U.S. patent application number 10/564007 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-22 for building structure and a method of forming a building structure.
Invention is credited to Paul John Lyden.
Application Number | 20070266658 10/564007 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31983179 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070266658 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lyden; Paul John |
November 22, 2007 |
Building Structure and a Method of Forming a Building Structure
Abstract
A building structure comprising a footing (21b), wherein the
footing (21b) includes a channel (23), and at least one panel (24),
wherein the panel (24) is located within said channel (23), wherein
the footing (21b) is disposed on a waterproofing membrane (22)
which membrane extends along side walls of the footing (21b) and
into said channel (23) and wherein the panel (24) has an external
waterproofing membrane (25) that is in waterproof engagement with
the membrane of the footing (21b) in the channel (23) and wherein
the waterproofing membranes (22, 25) comprise an absorptive clay
disposed between water permeable layers.
Inventors: |
Lyden; Paul John;
(Queensland, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jack B. Hicks;Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice
P O Box 7037
Atlanta
GA
30357-0037
US
|
Family ID: |
31983179 |
Appl. No.: |
10/564007 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
July 9, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU04/00930 |
371 Date: |
February 19, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/292 ; 52/294;
52/302.1; 52/408; 52/514.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/66 20130101; E04B
1/0007 20130101; E02D 31/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/292 ;
052/294; 052/302.1; 052/408; 052/514.5 |
International
Class: |
E02D 29/16 20060101
E02D029/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 10, 2003 |
AU |
2003903547 |
Claims
1. A building structure comprising a footing, wherein the footing
includes a channel, and at least one panel, wherein the panel is
located within said channel, wherein the footing is disposed on a
waterproofing membrane which membrane extends along side walls of
the footing and into said channel and wherein the panel has an
external waterproofing membrane that is in waterproof engagement
with the membrane of the footing in the channel and wherein the
waterproofing membranes comprise an absorptive clay disposed
between water permeable layers.
2. A building structure according to claim 1 wherein the building
structure includes a raft foundation wherein the footing is
integral with said foundation.
3. A building structure according to claim 1 wherein the channel is
sufficiently wide such that a spoon drain may be provided on the
inner side of is the at least one panel.
4. A building structure according to claim 1 wherein the panels are
precast concrete panels.
5. A building structure according to claim 4 wherein the precast
concrete panels include a waterproofing membrane integrally formed
on the outer wall of said panel.
6. A building structure according to claim 1 wherein the at least
one panel is disposed on a structural grout positioned on the base
of the channel.
7. A building structure according to claim 6 wherein an absorptive
clay strip is positioned either side of said structural grout.
8. A building structure according to claim 1 wherein the
waterproofing membrane is formed from a layer of bentonite between
opposed layers of geotextile fabric.
9. A building structure according to claim 1 wherein joints between
adjacent panels include a bentonite member extending between
waterproof membrane of the adjacent panels such that a
waterproofing engagement is provided between said panels.
10. A building structure according to claim 9 wherein the bentonite
member is retained in position between a compression gasket and a
structural element.
11. A building structure according to claim 10 wherein the
structural element is selected from a PVC strip or a backing
rod.
12. A method of constructing a building structure comprising: (a)
laying footing over a waterproofing membrane; (b) creating a
channel in the footing; (c) extending the waterproofing membrane of
the footing into the channel; (d) placing at least one panel in the
channel wherein the panel has an external waterproofing membrane
that is in waterproof engagement with the membrane of the footing
in the channel and wherein the waterproofing membranes comprise an
absorptive clay disposed between water permeable layers.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a building structure and to
a method of forming a building structure, in particular to a
building structure and method that provides improved waterproofing
properties in the building structure.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Larger structures which are built on inground foundations
are notoriously difficult to waterproof and current procedures that
are used to provide waterproofing require peripheral excavation
which are time consuming and costly and depending on site
conditions, may restrict economic use of a site.
[0003] In addition, excavations for inground foundations often are
made at or below the water table which increases the need or an
efficient means of waterproofing same.
[0004] We have now found a building structure and a method of
forming a building structure which increases land use efficiencies
and provides improved waterproofing.
[0005] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way
of example.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to a first embodiment of the present invention,
there is provided a building structure comprising a footing,
wherein the footing includes a channel, and at least one panel,
wherein the panel is located within said channel, wherein the
footing is disposed on a waterproofing membrane which membrane
extends along side walls of the footing and into said channel and
wherein the panel has an external waterproofing membrane that is in
waterproof engagement with the membrane of the footing in the
channel and wherein the waterproofing membranes comprise an
absorptive clay disposed between water permeable layers.
