Foldable GFRP bar mesh system with rotational connectors
The foldable GFRP bar mesh system with rotational connectors addresses transport and installation inefficiencies by enabling compact folding and uniform mechanical properties, offering improved portability and ease of installation with consistent reinforcement.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- US · United States
- Patent Type
- Applications(United States)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SFTEC INC
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-28
AI Technical Summary
Traditional GFRP bar mesh systems face challenges with transportability, handling, and uniformity of mechanical properties, particularly due to their rigidity and differing strengths between vertical and horizontal bars, leading to inefficiencies in transportation, installation, and potential structural weaknesses.
A foldable GFRP bar mesh system with rotational connectors that allow the mesh to be compactly folded for transport and storage, featuring uniform mechanical properties in both vertical and horizontal bars, and incorporating a locking mechanism for stability during deployment.
Enhances portability, reduces logistical challenges, and ensures consistent reinforcement by allowing easy handling and quick installation, while maintaining structural integrity and durability in various construction and infrastructure applications.
Smart Images

Figure US20260146448A1-D00000_ABST
Abstract
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to composite reinforcement materials, specifically to a foldable glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bar mesh structure connected through rotational connectors, designed to enhance portability, ease of installation, and durability in construction applications. The system is characterized by vertical and horizontal GFRP bars possessing identical mechanical properties.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars are widely used in the construction and infrastructure industries, particularly for reinforcing concrete structures. Over the years, GFRP bar mesh systems have gained significant popularity due to their superior mechanical and physical properties, including excellent strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, and durability. These properties make GFRP bars a suitable alternative to traditional steel reinforcement bars, especially in environments where corrosion is a critical concern, such as marine constructions, tunnels, and infrastructure exposed to chemicals or de-icing salts.
[0003] Unlike steel, which is susceptible to rust and degradation over time, GFRP bars are highly resistant to the corrosive effects of saltwater, chemicals, and moisture. This feature, coupled with their lightweight nature, makes them an attractive option for both large-scale infrastructure projects and smaller construction sites where ease of handling and long-term durability are important considerations.
[0004] Traditional GFRP bar mesh systems typically consist of vertical and horizontal bars arranged in a grid pattern. These bars provide the necessary structural reinforcement to concrete and other construction materials, ensuring the stability and integrity of the overall structure. However, traditional GFRP meshes present several limitations, particularly in terms of their rigidity and transportability.
[0005] Challenges with Traditional GFRP Bar Mesh Systems: Despite the numerous advantages offered by GFRP bar mesh systems, traditional rigid mesh designs pose several challenges during transportation, handling, and installation. These challenges are particularly pronounced in projects where site access is restricted or where large quantities of mesh need to be transported over long distances.
[0006] One of the primary issues with traditional GFRP bar meshes is their inability to fold or collapse for transportation. As rigid, pre-fabricated structures, these meshes are often cumbersome and difficult to move, particularly in confined or hard-to-reach areas such as tunnels, basements, and underground mines. The rigidity of the traditional mesh design necessitates the use of larger transportation vehicles, which can be costly and inefficient, especially for projects located in remote or urban areas with limited access.
[0007] Another key issue is the difference in mechanical properties between the vertical and horizontal bars in traditional GFRP bar meshes. Due to manufacturing limitations, the mechanical properties of these bars—such as tensile strength and elasticity—may differ, resulting in uneven reinforcement and potential weaknesses in certain parts of the structure. For example, if the vertical bars have greater strength than the horizontal ones, the overall structural integrity of the mesh could be compromised, particularly under heavy loads or extreme conditions.
[0008] Moreover, the installation process for traditional GFRP bar meshes can be labour-intensive and time-consuming. Workers must maneuver large, rigid panels of mesh into place, often requiring additional equipment such as cranes or forklifts. In confined spaces, this process becomes even more challenging, as the rigid panels may not fit easily into narrow areas or around obstacles. In such cases, workers may need to cut the mesh into smaller sections, leading to wastage and additional labour.
[0009] The Need for a Foldable GFRP Bar Mesh System: Given these challenges, there is a clear need for a foldable GFRP bar mesh system that can address the limitations of traditional rigid meshes while retaining the advantages of GFRP as a reinforcement material. Such a system would offer enhanced portability, ease of handling, and versatility in a wide range of construction and infrastructure applications.
