Thermal Insulation Element Installation Without Grouting Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing thermal insulation elements between concrete building components risk forming weak intermediate layers due to air bubbles and pore water, leading to incomplete grouting and thermal bridges, which are difficult to detect and repair.
Innovation Solution
Embed rod-shaped reinforcement elements in the lower building part before installing the thermal insulation element, using an installation template to ensure proper alignment, and apply a mortar bed after the concrete hardens to connect the insulation element, eliminating the need for grouting openings and preventing incomplete grouting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the thermal insulation element is pressed into still-fresh cast-in-place concrete, then the element can be installed quickly, but weak intermediate layers form due to air bubbles and pore water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding only the rod-shaped reinforcement elements in the lower building part before installing the thermal insulation element. This allows the concrete to harden around the reinforcement elements first, creating a stable anchor point. The thermal insulation element is then connected using a mortar bed after hardening, eliminating the risk of air bubbles and pore water that would occur if the element were pressed into fresh concrete. This sequential approach maintains both installation efficiency and joint reliability.
2Reliability
If grouting is used to seal the joint, then the joint can be sealed, but grouting openings create thermal bridges and incomplete grouting is difficult to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic grouting opening from the thermal insulation element design. Instead of including grouting openings that create thermal bridges and detection difficulties, the invention uses a mortar bed applied after concrete hardening to connect the thermal insulation element to the lower building part. This eliminates the need for grouting openings entirely, removing the source of thermal bridges while simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mortar bed as an intermediary material between the lower building part and the thermal insulation element. This mortar bed serves as the connecting medium that seals the joint effectively without requiring grouting openings in the thermal insulation element. The mortar bed fills the space and creates a reliable seal, eliminating the need for complex grouting systems and their associated thermal bridge problems.
3Strength
If the thermal insulation element is installed with reinforcing bars, then structural connection is achieved, but misalignment with the element openings occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first embedding the rod-shaped reinforcement elements in the lower building part before installing the thermal insulation element. This sequence allows the reinforcement elements to be positioned and anchored in the concrete first, creating a stable framework. The thermal insulation element is then installed afterward, ensuring its openings align with the pre-positioned reinforcement elements. This eliminates misalignment issues while maintaining strong structural connection.
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
Ensures reliable connection and continuous reinforcement between building parts, preventing thermal bridges and incomplete grouting, while simplifying the installation process and reducing the risk of weak joints.
Implementation Method 1
thermal insulation element for thermal decoupling between load-bearing building components made of concrete
Implementation Method 2
a mortar bed is placed after the lower part of the building has hardened during the installation of the thermal insulation element
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~4c
Figure 4d~4f
AI summary
A method for installing a thermal insulation element for thermal decoupling between load-bearing building components made of concrete is described, preferably between a vertical building component, in particular a column, and a horizontal building component above or below it, in particular a floor slab or a foundation slab. The thermal insulation element has a base body that consists at least partially of a compressive force-transmitting and thermally insulating material and has an upper and a lower bearing surface for vertical connection to the building components. Furthermore, the base body has several recesses penetrating it vertically from the upper to the lower bearing surface, which serve as passageways for rod-shaped reinforcing elements, in particular reinforcing bars, extending essentially vertically beyond the upper and lower bearing surfaces.For the installation of the thermal insulation element, it is planned that the rod-shaped reinforcing elements are embedded in concrete in the lower part of the building, and that a planned joint is provided between the lower part of the building and the thermal insulation element, into which a mortar bed is placed after the lower part of the building has hardened when the thermal insulation element is installed.