Advanced mechanical connection system for composite flooring, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly of the composite floor and reuse of its components, and corresponding composite flooring

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanical connection system (1) for linking at least one concrete slab (D) to a steel beam, which system (1) comprises at least one connector body (C) including a smooth rod (2) having a proximal end intended to be fixed to the beam, a free distal end (2b), and a female coupling part (20) opening at least at the free distal end (2b), and, for each of the at least one connector body (C), a removable connector head (4, 5, 6) comprising a sealed housing part (4) including a housing body (40), a base (41) and a removable cover (42) delimiting a sealed compartment, and a male coupling part (5) adapted to be housed in the sealed compartment and to pass through an opening (410) in the base (41), the male coupling part (5) being configured to be coupled in the female coupling part (20).The invention also relates to a composite floor in which at least one concrete slab (D) is connected to at least one steel beam using this connection system (1). Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Improved mechanical connection system for composite flooring, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly of the composite floor and reuse of its components, and corresponding composite flooring

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of composite floors, and in particular to a mechanical connection system for linking a prefabricated concrete slab to a steel beam in a way that allows for easy and quick assembly and disassembly, as well as at least reuse of the slabs and dry production for greater respect for the environment, and to a composite floor using this connection system.

[0002] A composite floor consists of several concrete slabs resting on steel beams of a metal frame.

[0003] In order to guarantee the quality of the composite floor and reduce installation time and costs, it has been proposed to use prefabricated slabs that are joined on-site to the beams by a continuous keying system using grout filling a cavity defined by the edges of two adjacent slabs and containing dowel-type connectors attached to the respective beam. The German utility model DE 20 2007 005 523 U1 can be cited as an example of such a solution.

[0004] However, this keying is permanent and it is not possible to reuse the slabs and structural elements.

[0005] In the context of a general trend towards greater respect for the environment in the field of construction, solutions enabling the dismantling of composite floors for the purpose of reusing / recycling the slabs have been sought.

[0006] The invention which is the subject of international application PCT WO 2016 / 135512 Al thus aims to provide a solution allowing the dismantling of a composite floor, while ensuring a connection allowing the transfer of longitudinal shear forces between the slab and the beam, preventing the lifting of the slab and reducing the slippage between the slab and the beam.

[0007] This solution consists of a composite floor comprising: - at least one steel beam from the top surface of which extend several stud-type connectors, namely longitudinal connectors, threaded or unthreaded; - at least one concrete slab comprising several through-holes in the shape of a truncated pyramid with a rectangular base, tapering from the upper surface to the upper lower, the or each slab being positioned in relation to at least one beam in such a way that at least one connector extends into the or each recess; - several intermediate pieces called "plugs", truncated conical, made of concrete, each comprising a through hole extending along its axis, each plug being received in a recess and configured to bear against the upper surface of the beam with a connector extending into the through hole and protruding out of it at the top, the diameter of the through hole being greater than that of the connector so as to leave a space between them; - several fastening elements, each coupled by screwing to the upper end region of a connector, protruding from a plug, so as to prevent the plug from being removed from the recess and to apply a preload to the plug against the beam; and - sealing concrete which fills the free space in each reservation, as well as the space between the through hole and the connector, by which the slab is joined to the beam by means of the keying by the sealing concrete and the connection system composed of the connectors, plugs and fixing devices.

[0008] According to this invention, the assembly of the composite floor would be easy and quick, since the steel beams, concrete slabs and plugs can be prefabricated.

[0009] Dismantling would also be easy, since the plugs can be removed simply by loosening or breaking the fasteners, and possibly by destroying the sealing concrete, allowing the steel beams and the slab to be separated cleanly.

[0010] In order to facilitate the separation of the plugs from the sealing concrete, it is also proposed to surround each plug with a truncated conical sleeve made of a detachment material, for example a polymer material, the sleeve having the sole function of preventing direct contact between the fixing block and the sealing concrete.

[0011] The push-out test results are reported in application WO 2016 / 135512 Al, which show an improvement in mechanical performance compared to the theoretical values ​​for a connection by welded studs with equivalent diameter heads.

[0012] One explanation put forward is that the prestress applied by the fasteners on the plugs against the beam produces a frictional force between the lower surfaces of the plugs and the upper surface of the beam, and that this frictional force must be overcome before the slab and the beam begin to slide relative to each other; in other words, the sliding is delayed until a higher load is reached. At higher loads, the resistance the shearing would be due to a combination of this friction force and a dowel effect between the connectors and the concrete plugs.

[0013] In order to obtain these improved mechanical performances, the plugs were made using very high performance concrete, having in particular a compressive strength of 73.87 MPa, in order to increase the load required to initiate a local deformation of the concrete of the plug by the connector.

