Expansion joint holder and a method of pouring concrete sections

Abstract

The invention provides a concrete section expansion joint holder that holds an expansion joint such that the resulting joint is straight, wherein the holder does not need to be removed either during or after the pouring of the concrete, thereby allowing more efficient pouring of concrete over large layout surfaces. Also provided is method of pouring concrete using the expansion joint holder. The present invention is used in the construction industry to create concrete sidewalks and roads.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to construction and building materials and methods and more particularly, to a concrete section expansion joint holder enabling the positioning and holding of an expansion joint rubber strip to produce straight expansion joints with less effort and time. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Concrete expansion joints are an essential component in the proper construction of many large concrete surfaces, such as floors, roofs, parking lots, roads, airport runways and the like. These joints enable expansion and contraction of the concrete or mortar surfaces based on surrounding temperatures, which reach hot and cold extremes, respectively, in summer and winter periods, and other factors including shifting of soil underneath the slabs. These joints are meant to eliminate the deterioration of the slab due to random cracks which otherwise form in the concrete. [0003] As used herein the term “joints” applies equally to expansion and ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of prior art concrete expansion joints by providing a concrete section expansion joint holder that holds an expansion joint such that the resulting joint is substantially straight, wherein the holder does not need to be removed either during or after the pouring of the concrete, thereby allowing more efficient pouring of concrete over large layout surfaces.

Problems solved by technology

In the absence of being divided in this manner into smaller concrete areas, a large area concrete slab is prone to crack due to thermal expansion and contraction and ground settling.

Also, these joints can easily float when the liquid concrete is poured into the form.

This is a time consuming and inefficient process.

This water may freeze, expand and injure the slabs.

Working up of asphalt joints creates voids in the space between the slabs where water can collect, freeze and injure the slabs.

Since it is impractical to pour concrete a section at a time, it is necessary to pour a large amount of coverage at one time and then work the concrete as it begins to harden.

This method is problematic because it is time-consuming, laborious and does not assure straight, vertical expansion joints since the rubber strip can move around once one or both of the support boards is removed.

The problem therefore is to position expansion joints between adjacent portions of concrete which are straight and require less time and effort to make so as to increase efficiency in pouring adjacent concrete portions, such as in sidewalks and driveways.

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