Module forming a thermal break incorporating a shear force transfer element, notably in the form of a Z, and anchoring systems

Abstract

The invention relates to a module (1) forming a thermal break for use in reinforced concrete construction. The module (1) comprises a block (12) of insulating material in the form of a parallelepiped, which includes upper and lower faces, and four lateral faces, two main lateral faces and two lateral edges, reinforcement bars (13) capable of resisting structural stresses, and at least one shear force resistor (14). According to the invention, the module further comprises anchoring systems (2) including a retaining element (21) incorporated into the block (12), and anchoring heads (22) assembled at each end (20) of the anchoring systems on either side of the block (12). At least a portion of the reinforcement bars (13) is spliced ​​and joined to the block via the anchoring heads (22). [Fig. 3]

Description

Title of the invention: Thermal break module incorporating a shear force transfer element, particularly in the form of a Z, and anchoring systems. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The field of the invention is that of thermal bridge breakers.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a thermal break module intended for use in joints between load-bearing structural elements to ensure continuity of insulation. Technical background

[0003] In the building sector, thermal break elements are used to minimize heat transfer between the interior and exterior parts of a building. Indeed, it is necessary to combat heat flow within a building, particularly at the junctions between reinforced concrete structural elements, such as slab / facade or slab / balcony junctions.

[0004] A thermal break is generally formed from a piece inserted between reinforced concrete building elements, such as floor slabs and facades, in order to ensure the continuity of thermal insulation between load-bearing elements, and thus plays a crucial role in improving energy efficiency.

[0005] In recent years, thermal break modules have been developed to meet seismic and environmental standards, and to try to overcome the disadvantages of earthquake-resistant constructions, particularly in terms of solidity.

[0006] A thermal break module for floors is known, having a Z-shaped profile, as described in the Applicant's patent EP2479354B1. This Z-shaped profile has, in particular, horizontal flat portions designed to transmit vertical loads to the module, and an oblique portion designed to transmit horizontal loads. The module described above is particularly effective in improving seismic performance and reducing the risk of damage in new buildings. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a thermal bridge break module having improved static and seismic resistance capabilities and being simple to implement.

[0008] To this end, the present invention proposes a thermal break module intended for use in reinforced concrete construction, the module comprising: - at least one block of insulating material in the form of a parallelepiped comprising a top face, a bottom face, and four lateral faces, including two main lateral faces and two lateral edges, the main lateral faces and the lateral edges being parallel in pairs, - reinforcements capable of withstanding structural stresses, extending in the same direction perpendicular to the lateral faces, and - at least one shear force resisting element,

[0009] the module being characterized in that it further comprises / - anchoring systems each comprising a retaining element included in the block and enabling the anchoring system to be retained to the block, and - anchor heads assembled at each end of the anchoring systems on either side of the block, at least part of whose reinforcements are joined and assembled to the block via these anchor heads.

[0010] In the context of the present invention, the faces surrounding the block of insulating material of the module are considered to be internal faces, it being understood that the external faces of the block are the faces opposite the internal faces.

[0011] The anchor heads of the module according to the invention increase the initial rigidity of the thermal break. This improved rigidity also helps to reduce slab deflection (or vertical deformation), which typically occurs when the thermal bridge is subjected to loads. Increased rigidity helps to limit these deformations by reducing the flexibility of the structure, thereby maintaining a more stable geometry and preventing excessive deflection.

[0012] According to a first variant of the module according to the invention, the retaining elements can be elements made of injected expanding foam, and preferably of polyurethane foam.

[0013] Thus, it is possible to limit the number of parts required to manufacture the anchoring system in the module block. As a result, the manufacture of the module forming a thermal break is simplified.

[0014] According to a second variant of the module according to the invention, the retaining elements can be sleeves formed in the block so as to be perpendicular or oblique to the main lateral faces.

[0015] Advantageously, the shear force resisting element may have a Z-shaped or I-shaped profile, or be composed of oblique through bars.

[0016] Advantageously, the retaining elements in the form of sleeves can each have a washer on one of its ends, and / or a clip on a second of its ends, the washer and / or the clip being positioned on the outer faces of the block.

[0017] According to a first advantageous embodiment of the module according to the invention, the butted reinforcements can extend in the same direction in two opposite directions on either side of the block.

[0018] According to a second advantageous embodiment of the module according to the invention, the butted reinforcements can extend in the same direction and in a single and unique sense on the side of only one of the lateral faces of the block.

