Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
1
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR KEEPING WATER AWAY FROM A
CONCRETE SLAB SITTING ON A FOOTING
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to concrete foundations, and more
specifically to a device and method for keeping water away from a main
concrete
slab sitting on a footing on the inside relative to the foundation walls.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The accumulation of water under a concrete slab (generally sitting on
the
inside portion of a concrete footing structure, relative to the concrete
foundation
walls) of a building can generate major problems to the building structure,
without
accounting for discomforts the building resident has to deal with. Water under
a
concrete slab, usually considered as the basement floor of the building,
causes a
high level (higher than normal comfortable level) of moisture, which might
eventually dampen sections of the floor finishing and/or lower regions of
walls.
Other problems may occur on the concrete foundation itself. This water can get
to the concrete slab by infiltration between the foundation walls and the
footing.
[0003] All these problems are even more present when there is a positive
pressure (hydro-pressure) under the slab. Such water can be stagnant and
remain under the slab for extensive periods of time, if not permanently,
depending
on the soil type. Since there is no real access under the slab, there is no
efficient
way to get rid of the above-mentioned problems associated with the presence of
water or moisture, other than breaking the slab to access the soil underneath.
Alternatively, some have tried to drain such water by reaching the area from
underneath the footing, but this could induce local displacement (collapsing,
falling) of the footing, which will generate even more problematic situations
to the
structure of the building.
[0004] Water can also reach the concrete slab from the interface between the
foundation walls and the footing supporting the walls, with the concrete of
the
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foundation walls not fully adhering to the footing, thereby leaving some
interstices
for water to reach the slab. Furthermore, since the concrete is known to be
somewhat porous, it is further easy for water often accumulating at the outer
periphery of the footing to slowly flow along the unsealed interface and reach
the
slab sitting on the inner periphery of the footing. Water easily enters the
intersection when accumulated onto the top surface of the footing. This is
especially the case when the outside top surface of the footing is slightly
inclined
downwardly towards the foundation wall, which case is much more frequent than
one may think (as if the weight of the concrete slab resting on the footing
inside
the foundation walls, in addition to a movable ground surface under the
footing,
would be the main reason of this downward and inward inclination of the
footing).
This inclination of the footing often breaks the key formed along the
interface with
the foundation walls, thus allowing the water or moisture to infiltrate
therethrough
and allow for the local raising of the concrete slab under the hydro pressure.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved device and method for
keeping water away from a main concrete slab.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide an
improved device and method for keeping water away from a main concrete slab.
[0007] An advantage of the present invention is that the device/method
prevents
the water from entering the intersection between the footing and the
foundation
wall sitting thereon and reaching the main concrete slab, by sealing the
intersection while ensuring a positive slope for the water to flow away
therefrom,
either using concrete joint (which preferably requires a skilled technician)
or
relatively easily installed wedge blocks to form the joint.
[0008] Another advantage of the present invention is that the device/method
allows the water to move away from the concrete slab through a plurality of
drain
pipes extending through openings into the footing from an area under the slab
to
an area exterior to the footing, while preferably preventing water from
entering
into the pipes and flowing back towards the slab.
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[0009] A further advantage of the present invention is that the device/method
allows for the drainage of water accumulated, and typically pressurized (hydro
pressure), under an existing concrete slab without having to break or damage
the
slab, as well as for the continuous drainage of future water reaching the area
under the slab, such as after a heavy rain fall or the like, such as to
eliminate any
possible local raising of the concrete slab. The present device/method further
prevents any water accumulation and/or stagnation under the concrete slab and
at the footing and foundation wall interface.
[0010] Still another advantage of the present invention is that the
device/method
allows for an air venting of the area under the slab after any water has been
drained away.
[0011] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the
device/method
is preferably retrofitted into an already existing building or could
eventually
installed during construction phase of a new building under-ground foundation.
