Fireproof Wooden Building Member with Insulated Laminated Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wooden building members, such as posts and beams, have inadequate fireproof capabilities compared to armored or reinforced concrete and bricks, leading to uncertain structural integrity during fires, as carbonization from the surface to the interior progresses, potentially causing building collapse.
Innovation Solution
A fireproof wooden building member design featuring a structural portion coated with a laminated lumber coating and an insulating portion, such as gypsum board, interposed between the structural and coating layers to prevent load transmission and slow carbonization, while maintaining an attractive exterior appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wooden building members are used for frameworks, then the building is suitable for Japanese climates and has an attractive exterior appearance, but the fireproof capability is inferior to armored or reinforced concrete and bricks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining wood (structural portion) with fire-resistant materials (coating portion and insulating portion) to create a hybrid structure that maintains the aesthetic and structural advantages of wood while achieving fireproof performance comparable to concrete or brick buildings
Solution Approach 2:
The wooden building member is segmented into distinct functional portions: a structural portion for load-bearing, a coating portion for fire resistance and appearance, and an insulating portion for thermal protection. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together as an integrated fireproof system
2Strength
If the structural portion is exposed to blaze, then carbonization progresses from surface to interior, but the structural resistance decreases and building collapse becomes uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating portion is pre-installed between the structural and coating portions to provide beforehand cushioning against heat transmission. This insulating layer acts as a thermal barrier that slows down heat penetration to the structural portion during fire exposure, maintaining structural integrity for longer periods and providing predictable evacuation time
3Ease of manufacture
If a coating portion is applied to coat the structural portion, then the exterior appearance is maintained, but the load transmission from structural portion to coating portion may affect structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating portion serves as an intermediary element positioned between the structural portion and coating portion. It prevents direct mechanical contact and load transmission from the coating to the structural portion, while still allowing the coating to provide its fire protective and aesthetic functions. This intermediary layer decouples the mechanical functions from the protective functions
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 design enhances fireproof capability by slowing carbonization of the structural portion and ensuring structural integrity, allowing for longer evacuation times without collapsing, even if the coating is completely burned down, while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a insulating portion which is interposed between the structural portion and the coating portion in a laminated manner and prevents the load applied to the structural portion from being transmitted to the coating portion
Implementation Method 2
carbonization gradually progresses from its outer periphery to its inward portion
Data Source
AI summary
A wooden building member includes an elongated structural portion having a rectangular cross section and capable of receiving load applied thereto, a coating portion coating an entire length of at least three sides of the cross section of the structural portion, and an insulating portion interposed therebetween in a laminated manner and prevents load from transmitting to the coating portion. Since load is received by the structural portion, structural strength designing is facilitated, and even if the coating portion is completely burned down, the structural portion coated with the insulating portion is not easily burned down. Thus, fireproof capability of the wooden building member can be improved. Further, since a surface of the wooden building member is coated with the coating portion, the insulating portion is not exposed to the exterior thereby improving its appearance.