SHORING APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND RELATED METHOD FOR CONCRETE EDGE REPAIRS

Abstract

The present invention discloses a shoring apparatus, a system incorporating the apparatus, and a related method utilizing the apparatus in the system for an improvement in conducting concrete edge repairs in multi-story buildings. The shoring apparatus includes a structural member and attachment features that are configured to make the shoring apparatus attachable to the underside of a concrete structure that is to undergo edge repairs. The shoring apparatus is advantageous over shore poles in that they securely support the concrete form without relying on a lower structure to counter the load of the structural repair.

Claims

1. A shoring apparatus for edge repairs of a concrete structure, the shoring apparatus comprising: a structural member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a length extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a first set of flanges extending from the structural member near the proximal end; and a second set of flanges disposed at a distance from the first set of flanges along the length of the structural member, where the first set of flanges and the second set of flanges are configured for attaching the shoring apparatus to a concrete structure; and where the structural member is of a material, construction, and cross-section that is configured to withstand a specified load applied between the second set of flanges and the proximal end without significant deflection once the shoring apparatus is attached to the concrete structure.

2. A shoring system for edge repairs of a concrete structure, the system comprising; a one or more shoring apparatus, the shoring apparatus comprising: a structural member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a length extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a first set of flanges extending from the structural member near the proximal end; and a second set of flanges disposed at a distance from the first set of flanges along the length of the structural member; where the first set of flanges and the second set of flanges are configured for attaching the apparatus to the concrete structure; and where the structural member is of a material, construction, and cross-section that is configured to withstand a specified load applied between the second set of flanges and the proximal end without significant deflection once the shoring apparatus is attached to the concrete structure; a one or more form configured to be secured to the concrete structure and disposed between the concrete structure and the one or more shoring apparatus; and a one or more spacer beam configured to span the one or more shoring apparatus near the distal end and further configured to be disposed between and in contact with each of the one or more shoring apparatus and the one or more form.

3. A method of using a shoring system for edge repairs of a concrete structure, the method comprising; providing a one or more shoring apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a structural member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a length extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a first set of flanges extending from the structural member near the proximal end; and a second set of flanges disposed at a distance from the first set of flanges along the length of the structural member; where the first set of flanges and the second set of flanges are configured to attach the apparatus to the concrete structure; and where the structural member is of a material, construction, and cross-section that is configured to withstand a specified load applied between the second set of flanges and the proximal end without significant deflection once the shoring apparatus is attached to the concrete structure; providing a one or more form configured to be secured to the concrete structure and disposed between the concrete structure and the one or more shoring apparatus; providing a one or more spacer beam configured to span the one or more shoring apparatus near the distal end and further configured to be disposed between and in contact with each of the one or more shoring apparatus and the one or more form; attaching each of the one or more shoring apparatus, via the first set of flanges and the second set of flanges, to an underside of the concrete structure to be repaired, each of the one or more shoring apparatus disposed where the length between the proximal end and the distal end is substantially perpendicular to an edge to be repaired and further oriented such that the distal end is positioned adjacent to the edge to be repaired; attaching the one or more form to the underside of the concrete structure to be repaired; and inserting the one or more spacer beam between each of the one or more shoring apparatus and the one or more form such that a load on the one or more form is transferred to the one or more shoring apparatus; whereby a shoring system is provided for edge repairs of a concrete structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In the accompanying figures, like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The accompanying figures, together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification and serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention, in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of an edge repair on a concrete balcony utilizing pole shores;

[0019] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a shoring apparatus, according to an embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a top view of the shoring apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a pictorial representation of a system utilizing the shoring apparatus in a concrete edge repair, looking out towards the edge to be repaired, according to an embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the system depicted in FIG. 4, looking in toward the edge to be repaired;

[0023] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the system depicted in FIG. 4, looking up from the bottom front of the edge to be repaired;

[0024] FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the system depicted in FIG. 4, looking down onto the edge to be repaired; and

[0025] FIG. 8 is an operational flow diagram depicting the method steps according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] While the invention as claimed can be modified into alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, we disclose a shoring apparatus, a system incorporating the apparatus, and a related method utilizing the apparatus in the system for an improvement in conducting concrete edge repairs in multi-story buildings.