[0012] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a
device
for keeping water away from a main concrete slab partially sitting on an
inside
edge of a top surface of a footing and adjacent a foundation wall entirely
sitting
on the top surface of the footing adjacent the slab, the foundation wall
having an
external side surface facing away from the slab and an internal side surface
facing
towards the slab, the top surface having an outside edge thereof extending
externally away from the external side surface and defining an external ledge
of
the footing therebetween, said device comprising:
[0013] - a substantially solid joint adapted to be located adjacent and along
an intersection of the external side surface of the foundation wall
and the top surface of the footing, the joint entirely and sealably
covering the intersection, and adapted to cover a first portion of the
external side surface adjacent the intersection and at least a portion
of the external ledge adjacent the intersection, said joint defining a
free surface angled relative to both the external side surface and the
top surface, in a cross section of the joint, the free surface, the first
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portion of the external side surface and the portion of the external
ledge forming a substantially triangular shape;
[0014] wherein the joint closes off the intersection to keep water away
therefrom and from the concrete slab.
[0015] Typically, the device further includes an external water resistant
membrane adhering to and covering the free surface and a second portion of the
external side surface adjacent and above the first portion thereof.
[0016] Conveniently, the device includes a structural rod adapted to be
located
adjacent and along the intersection, the structural rod being entirely covered
by
the joint.
[0017] Conveniently, the device includes a plurality of spacers for spacing
the
structural rod from the foundation wall and the footing, said plurality of
spacers
being entirely covered by the joint.
[0018] Conveniently, the plurality of spacers are anchors for anchoring the
structural rod to foundation wall and the footing.
[0019] Conveniently, the joint is made out of settable concrete material.
[0020] In one embodiment, the joint includes at least one wedge block.
[0021] Conveniently, the at least one wedge block includes a plurality of
wedge
blocks positioned in a side-by-side relationship relative to one another.
[0022] In one embodiment, the device further includes an attaching member for
attaching said at least one wedge blocks to at least one of the footing and
the
foundation wall.
[0023] Conveniently, the device further includes a fastener member securing
adjacent ones of said plurality of wedge blocks to one another.
[0024] Conveniently, the fastener member is a staple-type fastener.
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[0025] Conveniently, the fastener member includes two tenon members facing
one another, each said tenon member having a stem member extending
longitudinally away from the other said tenon member and having a lateral
extension member extending generally perpendicularly from said stem member,
each said tenon member being engageable into a corresponding mortise opening
extending into one of said adjacent ones of said plurality of wedge blocks.
[0026] Alternatively, fastener member includes at least one tenon member
extending away from one said adjacent wedge blocks, said tenon member having
a stem member extending longitudinally away from said one said adjacent wedge
blocks and having a lateral extension member extending generally
perpendicularly from said stem member, said tenon member being engageable
into a corresponding mortise opening extending into the other one of said
adjacent wedge blocks.
[0027] In one embodiment, the free surface of said at least one wedge block is
angled relative to the first portion of the external side surface with an
angle being
larger than zero degree and smaller than 90 degrees, and preferably the angle
is
between about 60 and about 80 degrees.
[0028] In one embodiment, the device includes an external water resistant
membrane adhering to and covering the free surface and a second portion of the
external side surface adjacent and above the first portion thereof.
[0029] In one embodiment, the device includes an internal water resistant
membrane adhering to and covering the external ledge, the first portion and a
second portion of the external side surface adjacent and above the first
portion
thereof.
[0030] Conveniently, the device further includes an external water resistant
membrane adhering to and covering the free surface and the internal water
resistant membrane covering the second portion of the external side surface.
[0031] Conveniently, at least one of the internal and external water resistant
membranes extending upwardly above a ground level and/or downwardly below
the outside edge.
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[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided
a
method for keeping water away from a main concrete slab partially sitting on
an
edge of a top surface of a footing and adjacent a foundation wall entirely
sitting
on the top surface of the footing adjacent the slab, the foundation wall
having an
external side surface facing away from the slab and an internal side surface
facing
towards the slab, the top surface having an external protrusion thereof
extending
externally away from the external side surface and defining an external ledge
of
the footing therebetween, the external side surface of the foundation wall and
the
top surface of the footing defining an intersection therebetween, said method
comprising the step of:
[0033] - closing off the intersection to keep water away therefrom and from
the
concrete slab.
[0034] Typically, the step of closing off the intersection includes:
[0035] - covering the intersection with a substantially solid joint,
the joint being
adapted to cover a first portion of the external side surface adjacent
the intersection and at least a portion of the external ledge adjacent
the intersection, said joint defining a free surface angled relative to
both the external side surface and the top surface, in a cross section
of the joint, the free surface, the first portion of the external side
surface and the portion of the external ledge forming a substantially
triangular shape.
