U.S. patent application number 10/803269 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-30 for expansion joint for structural slabs.
Invention is credited to Almstrom, Olof K., Elias, Michael George.
Application Number | 20040187235 10/803269 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32994837 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040187235 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Elias, Michael George ; et
al. |
September 30, 2004 |
Expansion joint for structural slabs
Abstract
An expansion joint includes a first mounting element and a
second mounting element spaced therefrom. A membrane having opposed
side edges extends between the first and second mounting elements.
A device or layer is provided for securing the opposed side edges
of the membrane to a respective one of the first and second
mounting elements. A layer of a sealant material is located between
the first and second mounting elements. A resilient body is located
between the first and second mounting elements. The resilient body
is positioned between the membrane and the layer of joint sealant
material.
Inventors: |
Elias, Michael George;
(Garrettsville, OH) ; Almstrom, Olof K.;
(Ridgeland, MS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jay F. Moldovanyi
Fay, Shrpe, Fagan, Minnich & McKee, LLP
7th Floor
1100 Superior Avenue
Cleveland
OH
44114-2518
US
|
Family ID: |
32994837 |
Appl. No.: |
10/803269 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60457370 |
Mar 26, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
14/73.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 11/12 20130101;
E01D 19/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
014/073.1 |
International
Class: |
E01C 011/10 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. An expansion joint comprising: a first mounting element; a
second mounting element spaced from said first mounting element; a
membrane, having opposed side edges, extending between said first
and second mounting elements; a means for securing said opposed
side edges of said membrane to a respective one of said first and
second mounting elements; a layer of a sealant material located
between said first and second mounting elements; and, a resilient
body, located between said first and second mounting elements,
wherein said resilient body is positioned between said membrane and
said layer of sealant material.
2. The expansion joint of claim 1 wherein said means for securing
comprises an adhesive layer located between each of said first and
second mounting elements and an adjacent side edge of said
membrane.
3. The expansion joint of claim 1 wherein said means for securing
comprises a respective bar secured to each of said first and second
mounting elements.
4. The expansion joint of claim 3 further comprising at least one
fastener for securing each bar to a respective one of said first
and second mounting elements.
5. The expansion joint of claim 1 wherein said first and second
mounting elements each comprise a respective plate.
6. The expansion joint of claim 5 wherein said plate comprises an
anchor element.
7. The expansion joint of claim 1 wherein said resilient body
comprises an elongated body with an approximately round
cross-section in an unstressed state.
8. The expansion joint of claim 1 wherein said resilient body
comprises an elongated body with a somewhat T-shaped cross
section.
9. The expansion joint of claim 8 wherein said elongated body
comprises: a stem having a first end and a second end; a first wing
extending away from said stem first end in a first direction; and a
second wing extending away from said stem first end in a second
direction.
10. The expansion joint of claim 9 wherein said elongated body
further comprises: a first protrusion extending away from said stem
second end in a first direction; and, a second protrusion extending
away from said stem second end in a second direction.
11. An expansion joint positioned between adjacent structural slabs
of concrete for use in roads, bridges or buildings, the expansion
joint comprising: a first metal plate; a second metal plate spaced
from said first metal plate; a membrane positioned between said
first and second metal plates, said membrane having opposed side
edges; a means for securing said opposed side edges of said
membrane to a respective one of said first and second metal plates;
a layer of a sealant material disposed between said first and
second metal plates; and a resilient body, located between said
first and second metal plates, wherein said resilient body is
positioned between said layer of sealant material and said
membrane.
12. The expansion joint of claim 11 wherein said means for securing
comprises an adhesive layer located between each of said first and
second mounting elements and an adjacent side edge of said
membrane.
13. The expansion joint of claim 11 wherein said means for securing
comprises a respective bar secured to each of said first and second
mounting elements.
14. The expansion joint of claim 13 further comprising at least one
fastener for securing each bar to a respective one of said first
and second mounting elements.
15. The expansion joint of claim 11 wherein each of said first and
second metal plates comprises an anchor body extending away from
its respective plate.
16. The expansion joint of claim 15 wherein said anchor body
comprises a stem, having a first end fastened to said respective
plate and a second end on which is located a head.
17. The expansion joint of claim 16 wherein said stem includes a
first portion extending approximately perpendicular to a plane of
said respective plate and a second portion extending at an acute
angle in relation to said plane.
18. The expansion joint of claim 11 wherein said means for securing
comprises a metal bar adjustably connected to each of said first
and second metal plates.
