Patent ID: 12203264

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1. Fully Bridged and Supported Top Wave Plates

With reference toFIGS.1to7andFIGS.26to34, there is shown a joint edge protection apparatus having fully bridged and supported top wave plates in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

More specifically, there is provided a joint edge protection apparatus10for protecting an edge of a first component12formed of settable material and an edge of a second component14formed of settable material at a joint16. The apparatus10includes a first anchorage part18for anchoring within the first component12and a second anchorage part20for anchoring within the second component14. The apparatus10also includes a first plate22coupled to the first anchorage part18, a second plate24coupled to the second anchorage part20, the first plate22defining a first abutment surface26and the second plate24defining a second abutment surface28.

The first abutment surface26and the second abutment surface28are correspondingly shaped to facilitate abutment of the second abutment surface28against the first abutment surface26. The second anchorage part20is adapted to be movable relative to the first anchorage part18from an abutting configuration (theFIG.32) in which the second abutment surface28is in abutment with the first abutment surface26to a spaced configuration (theFIG.30) in which the second abutment surface28is spaced relative to the first abutment surface26. The first anchorage part18defines a support surface30to support the second plate24as the second anchorage part20is moved between the abutting configuration and the spaced configuration. In the abutting configuration, an interface between the first abutment surface26and the second abutment surface28is offset relative to an interface between the first anchorage part18and the second anchorage part20such that the interface of the first abutment surface26and the second abutment surface28is positioned above the support surface30. In other words, the line of abutment between the first abutment surface26and the second abutment surface28is offset relative to the joint16such that the second plate24is supported by the first anchorage part18having the support surface30.

The first abutment surface26and the second abutment surface28are correspondingly shaped with a wave shape (theFIG.1) to facilitate abutment of the second abutment surface28against the first abutment surface26.

In the preferred example shown in the drawings, the apparatus10is arranged such that a gap32between the first abutment surface26and the second abutment surface28, throughout a range of movement, is located above the support surface30such that the gap32is fully spanned by the support surface30. In this way, the gap32is fully bridged by the support surface30such that debris is prevented from entering the joint16between the first component12and the second component14. The fully bridged gap32may provide a well34for application of joint material36. The joint material36may be in the form of a joint epoxy and/or sealant.

The range of movement corresponds to a gap32between the first abutment surface26and the second abutment surface28being between 0 mm and 20 mm.

In use, the offset results in the interface between the first abutment surface26and the second abutment surface28being offset from a centre of the joint16between the first component12and the second component14.

The first anchorage part18may include a first lacer bar38supported by a series of spaced ribs40. Similarly, the second anchorage part20may include a second lacer bar42supported by a series of spaced ribs40. Each of the lacer bars38,42may be in the form of a rail.

Accordingly, as will be appreciated from the above, this aspect relates to:

The separation plate and joint line under the top wave plates22,24is offset from the centre of the joint16to allow 20 mm of supported opening of the waved top plates22,24while fully supporting both sides of the joint16with concrete and steel.

The resultant waved gap32between wave plates22,24at 20 mm is fully enclosed and does not allow debris the enter the remaining section (slab height—6 mm) of the joint16.

Enclosing the joint gap32with the support surface30helps to reduce corrosion and binding (debris) of the load transfer mechanisms (dowels).

The fully enclosed bridged gap32can act as a 6 mm deep well34for application of joint epoxies and sealants (if required). Epoxy is fully supported by steel and concrete.

The bridged gap32acts as barrier against foreign objects entering the potential 20 mm joint16.

2. Disruptive Folded Continuous Sheet Metal Anchor Rail

With reference toFIGS.5to7andFIGS.35to41, there is also disclosed an armoured joint having a disruptive folded continuous sheet metal anchor rail.

