U.S. patent application number 15/583668 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-21 for wall assembly for bearing a concrete slab and method for adding a concrete slab to a building structure.
The applicant listed for this patent is GROUPE PSMB INC.. Invention is credited to Michel BEAUDOIN, Andre HOULE.
Application Number | 20180171650 15/583668 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62556105 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180171650 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BEAUDOIN; Michel ; et
al. |
June 21, 2018 |
WALL ASSEMBLY FOR BEARING A CONCRETE SLAB AND METHOD FOR ADDING A
CONCRETE SLAB TO A BUILDING STRUCTURE
Abstract
A wall assembly for bearing a concrete slab has a wall framework
including a bottom plate, a top plate extending parallelly to the
bottom plate and vertically spaced-apart from the bottom plate.
Vertically extending stud members are spaced-apart from one another
along a length of the wall framework and extend between the bottom
plate and the top plate. At least one of the top plate and the
bottom plate includes vertical translation components, which are
aligned with the vertically extending and spaced-apart stud
members, and is engageable with the vertically extending stud
members through the vertical translation components. The wall
framework can facilitate vertical translation of the at least one
of the top plate and the bottom plate relative to the vertically
extending stud members upon application of a substantial weight on
the wall framework. A concrete containment wall assembly is used in
combination with a wall framework.
Inventors: |
BEAUDOIN; Michel;
(Saint-Ephrem-de-Beauce, CA) ; HOULE; Andre;
(Laurier-Station, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GROUPE PSMB INC. |
Laurier-Station |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
62556105 |
Appl. No.: |
15/583668 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62434455 |
Dec 15, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2005/322 20130101;
E04G 17/14 20130101; E04G 9/06 20130101; E04B 5/32 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04G 11/36 20060101
E04G011/36; E04B 2/58 20060101 E04B002/58; E04B 5/36 20060101
E04B005/36; E04G 9/06 20060101 E04G009/06 |
Claims
1. A wall assembly, comprising: a wall framework comprising: a
bottom plate; a top plate extending substantially parallel to the
bottom plate and being vertically spaced-apart thereof; a plurality
of vertically extending stud members, each having a top end and a
bottom end and being spaced-apart from one another along a length
of the framework and extending between the bottom plate and the top
plate; at least one of the top plate and the bottom plate
comprising a plurality of vertical translation components, at least
some of the vertical translation components being aligned with a
corresponding one of the vertically extending and spaced-apart stud
members, the at least one of the top plate and the bottom plate
being engageable with the corresponding one of the vertically
extending stud members through the corresponding one of the
vertical translation components to allow a relative vertical
translation inbetween upon application of a substantial weight on
the wall framework.
2. The wall assembly of claim 1, wherein a vertical spacing is
defined between the at least one of the top plate and the bottom
plate and the respective one of the top end and the bottom end of
the corresponding one of the vertically extending and spaced-apart
stud members respectively, the vertical spacing allowing the
relative vertical translation of the at least one of the top plate
and the bottom plate relative to the corresponding one of the
vertically extending stud members.
3. The wall assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one of the
top plate and the bottom plate comprises a first sidewall including
the vertical translation components and a connection wall extending
substantially normal to the first sidewall, the first sidewall
being juxtaposed to a lateral side of the vertically extending and
spaced-apart stud members and the connection wall being positioned
either above the top end or below the bottom end of the vertically
extending and spaced-apart stud members respectively, the vertical
spacing being defined between the respective one of the top end and
the bottom end of the vertically extending and spaced-apart stud
members and the connection wall.
4. The wall assembly of claim 3, wherein the at least one of the
top plate and the bottom plate further comprises a second sidewall,
extending substantially parallel to the first sidewall and normal
to the connection wall, the first and second sidewalls being
spaced-apart from one another to define a U-shaped cavity to
receive the respective one of the top end and the bottom end of the
vertically extending and spaced-apart stud members therein.
5. The wall assembly of claim 3, wherein the plurality of vertical
translation components comprises a plurality of vertically
extending and elongated through holes defined through the first
sidewall.
6. The wall assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of vertical
translation components is at least one of a plurality of vertically
extending and elongated through holes, a rail system, and a
tongue-and-groove system.
7. A wall assembly for bearing a concrete slab having a thickness,
comprising: a wall framework having a lateral axis, a longitudinal
axis, an exterior side and an interior side comprising: a bottom
plate; a top plate extending substantially parallel to the bottom
plate and being vertically spaced-apart thereof; a plurality of
vertically extending stud members spaced-apart from one another
along a length of the wall framework and extending between the
bottom plate and the top plate; and a concrete containment wall
assembly securable to the wall framework and comprising at least
one formwork panel having a concrete containment segment, extending
above the top plate of the wall framework, the at least one
formwork panel extending along the length of the wall framework,
the concrete containing segment of the concrete containment wall
assembly having a height equal or above the thickness of the
concrete slab.
8. The wall assembly of claim 7, wherein the concrete containment
segment is substantially aligned with the exterior side of the wall
framework.
9. The wall assembly of claim 8, wherein the concrete containment
wall assembly further comprises a plurality of longitudinally
spaced-apart downwardly extending flanges abuttable against the
exterior side of the wall framework to substantially align the
concrete containment wall assembly with the exterior side of the
wall framework.
10. The wall assembly of claim 7, wherein the at least one formwork
panel of the concrete containment wall assembly further comprises a
wall framework securing portion engageable with and securable to
the wall framework.
11. The wall assembly of claim 10, wherein the wall framework
securing portion extends inwardly and substantially perpendicularly
to the concrete containment segment, and is superposable to the top
plate of the wall framework to secure the formwork panel
thereto.
12. The wall assembly of claim 7, wherein the concrete containment
wall assembly comprises a plurality of concrete containment wall
assemblies securable to the wall framework in an adjacent
configuration and the wall assembly further comprises at least one
formwork panel connector comprising a formwork connecting panel
extending substantially parallelly to the concrete containment
segments and configured to connect a respective one of the
plurality of concrete containment wall assemblies to an adjacent
one of the plurality of concrete containment wall assemblies.
13. The wall assembly of claim 12, wherein the formwork connecting
panel comprises two sections, each one of the two sections is
superposable inwardly to a respective one of the concrete
containing segment of the adjacent concrete containment wall
assemblies and being securable thereto.
