Corrugated Web Profile Beam for Prestressed Concrete Slabs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prestressed concrete slabs face challenges in redistributing prestressing forces into profile girders without introducing stresses into the top chord or flange, which affects the structural integrity and weight efficiency of building slabs.

Innovation Solution

The use of profiled web supports with corrugated profiles that absorb and compensate for tensile or compressive forces by changing shape, combined with connecting means like reinforcement elements or bent edges for enhanced anchoring, and recesses for installation lines, allows for improved load distribution and anchoring within the concrete slab.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If prestressing forces are transferred into the profile beams, then the load-bearing capacity of the slab is improved, but stresses are introduced into the top chord or flange which reduces structural integrity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The profile beam is segmented into functionally distinct parts: the web handles prestressing forces through its corrugated profiling, while the flange maintains structural integrity by being isolated from these forces. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The corrugated web acts as an intermediary element that absorbs and compensates for prestressing forces through its deformable structure, preventing these forces from being transferred to the flange. The web's profiling serves as a mechanical mediator that decouples the force paths between the concrete slab and the flange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the web is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then buckling resistance is improved, but the ability to compensate for prestressing forces without transferring them to the flange is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuckling resistanceVSAvoidforce compensation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The web employs a corrugated profiling that creates a flexible yet stable structure. The corrugations provide buckling resistance through their geometric configuration while maintaining the flexibility needed to deform and absorb prestressing forces. This flexible geometry allows the web to simultaneously achieve stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The corrugated profile introduces curvature and geometric complexity to the web structure. These curved profiles enhance buckling resistance through geometric stabilization while maintaining the ability to deform elastically under prestressing forces, unlike a straight rigid web.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Strength

If the profiling extends over the entire length of the profile beam, then the buckling stiffness and force compensation are maximized, but the manufacturing complexity and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuckling stiffnessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The corrugated profiling is applied locally where it is most needed - primarily in the region where prestressing forces are introduced and where buckling risk is highest. This localized application maintains the essential benefits while reducing overall manufacturing complexity and material usage compared to full-length profiling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This solution stabilizes the upper chord, compensates for prestressing forces without transferring them to the flange, enhances buckling resistance, and facilitates easier installation and sound insulation, while optimizing weight and strength, and allowing for adjustable system floors.

Implementation Method 1

the web can easily compensate for these forces by changing its shape, similar to a bellows, without introducing them into the top chord or flange

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the corrugated web in the known beams essentially serves to increase the buckling stiffness of the web

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric stabilization: Corrugation

Implementation Method 3

which are connected to it either by a material bond, for example by welding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 4

or by a form-fit, for example by corresponding holes in the web

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3144439B1Panel, especially floor- or ceiling panel for a building structure
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 SDO ZT GMBH
  • EP3144439B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3144439B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3144439B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A slab (1), in particular a floor or ceiling slab, for a building comprises a prestressed concrete slab (2) and at least one profile beam (3) partially embedded therein, with a web (4) and a flange (5). The web (4) has, at least in sections along its longitudinal direction, a profile oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction.