Systems and methods for connecting uhpc structural elements
AssigneeThe Florida International University Board of Trustees
InventorsArmin Barzegar Mehrabi, Michael Odelola, Seyed Saman Khedmatgozar Dolati
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Abstract
Systems and methods for connecting (and/or splicing) ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) precast elements are provided, as well as the finished connected UHPC elements after connection. The UHPC precast elements can be designed for applications in building construction and/or civil engineering. Overhang connection structures and spar connection structures are provided. In either case, holes can be created in one UHPC beam segment (e.g., by casting or drilling) to accommodate dowel bars from a corresponding UHPC segment.
Claims20
A method for connecting concrete structural elements, the method comprising:
- casting a first concrete structural element with dowel bars extending from a first face of the first concrete structural element;
- casting a second concrete structural element with dowel holes formed in a second face of the second concrete structural element, the dowel holes being configured to respectively receive the dowel bars of the first concrete structural element;
- applying an adhesive material to the dowel holes of the second concrete structural element;
- after applying the adhesive material, connecting the first concrete structural element to the second concrete structural element by respectively inserting the dowel bars of the first concrete structural element into the dowel holes of the second concrete structural element;
- and
- allowing the adhesive material to cure while the dowel bars of the first concrete structural element are respectively inserted into the dowel holes of the second concrete structural element,
- the first concrete structural element and the second concrete structural element comprising a spar connection structure, and
- the first concrete structural element and the second concrete structural element each being a precast concrete structural element.
A system for connecting concrete structural elements, the system comprising:
- a first concrete structural element comprising dowel bars extending from a first face of the first concrete structural element;
- a second concrete structural element comprising dowel holes formed in a second face of the second concrete structural element, the dowel holes being configured to respectively receive the dowel bars of the first concrete structural element;
- and
- a spar connection structure,
- the first concrete structural element and the second concrete structural element each being a precast concrete structural element.
A system for connecting concrete structural elements, the system comprising:
- a first concrete structural element comprising dowel bars extending from a first face of the first concrete structural element;
- a second concrete structural element comprising dowel holes formed in a second face of the second concrete structural element, the dowel holes being configured to respectively receive the dowel bars of the first concrete structural element;
- and
- a spar connection structure,
- the first concrete structural element and the second concrete structural element each being a precast concrete structural element,
- the first concrete structural element and the second concrete structural element each having an H-shaped cross section, such that the first face of the first concrete structural element has an H-shape and the second face of the second concrete structural element has an H-shape,
- the dowel bars of the first concrete structural element being respectively inserted into the dowel holes of the second concrete structural element such that the first concrete structural element is connected to the second concrete structural element,
- the system further comprising a cured adhesive material disposed in the dowel holes and in contact with the dowel bars, and
- the cured adhesive material comprising at least one of epoxy, ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), and bonding grout.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.