OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention refers to improvements introduced in unidirectional flat concrete
flooring construction systems based on the on-site formation of mixed flat girders
using special structures based on a "T" metal profile combined with a series of oblique
connectors attached both to said metal profile and to a round rod acting as a hanger,
further including round reinforcement rods and a corresponding mass of concrete also
deposited on-site for obtaining the mixed flat girder used as the basis for constructing
the unidirectional flat concrete slab, a series of semi-resistant unidirectional joists,
between which the corresponding hollow bricks are positioned, likewise cooperating
in the construction.
[0002] The object of the invention is to obtain a system for constructing flat unidirectional
concrete slabs with substantially reduced reinforcement and concrete volumes and strength
element weights which is nonetheless provided with an appropriate safety and resistance
level in regard to bending moment and maximum tangent and grade line shear strength,
as foreseen along the length of the corresponding bay.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The execution of flat reinforced concrete slabs comprising mixed structures, i.e.
flat reinforced concrete and unidirectional semi-resistant joists, according to EH-91
and EF-88 requirements, is based on the fact that the concrete girders are formed
with corrugated rods wherein the girder's variable width and height correspond to
that of the concrete slab edge, the structure being embedded in the slab which constitutes
the girder.
[0004] Thus, the fact that the girders and joists are the same height as the concrete slab
edge creates complexities in the configuration of the structure which result in an
extremely bad function thereof, the solution of which is of great concern both to
building engineers and to the Standards Commission.
[0005] At present, flat reinforced concrete girders are normally very wide, depending on
the structural diversity involving lengths and loads, with widths generally in the
order of 50, 60 or 70 cm, and even 1 m or more, resulting in eccentricities between
the girder and the corresponding pillars and between the ends of the joist headers
and the pillars, through the girder, and countless other complex circumstances which
give rise to deformations, particularly in view that calculations are normally performed
individually on the girders, on the one hand, and on the concrete semi-resistant joists,
on the other, resulting in possible risk of local failure in specific circumstances
involving complex structures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The improvements set forth, applicable to the construction of flat unidirectional
concrete slabs, solve the above mentioned problems and furthermore provide a series
of utilities or advantages in relation to known systems.
[0007] More specifically, the invention's improvements are based on the fact that the flat
unidirectional concrete slab is obtained from mixed flat girders produced on-site,
which, combined with the unidirectional semi-resistant joists and nerves, provide
a technical solution to the problems involving a degree of unsafety and local failure,
and also to performance, economy and increased personnel safety features, in addition
to other advantages which will be discussed further on in the present description.
[0008] The structure of the flat mixed girders obtained on-site involves a "T" metal profile
and a series of connectors and electrically welded corrugated round rods, plus, naturally,
the corresponding concrete mass deposited on-site.
[0009] The "T" metal profile is placed in its inverted position, namely with the stem vertically
upwards and the wings or horizontal portions at the bottom, in such a manner that
on the stem's upper portion or edge, the corrugated round rod connectors are welded
at a 45° slant in respect to the horizontal, said connectors being in turn welded
at the other end thereof to a corrugated round rod laid along the entire length of
the girder, said round rod forming a so-called "hanger".
[0010] In the event that the "T" metal profile is incapable of absorbing the full positive
bending moment, a series of reinforcements are foreseen composed of one or two round
rods, preferably corrugated, mounted over the horizontal wings of the "T" profile,
adjacent the stem, said round rods being electrically welded to both the wing and
the stem, their section and length being calculated according to requirements in each
case.
[0011] The girders thus obtained are supportingly embedded to a hyperstatic degree in the
corresponding reinforced concrete pillars - which can optionally be metal or mixed
pillars - fitted at their upper end with round rods, preferably corrugated, which
prevent the occurrence of cracks or fissures in the pillar's upper supporting part
as a result of the girders being embedded in said pillars, thereby producing a negative
bending moment, the girder's section and length being calculated according to requirements
in each case, and being provided with continuity.
[0012] In the event that the structure which constitutes the "T" profile and the width of
the on-site mixed flat girder stem are incapable of absorbing the full negative bending
moment, a widening of the girder stem concrete is called for to form a solid concrete
abacus having a width and length calculated according to requirements in each case.
[0013] The purpose of the structure's configuration is to provide a reinforced concrete
concentration in one single tension rod connected to the concrete head by means of
round corrugated rods welded to the stem of the tension rod.
[0014] Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the stem section of the mixed flat girder thus
obtained is made of gravel concrete throughout the corresponding width, and the flooring
semi-resistant joist headers are solidified with concrete in a manner that the mixed
metal structure is located between said joist headers in order to cover said area
with a corresponding concrete compression layer, thus obtaining a monolithic structure.
