AU2012238255B2 - A fencing system with retaining wall - Google Patents

Abstract

A fencing panel comprising a core of hardened foam and having an upper edge and a lower edge, at least one elongate support member in the core and extending at least from adjacent the upper end of the core to adjacent the lower end of the core, and at least one footing member extending from the lower edge of the core.

Description

AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION A FENCING SYSTEM WITH RETAINING WALL The following statement is a description of the invention: 1 A FENCING SYSTEM WITH RETAINING WALL TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention is directed to a fence panel having a core of hardened 5 foam, a method to form the fence panel and a fence comprising at least one said fence panel. The term fence throughout the specification and claims is meant to also include a garden wall or other panel like structure designed primarily to provide a walk through barrier and/or visual barrier and thus is also meant to include a pool surround wall which can double up as a pool 10 fence. BACKGROUND ART A known type of fencing system comprises fence panels having a core of hardened foam (typically rigid M gauge polystyrene- also known as EPS or 15 Expanded PolyStyrene]. The panels are attached to vertical posts which are concreted into the ground. As the core is relatively brittle it is necessary to strengthen the panels so that the panels can withstand windloading, bumps and scrapes against the panels. 20 It is known to sandwich the EPS core between two fibre cement sheets to provide strength and other benefits but this increases the weight of the panels, makes it more difficult to trim the panels to size and makes it more difficult to directly glue or otherwise join panels together. 25 It is also known to render the core with a rendering agent (typically a cementitious material] and to provide a fiberglass mesh which is embedded in the render, to strengthen the panels. 30 The panels are held in position by external posts concreted into the ground. The posts are provided with flanges or brackets to hold edges of the panels. Fasteners are usually required to secure the panels. The posts need to be accurately positioned, and typically need to be about 600-1200mm apart to 2 provide sufficient support. This can increase the time taken to erect fencing. The posts remain visible in the fence line. Thus it may not be possible to provide a flush aesthetically pleasing fence which can resemble a rendered brick wall. The posts need to be concreted in the ground and it may be difficult 5 or impossible to fix a fence against an existing side wall using the post system. There would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a fencing system which could provide strengthened panels and where the need for separately 10 positioned posts is reduced or eliminated. Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge. 15 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one form, the invention resides in a fencing panel comprising at least one unitary solid hardened foam core containing embedded support members. 20 In another form, the invention resides in a fencing panel comprising at least one unitary core of hardened foam having an upper edge and a lower edge, at least one elongate support member in the core and extending at least from adjacent the upper end of the core to adjacent the lower end of the core, and 25 at least one footing member extending from the lower edge of the core. The fencing panel can comprise part of a fence. The fence may comprise a dividing fence, a pool fence, a decorative wall, a partition, or any other type of dividing wall, privacy wall and the like, and is typically non load bearing. 30 The fencing panel may have any suitable shape and size. It is expected that a common shape for the panel will be substantially rectangular. However, there may be circumstances where it is convenient for the panel to have a shape other than substantially rectangular. The size of the fencing panel can vary 3 however it is envisaged that the size will be such that the panel can be conveniently handled either manually or using a crane or other mechanised equipment. As an example, the fencing panel may be substantially rectangular and may have a length of between 0.5-6 m and a height of between 0.5-3 m 5 although this can vary .The thickness of the panel can also vary but it is considered that a suitable thickness will be between 100-500 mm and preferably between 150-300 mm and most preferably about 200 mm. It should be appreciated that no unnecessary limitation should be placed on 10 the invention merely by exemplification of certain shapes and sizes. The panel comprises a core of hardened foam. A suitable core material comprises expanded polystyrene which is also known as EPS. The expanded polystyrene is a commercially available product and typically comprises at 15 least three grades being a low density expanded polystyrene (SL grade], a medium density (M grade] expanded polystyrene and a higher density (H grade] expanded polystyrene. The M grade EPS is considered a suitable but non-limiting example of a core material. The core may comprise different types and/or grades of hardened foam. Preferably the EPS has been treated 20 with pest repellant and also is fire resistant. The core may comprise parts or sections which are joined to form the core. The core may comprise a layered or laminate structure. The core may comprise voids or cavities if considered suitable. It is considered convenient that the core is of substantially uniform thickness, but there may be instances where it is useful for the core to have a 25 non-uniform thickness. For instance the core may have a tapered configuration. The core will suitably have a substantially flat outer surface especially if a neat seamless finished look is required for the fence. However the core may have other configurations such as a corrugated configuration, a grooved configuration and the like. It is also envisaged that there may be 30 circumstances where the core does not consist entirely of the foam material and may contain areas of other materials which may not comprise expanded material. However, it is considered most convenient that the panel is made substantially of the expanded material.

