WO2012035208A1

WO2012035208A1 - Installation frame and method

Info

Publication number: WO2012035208A1
Application number: PCT/FI2011/050796
Authority: WO
Inventors: Markus Junes; Kauko Hakulinen; Matti Koskinen; Jarno Pelkonen; Kimmo Varvikko; Kauko Ylitalo
Original assignee: Peikko Group Oy
Priority date: 2010-09-17
Filing date: 2011-09-15
Publication date: 2012-03-22
Also published as: DE112011103102T5; FI20105954A0; FI20105954L; FI20105954A

Abstract

The invention relates to an installation frame (2) for arranging bolts (4) as a bolt group for casting concrete and a method for installing two or more bolts (4) at an installation point for casting concrete. The installation frame (2) comprises a planar bolt sheet (6), which has two or more holes (8) for installing the bolts (4) in the bolt sheet (6). According to the invention, the bolt sheet (6) comprises one or more alignment features (10), provided by shaping of the bolt sheet (6), for aligning the installation frame (2) at the installation point.

Description

Installation frame and method

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an installation frame for arranging bolts as a bolt group for casting concrete and, specifically, to an installation frame according to the preamble of claim 1 . Further, the present invention relates to a method for installing two or more bolts at an installation point for casting concrete and, specifically, to a method according to the preamble of claim 15.

Background of the invention

When attaching and supporting columns or corresponding elements, in the concrete casting are installed bolts, by means of which attaching is performed. The bolts are normally installed at the desired sites, after which casting of the concrete is performed such that the bolts are partially covered by the concrete and the heads of the bolts protrude out from the concrete. Onto the column are, in turn, installed column shoes, to which the bolts are further attached, for example, with nuts. Alternatively, the element may comprise, for example, an attachment flange, to which the bolts are attached. The bolts are installed in the concrete as a bolt group, which comprises two or more bolts. The location of the bolts in the concrete is precisely defined, for example, according to the installation site of the column. Additionally, the relative location of the bolts must be precise in relation to each other in order that the bolts set themselves into the holes in the column shoes or flanges.

According to known art, a bolt group is formed using an installation frame, in which the bolts are installed for positioning in the concrete casting. First, the bolts are attached to the installation frame, which defines the relative distances between the bolts as those desired. The installation frame according to known art is provided from steel rods or profiles welded to each other as well as from sleeves welded to the rods. The sleeves are fitted to receive the bolts for attaching the bolts to the installation frame. One installation frame according to known art is provided by welding angle irons to each other to form a square-like installation frame. Thus, in the production of the installation frame of known art, first must be selected a profile suitable in cross-section and wall strength, which profile is further sawed or cut to the desired length. Thereafter, a suitable pipe is selected as the sleeve and it is measured and cut into suitably sized pieces to form the sleeves. Thereafter, the sleeves are joined to each other with the profiles, for example by welding, to produce the installation frame. Further, the installation frame is aligned and fitted to the desired installation point before casting is performed, wherein the bolts can be installed with precision at the installation point as well as at desired sites in relation to each other. On the installation frame are marked marker lines, which are utilized when aligning the installation frame to the installation point. According to known art, the marker lines are drawn or machined onto the surface of the steel rods. After casting the concrete, the installation frame is removed from the bolts and can be reused.

The disadvantage of the installation frames of known art is that the marker lines provided for alignment and placement of the installation frame will wear off in repeated use or become invisible due to the installation frame becoming dirty or rusty, wherein alignment of the installation frame to the installation point becomes more difficult. Additionally, the production of an installation frame of known art is complicated, because its production contains several work stages, in which the installation frame is assembled from several separate parts and in which the characteristics of the installation frame are provided. Fitting together several stages of production also increases the number and likelihood of measurement mistakes.

