U.S. patent application number 10/561604 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-17 for formwork systems.
Invention is credited to Peter Bilowol.
Application Number | 20060179787 10/561604 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33520115 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060179787 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bilowol; Peter |
August 17, 2006 |
Formwork systems
Abstract
The invention relates to a method of construction of concrete
beams or walls using a formwork module comprising an elongate
rectilinear front face, a peripheral border wall extending from the
front face, two spaced pairs of bolt sockets extending through the
rectilinear front face, and a plurality of opposed slots in the
peripheral border wall.
Inventors: |
Bilowol; Peter; (Nerang,
AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Hoffman Wasson Gitler
Crystal Center 2 Suite 522
2461 South Clark Street
Arlington
VA
22202
US
|
Family ID: |
33520115 |
Appl. No.: |
10/561604 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
June 23, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU03/00780 |
371 Date: |
December 20, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/741.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 2009/028 20130101;
E04G 9/02 20130101; E04G 15/02 20130101; E04G 11/10 20130101; E04G
17/12 20130101; E04G 17/042 20130101; E04G 17/14 20130101; E04G
13/04 20130101; E04G 21/0409 20130101; E04G 17/001 20130101; E04G
11/062 20130101; E04G 17/002 20130101; E04G 9/10 20130101; E04G
17/047 20130101; E04G 17/0721 20130101; E04G 21/04 20130101; E04G
17/02 20130101; E04G 17/0652 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/741.11 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/00 20060101
E04B001/00 |
Claims
1. A method of construction for concrete beams or walls comprising
the steps of: (a) setting rows of a plurality of boxing modules in
an end to end relationship to create a formwork, (b) fastening
abutting ends of the modules, and (c) spacing the formwork by a
plurality of spacers which span between the module panels and are
fixed by bolts, or push-in ties, (d) bracing and straightening the
formwork as required, (e) setting reinforcing between the formwork
as required, and (f) pouring concrete into the formwork.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the spacers may be hollow
tubular members or push-in ties.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the boxing modules are
joined utilising slots in side and end walls of the modules.
4. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the quick release
clamping devices are used to join the side and end walls of the
modules.
5. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the quick release
clamping device is a wedge.
6. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the quick release
clamping device is a strap which joins respective ends of the
modules and sets the spacings between the modules.
7. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the individual modules
comprise a rectilinear front face, a peripheral border wall
extending from the front face, two spaced pairs of bolt sockets in
major surfaces of the modules and a plurality of opposed slots in
the peripheral border walls of the modules.
8. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein some of the panels of the
formwork are joined and others are not.
9. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inner walls of the
modules or panels are used to create designs or patterns in a
formed wall.
10. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the formwork is
reinforced by elongate straps or beams.
11. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein elements of the straps
or beams are adjustable to increase the strength of same.
12. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the modules are joined
together in a staggered formation.
13. A method of creating a formwork for a horizontal column from a
plurality of modules, supporting the formwork from a surface below
and integrating the columns with a floor slab.
14. A formwork comprising a plurality of joined boxing modules in
an end to end relationship wherein each boxing modules has front
and rear faces and a continuous peripheral flange about the rear
face said flanges having openings therein so that the boxing
modules can be united via the flanges using quick release clamping
devices.
15. A formwork as claimed in claim 14 wherein the joined boxing
modules are made parallel by a plurality of spacers spanning
between the modules.
16. A formwork as claimed in claim 14 wherein the quick release
clamping devices are wedges.
17. A formwork as claimed in claim 14 wherein the quick release
clamping devices are straps.
18. A formwork as claimed in claim 14 wherein the formwork is
braced and stiffened by elongate braces.
19. A formwork as claimed in claim 18 wherein the braces are
vertical, horizontal or angular.
20. A formwork as claimed in claim 14 wherein the boxing modules
are rota-moulded.
21. A formwork as claimed in claim 20 wherein two modules are
formed together with rota-moulding and then separated on removal
from a mould.
22. A formwork as claimed in claim 20 wherein the modules are
provided with integral or external stiffening members.
23. A formwork as claimed in claim 14 including vertical and
horizontal reinforcing bars which extend from the ends and top and
bottom surfaces of the formwork.
