University of Maine System

West Virginia University

Other

Roberto A Lopez-Anido

GangaRao V S Hota

Habib J Dagher

Ever J Barbero

Douglas J Gardner

Richard F Nye

Barry S Goodell

Imad W El Chiti

Alexander L Baker

Matthew J Dura

Katherine L Stephens

Benjamin Herzog

Joshua J Tomblin

Matthew W Bodwell

A method of forming a hollow composite construction member of the type suitable for use as building material includes providing an elongated inflatable mold assembly having a longitudinal axis, a flexible tubular bladder wall defining an elongated inflatable cavity, a reinforcing fabric positioned concentrically around the flexible bladder wall, and a flexible air-impervious outer layer positioned concentrically around the fabric. The bladder wall and the outer layer define an elongated annular space with the fabric positioned therein. Tension is applied longitudinally to the fabric and fluid is introduced into the cavity to at least partially inflate the mold and shape the fabric. The mold is shaped to a desired shape while maintaining the fabric under tension. The elongated annular space and the fabric are infused with a rigidification material. The rigidification material is hardened while maintaining the fabric in tension to form a rigid hollow composite construction member.

Composite construction members and method of making

An elongated sheet piling panel has a length and width, and opposed side edges, and has elongated voids positioned within the interior of the panel. The voids are oriented in the direction of the length of the panel, and the edges of the panel are configured to be connected to the edges of additional similar panels.

Sheet piling panels with elongated voids

The present invention provides resin infused composite articles. Also provided is a method for preparing the composite articles of the invention. The method includes infusing the assembled components of the composite with resin under pressure. There are also provided numerous devices of varying configuration that are of use in the methods of the invention.

Composites pressure resin infusion system (ComPRIS)

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.

Growing community of inventors

Orono, ME, United States of America

Roberto A Lopez-Anido