Brief description of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide an installation frame for installing bolts in concrete casting and a method for installing two or more bolts at an installation point for casting concrete such that above said disadvantages of known art can be eliminated. The objects of the present invention are achieved with an installation frame according to the characterizing part of claim 1 , which is characterized in that the bolt sheet comprises one or more alignment features, provided by shaping of the bolt sheet, for aligning the installation frame to the installation point. Further, the objects of the present invention are achieved with a method according to the characterizing part of claim 15, which it is characterized in that alignment is performed by means of one or more alignment features, provided by shaping the bolt sheet of the installation frame, and an alignment measuring device. The preferred embodiments of the invention are presented in the independent claims.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the installation frame is made from a metal sheet, preferably a steel sheet. Thus, the installation frame comprises a bolt sheet made from a planar metal sheet, which has two or more holes for receiving the bolts and attaching to the installation frame. Further, a bolt sheet according to the embodiment comprises one or more alignment features, provided by shaping the bolt sheet, for aligning the installation frame to the installation point. In other words, the alignment features are provided on the bolt sheet by integrally shaping the bolt sheet. Thus, the installation frame is a single-piece part, in which the bolt holes and alignment features are shapes of the bolt sheet. The alignment features are provided by shaping or by some other such manner, which enables the permanence and durability of the alignment features also after several instances of use. The durability of the alignment features on the installation frame is important in order for the installation frame to be reusable. Because of this reusability, for example, biodegradable frames are not suitable, rather the frame must be made of a non-biodegradable material. The present invention has the advantage that the alignment features are provided as shapes of the bolt sheet to the installation frame, wherein they do not wear off or change to become invisible due to getting dirty when used. Thus, the installation frame remains serviceable even after several uses for installation, wherein installation of the bolts is made easier. Additionally, an installation frame according to the invention can be produced in one work stage, for example, by cutting from a steel sheet.

Brief description of the Figures

In the following, the invention is described in greater detail in connection with preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Fig. 1 shows an installation frame according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of Fig. 1 with the bolts attached in the installation frame. Detailed description of the invention

Fig. 1 shows one embodiment example of the present invention. The installation frame 2 of Fig. 1 is made from a planar sheet. In one embodiment, the reusable installation frame 2 comprises a bolt sheet 6 made from a metal sheet, preferably a steel sheet. The size and outward appearance of the bolt sheet 6 can vary among applications and application sites. The bolt sheet 6 in the embodiment of Fig. 1 is presented substantially as a square-shaped bolt sheet 6. Alternatively, the bolt sheet 6 can also be provided in a rectangular, oval, circular or polygonal shape. The strength and stiffness of the bolt sheet 6 can be influenced by the thickness of the bolt sheet 6 used. Additionally, the bolt sheet 6 can be at least partially or locally shaped to increase its stiffness. Alternatively, separate reinforcement parts can be attached to the bolt sheet 6. The bolt sheet 6 comprises holes 8 for receiving the bolts and attaching them to the installation frame 2. The holes 8 are provided such that the bolts are to be taken through the holes 8 and further attached to the installation frame 2 with the nuts to be installed onto the threads of the bolts. In the embodiment of Fig. 1 , the holes 8 are provided on the bolt sheet 6 in a square shape in relation to each other. In alternative embodiments, the bolt sheet 6 can comprise two or more holes 8 and the holes can be provided on the bolt sheet, for example, in a rectangular, oval, circular or polygonal shape in relation to each other, wherein the holes 8 can be located substantially on the sides of said shape or on the arc or in the corners.

In the embodiment of Fig. 1 , the bolt sheet 6 further comprises alignment features 10, by means of which the installation frame 2 is installed and aligned to the desired installation point, position and direction when it is in use. The alignment features 10 are provided on the edge of the bolt sheet 6 by shaping the bolt sheet 6. In the embodiment of Fig. 1 , in the middle of the bolt sheet 6 is provided a casting hole 14, which defines the inner edges of the bolt sheet 6. Further, the bolt sheet 6 has outer edges 12, which define the external dimensions of the bolt sheet 6. In Fig. 1 , the alignment features 10 are provided on the inner edges 16 of the bolt sheet 6. At the middle of the side of each inner edge 16 provided by the substantially square-shaped casting hole 14 is provided one alignment feature 10.

