FRP Building Panels with Integrated Anchoring and Foam Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for lightweight structural building panels that can replace concrete in construction, providing strength to bear compressive and lateral loads, while being impermeable to water and securely anchored to foundations to withstand severe wind conditions.
Innovation Solution
Fiber-reinforced polymeric (FRP) structural building panels with integrated footer systems, featuring outer and inner fiber-reinforced polymeric layers, load-bearing studs, and mechanical fasteners for secure attachment, allowing for customizable length, height, and thickness, and incorporating foam blocks for thermal insulation and structural reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If lightweight FRP panels are used to replace concrete, then material weight is reduced, but structural strength to bear compressive and lateral loads may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials consisting of multiple layers including outer and inner FRP layers, foam core blocks, and fiber reinforcement. This composite structure provides high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling the panels to achieve both lightweight properties and sufficient structural strength to bear compressive and lateral loads simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates load-bearing studs and reinforcement elements at specific locations within the panel structure where stresses are concentrated. The foam blocks are strategically positioned to provide local structural support, while the FRP layers are oriented to resist specific load directions, optimizing strength distribution throughout the panel.
2Productivity
If FRP panels are used to replace concrete, then construction speed and ease of installation are improved, but secure anchoring to foundation under severe wind conditions becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-attached mechanical fasteners and anchoring components directly integrated with the FRP panels during manufacturing. These pre-installed anchoring elements are designed to securely connect the panels to the foundation, ensuring reliable wind load resistance before installation occurs on-site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mechanical fasteners as intermediary elements that bridge the connection between the FRP panels and the concrete foundation. These fasteners transfer loads effectively between the lightweight panel structure and the heavy foundation, ensuring secure anchoring while maintaining the advantages of lightweight construction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If FRP panels with customizable dimensions are used, then adaptability to different building configurations is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wall structure into modular FRP panel segments with standardized connection interfaces. Each panel can be manufactured in standard sizes and then assembled in various configurations to create different wall lengths and heights. This segmentation allows dimensional customization through assembly rather than custom manufacturing of each unique size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal connection elements and standardized panel interfaces that can accommodate multiple panel configurations. The same basic panel design and connection hardware can be used across different wall sections with varying dimensions, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability to different building requirements.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If impermeable wall structures are required, then water resistance is improved, but joint sealing between panels becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates waterproofing features directly into the panel construction by incorporating foam core blocks and FRP layer configurations that provide inherent water resistance. The continuous FRP layers and interlocking panel designs merge structural and waterproofing functions, reducing the need for separate joint sealing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the flexible yet impermeable nature of the FRP material layers and foam core to create water-resistant joint connections. The material's flexibility allows for movement accommodation while maintaining water tightness, and thin film waterproofing coatings can be applied to panel surfaces and joints to enhance impermeability without adding significant complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Light weight fiber-reinforced polymeric (FRP) structural building panels and panel assemblies, sized and configured for construction of wall structures permanently tied to the ground, optionally tying overlying structure to an underlying wall using such panels and panel assemblies. Fiber schedule and orientation in the panels provide enhanced properties of strength of a panel/wall per unit dimension relative to FRP layer thickness and/or mass of the panel/wall per unit dimension.