Gangarao V Hota

20020062607, May 30, 2002

Dec 10, 2001

10/013768

GangaRao Hota - Morgantown WV, US
Siva Ram Hota - Morgantown WV, US

E04F011/16

052/180000

A modular fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) module that interlocks with other similarly designed modules. Specifically, each FRP module has a female, receiver, end and a male, inserter, end such that the inserter of a first FRP module interlocks with, or “snaps into” or “slids into,” a receiver of an adjacent second FRP module. Once interlocked, the two connected FRP modules are further secured by either adhesive and/or thermal connections. An FRP module is made of multiple layers of multi-axial fiber reinforcement and a resin matrix, the layers being continuous throughout the entire shape of the module. An overlay may be placed over the top face of one or more FRP modules joined together to provide a uniform surface. In addition, one or more exterior FRP composite laminates, grids, plates or fabrics may be bonded continuously to the top face. In certain embodiments, one or more of the internal spaces of a FRP module may be filled with a filler for thermal insulation, noise reduction insulation, or a strength and stability enhancement of the FRP module.

20010036535, Nov 1, 2001

Jun 1, 1998

09/088152

ROBERTO A. LOPEZ-ANIDO - ORONO ME, US
GANGARAO V.S. HOTA - MORGANTOWN WV, US
EVER J. BARBERO - MORGANTOWN WV, US

B32B003/20

428/188000, 428/116000

A modular fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite deck module having one or more hexagonal components and one or more double trapezoidal components. A hexagonal component is a hexagonal cell with all sides being of equal length and forming a hexagonal space. A double trapezoidal component has a top side, a bottom side, a first trapezoid having a first top and a first bottom, and a second trapezoid having a second top and a second bottom. The first and second trapezoidal components are of equal dimensions and configured such that the first trapezoid is inverted resulting in the first top of the first trapezoid is adjacent to the second top of the second trapezoid, thereby creating a center seam and an extensive bonding surface. The double trapezoidal and hexagonal components are made of multiple layers of multi-axial fiber reinforcement and a resin matrix, the layers being continuous throughout the entire shape of the components. A double trapezoidal component is manufactured using the Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding or pultrusion process. A composite deck module is made by joining a hexagonal component with a double trapezoidal component such that the hexagonal component interlocks within the double trapezoidal component and the two components are bonded together with adhesive. A mechanical fastener also may be used to hold two components together. An overlay may be placed over the top side of one or more double trapezoidal components joined together via hexagonal components, thereby providing a uniform surface. In addition, one or more exterior FRP composite laminates, grids, plates or fabrics may be bonded continuously to the top side. In certain embodiments, one or more of the hexagonal components and trapezoids of a composite deck module may be filled with a filler, e.g., thermal insulation, noise reduction insulation, or a strength enhancement.