(which may also be referred to herein as a bracket100or a seismic bracket100) structured to be coupled to an existing pile supported structure to remediate the above concerns. Beginning withFIG.3A, the bracket100includes a body102with a first half104and a second half106. The halves104,106are structured to be coupled together around the pile and pile cap of a structure, as explained further below. The first half104of the body102includes a tubular base108coupled to a flange110. The base108may have a hollow half cylinder shape with curved or angled sidewalls112that define a lower channel114. The base108also includes a height116from the bottom to the top of the base108with the lower channel114extending through the base108over the entire height116of the base108from the bottom to the top of the base108. The radius of curvature of the sidewalls112of the base108as well as the size and shape of the base108can be selected based on design factors, such as the radius, diameter, size, or shape, or any combination thereof, of a pile of a structure to which the bracket100will be attached, among others. In some embodiments, the lower channel114has a constant radius or depth over the entire height116of the base108. Alternatively, the lower channel114may have a radius or depth that changes over the height116of the base108to correspond to a shape of the pile to which the bracket100is attached. In some non-limiting examples, the radius or depth of the lower channel114may taper or may have a step-down or step-up configuration.

The flange110may have an upward facing “U” shape with flat and planar sidewalls118and a flange base119. The sidewalls118are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. Additionally, the sidewalls118are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the flange base119. Together the sidewalls118and a flange base119define an upper channel120. Thus, as defined herein, the upward facing “U” shaped flange110typically has perpendicular lower corners, not rounded corners of a traditional “U” shape. However, the flange110is configured to conform to the bottom section of a pile cap. Accordingly, in an embodiment where the bottom section of a pile cap has rounded corners, the corresponding section of the flange has rounded corners as well.

The upper channel120is open at the top of the bracket100to receive at least a portion of a pile cap, as explained further below. Further, the flange110includes a length122and a width124. The upper channel120extends through the flange110over the entire length122and width124with the dimensions of the upper channel120being constant over the entire length122and width124. In one or more embodiments where the pile cap has an unusual shape, the length and width122,124of the flange110may change over the length and width124. In some non-limiting examples, the upper channel120may taper or may have a step-down or step-up configuration over the length122and width124of the upward facing U-shaped flange110. The length122of the upward facing U-shaped flange110may also be greater than, equal to, or less than the width124of the upward facing U-shaped flange110. Further, the length122or the width124, or both, may be greater than, equal to, or less than the height116of the base108. As with the base108, the size and shape of the upward facing U-shaped flange110may be selected based on design factors, such as the dimensions, size, or shape, or any combination thereof, of a pile cap received in the upper channel120.

Although the above description focuses on the first half104of the body102of the bracket100, it is to be appreciated that the second half106of the body102of the bracket100is a mirror image and may have the same features, aspects, and characteristics as the first half104of the bracket100. In one or more embodiments, the second half106of the body102of the bracket102may have a different size or shape, or both, than the first half104of the body102of the bracket102, such as when the pile or pile cap has an irregular shape. Further, where the bracket100is intended to be used with the last pile in a given series (i.e., a corner pile), the first half104or the second half106of the body102of the bracket100may include only the base108but not the upward facing U-shaped flange110, or the height116of the base108may be greater than the length122of the upward facing U-shaped flange110of either half104,106of the body102of the bracket100due to the termination of the pile cap at the corner location. In some embodiments, the first half104or the second half104of the body102of the bracket100may replace the upwardly facing U-shaped flange110with an upwardly facing corner-shaped flange corresponding to a shape of the pile cap where the pile cap terminates at the corner location.

Where the pile has an irregular shape, such as a pile with a tapered diameter decreasing from a top to a bottom of the pile or a step-down configuration, among others, the bracket100may further include a seal between the bracket100and the pile. More specifically, the base108of one or both halves104,106of the body102of the bracket100may include a strip of material a bottom of the base108for creating a seal between the base108and the pile. The strip of material may be foam or another like material and may include an adhesive in some embodiments for securing the strip of material to the pile. The base108of one or both halves104,106of the bracket100further includes two valves or ports. A first valve is positioned above the layer of material proximate the bottom of the base and a second valve is positioned near a top of the base108proximate the flange110.