4 The core contains at least one embedded support member. Suitably, the core has an upper edge and a lower edge and the at least one support member extends from at least adjacent the upper edge of the core to at least adjacent the lower edge of the core. Preferably, a plurality of support members is 5 provided in the core with the number of support members depending, inter alia, on the size and shape of the core. The support members may be in a spaced apart side-by-side orientation in the core and the spacing between adjacent support members may vary at least between 100-500 mm. Of course, no unnecessary limitation should be placed on the invention merely by 10 exemplification of certain spacings. Suitably, at least some of the support members extend below a lower edge of the core. Preferably all, or most, of the support members extend from a lower edge of the core. The extending part of the support members may comprise at 15 least part of the footing members. Suitably, the at least one support member comprises a metal member. The metal member preferably comprises galvanized steel. However, the metal member may comprise other materials which can provide suitable support. 20 These other materials may comprise composite materials, laminate materials, non-metallic materials, reinforced materials, wood, fibreglass, certain types of plastics, filled plastics, reinforced plastics, metals other than steel such as aluminium, brass, copper and the like. The support member may comprise a solid member or a substantially hollow member. The support member may 25 comprise a hollow square or round member, a solid bar member, an elongate plate like member, a member having solid portions and hollow portions and the like. It is also envisaged that the support member may comprise a number of "sub" members which may be attached together or otherwise associated to form the support member. The "sub" members may be formed from similar or 30 separate materials and may have similar or separate shapes and configurations.

5 In a particularly preferred embodiment, the support member comprises a hollow galvanized steel section which is substantially rectangular and which has a cross-section size of between 20-100mm, and preferably about 40mm. 5 In another preferred embodiment, the support member comprises at least one "reo" rod. The support members may be identical to each other or different. 10 The elongate support member preferably extends substantially along the core from the lower edge to the upper edge. The member may project from the upper edge if desired, and it is preferred that the member projects from the lower edge to form part of the footing member. If a top member such as a capping member or a finishing member is provided on the top of the core, 15 there may be an advantage in having the support member projecting from the upper edge of the core to provide some support to the top member. The footing member enables the panel to be fixed in place. If the panel member is to form part of a fence, the footing member may be embedded in a 20 concrete foundation which may comprise a strip footing. The footing member may have a configuration to enable secure bedding into the concrete. Thus, the footing member may have a "T-shaped" configuration and may be plate like or may have any other suitable shape or configuration. The footing member may also be configured to enable it to be fastened to a support as 25 opposed to being concreted in position. Thus, the footing member may be provided with openings through which fasteners can pass to fasten the footing member to a suitable support. The footing member may have a configuration to enable it to be fastened or concreted in position. 30 It is preferred that the footing member is attached to, or forms part of, at least some and preferably all of the elongate support members. Thus, the elongate support member may be formed with the footing member. Alternatively, the footing member can be formed separately and attached to the elongate support member. In this manner, any load on the fence panel can be 6 translated through the support member and to the footing member. The elongate support member is preferably fixed to the core. In a preferred embodiment, the core is formed with a passageway or opening into which the elongate support member can pass. While it might be possible to form the 5 passageway in such a manner that the support member can fit to the core using a friction fit, it is preferred that an adhesive is provided to fix the support member to the core. The adhesive may comprise a polyurethane adhesive. The panel can be attached to adjacent panels, and in a preferred 10 embodiment, the edges of adjacent panels are glued together. Thus, an intermediate post is not required. A fence or wall can be produced in a relatively seamless manner. Additional core portions can be attached to the top or elsewhere by adhesion and/or using fasteners, and existing cores can be trimmed or otherwise shaped prior to being rendered. 15 It may be necessary to provide an expansion strip or an expansion gap if the length of the fence exceeds a certain distance. The panel can be manufactured by modifying a commercially available 20 polystyrene core material (or other suitable material). Passageways can be formed in the core into which the support members can pass. These passageways can be drilled or otherwise formed. A rigid building board may be fixed on at least one outer side of the panel. 25 For example the building board may be adhered to the panel with a rubberized cement compound. In a preferred embodiment the rigid building board is comprised of a MgO building panel. 30 An assembly may be provided to assist in forming the passageways. The assembly may comprise a drilling apparatus and a holding framework. The drilling apparatus may comprise a drill having an auger.

