Stiffening for thin walled unstable structure - has stabilising super-pressure generated in sealed hollow spaces with height set by external tension cables

摘要

The process is for stiffening thin-walled and unstable structures and components, esp. of steel or reinforced or prestressed concrete as used in tanks, silos, pylons, cooling-towers and other civil engineering works. The hollow spaces (17) in these are closed, and the structure or component is then stiffened by generating superpressure in them, to exert a stabilising effect. Bulkheads may divide the hollow spaces into sections with varying pressure levels. The stems of slab beams or hollow box units may be made in hollow cross-sectioned form, for stiffening by superpressure. The structure may be raised by extending the tension members (16) with increase in pressure or lowered by shortening them.