Modular Concrete Building Reuse via Thermal Rod Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling and disassembling modular building structures do not allow for easy reuse or recycling of modular units, leading to waste as they often require damage or destruction for disassembly.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using embedded steel receptacles in concrete columns and joists/slabs, along with various coupling mechanisms such as steel rods, wooden rods, and locking gear mechanisms, to assemble and disassemble modular units, allowing for separation and reuse by changing the diameter of rods or using dissolving agents, thereby enabling modular units to be easily disassembled and reassembled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If modular units are assembled into complete structures using existing assembly methods, then the structure can be constructed efficiently, but the modular units cannot be easily disassembled for reuse or recycling
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into separate components: a receptacle embedded in the concrete modular unit and a separate insert rod. This segmentation allows the modular unit to be easily disassembled by simply removing the insert rod, enabling reuse and recycling while maintaining efficient assembly during construction.
Solution Approach 2:
An insert rod serves as an intermediary element between the receptacle in the modular unit and the structural connection. The insert rod can be easily inserted into and removed from the receptacle, facilitating both efficient assembly and simple disassembly for future reuse or recycling.
2Ease of operation
If modular units are disassembled using existing methods, then the structure can be taken apart, but the modular units must be damaged or destroyed in the process
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system separates the modular unit (concrete structure) from the connection element (insert rod), allowing the modular unit to be recovered intact. The insert rod can be removed without damaging the concrete modular unit, enabling reuse or recycling of the modular unit while minimizing material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert rod is designed to be easily discarded or replaced while the modular unit is recovered for reuse or recycling. This approach minimizes material waste by preserving the valuable concrete modular units for future construction projects.
3Strength
If rigid connection methods are used to assemble modular units, then the structure achieves sufficient strength and stability, but the modular units cannot be easily separated for reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static, permanent connection to a dynamic, reversible connection. The insert rod can be easily inserted into and removed from the receptacle, allowing the structure to be dynamically reconfigured for reuse or recycling while maintaining sufficient structural strength during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism allows for parameter changes in terms of reversibility. The insert rod can be changed from a fixed state during assembly to a removable state for disassembly, enabling the structure to adapt to different uses while maintaining structural integrity during construction.
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 approach allows for the efficient assembly and disassembly of modular units, enabling their reuse and recycling, reducing waste and extending the lifecycle of modular building structures.
Implementation Method 1
applying a cooling agent to the rod to cause the outer diameter of the rod to decrease to a diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the receptacle embedded in the column and the inner diameter of the receptacle embedded in the joist/slab
Implementation Method 2
allowing the rod to heat to the ambient temperature so that the outer diameter increases to be equal to the inner diameter of the receptacle embedded in the column and the inner diameter of the receptacle embedded in the joist/slab and thereby create a friction fit
Implementation Method 3
introducing the cooling agent into the access port in the column and the access port of the joist/slab so that the cooling agent contacts the rod to cool the rod to cause the outer diameter of the rod to decrease
Data Source
AI summary
Presented are methods of assembling and disassembling a modular unit so that the modular unit. The modular unit includes at least a concrete column with an embedded steel receptacle and an access port, and a concrete joist/slab with an embedded steel receptacle and an access port. The methods include inserting a first end of the rigid member into the steel receptacle of the joist/slab and a second end of the rigid member into the steel receptacle of the column to form the modular unit. The first and second ends of the rigid member are releasably coupled to the steel receptacles of the joist/slab and column, respectively. The first and second ends of the rigid member are then decoupled from the steel receptacles of the joist/slab and column, respectively. The joist/slab, column, and rigid member are separated so that at least joist/slab and column can be reused and/or recycled.