Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Processes – Filling preformed cavity
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-21
2001-02-20
Stephan, Beth A. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Processes
Filling preformed cavity
Reexamination Certificate
active
06189288
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a method of construction of an annular platform which is elevated and which can be partially constructed off site and partially constructed on site. Such platforms are ones which rotate, the main example being platforms for milking sheds. Preferably the construction is of an annular platform and is substantially of reinforced concrete.
BACKGROUND
Annular, elevated platforms which rotate are known. My Australian Pat. No. 674,637 discloses a method of construction of a platform which can be carried out on site. The method disclosed allows for part or all of the platform to be formed in one pour of concrete, with a means for providing a mould in an elevated position prior to the pouring.
However it has been found that there are some disadvantages to this method. Firstly, there can be undue stress placed on the concrete on one side of the centrally located beam (underneath the platform). This can occasionally lead to stress fractures or cracking of the concrete.
Also, with the manner of forming of the mould (preparatory to pouring the concrete to form the platform), nearly all of this must be done on site. Thus the equipment need for supporting the mould needs to be dismantled and transported from one site to the next. It is difficult to use this method of construction to prepare much of the form work off site. While it can be done, the method also means that the elements prepared off site, where possible, are often awkwardly shaped for shipment. Further, some duplication of otherwise re-usable elements is necessary.
Further, the moulding, if it remains under the platform, does not form an integral part of the platform and therefore does not add structural strength to the platform.
An object of the present invention is the provision of a method of construction of an elevated annular platform which overcomes the above described difficulties, and further provides a useful alternative to the presently available methods.
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.
For the purposes of this specification, an ‘elevated annular platform’ is a platform which is up to two meters off the ground. It may be supported on one side with, for example, a base or support elements of the foundation underneath it. This support may be a support on the inner or outer side of the annulus, so that the outer or inner part of the platform is apparently cantilevered from the base or support elements of the foundation. The platform may be supported along under the center (that is, the center of the annulus of the platform) in addition to the above support, or instead of the above support. It may therefore be a free-standing platform with a circular support means under the platform. Such support may or may not rotate with part or all of the means of rotation of the platform, this means being secured to and/or located under the annulus.
Also for the purposes of this specification, the term ‘center line’ is used to refer to the (imaginary) circle which falls at the center of the annulus of the platform, equidistant from the inner and outer edges of the annulus.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The present invention provides a method of construction of an annular platform, said platform having an inner and an outer edge and including a number of bail sections, the number being equal to the number of bails on the platform, and the dimensions of each bail section being determined from the width of the platform, the number of bails and the length of the center line; said method including the steps of:
constructing an adequate foundation to take and support the weight of the platform and the dead and live loads to be applied thereon (when completed);
erecting a curved, flanged metal support beam which is positioned along the centre line of the intended position of the platform and elevated to the predetermined height to ensure the required elevation of the platform, the top of said beam having an inward and an outward flange or flanged edge;
preparing the bail sections, each bail section having an inner and an outer edge, and two radial sides, each bail section including:
a side support means which is positioned along one radial side of the bail section and which is secured to the metal support beam; said means being positioned such that the side support means of one bail section is engageable with an immediately adjacent bail section;
a panel of pre-cast material, which includes an inner edge of the same radius as that of the inner edge of the platform, an outer edge that is the same radius as the outer edge of the platform, and two straight sides that are the same length as the length of the side support means; the panel being positioned over the said support beam, and between the inner and outer edges of the platform and between the side support means of the bail section and the support means of the adjacent bail section;
locating an upright edging around each of the inner and outer edges of said platform, and securing each said edging to the respective ends of the side support means, thereby providing a mould into which the material of the platform can be poured;
positioning and securing within the mould the required reinforcing material;
positioning and securing within the mould the required blanks, sleeves and packing for cut-outs and channels to be formed in the finished platform; and
filling the mould with filler material and allowing it to set and/or cure; wherein
said filler material and said pre-cast material bond together to form a single structural layer.
Optionally, each panel may include an inner and an outer panel. The inner panel has a inner edge of the same radius as that of the inner edge of the platform and an outer edge dimensioned to rest on the flanged top of the said support beam, and two straight sides that are half the length of the side support. The inner panel is positioned on the two side supports and the said support beam, and between the inner edge of the platform and the said support beam. The outer panel has an inner edge dimensioned to rest on the flanged top of the said support beam, an outer edge that is the same radius as the outer edge of the platform, and two straight sides that are half the length of the side support. The outer panel is secured between the two side supports and the said support beam, and is positioned between the inner edge of the platform and the said support beam.
Preferably, each panel is of concrete or concrete fiber or other rigid fibrous material, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the upright edgings are left in place to form the edges of the platform, but may be removed.
Preferably the filler material is concrete. Other appropriate materials may also be used, selected from the group consisting of: natural rubber, synthetic rubber, plastics materials; or a compound comprising a combination of these materials. One major selection criterion is that the filler material and the panel material (pre-cast material) bond together irreversibly.
Preferably each side support means includes two lengths of angle iron, one on each side of the straight side of the bail section. Each length is same as the dimension of the radial side of a bail section. The angle iron is secured to the support beam, by known means (for example, bolting or welding).
In another option, one part of each of the side support means of adjacent bail sections are combined, the two adjacent lengths of angle iron being secured together with an upright plate welded therebetween and along the length of the bail section.
Preferably also a spacer forms part of the support beam and positioned on top thereof. The spacer extends around the length of the center line and, in cross-section, is a solid rectangle.
In a yet further embodiment of the side support means, each side support means includes:
a section of flat bar which, in length, is less than or equal to the width of the platform, each bar being positioned on one radial side of the bail section;
a shear co
Bowers John Murray
Greer Burns & Crain Ltd.
Stephan Beth A.
LandOfFree
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