7 The holding framework preferably holds the core in a substantially upright position to enable the auger to drill an opening into and along the core. The holding framework may support an elevating means to enable the drilling apparatus to move between a drilling position and a free position. The 5 elevating means may comprise a rise and fall platform on which the drill is supported. The assembly may be automated to enable a plurality of passageways to be drilled into the core at desired spacings. The panel may be fixed on top of, or otherwise fixed to a separate support 10 member. The support member may comprise a retaining wall or other wall structure. Thus, the fence panel need not always be concreted into the ground, and can also be fixed, for instance, on top of a retaining wall. The support member may comprise at least one base block of special 15 design. The base block may be substantially hollow to allow for concrete and steel to the required height. The base block may be manufactured off site in suitable lengths and heights and then fixed into position. The base block may comprise a panel like block having a length of between 1-6 meters, a height of between 0.5-2meters, and a thickness of between 100-600mm, although 20 these dimensions may vary to suit. A number of base blocks may be fixed into position to provide a retaining wall of suitable length. The base blocks are suitably supported on top of concrete foundations. The base block may also be called a base block panel due to its panel like configuration. 25 The base block may comprise wall members attached relative to each other. The wall members may be made from any suitable material or materials which can at least partially withstand the lateral forces of concrete/grout poured into the base block. The wall members may comprise an expanded foam material which can make the block a relatively lightweight structure. The foam material 30 may be coated or rendered to provide a tough outer skin. The wall members may comprise a building board. To enable the base block to have a relatively thin design and a relatively low weight, the wall members, or at least the side wall members may be 8 supported against bowing during the concrete pour. A support means may therefore be provided. The support means may comprise reinforcement members which can be temporarily fixed to the wall members to provide temporary reinforcement and then removed. The reinforcement members may 5 comprise timber formwork such as boards/planks etc. A fixing means may be provided to fix the support means. The fixing means may comprise one or more bolts extendible through the block to fix one or more support means to the block. Clamps or other fixing means are also envisaged. 10 The support means may also comprise a base support means which can support the lower base part of the base block against bowing. The base support means may comprise a rebate in the footing to accommodate a bottom or base part of the block. A non-limiting example of a rebate is illustrated in figure 11. 15 The internal void in the base block may have a width of between 40-100mm. the thickness of the wall members may be between 40-150mm. The internal void may have substantially planar walls defining the void, see for instance figure 17 as a non-limiting example, or may have non planar walls - see for 20 instance figure 18 as a non-limiting example. If a fencing panel is to be fixed to the top of the base block, the fencing panel may have a modified design to facilitate filling of the base block and to provide additional strength to the fencing panel. In this form, the invention comprises a 25 fencing panel particularly suited for fixing to the top of a base block, the fencing panel being generally as described above but additionally comprising at least one passageway extending from a top wall of the panel to a bottom wall of the panel to allow cement to be pumped through the passageway and into the base block. Suitably, the passageway is adapted to be at least 30 partially filled with cement to provide additional strength to the panel. In another form, the invention comprises a method to form a retaining wall containing at least one fixed fencing panel on top of the retaining wall, the method comprising: 9 providing at least one base block panel which is be substantially hollow to allow for concrete and steel to the required height, positioning a fencing panel on top of the base block panel, the fencing panel comprising hardened foam containing embedded support members, the panel containing at least one 5 passageway extending from a top wall of the panel to a bottom wall of the panel to allow cement to be pumped through the passageway, the panel containing at least one extending footing member which extends into the hollow of the base block panel, and, pouring/pumping concrete or other suitable settable material through the passageway to fill the hollow in the base 10 block panel and then to at least partially fill the passageway. The base block panel is suitably placed on a foundation. The foundation suitably has a rebate to support the lower part of the base block panel. 15 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed 20 Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: Figure 1. Illustrates a partially finished fence (not yet rendered) and 25 formed from a plurality of panels in a side-by-side relationship. Figure 2. Illustrates a fence panel comprising a core of expanded polystyrene and containing embedded support members. Figure 3. Illustrates a close-up of an embedded support member a lower part of which extends from the lower edge of the core. 30 Figure 4. Illustrates an assembly to manufacture a fence panel containing embedded support members. Figure 5. Illustrates the assembly of figure 4 from a different angle. Figure 6. Illustrates a variation to the support member to enable the panel to be bolted to a support as opposed to being concreted into the ground.

