AU2016100118A4 - Nosings for Concrete Slabs - Google Patents

Abstract

Nosings for joints, slots or grooves in concrete slabs having steel edging comprise a divider positioned in a gap between a first concrete face and an adjacent concrete face. The first concrete face has steel edge protection and the second concrete face has steel edge protection. A semi-rigid material is located between the steel edging of the first concrete face and a first side of the divider, and a semi-rigid material is located between the steel edging of the second concrete face and a second side of the divider [4(2 to NY~jj *1 NN) ~ Ii Z2. Fztiu~ 3 __________ / 7. L N ~ >7 ,,N~ NY 7 N '~N~ / 7> >7 -~ 7' 7 N .- ' 7 N >'N 4 7 7NN§N 7 <N 'NY ~* N N. ~7 N. 7. 7 7 4> -ii,' 5l~

Description

TITLE Nosings for concrete slabs TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to nosings for concrete slabs having steel edging protection. The present invention also relates to a method for forming nosings on concrete slabs having steel edge protection. BACKGROUND ART [0002] Many large concrete floors in industrial and retail buildings require joints to allow for shrinkage of concrete as it sets and for expansion and contraction of the concrete due to temperature changes. The width of joints in concrete floors is never static. The width of the joint will typically initially be zero, immediately following pouring of the concrete, unless a gap has been deliberately created. As the concrete cures and hardens, it will shrink and this will create an increasing gap in the joint. The curing process typically lasts for about two years. Concrete also expands and contracts thermally and this increases or decreases the widths of floor joints. Other physical effects, such as pre-stressing, can also cause concrete to shorten dimensionally and this can increase the width of joint gaps. [0003] Joints between adjacent parts of concrete slabs can expose weak concrete edges or nosings, which are vulnerable to chipping or frittering of the concrete, which is known as spalling within the industry. The edges of such joints can deteriorate badly, become unsightly and interrupt the smooth surface of the floor. This can be detrimental to general use. In particular, the passage of small wheeled vehicles, such as lift trucks and trolleys, can be adversely affected by damage to the edges of the concrete at a joint. Further, many lift trucks have urethane tires on their wheels and these can be damaged by passage over the spalled joints in the floor. [0004] To avoid the spalling of joints in concrete floors, it is now common industry practice to install steel edgings or nosings in concrete floor joints. The steel edges are significantly harder than the concrete edges and do not suffer damage as occurs with concrete edges. Steel edge joints are constructed in various configurations, with some joints having simple vertical faces on each side of the joint. Other more complex systems incorporate sliding cover plates which cover the gap created by the joint.

