Magnum FP planter barrier

Abstract

Concrete barricades like crash barriers create an unsettling symbolism when applied to buildings, commercial establishments or government offices and skyscrapers. It suggests a state of heightened security, a siege outlook, or worse, appears like a chunk of concrete that does not belong with the aesthetics of the area. Three-dimensionally designed barriers are more pleasing than concrete barricade structures. Curved surface is perceived as more desirable than a flat surface. Naturally proportion and symmetry has to be addressed, but a more complex shape, properly executed, is perceived as more pleasing than a planar, rectilinear shape. Three-dimensional shapes are desirable for a barrier not only for aesthetic purposes but also of the enhanced ability of these shapes to create “progressive resistance” and diversion to the impact of a moving vehicle. Cement-based materials can be reinforced with glass fibers to dramatically increase product strength while reducing product weight because of the consequent thinner, stronger wall sections. Conventional concrete has the trait known as “brittle failure” because it has a semi-crystalline structure, which tends to shatter on impact. This is dangerous when subjected to explosive force because ballistic debris is created which can create significant collateral damage. The Magnum force protection Planter Barrier is specially made of composite glass fiber reinforced concrete that holds the material together because the fibers are dispersed randomly and lay in all directions within the material matrix. It is less expensive than pre-cast or cast in place concrete because the tooling costs less and does not have to hold the weight of wet castable concrete. It does not need an inner mold or plug in shapes requiring an open or hollow area. The finish or appearance need only be in the face coat of the outer layer enclosure shell, while pre-cast or cast in place concrete needs to be throughout the entire mix. Large amounts of kinetic energy must be dissipated when a moving vehicle impacts a relatively immovable object like a barrier. The resistance of the barrier is the result of the strength to resist the impact multiplied by the duration of the impact. For example, a pile of hay can slow a speeding vehicle to a stop over time, as does a massive concrete wall instantaneously. Designs that create a progressive impact by virtue of the three dimensional shape are more effective for their mass than a conventional flat concrete wall. This explains why the Magnum force protection planter barrier is more effective than a massive flat retaining wall with thicker walls, heavier rebar, and deeper foundations. The Magnum force protection Planter Barrier is engineered cement mortar with countless strands of embedded glass fiber; it is a true composite material. It does not have the graded rock aggregates or steel-reinforcing bars normally associated with concrete. The principal material asset is glass fiber reinforced concrete or GFRC, with the ability to have strength when stretched. This tensile strength characteristic also creates dramatically enhanced impact strength. It shares equally the two primary assets of conventional concrete, which are compressive strength and longevity. Consequently, series of levels of resistance are produced by this invention, specifically beginning with the outer enclosure shell, followed by a compacted cement back fill with rebar, a planting compartment encasement, the plant medium or soil fill, the force deflective lower back surface feature of the planting compartment and the thicker cement back fill of the rear rebar caging supported by the back outer shell enclosure.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A planter crash barrier comprising of: 
 2. pre-engineered and pre-finished outer shell;    3. a middle layer with rebar caging compacted with aggregate cement;    4. and a planting compartment.    
     
     
         5 . The planter crash barrier shell and planting compartment consist of graded stone and cement compound reinforced with strands of alkaline resistant glass fiber and polymer admixture.  
     
     
         6 . The outer shell of  claim 1  wherein said shell has three dimensional shape and decorative appearance.  
     
     
         7 . The three-dimensional shape and appearance of  claim 6  wherein said shape and appearance are inter-changeable with pre-engineered and pre-finished shell and finish designs.  
     
     
         8 . The planting compartment of claim  4  wherein the said planting compartment comprise a double vertical walling providing a third layer to the barrier. Said vertical walling is chamfered to the base forming a reclined surface on the backside of said base at 30 to 45 degrees angle opposite the front vertical wall.