Composite Connection Element with Anchorage Means for Masonry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pultruded composite bars for structural reinforcement in building construction cannot be bent on site, leading to limitations in dimensional and inclination flexibility, and their connections suffer from reduced strength and stiffness, especially at L-shaped joints, with insufficient grip in binding agents.
Innovation Solution
A connection element made of composite material with a bundle of fibres and a binding agent, featuring an insertion portion and a fixing portion with anchorage means, allowing for improved grip and flexibility, and a method for manufacturing this element by impregnating fibres with resin, cutting, and arranging anchorage means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pultruded composite bars are used for structural reinforcement, then the bars are lighter and not subject to oxidation, but they cannot be bent on site and lack dimensional and inclination flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into three distinct portions: a first insertion portion, a second insertion portion, and a fixing portion. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function - the insertion portions for anchoring and the fixing portion for adjustable connection, thereby achieving both structural reliability and on-site adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing portion is designed to be bendable, introducing dynamic flexibility to an otherwise rigid composite structure. This allows the connector to be adjusted on-site to different angles and positions while maintaining the corrosion resistance and strength of the pultruded composite material.
2Ease of operation
If L-shaped connectors are used to establish connections between two surfaces of masonry, then connections can be made through the masonry, but there is a decrease in strength and stiffness at the connecting portion
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the connector have different functional qualities: the insertion portions are designed for anchoring strength while the fixing portion provides flexibility. This local differentiation allows the connector to maintain high strength at the critical anchoring points while providing adaptability at the connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is made of composite material comprising fibres and binding agent, combining the high strength-to-weight ratio of fibres with the bonding properties of the matrix, achieving both connection capability and structural strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple L-shaped elements are spliced to establish connections through masonry, then connections can be made, but the process becomes more complex and strength is reduced at splice portions
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions (anchoring at first surface, anchoring at second surface, and flexible connection) are merged into a single integrated connector element, eliminating the need for multiple separate L-shaped elements and their associated splicing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves multiple functions: it acts as an anchor at the first surface, an anchor at the second surface, and a flexible connection element. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized components.
4Ease of operation
If fibres are freed from hardened resin by solvent bath or pyrolysis to enable radial widening and embedding in mortar, then anchorage can be achieved, but the fibres have different and worse properties than intact bar or pre-impregnation fibres
Solution Approach 1:
The anchorage means are pre-formed and integrated into the connector during manufacturing, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing fibre treatment. This preliminary action preserves the integrity and properties of the fibres while still achieving effective anchorage.
Solution Approach 2:
The binding agent serves as an intermediary between the fibres and the mortar, providing the anchorage function without requiring degradation of the fibres. The binding agent facilitates the bonding while the fibres maintain their full mechanical properties.
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 solution provides enhanced grip and flexibility, ensuring effective connection and reinforcement between structural elements, maintaining mechanical properties and eliminating the need for multiple L-shaped elements, while allowing on-site customization.
Implementation Method 1
made of composite material comprising a bundle of fibres (14) and a binding agent
Implementation Method 2
the anchorage means (26, 28) exert an additional anchoring action with respect to that exerted only by the fibres (14) of the fixing portion (22, 24), when immersed in a matrix
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A connection element (12) in composite material comprising a bundle of fibres (14) and a binding agent. The connection element (12) further comprises an insertion portion (16) having two ends (18, 20). The insertion portion (16) comprises a section of said bundle of fibres embedded in said binding agent to form a monolithic structure; at at least one of the ends (18, 20) a fixing portion (22, 24) is provided. The fixing portion (22, 24) comprises fibres (14) overhanging from the insertion portion (16) and partially embedded in the monolithic structure. The fibres are predisposed with anchorage means (26, 28) adapted to realize an anchorage between said fibres (14) of the fixing portion (22, 24) and a plaster and/or a reinforcement element.