Post-Tension Concrete Splice Device Reduces Slab Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional construction process of post-tensioned concrete slabs involves significant gaps between slabs, leading to delays in accessing and completing floors due to safety and weather conditions, as well as inefficiencies in tooling and equipment access, which prolongs construction time and exposes the area to weather.
Innovation Solution
A splice device is used to connect the rebars of adjacent post-tensioned concrete slabs, reducing the gap between them to a minimum distance equal to the length of the splice device, allowing for earlier access and completion of floors by eliminating the need for extensive waiting periods and protecting the area from weather conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large gap is maintained between post-tensioned concrete slabs to accommodate tooling and equipment for tensioning, then the tensioning process can be completed, but the construction time is prolonged and the area remains exposed to weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The construction process is divided into distinct phases: first pouring slabs with protruding rebars, then tensioning them separately while maintaining a gap, and finally connecting them via splicing. This segmentation allows each slab to be tensioned independently without requiring a large continuous gap, reducing the time the area remains exposed.
Solution Approach 2:
Rebars are positioned to protrude from the slabs before tensioning occurs. This preliminary positioning of connection elements allows the slabs to be tensioned independently and then quickly connected afterward, eliminating the need to maintain a large gap throughout the entire construction process.
2Ease of operation
If a large gap is maintained between slabs to allow worker access and equipment operation, then tensioning can be performed, but safety risks and weather exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the construction into separate slab pours that are tensioned independently and then connected, the gap needed during tensioning is minimized. This reduces the area exposed to weather and safety hazards while still allowing necessary operations to occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding rebars serve as intermediary connection elements that allow the slabs to be joined after independent tensioning. This eliminates the need for a large permanent gap, reducing weather exposure and safety risks while maintaining operational capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If slabs are poured separately and tensioned independently, then each slab can be constructed autonomously, but the rebars do not align axially and require a longer gap
Solution Approach 1:
Rebars are positioned to protrude from each slab before tensioning, with their positions predetermined to ensure proper alignment after tensioning. This preliminary positioning allows independent slab construction while maintaining rebar alignment, eliminating the need for an extended gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment function is transferred from the gap structure to the protruding rebar positioning system. By using the rebar positions as the alignment mechanism rather than relying on gap width, the slabs can be constructed independently with minimal gap while ensuring proper axial alignment during splicing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces construction time by enabling earlier access to all areas of the floor and preventing weather intrusion, thereby streamlining the construction process and enhancing project efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The applied stress (e.g., forces applied to the wire strand system) in the post-tensioning process causes a volume change (and/or a length change) to the concrete material.
Implementation Method 2
The grout material bonds the wire to the duct, and the duct is bonded to the cured concrete. Thus, the stress applied to the wire can be transferred to the concrete.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for constructing post-tensioned concrete slabs in a new floor construction that has a reduced gap distance between the slabs. The devices, systems, and methods can improve project construction time by reducing the time delay in accessing the floor underneath the slabs due to safety and/or weather conditions.