GB2589056A

GB2589056A - Improvements in and relating to construction

Info

Publication number: GB2589056A
Application number: GB1911939.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Owen George
Original assignee: Acra Screed Ltd
Current assignee: Acra Screed Ltd
Priority date: 2019-08-20
Filing date: 2019-08-20
Publication date: 2021-05-26
Anticipated expiration: 2039-08-20
Also published as: GB201911939D0; GB2589056B

Abstract

The screed rail support apparatus 100, particularly for use with concrete slabs cast on steel decking, comprises a mounting portion 200 adapted to mount to a decking profile and a carrying portion 300 adapted to carry a screed rail, wherein the mounting apparatus comprises first 210 and second 220 parts moveable relative to one another to vary the span of the mounting portion. The first and second parts are preferably telescopically connected to one another and can be held in position relative to one another temporarily with a holding element that engages with apertures 214, 224 in the parts. The carrying portion may act to help secure the first and second parts relative to one another. The carrying portion preferably comprises a support element 310 for holding a screed rail which is adjustable in height. Also claimed is a method of construction, a method of forming a concrete slab and a concrete slab structure.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to construction, particularly though not exclusively, to apparatus and methods for the construction of concrete slabs on steel decking.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

It is known to form a concrete slab by pouring concrete onto steel decking. In order to determine the level and thickness of the concrete slab it is known to use screed rails which are supported above the decking to define a height to which concrete should be poured and levelled.

One known method uses decking profiles having longitudinal corrugations. Support plates are arranged to extend transversely across one or more corrugations with each support plate having a support extending from it to support a screed rail above the decking profile. This method can be effective but profiles come in a wide range of dimensions with varying corrugation widths meaning it is necessary to have a specific support plate to fit a given decking profile.

Accordingly, the present invention aims to address at least one disadvantage associated with the prior art whether discussed herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a screed rail support apparatus comprising: a mounting apparatus adapted, in use, to mount to a decking profile; and a carrying apparatus adapted, in use, to carry a screed rail; and wherein the mounting apparatus comprises first and second parts moveable relative to one another to vary the span of the mounting apparatus.

Suitably, the carrying apparatus is connected to the mounting apparatus such that it can be selectively configured to: (i) allow relative movement of the mounting apparatus first and second parts; and (ii) secure the mounting apparatus first and second parts in position relative to one another.

Suitably, the mounting apparatus comprises first and second parts which are slidably moveable relative to one another to vary the span of the apparatus.

Suitably, the mounting apparatus comprises first and second parts which are telescopically connected to one another.

Suitably, mounting apparatus first part comprises a plate, suitably a metal plate, for example a steel plate.

Suitably, mounting apparatus second part comprises a plate, suitably a metal plate, for example a steel plate.

Suitably, one or both of the first and second parts of the mounting apparatus comprises a folded plate.

Suitably, the mounting apparatus first part comprises a substantially flat, unfolded plate.

Suitably, the mounting apparatus second part comprises a plate having folded longitudinal edges. Suitably, the mounting apparatus second part defines channels at its longitudinal edges into which the mounting apparatus first part is adapted to slide.

Suitably, the screed rail support apparatus is adapted such that, in use, the mounting apparatus first and second parts can be secured in position relative to one another.

Suitably, the mounting apparatus is adapted such that, in use, the first and second parts can be temporarily held in position relative to one another.

Suitably, the mounting apparatus is adapted such that, in use, the first and second parts can be temporarily held in position relative to one another before being secured in position relative to one another.

Suitably, the screed rail support apparatus comprises securing means adapted, in use, to provide for the first and second parts of the mounting apparatus to be secured in position relative to one another. Suitably, the securing means comprises apertures in the first and second parts of the mounting apparatus. Suitably, the securing means further comprises a part of the carrying apparatus.

Suitably, the screed rail support apparatus is adapted such that, in use, the carrying apparatus can be set to secure the mounting apparatus first and second pads in position relative to one another. Suitably, the screed rail support apparatus is adapted such that, in use, the carrying apparatus can be configured to clamp the mounting apparatus first and second parts in position relative to one another.

Suitably, the mounting apparatus first and second parts each comprise a securing aperture for receiving a part of the carrying apparatus. Suitably, one of the mounting apparatus first and second parts comprises a securing aperture dimensioned to be a close fit to a part of the carrying apparatus and the other of said first and second parts comprises an elongate securing aperture. Alternatively, each of the mounting apparatus first and second parts may comprise an elongate securing aperture.

Suitably, the mounting apparatus first part comprises an elongate securing aperture. Suitably, the mounting apparatus second part comprises a securing aperture dimensioned to be a close fit to a part of the carrying apparatus.

Suitably, the screed rail support apparatus is adapted such that it can be configured such that the mounting apparatus first part can slide relative to the carrying apparatus as well as relative to the mounting apparatus second part.

Suitably, the screed rail support apparatus comprises positioning means adapted, in use, to provide for the first and second parts of the mounting apparatus to be temporarily held in position relative to one another. Suitably, the positioning means comprises apertures in the first and second parts of the mounting apparatus. Suitably, the positioning means further comprises a holding member, suitably a wedge.

Suitably, the mounting apparatus first and second parts each comprise positioning apertures with one of said parts comprising one or more positioning apertures and the other of said parts comprising two or more positioning apertures. Suitably, the mounting apparatus is adapted such that, in use, different positioning apertures of the first and second parts of the mounting apparatus will align with one another depending on the relative position of the first and second parts of the mounting apparatus and thus the span of the mounting apparatus.

Suitably, in use, a holding member, suitably a wedge, can be inserted into aligned or partially aligned positioning apertures of the first and second parts of the mounting apparatus to hold said parts in position relative to one another. Suitably, in use, the first and second parts of the mounting apparatus can then be secured in position relative to one another using the carrying apparatus. Suitably, in use, once the first and second parts of the mounting apparatus are secured in position relative to one another using the carrying apparatus the wedge can then be removed and may be re-used.

Suitably, the first part of the mounting apparatus comprises two positioning apertures. Suitably, the positioning apertures are located between the securing aperture and a first end of the first part of the mounting apparatus. Suitably, said positioning apertures are elongate apertures. Suitably, said apertures are located side by side, suitably an equal distance from a first end of the first part of the mounting apparatus.

Suitably, the second part of the mounting apparatus comprises a plurality of positioning apertures. Suitably, the positioning apertures are located between the securing aperture and a second end of the second part of the mounting apparatus. Suitably, said positioning apertures are elongate apertures. Suitably, said positioning apertures are located in two rows, suitably extending between the securing aperture and a second end of the second part of the mounting apparatus. Suitably, the positioning apertures in one row are staggered relative to the positioning apertures in the other row. Suitably, each row comprises three apertures.

Suitably, the carrying apparatus comprises a support member adapted, in use, to carry a screed rail.

Suitably, the support member comprises a head adapted, in use, to carry a screed rail and a 20 shaft.

Suitably, the carrying apparatus is adapted such that, in use, the height of an upper, in use, part, of the support member relative to the mounting apparatus can be adjusted. Suitably, the support member is connected to the mounting apparatus via a screw threaded connection to enable the height of an upper, in use, part, of the support member relative to the mounting apparatus to be adjusted.

Suitably, the carrying apparatus comprises a threaded support member and a connecting means for connecting the threaded support member to the mounting apparatus. Suitably, the connecting means comprises a nut. Suitably, the connecting means comprises a rivet nut.

Suitably, the connecting means comprises a nut cert. Suitably, the connecting means comprises a nut and a rivet nut.

Suitably, in use, when the mounting apparatus is held in position at a desired span using the positioning apertures the support member can be adjusted to a desired height and the nut can then be tightened to fix the height of the support member and also to secure the first and second parts of the mounting apparatus in position relative to one another.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of construction, wherein the method comprises installing a screed rail support apparatus according to the first aspect into position relative to a decking profile and installing a screed rail such that it is carried by said screed rail support apparatus.

Suitably, the method comprises installing a plurality of screed rail support apparatuses according to the first aspect.

Suitably, the method comprises pouring concrete after a screed rail is installed.

The method may comprise any feature as described in relation to the first aspect.

The method may comprise any feature as described in relation to the third aspect.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a concrete slab, wherein the method comprises: (i) locating steel decking profiles; (ii) installing a plurality of screed rail support apparatuses; (iii) installing one or more screed rails; and (iv) pouring concrete; and wherein the method comprises adjusting the spans of the screed rail support apparatuses to fit the decking profiles.

Suitably, the method comprises installing screed rail support apparatuses according to the first 25 aspect Suitably, the method comprises installing screed rail support apparatuses each comprising: a mounting apparatus; and a carrying apparatus; and wherein the mounting apparatus comprises first and second parts moveable relative to one another to vary the span of the mounting apparatus.