[0005] In another system of protecting the joints in concrete floors, hard edges or nosings of rigid epoxy resin water are glued on each side of the joint with a divided plate between them to allow a gap to develop as the concrete shrinks or contracts. Other systems use flexible or partly flexible fillers which are attached to both sides of the joint and rely upon the flexibility of the material to cope with the variability of the joint gap. [0006] Unfortunately, none of the above joint protection systems entirely overcome the problems associated with concrete floor joints. The width to which concrete floor joints can open is dependent on several factors, but in particular the spacing between the joints. Where joints are widely spaced, such as in floors which are pre-stressed, the width of the joints can become significant, joints which open by 20mm or more are not uncommon. In instances where steel edgings are used to protect the concrete joint, and where the gap within the joint exceeds about 10mm, problems can occur with the use of wheeled vehicles. The gap in the joint can cause the vehicles to jolt as they pass over the joint. This increases the risk of losing a load of the wheeled vehicle. Additionally, the sharp edges of the steel edging can damage the tires on the wheels of the wheeled vehicles. [0007] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0008] The present invention is directed to nosings for concrete slabs having steel edging and a method for forming nosings on concrete slabs having steel edging, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. [0009] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in nosings for concrete slabs having steel edging comprising a divider positioned in a gap between a first concrete face and an adjacent concrete face, the first concrete face having steel edge protection, the second concrete face having steel edge protection, a semi-rigid material located between the steel edging of the first concrete face and a first side of the divider, and a semi-rigid material located between the steel edging of the second concrete face and a second side of the divider. [0010] In one embodiment, the semi-rigid material comprises a semi-rigid filler material. The semi-rigid filler material may comprise a settable material that can be poured or injected into the space between the first concrete face and the first side of the divider and into the space between the second concrete face and the second side of the divider, with the settable material subsequently setting to form a semi-rigid material. [0011] In one embodiment, the semi-rigid material preferentially adheres to the steel edging or concrete face rather than to the divider. In this manner, if the joint widens due to shrinkage or contraction of the concrete, the semi-rigid material adheres to the steel edging or concrete face in preference to the divider. This allows the semi-rigid material to remain adhered to the steel edging all the concrete face so that the semi-rigid material provides a nosing to the steel edging and concrete face. [0012] In one embodiment, the filler material is a semi-rigid epoxy resin or a semi-rigid grout, or a semi-rigid polyurea material. In some embodiments, the semi-rigid material will be 100% solids and have a minimum Shore A hardness of 80 when measured in accordance with ASTM D2240. [0013] The semi-rigid material may comprise a semi-rigid epoxy material or a semi-rigid polyuria polymer that is known to be suitable for use in filling joints in concrete slabs [0014] In one embodiment, the semi-rigid material is positioned between the steel edge protection of the first concrete face and the first side of the divider and the semi-rigid material is positioned between the steel edge protection of the second concrete face and the second side of the divider. In another embodiment, the semi-rigid material extends below a lower extent of the first edge steel edge protection and the semi-rigid material extends below a lower extent of the second steel edge protection. It will be understood that the required depth of the semi-rigid material may vary. The depth of the semi-rigid material is related to the depth requirement of the semi-rigid material to obtain effective bond strength so that it adequately bonds to the steel edge protection. In some embodiments, the lower edge of the semi-rigid material is located level with or above a lower extent or lower edge of the steel edge protection. In some embodiments, the semi-rigid material has a depth of about 50mm. The semi-rigid material suitably lies flush with an upper surface of the concrete slab. [0015] The divider may be made from a plastic material. The divider may include a generally vertically extending region that is located in the space between the first concrete face and the second concrete face. The generally vertically extending region may comprise a rigid material. The divider may include one or more retainers to facilitate retention of the divider in the space between the first concrete face and the second concrete face. The one or more retainers _r may include flexible members extending away from the generally vertically extending region. The flexible members may comprise regions of thinner material. In other embodiments, the flexible members may comprise members made from a flexible material and mounted to or connected to the divider. [0016] In one embodiment, the divider comprises a vertically extending portion having one or more laterally extending members extending therefrom. The one or more laterally extending members may include flexible tips that come into contact with the concrete faces to thereby position the divider relative to the concrete faces and to hold the divider in position relative to the concrete faces. In one embodiment, the divider is made from polyvinyl chloride plastic material (PVC) and the flexible tips comprise thinner regions of the one or more laterally extending members. In another embodiment, the flexible tips are made from a flexible material that is mounted to or connected to the divider. For example, a section of flexible PVC may be co-extruded with a rigid PVC material that forms the bulk of the divider. In one embodiment, the divider includes downwardly extending links extending from a lowermost laterally extending member. In another embodiment, the divider comprises two vertically spaced members extending laterally from each side of the divider. [0017] In some embodiments, the divider forms a seal against the first concrete face and a second concrete face. The divider may be provided with sealing means to form the seal. The sealing means may form part of the one or more retainers. [0018] In some embodiments, the steel edge protection on the first concrete face comprises a generally vertically extending steel plate that is attached to or embedded in the concrete body forming the first concrete edge. Similarly, the steel edge protection on the second concrete face may comprise a generally vertically extending steel plate that is attached to or embedded in the concrete body forming the second concrete edge. [0019] In a second aspect, the present invention provides nosings for concrete slabs having steel edge protection comprising a divider positioned in a gap between a first concrete face and an adjacent concrete face, the first concrete face having steel edge protection comprising a generally vertically extending steel plate having an upper, outer edge, the second concrete face having steel edge protection comprising a generally vertically extending steel plate having an upper, outer edge, a semi-rigid material located between the steel edging of the first concrete face and a first side of the divider, and a semi-rigid material located between the steel edging of the second concrete face and a second side of the divider.

