Extension Element for Composite Tensile Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current force applications for composite materials in post-reinforcement of supporting structures only utilize a limited extent of the tensile potential due to stress peaks at the transition from the composite material to the tensioning anchor, resulting in lower than maximum transferable tensile loads.
Innovation Solution
An extension element is attached to the strip-shaped material after pretensioning, either adhesively or mechanically, to redirect additional stresses away from the tensioning anchor, thereby increasing the maximum transferable tensile load while maintaining a safety factor of 1.5.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the strip-shaped material is tensioned through the tensioning anchor to pretensioning load, then the material is anchored to the supporting structure, but stress peaks are created at the transition from the strip-shaped material to the tensioning anchor, limiting the maximum transferable tensile load
Solution Approach 1:
The force application system is segmented into three distinct zones: a first zone with the tensioning anchor for pretensioning, a second intermediate zone with the extension element that acts as a stress-relieving transition, and a third zone where the strip-shaped material is attached to the supporting structure. This segmentation distributes stress peaks across multiple zones rather than concentrating them at a single transition point, enabling the material to withstand higher tensile loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension element serves as an intermediary component between the tensioning anchor and the strip-shaped material. It is attached to the strip-shaped material in the tensioned state and provides a gradual stress transition zone that prevents sharp stress peaks from forming at the interface between the anchored material and the tensioning anchor, thereby increasing the maximum transferable tensile load.
2Productivity
If terminal anchors are used to pretension the composite material, then the material is anchored to the supporting structure, but the tensile potential of the composite material is utilized only to a limited extent
Solution Approach 1:
The extension element is attached to the strip-shaped material in the tensioned state before final anchoring to the supporting structure. This preliminary action ensures that the material is already under pretension when the extension element is installed, allowing the system to utilize a higher portion of the material's tensile potential from the outset rather than being limited by stress peaks that would otherwise form during subsequent 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
This approach increases the maximum transferable operational tensile forces by 20%-50% to a range of 300-400 kN, effectively utilizing the composite material's tensile potential more efficiently and reducing stress peaks at the transition zone.
Implementation Method 1
an extension element is attached, either with an adhesive or mechanically, to the strip-shaped material in the tensioned state
Implementation Method 2
the tensile forces occurring during pretensioning are transmitted to the composite material through frictional forces by clamping or adhesive bonding of the tensioning anchor to the composite material
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a force-applying element including a tensioning anchor for anchoring a tape-shaped material to a support structure. The tape-shaped material is pretensioned by means of the tensioning anchor. An extension element is disposed in the transition area between the tensioning anchor and the tape-shaped material following the tensioning process. The extension element is effectively connected to the tape-shaped material and the tensioning anchor.