Suitably, the method comprises adjusting the spans of the mounting apparatuses to fit the decking profiles.

Suitably, the method comprises adjusting the span of a mounting apparatus to extend into longitudinal recesses either side of a longitudinal channel of a decking profile.

Suitably, the method comprises adjusting the span of a mounting apparatus to fit a decking profile and using positioning means to temporarily hold the mounting apparatus in position. Suitably, the method then comprises using securing means to secure the mounting apparatus in position.

Suitably, the method comprises sliding mounting apparatus first and second parts relative to one another such that a positioning aperture of the first part aligns or partially aligns with a positioning aperture of the second part, whilst opposed second ends of the first and second parts engage with a decking profile, and inserting a holding member, suitably a wedge, into the apertures to hold the mounting apparatus in position.

Suitably, once the mounting apparatus is temporarily held in position the method comprises adjusting the carrying apparatus such that a screed rail can be supported at the desired height above the decking profile. Suitably, the method then comprises securing the mounting apparatus in position. Suitably, the method comprises using the carrying apparatus to secure first and second parts of the mounting apparatus in position relative to one another and thus secure the mounting apparatus in position relative to the decking profile.

Suitably, the screed rail support apparatuses each comprise a screed rail support apparatus according to the first aspect.

The method may comprise any feature as described in relation to the second aspect.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a concrete slab structure comprising an apparatus according to the first aspect and/or formed by the method of the second or third aspect.

The structure may comprise any feature as described in relation to the first, second or third aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a screed rail support apparatus in a first configuration; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the screed rail support apparatus of Figure 1 in a second configuration; Figure 3 is a plan view of the screed rail support apparatus in the configuration of Figure 1; Figure 4 is an underside view of the screed rail support apparatus in the configuration of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first part of a mounting apparatus of the screed rail support apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a plan view of the part of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second part of a mounting apparatus of the screed rail support apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 8 is a plan view of the part of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the screed rail support apparatus of Figure 1 installed relative to a decking profile; and Figure 10 is a side view showing the apparatus of Figure 1 installed as shown in Figure 9.

As illustrated by Figures 1 to 8 a screed rail support apparatus 100 comprises a mounting apparatus 200 and a carrying apparatus 300 The mounting apparatus 200 comprises a first part 210 and a second part 220.

The first part 210 of the mounting apparatus comprises a steel plate having a length of 210mm and a width of 50mm. The first part 210 comprises a first end 211 and a second end 212 and has an elongate securement aperture 213 and two elongate positioning apertures 214.

The second part 220 of the mounting apparatus comprises a steel plate having a length of 210mm. The first part 220 comprises a first end 221 and a second end 222 and has a round securement aperture 223 and two rows of elongate positioning apertures 224. The plate of the second part 220 is folded at its elongate edges to provide channels 225, 226 into which the first part 210 slides

B

The carrying apparatus 300 comprises a support member 310 having a head 311 for carrying a screed rail in use and a threaded shaft 312 (thread not shown). The carrying apparatus 300 further comprises a nut 320 and a rivet nut 330.

The carrying apparatus 300 is connected to the mounting apparatus 200 such that part of the carrying apparatus 300 passes through the securement apertures 213 and 223 of the first and second parts 210, 220 of the mounting apparatus 200. The connection is such that, in use, the first part 210 of the mounting apparatus 200 can slide relative to the carrying apparatus 300 as well as relative to the second part 220 of the mounting apparatus 200.

In use, the screed rail support apparatus 100 is positioned relative to a decking profile 400 and the first and second parts 210, 220 of the mounting apparatus 200 are slid relative to one another until the mounting apparatus 200 is of such a span that the second ends 212, 222 of the first and second parts 210, 220 are engaged in longitudinal recesses 410, 420, of the decking profile 400 provided either side of an elongate channel 430.

Once the mounting apparatus 200 is in that configuration it is held in position by inserting a holding member in the form of a wedge (not shown) into partially aligned apertures 214, 224 which holds second ends 212, 222 in firm engagement with the decking profile 400 recesses 410, 420.

Once the mounting apparatus 200 is held in position the support member 310 of the carrying apparatus 300 can then be rotated relative to the mounting apparatus 200 to set the height of the head 311 relative to the mounting apparatus 200 and thus the decking profile 400. Once the height is set the nut 320 can be tightened to fix the carrying apparatus in position and also to secure the first and second parts 210, 220 of the mounting apparatus 200 in position relative to one another.

