Structural cells, matrices and methods of assembly
Structural cells and matrices using the structural cells for positioning below a hardscape that define a void space therein, the structural cells, matrices using the cells and methods of assembly allowing in one embodiment the introduction of a structural fluid such as concrete to provide an alternative structural cell and matrix product. In one embodiment a structural cell assembly is described comprising a structural cell with a plurality of legs integrally linked to a frame at a first frame end, the frame linking the legs together and the frame defining a generally flat plane with the legs extending substantially orthogonally away from the first frame end about the frame flat plane to a leg terminal end; and a separate plate engaging the legs, the separate plate comprising linked sockets, each socket engaging the leg terminal end; and/or linked sockets, each socket engaging the leg frame ends or a part thereof.
1. A structural cell assembly, the assembly comprising:
a structural cell with a plurality of legs integrally linked to a frame at a frame end, said frame linking said legs together and said frame defining a generally flat plane with said legs extending substantially orthogonally away from said frame end about said frame flat plane to a leg terminal end; and
a separate plate engaging the legs, said separate plate comprising:
a plurality of linked sockets, each of said sockets engaging said leg terminal end; and/or
a plurality of linked sockets, each of said sockets engaging said frame ends or a part thereof;
wherein said frame links said legs together via lateral supports located about said frame end with said frame defining a free void space between said lateral supports and said legs with said free void space being continuous and not segmented.
2. The structural cell assembly according to claim 1 wherein an overall structural cell volume is defined by a free void space, an internal void space and a portion of structural cell material, wherein:
said free void space includes at least 75% of said overall structural cell volume, said free void space being defined by a frame width and depth and a leg height less any space used within said free void space for said legs or said frame and said internal volume defined by said legs and said frame; and
said internal void space of said structural cell comprises approximately 1-25% of said overall structural cell volume, said internal void space being defined by any volume of space within said legs or said frame not accessible from said free void space.
3. The structural cell assembly according to claim 1 wherein said structural cell includes a plurality of legs, each having a generally a frustoconical shape, arranged relative to each other in regular or even patterns that collectively spread a compressive load placed thereon.
4. The structural cell assembly according to claim 1 wherein said legs are hollow and at least partially open at: a leg frame end; a leg terminal end; or both said leg frame end and said leg terminal end.
5. The structural cell assembly according to claim 1 wherein said lateral supports, said frame end surrounds and said legs collectively define a common hollow, said common hollow defining an internal void space configured to receive and retain a structural fluid with said internal void space being continuous and not segmented.
6. The structural cell assembly according to claim 2 wherein a hardened structural fluid is poured in and retained within said internal void space.
7. The structural cell assembly according to claim 6 wherein said hardened structural fluid is concrete.
8. The structural cell assembly according to claim 6 wherein said structural cell has a compression strength in excess of 300 kPa.
9. A load bearing matrix comprising:
a plurality of structural cells aligned vertically and/or horizontally; and
a plurality of separate plates, each of said separate plate having approximately same width and length as each of said structural cell, said separate plates located on top of said structural cells and/or below said structural cells; and
wherein each structural cell comprises a plurality of legs integrally linked to a frame at a frame end, said frame defining a generally flat plane with said legs extending orthogonally away from said frame end to a leg terminal end;
wherein each separate plate comprises plate sockets linked together via lateral connectors, located about said leg frame end with said frame defining a free void space between said lateral supports and said legs with said free void space being continuous and not segmented, that engage with either an opening in said frame end of a first structural cell, or said leg terminal end of a second structural cell.
10. The load bearing matrix according to claim 9 wherein the overall matrix volume is defined by a free void space, an internal void space and a portion of structural cell material itself, wherein:
said free void space includes at least 75% of said overall structural cell volume, said free void space being defined by a frame width and depth and a leg height less any space used within said free void space for said legs or said frame and said internal volume defined by said legs and said frame; and
said internal void space of said structural cell comprises approximately 1-25% of said overall structural cell volume, said internal void space being defined by any volume of space within said legs or said frame not accessible from said free void space.
11. The load bearing matrix according to claim 9 wherein said structural cells are aligned vertically with each of said frame of said structural cell being located above said legs.
12. The load bearing matrix according to claim 9 wherein said structural cells are aligned vertically with each of said frame of said structural cell alternating in orientation from a first layer of said structural cells in a frame located below said legs configuration to a second layer of said structural cells in a frame located above said legs configuration and optionally, further alternating layers following the same alternating arrangement.
13. The load bearing matrix according to claim 9 wherein each of said plate socket, when fitted to said frame, fits as a snug male fitting partly into a top female side of an opening in said frame end of said first structural cell and said opposing leg terminal end of said second structural cell fits as a male fitting into said opening female side of said plate socket.
14. The load bearing matrix according to claim 9 wherein each of said separate plate has at least one lateral connector used to link multiple plates across a common horizontal plane.
15. The load bearing matrix according to claim 14 wherein said at least one lateral connector connects abutting structural cells together, said lateral connectors having a shape and form that enables said legs in the matrix to be substantially equidistant to one other.
16. The load bearing matrix according to claim 9 wherein the matrix further comprises at least one free socket placed intermediate vertical spaced structural cells, said free socket linking together an opening in said leg frame end in said first structural cell with said leg terminal end of said second structural cell.