[0020] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for forming nosings along opposed faces of a first concrete face and a second concrete face, the method comprising the steps of placing a divider in a gap between the first concrete face and the second concrete face, the first concrete face having steel edge protection, the second concrete face having steel edge protection, placing a filler material between the steel edge protection of the first concrete face and a first side of the divider, placing a filler material between the steel edge protection of the second concrete face and the second side of the divider, the filler material comprising a settable material that sets to form a semi-rigid material. [0021] In one embodiment, the nosings are formed along opposed edges of a joint in a concrete floor. In other embodiments, the nosings are formed along opposed edges of a slot, channel or groove formed in a concrete article. [0022] In one embodiment, the filler material is poured or injected into the gap between the first concrete face and the first face of the divider and poured or injected into the gap between the second concrete face and the second face of the divider. The filler material is then allowed to set or caused to set, for example, by adding a setting agent to the filler material. [0023] In one embodiment, the filler material is inserted into the gap to a depth such that the filler material extends for the height of the steel edge protection. In another embodiment, the filler material is positioned into the gap to a depth such that the filler material extends below a lower level of the steel edge protection whereby the filler material contacts both the steel edge protection and the concrete face located below the steel edge protection. It will be understood that the required depth of the filler material may vary. The depth of the filler material is related to the depth requirement of the filler material to obtain effective bond strength so that it adequately bonds to the steel edge protection. In some embodiments, the lower edge of the filler material is located level with or above a lower extent or lower edge of the steel edge protection. In some embodiments, the filler material has a depth of about 50mm. [0024] In one embodiment, the divider comprises sealing means located on both sides of the divider, the sealing means forming a seal with the first concrete face and with the second concrete face such that when the filler material is inserted into the gap, the sealing means and the divider retain the filler material above the sealing means. [0025] In one embodiment, the nosings of the present invention are installed after the concrete slab has been poured. In this embodiment, the method may comprise an initial step of cleaning the joint prior to installation of the nosing. In particular, the joint may be cleaned to remove any rust, dirt or grease from the steel edging and to remove any dirt, dust, grease or other detritus from the joint. This will assist in ensuring that the filler material properly adheres to the steel protection and/or to the concrete faces of the joint. [0026] The present invention results in the formation of two non-rigid nosings informed, one being formed on each of the first concrete face and the second concrete face of the concrete joint. The steel edge protection installed to the joint provides strong protection for the edges of the concrete. The two non-rigid nosings are attached one to each of the vertical steel facings of the joints. The two non-ridge nosings will largely fill the gaps in the joints and will provide some degree of flexible support when the wheels of lift trucks or other wheeled vehicles pass over the joint. As the joint with increases (due to shrinkage or contraction), one side or both sides of the non-rigid material will tend to separate from the divider, thereby allowing a gap to develop between the non-rigid nosings. Each nosing will effectively form a short and deep cantilever of non-rigid material that extends over a side face of the respective steel edge protection. Due to the central separation between the first non-rigid material and the second non-rigid material caused by the divider, there will be no direct tension stress within the nosings which would otherwise encourage the non-rigid material to separate from the vertical face of the joints on one side or the other, and possibly on both sides. Such separation commonly occurs in field joints without dividers. [0027] The features of the invention described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. [0028] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0029] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: [0030] Figure 1 shows an end view of a divider that can be used in one embodiment of the present invention; [0031] Figure 2 shows an end view of an alternative divider that can be used in the present invention; [0032] Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view of a concrete joint having steel edge protection with nosings in accordance with the present invention being formed; and [0033] Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view of the concrete joint shown in figure 3 but with a gap opening up in the joint due to contraction or shrinkage of the concrete. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0034] It will be appreciated that the drawings have been provided for the purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it will be understood that the present invention should not be considered to be limited solely to the features as shown in the attached drawings. [0035] Figure 1 shows an end view of a divider 10 that is suitable for use in embodiments of the present invention. The divider 10 is suitably made from a plastics material, such as PVC. The divider 10 has a vertically extending portion 12 in the form of a generally upright plate that extends along essentially the entire length of the divider. At the lower end 14 of the plate, a transverse member 16 extends laterally to each side of the plate 12. To downwardly extending leaks 18, 20 extend from the transverse member 16. The ends of the transverse member 16 a provided with flexible tips 22, 24. The flexible tips 22, 24 may be formed from the same material as the remainder of the divider 10, but due to the flexible tips 22, 24 having a small cross sectional thickness, they are flexible tips. It will be appreciated that the plate 12, transistor member 16 and legs 18, 20 are relatively rigid. [0036] The divider 10 may be formed from PVC. It may be manufactured by moulding or by extrusion. The divider 10 should extend along the entire length of the gap or joint between concrete faces into which it is inserted. [0037] Figure 2 shows an alternative design for a divider 30 may be used in embodiments of the present invention. The divider 30 includes an upwardly extending portion 32 in the form of a generally upright plate. Transversely extending arms 35, 36 extend on either side of the upright plate 32. Similarly, transversely extending arms 37, 38 extend on either side of the upper plate 32. Arms 35, 36 are vertically spaced from arms 37, 38. Arms 37, 38 are located at the lower end of upper plate 32. Each of arms 35, 36, 37, 38 is provided with a respective flexible tip 39, 40, 41, 42. The divider 30 may have an optional upper flexible tip 44. This may allow easier cutting in levelling of the semi-rigid filler material. [0038] Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view illustrating nosings in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In figure 3, there is shown a concrete slab 50 having a joint 52 therein. The joint 52 may be formed by separately pouring concrete slab portions 50A and 50B. The joint has a first concrete face 54 that is opposed to a second concrete face 56. The first concrete face 54 has a steel edge protector 58 located at its upper part. Steel edge protector 58 is held in place by anchor 59. As can be seen from figure 3, the steel edge protector 58 is in the form of a steel plate that extends part way down the length