Apparatus for and method of forming concrete and transferring loads between concrete slabs

Abstract

An embodiment configured according to principles of the invention includes a plate defining a hexagon having a base parallel with joint between concrete slabs. Another embodiment includes a hexagon-shaped plate having an elastomer-coated first portion and a second portion, and a form having a slot configured to closely receive the second portion. A further embodiment includes a plate having compressive and/or resilient edge banding disposed on a plate edge that is not parallel to the joint. Apparatuses and methods for retro-fitting existing concrete stabs for transferring a load with a new adjacent concrete slab also are disclosed.

Description

REFERENCE TO EARLIER APPLICATIONS [0001] This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 650954, filed Feb. 9, 2005, and incorporates by reference and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 11 / 077557. filed Mar. 11; 2005. by Stephen F. McDonald for Method of Forming Concrete and an Apparatus for Same and U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 11 / 109781, filed Apr. 20, 2005, by Michael E. Carroll for Method of Forming Concrete and an Apparatus for Transferring Loads Between Concrete Slabs.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Conventional concrete pavement installation involves preparing then positioning forms around an area intended for pavement. The forms have vertical inner surfaces to receive and contain poured concrete. The forms have horizontal top surfaces, which typically are level with the surface of the poured concrete, or, once cured, pavement surface. The forms have back surfaces that rest against approp...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0028] The invention provides improved elements and arrangements thereof, for the purposes described,

Problems solved by technology

Very large pavements require substantial form preparation and positioning.

Regardless of whether the forms are long or short, field chamferring requires considerable time for large pavement areas.

Unfortunately, forms in the field typically have a height that is less than a true height for an appropriate slab thickness.

These forms of inadequate height typically may be positioned so that the top surfaces are at an appropriate height relative to the desired pavement surface height, but present bottom surfaces that do not contact, thus admit gaps through which poured concrete leaks.

This wastes concrete and requires additional work to remove the excess portions.

Concrete leakage from the forms, especially at the butt joints, leaves depressions in a finished slab surface causing poor aesthetics.

The depressions also impair surface coverings, such as tile, because the uneven surface promotes uneven or imcomplete causing voids and/or increasing the chances of obtaining a locked construction, which leads to cracks and joint failures.

Finally, removing the cured excess typically damages the slab from which the excess is chiseled.

Unfortunately, none of the foregoing provides a method of forming concrete and an apparatus for same that includes stiff, infinitely long, pre-chamferred forms with predetermined true height.

As the con

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