[0028] The Apparatus 100

[0029] Referring now to the drawings in general and to FIGS. 2 and 3 in particular, a preferred embodiment of the present invention discloses a shoring apparatus 100 that includes a structural member 110, a first set of flanges 120, and a second set of flanges 130. The structural member 110 presents a substantially longitudinal aspect and has a proximal end 140, a distal end 150, and a length 160 extending between the proximal end 140 and the distal end 150. The cross-sectional profile, material, and construction of the structural member is to be chosen based upon the desired application, load requirements, cost limitations, and other factors. By way of example and not limitation, FIGS. 2-3 show a structural member that is a length of tubular steel with a square cross-section. Round cross-sections, I-beams, C-channels, and other appropriate load-bearing cross-sections are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, materials may be chosen according to need. Steel, aluminum, plastics and composites are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] Protruding a distance from the structural member 110, are a plurality of attachment structures such as flanges 120 and 130. These attachment structures are configured to attach the shoring apparatus 100 to the underside of the concrete structure to be repaired. This concrete structure is typically a balcony, but could be an overhang, a decorative element, or other concrete structure that is partially or entirely cantilevered and protruding out from a larger structure. This concrete structure has an underside. A form supported on the underside allows for new concrete to be poured above and onto the form. This is then held in place until the newly poured concrete reaches a desired cure or strength, then the form can be removed.

[0031] The shoring apparatus 100, then, is configured to support the form at the underside of the concrete structure. As opposed to pole shores, which require a lower surface on which to be supported, the shoring apparatus 100 is configured to be attached to the underside of the concrete structure through the plurality of attachment structures. These attachment structures may be disposed integral to the structural member 110, in embodiments. In the preferred embodiment, however, the attachment structures are flanges 120 and 130 that are fixedly attached to the structural member 110 and protrude perpendicularly away from the structural member 110. As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the first set of flanges 120 and the second set of flanges 130 provide four points of attachment for the shoring apparatus 100 to the concrete structure, thereby providing a larger “footprint” in order to counter any moment forces imparted into the structural member by a load applied adjacent to the distal end 150. The cross-section and material of the flanges 120 and 130 are to be chosen according to the application and need, as discussed above for the structural member 110.

[0032] The System 200

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 4-7, an embodiment of the present invention is a system 200 for edge repairs of a concrete structure. The system 200 utilizes one or more of the above-described shoring apparatus 210, a one or more form 220 configured to be secured to the concrete structure and disposed between the concrete structure and the one or more shoring apparatus 210, and a one or more spacer beam 230 configured to span the one or more shoring apparatus 210 near the distal end and further configured to be disposed between and in contact with each of the one or more shoring apparatus 210 and the one or more form 220.

[0034] The Method 800

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 8, a method 800 of using a shoring system for edge repairs of a concrete structure is disclosed. Method steps of this embodiment of the invention include:

[0036] In step 810, providing a one or more shoring apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a structural member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a length extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a first set of flanges extending from the structural member near the proximal end; and a second set of flanges disposed at a distance from the first set of flanges along the length of the structural member, where the first set of flanges and the second set of flanges are configured such that the apparatus is attachable to the structure and the structural member is of a material, construction, and cross-section that is configured to withstand a specified load applied between the second set of flanges and the proximal end without significant deflection once the apparatus is attached to the structure;

[0037] In step 820, providing a one or more form configured to be secured to the structure and disposed between the structure and the one or more shoring apparatus;

[0038] In step 830, providing a one or more spacer beam configured to span the one or more shoring apparatus near the distal end and further configured to be disposed between and in contact with each of the one or more shoring apparatus and the one or more form;

[0039] In step 840, attaching each of the one or more shoring apparatus, via the first set of flanges and the second set of flanges, to an underside of the structure to be repaired, each of the one or more shoring apparatus disposed where the length between the proximal end and the distal end is substantially perpendicular to the edge to be repaired and further oriented such that the distal end is positioned adjacent to the edge to be repaired;

[0040] In step 850, attaching the one or more form to the underside of the structure to be repaired; and

[0041] In step 860, inserting the one or more spacer beam between each of the one or more shoring apparatus and the one or more form such that a load on the one or more form is transferred to the one or more shoring apparatus,

[0042] whereby a shoring system is provided for edge repairs of a concrete structure.

[0043] In light of the foregoing description, it should be recognized that embodiments in accordance with the present invention can be realized in numerous configurations contemplated to be within the scope and spirit of the claims. Additionally, the description above is intended by way of example only and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way, except as set forth in the claims. Modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It is also understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Components from one embodiment can be combined with another embodiment and remain within the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.