West Virginia University

Other

GangaRao V S Hota

Roberto A Lopez-Anido

Ever J Barbero

Siva Ram V Hota

A modular fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) module that interlocks with other similarly designed modules. Specifically, each FRP module has a female, receiver, end and a male, inserter, end such that the inserter of a first FRP module interlocks with, or &ldquo;snaps into&rdquo; or &ldquo;slids into,&rdquo; a receiver of an adjacent second FRP module. Once interlocked, the two connected FRP modules are further secured by either adhesive and/or thermal connections. An FRP module is made of multiple layers of multi-axial fiber reinforcement and a resin matrix, the layers being continuous throughout the entire shape of the module. An overlay may be placed over the top face of one or more FRP modules joined together to provide a uniform surface. In addition, one or more exterior FRP composite laminates, grids, plates or fabrics may be bonded continuously to the top face. In certain embodiments, one or more of the internal spaces of a FRP module may be filled with a filler for thermal insulation, noise reduction insulation, or a strength and stability enhancement of the FRP module.

Lightweight fiber reinforced polymer composite modular panel

A modular fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite deck module having one or more hexagonal components and one or more double trapezoidal components. A hexagonal component is a hexagonal cell with all sides being of equal length and forming a hexagonal space. A double trapezoidal component has a top side, a bottom side, a first trapezoid having a first top and a first bottom, and a second trapezoid having a second top and a second bottom. The first and second trapezoidal components are of equal dimensions and configured such that the first trapezoid is inverted resulting in the first top of the first trapezoid is adjacent to the second top of the second trapezoid, thereby creating a center seam and an extensive bonding surface. The double trapezoidal and hexagonal components are made of multiple layers of multi-axial fiber reinforcement and a resin matrix, the layers being continuous throughout the entire shape of the components. A double trapezoidal component is manufactured using the Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding or pultrusion process. A composite deck module is made by joining a hexagonal component with a double trapezoidal component such that the hexagonal component interlocks within the double trapezoidal component and the two components are bonded together with adhesive. A mechanical fastener also may be used to hold two components together. An overlay may be placed over the top side of one or more double trapezoidal components joined together via hexagonal components, thereby providing a uniform surface. In addition, one or more exterior FRP composite laminates, grids, plates or fabrics may be bonded continuously to the top side. In certain embodiments, one or more of the hexagonal components and trapezoids of a composite deck module may be filled with a filler, e.g., thermal insulation, noise reduction insulation, or a strength enhancement.

Modular fiber reinforced polymer composite deck system

A modular fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite deck module having one or more hexagonal components and one or more double trapezoidal components. A hexagonal component is a hexagonal cell with all sides being of equal length and forming a hexagonal space. A double trapezoidal component has a top side, a bottom side, a first trapezoid having a first top and a first bottom, and a second trapezoid having a second top and a second bottom. The first and second trapezoidal components are of equal dimensions and configured such that the first trapezoid is inverted resulting in the first top of the first trapezoid is adjacent to the second top of the second trapezoid, thereby creating a center seam and an extensive bonding surface. The double trapezoidal and hexagonal components are made of multiple layers of multi-axial fiber reinforcement and a resin matrix, the layers being continuous throughout the entire shape of the components. A double trapezoidal component is manufactured using the Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding or pultrusion process. A composite deck module is made by joining a hexagonal component with a double trapezoidal component such that the hexagonal component interlocks within the double trapezoidal component and the two components are bonded together with adhesive. A mechanical fastener also may be used to hold two components together. An overlay maybe placed over the top side of one or more double trapezoidal components joined together via hexagonal components, thereby providing a uniform surface. In addition, one or more exterior FRP composite laminates, grids, plates or fabrics may be bonded continuously to the top side. In certain embodiments, one or more of the hexagonal components and trapezoids of a composite deck module may be filled with a filler, e.g., thermal insulation, noise reduction insulation, or a strength enhancement.

A modular fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite structural panel component for structural support systems having a plurality of cells adjacently connected forming a top side, a bottom side, a first edge side and a second edge side. Each cell is defined by at least four sides, wherein at least two adjacent sides intersect at an obtuse angle resulting in the first edge side and the second edge side providing a means for joining two panel components and having an extensive bonding surface. A structural panel component is comprised of a plurality of layers of multi-axial fiber reinforcement, e.g., multi-axial fabrics, mats, woven cloth and unidirectional rovings, and a resin matrix, and the layers are continuous throughout the shape of the cells and a structural panel component. The structural panel component is manufactured using the Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding or pultrusion process. Two structural panel components are joined by placing the components along side each other and using an adhesive along the extensive bonding surface. A mechanical fastener also may be used to hold two structural panel components together. An overlay may be placed over the top of one or more structural panel components joined together thereby providing a uniform surface. In addition, one or more exterior FRP composite laminates, grids, plates or fabrics may be bonded continuously to said top side. In certain embodiments, one or more cells of a structural panel component may be filled with a filler, e.g., thermal insulation, noise reduction insulation, or a strength enhancement.

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Morgantown, WV, United States of America

GangaRao V S Hota