of concrete face 54. Steel edge protector 58 is typically located in appropriate formwork and then the concrete mixture is poured into the formwork so that the anchor 59 becomes embedded in the body of the concrete and the steel edge protector 58 is positioned to form effectively a top part of the edge of concrete slab 50A. In another embodiment, joint 52 may be formed by contemporaneously pouring slabs using a fabricated joint forming component which allows the two sections of slab to separate and retains a steel edge protector on each edge of the joint. [0039] The second concrete face 56 also has a steel edge protector 60 that is held in place by anchor 61. Steel edge protector 60 may be embedded into the concrete slab 50B in the same manner as steel edge protector 58 was embedded into concrete slab 50A. [0040] The steel edge protectors 58, 60 provide good edge protection to the edges of the concrete slabs 50A, 50B that form the joint 52. In particular, the steel edge protectors 58, 60, prevent spalling of the concrete around the edges because the steel edge protectors are significantly harder than concrete edges. The steel edge protectors 58, 60 are shown as having simple vertical faces on each side of the joint 52. However, steel edge protectors 58, 60 will typically have quite sharp edges and this can cause issues if wheel vehicles, such as trolleys or lift trucks travel over the joint, particularly if the joint 52 opens wider due to shrinkage or contraction of the concrete. [0041] In order to ameliorate the issues described above arising from steel edge protectors being used, the present invention forms semi-rigid nosings on each of the steel edge protectors 58, 60. In order to achieve this, a divider 10, which is as shown in figure 1, is inserted into the gap 52 that forms the joint. As can be seen from figure 3, the upper end 15 of the divider is located such that it lies essentially flush with or slightly above the upper surface 62 of the concrete slabs. When the divider 10 is inserted into the gap 52, the flexible tips 22, 24 come into contact with the concrete faces 54, 56. Due to the flexible nature of the tips 22, 24 those tips act to form a seal with the concrete faces 54, 56. A filler material, in the form of an injectable or pourable material, is then positioned in the gap that exists on either side of the plate 12 of the divider 10. In particular, the filler material 64 is positioned into the space between concrete face 54 and the first side of the divider plate 12. Filler material 66 is positioned into the space between second concrete face 56 and the second surface of the divider plate 12. [0042] The filler material may comprise a semi-rigid epoxy resin. Alternatively, the filler material may comprise a semi-rigid polyurea material. Alternatively, the filler material may comprise an epoxy-based grout. The filler material suitably takes the form of an injectable or pourable material that sets once it has being injected or poured into the space is located on either side of the divider plate 12. It will be appreciated that as the flexible tips 22, 24 form seals with the concrete faces 54, 56, the filler material is retained above the flexible tips 22, 24. Further details of some suitable filler materials are given hereunder. [0043] Once the filler material has set, it forms a semi-rigid material that effectively forms a thin but deep cantilever that extends over the outer face of the steel edge protectors 58, 60 and along part of the concrete faces 54, 56. [0044] Figure 4 shows the same view as in figure 3, but with the joint 52 having opened up due to contraction of one or both of the concrete slabs 50A, 50B. The semi-rigid material preferably it is to the steel edge protectors 58, 60 or to the concrete faces 54, 56, rather than two the divider 10. Therefore, if the joint 52 opens up due to contraction, one of the semi-rigid materials 64, 66 will become separated from the divider 10. In figure 4, semi-rigid material 64 is shown as having separated from divider 10. If the concrete expands, the joint 52 will close and the joint will move back towards the configuration shown in figure 3. [0045] The semi-rigid nosings shown in figures 3 and 4 are typically installed when the joint gap reaches approximately 10 mm. The vertical steel faces of the steel edge protectors 58, 60 are cleaned using mechanical or other means to ensure a clean surface free of rust and any other contaminant that may affect adhesion of the filler material to the steel edge protectors 58, 60. The plastic divider 10 is inserted into the joint so that the sealing edges 22, 24 seal against the vertical concrete faces 54, 56 and the top of the central vertical divider part 12 extends to just above the horizontal surface 62 of the concrete. [0046] The filler material is then poured or injected into the space created by the vertical steel edge protectors on one side, the vertical divider plate 12 on the other side, the horizontal components 16 of the divider 10 and one of the flexible seals 22, 24 of the divider. The filler material is poured or injected into that space until it is essentially flush or just above the surface 62 of the concrete. The similar space on the other side of the divider 10 is similarly filled with the filler material. When the filler material has reached the appropriate level of curing, the top I U surface of the filler material will be cut or ground back so that it is level with the consistent with the horizontal top surface 62 of the concrete. [0047] The widths of joints in concrete floors are never static. As concrete cures and hardens, it will shrink and this will create an increasing gap in the joint. The curing process typically lasts for about two years. Concrete also expands and contracts thermally and this increases or decreases the wits of floor joints. Other physical effects such as prestressing can cause concrete to shorten dimensionally and this increase the wits of joint gaps. [0048] With the arrangement shown in figure 3 installed into a joint in a concrete floor, when the joint gap increases, one or both semi-rigid nosings 64, 66 will pull away from the divider 10. Each nosings becomes a narrow but deep cantilever of semi-rigid material. The semi rigid material may be an epoxy resin or polyurea. Because of the central separation between the semi-rigid nosings 64 and the semi-rigid nosings 66 resulting from the presence of the divider plate 12 between those nosings, there will be no direct tension stress within the nosings which, if a central divider was not installed, would encourage the semi-rigid material to separate from the vertical face on the joint on one side or the other, and possibly on both sides. Such separation commonly occurs in filled joints without dividers. [0049] Since the nosing materials are semi-rigid materials and are not fully rigid materials, when a wheel passes over the joint, the stress from the tire will perform the nosing materials slightly and this will reduce or eliminate the risk of damage to the tire. Since the nosing materials will deform slightly, the hard impact of the wheels, which on otherwise rigid nosings can slightly destabilise the vehicle, will be diminished or possibly eliminated. As a result there will be smoother passage of vehicles over joints, resulting in reduced damage to the tires on the wheels of the vehicles. Further, there will be less risk of loads being lost from vehicles, especially with high reach lift trucks, and the reduction in damage to tyres will mean lower maintenance costs to vehicles using the floors. [0050] Effectively, the joint has semi-rigid nosings 64, 66 formed over the steel edge protectors 58, 60. The steel edge protectors 58, 60 provide strong support to the edges of the concrete slabs 50A, 50B and effectively prevent spalling of the edges of the concrete slab at the joint 52. The semi-rigid nosings 64, 66 form a short and deep cantilever on the steel edge protection. [0051] Some examples of suitable semi-rigid materials that may be used in the present invention are set out in paragraphs [0052] to [0055].