More specifically, as shown inFIGS.5to7, the joint edge protection apparatus10forms an armoured joint having a disruptive folded continuous sheet metal anchor rail. In particular, the armoured joint protects an edge of the first component12formed of settable material and an edge of the second component14formed of settable material at the joint16. The apparatus10includes the first anchorage part18for anchoring within the first component12and the second anchorage part20for anchoring within the second component14. The first plate22is coupled to the first anchorage part18and the second plate24is coupled to the second anchorage part20. The first plate22defines the first abutment surface26, and the second plate24defines the second abutment surface28. The first abutment surface26and the second abutment surface28are correspondingly shaped to facilitate abutment of the second abutment surface28against the first abutment surface26. The second anchorage part20is adapted to be movable relative to the first anchorage part18from an abutting configuration (seeFIG.32) in which the second abutment surface28is in abutment with the first abutment surface26to a spaced configuration (seeFIG.30) in which the second abutment surface28is spaced relative to the first abutment surface26. The first anchorage part18includes the first lacer bar38which is in the form of an elongated angled anchorage lacer bar38. The first lacer bar38is supported by a series of the spaced ribs40and the first lacer bar38is in the form of a rail which is tilted out of a plane of the ribs40(seeFIG.5).

The elongated angled anchorage lacer bar38is substantially perpendicular to the first plate22. In particular, as seen inFIG.5, the first lacer bar38may be substantially vertical whereas the first plate22may be substantially horizontal for supporting forklifts and the like moving across a working floor surface.

As can be seen inFIG.5, the first anchorage part18and the second anchorage part20each have a respective elongated angled anchorage lacer bar38,42. Each of the respective elongated angled anchorage lacer bars are supported by a respective series of spaced ribs40and each lacer bar is tilted/bent out of a plane of the respective ribs40. In this way, the joint edge protection apparatus10is provided with a disruptive folded continuous sheet metal anchor rail which provides more consistent anchorage along the armoured joint.

The armoured joint in the form of the joint edge protection apparatus10may include at least one dowel44for maintaining level of the second anchorage part20relative to the first anchorage part42. In particular, as shown inFIG.3andFIG.4, the joint edge protection apparatus10may include a plate dowel which is movable within one or more housing/sheath/sleeve fitted to the second anchorage part20and/or the first anchorage part18. The dowel44may be in the form of a plate dowel being generally rectangular or square in shape and, in situ, having edges extending at an angle to a central axis of the joint16. In particular, the plate dowel may have edges extending at an angle of approximately 45° to a central axis of the joint.

As can be seen inFIG.4, the anchorage lacer bar42varies in width between the ribs40. Specifically, it can be seen that, between adjacent ribs40, the lacer bar42increases in width to a thickest portion which is midway between the adjacent ribs40. This is achieved by having a straight lower edge to the lacer bar42and a tapered upper edge to the lacer bar42, which upper edge tapers outwardly to an apex46which is midway between the adjacent ribs40.

Accordingly, in this way, between each pair of successive ribs40, the upper edge of the lacer bar42is tapered progressively outwardly to the apex46and then progressively inwardly to the next rib40. As such, between each pair of successive ribs40, the upper edge of the lacer bar42has a generally wave-like form. Even more specifically, in the example shown, between each pair of successive ribs40the upper edge of the lacer bar42has a single wave form. The lacer bar42may be in the form of a part of sheet metal.

As can be seen inFIG.6andFIG.7, each of the spaced ribs40has a tapered foot48which tapers outwardly into the lacer bar42. Each tapered foot48progressively tapers outwardly into the lacer bar42. As will be appreciated in symmetry, the first lacer bar38may take a similar form to the second lacer bar42, as shown inFIG.6andFIG.7.

Each rib40may be bent at the tapered foot48such that the lacer bar42is tilted out of a plane of the ribs40(seeFIG.5. In the particular example shown in the drawings, each of the ribs40is angled at an acute angle relative to the first plate22(that is, an outside angle between the ribs40and the horizontal is an acute angle), and the second lacer bar42is tilted to be substantially perpendicular to the first plate22. Similarly, the first lacer bar38is also tilted to be substantially perpendicular to the first plate22.

Accordingly, as will be appreciated from the above, this aspect relates to:

A continuous sheet metal studding rail—or lacer bar—to anchor the joint evenly into the concrete components. More consistent anchorage along the armoured plate joint may be achieved with this arrangement.

Large cut-outs to allow adequate concrete and aggregate flow around anchor points and under joint plates.

Folded through anchor point to provide better pull-out resistance. That is, the arrangement requires the fold to un-bend before the anchor can pull out. This removes a sheet metal blade nature of anchorage.

Fold on end of anchor points is connected between points by a sheet metal lacer bar—this ties anchorage at each stud into the neighbouring points, increasing pull out resistance.

