AaronHilbert Trak Joint TRAKER User Manual

Introduction
The Trak Joint method uses a durable tool, called the TRAKER
operation, yet a few tips will assist with proper use.
Trak Joint Tape Width
When the contraction joint depth is specified as 1/4th of the slab thickness, use this table to select the correct
width of Trak Joint Tape. See www.trakjoint.com for a short video on preparing the TRAKER for use.
For use with 7" and 8" slabs, an adjustment needs to be made to the tool. See below under Maximum
Contraction Joint Depth for this adjustment.
Timing for Trak Joint Tape Installation
For the TRAKER to successfully embed Trak Joint Tape into fresh concrete, the concrete needs to be highly
workable. During hot weather, concrete can lose its workability quickly. Experience has shown that it is
necessary to use the TRAKER within one-half hour after placement of concrete. The top surface of fresh
concrete may appear highly workable, but at depths below ¾", the aggregate particles can be firmly
established in position. If that occurs, the insertion blade may ride over the coarse aggregate particles as
opposed to pushing the particles aside. During cool weather, concrete remains workable for considerably
longer. If the window of installation is missed, then the joints need to be saw cut a few hours later by early-
entry saws.
Initial Use of TRAKER ®
Two steps are necessary in preparing the TRAKER for use: 1) the roll of Trak Joint Tape needs to be mounted
properly and 2) the insertion disc needs to be set to the proper depth.
• Proper mounting of the roll of Trak Joint Tape is shown on a diagram on the side of the TRAKER. If the
tape is mounted incorrectly, then the roll of Trak Joint Tape will jamb as the TRAKER is pushed forward,
and the tape will break. If the tape breaks, pull it out of the concrete and start over after mounting the
tape roll properly.
• The insertion disc embeds the Trak Joint Tape to the proper contraction joint depth. There is a diagram
on the side of the TRAKER (next to a wingnut which will loosen the axle to the insertion disc), that
shows the depth setting for the width of Trak Joint Tape being used. It is recommended that the top of
the tape be level with, or slightly below, the surface of the concrete slab. Upon initial use of the
TRAKER, if the tape sits slightly above the surface of the concrete, then a small adjustment needs to be
made to lower the insertion disc so that the Trak Joint Tape is embedded just below the surface. It
works best not to have the tape embedded more than ¼" below the surface of the concrete because
the joint-crack, which forms above the tape, can be jagged and contain small "islands".
User Guide
Thickness Trak Joint
of Slab Tape Width
4.0" 1.75"
5.0" 2.25"
6.0" 2.75"
7.0" 2.75"
8.0" 3.0"
® . The TRAKER is straight forward in design and