[0036] Conveniently, the joint generally covers the entire external ledge of
the
footing.
[0037] In one embodiment, the step of covering the intersection includes
pouring
settable concrete material over the intersection to form a solid piece of
concrete
being the joint.
[0038] Conveniently, the method further includes, before covering the
intersection, the step of installing a structural rod adjacent and along the
intersection, and the step of covering the intersection further includes
entirely
covering the structural rod with the settable concrete material.
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[0039] Conveniently, the step of installing a structural rod includes spacing
the
structural rod from the foundation wall and the footing using a plurality of
spacers.
[0040] Conveniently, the method of claim 8, further includes, after the step
of
covering the intersection, the step of covering the free surface and a second
portion of the external side surface adjacent and above the first portion
thereof
with an external water resistant membrane adhering thereto.
[0041] In one embodiment, the step of covering the intersection includes
installing at least one wedge block over the intersection to form the joint.
[0042] Conveniently, the at least one wedge block includes a plurality of
wedge
blocks, and wherein the step of covering the intersection includes installing
the
plurality of wedge blocks over the intersection in a side-by-side fashion to
form
the joint.
[0043] Conveniently, the step of installing includes securing adjacent ones of
said
plurality of wedge blocks to one another using a fastening member.
[0044] In one embodiment, the step of installing includes attaching said at
least
one wedge block to at least one of the footing and the foundation wall with an
attaching member.
[0045] In one embodiment, the method further includes, after the step of
covering
the intersection, the step of covering the free surface and a second portion
of the
external side surface adjacent and above the first portion thereof with an
external
water resistant membrane adhering thereto.
[0046] In one embodiment, the method further includes, before the step of
installing at least one wedge block, the step of covering the external ledge,
the
first portion and a second portion of the external side surface adjacent and
above
the first portion thereof with an internal water resistant membrane adhering
thereto.
[0047] Conveniently, the method further includes, after the step of installing
at
least one wedge block, the step of covering the free surface and the internal
water
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resistant membrane covering the second portion of the external side surface
with
an external water resistant membrane adhering thereto.
[0048] Conveniently, at least one of the internal and external water resistant
membranes extending upwardly above a ground level and/or downwardly below
the outside edge.
[0049] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided
a
device for keeping water away from a main concrete slab partially sitting on
an
edge of a top surface of a footing and adjacent a foundation wall sitting on
the top
surface of the footing, the footing having an external side surface facing
away
from the slab and an internal side surface facing towards the slab, said
device
comprising:
[0050] - at least one through hole extending through the footing from the
internal side surface to the external side surface, and below the top
surface, the at least one through hole sloping downwardly from the
internal side surface to the external side surface;
[0051] wherein the at least one through hole allows water to flow therethrough
from an interior area located adjacent the internal side surface of the
footing and below the concrete slab to an exterior area located
adjacent the external side surface of the footing to keep water away
from the concrete slab.
[0052] Conveniently, the at least one drain pipe is received within the at
least one
through hole, the at least one drain pipe sloping downwardly from the internal
side surface to the external side surface, the at least one drain pipe
including a
plurality of drain holes extending through a wall thereof.
[0053] Conveniently, the at least one drain pipe is sealably received within
the at
least one through hole.
[0054] Conveniently, the at least one drain pipe has a pointy inner end
thereof
extending away from the footing into the interior area.
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[0055] Conveniently, the at least one drain pipe has an outer end thereof
extending away from the footing into the exterior area, said outer end
including a
check valve so as to prevent any solid and/or fluid from entering into the at
least
one drain pipe from the outer end.
[0056] Conveniently, the outer end is located adjacent the external side
surface
of the footing.
[0057] Alternatively, the at least one drain pipe includes a plurality of
longitudinal
sections connecting to each other into an end-to-end configuration.
[0058] Conveniently, the plurality of longitudinal sections connect to each
other
into the end-to-end configuration with a screw type manner.
[0059] Conveniently, each of the plurality of longitudinal sections includes a
plurality of drain holes extending through a wall thereof.
[0060] Alternatively, a check valve is located inside the at least one through
hole
adjacent the external side surface so as to prevent any solid and/or fluid
from
entering into the at least one through hole from the exterior area.