[0010] A foldable GFRP bar mesh would allow for more efficient transportation, particularly in projects with space constraints or difficult access. By incorporating rotational connectors at the intersection points of the bars, the mesh could be folded into a compact form for easy transport and storage. This feature would be especially beneficial in large-scale infrastructure projects where multiple sections of mesh must be transported to remote or urban areas. Instead of requiring large transportation vehicles, workers could transport the folded mesh in smaller vehicles or even carry it manually to the site.
[0011] Additionally, a foldable GFRP bar mesh system would significantly reduce the logistical challenges associated with storing and staging rigid mesh panels. Construction sites are often crowded and space-limited, particularly in urban environments. The ability to fold the mesh into a compact form would allow workers to store large quantities of mesh in a smaller area, freeing up space for other materials and equipment.
[0012] Rotational Connectors and Enhanced Installation Flexibility: The key innovation in a foldable GFRP bar mesh system lies in the use of rotational connectors at the intersection points of the bars. These connectors would allow the bars to pivot and fold along one or more axes, enabling the mesh to collapse into a portable size for transportation. Upon arrival at the construction site, the mesh could be easily unfolded and deployed by rotating the bars back into their original positions.
[0013] These rotational connectors could be designed to include a locking mechanism that engages when the mesh is fully deployed. This mechanism would ensure that the mesh remains rigid and structurally sound during installation, providing the same level of reinforcement as traditional rigid meshes. The locking mechanism would also eliminate the need for disassembly or the use of specialized tools during installation, allowing workers to deploy the mesh quickly and efficiently.
[0014] Another advantage of rotational connectors is that they could enable the mesh to fold along multiple planes, providing greater flexibility during installation. For example, the mesh could be folded into various shapes to fit around obstacles or into confined spaces, reducing the need for cutting and waste. This feature would be particularly useful in environments such as tunnels or basements, where rigid panels are often difficult to maneuver.
[0015] Uniform Mechanical Properties of Vertical and Horizontal Bars: An additional benefit of the foldable GFRP bar mesh system is the ability to manufacture vertical and horizontal bars with uniform mechanical properties. By addressing the manufacturing limitations of traditional GFRP meshes, this system would ensure that both sets of bars have the same tensile strength, elasticity, and other critical mechanical properties.
[0016] This uniformity would result in more even reinforcement across the entire structure, reducing the risk of weak points and ensuring that the mesh can withstand heavy loads and extreme conditions. In applications such as underground mining or large-scale infrastructure projects, where the integrity of the reinforcement is critical, this feature would provide significant advantages over traditional GFRP bar meshes.
[0017] Applications and Benefits in Construction and Infrastructure Projects: The foldable GFRP bar mesh system would have a wide range of applications in construction, infrastructure, and mining projects. In particular, it would be ideal for:
[0018] Concrete Reinforcement: The system could be used to reinforce concrete structures such as bridges, tunnels, and buildings, providing the necessary strength and durability while offering ease of transport and installation.
[0019] Underground Mining Support: In mining operations, where space is often limited and access difficult, the foldable mesh could be easily transported into the mine and deployed as structural support.
[0020] Infrastructure Projects with Space Constraints: Urban infrastructure projects, such as road construction, water treatment facilities, and utility installations, often face space constraints during construction. The foldable mesh would offer an efficient solution for transporting and installing reinforcement materials in such environments.
[0021] Economic and Environmental Benefits: From an economic perspective, the foldable GFRP bar mesh system would offer significant cost savings by reducing transportation and labor costs. The ability to transport the mesh in a compact form would decrease the need for large transportation vehicles, while the ease of installation would reduce labor hours and associated costs.
[0022] Environmentally, the foldable mesh system would contribute to sustainability efforts by reducing material waste and promoting the use of lightweight, corrosion-resistant materials. The reduced need for cutting and modification during installation would minimize waste, while the long-term durability of GFRP bars would extend the lifespan of structures, reducing the need for frequent maintenance or replacement.
