FRP Channel Slab Assembly Without Temporary Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building and civil engineering construction methods require temporary support structures, specialized personnel, and have long construction times, leading to complexity and quality issues, especially for structures that need to be self-supporting and adaptable.

Innovation Solution

A structural system using fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) panels with longitudinal and transverse channels and stiffening parts, which form a monolithic assembly when filled with fibre-reinforced concrete, eliminating the need for additional support structures and allowing on-site adaptation and quicker construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If temporary support structures are used in conventional construction methods, then construction can proceed with standard concrete slabs, but construction complexity increases and completion time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction simplicityVSAvoidtemporary support structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The FRP structural system is designed to be self-supporting during construction, eliminating the need for temporary support structures. The base part with channels and stiffening parts create an inherent structural framework that supports itself and enables concrete pouring without external falsework, directly resolving the contradiction between construction simplicity and support structure complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides the structural assembly into distinct modular components: a base part with channel networks and separate stiffening parts that fit into the channels. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled together to form a self-supporting structure, reducing overall construction complexity while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If conventional construction methods are used, then standard procedures can be followed, but construction time is extended and deadlines are delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction speedVSAvoidconstruction completion time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The FRP base parts and stiffening parts are pre-manufactured with integrated channels and reinforcement features before arrival at the construction site. This preliminary preparation of structural components eliminates time-consuming on-site assembly operations and enables rapid installation, directly improving construction productivity and reducing completion time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the material parameters by using fibre-reinforced polymer composites instead of conventional concrete-steel combinations. The FRP materials provide inherent strength and stiffness that eliminates the need for temporary supports, allowing concurrent execution of structural assembly and concrete pouring operations, thereby reducing construction time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If specialized personnel are required for on-site implementation, then quality control is maintained, but labor requirements and construction complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction qualityVSAvoidspecialized personnel requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The FRP structural system is designed with universal connection features and standardized assembly procedures that can be performed by general construction personnel. The self-supporting nature of the structure and simplified assembly process eliminate the need for highly specialized workers, reducing labor requirements while maintaining construction quality through the inherent precision of the pre-manufactured components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of manufacture

If precast concrete methods are used, then industrialization is achieved, but construction times remain long and structural stiffness is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindustrialization levelVSAvoidconstruction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses composite FRP materials that combine fibre reinforcement with polymer matrices to create lightweight yet strong structural components. These composite base parts and stiffening parts can be pre-manufactured industrially but assembled rapidly on-site due to their modular design and self-supporting characteristics, achieving both industrialization benefits and reduced construction time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP4671462A1Structural system for building and civil engineering works and construction method
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 GARCIA ROJO MIGUEL
  • EP4671462A1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4671462A1 patent drawingFigure 5
  • EP4671462A1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present invention relates to a two-way structural system for construction, comprising a base part (1) with a plurality of longitudinal channels (1.1) and a plurality of transverse channels (1.2) that are evenly distributed, a stiffening part (2) with a plurality of holes (2.3) along the sheets (2.1, 2.2); wherein both parts (1 and 2) are made of FRP material, and wherein the stiffening part (2), in an operational position, is connected by resting on the base part (1) and fitting into the corresponding channels (1.1, 1.2), defining a cavity in the channels (1.1, 1.2) between both parts (1, 2) to be filled with fibre-reinforced concrete, the assembly forming an integral structure once the concrete has set, and both parts (1.1, 1.2) being configured as a self-supporting structure against the pouring of the concrete. The present invention further relates to a building method for constructing bridges, tunnels and underground works, with said two-way structural system.