Cementitious Facing Element with Embedded Plastic Reticular Structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current reinforced ground systems for vertically developing structures are cumbersome, costly, and prone to corrosion, with existing solutions either requiring extensive metal reinforcement that corrodes or using polymeric materials that are not effective in distributing loads uniformly, leading to stability issues and high stress concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A containing element comprising a cementitious facing body with a monolithic plastic reticular structure that is embedded within and emerges from the facing body, featuring a network of intersecting elements that form meshes, providing slots for even load distribution and resistance to corrosion, and is used in conjunction with reinforcement nets to stabilize the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal reinforcing bands and brackets are used to create vertically developing containing walls, then the structural strength and load-bearing capability are improved, but the metal components are subjected to oxidation and corrosion from the ground, compromising the containing capability and requiring additional protective coatings that increase complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces durable but corrosion-prone metal components with disposable plastic components that are inherently corrosion-resistant. The plastic containing elements and reinforcement bands are designed to be replaced periodically, eliminating the need for corrosion protection while providing adequate service life. This resolves the contradiction by accepting periodic replacement in exchange for eliminating corrosion issues entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining plastic containing elements with ground reinforcement layers. The plastic facing bodies provide corrosion-resistant containment while the reinforcement bands (metal or plastic) provide structural strength. This composite approach allows each material to perform its optimal function without suffering from its weaknesses.
2Reliability
If a large number of reinforcing bands are individually engaged with front panels to reinforce considerable ground surface, then the containing capability is improved, but the implementation becomes cumbersome and onerous in terms of costs and times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reinforcement system into modular containing elements that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each containing element is a self-contained unit with integrated reinforcement features, eliminating the need to individually engage numerous separate reinforcement bands with panels. This segmentation enables faster assembly while maintaining containing capability through the modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the containing element and reinforcement features into a single integrated structure. The reinforcement bands are pre-attached to the containing elements during manufacturing, combining two separate installation operations into one. This integration significantly reduces implementation time and complexity while maintaining the necessary containing capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If reinforcing bands and brackets are coated with polymeric material to protect from oxidation, then the corrosion resistance is improved, but the system becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for protective coatings by replacing metal components with plastic components that are inherently corrosion-resistant. The plastic containing elements and reinforcement bands do not require additional protective layers, simplifying the system while providing adequate corrosion resistance for the intended service life.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If polymeric material strips are used as reinforcement instead of metal bands, then the corrosion resistance is improved and manufacturing is simplified, but the panel brackets are still made of metal and require corrosion-resistant coating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the containing element and reinforcement features into a single integrated plastic structure. The plastic containing elements have pre-attached reinforcement bands, and all metal components are eliminated from the system. This complete integration eliminates the need for any corrosion-resistant coatings on brackets or other metal parts.
5Ease of operation
If small concrete blocks are used as facing elements, then the transport and setting-up are made more practical, but the stability is reduced and vertical extensions are limited to about 6 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses modular containing elements that can be transported and assembled similarly to small blocks but are designed with integrated reinforcement features. The segmentation into manageable units maintains ease of transport while the integrated design ensures proper load distribution and connection, enabling stable vertical extensions beyond the 6-meter limit of small block systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A containing element to be used in geotechnical applications, including: a facing body made of a cementitious material having an inner face configured for contacting the ground and an outer face opposite to the inner face with respect to the body itself, a monolithic reticular structure made of plastic material having a plurality of first and second elements intersecting each other at respective nodes in order to form meshes. The reticular structure includes a first portion integrated and stably embedded in the facing body and a second portion, integral with the first portion, emerging from the inner face of the facing body; the second portion of the reticular structure defines, cooperatively with the inner face of the containing body, a closed loop.