Device and Method for Preventing Crack Formation in a Concrete Floor

Abstract

A system for preventing cracks in a concrete floor associated with a building structure, the building structure having a plurality of support columns for supporting the building structure, is provided. Each support column has a base with at least three sides and is embedded in a ground surface underneath the building structure. The system also includes one or more crack prevention members having a first surface and a second surface, an outer side wall and an inner side wall defining a cut-out portion. The crack prevention member may comprise various materials including rubber, plastic, resin, or other polymeric material and combinations thereof.

1 . A system for preventing cracks in a concrete floor associated with a building structure, the building structure having a plurality of support columns for supporting the building structure, each support column embedded in a ground surface underneath the building structure and having a base and at least three sides, the system comprising:
 one or more crack prevention members having a first surface and a second surface, an outer side wall and an inner side wall defining a cut-out portion, the base of each support column positioned within said cut-out portion of the crack prevention member;   wherein the concrete floor is poured to a level such that the concrete only contacts the outer side wall of the crack prevention member and does not contact the support column, wherein the crack prevention member remains in the concrete floor after the concrete has set.   
     
     
         2 . The system for preventing cracks in a concrete floor associated with a building structure of  claim 1 , wherein said crack prevention member has a shape including rectangular, square, triangular, or other polygon shape. 
     
     
         3 . The system for preventing cracks in a concrete floor associated with a building structure of  claim 1 , wherein the cut-out portion has a shape including rectangular, square, triangular, or other polygon shape. 
     
     
         4 . The system for preventing cracks in a concrete floor associated with a building structure of  claim 1 , wherein the base of each column has a shape including square, rectangular, triangular, or other polygon shape. 
     
     
         5 . The system for preventing cracks in a concrete floor associated with a building structure of  claim 3 , wherein said cut-out portion comprises a shape and dimensions substantially similar to the base of each support column. 
     
     
         6 . The system for preventing cracks in a concrete floor associated with a building structure of  claim 1 , wherein the crack prevention member may comprise a rubber, plastic, resin, or other polymeric material and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The system for preventing cracks in a concrete floor associated with a building structure of  claim 1 , wherein when a support column is positioned adjacent a wall of the building structure, at least two corners of the support column lie adjacent to two straight sides of the crack prevention member. 
     
     
         8 . The system for preventing cracks in a concrete floor associated with a building structure of  claim 1 , wherein when a support column is positioned in a corner of the building structure, at least one corner of the support column lies adjacent to at least one straight side of the crack prevention member. 
     
     
         9 . The system for preventing cracks in a concrete floor associated with a building structure of  claim 1 , wherein at least one saw cut is provided in said concrete floor, said saw cut coinciding with a corner of the crack prevention member. 
     
     
         10 . A system for preventing cracks in a concrete floor associated with a building structure, the building structure having a plurality of support columns for supporting the building structure, each support column embedded in a ground surface underneath the building structure and having a base and at least three sides, the system comprising:
 one or more crack prevention members having a first surface and a second surface, an outer side wall and an inner side wall defining a cut-out portion, the base of each support column positioned within said cut-out portion of the crack prevention member;   wherein the cut-out portion comprises a shape and dimensions substantially similar to the base of each support column.   
     
     
         11 . The system for preventing cracks in a concrete floor associated with a building structure of  claim 10 , wherein said crack prevention member has a shape including rectangular, square, triangular, or other polygon shape. 
     
     
         12 . The system for preventing cracks in a concrete floor associated with a building structure of  claim 10 , wherein the cut-out portion has a shape including rectangular, square, triangular, or other polygon shape. 
     
     
         13 . The system for preventing cracks in a concrete floor associated with a building structure of  claim 10 , wherein the base of each column has a shape including rectangular, square, triangular, or other polygon shape. 
     
     
         14 . The system for preventing cracks in a concrete floor associated with a building structure of  claim 10 , wherein the crack prevention member may comprise a rubber, plastic, resin, or other polymeric material and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The system for preventing cracks in a concrete floor associated with a building structure of  claim 10 , wherein when a support column is positioned in a corner of the building structure, at least one corner of the support column lies adjacent to at least one straight side of the crack prevention member. 
     
     
         16 . The system for preventing cracks in a concrete floor associated with a building structure of  claim 10 , wherein at least one saw cut is provided in said concrete floor, said saw cut coinciding with a corner of the crack prevention member. 
     
     
         17 . A method for preventing cracks in a concrete floor associated with a building structure, the building structure positioned atop a ground surface, the building structure having a plurality of support columns for supporting the building structure, each support column having a base and at least three sides, said method comprising:
 placing a plurality of crack prevention members at positions on the ground surface, said crack prevention member having a first surface and a second surface, an outer side wall and an inner side wall defining a cut-out portion;   placing each support column through the cut-out portion of each crack prevention member and into the ground surface such that each support column is embedded into the ground surface;   pouring concrete onto the ground surface to a level such that the concrete does not contact the support column and allowing the concrete to set, wherein the concrete only contacts the outer side wall of the crack prevention member;   providing at least one saw cut in said concrete floor, said saw cut coinciding with a corner of the crack prevention member;   wherein when a support column is positioned in a corner of the building structure, at least two corners of the support column lie adjacent to at least two straight sides of the crack prevention member and when a support column is positioned in a corner of the building structure, at least one corner of the support column lies adjacent to at least one straight side of the crack prevention member.   
     
     
         18 . The method for preventing cracks in a concrete floor associated with a building structure of  claim 17 , wherein the crack prevention member remains in the concrete floor after the concrete has set. 
     
     
         19 . The method for preventing cracks in a concrete floor associated with a building structure of  claim 17 , wherein the base of each column has a shape including rectangular, square, triangular, or other polygon shape. 
     
     
         20 . The method for preventing cracks in a concrete floor associated with a building structure of  claim 17 , wherein said cut-out portion comprises a shape and dimensions substantially similar to the base of each support column.