10 Figure 7. Illustrates a conventional 3-bar trench mesh. Figure 8. Illustrates a strip footing to concrete the fence panels in place. Figure 9. Illustrates finishing layers incorporating a MgO building board. Figure 10. Illustrates the fence of figure 1 after it has been finally rendered 5 and finished off. Figure 11. Illustrates a retaining wall of particular design on which a fence panel of the invention can be located. Figure 12. Illustrates the fence panel positioned above the retaining wall. Figure 13. Illustrates a cut away view of the fence panel in place on top of 10 the retaining wall with concrete poured in place. Figures 14-16. Illustrate views of temporary formwork to hold the base block panel against unwanted deformation during the concrete pour. Figures 17,18. Illustrate two different internal hollow configurations of the base block panel. 15 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the figures and initially to figure 2, there is illustrated a fence panel 10 comprising a substantially rectangular core 11 made from expanded 20 polystyrene. In the particular embodiment, rectangular core 11 has a height of about 1800 mm, a uniform thickness of about 200 mm, and a length of between 2-3 m. The core 11 has an upper edge 12, a lower edge 13 and opposed side edges 20. Embedded within core 11 are five elongate support members 14 which are spaced apart by about 400 mm. The lower end of each 25 support member 14 forms part of a footing member 15. Referring to figure 1, there is illustrated a partially finished fence or wall. The fence comprises a first panel 16, a second panel 17, a third panel 18 and a fourth panel 19. First panel 16 and second panel 17 are glued together along 30 the respective side edges 20 and therefore an intermediate separate vertical post member is not required. Indeed, because of the internal embedded support members 14 in each panel, the panels can provide an aesthetically pleasing smooth finish this being particularly illustrated in figure 1.