14. The wall assembly of claim 13, wherein the formwork panel
connector comprises an outer strengthener extending along the
lateral axis of the wall framework when engaged therewith and
between the two sections of the formwork connecting panel, the
outer strengthener having an outer strengthener height at least
substantially equal to the height of the concrete containment
segment and comprising a segment abutting the exterior side of the
wall framework when engaged therewith.
15. The wall assembly of claim 12, wherein the formwork panel
connector further comprises at least one inner bracing member
protruding inwardly from an inner face of the formwork connecting
panel and the at least one inner bracing member comprises at least
one fastener-receiving aperture engageable by a mechanical fastener
to secure the inner bracing member with a corresponding one of the
plurality of vertically extending stud members.
16. A concrete containment wall assembly for use in combination
with a wall framework, the wall framework comprising a bottom plate
and a plurality of vertically extending stud members spaced-apart
from one another along a length of the wall framework and extending
upwardly from the bottom plate, the concrete containment wall
assembly comprising: at least one formwork panel comprising: a
concrete containing segment; and a wall framework securing portion
comprising a plurality of vertical translation components along a
length thereof and being engageable with one of a top plate of the
wall framework and at least some of the plurality of vertically
extending stud members through a corresponding one of the vertical
translation components to allow a relative vertical translation
inbetween upon application of a substantial weight on the wall
framework.
17. The concrete containment wall assembly of claim 16, wherein the
wall framework comprises a top plate and the wall framework
securing portion is securable to the top plate through the
plurality of vertical translation components.
18. The concrete containment wall assembly of claim 16, wherein the
at least one formwork panel is secured to the wall framework by
securing the wall framework securing portion to the at least some
of the plurality of vertically extending stud members and through
the plurality of vertical translation components.
19. The concrete containment wall assembly of claim 18, wherein the
wall framework is top plate free.
20. The concrete containment wall assembly of claim 18, wherein at
least some of the plurality of vertical translation components are
aligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of vertically
extending and spaced-apart stud members.
21. The concrete containment wall assembly of claim 18, wherein the
wall framework securing portion comprises a first downwardly
extending segment extending longitudinally and being juxtaposed to
a lateral side of the plurality of vertically extending stud
members, the first downwardly extending segment comprising the
plurality of vertical translation components.
22. The concrete containment wall assembly of claim 21, wherein the
wall framework securing portion further comprises a connection
wall, the connection wall being engageable with the one of the top
plate and the at least some of the vertically extending and
spaced-apart stud members, and a second downwardly extending
segment extending substantially parallel to the first downwardly
extending segment, the first and second downwardly extending
segments being spaced-apart from one another to define a U-shaped
cavity to receive the one of the top plate and a top end of the at
least some of the vertically extending and spaced-apart stud
members therein.
23. A method for adding a concrete slab to a building structure
including an existing floor with a plurality of spaced-apart posts
extending upwardly from the existing floor using the concrete
containment wall assembly according to claim 16, the method
comprising the steps of: mounting a plurality of wall frameworks in
an adjacent relationship to define at least partially a perimeter
of the concrete slab, each one of the wall frameworks comprising: a
bottom plate superposed to the existing floor and a plurality of
vertically extending stud members spaced-apart from one another
along a length of the wall framework and extending upwardly from
the bottom plate; and the concrete containment wall assembly being
secured to the wall frameworks with the concrete containing segment
of the at least one formwork panel extending above the respective
one of the wall frameworks; superposing a horizontal concrete
containment structure to the plurality of wall frameworks and to
the plurality of spaced-apart posts, the horizontal concrete
containment structure extending substantially parallel to the
existing floor, the concrete containment wall assemblies of the
wall frameworks and the horizontal concrete containment structure
defining together a concrete formwork assembly; and pouring
concrete in the concrete formwork assembly.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC .sctn. 119(e)
of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/434,455 filed on Dec.
15, 2016, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The technical field generally relates to building
structures. More particularly, the technical field relates to a
wall assembly for bearing a concrete slab, to a concrete
containment wall assembly and to a method for adding a concrete
slab to a building structure.
BACKGROUND
[0003] When adding an additional storey to a traditional
multi-storey building structure that includes concrete slab floors,
weight-bearing columns made of concrete or steel are first erected,
followed by the assembly of a concrete formwork onto the columns.
Then, concrete is poured into the concrete formwork in order to
cast the slab floor, the slab floor being supported at least in
part by the weight-bearing columns. A concrete-based building
structure that includes a concrete slab floor supported by
weight-bearing columns, typically concrete-based weight-bearing
columns, is then obtained.
[0004] To peripherally close the building, outer walls can then be
added peripherally between two adjacent concrete slab floors, i.e.
a lower concrete slab floor and an upper concrete slab floor that
are supported by weight-bearing columns extending upwardly from the
lower concrete slab floor up to the upper concrete slab floor. Upon
casting of the upper concrete slab floor, the weight-bearing
columns generally deflect slightly downwardly given the heavy
weight of the upper concrete slab floor, thereby modifying the
spacing between the adjacent lower and upper concrete slab floors.
Thus, the outer walls of the building structure can be added only
once the upper concrete slab floor is casted to take into account
the downward translation of the upper concrete slab floor.
Non-weight bearing walls can then be subsequently added to the
building structure following casting of the upper concrete slab
floor and downward translation of the weight-bearing columns.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to address
the above-mentioned issues.
[0006] In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a wall
assembly. The wall assembly comprises a wall framework comprising a
bottom plate; a top plate extending substantially parallel to the
bottom plate and vertically spaced-apart thereof; and a plurality
of vertically extending stud members spaced-apart from one another
along a length of the framework and extending between the bottom
plate and the top plate. At least one of the top plate and the
bottom plate comprises a plurality of vertical translation
components. At least some of the vertical translation components
are aligned with a corresponding one of the vertically extending
and spaced-apart studs, each one of the at least one of the top
plate and the bottom plate being secured to the corresponding one
of the vertically extending stud members through the corresponding
one of the vertical translation components to allow a relative
vertical translation inbetween upon application of a substantial
weight on the wall framework.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a wall
assembly for receiving a concrete slab having a thickness. The wall
assembly comprises a wall framework having an exterior side and an
interior side comprising a bottom plate; a top plate extending
substantially parallel to the bottom plate and vertically
spaced-apart thereof; a plurality of vertically extending stud
members spaced-apart from one another along a length of the wall
framework and extending between the bottom plate and the top plate;
and a concrete containment wall assembly secured to the wall
framework and comprising at least one formwork panel having a
concrete containing segment extending above the top plate of the
wall framework and being substantially aligned with the exterior
side of the wall framework, the at least one formwork panel
extending along the length of the wall framework, the concrete
containing segment of the concrete containment wall assembly having
a height equal or above the thickness of the concrete slab.
