STRIKING ELEMENT AND METHOD

Abstract

A striking element for striking a construction component from a concrete section, including an anchor section positionable relative to a portion of the concrete section, and a support section configured to support a load of a construction element, the support section configured to vertically lower the construction element.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a striking element for striking construction components from concrete.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For concreting parts of buildings their shape is first specified by a formwork covering the surface of the building part. The formwork skin is usually formed by formwork elements in the form of simple formwork panels or so-called frame formwork elements. Wherever formwork is to be supported for the pouring of concrete, adjustments at the top or bottom of many supports have to be made for vertical or horizontal positioning of such panels with or without relative movement in one or more directions. Although reusable formwork support brackets mounted on the structural columns of a building under construction have been used heretofore which involve lowering the formwork a short distance onto fixed brackets so that the framework can be removed intact and re-used for other sections of flooring, there are situations in which removing of the brackets and formwork is problematic. If the formwork panel is initially to be supported by means of support elements, it is difficult to release it after concreting because the formwork is under load and adheres to the concrete after the concrete has set. In order to prevent damage during striking off the panel, i.e. striking the panel, it is known for example from EP 2210979 A1 for ceiling panels that lowering devices are integrated into the support devices which allow the formwork elements to be lowered a few centimeters from the surface of the building slab by actuating a striking mechanism of the lowering devices so that the contact pressure on the support elements is eliminated.

For concreting bridgeheads, for example, there are plane formwork panels in use, which can be in a form deviating from a pure plane. Especially in the last process steps of a bridgehead under construction, a formwork is generally in the form of an L, having thus a horizontal and a vertical component. Striking those panel elements by detaching the slab formwork is therefore relatively difficult to accomplish since the panels are restricted in their movement due to their form. Without tools, such as for example hammers, levers or mobile hydraulics, the activation of known lowering devices is usually not possible. Uncontrolled hammer blows when loosening the support elements can lead to functional restrictions and possibly even to early component failure or wear. The process of loosening the support elements before being then completely taken off generally leads to considerable expenditure of personnel and time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the disclosure provides a striking element for striking a construction component from a concrete section, comprising: an anchor section positionable relative to a portion of the concrete section; and a support section configured to support a load of a construction element, the support section configured to vertically lower the construction element.

In one example, the support section is configured to support a load associated with the construction element, the load comprising the at least one construction component.

In one example, the construction component comprises at least one or more of a main beam, a coupling beam, a platform, or a horizontal formwork.

In one example, the construction element comprises at least one of a beam, a formwork element, a formwork panel, or a pipe.

In one example, the anchor section defines an anchor section longitudinal axis and the support section defines a support section longitudinal axis such that the anchor section longitudinal axis and the support section longitudinal axis are orthogonal.

In one example, the anchor section longitudinal axis is arranged horizontally in use and the support section longitudinal axis is arranged vertically in use.

In one example, the striking element further comprises a waler assembly that engages with the anchor section.

In one example, the support section comprises a hook configured to engage with the construction element.

In one example, rotation of an attachment point on the support section that causes rotation of a threaded rod housed inside the support section thus causes the vertical movement an internally threaded sleeve and the hook relative to the anchor section.

In one example, activation of a hydraulic cylinder causes the vertical lowering of the construction element.

In one example, the attachment point comprises a hexagonal cross section and is capable of being engaged by a tool.

In one example, the support section comprises an extension that extends vertically downwards at a side portion of the concrete section.

In one example, the waler assembly defines a first plurality of waler holes arranged to align with a first plurality of anchor holes defined by the anchor section, such that a pin is insertable into one of the first plurality of walers holes and a corresponding one of the first plurality of anchor holes to fix and align the waler assembly relative to the anchor section.

In one example, the waler assembly defines a second plurality of waler holes arranged to align with a second plurality of anchor holes defined by the anchor section, such that a wedge is insertable into one of the second plurality of waler holes and a corresponding one of the second plurality of anchor holes to fix and align the waler assembly relative to the anchor section in a stepless manner.

In one example, the waler assembly is engaged with the portion of the concrete section by an anchor assembly comprising at least one of: a tie-rod, a screw, a bolt, or a dowel.

In one example, the portion of the concrete section comprises a top portion, and the anchor section is bolted to the top portion of the concrete section.

In one example, the support section further comprises: an elastic element configured to support the construction element and the load associated with the construction element and provide visual feedback indicative of the load associated with the construction element.

In one example, the elastic element comprises at least one of a spring or a rubber buffer.

In one example, the elastic element is located between a top surface of the support section and the attachment point so that the attachment point is distanced from the top surface of the support section by a predetermined distance corresponding to at least a height of the elastic element.

In one example, the support section further comprises: a sleeve indicative of whether an elastic element is installed incorrectly, the elastic element is not installed, or the elastic element has failed.