[0015] The on-site building of the mixed flat girder is implemented by using the necessary
planking for receiving the semi-resistant joist end headers and with the removal of
the first hollow bricks at both sides of the concrete slab to achieve the required
solidification of said girder ends, the structure of the mixed girder being arranged
in the gap between both joist headers. The concrete compression layer is applied in
order to achieve the reinforced concrete in the remainder of the slab, thus providing
on-site the main element of the mixed flat girder.
[0016] The girder thus formed preferably has a width of 25 cm, so that, bearing in mind
that the minimum dimension of the pillar is also 25 cm, both widths will coincide,
free of eccentricities, in view that the mixed girder structure lies within the central
third of the pillar, thereby providing for great structural safety.
[0017] The construction system based on the above improvements provides a series of advantages,
of which the following stand out as the most important:
- Elimination of the concrete normally used for obtaining reinforced concrete girders,
resulting in a more economical and faster execution.
- Elimination of the planking normally used for the reinforced concrete girder, also
resulting in a more economical and faster execution.
- Reduced girder weight, with the consequent cost effectiveness.
- The safety of personnel and workers, who are able to walk on the planking in the course
of executing their work or assembling the concrete slab while distributing the semi-resistant
joists and installing the hollow bricks on said joists for the subsequent placement
of the structure, thus providing the operator with more comfortable and safer working
conditions which in turn result in more economical and faster execution of the work.
- Various solutions may be adapted to downspout passages, ventilation ducts, etc., and
for lodging the flat mixed girder structures to the side of the pillar, its width
being established by a 12 cm half-staff closure to provide for new utilities and cost
saving.
- Comfortable and rapid construction and work site installation of the mixed flat girder
structure, which is considerably less expensive than currently used reinforced concrete
girders.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] In order to complement the description being provided and help toward a better understanding
of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is attached to this specification,
being an integral part thereof, wherein the following is represented within an illustrative,
non-limiting character:
[0019] Figure 1 shows a side elevation view of the metal structure wherefrom the flat mixed
girder is obtained on-site.
[0020] Figure 2 shows a larger scale detail in a side elevation view of one of the elements
comprising the metal structure connectors shown in the previous figure.
[0021] Figure 3 shows a general perspective view of the various components in their assembly
position designed to obtain a flat unidirectional concrete slab based on the formation
of on-site mixed flat girders.
[0022] Figure 4 shows a cross section of the central zone corresponding to the mixed flat
girder according to the object of the invention.
[0023] Figure 5 shows a cross section of the zone corresponding to the ends of the mixed
flat girder also performed according to the object of the invention.
[0024] Finally, Figure 6 shows a plan view of a detail corresponding to the reinforced concrete
abacus over the supporting pillars, all of which is part of the mixed flat girder
performed according to the object of the invention.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0025] As can be seen from the above figures, and with specific reference to Figure 1, the
metal structure of the mixed flat girder which forms part of the object of the invention
includes a "T" metal profile (1), although this can also be a double "T" profile,
placed in an inverted position wherein the stem (2) is positioned vertically upwards
while the wings (3) are arranged horizontally along the bottom. Onto the upper edge
of the stem (2) of said profile (1) is welded a series of attachment elements or so-called
connectors (4) presenting an extension (5) at an end thereof which determines a foot
secured by welding (6) to the upper edge of the stem (2) of profile (1), the upper
end also being attached by welding (6) to a round, preferably corrugated rod which
forms a hanger (7), said hanger being positioned horizontally along an upper plane.
[0026] Furthermore, Figure 1 shows that the structure also includes a round strengthening
rod (8) positioned over the horizontal wing (3) of profile (1), secured by electric
welding both to the wing (3) and the stem (2), thereby forming a single mixed structure
composite element.
[0027] The connectors (4) are arranged in a slanting position, forming a 45° angle with
the horizontal.
[0028] Doubtless, this main basic structure for obtaining a mixed flat girder may allow
for other ways of embodiment, such as that wherein the connectors (4) are attached
at one end to a lower corrugated round rod, while the other (upper) end is attached
to another round rod which forms the hanger itself, or else the connectors (4) may
be attached by their lower end to partially overlapping lower corrugated round rods,
thus enabling their welding along said overlapping zone, i.e. the basic profile (1)
being removed in this case, as the structure is implemented in versions having a lower
strength capability.
[0029] Thus, the structure built according to Figure 1 is arranged to lean on its ends over
corresponding pillars (9), being embedded therein, which pillars support the planking
(10) with widened zones (10') adjacent the pillars (9), said planking being duly propped-up
to further support the unidirectional semi-resistant joists (11) of a conventional
or other shape or profile, Figure 3 specifically showing three types of joist (11)
profiles which are complemented with corresponding strengthening structures to overcome
negative bending moments (16).