19. The expansion joint of claim 18 further comprising a bolt
fastened to said metal bar and a nut threadedly mounted on said
bolt.
20. The expansion joint of claim 11 wherein said resilient body
comprises an elongated body with an approximately round
cross-section in an unstressed state.
21. The expansion joint of claim 11 wherein said resilient body
comprises an elongated body with a somewhat T-shaped cross
section.
22. The expansion joint of claim 21 wherein said elongated body
comprises: a stem having a first end and a second end; a first wing
extending away from said stem first end in a first direction; and a
second wing extending away from said stem first end in a second
direction.
23. The expansion joint of claim 22 wherein said elongated body
further comprises: a first protrusion extending away from said stem
second end in a first direction; and, a second protrusion extending
away from said stem second end in a second direction.
Description
[0001] This application claims the priority of provisional
application Serial No. 60/457,370 which was filed on Mar. 26,
2003.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to expansion joints. More
particularly, it relates to an expansion joint for use in
connecting structural slabs, such as in airfield runways,
industrial flooring or parking structures. However, the expansion
joint design disclosed herein could also be used for connecting
structural slabs on bridges or highways and even in buildings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Building structures often incorporate expansion joints to
accommodate the movement of structural elements, as a result of
temperature changes or seismic activity. In order to prevent
moisture from entering expansion joints, it is necessary to protect
the joints with a weather proof cover.
[0004] A durable, yet flexible joint between structural slabs, such
as concrete slabs or the like, is desirable. Additionally, a
flexible joint which is waterproof is advantageous to prevent water
from getting under the slabs. For example, in a bridge environment,
a waterproof expansion joint retards the rusting of bridges. A
waterproof joint is also desirable in a roadway environment to keep
various corrosives, such as roadway salt, fuel or oil, from passing
through the joint.
[0005] As mentioned, expansion joints, accommodate movement of
structural slabs or blocks due to, e.g., weather conditions or
seismic activity. They also transmit forces between the structural
members. Various types of expansion joints are known in the art.
One disadvantage of many known expansion joints is that they are
typically recessed somewhat from the abutting surfaces, so that
when a vehicle passes thereover, a slight dip is felt. In the
course of time, dirt and debris fill the recess of the joint and
accelerate its deterioration. Also, if the joint becomes unsealed
at any location, then dirt and debris become lodged in that
unsealed portion of the joint and further tear the joint apart.
Thus, the joint deteriorates further and more and more dirt and
debris become lodged in the unsealed portions of the joint.
[0006] Sealing of expansion joints is required to prevent water
containing, e.g., salt or other substances detrimental to the
concrete from penetrating, leaching the concrete and damaging the
reinforcement bars, if any, in the concrete. Moreover, should water
leakage occur at a joint, the PH of the water can change through
contact with the concrete, or salt or the like could damage
underlying materials. For example, in a parking garage, dripping
water could damage the paint of cars located in the deck below the
leaky expansion joint. Further, infiltrating water could cause
frost erosion and crack formation in the concrete blocks. Thus, in
order to be durable, a joint must be tight and must be able to
withstand mechanical influences of various kinds, as well as
considerable pressure differentials.
[0007] Accordingly, it has been considered desirable to develop a
new and improved expansion joint which would overcome the foregoing
difficulties and others, while providing better and more
advantageous overall results.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an
expansion joint includes a first mounting element and a second
mounting element spaced from the first mounting element. A membrane
having opposed side edges extends between the first and second
mounting elements. A means for securing the opposed side edges of
the membrane to a respective one of the first and second mounting
elements is provided. A layer of a sealant material is located
between the first and second mounting elements. A resilient body is
located between the first and second mounting elements. The
resilient body is positioned between the membrane and the layer of
sealant material.
[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an
expansion joint is provided for positioning between adjacent
structural slabs of concrete for use in roads bridges or buildings.
The expansion joint includes a first metal plate, a second metal
plate spaced from the first metal plate and a membrane positioned
between the first and second metal plates. The membrane has opposed
side edges. A means for securing the opposed side edges of the
membrane to a respective one of the first and second metal plates
is provided. A layer of a sealant material is disposed between the
first and second metal plates. A resilient body is located between
the first and second metal plates. The resilient body is positioned
between the layer of sealant material and the membrane.
