Abstract: A screed assembly for use with a paving machine is disclosed. The screed assembly can optionally comprise: a screed plate; a heating assembly having a heating element positioned on the screed plate; a heating element cover positioned on or adjacent the heating element; a screed frame releasably coupled to the screed plate and having one or more openings therein; and a plurality of compression spring assemblies connected to the screed frame and connected to the heating element cover. Each of the plurality of compression spring assemblies can be are configured to exert a desired force on the heating element cover. The plurality of compression spring assemblies are accessible through the one or more openings of the screed frame and the bolt is moveable relative to the screed frame to adjust a position of the heating element cover relative to the heating element for facilitating removal of the heating element.

Abstract: A mold apparatus for a slipform paver includes front and rear frame members and a wear plate disposed below the front and rear frame members. At least one of the frame members includes a mounting flange. At least one adjustable fastener assembly is provided between the wear plate and the mounting flange. An adjusting nut drive may be either manually powered or automatically powered and provides access to the adjustable fastener assemblies from the interior of the mold apparatus.

Abstract: A device for forming, reinforcing, joint sealing and edge protecting of a concrete slab panel, wherein the concrete slab panel having a volume, a length, a width, and a surface. The device comprising of an elongated post having a body, a top end and a bottom end with a plurality of elongated grooves extending along the body; a mounting frame has a length, a width and a thickness. The mounting frames having a connecting means to connect the mounting frame to the posts. The present invention eliminates the needs for saw-cut lines for crack inducement and acts as a joint sealer for the concrete slab to relieve the tensile stresses.

Abstract: A timing apparatus for sickle knives having adjacent knife ends, respectively, having an endless elongate element encircling and movable about spaced apart support elements such that first and second portions of the elongate element span a space between the support elements, and connector elements connecting the knife ends to the first and second portions of the elongate element, respectively, such that movement of the elongate element in a first direction about the support elements will move the knives in timed relation in first opposite cutting directions, and movement of the elongate element in a second direction opposite the first direction will move the knives in timed relation in second opposite cutting directions. The apparatus can be connected between separately drive knives for timing their motions, or for using one of the knives for timingly driving another of the knives.

Abstract: A device for forming, reinforcing, joint sealing and edge protecting of a concrete slab panel, wherein the concrete slab panel having a volume, a length, a width, and a surface. The device comprising of an elongated post having a body, a top end and a bottom end with a plurality of elongated grooves extending along the body; a mounting frame has a length, a width and a thickness. The mounting frames having a connecting means to connect the mounting frame to the posts. The present invention eliminates the needs for saw-cut lines for crack inducement and acts as a joint sealer for the concrete slab to relieve the tensile stresses.

Abstract: A tool for concrete construction has a base provided with downwardly open channel for receiving an expansion joint with movement of tool effecting straightening of expansion joint. Generally upwardly directed flanges are structured to be cooperating with a straight edge for facilitating straight movement of tool during straightening of expansion joint. The tool may also be employed to establish control joints. Related methods are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to install contraction joints in concrete slabs. The method uses a device, which inserts a strip of plastic or paper tape into freshly laced concrete, as the device is driven across a concrete slab. The tape is folded immediately prior to being inserted into freshly placed concrete, and functions to weaken the slab at the contraction joint location for the purpose of causing a crack to form in the slab. Plastic tape can be used, which functions as a moisture vapor retarder, and thereby, protects floor coverings from moisture damage, such as mold and mildew, at contraction joint locations.

Abstract: A cover assembly for bridging an opening located in an expansion joint between two spaced-apart structural members. The cover assembly includes a coverplate having a rigid plate member that is engaged with a resilient elastomeric cover. The cover assembly is affixed to the underlying structural members by base members. The proper positioning of the cover assembly within the expansion joint gap is maintained through a positioning assembly that is engaged with the coverplate and base members.