In the alternative embodiment, the alignment features 10 are provided on the outer edges 12 of the bolt sheet 6 or on both the outer and inner edges 12, 16. Additionally, it must be noted that, in some embodiments, the bolt sheet 6 does not comprise a casting hole 14 at all, wherein the bolt sheet also does not have inner edges 16 and the alignment features are provided on the outer edges 12. The casting hole 14 is provided on the bolt sheet 6 to facilitate the casting of concrete such that casting can be performed at least partially through the casting hole 14. Additionally, the casting hole 14 makes the installation frame 2 lighter and can also facilitate the attachment of the bolts to the installation frame 2. In its shape, the casting hole 14 can be square-shaped, rectangular-shaped, circular-shaped, oval-shaped or polygon-shaped. The alignment features 10 can be provided on the inner edge 16 formed by the casting hole 14 regardless of the shape of the casting hole 14. Preferably, the alignment features 10 are provided on the bolt sheet 6 by shaping such that the alignment features 10 are an integral part of the bolt sheet 6. Preferably, the alignment features can be formed in the same work stage together with production of the bolt sheet 6. Preferably, the bolt sheet 6 is produced by cutting, and the alignment features 10 are formed such that they can also be formed by cutting the metal sheet, for example, in connection with production of the bolt sheet 6. Further, in one embodiment, the alignment features 10 are provided in the plane of the bolt sheet 6. In this case, the alignment features 0 do not extend below or above the plane of the bolt sheet 6, rather are in the plane of the upper and lower surfaces of the bolt sheet 6. In the embodiment according to Fig. 1 , the alignment features 10 are projections provided on the inner edge 16 of the bolt sheet 6. In the alternative embodiment, the alignment features 10 can also be notches provided on the edge of the bolt sheet 6. Notches used as alignment features 10 are preferred, when the alignment features 10 are provided on the outer edge 12 of the bolt sheet 6, wherein they do not extend outward from the outer edge 12 in an interfering manner. However, it must be noted that, in various embodiments, the alignment features 10 can be notches or other corresponding recesses or, alternatively, projections on the inner edge 6 and the outer edge 12.

In another embodiment, the alignment features 10 can be holes, which are provided on the bolt sheet 6. Alternatively, the alignment features 10 can also be protrusions or recesses on the surface or the outer edge 2 or inner edge of the bolt sheet 6. The protrusions and recesses can be, for example, point-like or dash-like, and they can be provided, for example, by striking or squeezing. In yet another embodiment, the alignment features 10 can also be lines or other corresponding marks provided by machining the surface of the bolt sheet 6.

In the embodiment of Fig. 1 , the installation frame 2 comprises four alignment features 10 provided on the bolt sheet 6. In this case, the locatbn and position of the installation frame 2 can be aligned horizontally in the direction of both the x-axis and the y-axis by placing opposing alignment features in line with each other as well as in line with the desired structure or its element. Alternatively, the bolt sheet 6 of the installation frame 2 can comprise only one, two or three alignment features 10, or alternatively five or more alignment features 10 in accordance with each application and embodiment.

The installation frame 2 is attached to the support elements, by means of which the installation frame 2 can be supported in the surrounding structures or, for example, in the casting mould, in which concrete casting is performed and to which concrete casting the bolts are attached. The bolt sheet 6 of the installation frame 2 can, in some embodiments, further comprise two or more attachment notches or corresponding attachment recesses 22 provided on the edge of the bolt sheet 6 for attaching the bolt sheet 6 to one or more support elements. Alternatively, the bolt sheet 6 can also be provided with attachment holes, which are located at a distance from the edges 12, 16 of the bolt sheet. Preferably, the attachment recesses 22 are provided by cutting the bolt sheet 6.

In the embodiment of Fig. 1 , the attachment recesses 22 are provided on the outer edge 12 of the bolt sheet 6 and, specifically, on the outer edge 12 of the projecting flanges 24 provided in the comers of the bolt sheet 6. In the alternative embodiment, it is also possible to provide attachment recesses 22 on the inner edge 16 of the bolt sheet 6, when the bolt sheet 6 comprises a casting hole 14.

Fig. 2 shows an installation frame 2 according to the embodiment of Fig. 1 such that the bolts 4 are attached to the installation frame 2 and the installation frame 2 is further attached to the support elements 18. Preferably, the support elements 18 are made of wood or a corresponding relatively soft material such that the installation frame 2 can be attached to the support elements 18 from the attachment recesses 22 of the bolt sheet 6, for example, with nails or screws. In the embodiment of Fig. 1 , the support elements 18 are attached such that the bolts 4 remain between the support elements 18. Altematively, provided that the attachment recesses 22 are provided, for example, on the inner edge 16, the support elements 18 can be attached between the bolts 4. Attaching the installation frame 2 to the support elements 18 with the attachment recesses of the bolt sheet 6 makes it possible to attach the installation frame 2 with ease and precision in the correct position in relation to the support elements 18.

When installing columns, first the column foundation is cast, to which the bolts 4 are attached. After casting the foundation, the column is further attached to the bolts 4, which protrude from the foundation of the column. In casting the foundation, a casting mould is often used, into which the foundation for the column is cast. Preferably, the support elements 18 are provided such that they can be supported in the casting mould while the bolts 4 are installed and the installation frame 6 is being aligned.

The bolts 4 are attached to the holes 8 in the bolt sheet 6 of the installation frame 2 with the nuts 20 and the threads 5 at the heads of the bolts 4. In one embodiment, attachment of the bolts is performed such that each bolt 4 is attached to the bolt sheet 6 with two nuts 20. In this case, one nut 20 is below the bolt sheet 4 and one above, wherein the bolt sheet 6 is tightened between the nuts 20. By means of the nuts 20 and the threads 5 of the bolts 4, the height position of the bolts 4 can be adjusted as desired in relation to each other and in relation to the concrete casting.

Preferably, the installation frame 2 is produced from a metal sheet, such as a steel sheet, wherein it can be preferably produced in one work stage as a single-piece product. From the steel sheet is provided a bolt sheet 6, which comprises holes 8, a casting hole 14, alignment features 10 and attachment recesses 22. The bolt sheet and its details 8, 14, 10, 22 can be provided in one work stage by cutting, wherein production of the installation frame is efficient and easy. Cutting can be performed, for example, by flame cutting, laser cutting, plasma cutting, gas cutting or using some other corresponding cutting method. Instead of cutting, in some embodiments can also be used punching or another corresponding method.

The installation frame 2 can be used for installing the bolts 4 at the desired installation point and as a bolt group, in which the relative location of the bolts 4 can be precisely defined. At the work site, initially two or more bolts 4 are installed in the installation frame 2, which comprises a planar bolt sheet 6, which has two or more holes 8 for installation of the bolts 4 in the bolt sheet 6. Thereafter, the installation frame is supported as presented above in the concrete casting mould such that the bolts 4 partially protrude inside the concrete casting mould. Thereafter, the installation frame is adjusted and precisely aligned at the installation point into the correct position. Alignment can be performed by means of one or more of the alignment features 10, provided by shaping the bolt sheet 6 of the installation frame 2, and an alignment measuring device. As the alignment measuring device can be used, for example, a combination of a line wire, a meter and a plumb line. When installing, for example, the columns of a building, the installation frame is aligned by means of a measuring device to the module line of the building, which is intended to travel through the middle of the bolt group to be provided. As an alternative alignment measuring device can also be used a laser measuring device or a tachymeter. When the installation frame 2 is no longer needed in the installation, the installation frame 2 is removed for reuse.

To the person skilled in the art it is obvious that as technology develops, the fundamental idea of the invention can be implemented in many different manners. Thus, the invention and its embodiments are not limited to only the examples described above, rather many variations are possible within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An installation frame (2) for arranging bolts (4) as a bolt group at an installation point for casting concrete, which installation frame (2) comprises a planar bolt sheet (6), which has two or more holes (8) for installing the bolts (4) in the bolt sheet (6), characterized in that the bolts sheet (6) comprises one or more alignment features (10), provided by shaping the bolt sheet (6), for aligning the installation frame (2) at the installation point and which installation frame (2) is reusable.

2. An installation frame (2) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the alignment features (10) are provided on the bolt sheet (6) by cutting.

3. An installation frame (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the alignment features (10) are provided in the plane of the bolt sheet (6).

4. An installation frame (2) according to any one of preceding claims 1-3, characterized in that the alignment features (10) are notches or projections provided on the edge of the bolt sheet (6).

5. An installation frame (2) according to any one of preceding claims 1-4, characterized in that the alignment features (10) are provided on the outer edge (12) of the bolt sheet (6).

6. An installation frame (2) according to any one of preceding claims 1-4, characterized in that the bolt sheet (6) comprises a casting hole (14) provided substantially in its middle, the edges (16) of which casting hole (14) form the inner edge of the bolt sheet (6).

7. An installation frame (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the alignment features (10) are provided on the inner edge (16) of the bolt sheet (6).

8. An installation frame (2) according to any one of preceding claims 1-3, characterized in that the alignment features (10) are holes provided in the bolt sheet.

9. An installation frame (2) according to any one of preceding claims 1-7, characterized in that the alignment features (10) are protrusions or recesses provided on the surface or outer edge 12 or inner edge 16 of the bolt sheet 6.

10. An installation frame (2) according to any one of preceding claims 1-9, characterized in that the bolt sheet (6) comprises at least four alignment features (10).

11. An installation frame (2) according to any one of preceding claims 1-10, characterized in that the holes (8) are arranged on the bolt sheet (6) substantially in a square, rectangular, circular, oval or polygonal shape.

12. An installation frame (2) according to any one of preceding claims 1-11, characterized in that the installation frame (2) is produced from a nonbiodegradable material.

13. An installation frame (2) according to any one of preceding claims 1-12, characterized in that the bolt sheet (6) further comprises two or more attachment notches (22), provided on the edge of the bolt sheet (6), for attaching the bolt sheet (6) to one or more support elements (18).

14. An installation frame (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that the attachment notches (22) are provided on the bolt sheet (6) by cutting.

15. An installation frame (2) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the attachment notches (22) are provided on the outer edge (12) or inner edge (16) of the bolt sheet (6).

16. A method for installing two or more bolts (4) at an installation point for casting concrete, the method comprising:

- installing two or more bolts (4) in an installation frame (2), which comprises a planar bolt sheet (6), which has two or more holes (8) for installing the bolts (4) in the bolt sheet (6),

- supporting the installation frame (2) in the concrete casting mould such that the bolts (4) partially protrude inside the concrete casting mould, and

- aligning the installation frame (2) at the installation point,

characterized in that alignment is performed by means of one or more of the alignment features (10), provided by shaping the bolt sheet (6) of the installation frame (2), and an alignment measuring device, and that the installation frame (2) is removed for reuse.

17. A method according to claim 16, characterized in that as an alignment measuring device is used a combination of a line wire, a meter and a plumb line, or a laser measuring device or a tachymeter.

18. A method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the installation frame (2) is supported in the concrete casting mould by attaching to the bolt sheet (6) one or more support elements (18), which are further supported in the concrete casting mould.

19. A method according to claim 18, characterized in that the bolt sheet (6) is attached to one or more support elements (18) from one or more of the attachment notches (22), provided on the edge of the bolt sheet (6), with attachment elements.

20. A method according to any one of preceding claims 16-19, characterized in that the bolts (4) are attached to the bolt sheet (6) with the threads of the bolts (4) and nuts (20).