Once the bracket100is in position on the pile with the strip of material creating a seal at the bottom of the bracket, an epoxy grout or another like hard setting material can be pumped into the first or lower valve. The air in the void between the bracket100and the pile is displaced as the grout fills the void with the air being vented through the second valve at the top of the base108of one or both halves104,106of the bracket. In some embodiments, the grout is pumped into the first valve until the grout reaches the second valve, although the same is not necessarily required and any selected amount of grout can be pumped into the void through the first valve. The flange110of one or both halves104,106of the body102of the bracket100may include similar features, such as a strip of material for forming a seal and valves, to accommodate pile caps with an irregular shape in some embodiments. Further, the bracket100including the valves100is particularly well adapted for use with concrete piles in some embodiments, although the concepts can also be employed with any type of pile.

Moreover, the bracket100may be formed of any material now known or discovered in the future. For example, the bracket100may be formed of any material currently listed, or listed in the future, in the American Society for Testing Materials (“ASTM”) standards, specifications, technical papers, or books. In some non-limiting examples, the bracket may be formed of structural steel or structural aluminum with the dimensions (i.e., length, width, height, web thickness, etc.) selected based on the factors above in addition to engineering design factors. The dimensions may be constant for both halves104,106of the body102of the bracket100or may change over the halves104,106of the body102of the bracket100, such as when a higher web thickness is selected for the base108and the bottom of the upward facing U-shaped flange110relative to the sides of the upward facing U-shaped flange110to further resist localized stress and strain at the interface between the pile and the pile cap. In yet further non-limiting examples, the bracket100may be formed of any material with a modulus of elasticity higher than concrete.

FIG.3Bis a bottom perspective view illustrating additional details of the bracket100. In particular,FIG.3Billustrates a vertical axis126and a horizontal axis128in dashed lines. In some embodiments, the base108of each half104,106of the body102of the bracket100is arranged along the vertical axis126with the bracket100centered with respect to the vertical axis126. Further, the upward facing U-shaped flange110of each half104,106of the body102of the bracket100is arranged along the horizontal axis128with the horizontal axis128centered with respect to the upper channel120defined by the upward facing U-shaped flange110. Thus, the base108is perpendicular with respect to the upward facing U-shaped flange110. In one or more embodiments, the base108is arranged at a selected angle to the vertical axis126and the upward facing U-shaped flange110in order to accommodate an angular pile. In some non-limiting examples, the angle between the base108and the vertical axis126is 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, or 45 degrees or more. The upward facing U-shaped flange110may similarly be at a selected angle, such as any of the angles listed above or others, relative to the horizontal axis128and the base108in order to accommodate angled, sloped, or curved pile caps.

FIG.4is a perspective view of the bracket100illustrating an initial alignment step during use or installation of the bracket. Because the bracket100includes the body102(FIG.3A) with two halves104,106, the bracket100can be coupled to an existing pile130and pile cap132with significantly reduced costs relative to known seismic remediation devices because installing the bracket100does not require disassembly of any part of the structure. Further, the material cost for the halves of the bracket100is economical relative to other solutions. As shown inFIG.4, the first half104and the second half106of the body102(FIG.3A) of the bracket100are positioned with the base108of each half104,106aligned with a portion of the pile130proximate an interface between the pile130and the pile cap132. Similarly, the upward facing U-shaped flange110of each half104,106of the bracket100is aligned with a portion of the pile cap132on opposite sides of the interface between the pile130and the pile cap132. The lower channel114in each half104,106of the bracket100is structured to receive the above-referenced portion of the pile130. More specifically, the lower channel114of the first half104of the bracket100is structured to receive a first half of the pile130proximate the interface between the pile130and the pile cap132and the second half106of the bracket100is structured to receive a second half of the pile130opposite to the first half. The upper channel120in each half104,106of the bracket100is structured to receive a portion of the pile cap132on either side of the pile130. Thus, the lower channels114may cooperate to define a pile channel structured to receive at least a portion of the pile130and the upper channels120may cooperate to define a pile cap channel structured to receive at least a portion of the pile cap132. Further installation steps are described below with reference toFIG.5A-5E, which show the bracket100coupled to the pile130and the pile cap132.

