GB2379226A

GB2379226A - An insert for a concrete section

Info

Publication number: GB2379226A
Application number: GB0120975A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Eymard Joseph Walsh
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-08-30
Filing date: 2001-08-30
Publication date: 2003-03-05
Also published as: GB0120975D0

Abstract

The insert 1, designed to provide support to reinforcement 14 during manufacture and to allow access to the interior of the section for maintenance testing etc. when completed, is designed so that in use the concrete section substantially encases the insert except for a portion of an outer surface 3 of the insert which is not covered. The insert may be formed with a hole 18 that extends from the portion of the outer surface that is not covered by the concrete in a direction away from the outer surface, with the arrangement being such as to allow the hole to be used as an access point for equipment. The hole may extend partially through the insert and the insert may include a number of such holes. Alternatively the holes may be formed after the insert has been encased in concrete. The insert may include attaching means to allow additional elements to be fixed to the insert. A side of the insert not encased in concrete may be formed with a recess which is distant from the outer surface of the body that is not covered in concrete and with the recess having a substantially annular shape. The insert may have a substantially I-shaped cross-section with a circular flange 6,8 at each end. The insert may be formed from an electrically insulating material. The insert may also comprise a hanger element 26 which is received in a channel 20 in the insert body, with the hanger element having a head portion 30 disposed in the distal end of the channel and a connection means such as a hook or a threaded portion 28 at its opposite end. Also claimed are a reinforcement assembly, a concrete section and a falsework assembly.

Description

CONCRETE INSERT The present invention relates to an insert for a concrete section and in particular, although not exclusively, to an insert for a concrete section, the insert providing support for an element and/or access for equipment.

At present concrete sections or concrete members of buildings and other constructions require inspection to ensure the integrity of the concrete.

Concrete can be adversely affected by external chemical elements, such as acids, alkali and sulphates, and by physical elements like frost action, vibrations and abrasion. The concrete may also be damaged by internal factors such as the deterioration of steel reinforcements that extend through the concrete structure. The internal inspection and monitoring of the concrete normally requires small holes to be drilled into the concrete to allow access for the equipment for an inspection to be carried out or for the monitoring of the concrete.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an insert for a concrete section, the arrangement being such that in use the concrete section substantially encases the insert except for a portion of an outer surface of the insert that is not covered by the concrete.

The non-covered portion of the insert may provide an access point for equipment to be used on the concrete section.

The type of equipment may be for inspecting the concrete or measuring and monitoring the physical features of the concrete. The encased insert provides an access point for the equipment.

The insert is preferably formed with a hole that extends from the portion of the outer surface of the insert that is not covered by the concrete in a

The hanger element is preferably adjustable within the channel of the insert body, the arrangement being such that in use the hanger element may be adjusted for purposes of alignment. In some constructions the insert body may not be correctly aligned when encased in the concrete.

The adjustment of the hanger element may be used to correct this misalignment.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a reinforcement assembly for a concrete section, the reinforcement assembly comprising reinforcement and an insert according to the first aspect of the present invention.

The term'reinforcement'is herein used for all forms of reinforcement for concrete such as but not limited to individual structural members and formed frameworks.

Preferably the insert is in contact with a member of the reinforcement.

The insert is preferably secured to a member of the reinforcement.

The insert is preferably secured to the member by tie means.

The reinforcement assembly preferably comprises a plurality of inserts.

In an embodiment of the present invention the insert (s) provide support means for the reinforcement prior to the setting of the cast concrete.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a concrete section comprising an insert according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, the concrete section comprises a plurality of inserts.

The insert preferably comprises a substantially circular flange portion at each end thereof.

The insert is preferably a substantial electrical insulating material.

In use the insert may be encased in a concrete section that forms any part of a structure. There are, however, particular advantages with the insert being encased in a concrete section forming a ceiling of a structure and in this embodiment the insert preferably comprises an insert body and an attaching means comprising a hanger element; the insert body being formed with a channel adapted to receive the hanger element.

The hanger element is preferably formed with a head portion being disposable within the distal end of the channel.

The head portion preferably extends radially outwardly from a central axis of the hanger element.

The hanger element preferably comprises means for securing the hanger element to the insert body.

The hanger element preferably comprises an elongate member with the head portion being disposed at one end thereof.

Preferably the elongate member is formed with a connection means disposed at the end opposite to the head portion.

The connection means preferably comprises a threaded portion of the elongate member.

Alternatively, the connection means may comprise a hook.

Figure 6 is a isometric view of the bracket shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a cross section through a concrete section comprising reinforcement and further embodiment of an insert; Figure 8 is a side view of the reinforcement and insert shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is a side view of a hanger from the insert shown in Figure 7 and 8; Figure 10 is an isometric view of an adjustable falsework and formwork comprising inserts for a concrete section.

