Unbonded Post-Tension Strand Protector

Abstract

An unbonded post-tension strand protector ( 200 ) and related method of use is provided. The unbonded post-tension strand protector is used to protect one or more unbonded post-tension strands ( 101 ) embedded in concrete from damage due to drilling or chipping. Unbonded post-tension strands embedded in poured concrete are tensioned to improve the compressive strength of concrete. The unbonded post-tension strand protector is placed over at least one selected portion of an unbonded post-tension strand ( 101 ).

1 . A method for protecting at least one unbonded post-tension strand in a pre-cast concrete body, comprising the steps of:
 selecting at least one unbonded post-tension strand;   positioning said at least one unbonded post-tension strand in a pre-cast concrete body before concrete is cast in the pre-cast concrete body;   determining selected portions of said at least one unbonded post-tension strand to be protected;   protecting said selected portions of said at least one unbonded post-tension strand by placing at least a portion of a protective layer adjacent to said selected portions.   
   
   
       2 . The method for protecting at least one unbonded post-tension strand in a pre-cast concrete body according to  claim 1 , wherein said selecting step includes selecting at least one unbonded post-tension strand having a half inch diameter. 
   
   
       3 . The method for protecting at least one unbonded post-tension strand in a pre-cast concrete body according to  claim 1 , wherein said selecting step includes selecting at least one unbonded post-tension strand having a three-eighth inch diameter. 
   
   
       4 . The method for protecting at least one unbonded post-tension strand in a pre-cast concrete body according to  claim 1 , wherein said selecting step includes selecting at least one unbonded post-tension strand having a six-tenth inch diameter. 
   
   
       5 . The method for protecting an unbonded post-tension strand in a pre-cast concrete body according to  claim 1 , wherein further including the step of placing said selected portions in a location wherein said selected portions are protected from damage caused by drilling or chipping. 
   
   
       6 . The method for protecting an unbonded post-tension strand in a pre-cast concrete body according to  claim 5 , further including the step of placing said selected portions under and over doors and windows, adjacent to elevator beams where anchor bolts will be installed, around sleeves for plumbing and electric lines, where column and sheer wall forms are to be installed, on balconies where personnel hoist braces are attached, and portions of a cast concrete body that require drilling or chipping. 
   
   
       7 . The method for protecting at least one unbonded post-tension strand in a pre-cast concrete body according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of selecting a first plate that is sized and shaped to be clipped to said at least one unbonded post-tension strand. 
   
   
       8 . The method for protecting at least one unbonded post-tension strand in a pre-cast concrete body according to  claim 7 , further comprising the step of selecting a second plate that is sized and shaped to be clipped to said first plate. 
   
   
       9 . The method for protecting at least one unbonded post-tension strand in a pre-cast concrete body according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of selecting a planar shaped plate that attaches to the unbonded post-tension strand using clamps extending from said planar shaped plate. 
   
   
       10 . The method for protecting at least one unbonded post-tension strand in a pre-cast concrete body according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of selecting at least one recess partially encasing said at least one unbonded post-tension strand. 
   
   
       11 . The method for protecting at least one unbonded post-tension strand in a pre-cast concrete body according to  claim 10 , further comprising the step of joining a plurality of protective layers, uniformly aligning a plurality of equally-spaced unbonded post-tension strands. 
   
   
       12 . An unbonded post-tension strand protector, comprising:
 a first plate having an elongated longitudinal axis; and   at least one recess configured for receiving at least one selected portion of an unbonded post-tension strand.   
   
   
       13 . The unbonded post-tension strand protector according to  claim 12 , wherein said at least one selected portion is located under and over doors and windows, adjacent to elevator beams where anchor bolts will be installed, around sleeves for plumbing and electric lines, where column and sheer wall forms are to be installed, on balconies where personnel hoist braces are attached, or at portions of a cast concrete body that require drilling or chipping. 
   
   
       14 . The unbonded post-tension strand protector according to  claim 12 , wherein the first plate is sized and shaped to be removably clipped to at least one unboned post-tension strand. 
   
   
       15 . The unbonded post-tension strand protector according to  claim 12 , wherein the first plate is sized and shaped to be removably clipped to at least one unbonded post-tension strand. 
   
   
       16 . The unbonded post-tension strand protector according to  claim 15 , wherein a second plate is sized and shaped to be removably clipped to said first plate. 
   
   
       17 . The unbonded post-tension strand protector according to  claim 12 , wherein the first plate comprises a planar shape that attaches to said unbonded post-tension strand using clamps extending from said first plate. 
   
   
       18 . The unbonded post-tension strand protector according to  claim 12 , wherein each unbonded post-tension strand is partially encased by said at least one recess formed in said first plate. 
   
   
       19 . The unbonded post-tension strand protector according to  claim 18 , wherein each of said at least one recess is located adjacent one another. 
   
   
       20 . A protector for protecting one or more unbonded post-tension strands, comprising:
 at least one plate having an elongated length and a predetermined width, and   a portion of said at least one plate located in proximity to one or more unbonded post-tension stands for protecting said one or more unbonded post-tension strands along said elongated length of said at least one plate.   
   
   
       21 . The protector according to  claim 20 , wherein said plate is adapted to be removably clipped to said one or more unbonded post-tension strands. 
   
   
       22 . The protector according to  claim 20 , wherein the plate consists of a planar shape that attaches to said one or more unbonded post-tension strands using clamps extending from said at least one plate. 
   
   
       23 . The protector according to  claim 20 , wherein each unbonded post-tension strand is partially encased by a recess formed in said at least one plate.