Beam and a method for reinforcing concrete slabs

Abstract

A beam for reinforcing a concrete slab, the beam including a channel for receiving concrete mix therein, and the beam adapted to receive at least one anchoring element such that the at least one anchoring element protrudes into the channel, wherein the at least one anchoring element is for engaging the concrete mix, such that once the concrete mix hardens, the at least one element contributes to engagement between the beam and concrete slab.

1 . A beam for reinforcing a concrete slab, the beam including a channel for receiving concrete mix therein, and the beam adapted to receive at least one anchoring element such that the at least one anchoring element protrudes into the channel, wherein the at least one anchoring element is for engaging the concrete mix, such that once the concrete mix hardens, the at least one element contributes to engagement between the beam and concrete slab. 
     
     
         2 . A beam as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one anchoring element is received through at least one hole in the beam. 
     
     
         3 . A beam as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least an anchoring element is punched through the beam. 
     
     
         4 . A beam as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the channel includes a base between two side walls, each side wall including and an inwardly directed flange portion. 
     
     
         5 . A beam as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beam has a substantially C-shaped cross sectional profile. 
     
     
         6 . A beam as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one anchoring element protrudes from the underside of the inwardly directed flange portions, toward the base of the channel. 
     
     
         7 . A beam as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one anchoring element is at least one screw, the threaded portion of the at least one screw protruding into the channel. 
     
     
         8 . A beam as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inwardly directed flange portion is substantially L-shaped. 
     
     
         9 . A beam as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inwardly directed flange portion is substantially C-shaped. 
     
     
         10 . A beam as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beam is formed of two half parts. 
     
     
         11 . A beam as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beam is formed of light gauge steel. 
     
     
         12 . A system for reinforcing a concrete slab including:
 placing formwork including at least one beam, the beam including:
 a channel for receiving concrete mix therein such that a rib is formed in the slab; and 
 at least one element protruding into the channel for engaging the concrete mix such that once the concrete mix hardens, the beam is anchored to the slab. 
   
     
     
         13 . A method for forming a concrete slab, the method including the steps of:
 placing formwork including at least one beam, the beam including:
 at least one channel for receiving concrete mix such that a rib is provided in the slab; and, 
 at least one anchoring element protruding into the channel for engaging the concrete mix such that once the concrete mix hardens, the beam is anchored to the slab. 
   
     
     
         14 . A method as claimed in  claim 13 , further including pouring concrete mix into the formwork and allowing the mix to harden. 
     
     
         15 . A method as claimed in  claim 13  or  14  wherein placing formwork includes fastening the at least one beam to an infill sheet. 
     
     
         16 . A system for connecting an in-situ concrete slab to a light gauge steel beam, wherein the slab includes a ribbed section, the ribbed section being connected to the beam by one or more connectors. 
     
     
         17 . The system of point  16 , wherein the steel beam section includes top flanged portions, with the one or more shear connectors being configured to connect the flanged portions to the in-situ concrete 
     
     
         18 . The system of any one of  claim 16  or  17 , wherein the system further includes a metal infill sheet, the infill sheet being connected to the slab by one or more connectors. 
     
     
         19 . The system of any one of  claims 17  to  18  wherein the connectors are any one or a combination of steel screws, bolts, rivets, shear studs or the like. 
     
     
         20 . A beam as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  11 , wherein two or more of said beams are able to be fastened together.