FRP Composite Wall Panel with Enhanced Action and Method of Manufacture

Preformed concrete panels are a popular and economic method of constructing a variety of structures. Of particular interest are composite concrete panels. Composite concrete panels are often manufactured and used for thermal insulation purposes. Typically, a composite panel is comprised of three layers, a middle insulation layer and two outer concrete layers which �sandwich� the middle insulation layer. This technology describes a composite panel to provide true composite action between two layers of concrete separated by a layer of insulation.

Benefits
Typical composite panels have two major disadvantages. They have very small shear resistance and they cannot be used in load bearing and structural applications. This technology provides a composite wall with increased shear resistance and axial load capacity. The wall of this technology incorporates fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) cages into the composite wall panels which secures the layers of the panels against shear. The FRP cages can be made by securing bars to FRP shells. This technology can be used in the construction of precast concrete wall panels.

Stage of Development
A utility patent application has been filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
This technology is part of an active and ongoing research program. It is available for developmental research support/licensing under either exclusive or non-exclusive terms.

Additional Info
*http://www.civil.utah.edu/faculty/pantelides/index.htm
*http://www.civil.utah.edu/faculty/reaveley/index.htm

Inventor(s): Chris Pantelides, Lawrence Reaveley

Type of Offer: Licensing



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