Modular structural composite beam

摘要

A modular fiber reinforced plastic flange for a structural composite beam which comprises a body formed of a plurality of elongate elements arranged in an array, wherein the dimensions of the body are substantially determined by the number and arrangement of the elongate elements in the array, and a skin member at least partially surrounding the array. Also, a structural composite beam comprising the modular fiber reinforced plastic flange and a shear web connected to the skin member of the modular flange. A method of making the modular flange and beams, and a kit of parts for making the modular flange are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A modular fibre reinforced plastic flange for a structural composite beam comprising:
a modular body formed of a plurality of pre-cured elongate elements each formed from a composite material, the elongate elements extending longitudinally the length of the beam, the elongate elements being arranged side-by-side, on top of one another, or side-by-side and on top of one another in an array such that the longitudinal axes of the elongate elements are parallel to one another, wherein the dimensions of the modular body are substantially determined by the number and arrangement of the elongate elements in the array, at least one of the elongate elements being a first elongate element made of a first composite material comprising a first material; at least one of the elongate elements being a second elongate element made of a second composite material comprising a second material, wherein the first material is different from the second material, and wherein the first and second elements are the same size and shape in cross-section; and a modular skin member being configurable to accommodate a variable number or arrangement, or a variable number and arrangement, of elongate elements in the array, the modular skin member extending longitudinally along a substantial portion of the length of a plurality of the elongate elements in the array.