Joint system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a joint system for joining precast ground beams (201, 202, 305, 306, 307, 308) together. The joint system comprises a first joint part (101) for a first precast ground beam (201, 305, 306) and a second joint part (102) for a second precast ground beam (202, 307, 308), which joint parts (101, 102) can be locked together by using at least one locking pin (103, 104). The present invention also relates to a foundation for a building.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a joint system according to the preamble of the appended independent claim. The invention also relates to a foundation comprising such a joint system.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Ground beams are widely used in construction industry for building foundations. Ground beams are elongated structural elements, typically constructed from reinforced concrete, that transfer loads imposed along their length to their end points where the loads are transferred to piles or pad foundations. Ground beams are typically arranged horizontally, and they may be used to support, for example, brick or block work. Ground beams may also be used at the edge of in situ manufactured concrete floor slabs, where they form permanent shuttering. Ground beams are typically square, rectangular, or L-shaped in cross section, and they can be designed to incorporate notches, end details and sloping faces.

[0003] An advantage of using ground beams is that they are quicker to install than conventional footings. Another advantage of using ground beams is that they allow uncertainties regarding ground conditions to be overcome. Ground beams also create a very accurate bearing level, reducing the amount of levelling up that is required prior to starting to build up a superstructure of a building.

[0004] Traditionally ground beams are constructed in situ, but the use of precast ground beams has increased during the last few years. Precast ground beams are cast to the required dimensions in an off-site factory from which they are transported to a building site. At the building site, the precast ground beams are lowered into place on top of piles or pad foundations, and then the precast ground beams are connected to each other and to the piles or pad foundations by filling the gaps between them with grout.

[0005] A problem associated with the known precast ground beams is that the joining of the precast ground beams together at a building site is difficult and time-consuming. Another problem associated with the known precast ground beams is the poor accuracy in joining the precast ground beams together.

[0006] Documents WO 92 / 14885 A1, WO 2008 / 128025 A1 and WO 2022 / 008892 A1 describe joint systems for end-to-end joining of concrete piles.OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is the main objective of the present invention to reduce or even eliminate the prior art problems presented above.

[0008] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a joint system for joining precast ground beams together. In more detail, it is an objective of the invention to provide a joint system enabling to join precast ground beams together without using grout. It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a joint system enabling to join precast ground beams together in an easy and quick manner. It is yet a further objective of the present invention to provide a joint system enabling to accurately join precast ground beams together.

[0009] It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a foundation for a building that is easy and quick to install.

[0010] In order to realise the above-mentioned objectives, the joint system according to the invention is characterised by what is presented in the characterising portion of the appended independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A joint system according to the invention for joining precast ground beams together comprises a first joint part for a first precast ground beam, the first joint part comprising an end plate, and a second joint part for a second precast ground beam, the second joint part comprising an end plate, wherein one of the end plates comprises a first locking dowel and a second locking dowel and the other of the end plates comprises a first locking housing and a second locking housing, the first locking housing being arranged to receive the first locking dowel and the second locking housing being arranged to receive the second locking dowel when the end plates are arranged against each other, each of the first and second locking housings being provided with a first transverse hole and a second transverse hole and each of the first and second locking dowels being provided with a third transverse hole in such a manner that when the end plates are arranged against each other a locking pin can be arranged through the first, second and third transverse holes to lock the first and second joint parts together.

[0012] The joint system according to the invention is meant for joining precast ground beams together. By a precast ground beam is meant an elongated precast structural element that can transfer loads imposed along its length to its end points where the loads can be transferred to piles or pad foundations. A precast ground beam is preferably installed horizontally on top of piles or pad foundations. Typically, a precast ground beam is constructed from reinforced concrete and has a square, rectangular, or L-shaped cross section. A precast ground beam can be designed to incorporate notches, end details and sloping faces.

[0013] The joint system according to the invention comprises two joint parts, each of which can be attached to a precast ground beam. Preferably, the joint part is attached to a precast ground beam during the casting of the ground beam. In other words, the joint part is preferably integrated to the precast ground beam. The joint part comprises anchoring bars by means of which the joint part is fastened to the precast ground beam. It is, however, possible to attach the joint part to a precast ground beam afterwards using suitable fastening means.

[0014] The first joint part is meant to be attached to the first precast ground beam. Preferably, the first joint part is attached to an end or side of the first precast ground beam. In the joint system according to the invention, the first joint part does not comprise a bottom plate attached to the end plate. This means that the first joint part is without a bottom plate.

[0015] The second joint part is meant to be attached to the second precast ground beam. Preferably, the second joint part is attached to an end or side of the second precast ground beam. In the joint system according to the invention, the second joint part does not comprise a bottom plate attached to the end plate. This means that the second joint part is without a bottom plate.

[0016] The end plates of the first and second joint parts are preferably square or rectangular in shape. The length and width of the end plates can be, for example, 15-100 cm. The thickness of the end plates can be, for example, 2-50 mm. The end plates can, for example, be made of steel.

[0017] In the joint system according to the invention, the end plate of the first joint part and the end plate of the second joint part are meant to be arranged against each other when the first and second precast ground beams are joined together. The first and second locking dowels are located at one of the end plates and the first and second locking housings are located at the other of the end plates. In other words, the first and second locking dowels are located at the end plate of the first joint part and the first and second locking housings are located at the end plate of the second joint part, or vice versa.

[0018] The first and second locking dowels and the first and second locking housings are located at the end plates in such a manner that the first locking housing can receive the first locking dowel and the second locking housing can receive the second locking dowel when the end plates are arranged against each other. The first and second locking dowels are arranged to the end plate in such a manner that their longitudinal directions are perpendicular to the end plate. Each of the first and second locking housings comprises a cavity into which the locking dowel is received. The first and second locking dowels as well as the cavities in the first and second locking housings have preferably circular cross sections.

