U.S. patent application number 16/723010 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-24 for load transfer plate apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Illinois Tool Works Inc.. Invention is credited to David Graham Barnes, Greg Stephen Mason.
Application Number | 20210189739 16/723010 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005636430 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210189739 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mason; Greg Stephen ; et
al. |
June 24, 2021 |
LOAD TRANSFER PLATE APPARATUS
Abstract
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a load
transfer plate and a load transfer plate pocket that co-act to
transfer vertical or substantially vertical loads from one concrete
slab to an adjacent concrete slab in an enhanced manner by
minimizing the air gaps in the concrete slab in which the load
transfer plate pocket is positioned.
Inventors: |
Mason; Greg Stephen;
(Rochedale South, AU) ; Barnes; David Graham;
(Manly, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Illinois Tool Works Inc. |
Glenview |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005636430 |
Appl. No.: |
16/723010 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 15/14 20130101;
E01C 11/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04F 15/14 20060101
E04F015/14 |
Claims
1. A load transfer plate pocket configured to receive a load
transfer plate for transferring loads across a joint between a
first cast-in-place concrete slab and a second cast-in-place
concrete slab, the load transfer plate pocket comprising: an
attachment wall defining a load transfer plate receiving opening;
and a body fixedly connected to and extending rearwardly from the
attachment wall, the body including: (a) a triangular upper wall
including an upwardly extending upper central ramp that defines an
upwardly extending part of the load transfer plate receiving
opening; (b) a triangular lower wall including a downwardly
extending lower central ramp that defines a downwardly extending
part of the load transfer plate receiving opening, the lower wall
spaced apart from the upper wall; (c) a first side wall fixedly
connected to the upper wall and to the lower wall and fixedly
connecting the upper wall to the lower wall; and (d) a second side
wall fixedly connected to the upper wall and to the lower wall, and
fixedly connecting the upper wall to the lower wall, wherein the
upper wall, the lower wall, the first side wall, and the second
side wall define a transfer plate receiving chamber.
2. The load transfer plate pocket of claim 1, wherein the
attachment wall includes a plurality of rearwardly extending
securing tabs.
3. The load transfer plate pocket of claim 2, wherein each securing
tab includes a first section connected to and extending rearwardly
from a back surface of the attachment wall, a curved second section
connected to and extending from the first section toward the back
surface of the attachment wall, and a third section connected to
and extending forwardly from the curved second section toward the
back surface of the attachment wall.
4. The load transfer plate pocket of claim 1, wherein the upper
wall includes a first section extending from the upper central ramp
to the first side wall and a second section extending from the
upper central ramp the second side wall, wherein the lower wall
includes a first section extending from the lower central ramp to
the first side wall and a second section extending from the lower
central ramp the second side wall, wherein the first section of the
upper wall and the first section of the lower wall converge toward
the first side wall, and wherein the second section of the upper
wall and the second section of the lower wall converge toward the
second side wall.
5. The load transfer plate pocket of claim 1, wherein the upper
wall includes a plurality of spaced apart inner ridges and defines
a plurality of spaced apart channels.
6. The load transfer plate pocket of claim 5, wherein the lower
wall includes a plurality of spaced apart inner ridges and defines
a plurality of spaced apart channels.
7. The load transfer plate pocket of claim 6, wherein the plurality
of spaced apart channels of the upper wall and the plurality of
spaced apart channels of the lower wall are aligned and configured
to receive opposing pins of a load transfer plate bracing
insert.
8. The load transfer plate pocket of claim 1, which includes first
and second fastener receivers.
9. The load transfer plate pocket of claim 8, wherein: (a) the
first fastener receiver includes a first section connected to and
extending rearwardly from a back surface of the attachment wall, a
second section connected to and extending outwardly from the first
section, and a third section connected to and extending from the
first section toward the first side wall and connected to the first
side wall, wherein the third section defines a first channel
configured to receive a fastener; and (b) the second fastener
receiver includes a first section connected to and extending
rearwardly from the back surface of the attachment wall, a second
section connected to and extending outwardly from the first
section, and a third section connected to and extending from the
first section toward the second side wall and connected to the
second side wall, wherein the third section defines a second
channel configured to receive a fastener.
10. The load transfer plate pocket of claim 1, which is configured
and sized such that the load transfer plate can be positioned in
the load transfer plate chamber beyond a center line of the load
transfer plate.
11. The load transfer plate pocket of claim 1, wherein each of the
upper central ramp and the lower central ramp have smooth rounded
outer surfaces.
12. A load transfer plate pocket configured to receive a load
transfer plate for transferring loads across a joint between a
first cast-in-place concrete slab and a second cast-in-place
concrete slab, the load transfer plate pocket comprising: an
attachment wall defining a load transfer plate receiving opening,
wherein the attachment wall includes a plurality of rearwardly
extending securing tabs, wherein each securing tab includes a first
section connected to and extending rearwardly from the attachment
wall, a curved second section connected to and extending from the
first section toward the attachment wall, and a third section
connected to and extending forwardly from the curved second section
toward the attachment wall; a body extending from the attachment
wall, the body including: (a) an upper wall including an upper
central ramp; (b) a lower wall including a lower central ramp, the
lower wall spaced apart from the upper wall; (c) a first side wall
connected to the upper wall and to the lower wall; and (d) a second
side wall connected to the upper wall, the lower wall, and the
first side wall, wherein the upper wall, the lower wall, the first
side wall, and the second side wall define a transfer plate
receiving chamber; a first fastener receiver extending rearwardly
from a back surface of the attachment wall; and a second fastener
receiver extending rearwardly from the back surface of the
attachment wall.
13. The load transfer plate pocket of claim 12, wherein for each
securing tab, the first section is connected to and extends
rearwardly from the back surface of the attachment wall, the curved
second section is connected to and extends from the first section
toward the back surface of the attachment wall, and the third
section is connected to and extends forwardly from the curved
second section toward the back surface of the attachment wall.
14. The load transfer plate pocket of claim 13, wherein: (a) the
first fastener receiver includes a first section connected to and
extending rearwardly from the back surface of the attachment wall,
a second section connected to and extending outwardly from the
first section, and a third section connected to and extending from
the first section toward the first side wall and connected to the
first side wall, wherein the third section defines a first channel
configured to receive a fastener; and (b) the second fastener
receiver includes a first section connected to and extending
rearwardly from the back surface of the attachment wall, a second
section connected to and extending outwardly from the first
section, and a third section connected to and extending from the
first section toward the second side wall and connected to the
second side wall, wherein the third section defines a second
channel configured to receive a fastener.
