Uneven support surface repair system and method

Abstract

This invention is directed to a main beam having a distal end that contacts a high side of a slab to define a pivot point; an anchor removably attached to a low side of the slab; a coupling attached between the anchor and the main beam so that when a proximal end of the beam is raised, the low side of the slab is raised; a jack coupled to the distal end for raising the proximal end of the main beam; a void defined between the surface under the slab and a bottom side of the slab when the slab is raised; and, filler material inserted in the void so that when the filler supports the slab after the anchor and beam are removed resulting in an evened slab.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention is directed to a system and method for repairing concrete that has sunken or settled without requiring the replacement of the concrete slab.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]Concrete slabs are used for any number of construction projects that include: building foundations, parking lots, roads, pool decks, walkways, sidewalks, tennis sports areas (such as tennis courts, basketball courts and handball courts), decks, flooring and the like. Typically, the concrete slab is placed over a prepared surface such as graded soil with a moisture barrier. The underlying graded soil (ground) provides support for the slab.[0005]Overtime, however, the underlying ground can become uneven causing the slab to rise or uplift making the original surface uneven. Causes that undermine the integrity and evenness of the ground underneath include erosion, tree roots, the freeze / thaw cycles associated with the usual concret...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This invention is a system for repairing uneven slabs and stabilizing soil. It includes a main beam, an anchor, a coupling, a jack, and a void between the surface of the slab and the bottom side when the slab is raised. The void is filled with filler material to support the slab after the anchor and beam are removed. The invention can also include a hook, notches, a securing member, hand openings, an injection opening, a buffer pad, lateral beams, and a stop. The filler material forms a plurality of columns between the ground and the slab. The main beam includes a first beam and a second beam in an offset configuration joined by an extension coupling to provide a span longer than either beam individually. The extension coupling includes an extension securing member to secure the extension coupling to the first and second beams. The technical effects of this invention include symmetrical, evened slabs and soil stabilization.

Problems solved by technology

Overtime, however, the underlying ground can become uneven causing the slab to rise or uplift making the original surface uneven.

Causes that undermine the integrity and evenness of the ground underneath include erosion, tree roots, the freeze / thaw cycles associated with the usual concrete expansion and contraction and shifting ground.

Further, when the slab is uneven, it can create a tripping hazard which is particularly troublesome when the concrete slab is part of a pool deck.

This is a time consuming process and results in a slab being discolored compared to the remaining slabs; an undesirable consequence when the slab is a patio, pool deck and the like.

There is also no guarantee that the new slab will not settle again.

This creates a dangerous environment, especially since it surrounds a pool.

Another disadvantage is that lifting the slab by the ends is near impossible since the edges are adjacent to other concrete slabs as well as the pool itself.

Inventions which inject air, sand and other materials under the slab using the pressure of the injected material to raise the slab run the risk of causing the injected material to be forced against the pools underground plumbing, pool wall / liner and damaging either or both.

Again, lifting the slab from the end is impossible as the exterior walls of the house interfere with the ability to grab the ends of the slab. FIG. 2B shows similar problem with the conventional technology in that the slab is adjacent to the exterior wall and the edge of the slab cannot be grasped. FIG. 2B shows concrete steps that are adjacent to the exterior wall making grabbing the sides difficult.

Further, injected material under the steps is limited to the ability of the injected material not to be expelled from under the steps as the steps are not completely surrounded by supporting ground.

When the tree roots grow under a slab, the slab can be lifted creating an uneven and hazardous surface.

This creates an uneven surface on the sidewalk presenting a hazardous environment for walkers, riders and other using the sidewalk.

Additionally, water can run under the slab further damaging the arrangement of the sidewalk.

However, this leads to tree instability, damages the tree and is only a short term problem as the roots grow back.

In a 6-foot wide swale with a growing tree, that does not allow space to root prune at the edge of the sidewalk.

For example, shaving the concrete reduces the strength leaving the slab prone to damage such as cracking.

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