[0014] These improved mechanical performances can also be attributed, in part, to the presence of a countersink at the exit of the hole through the base of the beam, through which the connector passes, a countersink which will be filled with sealing concrete, which would allow the connector to be forced to deform along a double plastic hinge, thus increasing the energy absorbed.

[0015] Thus, the solution according to application WO 2016 / 135512 appears satisfactory in that it effectively allows at least the dismantling of the slab and its reuse.

[0016] However, the gain provided by this connection system to the shear strength of the connector appears rather modest, on the order of 20%, which assumes the use of a connector made of a high-performance material, even though high-performance concrete is used for the plug.

[0017] The present invention therefore aims to provide a demountable connection system, the assembly and disassembly of which are very quick and easy, which allows reuse of the slabs and most of the connection components, and whose design leads to a greater contribution in terms of shear resistance of the connector, in order to allow the use of less efficient materials while meeting regulatory requirements in terms of resistance and ductility.

[0018] The present invention therefore relates to a mechanical connection system for linking at least one prefabricated concrete slab to a steel beam, the slab or slabs having at least one recess through their thickness and whose cross-section gradually decreases from the upper surface of the slab to its lower surface, by which the slab rests on an upper surface of the beam, the connection system comprising, for each of the at least one recess, at least one connector body intended to be fixed to the upper surface of the beam and to extend into the respective recess from the upper surface of the beam, characterized in that the connector body or bodies comprise a smooth rod having a proximal end intended to be fixed to the beam and a free distal end opposite the proximal end,the stem comprising a female coupling portion opening at least at the free distal end, the connection system further comprising, for each of the at least one connector body, a removable connector head, the connector head or each connector head comprising a sealed housing portion comprising a housing body, a base and a removable cover, defining a watertight compartment, and a male coupling part suitable for being housed in the watertight compartment and passing through an opening in the bottom, the male coupling part being configured to be coupled in the female coupling part in order to fix the watertight housing part to the respective rod, with the bottom of the housing part opposite the free distal end of the rod.

[0019] Such a sealed housing part allows, in use, to hide and protect the male coupling part when a filling material is poured into the recess, and thus to fill the recess with filling material in order to obtain a very good quality of keying, while allowing access to the male coupling part for disassembly.

[0020] The case body and the base can be formed as a single piece.

[0021] The housing body, the base and the cover may have a circular cross-section.

[0022] Advantageously, the cover is of the capping type and comprises a top wall and a side wall, the internal diameter of the side wall of the cover corresponding to the external diameter of the peripheral skirt of the housing body.

[0023] The smooth rod may have a straight cylindrical section.

[0024] In a particular embodiment, the female coupling part is a tapped axial bore, and the male coupling part is a screw having a screw head with a diameter larger than the bore and adapted to be received in the sealed compartment, and a screw shank adapted to pass through the opening in the bottom and whose thread is adapted to cooperate with the tapped axial bore. Thus, the assembly of the connector head and the connector body is easy and quick, requiring only a simple screwing operation.

[0025] Advantageously, the screw head is a hexagonal head having a slotted recess.

[0026] Advantageously, the smooth rod and the screw are made of steel, in particular galvanized mild steel.

[0027] Advantageously, the waterproof housing part is made of plastic material, in particular by plastic injection.

[0028] Preferably, the tapped axial bore is a blind bore whose bottom is configured to cooperate with the free end of the screw shank.

[0029] Preferably, the connector head or each connector head further includes a washer suitable for being arranged between the lower face of the screw head and the free distal end of the smooth shank and around the screw shank.

[0030] Said washer may be adapted to be housed in the compartment and to extend between the lower face of the screw head and the bottom of the housing part around the screw shank. Thus, in use, the washer bears against the free distal end of the smooth shank.

[0031] Advantageously, the washer is an annular washer whose outer diameter corresponds to the inner diameter of the peripheral skirt of the housing body.

[0032] Alternatively, said washer may equally be suitable for being placed between the lower face of the bottom of the housing part and the free distal end of the smooth rod and around the screw rod, the diameter of said washer being greater than the diameter of said bottom.

[0033] In a particular embodiment, the system further comprises, for each connector head, a pull-through demolding aid element adapted to pass through a passage provided in the housing body such that a so-called gripping section of the element is housed in the sealed compartment and a so-called protruding section extends out of the housing portion into the respective recess. Such a pull-through demolding aid element makes it possible to easily demold the block of filling material from the recess by simply pulling on the gripping section accessible in the housing.

[0034] The pull-release aid element can, for example, be a loop of cable or wire. In particular, for cost reasons, the pull-release aid element may advantageously be a rigid bent steel wire.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment, the system further comprises, for the connector body or bodies, a pressure-activated release aid element adapted to be placed around the smooth rod, in its proximal end region, and to cover the upper surface of the beam within a respective recess, the element being adapted to define a cavity suitable for filling with an expanding material. Such a pressure-activated release aid element makes it easy to demold the block of filling material from the recess by simply filling the cavity with an expanding material.

[0036] The pressure demolding aid element may include a hollow part internally delimiting the cavity and equipped with a pouring chimney opening, at one end, into the cavity and, at the other end, above the reservation.

[0037] Advantageously, said hollow part further comprises a vent chimney opening, at one end, into the cavity and, at the other end, above the reservation.

[0038] The hollow part may be a thermoplastic part, molded by injection or by injection-blowing.

[0039] Alternatively, the pressure demolding aid element may include a solid part complementary to the cavity to be delimited and capable of being dissolved, and equipped with a pouring chimney, and possibly a vent chimney.

[0040] Advantageously, for economic reasons, the solid part is made of polystyrene. It will be understood that the solid part could be made of any other very low-density material.

[0041] Preferably, the pressure-based demolding aid further comprises a metal ring, in particular a steel ring, suitable for being placed around the cavity. The arrangement of such a ring prevents the slab from bursting during the demolding of the block of filling material from the cavity.

[0042] Preferably, the system further comprises, for each connector body, a sleeve-forming tube suitable for placement around the smooth rod in a respective recess, the inner diameter of the tube corresponding to the outer diameter of the rod and the length of the tube corresponding to the length of the rod. Thus, this sleeve-forming tube is in a sliding connection with the rod, in order to facilitate disassembly.

[0043] Advantageously, the sleeve-forming tube is a split tube to allow for a tight fit to the rod. Alternatively, this sleeve-forming tube could be a round tube.

[0044] Advantageously, the sleeve-forming tube is made of zinc-plated steel. Alternatively, the smooth rod could be coated with a release agent.

[0045] Preferably, to allow for easy disassembly, the connection system further comprises a demolding means intended to be positioned between the recess or recesses and the block of filling material for said recess. This demolding means may be a solid coating, a textile coating, or a chemical coating. For example, the solid coating may be a plastic part, thermoformed or produced by an injection or injection-blowing process, or a metal part, suitable for being placed in a respective recess and in contact with its walls, over the entire thickness of the slab. The textile coating may be a piece of elastic textile material such as tubular jersey, Lycra®, or elastane.In the case of a chemical coating, the inner walls of the compartment or each compartment could be coated with a film-forming and / or non-stick material, for example an oil, a grease, polyvinyl acetate, or a polymer-based solution.

[0046] In an embodiment in which at least one opening leads to both the upper surface of the slab and one side of the slab, so as to define, with the at least one respective opening placed opposite an adjacent slab, a pair of adjacent associated openings communicating with each other, the system further comprises, preferably, for the pair or pairs of associated openings, a connecting ring configured to surround the connector bodies intended to extend into said adjacent associated openings. Such a connecting ring allows a transverse connection between two adjacent slabs.

[0047] Advantageously, the chaining ring is made of metal, in particular steel, and is closed by welding. Thus, it will be understood that such a ring is not likely to open under the effect of a load.

[0048] The chaining ring may be an oval ring.

[0049] The present invention also relates to a composite floor comprising at least one prefabricated concrete slab and at least one steel beam to which the at least one slab is connected by a mechanical connection system, the at least one slab having at least one recess through its thickness and whose cross-section gradually decreases from the upper surface of the slab to its lower surface, by which the slab rests on an upper surface of the beam, the composite floor being characterized in that the connection system is as defined above, for each of the at least one recess, the at least one connector body being fixed to the upper surface of the beam and extending into the respective recess from the upper surface of the beam, the removable connector head being coupled to said connector body, and a filling material, such as concrete or sealing mortar,filling at least part of the space in the reservation, whereby at least one slab is secured to at least one beam by means of the keying through the infill material and the connection system.

[0050] In particular, the filling material may fill the space between the bottom of the reservation and a plane located below the lower edge of the cover.

[0051] Advantageously, the filling material may be a low-shrinkage sealing mortar.

[0052] Preferably, the proximal end of the stem of at least one connector body is secured to the beam by welding.

[0053] Preferably, the floor comprises at least two slabs adjacent on one of their sides, the at least two adjacent slabs having at least one pair of associated openings, the pair or pairs being defined by two openings opening onto both the upper surface and the adjacent side of the slabs. For each pair or pairs, the tie ring surrounding the connector bodies extends into the associated openings and is sealed in the infill material. Thus, unlike conventional inter-slab connections using transverse reinforcing bars sealed on both sides of the slabs, the inter-slab connections using tie rings according to the invention allow for the dismantling of the slabs.

