U.S. patent application number 13/140326 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-01 for container wall for a container covered by a foil and outer formwork for producing the container wall.
This patent application is currently assigned to MT-ENERGIE GMBH. Invention is credited to Jan C.F. Behrens, Peter Maack, Christoph Martens.
Application Number | 20110289865 13/140326 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40436019 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110289865 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Martens; Christoph ; et
al. |
December 1, 2011 |
CONTAINER WALL FOR A CONTAINER COVERED BY A FOIL AND OUTER FORMWORK
FOR PRODUCING THE CONTAINER WALL
Abstract
A container wall for storing and fermenting materials,
comprising a clamping channel, having an undercut near the upper
edge that is open for clampingly receiving a rim of at least one
plastic foil that covers the container at the top, the clamping
channel comprises a narrowed lateral insertion slot with an upper
and a lower protrusion, to which the foil can be wrapped around. A
lower wall of the clamping channel is wider than the thickness of
the clamping rail at the facing longitudinal edge which is formed
as a flat profile, the upper wall of the clamping channel is at
least twice as wide as the thickness of the clamping rail. The
insertion profile can be inserted into the clamping channel through
the entry. When the foil that is wrapped around the insertion
profile is under tension, the insertion profile is retained in the
clamping channel by the protrusions.
Inventors: |
Martens; Christoph;
(Rockstedt, DE) ; Behrens; Jan C.F.; (Seedorf,
DE) ; Maack; Peter; (Salzhausen, DE) |
Assignee: |
MT-ENERGIE GMBH
Zeven
DE
|
Family ID: |
40436019 |
Appl. No.: |
13/140326 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
December 17, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2009/009063 |
371 Date: |
July 22, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/173.1 ;
220/565; 249/58 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C12M 21/04 20130101;
C12M 23/46 20130101; C12M 23/36 20130101; B65D 90/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/173.1 ;
249/58; 220/565 |
International
Class: |
E04H 7/18 20060101
E04H007/18; B65D 90/02 20060101 B65D090/02; B22C 9/22 20060101
B22C009/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 17, 2008 |
DE |
20 2008 016 776.0 |
Claims
1. Container wall, preferably made of concrete, in particular for
container for storing and fermenting ferment materials, comprising
a clamping channel, having an undercut near the upper edge that is
open to the outside for clampingly receiving a rim of at least one
foil made of plastic material that covers the container at the top,
characterized in that the clamping channel (112) comprises a
narrowed lateral insertion slot (124) that is formed by an upper
and a lower protrusion (120, 122), which height is less than the
height of an oblong insertion profile (126), to which the foil
(130) can be wrapped around, that can be inserted into the clamping
channel, wherein the cross-sectional dimensions of the channel
(112), the insertion slot (124) and the insertion profile (126) are
such that the insertion profile (126) can be inserted into the
clamping channel (112) trough the entry slot in an oblique
orientation thereto and when the foil (130) that is wrapped around
the insertion profile is under tension, the insertion profile is
retained in the clamping channel by the protrusions (120, 122)
against moving out of the clamping channel in an approximately
parallel orientation to the protrusions.
2. Container wall according to claim 1, wherein the insertion
profile (126) comprises a predetermined breaking point (132),
wherein the insertion profile (126) bents essentially around a
horizontal axis when a predetermined force acts on the foil
(130).
3. Container wall, preferably made of concrete, in particular for
container for storing and fermenting ferment materials, comprising
a clamping channel near the upper edge for fixating a rim of at
least one foil made of plastic material that covers the container
at the top, with an annular clamping profile arranged in the upper
area of the container wall that comprises the inner clamping
channel with an insertion slot that is open to the outside, wherein
the foil rim can be inserted into the clamping channel through the
insertion slot and can be affixed in the clamping channel using an
oblong clamping element, wherein the foil area near the wall forms
an angle to the horizontal and wherein the clamping profile has an
upper and a lower leg, characterized in that the upper leg facing
the foil is tilted so that up to the maximum allowable tensile
strain of the foil it extends approximately parallel or in a small
angle to the foil so that a force from the foil directed to the
upper leg acts in its larger part as a compression load on this
leg.
4. Container wall according to claim 1, characterized in that the
clamping channel or the clamping profile respectively is formed by
a profile rail (18a, 36, 50, 222) that has a U-shaped or C-shaped
cross section and the rail is preferably arranged tilted so that,
seen in the cross section of the rail, its insertion slot lies in a
plane that is directed obliquely downward.
