Method and system for constructing large, continuous, concrete slabs
First Claim
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1. A method of constructing a large continuous concrete slab, the method comprising the steps of:
- extending a grid of crack inducers over a prepared ground surface, wherein the crack inducers extend in at least two different directions relative to one another over a length and breadth of the prepared ground surface and are spaced about 800 mm to 3000 mm from one another;
pouring concrete onto the prepared ground surface to completely cover the crack inducers; and
allowing the concrete to set to form a slab,wherein the crack inducers of the grid are of a size, shape and spacing so as to relieve the build up of tensile stresses within the slab by inducing formation of fine cracks that generally extend between an upper surface of each crack inducer and a top surface of the slab, wherein the top surface of the slab is continuous, wherein the fine cracks are generally less than about 0.5 mm in width, and wherein installation of shrinkage control joints through the top surface is not required to prevent uncontrolled cracking.
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Abstract
A method and system are provided for constructing large, continuous, concrete slabs without using conventional shrinkage joints. The system comprises a grid of closely-spaced crack inducers (2) arranged relative to a concrete-pouring surface and adapted to be covered by concrete. The crack inducers (2) may be connected to one another with connectors (10). The crack inducers (2) are of a size, shape and spacing to promote formation of fine cracks in the vicinity of the inducers (2) throughout the slab when the concrete sets.
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Citations
44 Claims
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1. A method of constructing a large continuous concrete slab, the method comprising the steps of:
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extending a grid of crack inducers over a prepared ground surface, wherein the crack inducers extend in at least two different directions relative to one another over a length and breadth of the prepared ground surface and are spaced about 800 mm to 3000 mm from one another; pouring concrete onto the prepared ground surface to completely cover the crack inducers; and allowing the concrete to set to form a slab, wherein the crack inducers of the grid are of a size, shape and spacing so as to relieve the build up of tensile stresses within the slab by inducing formation of fine cracks that generally extend between an upper surface of each crack inducer and a top surface of the slab, wherein the top surface of the slab is continuous, wherein the fine cracks are generally less than about 0.5 mm in width, and wherein installation of shrinkage control joints through the top surface is not required to prevent uncontrolled cracking. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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- 17. A crack inducer system for inducing cracks in a large continuous concrete slab, the system comprising a grid of crack inducers extending over a prepared ground surface, wherein the crack inducers extend in at least two different directions relative to one another over a length and breadth of the prepared ground surface and are spaced about 800 mm to 3000 mm from one another, wherein the crack inducers are completely covered by concrete in order to form a slab and the crack inducers are of a size, shape and spacing so as to relieve the build up of tensile stresses within the slab by inducing formation of fine cracks that generally extend between an upper surface of each crack inducer and a top surface of the slab, and wherein the top surface of the slab is continuous having fine cracks generally less than about 0.5 mm in width without requiring installation of shrinkage control joints through the top surface of the slab to prevent uncontrolled cracking.
Specification