Composite Guardrail Posts and Composite Floor I-Joist

Abstract

The first product is Composite Guardrail Post (CGP). CGP is designed overcome all these drawbacks by substituting standard timber posts with metal jacket composite posts. The second product is Composite Floor Joist (CFI). The current invention (CFI) is similar to TJI in concept, but uses all composite material for both flanges and webs. Also, the connections between flange and web are much stronger, enabling the development of composite actions to the fullest extent.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention relates generally to construction members, and more specifically, to composite guardrails posts and composite floor i-joist.[0003]2. Background of the Invention[0004]Traditionally, highway guardrail posts are constructed using pressure treated timbers of standard sizes. This traditional construction has several drawbacks. For example, shorter durability, lower capacity, and negative environmental impact.[0005]Currently, the following types of floor joists are often used in light-framed structures in the United States: (1) Joists made directly used saw lumbers; (2) Joists made using engineered wood product. For examples, Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL), Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL), Glulams, etc.; (3) Metal stud joists of various cross section shapes; (4) Truss Joist 1-beams (TJI), which uses sawn lumbers as top and bottom flanges, and plywood as web plate. The flanges and web p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The first product is Composite Guardrail Post (CGP). CGP is designed overcome all these drawbacks by substituting standard timber posts with metal jacket composite posts. Not only will it last longer and look better, but also be very cost effective. The reasons are as the followings: (1) while traditional method required high quality timber and need to be treated using chemicals for erosion resistance, the new system can use recycled material which is cheaper and more environmentally friendly; (2) Since the composite mechanism can significantly increase the strength and ductility of the system, the required spacing of the posts can be increased, the result of which is less material (i.e. posts) be used for the same length of road way. (3) Because all holes and parts are pre-manufactured, field installation will be simple and fast, the results of which is higher product quality at less labor cost.

[0007]The second product is Composite Floor Hoist (CFI). The current invention (CFI) is similar to TJI in concept, but uses all composite material for both flanges and webs. Also, the connections between flange and web are much stronger, enabling the development of composite actions to the fullest extent. For the joist of the same cross sectional dimensions, CFI is expected to span much longer than TJI. Additionally, it will also have better fire and erosion resistance. When proper calking is applied, CFI can also be used at exterior as deck joists to substitute joists made of pressure treated saw lumbers.

Problems solved by technology

For example, shorter durability, lower capacity, and negative environmental impact.

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