[0019] The length of the first and second locking dowels and the depth of the cavities in the first and second locking housings can be, for example, 20-100 mm. The diameter of the first and second locking dowels can be, for example, 20-100 mm. The diameter of the cavities in the first and second locking housings can be, for example, 25-105 mm. The first and second locking dowels and the first and second locking housings can, for example, be made of steel.

[0020] The first and second locking housings are provided with the first and second transverse holes. The first and second transverse holes of the locking housing are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cavity, and they extend opposite to each other from the outer surface of the locking housing into the cavity. The first and second locking dowels are provided with the third transverse holes. The third transverse hole of the locking dowel is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the locking dowel, and it extends through the locking dowel.

[0021] The first and second transverse holes in the first and second locking housings and the third transverse holes in the first and second locking dowels are positioned in such a manner that when the end plates of the first and second joint parts are arranged against each other the first, second and third transverse holes are aligned with each other. This allows inserting a locking pin through all the first, second and third transverse holes to lock the first and second joint parts together. The locking pin can be inserted into place through the first transverse hole of the first locking housing.

[0022] The diameter of the first, second and third transverse holes can be, for example, 10-30 mm. The length of the locking pin can be, for example, 15-100 cm. The diameter of the locking pin can be, for example, 10-30 mm. The locking pin can, for example, be made of steel.

[0023] An advantage of the joint system according to the invention is that it enables to join precast ground beams together without using grout. Another advantage of the joint system according to the invention is that it enables to join precast ground beams together in an easy and quick manner. Yet another advantage of the joint system according to the invention is that it enables to accurately join precast ground beams together. Yet another advantage of the joint system according to the invention is that it is easy and quick to manufacture, especially because the joint parts do not include any bottom plates. Because the joint parts are without bottom plates, this facilitates the fastening of the joint parts to precast ground beams.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the invention each of the first and second locking housings is provided with a first guidance pipe arranged in alignment with the first transverse hole and a second guidance pipe arranged in alignment with the second transverse hole. The first guidance pipe is attached in connection with the first transverse hole and the second guidance pipe is attached in connection with the second transverse hole. The first and second guidance pipes of the first and second locking housings are aligned with each other. An advantage of the first and second guidance pipes is that they facilitate the insertion of a locking pin. The locking pin can be inserted into place through the first guidance pipe of the first locking housing.

[0025] The inner diameter of the first and second guidance pipes can be, for example, 10-30 mm. The outer diameter of the first and second guidance pipes can be, for example, 12-50 mm. The length of the first and second guidance pipes can be, for example, 2-80 cm. The first and second guidance pipes can, for example, be made of steel.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the invention the second guidance pipes of the first and second locking housings are connected to each other with a first connecting pipe. The ends of the second guidance pipes are preferably arranged inside the first connecting pipe. The first connecting pipe prevents concrete from entering the second guidance pipes during the casting of a ground beam. The length of the first connecting pipe can be, for example, 2-80 cm. The first connecting pipe can, for example, be made of plastic or rubber.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention each of the first and second locking housings is provided with a first guidance pipe arranged in alignment with the first transverse hole, and a second guidance pipe is attached between the first and second locking housings in alignment with the second transverse holes. In this embodiment the second transverse holes of the first and second locking housings are connected to each other with one second guidance pipe. The first guidance pipe is attached in connection with the first transverse hole. The first and second guidance pipes are aligned with each other. An advantage of the first and second guidance pipes is that they facilitate the insertion of a locking pin. The locking pin can be inserted into place through the first guidance pipe of the first locking housing.

[0028] The inner diameter of the first and second guidance pipes can be, for example, 10-30 mm. The outer diameter of the first and second guidance pipes can be, for example, 12-50 mm. The length of the first and second guidance pipes can be, for example, 2-80 cm. The first and second guidance pipes can, for example, be made of steel.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the invention the first guidance pipe of the second locking housing is closed at its outer end. The outer end of the first guidance pipe is the end that is not attached to the locking housing.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the invention the end plate that comprises the first and second locking dowels comprises a third locking dowel and a fourth locking dowel and the end plate that comprises the first and second locking housings comprises a third locking housing and a fourth locking housing, wherein the third locking housing is arranged to receive the third locking dowel and the fourth locking housing is arranged to receive the fourth locking dowel when the end plates are arranged against each other, each of the third and fourth locking housings being provided with a fourth transverse hole and a fifth transverse hole and each of the third and fourth locking dowels being provided with a sixth transverse hole in such a manner that when the end plates are arranged against each other a locking pin can be arranged through the fourth, fifth and sixth transverse holes to lock the first and second joint parts together.

[0031] The third and fourth locking dowels and the third and fourth locking housings are located at the end plates in such a manner that the third locking housing can receive the third locking dowel and the fourth locking housing can receive the fourth locking dowel when the end plates are arranged against each other. The third and fourth locking dowels are arranged to the end plate in such a manner that their longitudinal directions are perpendicular to the end plate. Each of the third and fourth locking housings comprises a cavity into which the locking dowel is received. The third and fourth locking dowels as well as the cavities in the third and fourth locking housings have preferably circular cross sections.

[0032] The length of the third and fourth locking dowels and the depth of the cavities in the third and fourth locking housings can be, for example, 20-100 mm. The diameter of the third and fourth locking dowels can be, for example, 20-100 mm. The diameter of the cavities in the third and fourth locking housings can be, for example, 25-105 mm. The third and fourth locking dowels and the third and fourth locking housings can, for example, be made of steel.

[0033] The third and fourth locking housings are provided with the fourth and fifth transverse holes. The fourth and fifth transverse holes of the locking housing are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cavity, and they extend opposite to each other from the outer surface of the locking housing into the cavity. The third and fourth locking dowels are provided with the sixth transverse holes. The sixth transverse hole of the locking dowel is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the locking dowel, and it extends through the locking dowel.

[0034] The fourth and fifth transverse holes in the third and fourth locking housings and the sixth transverse holes in the third and fourth locking dowels are positioned in such a manner that when the end plates of the first and second joint parts are arranged against each other the fourth, fifth and sixth transverse holes are aligned with each other. This allows inserting a locking pin through all the fourth, fifth and sixth transverse holes to lock the first and second joint parts together. The locking pin can be inserted into place through the fourth transverse hole of the third locking housing. The diameter of the fourth, fifth and sixth transverse holes can be, for example, 10-30 mm.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the invention each of the third and fourth locking housings is provided with a third guidance pipe arranged in alignment with the fourth transverse hole and a fourth guidance pipe arranged in alignment with the fifth transverse hole. The third guidance pipe is attached in connection with the fourth transverse hole and the fourth guidance pipe is attached in connection with the fifth transverse hole. The third and fourth guidance pipes of the third and fourth locking housings are aligned with each other. An advantage of the third and fourth guidance pipes is that they facilitate the insertion of a locking pin. The locking pin can be inserted into place through the third guidance pipe of the third locking housing. The inner diameter of the third and fourth guidance pipes can be, for example, 10-30 mm. The outer diameter of the third and fourth guidance pipes can be, for example, 12-50 mm. The length of the third and fourth guidance pipes can be, for example, 2-80 cm. The third and fourth guidance pipes can, for example, be made of steel.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the invention the fourth guidance pipes of the third and fourth locking housings are connected to each other with a second connecting pipe. The ends of the fourth guidance pipes are preferably arranged inside the second connecting pipe. The second connecting pipe prevents concrete from entering the fourth guidance pipes during the casting of a ground beam. The length of the second connecting pipe can be, for example, 2-80 cm. The second connecting pipe can, for example, be made of plastic or rubber.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the invention each of the third and fourth locking housings is provided with a third guidance pipe arranged in alignment with the fourth transverse hole, and a fourth guidance pipe is attached between the third and fourth locking housings in alignment with the fifth transverse holes. In this embodiment the fifth transverse holes of the third and fourth locking housings are connected to each other with one fourth guidance pipe. The third guidance pipe is attached in connection with the fourth transverse hole. The third and fourth guidance pipes are aligned with each other. An advantage of the third and fourth guidance pipes is that they facilitate the insertion of a locking pin. The locking pin can be inserted into place through the third guidance pipe of the third locking housing.

[0038] The inner diameter of the third and fourth guidance pipes can be, for example, 10-30 mm. The outer diameter of the third and fourth guidance pipes can be, for example, 12-50 mm. The length of the third and fourth guidance pipes can be, for example, 2-80 cm. The third and fourth guidance pipes can, for example, be made of steel.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the invention the third guidance pipe of the fourth locking housing is closed at its outer end. The outer end of the third guidance pipe is the end that is not attached to the locking housing.

[0040] The joint system according to the invention comprises anchoring bars attached to the locking housings and / or the locking dowels. The anchoring bars are used to fasten the first and second joint parts to the precast ground beams.

[0041] In the joint system according to the invention at least one of the anchoring bars is provided with an anchoring plate. The anchoring plate is used to improve attachment to the precast ground beam. The anchoring plate is preferably attached to an end of the anchoring bar.

[0042] The present invention also relates to a foundation for a building. The foundation according to the invention comprises a first precast ground beam, a second precast ground beam, and a joint system according to the invention. In the foundation according to the invention the first joint part is attached to the first precast ground beam and the second joint part is attached to the second precast ground beam.

[0043] An advantage of the foundation according to the invention is that it is easy and quick to install.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the invention the end plates of the first and second joint parts are arranged against each other, and a locking pin is arranged through the first, second and third transverse holes to lock the first and second joint parts together.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the invention the first and second precast ground beams are made of reinforced concrete.

[0046] The exemplary embodiments of the invention presented in this text are not interpreted to pose limitations to the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "to comprise" is used in this text as an open limitation that does not exclude the existence of also unrecited features. The features recited in the dependent claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0047] The exemplary embodiments presented in this text and their advantages relate by applicable parts to the joint system as well as the foundation according to the invention, even though this is not always separately mentioned.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Figs. 1A-1Billustrate a joint system according to an embodiment of the invention, figs. 2A-2Billustrate the joining of precast ground beams together, and fig. 3illustrates a foundation according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Figs. 1A-1B illustrate a joint system according to an embodiment of the invention for joining two precast ground beams together. The joint system comprises joint parts 101 and 102 that can be locked together with locking pins 103 and 104. The joint parts 101 and 102 are shown separated in fig. 1A and joined in fig. 1B. Each of the joint parts 101 and 102 can be attached to an end or side of a precast ground beam.

[0050] The joint part 101 comprises an end plate 105 and locking housings 106, 107, 108 and 109, which are attached to the end plate 105.

[0051] The locking housing 106 is provided with transverse holes 110 and 111. A guidance pipe 112 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 110, and a guidance pipe 113 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 111. The locking housing 107 is provided with transverse holes 114 and 115. A guidance pipe 116 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 114, and a guidance pipe 117 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 115. The guidance pipes 113 and 116 are connected to each other with a connecting pipe 118. The transverse holes 110, 111, 114 and 115, the guidance pipes 112, 113, 116 and 117, and the connecting pipe 118 are aligned with each other.

[0052] The locking housing 108 is provided with transverse holes 119 and 120. A guidance pipe 121 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 119, and a guidance pipe 122 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 120. The locking housing 109 is provided with transverse holes 123 and 124. A guidance pipe 125 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 123, and a guidance pipe 126 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 124. The guidance pipes 122 and 125 are connected to each other with a connecting pipe 127. The transverse holes 119, 120, 123 and 124, the guidance pipes 121, 122, 125 and 126, and the connecting pipe 127 are aligned with each other.

[0053] The joint part 101 comprises anchoring bars 128, which are attached to the locking housings 106, 107, 108 and 110. The anchoring bars 128 are used to fasten the joint part 101 to the precast ground beam. Two of the anchoring bars 128 are provided with anchoring plates 129.