15. The load transfer plate pocket of claim 12, wherein: (a) the
first fastener receiver includes a first section connected to and
extending rearwardly from the back surface of the attachment wall,
a second section connected to and extending outwardly from the
first section, and a third section connected to and extending from
the first section toward the first side wall and connected to the
first side wall, wherein the third section defines a first channel
configured to receive a fastener; and (b) the second fastener
receiver includes a first section connected to and extending
rearwardly from the back surface of the attachment wall, a second
section connected to and extending outwardly from the first
section, and a third section connected to and extending from the
first section toward the second side wall and connected to the
second side wall, wherein the third section defines a second
channel configured to receive a fastener.
16. The load transfer plate pocket of claim 12, wherein each of the
upper central ramp and the lower central ramp have smooth rounded
outer surfaces.
17. A load transfer plate pocket configured to receive a load
transfer plate for transferring loads across a joint between a
first cast-in-place concrete slab and a second cast-in-place
concrete slab, the load transfer plate pocket comprising: an
attachment wall defining a load transfer plate receiving opening;
and a body extending from the attachment wall, the body including:
(a) an upper wall including an upper central ramp and a plurality
of spaced apart upper inner ridges that define a plurality of
spaced apart upper channels, at least two of the plurality of
spaced apart upper channels having different lengths, and (b) a
lower wall including a lower central ramp and a plurality of spaced
apart lower inner ridges that define a plurality of spaced apart
lower channels, wherein the lower wall is spaced apart from the
upper wall, at least two of the plurality of spaced apart lower
channels having different lengths, and wherein the upper and lower
channels are configured to receive opposing pins of a load transfer
plate bracing insert before insertion of the load transfer plate
into the load transfer plate receiving opening; (c) a first side
wall connected to the upper wall and to the lower wall; and (d) a
second side wall connected to the upper wall, the lower wall, and
the first side wall, wherein the upper wall, the lower wall, the
first side wall, and the second side wall define a transfer plate
receiving chamber.
18. The load transfer plate pocket of claim 17, wherein the
attachment wall includes a plurality of rearwardly extending
securing tabs, wherein each securing tab includes a first section
connected to and extending rearwardly from a back surface of the
attachment wall, a curved second section connected to and extending
from the first section toward the back surface of the attachment
wall, and a third section connected to and extending forwardly from
the curved second section toward the back surface of the attachment
wall.
19. The load transfer plate pocket of claim 18, which includes
first and second fastener receivers, wherein: (a) the first
fastener receiver includes a first section connected to and
extending rearwardly from a back surface of the attachment wall, a
second section connected to and extending outwardly from the first
section, and a third section connected to and extending from the
first section toward the first side wall and connected to the first
side wall, wherein the third section defines a first channel
configured to receive a fastener; and (b) the second fastener
receiver includes a first section connected to and extending
rearwardly from the back surface of the attachment wall, a second
section connected to and extending outwardly from the first
section, and a third section connected to and extending from the
first section toward the second side wall and connected to the
second side wall, wherein the third section defines a second
channel configured to receive a fastener.
20. The load transfer plate pocket of claim 17, wherein each of the
upper central ramp and the lower central ramp have smooth rounded
outer surfaces.
21. A load transfer plate pocket configured to receive a load
transfer plate for transferring loads across a joint between a
first cast-in-place concrete slab and a second cast-in-place
concrete slab, the load transfer plate pocket comprising: an
attachment wall defining a load transfer plate receiving opening,
the attachment wall including a plurality of rearwardly extending
securing tabs, each securing tab includes a first section connected
to and extending rearwardly from the attachment wall, a curved
second section connected to and extending from the first section
toward the attachment wall, and a third section connected to and
extending forwardly from the curved second section toward the
attachment wall; and a body extending from the attachment wall, the
body including: (a) an upper wall including an upper central ramp
that defines part of the load transfer plate receiving opening; (b)
a lower wall including a lower central ramp that defines part of
the load transfer plate receiving opening, the lower wall spaced
apart from the upper wall; (c) a first side wall connected to the
upper wall and to the lower wall; and (d) a second side wall
connected to the upper wall, the lower wall, and the first side
wall, wherein the upper wall, the lower wall, the first side wall,
and the second side wall define a transfer plate receiving
chamber.
22. A load transfer plate pocket configured to receive a load
transfer plate for transferring loads across a joint between a
first cast-in-place concrete slab and a second cast-in-place
concrete slab, the load transfer plate pocket comprising: an
attachment wall defining a load transfer plate receiving opening;
and a body fixedly connected to and extending rearwardly from the
attachment wall, the body including: (a) a triangular upper wall
including an upwardly extending upper central ramp having a smooth
rounded outer surfaces with curved outer edges; (b) a triangular
lower wall including a downwardly extending lower central ramp
having a smooth rounded outer surfaces with curved outer edges, the
lower wall spaced apart from the upper wall; (c) a first side wall
fixedly connected to the upper wall and to the lower wall and
fixedly connecting the upper wall to the lower wall; and (d) a
second side wall fixedly connected to the upper wall and to the
lower wall, and fixedly connecting the upper wall to the lower
wall, wherein the upper wall, the lower wall, the first side wall,
and the second side wall define a transfer plate receiving
chamber.
23. The load transfer plate pocket of claim 22, wherein the upper
wall includes a first section extending from the upper central ramp
to the first side wall and a second section extending from the
upper central ramp the second side wall, wherein the lower wall
includes a first section extending from the lower central ramp to
the first side wall and a second section extending from the lower
central ramp the second side wall, wherein the first section of the
upper wall and the first section of the lower wall converge toward
the first side wall, and wherein the second section of the upper
wall and the second section of the lower wall converge toward the
second side wall.
