Method and apparatus for connecting precast concrete elements
An apparatus for connecting precast elements, wherein the apparatus includes a first part adapted for being cast into a first one of the precast elements, and the apparatus further includes a second part adapted for being cast into a second one of the precast elements, wherein the first part and the second part are arranged to receive a fastener for fastening the second precast element relative to the first precast element with the fastener crossing a joint between the precast elements at an angle to the joint.
1 . An apparatus for connecting precast elements, the precast elements including reinforcements, wherein the apparatus includes a first part adapted for being cast into a first one of the precast elements and to couple with a reinforcement of the first precast element, and the apparatus further includes a second part adapted for being cast into a second one of the precast elements and to couple with a reinforcement of the second precast element, the first part and the second part being arranged to receive a pair of fasteners for fastening the second precast element relative to the first precast element, wherein the first part and the second part are configured to align each fastener to cross a joint between the precast elements at an angle to the joint, and wherein one fastener provides a direct connection between a rear reinforcement of the first element and a front reinforcement of the second element, and the other fastener provides a direct connection between a rear reinforcement of the second element and a front reinforcement of the first element.
2 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a longitudinal axis of each fastener is located at a non-zero angle to a first normal axis normal to a joint edge surface of the first precast element and is also at a non-zero angle to a second normal axis normal to a joint edge surface of the second precast element.
3 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the fasteners are: (i) spaced in a dimension parallel to a longitudinal axis of the joint; and/or (ii) spaced in a vertical dimension and/or (iii) crossed in at least one dimension.
4 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first part is in the form of a first plate arranged for casting into an opposed edge of the first precast element and the second part is in the form of a second plate arranged for casting into an opposed edge of the second precast element.
5 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the first plate has a sleeve for receiving a first one of the fasteners, and the second plate has a sleeve for receiving a second one of the fasteners.
6 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the plates are adapted to be arranged in a mutually parallel facing configuration, each of the sleeves extending outwardly from the respective plate at an angle so as to open toward an exposed side of the first and second precast elements.
7 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 , wherein each of the sleeves is arranged to open into a cavity formed in the respective precast element.
8 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 , wherein one or more of the sleeves has an outward bearing surface for bearing relative to a nut as the nut is tightened on the fastener extending through the sleeve.
9 . A combination comprising a pair of concrete elements that are coupled together by the apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first part that is cast into a first one of the concrete elements and the second part that is cast into a second one of the concrete elements, wherein the first part and the second part receive the pair of fasteners such that the pair of fasteners secures the second concrete element relative to the first concrete element with each fastener crossing a joint between the precast elements at an angle to the joint.
10 . A combination as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the first part and the second part receive the first and second fasteners such that each of the fasteners secures the second concrete element relative to the first concrete element with the fasteners mutually crossed at a location in a gap between the concrete elements.
11 . A combination as claimed in claim 10 , wherein one of the fasteners is spaced above the other fastener.
12 . A combination as claimed in claim 10 , wherein a distal end of one fastener is coupled relative to the reinforcement of one concrete element and a distal end of the other fastener is coupled relative to the reinforcement of the other concrete element.
13 . A combination as claimed in claim 10 , wherein each part has a forward sleeve for receiving one fastener and a rearward aperture for receiving the other fastener.
14 . A combination as claimed in claim 9 , wherein a gap between the first part and the second part is filled with a filler material, wherein the filler forms a shear-resistant body between the concrete elements.