[0054] Preferably, each recess in a pair of associated recesses comprises a conical part whose cross-section increases progressively from the bottom of the recess and whose axis extends perpendicularly to the plane of the slab, and a semi-oval part into which the conical part opens, the semi-oval part being flared towards the upper surface of the slab and being open on the side of the slab and on the upper face of the slab. Alternatively, the conical part could be a truncated pyramid-shaped part with a rectangular base.

[0055] To better illustrate the object of the present invention, a particular embodiment thereof will be described below by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0056] On these drawings:

[0057] [Fig. 1] is a top perspective view of part of a composite floor according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a part of the connection system.

[0058] [Fig.2] is an exploded perspective view of the connection system.

[0059] [Fig.3] is a perspective view, in longitudinal section, of a connector body of the connection system.

[0060] [Fig.4] is a side view of a removable connector head of the system of connection.

[0061] [Fig.5] is a top perspective view of a single housing body, with its base, of the removable connector head.

[0062] [Fig.6] is a side view of a removable connector head, of an aid element to the demolding by traction and of a tube forming a sleeve of the connection system.

[0063] [Fig.7] is a vertical cross-sectional view through a recess in the slab, showing the connection system in the position of use.

[0064] [Fig.8] is a top perspective view of a reservation, showing the system connection without the cover, washer and screw.

[0065] [Fig.9] is a view analogous to that of [Fig.8], only the lid being omitted.

[0066] [Fig. 10] is a top perspective view of a pair of associated reservations between two adjacent slabs, mounting a chaining ring of the connection system.

[0067] [Fig. 11] is a vertical cross-sectional view through a recess in the slab, showing a variant for the demolding aid element.

[0068] If we refer to [Fig. 1], we can see that a part of a composite floor according to the present invention is represented there, showing in particular a beam P and a slab D supported on the upper surface PO of the beam P and connected to the latter by a connection system 1 according to the present invention.

[0069] In the embodiment shown, the slab D has a plurality of through-reservations DI and D2, in particular at the edge of slab D, and the slab D is positioned relative to the beam P such that each reservation DI and D2 opens onto the upper surface PO of the beam P. The plurality of reservations DI and D2 includes conical reservations DI and reservations D2 defining a pair of associated reservations D2.

[0070] As can be seen further in Figures 8 and 9, each conical recess DI has the shape of a hollow truncated cone and includes two circular openings that define the larger and smaller bases of the truncated cone, respectively. The larger base, with a diameter greater than that of the smaller base, is located on the upper surface DO of the slab D, while the smaller base is located on the lower surface of the slab D. When the slab D is positioned on the beam P, the central axis of each conical recess DI is perpendicular to the upper surface PO of the beam P.

[0071] As can be seen further in Figures 2 and 10, each recess D2 of a pair of associated recesses D2 comprises a conical portion D20, analogous to the conical recess D1, and a semi-oval portion D21. The conical portion D20 has a lower circular opening that defines the smaller base of the truncated cone and is located on the lower surface of the slab D, and an upper circular opening that defines the larger base of the truncated cone and opens into the semi-oval portion D21. The semi-oval portion D21 has a semi-oval cross-section whose cross-section gradually decreases from the upper surface D0 of the slab D. The semi-oval portion D21 is defined by a lateral wall open on the side of the slab D and by a lower wall at the level of which the upper circular opening of the conical portion D20 is located.Thus, each reservation D2 of a pair of associated reservations D2 opens onto the upper surface PO of the beam P and onto the respective associated reservation D2 of an adjacent slab D.

[0072] In the embodiment shown, the beam P is a conventional I-beam on the upper surface PO of which a series of connector bodies C of the connection system 1 are provided and distributed such that each connector body C is located within a respective recess D1, D2. As can be seen in Figures 2, 3, and 7, the connector bodies C are cylindrical smooth rods 2, comprising a circular proximal end 2a by which they are welded to the beam P and an opposite annular free distal end 2b. Preferably, the smooth rod 2 is made of steel, in particular galvanized steel. In the welded state, the longitudinal axis of the smooth rod 2 is orthogonal to the plane of the upper surface PO of the beam P.A female coupling portion 20 is formed inside the smooth rod 2 and opens at the free distal end 2b to allow coupling with the other parts composing the connection system 1. The female coupling portion 20 is a threaded axial blind bore. More specifically, the longitudinal axis of the bore 20 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the smooth rod 2, and the bore 20 has a bottom 200 distant from the free distal end 2b of the rod 2 and a circular opening 201 opening at the free distal end 2b.

[0073] The D slabs are prefabricated concrete D slabs and the P beams are made of steel, as is also well known in the field. The various parts components of connection system 1 are received within reservations DI and D2.

