AU2019213336A1

AU2019213336A1 - Expansion joint

Info

Publication number: AU2019213336A1
Application number: AU2019213336A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Nicholas William Myles Burnett
Original assignee: Nicflex Mfg Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Nicflex Manufacturing Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-08-06
Filing date: 2019-08-06
Publication date: 2020-02-20

Abstract

- 25 A barrier strip for sealing a gap between adjacent panels of a building structure to reduce transmission of a fluid 5 and/or heat through the gap, the building structure having two generally vertically or horizontally extending adjacent panels each having a chamfered edge such that the space between opposing chamfered edges forms part of the gap between the panels, the barrier strip comprising a 10 body section and a head section wherein the body section is constructed from a fire resistant material and the head section is an enlarged section, extending outwardly on either side of the body section, having a profile corresponding to the profile of the part of the gap that 15 is located between the chamfered edges of the panels, wherein the barrier strip is insertable between the adjacent panels such that the enlarged head abuts the chamfered edge to achieve correct depth location in the gap and the body section is adapted to form a friction fit 20 between the edges of the panels to form a seal to secure the strip in the gap to seal the gap between the panels and reduce the transmission of the fluid and/or heat through the gap. - 1 / 3 Figure 1 + W3-+ Figure 2 30 1o 16

Description

EXPANSION JOINT

FIELD

The present description relates generally to products for sealing building structures, and to methods of installing the sealing products.

In one form the present description relates to products for sealing the joint between adjacent panels, particularly between adjacent wall or floor panels of a commercial building or utilitarian building, such as for example, a farm building or similar, and to methods of installing the sealing products to seal the joint between the panels of the building.

In one form the present description relates to sealing products in the form of inserts for location intermediate the edges of adjacent panels of a building to form an expansion joint therebetween so as to occupy any space or gap formed between the edges of the panels to seal the joint between the panels of the building.

The present description finds particular application as a sealing product in the form of an expansion joint for location between adjacent panels of a building to inhibit transmission of fluid and/or heat through the joint, such as for example, preventing ingress of water or fire into the building through the joint.

Although the present description will be directed to describing embodiments of the sealing product and their use, it is to be noted that the scope of protection is not limited to the described embodiments, but rather the scope of protection is more extensive so as to include other forms and variations of the sealing products and their respective components and compositions, and their uses in applications other than specifically described.

BACKGROUND

When constructing building structures, such as for example, utilitarian buildings including warehouses and similar, one of the concerns of the building contractors is to make the building water and/or fireproof by providing a water and/or fire proof seal between the various building products being assembled together to construct the building, such as for example, joining the various components to one another in a waterproof manner.

One of the areas where water or fire can enter the building is through the joint between adjacent wall panels of the building. Previous attempts to form an efficacious and durable seal between the wall panels have not been entirely successful for one reason or another, partly due to the nature and composition of the joint itself, and partly due to expansion and contraction of the various components forming the joint at different rates as the building is exposed to harsh extremes of weather.

Disadvantages of traditional expansion joints formed by caulking include:

(i) flow of the liquid sealing compound from the gap;

(ii) inconsistent thickness of the formed seal; and (iii) lack of protection from fire and/or water.

In the past it was necessary to use a suitable chemical compound or composition, such as for example a sealing compound or adhesive compound in the form of a silicon rubber or similar to fill the space or gap between the edges of the adjacent wall panels. Having to add a sealing layer of a suitable chemical compound or composition often results in degradation or destruction of the chemical seal between the wall panels due to deterioration of the chemical compound or composition itself and/or due to shrinkage of the chemical compound or composition away from the edges of the panels resulting in formation of gaps, voids or spaces in the joint allowing the ingress of water or heat there through and into the interior of the building. The flow of water through the joint may further exacerbate the deterioration of the joint.

Accordingly, there is a need for a sealing product which more effectively seals the joint between adjacent panels of a building and/or is more durable so as to be longer lasting so as to maintain the seal and/or is more resistant to changes or movement of the floor or wall due to extreme fluctuations in temperature.

