Interfacial separator for concrete structures

Abstract

An improved system is provided for separation of contiguous concrete portions of a structure. This separation is advantageous in reducing structural failure caused by earth settlement, frost upheaval or excessive underground water pressure by allowing each section of an in-ground concrete structure affected to freely float independent of each other, thereby eliminating the effects of stress on the structure. The system has particular utility in forming a deck surrounding a swimming pool and may be used in conjunction with a form which is temporarily secured near the top on the vertical pool wall to receive the concrete forming the pool. The separator system is used at the interface at the top (on the bond beam) of the pool wall and under the deck and comprises an adapter and clip fastener. Once the separator adaptor is secured in place, a plastic film is placed thereon and securely fastened in place by snapping on a fastener clip which cooperates with the separator and adaptor and holds the plastic film or other web material in place over the substrate area which the concrete deck covers. The system performs also the function of a water stop between the pool wall and bond beam. Concrete is placed on top of the film covering the bond beam and acts as a separator eliminating the bonding together of the concrete deck and bond beam, thus permitting free movement of either member precluding damage from influences such as frost upehaval, earth settlement, underground water pressures, etc. thus minimizing structural failures.