FIGS.5A-5Eare various views of the bracket100coupled to the pile130and the pile cap132, which may be a wood pile and a wood pile cap, respectively. Beginning withFIG.5A, the halves104,106of the bracket100are positioned around the pile130and the pile cap132, as explained above. The sidewalls of each half104,106of the bracket100are proximate to, adjacent to, or in abutting contact with, each other at the interface between the halves104,106. In some embodiments, as inFIGS.5A-5E, the two halves104,106may then be welded together to complete installation of the bracket100. As shown inFIG.5A, the welded connection between the halves104,106of the bracket100is represented by solid line134. The welded connection134may be any type or style of weld performed by any welding method now known or developed in the future, including any weld approved for structural support applications.

FIG.5Billustrates additional detail of the bracket100connected to the pile130and the pile cap132. As shown inFIG.5B, the bases108of each half104,106of the bracket100cooperate to receive a portion of the pile130proximate the interface between the pile130and the pile cap132. As mentioned above, the bases108of each half104,106can extend from the interface between the pile130and the pile cap132by a selected distance along the pile130. In some limiting examples, the bases108of each half104,106of the bracket100extend 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 15 inches, or 20 inches or more. Further, the upward facing U-shaped flanges110of each half104,106of the bracket100cooperate to receive the pile cap132on opposite sides, and surrounding, the interface between the pile130and the pile cap132. The length of the upward facing U-shaped flanges110on each side of the interface between the pile130and the pile cap132can be any of the dimensions listed above for the bases108of each half104,106of the bracket100in some non-limiting examples. Further, the upward facing U-shaped flange110of each half104,106of the bracket100extends vertically along the pile cap132by a selected distance, or in other words, the upward facing U-shaped flange110of each half104,106of the bracket100has a selected height, as explained above.

FIG.5Cis a front elevational view showing the bracket100extending on both sides of the pile cap132. In particular, the pile cap132includes a first side136and a second side138opposite to the first side136. In some embodiments, the first side136of the pile cap132is a front major side and the second side138is a rear major side of the pile cap132. The upward facing U-shaped flange110of each half104,106(FIG.5B) of the bracket100includes a first sidewall140A, a base140B, and a second sidewall140C. The first and second sidewalls140A,140C of each upward facing U-shaped flange110of each half104,106of the bracket100extend vertically along the first and second sides136,138of the pile cap132, respectively. The base140B of each upward facing U-shaped flange110receives a bottom surface of the pile cap132and extends across a width or thickness of the pile cap132between the sidewalls140A,140C of each upward facing U-shaped flange110. As such, the first and second sidewalls140A,140C are perpendicular to the base140B in some embodiments. Alternatively, the first and second sidewalls140A,140C may be at any selected angle to the base140B in order to accommodate a pile cap132with a corresponding shape, such as a pile cap132with angled sides136,138. Further, each sidewall140A,140C may be the same size and have the same orientation relative to the base140B or the sidewalls140A,140C may be different sizes and shapes and with different orientations relative to the base140B.

Moreover,FIG.5Cillustrates an embodiment of the bracket100with a different arrangement of the upward facing U-shaped flange100. In particular, dashed line142may be a weld line in embodiments where the bracket100includes each half104,106having the upward facing U-shaped flange110with an “L” shape instead of the “U” shape described above. In such embodiments, each upward facing U-shaped flange110of each half104,106of the bracket100includes only one sidewall140A,140C and a portion of the base140B of the upward facing U-shaped flange110with the weld line represented by dashed line142. In yet a further embodiment, the bracket100may have more than two halves, such as three, four, or more parts that are coupled to each other around the pile130and the pile cap132.

FIG.5Dis an elevational view of the bracket100coupled to the pile130and the pile cap132. As shown inFIG.5D, and with reference toFIGS.5A-5C, the sidewalls140A,140C and base140B of each upward facing U-shaped flange110of each half104,106of the bracket100may be flat and planar and form a rectangular shape aligned with the major surfaces136,138of the pile cap132. Further, the upward facing U-shaped flange110may extend beyond an outer peripheral edge of the base108of each half104,106of the bracket100, although the same is not necessarily required.

