The IsoTruss® is a patented lattice geometry that takes advantage of the unique properties of composite materials such as carbon or glass fiber reinforced polymers. The technology is applicable across many industries including aerospace, recreation, construction, and telecommunications infrastructure. The innovation in IsoTruss® technology is due to a combination of composite materials with the lattice structure. Composite materials are lightweight, stiff, durable, and corrosion resistant. The IsoTruss® geometry further adds benefit to the composite materials by additional weight reduction, low drag force, and damage resistance. The reduced material use, and increased product lifetime result in up to 70% reduction in CO2 emissions over the lifetime in certain applications.
What engineers ask about IsoTruss
IsoTruss is a composite structure with a breakthrough geometric design that increases performance while reducing cost and weight. Here are answers to some of the questions engineers ask us about IsoTruss advantages compared to other materials: Strength, bending and axial loading applications, E, deflection, weight savings, damage tolerance, heat resistance and more.
Technology FAQs
Overview
What is the IsoTruss®?
The IsoTruss® is a unique geometric configuration based on 2-dimensional and/or 3-dimensional equilateral or isosceles triangular sections comprised of unidirectional members fabricated with composite materials.
Overall, the IsoTruss® combines high performing continuous fiber (such as carbon, glass, aramid, etc.) reinforced polymer composite materials with a very efficient geometry to allow those elements to carry the load efficiently, allowing extremely lightweight and extremely high performance.
What are the potential strengths and/or weight advantages of IsoTruss® composite lattice structures?
Innovative IsoTruss® composite lattice structures are up to twelve times stronger than steel for a given weight, or as little as one-twelfth the weight for a given load, depending on the design, and the site and its specifications.
Which industries can utilize IsoTruss® Technologies?
In the telecommunications industry, the enterprise currently designs, engineers, and fabricates IsoTruss® lattice cell towers utilizing composite materials, most frequently with carbon fiber.
In addition, IsoTruss, Inc. is doing research and development for applications and solutions in energy, with oil & gas pipelines, wind turbines, and utility poles; in aerospace, for aircraft and spacecraft; in architecture and construction, for concrete reinforcement utilizing IsoTruss® composite lattice structures instead of rebar for buildings and foundations, and in civil infrastructure, with roadways, tunnels, and bridges. IsoTruss® designs are also utilized in sports equipment, including mountain bikes.
What does research and development look like at IsoTruss, Inc.?
IsoTruss can adapt its technology to a wide range of applications to customize the dimensions and capabilities according to customer needs. The IsoTruss® composite geometry is inherently flexible and offers many current and potential applications, especially for cost-effectiveness, lighter weight loads, exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, and sustainability.
IsoTruss® Civil Infrastructure
What are key features of IsoTruss® civil infrastructure technology?
IsoTruss is currently developing a reinforced concrete foundation for telecommunication towers to increase resiliency to natural disasters. The proposed IsoTruss®-reinforced concrete foundation aims to improve the resiliency over steel-reinforced concrete by better combining the axial and shear strength of the reinforcement, providing more energy absorption and allowing IsoTruss®-reinforced concrete to be rated to withstand higher loading conditions.
The advantages of IsoTruss®-reinforced concrete foundations can be also realized by decreasing installation costs and time. The IsoTruss®-reinforced foundation concept was successfully tested with a foam foundation pilot deployment for a commercial customer. The installation costs for this test were reduced by 60% compared to a typical tower foundation. The success of IsoTruss®-reinforced concrete solutions in the telecom industry will allow future entry into other applications such as roads, bridges, and buildings.
IsoTruss® Wind Turbine Towers
What are key features of IsoTruss® wind turbine tower technology?
IsoTruss is applying its patented geometry to the wind industry to provide wind turbine towers that are lighter weight, corrosion resistant, and experience lower drag. These features result in easier and faster installation and longer lifetime especially in offshore applications. IsoTruss® wind turbine towers also have the versatility for installation in more locations for distributed wind applications including remote, difficult access, mountainous, or rural areas.