Referring to the Figures 1 to 4, an insert 1 for a concrete section 2 comprises a central body portion 4, an upper flange 6 and a lower flange 8. The insert 1 is encased within the concrete section 2 apart from an outer surface 3 of the lower flange 8. In an embodiment of the invention (not shown) the insert is not formed with a lower flange 8. The insert 1 may be made from a plastics material, such as PVC, ABS, nylon, polycarbonate, polypropelene or'0'halogen plastic. Alternatively, it may be made of a concrete, cement or other ceramic material. A further alternative is for the insert to be made of a piezo electric material.

The lower flange 8 has a substantially circular cross section the perimeter of which is formed with a number of semicircular recesses 10. The lower flange 8 is formed with a series of stress relieving holes 16 disposed between the recesses 10. The insert 1 is formed with four channels 18 that each extends from the outer surface 3 of the lower flange 8 partially through the insert 1 in a direction towards the upper flange 6. The skilled person will appreciate that the insert 1 may be formed with any

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a concrete section comprising a reinforcement assembly according to the second aspect of the present invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a falsework assembly comprising an insert according to the second aspect of the present invention.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a falsework assembly comprising a reinforcement assembly according to the second aspect of the present invention.

The present invention may include any combination of the features or limitations referred to herein.

The present invention may be carried into practice in various ways, but embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a cross section through a concrete section comprising reinforcement and an insert; Figure 2 is a base view of the insert shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is shown plan view of the insert shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a side view of a hanger from the insert shown in Figures 1 to 3; and Figure 5 is a base view of a bracket used in association with the insert shown in Figures 1 to 3;

channel sections 23. This orientation holds the hanger 26 captive within the insert 1. A nut 34 may be threaded onto the shaft 28 and tightened against the outer surface 3 to secure the hanger 26 to the insert 1.

With reference to Figures 5 to 9, an insert 40 for a concrete section 2 comprises a central body portion 4, an upper flange 42 and a lower flange 8. This second embodiment comprises many of the same features of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4. The same reference numbers have been used for the features common to both embodiments. The insert 40 is encased within the concrete section 2 apart from an outer surface 3 of the lower flange 8. A hanger 44 is moulded within the insert 40. The hanger 44 comprises a threaded portion 28 and a circular disc-shaped head 46. A U-shaped bracket 50 is secured to the insert 40 by the nut 34. The bracket 50 may also be used with the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3. The U-shaped bracket 50 is formed with four holes 52 and a central hole 54 that corresponds to the shape of the channel 20.

When the bracket 50 is secured to the insert 40 the holes 52 align with the holes 18 of the insert 40.

With reference to Figures 8 and 10, the insert 40 provides support for the reinforcement strut 14. The upper flange 42 is formed with a series of grooves 60 that extend across the upper flange 42. The strut 14 sits within the one of the grooves 60 and is held therein by the tie wire 12.

In the construction of the concrete section 2 the insert 40 may be first placed within the upper part of a falsework frame 70. The reinforcement is then slotted into the grooves 60 and may be held in place by the tie wires 12 or by pins 72. Formwork 76 is placed onto and around the inserts 40. The concrete is then poured onto the inserts 40, reinforcement 14 and formwork 76 and allowed to set. Once the concrete is set the

number of channels. The four channels 18 provide access through which testing instrument, inspection equipment and measurement equipment may be inserted into the concrete section 2. If the particular equipment needs to come in contact with the inner regions of the concrete or a reinforcement strut 14 then one or more of the channels 18 can be extended by drilling through the upper region (s) 19 of the insert 1. The four channels may also provide access for a sacrificial anode or cathode connection.

The upper flange 6 has a substantially circular cross section the perimeter of which is formed with a number of slots 11 extending radially inwardly.

The slots 11 provide holding points for a tie wire 12. The tie wire 12 is used to secure the insert 1 to the reinforcement strut 14. The upper flange 6 is formed with a series of stress relieving holes 17 disposed between the slots 11.

The insert 1 is formed with a central channel 20 that extends from the outer surface 3 in a direction towards the upper flange 6. The channel 20 comprises a keyway-type section 22 and an inner section 24. The section 22 comprises a central tubular portion and two U-shaped channel sections 23 that each extend along the length of the keyed section 22. The inner section 24 has a circular cross section. A hanger 26 comprises a threaded shaft 28 and a T-shaped portion 30 at one end of the hanger 26. A hook portion (not shown) may replace the threaded shaft 28. The T-shaped portion 30 of the hanger 26 may be inserted into the section 22 of the channel 20. The distal ends of the T-shaped portion 30 slide along the Ushaped channel sections 23.