24-25. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to formwork systems.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In my International Patent No.PCT/AU98/01059 I have
described a formwork system based on a combination of modules which
facilitates the forming of solid concrete walls.
[0003] Whilst the system described has been proven as a viable and
economic system for forming walls and columns the acceptance of
same is, I believe, dependant upon labour saving efficiencies.
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide
improvements to the technology described in my above-mentioned
patent application.
[0005] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way
of example.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0006] According to the present invention there is provided a
method of construction for concrete beams or walls comprising the
steps of; [0007] (a) setting rows of a plurality of boxing modules
in an end to end relationship to create a formwork, [0008] (b)
fastening abutting ends of the modules, and [0009] (c) spacing the
formwork by a plurality of spacers which span between the module
panels and are fixed by bolts, or push-in ties, [0010] (d) bracing
and straightening the formwork as required, [0011] (e) setting
reinforcing between the formwork as required, and [0012] (f)
pouring concrete into the formwork.
[0013] The spacers can be hollow tubular members or push-in
ties.
[0014] The boxing modules can be joined utilising slots in side and
end walls of the modules.
[0015] The quick release clamping devices are used to join the side
and end walls of the modules.
[0016] The quick release clamping device can be a wedge.
[0017] The quick release clamping device can be a strap which joins
respective ends of the modules and sets the spacings between the
modules.
[0018] The individual modules can comprise a rectilinear front
face, a peripheral border wall extending from the front face, two
spaced pairs of bolt sockets in major surfaces of the modules and a
plurality of opposed slots in the peripheral border walls of the
modules.
[0019] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method of creating a formwork for a horizontal
column from a plurality of modules, supporting the formwork from a
surface below and integrating the columns with a floor slab.
[0020] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a formwork comprising a plurality of joined
boxing modules in an end to end relationship where each boxing
module has front and rear faces and a continuous peripheral flange
about the rear face said flanges having openings thereon so that
the boxing modules can be united via the flanges using quick
release clamping devices.
[0021] The joined boxing modules can be made parallel by a
plurality of spacers spanning between the modules.
[0022] The quick release clamping devices can be wedges.
[0023] The quick release clamping devices can be straps.
[0024] The formwork can be braced and stiffened by elongate
braces.
[0025] The braces can be vertical, horizontal or angular.
[0026] The boxing modules can be moulded in plastics.
[0027] The boxing module may be rota-moulded.
[0028] Some of the module panels may be joined and others may not
be joined.
[0029] The inner walls of the module panels may be used to create
designs or patterns in a formed wall.
[0030] The formworks may be reinforced by elongate straps or
trusses.
[0031] The modules may be joined in a staggered formation.
[0032] The module may be provided with integral or external
stiffening members.
[0033] The modules may include vertical and horizontal reinforcing
members which extend from the ends and top and bottom surfaces
thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0034] Aspects of the present invention will now be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which;
[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of a formwork module
according to one aspect of the present invention, and
[0036] FIG. 2a is a perspective drawing showing a spacer and lug
combination for the modules of the present invention, and
[0037] FIGS. 3 and 4 are drawings of spacer systems according to
aspects of the present invention, and
[0038] FIG. 5 is a sectional drawing of a clamping arrangement for
joining adjacent walls of modules of the present invention, and
[0039] FIG. 6 is a further form of spacer/joiner according to the
present invention, and
[0040] FIG. 7 is a sectional drawing of a boxing arrangement
according to the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 8 is a side view of a compound panel according to the
present invention comprising a plurality of panels joined by beams,
and
[0042] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of modules according to the
present invention joined by H-shaped brackets, and
[0043] FIGS. 10 and 10a show lengths of materials joined brackets
and incorporating moulding strips between the layers of modules,
and
[0044] FIG. 11 is a side view at yet a further alternative form of
module bracket according to the present invention, and
