Fiberglass Composite Shear Ties for Insulated Concrete Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Insulated concrete wall panels face challenges with shear ties that lack strength, deformation capacity, and proper installation, leading to thermal bridging, condensation issues, and inadequate resistance to extreme loads such as blasts, while existing solutions fail to achieve composite action and are prone to installation errors.
Innovation Solution
A new shear tie system made from high-performance thermally resistive fiberglass composite, designed with a comb shape for easy installation and featuring elastic-plastic properties to connect concrete layers, preventing concrete passage and ensuring consistent embedding, thus enhancing panel deflection and blast resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If strong metal shear ties are used to connect concrete wythes, then composite strength is improved, but thermal bridging occurs creating hot-spots that reduce thermal resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite shear tie made of fiberglass reinforcement embedded in a thermally resistive polymer matrix. This composite material provides both the mechanical strength needed to connect concrete wythes and the thermal resistance to prevent hot-spot formation, resolving the contradiction between strength and thermal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters of the shear tie by using a polymer matrix with low thermal conductivity instead of metal, while maintaining sufficient strength through fiberglass reinforcement. This parameter change allows the shear tie to achieve both structural and thermal performance requirements.
2Ease of operation
If conventional shear ties are used, then installation is simplified, but they lack deformation capacity and allow concrete passage creating thermal bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a flexible polymer matrix that allows the shear tie to deform under load while maintaining its position. This flexibility provides deformation capacity to accommodate concrete movement and prevents concrete from passing through, eliminating thermal bridges without complicating installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer matrix acts as an intermediary material between the fiberglass reinforcement and the concrete wythes. It provides a bonding mechanism that prevents concrete passage while allowing controlled deformation, thus maintaining reliability without requiring complex installation procedures.
3Strength
If shear ties are placed at specific locations with defined embedment, then designed capacity is achieved, but production time increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shear tie is designed with self-aligning features and a formulation that allows it to be placed in concrete without requiring precise pre-positioning or defined embedment. The material and geometry enable the shear tie to automatically achieve proper positioning and bonding, eliminating the need for time-consuming placement adjustments while maintaining designed capacity.
4Strength
If metal shear ties are used to connect concrete layers, then structural strength is improved, but panel deflection under blast loads is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters from metal to polymer-based composite, which allows the shear tie to undergo large deformations under blast loads while maintaining structural strength. This parameter change enables the panel to deflect more under extreme loads, dissipating energy during blast events while preserving the strength needed for normal structural performance.
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 tie system increases the strength and deformation capacity of insulated concrete panels, reducing installation tolerances and thermal bridging, while providing enhanced energy dissipation during extreme events like blasts, ensuring better structural integrity and occupant safety.
Implementation Method 1
thermally resistive fiberglass composite
Implementation Method 2
elastic-plastic response to an applied shear load
Data Source
AI summary
An insulated composite structural panel comprises a first concrete layer, a second concrete layer, and an insulation layer disposed therebetween. One or more shear ties are embedded in the panel. The shear ties include a base portion and a plurality of elongated anchor elements extending from the base portion. A portion of each anchor element extends through the first and second concrete layers and insulation layer. The tie is formed of a material exhibiting ductile elastic-plastic behavior under an applied shear load. In a non-limiting example, the tie may be formed of a fiber reinforced polymer. The tie is constructed and acts to form stable flexural hinges at the interface between the insulation layer and each concrete layer. During a shear load event, portions of the anchor elements within the insulation laterally deform in a ductile manner to keep the structural panel relatively intact.