Abstract: A pavement crack router includes a plurality of bits rotatably mounted to a frame in a direction. A ratchet gear is rotatable with a wheel mounted to the frame. A movable safety release is operably connected to a ratchet rod pivotable between an engaging position engaged with the ratchet gear preventing rotation of the wheel in a reverse direction and a releasing position disengaged from the ratchet gear allowing free rotation of the wheel. An elastomeric inner tube is mounted around a lower end of each of two handle bars and is slideably received in an outer tube fixed to the frame. Two elastomeric washers are mounted around the lower end of each handle bar and sandwich the inner tube within the outer tube. A switch is operable to lower the frame and bits for opening and cleaning a crack in pavement.

Abstract: An expansion joint holder on an existing slab of concrete employs teeth that releasably grip and hold an expansion joint when an adjoining slab is poured, and is provided with an upstanding handle for installation and subsequent removal after the adjoining slab has been poured or placed against the expansion joint.

Abstract: Procedures and devices for the formation of retraction joints in works of concrete. The devices are made of a separating material of concrete and their configuration comprises: a) A vertical wall (15, 15?) in its top portion that is planned to be placed underneath the surface fissure line of the retraction joint on the top face of the concreted surface; b) Two prismatic surfaces (17, 17? equal on their bottom part deployed on alternate sides with respect of said vertical wall and configured for the formation of entries and exits imbricated between adjacent slabs forming the faces of support (21, 21?) of one slab over the other at angles of between 0° and ?10° with respect of the horizontal plane. The procedures are based on the insertion of said devices in fresh concrete in the position planned for each retraction joint using mechanical means for this purpose.

Abstract: An expansion joint holder on an existing slab of concrete employs teeth that releasably grip and hold an expansion joint when an adjoining slab is poured, and is provided with an upstanding handle for installation and subsequent removal after the adjoining slab has been poured or placed against the expansion joint.

Abstract: A machine or apparatus for installing resilient or elastomeric strip seals of indefinite length in expansion joints in, for example, highways and bridges. The machine includes an open, upper frame connected to a lower frame supported at its four corners by four freely rotating wheels. A pair of clamping pistons on the lower frame includes rollers which are adjusted to engage one face of the expansion joint. A toothed wheel or blade rotates about an inclined axis and is powered by a motor through a speed reducing gearbox. The toothed wheel engages the seal and forces it into a channel on the side of the expansion joint opposite to the side engaged by the rollers.

Abstract: A concrete crack control joint insertion tool to insert joint forming materials into a concrete mixture or alternatively providing means to create a crack control joint without the use of ancillary material. Crack control joint in fresh concrete is formed beneath a rectangular structure supporting linear actuators that drive a blade alone or carrying joint forming materials into a precise location and depth. Crack control joint formation is repeatable completed in a single motion and with continued precise accuracy of placement.

Abstract: A screed working apparatus comprising a frame adapted to be mounted on a vehicle, a first elongate beam being mounted on said frame to extend transverse to the normal direction of movement of the apparatus for levelling for levelling loose or plastic materials, wherein a vibration imparting device is coupled to, or mounted on, said first elongate beam to impart vibratory motion to said first elongate beam.

Abstract: A machine or apparatus for installing resilient or elastomeric strip seals of indefinite length in expansion joints in, for example, highways and bridges. The machine includes an open, upper frame connected to a lower frame supported at its four corners by four freely rotating wheels. A pair of clamping pistons on the lower frame includes rollers which are adjusted to engage one face of the expansion joint. A toothed wheel or blade rotates about an inclined axis and is powered by a motor through a speed reducing gearbox. The toothed wheel engages the seal and forces it into a channel on the side of the expansion joint opposite to the side engaged by the rollers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compressible seal for installation in joints in concrete pavement, the machine for installing the seal and the method of installation. The seal is a preformed, closed cell, elastomeric cylinder or rope. The seal defines a round cross section in its relaxed, i.e., uncompressed, state somewhat larger than the joint into which it will be installed. The installation machine is a wheeled, hand powered device having a first guide wheel which is received within the joint, an aligned installation wheel which installs the seal in the joint, a second guide wheel which ensures that the seal is at the proper depth in the joint and a pair of contra-circulating belts which feed the seal to the installation wheel.

Abstract: A system for cutting slots in pavement has a first slot cutting vehicle with a cutting assembly having several pairs of rotating blades mounted to the first vehicle and vertically adjustable relative to the vehicle. A lift system moves the first vehicle between a first position wherein the lift is not engaging the ground and a raised position wherein the lift engages the ground and supports the vehicle. A slider assembly uses a hydraulic ram to move the vehicle horizontally on rails relative to the lift when the vehicle is at the raised position. In operation, the vehicle is lifted and the cutting assembly lowered so the blades engage the pavement. The vehicle slides back and forth so the blades cut opposed pairs of sides of slots. Material between each slot is removed with a second cutting vehicle having a cutting assembly with radial blades spaced the same distance apart as the blade pairs of the first vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for degrading the periphery of a paved surface is disclosed in one aspect of the invention as including a support assembly, one or more pavement degradation tools coupled to the support assembly and adapted to degrade a paved surface, and a trimming tool coupled to the support assembly and adapted to degrade the edge created by the pavement degradation tools, thereby providing a desired contour to the edge. In selected embodiments, the trimming tool is adapted to straighten the edge created by the pavement degradation tools. The support assembly may be connected to a vehicle and adapted to laterally extend and retract the trimming tool with respect to the vehicle.

Abstract: A joint assembly for controlling fractures along a fracture axis in a monolithic pour concrete structure is provided. The concrete structure is defined by a first edge form section and a generally opposed second edge form section. The joint assembly is characterized by a suspension line extending between the first edge form section and the second edge form section, and a fracture inducing sheath suspended therefrom within the concrete structure. The sheath may define an elongate slit that exposes an internal channel that the suspension line traverses. Additionally, a method for forming a control joint in a monolithic pour concrete structure via the joint assembly is provided.

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: To make a concrete roadway; a continuous section of concrete is poured and cut at an angle of between 5 degrees and 45 degrees downwardly in the direction of traffic flow, to form an angled cut with an overlying surface that can be pressed downwardly by a vehicle to reduce movement of the concrete with respect to the sections on either side of a joint in the pavement. With this cut, vehicles will press a top layer downwardly against a bottom layer. A rotary saw blade mounted at an angle to the roadway is used to cut the concrete.

Abstract: A device for continuous supply of grouting into joints between longitudinal concrete elements, which are disposed chiefly horizontally next to each other to form, e.g., floors in building constructions. The device comprises a rhombic hopper adapted for displacement along the joint, wherein at least two side walls form an accumulating plow for leading the grouting in towards a vertical plane through the joint. The side walls of the hopper are latitudinally displaceable with respect to each other, and are held with an adjustable force against the surface of the concrete elements. The hopper is arranged below a discharge end of a container, the discharge end having a damper, which is operated by an actuator coupled to a level sensor in the hopper.

Abstract: A hand tool for rolling an O-ring under a downward pressure into a slot opening is described. The hand tool is constructed by a tool body that has an arcuate top surface adapted for gripping by a human hand and a planar bottom surface. The planar bottom surface of the tool body is provided with a cavity adapted for receiving a pair of rotatable balls mounted juxtaposed to each other. The pair of rotatable balls are mounted on a shaft through a center aperture of the balls in the cavity in such a way that only less than half of the spherical surface of the balls is protruding beyond the planar bottom surface of the tool body.

Abstract: A paving machine and pavement edger therefor are provided. The pavement edger is capable of creating a stepped tapered ramp having a highly compacted step and a highly compacted upper portion of the tapered portion. The resulting ramp allows for safety during pavement laying work stoppage and creation of solid pavement joints.

Abstract: A pavement ramp and ramp making process are provided. The ramp has a highly compacted step and a highly compacted upper portion of a tapered portion. The resulting ramp allows for safety during pavement laying work stoppage and creation of solid pavement joints.