[0061] Conveniently, the device includes a vent pipe extending from the
interior
area through the footing and along the foundation wall adjacent the external
side
surface to above a ground level adjacent the foundation wall.
[0062] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided
a
method for keeping water away from an existing main concrete slab partially
sitting on an edge of a top surface of an existing footing and adjacent an
existing
foundation wall sitting on the top surface of the existing footing, the
existing
footing having an external side surface facing away from the existing concrete
slab and an internal side surface facing towards the existing concrete slab,
said
method comprising the step of:
[0063] - draining water away from an interior area located adjacent the
internal
side surface of the existing footing and below the existing concrete
slab to an exterior area located adjacent the external side surface of
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the existing footing to keep water away from the existing concrete
slab.
[0064] Typically, the step of draining water includes drilling at least one
through
hole extending through the existing footing from the internal side surface in
fluid
communication with the interior area to the external side surface in fluid
communication with the exterior area, the at least one through hole sloping
downwardly from the internal side surface to the external side surface.
[0065] Conveniently, the method further includes, after the step of drilling
at least
one through hole, the step of installing at least one drain pipe through along
the
at least one through hole of the existing footing from the internal side
surface to
the external side surface, and below the top surface, with the at least one
drain
pipe sloping downwardly from the internal side surface to the external side
surface.
[0066] Conveniently, the step of installing at least one drain pipe includes:
[0067] - trimming an outer end of the at least one drain pipe extending away
from the existing footing into the exterior area adjacent the external
side surface; and
[0068] - installing a check valve at the outer end of the at least one drain
pipe
so as to prevent any solid and/or fluid from entering into the at least
one drain pipe from the exterior area.
[0069] Conveniently, the method includes, after the step of drilling at least
one
through hole, the step of installing a check valve inside the at least one
through
hole adjacent the external side surface so as to prevent any solid and/or
fluid from
entering into the at least one through hole from the exterior area.
[0070] Conveniently, the at least one drain pipe includes a plurality of
longitudinal
sections connecting to each other into an end-to-end configuration, and
wherein
the step of installing at least one drain pipe includes:
[0071] - axially inserting a first one of the plurality of
longitudinal sections into
the at least one through hole; and
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[0072] - connecting a successive one of said plurality of longitudinal
sections
to a previously inserted one said longitudinal section into an end-to-
end configuration, and axially inserting the successive one of the
plurality of longitudinal sections into the at least one through hole.
[0073] Conveniently, the method further includes the step of installing a vent
pipe
adapted to vent gas away from the interior area, the vent pipe extending from
the
interior area through the existing footing and along the existing foundation
wall
adjacent the external side surface to above a ground level adjacent the
existing
foundation wall.
[0074] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from a careful reading of the detailed description provided herein,
with
appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0075] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become
better understood with reference to the description in association with the
following Figures, in which similar references used in different Figures
denote
similar components, wherein:
[0076] Figure 1 is a broken perspective view of devices for keeping
moisture/water away from a main concrete slab of a building sitting on a
footing
in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
[0077] Figure 2 is an enlarged broken perspective view taken along line 2 of
Figure 1 showing a device for keeping water away from a main concrete slab in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0078] Figure 3 is an enlarged section view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1;
showing a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0079] Figure 4a is an enlarged exploded view of the drain pipe of Figure 3;
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[0080] Figure 4b is a view similar to Figure 4a, showing only a check valve
installed into the through hole of the footing, without the drain pipe;
[0081] Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 2, showing device for keeping
water
away from a main concrete slab in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0082] Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, showing another embodiment of a
fastener member securing two adjacent wedge blocks to one another;
[0083] Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6, showing another embodiment of a
staple-type fastener securing two adjacent wedge blocks to one another; and
[0084] Figure 8 is a broken section view illustrating different shapes of the
angled
free surface of the joints between the foundation wall and the footing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0085] With reference to the annexed drawings the preferred embodiments of the
present invention will be herein described for indicative purpose and by no
means
as of limitation.
