Symmetrical load transfer device for insulated concrete sandwich wall panels
A symmetrical load transfer device for use in insulated concrete wall panels. The symmetrical shape allows for forces induced in manufacturing, transportation, installation and nature to transfer through the device equally to both concrete wythes of the wall panel. The load transfer device is preferably made of a thermoplastic or thermoset resin matrix incorporating continuous filaments, such as glass rovings. The low thermal conductivity of the matrix of filaments and resins greatly reduce thermal bridging of the insulation layer while maintaining structural integrity of the wall panel.
1. A connector system for use in forming concrete sandwich wall panels having a pair of spaced-apart concrete wythes with an insulation layer therebetween, comprising:
(a) a planar circular connector member having bilateral symmetry having a circumferential edge portion consolidated in a first concrete wythe and a diametrically opposite circumferential edge portion consolidated in the second concrete wythe with the bilateral axis of symmetry aligned parallel with the concrete wythes; and
(b) features on the connector member which improve the consolidation of the connector member in the concrete wythes;
a planar spacer secured at an adjusted position on the connector for positioning the connector substantially equally within the concrete wythes with the spacer adjacent to both the insulating layer and one of the concrete wythes.
2. A connector system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the spacer comprises a plate.
3. A connector system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the connector member has circular symmetry.
4. A connector system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the connector member is comprised of a thermoplastic or thermoset matrix reinforced with substantially continuous filaments.