Patent ID: 6174595
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: B29C,E04C,E04G,Y10T

Abstract:
A fiber reinforced composite material having a predetermined elongated configuration which exhibits self-compression, comprising:(a) a three dimensional array of substantially aligned, continuous, extensible, elastic polymeric fibers that are disposed to longitudinally and laterally support the composite material;(b) a brittle matrix material of a predetermined high modulus and including cementitious material, associated with the array of fibers wherein at least some of the fibers are temporarily tensioned and subsequently maintained in an extended, aligned elastic state by the high modulus brittle matrix material itself; and(c) whereby the composite material exhibits three-dimensional self-compression as a result of stored elastic energy acting on the brittle matrix material to yield an increased composite material load carrying ability in flexure, and whereby the composite material does not require an attached rigid body to maintain said fibers in the extended, aligned elastic state.