FIG.5Eis a bottom plan view of the bracket100illustrating the base140B of each upward facing U-shaped flange110of each half104,106of the bracket100extending across the entire width or thickness of the pile cap132between the sidewalls140A,140C. Further, the base140B of each upward facing U-shaped flange100surrounds the interface between the pile130and the pile cap132.FIG.5Ealso shows the base108of each half104,106of the bracket100cooperating to extend around an entirety of the pile130.

FIG.6AandFIG.6Bare perspective views of the bracket100coupled to the pile130and the pile cap132, which may be concrete or steel. As shown inFIG.6A, the halves104,106of the bracket100are coupled to the pile130and the pile cap132in a similar manner, regardless of the type of pile130and pile cap132. Turning toFIG.6B, the dimensions of aspects of the bracket100may adapted for a concrete or steel pile130and pile cap132. Specifically,FIG.6Bshows the base140B of each upward facing U-shaped flange110of each half104,106of the bracket100having a greater length to accommodate a wider concrete pile cap132. The width of the base140B may be greater than the length of the base108and the sidewalls140A,140B of the upward facing U-shaped flange110of each half104,106of the bracket100, as inFIG.6B. Thus, the dimensions of the bracket100can be selected to correspond to the intended size, shape, and type of pile130and pile cap132.

In some embodiments shown inFIG.6AandFIG.6B, each of the halves104,106of the bracket100include tabs143coupled to the bracket100that receive nut and bolt assemblies145to couple the two halves104,106together. More specifically, the upward facing U-shaped flange110of each half104,106of the bracket100includes a tab143coupled to the respective upward facing U-shaped flange110with the tabs143of the upward facing U-shaped flanges110of the halves104,106of the bracket100aligning with each other when the bracket100is positioned around the pile cap132. Similarly, the base108of each half104,106of the bracket100includes a tab143coupled to the respective base108with the tabs143of the bases108of the halves104,106of the bracket100aligning with each other when the bracket100is positioned around the pile130. The tabs143may include one or more holes for receiving the nut and bolt assemblies145. As shown inFIG.6AandFIG.6B, the tabs143each include a centrally located hole for receiving the nut and bolt assemblies145. In some embodiments, there may be more than one hole in each tab143and more than one nut and bolt assembly145inserted through the corresponding number of holes.

Although only one side of the bracket100is shown inFIG.6AandFIG.6B, it is to be appreciated that the opposite side of the bracket100is a mirror image and thus similarly includes tabs143. Thus, the upward facing U-shaped flange110of each half104,106of the bracket includes two tabs positioned on opposite sides of the upward facing U-shaped flange110and the base108of each half104,106of the bracket includes two tabs positioned on opposite sides of the base108for a total of eight tabs coupled to the bracket100. In some embodiments, there are more or less than eight tabs143, such as two, four, six, ten, twelve, fourteen, sixteen, eighteen, twenty or more tabs143. Further, the number of tabs143coupled to the base108and the upward facing U-shaped flange110of each half104,106of the bracket as well as the position of the tabs143relative to the base108and the upward facing U-shaped flange110of each half104,106may be selected and may be the same or different between the different aspects of the bracket100. In some non-limiting examples, the bracket100includes each half104,106including four tabs143coupled to the base108and only two tabs143coupled to the upward facing U-shaped flange110, or vice versa. The tabs143may extend from the base108and the upward facing U-shaped flange110perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly in one or more embodiments to facilitate insertion of the nut and bolt assemblies, although the same is not necessarily required and the tabs143can be positioned at any selected angle relative to the base108and the upward facing U-shaped flange110of each half104,106in one or more embodiments. In other embodiments, the tabs143are placed at an obtuse angle from the base108to which they attached (i.e., leaning in towards the opposing tab), so that when securing the opposing tabs143to one another, force is generated that drives each half104,106of the upward facing U-shaped flange110and base108towards one another.