Abstract: A dowel bar inserter kit has removable attachment to and from a slipform paver. The kit includes a track bolster on each side having a crossbeam tying the bolsters together at the rear of the inserter. Each bolster is provided with two flange attachments to the paver, typically one flange attachment to the frame and one flange attachment to the jacking column of the paver. These paired attachments of each side bolster assure the kit maintains the same overall level maintained by the rectilinear frame of the paver during paver travel. Each bolster defines support car tracks. These support car tracks enabling inserter support cars to travel on the tracks during machine paving. During dowel bar placement, the support cars remain stationary with respect to the formed slab while the slip form paver continues with its required forward motion. These support cars also enable vertical up and down movement to permit insertion and removal of the dowel bar inserters from the recently formed slab.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously cutting parallel slots in a pavement surface is provided, especially for dowel bar retrofit load transfer restoration at joints. The apparatus includes a movable frame lockable with a brake, plurality of parallel cutting blades rotatably mounted on twin cutting heads on the frame, vertical travel unit for raising and lowering the blades independently or in unison, and horizontal travel units for moving the blades horizontally. One of the twin cutting heads is mounted on each side of the frame, with hydraulic adjusting rams for independently setting the width therebetween. A slurry control system which is mounted on the frame provides the blades with coolant and vacuums up the slurry produced during cutting.

Abstract: Pavement repair equipment designed to hold sand-blasting hoses or other similar devices to clean joints preparatory to sealing those joints. The equipment is mobile being adapted to be moved by an outside powered device and is adapted to move a sand-blasting nozzle along either a longitudinal or transverse joint in the paved surface and to hold a nozzle adjustable at a plurality of angles to the surface. Other equipment which might be held by the equipment would include vacuum nozzles or sealant applicators.

Abstract: The sealant installer is pulled along the roadbed over the joint to be sealed and the installer wheel engaging the road surface on opposite sides of the joint slot pulls sealant by operation of teeth engaging the sealant through a lubricated feed chute which reduces the cross sectional width of the sealant to a size smaller than the width of the slot in the joint. Timing is assured without bunching or stretching of the sealant.

Abstract: Tools for correcting placement of backer rod on tape within the spacings between adjacent stones of a building assures proper depth of sealing compound for setting of protective caps and for preventing pulling or separation of the sealing material due to subsequent joint dimensional movement. The tools are based on a flat plate, having an edge of a thickness adapted to a substantial proportion of the width of the joint to be sealed. Along one or both sides of the plate, parallel to the edge, are gauging bars, spaced a distance from the edge proportional to the joint width of the joint for optimum sealing depth. The edge placement tool has an open channel as its operative edge, and in use is tamped along the joint down on backer rod, correcting the placement where the backer rod edges contact the joint walls without displacing the body of the backer rod.

Abstract: A two-tier groove cutting circular saw blade includes a circular middle core having sectors defined about the periphery, a pair of side cores disposed adjacent opposite surfaces of the middle core and having lands defined about their outer peripheries, and pluralities of outer and inner cutting segments are secured to the respective middle core sectors and side core lands. Each side core is smaller in diameter than the middle core such that the side core lands and inner cutting segments secured thereon are displaced radially inwardly from the middle core sectors and outer cutting segments secured thereon, thereby adapting the blade for cutting a narrow lower tier and a wider upper tier of the two-tier groove. The blade also includes core anti-undercut features provided on the middle and side cores at predetermined locations thereon for defining exit paths for flow of material particles generated from the cutting of the groove and flushing of the groove by fluid coolant.

Abstract: Expansion joints are sealed with a combination of curable elastomeric adhesive and an elastomeric longitudinal sealing element having three segments in cross-sectional profile including parallel segments for bonding through the adhesive to the wall of the expansion joint, a looped or folded segment for completing the seal and compressive segments for positioning the longitudinal sealing element in the joint.

Abstract: Discloses apparatus and methods for providing a longitudinal joint between a cold (previously laid) and a hot (freshly laid) mat of paving material, such as asphalt, and wherein after the rolling of the paving material the joint region between the cold and the hot mats is of a high and substantially uniform density. To this end, there is provided a quantity of additional fresh (hot) paving material formed into a shaped charge and disposed adjacent the edge of the cold mat section. The quantity of additional fresh paving material contained in the shaped charge and the configuration of the shaped charge are made such that after appropriate rolling of the paving material, the lateral and transverse compaction forces generated force sufficient fresh paving material into the joint region between the cold and hot mat sections to bring the density of the paving material in such joint region to substantially the specified density and substantially the same as that of the cold and hot mat sections.

