Inventors:
Javed Sultan - Cambridge MA, US
International Classification:
E04B 1/34, E04C 2/22, E04C 2/24, E04B 1/66
US Classification:
52222, 5230917, 5274141, 5274214
Abstract:
A structure for supporting loads includes a composite envelope filled with a filler material. The envelope may comprise a mesh or non-mesh material and may have a high tensile strength. The filler material may comprise a loose or coarse material and may be enclosed within an enclosed in a semi-permeable envelope on all sides. The resulting structure may permit an applied compressive force to result in a tensile force applied in the envelope material.