There is disclosed a mechanical coupling for two rebars. The coupling includes a first extremity disposed on a first of the two rebars, and a second extremity disposed on a second of the two rebars. Each of the first and second extremities are machined to effect an interlocking, form-fit connection between the two rebars, wherein the form-fit connection prevents separation of the extremities and inhibits axial displacement of the two rebars with respect to each other. The coupling further includes a covering disposed about the two extremities when the extremities are interconnected via the interlocking, form-fit connection. Also disclosed and described is a related method.

An anchor for supporting a load includes an anchor rod having a first threaded end portion for being embedded in a concrete structure and a second end portion for attachment to a load; a metallic wedge-shaped body attached to the first threaded end portion; and the body includes a circular cross-section, a circular top surface and a circular bottom surface joined by a side surface.

An anchor for supporting a load includes an anchor rod having a first threaded end portion for being embedded in a concrete structure and a second end portion for attachment to a load; a metallic wedge-shaped body attached to the first threaded end portion; and the body includes a circular cross-section, a circular top surface and a circular bottom surface joined by a side surface.

Anchors, clutches, and lifting systems are described herein that increase the size of a shear cone within a precast concrete panel without using multiple clutches and without increasing the complexity of the lift system. A shear cone is the volume within the panel that the anchor and clutch pull on when orienting and positioning the precast concrete panel. Anchors described herein encompass a larger volume of the panel in different ways to produce a larger shear cone. Similarly, the clutches described herein have features that allow a clutch to accommodate the improved anchors. As a result, the anchors, clutches, and lifting systems provide a larger shear cone in the panel to increase the load capacity of the lifting system and reduce the likelihood of failure.

Anchors, clutches, and lifting systems are described herein that increase the size of a shear cone within a precast concrete panel without using multiple clutches and without increasing the complexity of the lift system. A shear cone is the volume within the panel that the anchor and clutch pull on when orienting and positioning the precast concrete panel. Anchors described herein encompass a larger volume of the panel in different ways to produce a larger shear cone. Similarly, the clutches described herein have features that allow a clutch to accommodate the improved anchors. As a result, the anchors, clutches, and lifting systems provide a larger shear cone in the panel to increase the load capacity of the lifting system and reduce the likelihood of failure.

A method to strengthen or repair concrete and other structures comprises securing a plate having a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire embedded therein to a localized region of a structure. The SMA wire has a deformed shape configured for self-anchorage within the plate. The SMA wire is heated at or above an austenite transformation temperature, and the SMA wire resists shape recovery and remains self-anchored within the plate. Accordingly, a compressive force is generated within the SMA wire and transferred to the plate. At an interface between the plate and the localized region of the structure, the compressive force is transmitted from the plate to the structure, thereby providing localized prestressing of the structure.

A method to strengthen or repair concrete and other structures comprises securing a plate having a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire embedded therein to a localized region of a structure. The SMA wire has a deformed shape configured for self-anchorage within the plate. The SMA wire is heated at or above an austenite transformation temperature, and the SMA wire resists shape recovery and remains self-anchored within the plate. Accordingly, a compressive force is generated within the SMA wire and transferred to the plate. At an interface between the plate and the localized region of the structure, the compressive force is transmitted from the plate to the structure, thereby providing localized prestressing of the structure.

A table shear may include a clamp and a shearing mechanism, the shearing mechanism supported by the clamp. The shearing mechanism may include a fixed lower shear blade, a lower shear blade backup plate supporting the fixed lower shear blade, a moveable upper shear blade and a shear compression cylinder. The shear compression cylinder abuts the movable upper shear blade.

A variable assembly PC member includes: a plurality of hollow PC modules, each of which has an upper flange and a lower flange spaced apart from each other, and a pair of webs connecting both ends of the upper flange and the lower flange to form a hollow therein; and connectors connecting the plurality of hollow PC modules with each other in the width direction.

Provided is an anchor assembly having a pre-stressed mandrel, which consists of an inner pre-stressed concrete mandrel and an outer cast-in-place anchoring slurry, wherein pre-stressed tendons are arranged inside the concrete mandrel and are prefabricated by a pretensioning method; the anchoring slurry wraps the pre-stressed concrete mandrel, and the cast-in-place anchoring slurry is formed by placing the pre-stressed concrete mandrel in a pile hole, and solidifying after primary grouting or secondary grouting. According to the anchor assembly, the pre-stress is not required to be tensioned and locked on site, so that the quality of the pre-stressed mandrel can be ensured, the on-site construction period can be greatly shortened, and the existing pre-stressed and common non-pre-stressed anchors can be replaced.