Abstract:
Included are systems and methods for securing a support rail a predetermined distance above a deck. At least one embodiment of a system, among others, includes a frame portion configured to receive a support rail, the frame portion including at least one vertical support for reducing lateral movement of the received support rail and a retainer strap portion configured to reduce vertical movement of the received support rail. Other embodiments include a system connector coupled to the frame portion and the retainer strap portion.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]     Support rail reinforcing is a structural reinforcing technique that can be used on poured-in-place concrete structures at critical column areas. The areas where this reinforcement is generally utilized are commonly referred to as punching shear areas.  
         [0002]     Punching shear areas are areas around a concrete column where the concrete column can push through the slab that the concrete column is supporting.  
         [0003]     In an effort to prevent the column from pushing through the slab, engineers have historically designed column capitals. A column capital is a thickened area on the underside of the slab that is shaped in an area around the column. This area is then reinforced with rebar and/or other materials to accommodate the shear forces. While this technique can reinforce the concrete column, problems can arise in practice. More specifically, in addition to the burdens of placing the increased concrete and steel reinforcements, the thickened column area invades the floor-to-ceiling height clearance around the column. There are also increased cost impacts to the structure resulting from this technique.  
         [0004]     Other solutions for stabilizing a concrete column take the form of stud shear reinforcement. Stud shear reinforcement generally utilizes a support rail with studs welded thereto for shear reinforcement. The support rail may be flat and may be constructed with steel and/or other materials. Similarly, the studs may be constructed of steel and/or other materials. One or more support rails can be placed in the concrete slab, directed in an outward direction from the concrete column. Some of the benefits of this system are the reduction in the use of concrete and the reduction of congestion at the column head. As with many reinforcing products placed in concrete, minimum clear cover requirements are desired. In other words, it may be desired that the support rails reside a predetermined minimum distance above the deck. Such a clear cover requirement may be desired such that when concrete is poured over the support rails, the support rails are covered with a layer of concrete of predetermined minimum thickness in all directions. In order to obtain these clear cover requirements, one technique is to provide a support (carrying) chair. A rail chair can provide a minimum predetermined distance from the exposed face of the concrete to the support rail and can help to ensure the support rails maintain their locations during concrete placement. Any deviations of the preset rail system could allow for shear failure at the columns.  
         [0005]     Current two part rail chairs used in the industry may require a field person to keep up with two separate pieces which are put together. The first piece of the chair can be placed on the underside of the support rail, while the second piece (referred to herein as a “retainer strap”) is placed on the upper side of the support rail. This takes place by putting one part of the chair on the deck, placing the support rail on the chair, and putting the top retainer piece over the support rail and chair. During this process, the chair has generally not been fastened to the deck before setting the rail and retainer strap, making it extremely easy for the rails and chairs to be knocked over. Additionally, when placing the retainer strap, there can be an increased risk of knocking over the support rail, making this process difficult. Once fastened to the deck, the materials used for this system generally do not provide adequate strength, so the chairs can be compressed (thereby losing cover height).  
         [0006]     Another version of current rail chairs can be used with a modified support rail and may utilize nails that are driven between the shear studs. This becomes increasingly more difficult each time the distance between studs decreases. It may also be more difficult to hold the support rails in place while attempting to set the nails, because the rails are frequently pushed over when a lateral force is applied to this type of rail chair.  
         [0007]     Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0008]     Included are embodiments of a rail chair for supporting a support rail a predetermined distance above a deck. At least one embodiment of the rail chair includes a frame portion configured to receive a support rail, the frame portion being further configured to support the support rail a predetermined distance above the deck and a retainer strap portion configured to attach to the frame portion, the retainer strap portion being further configured to reduce vertical movement of the received support rail when in a closed position. Other embodiments include a connection device configured to connect the frame portion and the retainer strap.  
         [0009]     Also included are embodiments of a method for securing a support rail a predetermined distance above a deck with a rail chair, the rail chair including a frame portion, a retainer strap portion, and a connecting portion. At least one embodiment of the method includes receiving a support rail at the frame portion, when the rail chair is placed in an open position and placing the rail chair in a closed position, wherein placing the rail chair in a closed position includes securing a retainer strap to a top section of the frame portion, wherein the connecting portion facilitates guidance of the retainer strap portion to the top portion of the rail chair.  
