Reinforcement, structure and method for underground reinforced concrete constructions

Abstract

A reinforced concrete structure including a reinforcement made from a plurality of elongate longitudinal members of fibreglass or like material, disposed substantially parallel with one another in at least one predetermined direction. The elongate longitudinal members are coupled to one another by means of coupling members of fibreglass or formed by a strip of flexible polymer material. Metal and/or synthetic fibres are mixed with the concrete matrix to provide the structure with shear strength, making it possible substantially to reduce the number of coupling members.

1 . A reinforced concrete structure comprising a reinforcement made from a plurality of elongate longitudinal members of fibreglass or like material, disposed substantially parallel with one another in at least one predetermined direction and coupled to one another by means of coupling members, metal and/or synthetic fibres being mixed with the concrete matrix. 
     
     
         2 . A reinforced concrete structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the elongate longitudinal members of fiberglass have a corrugated outer surface. 
     
     
         3 . A reinforced concrete structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the elongate longitudinal members have a diameter greater than approximately 28 mm and not more than approximately 42 mm. 
     
     
         4 . A reinforcement for a reinforced concrete structure according to  claim 1 , comprising a plurality of elongate longitudinal members of fibreglass or like material, disposed substantially parallel with one another in at least one predetermined direction and coupled to one another by means of flexible coupling members. 
     
     
         5 . A reinforcement according to  claim 4 , where the flexible coupling members comprise strips of polymer material made from bundles of synthetic fibres of high strength incorporated in a polymer sheath. 
     
     
         6 . A reinforcement according to  claim 4 , wherein the elongate longitudinal members are connected to respective metal longitudinal members of a metal reinforcement for the production of a “soft-eye”. 
     
     
         7 . The use of a reinforced concrete structure according to  claim 1  for the construction of temporary underground structures in the construction of excavated works such as tunnels and the like. 
     
     
         8 . A method for the construction of underground reinforced concrete structures, comprising:
 the preparation of a reinforcement made from a plurality of elongate longitudinal members of fibreglass or like material, disposed substantially parallel with one another in at least one predetermined direction and coupled to one another by means of coupling members,   the preparation of an excavation in the earth,   the insertion of the reinforcement into the earth excavation,   the filling of the earth excavation with concrete in order to incorporate the reinforcement, metal and/or synthetic fibres being mixed with the concrete.