In one example, the sleeve is located between a top surface of the support section and the attachment point so that the attachment point is distanced from the top surface of the vertical section by a predetermined distance corresponding to at least a height of the sleeve.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides an assembly, comprising: a construction element arranged relative to a concrete section; a striking element positioned relative to a portion of the concrete section and configured to strike a construction component from the concrete section, comprising: an anchor section positionable relative to a portion of the concrete section; and a support section configured to sup ort a load of the construction element, the support section configured to vertically lower the construction element.

In one example, the construction element comprises a beam arranged essentially vertically and the load associated with the construction element comprises a horizontal formwork arranged essentially transversely to the beam.

In one example, the assembly further includes a second striking element positioned relative to an opposing portion of the concrete section such that a first anchor section longitudinal axis of a first anchor section of the striking element is coaxial with a second anchor section longitudinal axis of a second anchor section of the second striking element.

In one example, the assembly further includes a waler assembly engaged with the striking element and the second striking element.

In one example, the assembly further includes a first extension element on a first support section of the striking element; and a second extension element on a second support section of the second striking element, wherein the waler assembly, the first extension element, and the second extension element cooperate to align the striking element and the second striking element relative to the concrete section.

In one example, the waler assembly is engaged with the portion of the concrete section by an anchor assembly comprising at least one of: a tie-rod, a screw, a bolt, or a dowel.

In one example, the first anchor section and the second anchor section are not directly fixed to the concrete section.

In one example, the assembly further includes one or more prop elements positioned atop the portion of the concrete section and configured to support at least one of the anchor section of the striking element and a second anchor section of the second striking element.

In one example, the assembly further includes an anchor assembly configured to fix the waler assembly relative to the concrete section.

In one example, the waler assembly defines a first plurality of holes arranged to align with a plurality of holes defined by the anchor section, such that a pin is insertable into one of the first plurality of holes and a corresponding one of the plurality of holes to fix and align the waler assembly relative to the anchor section.

In one example, the waler assembly defines a second plurality of holes configured to receive a plurality of wedges to provide alignment of the anchor section and the waler assembly in a stepless manner.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides method of striking a construction component from a concrete section, comprising: engaging a striking element with the concrete section; engaging a construction element with a hook of the striking element while the construction element is supported by a jack; lowering the jack such that a load of the construction element and a load associated with the construction element are supported by the striking element; actuating the striking element to lower the hook such that the construction element and the load associated with the construction element are vertically lowered; removing the construction element and the load associated with the construction element.

In one example, the load associated with the construction element comprises the construction component, the construction component comprising at least one or more of a main beam, a platform, or a horizontal formwork.

In one example, the method further includes engaging a gallows at a top portion of the construction element, the gallows defining a plurality of attachment holes configured to engage with a chain of a crane; and attaching the chain of the crane at the attachment hole such that the chain is attached at a center of gravity of the construction element and the load associated with the construction element.

In one example, the method further includes engaging a striking adapter with the construction element and the construction component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention description below refers to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a view of a striking element according to one or more aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the striking element depicting various components within the housing;

FIG. 3 depicts a system including a striking element engaged with a concrete section and a construction element in preparation for striking the construction element from the concrete section

FIG. 4 depicts a close up perspective view of the striking element engaged with the construction element and the concrete section;

FIG. 5 depicts the support section of the striking element, depicting the elastic element, sleeve, and attachment point;

FIG. 6 depicts the striking element engaged with the construction element as shown above, with the extension flush against the side section;

FIG. 7A depicts a technique for attaching striking elements to a concrete section;

FIG. 7B depicts a technique for attaching striking elements to a concrete section;

FIG. 8 depicts the attaching technique of FIG. 7A in which wedges are used;

FIG. 9 depicts the attaching technique of FIG. 7B in the context of an inverted T-block;

FIG. 10 depicts the attaching technique of FIG. 7A in the context of an inverted T-block; and

FIGS. 11A-I depict various stages of striking a construction component from a concrete section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a view of a striking element 100 according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. As shown, the striking element 100 can include an anchor section 110 and a support section 120. The anchor section 110 and the support section 120 can be unitary and formed of steel or any other type of metal. In other examples, certain elements of the striking element 110 can be steel and other can be formed of plastic, rubber, or any type of polymer.

The anchor section 110 can be generally rectangular cuboid shaped, can be hollow, and can generally defined a longitudinal axis LA. The anchor section 110 can define several sets of holes. For example, the anchor section 110 can define a first plurality of holes 112 that are generally circular in cross-section. As shown, the first plurality of holes 112 extend through the width of the anchor section 110 such that opposing sides of the anchor section 110 define identical holes 112. The plurality of holes 112 are regularly spaced along the longitudinal axis LA such that a distance between adjacent holes 112, also referred to as a step, has a predetermined distance. In one example, this step size is approximately 125 mm. As will be explained in greater detail below, the first plurality of holes 112 can be sized and shaped to receive a pin.