         [0010]     Also included are embodiments of a system for securing a support rail a predetermined distance above a deck. At least one embodiment of a system includes a frame portion configured to receive a support rail, the frame portion including at least one vertical support for reducing lateral movement of the received support rail and a retainer strap portion configured to reduce vertical movement of the received support rail. Other embodiments include a system connector coupled to the frame portion and the retainer strap portion.  
         [0011]     Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of this disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description and be within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION  
       [0012]     Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.  
         [0013]     Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. While several embodiments are described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is an overhead diagram illustrating a configuration for supporting a concrete column with a plurality of support rails.  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view diagram illustrating an embodiment of a rail chair in open position for use with the support rails from  FIG. 1 .  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view diagram illustrating an embodiment of a rail chair in closed position, similar to the diagram from  FIG. 2 .  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a side view diagram of an embodiment of a rail chair in open position with a support rail, similar to the diagram from  FIG. 2 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a side view diagram of an embodiment of a rail chair in closed position with a support rail, similar to the diagram from  FIG. 3 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a top view diagram of an embodiment of a rail chair in open position with support rail, similar to the diagram from  FIG. 4 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is a top view diagram of an embodiment of a rail chair in closed position with support rail, similar to the diagram from  FIG. 5 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a plurality of rail chairs with a support rail, similar to the diagram from  FIGS. 6 and 7 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of steps that can be taken in employing a rail chair, such as the rail chair from  FIG. 7 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0023]     This disclosure relates to a support rail reinforcing support, which includes a rail chair that is easily handled and installed in the field. More specifically, in at least one embodiment, the rail chair is a device that can be configured to include frame portion and an attached retainer strap. The frame portion can be configured to include at least one support that defines the perimeter of the rail chair. Also included in embodiments of the rail chair are attachment sections, which can be positioned proximate the at least one support. Attached to at least one side of the rail chair is a connection aperture configured to receive a connection device that couples the rail chair with the retainer strap (and in some embodiments attaching the rail chair and retainer strap to the deck). The retainer strap can be any shape but at least one embodiment includes a roughly oval or rectangular plate with attachment apertures on each end of the retainer strap.  
         [0024]     In operation, the rail chair can be placed on the underside of a support rail. The at least one support can be configured to withstand vertical stress and still maintain the desired cover height. Once the rail chair and support rail are in place, the retainer strap can be placed over the top of the support rail. Utilizing a connection device, the retainer strap can be positioned over the rail chair such that the attachment apertures of the rail chair are substantially aligned with the attachment apertures on the retainer strap. The retainer strap can be held in place via nails, screws, snaps, or other means for securing the support rail between the rail chair and retainer strap.  
         [0025]     The Support rail Reinforcing Support includes a rail chair that is easily handled and installed in the field. More specifically, the rail chair is a device that can be configured to include a frame portion and an attached retainer strap. The rail chair can be configured to include supports that define the perimeter of the rail chair. Also included in embodiments of the rail chair are two attachment apertures, each of which is positioned proximate the at least one support.  
         [0026]     Embodiments of the rail chair can also include a connection device that couples the frame portion with the retainer strap. The retainer strap can be any shape, but some embodiments include a roughly oval or rectangular plate with apertures on each end of the retainer strap.  
         [0027]     In operation of at least one embodiment, the rail chair can be placed on the underside of a support rail. Support cylinders may also be included and are configured to withstand vertical stress and still maintain the desired cover height. Once the rail chair and support rail are in place, the retainer strap can be placed over the top of the support rail. Because of the connection device, which is configured to connect the frame portion with the retainer strap and can also be configured to align retainer strap apertures with connection apertures, the retainer strap is easily positioned over the rail chair such that the connection apertures of the rail chair are substantially aligned with the retainer strap apertures. The retainer strap can be held in place via nails, screws, snaps, or other means for securing the support rail between the rail chair and retainer strap.  
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is an overhead diagram illustrating a configuration for supporting a concrete column with a plurality of support rails. More specifically, the nonlimiting example of  FIG. 1  illustrates an overhead view of a concrete column  100 . As discussed above, one or more support rails  102   a,    102   b,    102   c,  and  102   d  can be coupled to the concrete column such that when concrete is poured over the deck  104  and support rails  102 , the support rails can provide support against the shear forces on the concrete column.  