11 Also illustrated at least in figure 1, additional core parts can be glued together to form the panel. For example, the first panel 16 in figure 1 contains a lower core portion 21 and an upper core portion 22 which are glued together along glue line 40 to increase the height of the panel while still using standard sizes 5 of commercially available expanded polystyrene M grade panels cut to size. Each elongate support member comprises a hollow galvanized steel member having a square cross-section and a cross-section size of approximately 40 mm. An example of a slightly modified elongate support member is illustrated 10 in figure 16. The elongate support members have a length to enable them to pass substantially through the core 11 and have a lower part extending from the lower edge 13 of the core to form part of the footing member 15 this being particularly illustrated in figure 2 and figure 3. 15 The footing member as illustrated in figure 2 and figure 3 is substantially T shaped and comprises a solid plate which is welded to the bottom of a respective steel elongate support member 14. The plate is formed with a pair of spaced apart openings through which fasteners can pass if it is desired to bolt the footing into position. Otherwise, the footing is concreted in place this 20 being described in greater detail below and illustrated particularly in figure 8. The footing member can be varied as illustrated in figure 6 to enable it to be bolted to a side wall instead of being concreted in place. In this variation, the footing 23 is substantially L-shaped and extends at right angles to the 25 elongate support member 14 and again comprises a solid plate formed with a pair of spaced apart openings through which fasteners can pass. Openings are drilled into core 11 to enable the elongate support members 14 to be embedded into the core. Once the support members are pushed into the drilled openings, they can be fixed in place using an expandable adhesive 30 such as polyurethane 24 (see figure 3). The openings are formed using a drilling apparatus which forms part of an assembly and which is best illustrated in figure 4 and figure 5. The assembly comprises a drill 25 which rotates an auger 26, and a holding framework 27 to 12 hold the core 11 in position during the drilling process. Framework 27 comprises a pair of spaced apart vertically extending frame members 28 between which core 11 is held in a substantially vertical orientation. Drill 25 is supported on a platform 29 which is attached to four upper vertical tubular 5 members 30 which can slide into and out of four lower tubular members 31. Thus, platform 29 can move between a raised position and a lowered position. The length of the tubes is such that when the platform 29 is in the raised position, auger 26 is fully retracted and core 11 can slide into a desired position for drilling. Platform 29 can then be lowered while auger 26 is rotating 10 to drill a hole into core 11. The procedure can be repeated typically at 400 mm intervals to drill a series of openings into the core into which the respective support members 14 can be pushed and then glued into place. The openings can be drilled entirely through the core or only partially into the core. To assemble a fence or wall as illustrated in figure 1, a strip footing trench 33 15 is prepared (see figure 8) which can be 350 mm wide and 450 mm deep and of the required length. A conventional three bar trench mesh 34 (see figure 7) is positioned in trench 33 and may be supported by existing trench mesh supports 35 (a variety of commercially available supports being available). A panel 10 is then positioned over trench 13 such that the footing members 15 20 extend into the trench. A set of temporary spaced apart bottom rods 36 are positioned over the top of the trench and underneath panel 10 such that the panel is supported temporary by these rods 36. The rods may be spaced apart and extend over the top of the trench. Panel 10 can be temporarily held in a vertical position by a stay system (not illustrated), and concrete can be 25 poured into trench 33 to lock the panels in place. Once the concrete has set, the temporary rods 36 can be removed. The resulting fence or wall (see for instance figure 1) can then be reinforced with a surface render. One suitable render is one that contains embedded fibreglass mesh as is known. Alternatively, with reference to figure 9, the core 11 of solid extruded 30 polystyrene, which is preferably either M-Grade or SL Grade may be coated with rubberized cementitious glue, such as a tile glue. A panel, for example a magnesium oxide panel, 39 is then located over the tile glue so that it adheres 13 to the core. The magnesium oxide panel is a modern building board product used in construction. It is made from a mixture of magnesium oxide (MgO), non organic minerals, bonders and fibre mesh composites. One such commercially available MgO board is ModakBoard available from Modakboard 5 Pty Ltd of Unit 3a, 429 Creek Road Mt. Gravatt, QLD 4122. ModakBoard is advertised as containing no formaldehyde, no asbestos and no toxic chemicals. Once the MgO board has been set on the rubberised glue, a layer of acrylic render 41 is then deposited over it. Acrylic paint 43 can then be painted over the acrylic render in the usual fashion. 