[0086] Referring to Figures 1 to 2, there is shown a device 10 for keeping
moisture/water away from a main concrete slab 12 partially sitting on a
concrete
footing 14 of a building 16 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0087] The device 10 is essentially for keeping water/moisture away from the
main concrete slab 12 partially sitting on an internal edge 19i of a top
surface 18
of the footing 14, and adjacent a foundation wall 20 entirely sitting on the
top
surface 18 of the footing 14, typically with a key 22 at the interface there
between
to prevent lateral sliding of the foundation wall 20 relative to the footing
14. The
foundation wall 20 has an external side surface 24 facing away from the slab
12
and an internal side surface 26 facing towards the slab 12. The top surface 18
of
the footing 14 has an outside edge 190 thereof that extends externally away
from
the external side surface 24 of the foundation wall 20 and defines an external
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ledge 28 of the footing 14 therebetween. As shown in Figure 1, the soil around
a
portion of the foundation wall 20 has been moved away or dug to leave the
foundation wall 20 and a large portion of the footing 14 temporarily exposed
to
open air during the repairs being done.
[0088] The device 10 typically includes substantially solid joint 34 to
sealably and
entirely cover an intersection 32 of the external side surface 24 of the
foundation
wall 20 and the top surface 18 of the footing 14. The joint 34 covers a lower
first
portion 24' of the external side surface 24 adjacent the intersection 32 and
at least
a portion 28' of the external ledge 28 adjacent the intersection 32, such that
it
substantially closes off the intersection 32 to keep moisture/water away
therefrom
and from the concrete slab 12. Typically, the portion 28' is the entire ledge
28.
The concrete joint 34 defines a substantially flat free surface 36 angled
relative
to both the external side surface 24 and the top surface 18, such that, in a
cross
section of the device 10, the free surface 36, the first portion 24' of the
external
side surface 24 and the portion 28' of the external ledge 28 form together a
substantially triangular shape. The angle A of the triangular shape between
the
free surface 36 and the first portion 24' is substantially anywhere larger
than 0
(zero) and smaller than 90 degrees typically between about 5 and about
85 degrees, and preferably between about 45 and about 80 degrees, and most
preferably between about 60 and about 80 degrees.
[0089] Typically, the joint 34 also entirely covers a structural rod 30 or the
like,
such as for example a conventional rebar or metallic cable, located adjacent
and
along the intersection 32. The joint 34 is preferably made out of settable
concrete
material that entirely covers the structural rod 30, but could also be made of
any
other suitable material, preferably relatively light weight but also rigid
enough not
to be easily crunched, such as, for example, a pre-shaped solid foam material
(as
expanded polystyrene foam) or any suitable plastic-type material or the like,
that
could eventually be adapted to receive the structural rod 30 therein, as
further
described hereinbelow.
[0090] Typically, an external water resistant membrane 40 adheres to and
covers
the free surface 36 and at least a second portion 24" of the external side
surface
24 adjacent and above the first portion 24' thereof, and preferably a portion
of the
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footing 14 adjacent the free surface 36, such that the external membrane 40
typically covers entirely the free surface 36 and its intersections with both
the
external side surface 24 and the top surface 18, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.
Additionally, for further protection of the intersection 32, the first 24' and
second
24" portions of the external side surface 24 and the external ledge 18, along
with
the intersection 32 there between, could be covered by an internal water
resistant
membrane 41 (see Figure 5).
[0091] Preferably, at least the external membrane 40, or both the internal 41
and
external 40 membranes, such as a pulverized, sprayed or spread rubber type
material or the like, extend upward along the external side surface 24 of the
foundation wall 20 above the ground or soil level G indicated as a dotted line
along the foundation wall 20. Alternatively, each of the internal 41 and/or
external
40 membranes could be a plastic or rubber type material bonded or glued onto
the underlying surfaces to prevent water and/or moisture infiltration there
between. Obviously, especially if the membranes 40, 41 are made out of a
plastic
or rubber type material, the respective membrane 40, 41 could extend downward
down to the external side surface 42 of the footing 14 below the outside edge
190.
[0092] Typically, the structural rod 30 is spaced from both the foundation
wall 20
and the footing 14 via a plurality of spacers 44 or the like that could also
be used
without the rod 30. Typically, the spacers are anchors 44 used to hold the
structural rod 30 spaced from at least the foundation wall 20, and preferably
also
from the footing 14. The plurality of anchors 44 are also entirely covered by
the
concrete joint 34 and are used to secure the joint 34 adjacent the
intersection 32.