[0030] Over the planking (10) are placed the semi-resistant joists (11), over which are
in turn placed the hollow bricks (14), provided with voids and open on the sides save
those installed collateral to the main structure, which are closed on one side.
[0031] In any case, both the semi-resistant joists (11) and the corresponding end hollow
brick (14) are spaced from said structure for the purposes discussed hereunder.
[0032] The pillars (9) are fitted with corresponding structures (15) based on corrugated
rods, the joists (11) also being provided with corrugated round bars or rods (16)
by way of strengthening elements.
[0033] Figure 4 shows a cross section of the central zone of the mixed flat girder obtained
on-site, revealing the inverted "T" metal profile (1), the connectors (4), the hollow
bricks (14), the semi-resistant joists (11) and the girder stem formed by the concrete
(17) which also forms the compression layer (18) with the structure (16) based on
corrugated round bars located in the upper part to overcome negative bending moments
in the concrete slab and the supports of the joists (11) on the girder planking (10)
which forms the reinforced concrete (17), said Figure 4 also showing the formation
of reinforced concrete transversal nerves (20) with corrugated round rods (21) positioned
in the upper, lower and intermediate or buttressing part.
[0034] Figure 5 shows a cross section of the end zone of the mixed flat girder which leans
on the pillars, and also shows the widening of the solidified concrete designed to
form the corresponding abacus (22) structured with corrugated round rods (23) positioned
in the upper part of said abacus (22), close to the girder's (17) negative bending
moment influence zone.
[0035] Figure 6 shows a detail of the reinforced concrete abacus (22) on the supporting
pillars (9).
[0036] According to the characteristics described, the assembly and construction of the
concrete slab is conducted as follows:
[0037] The ends of the metal structure obtained from profile (1) are anchored to the pillars
(9) in the form of embedded knot supports having a specific hyperstatic degree and
being provided with an adequate abacus (22) structured with the corrugated round rods
(23) placed on the upper part of said abacus (22) and in the concrete compression
layer (18), which allows for continuity of the girders (17) in a manner that said
corrugated round rods (23) are positioned in the abacus (22) itself adjacent the compression
layer (18) and within the area of influence of the girder's (17) negative bending
moments.
[0038] Over the pillars (9), the propped-up and counter-attached planking (10) and (10')
is arranged to receive the support of the semi-resistant joists (11), allowing for
an approximate 11 to 15 cm gap between the joist header ends, leaving a gap between
the end hollow bricks (14) and gaging said joists with the hollow bricks so that the
separation from the end hollow bricks (14) is at least 25 cm, thereby to form the
concrete stem (17) or so-called girder itself.
[0039] The transversal nerve wooden planking is further arranged with a conveniently propped-up
15 cm plank to form the transversal nerve (20), allowing a minimum 10 cm separation
from the first or end hollow bricks (14), and is subsequently covered with the remaining
hollow bricks. The whole assembly is thus ready for installing the structures, first
the one based on the "T" profile (1), positioned in the gap between the joist (11)
header ends and, naturally, in the gap established by the first or end bricks (14),
subsequently arranging the structures (21) of the transversal nerve (20) and the corrugated
round rod (16) structure for the joist (11) recesses, leaving the ends of said round
rods leaning on a 6 or 8 mm round rod extending lengthwise over the hollow bricks
(14) to finish the structure, with the corrugated round rods (23) and the abaci (22)
positioned over the pillar (9) heads for overcoming the mixed girder's negative bending
moments; the work being thus fully assembled and structured to start the laying of
the concrete, as follows:
[0040] First of all, the hollow bricks, the joists and the planking are sufficiently sprayed
with water; the concrete laying starts at the girder (17) and nerve (20) recesses
and over the semi-resistant joists (11), to a height 3 to 4 cm below the upper part
of the hollow bricks (14), becoming attached to the concrete compression layer (18)
- which is at least 5 cm thick - to cover the assembly simultaneously in order to
achieve a monolithic condition in the mixed flat girder obtained on-site and of the
concrete slab itself; water spaying is continued to achieve a good setting and curing
of the reinforced concrete, the cement used for the concrete having the required volume
stability to avoid cracks or fissures as a result of setting retraction. The concrete
must have a plastic consistency, and comprise vibrated aggregates having a maximum
size of 25 mm.
