Patent ID: 8800232

Claim:
A flange connection system for a concrete structure comprising: a plurality of adjacent precast concrete members which includes a platform having a center panel and a first and second flange extending outward from the center panel in opposing directions, each flange having a bottom surface and an end, the first flange of one concrete member being disposed adjacent to the second flange of the adjacent precast concrete member; a first bent plate having a horizontal member attached to the bottom surface of the first flange and a vertical member perpendicular to the horizontal member of the first bent plate; a second bent plate having a horizontal member attached to the bottom surface of the second flange and a vertical member perpendicular to the horizontal member of the second bent plate; a spacer plate disposed between the vertical member of the first bent plate and the vertical member of the second bent plate, wherein the spacer plate extends in a vertical direction from about a lower edge of the first bent plate vertical member to a distance below the first bent plate horizontal member allowing the first and second bent plate vertical members to flex at an upper portion of the first and second bent plate vertical members, thereby allowing the first and second flange ends to move toward and away from one another; and a plurality of fasteners securing the vertical member of each of the first and second bent plates to the spacer plate.