[0010] Further aspects of the present invention will be described
in the detailed specification provided hereinbelow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and
arrangements of parts, preferred embodiments of which will be
described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an
expansion joint according to the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2A is a front elevational view of the expansion joint
of FIG. 1 in an unexpanded, relaxed state;
[0014] FIG. 2B is a front elevational view of the expansion joint
of FIG. 2A in an expanded state;
[0015] FIG. 3A is a front elevational view of an expansion joint
according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the expansion joint of FIG.
3A;
[0017] FIG. 3C is a side elevational view of the expansion joint of
FIG. 3A;
[0018] FIG. 4A is a front elevational view of an anchor member of
an expansion joint according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 4B is a front elevational view a partially assembled
expansion joint employing the anchor of FIG. 4A; and,
[0020] FIG. 4C is a front elevational view of a fully assembled
expansion joint employing the anchor of FIG. 4A, and shown in an
expanded condition;
[0021] FIG. 5A is a front elevational view of an expansion joint
according to a further embodiment of the present invention shown in
an unexpanded state;
[0022] FIG. 5B is a front elevational view of the expansion joint
of FIG. 5A illustrated in an expanded state;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a portion of the
expansion joint of FIG. 5A; and,
[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of two types of mounting
elements which can be employed in expansion joints used in a bridge
design.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention
only and not for purposes of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows an
expansion joint A between two structural slabs 10 of concrete or a
like material. The structural slabs can be sections of a roadway, a
parking structure, a bridge or the like. Also, the slabs could be
elements of a building or the like structure employing concrete.
Such a structural slab 10 can neither be initially provided with a
groove 12 or, during renovation, such a groove can be cut into
facing walls 14 at the interface between two adjacent slabs.
[0026] Positioned in the groove 12 in each of the slabs 10 is a
respective mounting element. More specifically, a first mounting
element 20 is located in a groove 14 in the first structural slab
10 and a similar second mounting element 22 is located in the
groove 14 in the second structural slab 10. It is evident from FIG.
1 that the two mounting elements are spaced from each other. In one
embodiment, the mounting elements can comprise flat rectangular
bars, which can be made from any suitable type of conventional
metallic material. Alternatively, the mounting elements can be made
from a material which comprises rubber or plastic. With reference
now to FIG. 2A, each of the mounting elements comprises a bottom
end 24, a top end 26 an inner face 28 and an outer face 30.
Extending between the two mounting elements 20 and 22 is a membrane
40. The membrane comprises a first side edge 42 located adjacent
the first mounting element 20 and a second side edge 44 located
adjacent the second mounting element 22. Also, the membrane
includes a lower face 46 and an upper face 48.
[0027] One means 50 for securing the membrane 40 to the pair of
mounting elements 20 and 22 comprises the use of first and second
bars 52 and 54 as illustrated in FIG. 2A. To this end, the bars are
secured by suitable conventional fasteners 56 to the respective
mounting elements in such a way that the side edges 42 and 44 of
the membrane are trapped between a respective one of the mounting
elements and of the bars. The bars can also be rectangular
elongated plates made of a suitable conventional metal, if so
desired. Typically, the membrane is attached in an approximately
vertical orientation to the mounting elements.
[0028] The membrane, which is a sealing membrane, is meant to
prevent fluids from leaking into the joint between the adjacent
slabs 10. It can comprise a known non-plasticized chlorinated
polyethylene, a known water resistant fabric, such as a non-woven
fabric coated with a polymer, a conventional neoprene rubber or a
Hypalon material purchased from Sika under the trademark COMBIFLEX.
The COMBIFLEX material can be obtained from Sika Corporation 201
Polito Avenue, Lyndhurst, N.J. 07071. The membrane can have the
thickness on the order of approximately 1.2 to 2 mm. While the
membrane needs to be flexible, it should not be expandable or
stretchable.
[0029] Supported on the membrane 40 is a resilient body 70. In one
embodiment, the resilient body can comprise a relatively round
elongated mass of a material which can be made of a closed cell
cross linked polyethylene with a flame retardant, if so desired.
One type of closed cell cross linked polyethylene with flame
retardant is the material sold under the trade designation LD45FR
by Zote Foams Inc., 55 Precision Drive, Walton, Ky. 41094.
Alternatively, the resilient body can comprise a cell rubber
structure.
[0030] It is apparent from FIG. 2A that the resilient body 70 is
supported in a "saddle" formed by the membrane 40 as it is mounted
between the first and second mounting elements 20 and 22. Since the
resilient body 70' is relatively stiff, the whole prefabricated
joint construction has to be compressed to fit into the groove
structure defined between the adjacent slabs. After the resilient
body 70 has been placed on the membrane between the two mounting
elements, a sealant material 80 is then layered atop the resilient
body so as to cover the space between the first and second mounting
elements. The sealant can also be poured and cured in a shop or
industrial facility before the joint is installed between the
structural slabs. The sealant material 80 can be a self-leveling
material such as a conventional low modulus silicone or a known
polyurethane.