SUMMARY

In this specification, the expansion joint is in the form of a barrier strip for sealing a gap between adjacent panels of a building structure.

In this specification, reference to sealing of the gap involves the introduction of a material, such as a barrier strip, to fill at least part of the gap to reduce or hinder the transmission of the fluid and/or heat through the gap .

According to one form of the present invention there is provided a barrier strip for sealing a gap between adjacent panels of a building structure to reduce transmission of a fluid and/or heat through the gap, the building structure having two generally vertically or horizontally extending adjacent panels each having a chamfered edge such that the space between opposing chamfered edges forms part of the gap between the panels, the barrier strip comprising a body section and a head

2019213336 06 Aug 2019 section, wherein the body section has a profile corresponding to the profile of the gap extending from the chamfered edges of the panels and is constructed from a fire resistant material, and the head section is an enlarged section, extending outwardly on either side of the body section, having a profile corresponding to the profile of the part of the gap that is located between the chamfered edges of the panels, wherein the barrier strip is insertable between the adjacent panels such that the 10 enlarged head abuts the chamfered edge to achieve correct depth location in the gap and the body section is adapted to form a friction fit between the edges of the panels to form a seal to secure the strip in the gap to seal the gap between the panels and reduce the transmission of the fluid and/or heat through the gap.

According to another form of the present invention there is provided a barrier for sealing a gap between adjacent panels of a building structure to reduce transmission of a 20 fluid and/or heat through the gap, the building structure having two generally vertically or horizontally extending adjacent panels each having a chamfered edge such that the space between opposing chamfered edges forms part of the gap between the panels, the barrier comprising a barrier 25 strip according to another form of the invention, wherein the barrier strip is inserted between the adjacent panels such that the enlarged head abuts the chamfered edge to achieve correct depth location in the gap and the body section is adapted to form a friction fit between the edges of the panels to form a seal to secure the strip in the gap to seal the gap between the panels and reduce the transmission of the fluid and/or heat through the gap.

According to one form of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a barrier between two generally vertically or horizontally extending panels of a building structure, each having a chamfered edge, that are positioned adjacent to each other having a gap therebetween, the method including the step of: inserting a barrier strip according to another form of the invention into the gap between the adjacent panels such that the enlarged head abuts the chamfered edges to achieve correct depth location in the gap and the body section forms a friction fit between the edges of the panels to form a seal to secure the strip in the gap to seal the gap between the panels and reduce the transmission of the fluid and/or heat through the gap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In this specification, a skilled person would appreciate that while the invention is applicable to both wall and floor panels, it is particularly useful to wall panels.

Forms of the building structures include generally vertically or horizontally extending panels, arranged adjacent to each other to form a wall or a floor of the building structure.

Although the panels can be made from any suitable or convenient material and have any suitable or convenient form, size, style, shape, or similar, preferred forms of the panels are in the form of sheets, panels, partitions, cladding, facades or similar material.

In one form, the panel is substantially uniform in composition, such as for example, being of a grade of concrete having properties and characteristics suitable for the intended purpose of the building structure.

In one form, the panel is made from concrete or concretelike material, typically in the form of a slab, more typically in the form of a reinforced slab of concrete containing mesh reinforcement.

Forms of the barrier strip have any suitable or convenient characteristics or properties, typically dependent upon the end use of either the barrier strip or the building structure in which the barrier strip is to be located. Suitably, the barrier strip possesses weather-resistant properties. For example, the barrier strip is made of a material that includes one or more of the following properties :

• expandable and contractable depending on temperature without failing or fracturing • flame or fire resistant/proof • water resistant/proof • UV-resistant

In one form the barrier strip, in addition to being an expansion joint, is also flame resistant or fire resistant. Forms of the expansion joint inhibit, prevent or retard the spread of fire or flames through the joint, particularly if the fire resistant expansion joint is additionally sealed with a fire retardant or fire resistant bonding agent, such as for example a fire resistant grout or similar. The barrier strip may also be UV-resistant.

Forms of the material of the barrier strip may be rigid materials, semi-rigid materials, flexible materials, compressible materials, resiliently deformable materials, or similar.

Forms of the semi-rigid material or deformable material of the barrier may include the barrier being resiliently deformable, malleable, deformable but resuming substantially the shape before deformation, or similar.

The fire resistant material may have a density ranging from 44 and 48kg/m³.

The fire resistant material may have a flame spread index (FSI) ranging from 10-20. Suitably, the fire resistant material has a FSI of about 15.

The fire resistant material may have a smoke developed index (SDI) ranging from 100-200. Suitably, the fire resistant material has a SDI of about 150.

The fire resistant material may comply with the requirements of ASTM E84 and/or ASTM C795.

The barrier strip may be made of a material that enables the barrier strip to be painted or rendered. Suitably, the barrier strip is made of a material that forms a strong bond with paint and/or render material.

One preferred fire resistant material of the barrier strip is marketed by BASF under the name ELASTOPOR PH 1640 which is a rigid polyisocyanurate (PIR) closed cell foam based on mixture of polyols, poly-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and a suitable or convenient blowing agent, such as for example, a blowing agent using zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) blowing agent technology (HFC).

The barrier may include an insert for adapting to the space, void or gap between the panels to secure the barrier strip. The insert may be a gasket or a material having gasket-like properties or characteristics, such as for example compressibility or similar. The insert may be secured in the gap to receive the barrier strip.

Preferred materials and/or compositions from which the barrier strip can be manufactured include polyurethanes, urethanes, closed cell urethanes, open cellular urethanes or polyurethanes, foamed materials, cured materials, cross-linked materials, thermoset materials, thermoplastic materials, ethers, polyethers, elastomers, resiliently deformable polymers, rubbers, rubber-like materials including nitriles, EDPM, styrene butadiene rubbers, mouldable materials, aerated materials or similar materials including naturally occurring materials and synthetic materials.

One preferred material is a rigid or semi-rigid material, typically a urethane marketed by Pacific Urethanes under the name Urepak Rigid 90 43 which is a low reactivity polyurethane rigid foam based on polyester polyol, PMDI isocyanate (methylene-4,4'-diphenyl diisocyanate and associated polymeric isocyanates) and a suitable or convenient blowing agent, such as for example, a blowing agent using zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) blowing agent technology (HFC).

The polyurethane foam can be dispensed through low and high pressure equipment or can be hand-mixed and poured.

The foam is provided in the form of a high performance block foam, typically having a core density ranging from 20 to 40 kg per cubic meter for general purpose thermal insulation applications. Suitably, the core density is about 34 kg per cubic metre.

Typical properties or characteristics of the Urepak Rigid 90 43 include the following:

Part A (Urepac™ Rigid 90 43) Specification:

1100kg per 1000L IBC, 220kg per 205L Closed top drum.

Specific Gravity (22°C): 1.10 ± 0.02 g/ml

Viscosity (Brookfield) (22°C): 400 ± 100 m.Pas Appearance: Clear Straw liquid

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Part B (Urepac™ 2001 PMDI) Specification:

250kg per 205L Closed top drum.

Specific Gravity (22°C): 1.23 ± 0.02 g/ml Viscosity (Brookfield) (22°C): 210 ± 70 m. Appearance: Clear Brown liquid

Processing Conditions:

Temperature

The temperature of both components should be maintained at 20 - 25°C to ensure that a sufficient mix and reaction is obtained. The temperature of the mould boxes should be maintained between 25-30°C to achieve optimal finished product. As such, the optimal temperature range for forming the barrier strip ranges from 20-30°C.

Cured Foam Properties

Mix Ratio 100 Polyol (Rigid 90 43): 140 PMDI (UrePac 2001) (w/w)

Cream Time (22°C): 90±10 seconds

String time (22°C): 300120 seconds

Rise time (22°C): 420120 seconds

Free Rise Density (22°C): 40-45 Kg/m3

Obtained from Laboratory cup test

Core Density: 3911 Kg/m3

Closed Cell Content: 90-95%

K Value: 0.02210.002 W/mK

Compressive Strength: 200110 KPa

Water Absorption: <1% by volume

Temperature Range: -30 to 120°C

Forms of the materials from which the barrier strips are produced include any suitable or convenient form, type, size, composition, style or profile. Preferred forms of the manufactured materials for producing the barrier strips include sheets, slabs, blocks, panels, or the like.

The body section and the head section of the barrier strip may be formed integrally.

The body section may have a planar profile. Suitably, the body section is a substantially oblong shaft. Having such a profile allows the body section to form a friction fit in the gap between the panels which minimises air gaps.

The body section may extend more than half way into the gap. This improves the insulating properties of the barrier strip by increasing the amount of insulation in the gap .

At least one of the body section and the head section may be covered in a waterproof membrane. This may reduce or prevent ingress of water into the gap between the two panels .

Although any suitable or convenient form of shaping or profiling the block of foam or other material may be used, it is preferred that the block be shaped using laser beams or similar, such as for example using a machine which is known as a Fast Wire Profiling Machine often referred to as Fastwires. One description of a Fastwire is an abrasive wire machine that is effectively a wire saw which effectively have a high-speed electric motor driving an abrasive wire that is able to cut through a variety of foam types. One manufacturer of such machines is Wintech which provide an economical solution for cutting a wide range of materials.

Forms of the barrier strip include being substantially elongate strips, in which an end portion of the body section has a width of at least 5 mm, preferably from about 10 mm to about 30 mm, more preferably being about 10 mm, about 17 mm, about 20 mm, about 25 mm.

Forms of the barrier strip have a head section having a width of at least 20 mm, preferably from about 20 mm to about 50 mm, more preferably from about 30 to about 40 mm, even more preferably about 37 mm.

The head section may have a tapering edge having an angle ranging from 20-60° from the vertical axis, preferably, 30-50° from the vertical axis, more preferably, 30-50° from the vertical axis, even more preferably, about 30° from the vertical axis.

Forms of the barrier strip have a body section having a generally cross-sectional width ranging from about 10 mm to about 50 mm, preferably ranging from about 15 mm to about 40 mm, more preferably being about 15 mm, about 19 mm, about 23 mm, about 26 mm, about 29 mm, about 35 mm, about 40 mm.

Forms of the barrier strip have a height of ranging from 70-120 mm, preferably ranging from 80-100 mm, more preferably, ranging from 90-100 mm, even more preferably about 95 mm.

The strip can have any convenient or suitable length, typically up to about 3 m, more typically up to about 2.5 m, even more typically up to about 2.4 m, and most typically about 1.5 m.

The barrier strip can be formed from the sheet or block of suitable material by cutting multiple lengths or sections from the sheet or block, typically using suitable cutting

2019213336 06 Aug 2019 means or devices, such as for example cutting blades located in substantially parallel spaced apart relationship to one another in which the spacing apart of the blades corresponds to the height of the individual barrier strip. In forms of the cutting device, the spacing between individual blades is substantially constant whereas in other forms the spacing between individual blades is variable so that barrier strips having different heights can be produced simultaneously, typically a fast wire machine using a rotating wire to cut polyurethane foam into strips having a predetermined width.

The barrier strip may include a securing means for securing the strip to the edges of the panels. Suitably, the securing means is an adhesive, bonding agent, glue, paste, gel, or other material or chemical composition for fixedly adhering the barrier strip to the edge of the panel. However, it is to be noted that other means for attaching the barrier strip to the edge of the panels are possible.

Forms of the adhesive can be a permanent adhesive or be a releasable adhesive, typically in the form of a tacky or sticky adhesive or similar. A preferred adhesive is a general purpose double coated tissue tape manufactured by 3M under the product code #9075 which is an acrylic adhesive double side silicone treated/poly coated liner, typically having a thickness of adhesive of 0.08 mm. A preferred construction of the tape is a 4 layer construction of acrylic adhesive, tissue, acrylic adhesive and poly coated liner in which the acrylic adhesive is cross-linked and tackified.

Forms of the expansion joint, particularly fire inhibiting expansion joints are provided with a body section or segment having a generally constant cross section, and a head section being an enlarged section, more typically a symmetrically enlarged head section extending outwardly on either side of the constant width wall section.

The enlarged head may be adapted to form a plug or a wedge when inserted into the gap.

In one form the enlarged head section is an enlarged section having tapered edges, typically a tapered edge on both sides of the expansion joint.

Having the enlarged head abut the chamfered edges of the panels when the barrier strip is inserted into the gap enables correct depth location in the gap by minimising the risk of the barrier strip being pushed too deep into the gap .

The enlarged head allows the barrier strip to be inserted into the gap without tools.

The tapered edges may be angled to conform to any chamfered edges of the panels such that the installed barrier strip is substantially flush with the surface of the panels. This allows the wall to be rendered or painted to form a substantially smooth surface finish.

The tapered edges may be adapted to receive an adhesive to secure the barrier strip to the chamfered panel edges.

The body section may include a plurality of projections.

In embodiments in which the body section includes a plurality of projections, the barrier strip may be applied to the insert such that projections of the barrier strip are embedded in the insert.

The projections on the barrier strip may enhance grip between the strip and the edges of the panels when the strip is inserted in the gap between the panels. The grip between the panels and the barrier strip may be a friction grip in which the projections press against the surface on the edges of the panels or an anchor grip in which the projections embed themselves into the edges of the panels.

The projections of the barrier strip may be barbs that embed into the edges of the panels.

The projections may be ribs that press against the surface of the edges of the panels.

The method of forming a barrier using the barrier strip may involve securing the barrier strip in the gap by adhering the head section of barrier strip to the chamfered panel edges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the barrier strip of the present description will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a barrier strip according to one form of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the barrier strip according to Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an illustration of the barrier strip of Figure 1 installed between two wall panels.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a barrier strip according to another form of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the barrier strip according to Figure 4.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT

One form of the expansion joint as defined by the invention is a barrier strip marked as 10 in Figures 1 and 2 .

The barrier strip has a body section 12 and an enlarged head portion 14 having a pair of oppositely inclined tapering edges 16 located on either side of the body section 12 and extending outwardly therefrom. The body section 12 has a substantially oblong shape which corresponds with the profile of a gap between adjacent wall panels and fits into the gap.

In this embodiment, the body section 12 forms a tight friction fit between the edges of the panels to form a seal. This feature maximises the contact surface area between the barrier strip and the edges of the panels which provides several advantages including: 1) increasing the strength of the bond between the barrier strip and the edges of the panels; 2) reducing the penetrability of water through the gap between the adjacent wall panels; and 3) removing air pockets between the adjacent wall panels which could otherwise potentially provide a flame path in the event the barrier is exposed to fire.

The barrier strip 10 is made from a rigid polyisocyanurate (PIR) closed cell foam. Suitably, the material used to form barrier strip 10 is ELASTOPOR PH 1640.

Selected properties of ELASTOPOR PH 1640 is set out below. Chemical properties:

Viscosity at 25°C	Polyol component 1130 mPas
Isocyanate component 150-350 mPas
Specific gravity at 20°C (DIN 51757)	Polyol component with 141b 1.22 cm³/g
Isocyanate component 1.23-1.24 cm³/g

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Water content | 0.37 10.1¾

Physical properties:

Reactivity at 20 / 20°C	Hand mix
• Chemical temp. : 20 / 20°C, mix speed: 1500 rpm, 20 sec
• Cream time (sec.)	75
• Gel time (sec .)	190
• Rise time (sec)	-
• Free rise density (kg/m³)	45

Foam property (by hand mix - speed Mixer 1500 rpm and

Mixer diameter 65 mm):

Property	Standard	Unit	Value
Core density	DIN EN ISO 845	kg/m³	45
Compressive strength (Parallel)	DIN 53421	kgf/cm²	2.77
Compressive strength (Vertical)	DIN 53421	kgf/cm²	1.53
Dimension stability (-30°C x 24hr)		%	-0.37
Dimension stability (70°C x 24hr)		%	0.15
'K' factor	DIN 52612	W/mK	0.0236

The barrier strip 10 is formed by using an abrasive wire machine such as Fastwires to cut the foam into the desired shape and dimensions and a strip of double sided 10 tape 20 is applied to each of the tapering edges 16.