[0008] In an embodiment, the concrete containment wall assembly
further comprises a wall framework securing portion secured to the
top plate of the wall framework.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a
concrete containment wall assembly for use in combination with a
wall framework. The concrete containment wall assembly comprises a
bottom plate and a plurality of vertically extending stud members
spaced-apart from one another along a length of the wall framework
and extending upwardly from the bottom plate, the concrete
containment wall assembly comprising at least one formwork panel
comprising a concrete containing segment; and a wall framework
securing portion engageable with one of a top plate of the wall
framework and at least some of the plurality of vertically
extending stud members and comprising a plurality of vertical
translation components along a length thereof, the wall framework
securing portion being engageable with the one of the top plate of
the framework and the vertically extending stud members through a
corresponding one of the vertical translation components to allow a
relative vertical translation inbetween upon application of a
substantial weight on the wall framework.
[0010] In an embodiment, the vertical translation components are
aligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of vertically
extending and spaced-apart stud members.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a
method for adding a concrete slab floor to a building structure
including an existing floor with a plurality of spaced-apart posts
extending upwardly from the existing floor. The method comprises
the steps of mounting a plurality of wall frameworks in an adjacent
relationship to define at least partially a perimeter of the
concrete slab floor, each one of the wall frameworks comprising a
bottom plate superposed to the existing floor, a top plate
extending substantially parallel to the bottom plate and vertically
spaced-apart thereof and a plurality of vertically extending stud
members spaced-apart from one another along a length of the wall
framework and extending between the bottom plate and the top plate;
and a concrete containment wall assembly secured to the wall
frameworks and comprising at least one formwork panel having a
concrete containing segment extending above the top plate of the
respective one of the wall frameworks; superposing a horizontal
concrete containment structure to the plurality of wall frameworks
and to the plurality of spaced-apart posts, the horizontal concrete
containment structure extending substantially parallel to the
existing floor, the concrete containment wall assemblies of the
wall frameworks and the horizontal concrete containment structure
defining together a concrete formwork assembly; and pouring
concrete in the concrete formwork assembly.
[0012] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a wall
assembly comprising a wall framework. The wall framework comprises
a bottom plate; a top plate extending substantially parallel to the
bottom plate and being vertically spaced-apart thereof; a plurality
of vertically extending stud members, each having a top end and a
bottom end and being spaced-apart from one another along a length
of the framework and extending between the bottom plate and the top
plate. At least one of the top plate and the bottom plate comprises
a plurality of vertical translation components, at least some of
the vertical translation components are aligned with a
corresponding one of the vertically extending and spaced-apart stud
members, the at least one of the top plate and the bottom plate
being engageable with the corresponding one of the vertically
extending stud members through the corresponding one of the
vertical translation components to allow a relative vertical
translation inbetween upon application of a substantial weight on
the wall framework.
[0013] In an embodiment, a vertical spacing is defined between the
at least one of the top plate and the bottom plate and the
respective one of the top end and the bottom end of the
corresponding one of the vertically extending and spaced-apart stud
members respectively, the vertical spacing allowing the relative
vertical translation of the at least one of the top plate and the
bottom plate relative to the corresponding one of the vertically
extending stud members.
[0014] In an embodiment, the at least one of the top plate and the
bottom plate comprises a first sidewall including the vertical
translation components and a connection wall extending
substantially normal to the first sidewall, the first sidewall
being juxtaposed to a lateral side of the vertically extending and
spaced-apart stud members and the connection wall being positioned
either above the top end or below the bottom end of the vertically
extending and spaced-apart stud members respectively, the vertical
spacing being defined between the respective one of the top end and
the bottom end of the vertically extending and spaced-apart stud
members and the connection wall.
[0015] In an embodiment, the at least one of the top plate and the
bottom plate further comprises a second sidewall, extending
substantially parallel to the first sidewall and normal to the
connection wall, the first and second sidewalls being spaced-apart
from one another to define a U-shaped cavity to receive the
respective one of the top end and the bottom end of the vertically
extending and spaced-apart stud members therein.
[0016] In an embodiment, the plurality of vertical translation
components comprises a plurality of vertically extending and
elongated through holes defined through the first sidewall.
[0017] In an embodiment, the plurality of vertical translation
components comprises a plurality of vertically extending and
elongated through holes defined through the first and second
sidewalls, the elongated through holes defined in the first
sidewall being in register with a corresponding one of the
elongated through holes defined in the second sidewall.
[0018] In an embodiment, the plurality of vertical translation
components is at least one of a plurality of vertically extending
and elongated through holes, a rail system, and a tongue-and-groove
system.
[0019] In an embodiment, the plurality of vertical translation
components comprises a plurality of vertically extending and
elongated through holes.
[0020] In accordance with another aspect, there is provide a wall
assembly for bearing a concrete slab having a thickness. The wall
assembly comprises a wall framework having a lateral axis, a
longitudinal axis, an exterior side and an interior side. The wall
framework comprises a bottom plate; a top plate extending
substantially parallel to the bottom plate and being vertically
spaced-apart thereof; a plurality of vertically extending stud
members spaced-apart from one another along a length of the wall
framework and extending between the bottom plate and the top plate;
and a concrete containment wall assembly securable to the wall
framework and comprising at least one formwork panel having a
concrete containment segment, extending above the top plate of the
wall framework, the at least one formwork panel extending along the
length of the wall framework, the concrete containing segment of
the concrete containment wall assembly having a height equal or
above the thickness of the concrete slab.
[0021] In an embodiment, the concrete containment segment is
substantially aligned with the exterior side of the wall
framework.
[0022] In an embodiment, the concrete containment wall assembly
further comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart
downwardly extending flanges abuttable against the exterior side of
the wall framework to substantially align the concrete containment
wall assembly with the exterior side of the wall framework.
[0023] In an embodiment, the at least one formwork panel of the
concrete containment wall assembly further comprises a wall
framework securing portion engageable with and securable to the
wall framework.
[0024] In an embodiment, the wall framework securing portion
extends inwardly and substantially perpendicularly to the concrete
containment segment.
[0025] In an embodiment, the wall framework securing portion is
superposable to the top plate of the wall framework to secure the
formwork panel thereto.
