Abstract: An apparatus to be embedded within a precast concrete panel or slab to enable the panel to be lifted, moved to a road bed, and secured in place above the road bed. A lifting apparatus is embedded at each corner of the panel. Each apparatus has a hollow threaded sleeve extending through the panel to receive a removable threaded lifting bolt by which to establish a lifting point at which a lifting force is applied to lift and position the panel on support blocks seated on the road bed. When the threaded lifting bolt is removed from each hollow threaded sleeve, grout is pumped through the panel by way of the hollow sleeve to fill the space established by the support blocks between the panel and the road bed. The method and apparatus have particular application during construction or repair of a roadway.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method by which one end of a connecting rod is embedded in a first (e.g., precast) concrete panel and the opposite end of the connecting rod is moved inwardly of and affixed within an opposing rod receiving channel that is formed in an adjacent (e.g., precast) concrete panel so as to form a reliable joint for connecting the first and adjacent panels to one another. The apparatus and method have particular application in roadway construction and/or repair by creating a continuous flat driving surface to support vehicular traffic. Each of the connecting rod of the first concrete panel and the rod receiving channel of the adjacent concrete panel are axially aligned with one another and located so as to be separated from and spaced below the respective tops of the first and adjacent panels.

Abstract: A water-impermeable grout containment sheet and a method for using the sheet, for example, during the construction of a roadway to support vehicular traffic. An excavation is first cut into a road bed, and a moisture (i.e., water) impermeable grout containment sheet is laid inside the excavation. A plurality of concrete panels are positioned adjacent one another to be coupled together within the excavation, such that at least one of the panels sits on top of the water-impermeable grout containment sheet. Grout is then pumped below the one panel to hold the panel in place within the excavation. The water-impermeable grout containment sheet lies between the grout and the road bed to establish a containment envelope to stop the grout from migrating away from the panel and prevent water from seeping outwardly from the grout into the road bed and into the grout from the excavation.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus to be embedded within a precast concrete panel or slab to enable the panel to be lifted, positioned atop a road bed, and elevated above the road bed. A lifting apparatus is located at each corner of the panel. Each lifting apparatus has a threaded sleeve extending through the panel to receive a removable threaded lifting bolt by which to establish a lifting point at which a lifting force is applied to lift and position the panel. When the threaded lifting bolt is rotated completely through the threaded sleeve, a pushing force is applied against a base plate, whereby to elevate the panel above the road bed as is necessary to make the panel level with adjacent panels during the construction or repair of a roadway. Grout is pumped through the panel to fill the space between the panel and the road bed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method by which a plurality of connecting rods are located within and slidable through a first concrete panel so that the connecting rods extend outwardly from the first panel for receipt inwardly of a second concrete panel at mating channels formed therewithin, whereby the first and second concrete panels are joined together such as, for example, in the case of roadway construction. A plurality of slots which are formed through the top of the first panel communicate with respective ones of the plurality of connecting rods. A tool is moved into contact with the connecting rods by way of respective ones of the slots. The tool applies a pushing force to each of the connecting rods to cause the rods to slide through the first panel and into receipt by the mating channels of the second panel to establish a reliable joint therebetween.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus to be embedded within a precast concrete panel or slab to enable the panel to be lifted, positioned atop a road bed, and elevated above the road bed. A lifting apparatus is located at each corner of the panel. Each lifting apparatus has a threaded sleeve extending through the panel to receive a removable threaded lifting bolt by which to establish a lifting point at which a lifting force is applied to lift and position the panel. When the threaded lifting bolt is rotated completely through the threaded sleeve, a pushing force is applied against a base plate, whereby to elevate the panel above the road bed as is necessary to make the panel level with adjacent panels during the construction or repair of a roadway. Grout is pumped through the panel to fill the space between the panel and the road bed.