Reusable Laminate Formwork for Circular Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current construction methods for building circular columns are inefficient, expensive, and wasteful due to the use of non-adjustable, bulky, and single-use cardboard tubes like Sonotubes, which limit size options, require large storage, and are prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
The use of flexible, durable, and reusable laminate sheets, such as PileMedic PLG60.60, which can be coiled and easily assembled into formworks of various diameters and heights without adhesives, utilizing friction between layers to maintain shape and prevent unraveling, allowing for multiple uses and easy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If cardboard tubes like Sonotubes are used for constructing circular columns, then the columns can be formed with a circular shape, but the tubes are bulky, require large storage space, and are prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The laminate sheets are stored in a nested or rolled configuration that minimizes storage volume. The flexible nature of the laminate allows it to be compacted into a small package that can be transported and stored efficiently, then expanded into the required formwork shape when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The formwork transitions from a static, bulky cardboard tube to a dynamic, flexible laminate sheet that can be adjusted and configured. The laminate can be bent and shaped into the required circular form only when in use, reducing storage requirements while maintaining the circular column shape capability.
2Shape
If cardboard tubes like Sonotubes are used for constructing circular columns, then the columns can be formed with a circular shape, but the tubes are non-adjustable and come in specific sizes only
Solution Approach 1:
The laminate sheets are flexible and can be cut to various lengths and bent into different diameters, allowing the formwork to be adapted to any column size requirement. This dynamic flexibility replaces the static, fixed-size cardboard tubes.
Solution Approach 2:
The formwork parameters (length, diameter, thickness) can be easily modified by cutting and shaping the laminate sheets to match the specific requirements of each column, providing unlimited size adaptability compared to pre-manufactured tubes.
3Shape
If cardboard tubes like Sonotubes are used for constructing circular columns, then the columns can be formed with a circular shape, but the tubes are single-use and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The laminate sheets can be removed from the cured concrete columns and reused for subsequent formwork applications. This recovery and reuse process eliminates the single-use nature of cardboard tubes, reducing material waste and construction costs over multiple projects.
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
This method allows for efficient, cost-effective, and adaptable construction and repair of columns and pipes of various diameters and shapes, reducing storage needs and environmental impact by enabling the reuse of materials, while providing a smooth surface for concrete and preventing bonding with the formwork.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing friction between layers to maintain shape and prevent unraveling
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for constructing, reinforcing, and repairing various structural elements such as columns, piles and the like using formworks that are reusable. The reusable articles of manufacture employed in the disclosed methods are or, if desired, may be permanently left in place. Same or similar methods and articles of manufacture may be employed to easily construct pipes of any desired diameter in a very short time.