U.S. patent application number 12/802229 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-08 for interlocking concrete construction method.
Invention is credited to Daniel Finn.
Application Number | 20110296791 12/802229 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45063351 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110296791 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Finn; Daniel |
December 8, 2011 |
Interlocking concrete construction method
Abstract
A method for interlocking precast concrete sections to create a
unified whole. The method allows precast pieces to be substituted
for in situ castings in certain applications. Each precast concrete
piece has an interlocking feature. The interlocking features are
pierced by at least one transverse opening. Once the transverse
openings are aligned, a user pours a solidifying substance such as
wet concrete into the aligned transverse holes. A reinforcing metal
bar may also be placed in the holes. Once the concrete hardens, the
precast pieces are linked together.
Inventors: |
Finn; Daniel; (Tallahassee,
FL) |
Family ID: |
45063351 |
Appl. No.: |
12/802229 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/745.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 2201/12 20130101;
E01C 15/00 20130101; E04B 1/483 20130101; E04B 5/08 20130101; E04B
5/10 20130101; E04B 5/023 20130101; E01C 5/005 20130101; E01C 5/06
20130101; E04B 5/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/745.21 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/38 20060101
E04B001/38; E04C 2/38 20060101 E04C002/38 |
Claims
1. A method for connecting precast concrete pieces, comprising: a.
providing a first precast concrete piece, having a first tang
extending outward therefrom; b. said first tang including at least
one transverse opening; c. providing a second precast concrete
piece, having a second tang extending outward therefrom; d. said
second tang including at least one transverse opening; e. placing
said second precast concrete piece next to said first precast
concrete piece in an orientation where said second tang lies over
said first tang, and said at least one transverse opening in said
second tang aligns with said at least one transverse opening in
said first tang; f. providing a solidifying substance; g. filling
said transverse opening in said second tang and said transverse
opening in said first tang with said solidifying substance; and h.
allowing said solidifying substance to solidify, thereby locking
said first and second precast concrete pieces together.
2. A method for connecting precast concrete pieces as recited in
claim 1, further comprising: a. providing a reinforcing member; and
b. placing said reinforcing member in said transverse openings in
said first and second tangs.
3. A method for connecting precast concrete pieces as recited in
claim 1 wherein: a. said first tang includes a plurality of
transverse openings; and b. said second tang includes a plurality
of transverse openings.
4. A method for connecting precast concrete pieces as recited in
claim 1, wherein said transverse openings are round.
5. A method for connecting precast concrete pieces as recited in
claim 1, wherein said reinforcing member is steel re-bar.
6. A method for connecting precast concrete pieces as recited in
claim 1, wherein additional precast concrete pieces are attached
using the same process in order to form a sidewalk.
7. A method for connecting precast concrete pieces as recited in
claim 1, wherein said first and second precast concrete pieces
include steel reinforcement.
8. A method for connecting precast concrete pieces, comprising: a.
providing a first precast concrete piece, having a first
interlocking feature extending outward therefrom; b. said first
interlocking feature including at least one transverse opening; c.
providing a second precast concrete piece, having a second
interlocking feature extending outward therefrom; d. said second
interlocking feature including at least one transverse opening; e.
placing said second precast concrete piece next to said first
precast concrete piece in an orientation where said second
interlocking feature lies over said first interlocking feature, and
said at least one transverse opening in said second interlocking
feature aligns with said at least one transverse opening in said
first interlocking feature; f. providing a solidifying substance;
g. filling said transverse opening in said second interlocking
feature and said transverse opening in said first interlocking
feature with said solidifying substance; and h. allowing said
solidifying substance to solidify, thereby locking said first and
second precast concrete pieces together.
9. A method for connecting precast concrete pieces as recited in
claim 8, further comprising: a. providing a reinforcing member; and
b. placing said reinforcing member in said transverse openings in
said first and second tangs.
10. A method for connecting precast concrete pieces as recited in
claim 8 wherein: a. said first tang includes a plurality of
transverse openings; and b. said second tang includes a plurality
of transverse openings.