24. A load transfer plate pocket configured to receive a load
transfer plate for transferring loads across a joint between a
first cast-in-place concrete slab and a second cast-in-place
concrete slab, the load transfer plate pocket comprising: an
attachment wall defining a load transfer plate receiving opening,
wherein the attachment wall includes a plurality of rearwardly
extending securing tabs; a body extending from the attachment wall,
the body including: (a) an upper wall including an upper central
ramp; (b) a lower wall including a lower central ramp, the lower
wall spaced apart from the upper wall; (c) a first side wall
connected to the upper wall and to the lower wall; and (d) a second
side wall connected to the upper wall, the lower wall, and the
first side wall, wherein the upper wall, the lower wall, the first
side wall, and the second side wall define a transfer plate
receiving chamber; a first fastener receiver extending rearwardly
from a back surface of the attachment wall, the first fastener
receiver including a first section connected to and extending
rearwardly from the back surface of the attachment wall, a second
section connected to and extending outwardly from the first
section, and a third section connected to and extending from the
first section toward the first side wall and connected to the first
side wall, wherein the third section defines a first channel
configured to receive a fastener; and a second fastener receiver
extending rearwardly from the back surface of the attachment wall,
the second fastener receiver including a first section connected to
and extending rearwardly from the back surface of the attachment
wall, a second section connected to and extending outwardly from
the first section, and a third section connected to and extending
from the first section toward the second side wall and connected to
the second side wall, wherein the third section defines a second
channel configured to receive a fastener.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] For various logistical and technical reasons, concrete
floors often include a series of individual cast-in-place concrete
blocks or slabs referred to herein as "concrete slabs" or "slabs".
These concrete slabs provide several advantages including relief of
internal stress due to curing, shrinkage, and thermal movement.
There are various known issues with such concrete slabs. These
issues often involve the joint between concrete slabs, the
interface where one concrete slab meets another concrete slab, and
the relative vertical movement of adjacent concrete slabs.
[0002] More specifically, freshly poured concrete shrinks
considerably as it cures or hardens due to the chemical reaction
that occurs between the cement and water. As the concrete shrinks,
tensile stress accumulates in the concrete. Therefore, the joints
need to be free to open and thus enable shrinkage of each of the
individual concrete slabs without damaging the concrete floor. The
joint openings create discontinuities in the concrete floor surface
that can cause the wheels of a vehicle (such as a forklift truck)
to impact the edges of the adjacent concrete slabs that form the
joint and chip small pieces of concrete from the edge of each
concrete slab, particularly if the joint edges are not vertically
aligned. This damage to the edges of concrete slabs is commonly
referred to as joint spalling. Joint spalling can interrupt the
normal working operations of a facility by slowing down forklift
and other truck traffic, and/or causing damage to trucks and the
carried products. Severe joint spalling and uneven joints can cause
loaded forklift trucks to overturn (which of course is dangerous to
people in those facilities). Joint spalling can also be very
expensive and time consuming to repair.
[0003] Joint edge assemblies that protect such joints between
concrete slabs are widely used in the construction of concrete
floors (such as concrete floors in warehouses). Examples of known
joint edge assemblies are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,775,952 and
8,302,359. Various known joint edge assemblies enable the joint
edges to both self-open with respect to the opposite joint edge as
the adjacent concrete slabs shrink during curing or hardening. One
known joint edge assembly is generally illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2,
3, and 4. This known joint edge assembly 10 includes two separate
elongated joint edge members 20 and 40 temporarily held together by
a plurality of connectors 60. The connectors 60 connect the
elongated joint edge members 20 and 40 along their lengths during
installation. This known joint edge assembly 10 further includes a
plurality of anchors 22 that extend from the elongated joint edge
member 20 into the region where the concrete of the first concrete
slab 90 is to be poured such that, upon hardening of the first
concrete slab 90, the anchors 22 are cast within the body of the
first concrete slab 90. This known joint edge assembly 10 further
includes a plurality of anchors 42 that extend from the elongated
joint edge member 40 into the region where the concrete of the
second concrete slab 96 is to be poured such that, upon hardening
of the second concrete slab 96, the anchors 42 are cast within the
body of the concrete slab 96. This known joint edge assembly is
positioned such that the ends or edges of the concrete slabs are
aligned with the respective outer surfaces of the elongated joint
edge members. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the joint edge assembly 10
prior to installation and before the concrete is poured, and FIG. 3
illustrates the joint edge assembly 10 after installation and after
the concrete slabs have started shrinking such that the elongated
joint edge members 20 and 40 have separated to a certain
extent.
[0004] Another issue with such joints involves the vertical
movements of adjacent concrete slabs relative to each other. The
concrete slabs (such as concrete slabs 90 and 96) are preferably
configured to move individually, and are also preferably configured
with load transferring devices to transfer loads from one concrete
slab to the adjacent concrete slab. Transferring loads between
adjacent concrete slabs has been accomplished using various
different load transferring devices. For example, certain known
load transferring devices are in the form of steel dowels and dowel
receiving sheaths having circular cross-sections (such as those
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,005,331, 5,216,862, and 5,487,249).
Other known load transferring devices are in the form of steel
dowels and dowel receiving sheaths having rectangular
cross-sections (such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,733,513). Such circular and rectangular dowels are capable of
transferring loads between adjacent concrete slabs, but have
various shortcomings. For example, if such circular or rectangular
dowels are misaligned (i.e., not positioned perpendicular to
joint), they can undesirably lock the joint together causing
unwanted stresses that could lead to slab failure in the form of
cracking of the concrete slab. Such misaligned dowels can also
restrict movement of the concrete slabs in certain directions.
Another shortcoming of such circular and rectangular dowels is that
they typically enable the adjacent slabs to move only along the
longitudinal axis of the dowel. Another known shortcoming of such
circular and rectangular dowels results from the fact that, under a
load, only the first 3 to 4 inches of each dowel is typically used
for transferring the load from one slab to the adjacent slab. This
can create relatively high loadings per square inch at the edge of
one or more of the adjacent concrete slabs, which can result in
failure of the concrete above or below the dowel.
[0005] To solve these problems, load transferring devices such as
the dowel and dowel receiving sheath disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,354,760 were developed. These known load transferring devices
provide increased relative movement between the adjacent concrete
slabs in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the joint
and reduce loadings per square inch in the adjacent concrete slabs
close to the joint, while transferring loads between the adjacent
concrete slabs. These load transferring devices are commercially
sold by the assignee of this disclosure. These load transferring
devices have been widely sold and commercially utilized.