10 Figure 10 depicts the fence of Figure 1 after it has been finally rendered and finished off. Reference will now be had to figures 11-13 which illustrate an embodiment of the invention where the fencing panel (generally as described above) is fixed on top of a retaining wall of special design. The retaining wall has a special 15 design to make it more convenient to install, quick to install, a more lightweight system and requiring less fil (e.g. concrete). The fencing panel is generally as described previously but has one modification which is illustrated generally in figure 11. In the modification, the fencing panel is provided with at least one passageway 51 which extends 20 entirely through the panel from a top wall 52 to a bottom wall 53. These passageways are hollow sections (also sometimes called droppers) to allow cement to be pumped in to fill the retaining wall which is below the panel and which can then fill the passageways 50 to provide extra strength to the fencing panel. 25 The retaining wall as mentioned previously is of a special design. The retaining wall (more generally a support member) comprises at least one hollow base block which, due to its design, can also be seen as a base block panel 54 and will hereinafter be referred to as a base block panel. Base block panel 54 can be of any suitable length width and height and in the particular 30 embodiment has a length of about 2.5 m, a height of about 1.2 m, and a thickness of about 200 mm. The base block panel comprises a pair of 14 opposed side wall members 55 which are made of polystyrene, or comprise building panels or other suitable material. These side wall members 55 have a thickness of approximately 70 mm and as the panel has a width of about 200 mm, this results in the panel being substantially hollow with the internal void 5 having a width of about 60 mm. The base wall panel 54 can be manufactured off site and transported in a relatively easy and convenient manner. If the base wall panel 54 is to be a retaining wall, it will be supported on a footing 56 typically dug into the ground. Footing 56 can be of any suitable dimension depending on the load 10 characteristics. The footing will contain steel reinforcement 57 as is usual. As well, vertical steel starters 58 are provided. The footing has a particular design which is that a rebate 59 is formed in the top of the footing and this can be done by any convenient means such as by using formwork. The rebate typically has a depth of between 10-50 mm and a 15 width which is sufficient to accommodate the bottom of the base wall panel 54 into the rebate. This rebate can also be called the "base support means" and functions to support the lower edge of each side wall member 55 against bowing as concrete is poured into the base wall panel 54. To position the base block panel, a trench is initially dug into the ground and 20 steel is placed into the trench and vertically extending starters 58 are positioned in place. Concrete is then poured into the trench and over the steel to provide a footing having the required engineering strength requirements. Once the footing has cured sufficiently, the base block panel 54 can be placed on top of the footing with the lower end of panel 54 locating within the rebate 25 59. The steel starters 58 extend into the hollow inside panel 54. Once base block panel 54 is in position, the modified fencing panel 50 can be placed on top of base block panel 54 in the manner illustrated at least in figure 12 and figure 13. The fencing panel 50 has lower extending footing members 60 which extend into the hollow inside panel 54. Once fencing panel 50 is in 30 place, concrete/grout or other suitable material can be pumped into the hollows. Specifically, a concrete pump hose is pushed through the 15 passageway 51 in fencing panel 50 such that the end of the hose is in the hollow of base block panel 54. Concrete can then be pumped through the hose to fill the base block panel. Vibrators can be used as is normal. The hose can be positioned into all the passageways 51 to ensure that the base block 5 panel is completely filled with concrete. Each passageway 51 can also be filled with the same concrete/suitable material. The finished product is illustrated in section view in figure 13. To further assist in supporting the side wall members 55 of base block panel 54, separate temporary formwork can be provided an example of which is 10 illustrated in figures 14-16. The formwork comprises timber planks 61 which can be positioned on each side of base block panel 54 prior to the concrete pour. The planks are held together by a fixing means which, in the particular embodiment comprises long bolts 62 which extend through and across the base block panel 54 to connect a pair of opposed planks 61. A small tube or 15 pipe 63 can initially be positioned in the base block panel 54 (see particularly figure 16) and prior to the concrete pour and the long bolts 62 can pass through a respective tube 63 such that the bolts can be removed after the concrete has been poured. The tubes 63 are sacrificial and remain in the filled base block panel 54. Thus, prior to the concrete pour the temporary formwork 20 can be bolted in place in the manner illustrated in figures 14-16. After the concrete has been poured and gone off, the bolts and the planks can be removed. Figure 17 and figure 18 illustrates two embodiments of the internal hollow shape of the base block panel. In figure 17, the internal hollow shape is 25 defined by traditional flat plain are internal walls 64 and in figure 18 the internal hollow shape is defined by curved "corrugated" internal walls 65. An advantage of the arrangement is illustrated in figures 11-13 is that a fencing panel of the present invention can be quite easily attached to a retaining wall which itself comprises long relatively lightweight panels that can 30 be concreted. The fencing panel and a retaining wall can form an aesthetically pleasing flush finish which can be rendered and painted to form a relatively seamless feature.

