AU2010200404A1 - Device for Fitting an Expansion Joint, in Particular an Expansion Joint Between Concrete Slabs - Google Patents

Description

1 DEVICE FOR FITTING AN EXPANSION JOINT, IN PARTICULAR AN EXPANSION JOINT BETWEEN CONCRETE SLABS Field of the invention [001] The present invention relates to the construction sector, in particular that of slabs for industrial floors, and more particularly concerns a device which takes the form of a metallic profile used to fit expansion joints between adjacent slabs. [002] In this description, the word "joint" is used solely to refer to the zone or space found between two adjacent slabs, whereas in the construction field, this term is generally used to refer to the device itself which fits such a zone. [003] The profiles which fit the expansion joints are the metallic profiles which are also called expansion profiles and which are therefore placed in the space existing between two adjacent slabs or parts of slabs. Background of the invention [004] Devices for fitting expansion joints are known in the field of concrete constructions. The desired effect of this type of devices is to form a connection between adjacent slabs, while still allowing limited movement of one slab in relation to the other in the plane of the slabs, this movement being essentially due initially to the withdrawal/shrinking of concrete during setting and then to the thermal expansions and shrinkages. The devices must perform the load transfer between adjacent slabs and maintain the flatness of the assembly of slabs, while avoiding breaks and deteriorations at the edges of the slabs. [005] The device must be designed to allow quick and easy placement during pouring of the concrete slabs. It must also provide sufficient mechanical strength of the edges of the slabs to curling and other stresses. [006] In general, the expansion joints are fit with metallic profiles flush with the upper level of the slab. These profiles are not naturally stable and are maintained at their level by all sorts of various, fairly impractical means such as wedges and which can alter the quality of the work if these means remain embedded in concrete, precisely at a particularly sensitive location which is already more fragile.

2 [007] A device for an expansion joint can typically comprise a single profile, but preferably two profiles arranged opposite each other and anchored in the concrete by anchoring lugs as well as load transfer elements, such as projections or dowels which go through the joint perpendicularly, so as to allow expansion between two adjacent slabs as well as a load transfer between these slabs. The projections are flat plates, the dowels can be circular or made up of bars having round, square, rectangular, etc. sections. Examples of devices for expansion joints fit with flat projections are given in document EP 1 905 898. [008] An improved solution for the placement of these joints was described in document EP 1 389 648 through the use of a height-adjustable device which goes through a flat load transfer dowel. This device does not stabilize the profile fitting the joint during placement and requires tightening of a nut in order to stabilize it in the right position. The height adjustment requires destabilizing the profile, performing the adjustment and restabilizing. [009] The Applicant has also already proposed a solution to solve this placement problem, in particular in application EP 08169233.7, where it is suggested to use an independent placement device whereof the very design lies in the fact that it can be fixed to the metallic profile(s) and maintain them in a completely vertical position upon placement on the floor. [010] This is a device for maintaining a profile for expansion joint between concrete slabs or parts of slabs which comprises, for example: means for fixing to said profile, the means acting so as to ensure perfect welding during the placement of said profile and allowing unwelding when the slabs are realized, and means for adjusting the height of said profile so as to ensure suitable positioning. [011] Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application. [012] The present invention aims to provide a device allowing to fit an expansion joint between two slabs, which offers a solution to the problems existing in the devices of the prior art. [013] In particular, the present invention aims to propose a placement device which allows to keep the profile at the right height, i.e. so that the upper level of the profile is flush with the upper level of the slab and it is placed completely vertically during the entire implementation.

3 [014] The present invention therefore aims to propose a device whereof the height is adjustable and which allows to maintain said profile in the vertical position from the time of placement while also ensuring maximal stability. [015] Advantageously, the present invention aims to propose a device which allows a height adjustment without having to modify the vertical position of said device. Summary of the invention [016] The essential elements and characteristics of the invention are described in the enclosed claims. [017] This is a device intended for establishing a connection between two adjacent slabs, preferably concrete slabs, while fitting the expansion joint found between the two slabs, said device preferably taking the form of one metallic profile or of two metallic profiles arranged opposite each other and possibly separated by a separator plate, the device being provided with load transfer elements such as projections or dowels arranged at a first defined height as well as anchoring elements arranged at a second defined height, these anchoring elements being arranged on either side of the profile(s), either alternating or opposite each other, characterized in that the anchoring elements take the form of a flat sheet having a distal portion and a proximal portion and which has, in the distal portion, an opening or reservation allowing the passage of a positioning and maintaining device or means for fixing a positioning and maintaining device. [018] Preferably, the load transfer elements are arranged and spaced regularly over the entire length of the device. [019] Preferably, the anchoring elements are also arranged and spaced regularly over the entire length of the device. [020) The first height is preferably close to mid-height. When the expansion device is placed in the joint, the second height is preferably greater than the first height. This means that the anchoring elements are preferably placed in the upper portion of the device when said device is set up. However, in certain embodiments, one can contemplate several rows of lugs, one row arranged above the transfer elements and one row arranged below the transfer elements. In this case, both rows of lugs have, according to the invention, a reservation or means for fixing a positioning and maintaining device. [021] Advantageously, the flat sheets serving as anchoring elements are arranged essentially parallel to the plane of the slabs.

4 [022] Advantageously, said profile of the anchoring elements is slightly bent so that the distal portion is essentially perpendicular to the profiles or to the separator plate and therefore parallel to the plane of the slabs. [023] The anchoring elements can have apertures in the proximal portion, the diameter or the maximum dimension of these apertures preferably being smaller than that of the opening or reservation present in the distal portion. [024] All of the anchoring elements and more particularly of the distal portions are preferably connected to each other by a linking rod arranged essentially parallel to the device. [025] The edges of the sheet allowing to realize the anchoring elements can have a corrugated profile on the proximal portion thereof and a rectilinear profile on its distal portion. This relates to facilitating anchoring during setting of the concrete. Brief description of the drawings [026] An embodiment or embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [027] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a perspective view of a device used as expansion profile according to two different embodiments and for fitting an expansion joint between two concrete slabs according to the prior art. [028] Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, of an expansion device according to the prior art. [029] Figure 4 illustrates a detailed lateral cross-sectional view of an anchoring element such as a lug used in an expansion device according to the prior art. [030] Figure 5 illustrates a detailed lateral cross-sectional view of an anchoring element such as a lug used in an expansion device according to the present invention. [031] Figure 6 illustrates a top view of such an anchoring element used in the expansion device according to the present invention. [032] Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the complete device provided with its positioning device. Detailed description of the embodiment or embodiments [033] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate two different embodiments of devices for fitting an expansion joint and as used according to the prior art. These devices will be poured in concrete 5 slabs which are not illustrated in these two figures 1 and 2. These are pre-assembled devices which are set up before the concrete slabs are poured. [034] This type of traditional expansion device comprises two metallic profiles 1 and 2, arranged opposite each other, often on both sides of a separator plate 3, or themselves forming a separation between the adjacent slabs. The device will have to be arranged perpendicularly in relation to the plane of the slabs 100 and more precisely vertically in relation thereto or in relation to the floor. [035] On at least one of the two faces of the device, but preferably on either side of the joint, are arranged load transfer elements 4 which go through the device, and which take the form of load transfer projections or dowels. These projections are preferably flat or planar and can take any shape whatsoever. The shape of these projections can be trapezoidal, rectangular or even triangular, or round. The load transfer elements can also be made up of dowels which are rods with round, square, rectangular, etc. sections. [036] The projections or dowels are arranged parallel to the plane of the slabs and therefore perpendicular to the profiles I and 2 or to the separator plate 3, preferably at mid height. [037] Preferably, the space provided between two consecutive projections is smaller than the length of said projection. The width and thickness of these projections or dowels will be defined so as to absorb a load transfer during the heat expansions/retractions which the concrete slabs may undergo. These projections can usually take the form (fig. 2 and 3) of plates obtained by bending of the metallic profiles I and 2 in two portions arranged at a right angle, the first portion being vertical and therefore parallel to the profile(s), the second portion forming the projection 4. [038] The metallic profiles are further provided with anchoring elements 5 present in the upper portion of the joint and arranged regularly spaced over the length of the profile. The distance between two anchoring elements can be chosen so as to ensure adequate anchoring. The presence of the anchoring elements can be seen on either side of the metallic profiles, and these can be arranged either alternating or opposite each other. [039] Usually, according to the prior art and as illustrated in figure 4, the anchoring elements are cylindrical rods 5 having a length greater than the width of the projections or dowels. For example, one can use rods having a diameter of 10 mm for a length from several centimetres (five) to several tens of centimetres (twenty).

6 [040] As illustrated in figure 2, these anchoring elements can be flat sheets 5' having a length also greater than the width of the projections or dowels, with a suitable thickness and width. Advantageously, the flat sheets will have a width of at least 20 mm and preferably in the range of 30 mm for a thickness of less than 10 mm and preferably in the range of 5 mm. [041] In some cases, the lugs do not exceed the transfer elements, which are round dowels. [042] These anchoring elements are provided with a tip which can take the form of a full tip, for example in the form of a bolt 6 or a protuberance as shown in figure 4. According to the embodiment of figure 2, only the end 7 of the sheet is separated in two in order to better ensure anchoring. [043] Usually, the anchoring devices are slightly inclined in relation to the plane of the slabs 100. Suitably, the angle of inclination is greater than 100 and less than 300, and preferably in the range of 200. Figure 5 illustrates an example of such an anchoring element according to the present invention. One can also contemplate placing anchoring elements horizontally, therefore parallel to the plane of the slabs. Another alternative is to propose welding the anchoring elements horizontally and bending them slightly. [044] According to one preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in detail in figure 5, we have chosen a flat sheet 8 used as anchoring element. According to this embodiment, this flat sheet is a sheet which will be slightly bent and which will have an inclined profile in relation to the proximal portion 10 whereas it will have a flat profile parallel to the plane of the slabs 100 in its distal portion 11. [045] Finally, advantageously, we have provided, at its distal end 13, an additional bend 12. The presence of this bend will advantageously allow the placement of a rod or beam 14 whereof the length corresponds essentially to the length of the metallic profiles I or 2 or of the separator plate 3 and allows to maintain and connect the different anchoring elements or lugs to each other. [046] According to the present invention, the distal portion of at least one element and preferably all of the anchoring elements has an aperture 15 or a reservation which allows the passage of a device 20 for positioning and maintaining the expansion profile (illustrated schematically in figure 7). [047] Advantageously, all of the anchoring elements or lugs will have such a reservation 15. The fact that the lugs arranged on either side of the separator plate have this 7 reservation or opening will allow to arrange a certain number, and preferably at least three positioning and maintaining devices. Ideally, at least two devices will be placed on one side while a third device will be placed on the other side of the profiles I or 2 or of the separator plate 3. Being able to place such maintaining devices 20 on either side of the expansion device allows a perfectly suitable adjustment and also allows to preserve the perfect verticality of the expansion profiles in relation to the concrete slab. [048] According to one preferred embodiment, the slope of the proximal portion 10 is comprised between 200 and 400, and is preferably close to 30". The slope of the distal portion 11 could even be inverted and be close to 100. [049] According to one particularly preferable embodiment as illustrated in figure 6, the proximal portion 10 of the anchoring elements also has apertures 16 called aeration apertures. The aim and the presence of these apertures is to allow the passage of the air which may have been trapped under the proximal portion 10 of these anchoring elements. Advantageously, the diameter or maximum size of these aeration apertures 16 is much smaller than the reservation or opening 15 provided in the distal portion 11. Advantageously, the diameter of the apertures present in the distal portion is in the range of 8 mm, while the diameter of the opening or reservation present in the distal portion is in the range of 16 mm. [050] According to another preferred embodiment, illustrated in figure 6, one can contemplate that the side walls or edges 17 of said anchoring elements have, at least in their proximal portion, a non-rectilinear profile (corrugated in the case of figure 6) whereas preferably, the profile of the distal portion is rectilinear. This design allows to facilitate anchoring during setting of the concrete. [051] Advantageously, as illustrated in figure 7, the placement of such an expansion device will be done properly by proposing arranging, on either side, at least one if not two positioning and maintaining devices 20, perfectly adapting the arrangement of said devices allowing a height adjustment, while also ensuring perfect verticality. This allows to obtain better stability during concreting. [052] Where ever it is used, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of'. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear.

8 [053] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention. [054] While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims (9)

1. A device intended for establishing a connection between two adjacent slabs, by fitting the expansion joint found between the two slabs, said device taking the form of a metallic profile or two metallic profiles (1, 2) arranged opposite each other and the device possibly being provided with load transfer elements (4) such as projections or dowels arranged at a first defined height as well as anchoring elements (5) arranged at a second defined height, these anchoring elements being arranged on either side of the profile(s), either alternating or opposite each other, characterized in that the anchoring elements take the form of a flat sheet having a distal portion (11) and a proximal portion (10) and which has, in the distal portion, an opening or reservation (15) allowing the passage of a positioning and maintaining device (20) or of means for fastening a positioning and maintaining device (20).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flat sheets used as anchoring elements (5) are arranged essentially parallel to the plane (100) of the slabs.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the profile of the anchoring elements (5) is slightly bent so that the distal portion (11) of the anchoring element (5) is essentially perpendicular to the profiles (1, 2) and therefore parallel to the plane (100) of the slabs.

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anchoring elements (5) have apertures (16) in the proximal portion (10).

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the diameter or the maximum dimension of the apertures (16) present in the proximal portion (10) is smaller than that of the opening or reservation (15) present in the distal portion (11) of the anchoring elements (5).

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all of the anchoring elements (5) and more particularly of the distal portions (11) are connected to each other by a connecting rod (14) arranged essentially parallel to the profiles (1, 2).

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the edges (17) of the sheet allowing to realize the anchoring elements (5) have a corrugated profile on the proximal portion (10) thereof and preferably a rectilinear profile (11) on its distal portion.

8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said slabs are concrete slabs.

9. A device intended for establishing a connection between two adjacent slabs, said device being substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawings.