Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
PREFABRICATED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENTS
BACKGROUND
Field of the invention:
[0001] The subject matter in general relates to construction
technologies. More
particularly, the subject matter relates to prefabricated structural members
used in composite
construction.
Description of related art:
[0002] Steel members are one of the most important elements used in the
construction of
framed buildings. These members can be composite members which are structural
steel
members that are generally formed and filled with concrete to form a stable
composite structure.
[0003] Conventionally, steel reinforcement within composite structural
members comprise
multiple steel reinforcing steel rods held together using reinforcing steel
ties or other means to
form reinforcing steel cages. Typically reinforcing steel is installed at the
construction site. This
takes up a lot of space at the construction site and takes up a lot of
construction time to complete.
Considering the ever-growing need for residential and commercial buildings,
cities are already
cramped for space to build buildings, let alone space for constructing
reinforcing cages at the
site of construction.
[0004] Further, there is a dearth of skilled labours in the construction
industry who can
place the reinforcing steel at the required place during the construction
program. Additionally,
as the height of construction increases, the placement of reinforcing steel
becomes logistically
more challenging. Conventionally, the reinforcing steel cages are nested on
top of each other
as the height of construction increases. This again requires skilled labour
and time. All of this
contributes to increase in expenditure.
[0005] Considering the foregoing discussion there is a need for an
improved system for
providing reinforcing steel to composite steel and concrete structures.
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SUMMARY
[0006] In an
embodiment, disclosed is a system for providing reinforcement to structures.
The system comprises a prefabricated rebar assembly, a first end plate and a
second end plate.
The prefabricated rebar assembly comprises multiple rods connected to each
other. The
prefabricated rebar assembly is held between the first end plate and the
second end plate to form
a block of rebar assembly, or cage.
[0007] In one
aspect of the invention, each of the first end plate and the second end plate
comprises peripheral edges, wherein a series of passage holes are defined
along the peripheral
edges.
100081 In another aspect of the invention, each of the first end plate and
the second end
plate comprises a series of pass-through members, wherein, the pass-through
members define
the passage holes; and the pass-through members are coupled to the peripheral
edges to laterally
extend beyond the peripheral edges.
[0009] In
another aspect of the invention, the system further includes outer reinforcing
bars, wherein each of the outer reinforcing bars is received by one of the
passage holes in the
first end plate and one of the passage holes of the second end plate.
[0010] In
another aspect of the invention, a surface of the first end plate facing the
second
end plate comprises a first arrangement to indicate locations on the first end
plate at which
reinforcement rods extending from the first end plate towards the second end
plate must be
coupled to the first end plate; and a surface of the second end plate facing
the first end plate
comprises a second arrangement to indicate location on the second end plate at
which
reinforcement rods extending from the second end plate towards the first end
plate must be
coupled to the second end plate.
[0011] In
another aspect of the invention, a surface of the first end plate facing away
from
the second end plate comprises a third arrangement to indicate locations on
the first end plate
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at which reinforcement rods extending from the first end plate away from the
second end plate
. must be coupled to the first end plate; and a surface of the second end
plate facing away from
the first end plate comprises a fourth arrangement to indicate location on the
second end plate
at which reinforcement rods extending from the second end plate away from the
first end plate
must be coupled to the second end plate.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention, the first arrangement and
the second
arrangement comprise a series of grooves defined on the surface of the first
end plate and the
second end plate.
[0013] In another aspect of the invention, the first arrangement and
the second
arrangement comprise a series of protrusions extending from the surface of the
first end plate
and the second end plate.
[0014] In another aspect of the invention, the protrusions are U-shaped
members coupled
to the surface of the first end plate and the second end plate.
[0015] In another aspect of the invention, each of the first end plate
and the second end
plate defines a set of connector holes, wherein each of the connector holes
are configured to
receive a connecting member, wherein the connecting member is configured to
connect a first
of the block of rebar assembly with a second of the block of rebar assembly.
