Monolithic Pour Crack Control Joint Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling cracks in monolithic pour concrete structures are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and unsatisfactory in terms of aesthetics and structural integrity, particularly when using saw-cutting techniques, which can lead to irregular cracks and weakened surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A joint assembly comprising an upper suspension line, a fracture inducing sheath with an elongate slit, and lateral reinforcement members, which are embedded within the concrete structure to control fractures along a predetermined axis, allowing for controlled cracking and expansion while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If saw-cutting is used to form control joints, then control joints can be formed in monolithic pour concrete, but the process is expensive, tedious, and results in irregular configurations and wide unsightly joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding control joints into the concrete during the pouring process itself, rather than cutting them afterward. The control joints are pre-positioned using forms or embedded elements that guide crack formation, eliminating the need for post-pour saw-cutting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the control joint formation process from the post-pour cutting operation and integrates it into the pouring process itself. By using embedded forms or elements during pouring, the control joints are created as part of the concrete placement, removing the separate, labor-intensive cutting step.
2Reliability
If multiple curing steps and form removal are used in checkerboard pattern pouring, then crack control is achieved, but the process becomes labor intensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate pouring operations into a single monolithic pour by using control joints to manage cracking throughout the entire structure simultaneously. This eliminates the need for sequential checkerboard pouring, form removal, and multiple curing cycles, reducing both time and labor while maintaining crack control effectiveness.
3Manufacturing precision
If control joints are saw-cut after partial curing, then cracks can be controlled, but the edges degrade over time and the joints are wide and unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by embedding control joint forms or elements during the pouring process that guide crack formation at precise locations. This pre-positioning ensures cracks occur exactly where needed while maintaining narrow, aesthetically pleasing joint widths and preventing edge degradation that occurs with post-pour saw-cutting.
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
The solution enables efficient and aesthetically pleasing control of cracks in monolithic pour concrete structures, reducing labor and time requirements while maintaining structural integrity by allowing controlled cracking and expansion, and avoiding the drawbacks of traditional saw-cutting methods.
Implementation Method 1
permitting linear expansion and contraction of the blocks while also maintaining the blocks in a common plane
Implementation Method 2
shrinkage resulting from hydration during the curing process
Data Source
AI summary
A joint assembly for controlling fractures along a fracture axis in a monolithic pour concrete structure is provided. The concrete structure is defined by a first edge form section and a generally opposed second edge form section. The joint assembly is characterized by a suspension line extending between the first edge form section and the second edge form section, and a fracture inducing sheath suspended therefrom within the concrete structure. The sheath may define an elongate slit that exposes an internal channel that the suspension line traverses. Additionally, a method for forming a control joint in a monolithic pour concrete structure via the joint assembly is provided.