The lacer bar fold adds stiffness and rigidity to the entire rail length.

Cut-outs are broken up along the rail length with the cut-outs continuing around the fold. This potentially removes a crack-inducing nature of a straight edge in the slab.

Additional wave formation along the straight edge between anchor points increases the surface area of the bottom of the cut-out giving better anchorage.

3. Anti-Skew Stake Bracket

Turning toFIGS.8,9and42to49, there is also shown a joint edge protection apparatus10being supported by an anti-skew stake bracket50. Advantageously, the bracket50has mirrored angled legs which provide stronger support for heavier joints, achieved by the arc of movement of the legs.

More specifically, as will be appreciated from the above, the joint edge protection apparatus10provides an armoured joint for protecting an edge of the first component12formed of settable material and an edge of the second component14formed of settable material at the joint16. The apparatus10includes the first anchorage part18for anchoring to the first component12and the second anchorage part20for anchoring to the second component14. The apparatus10also includes the first plate22coupled to the first anchorage part18and the second plate24coupled to the second anchorage part20. The first plate22defines the first abutment surface26in the form of a first edge and the second plate24defines the second abutment surface28in the form of a second edge. The first edge26and the second edge28are correspondingly shaped to facilitate bringing together of the first edge26and the second edge28. In particular, the second anchorage part20is adapted to be movable relative to the first anchorage part18from a close configuration (seeFIG.32) in which the second edge28is brought together with the first edge26to a spaced configuration (seeFIG.30) in which the second edge28is spaced relative to the first edge26.

The first anchorage part18or the second anchorage part20has a support section52, the armoured joint including the bracket50for supporting the armoured joint relative to a ground surface. The bracket50comprises an angled upper leg54and an angled lower leg56, the bracket50being fixed to the support section52by the angled upper leg54and the angled lower leg56. With reference toFIG.9, the angled upper leg54is fixed to the support section52to extend downwardly from the support section52at a first angle58, and the angled lower leg56is fixed to the support section52to extend upwardly from the support section52at a second angle60of the same magnitude as the first angle58.

A distal end62of the upper leg54is fixed relative to a distal end64of the lower leg56. The distal end62of the upper leg54may be connected to the distal end64of the lower leg56by way of an intermediate portion as shown inFIG.8, or, alternatively, may be directly connected as shown inFIG.9. The upper leg54may be in the form of a straight part and the lower leg56may be in the form of a straight part.

As shown inFIGS.9and10, the upper leg54may be provided with an aperture66for receiving a support stake68, for supporting the armoured joint relative to a ground surface, and the lower leg56may be provided with an aperture70for receiving the support stake68. The aperture66of the upper leg54and the aperture70of the lower leg56are arranged to receive the support stake68with the support stake68in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to a plane of the first plate22. In other words, the support stake68may be substantially vertical whereas the first plate22is substantially horizontal.

Turning toFIG.10, the apertures66,70and the support stake68are arranged to provide a sliding condition (see left-hand side ofFIG.10) in which the stake68is able to be slid relative to the bracket50and a locked condition (the right-hand side ofFIG.10) in which the stake68is locked against sliding relative to the bracket50. This may be achieved, as shown, by configuring the apertures66,70each as an elongated slot, with the stake68having a cross-section with parallel straight sides. In this way, the stake68is rotated about its longitudinal axis relative to the bracket50between the sliding condition and the locked condition.

The upper leg54may meet the lower leg56at a bent portion of the bracket50, as shown inFIG.9. Alternatively, the upper leg54may meet the lower leg56at an intermediate vertical section between the upper leg54and the lower leg56. The bracket50may be symmetrical in a horizontal central plane.

There may also be provided the armoured joint together with the stake in an assembly. In other words, there may be provided an assembly including an armoured joint as described above, in combination with a stake, wherein the stake extends through the upper leg and the lower leg.

As shown clearly inFIG.10, the stake68is non-circular and the aperture66,70in each of the upper leg54and lower leg56is non-circular. In this way, the stake68is able to be rotated relative to the bracket50between a sliding condition, in which the stake68is able to be slid relative to the bracket50, and a locked condition, in which the stake68is locked against sliding relative to the bracket50.