[0016] In another aspect of the invention, the second end plate of the
first of the block of
rebar assembly and the first end plate of the second of the block of rebar
assembly are connected
to each other using the connecting member.
[0017] In another aspect of the invention, each of the first end plate
and the second end
plate defines a set of flow holes, wherein the flow holes are configured to
allow passage of
concrete between a first of the block of rebar assembly and a second of the
block of rebar
assembly.
[00181 In another aspect of the invention, the first end plate can be
larger compared to the
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second end plate if the completed structural members reduce in size.
[0019] According to a second embodiment of the invention, there is
provided a method
for providing reinforcement to structures, the method including the steps of:
prefabricating a
rebar assembly comprising multiple rods, installing that rebar assembly and
positioning the
prefabricated rebar assembly by disposing it between a first end plate and a
second end plate to
form a block of rebar assembly, transporting the prefabricated assembly to the
construction site,
installing said assembly, then pouring concrete into the block of rebar
assembly.
[0020] In various other aspect of the second embodiment, the rebar
assembly is as herein
described.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0021] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation
in the figures of
the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements
and in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for providing reinforcement to
structures, in accordance
.. with an embodiment;
[0023] FIGs. 2A and 2B represent isometric views of the first end plate
and the second end
plate along with pass-through members, connector holes and flow holes, in
accordance with an
embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates the end plates along with outer reinforcing
bars, in accordance
with an embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of coupling reinforcement
rods to the end plates,
in accordance with an embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the arrangement;
[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the arrangement;
[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of two blocks of rebar assembly
connected to
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each other using connecting member, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 8 is an alternate embodiment of the flow hole; and
[0030] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for providing reinforcement to structures,
in accordance with
an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The following detailed description includes references to the
accompanying
drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show
illustrations in
accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments, which may be
herein
also referred to as "examples" are described in enough detail to enable those
skilled in the art
to practice the present subject matter. However, it may be apparent to one
with ordinary skill
in the art, that the present invention may be practised without these specific
details. In other
instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been
described in detail
so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. The embodiments
can be
combined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural, logical, and
design changes can be
made without departing from the scope of the claims. The following detailed
description is,
therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope is defined by
the appended claims
and their equivalents.
[0032] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is common in
patent documents,
to include one or more than one. In this document, the term "or" is used to
refer to a
nonexclusive "or," such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B but not A,"
and "A and B,"
unless otherwise indicated.
OVERVIEW
[0033] A system is disclosed for providing reinforcements to structures.
The system
comprises a prefabricated rebar assembly comprising multiple rods connected to
each other.
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This prefabricated rebar assembly is held between a first end plate and a
second end plate to
form a block. A series of pass-through members are arranged along the
peripheral edges and
within the body of the first end plate and the second end plate to accommodate
inner and outer
reinforcing continuity bars. A U-shaped protrusion is defined on surface of
the first end plate
and the second end plate that acts as an indicator as to where the multiple
rods of the rebar
assembly are to be placed. Multiple blocks of rebar assembly are connected to
each other using
connecting members. The end plates define a set of connector holes to receive
the connecting
continuity members as well as structural bolts. Concrete flows between two
blocks of rebar
assembly, that are connected to each other, via flow holes defined on the end
plates.
SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING REINFORCEMENT TO STRUCTURES
[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, a system 100 is disclosed for providing
reinforcement to
structures, in accordance with an embodiment. The system 100 comprises a
prefabricated rebar
assembly 102, a first end plate 104 and a second end plate 106. The
prefabricated rebar
assembly 102 comprises multiple rods 108 (steel rods 108 or reinforcement rods
108) connected
to each other. The rods 108 may be connected to each other using rods 108 or
other connecting
rods. The rebar assembly 102 may be in the shape of the structure to which the
rebar assembly
provides reinforcement. As an example, if the structure is a circular column,
the rebar assembly
102 may be circular in shape. Alternatively, if the structure is a rectangular
column, the rebar
assembly 102 may be rectangular in shape.