[0026] In an embodiment, the concrete containment wall assembly
comprises a plurality of concrete containment wall assemblies
securable to the wall framework in an adjacent configuration and
the wall assembly further comprises at least one formwork panel
connector comprising a formwork connecting panel extending
substantially parallelly to the concrete containment segments and
configured to connect a respective one of the plurality of concrete
containment wall assemblies to an adjacent one of the plurality of
concrete containment wall assemblies.
[0027] In an embodiment, the formwork connecting panel comprises
two sections, each one of the two sections is superposable inwardly
to a respective one of the concrete containing segment of the
adjacent concrete containment wall assemblies and being securable
thereto.
[0028] In an embodiment, the formwork panel connector comprises an
outer strengthener extending along the lateral axis of the wall
framework when engaged therewith and between the two sections of
the formwork connecting panel.
[0029] In an embodiment, the outer strengthener has an outer
strengthener height at least substantially equal to the height of
the concrete containment segment.
[0030] In an embodiment, the outer strengthener height is longer
than the height of the concrete containment segment.
[0031] In an embodiment, the outer strengthener comprises a segment
abutting the exterior side of the wall framework when engaged
therewith.
[0032] In an embodiment, the formwork panel connector further
comprises a baluster support extending along the formwork
connecting panel and along the lateral axis of the wall framework
when engaged therewith, the baluster support defining a baluster
receiving channel.
[0033] In an embodiment, the formwork panel connector further
comprises at least one inner bracing member protruding inwardly
from an inner face of the formwork connecting panel and the at
least one inner bracing member comprises at least one
fastener-receiving aperture engageable by a mechanical fastener to
secure the inner bracing member with a corresponding one of the
plurality of vertically extending stud members.
[0034] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a
concrete containment wall assembly for use in combination with a
wall framework. The wall framework comprises a bottom plate and a
plurality of vertically extending stud members spaced-apart from
one another along a length of the wall framework and extending
upwardly from the bottom plate. The concrete containment wall
assembly comprises at least one formwork panel. The at least one
formwork panel comprises a concrete containing segment; and a wall
framework securing portion comprising a plurality of vertical
translation components along a length thereof and being engageable
with one of a top plate of the wall framework and at least some of
the plurality of vertically extending stud members through a
corresponding one of the vertical translation components to allow a
relative vertical translation inbetween upon application of a
substantial weight on the wall framework.
[0035] In an embodiment, the wall framework comprises a top plate
and the wall framework securing portion is securable to the top
plate through the plurality of vertical translation components.
[0036] In an embodiment, the at least one formwork panel is secured
to the wall framework by securing the wall framework securing
portion to the at least some of the plurality of vertically
extending stud members and through the plurality of vertical
translation components.
[0037] In an embodiment, the wall framework is top plate free.
[0038] In an embodiment, at least some of the plurality of vertical
translation components are aligned with a corresponding one of the
plurality of vertically extending and spaced-apart stud
members.
[0039] In an embodiment, the wall framework securing portion
comprises a first downwardly extending segment extending
longitudinally and being juxtaposed to a lateral side of the
plurality of vertically extending stud members, the first
downwardly extending segment comprising the plurality of vertical
translation components.
[0040] In an embodiment, the wall framework securing portion
further comprises a connection wall, the connection wall being
engageable with the one of the top plate and the at least some of
the vertically extending and spaced-apart stud members.
[0041] In an embodiment, the wall framework securing portion
further comprises a second downwardly extending segment extending
substantially parallel to the first downwardly extending segment,
the first and second downwardly extending segments being
spaced-apart from one another to define a U-shaped cavity to
receive the one of the top plate and a top end of the at least some
of the vertically extending and spaced-apart stud members
therein.
[0042] In an embodiment, the plurality of vertical translation
components is one of a plurality of vertically extending through
holes, a rail system and a tongue-and-groove system.
[0043] In an embodiment, the plurality of vertical translation
components comprises a plurality of vertically extending and
elongated through holes.
[0044] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a
method for adding a concrete slab to a building structure including
an existing floor with a plurality of spaced-apart posts extending
upwardly from the existing floor. The method comprises the steps of
mounting a plurality of wall frameworks in an adjacent relationship
to define at least partially a perimeter of the concrete slab, each
one of the wall frameworks comprising: a bottom plate superposed to
the existing floor and a plurality of vertically extending stud
members spaced-apart from one another along a length of the wall
framework and extending upwardly from the bottom plate; and a
concrete containment wall assembly secured to the wall frameworks
and comprising at least one formwork panel having a concrete
containing segment extending above the respective one of the wall
frameworks; superposing a horizontal concrete containment structure
to the plurality of wall frameworks and to the plurality of
spaced-apart posts, the horizontal concrete containment structure
extending substantially parallel to the existing floor, the
concrete containment wall assemblies of the wall frameworks and the
horizontal concrete containment structure defining together a
concrete formwork assembly; and pouring concrete in the concrete
formwork assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, enlarged, of a section of an
upper portion of a wall assembly in accordance with an embodiment,
wherein a top plate of a wall framework includes a plurality of
vertical translation components.
[0046] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a formwork panel of a
concrete containment wall assembly in accordance with an
embodiment, for use in combination with the wall assembly shown in
FIG. 1.
[0047] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the formwork panel shown in
FIG. 2 and a framework panel connector of the concrete containment
wall assembly in accordance with an embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of the wall assembly shown
in FIG. 1, wherein the wall assembly includes a plurality of the
adjacent formwork panels shown in FIG. 2 in an adjacent
relationship, and a plurality of the formwork panel connectors
shown in FIG. 3, each one of the plurality of formwork panel
connectors connecting two adjacent formwork panels together.
[0049] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a wall assembly and a
concrete containment wall assembly according to an embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing sections of two
adjacent formwork panels of the concrete containment wall assembly
in an adjacent relationship in accordance with an embodiment,
including the formwork panel connector shown in FIG. 3 for
connecting the two formwork panels, wherein the formwork panel
connector includes a wall framework securing portion engageable
with a wall framework.
[0051] FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting a method for adding a
concrete slab floor to a building structure in accordance with an
embodiment.
[0052] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like
features are identified by like reference numerals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0053] In the following description, there are described various
embodiments related to a wall assembly and a concrete containment
wall assembly for use in combination with a wall framework. There
are also described various embodiments related to a method for
adding a concrete slab floor to a building structure. It is to be
noted that in the drawings, the same numerical references refer to
similar elements.