In some embodiments, the tabs143are positioned only on the base108of each half104,106of the bracket100or only on the upward facing U-shaped flange110of each half104,106of the bracket100. However, it is preferred that both the base108and the upward facing U-shaped flange110of each half104,106of the bracket100include tabs143to provide a secure connection between the halves104,106of the bracket100. Although not specifically shown inFIG.6B, the base140B of the upward facing U-shaped flange110of half104,106of the bracket100similarly includes tabs143and nut and bolt assemblies145on either or both opposite sides of the base108in one or more embodiments. The tabs143may be provided with or without additional coupling devices, systems, and methods in some embodiments. For example, the tabs143may be used in addition to the welded connection between the halves104,106of the bracket100described above, or with any of the other coupling device, systems, or methods described herein. Alternatively, the bracket100may include only the tabs143without welding or any additional coupling device, system, or method in one or more embodiments.

FIG.6Cshows an embodiment similar toFIGS.6A and6B, except that instead of tabs located along the edge of each half104,106of the bracket100and each half of the base108, a flange143is deposed along the edge of each half104,106of the bracket100and each half of the base108. In one or more embodiments shown inFIG.6C, each of the halves104,106of the bracket100include tabs143coupled to the bracket100that receive nut and bolt assemblies145to couple the two halves104,106together. More specifically, the upward facing U-shaped flange110of each half104,106of the bracket100includes a vertical flange143coupled to the respective upward facing U-shaped flange110with the vertical flange143of the upward facing U-shaped flanges110of the halves104,106of the bracket100aligning with each other when the bracket100is positioned around the pile cap132. Similarly, the base108of each half104,106of the bracket100includes a vertical flange143coupled to the respective base108with the vertical flanges143of the bases108of the bracket halves104,106aligning with each other when the bracket100is positioned around the pile130. The vertical flanges143may include one or more holes for receiving the nut and bolt assemblies145. As shown inFIG.6C, the vertical flanges143each include one or more centrally located holes for receiving the nut and bolt assemblies145. In some embodiments, there are more than one hole in each vertical flange143and more than one nut and bolt assembly145inserted through the corresponding number of holes.

FIG.7is a perspective view of the concrete pile130and concrete pile cap132after a seismic event occurs with the bracket100around the interface between the pile130and the pile cap132. The bracket100is removed to avoid obscuring details of the disclosure. As shown inFIG.7, concrete144of the pile130remains in place after the seismic event due to the benefits of the bracket100. Although the concrete144may crack as a result of the seismic event, the concrete144is held in place by the bracket100to prevent the concrete144from falling away and exposing the rebar. In this configuration (i.e., with the concrete144encased in the bracket100), the cracking in the concrete144does not prevent the concrete144from continuing to support most, if not all, of its intended load because the cracked concrete material is still able to resist compressive forces on the concrete144.

Moreover, the bracket100limits further damage and failure of the interface between the pile130and the pile cap132for any type of pile and pile cap (i.e., formed of any material) because the bracket100has a higher modulus of elasticity than the pile130and the pile cap132and can better resist deformation resulting from the stresses applied by the seismic event at the interface between the pile130and the pile cap132. As a result, the bracket100also prevents the pile130from separating from the pile cap132, which is of particular importance when the pile130and the pile cap132are wood. As such, the use of the bracket100during a seismic event enables the structure to continue supporting most of, or all, of its intended load to reduce the risk of harm to persons and objects on the structure or near the structure until the structure can be safely repaired. Further, the bracket100reduces the overall amount of damage to the pile130and the pile132, thus reducing the cost of repairs. The bracket100can also be manufactured and installed at considerably less cost than other known seismic remediation devices because installation does not involve disassembling the pile130and the pile cap132, or any part of the structure.

FIGS.8A-8Fare perspective views of embodiments of a bracket coupled to an interface between a pile and a pile cap of a structure. Except as otherwise provided below, the brackets inFIGS.8A-8Eare identical to the bracket100described above with reference toFIGS.3A-7.

Beginning withFIG.8A, a bracket200A is coupled to a pile202A and a pile cap204A at the interface between the pile202A and the pile cap204A. The bracket200A includes a first half206A coupled to a second half208A with each half206A,208A including a base210A coupled to an upward facing U-shaped flange212A. InFIG.8A, the halves206A,208A of the bracket200A are coupled together with one or more latches or further brackets214A instead of, or in addition to, a welded connection between the halves206A,208A of the bracket200A. Although the latches214A are shown as coupled between the base210A of each half206A,208A of the bracket200A, the latches214A may be positioned to couple any portion of the bracket200A, including the upward facing U-shaped flange212A of each half206A,208A of the bracket200A.

