Integrated Joint Assembly for Concrete Slabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete flatwork joints, such as isolation, expansion, construction, and contraction joints, face issues with load transfer and joint stability, leading to spalling and moisture intrusion, and current products either provide load transfer or joint sealing but not both effectively.
Innovation Solution
A combined assembly using a plate dowel and an armored joint assembly or joint sealing assembly with leave-in-place and/or reusable formwork, which integrates load transfer and joint sealing capabilities, allowing for simultaneous placement of multiple panels and eliminating the need for subsequent processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate load transfer products (plate dowels) and joint sealing products are used, then load transfer and joint sealing functions are provided, but device complexity increases and productivity decreases due to multiple separate processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate load transfer plate dowels and joint sealing assemblies into a single integrated joint assembly. The plate dowel is embedded within the joint assembly, allowing both load transfer and joint sealing functions to be provided by one unified product rather than multiple separate products that require separate installation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides load transfer through the plate dowel mechanism, joint sealing through the sealing assembly, and joint protection through the leave-in-place formwork. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized products for each function.
2Reliability
If multiple separate processes are used for load transfer and joint sealing, then comprehensive joint protection is achieved, but productivity decreases due to sequential operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sequential installation of plate dowels and joint sealing assemblies into a single simultaneous installation process. The integrated joint assembly allows contractors to install both load transfer and sealing functions in one operation, eliminating the time and labor required for separate sequential processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint assembly is pre-assembled with the plate dowel already positioned within the sealing assembly structure. This preliminary assembly of components before field installation allows for faster on-site deployment compared to installing separate components sequentially during construction.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional joint assemblies are used, then individual functions are provided, but joint protection and armoring are insufficient against spalling and moisture intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines joint sealing functionality with joint armoring and protection features into a single integrated assembly. The leave-in-place formwork serves dual purposes as both the molding structure during concrete placement and the protective armor after hardening, providing both sealing and spalling resistance in one component.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint assembly utilizes composite construction combining the plate dowel (metal), sealing materials (elastomeric or polymeric), and formwork (various materials) into a unified structure. This composite approach provides enhanced protection against spalling and moisture intrusion compared to single-material traditional joints.
Data Source
AI summary
A leave-in-place forming system for concrete slabs and pavements that comprises a number of components including two or more of the following: a plate dowel for load transfer between adjacent concrete panels (joint stability), a divider plate, and an assembly or molding to finish the concrete to, that armors the joint and/or provides a water-tight seal to the joint. The joint assembly could incorporate an integral setting assembly or bracket or could be used with a re-usable setting bracket. The integral assembly or bracket is most suitable when it is desirable to place concrete to both sides of the joint assembly at the same time. The re-usable setting bracket is most suitable where concrete is placed to just one side of the assembly and it is desirable to re-use the setting assembly.