The anchor section 110 can define a second plurality of holes 114 that extend through the width of the anchor section 110 such that opposing sides of the anchor section 110 define identical holes 114. The plurality of holes 114 are regularly spaced along the longitudinal axis LA at a distance lesser than the step size associated with holes 112. Each of the second plurality of holes 114 can define a length along the longitudinal axis LA that is greater than a height of the hole measured in a vertical direction (e.g., parallel to axis LV, as will be explained below). In this regard, the second plurality of holes 114 can have an ovular, elliptical, or otherwise rounded shape that is not circular in cross-section. As will be explained in greater detail below, the second plurality of holes 114 can be sized and shaped to receive a wedge.

The anchor section 110 can also define a plurality of anchor holes 116a, b defined by a top 110a of the anchor section 110, sized and shaped to allow the anchor section 110 to be fixed directly to a concrete section. The anchor section 110 can also defined a second plurality of anchor holes 116c, d, extending from a base 110b of the anchor section 110, sized and shaped to allow the anchor section 110 to be fixed directly to a concrete section. A pin or bolt can be inserted into one or more of the holes 116a-d to fix the anchor section to a section of concrete.

The support section 120 can be generally rectangular cuboid shaped, can be hollow, and can define a longitudinal axis LV such that the axis LV is generally orthogonal or perpendicular to the axis LA. Stated another way, the anchor section 110 and support section 120 can generally define an “L” configuration.

The support section 120 can have an outer housing 122 that generally defines a base 124 and a top 126. Along the longitudinal axis LV, the housing 122 can define a groove 128, which can allow for vertical movement along the longitudinal axis LV of a hook 130. The hook 130 can extend outward from the groove 128 in a direction opposed to the anchor section 110. The hook 130 can define a recess 130a and a slanted portion 130b that allow for receiving of a construction element, as will be explained in greater detail below. Extending from the groove 128 can be an extension element 132, which extends below the base 124 and has a generally flat internal edge 132a configured to be flush with a concrete section.

The support section can include, extending above the top 126, an elastic element 134, a sleeve 136, and an attachment point 138. The elastic element 134 can be a spring, as shown in FIG. 1, or in other examples can be a rubber buffer. The elastic element 134 is arranged between the top 126 of the support section 120 and the sleeve 136, with the sleeve 136 surrounding or enclosing at least a portion of the elastic element 136. The elastic element 134 is also between the top 126 of the support section 120 and the attachment point 138, such that a distance between the top 126 and a bottom of the attachment point 138 is defined at least in part by a height of the sleeve 136 and a portion of the elastic element 134 not enclosed or surrounded by the sleeve 136. Stated another way, the elastic element 134 is positioned between the top 126 and a bottom of the attachment point 138, since the elastic element 134 provides an upward vertical elastic force on the attachment point 138.

The sleeve 136 is arranged between the top 126 of the support section 120 and the bottom of the attachment point 138 and also between a portion of the elastic element 134 not enclosed or surrounded by the sleeve 136 and the bottom of the attachment point 138, such that a distance between the portion of the elastic element 134 not enclosed or surrounded by the sleeve and the bottom of the attachment point 138 is defined at least in part by the height of the sleeve 136.

All or a portion of the attachment point 138 can include a hexagonal cross-section such that the topmost portion of the attachment point 138 can be gripped by a tool (such as a wrench or the like), and be rotated about the longitudinal axis LV.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the striking element 100 depicting various components within the housing 122.

As shown, the attachment point 138 is connected (integrally, directly, or indirectly) to an externally threaded rod 140, such that rotation of the attachment point 138 about the axis LV causes a corresponding rotation of the threaded rod 140. Such rotation of the threaded rod 140 in turn causes vertical movement (raising or lowering, depending upon direction of rotation of attachment point 138) of an internally threaded sleeve 142 along the axis LV, which causes vertical movement (again, raising or lowering depending upon direction of rotation of attachment point 138) of the hook 130 along the axis LV relative within a track defined by the groove 128. This is due to the threaded sleeve 142 being fixed (e.g., welded permanently) to the hook 130. Such raising or lowering of the hook can in turn cause vertical raising or lowering (in one example, strictly along the axis LV with no component of motion along the axis LA) of a construction element engaged with the hook (and any load associated therewith).

As shown, both the sleeve 136 and the elastic element 134 surround the threaded rod 140, and based upon a load supported by the hook 130, the sleeve 136 and the elastic element 134 can provide visual feedback to a user regarding the status of the load.

In another example, the striking element 100 described above can incorporate a hydraulic assembly that allows for raising or lowering of the hook 130. In this regard, activation of the hydraulic cylinder can cause vertical motion of the hook 130 and thus a construction element and/or load associated therewith.