11. A method for connecting precast concrete pieces as recited in
claim 8, wherein said transverse openings are round.
12. A method for connecting precast concrete pieces as recited in
claim 8, wherein said reinforcing member is steel re-bar.
13. A method for connecting precast concrete pieces as recited in
claim 8, wherein additional precast concrete pieces are attached
using the same process in order to form a sidewalk.
14. A method for connecting precast concrete pieces as recited in
claim 8, wherein said first and second precast concrete pieces
include steel reinforcement.
15. A method for connecting precast concrete pieces, comprising: a.
providing a first precast concrete piece, having a first tang
extending outward therefrom; b. said first tang including a
plurality of transverse holes; c. providing a second precast
concrete piece, having a second tang extending outward therefrom;
d. said second tang including a plurality of transverse holes; e.
placing said second precast concrete piece next to said first
precast concrete piece in an orientation where said second tang
lies over said first tang, and said plurality of transverse holes
in said second tang align with said plurality of transverse holes
in said first tang; f. providing a solidifying substance; g.
filling said transverse holes in said second tang and said
transverse holes in said first tang with said solidifying
substance; and h. allowing said solidifying substance to solidify,
thereby locking said first and second precast concrete pieces
together.
16. A method for connecting precast concrete pieces as recited in
claim 15, further comprising: a. providing a reinforcing member;
and b. placing said reinforcing member in said transverse openings
in said first and second tangs.
17. A method for connecting precast concrete pieces as recited in
claim 15 wherein: a. said first tang includes a plurality of
transverse openings; and b. said second tang includes a plurality
of transverse openings.
18. A method for connecting precast concrete pieces as recited in
claim 15, wherein said transverse openings are round.
19. A method for connecting precast concrete pieces as recited in
claim 15, wherein said reinforcing member is steel re-bar.
20. A method for connecting precast concrete pieces as recited in
claim 15, wherein additional precast concrete pieces are attached
using the same process in order to form a sidewalk.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] This invention relates to the field of construction. More
specifically, the invention comprises a method for interlocking
precast concrete segments to create a larger concrete assembly.
[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0007] Many concrete assemblies are presently cast in situ. One
good example is a concrete sidewalk. The ground beneath the
sidewalk is smoothed and leveled. Forms are then placed to define
the sidewalk's lateral edges. Wet concrete is then poured into the
forms and allowed to harden. After the concrete is sufficiently
cured, the forms are removed.
[0008] A second example is the casting of reinforced concrete
floors in commercial buildings. Once a steel substructure is in
place, forms are placed around the area to be poured. The concrete
is then poured and allowed to cure with the forms in place.
[0009] These known techniques produce a good finished assembly, but
they are time and labor intensive. The installation of the forms is
a skilled process that simply does not lend itself to automation.
The curing of the concrete is also subject to the prevailing
environmental conditions. Those skilled in the art will know that
the ultimate strength obtained by concrete is largely dependent
upon the temperature and humidity present during the cure
period.
[0010] On the other hand, precast concrete structures can be
manufactured in a factory setting where temperature and humidity
can be controlled. The aggregate mix quality may likewise be
controlled. The factory setting also allows significant automation.
It would therefore be advantageous to provide a construction method
allowing precast concrete structures to be used in a setting which
has traditionally required casting in situ. The present invention
proposes just such a method.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0011] The present invention comprises a method for interlocking
precast concrete sections to create a unified whole. The method
allows precast pieces to be substituted for in situ castings in
certain applications. The construction of sidewalks is one suitable
application. Rather than forming a casting the sidewalk in place, a
group of precast concrete links are used. Each link has
interlocking features such as a first tang extending outward from a
first end and a second tang extending outward from the opposite
end.
[0012] The first and second tangs are pierced by at least one
transverse opening. The tangs are configured so that when two links
are aligned the tangs will overlap and the transverse openings
through the tangs will align. Once the links are properly
positioned, a user pours wet concrete into the aligned transverse
openings. A reinforcing metal bar may also be placed in the
openings. Once the concrete hardens, the tangs are linked together.
Using this method, a sidewalk of any desired length may be created.
The inventive method may also be applies to linking precast
concrete plates or other types of precast concrete pieces.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING VIEW
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, showing a precast sidewalk
link.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view, showing the opposite side of
the sidewalk link of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a section view, showing the tang and the
transverse hole through the tang.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view, showing how two sidewalk links
may be assembled.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view, showing the alignment of two
sidewalk links.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view, showing the addition of
concrete to the aligned transverse holes in order to lock two
sidewalk links together.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view, showing the assembly of FIG. 6
after the sidewalk links are locked together.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a section view, showing how two adjacent sidewalk
links are tied together.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view, showing a series of sidewalk
links tied together.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view, showing an assembly of an
alternate form of the sidewalk links.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view, showing two precast concrete
plates configured for use in the present inventive method.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective view, showing the placement of
precast concrete plates on a steel truss structure.
TABLE-US-00001 REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS 10 sidewalk link
12 first surface 14 second surface 16 first tang 18 second tang 20
tang height 22 link height 24 transverse hole 26 concrete 28
container 30 seam 32 reinforcing member 34 plate link 36 alternate
sidewalk link 40 girder 42 truss
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The linking method of the present invention links precast
concrete pieces together. It is necessary for the precast concrete
pieces to include appropriate geometric features to enable the
linking method to work. The drawing figures and the following
detailed explanations explain some specific embodiments. Many other
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the
illustrations and explanations should properly be viewed as
exemplary and not limiting.
[0026] One good application for the inventive method is the
construction of concrete sidewalks. FIG. 1 shows a precast concrete
piece which is useful for this purpose. Sidewalk link 10 is
preferably a rectangular piece having a suitable length and width.
First surface 12 faces upward in the orientation shown in the view.
First tang 16 extends out from a first end of the sidewalk link and
second tang 18 extends out from the opposite end.
[0027] Each of the two tangs is pierced by one or more transverse
openings. In the embodiment shown, four transverse holes 24 pass
through each tang. The openings need not be circular but may be any
suitable shape. However, those skilled in the art will know that
round holes are easy to cast in concrete.
[0028] The tangs are approximately half as high as the sidewalk
link in this embodiment. The reader will observe that tang height
20 is about 1/2 link height 22. FIG. 2 shows the same sidewalk link
10 in an inverted state. In this orientation second surface 14 is
facing upward. The reader may see in this view how the transverse
holes 24 pass all the way through the tangs.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a detailed section view taken in the area of first
tang 16. Transverse hole 24 passes through the first tang and is
radially symmetric about the central axis shown. In the orientation
depicted, second surface 14 faces upward and first surface 12 faces
downward.
[0030] FIG. 4 shows two sidewalk links 10 in position for assembly.
Second tang 18 of the right hand sidewalk link 10 is position to
lie over first tang 16 of the left hand sidewalk link 10 when the
right hand sidewalk link is placed in position. Once the right hand
sidewalk link is placed, second surface 14 of the right hand
sidewalk link will lie approximately flush with first surface 12 of
the left hand sidewalk link. These surfaces then form the walking
surface for the finished sidewalk. FIG. 5 shows the assembly with
the right hand link placed in the proper position.
[0031] In the position shown in FIG. 5, the reader will note that
the transverse holes 24 in the two overlapping tangs align. There
will of course be some manufacturing and placement tolerances which
prevent perfect alignment. The present inventive method does not
need perfect alignment, so long as the transverse openings roughly
align.
[0032] FIG. 6 shows the linking process. A liquid material is
deposited in each of the aligned transverse holes. This must be a
"solidifying substance." In this context, a solidifying substance
is defined as a liquid that transitions to a solid over time, and
which when solid has at least moderate resistance to shearing
forces. Examples include concrete, reinforced grouts, epoxy resins,
thermoset resins, moisture-cured resins, and UV-cured resins. It is
even possible to use a flexible substance such as a two-part
molding rubber. This is desirable where some small amount of
movement is needed between adjoining links (such as to allow for
frost expansion).
