Nested Composite Reinforcement Grid for Structural Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional structural grids for reinforcement in construction are bulky, non-uniform in mechanical strength, and heavy, leading to inefficiencies in material usage and structural integrity due to their thickness and material limitations.
Innovation Solution
A grid design featuring intertwined rods with reduced thickness at crossing points, arranged in a plain weave or basketweave pattern, made from composite materials like glass or carbon fibers with a resin matrix, which reduces overall thickness and weight while maintaining uniform mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional electro-welded metal grids are used with superimposed round bars, then structural reinforcement is achieved, but the grid thickness becomes double the rod diameter (2s) occupying excessive volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing one rod inside another at crossing points. The inner rod is positioned within the outer rod, creating a nested configuration that reduces overall grid thickness from 2s to approximately s, while maintaining structural reinforcement through the combined strength of nested rods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional superimposed grid layout to a three-dimensional nested arrangement. By utilizing the radial dimension to place rods concentrically, the design achieves compactness without sacrificing the orthogonal reinforcement pattern needed for structural strength
2Volume of moving object
If non-structural interwoven grids with perforated fibers are used, then volume is reduced, but mechanical strength becomes non-uniform with greater strength along fibers than across them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the rod configuration at crossing points versus mid-span sections. At crossings, rods are nested to reduce thickness, while at mid-span sections, rods maintain full diameter for optimal strength. This localized variation achieves both volume reduction and uniform mechanical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction by combining multiple rod elements at crossing points. The nested arrangement of inner and outer rods creates a composite structure that distributes loads uniformly in both directions, eliminating the anisotropic strength characteristics of single-fiber grids
3Strength
If metal round bars are used for grid reinforcement, then structural strength is achieved, but weight and susceptibility to corrosion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional metal round bars with composite rods consisting of a plastic matrix and embedded reinforcement fibers (glass, carbon, or basalt). This composite construction maintains structural strength while significantly reducing weight and eliminating corrosion susceptibility, as the plastic matrix is immune to rust and chemical degradation
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a grid for structural reinforcement (2) which comprises a first series of rods (4) and a second series of rods (6). The rods (4) of the first series are arranged essentially parallel among each other; the rods (6) of the second series are arranged essentially parallel among each other and essentially orthogonally with respect to the rods (4) of the first series. The rods (4, 6) of one of the series pass at the crossing points (8a, 8b) created between the two series of rods (4, 6) in an alternating way over and under the rods (6, 4) of the other series. At the crossing points (8a, 8b) the rods (4, 6) are connected among each other and have a reduced thickness with respect to the basic thickness of the rod (4, 6). The reduced thicknesses are represented by flattenings of the rods at the crossing points (8a, 8b) which each comprise a recess (10) and a flat portion (12) of the rod (4, 6) wherein the flat portion (12) is widened in the plane of the grid with respect to the cross section of the basic rod and wherein the recesses (10) open in an alternating manner in opposite senses in the direction orthogonal to the grid plane. The invention further concerns a reinforced construction material which comprises a hydraulic binder, preferably selected among mortar, concrete, cement and other cementitious materials as matrix and a grid for structural reinforcement (2) according to the invention embedded in the matrix of hydraulic binder. It is also described a use of the grid for structural reinforcement (2) according to the invention to stabilize asphalts or soils, in particular slanting grounds.