FIG. 3 depicts a system 300 including a striking element 100 engaged with a concrete section 310 and a construction element 320 in preparation for striking the construction element 320 from the concrete section 310. In use, the anchor section 110 is generally arranged horizontally along the axis LA and the support section is generally arranged vertically along the axis LV.

The concrete section 310 can be any type of hardened or cured concrete and can have any type of three-dimensional shape depending on the particular project specifications. In some examples, the concrete section 310 can be a bridge head pier, which can have a generally rectangular cuboid, cubic, or cylindrical shape.

The construction element 320 (any of the exemplary construction elements or components described herein) can be any type of construction element, such as a beam, a formwork element, a formwork panel, a pipe, etc. In the example of FIG. 3, the construction element 320 is a beam that is positioned flush against a side 310a of the concrete section 310.

The system 300 can also include various other construction elements or components, such as a horizontal beam 330, one or more main beams 340a, b that can be arranged perpendicular to the horizontal beam 330, and one or more platforms 350a, b configured to support a worker or work materials.

In this example, the striking element 100 is fixed directly to a top 310b of the concrete section 310 such that the base 110b of anchor section 110 and the base 124 of support section 120 are flush against the top 310b. This can be achieved by an anchor assembly 360 (e.g., a tie-rod, bolt, dowel, or screw) positioned at an end of the anchor section 110 opposed from the support section 120 and through the hole 116a.

FIG. 4 depicts a close up perspective view of the striking element 100 engaged with the construction element 320 and the concrete section 310. For ease of viewing, a first side 324a of the construction element 320 is depicted in phantom. As shown, the construction element 320 can define a plurality of holes 322a on a first side 324a that align with corresponding holes 322b on the second side 324b. In this regard, one or more pins or bolts 326 can be inserted into the corresponding holes such that the entire construction element 320 can be raised or lowered via the pins or bolts 326. As depicted, the pin or bolt 326 facing the striking element 100 is engaged in the recess 130a defined by the hook 130. As also depicted, the extension 132 is flush against a side section 310a of the concrete section 310.

FIG. 5 depicts the support section 120 of the striking element 110, depicting the arrangement of elastic element 134, sleeve 136, and attachment point 138.

FIG. 6 depicts the striking element 110 engaged with the construction element 320 (shown in phantom) via recess 130a of hook 130, with the extension 132 flush against the side section 310a. Also depicted is a gallows 610 engaged with the construction element 320 (shown in phantom).

The gallows 610 defines a plurality of attachment holes 612 arranged regularly along an axis generally parallel to LA. As also shown, the gallows 610 is engaged with the construction element 320 by pins 620 that pass through holes defined by both the gallows 610 and the construction element 320. As will be explained in greater detail below, attachment of a chain of a crane to one of the holes 612 can be selected depending on a center of gravity.

FIG. 7A depicts a technique for attaching striking elements 700a, b to a concrete section 705. As shown, the striking elements 700a, b are engaged respectively with construction elements 710a, b via hooks 715a, b and the respective longitudinal axes LA of the anchor sections 720a, b of the striking elements 70a, b are coaxial.

The respective anchor sections 720a, b of the striking elements 700a, b are both aligned and fixed relative to one another by a waler assembly 735.

The waler assembly 720 has a plurality of sets of holes. The first plurality of holes 725 correspond to the first plurality of holes 112 defined by the anchor sections 720a, b. These holes 725 can also be seen in FIG. 8. The holes 725 are defined in both lateral sides of the of the waler assembly 735 relative to the LA and can align with the first plurality of holes 112 such that one or more pins (not shown) can be inserted into a hole (one of holes 725), pass through one of the first plurality of holes 112, and pass through the oppositely oriented hole (one of 725). This can be repeated for some or all of the holes 725. The same technique can be used on the striking element 700b.

In this regarding, a length of the combined structure of the striking elements 700a, b and waler 735 can be adjusted by removing one or more pins (not shown), and moving one or both of the striking elements 700a, b and/or the waler 735 along the LA to length or shorten the assembly relative to the length of the section of concrete 705. In support of this, the extensions 740a (and an extension for striking element 700b, not shown) extends below the striking elements 700a, b to be flush against sides 705a, b of the concrete section 705, thereby preventing motion in one direction (e.g., toward a center of the concrete section 705) along the longitudinal axis LA of the striking elements 700a, b. Once a desired position is identified, an anchoring assembly 750 can be assembled to fix the waler 735 to a top 705c of the concrete section 705, thereby fixing the striking elements 700a, b to the concrete section 705. The holes 725 can be positioned regularly along the LA such that a distance between the holes, e.g., a step size, is constant. In one example, the step size is 125 mm. The step size of the holes 725 can be identical to the step size of the holes 112 to ensure alignment of the waler 735 and anchor sections 720a, b.