         [0029]     In construction, after the vertical column steel is placed, reinforced slabs require bottom mild steel (e.g., rebar) to be placed followed by post-tensioning (if desired) and then the top mild steel. If column caps are desired, the top and bottom mild steel is of significant quantity. While this design can provide support to concrete construction, using shear rails instead of reinforced slabs not only saves materials, but speeds the placing process considerably. The rails may also allow for flexibility of placement since the rails can be placed after the post-tensioning if the need arises. The shear rails may be placed at the exterior of the columns.  
         [0030]     One should note that, while the embodiment of  FIG. 1  illustrates the support rails as four in number, this is a nonlimiting example. As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand, any number of support rails may be utilized in supporting the concrete column  100 . Additionally, as discussed above, support rails  102  may be constructed of any material capable of resisting shear (and/or other) forces. Similarly, while a particular shape of support  102  is illustrated, this is also a nonlimiting example, as any shape can be used for support rails  102 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view diagram illustrating an embodiment of a rail chair in open position for use with the support rails from  FIG. 1 . More specifically, rail chair  200  can be configured to include a frame portion  201  and a retainer strap  228 . In at least one embodiment, the frame portion includes support cylinders  220   a,    220   b,    220   c,  and  220   d.  The support cylinders  220  can be any length, depending on the desired minimum clear cover requirement for the particular concrete column.  
         [0032]     Additionally, support cylinders  220  can be any shape, may be hollow and/or solid, and may include additional fastening capabilities. The rail chair may be constructed of polymers, hybrid polymers, fiberglass, and/or other materials. Also included in the rail chair  200  are attachment apertures  222   a  and  222   b.  Attachment apertures  222  can be configured to receive a securing device for securing the rail chair to the deck. The securing device can include nails, screws, and/or other components for securing the rail chair  200  to a deck.  
         [0033]     Additionally included in the frame portion  201  of the rail chair  200  is a support rail receiving portion  224 . In at least one embodiment, the support rail receiving portion  224  can be configured to receive a support rail  102  such that the support rail  102  can be positioned according to the minimum clear cover requirements. The rail receiving portion  224  can include a plurality of vertical supports  232   a  and  232   b  for defining the width of the support rail  102  and reducing lateral movement of the support rail  102 . The vertical supports can be constructed such that the rail chair  200  can receive support rails  102  of varying widths, while still maintaining the same vertical height clearance. This can provide the ability to use the same rail chair  200  for a variety of different support rails  102 . Additionally, depending on the particular embodiment, the vertical supports  232  of the rail receiving portion  224  can be adjustable to facilitate receiving of support rails of different widths.  
         [0034]     Also included with the rail chair  200  is a retainer strap  228 . The retainer strap  228  can be coupled to the frame portion  201  via a connection device  226 . The connection device  226  can be any and/or flexible and can be configured to facilitate attachment of the retainer strap  228  with the attachment apertures  222 . More specifically, in at least one embodiment the connection device  226  can be configured to substantially align the retainer strap apertures  230   a  and  230   b  with the attachment apertures  220   a  and  220   b,  respectively. Such a configuration can provide a simplified technique for securing the rail chair  200  to a support rail  102 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view diagram illustrating an embodiment of a rail chair in closed position, similar to the diagram from  FIG. 2 . As illustrated, frame portion  201  of the rail chair  200  has received the retainer strap  228 . More specifically, the stud chair can be placed proximate a deck in open position (see  FIG. 2 ). A support rail  102  can then be placed in rail receiving portion  224 . The retainer strap can then be placed over the support rail  102 , such that the retainer strap apertures  230   a  and  230   b  substantially align with the attachment apertures  222   a  and  222   b,  respectively. At least one securing device can then be inserted into retainer strap aperture  230   a,  such that the securing device is directed through the attachment aperture  222   a  and secured to the deck. Similarly, at least one securing device can be inserted into retainer strap aperture  230   b.    