[0019] Preferably, whether for the first or second embodiment, the anchoring systems and the corresponding reinforcements can be positioned on a first alignment plane and a second alignment plane, the alignment planes being parallel to each other.

[0020] Advantageously, whether for the first or second embodiment, said first and second alignment planes may also be perpendicular to the lateral edges of the block.

[0021] Advantageously, whether for the first or second embodiment, the reinforcements of the first alignment plane may have a length greater than the length of the reinforcements of the second alignment plane, or vice versa.

[0022] Advantageously, whether for the first or second embodiment, the shear force transfer element can be positioned between the alignment planes. Brief description of the figures

[0023] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description of preferred embodiments, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the accompanying figures, among which:

[0024] [Fig-1] - [Fig.1] illustrates a basic module used for the design of a circuit breaker thermal bridge according to one of the embodiments of the present invention, in which the shear force transfer element has the shape of a "Z";

[0025] [Fig.2] - [Fig.2] is another perspective view of the basic module of [Fig.1];

[0026] [Fig.3] - [Fig.3] illustrates a module forming a thermal bridge breaker according to a first embodiment, in which the shear force transfer element has the shape of a "Z";

[0027] [Fig.4] - [Fig.4] illustrates a module forming a thermal bridge breaker according to a second embodiment, in which the shear force transfer element has the shape of a "Z";

[0028] [Fig.5] - [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a variant of the thermal break module of [Fig.3], the shear force transfer element has the shape of an "I";

[0029] [Fig.6] - [Fig.6] is a perspective view of a variant of the basic module of Figures 1 and 2, in which the shear force transfer element has the form of through bars;

[0030] [Fig.7] - [Fig.7] is another perspective view of the basic module of [Fig.6];

[0031] [Fig.8] - [Fig.8] illustrates a variant of the module forming a thermal bridge breaker according to the second embodiment, in which the shear force transfer element has the form of through bars;

[0032] [Fig.9] - [Fig.9] is a perspective view of another variant of the thermal break module of [Fig.4], in which the through parts of the shear force transfer element and the retaining elements are made of foam;

[0033] [Fig.10] - the [Fig.10] is a representation of the geometry of a "Balcony" type test body;

[0034] [Fig. 11] - the [Fig. 11] is a representation of the vertical 3-point bending test configuration of "Balcony" modules;

[0035] [Fig. 12] - the [Fig. 12] is a schematic representation of a vertical 3-point bending test of a "Balcony" type test body;

[0036] [Fig. 13] - [Fig. 13] is a graph representing the curves of the moments at the connection as a function of the rotation of a BZA1 module having anchor heads as described in this description and of a BZA2 module according to the prior art. Detailed description of the invention

[0037] Figures 1 and 2 generally show a module that can serve as the basis for a thermal break module according to one of the embodiments of the invention. Such modules are intended to be implemented at the junctions of concrete structures such as the junctions between a balcony, a concrete floor slab (cast in place or made using a precast slab) and another structural element such as a wall or a beam of a building.

[0038] Module 1 comprises a block 12 of insulating material, a shear force resisting element 14, anchoring systems 2 suitable for receiving reinforcement, and, when module 1 is fully assembled, butted reinforcement 13 preferably made of fibers or metal. Such reinforcement allows the transmission of forces and stresses exerted on the structure of module 1.

[0039] Block 12 is in the form of a parallelepiped, preferably a rectangular parallelepiped, comprising a top face 125, a bottom face 126, two lateral faces 121, 122 referred to as "main" faces, and two lateral edges 123, 124, as shown in [Fig. 1]. All of these faces 125, 126, 121, 122 and these edges 123, 124 define an internal space of block 12.

[0040] The internal space of block 12 contains an insulating material. The insulating material may be, for example, rock wool, phenolic foam, wood wool, or wood fiber. The present invention is not limited in this respect.

[0041] The block 12 is traversed through and through by a shear force element preferably made of a ceramic matrix composite material, a stainless steel (thermal conductivity of the order of 15 W m 1 K 1 ) or any other (non-stainless) steel having a thermal conductivity lower than that of the usual non-oxidizable steels (of the order of 46 W m 1 K 1 ).

[0042] The shear force element 14 can have different shapes. In the basic module shown in Figures 1 and 2, the shear force element 14 is a Z-shaped profile. Such a Z-shaped profile has two horizontal flat portions 141 connected by an oblique flat portion 142. The horizontal flat portions 141 are intended to transmit the vertical component loads experienced by the module 1, while the oblique portion 142 is intended to transmit the horizontal component loads experienced by the module 1.