[0054] Although the embodiments of the wall assembly and the
concrete containment wall assembly and corresponding parts thereof
consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and
illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are
essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense.
It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the
art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween,
as well as other suitable geometrical configurations, may be used
for the wall assembly and the concrete containment wall assembly,
as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred
herefrom by a person skilled in the art.
[0055] Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional
descriptions such as "above", "below", "left", "right", "inwardly",
"outwardly", "vertical" and the like should, unless otherwise
indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should not be
considered limiting. When referring to a length, for instance in
the context of a length of a wall framework, it is to be understood
that it refers to a measure along a horizontal axis. When referring
to a height, for instance in the context of a height of a concrete
containment segment as described herein, it is to be understood
that it refers to a measure along a vertical axis. The term
"outwardly" is intended to refer to a feature of a wall assembly
that extends towards an exterior side of a building structure. The
term "inwardly" is intended to refer to a feature of a wall
assembly that extends towards an interior side of a building
structure.
[0056] In general terms, the present disclosure concerns a wall
assembly that can be used, for instance, to build a building
structure that includes concrete slab floors, and to a concrete
containment wall assembly for building the same.
[0057] In contrast with traditional multi-storey building structure
that includes concrete slab floors, the characteristics of the wall
assembly as described herein generally allow to mount a plurality
of wall frameworks having predetermined dimensions, for instance
pre-fabricated walls, prior to the pouring of concrete to form the
concrete slab floor. In the various embodiments of the wall
assembly described herein, the wall assembly comprises a wall
framework, which in turn includes a bottom plate, a top plate and a
plurality of vertically extending stud members extending between
the bottom and top plates of the wall framework. The wall assembly
can be for instance a pre-fabricated wall assembly. In some
implementations, the characteristics of the wall assembly are made
possible, amongst others, by the top plate and/or the bottom plate
of the wall framework that include(s) a plurality of vertical
translation components that can allow a vertical translation of the
top plate and/or the bottom plate relative to the plurality of
vertically extending stud members when a substantial weight is
applied thereon, for instance upon pouring of concrete for forming
the concrete slab floor above the wall framework. In other
implementations, the concrete containment wall assembly as
described herein can be used in cooperation with a wall framework
having predetermined dimensions, the concrete containment wall
assembly including a portion engageable with the wall framework,
such as with the top plate thereof. The portion engageable with the
wall framework can include a plurality of vertical translation
components and thus can also allow the top plate and/or the bottom
plate to vertically translate relative to the plurality of
vertically extending stud members upon application of a substantial
weight thereof, for instance upon casting of the concrete slab
floor thereon.
[0058] Having discussed the general context of the wall assembly
and the concrete containment wall assembly, optional embodiments
will be discussed further hereinbelow. The embodiments according to
the following description are given for exemplification purposes
only.
[0059] In accordance with a first embodiment and referring to FIG.
1, an enlarged portion of a wall assembly 20 according to an
embodiment is shown. The wall assembly 20 has an interior side 22
that would be exposed to an interior area of a building once
mounted vertically, and an opposite exterior side 21 (shown in FIG.
5) that would be exposed to the outdoors once mounted vertically.
In the illustrated embodiment, the wall assembly 20 includes a wall
framework 24 having a substantially rectangular shape. It is to be
understood that geometrical configurations other than the one
illustrated on FIG. 1 are also envisioned. The wall framework 24
can be a conventional wall framework, for instance and without
being limitative a wall framework for use in building structures
for commercial and industrial buildings. The wall framework 24 can
be made of conventional materials such as and without being
limitative, metals or alloys, for instance aluminum and steel, or
wood.
[0060] The wall framework 24 has a longitudinal axis 23, which
extends substantially horizontally when the wall framework 24 is
mounted substantially vertically, and includes a bottom plate 25,
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and a top plate 26, positioned vertically
spaced-apart from one another. The bottom plate 25 and the top
plate 26 define a bottom edge and an upper edge of the wall
framework 24, respectively. It is to be noted that the bottom plate
25 can sometimes be referred to as a sole plate, as it is known in
the art. The bottom plate 25 and the top plate 26 can be made for
instance of metal, such as aluminum and steel, or any other
suitable material such as wood, plywood or suitable plastics. In
the embodiment shown, the wall framework 24 also includes a
plurality of vertically extending stud members 28 longitudinally
spaced-apart from one another along a length of the wall framework
24, the plurality of vertically extending stud members 28 extending
between the bottom plate 25 and the top plate 26. It is to be noted
that in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an enlarged portion of the
wall framework is shown and therefore, only an upper portion of one
vertically extending stub member 28 is illustrated. However, it is
to be understood by a person skilled in the art that the vertically
extending stud member 28 extends downwardly down to the bottom
plate 25, and the wall framework 24 includes a plurality
thereof.
[0061] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the top plate 26 is
substantially U-shaped and includes sidewalls 27 and an upper
connection wall 29 defining an interior substantially U-shaped
cavity, opened downwardly, in which upper sections 31 of the
vertically extending stud members 28 are received. In the
embodiment shown, the sidewalls are juxtaposed to a lateral side of
the vertically extending stud members 28, and the upper connection
wall 29 is positioned above a top end 33 of the vertically
extending stud members 28.
[0062] Still referring to FIG. 1, the top plate 26 of the wall
framework 24 includes a plurality of vertical translation
components 30 defined therein. In the embodiment shown, the
vertical translation components 30 include a plurality of
vertically extending and elongated through holes 39 defined in the
sidewalls 27 of the top plate 26. In the embodiment shown, the
vertically extending and elongated through holes 39 are oblong in
shape but it is appreciated that the shape can vary. In the
embodiment shown, the vertically extending and elongated through
holes 39 are longitudinally spaced-apart from one another, extend
substantially parallel to one another, and are provided along a
length of the top plate 26. In an embodiment, the vertically
extending and elongated through holes 39 are provided in pairs,
with though holes defined in both sidewalls 27 of the top plate 26,
with the through holes 39 defined in each one of the sidewalls 27
being in register. In an alternative embodiment, only one of the
sidewalls 27, i.e. the sidewall located either on the interior side
22 or the sidewall located on the exterior side 21 of the wall
framework 24, can include a row of longitudinally spaced-apart
vertically extending and elongated through holes 39.
[0063] The vertically extending and elongated through holes 39 are
sized and configured to receive a mechanical fastener 32 therein.
