Polymeric concrete for wind generator towers or other large structural applicatons

Abstract

The present invention relates to towers for wind generators or other large structural applications and uses a new construction concept, based on polymeric concrete. Polymeric concrete is composed of thermosetting resin and aggregates such as sand or gravel. Polymeric concrete has low maintenance costs and exceptional high resistance to corrosion, thus justifying its main usage in non-structural applications. Additionally, polymeric concrete has been used as mortar in the rehabilitation of civil structures, especially retrofitting of bridges and heritage buildings. Its advantages for these applications are the adherence to the traditional materials, higher compressive strength than traditional concrete and low specific weight. The tower ( 1 ), according to the invention, is built of two or more superimposed ring sections ( 2 ) in conical or cylindrical shape, each ring ( 2 ) being built of one or more shell segments and the said segments being fixed by means of mechanical and/or chemical couplings, and being made of prefabricated polymeric concrete.

1 . A tower to support on-shore or off-shore wind generators or other large structures, wherein the said tower is formed by two or more superimposed ring sections, each ring comprising one or more shell segments, which are affixed by means of mechanical and/or chemical connection and made of pre-cast polymeric concrete, which is composed of a thermosetting resin with an aggregate of at least 60% weight dry sands and/or gravel. 
   
   
       2 . The tower, according to  claim 1 , comprising a conic, cylindrical or prismatic external shape. 
   
   
       3 . The tower, according to  claim 1 , wherein between two superimposed rings, the bottom has the top end shaped like a step comprising, from inside-out, firstly a bottom surface, then an inclined middle surface, and thirdly a top surface, and in that the top ring, in its turn, comprises in each pair of superimposed rings, has a bottom end shaped as an inverted step that matches the counterpart surfaces of the bottom ring. 
   
   
       4 . The tower, according to  claim 1 , wherein further aggregates up to a maximal content of 20% weight of the polymeric concrete are used, to enhance chemical and/or physical properties. 
   
   
       5 . The tower, according to  claim 1 , wherein a reinforcement of composite materials is used within the polymeric concrete wall along one or more superimposed rings. 
   
   
       6 . The tower, according to  claim 1 , wherein a reinforcement of steel cables is used within the polymeric concrete wall along more than two superimposed rings. 
   
   
       7 . The tower, according to  claim 1 , wherein reinforcement steel walls are used in the outer and/or inner surfaces. 
   
   
       8 . The tower, according to  claim 1 , wherein casting takes place on-site. 
   
   
       9 . The tower, according to  claim 2 , wherein between two superimposed rings, the bottom has the top end shaped like a step comprising, from inside-out, firstly a bottom surface, then an inclined middle surface, and thirdly a top surface, and in that the top ring, in its turn, comprises in each pair of superimposed rings, has a bottom end shaped as an inverted step that matches the counterpart surfaces of the bottom ring. 
   
   
       10 . The tower, according to  claim 2 , wherein further aggregates up to a maximal content of 20% weight of the polymeric concrete are used, to enhance chemical and/or physical properties. 
   
   
       11 . The tower, according to  claim 3 , wherein further aggregates up to a maximal content of 20% weight of the polymeric concrete are used, to enhance chemical and/or physical properties. 
   
   
       12 . The tower, according to  claim 2 , wherein a reinforcement of composite materials is used within the polymeric concrete wall along one or more superimposed rings. 
   
   
       13 . The tower, according to  claim 3 , wherein a reinforcement of composite materials is used within the polymeric concrete wall along one or more superimposed rings. 
   
   
       14 . The tower, according to  claim 3 , wherein a reinforcement of composite materials is used within the polymeric concrete wall along one or more superimposed rings. 
   
   
       15 . The tower, according to  claim 2 , wherein a reinforcement of steel cables is used within the polymeric concrete wall along more than two superimposed rings. 
   
   
       16 . The tower, according to  claim 3 , wherein a reinforcement of steel cables is used within the polymeric concrete wall along more than two superimposed rings. 
   
   
       17 . The tower, according to  claim 4 , wherein a reinforcement of steel cables is used within the polymeric concrete wall along more than two superimposed rings. 
   
   
       18 . The tower, according to  claim 2 , wherein reinforcement steel walls are used in the outer and/or inner surfaces. 
   
   
       19 . The tower, according to  claim 3 , wherein reinforcement steel walls are used in the outer and/or inner surfaces. 
   
   
       20 . The tower, according to  claim 4 , wherein reinforcement steel walls are used in the outer and/or inner surfaces.