Connector

A connector suitable for use in forming a joint between a first surface in the form of a cast section, slab or plate and a second surface in the form of a cast section, slab or plate, the connector comprising a housing and a tendon,

• a first portion of the tendon being retained within the housing, and
• a second portion of the tendon protruding from the housing through a seal,
• wherein the tendon first portion has a configuration that is able to move longitudinally and laterally within the housing along with movement of the tendon, the configuration being such that the tendon first portion cannot pass out of the housing via the seal,
• wherein the seal comprises a sleeve and a sealing element that is configured to be retained within the sleeve so that the sleeve peripherally surrounds the sealing element, the sleeve being affixed at the open end of the housing, such that the lateral movement of the tendon causes the sealing element to be laterally displaced within and relative to the sleeve, and
• wherein the sealing element comprises a flat plate that is configured to move laterally with the tendon in use.

A connector system suitable for use in forming a joint between a first surface in the form of a cast section, slab or plate and a second surface in the form of a cast section, slab or plate, the connector system comprising a housing and a tendon,

• a first portion of the tendon being retained within the housing, and
• a second portion of the tendon protruding from the housing through a seal, the seal being configured to sealably cover an open end of the housing such that, the tendon can move through the seal and laterally sideways across the open end together with at least a portion of the seal,
• wherein the seal comprises a sleeve and a sealing element that is configured to be retained within the sleeve so that the sleeve peripherally surrounds the sealing element, the sleeve being affixed at the open end of the housing, such that the lateral movement of the tendon causes the sealing element to be laterally displaced within and relative to the sleeve, and
• wherein the sealing element comprises a flat plate that is configured to move laterally with the tendon in use, and
• wherein the tendon first portion has a configuration such that the tendon first portion cannot pass out of the housing via the seal.

A method of installing a connector that is suitable for use in forming a joint between a first surface in the form of a cast section, slab or plate and a second surface in the form of a cast section, slab or plate, the connector comprising a housing and a tendon, wherein a seal is configured to sealably cover an open end of the housing, the seal being further configured such that, in use when forming a joint between the first and second surfaces, when installed and prior to locking, the tendon can move through the seal and laterally sideways across the open end together with at least a portion of the seal, wherein the seal comprises a sleeve and a sealing element that is configured to be retained within the sleeve so that the sleeve peripherally surrounds the sealing element. the sleeve being affixed at the open end of the housing, such that the lateral movement of the tendon causes the sealing element to be laterally displaced within and relative to the sleeve, and wherein the sealing element comprises a flat plate that is configured to move laterally with the tendon in use, the method comprising

• installing the housing such that the seal locates adjacent to a formwork;
• pouring and curing the first surface, the first surface being located along a first side of the removable formwork;
• removing the formwork such that the seal is exposed;
• and
• installing the tendon such that a portion of the tendon protrudes from the housing through the seal;
• pouring and curing the second surface, the second surface being located along a side of the first surface from which the tendon protrudes.