[0054] The joint part 102 comprises an end plate 130 that is meant to be arranged against the end plate 105 when the joint parts 101 and 102 are joined together. The joint part 102 comprises locking dowels 131, 132, 133 and 134, which are attached to the end plate 130. The locking dowels 131, 132, 133 and 134 are provided with transverse holes 135, 136, 137 and 138, respectively.

[0055] The locking housings 106, 107, 108 and 109, and the locking dowels 131, 132, 133 and 134 are located at the end plates 105 and 130 in such a manner that the locking housing 106 can receive the locking dowel 131, the locking housing 107 can receive the locking dowel 132, the locking housing 108 can receive the locking dowel 133, and the locking housing 109 can receive the locking dowel 134 when the end plates 105 and 130 are arranged against each other. Each of the locking housings 106, 107, 108 and 109 comprises a cavity into which the locking dowel 131, 132, 133 or 134 is received.

[0056] The transverse holes 135 and 136 are arranged in the locking dowels 131 and 132 in such a manner that when the end plates 105 and 130 are arranged against each other the transverse holes 135 and 136 are aligned with the transverse holes 110, 111, 114 and 115. This allows inserting the locking pin 103 through the transverse holes 110, 111, 114, 115, 135 and 136 to lock the joint parts 101 and 102 together. The locking pin 103 is inserted into place through the guidance pipe 112.

[0057] The transverse holes 137 and 138 are arranged in the locking dowels 133 and 134 in such a manner that when the end plates 105 and 130 are arranged against each other the transverse holes 137 and 138 are aligned with the transverse holes 119, 120, 123 and 124. This allows inserting the locking pin 104 through the transverse holes 119, 120, 123, 124, 137 and 138 to lock the joint parts 101 and 102 together. The locking pin 104 is inserted into place through the guidance pipe 121.

[0058] The joint part 102 comprises anchoring bars 139, which are attached to the locking dowels 131, 132, 133 and 134. The anchoring bars 139 are used to fasten the joint part 102 to the precast ground beam.

[0059] Figs. 2A-2B illustrate the joining of precast ground beams 201 and 202 together. The precast ground beams 201 and 202 are shown separated in fig. 2A and joined in fig. 2B. The precast ground beams 201 and 202 are joined together with a joint system of figs. 1A-1B. A joint part 101 is attached to a side of the precast ground beam 201 close to its end, and a joint part 102 is attached to an end of the precast ground beam 202. The joint parts 101 and 102 are locked together with locking pins 103 and 104 that are inserted into holes 203 and 204, respectively.

[0060] Fig. 3 illustrates a foundation according to an embodiment of the invention for a building. The foundation comprises piles 301, 302, 303 and 304 that have been installed into ground, and precast ground beams 305, 306, 307 and 308 that have been joined together and placed on top of the piles 301, 302, 303 and 304. The precast ground beams 305, 306, 307 and 308 are joined together with four joint systems of figs. 1A-1B. Each of the precast ground beams 305 and 306 is provided with two joint parts 101 at one side of the precast ground beam close to its ends, and each of the precast ground beams 307 and 308 is provided with a joint part 102 at both of its ends. The joint parts 101 and 102 are locked together with locking pins 103 and 104.

[0061] Only advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in the figures. It is clear to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted only to the examples presented above, but the invention may vary within the limits of the claims presented hereafter.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0049]Figs. 1A-1B illustrate a joint system according to an embodiment of the invention for joining two precast ground beams together. The joint system comprises joint parts 101 and 102 that can be locked together with locking pins 103 and 104. The joint parts 101 and 102 are shown separated in fig. 1A and joined in fig. 1B. Each of the joint parts 101 and 102 can be attached to an end or side of a precast ground beam.

[0050]The joint part 101 comprises an end plate 105 and locking housings 106, 107, 108 and 109, which are attached to the end plate 105.

[0051]The locking housing 106 is provided with transverse holes 110 and 111. A guidance pipe 112 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 110, and a guidance pipe 113 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 111. The locking housing 107 is provided with transverse holes 114 and 115. A guidance pipe 116 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 114, and a guidance pipe 117 is attached in connection with the ...

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a joint system according to the preamble of the appended independent claim. The invention also relates to a foundation comprising such a joint system.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Ground beams are widely used in construction industry for building foundations. Ground beams are elongated structural elements, typically constructed from reinforced concrete, that transfer loads imposed along their length to their end points where the loads are transferred to piles or pad foundations. Ground beams are typically arranged horizontally, and they may be used to support, for example, brick or block work. Ground beams may also be used at the edge of in situ manufactured concrete floor slabs, where they form permanent shuttering. Ground beams are typically square, rectangular, or L-shaped in cross section, and they can be designed to incorporate notches, end details and sloping faces.

[0003] An advantage of using ground beams is that they are quicker to install than conventional footings. Another advantage of using ground beams is that they allow uncertainties regarding ground conditions to be overcome. Ground beams also create a very accurate bearing level, reducing the amount of levelling up that is required prior to starting to build up a superstructure of a building.

[0004] Traditionally ground beams are constructed in situ, but the use of precast ground beams has increased during the last few years. Precast ground beams are cast to the required dimensions in an off-site factory from which they are transported to a building site. At the building site, the precast ground beams are lowered into place on top of piles or pad foundations, and then the precast ground beams are connected to each other and to the piles or pad foundations by filling the gaps between them with grout.

[0005] A problem associated with the known precast ground beams is that the joining of the precast ground beams together at a building site is difficult and time-consuming. Another problem associated with the known precast ground beams is the poor accuracy in joining the precast ground beams together.

[0006] Documents WO 92 / 14885 A1, WO 2008 / 128025 A1 and WO 2022 / 008892 A1 describe joint systems for end-to-end joining of concrete piles.OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is the main objective of the present invention to reduce or even eliminate the prior art problems presented above.

