Hollow Core Block Stabilization via Expanding Resin Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hollow core block structures in earthquake-prone zones face instability due to the lack of adequate reinforcement, as they are typically held together with only cementitious mortar, which may not withstand seismic activity.
Innovation Solution
Injecting expanding polymer resin into the hollow channels of hollow core blocks provides structural strength without the need for reinforcing rods, filling every nth core from the base to the top of the wall, enhancing the rigidity and binding of adjacent blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforcing rods are used to strengthen hollow core block walls, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity and construction difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the reinforcing rods from the construction system, replacing them with expanding polymer resin that is injected directly into the hollow cores. This removal of complex reinforcement elements while maintaining structural strength resolves the contradiction between strength improvement and complexity reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical reinforcement system (reinforcing rods) with a chemical system (expanding polymer resin). The resin is injected in a liquid state and then expands to fill the hollow cores, providing structural reinforcement without the need for mechanical reinforcement elements, thus reducing construction complexity while maintaining strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If cementitious mortar is used to hold hollow core blocks together, then ease of manufacture is improved, but structural stability during earthquakes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining the existing hollow core blocks with expanding polymer resin. The resin fills the hollow cores and binds adjacent blocks together, creating a composite material system that maintains the ease of manufacturing hollow core blocks while significantly improving their seismic stability and structural integrity during earthquakes.
3Strength
If every hollow channel is filled with expanding polymer resin, then structural rigidity is maximized, but quantity of substance and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by filling only every nth hollow channel with expanding polymer resin rather than all channels. This selective filling approach provides sufficient structural rigidity and seismic resistance while reducing the quantity of resin material required, thereby lowering costs while maintaining adequate structural performance.
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 significantly increases the structural rigidity of hollow core block walls, providing enhanced seismic resistance, thermal protection, sound insulation, and maintaining structural integrity during earthquakes without adding significant weight or requiring additional foundation support.
Implementation Method 1
injecting expanding polymer resin into hollow channels of the wall
Implementation Method 2
enhancing the rigidity and binding of adjacent blocks
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of stabilizing and strengthening wall structures constructed with hollow core cementitious blocks that have not been filled with concrete. Relatively small ports are drilled at the grout line every 4-6 courses along the vertical plain of one hollow core and this and every second core is then filled with a high density expanding resin thus filling the core there by providing sufficient strength and rigidity, yet flexibility to the wall structure to withstand significant seismic activity.