5. Container wall according to claim 1 4, wherein the clamping
channel or the clamping profile respectively is formed into the
material of the concrete wall.
6. Container wall according to claim 5, wherein a profile rail (36,
56, 222) is at least partially casted into the concrete wall.
7. Container wall according to claim 4, wherein the profile rail
(18a, 222) is mountable to the container wall from outside.
8. Container wall according to claim 3, wherein the angle of the
plane of the insertion slot is approximately 45.degree. in respect
to the container wall that extends overhead thereto.
9. Container wall according to claim 7, wherein vertical mounting
profiles (80) can be mounted at intervals to the outside of the
container wall, which preferably comprise a recess (86) adapted to
the cross section of the profile rail (18a, 36), in which the
profile rail (18a, 36) can be inserted and affixed.
10. Container wall according to claim 9, wherein the mounting
section is U-shaped in the cross section, the recess (86) is formed
in the legs and the web (82) of the mounting section can be
connected to the container wall, preferably using screw holes (86a)
in the web for receiving fastening screws.
11. Container wall according to claim 9, wherein a holding means
for the profile rail (18a, 222) comprise an angle profile (12),
which is connected to the rail (18a, 222) in a force fit, wherein
the angle profile is mountable to the container wall (10a).
12. Container wall according to claim 6, wherein the upper edge or
the upper leg of the profile rail is flush with the container wall
(14).
13. Container wall according to claim 6, wherein the top (44) of
the container wall rises towards the outside.
14. Container wall according to claim 6, wherein the profile rail
(36) arranged in a distance below the top of the container wall
(14) and the outer edge of the wall top is rounded.
15. Container wall according to claim 4, wherein the profile rail
is composed of two or more rail sections.
16. Device according to claim 6, wherein the profile rail (56)
consists of rail sections, split in the longitudinal plane, that
are positively connected to each other in the web area.
17. Container wall according to claim 1, wherein the clamping
channel or the clamping profile (36, 18a, 222) is formed by a
permanent formwork.
18. Container wall according to claim 17, wherein the permanent
formwork is of a rail type (36, 18a, 222) or consists of rail
sections respectively.
19. Container wall according to claim 17, wherein the permanent
formwork consists of shell-like fiber concrete portions (42a, 46a),
which are cast into the concrete wall (14a) or placed onto the
concrete wall respectively.
20. Container wall according to claim 17, wherein a positive form
of a clamping profile that is U-shaped or C-shaped in the cross
section can be detachably mounted to outer formwork elements (26)
and the positive form is made of a plastic material that can be
removed from the container wall by heat or a chemical
substance.
21. Outer formwork for the construction of a container wall of
concrete that consists of annular arranged flat formwork elements,
in particular for the construction of a container wall according to
claim 1, wherein the formwork elements (26, 27) comprise mounting
means for the detachably mounting of a formwork element for a
clamping channel or a clamping profile at least partially within
the wall or a profile rail, wherein the formwork profile or the
profile rail is formed for the clampingly fixation of a rim of a
foil that covers the container.
22. Formwork according to claim 21, wherein the formwork elements
or the profile rail elements (36) respectively can be connected
with the formwork elements (30), wherein the length of the rail
elements preferably is a multiple of the length of a formwork
element (30).
23. Formwork according to claim 21, wherein the shell-like fiber
concrete portions (42a) can be detachably connected to formwork
elements (40a) and the detachable connection is accessible from
outside.
24. Formwork according to claim 21, wherein the formwork profile
consists of an upper and a lower profile portion (50, 52), which
together form a positive form (56) for a clamping channel or a
clamping profile with undercut respectively, wherein the profile
portions (50, 52) can be detachably connected, so that after
releasing the connection the profile portions (50, 52) can one by
one be removed from the clamping channel or respectively the
clamping profile formed in the concrete.
25. Formwork according to claim 24, wherein the detachable
connection of the profile portions comprise at least one screw bolt
(68) and a cap nut (70), wherein the cap nut (70) is located on
that side of the container wall with the profile portions (50,
52).
26. Formwork according to claim 21, wherein the mounting means
comprise at least one hole at the top of the formwork elements as
well as a plug- or screw connection for a profile holder, wherein
the profile holder is designed so that it temporarily fixates a
profile rail or a formwork rail to the formwork elements, after
curing of the concrete, however, the profile rail or the formwork
rail can be brought out of engagement with the formwork element by
releasing the mounting means and tilting movement with the profile
rail or the formwork rail respectively.
27. Outer formwork according to claim 26, wherein the profile
holder comprise a first sheet-metal portion, which engages in an
approximately right angle behind protrusions of the profile rail or
of the formwork rail, the protrusions limiting an insertion slot
for the foil, and comprising a transversally second sheet-metal
portion, which is placeable on top of the formwork and comprises a
mounting hole that is aligneable to the hole in the formwork
element.
28. Outer formwork according to claim 26, wherein the
plug-connection comprises a pin and a clamping portion connected
thereto for the clampingly fixation of the second sheet-metal
portion at the top of the formwork element by rotation of pin and
clamping portion.
29. Outer formwork according to claim 21, wherein below the top of
the formwork elements and below the clamping profile or the
formwork profile C-shaped running rail elements can be connected to
the formwork elements.
30. Outer formwork according to claim 29, wherein the running rail
elements are connected to the profile rail elements, preferably by
welding.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention relates to a container wall according to claim
1 or 3 and an outer formwork for producing the container wall
according to claim 22.
[0004] Container for storing and fermenting of ferments, for
example in so-called biogas plants have considerable dimensions.
They are mostly designed silo-like and thus have mostly a circular
base. The wall is for example cast from concrete and the sealing to
the top is often realized by a roof shaped foil, which is held in a
tense and raised state by gas production or by a introduction of
compressed air. For the secure fixation of the foil at the rim to
the container wall, it is also known to install a clamping profile
to the upper outer portion of the wall, into which the foil can be
inserted and be affixed by the use of a clamping tube.
[0005] From DE 10 64 869 A it is known, to insert the rim of a foil
that seals a container to the top into a circumferential slot that
has a U-shaped cross section and subsequently inserting an
inflatable tube in order to fixate the rim of the foil. From DE 10
2006 035 227 B3 it is known, to attach a gas container as well as a
covering hood from foil material in a C-shaped rail that is mounted
to the outside of the container, wherein a clamping tube is
inserted to the rail for the fixation of the foil inside the
rail.
[0006] Depending on the prevailing gas pressure in the container,
the supporting air pressure or the external influences,
corresponding tensile forces are introduced into the rail via the
foil. There is therefore the risk that the foil slips out of the
rail due to a deformation of the clamping profile or a lack of
clamping force.
[0007] This can as well be counteracted in practice by solid
flanging of the foil(s) to the container. The foil can be loaded
until disruption. Disadvantageous is the additional effort for
opening the cover, for example for maintenance purposes. In
addition the cover can lose its function when the foil ruptures,
which must be avoided.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The objective of the invention is to create a container wall
for a container with a device for fixating a foil made of plastic
material that seals the container roof-like at the top, which can
easily be manufactured and assembled and especially also can
withstand high tensile forces at the foil. A further objective is
to create a simple outer formwork for a container wall.
[0009] For the inventive container wall, which is preferably made
of concrete, at the top section a clamping channel is provided that
is open to the outside with a preferably lateral insertion slot,
which height is less than the height of an oblong insertion
profile, to which the foil can be wrapped around, that can be
inserted into the clamping channel. According to an embodiment of
the invention the lower wall of the clamping channel is just
slightly wider than the thickness of the insertion profile at the
facing longitudinal edge which is, for example formed as a flat
profile, while the upper wall of the clamping channel is at least
twice as wide as the thickness of the flat profile at the facing
longitudinal edge. The insertion profile with the foil wrapped
around is tilted towards the insertion slot through this inserted
into the clamping channel and subsequently for example placed into
a vertical position, so that with tensile forces at the foil it is
pressed from inside against the protrusions which limit the
insertion slot. High tensile forces can be absorbed with the help
of such a construction without facing the risk that the foil slips
out of the clamping channel. According to an embodiment of the
invention the insertion profile comprises a predetermined breaking
point, wherein it bents essentially around a horizontal axis when a
predetermined maximal force acts on the foil. The insertion profile
is preferably made of flat material, for example from sheet steal
or plastic. It can be formed as a flat strip or bent or broken or
it can be a more or less flat profile strip. The flat strip can
have a rectangular, trapezoidal or angular cross section.
