Modular Concrete Floor Elements with Interlocking Angular Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for constructing floors and ceilings using Hourdis require time-consuming formwork and screed application, which delays construction and makes it difficult to reuse elements during renovation or demolition.
Innovation Solution
A set of parts made of reinforced or prestressed concrete with a uniform angular geometry profile, combined with acoustic mitigation elements positioned in hollows or crests of the profile, allowing for direct placement and interlocking without the need for a compression screed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional slabs with formwork and compression screed are used, then structural stability is achieved, but construction time increases and element reuse becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The floor is divided into discrete modular elements with standardized profiles that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each element includes integrated acoustic attenuation components, eliminating the need for separate screed layers and formwork operations. This segmentation enables parallel manufacturing and rapid on-site assembly while maintaining structural integrity through the interlocking profile design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple functions into a single integrated element: the concrete slab provides structural support, the integrated profile enables interlocking and positioning, and the acoustic attenuation elements are incorporated within the same assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate formwork, compression screed, and acoustic treatment layers, significantly reducing construction time while maintaining all necessary structural and acoustic performance.
2Reliability
If traditional slabs with formwork and compression screed are used, then structural stability is achieved, but element recoverability and reuse are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The floor system is segmented into removable modular elements with standardized interfaces. The interlocking profile is designed to allow easy disassembly and reassembly without damaging the concrete elements. This segmentation enables complete recovery and reuse of individual elements during renovation or demolition, transforming the traditional permanent concrete slab into a recyclable modular system that maintains structural stability throughout its lifecycle.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If different geometry profiles are used for lower and upper elements, then acoustic attenuation is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using different geometry profiles for lower and upper elements, the invention applies local quality by placing acoustic attenuation elements at specific locations within the same profile design. The standardized profile is used for all concrete elements, simplifying manufacturing, while acoustic performance is enhanced locally by incorporating sound absorption materials in strategic positions within the element structure or at the interfaces between elements.
4Stability of the object's composition
If compression screed is poured after slab installation, then slab positioning stability is achieved, but construction time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by pre-positioning and pre-assembling the modular elements with integrated acoustic attenuation components before final installation. The interlocking profiles are designed to self-align and stabilize the slabs during assembly, eliminating the need for subsequent compression screed pouring. This preliminary assembly approach achieves slab positioning stability directly through the modular design, significantly reducing construction time.
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 solution enables quick and efficient installation of floors and ceilings, reduces noise transmission, mitigates the pianotage effect, and allows for easy recovery and reuse of elements during building renovation or demolition.
Implementation Method 1
a second set of acoustic attenuation elements intended to be placed between two elements of said first set which are fitted together thanks to their profile
Implementation Method 2
The acoustic attenuation elements have an angular geometry which matches that of the profile, the acoustic attenuation elements being positioned in a hollow, respectively on a crest, formed by the profile of the elements of the first layer
Implementation Method 3
thanks to their elasticity, also to reduce the tapping effect
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A set of parts intended to form a floor (1) and/or a ceiling of at least one room in a building, which set includes a first set of elements (2) each having a first face (2a) substantially flat and a second face (2b) opposite the first face, which second face has a profile (3) having an angular geometry such that two elements can fit together, which set also includes a second set of acoustic attenuation elements (4, 5-1, 5-2) intended to be placed between two elements of said first set which are fitted together, for each element of the first set the angular geometry of the profile is the same and is present on the whole of the second face, which acoustic attenuation elements have an angular geometry which follows that of the profile and are positioned in a hollow, respectively on a ridge, formed by the profile of the elements of the first layer.