Composite Shear Connector for Concrete Panel Thermal Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Buildings face significant heat transfer issues due to differential temperatures between the exterior and interior, leading to increased energy expenditures for heating and cooling, as existing insulation methods fail to effectively mitigate thermal bridging between concrete panels and structural members.
Innovation Solution
The development of shear connectors made from insulating materials that are configured to connect concrete panels to structural members, reducing thermal transfer by embedding within the concrete and using additional insulating layers when necessary, thereby creating a composite construction that limits heat flow and enhances thermal resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional metal connectors are used to connect concrete panels to structural members, then strong mechanical connection is achieved, but thermal bridging increases leading to poor thermal insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is constructed as a composite structure combining metal components for mechanical strength with insulating material components for thermal resistance. The insulating material forms the base and filling portions while metal brackets and fasteners provide structural connection, achieving both strong mechanical attachment and reduced thermal bridging between concrete panels and steel members
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the connector have different material properties optimized for their specific functions: the base and filling portions use insulating materials to reduce thermal transfer, while the brackets and fastening portions use metal materials to provide strong mechanical connection. This local differentiation of material quality allows simultaneous achievement of thermal insulation and structural strength
2Loss of energy
If insulating material is placed between connector and concrete panel, then thermal insulation is improved, but structural integrity and shear wall capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses a composite construction where insulating material forms the base and filling portions to reduce thermal transfer, while integrated metal brackets and fasteners provide the necessary structural strength. This allows the connector to maintain both thermal insulation properties and structural integrity for shear wall applications
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating material and metal structural components are merged into a single integrated connector assembly. The insulating base and filling portions are combined with metal brackets and fasteners to create a unified component that simultaneously provides thermal insulation and structural connection capabilities
3Loss of energy
If thicker insulating layers are added to reduce U-value, then thermal resistance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating portion of the connector is divided into two segments: a base portion that contacts the concrete panel and a filling portion that fills the gap between the bracket and panel. This segmentation allows flexible adaptation to different installation conditions while maintaining consistent thermal insulation performance without increasing overall complexity
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 shear connector system achieves U-values ranging from 0.15 W/m2K to less than 0.06 W/m2K, significantly reducing heat transfer and energy consumption by creating a thermally resistant composite construction that meets stringent building codes.
Implementation Method 1
The shear connectors can be manufactured using insulating materials configured to reduce thermal transfer between concrete panels and structural members
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is used to secure a concrete panel to a structural member. The connector is formed of a composite material and thermally insulates the concrete panel from the structural member.