[0008] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a joint system for joining precast ground beams together. In more detail, it is an objective of the invention to provide a joint system enabling to join precast ground beams together without using grout. It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a joint system enabling to join precast ground beams together in an easy and quick manner. It is yet a further objective of the present invention to provide a joint system enabling to accurately join precast ground beams together.

[0009] It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a foundation for a building that is easy and quick to install.

[0010] In order to realise the above-mentioned objectives, the joint system according to the invention is characterised by what is presented in the characterising portion of the appended independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A joint system according to the invention for joining precast ground beams together comprises a first joint part for a first precast ground beam, the first joint part comprising an end plate, and a second joint part for a second precast ground beam, the second joint part comprising an end plate, wherein one of the end plates comprises a first locking dowel and a second locking dowel and the other of the end plates comprises a first locking housing and a second locking housing, the first locking housing being arranged to receive the first locking dowel and the second locking housing being arranged to receive the second locking dowel when the end plates are arranged against each other, each of the first and second locking housings being provided with a first transverse hole and a second transverse hole and each of the first and second locking dowels being provided with a third transverse hole in such a manner that when the end plates are arranged against each other a locking pin can be arranged through the first, second and third transverse holes to lock the first and second joint parts together.

[0012] The joint system according to the invention is meant for joining precast ground beams together. By a precast ground beam is meant an elongated precast structural element that can transfer loads imposed along its length to its end points where the loads can be transferred to piles or pad foundations. A precast ground beam is preferably installed horizontally on top of piles or pad foundations. Typically, a precast ground beam is constructed from reinforced concrete and has a square, rectangular, or L-shaped cross section. A precast ground beam can be designed to incorporate notches, end details and sloping faces.

[0013] The joint system according to the invention comprises two joint parts, each of which can be attached to a precast ground beam. Preferably, the joint part is attached to a precast ground beam during the casting of the ground beam. In other words, the joint part is preferably integrated to the precast ground beam. The joint part comprises anchoring bars by means of which the joint part is fastened to the precast ground beam. It is, however, possible to attach the joint part to a precast ground beam afterwards using suitable fastening means.

[0014] The first joint part is meant to be attached to the first precast ground beam. Preferably, the first joint part is attached to an end or side of the first precast ground beam. In the joint system according to the invention, the first joint part does not comprise a bottom plate attached to the end plate. This means that the first joint part is without a bottom plate.

[0015] The second joint part is meant to be attached to the second precast ground beam. Preferably, the second joint part is attached to an end or side of the second precast ground beam. In the joint system according to the invention, the second joint part does not comprise a bottom plate attached to the end plate. This means that the second joint part is without a bottom plate.

[0016] The end plates of the first and second joint parts are preferably square or rectangular in shape. The length and width of the end plates can be, for example, 15-100 cm. The thickness of the end plates can be, for example, 2-50 mm. The end plates can, for example, be made of steel.

[0017] In the joint system according to the invention, the end plate of the first joint part and the end plate of the second joint part are meant to be arranged against each other when the first and second precast ground beams are joined together. The first and second locking dowels are located at one of the end plates and the first and second locking housings are located at the other of the end plates. In other words, the first and second locking dowels are located at the end plate of the first joint part and the first and second locking housings are located at the end plate of the second joint part, or vice versa.

[0018] The first and second locking dowels and the first and second locking housings are located at the end plates in such a manner that the first locking housing can receive the first locking dowel and the second locking housing can receive the second locking dowel when the end plates are arranged against each other. The first and second locking dowels are arranged to the end plate in such a manner that their longitudinal directions are perpendicular to the end plate. Each of the first and second locking housings comprises a cavity into which the locking dowel is received. The first and second locking dowels as well as the cavities in the first and second locking housings have preferably circular cross sections.

[0019] The length of the first and second locking dowels and the depth of the cavities in the first and second locking housings can be, for example, 20-100 mm. The diameter of the first and second locking dowels can be, for example, 20-100 mm. The diameter of the cavities in the first and second locking housings can be, for example, 25-105 mm. The first and second locking dowels and the first and second locking housings can, for example, be made of steel.

[0020] The first and second locking housings are provided with the first and second transverse holes. The first and second transverse holes of the locking housing are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cavity, and they extend opposite to each other from the outer surface of the locking housing into the cavity. The first and second locking dowels are provided with the third transverse holes. The third transverse hole of the locking dowel is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the locking dowel, and it extends through the locking dowel.

[0021] The first and second transverse holes in the first and second locking housings and the third transverse holes in the first and second locking dowels are positioned in such a manner that when the end plates of the first and second joint parts are arranged against each other the first, second and third transverse holes are aligned with each other. This allows inserting a locking pin through all the first, second and third transverse holes to lock the first and second joint parts together. The locking pin can be inserted into place through the first transverse hole of the first locking housing.

[0022] The diameter of the first, second and third transverse holes can be, for example, 10-30 mm. The length of the locking pin can be, for example, 15-100 cm. The diameter of the locking pin can be, for example, 10-30 mm. The locking pin can, for example, be made of steel.

[0023] An advantage of the joint system according to the invention is that it enables to join precast ground beams together without using grout. Another advantage of the joint system according to the invention is that it enables to join precast ground beams together in an easy and quick manner. Yet another advantage of the joint system according to the invention is that it enables to accurately join precast ground beams together. Yet another advantage of the joint system according to the invention is that it is easy and quick to manufacture, especially because the joint parts do not include any bottom plates. Because the joint parts are without bottom plates, this facilitates the fastening of the joint parts to precast ground beams.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the invention each of the first and second locking housings is provided with a first guidance pipe arranged in alignment with the first transverse hole and a second guidance pipe arranged in alignment with the second transverse hole. The first guidance pipe is attached in connection with the first transverse hole and the second guidance pipe is attached in connection with the second transverse hole. The first and second guidance pipes of the first and second locking housings are aligned with each other. An advantage of the first and second guidance pipes is that they facilitate the insertion of a locking pin. The locking pin can be inserted into place through the first guidance pipe of the first locking housing.