[0006] In certain circumstances, it has been found that these dowel
receiving sheaths can cause air pockets to be formed in the
concrete slabs in which they are positioned, such as beneath the
sheaths in the concrete slabs.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for improved load transfer
receiving devices that solve this problem.
SUMMARY
[0008] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a load
transfer plate apparatus that includes a load transfer plate pocket
that solves the above problem.
[0009] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a load
transfer plate pocket that minimizes air pockets in the concrete
slabs and that minimizes fractures to the concrete slabs above or
below the load transfer plate pocket.
[0010] Various other embodiments of the present disclosure provide
a load transfer apparatus including a load transfer plate and a
load transfer plate pocket that co-act to transfer vertical or
substantially vertical loads from one concrete slab to the adjacent
concrete slab in an enhanced manner, that minimizes air pockets in
the concrete slabs, and that minimizes fractures to the concrete
slabs above or below the load transfer plate pocket.
[0011] Various other embodiments of the present disclosure provide
a load transfer apparatus including a load transfer plate, a load
transfer plate bracing insert, and a load transfer plate pocket
that co-act to transfer vertical or substantially vertical loads
from one concrete slab to the adjacent concrete slab in an enhanced
manner, that minimizes air pockets in the concrete slabs, and that
minimizes fractures to the concrete slabs above or below the load
transfer plate pocket.
[0012] Additional features and advantages of the present invention
are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed
Description and the Figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a known joint edge
assembly.
[0014] FIG. 2 is an end view of the known joint edge assembly of
FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the known joint edge
assembly of FIG. 1 shown mounted in two adjacent concrete slabs
(shown in fragmentary) on a substrate (shown in fragmentary), and
generally illustrating the separation of the two adjacent concrete
slabs after they have shrunk to a certain extent.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the known joint edge
assembly of FIG. 1 shown mounted in two adjacent concrete slabs
(shown in fragmentary) on a substrate (shown in fragmentary), a
known dowel pocket mounted in one of the concrete slabs, and a
known load transfer plate mounted in the other concrete slab and
partially received in the dowel pocket.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a load transfer plate of
one example embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a top rear perspective view of a load transfer
plate pocket of one example embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a top front perspective view of the load transfer
plate pocket of FIG. 6.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a top view of the load transfer plate pocket of
FIG. 6.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the load transfer plate pocket of
FIG. 6.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a right side view of the load transfer plate
pocket of FIG. 6.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a left side view of the load transfer plate
pocket of FIG. 6.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the load transfer plate pocket of
FIG. 6.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a front view of the load transfer plate pocket of
FIG. 6.
[0026] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the load transfer plate
pocket of FIG. 6, taken substantially along line 14-14 of FIG.
12.
[0027] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the bottom
portion of the load transfer plate pocket of FIG. 6, taken
substantially along line 15-15 of FIG. 12.
[0028] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the top
portion of the load transfer plate pocket of FIG. 6, taken
substantially along line 16-16 of FIG. 13.
[0029] FIG. 17 is an exploded front rear perspective side view of
the load transfer plate pocket of FIG. 6, a load transfer plate
bracing insert of the present disclosure, the load transfer plate
of FIG. 5, and two fasteners prior to attachment of the load
transfer place pocket to a form (not shown) by the two fasteners
and prior to positioning of the load transfer plate bracing insert
and the load transfer plate in the load transfer plate pocket.
[0030] FIG. 18 is cross-sectional view of the load transfer plate
pocket of FIG. 6, the load transfer plate bracing insert of FIG.
17, the load transfer plate of FIG. 5, and two fasteners shown
mounted in two adjacent concrete slabs (shown in fragmentary).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an
improved load transfer apparatus including a load transfer plate, a
load transfer plate pocket, and a load transfer plate bracing
insert that solve the above problems. More specifically, various
embodiments of the load transfer plate and a load transfer plate
pocket that co-act to transfer vertical or substantially vertical
loads from one concrete slab to the adjacent concrete slab, to
cause air bubbles to be propelled towards the edges of pocket to
minimize air pockets in the concrete slabs above and below the load
transfer plate pocket, which in turn maximizes the concrete flow,
uniformity and compactness of the concrete below an above the load
transfer plate pocket, and thus minimize fractures to the concrete
slabs above or below the load transfer plate pocket. It should also
be appreciated that the load transfer plate pocket additionally
inhibits movement of the pocket during the pouring of the concrete
slab due to air pockets or due to improper attachment to the
form.
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,
15, 16, 17, and 18, one example embodiment of the load transfer
plate of the present disclosure is generally indicated by numeral
100, one example embodiment of the load transfer plate pocket of
the present disclosure is generally indicated by numeral 300, one
example of the load transfer plate bracing insert is generally
indicated by numeral 900, and two example fasteners are generally
indicated by numerals 950 and 952. FIGS. 17 and 18 also generally
partially illustrate one method of employing or installing the load
transfer plate pocket 300, the load transfer plate 100, and the
load transfer plate bracing insert 900 of the present disclosure in
a first cast-in-place slab (such as a first concrete slab 90) and a
second cast-in-place slab (such as a second concrete slab 96). It
should be appreciated that multiple spaced apart sets of load
transfer plate pockets 300, load transfer plates 100, and load
transfer plate bracing inserts 900 of the present disclosure will
be employed in such adjacent concrete slabs to co-act to transfer
vertical or substantially vertical loads from one concrete slab to
the adjacent concrete slab in an enhanced manner by optimizing the
positions of the load transfer plates 100 relative to the adjacent
concrete slabs for load transfer between the adjacent concrete
slabs, by minimizing air pockets in the concrete slabs above and
below the load transfer plate pockets, and thus minimize fractures
to the concrete slabs above or below the load transfer plate
pockets.
[0033] In this illustrated example embodiment, the load transfer
plate pocket 300 is configured to be attached to a conventional
form (not shown) before the first concrete slab 90 is poured such
that the load transfer plate pocket 300 extends into the first
concrete slab 90 and is maintained in the first concrete slab 90
after the first concrete slab 90 is poured and hardened or cured as
shown in FIG. 18. The load transfer plate bracing insert 900 and
the load transfer plate 100 is configured to be inserted in the
load transfer plate pocket 300 after (or alternatively before) the
first concrete slab 90 is poured, and before the second concrete
slab 96 is poured.
