Composite construction members and method of making

• Main Authors: LOPEZ-ANIDO ROBERTO A, EL CHITI IMAD W, DAGHER HABIB J, TOMBLIN JOSHUA J, NYE RICHARD F, BAKER ALEXANDER L, BODWELL MATTHEW W
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 12.10.2010
• Subjects: AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING; BLASTING; ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVEFUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; HEATING; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; LIGHTING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PIPES; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDEDFOR; SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL; TRANSPORTING; WEAPONS; WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE, IN GENERAL

A method of forming a hollow composite construction member of the type suitable for use as building material includes providing an elongated inflatable mold assembly having a longitudinal axis, a flexible tubular bladder wall defining an elongated inflatable cavity, a reinforcing fabric positioned concentrically around the flexible bladder wall, and a flexible air-impervious outer layer positioned concentrically around the fabric. The bladder wall and the outer layer define an elongated annular space with the fabric positioned therein. Tension is applied longitudinally to the fabric and fluid is introduced into the cavity to at least partially inflate the mold and shape the fabric. The mold is shaped to a desired shape while maintaining the fabric under tension. The elongated annular space and the fabric are infused with a rigidification material. The rigidification material is hardened while maintaining the fabric in tension to form a rigid hollow composite construction member.