Multi-axial grid or mesh structures with high aspect ratio ribs
AssigneeTensar Technologies Limited
InventorAnthony T. WALSH
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.
Claims20
1-19. (canceled)
A multi-axial geogrid comprising a first generally uniform array of substantially straight highly oriented strands or ribs extending in a first direction across said geogrid in spaced apart rows and a second generally uniform array of substantially straight highly oriented connecting strands or ribs extending in a second direction and interconnecting with adjacent rows of said first array at junctions to form apertures or openings between adjacent oriented strands or ribs extending in the first and second directions and the junctions between said first and second arrays, said strands or ribs in said multi-axial geogrid that extend in the first direction having an aspect ratio greater than 1.0 in the completed geogrid.
A civil engineering reinforcing structure, comprising a multi-axial geogrid including a generally uniform array of substantially straight molecularly oriented strands or ribs extending across said geogrid in spaced apart rows in a first direction and a generally uniform array of substantially straight molecularly oriented connecting strands or ribs extending in a second direction and joined at interconnecting junctions with adjacent rows of said strands or ribs extending in said first direction to form apertures or openings between adjacent molecularly oriented strands or ribs in said first and second directions as joined at said interconnecting junctions, said molecularly oriented strands or ribs of said multi-axial geogrid in the first direction having an aspect ratio at a longitudinal midpoint which is greater than 1.0 in the completed geogrid constituting the civil engineering reinforcing structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.