AU2016228946A1

AU2016228946A1 - Improved modular wall system

Info

Publication number: AU2016228946A1
Application number: AU2016228946A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mert ATAOGLU; Hai Jun Jing
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-03-12
Filing date: 2016-03-14
Publication date: 2017-10-19
Also published as: WO2016141418A1; AU2021209352A1

Abstract

A modular wall structure. The modular wall structure being adapted to be site- erected and concrete-filled. The modular wall structure including: a first wall skin panel and a second wall skin panel; a plurality of webbing stud elements coupled to each of the first wall skin panel and the second wall skin panel to thereby substantially locate the first wall skin panel relative to the second wall skin panel.

Description

IMPROVED MODULAR WALL SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present insertion relates to building constraetfon and m particular to reinforced concrete wall construction.

The invention has been developed primarily for use as a site-erected concrete-filled wall system and will be described hereixiaher with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way he considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

The construction of concrete walls m high rise buildings is typically time consuming and expensive. There is a need in the art for an improved apparatus for? and respective methods of, constructing concrete wails.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It Is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

It is an object of the invention in its preferred form, to provide a site-erected concrete- filled wall system,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to ah aspe ct of the technology there is provided a modular wall system adapted to he site-erected and concrete-fiBed. The modular wall system including: a first wall skin panel and a second wall skin panel; a plurality of webbing stud elements cfoapled to each of the first wall skin and the second wall skin to thereby substantially locate the first wall skin relative to the second wall skin.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a formwork module adapted to be site-erected, the formwork module including: a pair of Opposable wall skin panels; a plurality of webbing stud elements reieasablly couplable to both ofthe opposing: panels; and wherein the webbing elements, when coupled to the opposing panels, extend vertically between the opposing panels for stabilising and maintaining a spaced apart configuration there between, such that the opposing panels extend in substantially parallel vertical planes.

According to an aspect ofthe invention there is provided a formwork module adapted to he site-erected, the formwork module including: a base tray for marking up the wall systems on solid ground or lootings; a first wall skin (sheeting or panelling) and a. second wall akin (sheeting or panelling) that is seated (or located) in the tray, wherein the first wall skin has a separate first external lining and first internal lining, and the second wall skin has a separate second external lining and second internal lining; a plnrahty of vertical connection channel elements (typically constructed of PVC, plastics, or the like) are fixed: to both the first exteriiai lining and the second external wab lining, the connection channel elements defining a connection channel for each receiving a respective vertical intercoraieeting studs element (typically constructed of PVC, plasticSj or the like) for interconnecting the first wall skin (sheeting or paimlling) and a second wall skin (sheeting or panelling), wherein the stud elements vertically slide into, and are retained by, the respective connection channel, thereby forming the wall cavity with the desirable wall thickness; and providing rigidness and stability to the wall system,

Preferably, each of the wall panels comprise a substantially rectangular configuration; whereby each of the wall panels has a tup edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of side edges.

Preferably, each of the webbing or stud elements comprises a substantially rectan gular configurati on ; whereby each of the webbing elem ents has a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of side edges. .Preferably, in use, the webbing or stud elements define wall thickness. Mure preferably, the spaced apart configuration between the wall panels defines a cavity for receiving concrete therein. Must preferably, a webbing element has one or more apertures for enabling concrete to flow across: the cavity.

Preferably, connection elements are selectively spaced apart m wall panda, such that connection elements on opposing wall panels form an alignment. More preferably, the connection elements are evenly spaced apart on wall panels.

Most preferable, the connection elements are fixed vertically to the wall panels.

Preferably the connection element forms a retaining recess that receives a cooperating portion of a stud element, Alternatively the connection element forms a protrusion that cooperates with a recess on the stud element.

Preferably, the webbing elements are elongate having a retaining element or portion on each side-edge that is adapted to releasable engage the connection elcraents/channels of opposing wall panels.

