Method and apparatus for lifting and securing a concrete panel in place above a road bed

Abstract

An apparatus to be embedded within a precast concrete panel or slab to enable the panel to be lifted, moved to a road bed, and secured in place above the road bed. A lifting apparatus is embedded at each corner of the panel. Each apparatus has a hollow threaded sleeve extending through the panel to receive a removable threaded lifting bolt by which to establish a lifting point at which a lifting force is applied to lift and position the panel on support blocks seated on the road bed. When the threaded lifting bolt is removed from each hollow threaded sleeve, grout is pumped through the panel by way of the hollow sleeve to fill the space established by the support blocks between the panel and the road bed. The method and apparatus have particular application during construction or repair of a roadway.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to a method and to an apparatus to be embedded within a precast concrete panel or slab to enable the panel to be lifted from a transport, lowered towards a road bed, and secured in place above the road bed. The apparatus has particular application in roadway construction and / or repair where several panels must be laid end-to-end and / or side-by-side one another.[0003]2. Background Art[0004]As new communities are built, it is essential to have a roadway system to link each community with neighboring communities. Therefore, a series of highways and freeways are constructed to support vehicular traffic. A common technique for building such roadways is to lay a number of heavy precast concrete panels or slabs end-to-end and side-by-side one another. However, all of the panels must be reliably secured in place and made level with respect to one another to establish a smooth and continuous driving surfac...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about a device that is embedded in a precast concrete panel to help lift and secure it in place during construction or repair of a road. The device is placed near the corners of the panel and makes it easy to quickly and easily lift the panel, once it is connected to the road bed. This helps ensure stability and reliability during construction.

Problems solved by technology

However, having to first precisely grade the road bed before the panels can be laid adds to the labor force, raises the corresponding construction costs, and increases the time necessary to complete the job.

What is even more, the completion time and cost are further increased, because different apparatus are required to be carried by the conventional pre-cast concrete panel to enable the panel to first be lifted and moved to the road bed and then fixed in place alongside adjacent panels.

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