The first anchorage part18may include the elongated angled anchorage lacer bar38, the elongated angled anchorage lacer bar38being supported by a series of spaced ribs40and the lacer bar38being tilted out of the plane of the ribs40.

The first anchorage part18may define the support surface30to support the second plate24as the second anchorage part20is moved between the close configuration and the spaced configuration. In the close configuration, an interface between the first edge26and the second edge28is offset relative to the joint16between the first component12and the second component14such that the interface of the first edge26and the second edge28is positioned above (and supported by) the support surface30.

Each of the apertures66,70may be in the shape of a slot (seeFIG.10), and the stake68may have a cross-sectional shape having opposed parallel flat sides connected at either end by a round portion.

Accordingly, as will be appreciated from the above, this aspect relates to:

Mirrored angled legs54,56of the stake bracket50provide stronger support for heavier joints. They resist skewing under weight by requiring the angled leg to overcome the mirrored angle of the opposing leg of the bracket50before skewing.

Angled nature of bracket50moves fixing points on separation plate both higher (on top) and lower (on bottom) to help brace the joint where it is required.

Stake brackets50have slots66,70which work with twist-and-lock stakes68for joint height adjustment, levelling and lock-off.

4. Floating Cover Plate System on Intersection

With reference toFIGS.11to15andFIGS.50to60, there is disclosed an edge protection system72having a floating cover plate system on an intersection. Advantageously, the floating cover plate system provides a centralised cover plate which allows concrete slab sections at the intersection to open away from the cover plate, leaving the cover plate fixed in place.

More specifically, there is shown an edge protection system72including a first expandable armoured joint74to protect a first joint76extending in a first direction, a second expandable armoured joint78to protect a second joint80extending in a second direction and an intersection module82including a cover plate84located at an intersection86of the first expandable armoured joint74and the second expandable armoured joint76. The first expandable armoured joint74and the second expandable armoured joint78may each be in the form of a joint edge protection apparatus10as described above.

The first expandable armoured joint74includes a first pair of plates88arranged to be moved apart to open a crevice90between the plates in response to expansion of the first joint76, and the second expandable armoured joint78includes a second pair of plates92arranged to be moved apart to open a crevice94between the plates92in response to expansion of the second joint80. Each of the first pair of plates88has a wavy edge96, the wavy edges96being brought together in a contracted condition of the first expandable armoured joint74. Each of the second pair of plates92also has a wavy edge96, the wavy edges96being brought together in a contracted condition of the second expandable armoured joint78.

The cover plate84is removable from a remainder of the intersection module82.

The edge protection system72includes an anchored support98for supporting the intersection module82relative to a ground surface. An upper support100of the intersection module82is adapted to receive the cover plate84fastened thereto. The anchored support98anchors the intersection module82in a fixed location relative to the ground surface during expansion of the first expandable armoured joint74and the second expandable armoured joint78.

In the example shown, the first joint76is a joint between concrete slab sections102and the second joint80is also a joint between concrete slab sections102. The cover plate84is a load supporting member being braced by each slab section102when the slab sections102move through slab shrinkage. In particular, it is typical for the slab sections102to shrink during drying of the concrete. More specifically, the cover plate84is a load supporting member being braced by each slab section102when the slab sections102move through slab shrinkage with each slab moving up to 20 mm. This support may be achieved by way of the intersection module82having a separate anchorage part104for each of the separate slab sections102, such that each anchorage part104is cast into a respective one of the slab sections102. In turn, the anchorage parts104are vertically supported by a central lower shoulder106and a central upper shoulder108of the intersection module82.

The intersection module82includes a central support column110, the central support column110having an upper support plate (in the form of central upper shoulder108) and a lower anchor plate (in the form of central lower shoulder106), the cover plate84being fastened to the upper support plate108so as to be connected to the central support column110and the lower anchor plate106to remain vertically coupled to the concrete slab sections102.

The edge protection system72includes a stake112which is inserted through the central support column110for supporting the intersection module82relative to the ground surface. The upper support plate (central upper shoulder108) may be in the form of an upper cleat plate which is spaced vertically from the lower anchor plate (central lower shoulder106).

The stake112may be in the form of a star picket. The stake112may be arranged to prevent the central support column110from rotating relative to the ground surface and from translational movement relative to the ground surface, as depicted by arrows inFIGS.14and15. The cleat plate108and the lower anchor plate106restrict movement of the star picket angularly at spaced locations of the central support column110.

