Abstract:
A stay-in-place form-work for casting a concrete structure comprises a plurality of elongate panels interconnectable in edge-to-edge relationship via complementary connector components on their longitudinal edges to define at least a portion of a perimeter of the form-work. The panels include a first panel having a first connector component incorporating a receptacle, and a second panel having a second connector component incorporating a protrusion. The first and second panels are connectable to one another in edge-to-edge relationship by: effecting a loose-fit connection by extending the protrusion of the second connector component into the receptacle of the first connector component; loosely seating a clip onto the first and second connector components; and pushing the clip against the first and second connector components to reach a locked configuration wherein restorative deformation forces associated with the clip act to retain the first and second connector components in the locked configuration.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for repairing existing structures. A portion of the existing structure is covered with the repair structure. One or more standoffs are coupled to the existing structure to project outwardly away from a surface of the existing structure. One or more cladding panels are coupled to the standoffs by forcing the one or more panels in a direction normal to the surface of the existing structure and into engagement with a standoff connector component of the standoff at a location spaced apart from the existing structure. Curable construction material and/or insulation may be introduced into the space between the cladding panels and the existing structure to provide a repair structure.
Abstract:
Methods are provided for repairing an existing structure to cover at least a portion of the existing structure with a repair structure. Such methods comprise mounting one or more standoff retainers to the existing structure; coupling one or more standoffs to the standoff retainers such that the standoffs extend away from the existing structure; coupling one or more cladding panels to the standoffs such that the panels are spaced apart from the structure to provide a space therebetween; and introducing a curable material to the space between the panels and the existing structure, the panels acting as at least a portion of a formwork for containing the curable material until the curable material cures to provide a repair structure cladded, at least in part, by the panels. Corresponding apparatus for effecting such methods are also provided.
Abstract:
A stay-in-place form for casting concrete structures comprises a plurality of elongate panels interconnectable in edge-to-edge relationship via complementary connector components on their longitudinal edges to define at least a portion of a perimeter of the form. Each panel comprises a first contoured connector component comprising a protrusion on a first longitudinal edge thereof and a second contoured connector component comprising a receptacle on a second longitudinal edge thereof. The panels are connectable to one another in edge-to-edge relationship by positioning the protrusion of a first panel in or near the receptacle of a second panel and effecting relative pivotal motion between the first connector component of the first panel and the second connector component of the second panel to extend the protrusion of the first panel into the receptacle of the second panel.
Abstract:
Flexible liners are provided for lining a surface of a structure fabricated from concrete, other cementitious materials or other curable materials. The flexible liner comprises a flexible lining material and a bonding mechanism located on an interior surface of the flexible lining material. The bonding mechanism is capable of adhering to the curable material as the curable material solidifies to line the surface of the resultant structure with the flexible lining material. The bonding mechanism may comprise a chemical or physical structure suitable for bonding to the concrete, a roughened or piled texture suitable for bonding to concrete and/or one or more anchors which extend into the curable material prior to curing to thereby anchor the flexible lining material to the resultant structure as the curable material solidifies. Methods are providing for use of the flexible liners.
Abstract:
A stay-in-place buck for defining an opening in a cast concrete structure has a plurality of frame members arrangeable in an abutting relationship. Each of the frame members has a panel extending transversely between outer opposed panels of a stay-in-place form- work. Flanges extend from opposed edges of the frame member panel for abutment against outer surfaces of the outer opposed panels. Each flange has opposed mitered end edges for abutment against adjacent mitered end edges of flanges of adjacent frame members. The buck also includes fastener-receivers connectable to the panels of the frame members to form one or more fastener-receiving frames extending at least partially about a perimeter of the buck. Each fastener-receiver has mitered edge portions for abutment against adjacent mitered edge portions of adjacent fastener- receivers.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for lining one or more surfaces of concrete structures during fabrication thereof. A structure-lining apparatus comprises a plurality of structure-lining panels and a plurality of concrete-anchoring components. The panels, which may extend in longitudinal and transverse directions, are interconnected to one another in edge-to-edge relationship at their transverse edges to line at least a portion of the interior of the structural form. The concrete-anchoring components extend in an inward/outward direction from the panels. The concrete-anchoring components may: be integrally formed with the panels; connect to the panels via suitably configured connector components; and/or connect edge-adjacent panels to one another. The concrete-anchoring components may comprise concrete-anchoring features which may extend in the longitudinal and transverse directions (e.g. in a plane parallel to the panels) to provide concrete-anchoring surfaces. In particular embodiments, the concrete-anchoring features comprise a stem which extends in the inward/outward and longitudinal directions and, at a distance spaced apart from the panels in the inward/outward direction, one or more leaves which extend in the longitudinal and transverse directions to provide anchoring surfaces. Concrete is then poured into the form on an interior of the lining panels and allowed to solidify in the form. As the concrete solidifies, the concrete-anchoring components bond the lining panels to the resultant concrete structure.