When the T-shaped portion 30 enters the inner section 24 the hanger 26 is rotated about the longitudinal axis by about 30 to 90 degrees such that the ends of the T-shaped portion 30 are no longer inline with the U-shaped

CLAIMS 1. An insert for a concrete section, the arrangement being such that in use the concrete section substantially encases the insert except for a portion of an outer surface of the insert that is not covered by the concrete.

2. An insert for a concrete section as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insert is formed with a hole that extends from the portion of the outer surface of the insert that is not covered by the concrete in a direction away from said outer surface, the arrangement being such that the hole may be used as the access point for equipment.

3. An insert for a concrete section as claimed in claim 2, wherein the hole extends partially through the insert.

4. An insert for a concrete section as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the insert is formed with a plurality of holes that each extends from the portion of the outer surface of the insert that is not covered by the concrete in a direction away from said outer surface.

5. An insert for a concrete section as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hole (s) are formable after the insert has been substantially encased in the concrete section.

6. An insert for a concrete section as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert comprises attaching means, the arrangement being such that additional elements may be fixed to the insert by the attaching means.

formwork 76 and falsework is removed leaving the inserts 40 and reinforcement 14 captive within the concrete section 2.

The insert 40 and the hanger 44 provide an attachment means and support means for fixings of mechanical, electrical and other services and eliminates the need for further drilling into the concrete for fixing further support brackets. The shape of the insert 40 means the insert 40 is securely held within the concrete section 2.

The inserts herein before described may be cast within prefabricated concrete sections to provide access to the inner region of the prefabricated concrete and to provide support for fixings of mechanical and electrical services and support for fixings of suspended ceilings. The concrete is poured into fibreglass moulds that contain the inserts such that the concrete substantially encases the inserts.

Claims

15. An insert for a concrete section as claimed in claim 14, wherein the head portion extends radially outwardly from a central axis of the hanger element.

16. An insert for a concrete section as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the hanger element comprises means for securing the hanger element to the insert body.

17. An insert for a concrete section as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the hanger element comprises an elongate member with the

L-3 head portion being disposed at one end thereof. 18. An insert for a concrete section as claimed in claim 17, wherein the elongate member is formed with a connection means disposed at the end opposite to the head portion.

19. An insert for a concrete section as claimed in claim 18, wherein the connection means comprises a threaded portion of the elongate member.

20. An insert for a concrete section as claimed in claim 19, wherein the connection means may comprise a hook.

21. An insert for a concrete section as claimed in claim T3, wherein the hanger element is adjustable within the channel of the insert body, the arrangement being such that in use the hanger element may be adjusted for purposes of alignment.

22. A reinforcement assembly for a concrete section, the reinforcement assembly comprising reinforcement and an insert as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 21.

7. An insert for a concrete section as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a side of the insert that is encased in the concrete section is formed with a recess.

8. An insert for a concrete section as claimed in claim 7, wherein the recess is distant from the outer surface of the insert body that is not covered by the concrete.

9. An insert for a concrete section as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the recess is a substantially annular shape.

10. An insert for a concrete section as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the insert has a substantially I-shaped cross-section.

11. An insert for a concrete section as claimed in claim 10, wherein the insert comprises a substantially circular flange portion at each end thereof.

12. An insert for a concrete section as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert is an electrical insulating material.

13. An insert for a concrete section as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert comprises an insert body and an attaching means comprising a hanger element, the insert body being formed with a channel adapted to receive the hanger element.

14. An insert for a concrete section as claimed in claim 13, wherein the hanger element is formed with a head portion being disposable within the distal end of the channel.

33. An insert for a concrete section substantially as herein described with reference to the associated drawings.

34. A reinforcement assembly for a concrete section substantially as herein described with reference to the associated drawings.

35. A concrete section comprising an insert substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

36. A concrete section comprising a reinforcement assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

37. A falsework assembly comprising an insert substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

38. A falsework assembly comprising a reinforcement assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

23. A reinforcement assembly as claimed in claim 22, wherein the insert is in contact with a member of the reinforcement.

24. A reinforcement assembly as claimed in claim 23, wherein the insert is secured to the member of the reinforcement.

25. A reinforcement assembly as claimed in claim 24, wherein the insert is secured to the member by tie means.

26. A reinforcement assembly as claimed in any one of the claims 22 to 25, wherein the reinforcement assembly comprises a plurality of inserts.

27. A reinforcement assembly as claimed in any one of the claims 22 to 26, wherein the insert (s) provide support means for the reinforcement prior to the setting of the cast concrete.

28. A concrete section comprising an insert as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 21.

29. A concrete section as claimed in claim 28, wherein the concrete section comprises a plurality of inserts.

30. A concrete section comprising a reinforcement assembly as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 27.

31. A falsework assembly comprising an insert as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21.

32. A falsework assembly comprising a reinforcement assembly as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 27.