InFIG.8B, a bracket200B is coupled to a pile202B and a pile cap204B at the interface between the pile202B and the pile cap204B. The bracket200B includes a first half206B coupled to a second half208B with each half206B,208B including a base210B coupled to an upward facing U-shaped flange212B. The halves206B,208B of the bracket200B are coupled to the pile202B and pile cap204B with fasteners214B. The fasteners214B may be any fastener presently available or developed in the future, including, without limitation, nails, screws, bolts, and other like devices. Further, the fasteners214B may be inserted through pre-drilled or preformed holes in the bracket200B or may be inserted directly through the bracket200B and into the pile202B and pile cap204B. Although the fasteners214B are illustrated as being only through the base210B of each half206B,208B of the bracket200B, the fasteners214B may be selected to be located on any part of the bracket200B.

FIG.8Cis a perspective view of a bracket200C coupled to a pile202C and a pile cap204C at the interface between the pile202C and the pile cap204C. The bracket200C includes a first half206C coupled to a second half208C with each half206C,208C including a base210C coupled to an upward facing U-shaped flange212C. As shown inFIG.8C, the halves206C,208C are coupled to each other with plates or brackets214C. The plates214C are in direct contact with each half206C,208C of the bracket200C and may be coupled to the base210C or the upward facing U-shaped flange212C, or both, of each half206C,208C of the bracket200C. The size, shape, orientation, and other dimensions of the plates214C can be selected according to design factors. Further, the plates214C can be coupled to the halves206C,208C of the bracket200C according to any of the coupling devices, systems, or methods described herein, including with welding, additional brackets or latches, and fasteners in some non-limiting examples.

InFIG.8D, a bracket200D is coupled to a pile202D and a pile cap204D at the interface between the pile202D and the pile cap204D. The bracket200D includes a first half206D coupled to a second half208D with each half206D,208D including a base210D coupled to an upward facing U-shaped flange212D. The halves206D,208D of the bracket200D are coupled to each other with a clamp214D, which may be pole or pipe clamp in some non-limiting examples. Further, although the clamp214D is illustrated as being coupled to the base210D of each half206D,208D of the bracket200D, the clamp214D may also be coupled to the upward facing U-shaped flange210D.

InFIG.8E, a bracket200E is coupled to a pile202E and a pile cap204E at the interface between the pile202E and the pile cap204E. The bracket200E includes a first half206E coupled to a second half208E with each half206E,208E including a base210E coupled to a support plate212E. As shown inFIG.8E, the bracket200E may not include sidewalls or a flange as in other embodiments, but rather, may include only a support plate212E underneath the pile cap204E with the support plate212E coupled to the pile cap204E according to any of the bolts, fasteners, coupling devices, systems, and methods described herein. Thus, in some embodiments, the bracket200E may be coupled to only one side or one surface of the pile cap204E.

Referring now toFIG.8F, a similar configuration is shown to that ofFIG.8Bexcept that the edge of the half206F of the bracket100, and the lower edge of half of the cylindrical base210F overlaps the edge of the half208F of the bracket100, and the lower edge of half of the cylindrical base210F (i.e., the edge of the half208F of the bracket100slides under the edge of the half206F of the bracket100). In another embodiment (not shown), the edge of the half208F of the bracket100, and the lower edge of half of the cylindrical base210F overlaps the edge of the half206F of the bracket100, and the lower edge of half of the cylindrical base210F (i.e., the edge of the half206F of the bracket100slides under the edge of the half208F of the bracket100). In still another embodiment (not shown), the edge of the half206F of the bracket100overlaps the edge of the half208F of the bracket100, (i.e., the edge of the half208F of the bracket100slides under the edge of the half206F of the bracket100, but edges of the cylindrical base210F abut one another). In yet another embodiment (not shown), the edge of the half208F of the bracket100, overlaps the edge of the half206F of the bracket100, (i.e., the edge of the half206F of the bracket100slides under the edge of the half208F of the bracket100, but edges of the cylindrical base210F abut one another).

As further shown inFIG.8F, bolts or other fasteners may then be secured through the overlapping region of the base. In other embodiments (not shown), bolts or other fasteners are secured through the overlapping region of each half206F,208F of the bracket100, in addition to, or instead of, the bolts or other fasteners being secured through the overlapping region of the cylindrical base (i.e., below each half206F,208F of the bracket100). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the overlapping halves206F,208F of the bracket200F and the base210F are welded together as well as the connection techniques described above.

A bracket200F is coupled to a pile202F and a pile cap204F at the interface between the pile202F and the pile cap204F. The bracket200F includes a first half206F coupled to a second half208F with each half206F,208F including a base210F coupled to an upward facing U-shaped flange212F. The halves206F,208F of the bracket200F are coupled to the pile202F and pile cap204F with fasteners214F. The fasteners214F may be any fastener presently available or developed in the future, including, without limitation, nails, screws, bolts, and other like devices. Further, the fasteners214F may be inserted through pre-drilled or preformed holes in the bracket200F or may be inserted directly through the bracket200F and into the pile202F and pile cap204F. Although the fasteners214F are illustrated as being only through the base210F of each half206F,208F of the bracket200F, the fasteners214F may be selected to be located on any part of the bracket200F.

FIGS.8A-8Fillustrate representative and non-limiting examples of coupling devices, systems, and methods for joining two halves of a bracket around a pile and a pile cap of a structure. It is to be appreciated that the coupling devices, systems, and methods described herein can be combined with each other to form yet further embodiments. For example, the connection between halves of a bracket may include any of the devices, systems, and methods described herein and their structural equivalents in further embodiments. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to using only one type of coupling device, system, or method in joining the two halves of the brackets described herein.

FIG.9is a perspective view of a bracket300coupled to a pile302and a pile cap304of a structure at an interface between the pile302and the pile cap304according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The bracket300may be identical to any of the other brackets described herein, except as otherwise provided below.

The bracket300includes a first half306coupled to a second half306of the bracket300with each half306,308including a base310coupled to an upward facing U-shaped flange312. In some embodiments, the base310or the upward facing U-shaped flange312, or both, of each half306,308of the bracket300may include sections or portions of material with a different composition or material properties and characteristics than the remainder of the bracket. As shown inFIG.9, the base310of each half306,308of the bracket300includes a first section314spaced from the interface between the pile302and the pile cap304and a second section316adjacent to the interface between the pile302and the pile cap304. The first section314of the base310may include a first material with certain properties and characteristics, such as steel or aluminum in some non-limiting examples. The second section316of the base310may include a second material with different properties and characteristics than the first section314. In particular, the material of the second section316may be selected to be a material with a different modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, or yield strength, among other characteristics, relative to the first section314.

In some embodiments, the second section316has a higher modulus of elasticity than the first section314to reduce the strain in the bracket300proximate the interface between the pile302and the pile304under the stresses applied by a seismic event. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to have the second section316have a lower modulus of elasticity than the first section314. For example, using a material such as rubber or another like elastic material at the second section316may allow the second section to act as a spring or shock absorber proximate the interface between the pile302and the pile cap304. Although the second section316is illustrated as being only part of the base310of each half306,308of the bracket300, it is to be appreciated that any portion of either or both halves306,308of the bracket300can include one or more sections or portions with a material having a different material composition than the remainder of the bracket300. For example, the second section316may extend to a bottom portion of the upward facing U-shaped flange312in some embodiments, as indicated by dashed line318. Still further, the bracket300can include a selected number of sections of different materials, such as three, four, or five or more sections positioned at any selected location throughout the bracket300, in some embodiments.

