Fireproof Wall Panel Connections Using Hollow Fiber Concrete
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire-retardant wall solutions fail to simultaneously meet stringent fire-resistance requirements and provide adequate load-bearing capacity, with most achieving only 60-90 minutes of fire-resistance and lacking in mechanical resistance and ease of installation and replaceability.
Innovation Solution
A method using reinforced concrete wall panels with hollow synthetic fibers and a specific composition, combined with shaped connecting parts and fire-resistant sealants, to create a fire-retardant sealing system with load-bearing capacity between panels and columns, achieving REI-120 or REI-180 minutes of fire-resistance by using high-strength non-shrink mortar and halogen-free silicone sealants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If prefabricated reinforced concrete elements are used for fire-retardant walls, then mechanical strength and load-bearing capacity are improved, but fire-resistance is limited to 60-90 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining conventional concrete with hollow plastic fibers (0.3-1.0 kg/m³) to create a fire-resistant concrete composition. The hollow plastic fibers act as heat insulators and prevent explosive spalling by providing escape paths for steam pressure, thereby extending fire-resistance duration while maintaining the load-bearing capacity of reinforced concrete elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates hollow plastic fibers that create a porous structure within the concrete matrix. These hollow fibers provide channels for steam escape during fire exposure, preventing internal pressure buildup and explosive spalling. The porous structure also provides thermal insulation, extending the fire-resistance duration of the concrete elements.
2Reliability
If conventional sealants are used for joint sealing, then sealing function is achieved, but load-transfer and load-bearing functions are not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a multi-functional joint sealant composition containing hollow plastic fibers that simultaneously provides sealing, load-bearing, and load-transfer functions. The sealant is applied in multiple layers with different compositions: the first layer provides sealing and initial load-bearing, while subsequent layers enhance load-transfer capacity, creating a universal joint solution that addresses all three functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint sealant is divided into multiple application layers with different functional compositions. The first layer (5-15 mm) provides sealing and basic load-bearing, while additional layers (10-20 mm each) are applied to progressively enhance load-transfer capacity, allowing each layer to specialize in specific functions.
3Reliability
If expanding materials are used for joint sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but displacement of wall panels and columns occurs due to heat-induced expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expanding materials with non-expanding hollow plastic fiber-containing sealants. The hollow plastic fibers provide sealing effectiveness through their physical presence and heat-resistant properties without undergoing expansion that would cause structural displacement. The sealant maintains dimensional stability while providing effective sealing throughout the fire exposure duration.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If fire-resistance requirements are strictly met with traditional materials, then fire protection is achieved, but construction time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow plastic fibers are pre-mixed into the concrete composition during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate fire-protection treatments or installations. The fire-resistant properties are built into the material itself, allowing for faster construction while achieving extended fire-resistance duration of 120-180 minutes.
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 method provides enhanced fire-resistance and load-bearing capacity, preventing explosive spalling and ensuring prolonged fire protection while maintaining structural integrity and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
explosive spalling and burn-through of the high-strength concrete material of concrete layers of the wall panel and the column can be prevented and delayed by adding hollow plastic fibers to the concrete mix
Implementation Method 2
the joints between the load-bearing connection surfaces are filled with a fire-resistant high-strength non-shrink mortar
Implementation Method 3
fire-retardant sealing of the connections with load bearing capacity... achieving REI-120 or REI-180 (120 min) or even (180 min) of fire-resistance
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for connecting wall panels to each other and to a column. In the method according to the invention, junctions are formed at the connection regions, wherein forming said junctions is realized by using shaped connecting parts and/or reinforcements and/or fasteners, and wherein said junctions are sealed once the connecting process is complete. The method according to the invention is characterized in that following the step of connecting, the joints between the load-bearing connection surfaces are filled with a fire-resistant high-strength non-shrink mortar (4, 9, 15) by means of junctions formed in the wall panels (1, 2, 11, 12) and/or in the wall panels (7, 8, 11, 12) and the column (8, 19) made of a concrete with C50/60 strength class and with a bulk density of 2000 to 2500 kg/m3 containing hollow synthetic fibers, preferably having a length of 10 mm, then the joints are sealed with a resilient fire-resistant sealing material (5, 18, 25) from the fire-exposed side (A).