Concrete Slab Attachment Device Using Embedded Anchoring Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching concrete slabs result in visible metallic components that are prone to corrosion and weaken the concrete integrity, and the solutions, such as on-site pouring or large pre-manufactured pieces, are costly.
Innovation Solution
An attachment device with elongate base members and lateral members that embed fully into concrete, creating a strong, invisible interface by pouring concrete between the slabs, allowing air escape, and enabling reinforcement, with multiple devices spaced along the interfacing walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic bars are used to attach concrete slabs, then the attachment strength is improved, but the visible metallic components are prone to corrosion and provide access for water and contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the visible metallic components from the attachment system and replaces them with embedded anchoring elements that are completely incorporated into the concrete. The metallic bars are removed and replaced with anchoring elements that extend into recesses within the concrete slabs, eliminating the exposed metallic surfaces that cause corrosion and contamination issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring elements are nested within recesses formed in the concrete slabs. The first and second portions of the anchoring element extend into recesses in the first and second concrete slabs respectively, creating a nested configuration where the metallic components are embedded within the concrete structure rather than exposed on the surface.
2Shape
If concrete is poured on-site or large pieces are manufactured, then the attachment interface is made invisible, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the concrete slab into distinct regions with recesses formed in specific locations. Rather than pouring entire large concrete pieces or using on-site pouring, the concrete is segmented into portions that are poured into defined recesses, allowing for more economical manufacturing while achieving the invisible interface goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The recesses are formed in the concrete slabs before the final concrete pouring. This preliminary action of creating recesses allows for precise positioning of anchoring elements and controlled concrete pouring, eliminating the need for expensive on-site pouring or large pre-manufactured pieces while ensuring the interface remains invisible.
3Strength
If multiple attachment devices are spaced apart, then the attachment strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring element design is universal and can be used multiple times along the interfacing walls of concrete slabs. Each anchoring element performs the same function of providing mechanical interlocking through its portions extending into recesses, allowing for standardized replication without increasing overall system complexity despite the distributed arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment device attaches adjacent first and second concrete pieces to one another along corresponding first and second interfacing side surfaces thereof, thereby forming a concrete piece attachment arrangement. The device includes an elongate base member having opposed first and second portions, and first and second lateral members securing to and respectively extending substantially perpendicularly from first and second ends of the base member. The first and second portions of the base member extend within first and second recesses respectively formed into the concrete pieces, in a direction generally perpendicular to the first and second interfacing side surfaces. The first and second lateral member respectively extend through bore holes extending through the first and second concrete pieces and connecting with the respective first and second recesses. A method for attaching the concrete pieces to one another with an attachment piece is also described.