         [0036]     One should note that other embodiments may also include one or more attached securing device on the rail chair  200 . Depending on the configuration, the attached securing device can secure the retainer strap  228  to the securing portion  201  such that a non-attached securing device (e.g., a nail, a screw, etc.) can then be utilized. Other configurations can provide that the attached securing device functions without the use of a non-attached securing device.  
         [0037]      FIG. 4  is a side view diagram of an embodiment of a rail chair in open position with a support rail, similar to the diagram from  FIG. 2 . As illustrated  FIG. 2 , the rail chair  200  can be placed on a deck  104 . A support rail (not shown) can then be placed in the rail receiving portion  224 . Additionally, as discussed above, vertical supports  232  can be configured such that upon placement of the support rail, the vertical supports  232  are positioned to secure the support rail in place. In such a configuration, the vertical supports  232  can be fixed in a position such that the distance between the vertical supports  232  is slightly larger than the width of the support rail. Upon placement of the support rail in the rail receiving portion  224 , the sides of the support rail can abut to the vertical supports  232 , thereby securing the support rail in place. As also disclosed above, the vertical supports  232  can be adjustable such that upon placement of the support rail in the rail receiving portion  224 , the vertical supports can be repositioned such that support rail is secured.  
         [0038]      FIG. 5  is a side view diagram of an embodiment of a rail chair in closed position with a support rail, similar to the diagram from  FIG. 3 . Upon placing the support rail in the receiving portion  224 , the retainer strap can be positioned over the support rail and aligned such that retainer apertures  230  are aligned with attachment apertures  222 . When the rail chair  200  is positioned accordingly, nails and/or other securing devices  502   a  and  502   b  may be inserted into the retainer apertures  230 , through the attachment apertures  222 , and into deck  104 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 6  is a top view diagram of an embodiment of a rail chair in open position with support rail, similar to the diagram from  FIG. 4 . As illustrated, a support rail  102  is placed in rail receiving portion  224 . Additionally, as discussed above, vertical supports  232   a  and  232   b  are positioned such that the support rail  102  is substantially supported.  
         [0040]      FIG. 7  is a top view diagram of an embodiment of a rail chair in closed position with support rail, similar to the diagram from  FIG. 5 . Upon placing the support rail in rail receiving portion  224 , the retainer strap  228  may be placed over the frame portion  201 . As discussed above, the connection device  226  can be configured to allow for an easy attachment of the retainer strap  228  on the frame portion  201 . Additionally, depending on the configuration, the connection device  226  can also be configured to facilitate alignment of the retainer strap apertures  230  with the attachment apertures  222 . Upon placing the retainer strap  228  over the frame portion  102 , securing devices (such as securing devices  502 ) can be placed in retainer strap apertures  230 , such that the rail chair  200  can be secured to a deck.  
         [0041]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a plurality of rail chairs with a support rail, similar to the diagram from  FIGS. 6 and 7 . As discussed above, the rail chairs  200   a  and  200   b  can be configured to support a support rail  102  at or above the minimum clear cover requirement. Additionally, the rail chairs  200  can be secured to the deck  104 , such that when concrete is poured over the support rails, the minimum clear cover requirement is maintained.  
         [0042]      FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of steps that can be taken in employing a rail chair, such as the rail chair from  FIG. 7 . The first step in the nonlimiting example of  FIG. 9  is to place the rail chair  200  on the deck (block  952 ). After placing the rail chair  200  on the deck, the support rail  102  can be placed in the rail receiving portion  224  of the rail chair  200  (block  954 ). Next, the retainer strap  228  can be placed over the support rail  102 , where the retainer strap  228  is coupled to the frame portion  201  of the rail chair  200  via a connection device (block  956 ). Once the retainer strap  228  is placed and the retainer apertures  230  are aligned with the securing apertures  222 , at least one securing device can be utilized to secure the retainer strap  228  to the frame portion  201  of the rail chair  200 , as well as secure the rail chair  200  to the deck  104  (block  958 ). The concrete can then be poured over the support rail  102  (block  960 ).  
         [0043]     One should note that the flowchart included herein is a nonlimiting example of steps that may be performed in employing a rail chair  200 . In this regard, it should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions described in the blocks may occur out of the order. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. One should also note that depending on the particular embodiment, more or fewer steps may be performed, than are illustrated in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0044]     It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of this disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure.