Fireproof precast element with securement structure

Abstract

In one implementation of the present invention, a securement structure (e.g., one or more clamps) is integrated to a concrete element. The securement structure secures the concrete element to a steel element. The concrete element serves as a leave-in-place screed so as to apply concrete to the steel element to protect the steel element from fire.

1 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a precast element; and    a securement structure,    wherein the precast element includes: 
 (i) a top surface including a flat portion,  
 (ii) a bottom surface including a flat portion, and  
 (iii) first and second side surfaces extending from the top surface to the bottom surface,  
   wherein the first side surface of the precast element is non-parallel relative to the second side surface of the precast element,    wherein the precast element includes a fireproof material, and    wherein the securement structure is attached to the precast element and projects out of the top surface of the precast element.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the flat portion of the top surface of the precast element is substantially parallel with the flat portion of the bottom surface of the precast element.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the securement structure is configured to secure the precast element to at least one of (i) a beam and (ii) a column.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of (i) the beam and (ii) the column includes an I-shaped cross-section.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the securement structure includes a clamp.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the securement structure is permanently attached to the precast element.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the fireproof material includes concrete.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the precast element is configured to serve as a screed guide.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the precast element is configured to serve as a stay-in-place screed guide.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the precast element includes a chamfer.  
   
   
       11 . A system comprising: 
 a steel element;    a concrete element; and    one or more clamps,    wherein the one or more clamps releasably secures the concrete element to the steel element, and    wherein the concrete element serves as a leave-in-place screed so as to apply concrete to the steel element to protect the steel element from fire.    
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the steel element includes a beam.  
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the steel element includes a column.  
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the one or more clamps is integrated to the concrete element.  
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 11 , 
 wherein the steel element includes a flange, and    wherein the one or more clamps releasably secures the concrete element to the flange of the steel element.    
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the concrete is poured, sprayed and/or troweled to the steel element to protect the steel element from fire.  
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the concrete element includes a chamfer.  
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 11 , 
 wherein the concrete element includes: 
 a top surface including a flat portion, and  
 a bottom surface including a flat portion, and  
   wherein the one or more clamps projects out of the top surface of the concrete element.    
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 18 , 
 wherein the concrete element includes first and second side surfaces extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, and    wherein the first side surface is non-parallel with the second side surface.    
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the top surface is substantially parallel with the bottom surface.  
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the steel element includes an I-shaped cross-section.  
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the concrete element includes a precast concrete element.  
   
   
       23 . A system comprising: 
 at least one of (i) a beam and (ii) a column; and    a precast element,    wherein the precast element includes a securement structure,    wherein the securement structure secures the precast element to at least one of (i) the beam and (ii) the column, and    wherein the precast element forms an edge so as to apply a fireproof material to at least one of (i) the beam and (ii) the column.    
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein at least one of (i) the beam and (ii) the column includes steel.  
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the precast element includes concrete.  
   
   
       26 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the securement structure includes a clamp.  
   
   
       27 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the fireproof material is poured, sprayed and/or troweled to at least one of (i) the beam and (ii) the column.  
   
   
       28 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the fireproof material includes concrete.  
   
   
       29 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the securement structure releasably secures the precast element to at least one of (i) the beam and (ii) the column.  
   
   
       30 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the securement structure permanently secures the precast element to at least one of (i) the beam and (ii) the column.  
   
   
       31 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the precast element itself provides fireproofing protection to at least one of (i) the beam and (ii) the column.  
   
   
       32 . A system comprising: 
 at least one of (i) a beam and (ii) a column;    a plurality of precast elements; and    a plurality of securement structures,    wherein the plurality of securement structures secure the plurality of precast elements to at least one of (i) the beam and (ii) the column, and    wherein the plurality of precast elements serve as guides so as to apply a fireproof material to at least one of (i) the beam and (ii) the column.    
   
   
       33 . The system of  claim 32 , wherein the fireproof material is applied between the plurality of precast elements.  
   
   
       34 . The system of  claim 32 , 
 wherein at least one of (i) the beam and (ii) the column includes a plurality of flange edges, and    wherein the plurality of securement structures secure the plurality of precast elements to the plurality of flange edges of at least one of (i) the beam and (ii) the column.