Abstract: The invention provides precast concrete diaphragms for placement between the longitudinal beams of a bridge. Ends of the diaphragms have pockets to receive concrete for tight joints between longitudinal bridge beams and the diaphragms. The longitudinal bridge beams are prestressed against the diaphragms. There is a plicable material between the beams and the diaphragram.
Abstract: The invention provides means and methods to erect and plumb a precast concrete post in a concrete footing embedment. In a method of the invention, the base of a post is connected with mounting hardware to a partial footing, followed by the pouring of a footing remainder around the base of the post and around the hardware. A post of the invention has an upper section and a base; the base contains a mounting hole. The post maintains essentially the same footprint from the upper section to the base. A post and panel structure of the invention is characterized by a post secured in a two-part footing, in which a secondary footing securely captures the post in the footing.
Abstract: A special reinforcement basket of steel rebar for reinforcing concrete barriers has toe regions of increased strength. Above the toe regions, there is a shoulder region where windows, or gaps, in the rebar provide for uninterrupted passage of holes in the concrete for anchor bolts, in order that the cast barrier may be anchored to a foundation. The invention is especially useful for precast concrete road barriers, which are manufacturered in a plant and then brought to a site and anchored in place.
Abstract: Concrete barriers are on a prestressing strand running through the barriers. The prestressing strand may serve to move the barriers together to compact a pliable joint material between the barriers. Following joint compaction, the barriers may be held in place by anchoring to a foundation.