[0093] Alternatively, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the device 10 can be made of
at
least one, but preferably a plurality of wedge blocks 34' positioned in a side-
by-
side relationship or fashion relative to one another.
[0094] Typically, in order to hold, maintain or secure the wedge blocks 34" to
at
least one of the footing 14 and preferably the foundation wall 20 adjacent the
intersection 32, especially when earth or gravel is poured thereon to fill the
opening adjacent the foundation wall 20 up to the ground level G after the
installation of the device 10 is completed, an attaching member 38 (see Figure
5),
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such as a concrete screw or the like is used. Conveniently, depending on the
dimensions of each wedge block 34", only some of them would need to be
secured with an attaching member 38, such as, for example, every two or three
wedge blocks 34".
[0095] In order to hold, maintain or secure the adjacent wedge block 34' to
one
another, the device 10 includes a fastener member 50 such as a staple-type
fastener. The fastener member 50 includes at least one, but preferably two
tenon
members 52 facing one another (see Figure 6). Each tenon member 52 has a
stem member 54 extending longitudinally away from the other tenon member 52
(or protruding away from the wedge block 34' ¨ see Figure 5) and has a lateral
protrusion or extension member 56 that extends generally perpendicularly from
the stem member 54. Alternatively, the extension member 56 could simply be a
lateral enlargement (or widening) of the stem member 54 in a direction
extending
away from the other tenon member 52 or the wedge block 34'. Each tenon
member 52 is slidably engageable into a corresponding mortise opening 58
extending into the adjacent wedge block 34'. The mortise opening 58 includes a
stem section 54' and a protrusion section 56' to receive the stem member 54
and
the extension member 56 therein, respectively. The extension member 56
laterally protrudes form the stem member 54 to prevent the two adjacent wedge
blocks 34' from moving away from each other.
[0096] Preferably, as seen in Figure 7, the staple-type fastener 50 has the
overall
shape similar of a metallic staple for paper sheets and can be simply punched
or
forced into the foam material of the two adjacent wedge blocks 34'.
[0097] Also, as illustrated in Figure 6, the other surfaces of each wedge
block 34'
generally facing the external side surface 24 and the external ledge 28 could
be
generally solid and flat, but could also be only partially filled, such as
legs 46
(shown in stippled lines) of the wedge block 34', formed by recesses or
cavities
extending internally therefrom, supporting the free surface 36.
[0098] Also, as illustrated in Figure 8, although the free surface 36 is
generally
flat, it could have any curvature between its edges adjacent the external side
surface 24 and the external ledge 28 such as being concave 36' or convex 36",
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as long as there is no hollow in which water could accumulate therein. In
other
words, the angle A or slope S of the free surface 36, at any point thereof,
although
it may angularly vary, is always oriented downwardly from the edge adjacent
the
external side surface 24 to the edge adjacent the external ledge 28.
[0099] The above device 10 can be installed either retroactively onto an
existing
building or during the construction thereof.
[00100] A corresponding method for keeping moisture/water away from
the
main concrete slab 12 partially sitting on an internal edge of the top surface
18 of
a concrete footing 14 and adjacent a foundation wall 20 entirely sitting on
the top
surface 18 of the footing 14 adjacent the slab 12. The method comprises the
step
of closing off the intersection 32 to keep water away therefrom and from the
concrete slab 12, which typically includes covering, preferably entirely, the
intersection 32 with a substantially solid joint 34 that defines a free
surface 36
angled relative to both the external side surface 24 and the top surface 18.
The
covering of the intersection 32 typically includes pouring settable concrete
material over the intersection 32 to form a solid piece of concrete being the
joint 34.
[00101] Typically, the method further includes, before covering the
intersection, the step of installing a plurality of spacers 44 adjacent and
along the
intersection 32 at least on one, but preferably both the footing 14 and the
foundation wall 20, and the step of covering the intersection 32 further
includes
entirely covering the spacers 44, with, for example, settable concrete
material or
pre-shaped foam material or the like.
[00102] Typically, the step of installing the plurality of spacers
44 includes
installing and securing/anchoring a structural rod 30 onto at least one of the
foundation wall 20 and the footing 14 using the plurality of anchors 44 to
preferably space the structural rod 30 from the foundation wall 20 and the
footing 14.
