FRP Mesh Rod Joint Structure for Higher Axial Tensile Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing FRP rod connections in masonry and concrete structures suffer from insufficient strength and reliability, particularly under alternating loads, due to small contact areas and brittle failure modes.
Innovation Solution
The FRP mesh is formed by connecting longitudinal and transverse rods at a right angle, with roving strands of unequal thickness oriented perpendicularly around the transverse rod, forming cavities and ensuring a secure contact zone on both sides of the longitudinal axis, enhancing axial tensile strength and preventing warping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rods are connected by passing one rod through the structure of the other rod, then the connection is formed, but the fibres of the outer rod are split into equal bundles, making the product brittle due to small contact area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by splitting the longitudinal rod's roving into unequal bundles (first bundle with more strands than the second bundle) rather than equal bundles. This asymmetric distribution creates unequal contact zones on opposite sides of the transverse rod, with the first contact zone having larger area than the second contact zone, thereby preventing brittle failure and improving axial tensile strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform contact zones between rods. The first contact zone is designed to have a larger contact area with the transverse rod compared to the second contact zone. This localized variation in contact quality ensures that the majority of load is carried by the larger contact zone, preventing catastrophic failure while maintaining manufacturability.
2Device complexity
If only a half of the rod works in case of breaking axial load, then the connection is simple, but splitting of the product at the joints becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric bundle distribution ensures that both sides of the transverse rod contribute to load-bearing, with the first side (having larger contact zone) carrying more load. This prevents the scenario where only half the rod works, thereby eliminating the risk of splitting at joints while keeping the connection structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by creating a polymer layer in the cavities between the longitudinal and transverse rods. This polymer layer acts as a cushioning element that prevents stress concentration and splitting at the joints, thereby improving joint reliability before failure can occur.
3Ease of manufacture
If contact zone is located on one side of the rod, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the product becomes brittle and splitting is possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions contact zones on both sides of the transverse rod rather than on one side, creating an asymmetric configuration where the first contact zone has larger area than the second. This bilateral contact zone arrangement maintains structural integrity and prevents brittleness while remaining manufacturable through the roving splitting process.
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 solution achieves high axial tensile strength and reliable connections, ensuring both rods contribute to load-bearing, with improved resistance to axial tension and preventing structural failure at joints.
Implementation Method 1
the cavities between the rectilinear sections of the outer rod and the surface of the inner rod are partially or completely filled with the polymer
Data Source
AI summary
The utility model relates to the production of fiber-reinforced polymer mesh made of non-metallic materials, used for reinforcing masonry and brickwork, concrete structures, for soil reinforcement, as well as for fencing and increasing the service life of roads.The task of the utility model is to create a FRP mesh having high consumer characteristics, physical and mechanical properties, while ensuring high axial tensile strength of both longitudinal and transverse rods.The FRP mesh is made of longitudinal and transverse rods connected to each other in accordance with the principles of the utility model; the mesh cell zone is formed by connecting cured and uncured rods at a right angle with subsequent curing of the mesh, in that case the connection of rods is carried out by feeding bundles of roving strands belonging to the formed longitudinal rod that are divided into strands of unequal thickness, are oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the transverse rod and cover areas of its radial surface on opposite sides, which leads to the formation of cavities between rectilinear sections of the longitudinal rod and the surface of the transverse rod (FIG. 6, Table 2)