In the embodiment shown, the mechanical fasteners 32 are screws. In
other embodiments, the mechanical fasteners 32 can be for instance
and without being limitative a pin, a rivet, a cotter joint, and
the like. In the non-limitative embodiment shown, each one of the
vertically extending and longitudinally spaced-apart stud members
28 is aligned with two of the vertically extending and elongated
through holes 39, such that mechanical fasteners 32 can secure the
top plate 26 of the wall framework 24 to a corresponding one of the
vertically extending stud members 28 through the corresponding one
of the vertical translation components 30. In particular, the
mechanical fasteners 32 can secure the top plate 26 of the wall
framework 24 to a corresponding one of the vertically extending
stud member 28 in a way that allows a vertical translation of the
top plate 26 relative to the corresponding one of the vertically
extending stud member 28 when a substantial weight is applied onto
the wall framework 24, in contrast to a fixed attachment that would
not allow such vertical translation. Hence, when no or a low weight
is applied onto the wall framework 24, the mechanical fasteners 32
are sufficiently tighten to prevent a vertical translation between
the top plate 26 and the vertically extending stud members 28, but
are also sufficient loose such that when a substantial weight is
applied on the wall framework, a limited vertical translation can
occur, i.e. the length of the vertical translation is limited by a
length of the vertical translation components 30 along the lateral
axis 37.
[0064] In some implementations, the top plate 26 of the wall
framework 24 can be further secured to the corresponding one of the
vertically extending stud member 28 using one or more additional
mechanical fastener 35, the additional mechanical fastener(s) 35
being provided to secure the sidewall 27 to the top plate 26. In
some implementations, this additional mechanical fastener 35 can
contribute to restrict a movement of the top plate 26 relative to
the corresponding one of the vertically extending stud member 28,
for instance when no or a low weight is applied on the wall
framework 24. The movement can be a lateral movement along a
lateral axis 37 of the wall framework 24. When the wall framework
24 is mounted substantially vertically, the lateral axis 37 also
extends substantially vertically. The additional mechanical
fastener 35 is chosen such that above a given critical pressure,
the mechanical fastener can break or deform. When the critical
pressure is reached, a downward translation of the top plate 26
relative to the corresponding one of the vertically extending stud
member 28 can occur. Thus, the fact that the mechanical fastener 35
can break above a given critical pressure can allow the downward
translation of the top plate 26 relative to the corresponding one
of the vertically extending stud member 28.
[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the top plate 26 of the wall
framework 24, and more particularly the upper connection wall 29,
is mounted at a distance from the top end 33 of the vertically
extending stud members 28 when assembling the wall framework 24,
such that a vertical spacing 34 is defined between an interior side
of the upper connection wall 29 and the top end 33 of the
vertically extending stud members 28. The space 34 can allow a
vertical translation of the wall framework 24 to occur when a
substantial weight is applied thereon, i.e. can allow the top plate
26 to translate downwardly along the lateral axis 37 such that the
upper connection wall 29 gets closer to the top end 33 of the
corresponding vertically extending stud member 28. In an
embodiment, the space 34 is sufficient to absorb a downward
translation of the top plate 26 upon application of a substantial
weight on the wall assembly 20, as will be described in more detail
hereinbelow.
[0066] It is appreciated that configurations of the top plate 26
other than the one shown in FIG. 1 are also possible. For instance,
in some implementations, there can be a single vertical translation
component 30 aligned with the corresponding vertically extending
stud member 28, or there can be a plurality of vertical translation
components 30 aligned therewith. Moreover, it is also to be
understood that the number of vertical translation components 30
provided along the top plate 26 can vary from the embodiment shown.
When vertical translation components 30 are provided in between
adjacent vertically extending stud members 28, alignment of the
vertically extending stud members 28 with the vertical translation
components 30 can be facilitated. However, in an alternative
embodiment, the vertical translation components 30 located in
between adjacent vertically extending stud members 28 may be
omitted.
[0067] In other implementations, the vertical translation
components 30 can be defined in the sidewalls of the bottom plate
25 in a reverse configuration from the one described hereinabove,
i.e. in a configuration that mirrors the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1. In some implementations, the bottom plate 25 includes a
bottom connection wall together with the sidewalls, such that the
bottom plate 25 is substantially U-shaped and define an interior
cavity, opened upwardly, in which a bottom section 43 of the
vertically extending stud members 28 are received. Thus, the
vertical spacing 34 is defined between an interior side of the
bottom connection wall and a bottom end 47 of the vertically
extending stud members 28. Moreover, in other implementations, the
vertical translation components 30 can be different from the
vertically extending through holes illustrated in FIG. 1 and
described hereinabove. The vertical translation components 30 can
be, for instance, any feature that allows a vertical translation of
the top plate 26 or the bottom plate 25 relative to the vertically
extending stud members 28, i.e. a height variation of the wall
framework 24. For instance and without being limitative, the
vertical translation components can be a rail system or a
tongue-and-groove system.
[0068] Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a concrete containment wall
assembly 36 to build a building structure that includes concrete
slab floors according to an embodiment is shown. In an embodiment,
the concrete containment wall assembly 36 can be made of metal,
such as aluminum or steel, or plywood, or any other materials that
have required properties to contain a concrete pour, such as a
material that has a sufficient rigidity. The concrete containment
wall assembly 36 includes a formwork panel 38 having a concrete
containing segment 40. In an embodiment, the concrete containment
segment 40 is configured to extend above the top plate 26 of the
wall framework 24 and to be substantially aligned with the exterior
side 21 of the wall framework 24. In an embodiment, the concrete
containment segment 40 has a height sufficient to receive a
concrete pour having a given thickness, as will be discussed in
more detail hereinbelow. The formwork panel 38 also includes an
upper bight 42 located at an upper end 44 of the concrete
containment segment 40. In some embodiments, the upper bight 42 can
be useful for instance in setting an upper containment limit for
the concrete pour and/or to rigidify the formwork panel 38.
[0069] In the embodiment shown, the formwork panel 38 includes a
wall framework securing portion 46 for securing the formwork panel
38 onto the wall framework 24. In an embodiment, the wall framework
securing portion 46 is designed to engage and be secured to the top
plate 26 of the wall framework 24. In the embodiment shown, the
wall framework securing portion 46 includes fastener through holes
48 defined therein to receive a respective fastener (not shown) and
secure the wall framework securing portion 46 to the top plate 26.