In the example shown in the drawings, the first direction is not parallel to the second direction such that the first joint76is not parallel to the second joint80. More specifically, in the example shown in the drawings, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction such that the first joint76is perpendicular to the second joint80.

Accordingly, as will be appreciated from the above, this aspect relates to:

A centralised cover plate84which allows the slab sections102at the intersection86to open away from the cover plate84, leaving the cover plate84fixed in place.

The cover plate84is load supporting, being braced by each slab section102when the slab sections102move through slab shrinkage up to 20 mm.

Anchor plate is fixed down without studs, using its connection to the central support column110and bottom anchor plate106to remain fixed to the concrete slab.

The top cover plate84can be removed, and the star picket112can be hammered down the central column110through the guide holes in the top cleat plate108and the bottom anchor plate106acting like an axis to fix and support the top plate assembly. The star picket112can be hammered flush with the top cleat plate108before replacing the top cover plate above to cover.

The star picket112prevents the central assembly from rotating and fixes it laterally in both ‘X’ and ‘Y’ directions.

The guides at the cleat plate (top)108and anchor plate (bottom)106restrict movement against the star picket112angularly at opposite ends of the assembly.

5. Intersection Continuous Perimeter Joint Line

With reference toFIGS.16to19andFIGS.61to64, there is shown an edge protection system72having an intersection continuous perimeter joint line114. Advantageously, this feature results in the joint line circling a perimeter of the centralised cover plate84to the next joint run rather than continuing directly across the intersection module82meaning that, no matter where infill lengths of the wavy plates88,92are cut, they will connect to the active joint line at the intersection module82.

More specifically, as shown in the drawings, there is depicted an edge protection system72including a first expandable armoured joint74to protect a first joint76extending in a first direction and a second expandable armoured joint78to protect a second joint80extending in a second direction. The edge protection system72also includes an intersection module82at an intersection86of the first expandable armoured joint74and the second expandable armoured joint78. The first expandable armoured joint74has a first joint line116and the second expandable armoured joint78has a second joint line118. The intersection module82provides a perimeter joint line120such that there is a continuous joint line including the first joint line116, the perimeter joint line120and the second joint line118.

The intersection module82includes the cover plate84, and the continuous joint line extends at least partially around a perimeter of the cover plate84between the first joint line116and the second joint line118.

The first joint line116has a generally wavy form and the second joint line118also has a generally wavy form. The cover plate84is arranged such that, regardless of where lengths of the wavy first and second plate pairs88,92are cut, the wavy first joint line116and the wavy second joint line118will connect to the active joint line of the intersection module82. In one form, the cover plate84is arranged to ensure that joint lines are matched to standard joint runs.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, joint openings at the perimeter of the cover plate84are halved in thickness when used in a four-way intersection configuration, as shown inFIG.17. In particular, a joint gap may be split up on either side of the cover plate84. The edge protection system72may also be used at a three-way intersection configuration as shown inFIG.18or a two-way intersection configuration as shown inFIG.19.

Accordingly, as will be appreciated from the above, this aspect relates to:

The joint line does not continue directly across the intersection module, it instead circles the perimeter of a centralised cover plate84to the next joint run.

A perimeter joint line means that no matter where infill lengths of the wavy plates88,92are cut, they will connect to the active joint line of the intersection module82.

Joint lines116,118are never mismatched to standard joint runs.

Joint gap openings at the perimeter of the central plate84are halved when used in 4-way intersection configuration (most common). The joint gap is split up on either side of the central plate84.

6. Joint Orientation Marker on Intersection

With reference toFIGS.20to25andFIGS.65to69, there is also disclosed an edge protection system72having a joint orientation marker122to ensure correct orientation of the intersection module82, rotationally about a central axis of the intersection module82.

In particular, the edge protection system72includes a first expandable armoured joint74to protect a first joint76extending in a first direction and a second expandable armoured joint78to protect a second joint80extending in a second direction. The edge protection system72also includes an intersection module82at an intersection86of the first expandable armoured joint74and the second expandable armoured joint78. The intersection module82has an indicator122to enable a user to ensure correct orientation of the intersection module82.

