Abstract: A tapered load plate transfers loads across a joint between adjacent concrete floor slabs. The top and bottom surfaces may taper from approximately 4 inches wide to a narrow substantially pointed end over a length of approximately 12 inches. The tapered load plate accommodates differential shrinkage of cast-in-place concrete slabs. When adjacent slabs move away from each other, the narrow end of the tapered load plate moves out of the void that it created in the slab thus allowing the slabs to move relative to one another in a direction parallel to the joint. Tapered load plates may be assembled into a load-plate basket with the direction of the taper alternating from one tapered load plate to the next to account for off-center saw cuts. A tapered load plate and an end cap may be used to provide load transfer across an expansion joint.

Abstract: An improved joint edge assembly, of the type used in the construction of concrete slabs, is disclosed. The assembly comprises a longitudinal joint rail, preferably of steel, which is supported off the ground by temporary formwork. The joint rail is secured to the formwork by mounting brackets. The joint rail comprises first and second joint edge members that are connected to each other by connectors with self-release elements. A plurality of studs extends downward and outward from each of the joint edge members into the concrete slabs provide a positive mechanical connection between the slab and the joint rail. As the concrete shrinks during hardening, the self-release elements of the connectors allow the joint to freely open. The joint edge assembly thus provides a self-releasing expandable joint between adjacent slab sections, and protects the edges of the adjacent slab sections from damage. A dowel aligner may also be integrated into the assembly, to allow proper positioning of dowels within the slab.

Abstract: An improved joint edge assembly, of the type used in the construction of concrete slabs, is disclosed. The assembly comprises a longitudinal joint rail, preferably of steel, which is supported off the ground by temporary formwork. The joint rail is secured to the formwork by mounting brackets. The joint rail comprises first and second joint edge members that are connected to each other by connectors with self-release elements. A plurality of studs extends downward and outward from each of the joint edge members into the concrete slabs provide a positive mechanical connection between the slab and the joint rail. As the concrete shrinks during hardening, the self-release elements of the connectors allow the joint to freely open. The joint edge assembly thus provides a self-releasing expandable joint between adjacent slab sections, and protects the edges of the adjacent slab sections from damage. A dowel aligner may also be integrated into the assembly, to allow proper positioning of dowels within the slab.

Abstract: A load plate for transferring loads between a first cast-in-place slab and a second cast-in-place slab separated by a joint. The load plate having a substantially tapered end having substantially planar upper and lower surfaces adapted to protrude into and engage the first slab, and the load plate being adapted to transfer between the first and second slabs a load directed substantially perpendicular to the intended upper surface of the first slab. A blockout sheath embedded within the first slab could also be included. The block out sheath could have a substantially planar top surface and a substantially planar bottom surface substantially parallel to the upper surface of the first slab. The top and bottom surfaces of the blockout sheath could each have a width, measured parallel to an intersection between the joint surface and the upper surface of the first slab, that substantially decreases away from the joint surface.

Abstract: A rectangular dowel bar sleeve is disclosed for receiving dowel bars and tie-bars that allows opening and closing of joints between adjacent cast-in-place slabs and pavements while allowing differential lateral movement of adjacent cast-in-place slabs in either direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the joint and while preventing differential vertical movement of the slabs on either side of the joint. A form panel having an alignment ridge and spaced apart holes for attaching blockout bars to the form panel is disclosed. The blockout bars can be used to accurately create voids extending perpendicularly from the form panel and having upper and lower surfaces that are parallel to the intended upper surface of the cast-in-place slab.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a dowel within a concrete slab is disclose. The apparatus comprises a substantially planar mounting flange that is used to mount the apparatus onto a wooden form, and a dowel guide that extends perpendicularly from the plane of the mounting flange.Together, the mounting flange and the dowel guide define a dowel passage that is aligned with a corresponding hole in the wooden form. The dowel passage allows a dowel to be slipped through the apparatus and through the hole in the form, and to extend into the region where the slab is to be poured. The invention allows dowels to be properly and consistently aligned before and during the pouring of a concrete slab.