[0035] In an embodiment, the rebar assembly 102 may comprise solid columns
110 to
provide strength to the structure. The rebar assembly 102 may be held between
the end plates
104, 106 to form a block or cage 112.
[0036] In an embodiment, the first end plate 104 may be larger than the
second end plate
106 or conversely, the second end plate 106 may be larger than the first end
plate 104. The end
plates 104, 106 may assume the shape of the structure to which it is being
reinforced. As an
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example, the end plates 104, 106 may be circular or rectangular in shape.
10037] FIGs. 2A
and 2B represent isometric views of the first end plate 104 and the second
end plate 106, in accordance with an embodiment. Peripheral edges 202 of the
end plates 104,
106 comprise a series of pass-through members 204, wherein each pass-through
member 204
defines a passage hole 206. These pass-through members 204 are arranged such
that they extend
laterally beyond the peripheral edges 202 of the end plates 104, 106. In an
embodiment,
longitudinal axis 208 of the pass-through member 204 may be perpendicular to
surface 210 of
the end plates 104, 106.
[0038] In an
embodiment, the end plates 104, 106 may define grooves 212 to indicate
placement of the solid columns 110. The solid columns 110 may be universal
columns 110 and
the corresponding grooves 212 may be in the shape of an "I".
[0039] FIG. 3
discloses the end plates 104, 106 along with outer reinforcing bars 302, in
accordance with an embodiment. The outer reinforcing bars 302 are passed
through the passage
holes 206 of the end plates 104, 106. A single outer reinforcing bar 302 may
be passed through
the pass-through member 204 of the first end plate 104 and the corresponding
pass-through
member 204 of the second end plate 106. The outer reinforcing bars 302 may be
used to protect
concrete from spalling off the edges of the block of rebar assembly 112.
100401 In an
embodiment, two or more reinforcing bars 302 may be coupled to form a
single continuing bar, and passed through the passage holes 206, as explained
earlier. As an
example, if the distance between the first end plate 104 and the second end
plate 106 within the
block of rebar assembly 112 is greater than the length of a single reinforcing
bar 302, then two
or more reinforcing bars 302 may be tied together.
[0041] FIG. 4
illustrates an isometric view of coupling or engaging the reinforcement rods
108 to the end plates 104, 106 using arrangements 402, in accordance with an
embodiment.
Inner surface 404 of the end plates 104, 106 within the block of rebar
assembly 110 may
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comprise arrangements 402 (may be termed as first arrangement 402 for the
first end plate 104
and second arrangement 402 for the second end plate 106). The arrangements 402
may indicate
locations at which the reinforcement rods 108 may extend between the first end
plate 104 and
the second end plate 106.
[0042] The arrangement 402 may be a protrusion 402 that may be arranged on
the inner
surface 404 of the end plates 104, 106. The protrusion 402 may be a U-shaped
member 402
coupled to the inner surface 404 of the end plates 104, 106. One end of the
reinforcement rod
108 may be coupled to the U-shaped member 402 in the first end plate 104 and
other end of the
reinforcement rod 108 may be coupled to the corresponding U-shaped member 402
in the
second end plate 106.
[0043] In another embodiment, a first reinforcement rod 108 may be
coupled to the U-
shaped member 402 of the first end plate 104 and a second reinforcement rod
108 may be
coupled to the U-shaped member 402 of the second end plate 106. The two
reinforcement rods
108 may be tied together to form a single reinforcement rod 108.
[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the arrangement 402.
The arrangement
402 may be a series of grooves 402 that may be defined on the inner surface
404 of the end
plates 104, 106. One end of the reinforcement rod 108 may be placed in the
groove 402 defined
by the first end plate 104 and other end of the reinforcement rod 108 may be
placed in the
corresponding groove 402 defined by the second end plate 106.
[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the arrangement 402.
Outer surface
602 of one or more of the end plates 104, 106 may comprise arrangements 402
(may be termed
as third arrangement 402 for the first end plate 104 and fourth arrangement
402 for the second
end plate 106). The arrangements 402 may indicate locations at which the
reinforcement rods
108 may extend, outside of the rebar assembly block 112, from the first end
plate 104 and the
.. second end plate 106.
