Joining mechanism for prefabricated concrete elements

Abstract

The invention relates to a joining mechanism for prefabricated concrete elements, which comprises a series of male elements formed by bolts (3) that project parallel to a first concrete element, for insertion into respective female elements formed by: a tubular body (4) from the side of which one or more bars (5) emerge parallel to the axis of the tubular body (4), the tubular body comprising a through-hole (11) in one side; and two washers (6) for closing the ends of the tubular body (4), with a conical or frustoconical projection (7) on an inner face directed towards the tubular body (4) and a through opening, such that each bolt (3) passes through both washers (6) and the tubular body (4), the mechanism also comprising a nut (9) screwed onto the bolt (3), on the outer face of each washer (6).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Joining mechanism for precast concrete elements

[0003] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0004] The present invention relates to a joining mechanism for precast concrete elements such as pillars, beams or piles with each other or with walls and other structural parts.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a versatile fixing system that allows the different bolts arranged at the start of the support to be fastened, with greater resistance to shear stresses and ultimately a better grip between pieces.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In the field of practical application of the invention, anchors for industrialized or prefabricated concrete supports are known, such as concrete piles or pillars in which an upper anchor plate is used in which a hole is established through which a fixing bolt embedded in one of the prefabricated elements is received, said anchor plate comprising extensions that are embedded in the concrete of the prefabricated support, arranging a plurality of anchors in the support.

[0008] These types of structural elements can be joined using systems such as the one disclosed in ES1277794U, which is considered the closest state of the art to the invention. This system is highly effective, but has a couple of areas where it could be improved, as described in this report.

[0009] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The proposed joining mechanism for precast concrete elements fully satisfactorily improves the known state of the art, offering a faster assembly mechanism with the ability to absorb errors. The joining mechanism for precast concrete elements comprises a series of male elements formed by bolts that protrude parallel from a first concrete element. The bolts are prepared for insertion into individual female elements. These female elements are primarily formed by a tubular body, with an internal diameter greater than the diameter of the bolts. One or more bars extend from one side of the tubular element parallel to the axis of the tubular body. For this purpose, a half-round reinforcement may be attached to the tubular body from which the bars extend. Locking washers are provided at both ends of the tubular body.Washers have a through hole, usually an elongated hole, and a protrusion on one inner surface. This inner surface faces the tubular body.

[0011] In operation, the bolt passes through both washers and the tubular body, with nuts on both sides of the assembly, on the outer faces of the two washers. A hole in one side of the tubular body allows cement or concrete (e.g., grout) to be inserted into the interior of the tubular body, allowing it to set around the bolt. The washers may have a conical or truncated conical inner face, facing the tubular body.

[0012] To reduce the risk of bubbles, it is preferable for at least one washer, if applicable the top one, to have an air vent on the inside. Otherwise, air can also pass through the oblong hole, surrounding the nut, if the hole is large enough.

[0013] The female elements are usually secured by a stirrup that embraces the bars. If this is insufficient or cannot be installed, the female elements can be secured by one or more bolts. To ensure they are firmly embedded in the concrete, they are placed on the side of the tubular body, below the bars.

[0014] Other embodiments are shown below.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] To complement the following description and to facilitate a better understanding of the features of the invention, a set of drawings is attached. These drawings represent a preferred example of the invention, which are illustrative rather than limiting.

[0017] Figure 1 shows a longitudinal sectional view of two concrete elements joined by an embodiment of the mechanism, specifically the connection of a pillar to a beam.

[0018] Figure 2.- Shows a perspective view of the female element that is intended to be embedded, together with the two washers for coupling and adjusting the union, all of which is carried out in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in two orientations (A) and (B).

[0019] Figure 3.- Shows a plan view of the possible distribution of the mechanism in figure 2 on a pillar.

[0020] Figure 4.- Shows a perspective detail of a washer from figure 2.

[0021] Figure 5.- Shows an enlarged detail of figure 2 at the level of the area where the nuts are applied to the mechanism.

[0022] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0023] In view of the figures shown, it can be seen how the joining mechanism for prefabricated concrete elements of the invention is constituted from two signs of complementary elements that are factory-linked to the prefabricated concrete structural elements to be joined, one acting as a female, and the other as a male. The figures show a pillar (1) and a beam (2), but it must be considered that the invention is applicable to other structural elements and that those represented are only an example.

