GB2578122A

GB2578122A - Grout retaining member and system

Info

Publication number: GB2578122A
Application number: GB1816865.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mcneill Robert
Original assignee: MACRETE IRELAND Ltd
Current assignee: MACRETE IRELAND Ltd
Priority date: 2018-10-16
Filing date: 2018-10-16
Publication date: 2020-04-22
Anticipated expiration: 2038-10-16
Also published as: GB201816865D0; GB2578122B

Abstract

A retaining member 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B for retaining grout comprising a panel 10 which comprises, an inner and outer face 15, 16, opposing proximal and distal ends 11, 12 having substantially parallel end edges, with spaced apart and substantially parallel upper and lower edges 13, 14. The proximal end and the distal end are each provided with a connection means 21, 22; wherein the respective connection means on the proximal and distal ends are adapted for interconnection with complementary connection means provided on the respective distal and proximal ends of a like retaining member in use. The lower edge 14 is provided with ground engaging sealing means 18 substantially along the length of said lower edge. The lower edge 14 may be flanged in the direction of the outer face of said retaining member, and the ground engaging sealing means 18 may be provided on the underside of the flange or flanges. This prevents grout from leaking from the base precast columns (30, Fig 2).

Description

GROUT RETAINING MEMBER AND SYSTEM

The present invention relates to and apparatus and method for retaining viscous and semi viscous materials, for example, but not limited to, grouts and sealants, during setting.

Background to the Invention

In the erection of buildings and other structures, precast columns are often used, the precast columns being placed upon supporting surfaces with the gap between the precast columns and the supporting surface being filled with a grout or filler material that is poured into said gaps. To prevent the grout from leaking from the gap a known method involves shoring the bases of said precast columns with pieces of timber.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a retaining member for retaining grout comprising: an inner face and an outer face; opposing proximal and distal ends having substantially parallel end edges; spaced apart and substantially parallel upper and lower edges; wherein the proximal end and the distal end are each provided with a connection means; wherein the respective connection means on the proximal and distal ends are adapted for interconnection with complementary connection means provided on the respective distal and proximal ends of a like retaining member in use; and wherein the lower edge is provided with a ground engaging sealing means substantially along the length of said lower edge.

Optionally, the lower edge is flanged in the direction of the outer face of said retaining member, and wherein the ground engaging sealing means is provided on the underside of said flange.

Optionally, the flanged lower edge is formed as a series of discrete flanges.

Optionally, the sealing means is formed from a resilient material.

Optionally, the sealing means is formed from rubber, such as but not limited to EPDM rubber.

Optionally, the sealing means is formed from neoprene. Optionally, the neoprene is expanded neoprene.

Optionally, the grout retaining member is formed from steel.

Optionally, the connection means on the proximal end comprises one or more male members that is/are attached to the outer face of the retaining member and which project longitudinally outwardly beyond the adjacent edge of the proximal end of said retaining member.

Optionally, the or each male member(s) is a threaded finger adapted to receive a threaded fastener.

Optionally, there are provided two male members.

Optionally, the or each threaded finger is fastened to the retaining member by screwing a portion of its shank into an internally threaded keeper that is provided on the retaining member.

Optionally, the or each threaded finger is fastened to the retaining member by welding a portion of its shank to the retaining member.

Optionally, the connection means provided on the distal end of the retaining member comprises one or more female formations, or one or more sets of longitudinally aligned female formations, through which respective aligned threaded male finger or fingers of a similar retaining member are insertable.

10 15 20 Optionally, the female formations are apertures formed in the retaining members.

Optionally, where the apertures are provided as one or more sets of longitudinally aligned apertures, the respective apertures of a set of apertures define alternative discrete fastening locations on the retaining member.

Optionally each discrete fastening location is positioned at a length from the proximal end of the retaining member which corresponds substantially with a standard, or common or predetermined dimension of a precast column Optionally the apertures are slots.

Optionally, where slots are elongate slots.

Optionally, the retaining member is a substantially rigid panel.

Optionally, the retaining member is arcuate.

Optionally, the retaining member is resiliently flexible.

Optionally, the connection means on the respective proximal and distal ends of a retaining member comprises a bracket that is attached to the outer face of the retaining member, the bracket having a projection which extends outwardly from said outer face and thorough which a fastener is engageable.

