Segmented Wave-Shaped Tie for Precast Concrete Sandwich Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Precast sandwich panels face challenges in reducing thermal bridging and efficiently distributing shear forces due to the lack of effective insulation and reinforcement methods, which affect energy efficiency and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A concrete sandwich panel design featuring a tie with a triangle wave-shaped pattern, inserted into linear slots within the insulating panel, which reduces thermal bridging by filling slots with insulating material and provides shear force resistance through segmented ties that mechanically join reinforced concrete panels to the insulating panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional ties are used to join concrete panels to insulating panels, then structural connection is achieved, but thermal bridging increases and shear force distribution is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tie is divided into multiple segments along its length, with each segment independently embedded in concrete panels and connected through the insulating panel. This segmentation allows each segment to carry shear forces locally while the insulating material between segments eliminates thermal bridging pathways, resolving the contradiction between thermal performance and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie features variable cross-sectional properties along its length, with larger segments positioned in concrete panels and smaller sections passing through the insulating panel. This local quality variation optimizes the tie's ability to transfer shear forces at critical locations while minimizing thermal conduction through the insulating layer, simultaneously addressing both structural and thermal requirements.
2Strength
If continuous ties are used to join concrete panels, then shear force resistance is improved, but thermal bridging increases and material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous tie is replaced with discrete segmented ties that provide shear force resistance at critical locations without creating continuous thermal pathways. The gaps between segments are filled with insulating material, eliminating thermal bridging while maintaining structural integrity through distributed shear transfer at multiple locations along the panel connection.
3Strength
If ties extend through the entire length of concrete panels, then structural connection is maximized, but manufacturing complexity and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tie system is segmented into modular units that can be manufactured independently and assembled in place. Each segment is a discrete component that can be produced using standard manufacturing processes, eliminating the need for complex continuous tie fabrication and reducing labor requirements for installation while maintaining structural connection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie segments are pre-positioned within the insulating panel during manufacturing, with concrete panels subsequently cast around them. This preliminary placement ensures proper alignment and structural connection without requiring complex field installation procedures, simplifying both manufacturing and construction processes.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a concrete sandwich panel. The sandwich panel may comprise a first reinforced concrete panel; a second reinforced concrete panel; an insulating panel sandwiched between the first reinforced concrete panel and the second reinforced concrete panel; a tie comprising a generally triangle wave-shaped pattern having a period defined by peaks spaced at a regular interval and a peak-to-peak amplitude greater than the thickness of the insulating panel; wherein the insulating panel has a plurality of generally linear slots defined at the regular interval of the tie for receiving the tie such that opposing ends of the tie terminate adjacent to the insulating panel, and the plurality of generally linear slots are filled utilizing an insulating material upon insertion of the tie to reduce thermal bridging; and wherein the peaks of the tie mechanically join the first and second reinforced concrete panels to the insulating panel.