Hybrid Support Structure with Tapered Shell and Concrete Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hybrid support structures, particularly those with non-linearly tapering cross-sections, face challenges in achieving both aesthetic and static requirements due to high material costs and stability issues, especially for architectural constructions where durability and corrosion resistance are concerns.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid support structure comprising a non-linearly tapering outer metallic shell element with a cavity that encloses a core element, allowing for a filling material to enhance load-bearing capacity and stiffness, while preventing corrosion through the use of materials like stainless steel or carbon steel, and optionally incorporating a core rod for additional stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stainless steel is used for the outer shell to meet aesthetic and corrosion resistance requirements, then durability and appearance are improved, but material costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing a concrete core element inside a metallic shell, creating a composite structure where each material contributes its strengths. The concrete core provides bulk and compression resistance while the metallic shell provides tensile strength and corrosion resistance, reducing the need for expensive stainless steel throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining concrete and metal in a hybrid support structure. This allows the structure to benefit from both materials' properties: concrete's compressive strength and metal's tensile strength and corrosion resistance, achieving durability without requiring expensive stainless steel for the entire structure.
2Shape
If the cross-section tapers non-linearly to achieve aesthetic appearance and minimal connection dimensions, then architectural appeal and material efficiency are improved, but structural stability and buckling resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses nesting with an inner core element placed within the tapered shell structure. This core element provides internal support that maintains buckling resistance despite the tapering geometry, allowing the outer shell to achieve aesthetic non-linear tapering while the inner core ensures structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite hybrid structure allows the tapered shell to focus on aesthetic form while the inner concrete core provides the necessary structural stability and buckling resistance. The combination enables the tapered shape without compromising load-bearing capacity.
3Reliability
If concrete cover is increased to prevent reinforcement corrosion, then durability is improved, but the cross-sectional area and self-weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by enclosing the concrete core within a metallic shell that provides corrosion protection. This eliminates the need for excessive concrete cover for corrosion prevention, as the metal shell serves as the protective barrier, thereby reducing the overall cross-sectional area and weight compared to a purely concrete structure with thick protective cover.
4Weight of stationary object
If hollow structures are used to reduce self-weight, then material efficiency is improved, but stability for load-bearing functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses nesting by placing a solid or partially filled core element inside the hollow metallic shell. This core element provides the necessary structural stability and load-bearing capacity, while the hollow shell maintains reduced self-weight. The combination achieves both lightness and stability that neither component could achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid composite structure combines the low-weight advantage of the hollow metal shell with the high stability of the inner core element. This allows the structure to achieve optimal weight-to-strength ratio, providing sufficient load-bearing stability while minimizing self-weight.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2bh
AI summary
The invention relates to a moulded body consisting of an outer hollow metal shell element (11) having a non-linearly tapering cross-section from the largest cross-section to the two ends (16), and at least partially surrounding a cavity in order to form a core element (19).