[0023] In conclusion, while traditional GFRP bar mesh systems offer significant advantages over steel reinforcement, they present challenges in terms of transportability, handling, and uniformity of mechanical properties. The development of a foldable GFRP bar mesh system, incorporating rotational connectors and uniform bar properties, addresses these challenges, providing a more versatile, efficient, and durable solution for construction and infrastructure applications. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize the use of GFRP meshes in the industry, offering enhanced portability, ease of installation, and long-term structural integrity.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The present invention relates to a foldable glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bar mesh system equipped with rotational connectors. It is designed to overcome challenges associated with traditional rigid GFRP meshes, particularly in terms of transport, storage, and installation. This invention is particularly useful in various construction and infrastructure projects where space constraints, accessibility issues, and logistical challenges pose significant obstacles. The system maintains the mechanical integrity of traditional meshes while offering improved portability and installation ease.Key Features of the Invention
[0025] The GFRP bar mesh system consists of GFRP bars arranged in a grid pattern, which are known for their superior mechanical properties, including high tensile strength, resistance to corrosion, and lightweight characteristics. These bars are connected at their intersections through rotational connectors, which allow for the unique foldable design of the mesh. Unlike traditional rigid meshes that are cumbersome to transport and difficult to install in confined spaces, the foldable design of this system enables it to be compactly folded and easily transported to the construction site or storage. The GFRP bars used in the invention have uniform mechanical properties in both vertical and horizontal directions, solving the common issue where vertical and horizontal bars exhibit different strength characteristics due to limitations in conventional manufacturing processes. This ensures consistent reinforcement throughout the structure and makes the system suitable for use in demanding environments such as concrete reinforcement, mining, and other infrastructure projects.Rotational Connectors
[0026] The innovation's primary feature is the incorporation of rotational connectors at the intersections of the GFRP bars. These connectors allow the bars to pivot and rotate, enabling the entire mesh structure to fold along multiple axes. This folding capability drastically reduces the size of the mesh when it is not in use, making it easier to transport and store. This addresses one of the key problems with traditional GFRP bar meshes, which are rigid and difficult to handle, especially in narrow or hard-to-reach spaces like tunnels, basements, and underground mining shafts.
[0027] Each rotational connector is designed from durable, corrosion-resistant materials, such as high-strength polymers or metallic alloys with anti-corrosive coatings, ensuring they match the longevity and environmental resistance of the GFRP bars. The connectors feature a locking mechanism that engages when the mesh is fully unfolded and deployed, ensuring that the structure remains stable and rigid once installed. This mechanism ensures that the mesh provides the necessary structural reinforcement without any loss of mechanical integrity, which is crucial for construction applications that require durability and load-bearing capacity.Folding and Deployment
[0028] The foldable mesh design is one of the key advantages of the invention. It allows the GFRP mesh to be compactly folded for easy transport and handling, solving logistical challenges associated with moving and deploying large, rigid mesh structures. The system can be folded without disassembling the bars or the connectors, preserving the integrity of the mesh during transport. When needed, the mesh can be quickly unfolded on-site by rotating the bars at the connector points, allowing for a seamless transition from a compact, portable structure to a fully deployed, rigid mesh ready for installation.
[0029] The folding mechanism involves lifting sections of the mesh along the rotational connectors, which pivot to allow the structure to collapse in a controlled manner. When it is time to deploy the mesh, the sections are unfolded one by one until the entire grid is laid flat. Once fully unfolded, the locking mechanisms in the connectors engage, ensuring that the mesh is rigid and ready for installation. This process is quick and does not require any special tools or expertise, further simplifying the installation process.ApplicationsThe foldable GFRP bar mesh system can be utilized in a wide range of applications, especially in industries where traditional rigid mesh systems are impractical due to transportation or installation challenges. Some of the key application areas include:
[0031] Reinforcement in Concrete Structures: The mesh provides consistent reinforcement and durability in concrete applications, such as bridges, roads, and buildings, ensuring long-term structural integrity.
[0032] Underground Mining Support: The compact and foldable nature of the mesh allows it to be easily transported and deployed in tight, underground spaces where traditional meshes are challenging to handle.
[0033] Infrastructure Projects with Space Constraints: The foldable design makes the system ideal for use in environments with limited access or where large, rigid structures would be difficult to transport, such as tunnels, basements, or other confined areas.
[0034] Marine and Corrosive Environments: The corrosion resistance of the GFRP bars and connectors makes the system particularly suited for use in marine applications or environments exposed to chemicals, moisture, or other corrosive elements.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1: This figure illustrates a top view of the foldable GFRP bar mesh system in its fully deployed, flat configuration. The GFRP bars are arranged in a grid pattern, and the rotational connectors are shown at the intersection points of the bars.
[0036] FIG. 2: A perspective view showing the mesh in its fully folded configuration, ready for transport or storage.
[0037] FIG. 3: A side view of the foldable GFRP bar mesh system in a partially folded state, demonstrating the folding action along the rotational connectors. The mesh is shown collapsing along one axis for compact storage or transport.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] The present invention relates to a foldable glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bar mesh system (100), which is uniquely designed to enhance portability, ease of installation, and durability in a variety of construction applications. By integrating rotational connectors (104) at the intersection points of the GFRP bars (102), the system enables the mesh to be folded into a compact form for transportation and storage, while retaining the structural integrity and reinforcement properties when fully deployed. This detailed description explores each component of the invention, its functionality, and its potential applications in construction, infrastructure, and other industries.1. Mesh Structure
[0039] The core of the invention is the mesh structure, which consists of a grid of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars (102). GFRP is a composite material known for its high tensile strength, lightweight nature, and corrosion resistance. These properties make it an ideal choice for use in harsh environments such as marine, underground, or chemically exposed areas.A. Grid Arrangement
[0040] The GFRP bars (102) are arranged in a grid pattern, forming an intersecting network that provides reinforcement in multiple directions. The grid pattern can be customized to suit various applications, with the spacing between bars (102) being determined by the required level of structural support. For example, in applications requiring greater strength, the bars (102) can be placed closer together, whereas for lighter loads, the spacing can be wider.B. Uniform Mechanical Properties
[0041] One of the key innovations of this system is the use of GFRP bars (102) with uniform mechanical properties in both vertical and horizontal directions. In traditional mesh systems, the mechanical properties (such as tensile strength and flexibility) often vary between the vertical and horizontal bars (102) due to manufacturing constraints. This invention eliminates that issue by employing GFRP bars (102) with consistent properties in both directions, providing more reliable and predictable reinforcement in structural applications.C. Bar Material
[0042] The GFRP bars (102) are composed of high-strength glass fibers embedded in a polymer matrix. This combination results in a material that is not only strong and lightweight but also resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for environments where traditional steel reinforcement would degrade over time. The bars (102) can be manufactured in different diameters and lengths depending on the specific application, ensuring flexibility in design and implementation.2. Rotational Connectors (104)
[0043] The rotational connectors (104) are a critical component of the foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100). These connectors are located at the intersections of the GFRP bars (102), allowing the mesh to pivot and fold without disassembling. The connectors provide both the flexibility to fold the mesh for transportation and the rigidity needed when the mesh is deployed in its flat, reinforced form.A. Connector Design
[0044] Each rotational connector is designed to join two or more GFRP bars (102) at their intersection, allowing for movement along one or more axes. The connectors are typically composed of durable, corrosion-resistant materials such as high-strength polymers or metallic alloys with anti-corrosive coatings. These materials are selected to match the durability of the GFRP bars (102), ensuring that the entire system can withstand harsh environmental conditions.B. Folding Mechanism
[0045] The primary function of the rotational connectors (104) is to allow the mesh to fold along multiple planes. When the mesh is not in use, the connectors allow the bars (102) to rotate relative to each other, enabling the entire mesh to collapse into a compact form. The folding can occur along any axis defined by the grid pattern, making it possible to fold the mesh in different configurations based on the specific requirements of transportation or storage.C. Locking Mechanism
[0046] Once the mesh is unfolded for installation, the rotational connectors (104) incorporate a locking mechanism that engages to prevent further movement. This locking mechanism ensures that the mesh remains rigid and stable during use, providing the necessary structural reinforcement. The locking mechanism can be designed to engage automatically when the mesh is fully unfolded, or it can be manually engaged by the user during installation.D. Connector Materials
[0047] The rotational connectors (104) are preferably made from high-performance materials that exhibit both strength and flexibility. Suitable materials include:
[0048] High-strength polymers: These materials offer excellent resistance to corrosion and wear, making them suitable for long-term use in outdoor or harsh environments.
[0049] Metallic alloys with anti-corrosive coatings: These connectors may be made from lightweight metals such as aluminum or stainless steel, which are coated with anti-corrosive materials to enhance their longevity in corrosive environments.
[0050] The use of such materials ensures that the connectors will not degrade over time, even when exposed to extreme conditions such as high humidity, saltwater, or chemicals.3. Folding and Deployment
[0051] The foldable design of the GFRP bar mesh system (100) is one of its most significant innovations, providing substantial improvements in transportation, storage, and installation over traditional rigid mesh systems.A. Folding Process
[0052] The folding process is straightforward and does not require any special tools or expertise. When the mesh is laid flat, the user can initiate the folding process by lifting one section of the mesh and rotating it along the axis defined by the rotational connectors (104). This process is repeated for each section of the mesh until the entire structure is collapsed into a compact form. The number of folds and the final size of the folded mesh depend on the dimensions of the grid pattern and the number of rotational connectors (104). In general, the mesh can be folded into a small enough size to be transported by a single worker or fit into a standard transportation vehicle, making it highly portable and easy to handle.b. Unfolding and Deployment
[0053] To deploy the mesh, the user simply unfolds it section by section, rotating the bars (102) back into their original positions along the rotational connectors (104). Once the mesh is fully unfolded, the locking mechanism in the connectors engages, providing rigidity and stability to the structure.
[0054] The deployment process is quick and does not require any special tools, making it ideal for situations where time and resources are limited. Additionally, the mesh can be deployed in confined spaces or difficult-to-access areas, such as tunnels, basements, or underground mining shafts, where traditional rigid meshes would be impractical to install.4. Applications of the Foldable GFRP Bar Mesh System (100)
[0055] The foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) is designed for use in a wide range of construction and infrastructure applications. Its unique combination of strength, durability, and portability makes it suitable for environments where traditional rigid mesh systems would be cumbersome or difficult to transport and install.A. Concrete Reinforcement
[0056] One of the primary applications of the foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) is in concrete reinforcement. The mesh provides structural support in concrete applications such as bridges, roads, foundations, and buildings. The corrosion-resistant nature of the GFRP bars (102) makes the system particularly well-suited for use in environments where moisture or chemicals could degrade traditional steel reinforcement, such as marine or coastal regions.
[0057] Additionally, the foldable design of the mesh allows it to be easily transported to the construction site and quickly deployed, reducing labor costs and installation time.b. Underground Mining Support
[0058] In underground mining operations, the foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) offers significant advantages over traditional mesh systems. The compact, foldable design allows workers to transport the mesh into narrow or hard-to-reach areas, such as tunnels or shafts, where rigid meshes would be impractical to move. Once in place, the mesh can be quickly unfolded and deployed, providing support for walls, ceilings, or other structures within the mine.
[0059] The corrosion resistance of the GFRP bars (102) also makes the system suitable for use in environments where exposure to moisture, chemicals, or other corrosive elements is a concern.C. Infrastructure Projects
[0060] The foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) can be used in a variety of infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, tunnels, and water treatment facilities. Its lightweight and foldable design make it easy to transport to construction sites with limited access or space constraints, such as urban areas or remote locations.
