Self-Confining Ceramic Articles with Fabric Mesh Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Structural members reinforced with steel are prone to corrosion, leading to unpredictable catastrophic failure under compressive load, and alternative materials like polyethylene fibers or fiberglass-reinforced plastic rods do not provide adequate solutions, as they are not malleable and reduce fire resistance.
Innovation Solution
A self-confining structural article with a ceramic matrix and a continuous reinforcement member made of a fabric mesh with evenly spaced holes, which includes a retainer bracket for centering, allowing for progressive failure mode under compressive load, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure and eliminating the need for corrosion protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel reinforcement is used in ceramic matrix structural members, then the structural strength is improved, but the corrosion of steel leads to unpredictable catastrophic failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from steel to glass fiber reinforced polymer rebar, which has different corrosion resistance properties and failure characteristics. The glass fiber material maintains structural strength while providing more predictable failure modes and eliminating corrosion-related catastrophic failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by combining glass fibers with polymer matrix to create glass fiber reinforced polymer rebar. This composite structure provides both the structural strength needed in ceramic matrix members and the corrosion resistance required for reliable, predictable performance.
2Strength
If steel reinforcement is used in structural members, then the structural integrity is improved, but the weight and installation complexity increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the density parameter of the reinforcement material from steel (high density) to glass fiber reinforced polymer (low density). This parameter change maintains structural integrity while substantially reducing the weight of the reinforcement, making installation easier and reducing overall member weight.
3Weight of moving object
If plastic rebar is used to substitute steel, then the weight is reduced, but the fire resistance of structural components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses glass fiber reinforced polymer, where the glass fiber reinforcement provides high-temperature stability and fire resistance, while the polymer matrix provides lightweight properties. This composite approach balances weight reduction with maintained fire resistance, overcoming the limitation of pure plastic rebar.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-confining structural article includes a ceramic matrix with a reinforcement member disposed within the ceramic matrix. The reinforcement member is continuous, and has a mesh with holes not exceeding 4 mm in size.