Polymer Concrete Light Base for Airport Runway Corrosion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ground-mounted light bases for airport runways and tarmacs, made of metal, deteriorate quickly due to corrosion and environmental exposure, leading to short lifespans of around ten years and increased installation complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A light base constructed from polymer concrete material, which includes a hollow cylindrical body member with a polymer concrete first and second circular flange, a base member, and an optional extension member, providing improved corrosion resistance and durability, and allowing for easier installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal/galvanized steel is used for light base construction, then structural strength is achieved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates leading to short lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by using fiber-reinforced polymer concrete instead of traditional metal or plain concrete. This composite material combines the strength benefits of fibers (steel, glass, or synthetic) with the durability and corrosion resistance of polymer concrete, creating a structure that resists corrosion from moisture, chemicals, and environmental exposure while maintaining structural integrity for extended periods.
2Strength
If concrete or bituminous material is poured around the light base for additional strength, then structural strength is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-casting the light base as a complete, ready-to-install unit with all structural reinforcement already integrated. The fiber-reinforced polymer concrete base is manufactured off-site with precise reinforcement placement, eliminating the need for on-site concrete pouring and curing operations. This pre-prepared state reduces installation complexity to simple placement and backfilling operations.
3Strength
If metal bases are used, then initial structural integrity is achieved, but maintenance frequency increases due to deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by fundamentally altering the material composition from metal to fiber-reinforced polymer concrete. This material substitution changes key parameters including corrosion resistance (dramatically improved), service life (extended from 10 years to 50+ years), and chemical resistance (significantly enhanced). The fiber reinforcement maintains structural integrity while the polymer concrete matrix provides immunity to environmental deterioration.
Data Source
AI summary
A light base configured to be installed in the ground and to receive a light fixture to be mounted thereon, comprises a hollow body member having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an interior region between the first and second ends. The first end includes a first opening which is in communication with the interior region and which is configured to receive a light fixture. The hollow body member is formed of a polymer concrete material.