Optionally, the brackets provided on the respective proximal and distal ends are in alignment.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for retaining the grout around a structure, the system comprising a plurality of grout retaining members in accordance with a first aspect of the invention, and a plurality of fasteners adapted for rigidly interconnecting the respective connection means of one retaining member with the connection means of the distal end of an adjacent retaining member.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of retaining the grout around the base of a quadrilateral structure such as, but not limited to, a precast column, the method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of retaining members in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; placing a first retaining member along a first side of said precast column such that its inner face is substantially flush with a first side of the said structure and with the seal of the first retaining member in contact with the ground; placing a second retaining member substantially flush along a second side of the structure with the engagement means of the first grout retaining member being located through the receiving means of said second retaining member, and with the seal of the second retaining member in contact with the ground; placing a third retaining member substantially flush along a third side of the structure with the engagement means of the second retaining member being located through the receiving means of said third grout retaining member, and with the seal of the a third retaining member in contact with the ground; placing a fourth retaining member substantially flush along a fourth side of the structure with the engagement means of the third retaining member being located through the receiving means of said fourth retaining member, and with the engagement means of said fourth retaining member being located through the receiving means of the first retaining member, and with the seal of the a fourth retaining member in contact with the ground; applying fasteners to the engagement means and tightening said fasteners so that adjacent pairs of retaining members are brought into respective mutual orthogonal abutment.

Optionally, the method includes the step of manually manoeuvring one or more of the first, second, third or fourth retaining member or members so the terminal edge(s) of their proximal end(s) is/are approximately in alignment with a respective corner of the structure.

Optionally, the method includes the step of compressing seal against the ground by applying downward pressure to the assembled retaining members as the fasteners are tightened.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of retaining the grout around the base of a substantially circular structure, the method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of arcuate retaining members in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; placing a first arcuate retaining member along a portion of said circular structure such that its inner face is substantially flush with a portion of said structure, and with the sealing means of said first arcuate retaining member in contact with the ground; placing a second arcuate retaining member substantially flush along a portion of said circular structure, with a terminal edge of the second arcuate retaining member being located in proximity to, or in abutment with, the adjacent terminal edge of the first arcuate retaining member, and with the sealing means of the second arcuate retaining member in contact with the ground; placing a third arcuate retaining member substantially flush along a portion of said circular structure, with a terminal edge of the third arcuate retaining member being located in proximity to, or abutment with, the adjacent terminal edge of the second arcuate retaining member, and with the sealing means of the third arcuate retaining member in contact with the ground; placing a fourth arcuate retaining member substantially flush along a portion of said circular structure, with the terminal edges of the fourth arcuate retaining member being located in proximity to, or abutment with, the adjacent terminal edges of the first and third arcuate retaining members, and with the sealing means of the third retaining member in contact with the ground; locating a threaded connector through each set of mutually opposing brackets of the adjacent arcuate retaining members; applying fasteners to each end of each threaded connector and tightening said fasteners to tighten the respective arcuate retaining members against the substantially circular column.

The various aspects of the present invention can be practiced alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant arts. The various aspects of the invention can optionally be provided in combination with one or more of the optional features of the other aspects of the invention. Also, optional features described in relation to one aspect can typically be combined alone or together with other features in different aspects of the invention. Any subject matter described in this specification can be combined with any other subject matter in the specification to form a novel combination.

Various aspects of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the entire description thereof, including the figures, which illustrates a number of exemplary aspects and implementations. The invention is also capable of other and different examples and aspects, and its several details can be modified in various respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, each example herein should be understood to have broad application, and is meant to illustrate one possible way of carrying out the invention, without intending to suggest that the scope of this disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that example. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. In particular, unless otherwise stated, dimensions and numerical values included herein are presented as examples illustrating one possible aspect of the claimed subject matter, without limiting the disclosure to the particular dimensions or values recited. All numerical values in this disclosure are understood as being modified by "about". All singular forms of elements, or any other components described herein are understood to include plural forms thereof and vice versa.

Language such as "including", "comprising", "having", "containing", or "involving" and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Thus, throughout the specification and claims unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.

In this disclosure, whenever a composition, an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising", it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting essentially of", "consisting", "selected from the group of consisting of", "including", or "is" preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa. In this disclosure, the words "typically" or "optionally" are to be understood as being intended to indicate optional or nonessential features of the invention which are present in certain examples but which can be omitted in others without departing from the scope of the invention.