16 The retaining wall can be formed with less concrete than previously required and, for instance, the internal hollow of the retaining wall (the base block panels 54) can be 60 mm wide (thereby requiring much less concrete) than traditional "Besser" blocks which have an internal width of about 180 mm and 5 therefore require much more concrete fill. The fencing system is cost-effective and lightweight and therefore the footings do not need to be as large resulting in a saving in trench mesh and concrete. The fence panels have a very high sound rating and are considered to be superior to concrete blocks. The panels can be manufactured at the factory 10 and readily assembled on-site. If desired, adjacent panels can be glued together and quite easily trimmed or shape prior to rendering. Additional parts can be added to the panels such as a decorative top cap which can be glued and screwed in place. The panels can also be bolted to a side support using the modified footing as illustrated in figure 6. 15 In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term "comprises" and its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of" is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any 20 additional features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art. Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms. Any embodiment of the invention is meant to be illustrative only and is not meant to be limiting to the invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (22)

1. A fencing panel comprising at least one unitary solid hardened foam core containing embedded support members.

2. A fencing panel comprising at least one unitary solid core of hardened foam which has an upper edge and a lower edge, at least one elongate support member in the core and extending at least from adjacent the upper edge of the core to adjacent the lower edge of the core, and at least one footing member extending from the lower edge of the core.

3. The panel of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a plurality of spaced apart and substantially parallel support members are provided.

4. The panel of claim 3, wherein the spacing between the support members is between 100-500mm.

5. The panel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the footing member is attached, or forms part of the elongate support member.

6. The panel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foam is a M grade expanded polystyrene foam.

7. The panel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate support member comprises a metal member.

8. The panel of claim 7, wherein the metal member is hollow and has a diameter or cross-section size of between 20-100mm, and preferably about 40mm.

9. The panel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one end of the support member extends from the lower edge of the core and forms at least part of the footing member. 18

10 The panel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel has a length of between 50-600cm and a height of between 100-250cm.

11. The panel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises core pieces which are attached together.

12. The panel of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate support member is fixed to the core using an expanding adhesive.

13. The panel of any one of the preceding claims including a rigid building board located on at least one outer side of the panel.

14. The panel of claim 13, wherein the rigid building board is comprised of a MgO building panel.

15. A fence comprising at least one panel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

16. A method for forming a fence panel which has a unitary core of hardened foam having an upper edge and a lower edge, at least one elongate support member in the core and extending at least from adjacent the upper end of the core to adjacent the lower end of the core, and at least one footing member extending from the lower edge of the core, the method comprising forming an opening through the lower edge and along the core, inserting the support member into the opening and fixing the support member to the core.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the core, support member and footing member are as claimed in any one of claims 1-14.

18. The method of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the opening is formed by an assembly comprising a drilling apparatus comprising an auger and a holding framework to hold the core in position during the drilling process. 19

19. An assembly comprising at least one fence panel as described in any one of the preceding claims wherein the support members are anchored to the ground by way of a strip footing reinforced with steel mesh.

20. An assembly comprising at least one fence panel as described in any one of claims 1-18 positioned on top of a retaining wall wherein the support members are anchored in the retaining wall.

21. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the retaining wall comprises a base block panel having an internal void, a lower end of the support members extending into the void.

22. The assembly of claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the fence panel is provided with at least one passageway which extends entirely through the panel from a top wall to a bottom wall to allow cement to be pumped in to fill the retaining wall which is below the panel and which can then fill the passageway to provide extra strength to the fencing panel. ***Response to OA1