Abstract: Ties and related methods for making insulating composite wall structures including first and second structural layers comprising a hardenable material and an insulating layer having a high thermal resistance disposed between the structural layers. The insulating layer is formed from a plurality of insulating sheets, where the sheets are sandwiched between the structural layers of the wall. During wall construction, the tie is configured to be advanced into the first structural layer before it has hardened, with the tie fitting between adjacent sheets of insulation. No pre-drilling of holes through the sheets, or screwing or pressing of the ties through the actual sheets is required. Each tie includes generally planar features to accommodate such placement, with a penetrating segment, an impact segment, and a mesial segment therebetween. At least the penetrating and mesial segments are generally planar in shape, as they are advanced into such a gap between insulation sheets.

Abstract: Ties and related methods for making insulating composite wall structures including first and second structural layers comprising a hardenable material and an insulating layer having a high thermal resistance disposed between the structural layers. The insulating layer is formed from a plurality of insulating sheets, where the sheets are sandwiched between the structural layers of the wall. During wall construction, the tie is configured to be advanced into the first structural layer before it has hardened, with the tie fitting between adjacent sheets of insulation. No pre-drilling of holes through the sheets, or screwing or pressing of the ties through the actual sheets is required. Each tie includes generally planar features to accommodate such placement, with a penetrating segment, an impact segment, and a mesial segment therebetween. At least the penetrating and mesial segments are generally planar in shape, as they are advanced into such a gap between insulation sheets.

Abstract: A precast concrete slab connector for connecting two adjacent slabs in edge-by-edge juxtaposition, each with a recess in registry with a recess in and an adjacent slab. A pair of anchor plates are positioned the slab recesses and a shear plate spans the slabs recesses and overlies the anchor plates. The shear plate has openings that are in registry with one of an anchor plate opening. Multiple fasteners are extend through the openings in the anchor plates and the shear plates and include removable retainers that clamp the shear plates and the anchor plates together. The fasteners can be cast in part into each adjacent slab. Serration can be provided with facing surfaces of the anchor plates and the shear plate or on facing surfaces of the shear plate and washers that are mounted on the fastener.

Abstract: An assembly for use in the formation of adjacent concrete slabs to provide a flat rectangular dowel engaged between the slabs. The assembly comprises a pocket which is cast in place in the edge portion of the first slab to be formed, with the dowel fully confined within the pocket. After the formation of the first slab, the dowel is partially withdraw from the pocket and the second slab is formed in place against the first slab, with the dowel in spanning relationship to the respective slabs. In the preferred embodiments, the pocket comprises a monolithic plastic box having complimental generally rigid upper and lower sections movable between a closed condition defining the pocket therebetween and an open condition exposing the pocket interiorly. One edge of the pocket is formed with an opening through which the dowel passes as it moves between the fully confined and the partially withdrawn positions.

Abstract: A cover for a concrete construction has a pair of anchor-engaging members extending from a disk-shaped body. The anchor-engaging members include fins which are configured to engage an anchor formed into a recess of a concrete block or wall to cover the recess. The cover is easily installed to the anchor by positioning the cover over the recess and urging the anchor-engaging member into engagement with the anchor.

Abstract: A structural tie shear connector for use with a concrete and insulation composite panel. The panel has a first concrete wythe, a second concrete wythe, and an insulation layer interposed between the first and second concrete wythes. The connector has two sides extending in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal centerline of the connector and two sides extending across the longitudinal centerline of the connector. First and second pairs of angular links are connected to the sides, and a pair of legs are connected to, and extend outward from, one side of the connector. The connector is extendable through the insulation layer and into the first and second concrete wythes to hold the panel together.

Abstract: An anchor for use in a concrete panel that has a shank with four sides forming a substantially square longitudinal cross-section. One end of the shank is connected to a foot and is embedable in the concrete panel. An opposite end of the shank is connected to a head and is locatable in a recess in the concrete panel.

Abstract: An erection anchor having a forged unitary body that includes a substantially cylindrical shank with one end embedable in a concrete panel and an opposite end extending into a recess in an end of the concrete panel. The forged unitary body also has a substantially cylindrical foot integrally formed with the one end of the shank and a shackle-engageable, planar head integrally formed with the opposite end of the shank. The planar head has first and second opposed substantially planar surfaces and a boss integrally formed with the planar head and extending outward from the first planar surface. The boss provides bearing surfaces that interlock the erection anchor with the concrete panel.

Abstract: A flange connector for use in joining adjacent concrete structural members, such as precast concrete double tee structural members. The flange connector includes a central faceplate having a weldable surface and a pair of arms that extend divergently from the central faceplate that are embedded or cast into the concrete structural member. Flanges may be formed on the faceplate and the pair of legs to define C-shaped channels that taper toward the distal ends of the legs. Notches are provided at the junctures of the legs with the opposite sides of the faceplate to reduce the stiffness of the flange connector. A threaded aperture extends through the faceplate for securing the flange connector to a conventional form used to cast the concrete structural member.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment of an improved concrete anchor designed in accordance with the present invention for embedment in a concrete panel or the like includes an elongated bar having substantially flat parallel faces, an inner end disposed within the panel, an outer end disposed within a recess in the surface of the concrete panel and side edges extending between the faces. The side edges extend in continuously diverging relationship from adjacent the outer end to adjacent the inner end. In accordance with another embodiment, the preferred concrete anchor includes an elongated bar having substantially flat parallel faces; an inner end disposed within the panel; an outer end disposed within a recess in the surface of the concrete panel; and side edges, preferably substantially straight, which extend in a substantially parallel relationship between the faces. The outer end includes spaced, outwardly-projecting extensions disposed adjacent the side edges of the bar and, preferably, an elongated opening.

Abstract: An anchor positioning assembly for use in casting a concrete panel. The anchor positioning assembly includes a void former, a cooperating cover and an anchor. The assembly may further include an adaptor insert for receiving anchors of variable shapes and sizes. The void former includes a body having first and second portions pivotally connected by a pair of hinge webs. A peripheral lip extends outwardly from the periphery of the void former. A cover includes a top plate having a reentrant edge defining a locking groove for releasably engaging the peripheral lip of the void former, thereby providing a seal between the void former and the cover. The cover includes a plurality of mounting apertures to facilitate securing of the cover to concrete formwork.