Method for making a grated trench channel
Systems and methods are described for forming a concrete trench drain channel using a slipform paving machine. The drain channel has frames that define an upper opening that can receive a grate. The slipform methods provide the slipform paving machine with moulds shaped to represent the external and internal profiles of the drain channel. One or more frames are installed in an abutting manner on a trestle that extends from the slipform paving machine so the frames are located at the upper opening of the inner profile of the drain channel in the internal mould. The slipform paving machine is actuated to continuously slipform the channel in concrete in between the exterior and interior moulds and around the frames. This process is repeated until the frames are at least partially embedded in the concrete and located across the opening of the drain channel.
1 . A method for slipforming a concrete trench drain channel using a slipform paving machine, said concrete trench drain channel having frames defining an upper opening of said channel and adapted to receive a grate; said method including the steps of:
providing said slipform paving machine with moulds shaped to represent the external and internal profiles of said concrete trench drain channel;
installing one or more of said frames in an abutting manner on a trestle extending from said slipform paving machine in the desired location for said concrete trench drain channel such that said frames are located at said upper opening of the inner profile of said concrete trench drain channel in said internal profile mould;
actuating the slipform paving machine to continuously slipform the concrete trench drain channel in concrete in between said exterior and interior moulds and around said frames; and
repeating the above steps to form the entire concrete trench drain channel, such that the frames are at least partially embedded in said concrete and located across said opening.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said frames are provided in lengths of between 1.5 metres and 2.5 metres long and are connected to one another by an adjustable fastener such as a turnbuckle.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the ends of the frame are provided with one or more levelling lugs located at the abutting ends of said frames that contact the underside of the abutting frame to assist in levelling of said frames during slipforming.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said frames have one or more protuberances that extend from said frame and are adapted to embed into said concrete and thereby anchor said frame in place after the concrete has cured.
5 . The method of claim 4 , wherein said protuberances include a reinforcing bar attached to, and running parallel to, at least one side of said frame, that is adapted to embed in said concrete and thereby anchor said frame in place after the concrete has cured.
6 . A frame for a concrete trench drain channel, said frame defining an upper opening of said concrete trench drain channel and adapted to receive a grate, wherein said frame is adapted for the continuous concrete slipforming of said concrete trench drain channel; and wherein said frames have one or more protuberances extending from said frame and adapted to embed into said concrete and thereby anchor said frame in place after the concrete has cured; and wherein said protuberances include one or more parallel outrigger bars extending from at least one side of said frame, said one or more outrigger bars being adapted to embed in the concrete and anchor said frame in place after the concrete has cured.