Reinforced Concrete Monocoque Roofs for Wind and Seismic Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roofs are prone to tearing or collapse under violent mechanical strains such as high winds or seismic shocks, and existing methods like those described in FR 3076310 A1 have weaknesses in mechanical connection and assembly under such conditions.
Innovation Solution
A monocoque roof construction method involving a single-block, rigid connection to the building, using a main frame with metal or synthetic reinforcements, a secondary frame with floor beams and interjoists, and a reinforced concrete slab, enhanced by an external girdling to improve strength and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional roofs with framework and roof covering are used, then construction is simple and quick, but the roof is prone to tearing or collapse under violent mechanical strains such as high winds or seismic shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the framework and roof covering into a single monocoque structure where the reinforced concrete slab itself provides both structural strength and weather protection. This eliminates the need for separate framework elements, achieving high strength against wind and seismic loads while simplifying the overall construction system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining reinforced concrete (concrete with embedded steel or synthetic reinforcements) to create a monocoque roof structure. This composite material provides both the necessary compressive strength of concrete and the tensile strength of reinforcements, enabling the roof to resist violent mechanical strains without requiring additional framework.
2Strength
If concrete plates are used to increase roof strength, then resistance to wind and seismic loads improves, but the roof comprises two assembled parts likely to disengage under high mechanical strains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the roof structure and building enclosure into a single monocoque unit where the reinforced concrete slab is directly integrated with the building's peripheral enclosure. This integration eliminates the disengagement risk between separate parts, as the roof and building become structurally unified, maintaining reliability under high mechanical strains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the reinforcement structure into embedded steel or synthetic reinforcements within the concrete slab that extend into the building's peripheral enclosure. This segmentation creates continuous load paths that prevent disengagement, allowing the roof to remain reliably connected to the building even under extreme wind or seismic forces.
3Strength
If external girdling is added to connect the roof to the building, then tearing strength improves, but construction time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the external girdling function directly into the formwork structure before pouring the concrete slab. By preparing the formwork with integrated girdling elements in advance, the construction process eliminates subsequent separate girdling steps, maintaining high tearing strength while minimizing additional construction time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the external girdling function with the formwork and roof slab construction into a single integrated process. The formwork itself provides the girdling structure that connects the roof to the building, eliminating the need for separate girdling operations and reducing overall construction time while maintaining enhanced tearing strength.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for constructing a roof, the roof being intended for a building having a perimeter enclosure, the method having the production of a formwork configured to support the roof during its construction and to allow the casting of a slab, the construction of a supporting structure configured to ensure that the roof is mechanically resistant and that the roof is attached to the building receiving the roof, the casting of the slab performing a bonding material function, the slab being configured to transfer mechanical stresses within the supporting structure, and the construction of an external girdling, referred to as a cornice, connecting the roof to the building by girdling both a portion of an outer surface of the perimeter enclosure of the building and a portion of the girdling structure attached to the building, in order to increase the mechanical resistance of the roof to being torn off.