[0061] In addition to its ease of transport, the system's corrosion resistance and strength make it an ideal choice for long-term reinforcement in infrastructure projects, reducing maintenance costs and extending the lifespan of the structure.D. Marine and Coastal Applications
[0062] The system is also well-suited for use in marine and coastal environments, where exposure to saltwater and other corrosive elements can degrade traditional steel reinforcement. The GFRP bars (102) are highly resistant to corrosion, ensuring that the mesh will remain intact and provide reliable reinforcement over time, even in harsh marine conditions.e. Temporary or Portable Structures
[0063] The foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) is also ideal for temporary or portable structures that require reinforcement, such as scaffolding, temporary bridges, or disaster relief shelters. The mesh can be quickly transported to the site, unfolded, and deployed, providing immediate reinforcement in a variety of applications.5. Advantages of the Foldable GFRP Bar Mesh System (100)
[0064] The foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) offers several advantages over traditional rigid mesh systems:a. Portability
[0065] The foldable design of the mesh allows it to be compactly folded for transportation and storage, reducing the space required and making it easier to transport to construction sites or other locations.B. Ease of Installation
[0066] The rotational connectors (104) allow the mesh to be quickly unfolded and deployed without the need for complex assembly or specialized tools. This reduces installation time and labor costs, making the system more efficient and cost-effective than traditional rigid meshes.c. Durability
[0067] The GFRP bars (102) and rotational connectors (104) are made from corrosion-resistant materials, ensuring that the mesh can withstand harsh environmental conditions and provide long-lasting reinforcement.d. Flexibility
[0068] The foldable design allows the mesh to be used in a variety of applications, including confined spaces, irregular structures, and temporary or portable structures.e. Uniform Mechanical Properties
[0069] The GFRP bars (102) used in the mesh have uniform mechanical properties in both vertical and horizontal directions, providing consistent reinforcement and eliminating the weaknesses often found in traditional mesh systems.F. Sustainability
[0070] GFRP is an environmentally friendly material, as it does not rust, corrode, or degrade over time. This reduces the need for frequent replacements or maintenance, making the system more sustainable in the long term. The foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) represents a significant innovation in the field of construction and infrastructure reinforcement. By combining the strength, durability, and corrosion resistance of GFRP bars (102) with the flexibility and portability of rotational connectors (104), this system offers a practical solution to many of the challenges associated with traditional rigid mesh systems. Whether used in concrete reinforcement, underground mining, infrastructure projects, or marine applications, the foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) provides a reliable and cost-effective alternative to conventional reinforcement methods.
Claims
1. A foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100), comprising:a plurality of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars (102) arranged in a grid pattern, each bar having the same mechanical properties regardless of orientation; anda plurality of rotational connectors (104) positioned at intersections of said GFRP bars (102), the rotational connectors (104) allowing the GFRP bars (102) to pivot and enabling the mesh to fold and unfold along multiple axes for compact transportation and storage.
2. The foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) of claim 1, wherein the rotational connectors (104) include a locking mechanism that engages when the mesh is fully unfolded, providing rigidity and stability to the structure during installation.
3. The foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) of claim 1, wherein the GFRP bars (102) are made from corrosion-resistant materials, suitable for use in harsh environments such as marine, underground, or chemically exposed areas.
4. The foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) of claim 1, wherein the rotational connectors (104) are made of a durable polymer or metallic alloy with anti-corrosive coating to match the durability and environmental resistance of the GFRP bars (102).
5. The foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) of claim 1, wherein the system can be folded into a compact form for transportation, reducing space requirements and improving portability, without disassembly of the bars (102) or connectors.
6. The foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) of claim 1, wherein the mesh can be unfolded and deployed in sections, allowing for quick installation in restricted access areas or confined spaces.
7. The foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) of claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism in the rotational connectors (104) allows the mesh to lock into a flat, rigid configuration suitable for structural reinforcement in construction applications.
8. The foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) of claim 1, wherein the rotational connectors (104) allow for folding of the mesh along at least two planes, providing flexibility for installation in irregular or curved structures.
9. The foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) of claim 1, wherein the GFRP bars (102) have a uniform tensile strength and elasticity in both vertical and horizontal orientations, providing consistent reinforcement across the mesh.
10. The foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) of claim 1, wherein the mesh is adapted for use in reinforcing concrete structures, providing improved handling and portability over traditional rigid mesh systems.
11. The foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) of claim 1, wherein the mesh is used for underground mining support, its foldable nature allowing easy transport into confined and difficult-to-access areas within a mine.
12. The foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) of claim 1, wherein the GFRP bars (102) are pre-manufactured to specific lengths depending on the application, enabling customized reinforcement solutions.
13. The foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) of claim 1, wherein the rotational connectors (104) allow for tool-free folding and unfolding of the mesh system, simplifying the deployment process.
14. The foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) of claim 1, wherein the GFRP bars (102) and rotational connectors (104) exhibit resistance to thermal expansion and contraction, ensuring stability under varying temperature conditions.
15. The foldable GFRP bar mesh system (100) of claim 1, wherein the mesh system is designed for use in infrastructure projects, providing a corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and portable reinforcement solution for bridges, tunnels, and water treatment facilities.