Composite Load Bearing Arch for Lightweight Earthquake Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reinforced and prestressed concrete structures in construction are heavy, difficult to repair, and prone to failure during earthquakes or accidents, lacking suitable alternatives for military use.
Innovation Solution
A load bearing arch comprising a lower and upper arch separated by beams, filled with interior foam and tension cables, featuring plate ties and leveling plates, made of composite materials like high-density polyurethane foam and metal, allowing for lighter, repairable, and earthquake-resistant structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforced concrete structures are used for load bearing, then structural strength and stability are improved, but weight increases and repairability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of metal plates (upper and lower arches) combined with interior foam and tension cables. This composite structure achieves the required load-bearing strength while significantly reducing weight compared to traditional reinforced concrete structures. The metal plates provide structural integrity, the foam provides insulation and cushioning, and the tension cables reinforce the arch shape, creating a lightweight yet strong composite system.
2Strength
If reinforced concrete structures are used for load bearing, then structural strength is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the load-bearing structure into separable components including upper arch, lower arch, interior foam, and tension cables. This segmentation allows individual components to be replaced or repaired independently without requiring demolition of the entire structure. The modular design enables easy access to damaged areas and facilitates rapid repair operations compared to monolithic concrete structures.
3Reliability
If traditional construction methods are used, then structural reliability is improved, but construction time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pre-fabricated modular components including pre-assembled upper and lower arches with integrated foam and cable systems. These modules can be manufactured in advance with quality control and then rapidly assembled on-site, reducing construction time while maintaining structural reliability. The standardized modular design enables efficient logistics and assembly operations.
4Reliability
If concrete structures are used for earthquake resistance, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes arch-shaped metal plates for the upper and lower structures, leveraging the inherent strength and earthquake resistance of curved geometries. The arch shape distributes seismic forces more effectively across the structure compared to flat concrete surfaces, providing earthquake resistance with reduced material usage and lower weight. The curved morphology naturally resonates at frequencies that reduce vulnerability to seismic loading.
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 load bearing arch is significantly lighter than concrete structures, capable of withstanding earthquakes, easily repairable, and reduces construction time by using pre-made modules, providing a durable alternative for buildings and military applications.
Implementation Method 1
a tension cable extends above the lower arch and between the first beam and the second beam
Implementation Method 2
Interior foam is provided between the lower arch and the upper arch
Data Source
AI summary
A load bearing arch is disclosed, including a lower arch and an upper arch separated by a first beam and a second beam. Interior foam is provided between the lower arch and the upper arch, and a tension cable extends above the lower arch and between the first beam and the second beam. One or more levelling plates are positioned at a top of the upper arch. One or more plate ties extend vertically between the lower arch and the upper arch.