Also depicted are a second plurality of holes 740. A distance between adjacent holes 740 is smaller than the step size associated with holes 725, thus allowing for a stepless or step-free adjustment of the assembly along the longitudinal axis. The holes 740 correspond in size, shape, and position to the second plurality of holes 114 of the anchor sections 720a, b. One or more wedges 745 can be inserted into one of the holes 740, through one of the holes 114, and through the opposing holes 740 of the waler, thereby fixing and aligning the striking elements 700a, b relative to the waler 735. Similar to above, one or more wedges 745 can be placed or removed relative to holes 740 and holes 114 to allow for alignment one or more of the waler 735 or striking element 700a, b. As shown in FIG. 7A, two wedges 745 are used, which allows the assembly of striking elements 700a, b and waler 735 to be fixed steplessly in any position by virtue of the holes 740 and holes 114. In support of this, the extensions 740a (and an extension for striking element 700b, not shown) extends below the striking elements 700a, b to be flush against sides 705a, b of the concrete section 705, thereby preventing motion in one direction (e.g., toward a center of the concrete section 705) along the longitudinal axis LA of the striking elements 700a, b. Once a desired position is identified, the waler assembly 735 can be fixed directly to the a top 705c of the concrete section 705 by the anchor assembly 750 (e.g., tie-rod, bolt, screw, dowel, etc.), thereby fixing the waler assembly 735 to the concrete section 705 and the anchor sections 720a, b to the concrete section by way of waler assembly 735.

FIG. 7B depicts a technique for attaching striking elements 700a, b to a concrete section 710. In this example, one or more bolts 760a, b are placed directly through the holes (e.g., 116a depicted in FIG. 1) defined at the top surface 705c of the anchor section 705 and directly fixes the anchor sections 720a, b directly to a top 705c of the concrete section 705 without the use of the waler. In other examples, one or more of holes 116b-d may be used, in addition to or independent from, holes 116a for fixing the anchor sections 720a, b directly to the top surface 705c.

FIG. 8 depicts the attaching technique of FIG. 7a in which wedges 745 are used relative to holes 740. As also shown, the anchor assembly 750 (in this example a tie-rod), is arranged at a relatively central point of the waler 735 relative to the length of the concrete section 705 and a positioning of the striking element 700a, b. In other examples, the anchor assembly 735 can be adjusted along the LA depending on the project specifications. While the wedges 745 are depicted in use in FIG. 8 in a stepless manner, in another example the holes 725 can be used in conjunction with one or more pins instead of or in addition to wedges 745 and holes 740.

FIG. 9 depicts the attaching technique of FIG. 7B in the context of a concrete structure 905 in the form of an inverted T-block. In this regard, the concrete structure 905 has an upper surface 905a and a pair of lateral lower surfaces 905b. As shown, the striking elements 700a, b are attached directly to respective lateral lower surfaces 905a, b of the concrete section 905 by bolts 760a, b. This allows for the striking elements 700a, b to be fixed relative to the concrete 905 in a situation where a waler may not be desirable due to the inverted T-block formation.

FIG. 10 depicts the attaching technique of FIG. 7A in the context of a concrete structure 905 in the form of an inverted T-block. In this regard, the concrete structure 905 has an upper surface 905a and a pair of lateral lower surfaces 905b. The striking elements 700a, b can be engaged with the waler 735 by one or both of the first plurality of holes (e.g., 725) or second plurality of holes (740) described above in FIG. 7A. In this scenario, a pair of props 910a, b support the waler assembly 735 and the anchor sections 720a, b of the striking elements 700a, b. An anchoring assembly (not shown, but for example 750 of FIGS. 7A and 8) can fix the waler assembly 735 relative to the upper surface 905a of the concrete section 905. In this example, the extensions (e.g., 740a, b) do not engage with the concrete section 905, as they are elevated relative to the lower surfaces 905b.

FIGS. 11A-I depict various stages of striking a construction component from a concrete section.

At FIG. 11A, a pair of striking elements 1100a, b are installed relative to a top section 1105a of the concrete section 1105. As shown, the striking elements 1100a, b can be installed using a waler assembly 1110 and can be installed according to any of the techniques described above, such as those in FIG. 7A. Alternatively, the striking elements 1100a, b could be installed without a waler, as depicted in FIG. 7B. Also shown are construction elements 1115a, b engaged with respective striking elements 1100a, b and being supported by respective jacks 1120a, b.