[0033] Concrete is widely available and suitable for this purpose.
Depending on the mechanical strength required and other
environmental considerations (such as hard frosts, etc.), it may be
desirable to add a fiber reinforcing material or a plasticizing
material to the concrete. In the example of FIG. 6, container 28
contains freshly mixed concrete 26. While the concrete is still
wet, it is poured into transverse holes 24. The concrete flows down
into the transverse holes in both the overlapping tangs.
[0034] The concrete solidifies over time. The result is shown in
FIG. 7. FIG. 8 shows a section view through the overlapping tangs
after the concrete has solidified. Concrete 26 has formed a solid
column that occupies the void previously existing within aligned
transverse holes. The solid column of solidified concrete locks
first tang 16 to second tang 18 and thereby locks the two sidewalk
links together.
[0035] Depending upon the amount of stress anticipated on the
joint, it may be desirable to add a reinforcing member to the
concrete. In FIG. 8, reinforcing member 32 (a piece of steel
re-bar) has been placed within the concrete column prior to the
time the concrete hardens. This is customarily done by pouring a
portion of the necessary concrete, placing the reinforcing member
in position, and pouring the remainder of the needed concrete.
However, it is also possible to place the reinforcing member before
any concrete is poured and it is even possible to place the
reinforcing member into the wet concrete after it has been
completely poured.
[0036] A steel re-bar is used as the reinforcing member in FIG. 8.
Other possibilities include a glass-reinforced plastic rod
(suitable where a more elastic solidifying substance is used). A
glass reinforced epoxy rod may also be used.
[0037] The linking method may be used to tie together any desired
number of precast concrete pieces. FIG. 9 shows a sidewalk made
using the method, in which five sidewalk links 10 have been tied
together.
[0038] As stated initially, the tang geometry shown in FIGS. 1-8 is
only one example of many possibilities. FIG. 10 shows a second
possibility. Two alternate sidewalk links 36 are shown. In this
embodiment, only one of the two extending tangs is flush with
second surface 14. However, two adjoining sidewalk links fit
together in a similar fashion as for the original embodiment. The
two tangs still overlap and the transverse holes 24 still align.
The adjoining links are fastened together by filling the aligned
holes with a solidifying substance such as concrete.
[0039] The exact shape and location of the tangs is not
particularly important, as long as a transverse opening volume is
created which--when filled with a solidifying substance--links the
two pieces together. In fact, any type of interlocking feature
which includes the transverse openings may be used. In this
context, the term "interlocking feature" should be understood to
mean any geometry which creates an overlap with the adjacent
precast concrete piece.
[0040] Of course, the precast concrete pieces that can be connected
using the inventive method are by no means limited to sidewalk
pieces. FIG. 11 shows an application where the precast concrete
pieces are much larger. Plate link 34 is a large, steel-reinforced
floor section. Such a plate might be 3 meters long and 2 meters
wide.
[0041] Each plate link has a first tang 16 and a second tang 18
extending therefrom. Each tang has a plurality of transverse
openings--in this case transverse holes 24. The two tangs are
overlapped so that the transverse holes align. A solidifying
substance is then placed in the transverse openings and allowed to
set.
[0042] FIG. 12 shows adjacent structure which would typically be
used to support precast pieces like the plate links. Girders 40
have attached trusses 42 spanning the gap in between. Plate links
34 are placed on top of these structures. Steel reinforcing members
within the plate links may be attached to the girders or trusses to
prevent unwanted movement. Once the plate links are arranged so
that the tangs are overlapping, the solidifying substance is added
to the transverse openings to lock the plate links together.
[0043] Although the preceding description contains significant
detail, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred
embodiments of the invention. The inventive device could be
realized in many different ways. Thus, the examples provided are
properly viewed as embodiments of the invention rather than a
definition of the invention's scope.
* * * * *