[0034] It should be appreciated that in an alternative method of
the present disclosure, if slab 96 is poured before slab 90, then
the load transfer plate pocket 300 would be attached to a form
before the concrete slab 96 is poured such that the load transfer
plate pocket 300 extends into the concrete slab 96 and would be
maintained in the concrete slab 96 after the concrete slab 96 is
poured and hardened or cured. If concrete slab 96 is poured before
concrete slab 90, the load transfer plate bracing insert 900 and
the load transfer plate 100 would be inserted in the load transfer
plate pocket 300 after (or alternatively before) the concrete slab
96 is poured, and before the concrete slab 90 is poured. It should
be appreciated that the present disclosure contemplates use of the
load transfer plate pocket 300 and load transfer plate 100 without
the use of the load transfer plate bracing insert 900.
[0035] In this illustrated example embodiment, as best shown in
FIGS. 5 and 18, the load transfer plate 100 includes a generally
diamond shaped body 110 having: (a) a substantially tapered first
half or portion 112 configured to protrude into and move with
respect to the load transfer plate pocket 300 that is secured in
the first concrete slab 90; and (b) a substantially tapered second
half or portion 114 configured to be initially partially positioned
in the load transfer plate pocket 300 at installation and also
protrude into and be secured in the second concrete slab 96. In
this illustrated embodiment, the substantially tapered first
portion 112 and the substantially tapered second portion 114 are
substantially equal in size and shape.
[0036] In this illustrated example embodiment, the substantially
tapered first portion 112 has a largest width (measured parallel to
the longitudinal axis of the joint) at the area of the first
portion 112 adjacent to tapered second portion 114, and a smallest
width at the edge 113. In this illustrated example embodiment, the
first portion 112 is uniformly tapered from the area of the first
portion 112 adjacent to second portion 114 to the edge 113;
however, such taper does not have to be uniform in accordance with
the present disclosure.
[0037] In this illustrated example embodiment, the substantially
tapered second portion 114 has a largest width (measured parallel
to the longitudinal axis of the joint) at the area of the second
portion 114 adjacent to tapered first portion 112, and a smallest
width at the edge 115. In this illustrated example embodiment, the
second portion 114 is uniformly tapered from the area of the second
portion 114 adjacent to first portion 112 to the edge 115; however,
such taper does not have to be uniform in accordance with the
present disclosure.
[0038] Accordingly, in this illustrated example embodiment, the
load transfer plate 100 has its greatest width at the area where
the substantially tapered first portion 112 and the substantially
tapered second portion 114 meet or connect (i.e., along the center
line or plane 116).
[0039] In this illustrated example embodiment, the load transfer
plate 100 is also relatively wide compared to its thickness or
height and has a length to width ratio of approximately 1:1;
however, it should be appreciated that the width compared to the
thickness or height may vary, and that the length to width ratio
may vary in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0040] The body 110 of the load transfer plate 100 also generally
includes: (a) a substantially planar upper surface 120; (b) a
substantially planar lower surface 130; (c) a first outer edge 140;
(d) a second outer edge 150; (e) a third outer edge 160; and (f) a
fourth outer edge 170.
[0041] It should be appreciated that the load transfer plate may be
otherwise suitably configured in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0042] The load transfer plate 100 is made from a suitable metal
(such as steel) in this illustrated embodiment, but can be made
from other suitable materials
[0043] This illustrated example embodiment of the load transfer
plate pocket 300 includes: (1) an attachment wall 310; (2) a
generally triangular shaped body 400 integrally formed with,
connected to, and extending from the back (or back surface 316) of
the attachment wall 310; and (3) fastener receivers 700 and 800
respectively integrally formed with and extending from the back (or
back surface 316) of the attachment wall 310, and the opposite
sides of the body 400. The load transfer plate pocket 300 is
symmetrical from top to bottom and from side to side, and thus is
configured to be used in either orientation (i.e., right side up or
upside down). This facilitates ease of manufacture, ease of use,
and reduction of needed inventory. This also facilitates reduction
of errors in positioning during installation. The body 400 is
configured to minimize air pockets in the concrete slabs above and
below the load transfer plate pocket, and thus minimize fractures
to the concrete slabs above or below the load transfer plate
pocket. This configuration also enables the installation in either
orientation whilst maintaining the benefits of the air displacement
features and structural enhancements. The load transfer plate
pocket 300 is made from a suitable plastic (such as a High Impact
Polystyrene (HIPS)) in this illustrated embodiment, but can be made
from other suitable materials.
[0044] More specifically, in this illustrated example embodiment,
the attachment wall 310 includes: (1) a generally flat partially
rectangular member 312 having a front surface 314, a back surface
316, a top edge 318, a bottom edge 320, a first side edge 322, and
a second side edge 324; and (2) four rearwardly extending securing
tabs 350, 360, 370, and 380.
[0045] The member 312 defines: (a) a load transfer plate receiving
opening 330 (that provides access to a generally triangular chamber
490 defined by the body 400); (b) a first fastener opening 332; and
(c) a second fastener opening 334. The load transfer plate
receiving opening 330 is configured such that the load transfer
plate 100 can freely move through the load transfer plate receiving
opening 330 and into and out of the load transfer plate receiving
chamber 490 defined by the body 400. The first fastener opening 332
and the second fastener opening 334 are configured to respectively
receive fasteners such as nails 950 and 952 as shown in FIGS. 17
and 18 to attach and hold the load transfer plate pocket 300 to a
form (not shown) before and during pouring of the first concrete
slab 90 such that: (a) the attachment wall 310 extends in the same
plane as the outer vertical side surface of the first concrete slab
90; (b) four rearwardly extending securing tabs 350, 360, 370, and
380 each extends into the first concrete slab 90; and (c) the body
400 of the load transfer plate pocket 300 extends into the first
concrete slab 90. This example member 312 can include any suitable
quantity of additional fastener openings (such as indicated by the
drawings but not labeled).