[0025] The inner diameter of the first and second guidance pipes can be, for example, 10-30 mm. The outer diameter of the first and second guidance pipes can be, for example, 12-50 mm. The length of the first and second guidance pipes can be, for example, 2-80 cm. The first and second guidance pipes can, for example, be made of steel.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the invention the second guidance pipes of the first and second locking housings are connected to each other with a first connecting pipe. The ends of the second guidance pipes are preferably arranged inside the first connecting pipe. The first connecting pipe prevents concrete from entering the second guidance pipes during the casting of a ground beam. The length of the first connecting pipe can be, for example, 2-80 cm. The first connecting pipe can, for example, be made of plastic or rubber.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention each of the first and second locking housings is provided with a first guidance pipe arranged in alignment with the first transverse hole, and a second guidance pipe is attached between the first and second locking housings in alignment with the second transverse holes. In this embodiment the second transverse holes of the first and second locking housings are connected to each other with one second guidance pipe. The first guidance pipe is attached in connection with the first transverse hole. The first and second guidance pipes are aligned with each other. An advantage of the first and second guidance pipes is that they facilitate the insertion of a locking pin. The locking pin can be inserted into place through the first guidance pipe of the first locking housing.

[0028] The inner diameter of the first and second guidance pipes can be, for example, 10-30 mm. The outer diameter of the first and second guidance pipes can be, for example, 12-50 mm. The length of the first and second guidance pipes can be, for example, 2-80 cm. The first and second guidance pipes can, for example, be made of steel.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the invention the first guidance pipe of the second locking housing is closed at its outer end. The outer end of the first guidance pipe is the end that is not attached to the locking housing.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the invention the end plate that comprises the first and second locking dowels comprises a third locking dowel and a fourth locking dowel and the end plate that comprises the first and second locking housings comprises a third locking housing and a fourth locking housing, wherein the third locking housing is arranged to receive the third locking dowel and the fourth locking housing is arranged to receive the fourth locking dowel when the end plates are arranged against each other, each of the third and fourth locking housings being provided with a fourth transverse hole and a fifth transverse hole and each of the third and fourth locking dowels being provided with a sixth transverse hole in such a manner that when the end plates are arranged against each other a locking pin can be arranged through the fourth, fifth and sixth transverse holes to lock the first and second joint parts together.

[0031] The third and fourth locking dowels and the third and fourth locking housings are located at the end plates in such a manner that the third locking housing can receive the third locking dowel and the fourth locking housing can receive the fourth locking dowel when the end plates are arranged against each other. The third and fourth locking dowels are arranged to the end plate in such a manner that their longitudinal directions are perpendicular to the end plate. Each of the third and fourth locking housings comprises a cavity into which the locking dowel is received. The third and fourth locking dowels as well as the cavities in the third and fourth locking housings have preferably circular cross sections.

[0032] The length of the third and fourth locking dowels and the depth of the cavities in the third and fourth locking housings can be, for example, 20-100 mm. The diameter of the third and fourth locking dowels can be, for example, 20-100 mm. The diameter of the cavities in the third and fourth locking housings can be, for example, 25-105 mm. The third and fourth locking dowels and the third and fourth locking housings can, for example, be made of steel.

[0033] The third and fourth locking housings are provided with the fourth and fifth transverse holes. The fourth and fifth transverse holes of the locking housing are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cavity, and they extend opposite to each other from the outer surface of the locking housing into the cavity. The third and fourth locking dowels are provided with the sixth transverse holes. The sixth transverse hole of the locking dowel is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the locking dowel, and it extends through the locking dowel.

[0034] The fourth and fifth transverse holes in the third and fourth locking housings and the sixth transverse holes in the third and fourth locking dowels are positioned in such a manner that when the end plates of the first and second joint parts are arranged against each other the fourth, fifth and sixth transverse holes are aligned with each other. This allows inserting a locking pin through all the fourth, fifth and sixth transverse holes to lock the first and second joint parts together. The locking pin can be inserted into place through the fourth transverse hole of the third locking housing. The diameter of the fourth, fifth and sixth transverse holes can be, for example, 10-30 mm.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the invention each of the third and fourth locking housings is provided with a third guidance pipe arranged in alignment with the fourth transverse hole and a fourth guidance pipe arranged in alignment with the fifth transverse hole. The third guidance pipe is attached in connection with the fourth transverse hole and the fourth guidance pipe is attached in connection with the fifth transverse hole. The third and fourth guidance pipes of the third and fourth locking housings are aligned with each other. An advantage of the third and fourth guidance pipes is that they facilitate the insertion of a locking pin. The locking pin can be inserted into place through the third guidance pipe of the third locking housing. The inner diameter of the third and fourth guidance pipes can be, for example, 10-30 mm. The outer diameter of the third and fourth guidance pipes can be, for example, 12-50 mm. The length of the third and fourth guidance pipes can be, for example, 2-80 cm. The third and fourth guidance pipes can, for example, be made of steel.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the invention the fourth guidance pipes of the third and fourth locking housings are connected to each other with a second connecting pipe. The ends of the fourth guidance pipes are preferably arranged inside the second connecting pipe. The second connecting pipe prevents concrete from entering the fourth guidance pipes during the casting of a ground beam. The length of the second connecting pipe can be, for example, 2-80 cm. The second connecting pipe can, for example, be made of plastic or rubber.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the invention each of the third and fourth locking housings is provided with a third guidance pipe arranged in alignment with the fourth transverse hole, and a fourth guidance pipe is attached between the third and fourth locking housings in alignment with the fifth transverse holes. In this embodiment the fifth transverse holes of the third and fourth locking housings are connected to each other with one fourth guidance pipe. The third guidance pipe is attached in connection with the fourth transverse hole. The third and fourth guidance pipes are aligned with each other. An advantage of the third and fourth guidance pipes is that they facilitate the insertion of a locking pin. The locking pin can be inserted into place through the third guidance pipe of the third locking housing.