Any references to directional and positional descriptions such as, upper, lower, proximal, distal, inside, outside, rear, upper and lower and directions e.g. "vertical", and "horizontal" etc. are to be interpreted by a skilled reader in the context of the examples described to refer to the orientation of features shown in the drawings, and are not to be interpreted as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term, but instead should be as understood by the skilled addressee.

Brief description of the drawings

In the drawings:-Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an example of a grout retention system in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a grout retention system in accordance with the invention located around a precast column; Figure 3 is a side elevation of a retaining member in accordance with the invention; Figure 4 is a side elevation of a retaining member in accordance with the invention; Figure 5 is an end elevation of retaining member in accordance with the invention; Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of an example of a grout retention system in accordance with the invention; Figure 7 is a plan view of the of the grout retention system of Figure 6; and Figure 8 is side elevation of a retaining member of the grout retention system of Figure 6.

Detailed description

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown an example of a grout retention system 10 in accordance with an aspect of the invention comprising a plurality of grout retaining members 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B in accordance a further aspect of invention that are locatable around the base of a column 30 (Figure 2), the members being releasably interconnectable in sequence to form a continuous sleeve around the perimeter of the column 30 where it contacts the surface 40 from which it is upstanding.

In Figures 1 and 2 retaining members 1A and 1B are shown as matching elongate members particularly suited for location along the respective elongate sides of an exemplary precast column 30, and retaining members 2A and 2B are matching members particularly suited for location along the shorter sides of an exemplary column 30, however it will be understood that any suitable lengths of retaining member may be employed depending on the dimensions and geometry of a column.

With reference to Figures 6, 7 and 8, there is shown a further example of a grout retention system 100 in accordance with the invention comprising a plurality of arcuate grout retaining members 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D that are particularly adapted for location around the base of a curved or circular section column, the arcuate grout retaining members being releasably interconnectable in sequence to form a continuous sleeve around the perimeter of said curved or circular column where it contacts a surface from which it is upstanding. In the example of Figures 6 and 7, in one possible arrangement four arcuate grout retaining members 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D are shown however it will be appreciated that in other arrangements two or more grout retaining members may be used to completely surround a column in use. It will be appreciated that grout retaining members 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D may be substantially identical. Optionally, arcuate grout retaining members have a nominal radius of 400 mm.

With reference to Figure 1, grout retaining members 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B are substantially rigid panels 10 having substantially parallel opposing first and second ends 11, 12, and spaced apart and substantially parallel upper and lower edges, 13, 14. The first and second ends may be considered as proximal 11 and distal 12 ends, respectively. Each grout retaining member 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B has an inner face 15 and an outer face 16. The lower edge 14 of each retaining member is a ground engaging edge. The lower edge 14 may be flanged, with a flange 17 projecting substantially perpendicularly from the retaining member in the direction of the outer face 16 of said retaining member such that the retaining member has an L-shaped cross section as shown in Figure 5.

On the underside of the flange and extending along the length of the member there is provided a sealing means 18 which contacts the ground or surface 40 where the column contacts the surface 40 from which it is upstanding.

Sealing means 18 is preferably formed from a resilient material. Optionally, the sealing means is formed from rubber, such as but not limited to EPDM rubber.

Optionally, the sealing means is formed from neoprene. In any case, the sealing means 18 achieves the purpose of preventing the grout or filler material that is poured into the gaps at the base of precast columns 30 or similar structures from passing from the inside to the outside of a grout retaining member assembly in accordance with the invention.

Optionally, the grout retaining members 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B are formed from steel.

With reference to Figure 6, arcuate grout retaining members 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D have substantially parallel opposing first and second ends 11, 12, and spaced apart and substantially parallel upper and lower edges, 13, 14. The first and second ends may be considered as proximal 11 and distal 12 ends, respectively. Each grout retaining member 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D has an inner face 15 and an outer face 16. The lower edge 14 of each retaining member is a ground engaging edge.

Retaining members 100A, 1008, 100C, 100D are resiliently flexible. The lower edge 14 may be flanged, wherein said flanged lower edge is formed as a series of discrete flanges 171 which project substantially perpendicularly from the retaining member in the direction of the outer face 16 of said retaining member such that the retaining member has an L-shaped cross section as shown in Figure 8, Figure 8 being a cross-section in the direction X-X indicated in Figure 7. The provision of a series of discrete flanges 171 permits a retaining member to flex.