The intersection module82includes a cover plate84which is generally symmetrical in shape. In particular, as shown in the drawings, the cover plate84is generally octagonal in shape.

The indicator122may be in the form of a discreet marking. In one particular form, the indicator122may be in the form of a small hole in the cover plate84. The indicator122is provided to enable a user to orientate joints during installation on-site in a common direction to ensure joint lines match.

This is important as although the cover plate84itself appears to be symmetrical from above, the components of the intersection module82below the cover plate84are not symmetrical. Specifically, it is important that the anchorage parts104of the intersection module82align with the joints of the concrete slab sections102, as well as with the anchorage parts104of the other intersection modules82within the edge protection system72.

In a method of installation, the indicator122is positioned in one of four rotational orientations on a first intersection module82on-site depending upon a first pour location. Subsequent intersection modules82within the same edge protection system72(seeFIG.21) are placed each with the respective indicator122oriented in the same direction as for the first intersection module82.

The intersection module82may be arranged to allow for two-way, three-way and four-way intersections to be formed without adjusting orientation of the intersection module82.FIG.22shows a four-way intersection,FIG.23shows a three-way intersection andFIG.24shows a two-way intersection.

With reference toFIG.25, the indicator122may be repeated on a plurality of assembly pieces of the intersection module82to assist with orientation of star picket guides to a common orientation. In particular, as shown inFIG.25, the indicator122may be repeated on an upper support plate108and a lower support plate106of a support column110of the intersection module82.

The first expandable armoured joint74may have a first joint line116, and the second expandable armoured joint78may have a second joint line118. The intersection module82may provide a perimeter joint line120such that there is a continuous joint line including the first joint line116, the perimeter joint line120and the second joint line118.

Accordingly, as will be appreciated from the above, this aspect relates to:

A joint orientation marker122in the form of a small hole in the top cover plate84which acts as a positioning marker to orientate all joints during installation onsite in the same direction, ensuring joint lines match up.

The small hole is to be positioned in one of four orientations on a first intersection onsite depending upon first pour location. All subsequent intersections for the project are to be place with the respective hole rotationally oriented in the same direction.

Module nature on intersection allows for 2-way, 3-way and 4-way intersection to be formed without adjusting intersection orientation.

Hole is repeated on all central top plate assembly pieces to help orientate star picket guides to the same orientation.

Advantageously, the applicant has identified that examples of the present disclosure may serve to prolong the serviceability of the floor (working surface). Forklift wheels are fully supported by the “wave” plate design to a joint width opening of 20 mm. Modular design intersection provides a fast, effective and intuitive set up of two, three and four way intersections, significantly mitigating the risk of restraint that leads to uncontrolled concrete cracking and spelling.

FIG.70shows an example of a joint edge protection apparatus10having a wave profile for providing a capability for extra lateral movement. More specifically, the wave form of one plate22is deliberately mismatched relative to the wave form of the other plate24so as to facilitate lateral movement.

In particular,FIG.70shows a joint edge protection apparatus10for protecting an edge of a first component formed of settable material and an edge of a second component formed of settable material at a joint. The apparatus10includes a first anchorage part for anchoring within the first component and a second anchorage part for anchoring within the second component, the first anchorage part being provided with a first plate22. The second anchorage part is provided with a second plate24. The first plate22defines a first interface surface26and the second plate24defines a second interface surface28. The first interface surface26and the second interface surface28are shaped to facilitate abutment of at least a portion of the second interface surface28against the first interface surface26. The second anchorage part is adapted to be movable relative to the first anchorage part from an abutting configuration in which at least a portion of the second interface surface28is in abutment with the first interface surface26, to a spaced configuration in which the second interface surface28is spaced relative to the first interface surface26. The first interface surface26and the second interface surface28are each shaped with a wave shape, wherein the wave shape of the first interface surface26is mismatched to the wave shape of the second interface surface28to facilitate periodic abutment of the second interface surface28against the first interface surface26in the abutting configuration. In other words, the wave shapes are mismatched so as to ensure gaps between the points/regions of periodic abutment.