Generally, the barrier strip 10 has a length L of about

1.5m and a height H of about 95 mm, and the head portion 14 has a width W1 of about 37 mm and tapering edges 16 have an acute angle a of about 30° from the vertical axis.

Other dimensions of the barrier strip may vary depending on its application (Figures 1 and 2).

A preferred double sided tape is a general purpose double coated tissue tape manufactured by 3M under the product code #9075 which is an acrylic adhesive double side silicone treated/poly coated liner, typically having a thickness of adhesive of 0.08 mm.

Another form of the expansion joint as defined by the invention is a barrier strip marked as 110 in Figures 4 and 5. The barrier strip has a body section 112 and an enlarged head portion 114 having a pair of oppositely inclined tapering edges 116 located on either side of the body section 112 and extending outwardly therefrom. A plurality of projections in the form of barbs 118 extends from the body section 112 and having a direction that is opposite to the direction the barrier strip 110 is applied to a gap between adjacent wall panels.

In one embodiment, the body section 112, including the barbs 118, has a cross-sectional width W2 of about 29 mm along the main body section 112, and an end section 122 width W3 of about 20 mm.

In another embodiment, the body section 112, including the barbs 118, has a cross-sectional width W2 of about 19 mm along the main body section 112, and an end section 122 width W3 of about 10 mm.

In yet another embodiment, the body section 112, including the barbs 118, has a cross-sectional width W2 of about 26 mm along the main body section 112, and an end section 122 width W3 of about 17 mm.

In a further embodiment, the body section 112, including the barbs 118, has a cross-sectional width W2 of about 34 mm along the main body section 112, and an end section 122 width W3 of about 25 mm.

In use, panels 24 are erected to form a wall of a building structure having a gap or clearance 26 between the two panels which requires sealing so as to be water resistant and/or flame resistant to prevent the spread or propagation of water, fire or flames through or past the gap or clearance. Typically, the edges 28 of the panels 24 are chamfered.

The protective strip of the double-sided tape 20 is removed to expose the adhesive and the barrier strip 10 is inserted by hand into the gap 26 to locate within the gap or clearance (Figure 3). When inserted, the shaft fills the space in the gap between the panels which removes any air pockets in the gap. The enlarged head portion 14 completely fills the entrance or opening of the gap or clearance with the tapering edges abutting the chamfered edges 28 of the panels 24. This enables the adhesive on the exposed double sided tape 20 to secure the barrier strip 10 in the gap.

In embodiments of the barrier strip including barbs on the body section, the direction of the barbs 118 causes the barbs to deform outwardly to press against the edges of the panels and generate a resistance force when an outwardly force is applied to the barrier strip to remove it from the gap. The resistance force reduces the likelihood of the barrier strip dislodging from the gap 26.

After installation, the top surface 30 of the head portion 14 is substantially flush with the top surface 32 of the panels 24 to form a generally smooth wall surface that is suitable for rendering or painting (Figure 3). It can be appreciated that other embodiments of the barrier strip have a top surface 30 that projects from or forms a recess on the top surface 32. The sealed wall is fireproof, flameproof or at least compliant with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) relating to the propagation of fire in building structures. If necessary, a suitable fire retardant, inhibiting or resistant material, such as for example, a fire grout or similar may be applied over the inserted barrier strip to enhance the fire resistance of the wall. It is to be noted that other forms of the barrier strip are possible, as is the use of the various forms of the barrier strip in other applications.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context reguires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word comprise or variations such as comprises or comprising is used in an inclusive sense,

i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

ADVANTAGES

Advantages of one or more embodiments of the expansion joint include one or more of the following.

One advantage of the barrier strip is that the strip can be used as an expansion joint.