[0031] With reference again to FIG. 1, an inward force, as
illustrated by arrow 86, is exerted on the resilient body 70 and
the sealant material 80 during installation of the expansion joint
between the adjacent structural slabs 10. The slabs can be coated
with a known epoxy adhesive adjacent the location of the expansion
joint before installation thereof. The inward force is
counterbalanced by an outward force 88 of the resilient body.
During expansion of the joint, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, an
expansion force 90 pulls the mounting elements 20 and 22 away from
each other as the structural slabs shift away from each other. At
the same time, the membrane 40 is drawn more tautly between the two
mounting elements. As a result, an upward force 92 is exerted by
the membrane on the resilient body 70 supported thereon.
[0032] It is noted that the resilient body distorts and takes on a
more oval shape instead of the relatively rounder shape in its
original installation condition. The upward movement of the
membrane 40 and the resilient body 70 counterbalances the tendency
of the sealant material 80 to assume a concave condition, as the
two mounting elements 20 and 22 are moved away from each other.
Thus, during expansion, the sealing membrane 40 will create an
upward pressure as shown by arrow 92 towards the resilient body 70
and the resilient body provides a support for the stretched and
weakened
[0033] Another means for securing the membrane to the adjacent
mounting elements is disclosed in FIGS. 3A-3C. In this embodiment,
like components are identified by like numerals with a primed (')
suffix and new components are identified by new numerals. With
reference now to FIG. 3B, a means for securing 100 is comprised of
an adhesive layer 102 positioned between a first mounting element
20' and a first side edge 42' of a membrane 40'. Similarly, a
corresponding adhesive layer (not visible) is positioned between
the second mounting element 22' and the adjacent second side edge
44' of the membrane 40'. As in the first embodiment, a resilient
body 70' is supported by the membrane 40'. Thereafter, a layer of
sealant material 80' is deposited above the resilient body 70'.
[0034] Once in place, the resilient body 70' creates an outward
pressure towards the two side edges 42' and 44' of the membrane
40', since the resilient body is relatively stiff. This promotes
the bonding of the adhesive layer 102, while curing. In one
embodiment, the adhesive layer can comprise a conventional epoxy
material. It is noted that the membrane is adhesively secured in a
downward direction in order to achieve more room between the two
mounting elements for the sealant material 80'.
[0035] With reference now to FIG. 3C, an end portion 104 of the
membrane can extend out beyond the first and second mounting
elements 20', 22' so as to overlap the adjacent end of another
section of membrane. It should be appreciated that in many
environments relatively long lengths of membrane and mounting
elements are disposed adjacent each other. In this way,
waterproofing is assured in a long joint. In other words, through
the use of overlapping sections of the membrane 40' leakage of
water or another fluid into the gap between the adjacent structural
slabs is hindered.
[0036] With reference now to FIGS. 4A-4C, another embodiment of an
expansion joint according to the present invention is there
illustrated. In this embodiment, a first mounting element 120 is
spaced from a second mounting element 122. Each of the two mounting
elements includes a bottom end 124, a top end 126, an inner face
128 and an outer face 130. However, in this embodiment, an anchor
132 is secured to the outer face 130 of each of the mounting
elements 120 and 122. The anchor can comprise a stem 133 having a
first portion 134 and a second portion 136, which is angled in
relation to the first portion. Thus, a bent stem is provided.
Disposed at the distal end of the second portion 136 is a head 138
of the anchor. Such an anchor will serve to secure the mounting
element to the structural slab. In this embodiment, the concrete of
the slab would be poured after the mounting element is positioned,
so that the anchor is covered by the concrete of the slab.
[0037] A membrane 140 is positioned between the adjacent first and
second mounting elements 120 and 122. The membrane includes a first
side edge 142, which is disposed adjacent the first mounting
element 120, and a second side edge 144 disposed adjacent the
second mounting element 122. The membrane includes a lower face 146
and an upper face 148. In this embodiment, a means for securing 150
comprises a first bar 152 and a second bar 154. Each of these is
secured by a respective fastener 156 to the adjacent mounting
element.