I I [0052] A semi-rigid epoxy joint filler made by Metzger/McGuire, of PO Box 2217, Concord, New Hampshire, 03302, USA and sold under the trade name MM-80. This is a two component, 100% solids content epoxy joint filler. When cured, it is a grey, semirigid (hard but slightly resilient) filler with a Shore A hardness of 90 to 95. It has the following properties: Test method Results Hardness Shore A at 70'F D-2240 90 to 95 Tensile strength D-638 1300psi Tensile elongation at 70'F D-638 45 to 55% Adhesion to concrete D-4541 300 to 350 psi Pot life at 70'F - 15 to 30 minutes Initial cure at 70OF - 6 to 8 hours Light traffic ready at 70OF - 6 to 8 hours Full traffic ready at 70OF - 8 to 12 hours Mix ratio by volume - 5:1 Mix ratio by weight - 100:15 Solids content - 100% Shrinkage - negligible [0053] A semi-rigid, two component polyurea polymer manufactured by Metzger/McGuire and sold under the trade name SPAL-PRO 2000. This is a rapid setting polyurea polymer of 100% solids content. When set, it is a charcoal grey solid with a hard rubber-like hardness of A 90-95. It is rated as heavy duty can be used at temperatures from -29 0 C to 49 0 C. It has the following properties: Property Test method Results Hardness Shore A D-2240 95 Tensile strength D-638 2850psi Adhesion to concrete D-4541 350 psi Tack free at 65 0 F - 3 to 5 minutes Light traffic ready at 65 OF - 15 minutes Full traffic ready at 65 OF - 30 minutes Mix ratio by volume - 2:1 Solids content - 100% Shrinkage - negligible [0054] A two component polyurea polymer liquid manufactured by Metzger/McGuire and sold under the trade name SPAL-PRO RS 88. This is a rapid setting, two component polyurea polymer liquid of 100% solids content. When cured, it is a grey, rubber like solid with a hardness of Shore A 86 to 92. It is designed for use in areas where the temperature ranges from 0 0 C to 49'C. It has the following properties: Property Test method Results Hardness Shore A at 70'F D-2240 86 to 90 Tensile strength D-638 970psi Tensile elongation at 70'F D-638 180% Adhesion to concrete D-4541 350-400 psi Tack free at 70 'F - 5 minutes Traffic ready at 70 'F - One hour Mix ratio by volume - 1:1 Solids content - 100% Shrinkage - negligible [0055] The two component polyurea polymer manufactured by Metzger/McGuire and sold under the trade name SPAL-PRO RSF. This is a rapid setting, two component polyurea polymer liquid of 100% solids content. When cured, it is a medium grey, rubber like solid with a hardness of Shore A 88 to 94, depending on temperature. It is suitable for use in temperatures ranging from -35'C to 49'C. It has the following technical properties. Property Test method Results Hardness Shore A at 0 0 F D-2240 92 to 94 Hardness Shore A at 70'F D-2240 88 to 92 Tensile strength D-638 930psi Tensile elongation at 70'F D-638 170% Adhesion to concrete D-4541 350-400 psi Tack free at 0 'F - 2 hours Traffic ready at 0 'F - 3 to 5 hours Mix ratio by volume - 1:1 Solids content - 100% Shrinkage - negligible [0056] It will be appreciated that many other commercially available semi-rigid filler materials may also be used. The semi-rigid material suitably has a minimum Shore A hardness of 80. The semi-rigid material desirably has a hard, rubber-like consistency when set. In one embodiment, the semi-rigid material has a Shore A hardness at 70'F of from 80 to 100. [0057] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. [0058] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' I 'I means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. [0059] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. Nosings for joints, slots or grooves in concrete slabs having steel edging comprising a divider positioned in a gap between a first concrete face and an adjacent concrete face, the first concrete face having steel edge protection, the second concrete face having steel edge protection, a semi-rigid material located between the steel edging of the first concrete face and a first side of the divider, and a semi-rigid material located between the steel edging of the second concrete face and a second side of the divider.

