Method of use of flange connectors for double tee beams
AssigneeUniversity of South Carolina
InventorsPAUL ZIEHL, RAFAL ANAY
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A connector for joining concrete structures such as double tee beams to one another. The connector includes a curved bolt that is formed with a shape memory alloy. Through utilization of the bolt, a joint can be post-tensioned following assembly through application of heat to the joint. Post-tensioning can be reapplied following loosening of the joint through application of heat. When considering a super elastic shape memory alloy, the bolt can be a smart bolt that can self-correct following deformation due to excessive load.
Claims14
A method for forming a joint between a first reinforced concrete slab and a second reinforced concrete slab, comprising:
- retaining a first portion of a pre-strained bolt within a first duct located within the first concrete slab, the pre-strained bolt comprising a shape memory alloy and defining a curvature between a first end of the bolt and a second end of the bolt, wherein upon retaining the first portion of the pre-strained bolt within the first duct, a first end of the pre-strained bolt is accessible at an opening in a surface of the first concrete slab;
- retaining a second portion of the pre-strained bolt within a second duct located within the second concrete slab, wherein upon retaining the second portion of the pre-strained bolt within the second duct, a second end of the pre-strained bolt is accessible at an opening in a surface of the second concrete slab;
- following, heating the pre-strained bolt to a temperature that is about 5° C. less than the upper temperature of a transition temperature range of the shape memory alloy or greater and thereby applying a post-tensioning force across the joint that is formed between the first concrete slab and the second concrete slab.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.