[0046] The four rearwardly extending securing tabs 350, 360, 370,
and 380 are identical in this illustrated example embodiment, and
thus only tab 350 is discussed in detail herein. It should be
appreciated that these securing tabs do not need to be identical in
accordance with the present disclosure. As best shown in FIGS. 6,
7, and 10, securing tab 350 includes: (1) a generally straight
first section 350a integrally formed with, connected to, and
extending rearwardly from the back surface 316 of the attachment
wall 310); (2) a curved second section 350b integrally formed with,
connected to, and extending from first section 350a upwardly and
back toward the back surface 316 of the attachment wall 310; and
(3) a third section 350c integrally formed with, connected to, and
extending forwardly from curved second section 350b toward the back
surface 316 of the attachment wall 310. This configuration of
securing tab 350 (as well as the same configurations for securing
tabs 360, 370, and 380) facilitates more secure attachment to and
in the concrete slab (such as concrete slab 90). This configuration
of securing tab 350 (as well as the same configurations for
securing tabs 360, 370, and 380) also facilitates the escape of air
from under or around these tabs 350, 360, 370, and 380 during
pouring of the concrete and curing of the concrete. It should be
appreciated that the securing tabs can be otherwise suitably
configured in accordance with the present disclosure. These
securing tabs also assist in helping to retain the load transfer
plate pocket 300 in concrete when striping the form from the first
concrete slab after it is formed and cured. These securing tabs can
also be employed for attachment to (steel) forms, and particularly
for placement into opening in such (steel) forms.
[0047] The body 400 of this illustrated example load transfer plate
pocket 300 includes: (a) a generally triangular upper wall 410; (b)
a generally triangular lower wall 430; (c) a first side wall 450;
(d) a second side wall 470; and (e) a plurality of load transfer
plate engagers 510, 520, 530, and 540. The generally triangular
upper wall 410, the generally triangular lower wall 430, the first
side wall 450, and the second side wall 470 define the interior
load transfer plate receiving chamber 490 mentioned above. The
interior load transfer plate receiving chamber 490 is configured to
slidably receive the load transfer plate during installation and
use to account for shrinkage, expansion, contraction, and movement
of these components and the concrete slabs in which they are
positioned. The load transfer plates and the load transfer plate
pockets transfer vertical loads between adjacent concrete slabs as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,760. The upper wall 410, the lower
wall 430, the first side wall 450, and the second side wall 470 are
formed and connected to minimize air pockets around these walls,
and particularly with smooth outer surfaces and with radiused or
curved outer edges to enable air adjacent to those members to flow
uninterrupted along the outer surfaces of those members and to
escape from being trapped under or adjacent to those members.
[0048] The upper wall 410 is integrally formed with and extends
from the back surface 316 of the body 312 of the attachment wall
310 above the load transfer plate receiving opening 330. The upper
wall 410 includes side sections 412 and 414 and a central ramp 420
between the two side sections 412 and 414. The central ramp 420 is
integrally formed with, connected to and extend rearwardly from the
back surface 316 of the attachment wall 310. The central ramp 420
is tapered downwardly toward the rear edge 415. The central ramp
420 includes smooth outer surfaces and with radiused or curved
outer edges. This enables air adjacent to those members to flow
uninterrupted along the outer surfaces of those members and to
escape from being trapped under or adjacent to those members. The
central ramp 420 also helps to dispel air bubbles away from the
center of the upper wall 410. The central ramp 420 also helps to
improve concrete compaction by minimizing and dispelling the air
bubbles in the concrete around the load transfer plate pocket 300
even with little compaction.
[0049] The upper wall 400 and in particular the ramp 420 defines an
inner central channel 492 that tapers extends downwardly toward the
rear edge 415. The upper wall 410 and particularly the side
sections 412 and 414 of the upper wall 410 include ridged inner
surfaces, with spaced apart rearwardly extending channels such as
channel 496. In this illustrated example embodiment, certain
channels are spaced apart at different distances. In this
illustrated example embodiment, the channels toward the center are
spaced apart at closer different distances than the channels toward
the sides. These internal structures such as these ridges and
channels add structural integrity and strength to this upper wall
such that external structural elements (that block the flow of air
bubbles) do not need to be added to this upper wall. These internal
structures also improve the compressive strength of the load
transfer plate pocket 300 by providing additional elements that
bear against the vertical face of the forms to better hold the load
transfer plate pocket 300 perpendicular to the joint during the
concrete pouring. This minimizes the risk of the load transfer
plate pocket 300 being dislodge during concrete pouring and reduces
the need for re-work and the potential for a misaligned load
transfer plate that may cause joint failure.
[0050] The lower wall 430 is integrally formed with and extends
from the back or back surface 316 of the body 312 of the attachment
wall 310 below the load transfer plate receiving opening 330. The
lower wall 430 includes side sections 432 and 434 and a central
ramp 440 between the two side sections 432 and 434. The central
ramp 440 is integrally formed with, connected to and extend
rearwardly from the back surface 316 of the attachment wall 310.
The central ramp 440 is tapered upwardly toward the rear edge 415.
The central ramp 440 includes smooth outer surfaces with radiused
or curved outer edges. This enables air adjacent to those members
to flow uninterrupted along the outer surfaces of those members and
to escape from being trapped under or adjacent to those members.
The central ramp 440 also helps to dispel air bubbles away from the
center of the lower wall 430. The central ramp 440 also helps to
improve concrete compaction by minimizing and dispelling the air
bubbles in the concrete around the load transfer plate pocket 300
even with little compaction.
[0051] The lower wall 430 and in particular the ramp 440 defines an
inner central channel 494 that tapers extends upwardly toward the
rear edge 415. The lower wall 430 and particularly the side
sections 432 and 434 of the lower wall 430 include ridged inner
surfaces, with spaced apart rearwardly extending channels such as
channel 498. In this illustrated example embodiment, certain
channels are spaced apart at different distances. In this
illustrated example embodiment, the channels toward the center are
spaced apart at closer different distances than the channels toward
the sides. These channels are aligned with the channels in the
upper wall 410. These internal structures such as these ridges and
channels add structural integrity and strength to this lower wall
such that external structural elements (that block the flow of air
bubbles) do not need to be added to this lower wall. These internal
structures also improve the compressive strength of the load
transfer plate pocket 300 by providing additional elements that
bear against the vertical face of the forms to better hold the load
transfer plate pocket 300 perpendicular to the joint during the
concrete pouring. This minimizes the risk of the load transfer
plate pocket 300 being dislodged during concrete pouring and
reduces the need for re-work and the potential for misaligned load
transfer plate that may cause joint failure.