[0041] In the event that mechanical strength of the mixed structure shown in Figure 1 -
in its maximum structured configuration - is insufficient for supporting grater stresses,
the use of a pair of structures is called for, bearing in mind that said structures
will proportionately adapt to the stress transmitted by each of the concrete slabs
leaning on the girder, each structure being placed on each side of the concrete slab
and thus establishing the necessary concrete compression head, said compression head
being stiffened in regard to sagging by virtue of the reinforced nerves corresponding
to the semi-resistant joists.
[0042] Finally, the gaps between the semi-resistant joist (11) header ends are advantageously
in the range of 22 to 27 cm and the gap between the hollow bricks is in the range
of 37 to 42 cm.
[0043] This description need not be more extensive for an expert on the subject to understand
the scope of the invention and the advantages deriving therefrom.
[0044] The materials, shape, size and arrangement of the elements are liable to variation
provided the essential nature of the invention is not altered.
[0045] The terms used in this specification must at all times be taken in their broad, non-limiting
sense.
1. Improvements in unidirectional flat concrete flooring construction systems applicable
to construction structures, mainly involving the on-site formation of mixed flat girders
supported on pillars and unidirectional semi-resistant joists leaning on duly propped-up
planking, complemented by flat bricks, transversal nerves and other structural and
resistance elements, characterized essentially in that the mixed flat girders are
fabricated on-site and comprise a main structure including a "T" metal profile (1),
connectors (4), a hanger (7) and corrugated reinforcement rods (8), also complemented
with a mass of concrete (17) and (18) poured on-site over said structure to obtain
the mixed flat girder; characteristic in that the connectors (4) are arranged in a
slanting position and welded at the ends thereof to the "T" profile (1) and to a round
rod which forms a hanger (7) ; the ends of the mixed flat girder being arranged to
lean on and be embedded in the corresponding pillars (9) to a hyperstatic degree,
while the header ends of the semi-resistant joists (11) and the first hollow bricks
(14) are separated to establish a recess, the concrete filling of which, complemented
by the adequate structure, forms the stem of the mixed flat girder (17).
2. Improvements in unidirectional flat concrete flooring construction systems, according
to Claim 1, characterized in that the mixed structure formed by the "T" metal profile
(1), the connectors (4) and the hanger (7), is positioned between the header ends
of the semi-resistant joists (11) and the first hollow brick (14) of the various brick
rows arranged between the semi-resistant joists (11), said gap determining the width
of the mixed flat girder (17) stem, which is complemented by the concrete compression
filling layer (18) which originates the continuity between girders.
3. Improvements in unidirectional flat concrete flooring construction systems, according
to Claim 1, characterized in that the "T" metal profile (1), being the basic element
of the main structure, is arranged in inverted position, with the stem (2) oriented
vertically upwards and the wings (3) arranged horizontally at the lower end, said
wings (3) determining a means of withstanding tensional stress, while the upper vertical
stem (2) constitutes and element to withstand cutting and shearing stresses.
4. Improvements in unidirectional flat concrete flooring construction systems, according
to Claim 1, characterized in that the connectors (4) are provided, at the lower end
thereof, with an extension (5) forming a foot along which are welded (6) said connectors
(4) onto the stem's (2) upper edge corresponding to the "T" metal profile (1), said
connectors (4) being adhered to the hanger (7) by their upper end, also through welding
(6), whereby the tangent and grade line shear stress capability is increased, the
slanting of said connectors (4) forming a 45° angle with the horizontal.
5. Improvements in unidirectional flat concrete flooring construction systems, according
to Claim 1, characterized in that the hanger (7), onto which are welded the upper
connector (4) ends, is formed by a corrugated round rod acting as a compression structure
and as a support structure (16) for the semi-resistant joist (11) negative bending
moments.
6. Improvements in unidirectional flat concrete flooring construction systems, according
to Claim 1, characterized in that, over the lower horizontal wings (3) of the "T"
metal profile (1), corrugated round rods (8) are arranged and adhered by means of
welding, acting as a means of reinforcement against tension caused by positive bending
moments.
7. Improvements in unidirectional flat concrete flooring construction systems, according
to the preceding claims, characterized in that, under the flat concrete compression
layer (18), are provided, at regular intervals, concrete transversal nerves (20) fitted
with structural round rods (21) designed to avoid the appearance of longitudinal fissures
or cracks in the lower and upper sides of the concrete slab, being complemented with
a structure of corrugated round rods (21) and buttressing means (19), concrete being
laid throughout the height of the concrete slab, characteristic in that said concrete
nerves (20) are arranged between the hollow bricks (14), thereby providing increased
resistance to the concrete slab's transversal stiffness in order to withstand the
alternate tension and compression stresses caused by the concrete slab transversal
bending and torque moments.