The wall framework securing portion 46 also includes a plurality of
downwardly extending flanges 50 extending downwardly from the wall
framework securing portion 46 to facilitate an alignment of the
concrete containment wall assembly 36 with the exterior side 21 of
the wall framework 24. In the embodiment shown, a plurality of
longitudinally extending through holes 52 is also provided in the
concrete containment segment 40, the purpose of which will be
described in more detail hereinbelow.
[0070] Referring now to FIG. 3, the concrete containment wall
assembly 36 can also include a formwork panel connector 54
configured to extend and engage longitudinally adjacent ones of the
formwork panels 38. The formwork panel connector 54 has an interior
side 56 exposed to an eventual interior area of a building
structure, and an opposite exterior side 58 superposable to an
interior side 41 of formwork panels 38, as will be described in
more detail below. The formwork panel connector 54 includes a
formwork connecting panel 60 extending longitudinally and
substantially parallelly relative to the length of the wall
framework 24, i.e. along the longitudinal axis 23. In an
embodiment, the formwork panel connector 54 can be used to connect
two longitudinally adjacent formwork panels 38 together. In some
embodiments, the formwork connecting panel 60 includes two
sections, and each one of the two sections is superposable inwardly
to the concrete containing segment 40 of a respective one of the
two longitudinally adjacent formwork panels 38 and are securable
thereto. In yet other embodiments, the formwork panel connector 54
can be used to stabilize the concrete containment wall assembly 36
to the wall framework 24 and to provide an additional support for
the concrete containment wall assembly 36 and other features of the
building structures.
[0071] In the embodiment shown, the formwork panel connector 54
includes an outer strengthener 62 and a baluster support 64, the
baluster support 64 defining a baluster receiving channel 66
therein. In the embodiment shown, the outer strengthener 62 is
positioned substantially in the middle of the connecting panel 60
and is extending outwardly from the exterior side 58 of the
connecting panel 60 and along a height thereof, while the baluster
support 64 is also positioned substantially in the middle of the
connecting panel 60 but is extending inwardly from the connecting
panel 60 and along the height thereof. In an embodiment, the outer
strengthener 62 can be used for instance to support bricks or a
balcony structure, or to support any other structure having a
substantial weight. In some implementations, the height of the
outer strengthener 62 can be substantially similar to the height of
the concrete containment segment 40. In other implementations, the
height of the outer strengthener 62 can be longer or shorter than
the height of the concrete containment segment 40. In some
implementations and as shown in FIG. 5, the outer strengthener 62
can have for instance a L-shape, the L-shape comprising a segment
extending downwardly and substantially parallelly to the concrete
containment segment 40 and a segment extending downwardly and
outwardly, i.e. substantially normal to the concrete containment
segment 40. A section of the outer strengthener 62, extending below
the concrete containment segment 40, can abut a portion of the
exterior side 21 of the wall framework 24. This L-shape
configuration of the outer strengthener 62 can allow, for instance,
to enhance the structural rigidity of the concrete containment wall
assembly 36.
[0072] Still referring to FIG. 3, the baluster receiving channel 66
is sized and configured to receive, for instance, a baluster post
(not shown) therein in order to allow a baluster to be mounted
close to the wall assembly 20. The formwork panel connector 54 also
includes an inner bracing member 68, protruding inwardly from an
inner face of the formwork connecting panel 60. The inner bracing
member 68 includes an upper segment 72, an intermediate segment 74
extending downwardly from the upper section 72 and a wall engaging
segment 76 at a lower end 78 thereof. In the embodiment shown, the
upper segment 72 of the inner bracing member 68 is secured to the
baluster support 64, inwardly thereof.
[0073] The wall engaging segment 76 of the inner bracing member 68
includes a plurality of wall engaging segment (or
fastener-receiving) apertures 80 defined therein, and is configured
to engage the inner bracing member 68 with a corresponding one of
the vertically extending stud members 28 to secure the formwork
panel connector 54 therewith through mechanical fasteners (not
shown) inserted in a corresponding one of the wall engaging segment
apertures 80.
[0074] In the embodiment shown, the formwork panel connector 54
also includes a plurality of connector through holes 82 to receive
a respective mechanical fastener 84 therein, such that the formwork
panel connector 54 can be connected to longitudinally adjacent ones
of the formwork panels 38.
[0075] In the embodiment shown, the formwork panel connector 54
includes inwardly extending concrete reinforcement elements 86
extending inwardly from the interior side 56 of the formwork
connecting panel 60. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the
inwardly extending concrete reinforcement elements 86 are rods
extending substantially normal to the formwork panel connector 54.
In some embodiments and as shown in FIG. 5, the inwardly extending
concrete reinforcement elements 86 can have different shapes than
the one shown in FIG. 3, for instance and without being limitative
a cylindrical rod, a L-shape rod or a Z-shape rod. The inwardly
extending concrete reinforcement elements 86 can be made of various
materials. In some embodiments, the inwardly extending concrete
reinforcement elements 86 can be used to contribute to reinforcing
the concrete slab (not shown), as it is known in the art.
[0076] It is appreciated that the formwork panel connector 54
and/or the formwork panel 38 can include other features not
illustrated on the figures such as and without being limitative
anchors, parapet(s), parapet support(s), formwork profile
connectors, and the like.
[0077] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown the wall
assembly 20 as described herein, in combination with a plurality of
the concrete containment wall assembly 36 also as described herein.
The wall assembly 20 comprises the wall framework 24, including the
bottom plate 25 and the top plate 26, and a plurality of vertically
extending stub members 28 longitudinally spaced-apart from one
another, the vertically extending stub members 28 extending from
the bottom plate 25 up to the top plate 26 and substantially
parallelly to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, each
concrete containment wall assembly 36 is superposed to the top
plate 26 of the wall framework and includes the formwork panel 38,
which in turn includes the concrete containment segment 40. In FIG.
4, a plurality of formwork panel connectors 54 including the
formwork connecting panel 60 is shown to connect each pair of
adjacent containment wall assemblies 36 together. Referring to FIG.
5, an upper concrete slab 88 and a lower concrete slab floor 90 are
shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper concrete slab 88 is
shown contained within a containment area defined by a plurality of
the concrete containment segment 40 and the wall framework securing
portion 46 of the concrete containment wall assembly 36. Concrete
reinforcement elements 86 extending inwardly into the upper
concrete slab 88 are also shown.
