AU2017213470A1 - Profile, Formwork Arrangement and associated Method of providing Lost Formwork - Google Patents

Abstract

-13 Abstract In an aspect, there is disclosed a formwork profile or member (10) including an elongate body (12) having a top section (14), a bottom section (16) and a central side section (18) extending between the top and bottom sections (14, 16). The top and bottom sections (14, 16) are adapted to fit with corresponding top and bottom sections (14, 16) of an adjacent formwork profile in a stacked condition. A formwork system or arrangement (50) for forming a dropped edge concrete beam (65) and a method for providing lost formwork for a dropped edge concrete beam (65) are also disclosed. v T 00:)

Description

Profile, Formwork Arrangement and associated Method of providing Lost Formwork

Technical Field [001] The invention relates to a profile, formwork arrangement and associated method of providing lost formwork.

Background [002] Temporary support structures are required in a variety of situations such as for retaining fill and providing support to materials whilst building is underway. Once such type of temporary support structure is formwork that is used to temporary support to concrete whilst the concrete is formed and set.

[003] Lost formwork is formwork that is typically erected behind where the concrete structure is to be formed and it is lost (i.e. not retrievable) once the concrete is poured and set. Once such application for lost formwork is the forming of what is called a “dropped edge” beam that is a section of concrete slab that extends vertically downwardly from the typically horizontal floor slab section. The dropped edge beam is used to support the slab where the underlying original ground surface is uneven or sloped.

[004] To form the dropped edge beam, the formwork is typically arranged on a low side of the original sloped ground surface so as to extend vertically upwardly to the level of the proposed horizontal floor slab section. The void between the original sloped ground surface and the formwork may be then filled with fill, such as dirt, up to the level of the underside of the proposed horizontal floor slab section. The horizontal floor slab section and the dropped edge beam may then be formed with the formwork being “lost” behind the horizontal floor slab section and the dropped edge beam.

[005] A problem with currently used lost formwork is that it is ad-hock and not fit for purpose. For example, typically, other materials as leftover materials or off-cuts are used as lost formwork. As such, the lost formwork may have poor alignment, move during use or collapse, especially in situations where there is a relatively high slope of the natural ground surface.

[006] The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above -dentified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary [007] In accordance with a first broad aspect there is provided, a formwork profile including an elongate body having a top section, a bottom section and a side section extending between the top and bottom sections, wherein the top and bottom sections are adapted to fit with corresponding top and bottom sections of an adjacent formwork profile in a stacked condition, the formwork profile and the adjacent formwork profile thereby being stackable.

[008] In an aspect, the top and bottom sections each include respective first tabs extending from the side section and second tabs extending from the first tabs, the second tabs extending in substantially the same direction to one another.

[009] In another aspect, the first tabs are perpendicular to the side section so as to form a channel therebetween, and the second tabs are perpendicular to the first tabs such that the top and bottom sections are generally L-shaped in cross section.

[0010] In yet another aspect, the first tabs include corresponding apertures arranged to allow a member to pass between the top and bottom sections thereby spanning the channel in the stacked condition.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the elongate body has first and second ends, and wherein the top and bottom sections extend proud of the side section at the second end.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the side section includes at least one of a stiffening rib, crease or channel extending lengthwise along the side section.

[0013] In yet another aspect, the second tabs of the formwork profile and adjacent formwork profile overlap in the stacked condition.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the second tabs of the formwork profile and adjacent formwork profile include apertures adapted to allow fastener to pass therethrough in the stacked condition.

[0015] In accordance with a second broad aspect there is provided, a form work system including at least two of the formwork members as defined in claim 4, and a member arranged to pass through the corresponding apertures so as to allow the at least two formwork members to be secured one atop the other in the fitted condition.

[0016] In accordance with a third broad aspect there is provided, a formwork arrangement for forming a dropped edge concrete beam, the formwork arrangement including at least two elongate formwork members and a securing member, the at least two elongate formwork members being substantially horizontally arranged and stacked one atop the other, wherein the formwork members each include corresponding top and bottom sections and a side section extending between the top and bottom sections, the top and bottom sections being shaped to fit with one another and including corresponding apertures so as to allow the securing member to be fitted in a substantially vertical orientation through the corresponding apertures.

[0017] In an aspect, an outer face of the side section of the at least two elongate formwork members are arranged to substantially align with one another so as to form a substantially flush form surface.

[0018] In another aspect, an inner face of the side section forms a base of a channel that is oriented toward a fill side away from the substantially flush form surface.

[0019] In yet another aspect, a tether is secured between at least one of the at least two elongate formwork members and the support member and a further support member secured to a ground surface at the fill side.

[0020] In accordance with a fourth broad aspect there is provided, a method for providing lost formwork for a dropped edge concrete beam, the method including the steps of: arranging a first formwork profile relative to a ground surface having a bottom section toward the ground surface, a top section away from the ground surface and a central wall section extending therebetween, stacking a similarly arranged second formwork atop the first formwork profile with the corresponding adjacent top and bottom sections fitting with one another and the central wall sections being substantially aligned so as to provide a form face against which the dropped edge concrete beam is formable, and fitting a securing member between corresponding apertures of the top and bottom sections of the first and second profile sections so as to pass substantially vertically therebetween.

[0021] In an aspect, the top and bottom sections extend from the central wall section in a direction away from the form face so as to provide a channel, the channel being oriented toward a fill side.

[0022] In another aspect, the method further includes the steps of: securing a tether between a further securing member located at a fill side and at least one of the first formwork profile, the second formwork profile and the securing member.

Brief Description of the Figures [0023] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which; [0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a formwork profile; [0025] Figure 2 is a front view illustrating the formwork profile; [0026] Figure 3 is a left hand view illustrating the formwork profile; [0027] Figure 4 is a front view illustrating the formwork profile; [0028] Figure 5 is a right hand view illustrating the formwork profile; [0029] Figure 6 is a rear hand view illustrating the formwork profile; [0030] Figure 7 is a top view illustrating the formwork profile; [0031] Figure 8 is a bottom view illustrating the formwork profile; [0032] Figure 9 is a side view illustrating a formwork system or arrangement for forming dropped edge concrete beam; [0033] Figure 10 is a perspective view illustrating the formwork system for a reentrant concrete beam.

Detailed Description [0034] Referring to Figures 1 to 8 there is shown a formwork profile or member 10 including an elongate body 12 having a top section 14, a bottom section 16 and a central side section 18 extending between the top and bottom sections 14, 16. The top and bottom sections 14, 16 are adapted to fit with corresponding top and bottom sections 14, 16 of an adjacent formwork profile 10 in a stacked condition, as shown in, for example, in Figure 9. The elongate body 12 having a first end 15 and an opposing second end 17.

[0035] The top and bottom sections 14,16 each include respective first tabs 20, 21 extending from the side section 18 and second tabs 22, 23 extending from the first tabs 20, 21. The first tabs 20, 21 may be about the same length, although the lowermost first tab 21 may be slightly longer that the upmost first tab 20 to assist with alignment of the profile 10 when stacked. The first tabs 20, 21 extend perpendicularly to the side section 18 so as to form a channel 24 therebetween, and the second tabs 22, 23 extend perpendicularly to the first tabs 20, 21 such that the top and bottom sections 14, 16 are generally L-shaped in cross section.

[0036] The second tabs 22, 23 extend in the same direction to one another and are generally arranged toward a ground surface in use. The second tabs 22, 23 of the formwork profile 10 are dimensioned to overlap with one another in the fitted condition. The second tabs 22, 23 may also include corresponding apertures 36 that align when overlapped in the fitted condition to allow another fastener 38 to be passed therethrough. The fastener 38 may be a screw or the like.

[0037] The first tabs 20, 21 include corresponding apertures 30, 31 arranged to allow a member 32 such as a bar, picket or the like to pass through and between the top and bottom sections 14, 16 thereby spanning the channel 24 in the stacked condition. The apertures 30, 31 of the formwork profile 10 and an adjacent formwork profile 10 are arranged to align with one another in the stacked condition to allow the member 32 to be fitted through the apertures 30, 31 to secure multiple stacked profiles 10 together. The apertures 30, 31 may include apertures of various sizes and shapes such as circular, square or star shaped.

[0038] It is noted that the first tabs 20, 21 and the second tabs 22, 23 may be provided as a series spaced apart smaller discrete tabs or as elongate continuous tabs that provide flanges as is the case in this example. The side section 18 may be considered a web between the flanges.

[0039] The side section 18 includes at least one of a stiffening rib, crease or channel extending 35 lengthwise along the side section 18 between the first and second ends 15, 17. The side section 18 includes a outer or form face 27 against which a concrete structure is formed and an opposing inside or fill face 29 that faces away from the concrete structure and typically toward a fill area or the like, as shown in Figure 9. Profiles 10 may be joined end-to-end or perpendicularly to one another using a joining or corner part 40 may also be used, as shown in Figure 2 and in Figure 10. The joiner 40 may also be a straight section or at 45 degrees.

[0040] Referring now to Figure 9 there is shown a formwork arrangement or system 50 at least two elongate formwork profiles 10 and the securing member 32. The at least two elongate formwork profiles 10, in this example three elongate formwork members 10, being substantially horizontally arranged and stacked one atop the other.

The form faces 27 of the profiles 10 are arranged to substantially align with one another so to form a substantially flush form surface.

[0041] The top and bottom sections 14, 16 are fitted with one another to allow the fastener 38 to pass through the apertures 36. The securing member 34 is then vertically passed through one or more of the aligned corresponding apertures 30, 31 to secure the elongate formwork members 10 in the stacked condition. A brace or tether 52 may be secured between the formwork members 10 and a further securing member 54 located at a fill side to assist to retain and support the formwork members 10.

[0042] The formwork members 10 may be formed from pressed sheet metal with punched or drilled apertures. In other examples, the formwork members 10 may be formed from a plastic or recycled material that is moulded or pressed to shaped. Securing member 34 and further securing member 54 may be formed from metal, and the tether may be formed from metal wire such as tie wire. The height of the profile 10, between the first and second sections 14, 16, may be about 200mm to 300mm, and the length of the profile 10 may be in the range of 1000 to 2500 mm. However, any suitable height and length may be used. The apertures 30, 31 may be alternating 50mm and 20mm holes having any suitable shape. Other sizes are also possible.

[0043] Turning now to a method of use, the formwork arrangement 50 may be used to provide a form for a dropped edge beam 65. The formwork arrangement 50 is arranged to extend from a ground surface 60 at a base 61 of a slope 62. A number of the profiles 10 are stacked one atop the other to achieve the desired height, typically to align with a void former or conventional fill 64 that forms a based on which a horizontal slab 66 is formed. The form faces 27 of the stacked profiles 10 are aligned with one another and at a location to extend between the horizontal slab 66 to a based footing 68 located at the base 62.

[0044] The top and bottom sections 14, 16 are fitted with one another with second tabs 22, 23 overlapping to allow the fastener 38 to pass through the apertures 36. The securing member 34 is then vertically passed through one or more of the aligned corresponding apertures 30, 31 to secure the elongate formwork profile 10 in the stacked condition. A tether 52 may be secured between the formwork members 10 and a further securing member 54 located at a fill side 70 to assist to retain and support the formwork members 10. Once the formwork arrangement 50 is secured in place, fill may be moved into a void or recess 72 formed between the slope 62 and the stacked profdes 10. The formwork arrangement 50 thereby providing a temporary retaining wall.

[0045] It is noted that the overlapping second tabs 22, 23 assist to the resist lateral movement of the profiles 10 dues to loading from the fill against the fill or channel side 29 of the profile 10. The tether 52, of course, providing further support and it may be appreciated that that formwork arrangement 50 acts are both a form for the dropped edge beam and a temporary retaining wall to support the fill and the void former or conventional fill 64 on which the horizontal slab 66 to is formed. It is also noted that the formwork arrangement 50 is a “lost” arrangement being generally not recoverable once the slab 66 and dropped edge beam 65 is formed and set.

[0046] Referring to Figure 10, there is shown an examples of the formwork arrangement 50 having stacked profiles 10 coupled together by the members 32 and the joiners 40. The arrangement 50 thereby being able to be formed to provide comers and other shapes depending on the type of joiner used. The members 32 pass through apertures 41 of the jointer 40 to retain the arrangement together. The joiner 40 may have a fastener 43 such as TEK screw. It is noted that in some examples the stacked profiles 10 may be stacked in a brick patterns and thereby inter-fit with one another such that the joiner 40 may not always be required.

