Columnar structural component and method of forming

Abstract

A columnar structural component and method of forming a columnar structural element from a sandwich panel includes forming a number of sets of recesses in the sandwich panel and bending the sandwich panel at each set of recesses to form a columnar structural element. The columnar structural component includes a number of support members at least partially disposed within an area bounded formed with the sandwich panel is bent in the areas of the sets of recesses.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to building construction, and more particularly, to a columnar structural component and method of forming a columnar structural component from a composite sandwich panel.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART[0002]There is an increasing global demand for lower cost buildings such as houses, warehouses and office space. The demand for lower cost buildings is particularly strong in developing countries where economic resources may be limited and natural resources and raw materials may be scarce. For example, in areas of the Middle East or Africa, conventional building materials such as cement, brick, wood or steel may not be readily available or, if available, may be very expensive. In some areas of the world, poverty may make it too costly for people to build houses or other buildings with conventional materials.[0003]The demand for lower cost housing also is high in areas afflicted by war or by natural disasters, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention introduces a new alternative to conventional building materials and techniques. The invention provides composite sandwich panels that offer a greater strength-to-weight ratio, are stronger than traditional materials, and are lighter in weight. By using sandwich panels, monolithic buildings can be created that are more durable and resistant to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, hurranes, and fires. Additionally, the insulative core of the sandwich panels reduces the amount of energy needed to heat and cool the building, resulting in lower operational costs. Overall, buildings constructed from sandwich panels offer a greater value and are less expensive to build, own, and maintain than structures made from conventional materials.

Problems solved by technology

The demand for lower cost buildings is particularly strong in developing countries where economic resources may be limited and natural resources and raw materials may be scarce.

For example, in areas of the Middle East or Africa, conventional building materials such as cement, brick, wood or steel may not be readily available or, if available, may be very expensive.

In some areas of the world, poverty may make it too costly for people to build houses or other buildings with conventional materials.

These devastating events often lead to widespread destruction of large numbers of buildings and houses, especially when they occur in densely populated regions.

The rebuilding of areas affected by these events can cause substantial strain on the supply chain for raw materials, making them difficult or even impossible to obtain.

Furthermore, natural disasters often recur and affect the same areas.

If a destroyed building is rebuilt using the same conventional materials, it stands to reason that the building may be destroyed or damaged again during a similar event.

Prefabricated buildings, however, are made from conventional materials that may be scarce or expensive to obtain.

Structures built from sandwich panels therefore may require less maintenance and upkeep than structures built from conventional building materials, which may reduce the overall ownership costs for end users.

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