As can be seen inFIGS.70a,70band70c, each of these representations shows the joint edge protection apparatus10in the abutting configuration.FIG.70ashows a default position in which the first plate22and the second plate24are laterally aligned such that points or regions of contact/abutment are at each peak and trough of the wave forms. The mismatching of the waveforms ensures in this default position that, between each peak and trough there is a gap between the first interface surface26and the second interface surface28.FIG.70bshows a configuration in which the first plate22is moved 2 mm downwardly relative to the second plate24in an arrangement in which slopes of the waveforms come together in a nested arrangement to form an S-shaped portion of abutment which extends from a peak of the wave form of the first interface surface26to a trough of the wave form of the first interface surface26. Similarly,FIG.70cshows a configuration in which the first plate22is moved 2 mm upwardly relative to the second plate24in an arrangement in which the slopes of the waveforms come together in a nested arrangement to form an S-shaped portion of abutment which extends from a peak of the waveform of the first interface surface26to a trough of the waveform of the first interface surface26.

As will be appreciated, in each of the configurations shown inFIGS.70a,70band70c, there is periodic abutment in the abutting configuration in contrast to the arrangement shown inFIG.22in which the waveforms are matched such that the abutment there is continuous.

Returning toFIGS.70ato70c, advantageously, the joint top plates22,24have a mismatched full length waved tooth profile to provide low impact joint transition while giving extra lateral movement accommodation during slab curing. An additional gap has been allowed either side of the teeth to allow lateral movement at 0 mm joint gap if required of up to 2 mm (in either direction). This additional gap is shown inFIG.70aand is due to the mismatching of the wave forms. The teeth have tapered)(45°) sides to provide 1:1 lateral movement versus joint opening, the additional 2 mm gap providing extra allowance for high shrinkage parts of the slab (corners) and rectangular slabs.

As shown inFIGS.71ato71d, the first plate22and second plate24may also be provided with predefined gaps124of 4 mm between the plates22,24at joining lengths to allow joint lateral movement within binding during slab shrinkage. The arrangement shown provides adjustment capability when connecting joints while maintaining a minimum 2 mm predefined gap.

Accordingly,FIGS.71ato71dshow another example of a joint edge protection apparatus10having deliberately mismatched waves as well as predefined gaps124to facilitate lateral movement.FIG.71ashows the first plate22and the second plate24in a default position with a predefined gap124of 4 mm in place.FIG.71bshows the first plate22moved upwardly relative to the second plate24, with the predefined gaps124of 4 mm still in place.FIG.71cshows the predefined gap124reduced to accommodate upward movement of one second plate24relative to the first plate22as well as relative to an adjacent second plate24.FIG.71dshows a predefined gap124increased to accommodate downward movement of one second plate24relative to the first plate22as well as relative to an adjacent second plate24.

The described construction has been advanced merely by way of example and many modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, which includes every novel feature and combination of features herein disclosed. In particular, the applicant has determined that other modifications may include one or more of the following:cutting of bottom sheet metal anchor above dowel plates and sleeves to allow better concrete compaction around dowels;added twist and lock stake receptacles on an opposite side of the joint to stake brackets to allow joint levelling during setup without welding;removed section of separation plate at top section at an offset end. This can be arranged to allow direct connection between top section pieces to prevent stepping of joint lengths;changing all clamping bolt nuts to wing nuts to aid in removal after pouring (if required);increased adjustment capability to offset clamping bolt by way of increased bolthole size;plug weld location under top plate change slots for fillet welds; andassembly bolthole (4 places) increase from 10.5 mm diameter to 11 mm diameter.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

10joint edge protection apparatus12first component14second component16joint18first anchorage part20second anchorage part22first plate24second plate26first abutment surface28second abutment surface30support surface32gap34well36joint material38first lacer bar40spaced ribs42second lacer bar44dowel46apex48tapered foot50bracket52support section54upper leg56lower leg58first angle60second angle62distal end of the upper leg64distal end of the lower leg66aperture in upper leg68stake70aperture in lower leg72edge protection system74first expandable armoured joint76first joint78second expandable armoured joint80second joint82intersection module84cover plate86intersection88first pair of plates90first crevice92second pair of plates94second crevice96wavy edge98anchored support100upper support102concrete slab sections104anchorage part106central lower shoulder108central upper shoulder110central support column112stake114intersection continuous perimeter joint line116first joint line118second joint line120perimeter joint line122joint orientation marker124predefined gap