METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FABRICATING CONCRETE PANELS WITH EMBEDDED GLASS BLOCK

摘要

Methods and apparatus are set forth for fabricating a concrete panel with embedded glass block. According to the invention the panel form includes at least one partially anchorable support form, i.e. a support form having an anchorable portion and a removable, nonanchorable portion. After concrete is poured into the panel form and hardened, the nonanchorable portion of the support form is removed. A noncementitious band (or collar), of which the anchored portion of the support form is comprised, remains. The glass block is then inserted within this band. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention a rubber seal may be inserted between the glass and noncementitious surface to both waterproof the panel and cushion the block to improve the completed panel's ability to be handled and transported without damage. Furthermore, the invention teaches utilizing the support form to create at least one support lip. Each lip may be formed as part of the anchored band or as part of the formed concrete panel. The lip(s) provide support upon which to rest the block and improve the panel's load bearing capacity. A given lip may take any number of shapes and can be designed to take advantage of the inherent load bearing capacity of the concrete in which it is set and/or formed to support the anticipated load. Additional glazing and sealing steps may be optionally performed to further cushion the block and hold it firmly in place.