[0043] The block 12 is also traversed from end to end by anchoring systems 2, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Each anchoring system comprises a central retaining element 21 and two heads 22 (referred to as anchor heads) assembled at each of its ends 20. The retaining elements 21 of the anchoring systems 2 have a longitudinal shape and are included in the block 12, while the anchor heads 22 of the anchoring systems 2 are positioned outside the module 1 and are suitable for assembly with reinforcement bars 13. The anchor heads 22 each comprise a longitudinal bar 221 and a retaining end 222 that can be assembled with a reinforcement bar 13. The retaining ends 222 shown are flat and round, but may have a different shape.

[0044] Each anchoring system 2 may further include a clip 2211 on one of its ends, and a washer 2212 on its other end, as shown in [Fig. 2]. The washer 2212 is positioned on the lateral face 121, while the clip 2211 is positioned on the lateral face 122. The washer 2212 and the clip 2211 are positioned at the level of the external surface of the block 12, so as to to be able to encircle the contact areas between the retaining element 21 and the heads 22 of the anchoring system 2.

[0045] The washer 2212 allows the translational stop of the reinforcements, and protects the bearing surface and / or prevents possible loosening, while the clip 2211 allows the head 22 to be retained to the retaining element 21 of the anchoring system 2. The washers 2212 and clips 2211 thus allow the assembly of the anchoring systems in the insulation of the block 12.

[0046] Figure 3 shows in particular a module 1 forming a thermal break according to a first embodiment in which reinforcements 13 are assembled to the heads 22 of the anchoring systems 2 present on the lateral face 121 and the lateral face 122, on either side of the block 12. In other words, the reinforcements 13 extend in two opposite directions. The basic module 1 has the same shape and materials as the basic module shown in Figure 2.

[0047] The anchoring systems 2 of module 1 include a retaining element 21 having the form of a central sleeve or hollow body and which is preferably made of steel.

[0048] The reinforcements 13 can be assembled to the heads 22 of these anchoring systems 2 by welding or screwing.

[0049] Such a module can in particular be implemented in a junction between a balcony and another structure (such as a floor).

[0050] In this embodiment, the reinforcements 13 of one of the two lateral faces of the block 12 are included in the balcony slab (not shown), while the reinforcements 13 of the opposite lateral face of the block 12 are included in the floor slab (not shown).

[0051] Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of module 1 forming a breaker of thermal bridge in which block 12 has reinforcement bars 13 on only one of its lateral faces 121, 122. In other words, reinforcement bars 13 are connected to the heads 22 of the anchoring systems 2 located on the lateral face 122 of block 12 only, and extend in a single direction. The module according to this second embodiment is intended to be installed at a junction between a floor slab (cast in place or precast) and another structural element of the building (beam or wall, for example). The basic module 1 has the same shape and is made of the same materials as the module in [Fig. 2].

[0052] The reinforcements 13 of module 1 can be assembled, by welding or screwing, to the heads 22 of the anchoring systems 2 present on the lateral face 121 or the lateral face 122.

[0053] In this embodiment, the reinforcements 13 are included in the floor slab (not shown) and the lateral face 121 is positioned on the side of the facade wall (not (represented) of the structure joining the slab. The upper face 125 and the lower face 126 are intended to be in contact with the insulating material placed in the facade wall.

[0054] The reinforcements 13 are intended to cooperate with the floor slab tie beams, in particular by overlapping, while the opposing free heads of the anchoring systems are intended to cooperate with the tie beams of the facade wall.

[0055] Figure 5 represents another design of the module embodiments forming the thermal break described above, wherein the shear force element 14 of module 1 is an I-shaped (or double T-shaped) profile. Such an I-shaped profile has two horizontal flat portions 141 connected by a perpendicular flat portion 142'. The horizontal flat portions 141 are intended to transmit the vertical component loads experienced by module 1, while the perpendicular portion 142' is intended to transmit the horizontal component loads experienced by module 1.

[0056] Figures 6 to 8 show another design of the embodiments described above, in which the shear force element 14 of module 1 is in the form of one or more through bars, and preferably in the form of two through bars 143.

[0057] Each through bar 143 has two elbows 1431, two external parts 1432, and an oblique internal part 1433. The through bars 143 are designed to transmit the stresses experienced by the module 1, and in particular to take up the vertical shear force, in the same way as a shear force element in the shape of a Z, an I, or a double T.