[0074] In the preferred embodiment, the connection system 1 further comprises, for each connector body C, a sleeve tube 3, a removable connector head 4, 5 and 6 and a demolding aid element 7 or 9 and, for each pair of associated reservations D2, a chaining ring 8.

[0075] With particular reference to Figures 2, 6, and 7, it can be seen that the sleeve tube 3 is a hollow cylindrical piece defining an internal space for receiving the smooth rod 2. In particular, the smooth rod 2 and the sleeve tube 3 are dimensioned for a sliding joint assembly, with the circumferential wall of the smooth rod 2 in contact with the inner wall of the sleeve tube 3. In other words, the outside diameter of the smooth rod 2 is substantially the same as the inside diameter of the sleeve tube 3. The sleeve tube 3 is open at both its ends 3a and 3b. The length of the sleeve tube 3 is equal to that of the smooth rod 2. Thus, one end 3a of the sleeve tube 3 rests on the upper surface PO of the beam P, while the other end 3b is located at the free distal end 2b of the smooth rod 2.The sleeve tube 3 may be a round tube, or advantageously, a split tube. The sleeve tube 3 may advantageously be made of steel, in particular zinc-plated steel or steel coated with a release agent.

[0076] If we refer more particularly to Figures 2, 4 and 7, we can see that the removable connector head 4, 5 and 6 comprises a waterproof housing part 4, a male coupling part 5 and a washer 6.

[0077] The watertight housing portion 4 comprises a housing body 40, a base 41, and a cover 42. The housing body 40 and the base 41 may be formed as a single unit. Alternatively, the housing body 40 and the base 41 could be two separate parts joined together, for example by screwing. In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 5], the housing body 40 is a tubular body defined by a peripheral skirt 400 with a circular cross-section having a circular opening at one end and a circular base 41 at the other end. The base 41 has a circular opening 410 in its center. The central axis of the opening 410 is coaxial with the central axis of the housing portion 4.

[0078] The cover 42 has a capped upper portion 420 from which extends, at a right angle, a lateral wall forming a peripheral rim 421. The capped portion 420 is in the form of a disc, the peripheral rim 421 having an annular cross-section. The internal diameter of the peripheral rim 421 corresponds to the external diameter of the peripheral skirt 400, such that the cover 42 is suitable to hermetically close the circular opening of the housing body 40. The cover 42, the housing body 40 and the base 41 define an internal volume.

[0079] The circular opening 410 through the bottom 41 has a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the sleeve tube 3. Thus, when the sleeve tube 3, mounted around the smooth rod 2, passes through the bottom 41, the internal volume delimited in the watertight housing part 4 defines a watertight compartment 43. The watertight housing part 4 may be made of plastic material, thus reducing costs.

[0080] The male coupling part 5 is a simple screw 5 comprising, conventionally, a screw head 50 and a screw shank 51. The head 50 has a polygonal external shape, here hexagonal, and a recess 500, here a slotted recess 500, for use with a screwing tool to screw the screw 5 into the smooth shank 2. The dimensions of the head 50 are chosen to allow it to be housed in the sealed compartment 43. The shank 51 has an external thread suitable for engaging with the tapped hole 20. The diameter of the shank 51 is chosen to allow the screw shank 51 to be screwed into the smooth shank 2 from inside the housing part 4. In other words, the diameter of the screw shank 51 corresponds to the diameter of the bore 20 and is therefore smaller than the diameter of the opening 410 in the bottom 4L. The screw 5 can be made of steel, in particular galvanized steel.

[0081] The washer 6 is an annular washer having a central circular opening 60. The outer diameter of the washer 6 corresponds here to the inner diameter of the skirt 400 of the housing body 40, so that the washer 6 is housed in the watertight compartment 43 and bears against the bottom 4L. The central opening 60 of the washer 6 is axially aligned with the opening 410 in the bottom 4L. The diameter of the central opening 60 of the washer 60 is smaller than the diameter of the opening 410 in the bottom 41 and corresponds to the diameter of the screw shank 51. Thus, the screw shank 51 passes through the washer 6, centered by it, and the screw head 50 bears against the upper surface of the washer 6.In other words, the washer 6 will be interposed between the screw head 50 and the bottom 41 of the housing part 4, the lower surface of the washer 6 resting on the free distal end 2b of the smooth rod 2 and the upper end 3b of the sleeve-forming tube 3.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the smooth rod 2 has an outside diameter of 18.3 mm, the washer 6 has an inside diameter of 12 mm, an outside diameter of 40 mm and a thickness of 6 mm, and the screw 5 has a shank 51 of 12 mm diameter and 20 mm length.

