Tenon-Shaped Rupture Element for Controlled Concrete Cracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating controlled cracks in concrete structures are complex, limited to vertical cracks, and do not effectively transfer strength or prevent water penetration, especially in large surfaces and load-bearing structures.
Innovation Solution
A rupture element made of sheet material with an L-profile attachment, featuring angled edges forming a tenon-shaped cross-section, which is installed before casting to create controlled cracks while maintaining structural strength and can be made from sheet metal or other materials, and optionally coated with a watertight bonding material for waterproofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional crack inducer plates are used to create controlled cracks, then crack control is achieved, but device complexity increases and only vertical cracks are created without strength transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The rupture element is divided into three functional segments: a central sheet material section for crack control, and two L-profile elements attached to top and bottom that extend into the concrete. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while simplifying the overall design compared to complex multi-component systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The L-profile elements extend perpendicular to the sheet material plane, adding a vertical dimension to the crack control mechanism. This dimensional extension allows the rupture element to create controlled cracks while maintaining strength transfer capabilities that flat plate designs cannot achieve.
2Manufacturing precision
If PVC crack inducers are installed in wet concrete, then controlled cracks are formed, but installation time increases and they can only be used in horizontal surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The rupture element is designed to be installed before concrete casting, allowing it to be positioned and secured in place while the concrete is still workable. The L-profile elements can be attached to reinforcing rods during the casting process itself, eliminating the need for separate installation steps required by post-casting PVC inducers.
Solution Approach 2:
The rupture element design with L-profile attachments can be applied to various concrete structures including vertical walls, horizontal slabs, and inclined surfaces. The adaptable configuration allows installation in different orientations and locations, making it universally applicable rather than limited to horizontal surfaces only.
3Manufacturing precision
If rupture elements are used to create controlled cracks, then crack control is achieved, but water penetration through cracks remains a problem
Solution Approach 1:
A watertight bonding material serves as an intermediary substance applied to the sheet material of the rupture element. This bonding material creates a waterproof barrier that seals the controlled crack while allowing the crack to form at the desired location, thus preventing water penetration through the crack pathway.
4Reliability
If controlled cracks are created in concrete structures, then crack management is improved, but structural strength is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The rupture element combines sheet material with L-profile elements made of different materials (metal, rubber, plastic, or carbon materials) to create a composite structure. This composite design allows the sheet material to control crack location while the L-profile elements maintain structural strength and enable strength transfer across the crack.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a rupture element, which is located in concrete structures and the rupture element comprises a sheet material with edges that are bent at an angle so that they produce a tenon-shape. The rupture element, if necessary, is waterproof and produces slightly weakened cracks in the predefined location of concrete.