[0052] It should be appreciated that in this example embodiment,
there are no ribs or other features on the top and bottom faces of
the pocket that will catch the air bubbles when moving to the side
edges or apex.
[0053] It should be appreciated that in this example, the upper and
lower walls 410 and 430 are suitably cored to help maintain a
uniform wall thickness at the drafted faces preventing warping and
sinking.
[0054] It should be appreciated that in this example embodiment,
the upper and lower walls 410 and 430 each have a suitably large
radius with the attachment wall to help prevent entrapment of air
bubbles at these corners.
[0055] The first side wall 450 is integrally formed with and
extends from the back or back surface 316 of the body 312 of the
attachment wall 310 adjacent to one side of the load transfer plate
receiving opening 330. The first side wall 450 is also integrally
formed with and connected to the upper wall 410. The first side
wall 450 is also integrally formed with and connected to the lower
wall 430. The first side wall 450 includes outwardly extending tab
460 that facilitates central positioning in the cavity during
manufacture.
[0056] The second side wall 470 is integrally formed with,
connected to and extends from the back surface 316 of body 312 of
the attachment wall 310 adjacent to the other side of the load
transfer plate receiving opening 330. The second side wall 470 is
integrally formed with and connected to the upper wall 410. The
second side wall 470 is integrally formed with and connected to the
lower wall 430. The second side wall 470 is integrally formed with
and connected to the first side wall 450 along edge 415. The second
side wall 470 includes outwardly extending tab 480 that facilitates
central positioning in the cavity during manufacture.
[0057] The upper wall 410 and the lower wall 430 are somewhat
tapered or draft toward each other from the attachment wall 310 to
the rear edge 415. The sections 412 and 414 of the upper wall 410
are respectively tapered or drafted toward the respective side
walls 450 and 470. Likewise, the sections 432 and 424 of the lower
wall 430 are respectively tapered or drafted toward the respective
side walls 450 and 470. This enables air bubbles to rise under the
load transfer plate pocket 300 because the air bubbles naturally
move towards the highest point until caught or released from the
surface. The highest point on the load transfer plate pocket 300 is
the edges or the apex of the respective ramp. As air bubbles rise
to these points they are dispelled from the load transfer plate
pocket 300 and are free to keep moving towards the surface of the
concrete. This can be accomplished naturally or with added
vibration of the concrete around the load transfer plate pocket 300
to increase the chances of this occurring.
[0058] The body 400 of the load transfer plate pocket 300 thus
includes multiple tapered outer surfaces and large radiused corners
or connections that cause air bubbles to be propelled towards the
edges of load transfer plate pocket 300. This enables air adjacent
to those members to flow uninterrupted along the outer surfaces of
those members and to escape from being trapped under or adjacent to
those members. These radiused edges and apexes also minimize
perimeter point loads.
[0059] The lower wall 430 is spaced apart from the upper wall 410
such that the load transfer plate 100 can freely move in the
chamber 490 formed by and between the upper wall 410, the lower
wall 430, the first side wall 450, and the second side wall 470. In
this illustrated example embodiment the chamber 490 is configured
to receive the load transfer plate bracing insert 900, the entire
first half or portion 112 of the load transfer plate 100, and part
of the second half or portion 114 of the load transfer plate 100 as
generally shown in FIG. 18.
[0060] More specifically, in various embodiments such as shown in
FIG. 18, the width of the load transfer plate receiving chamber 490
of the load transfer plate pocket 300 is greater than the width of
the substantially tapered end of the load transfer plate 100 at
each corresponding depth along the substantially first tapered half
or portion 112 of the load transfer plate 100, such that the
substantially first tapered half or portion 112 of the load
transfer plate 100 and part of the second half or portion 114 of
the load transfer plate 100 can be positioned within the load
transfer plate pocket 300 in a direction parallel to the upper
surface of the first slab 96. In other words, in this illustrated
embodiment, the load transfer plate 100 and the load transfer plate
pocket 300 are configured and sized such that: (a) the distance X
(as shown in FIG. 5) from the edge 113 to the center line or plane
116 of the load transfer plate 100 is less than (b) the distance
from the end edge 415 to the attachment wall 310 of the load
transfer plate pocket 300. This configuration enables the load
transfer plate 100 to be positioned in the load transfer plate
pocket 300 beyond the center line or plane 116 of the load transfer
plate 100 such as shown in FIG. 18. This larger load transfer plate
pocket 300 also allows for heat caused expansion of the load
transfer plate 100.
[0061] The present disclosure recognizes that the load transfer
plate 100 will generally produce its smallest load per square inch
at its widest point. The present disclosure further recognizes that
the optimal position for the load transfer plate 100 is thus
generally along the vertically extending central plane between the
two adjacent concrete slabs 90 and 96. The load transfer plate 100
and the load transfer plate pocket 300 of the present disclosure
are thus configured to cause the load transfer plate 100 to be
positioned with its widest area along or as close as possible to
the vertically extending central plane between the two concrete
slabs 90 and 96. The load transfer plate 100 and the load transfer
plate pocket 300 of the present disclosure are also configured to
enable the load transfer plate 100 to move with and as the central
plane between the two concrete slabs 90 and 96 moves.
[0062] The load transfer plate pocket 300 includes load transfer
plate engagers 510 and 520 that are integrally connected to and
extend inwardly from the inner surface of the first side wall 450
toward the attachment wall 310. The load transfer plate engagers
510 and 520 in this illustrated embodiment are flexible and thus
bend when the load transfer plate 100 moves further into or expands
further into the chamber 900 under sufficient pressure.
[0063] The load transfer plate pocket 300 also includes load
transfer plate engagers 530 and 540 that are integrally connected
to and extend inwardly from the inner surface of the second side
wall 470 toward the attachment wall 310. The load transfer plate
engagers 530 and 540 are flexible and thus bend when the load
transfer plate 100 further moves into the chamber 490 under
sufficient pressure.