[0045] FIGS. 12 and 12a show a side wedge for joining adjacent
modules, and
[0046] FIGS. 13a to 13f show various forms of joints for joining
panels according to aspects of the present invention, and
[0047] FIG. 14 shows a further form of module according to the
present invention, and
[0048] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a further form of formwork
according to the present invention, and
[0049] FIGS. 16 and 17 are cross-sectional views of methodology for
forming a horizontal beams according to the present invention,
and
[0050] FIG. 18 is a plan view of a bracing member according to the
present invention, and
[0051] FIGS. 19a and 19b are illustrations of bracing members
according to the present invention, and
[0052] FIG. 20 is a side view of a scaffold according to the
present invention, and
[0053] FIG. 21 is a side view of assembled modules of the present
invention stiffened by larger panels, and
[0054] FIGS. 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b, and 24a, to 24c are illustrations
of quick release connection members according to further aspects of
the present invention, and
[0055] FIG. 25 is an end view of a U-bolt for connecting modules of
the present invention, and
[0056] FIGS. 26, 26b and 27 are details of formwork corners
according to the present invention, and
[0057] FIG. 28 is a side view of adjustable spacers according to
aspects of the present invention, and
[0058] FIG. 29 is a plan view of assembled and staggered modules,
and
[0059] FIG. 30 is a side view of a further form of adjustable
spacer according to the present invention, and
[0060] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a strapping system for the
modules of the present invention, and
[0061] FIG. 32 is an illustration showing the formwork used to
construct a curved wall, and
[0062] FIGS. 33a to 33c are illustrations of further methods used
to join the edges of panel modules according to the present
invention, and
[0063] FIG. 34 is a front view of a plurality of modules held
together, as reinforced by vertical straps, and
[0064] FIGS. 35a to 35d are side views of stiffening members for a
plurality of panels, and
[0065] FIGS. 36a to 36c are side, perspective and side views of
stiffening/bracing members according to the present invention,
and
[0066] FIG. 37 is a front view of a plurality of modules joined by
horizontal and vertical beams, and
[0067] FIG. 38 is a front view of a blank out for windows/doors or
the like according to the present invention, and
[0068] FIG. 39 is a plan view of modules and stiffening members
according to a further aspect of the present invention, and
[0069] FIG. 40 is a side view of a concrete elevator apparatus,
and
[0070] FIGS. 41a, 41b, 42a and 42b are front views of larger
modules reinforced by stiffening members, and
[0071] FIGS. 43a to 43c are sectional drawings of rota-moulded
modules according to the present invention, and
[0072] FIG. 44 is a front perspective view of a panel according to
another aspect of the present invention, and
[0073] FIGS. 45 and 45a are plan views of a still further form of a
panel according to the present invention, and
[0074] FIG. 46 is a side view of a plurality of panels of different
sizes showing the creation of openings for door and window block
outs, and
[0075] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a panel showing a number of
options for strengthening the panel, and
[0076] FIG. 47a is a sectional drawing showing the cross-section of
the panel in the position indicated, and
[0077] FIG. 48 shows how a floor can be poured over the top edge of
a wall formed in accordance with the present invention.
[0078] With respect to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a module according
to the present invention may comprise an elongate rectilinear body
1 strengthened by peripheral side walls 2 which extend from one
major surface of the body.
[0079] The side walls 2 can be provided with opposed pairs of open
slots 3 which align with two sets of bolt sockets 4 which also
extend from one major surface of the body 1.
[0080] FIG. 2 of the drawings illustrates one possible form of
spacer according to the present invention.
[0081] The spacer 5 is an elongate tube having ends 6 which receive
shutter bolts 7.
[0082] The spacer 5 can be provided with rod supports 5a which
provide for vertical and horizontal support for reinforcing
bars.
[0083] The spacer 5 can be used in conjunction with H-shaped lugs
14 (see FIG. 6) for modules which have wasted corner or edge
sections. The H-shaped lugs 14 pass through slots 16 in the flanges
2 of adjacent modules and the ends 14a of each of the limbs of the
lugs are a snap-fit on ramps 1a on the exterior walls of the
module. A pre-assembly of the spacer 5, bolts 7 and lugs 14 can be
used to join adjacent modules as is illustrated by FIG. 2.
[0084] In FIG. 3 another possible form of spacer is illustrated in
the form of an elongate bar 8 which extends beyond the body of a
module. The extending ends 8a of the bar are provided with slots 8b
adapted to receive wedges 9.
[0085] In FIG. 4 chains or chords 10 having short arms 11 are used
to brace two opposed modules and locate in slots 3 or in sockets
4.
[0086] In FIG. 5 abutting walls 2 of the modules are clamped by
opposed slotted keys 12.
[0087] In FIG. 6 of the drawings an elongate bar 13 having H-shaped
lugs 14 can be used to join walls 2 of a module provided with
complementary slots or indents. The ends of the bar 13a may be
provided with a saw-tooth or the like stepped portions 13b which
can be locked together or released using a sleeve (not shown).
[0088] FIG. 7 of the drawings illustrates an example of use of the
modules of the present invention for forming a concrete column in
conjunction with a floor slab.
[0089] A prop and plates 15 support opposed modules joined by
spacers 5.
[0090] An integrated floor slab (not shown) can be poured over
boxing 16 which provides edge support for the boxing.
[0091] With respect to FIG. 8 of the drawings a plurality of
modules 20 can be joined using vertical or horizontal beams 21.
[0092] Attachments between the beams and modules can "skip" one or
more modules to reduce the number of ties used.
[0093] In FIG. 9 of the drawings H-shaped brackets 22 having module
engaging lugs 23 join abutting ends of the modules. The modules are
provided with slots 24 in peripheral walls 25.
[0094] FIGS. 10 and 10a of the drawings show modules 26 joined by
cross braces 27.
[0095] The braces 27 can be of the type previously described or a
single strap having slot engaging lug 28.
[0096] Strips of timber 29 or the like can be placed on the
horizontal flanges 30 of the modules so that an edge portion 31
extends beyond the internal edge of the module. The edge portion
can be used to create horizontal flutes in the subsequently poured
wall.
[0097] With respect to FIG. 11 of the drawings opposed modules 26
can be joined by a sacrifice wedge bar 32 having a toe-piece 33
which engages in a slot 34 adjacent a backing plate 35 of a tie
36.
[0098] The tie 36 can confirm a further slot (not shown) for a
wedge 37 or can be threaded for a bolt 38.
[0099] When the modules are stripped any extending portion of the
tie can be removed by cutting or using an input tool.
[0100] With respect to FIGS. 12 and 12a of the drawings joining
wedges of he invention typically comprise a limb 39 and a wedge bar
40 which is slotted at 41.
[0101] The lower edge 42 of each bar 40 is flat and the upper edge
43 thereof is arcuate.
[0102] With respect to FIGS. 13a-13f of the drawings, the modules
may be constructed or joined using tongue and groove jointing as
shown in FIGS. 13a, 13d and 13e, shiplap joints as shown in FIG.
13b, or overlapping joints as illustrated by FIGS. 13c and 13f.
[0103] FIGS. 14 and 15 of the drawings show inner panels 50 having
a plurality of apertures 51 therein with the panels being joined by
reinforcing outer panels 52 secured by bolted spacers 53. The inner
panels 50 can be plain or patterned for decorative enhancements to
a wall. Screws 46 can be used to join the outer panels 52 to the
inner panels 50.
[0104] FIGS. 16 and 17 show methods of beam construction.
[0105] In FIG. 16, an I-beam 54 can be constructed using web and
flange formers 55, 56 secured by threaded through bolts 57. Nuts 58
are used to space the formers. The formers can be constructed by
using a combination of modules and boards and elongate timber
cornices as indicated.
[0106] In FIG. 17, a rectangular beam 59 is formed about modules
and edge formers 60. The beam 59 may have an internally positioned
tube or pipe 61 with threaded through bolts 62 setting the spacings
between elements of the formwork.
[0107] FIG. 18 shows an elongate bracing bar 63 having spaced lugs
64 which can be used to brace and secure panels.
[0108] FIGS. 19 and 19a show a bracing props 65 when the central
portion 66 thereof is adjustable for length in any suitable
manner.
[0109] FIG. 20 shows a scaffold having an upright 67 and an
extending L-shaped platform support 68. A brace 69 extends between
the upright 67 and the support 68.
[0110] FIG. 21 shows modules 69 with stiffening panels 70 on the
outer faces of the modules for the purpose of stiffening the
grouped modules. The panels are bolted to the modules via apertures
69a and the outer surfaces of the panels 70 overlap the peripheral
edges of each module to provide rigidity to the structure.