[0010] Depending on the pressure conditions in the container and
the wind force that acts on the roof foil considerable tensile
forces are exerted on the foil rim. The risk is therefore, that the
foil rim is being pulled out when the tensile forces exceed a
certain value. This risk is increased, when the angle of the foil
rim to the associated leg of the rail-shaped clamping profile takes
up a larger value, so that the leg undergoes a deformation and is
bent upwards and the traction between foil rim and clamping profile
is reduced.
[0011] In one solution it is ensured that especially for higher
tensile forces on the foil the tensile force acting on the facing
upper leg essentially introduced as a compression force to the leg
and acts only as a smaller bending moment on the leg. Thus there is
no disadvantageous deformation of the clamping profile with the
result that the foil rim is being pulled out.
[0012] Viewed in the cross section, the insertion slot of the
clamping channel lies in a plane, which is obliquely directed
downward, which means it lies in an acute angle to the overlying
container wall. If the pressure in the container increases, this
leads to a raising of the roof foil, whereby the angle is
increased. This reduces the pull-out force at the clamping profile.
By a tilting of the clamping profile, however a greater pull-out
resistance is acquired. The foil rim for example extends in an
angle of 30.degree. to 45.degree. to the horizontal. The leg of the
clamping profile facing the foil rim preferably extends in the same
angle. Thus, with the invention also with higher values of the
pull-out force a secure anchorage of the foil rim is assured.
[0013] In an embodiment of the invention the clamping channel or
the clamping profile respectively is formed by profile rail, which
is U-shaped or preferably C-shaped in the cross section and
preferably arranged tilted. The container wall is preferably formed
from concrete and the rail can be cast into the concrete wall.
[0014] Alternatively such a profile rail can be mountable to the
outside of the container wall. There are different design options.
According to an embodiment of the invention one option is, that
vertical mounting sections are attachable in intervals on the
outside of the container wall, which preferably comprise a recess
adapted to the cross section of the rail, in which the profile rail
is inserted tilted and fixed, preferably by welding. The rail that
is preferably made of longitudinal sections, which are subsequently
connected to each other, is first bent and than positively
connected to the mounting sections. These are then connected to the
container wall, for example by suitable anchors. In a further
embodiment of the invention in this regard it is intended, that the
mounting section is U-shaped in the cross section, wherein the
recess is formed in the legs and the web of the mounting section is
connectable with the container wall.
[0015] Alternatively, a holding means comprise an angle profile,
which is for example welded to the rail, wherein the angle profile
is mountable to the outer wall of the container.
[0016] The clamping profile in the form of a profile rail which is
preferably C-shaped in the cross section, can be cast into the
container wall. In this solution according to the invention a high
pull-out force can be also obtained, if the clamping profile is
arranged a certain distance to the upper edge of the container
wall. A deformation of the leg of the rail facing the foil rim is
no risk.
[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention the upper edge or
the upper leg of the profile rail is flush with the top of the
container wall. In a further embodiment of the invention, the top
of the container wall can rise towards the outside.
[0018] If the clamping profile or the profile rail respectively is
cast to the container wall in a distance to the top of the
container wall, the outer upper edge of the wall is rounded
according to a further embodiment of the invention. In this way the
foil is not loaded as much.
[0019] As already indicated, the invention is particularly
advantageous, if the profile rail is in a tilted position, to
increase the pull-out force and to reduce the bending load at the
associated leg respectively. At the profile rail mounted to the
outside of the wall, the upper leg is loaded with the tensile force
of the foil in particular. The tensile force produces a bending
moment. The tilted arrangement allows an extension of the leg of
the profile rail facing the foil in a direction approximately
parallel to the foil or in only a small angle to it. Thus a
small-scale profile rail can be used to achieve the same pull-out
forces as in conventionally mounted profile rails whose insertion
slot is for example in the vertical or whose upper leg forms a
larger angle to the foil respectively. With an integration of a
profile rail into the material of the container wall the thickness
of the material of the profile rail, which is preferably formed
from flat material, can be very small, since the forces are largely
absorbed by the surrounding material of the container wall. Also
with the arrangement of the profile wall in recesses of vertical
mounting sections it is ensured that a significant resistance is
opposing the bending of the upper leg of the profile rail, whereby
the risk of pulling out the foil rim is considerably reduced.
