Segmented Reinforcement Element for Concrete Slab Shear Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reinforcement solutions for concrete slabs, such as steel mushrooms, double-headed dowel strips, and stirrup cages, face challenges in absorbing shear forces and bending reinforcement due to design limitations, material intensity, and high production costs, making them inefficient and costly for large load absorption.

Innovation Solution

A reinforcement element composed of standard carrier elements connected by rod-shaped connecting elements, allowing for flexible assembly and adaptation to spatial conditions, which can be produced inexpensively and easily, effectively absorbing forces in concrete slabs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If steel mushrooms are used to increase punching shear resistance, then the contact surface is increased, but the integration with reinforced steel construction becomes problematic and design flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepunching shear resistanceVSAvoiddesign flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement element is divided into a base element and multiple arm elements that can be independently configured. The arms can be arranged in different patterns (radial, orthogonal, diagonal) and数量的 can be adjusted based on specific design requirements, providing flexibility while maintaining punching shear resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement element design allows for dynamic adaptation to different support element configurations. The arms can be positioned at varying distances from the support element center and can be adjusted in length and orientation to match different structural conditions, enabling the same basic design to serve multiple applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If double-headed dowel strips are arranged in a star shape around the support element, then punching shear resistance is improved, but spatial problems occur with orthogonally laid reinforcement and insertion becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepunching shear resistanceVSAvoidinsertion ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement element extends vertically between the upper and lower reinforcement layers rather than lying flat in the horizontal plane. This vertical orientation allows the arms to pass through or alongside the orthogonally arranged reinforcement without interference, eliminating the spatial conflicts that plague horizontal star-shaped arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The arm elements are positioned to specifically target the critical regions around the support element where punching shear forces are most concentrated. The arms can be locally adjusted in number, orientation, and spacing to match the specific stress distribution pattern, providing optimized reinforcement without interfering with the global reinforcement layout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If stirrup cages are used to absorb shear forces, then reinforcement is provided, but the solution becomes extremely material and labor intensive with limited load capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshear force absorptionVSAvoidmaterial intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential function of shear resistance from the complex stirrup cage system and concentrates it in a single, optimized element. By placing the reinforcement arms directly at the critical punching shear zones around the support element, the solution eliminates the need for extensive peripheral stirrup cages, reducing material usage while maintaining or improving effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement element is pre-assembled with the base element and arm elements configured in the correct spatial relationship before installation. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for complex on-site construction and manipulation of multiple separate components, significantly reducing labor intensity while ensuring proper placement for maximum load-bearing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Stability of the object's composition

If complex support head reinforcement is used to connect support elements, then structural connection is achieved, but production costs increase and compressive forces must be absorbed by concrete

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural connectionVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement element serves multiple functions simultaneously: the base element provides anchorage to the support element, the arm elements provide punching shear resistance, and the vertical positioning between reinforcement layers provides structural connection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, simplifying production and reducing costs while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3907342A1Reinforcing element and reinforcement system for absorbing forces in concrete slabs
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 F J ASCHWANDEN AG
  • EP3907342A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3907342A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3907342A1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

Reinforcement element (1, 1') for absorbing forces in shear-loaded areas of concrete slabs (40), particularly in the area of ​​support elements (30) in the form of columns and load-bearing walls. The reinforcement element (1, 1') comprises a first support element (10) and a second support element (12) arranged at a distance (26) from it, wherein the first support element (10) and the second support element (12) are connected by at least one rod-shaped connecting element (20, 20'), and which rod-shaped connecting element (20, 20') is connected in its first end region (21) to the first support element (10) and in its second end region (21') to the second support element (12).