[0083] With particular reference to Figures 2, 6, 8 and 9, it can be seen that the demolding aid element is a traction demolding aid element 7 which may be in the form of a loop of cable or wire. In other words, it may be a flexible cable looped or a rigid metal wire bent into a loop. at least one loop. The dimensions of the pull-out aid element 7 will be chosen so that it is able to pass through a passage 401 provided through the skirt 400 of the housing body 40. Thus, in the assembled state, this element 7 has a gripping section 70 housed in the sealed compartment 43 and accessible from the top of the housing part 4 and a projecting section 71 extending out of the housing part 4 and therefore into the space delimited by the walls of the recess DI and D2 and intended to be filled with a filling material M. The projecting section 71 may surround the sleeve-forming tube 3.

[0084] Reference is now made to [Fig. 7], which shows in cross-section the connection system 1 in its operating position, suitable for connecting the slab D to the beam P. First, for each conical recess DI in the slab D, a smooth rod 2 is welded to the upper surface PO of the beam P, and the slab D is positioned on the beam P as illustrated in [Fig. 1], namely with a smooth rod 2 extending through each conical recess DI. Once the slab D is positioned in this way, a sleeve tube 3 is placed around each smooth rod 2, with the lower circular end 3a of the sleeve tube 3 resting on the upper surface PO of the beam P. A removable connector head 4, 5, and 6, carrying a pull-out aid element 7, is then coupled to each smooth rod 2.To achieve this, a housing body 40 is positioned with its base 41 opposite the free distal end 2b of the smooth rod 2 and the sleeve tube 3. A washer 6 is positioned at the base of the housing body 40, and the shank 51 of a screw 5 is inserted through the washer 6 and through the base 41 and screwed into the tapped bore 20 of the smooth rod 2 until the free end of the screw shank 51 abuts against the base 200 of the bore 20. The cover 42 is then fixed onto the housing body 40 to hermetically seal the connector head. The washer 6, the screw 5, and the gripping section 70 of the pull-out aid element 7 are then protected inside the sealed compartment 43.Next, for each recess Dl, the free space between the side wall of the recess DI and the outer walls of the sleeve tube 3 and the sealed housing part 4 is filled with a filling material M, in particular sealing concrete, for example up to the peripheral rim 421 of the cover 42. The recess Dl can then be closed by a hatch or other finishing strip or covering (not shown). The slab D is thus secured to the beam P by keying (sealing concrete M) and by the connection system 1.

[0085] Reference is now made to [Fig. 10], on which the top view of the connection system 1 for linking two adjacent slabs D connected to the same beam P is shown, in addition to the connection of the slabs D to the beam P. This inter-slab connection makes it possible, in particular, to create a membrane effect over the entire floor slab. comprising a multitude of D slabs. The components of the connection system 1 are the same as those described previously for the conical recesses D1. Each smooth rod 2 is welded to the upper surface PO of the beam P such that when the adjacent D slabs are positioned on the beam P, the smooth rods 2 extend to the center of the conical portions D20 of the associated recesses D2. In addition to the previous components, the connection system 1 includes, for each pair of associated recesses D2, a tie ring 8. The tie ring 8 may be an oval ring with a circular cross-section, made of steel. Each tie ring 8 is placed against the bottom of the semi-oval portion D21 of the associated recesses D2, therefore in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of each smooth rod 2, and so as to surround the two opposing connector bodies C.Then, as before, for each pair of associated D2 reservations, the free space in the D2 reservations is filled with the filling material M. The chaining ring 8 is therefore embedded in the filling material M, in the same way as the projecting section 71 of the traction release aid elements 7.

[0086] Thus, the connection system 1 can be in the form of a kit comprising at least one connector body C and, for each of the at least one connector body C, a housing body 40 with a base 41, a cover 42, a washer 6, a screw 5, a sleeve tube 3, and a demolding aid element 7, and for each pair of associated reservations D2, a chaining ring 8.

[0087] The assembly of the connection system 1 is very easy and quick. Indeed, once the smooth rods 2 are welded to the beams P, it is simply a matter of screwing a removable connector head 4, 5 and 6 into each smooth rod 2. This screwing is done from above, and no operation from below, which is more tedious for the operators, is required.

[0088] The connection system 1 is also very easily and quickly disassembled, since for each removable connector head 4, 5, and 6, it is sufficient to remove the cover 42, unscrew the screw 5 using a suitable tool, and then remove the washer 6, thus separating the connector head from the connector body C. To perform the demolding, simply pull on the gripping section 70 of the pull-out aid 7, which is accessible in the housing body 40. This pull allows the block of filling material M to be demolded from its recess. This demolding operation is facilitated by the flared shape of the recess and by the presence of the sleeve-forming tube 3, which ensures proper sliding at the interface between the smooth rod 2 and the filling material M.To facilitate demolding, the inner wall of the cavity can also be coated with a release agent, such as oil. In the case of a conical cavity D1, the block of filling material M will be a conical block. In the case of adjacent associated cavity D2, the joint between the... Two adjacent slabs D will be sawn, the tie ring 8 can also be sawn. In this case, the two blocks of filling material M, filling each reservation D2 of the pair, will be demolded one after the other by simple traction via the traction demolding aid element 7.

