Stepped wedges for post-tensioning concrete

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to stepped wedges that used with tendon anchors for maintaining tension on tension in post-tensioned concrete. Exemplary wedges include two halves. Each halve has a first end and a second end. The two halves are assembled to form a wedge having an outer diameter on the first end that is greater than the outer diameter of the second end. Internally, the wedge may have a constant inner diameter to retain a tendon. The inner surface of the wedge has a gripping surface. The wedge may have an external step that is circumferential around the wedge and results in a decrease from the outer diameter between the first and second ends.

1 . A stepped wedge, comprising:
 two circumferential halves, such that when the two circumferential halves are assembled, the stepped wedge comprises:   a first end having a first outer diameter;   a second end having a second outer diameter such that the second outer diameter is smaller than the first outer diameter resulting in a taper from the first end to the second end;   a step located between the first end and the second end, the step being located on an external surface of each of the two circumferential halves; and   an internal channel extending from the first end to the second end,   wherein a gripping surface is located on an interior surface of each circumferential half and extending in the internal channel from the first end to a location proximate the second end such that a smooth portion exists on the interior surface between the second end and a start of the gripping surface.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The stepped wedge of claim  4 , wherein the gripping surface comprises a threaded surface. 
     
     
         5 . The stepped wedge of  claim 1 , wherein the step is a decrease in outer diameter that increases the inward taper at a location between the first end and the second end. 
     
     
         6 . A stepped wedge, comprising:
 two circumferential halves, such that when the two circumferential halves are assembled, the stepped wedge comprises:   a first end having a first outer diameter;   a first length extending therefrom towards a second end, the first length tapering inward towards the second end;   a step located at an end of the first length, the step being located on an external surface of each of the two circumferential halves;   a second length extending from the step towards the second end and tapering inward;   the second end having a second outer diameter that is less than the first outer diameter; and   an internal channel extending from the first end to the second end,   wherein a gripping surface is located on an interior surface of each circumferential half and extending in the internal channel from the first end to a location proximate the second end such that a smooth portion exists on the interior surface between the second end and a start of the gripping surface.   
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . The stepped wedge of  claim 6 , wherein the gripping surface comprises a threaded surface. 
     
     
         10 . The stepped wedge of  claim 6 , wherein the second length is less than the first length. 
     
     
         11 . The stepped wedge of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the first length is at a first angle relative to the first outer diameter and the second length is at a second angle relative to the first outer diameter such that the first angle is less than the second angle.   
     
     
         12 . A stepped wedge, comprising:
 two circumferential halves, such that when the two circumferential halves are assembled, the stepped wedge comprises:   a first end having a first outer diameter;   a first length extending therefrom towards a second end, the first length tapering inward towards the second end;   a step located at an end of the first length, the step being located on an external surface of each of the two circumferential halves;   a second length extending from the step towards the second end and tapering inward;   the second end having a second outer diameter that is less than the first outer diameter;   an internal channel extending from the first end to the second end; and   a gripping surface located on an interior surface of the internal channel and extending from the first end to a location proximate the second end such that a smooth portion exists on the interior surface between the second end and a start of the gripping surface and the gripping surface comprises a threaded surface.   
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . The stepped wedge of  claim 12  wherein the second length is less than the first length. 
     
     
         15 . The stepped wedge of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the first length is at a first angle relative to the first outer diameter and the second length is at a second angle relative to the first outer diameter such that the first angle is less than the second angle.