[0047] Advantageously, there has been described a formwork profile, arrangement and method of use for providing a form, in particular lost form, for a dropped edge beam. The formwork profiles are modular and stackable to allow a variety of heights and lengths to be provided, and are adapted to fit with one another and be secured in a vertical orientation by securing members so as to provide a retaining wall to at least temporarily support fill which in turn supports a void former and ultimately a horizontal slab from which the dropped edge beam extends perpendicularly downwardly therefrom along a form side of the stacked formwork profiles. The formwork arrangement assists to ensure that the fill and void former remain and any rebar remain in place whilst the concrete is being formed thereby ensuring the concrete slab is formed to specification and with the required integrity. The formwork arrangement is also fit-for-purpose, robust and easily assembled on site.

[0048] It is noted that whilst the formwork profile, arrangement and method of use have been described as being preferably used for forming a dropped edge beam, the formwork profile and arrangement may find other uses in which concrete is being formed such as forming a concrete wall, slab edge wall or a re-entrant concrete beam.

[0049] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0050] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[0051] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

[0052] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Claims (16)

1. The claims defining the Invention are as follows:

   1. A formwork profile including an elongate body having a top section, a bottom section and a side section extending between the top and bottom sections, wherein the top and bottom sections are adapted to fit with corresponding top and bottom sections of an adjacent formwork profile in a stacked condition, the formwork profile and the adjacent formwork profile thereby being stackable.
2. 2. The formwork profile according to claim 1, wherein the top and bottom sections each include respective first tabs extending from the side section and second tabs extending from the first tabs, the second tabs extending in substantially the same direction to one another.
3. 3. The formwork profile according to claim 2, wherein the first tabs are perpendicular to the side section so as to form a channel therebetween, and the second tabs are perpendicular to the first tabs such that the top and bottom sections are generally L-shaped in cross section.
4. 4. The formwork profile according to claim 3, wherein the first tabs include corresponding apertures arranged to allow a member to pass between the top and bottom sections thereby spanning the channel in the stacked condition.
5. 5. The formwork profile according to claim 2, wherein the elongate body has first and second ends, and wherein the top and bottom sections extend proud of the side section at the second end.
6. 6. The formwork profile according to claim 2, wherein the section includes at least one of a stiffening rib, crease or channel extending lengthwise along the side section.
7. 7. The formwork profile according to claim 2, wherein the second tabs of the formwork profile and adjacent formwork profile overlap in the stacked condition.
8. 8. The formwork profile according to claim 7, wherein the second tabs of the formwork profile and adjacent formwork profile include apertures adapted to allow fastener to pass therethrough in the stacked condition.
9. 9. A form work system including at least two of the formwork members as defined in claim 4, and a member arranged to pass through the corresponding apertures so as to allow the at least two formwork members to be secured one atop the other in the fitted condition.
10. 10. A formwork arrangement for forming a dropped edge concrete beam, the formwork arrangement including at least two elongate formwork members and a securing member, the at least two elongate formwork members being substantially horizontally arranged and stacked one atop the other, wherein the formwork members each include corresponding top and bottom sections and a side section extending between the top and bottom sections, the top and bottom sections being shaped to fit with one another and including corresponding apertures so as to allow the securing member to be fitted in a substantially vertical orientation through the corresponding apertures.
11. 11. The formwork arrangement according to claim 10, wherein an outer face of the side section of the at least two elongate formwork members are arranged to substantially align with one another so to form a substantially flush form surface.
12. 12. The formwork arrangement according to claim 10, wherein an inner face of the side section forms a base of a channel that is oriented toward a fill side away from the substantially flush form surface.
13. 13. The formwork arrangement according to claim 10, wherein a tether is secured between at least one of the at least two elongate formwork members and the support member and a further support member secured to a ground surface at the fill side.
14. 14. A method for providing lost formwork for a dropped edge concrete beam, the method including the steps of: arranging a first formwork profile relative to a ground surface having a bottom section toward the ground surface, a top section away from the ground surface and a central wall section extending therebetween, stacking a similarly arranged second formwork atop the first formwork profile with the corresponding adjacent top and bottom sections fitting with one another and the central wall sections being substantially aligned so as to provide a form face against which the dropped edge concrete beam is formable, and fitting a securing member between corresponding apertures of the top and bottom sections of the first and second profile sections so as to pass substantially vertically therebetween.
15. 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the top and bottom sections extend from the central wall section in a direction away from the form face so as to provide a channel, the channel being oriented toward a fill side.
16. 16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the method further includes the steps of: securing a tether between a further securing member located at a fill side and at least one of the first formwork profile, the second formwork profile and the securing member.