[0064] The plurality of load transfer plate engagers 510, 520, 530,
and 540 thus account for the situation where the concrete slabs are
made from a concrete that first expands before it contracts. In
such case, the plurality of load transfer plate engagers 510, 520,
530, and 540 in this illustrated embodiment allow for such
expansion and movement of the load transfer plate 100 further into
the load transfer plate pocket 300 (i.e., into the interior chamber
490 of the pocket 300). The plurality of load transfer plate
engagers 510, 520, 530, and 540 in this illustrated embodiment also
allow for heat expansion of the load transfer plate 100 itself. In
certain embodiments, one or more of the load transfer plate
engagers 510, 520, 530, and 540 can be configured to break off from
the side walls of the load transfer plate pocket 300. It should be
appreciated that the quantity of load transfer plate engagers can
vary in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0065] The fastener receivers 700 and 800 are identical in this
illustrated example embodiment. It should be appreciated that these
fastener receivers do not need to be identical in accordance with
the present disclosure. The channel 740 is aligned with the opening
332 in the attachment wall 310.
[0066] The fastener receiver 700 includes: (1) a generally straight
first section 710 integrally formed with, connected to, and
extending rearwardly from the back surface 316 of the attachment
wall 310); (2) a second section or tab 720 integrally formed with,
connected to, and extending outwardly from first section 710; and
(3) a third section 750 integrally formed with, connected to, and
extending from the first section 710 toward the side wall 450 and
integrally formed with and connected to the side wall 450. The
second section or tab 720 defines a string-line notch (not
labeled). The third section 750 defines a channel 740 configured to
receive a fastener. The channel 740 is aligned with the opening 332
in the attachment wall 310. The third section 750 may include one
or more fastener gripping members (not labeled) that assist in
maintaining the fastener in the channel 740 during
installation.
[0067] Likewise, the fastener receiver 800 includes: (1) a
generally straight first section 810 integrally formed with,
connected to, and extending rearwardly from the back surface 316 of
the attachment wall 310); (2) a second section or tab 820
integrally formed with, connected to, and extending outwardly from
first section 810; and (3) a third section 850 integrally formed
with, connected to, and extending from the first section 810 toward
the side wall 470 and integrally formed with and connected to the
side wall 470. The second section or tab 820 defines a string-line
notch (not labeled). The third section 850 defines a channel 840
configured to receive a fastener. The channel 840 is aligned with
the opening 334 in the attachment wall 310. The third section 850
may include one or more fastener gripping members (not labeled)
that assist in maintaining the fastener in the channel 840 during
installation.
[0068] The load transfer plate bracing insert 900 in this
illustrated example embodiment is generally L-shaped and includes
two connected legs 910 and 920. The legs 910 and 920 are configured
such that they are engaged by the first outer edge 140 and the
second outer edge 150 of the load transfer plate 100. In this
illustrated example embodiment, the bracing insert 900 is made from
a suitable metal, but can be made from other suitable materials. In
this illustrated example embodiment, the load transfer plate
bracing insert 900 includes opposing upwardly and downwardly
extending pins that are configured to extend into the aligned
plurality of spaced apart channels of the upper wall and the
plurality of spaced apart channels of the lower wall. For example,
the load transfer plate bracing insert 900 includes a plurality of
top upwardly extending pins 915a to 915g and bottom downwardly
extending pins (not labeled) that are configured to extend into the
aligned channels defined by the upper and lower walls to guide the
load transfer plate bracing insert 900 into the chamber 490.
[0069] FIGS. 17 and 18 generally illustrate how the load transfer
plate 100 and load transfer plate pocket 300 optimize the position
of the load transfer plate 100 between the adjacent concrete slabs
90 and 96 during installation and when the adjacent concrete slabs
90 and 96 shrink and have moved away from each other an expected
distance during the curing process or otherwise (subsequently to
curing). More specifically, FIG. 18 shows two adjacent
cast-in-place concrete slabs 90 and 96 before such concrete slabs
90 and 96 have substantially cured and separated, and with the load
transfer plate 100 positioned in the load transfer plate pocket 300
for installation such that the entire first half or portion 112 of
the load transfer plate 100 and part of the second half or portion
114 of the load transfer plate 100 is in the load transfer plate
pocket 300. At this point in time, the load transfer plate 100 is
not positioned at the optimal position for transferring loads
between the two adjacent cast-in-place concrete slabs 90 and
96.
[0070] As indicated or mentioned above, the present disclosure
further provides a method of installing the load transfer plate
pocket 300 and the load transfer plate 100 for transferring loads
between a first cast-in-place concrete slab 90 and a second
cast-in-place concrete slab 96. In various embodiments, the method
includes the steps of: (1) placing an edge form on the ground or
other suitable substrate; (2) attaching a load transfer plate
pocket 300 to the edge form such that part of the load transfer
plate pocket 300 extends into the area where the first concrete
slab 90 will be formed; (3) pouring the concrete material which
forms the first concrete slab 90; (4) allowing the first concrete
slab 90 to cure or harden to a certain degree; (5) removing the
edge form from the first concrete slab 90 such that the load
transfer plate pocket 300 remains within and attached to the first
concrete slab 90; (6) inserting a load transfer plate bracing
insert 900 into the load transfer plate pocket; (7) inserting the
first portion 112 of the load transfer plate 100 substantially into
the load transfer plate pocket 300 such that the second portion 114
of the load transfer plate 100 is also partially in the load
transfer plate pocket 300 and protrudes into a second area where
the second concrete slab 96 will be formed; (8) pouring the
concrete material that forms the second cast-in-place concrete slab
96 into the second area where the second concrete slab 96 will be
formed; and (9) allowing the second concrete slab 96 to cure or
harden. This method enables the load transfer plate 100 and the
load transfer plate pocket 300 to be configured to enable the load
transfer plate 100 to move with and as the central plane between
the two concrete slabs 90 and 96 moves. This method also enables
the load transfer plate 100 to be positioned with its widest area
along or as close as possible to the vertically extending central
plane between the two concrete slabs 90 and 96. It should be
appreciated that in various embodiments, the load transfer plate
bracing insert can be
[0071] It should be appreciated that the load transfer plate pocket
can be provided with the fasteners positioned in the fastener
channels, and with the load transfer plate bracing insert in the
chamber, and with direction tape positioned on the opening in the
attachment member.
[0072] It should be understood that various changes and
modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described
herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes
and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its
intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and
modifications be covered by the appended claims.
* * * * *