[0007] In a second embodiment of the present invention there is
provided a method of constructing a building structure
comprising:
[0008] (a) laying footing over a waterproofing membrane;
[0009] (b) creating a channel in the footing;
[0010] (c) extending the waterproofing membrane of the footing into
the channel;
[0011] (d) placing at least one panel in the channel wherein the
panel has an external waterproofing membrane that is in waterproof
engagement with the membrane of the footing in the channel and
wherein the waterproofing membranes comprise an absorptive clay
disposed between water permeable layers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] The building structure of the present invention may be of
any useful type built on foundations as will be apparent to those
skilled in the art. In particular, the building structure of the
present invention is particularly suited for inground foundations
where the ground level extends partway up the side walls of the
building. The building structure of the present invention is also
useful in applications where the foundations are made at or below
the water table and wherein the building is exposed to penetration
by groundwater.
[0013] The building structure may be of the type having peripheral
footings upon which the external walls are located and which
support a suspended timber flooring above the ground. Another type
of building structure that may be constructed according to the
present invention is a slab construction wherein an overground
foundation in the form of a concrete slab is laid with an integral
peripheral footing. Such slab constructions are particularly
advantageous when formed according to the present invention such
that the waterproofing membrane can be disposed below the entirety
of the overground foundation and extend upwards to a peripheral
channel that extends around the foundation.
[0014] The footing for use in the present invention is preferably a
poured concrete footing in which the channel is formed integrally
with the formation of the footing by the use of formwork and the
like.
[0015] In a building formed using an overground foundation integral
with the footing such as a slab construction, the channel is
preferably sufficiently wide such that a spoon drain or the like
may be provided on the inner sides of the panels. The spoon drains
may be formed by filling the channel after the panels and other
elements have been inserted within the channel with a cement based
material in which a spoon drain or the like is formed.
[0016] In building structures having discreet footings, it may be
preferable to form the channel sufficiently wide such that the
panel can be received within the channel and that the waterproofing
membrane extending from below the footing can be also received in
the channel with the waterproofing membrane of the panel.
[0017] In the laying of the footing and overground foundation of a
building structure having a concrete slab formation the
waterproofing membrane may be laid upon the ground upon which the
overground foundation is to be poured. The overground foundation
may subsequently be poured and the waterproofing membrane which
extends beyond the footings may be extended upwards along the side
of the footings and into the channel. The waterproofing membrane
may be cut such that the end of the membrane terminates at the base
of the outer wall of the channel. The corners of the footings may
be covered with waterproofing membrane by cutting the waterproofing
membrane such that the membrane may be extended upwards over the
sides of the footings in a manner that provides an overlap of the
respective edges of waterproofing membrane. Preferably the overlap
is of at least 100 mm. The overlap may be fixed to the adjacent
membrane by any convenient means or may be held in place by the
soil or other earthen materials that surround the footing.
[0018] In building structures having discreet footings and which
may support a suspended timber flooring, the waterproofing membrane
may simply extend under the footings and to the bases of the
respective inner and outer walls of the channel.
[0019] The panels may be of any convenient form. We have found that
it is particularly convenient to use precast concrete panels which
may be preformed and simply positioned in the channel in order to
form the building structure. Whilst precast concrete channels are
preferred for use in the present invention it will be apparent to
those skilled in the art that the present invention envisages the
use of other types of panels that may be either preformed or formed
in situ.
[0020] The panels may be disposed directly on the base of the
channel or preferably on a grout such that the panels are elevated
above the base of the channel. Preferably strips of an absorptive
clay are provided adjacent the base of the panel and, where a grout
is used to maintain the panels above the base of the channel, the
absorptive strips may be positioned along side the grout either
underneath the panel or extending therefrom.
[0021] The panels have an external waterproofing membrane. The
waterproofing membrane may be applied to the external face of the
panel, or, in the case of a building structure having discreet
foundations, the waterproof membrane may be applied to both sides
of the panel. The waterproofing membrane may be formed integrally
with the panel or applied to the preformed panel. Where the panel
is formed in situ, the waterproofing membrane may be positioned
within the channel and in waterproofing engagement with the
waterproof membrane of the footing prior to the construction of the
panel.
[0022] Where the panels are precast concrete panels, it is
convenient that the waterproofing membrane be formed integrally
with the panel. The precast panel may be formed with the
waterproofing membrane already positioned on the outer face of the
panel such that the panels may be simply lowered into the
respective channels.
[0023] At the corner of the building structure, it is convenient to
employ precast panels with a return such that only flat wall joints
are required between panels.
[0024] Flat wall joints between panels may be conveniently formed
using a compression gasket on the inner wall of the panel and
having an absorptive clay member disposed between the adjacent
panels. Preferably the adjacent panels have the waterproofing
membrane extending around to the sides of the adjacent panels such
that a waterproof engagement is formed between the adjacent panels
by the engagement of the respective waterproofing membranes with
the absorptive clay member. The absorptive clay member may be held
in place by a convenient bead such as a backing rod.
[0025] The waterproofing membranes for use in the present invention
comprise a layer of absorptive clay disposed between water
permeable layers. The absorptive clay may be of any convenient
formulation, preferably a bentonite based material. Bentonite is
particularly advantageous as it swells considerably when exposed to
water, making it ideal in the formation of a self healing
waterproof membrane. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that other absorptive clays may perform analogously to
bentonite, if not to the same extent. Bentonite is a clay like
mineral consisting largely of montmorillonite and is often derived
from volcanic ash.
[0026] Whilst a variety of water permeable layers may used to
contain the absorptive clay, it is preferred that a woven
geotextile be used as suitable woven geotextiles are both tough and
abrasion resistant and can withstand the abrading forces generally
encountered in the formation of a building structure.
[0027] Advantageously we have found that by the use of the building
structure of the present invention, the need to over-excavate is
substantially reduced or eliminated as there is no longer a
requirement to access the external side of the wall as the panels
may be placed in situ with the waterproofing membrane in place. As
such, it is possible to allow for the maximum utilisation of the
building site as there is no need to allow space for the
over-excavation of the walls.
[0028] As a result of the use of the building structure of the
present invention a dramatic reduction in the construction program
for the basement work may be achieved. We have found that up to 50%
of the work required to construct the basement of a building
structure may be saved. In addition, the requirement for a variety
of trades may be reduced or eliminated. We have found that it is
possible to reduce or eliminate the need for concreters, form
workers, steel fixers and waterproofers.
[0029] The building structure of the present invention may be
produced in a manner which permits the saving of a variety of other
services such as water, electricity, cranage and the like. In
addition the need for onsite storage and accommodation may be
reduced.
[0030] The present invention will not be described with reference
to the following non-limiting drawings in which:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a foundation and
panel structure of a building structure according to one embodiment
of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a panel joint between
adjacent panels in a building structure as shown in FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a foundation and panel
of a building structure according to another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a joint between adjacent
panels according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3.
[0035] FIG. 1 shows an above ground raft foundation 1 having a
footing 1a. On the upper surface of the footing 1a is channel 2
which extends around the periphery of the raft foundation 1.
Precast panel 3 is positioned in an upright position within channel
2.
[0036] The foundation 1 is laid upon a waterproof membrane 4a that
extends below the raft foundation 1 and up the edge of the footing
1a and into channel 2. The waterproof membrane is terminated at the
base of channel 2.
[0037] Precast panel 3 includes a waterproof membrane 4b that is
attached to panel 3 by a suitable flashing 9. The waterproof
membrane 3 extends down into channel 2 adjacent the waterproof
membrane 4a. Any gap between the respective membranes may be filled
with an additional absorptive clay, such as bentonite, filler so as
to provide a waterproof engagement between the respective
waterproof membranes. The waterproof membranes are formed by
sandwiching an absorptive clay, such as bentonite, between two
layers of geotextile fabric.
[0038] The panels 3 are positioned on top of a structural grout 7
so as to maintain the panels at a desired height above the base of
channel 2. Bentonite strips 8 are positioned adjacent the
structural grout to provide improved waterproofing properties.
[0039] A spoon drain 8a is formed on the inside of the panel by a
concrete mix 8b.
[0040] FIG. 2 shows the joint between adjacent panels 3. Adjacent
panels 3 have respective waterproof membranes 4 on their outer
surface and include a groove 12 on their adjacent lateral surfaces.
A PVC sheet 15 slides between the respective panels 3 and is
engaged by an expanding bentonite strip 13. The expanding bentonite
strip 13 is positioned immediately adjacent the PVC sheet and
retained in position using a compression gasket 14 as described in
international application no. PCT/AU02/01381.
[0041] FIG. 3 shows a building structure according to a second
embodiment of the present invention. A raft concrete slab
foundation 21 is laid upon a waterproofing membrane 22 that extends
under the slab foundation, and the footing 21b, up the sidewall of
the footing 21b and into channel 23. A precast concrete panel 24 is
positioned vertically within channel 23. The precast concrete panel
24 includes an integral waterproofing membrane 25 that is formed
integrally with the panel 24. The fibres of the geotextile material
used to form the waterproofing membrane are advantageously embedded
in the concrete of the precast panel 24 to retain the waterproofing
membrane 25 in position.
[0042] The panel 24 is located on structural grout 26 which is
itself sandwiched between bentonite strips 27. The inside part of
the channel 23 is filled with a concrete material 28 to form a
spoon drain 29 such that any water inside the building structure
may be drained therefrom.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows a wall joint according to the second embodiment
of the present invention. The wall joint 30 is between respective
precast panels 24. The precast panels 24 have a integral
waterproofing membrane 25 formed on the outer surface of the panel
24 and extending onto the lateral surface 26 of the panels 24. A
backing rod 27 is positioned between the respective panels 24 to
provide a solid engagement therebetween. A bentonite strip 28 is
disposed adjacent the rod 27 and between the respective panels 24
such that the waterproofing membranes 25 are in a waterproofing
engagement with the bentonite strip 28. A compression gasket 29 is
used to retain the bentonite strip within the joint 30.
[0044] Aspects of the present invention have been described by way
of example only and it would be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that modifications, additions and alterations thereto may be
made without departure from the spirit or scope of the
invention.
* * * * *