Preferably, the webbing elements are installed vertically between the first wall panel and the second wail panel. More preferably, the first wall panel and the second wall panel are spaced apart. Most preferably, the first wall pane! and the second wall panel are substantially parallel in orientation,

Each webbing element preferably defines one or more apertures there through. Each webbing element preferably defines a plurality of apertures, The webbing element apertures being preferably sized for enabling concrete to flow there •through. Hie webbing element apertures being preferably configured for enabling reinfareemeiit rods to be located along a length, of wall.

The assembly preferably further comprises a base: tray for spanning between opposing wall panels and adapted to retain concrete pour ed within the cavity between wall panels. More preferably, in use webbing element segments the cavity, and wherein webbing element has one or more apertures for enabling fluid communication across the cavity.

Preferably, two or more wall modules can be interconnected. More preferably, the side edges of the wall units are adapted for abutting engagement. More preferably,..the side edges of the wall units are adapted for sealing abutting engagement.

According to the invention there is provided a method of on-site construction of concrete walls, the method comprising the steps off (a) providing one or more formwork modules; fb) assembling the wall panels, with webbing elements there between, to define a wall cavity; and (c) pouring concrete into the wall cavity.

Preferable the formwork module are as herein described. More preferably, the method further comprises the step of Inserting reinforcement. Most preferably, wall panels can be cut. down to size. Alternatively, the wall panels are custom sized, and wall modules are assembled on site.

BRIEF BFiCRlPTlON OF TUB DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying dra wings in which: FIG.1 is a perspective view of a portion of a site-erected concrete-filled modular wall system according to the Invention, shown assembled; FIG. 2 is a plan view of the wall system of FIG. i; MG.3 is a perspective viewof abasetrayfor the wall system of FIG, i; FIG, 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment connection element for the wall system of FIG i; FIG. 5 is a plan view of aa emhodjmenti®»neetioTii dement shown installed in the wall system of FIG< i; FIG, 6A through FIG, 61’, show a number of connection components or connection elements that may be utilised in adjoining multiple wall modules; FIG, jA and FIG, ?B show views of an ernbodiment stud element for the wall system of FIG, i; FIG. 8 is a How chart for a method, of installing a site-erected concrete-filled modular wall system according to the invention,

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF TOE INDENTION

In an embodiment, the modnlar wall system provides a fast, easy and simple construction method speei&ally designed for on-site construction of concrete walls, The system allows reinforced concrete walls to he constructed on site efficiently and with a minimal waste.

The wails can he structural, load bearing, non-load bearing, energy efficients fire rated and soundproofed by means of additional layers within the system.

Workers would be able to measure and cat walls modules to the required size on site. The wall modules would be assembled on sites reducing the delivered volume occupied by construction materials,

The walls modules can be hand-assembled omsite and concrete poured to form a wall Ctypically a structural or load hearing walfh Modules can he of varying thickness, height and length, depending on the need.

Walls may be constructed from a series of modules. FIG, i shows an embodiment modular wall system too that Is adapted to be site erected and eoncrete-hlled. This modular wail system 100 includes: a base tray i10 for marking up the wall systems on solid ground or footings; a first wall skin (sheeting or panelling) 120 and a second wall skin (sheeting or panelling) 130 that is seated (or located) m the trav., wherein the first wall skin 120 has a separate first external lining 122 and first miernal lining 124, and the second wall skin 130 has a separate second external lining 132 and second internal lining 134; a plurality ofvertical connection channel elements 140 {typically constructed of FVC, plastics, or the like) are fixed to both the first external lining 122 and the second eMernal wall lining, the connection channel elements defining a connection channel for each receiving a. respective vertical interconnecting studs element 150 (typically constructed of FVC, plastics, or the like) for interconnecting the first wall skin (sheeting or panelling) 120 and a second well skin (sheeting or panelling) 120, wherein the stud elements vertically slide into, and are retained by, the respective connection channel, thereby forming the wall cavity with the desirable wall thickness and providing rigidness and stability to the wall system. lire external lining (122,132) is typically selected to receive the finishing coats for the walk The interna! lining (124,134) is typically selected to provide fire insulation, sound insulation, energy efficiency to improve the thermal performance of a. building.

The external lining and internal lining are typically formed from fibre cement sheets, Magnesium Oxide (MGO) boards or panels, or the Ike.

In an embodiment, the external wall linings of the wall panels may he made of Magnesium Oxide sheets (for example 9 or 6 mm thick) or Fibre Cement sheets (for example 6mm thick). The system provides a relatively smooth finish that is ready for skim coating and painting. The system will reduce the additional plastering and/or rendering process,

The internal finiug is formed of separate panel segments that are fitted between the vertical eonneefinn channel elements or the stud elements;

Wall panels {120,130) and stud elements 150 dements can be sized 1.0 conform to or accommodate design requirements for height and wall thickness,

The stud elements 150, when located or retained between connection channels fixed to opposing wall panels, stabilise the wall system.

The stud elements tgo, when instahed vertically in between the first wall skin and the second wall skin, create or define the cavity or void to be concreted. The stud elements 150 typically include a plnrallty c^ apertnres 152 for enabling the flow of concrete with in the wall cavity as it is concrete filed, while maintaining a required horizontal and vertical reinforcement The apertures also provide space forreinforcement rods to he located along the length of the wall, as per design requirements.

It wall be appreciated that, reinforcement foot shown) can he placed vertically down through the wall cavity, also placed horizontally by sliding it through the apertures of the vertical studs element, Reinforcement is usually in the form of reinforeement bars of rods, as known in the art.

In an embodiment, the connection elements are fixed vertically to, and evenly spaced along wall panels. This would facilitate receiving a stud element within opposite wall panels. It will be noted that, when studs elements are coupled to the opposing panels, they would locate the first wall panel relatively close to foe second wall panel.

It will be appreciated that studs elements of different sizes will provide options of creating multiple wall thiefoiesses for a combination of uses; such as adequate structural properties, energy efficiency, required fire and sound rating properties etc. needed to obtain foe certificates for foe current policies.

The connection channel elements: are typically pre-fixed (e.g. pm-glued) to both external wall panels or linings, and are parallel and preferably evenly spaced apart in an aligned manner such that foe stud elements may fee coupled to both external wall panels or linings. The connection channel elements may include elongate side flanges (extending longitudinally and outwardly) that are sandwiched between an external lining and iMemal lining, the external lining and internal lining being fastened together (e.g. using construction adhesive, fasteners or the like).

In an embodiment, the eon neetion element hjrther includes a base extension or flange for presenting an increased bond area to respective wall panels. in an embodiment, fov way of example only, a modular formwork can be ewxded on site, wdierein each module may consist of: (a) a base tray, providing geometric guidance on. the floor, which could be inside or outside of the waft; (b) a pair of wall panels, being a first wall skin panel and a second wall shin panel, with optional additional insulation layers if:required: (c) a plurality of FVC stud elements, joined perpendicularly between the firs t wall skin panel and the second wall .skin for establishing the wall cavity and stabilising the wall system; (d) one or more assembly elements, such as retaining elements for erecting/continuing straight wall, forming corners, forming T junctions and forming attachments to an existing wall.

In use, by way of example only, a modular wail system can be constructed by: (a) commencing with a base tray (for example formed of aluminium) that provided alignment of the wall, such that the wall system will be formed on the base tray; (h) installing wall skins onto the base tray* thereby guided to retain a straight line; (c) installing vertical webbed stud elements to internal sides of the wall skins, wherein the wall stud elements extend veriicafty to a desirable height, and have a selected width to define the wall thickness (as per design requirements), while maintaining the wall skins parallel In orientation;

It will he appreciated that, each wall typically establishes a rectangular configuration Chafing a top edge, a bottom edge, a pair of side edges), and the spacing between wall skins or panels defines the size of theeavity for recei ving concrete to be poured within.

When on-site pouring; is complete, the side edges of the wail modifies can he sealed and patched or filled with concrete. Alternatively, a module may abut to an adjoining existing wall module, to extend the length of the wall or a corner module can fee used to adjoin an existing wall which abuts perpendicularly.

Two or more wall modules can he interconnected, for example a Τ’ configuration or further extension of the wall panels, lir e ends or edges of wall units can he adapted for abutting engagement, if wall modules require no further connection, the wall end or edge can include a sealed finish

In an embodiment, by way of example only, the method of constructing a concrete wall cun include the following steps: (a) providing one or more formwork modules; (b) assembling the wall panels above non-corrosive alignment tray, with vertical webbed studs to define foe required wall cavity; (c) inserting vertical and/or horizontal reinforcement, and (d) pouring concrete into the wall cavity from the top; (e) sealing edges of the wall (optional); and (f) applying finishing materials to exposed surfaces (Optional),

According to a preferred embodiment, by way of example only, the wall system may comprise one or more of the following aspects and/or advantages; (a) formwork module are sized with a maximum length of igopmm and height from 2400 mm to 3600mm, (b ) the cavity width f distance In between connection channels) is 170mm for 3600mm high wall and 200 mm for 2400,2700 or 3000 mm high wall; (e) wall panels could be cmstoni sized with assembly on-site, or almmatively the wall panels and associated vertical elements; can be cut down to size on-site; (d) service, door and window openings can be pre-cut (according to design plans), wltll a nominated sub frame and door/window frame either installed on-site or pre-installed (different wall sizes may require different sub-frames and door/window frames); (e) walls can include additional layers- if required- to provide Building Code fire rating requirements for all classes of buildings, having a structural adequacy/ integrity/ insulation rating from 60/60/60 to 240/240/240. (f) walls can be adapted to provide Building Code Acoustic. Berformanee requi rements, usi ng a variety of components as additional layers to obtain the required Weighted Sound Eeduetion Index,

Cg) walls can include insulation to obtain the required energy efficiency (for example, as specified for EABIX legislation in MSW) (b) exposed external or internal wall skins could be palmed, rendered or waterproofed as required. :A Builder / Developer can specify wall dimensions (width/lengifa/heigktj, and the trays/tracks can be fixed firmly to the floor using concrete nail guns or industrial fasteners. The walls panels, and connection elements can he iormed/glued together before delivery, or cut 011 site. Typically, the connection elements and walls panels are glued Ming OEM high-strength fire resistant adhesive at 200mm centres.

It would be appreciated that the modular wall system can be used to provide solid eouerete interna! walls, external walls and retaining walls.

Referring jbadk to tlie drawings* partienlarly FIG. i and FIG.2, the modular wall system assembly loo that can be site-erected arid e<)nerete-filied ean include: a first wall skin panel 120 and a second wall skin panel 130; and a plurality of spacedparalM stud elements 150 coupled to each of, and interconnecting between, the first wall skin panel and second wall akin panel; such that the first second wall skin panel is spaced apart from and parallel to the second wall skin panel

The vertical sind elements 150, when installed by sliding down in between qppusrfce/opposing wall panels, function as an initial connecting and stabilising element for the wall.

When assembled to form a module assembly 100. the vertical stud elements 150, define a spaced apart configuration between the wall panels 120,130. The stud elements are topically installed vertically between the first panel and the second wall panel, in a way that the first wall panel and the second wall panel are parallel in orientation, thereby defining a wad thickness and forming a wall cavity for receiving concrete (not shown) therein. It will he appreciated t hat: a stud element has a series of apertures 132 for enabling concrete to flow across the cavity.

In ose, the stud element segments the wall cavity, while the apertures enable fluid commmncatioa across the cavity. The apertures can further he used for enabling reinforcement rods to he located along a length of wall. The apertnres have been shaped in a way to allow sufficient concrete flow through the vertical elements.

In an embodiment, the assembly can include a base tray 110 for assisting with aligning the opposing wall panels 120,130:, and to retain concrete poured within the cavity between wall panels.

In an embodiment, the side edges of a module is adapted for sealed abutting engagement with another module (for example at 190), whereby two or more wall module assemblies can he interconnected, FIG, 3 shows an embodiment base tray :up, which includes a. floor lid and side rails 114,115 for abutting engagement with the wall panels 120,130 (not shown).

The base tray it® Cop track) is typically fixed to the floor, following rnarldng lines as per a building design. FIG, 4 shows ait eihbodhneot connect ion element 140, This: embodiment connection element is formed as art elongate element of a desired length (for example, extruded or injection moulded). The connection element 140 defines an elongate channel 142 for accessing a retaining recess 143 that receives a coupling portion of a stud; element (not shown).

In this example, the retaining recess 143 is a rectangular cavity being accessible from an elongate slot 144, such that the first connecfion channel and stud element can be mutually attached,

Stnd elements can he slid into place to brace each of the opposing wall panels using a tongue mid gfom& like connection with the respective connection element.

It will be appreciated that while this example embodiments shows each connection element to have similar configuration between the elongated slot and retaining recess, other configurations are possible. Preferably the connection element forms a retaining mmm fiMt-n^ceives a cooperating portion of a stud element. Alternatively the connection element forms a protrusion that cooperates with a recess on the stnd element.

In this example, the connection element further in eludes oppositely ~out war dly directed longitudinal fianges 145,14b. The connection elementis typically fixed to the wall panels, with the flanges 145,146 sandwiched between an external lining and internal lining of a wall panel, FIG, gA and FIG, §B show an embodiment connection element 140 installed in a wall system bv way of example only. The esinnectiofi element is fixed (for example glued) to the wall panel 120430 with the flanges 145,146 sandwiched between an external lining 122,132 and internal lining 124,134, The external lining: 122,132 and internal lining 124,134 may be bonded 149 (for example glued with construction adhesive) to retain the connection element. Μ aa embMiment, wall panels, no, are typically constructed from 6mm or 9mm Magnesium Oxide sheets or 6mm Fibre Cement materials. The connection elements, for example in the form of PVG extruded or infection moulded strips, are about 3mm thick and glued to the inside surface of the wall panels, HO. gA and FIG. 5B show a portion of a wall panel showing the sandwich eonsfonetton of the inner lining and outer lining with the connection element embedded there-between. When in use, the connection element 140 receives a stud element 150,

The external lining 122,13a and interaal lining 124,134 may he bonded 149 (for example glued with construction adhesive) FIG. 6A through FIG. 6E, show a numher of connection components or eonneetkm elements that may he utilised madjoinihg multiple wall modules. FIG. 6A through FIG. 6C connection ciunponents or connection elements used for adjoining perpendicular walls. FIG. 6A shows an internal corner portion having a coupling element 640 with a pair of perpendicnlarly defined connection slots 642,643, it will he appreciated that the coupling: element can he fixed to the wall panels (perpendicularly configured) with longitudinal flanges 644,645 sandwiched between the respective outer lining and inner lining. The connection element provides perpendicularly defined connection slots 642,643 that each receives a respective stud element FIG, 6B shows an embodiment comer configuration with stud elements installed. FIG. 6€ shows an external corner portion with includes a longitudinal corner connection element 650 that abuts (and is typically fixed or bonded to) the adjoining wall sheets to stabilise the corner prior to concrete being poured.

It will he appreciated that selected connection elements (for example 640 and 650) provide angles and corners. FIG, 615 and FIG, 6F show connection options for abutting wall modules. FIG, SD shows a wall panel having a connection element 660 used for ac^oming mime wall modules, wherein one of flange 662 of the connection elements 140 protrudes the edges of the external lining, which can he received fey a receiving recess or gap formed between an adjoining wall panel (as best shown in Ft©. 6B, byway of example only), FIG, 6E shows a wall panel having a connection element portion 670 used for adjoining inline wall modules, wherein connection element portion 670 defines a receiving recess (or gap) 672. FIG, 6F shows a first connection element 660 and a second connection element portion $70 being used when abuttingly adjoining wall nmdufes (showing one side of the wall module), in this example the flange is a longitudinal flange extending abo ut the height of the wail and is located about the centre or aligned with the axis of the connexion element body, which orientates the flange such that it can be centrally received by the elongate central recess (or gap) 672 of cooperating connection element portion 670, lire first connection element 660, in this example, comprised both the cooperating flange 662 and an elongate channel 664 for receiving a stud or webbing element (as described above).