Abstract: A concrete cutting machine for making parallel precision linear cuts to repair a joint in a concrete floor. A self-propelled vehicle follows a linear track segment accurately positioned with respect to the path of a linear cut to be made in the concrete floor. A carriage supported by the vehicle is vertically positionable with respect to the floor and a table supported by the carriage is horizontally positionable with respect to the vehicle. A cutting blade and motor drive are supported by the table, permitting the blade to be accurately positioned relative to the joint. The cutting blade is enclosed within an enclosure, and may be immersed continuously in a recirculated coolant during cutting of the concrete floor.

Abstract: An expansion joint filler strip holder and an associated method are disclosed. The device consists of a ground engaging member to which a filler strip holder is attached. In one embodiment, the filler strip holder consists of two parallel rails to which are attached a plurality of material supports. In another embodiment the rails are formed to provide a plurality of material support portions. The method involves providing the device and placing it in the ground by using the ground engaging members and then placing filler paper between the rails and material supports or portions. After this, concrete is poured over the device and around the filler paper to form an expansion gap between adjacent concrete areas.

Abstract: This invention provides an adjustable, removable, reusable masonry tool for retaining expansion material employed in concrete work. The tool includes a plurality of elongated, substantially U-shaped caps which retain the expansion material, the caps being slidably engaged together for adjustment of the tool's length.

Abstract: An improved circular saw blade assembly for cutting in a single pass a two tier groove in a concrete areaway. The saw blade body having a first row of cutting elements in the form of a metallic matrices containing fragmented diamond particles secured to the blade body periphery. A plurality of cutting blocks formed of the same material as the cutting elements are positioned in a circular configuration intermediate the periphery and the center of the blade body. The cutting blocks are secured to the blade body so as to position the cutting faces on the cutting blocks on each side of the blade whereby the cutting faces coact to cut a groove in the concrete above and wider than the groove cut by the peripheral cutting elements.

Abstract: This invention discloses an adjustable support securable to metal decking to support a metal keyway form. The adjustable support can be used to establish keyway in concrete poured above ground level, particularly on metal decking. This method of producing a keyway in concrete on metal decking is a vast improvement over previous art and provides a secure, easy, inexpensive method of producing the keyway.

Abstract: Concrete form-work includes: (a) an edge beam including an elongated edge plate having a front face and a rear face, a pair of web portions projecting outwardly from said rear face and a flange member joined to the free end of each web portion, each flange member including a plate portion extending outwardly of said web and substantially parallel to said edge plate and a lip portion extending inwardly of the web, (b) a pair of connector members each comprising a plate with a hole for receiving a stake, an off-set wedge-receiving flange at one edge of the plate and a connector flange at the opposite edge of the plate, said connector flange including a J-shaped hook portion for hooking around a said edge beam flange lip and an abutment face for engaging a stake and (c) a wedge member adapted to engage the off-set flanges of said connector member to hold the connector member and force the connector member abutment faces into tight engagement with a stake.

Abstract: A removable concrete expansion joint aligner and brace having an elongated base plate with a parallel row of ground pegs attached to the bottom and with a parallel set of aligning pegs mounted on the bottom in a position slightly removed from the parallel line of ground pegs so that an expansion joint may be held in position between the ground pegs and aligning pegs while fresh concrete is poured against at least one side of the expansion joint held in place by the expansion joint aligner.

Abstract: An attachment for cleaning and refacing concrete joints, being connectable with a tractor, or the like, incorporating a frame that is rigidly mounted to the vehicle chassis, incorporates a rearwardly extending brace, for supporting of a hydraulic or other cylinder. A torsion bar pivotally mounts through the frame, and is connected by a lever arm with the cylinder, so that the torsion bar, when the cylinder is rendered operative, can undertake a slight pivot, in one direction or the other.

Abstract: A collapsible concrete bulkhead is insertable into a framework. The bulkhead has a pivotable divider plate which is located juxtaposition to a bulkhead plate and moves laterally thereof to reside in an offset base portion of the framework. The bulkhead assembly forms separate concrete sections when concrete is poured into the framework and forms a gap when the bulkhead assembly is removed. Optionally, a liner can be inserted adjacent to the bulkhead assembly and the bulkhead assembly removed before full cure of the concrete so that the concrete fills the void left by the bulkhead with the liner separating the concrete sections.

