Locking Mechanism for Connecting Elements of Non-Removable Formwork

Abstract

Purpose of research. Locking mechanisms have been widely used to connect elements of vertical formwork structures consisting of metal frames and shields fixed to them. The purpose of the study is to develop the design of the locking mechanism for the elements of removable formwork, which has high technological characteristics. A patent search was conducted for existing design solutions to ensure the connection of elements of removable formwork. It has been revealed that the most common structures used in the locking mechanisms of removable formwork elements are rack-and-pinion structures. The analysis of existing structures is carried out, the shortcomings of existing devices are revealed. It is established that the existing designs of locking mechanisms for connecting elements of removable formwork have low manufacturability of individual elements. In this regard, in order to solve the research problem, the design of the locking mechanism was developed, which ensures the connection of the elements of the removable formwork. A distinctive feature of the application of the new design of the locking mechanism for connecting the elements of removable formwork is the use of a new design of the toothed rail, which is more technologically advanced in manufacturing, compared with existing designs. Another distinctive feature is the use of a wedge with smooth edges, which also increases the manufacturability of the construction of the device for connecting the elements of removable formwork. To achieve this goal, an analytical research method was applied. The use of the proposed design will increase the manufacturability of the manufacture of locking mechanisms for connecting elements of removable formwork. The proposed design of the locking mechanism for connecting the elements of removable formwork, developed as a result of the study, has design features related to operating conditions. These features will be considered as a result of further research.Methods. Simulation modeling methods were used to conduct the experiments.Results. The range of sizes of the main structural elements of the locking mechanism for connecting the elements of removable formwork, ensuring the operation of the device under the action of design loads, is determined.Conclusion. The results of the study showed that the existing designs of locking mechanisms for connecting elements of removable formwork have disadvantages, one of which is the low manufacturability of the devices. The design of the locking mechanism has been developed, which provides higher manufacturability. The proposed device can be used in construction to connect elements of fixed formwork.