Angles and trims can fee addressed using; appropriate moulded strips (typically formed from PVC). Stud elements, having different widths can be adapted (or engineered) to it into both moulded strips on either side of the angle Or corners.

It will be appreciated that the external lining and internal lining may be bonded 149 (for example glued with construction adhesive), FIG. 7A and BIG. 7B show views of an embodiment stud element igri- The stud element 1.50 comprises a substantially planar body (or webbing) portion ip that, when in this configuration, extends between the first wall panel and the second wall panel. The stud element 150 has a plurality of apertures 152, A coupling portion 154 is formed on each longitudinal edge of the stud element tge for engaging: a respective connection element fixed to the first wall panel and the second wall panel, In this example, the coupling portion is “T? shaped to be slidingly received and retained by an elongated slot and retaining recess of the respective connection element.

It will be appreciated that coupling portion 154 is substantially an end projection or moulding adapted to co-operate with (sMingly received and retained by) an elongated slot and retaining recess of the respective connection element. FIG, 8 shows an embodiment flowchart 800 for a method of on-site construction of Concrete walls. The method comprising the steps oh STEP 810: providing one or .mhn&:fdrai^or!k.n»Odiiles; STEP 820: .assembling the wall panels, with stud element inserted* to define the wall cavity; STEP 830: inserting reinforcement into the wall cavity, STEP 840; pouring concrete info the wall cavity. % way of example only, the formwork modules are wall modules 100 as herein described.

In an embodiment, the method can optionally comprises STEP 830 of inserting reinforcement. S TEP 820 of assembling the wall panels can include cutting wall panels down to-required size on-site, i^tematively, the wall panels could he custom sized, and wall modules will he assembled on-site.

It will be appreciated that, by way of example only, wall modules can he erected by: OPTION A; Each wall side wall panel are positioned upright (in situ) then vertical elements are slid into the wall cavity for coupling both side panels. OPTION B: All the components can be first fixed together and the wall module is moved into position.

It will be appreciated that both options typically require fastening: of both wall panels to the bottom track, Further, once wall modules have been erected, reinforced rods can be threaded through the preformed apertures 152 in the stud webbing elements130 andftom thetop of the wall between each stud webbing elements.

The apertures are typically shaped to enable the flow of poured concrete, thus reducing the risk of creating air pocket inside the walk. It should he noted that air pockets can induce noise and reduce the strength of the wall.

Preferably concrete is poured after every 3000mm high panel to allow for better control of concrete flow.

It should he noted that the illustrated wall module provides a site-erected concrete filled wall system.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will he appreciated fey those skilled in the art that the invention maybe embodied in many other forms, leference throughout this specification to “one embodiment55 or “an embodiment” means that a partietdar feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment oftlie present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment" or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics May he combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this diselos ure, in one or more embodiments.

In. the claims below and the description herein, any one of the terms comprising, comprised of or which comprises is an open term that means including at least the elemeiits/features that follow, but not excluding others, Thus, the term comprising, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to the means or elements or steps listed thereafter. For example, the scope of the expression a device comprising A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only of elements A and B, Any one of the terms including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Sinhlarly,it Is to be noticed that the term cou pled, when used in the claims, should riot he interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only. The tecup “coupled” and feormected”, along with their derivatives pay he used, it should he nudeptood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other, Tlras, the scope ofthe expression a device A coupled to a device B should not he limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Coupled” may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

