Improved Connector for Use in Forming Joints

Abstract

An improved connector for use in forming joints between two surfaces. The improved connector has a housing with an enlarged seal housing at a first end and a sealing screen adapted for receipt in the enlarged seal housing. The sealing screen incorporates an elastic membrane that surrounds an aperture. The aperture is adapted to sealingly engage a dowel bar. This engagement means that movement of the dowel bar laterally, vertically or telescopically is accommodated for by the elastic membrane in a manner that ensures that the dowel bar remains sealing engaged by the aperture.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to an improved connector for use in forming joints. The invention is particularly suited for use in connecting portions of a post-tensioned concrete structure, such as floor slabs, in a manner that allows the portions to move relative to each other as occurs during settling of the portions.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION[0002]The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application.[0003]Post-tensioning (“PT”) is a technique used in the construction of buildings, particularly those where the floors of the building are intended to have long spans uninterrupted by vertical pillars. PT involves reinforcing (strengthening)...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an improved connector for joining two surfaces. The connector has a housing with a sealing screen and a dowel bar. The sealing screen and the dowel bar are aligned to allow for smooth movement. The housing has surface irregularities that help secure the connector in place. The housing also has a reservoir to allow the surface material to accumulate and solidify. The improved connector is also designed to restrict vertical movement of the dowel bar and to have a retention strip for easy installation. This connector is effective in creating a secure and effective connection between two surfaces.

Problems solved by technology

The problem with this approach is that it is generally not possible to pour an entire floor as a single floor plate due to size restriction, continuity requirements and / or restraint conditions.

If insufficient PT pre-compression force is transferred into the floor plates there exists the possibility of cracking within the sections or slabs—thereby reducing the longevity and the integrity of the resulting floor plate.

While this approach works, almost all temporary movement joints of the prior art suffer from one or more of the following problems:If the surfaces that the temporary movement joints seek to connect move relative to each other during settling, an air gap may be formed which leaves both the temporary movement joint and at least part of the tendon exposed to the atmosphere and thus subject to corrosion and the like until sealed.There is significant difficulty in sealing the temporary movement joint—in particular the underside of the temporary movement joint.

A consequence of the first problem is that prior art temporary movement joints must be made from corrosion resistant materials, such as stainless steel.

When combined with the fact that the materials must also be fire resistant or incorporate other attributes to meet building regulations, the cost of manufacturing such temporary movement joints may be up to ten times higher than the cost of manufacturing from less exotic materials.

The second problem presents a situation where the temporary movement joint is not adequately strengthened or that sealant may be lost from the joint.

This requirement for remedial action is time-consuming and expensive in addition to delaying completion of the building.

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