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[0046] Referring to FIGs. 2A, 2B and 7, the first end plate 104 and the
second end plate
106 may define the connector holes 702, wherein the connector holes 702 may be
configured
to receive a connecting member 704. The connecting member 704 may be used to
connect first
block of rebar assembly 706 to a second block of rebar assembly 708. The
second end plate 106
of the first block of rebar assembly 706 and the first end plate 104 of the
second block of rebar
assembly 708 are connected to each other using the connecting member 704.
[0047] In an embodiment, the connector hole 702 may be internally
threaded and the
connecting member 704 may be a screw to connect the two end plates 104, 106.
[0048] In another embodiment, the connecting member 704 may be a nut and
bolt
mechanism or any other connecting mechanism that may exist in the art.
[0049] Referring to FIGs. 2A and 2B, the first end plate 104 and the
second end plate 106
may define flow holes 802. The flow holes 802 may be of different shapes and
sizes. The flow
holes 802 may allow passage of concrete between the first block of rebar
assembly 706 and the
second block of rebar assembly 708.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 8, an alternate embodiment of the flow holes 802
is shown.
[0051] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart 900 providing reinforcement to
structures, in accordance
with an embodiment. At step 902, the prefabricated rebar assembly 102 created
as herein
described. The prefabricated rebar assembly 102 comprises multiple rods 108
(steel rods 108
or reinforcement rods 108) connected to each other.
[0052] At step 904, the prefabricated rebar assembly 102 may be placed
between the first
end plate 104 and the second end plate 106 to form the block of rebar assembly
112. The inner
surface 404 of the end plates 104, 106 within the block of rebar assembly 110
may comprise
arrangements 402 to indicate locations at which the reinforcement rods 108 may
be placed.
[0053] In an embodiment, the arrangement 402 may be a protrusion 402
that may be
arranged on the inner surface 404 of the end plates 104, 106. The protrusion
402 may be a U-
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-05-27
shaped member 402 coupled to the inner surface 404 of the end plates 104, 106.
One end of the
reinforcement rod 108 may be coupled to the U-shaped member 402 in the first
end plate 104
and other end of the reinforcement rod 108 may be coupled to the corresponding
U-shaped
member 402 in the second end plate 106.
[0054] At step 906, the outer reinforcing bars 302 may be passed through
the pass-through
members 204 of the first end plate 104 and the corresponding pass-through
members 204 of the
second end plate 106. The pass-through members 204 may be arranged along the
peripheral
edges 202 of the end plates 104, 106 such that pass-through members 204 extend
laterally
beyond the peripheral edges 202 of the end plates 104, 106. Each pass-through
member 204
.. defines a passage hole 206 through which the outer reinforcing bars 302 may
pass through.
[0055] The outer reinforcing bars 302 may be used to protect concrete
from spalling off
the edges of the block of rebar assembly 112.
[0056] At step 908, multiple blocks of rebar assembly 706, 708 may be
connected to each
other using connecting members 704. The end plates 104, 106 may define the
connector holes
702, wherein the connector holes 702 may be configured to receive the
connecting member
704.
[0057] At step 910, concrete may be poured into the block of rebar
assembly 112 using
flow holes 802 defined by the end plates 104, 106.
[0058] It shall be noted that the processes described above are
described as sequence of
steps; this was done solely for the sake of illustration. Accordingly, it is
contemplated that some
steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be
re-arranged, or
some steps may be performed simultaneously.
[0059] Although embodiments have been described with reference to
specific example
embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be
made to these
embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system
and method
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described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be
regarded in an
illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
[0060] Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will
no doubt become
apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the
foregoing description. It
is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for
the purpose of
description and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description
above contains many
specifications; these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention but as merely
providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of
this invention.
Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims
and their legal
equivalents rather than by the examples given.
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