The wedge (not shown) can then be removed from the apertures 214,224 and can be re-used in the installation of a further screed rail support apparatus. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate an installed screed rail support apparatus 100 with a decking profile 400 partially shown.

Once a number of screed rail support apparatuses have been installed a screed rail can then be installed to be carried by the apparatuses following which a concrete slab can be poured using the screed rail to determine the thickness and level of the slab.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may provide for construction of concrete slabs in a reliable, time efficient and/or cost effective way.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A screed rail support apparatus comprising: a mounting apparatus adapted, in use, to mount to a decking profile; and a carrying apparatus adapted, in use, to carry a screed rail; and wherein the mounting apparatus comprises first and second parts moveable relative to one another to vary the span of the mounting apparatus.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mounting apparatus comprises first and second parts which are telescopically connected to one another.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mounting apparatus second part defines channels at its longitudinal edges into which the mounting apparatus first part is adapted to slide.
4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting apparatus first part comprises a substantially flat, unfolded plate and the mounting apparatus second part comprises a plate having folded longitudinal edges.
5. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting apparatus is adapted such that, in use, the first and second parts can be temporarily held in position relative to one another.
6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting apparatus is adapted such that, in use, the first and second parts can be temporarily held in position relative to one another before being secured in position relative to one another.
7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the screed rail support apparatus comprises positioning means adapted, in use, to provide for the first and second parts of the mounting apparatus to be temporarily held in position relative to one another and wherein the positioning means comprises apertures in the first and second parts of the mounting apparatus.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the positioning means further comprises a holding member.
9. An apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first part of the mounting apparatus comprises two positioning apertures located side by side and wherein the second part of the mounting apparatus comprises a plurality of positioning apertures located in two rows with the positioning apertures in one row staggered relative to the positioning apertures in the other row.
10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the screed rail support apparatus is adapted such that, in use, the mounting apparatus first and second parts can be secured in position relative to one another.
11. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the screed rail support apparatus comprises securing means adapted, in use, to provide for the first and second parts of the mounting apparatus to be secured in position relative to one another and wherein the securing means comprises apertures in the first and second parts of the mounting apparatus.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the securing means further comprises a part of the carrying apparatus.
13. An apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the mounting apparatus first part comprises an elongate securing aperture and the mounting apparatus second part comprises a securing aperture dimensioned to be a close fit to a part of the carrying apparatus.
14. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the carrying apparatus is connected to the mounting apparatus such that it can be selectively configured to: (i) allow relative movement of the mounting apparatus first and second parts; and (ii) secure the mounting apparatus first and second parts in position relative to one another.
15. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the carrying apparatus comprises a support member adapted, in use, to carry a screed rail.
16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the support member is connected to the mounting apparatus via a screw threaded connection to enable the height of an upper, in use, part, of the support member relative to the mounting apparatus to be adjusted.
17. An apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the carrying apparatus comprises a threaded support member and a connecting means for connecting the threaded support member to the mounting apparatus and wherein the connecting means comprises a nut.
18. A method of construction, wherein the method comprises installing a screed rail support apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 17 into position relative to a decking profile and installing a screed rail such that it is carried by said screed rail support apparatus.
19. A method of forming a concrete slab, wherein the method comprises: (i) locating steel decking profiles; (ii) installing a plurality of screed rail support apparatuses; (iii) installing one or more screed rails; and (iv) pouring concrete; and wherein the method comprises adjusting the spans of the screed rail support apparatuses to fit the decking profiles.
20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the method comprises installing screed rail support apparatuses according to any of claims 1 to 17.
21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the method comprises adjusting the span of a mounting apparatus to fit a decking profile and using positioning means to temporarily hold the mounting apparatus in position and then using securing means to secure the mounting apparatus in position.
22. A method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the method comprises sliding mounting apparatus first and second parts relative to one another such that a positioning aperture of the first part aligns or partially aligns with a positioning aperture of the second part, whilst opposed second ends of the first and second parts engage with a decking profile, and inserting a holding member, into the apertures to hold the mounting apparatus in position.
23. A method according to claim 22, wherein once the mounting apparatus is temporarily held in position the method comprises adjusting the carrying apparatus such that a screed rail can be supported at the desired height above the decking profile and the method then comprises using the carrying apparatus to secure first and second parts of the mounting apparatus in position relative to one another and thus secure the mounting apparatus in position relative to the decking profile
24. A concrete slab structure comprising an apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 17 and/or formed by the method of claim 18 and/or formed by the method of any of claims 19 to 23.