2. Nosings for joints, slots or grooves in concrete slabs having steel edge protection comprising a divider positioned in a gap between a first concrete face and an adjacent concrete face, the first concrete face having steel edge protection comprising a generally vertically extending steel plate having an upper, outer edge, the second concrete face having steel edge protection comprising a generally vertically extending steel plate having an upper, outer edge, a semi-rigid material located between the steel edging of the first concrete face and a first side of the divider, and a semi-rigid material located between the steel edging of the second concrete face and a second side of the divider.

3. Nosings as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the semi-rigid material comprises a settable material that can be poured or injected into the space between the first concrete face and the first side of the divider and into the space between the second concrete face and the second side of the divider, with the settable material subsequently setting to form a semi-rigid material.

4. A method for forming nosings along opposed faces of a first concrete face and a second concrete face, the method comprising the steps of placing a divider in a gap between the first concrete face and the second concrete face, the first concrete face having steel edge protection, the second concrete face having steel edge protection, placing a filler material between the steel edge protection of the first concrete face and a first side of the divider, placing a filler material between the steel edge protection of the second concrete face and the second side of the divider, the filler material comprising a settable material that sets to form a semi-rigid material.

5, Nosings as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 or a method as claimed in claim 4 wherein the semi-rigid material preferentially adheres to the steel edging or concrete face rather than to the divider.