System for Anchoring Precast Concrete Wall Columns to Foundations

Abstract

A wall structure system may utilize precast concrete columns and panels. Each concrete column may be secured to an in-situ concrete footing by a threaded anchor bolt imbedded in the footing. The column may be positioned onto the footing so that the exposed threaded rod extends through a cylindrical opening in the bottom of the column. A washer and threaded nut may be installed on the threaded rod and secured through an access port in the side of the concrete column. Wall panels may be installed by sliding them into vertical slots in the columns, thereby concealing locations of the access ports.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not ApplicableSTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND[0003]1. The Field of the Invention[0004]The present invention relates generally to wall systems utilizing precast concrete columns and wall panels made of precast concrete or other materials, and more particularly to mechanisms for attaching these systems to footings constructed of cast-in-situ concrete.[0005]2. Description of Related Art[0006]The building construction industry has increasingly utilized precast concrete structures due to the many advantages precast products offer when compared to cast-in-situ concrete methods. Precast production techniques allow higher quality products to be formed due to controlled environmental conditions, specialized equipment, and strict quality standards. The factory environment allows greater efficiency and labor savings due to the utilization of reusable forms instead of constructing forms at...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]Another objective of this invention is to reduce the amount of time required to install a precast concrete column and panel system by reducing the complexity and thus the time required to securely fasten a precast concrete column to a precast or cast-in-situ concrete footing.

[0016]Another objective of this invention is to provide a precast concrete column and panel wall system that does not require enclosing or covering the top surface of the precast concrete columns, thereby simplifying the column design, reducing the required components and production costs, and reducing restrictions on the aesthetic design parameters.

[0017]Still another objective of this invention is to provide a precast concrete column and panel wall system that does not include exposed mounting or fastening brackets, braces or hardware, and is thus aesthetically pleasing.

[0019]Yet another objective of this invention is to provide a precast concrete column and panel wall system that is simpler to disassemble and move if required, as when roadways are widened or reconfigured.

Problems solved by technology

Time and labor is required to mix and / or apply the wet concrete or grout and clean the related tools afterwards.

After application of the wet concrete or grout is complete, subsequent construction operations may be delayed until the applied concrete or grout is sufficiently cured.

Other building practices that may not include the application of wet concrete or grout to secure a precast concrete column to a footing include comparatively costly and / or complex systems that may include tensioned cables, welded structural steel elements or multiple brackets.

Both of the aforementioned systems typically require a cap or cover to conceal the fastening hardware or hollow void in the column, thereby increasing production and transportation costs.

A required cap or cover may also restrict the range of possible aesthetic designs of the structure.

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