Blast resistant structural building element

Abstract

One embodiment is directed to a blast resistant building element having a compressed polymeric foamed core, the element including an internal track having an internal track web integrally connected to a pair of spaced apart and outwardly extending internal track sidewalls so as to define a first generally U-shaped profile, a surrounding track having a surrounding track web integrally connected to a pair of spaced apart and outwardly extending surrounding track sidewalls so as to define a second generally U-shaped profile and a compressed polymeric foamed core disposed within the internal track, wherein the compressed polymeric foamed core exerts a force against a portion of internal surfaces of the internal track and surrounding track.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 501,070 filed on Jun. 24, 2011, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates generally structural building elements used in the construction of buildings and more specifically to blast resistant structural building elements used in the construction of buildings.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Structural building elements provide support, for example, in the framing of a building. Such building elements alone and in combination in a building are increasingly subject to strict codes that require them to be environmentally friendly while also providing substantial resistance to ballistic and explosive threats related to terrorist activities. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System (LEED) building standards provide one example of codes relate...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about a building element that is designed to resist blast attacks. It has a compressed polymer foam core that is integrated with inner and outer tracks. The foam core exerts a force against the tracks' internal surfaces. To make the element, metal sheets are bent to create the inner and outer tracks, and an adhesive is used to stick them together. The result is a strong and durable building element that can withstand explosive blast attacks.

Problems solved by technology

Such a method of producing a sheet-metal building assembly is deficient because the filler is typically unevenly distributed, leaving gaps between the filler and sheet-metal assembly.

This creates a building material that has poor and uneven thermal transfer profiles and which has reduced and uneven strength.

Hollow products fail to provide insulation and increased strength created by an insulation bonding process.

Additionally, in the abovementioned products, none have manufactured insulation included in their design and all require end user insulation installation.

Such products that do not fully surround the core fail to provide adequate strength as a building product and expose the core to potential damage.

While numerous metal framing assemblies exist in the art, few if any address the need for building materials that meet and exceed both environmental and anti-terrorism building standards.

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