Steel-Cased Concrete Piers

Abstract

A concrete pier and method of forming include providing a rust-resistant tube of a steel material. The tube is placed in a hole formed in the ground. The workers pour concrete into the tube and allow the concrete to harden. The above-ground structure is then attached to the upper end of the tube, leaving the tube in the ground to serve as a steel reinforcement for the concrete. The mounting structure at the upper end of the tube may be anchor bolts, or it may comprise tapered metal members. In the latter case, the above-ground structure to be supported by the pier has a base with a mating socket that fits over and is welded to the tapered mounting member.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates in general to foundation piers, and in particular to a pier formed of concrete and encased within a steel tube. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Concrete piers are widely used for supporting structures such as buildings, power transmission lines, light and sign poles, bridges, elevated transportation systems, as well as for underground reinforcements to hold back earth. Normally a pier is formed by drilling or forming a hole in the earth, which may be a mixture of rock and soil. The workers may set up a temporary tubular steel form and place the tubular form in the hole. Cardboard or paper temporary forms are alternatively placed within the hole. [0003] Steel reinforcing bars are placed within the tubular forms. Typically, the reinforcing steel bars are spaced a selected distance, such as three inches, from the tubular form walls to minimize the danger of rusting caused by water penetration into the concrete. In some cases, temp...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The mounting structure at the upper end of the tube is also preferably of steel. It may comprise conventional anchor bolts embedded in the concrete. It may also comprise a tapered mounting member protruding upward from the cylindrical portion of the tube. The tapered mounting member has a hole at its top through which the concrete is poured. The concrete is poured into the tube through the hole in the mounting member until the tube and the ta

Problems solved by technology

For example, it is time consuming to set up and remove the steel forms.

Furthermore, after attaching the base of the above-ground structure, often a portion of the concrete is exposed.

These exposed portions are porous, making it difficult to remove paint and other materials that may have been applied by vandals.

Furthermore, exposed concrete above ground is easily damaged by impacts.

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