Also shown are respective striking adapters 1125a, b that are connected to both the respective construction elements 1115a, b and to respective coupling beams 1165a, b and allow the construction element 1115a, main beam 1130a, coupling beam 1165a, and platform 1140a (and optionally horizontal formwork 1135) to be moved as one assembly. Similarly, the construction element 1115b, main beam 1130b, coupling beam 1165b, and platform 1140b (and optionally horizontal formwork 1135) can be moved as one assembly. This allows the construction elements 1115a, b to support a load defined at least in part by one or more construction components (e.g., any of 1130a, b, 1135, 1165a, b, and/or 1140a, b) positioned below the construction elements 1115a, b. While horizontal formwork 1135 is depicted, other types of elements could be implemented instead of or in addition to such horizontal formwork 1135, such as any type of supporting formwork, waler, beam, etc. In one example, the construction elements 1115a, b are arranged generally vertically and the horizontal formwork 1135 is arranged generally horizontally and transverse to one or both of the construction elements 1115a, b.

The load associated with the construction elements 1115a, b can include one or more construction components, for example, one or more of main beams 1130a, b, horizontal formwork 1135, coupling beams 1165a, b, and platforms 1140a, b. In particular, a load of the construction elements 1115a or 1115b themselves exists by virtue of the mass of the construction elements 1115a or 1115b. Further, a further load associated with construction element 1115a can exist by virtue of additional construction components that are engaged to and/or vertically supported by the construction elements 1115a, such as main beam 1130a, coupling beam 1165a, platform 1140a, and optionally horizontal formwork 1135. The further load associated with construction element 1115b can be additional construction components comprising at least main beam 1130b, coupling beam 1165b, platform 1140b, and optionally horizontal formwork 1135. Only one of the construction elements 1115a or b will be associated with horizontal formwork 1135 as its load, as will be shown below.

Also shown in FIG. 11A are respective gallows 1145a, b that are respectively engaged with construction elements 1115a, b at a top portion thereof. As mentioned above with respect to FIG. 6, the gallows 1145a, b can define a plurality of attachment holes for engaging with a chain of a crane, with the selected attachment hole being selected based upon a center of gravity of the load.

As shown in FIG. 11B, a bolt 1150 is removed that fixes the coupling beam 1165b relative to the horizontal formwork 1135, thus excluding the horizontal formwork 1135 from the load associated with construction element 1115b. Such bolt 1150 can be, for example, an X-bolt as described U.S. application Ser. No. 16/988,538, filed Aug. 7, 2020 to Huber et al, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. Once the bolt 1150 is removed, the jack 1120b can be lowered from a first position to a second lower position by some height h. Once this is done, the construction element 1115b and the load (e.g., 1130b and 1140b) are supported entirely by the striking element 1100b and the concrete section 1105.

In this regard and with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, each of the striking elements 1100a, b can each have support sections (e.g., 120) each having a respective elastic element (e.g., 134) and a sleeve (e.g., 136) discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5. In the state depicted in FIG. 11A, the construction element 1115b and load (e.g., 1130b, 1140b, 1165b, and optionally 1135) is supported by the jack 1120b. In this regard, the striking element carries no load while the jack 1120b supports the load of the construction element 1115b and load of construction components (e.g., 1130b, 1140b, 1165b, and optionally 1135).

When the jack 1120b is lowered as shown in FIG. 11B, the striking element 1120b must not only support a load of the construction element 1115b and load of construction components (e.g., 1130b, 1165b, 1140b, and optionally 1135), but also an additional load created by the main beam 1130b when the jack 1120b is lowered.

This additional load associated with the main beam 1130b arises where the main beam 1130b is supported on opposite ends by the jacks 1120b (rear jack not shown) and the jacks 1120b are lowered. The middle portion of the main beam 1130b deflects downward while ends of the main beam 1130b are supported by the jacks 1120b and the jacks 1120b support the bent/deflected main beam 1130b. When the jacks 1120b are removed, the main beam 1130b bends/deflects into a straightened horizontal configuration, which creates a temporary, but significant, additional load from when the jacks 1120b are removed and until the main beam 1130b returns/deflects back to its originally substantially unbent/undeflected orientation.

The striking element 1100b, without the addition of the elastic element (e.g., 134), may not be capable of accommodating the increased load. To accommodate this additional load, the elastic element (e.g., 134) creates a gap between the top (e.g., 126) of the striking element 1100b and the attachment point (e.g., 138). The elastic element thus pushes vertically the entire assembly of the hook (e.g., 130), internally threaded sleeve (e.g., 142), threaded rod (e.g., 140), sleeve (e.g., 136) and attachment point (e.g., 138). This distance between the top (e.g., 126) of the striking element and attachment point (e.g., 138) allows the entire assembly including the hook (e.g., 130), internally threaded sleeve (e.g., 142), threaded rod (e.g., 140), sleeve (e.g., 136) and attachment point (e.g., 138) to move downward by virtue of compression of the elastic element (e.g., 134), approximately down to the a position where the sleeve (e.g., 136) is nearly in contact with the top (e.g., 124) of the striking element 1100b when the jack 1120b is removed or lowered. Such compression of the elastic element (e.g., 134) provides visual feedback regarding the status of the construction element and the load associated therewith. The additional load created by the deflection above compresses the elastic element and the distance between the top of the striking element and the attachment point decreases. Then, by activating the attachment point (e.g., by rotating) the construction element 1115b can be lowered (as shown in FIG. 11C) as the striking element 1100b need only support the load of construction element 1115b, main beam 1130b, coupling beam 1165b, and platform 1140b (optionally horizontal formwork 1135).

The sleeve (e.g., 136) serves as a backup to the elastic member in the event that the elastic element (e.g., 134) is installed incorrectly, not at all, or otherwise fails. In this case, the sleeve would then be compressed rather than the elastic element (e.g., 134). Such compression is indicative that the elastic element is installed incorrectly, not at all, or otherwise fails. The sleeve (e.g., 136) also keeps the attachment point (e.g., 138) and top (e.g., 124) of the striking element 1100b separated by a distance. If neither the elastic element nor sleeve were implemented and thus there was no clearance distance between the attachment point and the top of the striking element, the striking element would be overloaded by the temporary additional load caused by the deflection of the main beam 1130a, b or other heavy load.

As shown in FIG. 11C, the striking element 1100b is actuated (e.g., rotation of the attachment point) such that the hook 1155b is lowered by a distance. By virtue of the hook 1155b lowering, the construction element 1115b also lowers vertically as well as the load (e.g., 1130b, 1165b, optionally 1135, and 1140b) by virtue of the striking adapter 1125b being engaged with construction element 1115b and coupling beam 1165b, thus the entire assembly is supported by the striking element 1100b.

At shown in FIG. 11D, the chain 1160b has attached to an attachment hole of the gallows 1145b, with the chain 1160b being lifted by a crane (not shown). The construction element 1115b and the load (e.g., 1130b, 1165b, 1140b) can be lifted by the crane, with the particular attachment hole of the gallows 1145b for engagement being selected according to a center of gravity of the construction element 1115b and load (e.g., 1130b, 1165b, 1140b).

As shown in FIG. 11E, the construction element 1115b and load (e.g., 1130b, 1165b, and 1140b) are removed.

As shown in FIG. 11F, the jack 1120a is lowered.

As shown in FIG. 11G, the other striking element 1100a is activated (e.g., by rotation of an attachment point) such that the hook 1155a lowers and the construction element 1115a and associated load (1130a, 1135, 1165a, 1140a) are lowered as one assembly, including the horizontal formwork 1135. Here, the horizontal formwork 1135 is lower vertically relative to the concrete section 1105, and thus the horizontal formwork 1135 is removed or stricken (e.g., stripped) from the concrete section 1105.

As shown in FIG. 11H, the chain 1160a is installed relative to an attachment hole of the gallows 1145a according to the center of gravity of the construction element 1115a and load (1130a, 1135, 1165a, 1140a).

As shown in FIG. 11I, the construction element 1115a and load (1130a, 1135, 1165a, 1140a) are removed from the concrete section 1105. Once removed, the striking elements 1100a, b and waler assembly 1110 can be removed from the concrete section 1105.

The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. Various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Features of each of the various embodiments described above may be combined with features of other described embodiments as appropriate in order to provide a multiplicity of feature combinations in associated new embodiments. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. For example, the striking element described above can incorporate a hydraulic assembly that allows for raising or lowering of the hook. In this regard, activation of the hydraulic cylinder can cause vertical motion of the hook and thus a construction element and/or load associated therewith. Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way of example, and not to otherwise limit the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A striking element for striking at least one construction component from a concrete section, comprising: an anchor section defining a horizontally extending first longitudinal axis and positionable relative to a portion of the concrete section;a support section configured to support a load of a construction element, the support section configured to vertically lower the construction element; anda waler assembly that removably engages with the anchor section, the waler assembly being movable relative to the anchor section along the horizontally extending first longitudinal axis.

2. The striking element of claim 1, wherein the support section is configured to support a load associated with the construction element, the load comprising the at least one construction component.

3. The striking element of claim 2, wherein the at least one construction component comprises at least one or more of a main beam, a coupling beam, a platform, or a horizontal formwork.

4. The striking element of claim 1, wherein the construction element comprises at least one of a beam, a formwork element, a formwork panel, or a pipe.

5. The striking element of claim 1, wherein the anchor section defines an anchor section longitudinal axis and the support section defines a support section longitudinal axis such that the anchor section longitudinal axis and the support section longitudinal axis are orthogonal.

6. The striking element of claim 5, wherein the anchor section longitudinal axis is arranged horizontally in use and the support section longitudinal axis is arranged vertically in use.

8. The striking element of claim 1, wherein the support section comprises a hook configured to engage with the construction element.

9. The striking element of claim 8, wherein rotation of an attachment point on the support section that causes rotation of a threaded rod housed inside the support section thus causes the vertical movement of an internally threaded sleeve and the hook relative to the anchor section.