Abstract: A grouting machine which has a grout dispensing means for depositing grout between prepositioned floor tiles and on the upper surfaces of the tiles and which contains a grout removal means for removing excess grout from the upper surfaces of the tiles. The remaining grout fills the spaces between the sides of the tiles. The grout removal means includes at least one pick-up assembly. An air conducting system is used for moving the remaining grout slurry to a storage tank by operation of a vacuum source. A diluent addition means is provided for use in the slurry formation means when needed.An application means is provided to assure the uniform deposit of grout into the cracks between the prepositioned tiles. A drive motor, vacuum pump and diluent pump are provided on the grouting machine for operation of the various means. The grouting machine and method for operating the same are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for reworking pavement expansion joints by resizing the joint includes a frame having front and rear portions hinged to one another at a transverse pivot axis. The frame pushed along the pavement by a vehicle. The rear frame portion is supported by laterally positioned wheels and by a rear guide disk. The front frame portion is supported by a front guide disk. The guide disks lie along the frame axis and engage the expansion joint to guide the frame along the joint. A concrete cutting saw is mounted to the rear frame portion directly above the axis of the support wheels with its saw blade lying in the same vertical plane as the guide disks. The saw is preferably remotely raised and lowerd through actuation of a hydraulic cylinder mounted to the frame to adjust the depth of cut. The frame is pushed through a link drive having dual axis joints for attachment to the vehicle and the frame.

Abstract: A machine to insert strips in expansion joints and concrete surfaces has features to prevent placing the strip in the joint while stretched. The machine includes the frame mounted on wheels. A supply reel mounted to the frame has a quantity of the strip wound about it. An insertion disk is rotatably mounted to the frame and positioned in the groove to push the strip into the groove. A pair of driven pinch rollers pull the strip from the roller. The drive mechanism for the rollers rotates the rollers at a speed selected to eliminate any tension in the strip between the insertion disk and pinch rollers.

Abstract: A machine for inserting a strip into a concrete expansion joint has features to raise and lower insertion disks. The machine has a frame mounted on wheels. The insertion disks are mounted to the same axle as the wheels. The axles are eccentric, having a central offset portion. A control disk mounted to the outside of the axle, rotates the axle to raise and lower the insertion disk. A pair of linkage bars connect the control disk to an upper control disk which is operated by an operator. Another pair of linkage bars connect the rear axle to the front axle for movement in unison.

Abstract: A cutter is disclosed. The cutter comprises a frame, driving means mounted on said frame, having an output shaft, a casing mounted on said frame and rotatably receiving said output shaft at one end thereof, a rotatable shaft rotatably mounted on said casing at the other end thereof, driving force transmitting means mounted in said casing for transmitting the driving force of said output shaft to said rotatable shaft, and cutting means fixedly mounted on said rotatable shaft substantially at each outermost axial end thereof, and wherein said casing is interposed between said cutting means.

Abstract: Apparatus for compressing an elongated strip of resilient material and inserting the strip, together with a flexible membrane, into a channel member supported on a substrate wherein the apparatus includes a frame assembly, supporting and moving structure for the frame assembly; pairs of converging roller assemblies for receiving and temporarily elastically deforming the strip of resilient material into an inverted V-shape; a grip wheel for gripping the apex portion of the inverted V-shaped strip and pushing at least a portion thereof, together with abutting portions of the flexible membrane, into the channel member; and a pressing tool for inserting the strip fully into the channel member and thereafter returning the strip to approximately its natural shape to thereby frictionally retain adjacent portions of the flexible membrane within the channel member.

Abstract: The continuously extruding curb forming machine for roads, for example, may be equipped with a downwardly moving sharpened blade for use in the insertion of an expansion joint piece at appropriate intervals into the curb without stopping the operation of the machine while the expansion joint piece is inserted. The expansion joint piece may be well known felt material for this purpose and the inserting blade has a template attached thereto the surface of which conforms to the surface of the curb and thus to the surface of the expansion joint piece. As the blade moves into the partially cured concrete, the template forces the joint piece into the same concrete.