Building blocks for reinforced structures

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated cavities are in the form of essentially linear bores.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the reinforcing elements is a lined reinforcing element.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein substantially all of the plurality of matrix body members have matrix reinforcement components incorporated therein.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the matrix body members is in a fluid/plastic condition and is arranged adjacent to one or more other matrix body members and one or more reinforcing elements and is brought in intimate contact with the said other matrix body member(s) and one or more pre-arranged reinforcing elements by mechanical influence, the one more reinforcing elements thereby forming an elongated cavity on an interface between the fluid/plastic matrix body member and the said other matrix body member(s), and then the fluid/plastic matrix body member(s) is/are solidified and interconnected with the other matrix body member(s) and the reinforcing element(s) so as to form the reinforced structure.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the modulus of elasticity of the solidified matrix body members, or of the reinforced structure, is at least 30 GPa.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the compressive strength of the solidified matrix body members, or of the reinforced structure, is at least 30 MPa.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tensile strength of the reinforcing elements is at least 300 MPa.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the volume of reinforcement elements arranged in the cavities is such that the volume of reinforcement elements, excluding any lining thereof, in the reinforced structure, defined as the sum of the percentage ratio between reinforcement area and total area in three mutually perpendicular sections of the reinforced structure is at least 2%.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the number of reinforcing elements arranged in cavities extending in one direction is at least 3.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing elements are rod-shaped and have a diameter of at least 60 mm.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the matrix material is compacted or compressed when shaped into a matrix body or matrix body members.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the matrix body members are machined or subjected to another mechanical treatment subsequent to shaping and solidification thereof.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing elements are interconnected with the matrix body or body members by mechanical means and/or by means of one or more binders.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the matrix body members are shaped so as to mechanically interlock with adjacent matrix body members.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein surface parts of the reinforcing elements on one hand and adjacent surface parts of the matrix body members on the other hand are shaped so as to mechanically interlock the reinforcing elements and the matrix body or body members.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the matrix body reinforcement components are ore include fibres.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the matrix body members are composite material body members.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the solidified matrix material is a porous material, a binder being injected into said porous material so as to mutually interconnect the matrix body members and/or to connect the matrix body members with the reinforcing elements.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the matrix material comprises at least first and second different materials having different characteristics, matrix body members being made from such different materials.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said reinforced structure is a building structure or an element of a building structure.

A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the matrix material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of cement based materials, ceramics based materials, plastics materials, metal or metal alloy materials, including DSP materials, and glass.

A kit of parts for constructing a reinforced structure, comprising preformed solidified matrix body members as defined in any of the preceding claims, reinforcement elements shaped for insertion into the cavities formed by the arranged matrix body members, and interconnecting means for interconnecting the matrix body members and the reinforcing element or elements so as to form a reinforced structure.