Integrated Composite Wall Foundation and Floor Slab System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for constructing building foundations and floor slabs often result in separate components that can lead to differential settling and moisture issues, and are time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially when dealing with large structures or those intended for temporary use or relocation.
Innovation Solution
A composite, unitary wall foundation and floor slab structure made of pre-stressed and post-tensioned concrete, integrated with a compacted stone sub-base extending below the frost line, allowing for increased strength and integrity, and the ability to be disassembled and reassembled with minimal effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate foundation and floor slab structures are used, then construction flexibility is improved, but structural integrity and stability deteriorate due to differential settling and moisture seepage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the foundation wall and floor slab into a single integrated precast concrete component. The floor slab is formed as an integral part of the foundation wall structure, creating a unified element that eliminates joints between separate foundation and slab components. This merging ensures structural integrity while preventing differential settling and moisture infiltration that would occur at connection points between separate elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional in-situ construction techniques are used, then adaptability to site conditions is improved, but construction time and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation and floor slab are manufactured as precast concrete components off-site before delivery to the construction location. This preliminary action allows the structural elements to be prepared in advance with controlled curing conditions, eliminating the time-consuming on-site concrete pouring and extended curing periods. The precast units can be quickly installed at the site, dramatically reducing construction time while maintaining adaptability through standardized modular designs.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional in-situ construction is used, then on-site adjustments are easier, but the time required for concrete finishing and curing increases construction duration
Solution Approach 1:
The concrete components are manufactured off-site with all finishing work completed in the controlled environment of the precast facility. Surface textures, smooth finishes, or decorative treatments are applied during manufacturing before the concrete fully cures, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site finishing operations. The components arrive at the construction site ready for immediate installation, bypassing the extended curing and finishing timeline associated with conventional in-situ concrete work.
4Device complexity
If separate foundation and slab structures are formed, then construction simplicity is improved, but structural integration and load-bearing capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation wall and floor slab are formed as a single monolithic precast concrete structure with continuous reinforcement throughout. The reinforcing steel mesh or bars extend continuously through both the wall and slab portions without interruption, creating a unified load-bearing element. This integration ensures that loads are distributed throughout the entire structure rather than being transferred through weak joints between separate components, significantly enhancing structural strength and stability.
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 a strong, integral foundation and floor slab system that can support structures of any size, reduces construction time, and allows for easy transportation and reassembly, while enhancing structural integrity and minimizing the need for new materials.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing pre-stressing and post-tensioning
Implementation Method 2
applying tensile force to the concrete structure, creating compressive stress to increase structural strength
Data Source
AI summary
A unitary, composite wall foundation and floor slab structure and system is provided by a pre-stressed cast concrete structure having a wall foundation region, a floor slab region and a transitional region therebetween and strands passing through all of those regions. One or more such structures are also post-tensioned using cables passing through tube embedded in the cast concrete structure and, when a plurality of such structures are employed in a modular manner, such post-tensioning draws all such modules into a larger unitary composite wall foundation and floor slab structure. The transition region may be further reinforced by angular reinforcing elements. Intermediate and end sections of varied shape may be used to complete the structure.