Patent Application
20080092466
Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
I-decks, systems using I-decks, and methods of forming I-decks are provided, and several exemplary embodiments will be discussed in detail. Embodiments of an I-deck are relatively lightweight, making them easy to handle and install when used in building construction. They may also have enhanced sound and heat insulating properties. Other embodiments may provide a low-cost alternative to solid concrete slabs or pre-cast deck systems. The pre-cast I-decks of this invention have greatly improved strength because the high tension steel wires are stressed under high tension while the concrete is being poured and cured which greatly helps to keep the deck as a monolithic structure. This prevents cracking because the high-tension wires compress the concrete between the two ends of the deck.
Constructing the deck by applying high tension to the steel wire strands produces a monolithic structure of great strength and resistance to cracking. The high-tension steel wires help keep the concrete compressed throughout its life. These wires also reduce deflection for any length of span.
In some embodiments, a support for the installation of a fixture, such as a chandelier, may be cast into the bottom of the soffit 102. A plate can be cast in the concrete for the support, or lag screws can be turned into the concrete. In such embodiments, the webs 105 support roofing or flooring material for an upper floor, while the bottom of soffit 102 can be used to support a fixture.
Because of the strength of the deck, provision may be made for supporting a heavy fixture from the deck. For example, a heavy fixture may be supported by putting a beam across the top of the I-beams with a cable to support a fixture below the soffit.
The hollow sections 203 between the I-beams 210 of I-deck 201 may be used for running of utilities, such as ducts, electrical wiring or plumbing; or they may be filled with a filling material. The filling material 209 may be an inexpensive, lightweight material with good insulating properties, such as polystyrene or fiberglass. I-deck 201 has two integral transverse end diaphragm members 204, one on either end, perpendicular to the I-beams 210. The end diaphragms basically support the I-deck and provide increased shear capability and load distribution between the I-beams.
For use in areas that have significant seismic activity, one or more additional diaphragms 212 may be placed parallel to the end diaphragms along the length of the I-deck, resulting in a stronger I-deck. This transverse diaphragm can provide additional strength to allow the span of the deck to be longer or for other reasons. One or more transverse diaphragms 212 will permit the inclusion of a large opening, such as for an elevator shaft.
A load transfer device 205 connects I-deck 201 to structural support 206, which may be part of a wall, a beam, or a foundation of a building. The load transfer device may be a hollow steel tube. Alternatively, the deck may be supported by resting the diaphragms 204 directly on a support in place of using a load transfer device 205.
Reinforcing material 213 may be embedded in the length of the diaphragm to increase the strength of the deck. Reinforcing material may be embedded across the width of the soffit to increase strength and for handling increased loads produced by seismic activity (not shown).
Flooring or roofing material 208 is laid on top of the I-decks 201 and 207. This material 208 may be any material that is appropriate for a flooring or roofing application, including but not limited to metal, wood, wire mesh, or cast-in-place concrete.
A shear transfer channel 240 extends along the side member I-beam 210 A and provides for transfer of shearing forces between I-decks 201 and 207. A key 241 is shown for inserting in the channel 240.
An exemplary embodiment of a bridging and support system using an I-deck has a plurality of lightweight pre-cast reinforced concrete decks.
The strength of the I-deck of this invention is sufficient to help support a wall as shown in
In some embodiments, the I-deck may be formed as follows: first, a form for pre-casting concrete is prepared. Second, reinforcing material is placed in the form; this reinforcing material is a preferably high-tension steel wire strand. These strands are stretched and put and kept under a pre-determined load while the cement is poured and cures. Third, sufficient concrete is poured into the bottom of the form to make the soffit. Fourth, any filling material desired is placed on top of the soffit. Last, concrete is poured into the form to form the I-beams and diaphragms. The concrete for the I-beams and diaphragms is poured before the concrete in the soffit has cured, so that the I-deck will cure and set into a single mass. The wire strands are cut and the deck removed from the form.
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of this disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application 60/862,338, filed on Oct. 20, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60862338 | Oct 2006 | US |