10. The striking element of claim 8, wherein activation of a hydraulic cylinder causes the vertical lowering of the construction element.

11. The striking element of claim 9, wherein the attachment point comprises a hexagonal cross section and is capable of being engaged by a tool.

12. The striking element of claim 1, wherein the support section comprises an extension that is configured to extend vertically downwards at a side portion of the concrete section.

13. The striking element of claim 71, wherein the waler assembly defines a first plurality of waler holes arranged to align with a first plurality of anchor holes defined by the anchor section, such that a pin is insertable into one of the first plurality of walers holes and a corresponding one of the first plurality of anchor holes to fix and align the waler assembly relative to the anchor section.

14. The striking element of claim 7, wherein the waler assembly defines a second plurality of waler holes arranged to align with a second plurality of anchor holes defined by the anchor section, such that a wedge is insertable into one of the second plurality of waler holes and a corresponding one of the second plurality of anchor holes to fix and align the waler assembly relative to the anchor section in a stepless manner.

15. The striking element of claim 13, wherein the waler assembly is engaged with the portion of the concrete section by an anchor assembly comprising at least one of: a tie-rod, a screw, a bolt, or a dowel.

16. The striking element of claim 1, wherein the portion of the concrete section comprises a top portion, and the anchor section is bolted to the top portion of the concrete section.

17. The striking element of claim 1, wherein the support section further comprises: an elastic element configured to support the construction element and the load associated with the construction element and provide visual feedback indicative of the load associated with the construction element.

18. The striking element of claim 17, wherein the elastic element comprises at least one of a spring or a rubber buffer.

19. The striking element of claim 17, wherein the elastic element is located between a top surface of the support section and the attachment point so that the attachment point is distanced from the top surface of the support section by a predetermined distance corresponding to at least a height of the elastic element.

20. The striking element of claim 17, wherein the support section further comprises: a sleeve indicative of whether an elastic element is installed incorrectly, the elastic element is not installed, or the elastic element has failed.

21. The striking element of claim 20, wherein the sleeve is located between a top surface of the support section and the attachment point so that the attachment point is distanced from the top surface of the support section by a predetermined distance corresponding to at least a height of the sleeve.

22. An assembly, comprising: a construction element arranged relative to a concrete section;a first striking element positioned relative to a portion of the concrete section and configured to strike a construction component from the concrete section, the first striking element comprising: a first anchor section positionable relative to a portion of the concrete section; anda first support section configured to support a load of the construction element, the first support section configured to vertically lower the construction element;a second striking element positioned relative to an opposing portion of the concrete section such that a first anchor section longitudinal axis of the first anchor section of the first striking element is coaxial with a second anchor section longitudinal axis of a second anchor section of the second striking element; anda waler assembly removably engageable with the first striking element and the second striking element.

23. The assembly of claim 22, wherein the construction element comprises a beam arranged essentially vertically and the load associated with the construction element comprises a horizontal formwork arranged essentially transversely to the beam.

26. The assembly of claim 2522, further comprising: a first extension element on the first support section of the striking element; anda second extension element on a second support section of the second striking element,wherein the waler assembly, the first extension element, and the second extension element cooperate to align the striking element and the second striking element relative to the concrete section.

27. The assembly of claim 2522, wherein the waler assembly is engaged with the portion of the concrete section by an anchor assembly comprising at least one of: a tie-rod, a screw, a bolt, or a dowel.

28. The assembly of claim 2522, wherein the first anchor section and the second anchor section are not directly fixed to the concrete section.

29. The assembly of claim 2522, further comprising: one or more prop elements positioned atop the portion of the concrete section and configured to support at least one of the anchor section of the striking element and a second anchor section of the second striking element.

30. The assembly of claim 2522, further comprising: an anchor assembly configured to fix the waler assembly relative to the concrete section.

31. The assembly of claim 2522, wherein the waler assembly defines a first plurality of holes arranged to align with a plurality of holes defined by the anchor section, such that a pin is insertable into one of the first plurality of holes and a corresponding one of the plurality of holes to fix and align the waler assembly relative to the anchor section.

32. The assembly of claim 2522, wherein the waler assembly defines a second plurality of holes configured to receive a plurality of wedges to provide alignment of the anchor section and the waler assembly in a stepless manner.

37. A striking element for striking at least one construction component from a concrete section, comprising: an anchor section defining a horizontally extending first longitudinal axis, extending along the horizontally extending first longitudinal axis, and positionable relative to a portion of the concrete section; anda support section configured to support a load of a construction element, the support section defining a vertically extending second longitudinal axis, extending along the vertically extending second longitudinal axis, and configured to vertically lower the construction element.

38. The striking element of claim 37, wherein the horizontally extending first longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the vertically extending second longitudinal axis.

39. The striking element of claim 37, wherein the anchor section and the support section define an “L” configuration.