[0024] In the figures, the beam (2) comprises a series of male elements, each formed by a bolt (3) fixed in the beam (2) and protruding from one end of the beam. Each bolt (3) is parallel to the others. The position of the bolts (3) is usually designed with a template, although there may be some positional error that must be absorbed for the correct connection of the structural elements. The number of bolts (3), their position and their dimensions will depend on the load to be supported. For each male element, the pillar (1) comprises a female element corresponding to a tubular body (4), with an internal diameter and an external diameter. From this tubular body (4) emerges a series of bars (5) parallel in one direction. In use, these bars (5) are embedded in the pillar (1) and may have roughnesses to aid in fixing to the concrete. The bars (5) preferably emerge from a half-round reinforcement (4') around the tubular body (4).This half-round reinforcement (4') leaves the first side of the tubular body (4) accessible. As can be seen in Figure 3 of ES1277794U, the bars (5) must allow the passage of the stirrup that retains the female elements. To do this, the bars (5) may be separated by an acute angle measured with respect to the center of the tubular body, that is, less than a quarter of the circumference of the tubular body (4).

[0025] The part of the tubular body (4) opposite the bars (5) is close to the edge of the pillar (1), so that the bolt (3) can be easily inserted into it.

[0026] To close the tubular element (4), two washers (6) are provided, one at each end. Unlike the prior art, one side of each washer (6) has an inclined projection (7), conical or truncated conical in shape, which aids in self-centering instead of staggering. A slitted hole (8) in the washers (6) allows the bolt (3) to pass from side to side. To achieve this, its smaller dimension is greater than the diameter of the bolt (3), while the larger dimension is even greater. As indicated in the prior art, this slitted hole (8) helps to absorb alignment errors of the bolts (3) and the tubular elements (4). The orientation of the error is corrected by rotating the washer (6).

[0027] The projection (7) of each washer (6) faces the tubular body (4), so that when pressed against it, it reorients and is centered on it. To do this, two nuts (9) are placed on the bolt that are tightened against the washers (6) on the outside of the tubular element (4).

[0028] As shown in ES1277794U, in order to tighten the nuts (9), an access recess (10) is defined on one side of the pillar (1 ), next to the tubular body (4), so that they can be accessed. The recess (10) is filled with concrete once the structural elements have been joined. A novelty is introduced in this concrete filling. In order to effectively fill the interior of the tubular body (4) with concrete, a drill hole (11 ) is defined on one side of the tubular body (4). Through this through hole (11 ), away from the bars

[0029] (5) To be accessible from the outside, concrete can be introduced. However, it is necessary to evacuate the air inside the tubular body (4). To do this, channels (12) are defined in the washers (6) that start from the elongated hole (8) or a point close to it, run along the projection (7) and reach the perimeter of the washer.

[0030] (6). When the tubular body (4) is being filled with concrete, air escapes through these channels (12). When the operator sees concrete escaping instead of air, he knows that the tubular body (4) is full. If necessary, he can slightly vibrate the tubular body (4), for example by tapping it, to reduce the bubbles. The washers (6) may have one or more channels (12), preferably three or four, equally spaced.

[0031] Sometimes, due to space or positioning errors of the female elements, it is not possible to position the stirrup. Likewise, it may also be preferable to improve the grip of the female elements. To do this, one or more bolts (13) can be arranged emerging from the tubular element (4) below the bars (5). The bolts (13) shown are perpendicular to the axis of the tubular element (4), but they may have a longitudinal component. As can be seen in the figures, the bolts (13) may have a larger head section to complete the grip. As in the case of the bars (5), the size and number of bolts (13) depends on the expected working load.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Joining mechanism for prefabricated concrete elements comprising a series of male elements formed by bolts (3) that protrude parallel from a first concrete element for their insertion into two female elements formed by: a tubular body (4), from the side of which one or more bars (5) emerge parallel to the axis of the tubular body (4) and comprising a through hole (11) in one side; two washers (6) for closing the ends of the tubular body (4) with a projection (7) on an inner face facing the tubular body (4) and a through hole; such that each bolt (3) passes through both washers (6) and the tubular body (4), comprising a nut (9) threaded onto the bolt (3) on the outer face of each washer (6) characterized in that the projection (7) of the washers (6) is conical or truncated conical. 2.- Joining mechanism for prefabricated concrete elements, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one tubular body (4) comprises at least one bolt (13) that emerges from the side below the bars (5). 3.- Joining mechanism for prefabricated concrete elements, according to claim 2, characterized in that the bolts (13) are finished in heads of larger section.

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