FIG.10is a logic diagram showing the coupling of a bracket to a pile and a pile cap of a structure. As shown inFIG.10, at operation1010, a lower channel of a first half of the bracket defined by a tubular base with a hollow half cylinder shape of the first half of the bracket is positioned around a first portion of the pile. At operation1020, an upper channel of the first half of the bracket defined by an upwardly facing U-shaped flange of the first half of the bracket is positioned around a first portion of the pile cap. At operation1030, a lower channel of a second half of the bracket defined by a tubular base with a hollow half cylinder shape of the second half of the bracket is positioned around a second portion of the pile opposite to the first portion of the pile. At operation1040, an upper channel of the second half of the bracket defined by an upwardly facing U-shaped flange of the second half of the bracket is positioned around a second portion of the pile cap integral with the first portion of the pile cap. At operation1050, the first half of the bracket to the second half of the bracket is coupled around a portion of a circumference of the pile and around a portion of a longitudinal section of the pile cap.

In view of the above, the brackets of the present disclosure have reduced manufacturing and installation costs relative to known seismic remediation devices. Further, the brackets can be installed without disassembling any portion of a structure and thus reduce potential downtime and loss of use of the structure during installation of remediation devices. The brackets of the present disclosure also considerably improve the structure's response to a seismic event by strengthening the connection between the pile and the pile cap of a pile supported structure. This improved response reduces damage to the structure as a result of a seismic event, which can further reduce repair costs and downtime, while also allowing the structure to continue supporting most, if not all, of its intended load after a seismic event and allowing people and objects in the vicinity of the structure to be moved to safety after a seismic event. Thus, the concepts of the present disclosure provide these and other benefits and advantages over known seismic remediation devices.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the technology is not limited except by the corresponding claims and the elements recited by those claims. In addition, while certain aspects of the technology may be presented in certain claim forms at certain times, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the invention in any available claim form.

The above description of illustrated embodiments, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Although specific embodiments and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art. The teachings provided herein of the various embodiments can be applied outside of the sanitation device, system, and method context, and are not limited to the examples generally described above.

Many of the methods described herein can be performed with variations. For example, many of the methods may include additional acts, omit some acts, and/or perform acts in a different order than as illustrated or described.

Certain words and phrases used in the specification are set forth as follows. As used throughout this document, including the claims, the singular form “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless indicated otherwise. Any of the features and elements described herein may be singular, e.g., a sensor may refer to one sensor and a memory may refer to one memory. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like. Other definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this disclosure.

The use of ordinals such as first, second, third, etc., does not necessarily imply a ranked sense of order, but rather may only distinguish between multiple instances of an act or a similar structure or material.

Throughout the specification, claims, and drawings, the following terms take the meaning explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “herein” refers to the specification, claims, and drawings associated with the current application. The phrases “in one embodiment,” “in another embodiment,” “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in other embodiments,” and other variations thereof refer to one or more features, structures, functions, limitations, or characteristics of the present disclosure, and are not limited to the same or different embodiments unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator, and is equivalent to the phrases “A or B, or both” or “A or B or C, or any combination thereof,” and lists with additional elements are similarly treated. The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional features, functions, aspects, or limitations not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include singular and plural references.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the present disclosure.

The terms “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” and other like derivatives are used only for discussion purposes based on the orientation of the components in the Figures of the present disclosure. These terms are not limiting with respect to the possible orientations explicitly disclosed, implicitly disclosed, or inherently disclosed in the present disclosure and unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, any of the aspects of the embodiments of the disclosure can be arranged in any orientation.

Generally, unless otherwise indicated, the materials for making the invention and/or its components may be selected from appropriate materials such as metal, metallic alloys (high strength alloys, high hardness alloys), composite materials, ceramics, intermetallic compounds, and the like.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses specific nomenclature and formula to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It should be apparent to those of skill in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. The embodiments have been chosen and described to best explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments and its practical application, thereby enabling others of skill in the art to utilize the disclosed embodiments, and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Thus, the foregoing disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and those of skill in the art recognize that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, relative terms such as “approximately,” “substantially,” “generally,” and other derivatives include an ordinary error range or manufacturing tolerance due to slight differences and variations in manufacturing, and when used to describe a value, amount, quantity, or dimension, generally refer to a value, amount, quantity, or dimension that is within plus or minus 5% of the stated value, amount, quantity, or dimension. It is to be further understood that any specific dimensions of components or features provided herein are for illustrative purposes only with reference to the various embodiments described herein, and as such, it is expressly contemplated in the present disclosure to include dimensions that are more or less than the dimensions stated, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the breadth and scope of a disclosed embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.