[0058] The two elbows 1431 of the same through bar 143 are positioned outside the block 12 of the module. A first elbow 1431 of the through bar 143 is positioned at the lateral face 121 of the module 1, and a second elbow 1431 is positioned at the opposite lateral face 122. The two elbows 1431 are connected to each other at their first adjacent ends of the block 12 by the oblique inner portion 1433. The oblique inner portion 1433 passes through the block 12 and protrudes from it at its lateral faces 121 and 122. Grooves and washers can also be used on the faces of the block 12 to secure the through bars 143.

[0059] The elbows each extend outside the block 12, at their second ends, by means of an external portion 1432. Thus, the two external portions 1432 of the through bar 143 are positioned outside and on either side of the block 12, while its oblique internal portion 1433, connecting the two external portions 1432, is mostly contained within the block 12. Due to the inclination of the portion internal oblique 1433, the two external parts 1432 of the same crossbar 143 are included in different planes and parallel to each other.

[0060] Preferably, the planes in which the external parts 1432 are included are also parallel to the upper face 125 and / or the lower face 126 of the block 12.

[0061] Figure 9 shows another design of module 1 of the embodiments described. Previously, foam 3 (visible through the transparent material) could partially or completely enclose the perimeter of the shear force element 14 included within the block 12. In other words, the portion of the shear force element 14 internal to the block 12, that is, the portion between the lateral faces 121, 121, could be surrounded by expanding foam. Such expanding foam is injected during the design process to secure the shear force element 14 to the block 12.

[0062] In this design, the retaining elements 21 of the anchoring systems are foam elements, and preferably polyurethane foam or an equivalent, which is generally injected into the block 12 during the design.

[0063] In particular, expanding polyurethane foam is added within the insulation included in the block 12 when the heads 22 are brought onto the lateral faces 121, 122 to be fixed, which requires that at least a part of the ends of the heads 22 be included in the block 12. Thus, the expanding foam added after the positioning of these ends swells and eventually holds the heads 22.

[0064] Such a foam has the advantage of limiting the number of parts in the design, since the installation of the heads of the anchoring systems, in this case, does not require the presence of washers or clips.

[0065] Preferably, in the various embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 9, the retaining elements 21 and the longitudinal bars 221 are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the lateral faces 121, 122 of the block 12. In other words, the retaining elements 21 and the longitudinal bars of the anchoring systems are included in straight lines XX oriented perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the lateral faces 121, 122.

[0066] In the present description, "substantially perpendicular" means directions or planes that are perpendicular to each other at plus or minus 5°.

[0067] The anchoring systems 2 of module 1 are preferably aligned in two distinct and parallel alignment planes PI, P2. These alignment planes PI, P2 may also be parallel to the upper face 125 and / or the lower face 126 of block 12. Thus, the anchoring systems 2 are aligned along two lines in the length direction of block 12; one of these lines being included in the alignment plane PI, and the other line being included in the alignment plane P2.

[0068] Preferably, the alignment planes are spaced at a distance, or vertical center-to-center distance, of between 50 and 200 millimeters. This vertical center-to-center distance allows advantageously to further reduce the problems of thermal bridge break deflection.

[0069] The anchoring systems 2 are also aligned across the width of block 12, that is, along vertical directions perpendicular to the alignment planes PI, P2 previously defined. Furthermore, these vertical directions, within which the anchoring systems 2 are included, may also be parallel to each other.

[0070] Furthermore, the anchoring systems 2 can be positioned symmetrically on either side of the shear force element 14. A uniform spacing is applied between each pair of anchoring systems 2, or to a portion of these pairs. This uniform spacing applies to the spacings between anchoring systems 2 aligned along vertical directions and / or to the spacings between anchoring systems aligned in the same plane of alignment.

[0071] Each head 22 of the anchoring systems 2 can be assembled to a longitudinal reinforcement 13, for example to a steel reinforcement, preferably carbon steel.

[0072] In the same way as the retaining elements 21 of the anchoring systems 2, the reinforcements 13 are included in the lines XX oriented in directions perpendicular to the lateral faces 121, 122, and are included in the alignment planes PI or P2. For the sake of clarity, only the line XX of a single anchoring system is shown in [Fig. 1]. However, it is assumed that the other lines XX (not shown) including the other anchoring systems are parallel to the line XX as shown in [Fig. 1].

[0073] The reinforcements 13 included in the alignment plane PI preferably have greater lengths than the reinforcements 13 included in the opposite alignment plane P2.

