Cantilevered Precast Slab Coupling With Concrete Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coupling precast concrete slabs to building elements, such as balconies or storey floors, are complex, costly, and complicate the manufacturing and formwork processes, with inefficiencies in force transfer and thermal insulation.
Innovation Solution
A compound coupling system using concrete insert pieces, made of High Performance or Ultra High Performance Concrete, is integrated into the construction, which includes a tension coupling system using a tension coupling system using a tension coupling system with concrete insert pieces that are embedded into the formwork, and a compression coupling system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical coupling systems are used to connect precast concrete slabs to building elements, then the coupling provides structural connection, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coupling function directly into the concrete elements themselves by embedding coupling parts during casting. The building element includes a coupling part with receiving elements, and the slab includes a coupling part with engaging elements, eliminating the need for separate mechanical coupling systems. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining coupling reliability through direct structural integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling parts are prepared in advance during the casting process of the concrete elements. The coupling parts are embedded into the concrete elements before assembly, allowing for precise positioning and integration. This preliminary action simplifies the on-site assembly process and reduces the complexity of the overall coupling system.
2Strength
If complex coupling pieces are used to ensure proper force transfer, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing cost and formwork complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling functionality is merged into the concrete elements by embedding coupling parts during casting. The receiving elements and engaging elements are integrated into the concrete structure itself, eliminating the need for separate complex coupling pieces. This approach maintains force transfer capability while significantly simplifying manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material and structural parameters of the coupling system by using concrete-embedded coupling parts instead of separate metal or composite coupling pieces. The coupling parts are formed with appropriate geometric parameters during casting to ensure proper force transfer, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining strength.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise positioning of coupling elements is implemented, then force transfer precision is improved, but formwork complexity and preparation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements are positioned precisely during the casting process itself. The coupling parts are embedded into the concrete elements at predetermined locations with accurate positioning before the concrete hardens. This preliminary positioning action ensures manufacturing precision without requiring complex formwork adjustments during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is merged into the casting process by integrating the coupling parts as integral components of the concrete elements. The coupling parts are positioned within the formwork during casting, combining the positioning and structural formation operations into a single process, thereby reducing formwork complexity.
4Temperature
If thermal insulation measures are added to the coupling system, then thermal performance is improved, but the complexity of the coupling system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulation function is merged into the coupling system by utilizing the air gap created by the offset between the building element and slab coupling parts. This air gap acts as a thermal break, providing insulation without requiring additional insulation materials or components. The structural offset serves dual purposes: mechanical coupling and thermal insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system provides its own thermal insulation through the geometric configuration of the coupling parts. The air gap formed by the offset positioning of the coupling elements automatically serves as a thermal break, allowing the system to insulate itself without external intervention or additional components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A compound coupling for cantilevered coupling of a precast concrete slab, in particular a balcony, a parapet, a canopy or a walkway, to a concrete building element, in particular a storey floor or wall element. The compound coupling includes a set of cooperating building-sided and slab-sided coupling parts that in use are anchored in and/or supported on facing end portions of the concrete slab and the concrete building element respectively, wherein the compound coupling includes at least one concrete insert piece that is to be cast into an end portion of the concrete slab or concrete building element.