[00103] The method typically further includes the step of covering
the free
surface 36 and a second portion 24" of the external side surface 24 adjacent
and
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above the first portion 24' thereof with an external water resistant membrane
40
adhering thereto. The second portion 24" and the external water resistant
membrane 40 extending upwardly above a ground level G.
[00104] Alternatively, the covering the intersection 32 includes
installing at
least one wedge block 34' over the intersection 32 to form the joint, and
preferably
a plurality of wedge blocks 34' over the intersection in a side-by-side
fashion.
[00105] Typically, the installing includes securing adjacent ones
of the
plurality of wedge blocks 34" to one another using a fastening member 50, as
above described.
[00106] Typically, the installing includes attaching or securing at least
one
of the plurality of wedge blocks 34" to at least one of the footing 14 and
preferably
the foundation wall 20 using an attaching member 38, such as a concrete screw
or the like to secure the at least one wedge block 34" adjacent the
intersection 32.
[00107] Also, the method could include either or both the covering
of the
external ledge 28, the first portion 24' and the second portion 24" of the
external
side surface 24 with an internal water resistant membrane 41 adhering thereto,
and the covering of the free surface 36 and the internal water resistant
membrane
41 or the second portion 24" of the external side surface 24 with an external
water
resistant membrane 40 adhering thereto. At least the external membrane 40, or
both the internal 41 and external 40 membranes preferably extend upward along
the external side surface 24 of the foundation wall 20 above the ground or
soil
level G, and/or downward along the external side surface 42 below the outside
edge 190.
[00108] Now referring more specifically to Figures 1, 3, 4a and 4b,
there is
shown a device 110 for keeping moisture/water away from a main concrete slab
12 partially sitting on a concrete footing 14 of a building 16 in accordance
with
another embodiment of the present invention.
[00109] The device 110 includes at least one drain pipe 60 adapted
to be
received within a through hole 62 extending through the footing 14 from an
internal side surface 26 thereof facing towards the slab 12 to the external
side
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surface 42, and below the top surface 18. The drain pipe 60 obviously slopes
downwardly from the internal side surface 26 to the external side surface 42,
to
allow water to flow there through, by gravity, from an interior area 66
located
adjacent the internal side surface 62 of the footing 14 and below the concrete
slab 12 to an exterior area 68 located adjacent the external side surface 42
of the
footing 14 to keep moisture/water accumulated just below the concrete slab 12
away therefrom. In some cases, only the through hole 62, being in fluid
communication with both the internal 66 and external 68 areas, is enough to
drain
the water away from the internal area 66.
[00110] Typically, the drain pipe 60 is sealably received within the
corresponding through hole 62. In order to allow the draining of water, the
drain
pipe 60 typically includes a plurality of relatively small drain holes 70
extending
radially through the wall of the pipe 60, and above a bottom surface 72 of the
pipe 60.
[00111] In order to ease the insertion of water via the drain pipe 60 into
the
interior area 66, the drain pipe 60 has a typically pointy or spiky inner end
74,
which extends away from the footing 14 into the interior area 66, as the tip
of an
arrow.
[00112] During early heavy draining, the outer end 76 of the drain
pipe 60,
which extends away from the footing 14 into the exterior area 68, is typically
spaced from the footing 14 by a predetermined distance of preferably at least
about three feet, to help draining the water away from the footing 14, as
shown
in dotted lines in Figures 1 and 3. Just before re-filling the space beside
the
foundation wall 24, the drain pipe is typically trimmed adjacent the external
side
surface 42 and closed with a flap/swing-type check valve 78 or the like, in
order
to prevent any solid and/or fluid from entering into the drain pipe 60 towards
the
interior area 66. As shown in Figure 4b, when only the through hole 62 is used
(without any drain pipe), or after the drain pipe 30 has been removed, the
check
valve 78 is located in a short pipe 60' inside the through hole 62 adjacent
the
external side surface 42 to prevent any solid and/or fluid from entering into
the
through hole 62 from the exterior area 68.
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[00113] In order to ease the insertion of the drain pipe 60 into
the through
hole 62, the drain pipe 60 includes a plurality of longitudinal sections 80
connected to each other into an end-to-end configuration, such as with a
thread
fastening mechanism 82 in a screw type manner, or the like. In such a case,
the
drain holes 70 are located in each one of the sections 80.
