The present disclosure relates generally to a continuous composite structural reinforcing device and system for structural retrofitting across the face or length of structural elements, such as a beams, walls, slabs, and other structural elements. Older buildings/structures, were typically built according to outdated codes and specifications and no longer have adequate capacity to meet current needs or uses as well as other environmental factors. For example, older buildings built of concrete are found not to have enough rebar therewithin to meet current code requirements. While there are existing retrofit reinforcing systems for structures, they use insufficient parts, standalone parts, layering, inferior adhesion mechanisms/factors, and/or have construction costs.
Additionally, these existing reinforcing devices are typically built on-site, which leads to variation in the set-up, installation, and quality control as well as significantly increases the time, resources, and work that must be performed at a worksite. Thus, there is a need for a structural reinforcing device and system that takes advantages of multiple technologies to provide continuous uniform reinforcement along a structure with an alternate way of connecting to the existing structure. There is also a need for a continuous structural reinforcing device and system that has superior strength in retrofitting a structure, is low in weight, and eliminates current installation preparation procedures and methodologies that increase building/installation costs.
The present disclosure provides a structural reinforcing device and system that takes advantages of multiple technologies to provide continuous uniform reinforcement along a structure with an alternate way of connecting to the existing structure. Further, the present disclosure also provides a continuous structural reinforcing device and system that has superior strength in retrofitting a structure, is low in weight, and eliminates current installation preparation procedures and methodologies that increase building/installation costs.
A pre-fabricated composite reinforcement device for installation on a structure, comprising a metal reinforcement layer; a fiber reinforced polymer layer; an adhesive layer configured between the metal and fiber reinforced polymer layer; and a plurality of power-actuated fasteners configured for securing the metal reinforcement, fiber reinforced polymer, and adhesive layer to the structure; and wherein a first side of the metal reinforcement layer is for positioning upon the structure for installation of the fasteners with the first side facing away from the structure, and a second side is configured with the adhesive and fiber reinforced layer across a surface area of the second side of the metal reinforcement layer.
A pre-fabricated composite reinforcement device for installation on a structure, comprising a metal reinforcement layer; a fiber reinforced polymer layer; a first adhesive layer configured between the metal and fiber reinforced polymer layer; a second adhesive layer configured between the fiber reinforced polymer layer and the structure; and a plurality of power-actuated fasteners configured for securing the metal reinforcement, fiber reinforced polymer, and adhesive layers to the structure; and wherein a first side of the metal reinforcement layer is for positioning upon the structure for installation of the fasteners with the first side facing away from the structure; and further wherein a second side of the metal reinforcement layer is configured with the first and second adhesive layers and fiber reinforced layer.
A method of pre-fabricating a composite reinforcement device for installation on a structure, comprising the steps of: pre-fabricating a metal reinforcement layer as a rectangular strip shape; pre-fabricating a unidirectional fiber reinforced polymer layer as a rectangular strip shape; positioning a first side of the metal reinforcement layer on the structure with the first side facing away from the structure; configuring attachment of a first side of the fiber reinforced polymer layer atop a second side of the metal reinforcement layer with an adhesive layer therebetween; wherein a second side of the fiber reinforced polymer layer is laid upon the structure itself; wherein a plurality of power-actuated fasteners are configured for securing the metal reinforcement, fiber reinforced polymer, and adhesive layer to the structure via entry atop the first side of the metal reinforcement layer.
The detailed descriptions set forth below are intended as a description of embodiments of the invention, and are not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The descriptions set forth the structure and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent structures and steps may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.
In the exemplary embodiment, structural reinforcing device 100 is prefabricated through a manufacturing process prior to bringing it onsite for use/installation (such pre-fabrication stage/process referred to as bracket labeled as 100A and an installation stage/process referred to as in the brackets labeled 100B (See
In a manufacturing/pre-fabrication stage/process (See brackets 100A in
In an exemplary embodiment, the composite structural reinforcing device 100 is manufactured as rectangular pieces or strips, and with dimensions in the range of at least approximately 1 feet in length and at 1 inch to 12 inch in width. In an exemplary embodiment of the continuous composite structural reinforcing device 100 for retrofitting a structure, it is manufactured in the range of 1-100 feet in length.
The cross-sectional view of
An advantage of the present device and system is that a user does not have to grind or otherwise provide surface preparation for installation of the composite structural reinforcing device 100. In an installation site, such as a construction worksite, it is typical for a worker to have to grind or blast concrete for structural reinforcing retrofitting (and other activities), including carbon adhesion of the epoxy to the concrete surface. Grinding or blasting concrete creates a dust byproduct, including silica dust (concrete dust), which is particularly harmful to one inhaling the same. By avoiding any grinding or concrete blasting, it increases the overall efficiency by eliminating surface preparation and the costs of large equipment commonly used in such installations/construction work as well as reduces a user's risk to adverse elements and/or byproducts of the work environment.
Once the adhesive layer 200 and the composite structural reinforcing device 100 are adhered together, a user would then apply a plurality of mechanical anchors or fasteners 103 in a configuration across the length of the composite structural reinforcing device 100. Each mechanical fastener 103 may be installed through composite structural reinforcing device 100 via indicated locations 104 on the steel layer 101. Mechanical fasteners 103 may be comprised of power-actuated fasteners, such as nails (including concrete nails), and coupled through the composite structural reinforcing device 100 and to wall structure 500 through the use of a power-actuated tool. However, other post installed anchors, such as bolts, screws (including concrete screws), wedge anchors, and pegs may be used to further anchor the composite structural reinforcing device 100 to wall structure 500 or other structural surface without deviating in scope from the exemplary embodiment.
Use of mechanical fasteners 103 with the composite structural reinforcing device 100 enables an enhanced and deeper level of adhesion of the composite structural reinforcing device 100 to a structure. Further, steel layer 101 can act as a protection layer or as a “bonded washer” layer for FRP layer 102 when applying mechanical fasteners 103 through the composite structural reinforcing device 100 so as to prevent ripping, splitting, or other damage to the FRP layer 102. Due to its ductile characteristics, steel layer 101 can also provide a ductility feature or system to eliminate bearing limitations of FRP layer 102. Further, the adhesive layers 200 between steel layer 101 and FRP layer 102 as well as between FRP layer 102 and wall structure 500 provide stability to the structure/fibers of FRP layer 102 to avoid minimal, if any, detachment from the structure as well as ripping, splitting, or damage to the fibers of FRP layer 102. In another embodiment, where the adhesive layer 200 between composite structural reinforcing device 100 and structure 500 is not utilized in certain applications, such embodiment may provide an alternate level of flexibility of the installation and connection of device 100 to structure 500 (via bonded points/areas where mechanical fasteners 103 are installed) as well as decreased installation time.
In some embodiments, the overall strength or capacity of the system of composite structural reinforcing devices 100 is governed by steel layer 101 dictating the load transfer between FRP layer 102 and mechanical fastener 103; steel layer 101 dictating overall ductility capacities; and the mechanical fasteners 103 dictating load transfer between steel layer 101 and the wall structure 500, or other structure. The composite structural reinforcing device 100 may also have a higher tolerance to ripping, splitting, and/or slippage due to adhesion of steel layer 101 to FRP layer 102.
Various aspects of the present invention are described herein according to embodiments of the invention. While particular forms of the invention have been described, it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited except by the claims.
This application claims the priority date of provisional application No. 63/093,126 filed on Oct. 16, 2020, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
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