Precast Element Integrating Structural Concrete with Thermal Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing precast reinforced concrete elements require subsequent treatments such as plastering, insulation, and finishing to create a comfortable environment, which are time-consuming, costly, and aesthetically unsatisfactory, and do not meet stringent safety and anti-seismic standards.

Innovation Solution

A precast element comprising a structural portion with electro-welded steel reinforcements and a coating layer made of fibrous gypsum, integrated with a heat insulating layer and fiberglass connecting elements, allowing for on-site filling and equipping with electrical systems, eliminating the need for further finishing and ensuring high quality and seismic resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If disposable reinforced concrete formwork technique is used to create double-sheet elements, then structural strength is improved, but subsequent treatments (plastering, insulation, finishing) are required which increase time, cost, and reduce aesthetic quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions (structural support, thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, and aesthetic finishing) into a single integrated precast element. The double-sheet concrete structure is combined with insulation materials and coating layers during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate subsequent treatment steps and reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing insulation layers, coating layers, and even electrical systems during the precasting manufacturing process. This allows the element to be delivered ready-for-use, eliminating on-site plastering, insulation installation, and finishing work that would otherwise be required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If disposable reinforced concrete formwork technique is used to create double-sheet elements, then structural strength is improved, but subsequent treatments increase material and manpower costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple construction functions into a single precast element manufactured using disposable formwork. By integrating insulation, coating, and structural components in one manufacturing process, it eliminates the need for multiple separate construction steps, reducing overall material and labor costs despite the specialized manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If disposable reinforced concrete formwork technique is used to create double-sheet elements, then structural strength is improved, but aesthetic quality and comfort are reduced due to requirement of subsequent coatings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidaesthetic quality
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing aesthetic coating layers (such as gypsum or decorative finishes) during the precasting manufacturing process. This allows the element to be delivered with high aesthetic quality already achieved, eliminating on-site plastering and finishing work that would otherwise be required to achieve acceptable aesthetic results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If subsequent treatments (plastering, insulation, finishing) are applied to reinforced concrete walls, then comfort and aesthetics are improved, but the treatments are susceptible to wear and detachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomfort and aestheticsVSAvoiddurability of coating
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coating layer and insulation layer with the structural concrete element into a single integrated precast unit. All layers are cured together under controlled factory conditions, creating strong bonds between materials that prevent the wear and detachment issues associated with on-site applied coatings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing and pre-curing all coating and insulation layers in the controlled factory environment before delivery. This ensures optimal bonding conditions and material performance are achieved under controlled conditions, preventing the wear and detachment problems that occur with on-site applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

5Ease of operation

If subsequent treatments are applied to create comfortable environment, then thermal and acoustic insulation are improved, but additional material and manpower are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal and acoustic insulationVSAvoidmaterial quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, and aesthetic coating functions into a single integrated precast element. By combining these functions in one manufacturing process, it eliminates the need for separate materials and applications for each function, reducing overall material quantity and simplifying the construction process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution enables the construction of ready-to-live residential and industrial buildings that are aesthetically pleasing, thermally and acoustically insulated, and meet stringent safety and anti-seismic criteria without additional finishing steps, reducing installation time and costs while maintaining high quality standards.

Implementation Method 1

both in reinforced concrete, separated from each other to form an inter-space. The double-sheet wall is provided with an iron trellis, welded to the reinforcements of both walls and adapted to make the walls themselves integral.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectro-welding: Welding

Implementation Method 2

a heat insulating layer (11) interposed between the coating layer (10) and the first structural layer (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

a coating layer (10) adapted to be exposed in the environment. The coating layer (10) comprises a coating binding material, hereinafter referred to as the 'first binding material'. The first binding material comprises gypsum.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP3369871B1Precast element for buildings and its realization process
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 BARILI GABRIELE
  • EP3369871B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3369871B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3369871B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The precast element (1) for buildings comprises: - a structural portion (2) having a first structural layer (3) and a second structural layer (4) substantially parallel to one another and comprises a first reinforcement (5) and a second reinforcement (6) respectively, connected to one another to make the first structural layer (3) integral to the second structural layer (4); and comprises a coating portion (9) coupled to said first structural layer (3) and comprising: - a coating layer (10) adapted to be exposed in the environment; - a heat insulating layer (11) interposed between the coating layer (10) and the first structural layer (3) and defining with the heat insulating layer (11) a coating portion (9) of the element (1); and - at least one connecting element (12) which extends from the coating layer (10) to the first structural layer (3) and is partially inserted therein to retain the coating portion (9) coupled to the first structural layer (3).