[00114] A corresponding method for keeping moisture/water away from
the
main concrete slab 12 partially sitting on an edge of the top surface 18 of
the
concrete footing 14 and adjacent the foundation wall 24 sitting on the top
surface
18. The method includes the step of draining water away from the interior area
66 located adjacent the internal side surface 26 of the footing 14 and below
the
concrete slab 12 to the exterior area 68 located adjacent the external side
surface
42 of the footing 14 to keep water away from the concrete slab 12.
[00115] The step of draining water typically includes drilling at
least one
through hole 62 extending through the footing 14 from the internal side
surface
26 in fluid communication with the interior area 66 to the external side
surface 42
in fluid communication with the exterior area 68 for receiving the at least
one drain
pipe 60 therein, with the through hole 62 sloping downwardly from the internal
side surface 26 to the external side surface 42, is typically performed.
[00116] Before the step of installing at least one drain pipe 60,
there is
typically the step of installing at least one drain pipe 60 along the through
hole 62
of the footing 14 from the internal side surface 26 to the external side
surface 42,
and below the top surface 18, with the at least one drain pipe 60 sloping
downwardly from the internal side surface 26 to the external side surface 42.
[00117] Preferably, the step of installing at least one drain pipe
60 includes
trimming an outer end 76 of the drain pipe 60 extending away from the footing
14
into the exterior area 68 adjacent the external side surface 42; and
installing a
check valve 78 at the outer end 76 of the drain pipe 60.
[00118] Alternatively, after the step of drilling at least one
through hole 62,
there is typically the step of installing a check valve 78 inside the through
hole 62
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adjacent the external side surface 42 to prevent any solid and/or fluid from
entering into the through hole 62 from the exterior area 68.
[00119] When the drain pipe 60 includes a plurality of
longitudinal sections
80 connecting to each other into an end-to-end configuration, the step of
installing
at least one drain pipe 60 includes axially inserting a first one of the
plurality of
longitudinal sections 80 into the at least one through hole 62; and connecting
a
successive one of said plurality of longitudinal sections 80 to a previously
inserted
one said longitudinal section 80 into an end-to-end configuration, and axially
inserting the successive section 60 into the through hole 62.
[00120] The method may also include the step of installing a vent pipe 88
adapted to vent gas away from the interior area 66. As shown in Figure 3, the
vent pipe 88 typically extends from the interior area 66 through the footing
14 and
along the foundation wall 20 adjacent the external side surface 24 to above
the
ground level G adjacent the foundation wall 20.
[00121] As schematically shown in Figure 1, the present invention is
always preferably installed along with a bed of small rocks 90 surrounding the
footing 14 to improve the flow of water away from the building, and also
preferably
extending down to either a main water reservoir 92 or the like from which the
accumulated water can be drained away or a city drain pipe (not shown). When
installed retroactively, it is preferable to temporarily increase the support
of the
building foundations via hydraulic rams assemblies 84 or the like removably
secured all around to the foundation walls 20, since the soil is temporarily
weakened around the footing 14. Each ram 84 typically includes a bracket 84a
secured to the foundation wall 20. An adjustable hydraulic ram 84b is mounted
between the bracket 84a and a rigid plate 84c (of typically about 2 feet
square in
size) firmly laying on the soil to ensure proper stability of the foundation
wall 20
relative to the soil. The hydraulic rams assemblies 84 are usually removed
just
prior the refill of the cavity adjacent the foundation wall. Obviously, during
retrofitting, since the external wall surface 24 of the foundation walls 20
are open
to the air, cracks 86 found into the foundation walls 20 can easily be
repaired to
prevent more damages thereof. Also, once the internal area 66 below the slab
12 has been drained, vent pipes 88 are typically installed at a few locations
along
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the foundation wall 20, and extending through the footing 14 and up above the
ground level G, to allow any pressurized gas, such as radon coming from
underground and the like, to properly escape the area 66, on a continuous
basis.
[00122] Although the present invention has been described with a
certain
degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the disclosure has been
made
by way of example only and that the present invention is not limited to the
features
of the embodiments described and illustrated herein, but includes all
variations
and modifications within the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
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