[0038] The fastener 156 can comprise a threaded stem 158 and a head
160 disposed at a proximal end of the stem. A distal end 162 of the
stem can be fastened to the respective mounting bar 152, 154. The
stem extends through a suitable aperture 164 in the respective
mounting element 120, 122. Threadedly mounted on the stem 158 is a
suitable nut 166. On the job site, the sealing membrane 140 is
mounted on each side from above. Then, the respective nuts 166 are
tightened in order to mechanically fasten the opposed side edges
142, 144 of the sealing membrane in place between the respective
mounting elements and the respective bars. In other words, the
smaller inner bars 152 and 154 will be pressed into the heavier and
larger mounting elements 120 and 122. As in the previous
embodiment, the mounting elements 120 and 122 and bars 152 and 154
can be made of a suitable conventional metal.
[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates the process of installation of the
membrane 140 between the adjacent mounting elements 120 and 122.
Arrows 168 illustrate the process of tightening the nuts 166 on the
stems 158 of the fasteners.
[0040] In this embodiment, a resilient body 170 takes the form of a
T-shaped member. The resilient body comprises a stem 172 having a
first end 174. Extending from the first end is a first wing 178
having a tip 179 and a second wing 180 having a tip 181. Extending
from the second end 176 of the stem are a first protrusion 182 and
a second protrusion 184. The pair of wings 178 and 180 form a top
contact surface 186 for the resilient body 170. Similarly, the pair
of protrusions 182 and 184 form a bottom contact surface 188 for
the resilient body 170.
[0041] In use, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the resilient body is
compressed during installation such that the tips of the wings rest
on the bars 152 and 154. At this time, while the resilient body 170
is in its compressed condition, the bottom contact surface 188 is
spaced away from the upper face 148 of the membrane 140. At this
time, a suitable sealant material 190 (FIG. 4C) is deposited atop
the resilient body 170. In this embodiment, the top contact surface
186 of the resilient body forms a barrier preventing downward flow
of the sealing material 190 past the resilient body.
[0042] With reference now to FIG. 4C, when an expansion force, as
illustrated by arrow 192, is exerted on the expansion joint, an
upward force 194 is exerted by the membrane 140 such that the
membrane upper face 148 contacts the bottom contact surface 188 of
the resilient body 170. This will push the resilient body 170
somewhat upwardly to provide support for the sealing material 190,
establishing a support for the upper stretched and weakened sealant
material.
[0043] With reference now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, another embodiment of
the present invention is there illustrated. In this embodiment,
like components are identified by like numerals with a primed (')
suffix and new components are identified by new numerals. Disposed
between a pair of adjacent mounting elements 120' and 122' is a
membrane 140'. The membrane supports a resilient body 200. Disposed
above the resilient body is a layer of a sealing material 190'.
When an expansion force, such as is denoted by the arrow 192',
pulls the mounting elements 120' and 122' away from each other, an
upward force, as denoted by the arrow 194' is exerted on the
membrane 140'.
[0044] The resilient body 200 can comprise a relatively round
elongated mass of a material which can be made of a closed cell
cross linked polyethylene with a flame retardant, if so desired.
One type of closed cell cross linked polyethylene with flame
retardant is the material sold under the trade designation LD45FR
by Zote Foams Inc., 55 Precision Drive, Walton, Ky. 41094.
Alternatively, the resilient body can comprise a cell rubber
structure.
[0045] With reference now to FIG. 7, a mounting member with several
additional features is illustrated. In this embodiment, like
components are identified by like numerals with a double primed (")
suffix and new components are identified by new numerals. A
mounting element 120"includes an anchor 132". Spaced from the
anchor is an angle 210 which can be suitably secured to the
mounting element, such as by a weld joint. The angle comprises a
vertical plate 212 and a horizontal plate 214. Disposed in the
horizontal plate is a threaded opening 216. Selectively mounted in
the threaded opening is a suitable bolt 218. The purpose for the
bolt is to allow a leveling of the mounting element 120' in
relation to the surface of the structural concrete of the slab (not
illustrated).
[0046] Another type of mounting member 220 is also illustrated in
FIG. 7. In this mounting member, a flange 230 is disposed at an
upper end. The flange can have one or more apertures or holes 232
extending therethrough. These prevent air pockets and provide extra
grip in the concrete. Moreover, they may prevent spalling or cracks
near each side of the joint, between the pair of structural
concrete elements.
[0047] The invention has been described with reference to several
preferred embodiments, obviously, modifications and alterations
will occur to others upon the reading and understanding of this
specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and
alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended
claims or the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *