Acute-Angled Polymeric Frost-Protected Foundation System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Frost-protected shallow foundations in cold regions face labor-intensive concrete form construction, sequential delays in inspection and backfilling, and limited heat resistance, increasing costs and construction time.

Innovation Solution

A foundation system comprising elongated bodies with acute angled side surfaces and a polymeric material construction, which provides both support and a form for the concrete slab, allowing for simultaneous inspection and backfilling of rough plumbing, reducing the need for removable forms and enhancing heat insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If concrete forms are used for foundation construction, then the foundation can be properly formed and supported, but the construction becomes labor intensive and requires sequential inspection and backfilling steps that delay the project

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoundation formationVSAvoidconstruction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The foundation system is divided into separate functional components: the foam insulation board provides thermal protection while the concrete slab is poured separately. This segmentation allows the insulation to be installed and inspected beforehand, eliminating sequential delays in the construction process while maintaining proper foundation formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The foam insulation board is installed and inspected before the concrete slab is poured. This preliminary action allows the insulation layer to be verified for proper installation and thermal performance before the final foundation structure is created, eliminating the need for sequential inspection steps during concrete curing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If traditional concrete foundations are used, then structural support is provided, but multiple sequential inspection steps and curing delays increase construction time and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidconstruction delay

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The foundation system separates the insulation function (foam board) from the structural support function (concrete slab). The foam board can be installed and inspected independently before the concrete is poured, allowing parallel processing of insulation installation and structural preparation, thereby reducing overall construction time while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The foundation system uses a composite construction approach combining foam insulation material with concrete structural material. This composite system provides both thermal protection and structural support in an integrated design that allows for more efficient construction sequencing compared to traditional monolithic concrete foundations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Temperature

If insulation sheet is used to raise soil temperature, then frost depth is reduced allowing shallower foundations, but heat resistance is limited to the characteristics of the insulation sheet alone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoil temperatureVSAvoidheat resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system reduces construction delays and costs by enabling quicker assembly and inspection processes, while providing improved heat resistance and stability with polymeric materials, facilitating efficient and cost-effective construction of architectural structures.

Implementation Method 1

an insulation sheet 16 raises soil temperature and the frost depth around the building

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

at least one of said side surfaces is at an acute angle to the base surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLateral earth pressure distribution:

Data Source

PatentUS8011158B1Footing for support of structure such as building

Publication Date: 2011.09.06 SABLE DEVING

AI summary

A foundation system, such as a frost-protected foundation system, includes an elongated body having a lower base surface, an upper support surface and side surfaces between the lower base surface and the upper support surface. The base surface is adapted to be supported on a ground surface and the upper support surface is adapted to supporting at least a portion of a structure. The body may be made substantially from a polymeric material, such as a high density crush resistant material, an extruded polystyrene insulation, or the like. At least one of said side surfaces is at an acute angle to said base surface. An architectural structure made with the frost-protected foundation system includes a slab supported with the upper support surface.