[0074] According to a variant of the embodiments of the thermal break module described above and shown in Figures 1 to 9, it is also possible to provide a thermal break module in which the reinforcements are positioned on the heads of the anchoring systems alternately (not shown), or in other words, in which the reinforcements are present on one head out of two. EXAMPLES

[0075] For the tests and studies presented below, two types of test bodies are designed according to the dimensions shown in centimeters in Figures 10 to 12. In particular, "Balcony" type test bodies ([Fig. 10]) are designed, comprising two or three modules forming thermal break BZA1 according to the first embodiment, as shown in [Fig. 2] of the In addition, a prior art test body (BZA2) is used, comprising three modules forming a thermal break unit, including reinforcements and being devoid of anchoring systems and heads.

[0076] MATERIALS USED

[0077] For the vertical 3-point bending test configuration of "Balcony" modules (see [Fig. 13]): a test body (01); a force cylinder with a capacity of 1500 kN (02); a force sensor with a capacity of 200 kN (03); a load application system (04); a loading system (05); a point support system (06); a linear support system (07).

[0078] EXAMPLE 1: 3-POINT VERTICAL BENDING TESTS OF "BALCONE" TYPE TEST BODY BZA 1 AND BZA 2

[0079] The connection moments as a function of rotation are measured for test specimens having moduli according to the present description (BZA 1) and test specimens having moduli according to the prior art (BZA 2) in order to evaluate their behavior under different loading and deformation conditions. The measurements obtained are shown in [Fig. 13]. Different thresholds are shown: The failure threshold indicates the point where the breaker reaches its resistance limit and from which point the test specimen undergoes significant failure or rupture. The ULS (Ultimate Limit State) threshold represents the level of load and deformation beyond which the circuit breaker reaches its performance limits and for which there is a risk of failure. the ELS (Service Limit State) threshold which indicates the point where the breaker exhibits increased deformations.

[0080] Fig. 13 shows that the ratio of stiffnesses at the SLS of tests BZA 1 and BZA 2 is 1.23. This demonstrates that the anchor heads allow a stiffness gain of 23% at the SLS.

Claims

Demands

1. Module (1) forming a thermal break unit intended for use in a reinforced concrete structure, said module (1) comprising: - at least one block (12) of insulating material in the form of a parallelepiped comprising an upper face (125), a lower face (126), and four lateral faces (121, 122, 123, 124) of which two main lateral faces (121, 122) and two lateral edges (123, 124) are parallel in pairs, - reinforcement (13) capable of resisting structural stresses, extending in the same direction (XX) perpendicular to said lateral faces, and - at least one shear force resisting element (14),said module being characterized in that it further comprises: - anchoring systems (2) each comprising a retaining element (21) included in said block (12) and enabling the anchoring system to be retained in said block, and - anchoring heads (22) assembled at each end (20) of said anchoring systems on either side of said block (12), at least a portion of said reinforcements (13) being butted and assembled to said block by means of said anchoring heads (22).

2. Module according to claim 1, wherein said retaining elements (21) are elements of injected expanding foam, and preferably of polyurethane foam.

3. Module according to claim 1, wherein said retaining elements (21) are sleeves, formed in said block (12) so as to be perpendicular or oblique to said main lateral faces (121, 122).

4. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shear force transfer element (14) has a Z-shaped or I-shaped profile, or is composed of oblique through bars.

5. Module according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein said retaining elements (21) each comprise a washer (2212) on a first of its ends (20) and / or a clip (2211) on a second of its ends (20), said washer (2212) and / or said clip (2211) being positioned on the outer faces of said block (12).

6. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said reinforcements (13) extend in the same direction (XX) in two opposite directions on either side of said block (12).

7. Module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said reinforcements (13) extend in the same direction (XX) and in a single direction on the side of a single one of said lateral faces (121, 122) of said block (2).

8. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anchoring systems (2) and the corresponding reinforcements (13) are positioned on a first alignment plane (PI) and a second alignment plane (P2), said alignment planes being parallel to each other.

9. Module according to claim 8, wherein said first and second alignment planes (PI, P2) are further perpendicular to the lateral edges (123, 124) of said block (12).

10. Module according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the reinforcements (13) of the first alignment plane (PI) have a length greater than the length of the reinforcements (13) of the second alignment plane (P2), or vice versa.

11. Module according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the shear force transfer element is positioned between said alignment planes (PI, P2).

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