[0089] The slab D can therefore be easily and quickly separated from the beam P without damaging the slab D, which can then be reused at another site. Similarly, all the components can be reused at another site, with the exception of the filler block M and the traction release aid element 7, a section of which is embedded in this block.

[0090] The ability to reuse / recycle the tiles D and the components of the connection system 1 promotes the emergence of an environmentally friendly circular economy.

[0091] The solution according to the present invention has other advantages including occupying a small volume, facilitating storage, transport and handling by operators during installation, and not requiring the use of a high-performance material, which further facilitates the industrialization of the manufacture of the connection system 1.

[0092] Referring now to [Fig. 1], we can see that, alternatively, the demolding aid element could be a pressure demolding aid element 9, rather than a pull-type one. This element 9 could comprise a hollow part 90, a pouring channel 91, and a steel ring 92.

[0093] The hollow piece 90 delimits an annular cavity 90a, defined by an outer cylindrical wall 90b, an inner cylindrical wall 90c, a lower annular wall 90d, which is flat and intended to rest on the beam P, and an upper annular wall 90e, the latter being inclined in such a way that the cross-section of the cavity 90a is not constant.

[0094] The outer diameter of the ring 92 is chosen to correspond to the diameter of the small base of the conical recess DI. The inner diameter of the ring 92 corresponds to the outer diameter of the outer cylindrical wall 90b. The height of the ring 92, along the direction of the central axis of the conical recess D1, is substantially equal to the mid-height of the hollow part 90, namely the height equidistant from the maximum and minimum heights of the upper annular wall 90e. Thus, the cavity 90a can be considered to be defined by a region of larger cross-section and a region of smaller cross-section, in which the height of the upper annular wall 90e is greater than, respectively, less than said mid-height. The inner diameter of the inner cylindrical wall 90c is chosen to correspond to the outer diameter of the smooth rod 2 or to the outer diameter of the sleeve tube 3.

[0095] The casting chimney 91 delimits a cylindrical channel having an open end which opens into the cavity 90a, in particular in the region of largest section, and another open end which protrudes at least slightly above the reservation Dl.

[0096] A vent chimney similar to the casting chimney 91 could also be provided, namely having an open end which opens into the cavity 90a, in particular in the region of smaller section, and another open end which protrudes at least slightly above the reservation Dl.

[0097] In the case of such a pressure-activated demolding aid element 9, for each recess Dl, before coupling the removable connector head 4, 5 and 6 to the smooth rod 2, an element 9 is positioned at the base of the conical recess Dl. The hollow part 90 and the ring 93 radially fill the space formed between the smooth rod 2 and the lateral wall of the recess Dl at the bottom of this recess Dl. The connector head is then mounted and the recess Dl is filled as described above.

[0098] When it is necessary to demold a block of filler material M filling the space above the element 9 as described above, it is sufficient, after removing the hatch or other strip or finishing coating covering the recess D1, to pour an expansive material, for example a fluid expansive mortar, from the accessible opening of the pouring chute 91, until the cavity 90a is completely filled. Filling the cavity 90a is facilitated by the fact that the pouring chute 91 opens into the region with the largest cross-section of the cavity 90a, which offers a larger volume for the entry of the expansive material. The expansive material then acts in such a way as to tend to expand the volume of the cavity 90a.This expansion then creates sufficient upward pressure to push the filling material block M out of the recess DL. During this expansion, the steel ring 92 ensures that the pressure exerted by the expansion is directed upwards, in order to avoid the risk of causing the slab D itself to burst.

[0099] In the case where the element 9 includes a solid piece, in particular made of polystyrene, complementary to the cavity to be delimited in place of the hollow piece 90, if it is desired to proceed to demold a block of filling material M filling the space above the element 9, it is necessary first to dissolve the solid piece, for example by pouring a solvent, such as acetone, through the pouring chimney 91, then, once the piece has dissolved, to fill the cavity thus formed with expansive material.

[0100] It is understood that the particular embodiment just described has been given by way of example and not limitation, and that modifications may be made without departing from the present invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A mechanical connection system (1) for linking at least one precast concrete slab (D) to a steel beam (P), the slab or slabs (D) having at least one recess (D1; D2) through its thickness and whose cross-section gradually decreases from the upper surface (D1) of the slab (D) to its lower surface, by which the slab (D) rests on an upper surface (P0) of the beam (P), the connection system (1) comprising, for each of P at least one recess (D1; D2), at least one connector body (C) intended to be fixed to the upper surface (P0) of the beam (P) and to extend into the respective recess (D1; D2) from the upper surface (P0) of the beam (P), characterized in that the connector body (C) comprises a smooth rod (2) having a proximal end (2a) intended to be fixed to the beam (P) and a free distal end (2b) opposite to the proximal end (2a),the rod (2) having a female coupling portion (20) opening at least at the free distal end (2b), the connection system (1) further comprising, for each of the at least one connector body (C), a removable connector head (4, 5, 6), the connector head(s) (4, 5, 6) comprising a watertight housing portion (4) having a housing body (40), a base (41) and a removable cover (42) delimiting a watertight compartment (43), and a male coupling portion (5) adapted to be housed in the watertight compartment (43) and to pass through an opening (410) in the base (41), the male coupling portion (5) being configured to be coupled in the female coupling portion (20) in order to fix the watertight housing portion (4) to the respective rod (2), with the base (41) of the housing portion (4) opposite the free distal end (2b) of the rod (2).,

2. System (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the female coupling part (20) is a tapped axial bore (20) and the male coupling part (5) is a screw (5) having a screw head (50) of larger diameter than the bore (20) and adapted to be received in the sealed compartment (43) and a screw shank (51) adapted to pass through the opening (410) in the bottom (41) and whose thread is adapted to cooperate with the tapping of the axial bore (20).

3. System (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the axial tapped bore (20) is a blind bore whose bottom (200) is configured to cooperate with the free end of the screw shank (51).

4. System (1) according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the connector head or each connector head (4, 5, 6) further comprises a washer (6) suitable for being arranged between the lower face of the screw head (50) and the free distal end (2b) of the smooth rod (2) and around the screw rod (51).

5. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it further comprises, for the connector head or each connector head (4, 5, 6), a pull-out aid element (7) capable of passing through a passage (401) provided in the housing body (40) such that a so-called gripping section (70) of the element (7) is housed in the sealed compartment (43) and a so-called protruding section (71) extends out of the housing part (4) into the respective recess (DI; D2).

6. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it further comprises, for the connector body or each connector body (C), a pressure release aid element (9) adapted to be placed around the smooth rod (2), in its proximal end region (2a), and to cover the upper surface (PO) of the beam (P) in a respective reservation (DI; D2), the element (9) being adapted to delimit a cavity (90) adapted to be filled by an expansive material.

7. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises, for the connector body or each connector body (C), a sleeve-forming tube (3) suitable for being placed around the smooth rod (2) in a respective recess (DI; D2), the inner diameter of the tube (3) corresponding to the outer diameter of the rod (2) and the length of the tube (3) corresponding to the length of the rod (2).

8. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising at least one opening (D2) opening onto both the upper surface (D0) of the slab (D) and one side of the slab (D) so as to define, with the respective at least one opening (D2) placed opposite an adjacent slab (D), a pair of adjacent associated openings (D2) communicating with each other, characterized by the that the system (1) further includes, for the or each pair of associated reservations (D2), a chaining ring (8) configured to surround the connector bodies (C) intended to extend into said adjacent associated reservations (D2).

9. Composite floor comprising at least one prefabricated concrete slab (D) and at least one steel beam (P) to which at least one slab (D) is connected by a mechanical connection system (1), at least one slab (D) having at least one opening (DI; D2) which traverses its thickness and whose cross-section gradually decreases from the upper surface (DO) of the slab (D) to its lower surface by which the slab (D) rests on an upper surface (PO) of the beam (P), the composite floor being characterized in that the connection system (1) is as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, for each of at least one opening (DI; D2), at least one connector body (C) being attached to the upper surface (PO) of the beam (P) and extending into the opening (DI;D2) respective from the upper surface (PO) of the beam (P), the removable connector head (4, 5, 6) being coupled to said connector body (C), and a filling material (M), such as concrete or sealing mortar, filling at least part of the space in the recess (DI; D2), whereby at least one slab (D) is joined to at least one beam (P) by means of the keying by the filling material (M) and the connection system (1).;

10. Composite floor according to claim 9, characterized in that the proximal end (2a) of the rod (2) of at least one connector body (C) is joined to the beam (P) by welding.

11. Composite floor according to any one of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that it comprises at least two slabs (D) adjacent by one of their sides, the at least two adjacent slabs (D) having at least one pair of associated reservations (D2), the pair or each pair being defined by two reservations (D2) opening onto both the upper surface (DO) and the adjacent side of the slabs (D), for the pair or each pair, a bonding panel (8) surrounding the connector bodies (C) extending into the associated reservations (D2) and being sealed in the filling material (M).

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