[0020] The invention is also related to an outer formwork for the
production of a container wall from concrete. With the help of a
formwork a clamping profile can be easily produced in the concrete
wall. According to the invention, one option is that a profile rail
which is U- or C-shaped in the cross section is detachably
mountable to the outer formwork elements, wherein the connection
between these parts is accessible from the outside. When filling
the formwork with concrete, the profile rail is automatically
embedded in the wall. Before removing the formwork, the connection
of the other formwork with the profile rail is released. The
profile rail can also be mounted to a formwork, so that the upper
leg is approximated to the extension direction of the foil or its
insertion slot in the cross section respective extends in a plane
that is obliquely directed downward.
[0021] In general according to the invention it is also possible,
to form the clamping profile by a suitable positive profile on the
outer formwork. Synthetic material used for the positive profile
can be removed with heat and/or chemical substances, so that a
clamping channel is formed in the wall for the fixation of the foil
rim with a suitable clamping element. The clamping element is
either an inflatable clamping tube or the already mentioned
insertion profile to which the foil rim is wrapped around. In the
event of a tensile force the foil rim together with the clamping
element is applied against the inside of the clamping profile or
its protrusions in the area of the insertion slot.
[0022] According to an embodiment of the invention the attachment
means comprise at least one hole at the top of the formwork
elements as well as a plug- or screw connection for a profile
holder, which in turn is designed so that it temporarily fixates a
profile rail or a formwork rail to the formwork element before
filling in the concrete and after filling the concrete a profile
rail or a formwork rail can be brought out of engagement with the
formwork element by releasing the attachment means and tilting
movement with the profile rail or the formwork rail respectively.
For this purpose the profile holder can comprise a first
sheet-metal portion, which in an approximately right angle to the
insertion slot engages behind the foil limiting protrusions of the
profile rail or of the formwork rail from the inside and comprising
a transversally thereto disposed second sheet-metal portion, which
is placeable on top of the formwork and comprises a mounting hole
that is aligneable to the hole in the formwork element. The plug
connection can comprise a pin as well as a clamping portion for the
clampingly fixation of the second sheet-metal portion at the top of
the formwork element by rotation of pin and clamping element.
[0023] Finally, below the top of the formwork element and below the
clamping profile or the formwork profile respectively a C-shaped
running rail, which is composed of individual running rail elements
can be connected to the formwork element to embed the running rail
in the concrete of the container wall. Such a running rail allows
the attachment of a carriage at the outside of the container wall,
wherein it is suspended from rollers that roll in the running rail.
Such a design possibly spares the attachment of a platform
extending around the container. The running rail elements can be
connected to the profile rail elements at the outset, preferably by
welding.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Below embodiments of the invention are illustrated by
drawings in greater detail.
[0025] FIG. 1a shows a schematic plan view of a container.
[0026] FIG. 1b shows a section through the illustration according
to FIG. 1 along the line 2-2.
[0027] FIG. 2 shows a detail III according to FIG. 1b for the
fixation of a roof
[0028] FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment for the fixation of a roof
foil.
[0029] FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment for the fixation of a roof
foil.
[0030] FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment for the fixation of a roof
foil.
[0031] FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment for the fixation of a roof
foil.
[0032] FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment for the fixation of a roof
foil.
[0033] FIG. 8 shows enlarged for example a profile rail according
to FIG. 6.
[0034] FIG. 9 shows a profile rail, but on the outside of the
container wall in a tilted position
[0035] FIG. 10 shows an attachment profile for a profile rail
according to FIG. 9
[0036] FIG. 11 shows indicated an outer formwork for a container
wall according to the invention.
[0037] FIG. 12 shows the attachment of a profile rail to the
formwork according to FIG. 11.
[0038] FIG. 13 shows the view of the profile rail according to FIG.
12 in the direction of arrow 13.
[0039] FIGS. 14 to 17 show various views of clamping attachment
elements for a profile holder according to FIG. 12 or 13
respectively.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] While this invention may be embodied in many different
forms, there are described in detail herein a specific preferred
embodiment of the invention. This description is an exemplification
of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the
invention to the particular embodiment illustrated
[0041] In FIGS. 1a and b is indicated a container 10, which base
plate 12 comprises concrete and a cylindrical wall 14, also made of
concrete. The concrete wall is, for example, made with a variety of
formwork elements which are arranged outside and inside. To the top
at least one plastic foil 16 is spanned over the container 10,
wherein its rim is fixed at the upper area on the outside of the
wall 14, as will be further described below. In the container is,
for example, a ferment 18. On the outside of the wall 14, a
peripheral platform 20 with railings is shown. The platform
consists of individual platform elements, which can also be
connected to each other. The platform is not important for the
invention. In FIG. 1b furthermore is indicated a outer formwork 26
and a inner formwork 27. It serves, as mentioned, for the
production of the wall, wherein the formwork is removed after
construction of the concrete wall 14.
[0042] In FIG. 2 at 110 the upper part of the container wall is
shown, as it can be seen in FIG. 3. It contains a clamping channel
112, that comprises a bottom 114, an upper wall 116 and a lower
wall 118. At the transitions the walls are curved in the cross
section. By downward and upward pointing protrusions 120 and 121
(in the cross section) respectively, a narrowed insertion slot 124
is formed to the channel 112. A clamping element in form of a flat
profile 126 has approximately the same dimensions over its height
and its thickness and is rounded at the edges. The thickness of the
flat profile 135 is larger than the height of the insertion slot
124 and is sized, so that it is held by the inner sides of the
protrusions 120, 122, when the flat profile 126 touches the lower
wall 118. This is in its height or width respectively only slightly
larger than the thickness of the flat profile 126, as can be
clearly seen in FIG. 2. The upper wall 116 is, however,
significantly higher or wider respectively than the thickness of
the flat profile 126, at least twice of its thickness. Shown in
broken lines, in the pivoted position of the flat profile 126,
shown at 126', it can be inserted into the channel 112 via the
insertion slot 124. Before this happens, a foil 130 is wrapped
around the flat profile 126. After inserting the flat profile 126
with the foil 130 and the placement of the flat profile 126 to the
wall 118 a tilt back of the flat profile 126 into an approximately
vertical position parallel to the insertion slot is realized by a
pull on the foil 130. Thus the foil 130 is clamped in the channel
112 and can not be pulled out.
[0043] As can be seen further, the flat profile 116 comprises a
notch 132, which forms a predetermined breaking point. In case of
an accident the predetermined breaking point as a last instance
prevents a rupture of the foil and can provide emergency
relief.
[0044] It is understood, that the clamping channel 112 can also,
for example, be produced from a separate profile rail, which is
further described below. For the fixation of the foil the profile
of the clamping channel and the clamping element in the clamping
channel are essential.
[0045] In the FIGS. 3-5 a section through the upper portion of the
container wall 14 is shown, which is, however, structured
differently in the upper portion, as described below. It can also
be seen an outer- and inner formwork 26, 27 according to FIG. 1b in
production of the container wall of concrete.
[0046] In FIG. 3 a box-shaped or in the cross section C-shaped
profile rail 36 is shown, which has, for example, a shape as shown
in FIG. 2. This will be further discussed below. As can be seen,
the profile rail 36 is integrated in the wall 14, so that the upper
side or the upper leg respectively is flush with the horizontal top
of the wall 14. During the production the profile rail 36 is
detachably connected to the outer formwork 26 (not shown). After
forming the wall 14 naturally the formwork 26, 27 is removed,
wherein beforehand the detachable connection to the outer formwork
26 is released. The profile rail 36 is than connected to the wall
14.
[0047] The profile rail consists of individual segments of specific
length, which is preferably significantly smaller than the
circumferential length of the container 10. Thereby, a rail segment
can be connected to one or more adjacent formwork elements. The
profile rail 36 or its individual segments respectively are
provided with anchor portions, which, as shown at 38, extend
obliquely downward into the wall 14. They are already located in
the profile rail 36, when it is mounted to the outer formwork 26.
In FIG. 3 arrows 40 indicate the direction of the tensile force of
a foil, which is referenced as 16 in FIG. 1b. It is fixated in the
profile rail 36. This is further described below. The different
angles of the pulling direction 40 result from the type of foil
(gas storage foil, air-supported dome) and structural conditions.
Depending on the size of the angle, load and bending force at the
upper leg of the profile rail are modified.
[0048] The embodiment according to FIG. 4 differs to that according
to FIG. 3 in that the profile rail 36 is embedded in a distance to
the top of the wall 14. Again the profile rail 36 is first
connected to the outer formwork 26. The foil, that is affixed with
its rim in the profile rail 36, first extents vertically on the
outside of the wall 14 and is guided obliquely upward on the wall
14 over a rounded edge 42. The edge 42 reduces the strain that
occurs with the deflection of the foil.
[0049] In FIG. 9 or 12 a C-shaped profile rail is shown, the way it
can be embedded in the wall 14 like in the embodiment according to
FIGS. 3 and 4. Therefore, the details of this rail shall be
explained below.
[0050] The profile rail 18a according to FIG. 9, having a C-shaped
cross section, comprises a web 20a and two parallel spaced legs
22a, 24a. The legs are bent at 26a. The profile rail 18a that is
shown is slightly tilted with obliquely downward pointing legs 22a,
24a. An insertion slot 21 (seen in the cross section) is thus in a
plane pointing downward.
[0051] In FIG. 5 the profile rail 18a according to FIG. 9 is also
embedded in the wall 14, so that its upper edge is flush with the
top of the wall 14. This top, however, comprises a slope, as
indicated at 44. The slope is directed to the outside. The clamping
rail 18a is in turn detachably connected with the outer formwork
26, when the wall 14 is produced. Subsequently this connection is
released, so that the outer formwork 26 can be removed. A tilted
mounting of the clamping profile 18a has the advantage of achieving
significantly higher pull-out resistance for the foil rim and a
favourable strain on the profile rail. The upper leg is essentially
strained in its extending direction rather than in bending. Hence
the foil rim is held particularly secure in the clamping profile
18a.
[0052] The clamping of a foil 28 in FIG. 9 is done by an inflatable
tube 30 that is inserted into the clamping channel formed by the
C-shaped profile rail 18a and subsequently inflated. The clamping
is preferably at the inside of web 20a and legs 22a, 24a as can
clearly be seen. The inwardly curved portions 26 prevent the tube
30 from being pulled out of the clamping rail 18a by a
corresponding load.
[0053] It is also possible to embed a clamping channel in the
concrete wall with a formwork. This possibility is indicated in
FIG. 8. In FIG. 8 an upper profile portion 50 and a lower profile
portion 52 are provided, which can be connected to each other using
a screw connection 54. In the area on both sides of the screw
connection the profile portions 50, 52 form a protrusion 56, which,
when casting, forms a channel in the concrete wall 58, as, for
example, is indicated in several of the above figures. It is
understood, that a plurality of profile portions 50, 52 are
provided in circumferential direction, which can be connected to
each other, namely via screw connections 60 and 62 respectively.
The lower profile portion 52 is also connected via a flange 64 to
an underlying not shown formwork element by a screw connection 66.
After casting and curing of the concrete for the construction of
the wall 58 the screw connections 54, 60, 62 are released. The
screw connections 60, 54, 62 comprise a screw bolt 60 and a cap nut
70. As can be seen, the cap nuts 70 remain in the wall 58, while
the screw bolts 68 are unscrewed. After loosening the screw
connections first the lower profile portion 52 can be removed by
oblique lifting and lateral pull and then the upper profile portion
56 is removed from the so formed channel by a diagonal motion.
[0054] In FIG. 9 the profile rail 18a is mounted to the outside
container wall 10a. At the back of the web 20a a leg of an angle
profile 12 is welded with the wall 10a, as indicated at 16a. As
indicated at 14a, the other leg of the angle profile 12 is anchored
with the wall 10a in an appropriate manner.
[0055] In FIG. 10 shows again the profile rail 18a according to
FIG. 9. It shall thereby no longer be described in detail. FIG. 10
also shows a fastening profile 80. It has a certain vertical
length, of, for example, 0.15 m. In the cross section it is
U-shaped with a web 82 and two legs, one of which is shown at 84.
In the upper area of the fastening profile 80 the legs 84 are
provided with a triangular recess 86. The profile rail 18a is
inserted and affixed in this in a tilted position, for example, in
an angle of 45.degree.. The fixation is, however, done only after
the sections of the profile rail 18a are bent in the correct round
shape, corresponding to the outer radius of the container, to which
the profile rail 18a should be mounted. Holes 86a are formed into
the web of the fastening profile 80, so that the fastening profile
80 can be mounted vertically to the outside container wall, for
example, the wall 10a in FIG. 9, by means of screws or anchors
respectively.
[0056] Instead of embedding a clamping profile in the form of a
profile rail in the wall, a positive profile of plastic can be
attached to the formwork, which is then removed from the wall, for
example by heat or a reagent. This leaves a clamping profile in the
wall with the same function as a clamping rail.
[0057] In FIGS. 6 and 7 other ways to form a clamping profile are
indicated. In FIG. 6 an outer formwork element 40a is detachably
connected with a fiber concrete section 42a, wherein the detachable
connection, which must be accessible from the outside, is not
shown. The fiber concrete section 42a comprises a ready-made
channel 44a and is, in the casting, embedded in this (wall 14a).
The fiber concrete section 42a can be ready-made. It can already be
connected to the formwork element 40a in a distance, before it
comes to the work site or it can be connected to the formwork
element 40a at the work site.
[0058] For the sake of completeness it should be mentioned, that is
talked of only a single formwork element or profile formwork
section. It is understood, that in circumferential direction a
plurality of outer formwork elements 40a are provided and also a
plurality of formwork profile sections 42a.
[0059] FIG. 7 shows another possibility. Here, a concrete element
46a is put on top of the concrete wall 14b, which is provided with
clamping channel 44a. The concrete element 46a is ready-made and
comprises reinforcement 48a that is standing downward and to the
outside, which can be inserted into the soft concrete after casting
the wall 14b, for connecting the concrete element 46a with the wall
14b.
[0060] FIG. 11 shows indicated a formwork 200 for a container
comprising a concrete wall, namely the outer formwork. The outer
formwork consists of lower formwork elements 202, which are set up
in a ring and thereby form the outer wall of the container, not
shown. On top of the lower formwork elements 202 upper formwork
elements 204 are placed and connected to each other with, for
example, screw connections. For this purpose the formwork elements
202, 204 comprise aligned mounting holes 206 and 208 respectively.
The upper formwork elements 204 form the upper rim of the
container. They also have holes at the top, one of which is shown
at 210. In addition, FIG. 11 shows a sheet-metal portion 212 that
can be mounted on top of the formwork elements 204.
[0061] In FIG. 12 an upper outer formwork element 204 is indicated
and also the sheet-metal portion 212 with its mounting hole 214. It
can be seen that a vertical sheet-metal portion 216, which
comprises a rectangular slot 218 at the upper end and a protrusion
220 at the lower end, is welded to the horizontal sheet-metal
portion 212. In FIG. 12 also the cross section of a profile rail
222 is indicated, which has the form of a slightly compressed
C-profile with a sloping upper wall 224 or leg, a substantially
curved lower wall 226 or leg and a bottom 228. The dimensions of
the upper and lower wall are such that the width of the clamping
channel 230 inside the profile rail 222 is considerably larger in
the upper area than in the lower area. For this purpose also the
bottom 228 is arranged at an angle. The cross section of the
clamping channel 230 is similar to that of FIG. 2, wherein unlike
in FIG. 2 the upper wall 224 runs obliquely upwards. This provides
the advantage that the profile rail 222, as shown in FIG. 9, can
absorb the tensile force from the foil, not shown, as compressive
load in the upper leg 224. The clamping channel 230 is adapted to
receiving a flat profile (as per FIG. 2) to affix a foil in the
clamping channel 230.
[0062] The sheet-metal portion 212, 216 are part of a profile
holder, to hold the profile rail 222 at the formwork element 204
before embedding in the wall 232. With the help of a device, shown
in FIGS. 14 to 17, a profile holder can be effectively attached to
the formwork element 204. For this purpose the device according to
FIGS. 14 to 17 comprises a pin 240 that is affixed to an angle
section 242 of sheet-metal, for example by welding. On the leg of
the angle section 242 away from the pin 240 a slot 244 is formed. A
handle portion 246 is connected to the angle section 242. For the
attachment of the sheet-metal 212 to the sheet-metal portion at the
top of the formwork element 204 the pin is inserted through the
holes 214, 210. Thus the slot 244 is oriented approximately to the
sheet-metal portion 212 and the sheet-metal of the formwork element
204. By an appropriate rotation of the device according to FIGS. 14
to 17 the slot is placed over the associated sheet-metals, which
are thereby clamped against each other. In this way the profile
holder is securely fixed to the formwork element but can be also
easily removed.
[0063] As further shown in FIG. 12, here a concrete wall 232 is
already created, wherein the inner formwork elements are not shown.
The concrete wall comprises reinforcements 252. In addition it can
be seen that a running rail 254 with a C-section is connected to
the underside of the profile rail 222 by welding. It is therefore
also be held by the profile holder until the concrete is cured. The
running rail 254 is used to hold one or more rollers 256 for a not
shown carriage that is suspended on the outside of the wall 232 and
can be run around the container using the running rail 254.
[0064] This completes the description of the preferred and
alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art
may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment
described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed
by the claims attached hereto.
* * * * *