[0038] The inner diameter of the third and fourth guidance pipes can be, for example, 10-30 mm. The outer diameter of the third and fourth guidance pipes can be, for example, 12-50 mm. The length of the third and fourth guidance pipes can be, for example, 2-80 cm. The third and fourth guidance pipes can, for example, be made of steel.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the invention the third guidance pipe of the fourth locking housing is closed at its outer end. The outer end of the third guidance pipe is the end that is not attached to the locking housing.

[0040] The joint system according to the invention comprises anchoring bars attached to the locking housings and / or the locking dowels. The anchoring bars are used to fasten the first and second joint parts to the precast ground beams.

[0041] In the joint system according to the invention at least one of the anchoring bars is provided with an anchoring plate. The anchoring plate is used to improve attachment to the precast ground beam. The anchoring plate is preferably attached to an end of the anchoring bar.

[0042] The present invention also relates to a foundation for a building. The foundation according to the invention comprises a first precast ground beam, a second precast ground beam, and a joint system according to the invention. In the foundation according to the invention the first joint part is attached to the first precast ground beam and the second joint part is attached to the second precast ground beam.

[0043] An advantage of the foundation according to the invention is that it is easy and quick to install.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the invention the end plates of the first and second joint parts are arranged against each other, and a locking pin is arranged through the first, second and third transverse holes to lock the first and second joint parts together.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the invention the first and second precast ground beams are made of reinforced concrete.

[0046] The exemplary embodiments of the invention presented in this text are not interpreted to pose limitations to the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "to comprise" is used in this text as an open limitation that does not exclude the existence of also unrecited features. The features recited in the dependent claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0047] The exemplary embodiments presented in this text and their advantages relate by applicable parts to the joint system as well as the foundation according to the invention, even though this is not always separately mentioned.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Figs. 1A-1Billustrate a joint system according to an embodiment of the invention, figs. 2A-2Billustrate the joining of precast ground beams together, and fig. 3illustrates a foundation according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Figs. 1A-1B illustrate a joint system according to an embodiment of the invention for joining two precast ground beams together. The joint system comprises joint parts 101 and 102 that can be locked together with locking pins 103 and 104. The joint parts 101 and 102 are shown separated in fig. 1A and joined in fig. 1B. Each of the joint parts 101 and 102 can be attached to an end or side of a precast ground beam.

[0050] The joint part 101 comprises an end plate 105 and locking housings 106, 107, 108 and 109, which are attached to the end plate 105.

[0051] The locking housing 106 is provided with transverse holes 110 and 111. A guidance pipe 112 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 110, and a guidance pipe 113 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 111. The locking housing 107 is provided with transverse holes 114 and 115. A guidance pipe 116 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 114, and a guidance pipe 117 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 115. The guidance pipes 113 and 116 are connected to each other with a connecting pipe 118. The transverse holes 110, 111, 114 and 115, the guidance pipes 112, 113, 116 and 117, and the connecting pipe 118 are aligned with each other.

[0052] The locking housing 108 is provided with transverse holes 119 and 120. A guidance pipe 121 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 119, and a guidance pipe 122 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 120. The locking housing 109 is provided with transverse holes 123 and 124. A guidance pipe 125 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 123, and a guidance pipe 126 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 124. The guidance pipes 122 and 125 are connected to each other with a connecting pipe 127. The transverse holes 119, 120, 123 and 124, the guidance pipes 121, 122, 125 and 126, and the connecting pipe 127 are aligned with each other.

[0053] The joint part 101 comprises anchoring bars 128, which are attached to the locking housings 106, 107, 108 and 110. The anchoring bars 128 are used to fasten the joint part 101 to the precast ground beam. Two of the anchoring bars 128 are provided with anchoring plates 129.

[0054] The joint part 102 comprises an end plate 130 that is meant to be arranged against the end plate 105 when the joint parts 101 and 102 are joined together. The joint part 102 comprises locking dowels 131, 132, 133 and 134, which are attached to the end plate 130. The locking dowels 131, 132, 133 and 134 are provided with transverse holes 135, 136, 137 and 138, respectively.

[0055] The locking housings 106, 107, 108 and 109, and the locking dowels 131, 132, 133 and 134 are located at the end plates 105 and 130 in such a manner that the locking housing 106 can receive the locking dowel 131, the locking housing 107 can receive the locking dowel 132, the locking housing 108 can receive the locking dowel 133, and the locking housing 109 can receive the locking dowel 134 when the end plates 105 and 130 are arranged against each other. Each of the locking housings 106, 107, 108 and 109 comprises a cavity into which the locking dowel 131, 132, 133 or 134 is received.

[0056] The transverse holes 135 and 136 are arranged in the locking dowels 131 and 132 in such a manner that when the end plates 105 and 130 are arranged against each other the transverse holes 135 and 136 are aligned with the transverse holes 110, 111, 114 and 115. This allows inserting the locking pin 103 through the transverse holes 110, 111, 114, 115, 135 and 136 to lock the joint parts 101 and 102 together. The locking pin 103 is inserted into place through the guidance pipe 112.

[0057] The transverse holes 137 and 138 are arranged in the locking dowels 133 and 134 in such a manner that when the end plates 105 and 130 are arranged against each other the transverse holes 137 and 138 are aligned with the transverse holes 119, 120, 123 and 124. This allows inserting the locking pin 104 through the transverse holes 119, 120, 123, 124, 137 and 138 to lock the joint parts 101 and 102 together. The locking pin 104 is inserted into place through the guidance pipe 121.

[0058] The joint part 102 comprises anchoring bars 139, which are attached to the locking dowels 131, 132, 133 and 134. The anchoring bars 139 are used to fasten the joint part 102 to the precast ground beam.

[0059] Figs. 2A-2B illustrate the joining of precast ground beams 201 and 202 together. The precast ground beams 201 and 202 are shown separated in fig. 2A and joined in fig. 2B. The precast ground beams 201 and 202 are joined together with a joint system of figs. 1A-1B. A joint part 101 is attached to a side of the precast ground beam 201 close to its end, and a joint part 102 is attached to an end of the precast ground beam 202. The joint parts 101 and 102 are locked together with locking pins 103 and 104 that are inserted into holes 203 and 204, respectively.

[0060] Fig. 3 illustrates a foundation according to an embodiment of the invention for a building. The foundation comprises piles 301, 302, 303 and 304 that have been installed into ground, and precast ground beams 305, 306, 307 and 308 that have been joined together and placed on top of the piles 301, 302, 303 and 304. The precast ground beams 305, 306, 307 and 308 are joined together with four joint systems of figs. 1A-1B. Each of the precast ground beams 305 and 306 is provided with two joint parts 101 at one side of the precast ground beam close to its ends, and each of the precast ground beams 307 and 308 is provided with a joint part 102 at both of its ends. The joint parts 101 and 102 are locked together with locking pins 103 and 104.

[0061] Only advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in the figures. It is clear to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted only to the examples presented above, but the invention may vary within the limits of the claims presented hereafter.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0049]Figs. 1A-1B illustrate a joint system according to an embodiment of the invention for joining two precast ground beams together. The joint system comprises joint parts 101 and 102 that can be locked together with locking pins 103 and 104. The joint parts 101 and 102 are shown separated in fig. 1A and joined in fig. 1B. Each of the joint parts 101 and 102 can be attached to an end or side of a precast ground beam.

[0050]The joint part 101 comprises an end plate 105 and locking housings 106, 107, 108 and 109, which are attached to the end plate 105.

[0051]The locking housing 106 is provided with transverse holes 110 and 111. A guidance pipe 112 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 110, and a guidance pipe 113 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 111. The locking housing 107 is provided with transverse holes 114 and 115. A guidance pipe 116 is attached in connection with the transverse hole 114, and a guidance pipe 117 is attached in connection with the ...

Claims

1. A joint system for joining precast ground beams (201, 202, 305, 306, 307, 308) together, comprising: - a first joint part (101) for a first precast ground beam (201, 305, 306), the first joint part (101) comprising an end plate (105), and - a second joint part (102) for a second precast ground beam (202, 307, 308), the second joint part (102) comprising an end plate (130), characterised in that one of the end plates (130) comprises a first locking dowel (131) and a second locking dowel (132) and the other of the end plates (105) comprises a first locking housing (106) and a second locking housing (107), the first locking housing (106) being arranged to receive the first locking dowel (131) and the second locking housing (107) being arranged to receive the second locking dowel (132) when the end plates (105, 130) are arranged against each other, each of the first and second locking housings (106, 107) being provided with a first transverse hole (110, 115) and a second transverse hole (111, 114) and each of the first and second locking dowels (131, 132) being provided with a third transverse hole (135, 136) in such a manner that when the end plates (105, 130) are arranged against each other a locking pin (103) can be arranged through the first, second and third transverse holes (110, 111, 114, 115, 135, 136) to lock the first and second joint parts (101, 102) together, and in that the joint system comprises anchoring bars (128, 139) attached to the locking housings (106, 107, 108, 109) and / or the locking dowels (131, 132, 133, 134), wherein at least one of the anchoring bars (128) is provided with an anchoring plate (129).

2. The joint system according to claim 1, characterised in that each of the first and second locking housings (106, 107) is provided with a first guidance pipe (112, 117) arranged in alignment with the first transverse hole (110, 115) and a second guidance pipe (113, 116) arranged in alignment with the second transverse hole (111, 114).

3. The joint system according to claim 2, characterised in that the second guidance pipes (113, 116) of the first and second locking housings (106, 107) are connected to each other with a first connecting pipe (118).

4. The joint system according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the first guidance pipe (117) of the second locking housing (107) is closed at its outer end.

5. The joint system according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the end plate (130) that comprises the first and second locking dowels (131, 132) comprises a third locking dowel (133) and a fourth locking dowel (134) and the end plate (105) that comprises the first and second locking housings (106, 107) comprises a third locking housing (108) and a fourth locking housing (109), wherein the third locking housing (108) is arranged to receive the third locking dowel (133) and the fourth locking housing (109) is arranged to receive the fourth locking dowel (134) when the end plates (105, 130) are arranged against each other, each of the third and fourth locking housings (108, 109) being provided with a fourth transverse hole (119, 124) and a fifth transverse hole (120, 123) and each of the third and fourth locking dowels (133, 134) being provided with a sixth transverse hole (137, 138) in such a manner that when the end plates (105, 130) are arranged against each other a locking pin (104) can be arranged through the fourth, fifth and sixth transverse holes (119, 120, 123, 124, 137, 138) to lock the first and second joint parts (101, 102) together.

6. The joint system according to claim 5, characterised in that each of the third and fourth locking housings (108, 109) is provided with a third guidance pipe (121, 126) arranged in alignment with the fourth transverse hole (119, 124) and a fourth guidance pipe (122, 125) arranged in alignment with the fifth transverse hole (120, 123).

7. The joint system according to claim 6, characterised in that the fourth guidance pipes (122, 125) of the third and fourth locking housings (108, 109) are connected to each other with a second connecting pipe (127).

8. The joint system according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the third guidance pipe (126) of the fourth locking housing (109) is closed at its outer end.

9. A foundation, comprising: - a first precast ground beam (201, 305, 306), and - a second precast ground beam (202, 307, 308), characterised in that the foundation comprises a joint system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first joint part (101) is attached to the first precast ground beam (201, 305, 306) and the second joint part (102) is attached to the second precast ground beam (202, 307, 308).

10. The foundation according to claim 9, characterised in that the end plates (105, 130) of the first and second joint parts (101, 102) are arranged against each other, and a locking pin (103) is arranged through the first, second and third transverse holes (110, 111, 114, 115, 135, 136) to lock the first and second joint parts (101, 102) together.

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