Structural elements and method for fabricating structural elements

Abstract

A composite panel structure includes a flange beam assembly including: a web assembly; and a first flange assembly attached in an essentially perpendicular fashion to the web assembly. The composite panel structure further includes at least two panel assemblies. Each panel assembly includes: a foam layer; a first high-density material layer secured to the foam layer; and at least one recess configured to receive at least a portion of the first flange assembly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 594,948, entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS FOR BUILDINGS, which was filed on 21 May 2005; the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.FIELD OF DISCLOSURE [0002] The present invention relates to structural elements and methods for fabricating structural elements for buildings and more specifically to insulating foam-concrete structural elements. BACKGROUND [0003] Many types of fabrication techniques are used in the construction industry. The types of materials and systems used depend on several factors. For example, the size of the building will require different types of construction material based on the number of floors and other considerations. Local building codes also dictate specific types of construction materials. This will vary from area to area depending on the nature of local factors such as climat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] An advantage of using a laminar structure is that the resulting structure exhibits many of the desired qualities of each of the laminate's components. In particular, the structure disclosed herein provides lightweight structural elements having the strength of concrete, and, in addition, structural elements that have superior insulation qualities for both sound and thermal insulation.

[0016] In building walls, the outer shell provides substantial structural strength which will satisfy local building codes for factors such as wind resistance, fire resistance, and the ability to support the weight which may be applied by floors above. In addition, the inner core provides a substantial increase in the insulating characteristics of the wall segments. The resulting laminated wall structure produces a wall structure with high strength and excellent insulating characteristics. Further, since the inne

Problems solved by technology

Of course, this can drastically affect the types of materials selected for construction from one area of the country to another.

Due to a concern for environmental issues such as fuel conservation, proper insulation of homes has become a significant issue nationwide.

In addition to conservation issues, fuel conservation is also an important issue for individual family finances as well as for national policy/security reasons.

While many materials work very well in terms of providing insulation, some have been known to have one or more drawbacks.

For example, the cost of adding insulation to buildings and other structures may be expensive.

Likewise, some insulation materials, such

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