[0078] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a concrete
containment wall assembly 136 including two formwork panels 138 in
an adjacent relationship and connected to one another by the
formwork panel connector 54 as described hereinabove. In the
illustrated embodiment, each one of the formwork panels 138
includes a concrete containment segment 140 having corresponding
features of the concrete containment segment 40 described
hereinabove, and a wall framework securing portion 146 engageable
with a conventional top plate (not shown) of a wall framework or
with at least one of the plurality of vertically extending stud
members thereof. In an embodiment, the wall framework securing
portion 146 is configured to lie on top of the conventional top
plate or to define the top plate of the wall framework by engaging
the upper sections of the vertically extending stud members. In the
embodiment where the wall framework securing portion 146 engages
directly the upper sections of the vertically extending stud
members, the wall framework securing portion 146 defines the top
plate of the wall framework. It is to be noted that the wall
framework securing portion 146 can have various shapes. In an
embodiment, the wall framework securing portion has a U-shape or a
L-shape, the U-shape and the L-shape each including a downwardly
extending segment 148 extending into an interior side or an
exterior side of the wall framework.
[0079] The wall framework securing portion 146 and, more
particularly, the downwardly extending segment 148 comprises a
plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart vertical translation
components 130 along a length thereof, and at least some of the
vertical translation components 130 are aligned with a
corresponding one of the vertically extending and spaced-apart stud
members of the wall framework (not shown). This configuration of
the wall framework securing portion 146 is similar to the
configuration of the top plate 26 of the wall framework 24 that has
previously been described hereinabove in reference to FIG. 1, with
the difference that instead of the vertical translation components
130 being defined in the top plate 26, the longitudinally
spaced-apart vertical translation components 130 are defined in the
downwardly extending segment 148 of the wall framework securing
portion 146. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the wall framework
securing portion 146 is secured to a plurality of vertically
extending stud members through a corresponding one of the vertical
translation components 130, a configuration that can allow a
vertical translation of the concrete containment wall assembly 136
relative to the vertically extending stud members upon application
of a substantial weight on the wall framework. As described
hereinabove for the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an additional
mechanical fastener (not shown) can be provided to secure the wall
framework securing portion 146 to one of the vertically extending
stud members through the downwardly extending segment 148. This
additional mechanical fastener can contribute to restrict a
movement of the formwork panel 138 relative to a corresponding one
of the vertically extending stud members, for instance when no or a
low weight is applied on the wall framework. The movement can be
for instance a lateral movement along a lateral axis 137 of the
wall framework. Once again, the additional mechanical fastener 35
is chosen such that above a given critical pressure, for instance a
pressure that induces a downward translation of the formwork panel
138 relative to the corresponding one of the vertically extending
stud member 28, the mechanical fastener can break. Thus, the fact
that the mechanical fastener can break above a given critical
pressure can allow the downward translation of the formwork panel
relative to the corresponding one of the vertically extending stud
members 28.
[0080] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been
described and illustrated herein. The embodiments of the wall
assembly and the concrete containment wall assembly described
hereinabove are intended to be exemplary only. A person of ordinary
skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual
embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the
components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further
appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any
combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is
understood that the wall assembly and the concrete containment wall
assembly may be embodied in other specific forms without departing
from the central characteristics thereof. The present examples and
embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as
illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be
limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the
specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous
modifications come to mind. The scope of the invention is therefore
intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended
claims.
[0081] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method 200
for adding a concrete slab floor to a building structure that
includes an existing floor and a plurality of spaced-apart
weight-bearing posts (or columns) extending upwardly from the
existing floor, using the wall assembly 20 and the concrete
containment wall assembly 36 or the concrete containment wall
assembly 136 as described herein. The method 200 includes the
following steps.
[0082] First, a plurality of wall frameworks 24 is mounted in an
adjacent relationship to define at least partially a perimeter of
the concrete slab floor 210. Each one of the wall frameworks 24 is
in accordance with the embodiments of the wall framework described
hereinabove. Hence, each one of the wall frameworks 24 includes a
bottom plate 25 superposed to the existing floor, a top plate 26
extending substantially parallel to the bottom plate 25 and
vertically spaced-apart thereof, and a plurality of vertically
extending stud members 28 spaced-apart from one another along a
length of the wall framework 24 and extending between the bottom
plate 25 and the top plate 26.
[0083] A concrete containment wall assembly 36, 136 as described
hereinabove is secured to a respective one of the wall frameworks
24. The concrete containment wall assembly 36, 136 can be secured
to a respective one of the wall frameworks 24 either prior to or
after mounting the plurality of wall frameworks 24 in an adjacent
relationship. The concrete containment wall assembly 36, 136
comprises at least one formwork panel 38, 138 having a concrete
containing segment 40, 140 extending above the top plate 26 of the
respective one of the wall frameworks 24. The concrete containment
segment 40, 140 corresponds to a segment that is configured to
contain a pour of concrete laterally, i.e. to form the thickness of
the concrete slab floor.
[0084] A horizontal concrete containment structure is superposed to
the plurality of wall frameworks and to the plurality of
spaced-apart posts 230. In an embodiment, the horizontal concrete
containment structure extends substantially parallel to the
existing floor. In some embodiments, the superposition of the
horizontal concrete containment structure to the plurality of
spaced-apart posts is performed according to methods known in the
art. For instance, the spaced-apart posts can be positioned at a
distance of about 15 inches to about 25 inches from each other
throughout the area defined by the perimeter of the plurality of
wall frameworks. A continuous layer is then added on top of the
spaced-apart posts, for instance a continuous layer made of
plywood, to form a horizontal surface on which the concrete can be
poured. In some embodiments, the continuous layer can include a
plurality of plywood planks connected together, for instance with
tape, as it is known in the art.
[0085] The concrete containment wall assemblies 36, 136 that are
secured to the wall frameworks 24 and the horizontal concrete
containment structure together define a concrete formwork assembly.
The concrete formwork assembly is an assembly that includes at
least the continuous layer to contain the pour of concrete
horizontally, and the concrete containment segments of each of the
concrete wall assemblies to contain the concrete, thereby forming a
receptacle having the shape of the corresponding shape of the
perimeter formed by the plurality of wall frameworks to receive the
concrete therein.
[0086] The concrete is then poured in the concrete formwork
assembly to form the concrete slab floor 240.
[0087] It will be appreciated that the method described herein may
be performed in the described order, or in any suitable order.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the steps of the method can be
repeated several times to add additional storey(s) to the building
structure.
* * * * *