Pre-cast Concrete Connection Using Threaded Rods and Grout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for constructing concrete structures using pre-cast components are labor-intensive and result in weaker structures compared to field-poured elements, necessitating a more efficient method for building strong structures with pre-cast concrete elements.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus involving pre-cast concrete structures with column and beam sections, where one section includes a threaded rod assembly and the other includes an aperture to receive the rod, allowing for secure connection and grouting to enhance structural integrity, utilizing threaded rods and shear lugs for assembly and reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pre-cast concrete components are used, then construction time and labor are reduced, but structural strength is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The concrete structure is divided into pre-cast segments (columns, beams, slabs) that are manufactured separately and then assembled on-site. Each segment contains embedded connection elements (threaded rods, shear lugs, apertures) that enable strong mechanical connections between segments, resolving the strength issue while maintaining the productivity benefits of pre-casting.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assemblies combine multiple materials and mechanisms: threaded rods (metal) embedded in concrete, grout (fluid cementitious material) for bonding, and shear lugs (metal protrusions) for mechanical interlocking. This composite approach creates connections that approach or exceed the strength of traditional field-poured concrete joints while maintaining pre-cast efficiency.
2Strength
If field poured concrete components are used, then structural strength is improved, but construction time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
Connection elements (threaded rods, shear lugs, apertures) are pre-installed into the concrete segments during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex on-site formwork and reinforcement installation, allowing rapid assembly while achieving field-poured quality connections through pre-engineered connection details.
Solution Approach 2:
Grout serves as an intermediary material that fills the connection assembly cavities and bonds the pre-cast segments together. The grout creates a monolithic connection between segments, replicating the continuous concrete structure of field-poured construction while enabling the speed and precision of pre-casting.
3Ease of operation
If traditional pre-cast connection methods are used, then assembly is simplified, but connection strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into discrete components: threaded rods for tension/compression, shear lugs for shear resistance, and apertures for grout injection. Each component is optimized for its specific function, allowing simple assembly through bolting and grouting while achieving comprehensive strength through the combined action of all segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection strength is enhanced by changing the parameters of the connection assembly: using threaded rods with appropriate diameter and thread pitch, configuring shear lugs with optimal size and orientation, and controlling grout properties (viscosity, strength, setting time). These parameter optimizations maintain assembly simplicity while dramatically improving connection strength.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention broadly comprises a method and apparatus for constructing a concrete structure. In one embodiment, a structure includes a column section and a beam section. One of the column section and the beam section includes an assembly with a threaded rod, and the other of the column section and the beam section includes an assembly having an aperture configured to receive the threaded rod.