Connection Of Prestressing Sheath Sections Of A Structure Having A Series Of Precast Elements

Abstract

The prestressed building structure comprises an assembly of precast elements separated by gaps occupied by an interface product, one or more prestressing sheaths having sections respectively incorporated into the precast elements, and a prestressing tendon tensioned inside the sheath. The sheath sections are respectively fitted with first and second end pieces opening out on the facing surfaces of the two precast elements. The first end piece has a flared opening. An elastic connecting sleeve is connected in a sealed manner to the second end piece. The sleeve presses against the first end piece, which compresses it longitudinally to ensure a seal between the inside of the sheath sections and the gap separating the adjacent surfaces of the two elements.

1 . A method of building a prestressed structure having a series of precast elements, the method comprising:
 obtaining two successive elements in the series, each of the two elements incorporating at least one prestressing sheath section and an end piece connected to said sheath section and opening out on a surface of said element, the end piece incorporated into one of the two elements having a flared opening;   connecting in a sealed manner an elastic connecting sleeve to the end piece incorporated into the other element;   arranging the two successive elements relative to each other, maintaining a gap between two adjacent surfaces of the elements, the connecting sleeve being engaged in said flared opening and compressed longitudinally by the bringing together of the elements, the compression of the connecting sleeve ensuring a seal between the inside of the sheath sections and the gap between the adjacent surfaces of the elements; and   placing an interface product in the gap between the adjacent surfaces of the elements.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the connecting sleeve has a longitudinal compression capacity greater than one centimetre. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the connecting sleeve has a capacity to deform transversely to the joint plane between the elements. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the connecting sleeve permits a misalignment between the two end pieces in an angular range greater than one degree. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the gap between the adjacent surfaces of the elements has a thickness of between 3 and 6 centimetres. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said flared opening has a frusto-conical shape. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said flared opening has an anisotropic flare. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the sheath sections are sloped relative to a joint plane between the two elements, and wherein the flared opening of said end piece incorporated into one of the two elements has a maximum flare in a direction that is aligned on the direction of minimum angle between the sheath section incorporated into said element and the joint plane. 
   
   
       9 . A building structure, comprising:
 an assembly of at least two precast elements having two respective facing surfaces separated by a gap occupied by an interface product;   at least one prestressing sheath having two sections, respectively incorporated into said precast elements; and   a prestressing tendon tensioned inside the sheath,   
     wherein said sheath sections are respectively fitted with first and second end pieces opening out on the facing surfaces of the two precast elements, the first end piece having a flared opening, and wherein an elastic connecting sleeve connected in a sealed manner to the second end piece is pressed against the first end piece, which compresses it longitudinally to ensure a seal between the inside of the sheath sections and the gap separating said surfaces. 
   
   
       10 . A prestressing sheath section connection system, comprising:
 first and second end pieces, each having a rear side capable of being connected to a sheath section incorporated into a respective precast construction element and a front side to open out on a surface of said element, the front side of the first end piece having a flared opening; and   an elastic connecting sleeve having one side capable of being connected in a sealed manner to the second end piece and an opposite side capable of cooperating with the first end piece, the connecting sleeve having a longitudinal compression capacity and a transverse deformation capacity in order to be compressed when said surfaces of the elements are brought together, whilst permitting an offset and misalignment between the two end pieces, the compression being capable of providing a seal between the inside of the sheath sections and a gap separating said surfaces.   
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the connecting sleeve has a longitudinal compression capacity greater than one centimetre. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the connecting sleeve permits a misalignment between the two end pieces in an angular range greater than one degree. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the first and second end pieces are two parts of the same shape. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the connecting sleeve is made in one piece with the second end piece. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the connecting sleeve is shaped like a bellows. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the first end piece has a recess to receive the front end of the connecting sleeve when said surfaces of the elements are brought together in order to ensure a sealed connection between the first end piece and the connecting sleeve under the action of a return force exerted due to the elasticity of the compressed sleeve. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the recess and the front end of the connecting sleeve are shaped in order to form between them a clipped connection when said surfaces of the elements are brought together. 
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said flared opening of the first end piece has an anisotropic flare.