Another advantage of the barrier strip is that the strip can be used as a separator between the concrete slabs of the wall.

2019213336 06 Aug 2019

Another advantage of the barrier strip is that it replaces caulking which is often time consuming and difficult to perform.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A barrier strip for sealing a gap between adjacent panels of a building structure to reduce transmission of a fluid and/or heat through the gap, the building structure having two generally vertically or horizontally extending adjacent panels each having a chamfered edge such that the space between opposing chamfered edges forms part of the gap between the panels, the barrier strip comprising a body section and a head section wherein the body section is constructed from a fire resistant material and the head section is an enlarged section, extending outwardly on either side of the body section, having a profile corresponding to the profile of the part of the gap that is located between the chamfered edges of the panels, wherein the barrier strip is insertable between the adjacent panels such that the enlarged head abuts the chamfered edge to achieve correct depth location in the gap and the body section is adapted to form a friction fit between the edges of the panels to form a seal to secure the strip in the gap to seal the gap between the panels and reduce the transmission of the fluid and/or heat through the gap.

2. The barrier of claim 1, wherein the body section having a profile corresponding to the profile of the gap.

3. The barrier strip of either claim 1 or 2, wherein the body section is a substantially oblong shaft.

4. The barrier of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body section extends more than half way into the gap .

5. The barrier strip of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the body section and the head section is covered with a waterproof membrane.

6. The barrier strip of any one of claims, wherein the profile of the head section is adapted to receive an adhesive to secure the barrier strip to the chamfered panel edges.

7. The barrier strip of claim 6, wherein the adhesive is a double sided adhesive tape.

8. The barrier strip of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fire resistant material has a density ranging from 44 and 48kg/m³.

9. The barrier strip of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fire resistant material has a flame spread index (FSI) ranging from 10-20.

10. The barrier strip of claim 9, wherein the fire resistant material has a flame spread index (FSI) of 15.

11. The barrier strip of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fire resistant material has a smoke developed index (SDI) ranging from 100-200.

12. The barrier strip of claim 11, wherein the fire resistant material has a smoke developed index (SDI) of 150 .

13. The barrier strip of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fire resistant material complies with the requirements of ASTM E84 and/or ASTM C795.

14. The barrier strip of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fire resistant material is a rigid polyisocyanurate closed cell foam.

15. The barrier strip of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fire resistant material has a core density ranging from 20 to 40 kg per cubic meter.

16. The barrier strip of any one of the preceding claims including an insert for adapting to the space, void or gap between the panels to secure the barrier strip.

17. The barrier strip of any one of the preceding claims wherein the barrier strip is UV-resistant.

18. A barrier for sealing a gap between adjacent panels of a building structure to reduce transmission of a fluid and/or heat through the gap, the building structure having two generally vertically or horizontally extending adjacent panels each having a chamfered edge such that the space between opposing chamfered edges forms part of the gap between the panels, the barrier comprising a barrier strip according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the barrier strip is inserted between the adjacent panels such that the enlarged head abuts the chamfered edge to achieve correct depth location in the gap and the body section is adapted to form a friction fit between the edges of the panels to form a seal to secure the strip in the gap to seal the gap between the panels and reduce the transmission of the fluid and/or heat through the gap.

19. The barrier of claim 18, wherein the head section is substantially flush with the surface of the panels.

20. A method of forming a barrier between two generally vertically or horizontally extending panels of a building structure, each having a chamfered edge, that are positioned adjacent to each other having a gap therebetween, the method including the step of: inserting a barrier strip according to any one of claims 1 to 16 into the gap between the adjacent panels such that the enlarged head abuts the chamfered edges to achieve correct depth location in the gap and the body section forms a friction fit between the edges of the panels to form a

2019213336 06 Aug 2019

- 24 seal to secure the strip in the gap to seal the gap between the panels and reduce the transmission of the fluid and/or heat through the gap.

5 21. The method of claim 20, involving the step of securing the barrier strip in the gap by adhering the head section of barrier strip to the chamfered panel edges.