Post-Tensioned Timber Reinforcement Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for reinforcing wooden construction structures, such as beams, are cumbersome and often require significant space and materials with poor fire resistance, making it difficult to effectively increase the structural inertia and rigidity without increasing size, especially in confined spaces.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of reinforcement modules made of solid or glued laminated wood, fixed to the beam with connectors and post-tensioned strands, which are anchored using a system that includes support plates and clamping devices, allowing for direct assembly on-site without the need for shoring ladder towers, thereby providing counter-deflection and enhancing mechanical continuity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metallic reinforcement materials (cables or tie rods) are used to reinforce wooden beams, then the bearing capacity and structural strength are improved, but the fire resistance deteriorates and the operating space around the beam is reduced due to large bulk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing capacityVSAvoidfire resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the material parameter from metallic reinforcement to wooden reinforcement modules, transforming the reinforcement material to have better fire resistance while maintaining structural strength through post-tensioning strands

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite structure combining wooden reinforcement modules with post-tensioning strands, where the wooden modules provide fire resistance and the strands provide tensile strength, achieving both fire safety and structural reinforcement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If reinforcement modules are added to the beam to increase inertia and rigidity, then the structural stability is improved, but the operating space requirement increases due to the need for shoring ladder towers to apply counter-deflection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidoperating space
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the counter-deflection function from the shoring ladder tower and transfers it to the post-tensioning system, eliminating the need for bulky external shoring equipment and reducing operating space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces post-tensioning strands as an intermediary mechanism that applies counter-deflection forces internally within the reinforcement module, replacing the need for external shoring towers and reducing space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the size of reinforcement modules is increased to improve rigidity, then the structural strength is improved, but the device complexity and space occupation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverigidityVSAvoidmodule size
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the mechanical parameter of the reinforcement module by introducing post-tensioning, allowing smaller modules to achieve the same rigidity as larger modules would provide without post-tensioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 simplifies the reinforcement process, enabling effective structural reinforcement in tight spaces with improved fire resistance and increased tensile and flexural strength without the need for extensive space or bulky materials, allowing for reliable and cost-effective reinforcement of degraded wooden structures.

Implementation Method 1

at least one strand (6a, 6b) is inserted into at least one housing (5a, 5b) provided in the reinforcement module (2), said strand being post-tensioned by a post-tensioning system (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPost-tensioning: Tension

Implementation Method 2

said strand being fixed by an anchoring device (7, 9, 12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

The anchoring device comprises a support plate fixed to each end of the reinforcement module and a clamping device comprising a conical jaw capable of clamping each end of the corresponding strand

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 4

The prosthesis thus contributes to increasing the inertia of the reinforced beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMoment of inertia: Moment of Inertia

Data Source

PatentEP2868829B1Method for reinforcing a timber construction element by assembling a reinforcement module placed under post-tension
Publication Date: 2017.12.13 M LEFEVRE
  • EP2868829B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2868829B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2868829B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Method of reinforcing a solid wood or glued laminated wood building element (1), in which - at least one face (1a) of said building element (1) is fixed by means of at least one connector (3), at least one reinforcement module (2) of solid wood or glued laminated wood, - at least one strand (6a, 6b) is inserted into at least one housing (5a, 5b) provided in the reinforcement module (2), - said strand (6a, 6b) is post-tensioned by a post-tensioning system (10), and - said strand (6a, 6b) is fixed by an anchoring device (7).