Post-tensioning apparatus and system for structures

Abstract

The present invention pertains in general to post-tensioning apparatus and systems surrounding the fabrication and repair of concrete and other construction materials. The present invention surrounds apparatus and system directed to the post-tensioning for reinforcement of existing and new concrete structures through the application of tensile forces between two attachment points anchored to the structure to be mended.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for applying tension to cracked concrete comprising:
 a tensioning mechanism comprising a constant cross-sectional profile, a first female threaded feature at a first distal end of said tensioning mechanism, a second female threaded feature at a second distal end of said tensioning mechanism, and a torque application feature located between said first and second female threaded features;   a first tension application component, with a proximal end aligned with and proximate to said first distal end of said tensioning mechanism, said first tension application component having a male threaded feature at said proximal end of said first tension application component, a bend, a first post-like form and a second post-like form interconnected at a distal end of the first tension application component, and a 90-degree bend located between the male threaded feature and each post-like form, wherein the post-like forms are substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the male threaded feature and having a rod-shaped end configured to be inserted into concrete;   a second tension application component, with a proximal end aligned with and proximate to said second distal end of said tensioning mechanism, said second tension application component having a male threaded feature at said proximal end of said second tension application component;   said second tension application component having at least one rod-shaped structure engaging feature located at a distal end of said second tension application component;   said male threaded features of said first tension application component and said second tension application component configured to engage with said female threaded features of said tensioning mechanism wherein the rotation of the tensioning mechanism in a first direction causes said first tension application component and said second tension application components to retract toward a center of said tensioning mechanism and rotation in a second direction causes the first and second components to protract from the center of the tensioning mechanism;   wherein actuation of said tensioning mechanism by rotation allows post-tensioning of a concrete structure when said first tension application component and said second tension application component are inserted in said concrete structure.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the threading of said male threaded features and said female threaded features are of ANSI thread designation ⅜-16. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said apparatus comprises a steel alloy designated as AISI 1144 compliant. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said torque application feature further comprises a torque application aperture. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the second tension application component further comprises a bend, and a post-like form at the distal end of the second tension application component. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus for applying tension to cracked concrete comprising:
 a tensioning mechanism comprising a constant cross-sectional profile, a first female threaded feature at a first distal end of the tensioning mechanism, a second female threaded feature at a second distal end of the tensioning mechanism, and a torque application feature located between the first and second female threaded features;   a first tension application component, with a proximal end aligned with and proximate to the first distal end of the tensioning mechanism, the first tension application component having a male threaded feature at the proximal end of the first tension application component, and an oblong plate form at a distal end of the first tension application component; the male threaded feature affixed to a first longitudinal end of the plate form, and the plate form having an aperture therethrough proximate to a second longitudinal end;   a second tension application component, with a proximal end aligned with and proximate to the second distal end of the tensioning mechanism, the second tension application component having a male threaded feature at the proximal end of the second tension application component; the second tension application component having at least one concrete structure engaging feature located at a distal end of the second tension application component;   the male threaded features of the first tension application component and the second tension application component configured to engage with the female threaded features of the tensioning mechanism wherein the rotation of the tensioning mechanism in a first direction causes the first tension application component and the second tension application components to retract toward a center of the tensioning mechanism and rotation in a second direction causes the first and second components to protract from the center of the tensioning mechanism, and   wherein actuation of the tensioning mechanism by rotation allows post-tensioning of a concrete structure when the first tension application component and the second tension application component are engaged with the concrete structure.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the threading of said male threaded features and said female threaded features are of ANSI thread designation ⅜-16. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said apparatus comprises a steel alloy designated as a cold rolled and proof stressed alloy steel conforming to ASTM A722 CAN/CSA (G279-M1982). 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said torque application feature comprises a torque application aperture. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said apparatus comprises a steel alloy designated as a cold rolled and proof stressed alloy steel conforming to ASTM A722 CAN/CSA (G279-M1982). 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus for applying tension to cracked concrete comprising:
 a tensioning mechanism comprising a constant cross-sectional profile, a first female threaded feature at a first end of said tensioning mechanism, a second female threaded feature at a second end of said tensioning mechanism, and a torque application feature located between said first and second end;   a first tension application component comprising a first end having a male threaded feature configured to engage with said first end of said tensioning mechanism, said first tension application component having a 90-degree bend, and a second end having a rod shape configured to engage a concrete structure;   a second tension application component, comprising a first end having a male threaded feature configured to engage with said second end of said tensioning mechanism, said second tension application component having at least one rod shaped structure engaging feature located at a second end configured to engage a concrete structure;   wherein the rotation of the tensioning mechanism in a first direction causes said first tension application component and said second tension application components to retract toward a center of said tensioning mechanism and rotation in a second direction causes the first and second components to protract from the center of the tensioning mechanism.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein said apparatus comprises a cold rolled steel alloy. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein actuation of said tensioning mechanism by rotation allows post-tensioning of a concrete structure when the second end of said first tension application component and the second end of said second tension application component are inserted into said concrete structure. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein said apparatus comprises a material composition comprising a proof stressed alloy steel conforming to ASTM A722 CAN/CSA (G279-M1982). 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein said apparatus comprises a steel alloy designated as AISI 1144 compliant.