[0111] FIGS. 22 to 24 show alternate forms of flange fasteners.
[0112] In FIG. 22 an I-section member 71 having extending flanges
72 is used to grip the flanges 73 of adjacent modules
[0113] FIG. 23 illustrates a similar I-section member 74 which in
combination with wedges 75 can be used to fasten the flanges of
adjacent panels.
[0114] FIGS. 24a and 24b shows a twist lock fastener comprising a
circular grip 76 and a web 77 which supports circular flanges 78
and 79.
[0115] FIG. 24c shows a cam lock mechanism for locking together the
flanges of modules of the present invention. The lock mechanism can
comprise a tee-shaped key 17 mounted on a plate 18 and a cam arm 19
having two arcuate forks 19a. The key is inserted into aligned
slots in the flanges of a module and the forks engaged with the top
bar of the key and the cam arm 19 rotated to lock the respective
flanges together.
[0116] The flanges 79 are inclined and when the fastener is fitted
onto the flanges 80 of the modules and rotated, it holds the panels
together.
[0117] FIG. 25 shows a method of spacing panels using a U-shaped
bolt 81. The bolt can be secured by nuts 82.
[0118] With respect to FIG. 26a of the drawings, a formwork for a
corner utilising modules/modified modules 83 and a rectangular post
84. Ties 85 are used to space and join the modules in the manner
indicated.
[0119] In FIG. 26b, modules/modified modules 86 are used to form a
corner formwork in conjunction with an internal post 87 in the
manner illustrated. Ties 88 can be used to join the modules and
strengthen the formwork at the corners by intersecting and
overlapping same.
[0120] In FIG. 27, conventional timber panelling 89 is joined by
ties 90 is used to form a corner formwork.
[0121] FIG. 28 illustrates another form of tie for joining modules
92 and in this arrangement, a central threaded collar is mounted on
threaded rods 94 and is used to set the spacing between the
modules.
[0122] FIG. 29 indicates how modules 95 can be assembled in a
staggered formation and spaced by ties 96.
[0123] FIG. 30 illustrates a still further form of adjustable tie
according to the present invention. In this case, the tie comprises
a central rod 97 attached to threaded collars and fixture bolts 99
which engage with module walls 100.
[0124] FIG. 31 of the drawings illustrates a method of strapping
and spacing modules 101 using side straps 102 and rectangular
straps 103. The straps provide rigidity to the formwork and reduce
the number of holes in a finished wall. The straps can be used in
any place and can be connected to other straps. The strap 103 can
be replaced by a threaded rod or bolt and may be of varying
cross-sections.
[0125] An assembled formwork may be provided with vertical and
horizontal reinforcement bars VT and VH respectively. The bars may
extend from the ends or top and bottom surfaces of the
formwork.
[0126] FIG. 32 illustrates a possible formwork detail for forming
curved walls using panels or modules 104, external and internal
wedges 105, internal flexible liners 106 and ties 107. Packers 108
can be used to take up edge space between the liners 106 and the
panels 104.
[0127] FIG. 33 shows various means for strengthening the joints
between modules 109 using angles 110, tie pieces 111 and box
section 112.
[0128] FIG. 34 shows a plurality of modules 113 joined by
stiffeners 114 to form a larger panel.
[0129] FIG. 35a illustrates the arrangement of FIG. 34 in end
profile, and figures various forms of truss arrangement for
reinforcing a larger panel incorporating a number of modules.
[0130] The stiffening members of FIG. 35c or 35d can be provided
with improved rigidity by the provision of a length adjusting
feature 47 positioned on strategic limbs 48 of the members.
[0131] FIGS. 36a to 36c illustrate a stiffening member 115 with
lugs 116 for engaging with modules (not shown) and a ground brace
117. The stiffening members enable a panel formed from a number of
modules to be moved as one.
[0132] FIG. 37 illustrates how the stiffening members 115 can be
used to stiffen a plurality of modules 118 in horizontal and
vertical planes.
[0133] FIG. 38 illustrates how the stiffening members 115 can be
used to stiffen a block-out member 118 in a horizontal, vertical
and diagonal planes.
