Multi-axial grid or mesh structures with high aspect ratio ribs
OwnerAnthony T. Walshinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multi-axial geogrid possesses a series of interconnected strands or ribs that are arranged along at least two different axes within the plane of the structure. The strands or ribs have an aspect ratio, defined as the ratio of the thickness to width, of greater than 1.0, thickness being the direction normal to the plane of the structure. The geogrid can be manufactured by modifying the process parameters in order to create high aspect ratio ribs, using any of the various known methods for producing geogrids. A reinforced civil engineering structure, and method therefor, is formed by embedding in soil one or more horizontal layers of geogrid having high aspect ratio ribs. The reinforced structure shows improved rutting performance when subjected to vehicular traffic.
Claims16
A multi-axial grid or mesh structure comprising a generally uniform array of substantially straight oriented transverse strands or ribs interconnected by junctions extending transversely across said grid or mesh structure in spaced apart rows and a plurality of substantially straight oriented connecting strands or ribs interconnecting said junctions in adjacent rows to form apertures or openings between adjacent oriented strands or ribs and junctions, said strands or ribs having an aspect ratio greater than 1.0.
A method of making a biaxially oriented plastic material integral geogrid, comprising:
- providing a plastics sheet starting material having a selected thickness and having holes of a selected dimension and arranged in a selected configuration array of substantially identical shape and size;
- applying a stretch in a first direction to stretch out strand forming zones between adjacent holes on sides of each configuration to form oriented strands from such zones;
- applying a stretch in a second direction substantially at right angles to said first direction to stretch out strand forming zones between adjacent holes on the side of the selected configuration to form oriented strands from the latter zones;
- and
- the thickness of the sheet starting material, the size of the holes and the hole configuration are each selected to produce oriented strands having an aspect ratio greater than 1.0.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.