As used herein, unless otherwise “first8, “second”, “third”, etc,, to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of terms “horizontal*, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down8, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e,^,, “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upv^nptty*, etc,)*·simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure feces the reader, or with reference to the orientation of the structure during nominal use, as appropriate. Similarly, the terms “inwardly'' and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or avis of rotation, as appropriate, iimlarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, varions features of the mvention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more ofthe varions Inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to he interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited m each claim. Rather, as the fellowing claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore,: while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would he understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carryi ng oat the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the inyention,

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth., liowever. it is understood that embodiments of the inyention maybe practiced without these specific details, In other instances, welMmown methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those sMHed in the art will recognise that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the inyention, and it is intended to claim all snch changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representafiye of procedures that may be used, Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may he interchanged among fencfional blocks* Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

It will fee appreciated that an embodiment of the invention can consist essentials of features disclosed herein. Alternatively, an embodiment of the invention can consist of features disclosed herein. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may he practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein,

Claims

we claim:

1. A modular wall adapted to he site-erected and concrete-filled, the modular wall including: a first wall skin panel and a second wall skin panel; ::&piuraliiy pjf webbing -^dptepients coupled to each of the first wall skin panel and the second wall sMn panel to thereby substantially locate the first wall skin panel td Ae second wad skin panel,
2. The modular' wall according to claim i, wherein the plurality of webbing stud elements are releasabily couplabie to both of the opposing panels.
3. The modular wall according to claim 2, wherein the webbing elements, when coupled to the opposing panels, extend vertically between the opposing panels for stabilising and maintaining a spaced apart configuration there between, such that the opposing panels extend in substantially parallel vertical planes,
4. The modular wall according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each wall skin panel comprise a substantially redangular eon%uratk)nt whereby each wall skin panels has a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of side edges.
5. The modular wall according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each webbing stud elements comprises a substantially rectangular confignratiou; whereby each webbing elements has a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of side edges.
6. The modular wall according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the webbing stud elements define wall thickness when in use. 7« The modular wall according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spaced apart configuration between the wall panels defines a cavity for receiving concrete therein,
8, The modular wall according to claim 7, wherein a webbing elemeot has one or more apertures for enabling concrete to flow across the cavity,
9, The modular wall according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a formwork module is adapted to be site-erected,, the formwork module in eluding; a base tray for marking up the wall, systems on solid ground or footings; the first wall skin panel and the second wall skin panel being located in the tray, the first wall skin panel has a separate first external lining and. first internal lining, and the second wall skin panel has a separate second external lining and second internal lining; a plurality of vertical connection elements are fixed to both the first external lining: and the second external wall lining, the connection elements defining a connection for each receiving a respective vertical interconnecting studs element for interconnecting the first wall skin panel and a second wall skin panel, wherein the stud elements vertically slide into engagement with, and are retained by, the respective connection element, thereby forming the wall cavity-with the desirable wall thickness and providing rigidness and stability to the mil system,
10, The modniar wall according to claim 9, wherein the connection elements are spaced apart on wall panels, such that connection elements on opposing wall panels form an alignment.
11, The modular wall according to claim to, wherein the connection elements are evenly spaced apart on wall panels.
12. Hie modular wall according to claim n, wherein the connection elements are fixed vertically to the wall panels.
13. Hie modular wail according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein connection element forms a retaining channel recess that receives a cooperating portion of a stud element
14. The modular wall according to any one of claims 9 to 12. wherein the connection element forms a protrusion that cooperates with a recess on the stud element.
15. The modular wall according to any one of claims 9 to 12» wherein the webbing elements is elongate having a retaining element on each side-edge that is adapted to releasable engage the connection elements of Opposing wall panels.
16. The modular wall according to any one of Claims 9 to 1¾ wherein the base tray spans between opposing wall panels and is adapted to retain concrete poured within the cavity between wall panels^
17. The xnodular wall according to a ny one of the preceding claims, wherein two or more wall modules can he interconnected.
18.. A method of on-site construction of concrete walls, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing one or more formwork modules; (b) assembling the wall panels», with webbing elements there between, to define a wall cavity; and (c) pouring concrete into the wall cavity.