[0134] FIG. 39 illustrates how an I-section beam 119 can be used to
stiffen formwork boards 120 along vertical seam 121. Similar
techniques and procedures can be used to stiffen block-out which
create cavities in the outer surfaces of a finished wall.
[0135] FIG. 40 of the drawings illustrates a possible form of
concrete elevator comprising a conveyor 122, scoops 123 and a stand
123. The conveyor may be motorised.
[0136] FIGS. 41a, 41b, 42a and 42b illustrate how larger modules or
forming panels 124 can be strengthened using angles 125 and inserts
126.
[0137] Larger modules or panels may be manufactured using
rota-moulding techniques.
[0138] Several shapes are possible as illustrated in FIGS. 43a to
43c. Because of the nature of the rota-moulding process, two panels
can be manufactured at once in a split casing mould and cut soon
after release from the moulds on axis "Y". Strengthening ribs 127
may be provided in the moulding.
[0139] FIG. 43c shows a form of hollow module which can be foam
filled.
[0140] With respect to FIG. 44 of the drawings a rectilinear
rotamoulded panel is formed with peripheral strengthening flanges
130 and intersecting reinforcing ribs 131 and a plurality of
conjoined ribs 132. The flanges 130 and ribs 131 are apertured as
indicated to facilitate the joining of adjacent panels. Half
apertures 133 may be provided in the flanges 130 which when matched
will form a bolting aperture.
[0141] The rear surface of the panel (not shown) may be plain or
embossed to create aesthetic appeal.
[0142] FIGS. 45 and 45a of the drawings show the panels in plan
with FIG. 45 having a plan view of the panel of FIG. 44.
[0143] In FIG. 45a, the plan view of the panel varies slightly in
that vertical ribs 134 are extended for added strength.
[0144] The panels may be foam filled for additional strength and
durability.
[0145] In all cases, the ribs 130, 131 and 134 can be strengthened
by the use of channel sections 135 either attached to individual or
adjoining panels.
[0146] For additional strength, the ribs 132 may be "kissed off"
with the rear wall during manufacture in accordance with known
rotamoulding practices.
[0147] FIG. 46 shows how a number of different sized panels 136,
137, 138 and 139 can be joined to facilitate block outs where
windows and doors are to be situated.
[0148] The panel sizes may vary to suit standard building panel and
door sizes.
[0149] The panels may also be used on a horizontal plane between
boxed out beams for forming concrete floors in the manner
previously described.
[0150] With respect to FIGS. 47 and 47a, the panel illustrated
shows a plurality of possible ways of strengthening the panel by
providing hollow openings 139 of varying shapes which stiffen the
panel.
[0151] With respect to FIG. 48 the top edges 140 of formed walls
may be provided with crosswire channels 141 into which T-section
beams 142 can be dropped to form a base for pouring a floor 143
over the beams.
[0152] It is to be appreciated that the rotamoulding process allows
the formation of curved as well as straight panels.
[0153] The rotamoulding process also facilitates the formation of
complementary corner sections.
[0154] I consider the substantive advantages of the present
invention to be; [0155] (a) the modules can be placed around
existing standing steel, [0156] (b) additional steel can be added
as part of the boxing operation, [0157] (c) full length steel can
be used to reduce joins and overlaps, [0158] (d) push-on ties and
quick release attachments provide a significant labour saving
advantage, [0159] (e) the use of full length steel provides
rigidity for the modules, helping alignment and integrity of the
structure, [0160] (f) most of the elements used to form a wall or
column can be reused, [0161] (g) assembly of the modules can be
off-site or insitu, [0162] (h) conventional propping system can be
used as required, [0163] (i) horizontal columns can be readily
integrated with a floor slab, [0164] (j) the columns can be pre
formed on the ground, [0165] (k) simultaneous assembly steel
placement and pouring of concrete is facilitated. [0166] (l) Stop
ends and templates of any shape, for windows, doors etc can be
placed between the modules and secured with respect to the module
walls and/or ties. [0167] (m) The methodology can be used to erect
wall sections between tilt panels.
[0168] Aspects of the present invention have been described by way
of example only and it will be appreciated that modifications and
additions thereto may be made without departing from the scope
thereof, as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *