Unitized structural reinforcement construct

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fibrous and / or filamentary construct, which can be used in a mixture which can be cementitious, or an aggregate exhibiting adverse affects on the components therein, to provide supplemental and reinforcing strength upon setting, and more particularly, to a unitized construct which comprises a plurality of oriented reinforcing fibrous and / or filamentary components combined with a circumferential retaining element, said circumferential retaining element providing temporary retention of the oriented reinforcing components until such point the unitized substrate is incorporated and subjected to mechanical agitation during preparation of an aggregate compound. The unitized fibrous and / or filamentary construct is endowed with inherent and improved dispensability and dispersability of the associated reinforcing component into aggregates exhibiting adverse affects on the components therein, demonstrated by bituminous aggregates, such as asphalt, whereby the unitized fibrous and / or filamentary components are unaffected by the internal environmental conditions of the aggregate.

Description

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND [0001] This invention relates to a fibrous and / or filamentary construct, which can be used in providing cementitious mixtures, or aggregates exhibiting adverse affects on the components therein, supplemental and reinforcing strength upon setting, and more particularly, to a unitized fibrous and / or filamentary construct which comprises a plurality of oriented reinforcing fibrous and / or filamentary components combined with a circumferential retaining element, said circumferential retaining element providing temporary retention of the oriented reinforcing components until such point the unitized substrate is incorporated and subjected to mechanical agitation during preparation of the mixture. The reinforcing fibrous components may comprise metallic or superabsorbent polymer fibrous components. Each fibrous and / or filamentary construct may comprise a plurality of fibrous or filamentary units, which in themselves, each comprise fibrous or filamentary components combi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] The present invention relates to a fibrous and / or filamentary construct, which can be used in a mixture which can be cementitious, or an aggregate exhibiting adverse affects on the components therein, to provide supplemental and reinforcing strength upon setting, and more particularly, to a unitized construct which comprises a plurality of oriented reinforcing fibrous and / or filamentary components combined with a circumferential retaining element, said circumferential retaining element providing temporary retention of the oriented reinforcing components until such point the unitized substrate is incorporated and subjected to mechanical agitation during preparation of an aggregate compound. The unitized fibrous and / or filamentary construct is endowed with inherent and improved dispensability and dispersability of the associated reinforcing component into aggregates exhibiting adverse affects on the components therein, demonstrated by bituminous aggregates, such as asphalt, whereby the unitized fibrous and / or filamentary components are unaffected by the internal environmental conditions of the aggregate.

[0011] The unitized fibrous and / or filamentary construct of the present invention is formed from two or more reinforcing fibrous and / or filamentary components of finite or infinite length, essentially parallel in orientation, and a circumferential retaining element. The compositions of the reinforcing fibrous and / or filamentary component is selected from the group consisting of synthetic polymers, natural polymers, metallic fibers, and the combinations thereof, and are not necessarily of the same polymeric composition, denier, finite staple length, or functionality. The compositions of the metallic reinforcing fibrous components are selected from the group consisting of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, alloys thereof, including a combination thereof. The circumferential retaining element describes a route about the combined two or more essentially parallel reinforcing fibrous components, thereby maintaining both the combination and essentially parallel orientation of the reinforcing components. Once formed, the circumferential retaining element aids in maintaining the integrity of the unitized fibrous and / or filamentary construct, and the reinforcing fibrous and / or filamentary components therein, for purposes of shipment, measurement, and dosing into an aggregate compound. Upon mechanical agitation of the unitized construct in an aggregate, which may exhibit adverse affects on the components therein, the circumferential retaining element is disrupted, allowing for the homogenous release, distribution, and dispersement of the reinforcing fibrous and / or filamentary components into the overall mixture without deteriorating due to extreme environmental conditions.

[0013] As noted, the present unitized construct may include superabsorbent polymer fibrous components. Upon introduction to the cementitious mixture, the one or more incorporated superabsorbent polymers begin to expand due to the moisture presence. Further, once exposed to mechanical agitation, the circumferential retaining element of the unitized fibrous construct is disrupted, releasing the tension within the fibrous construct caused by the expanded super absorbent polymer. The release of the tension build-up within the fibrous construct assists with distribution and disbursement of the reinforcing fibrous component into the overall cementitious mixture.

[0015] Upon final formation of the unitized fibrous and / or filamentary constructs, the constructs can be readily packaged through an automatic packaging system or containerized in bulk. The latter packaging allows for a quantity of unitized constructs to being accurately and reproducibly augured, scooped or blended into an aggregate compound at a mixing station, for example, through an automated gravimetric dispensing system.

Problems solved by technology

The circumferential retaining element is selected from suitable materials, such as thermoplastic, thermoset and soluble resins, which are subject to mechanical failure when a corresponding stress and / or solvency threshold is exceeded.

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