With reference to Figure 6 and Figure 8, on the underside of the flanges 171 and extending substantially along the length of a grout retaining member 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D there is provided a sealing means 18 which contacts the surface from which the column is upstanding in use. Sealing means 18 is preferably formed from a resilient material. Optionally, the sealing means is formed from rubber, such as but not limited to EPDM rubber. Optionally, the sealing means is formed from neoprene, for example expanded neoprene. The sealing means may be in the form of a single elongate seal extending substantially along the length of the grout retaining member, or as a series of shorter seals 181 each located on the underside of a flange 171 and which move into end to end abutment with adjacent seal or seals 171 when the grout retaining member is located on a surface in use. In any case, the sealing means 18 achieves the purpose of preventing the grout or filler material that is poured into the gaps at the base of precast columns or similar structures from passing from the inside to the outside of a grout retaining member assembly 100 in accordance with the invention.

With reference to Figure 1 and Figure 6, the proximal and distal ends of grout retaining members 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B and grout retaining members 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D are each provided with a connection means; wherein the respective connection means on the proximal and distal ends are adapted for interconnection with complementary connection means provided on the respective distal and proximal ends of a like grout retaining member in use.

With reference to Figure 1, at a proximal end 11, the connection means of a grout retaining member 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B comprises an engagement means 21. At an opposing distal end 12 the connection means of a grout retaining member 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, comprises a receiving means 22. The respective engagement 21 and receiving 22 means on a grout retaining member 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B are adapted for mating with respective complementary receiving 22 and engagement 21 means provided on a similar adjacent grout retaining member when said members are brought into mutually abutting contact as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Preferably the receiving means 22 is/are length adjustable.

Any suitable engagement and receiving means may be employed. In the example as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the engagement means 21 comprises one or more male members. Preferably there are provided two male members. The male members are attached to the outer face 16 of said retaining member and project outwardly beyond the adjacent edge of said proximal end 11 and substantially in longitudinal alignment with said retaining member. In the examples shown in the Figures, the male members 21 are in the form of threaded fingers. A threaded finger may be fastened to a grout retaining member by welding along a portion of its shank, or by screwing a portion of its shank into an internally threaded keeper that is fastened to the grout retaining member, for example by welding. In the latter arrangement, the threaded finger is replaceable.

The complementary receiving means 22 provided on the distal end 12 of a grout retaining member 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B comprises one or more female formations, or sets of female formations, through which respective aligned threaded male fingers 21 are insertable.

As shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the female formations 22 are apertures formed in the grout retaining members, preferably in the form of slots 221, 222. As shown in Figure 1 and 3, in one possible arrangement, the receiving means may be provided as set or series of spaced apart and longitudinally aligned slots 221, with their respective locations and/or mutual spacing being arranged to define discrete fastening locations on the retaining member. Optionally, as indicated in Figure 3, each discrete fastening location is a distance X, Y etc. from the proximal end 11 of the retaining member which corresponds substantially with a standard, or common or predetermined dimension (e.g. length or width) of a precast column.

As shown in Figure 1 and 4, in another arrangement, particularly suited, but not limited to, use with retaining members 2A, 2B for location along the shorter sides of an exemplary column 30, a slot may be an elongate slot 222 that enables position adjustable accommodation for wide a wide range of dimensions of column. In either case, a series of spaced apart slots 221 or a single elongate slot 222 provides length adjustability and enables a set of retaining members 1A, 1 B, 2A, 2B to be used with a range of column sizes.

With reference to Figures 6 and 7, the connection means on the respective proximal and distal ends of an arcuate grout retaining member 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D comprises a bracket 23 that is attached to the outer face 16 of the retaining member, the bracket having a projection 24 which extends outwardly from said outer face 16.

The respective brackets 23 provided towards the respective proximal and distal ends of a grout retaining member 100A, 100B, 1000, 100D are in alignment with each other such that such a connector, for example a threaded connection member 51, is extensible through the mutually opposing brackets 23 of adjacent grout retaining members 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D when located around a column in use. By applying and tightening threaded fasteners 50, such as nuts, for example winged nuts, at each free end of a threaded connection member 51, adjacent grout retaining members 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D are brought into respective mutual end to end abutment.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the use of a grout retaining system 10 in accordance with an aspect of the invention and comprising a plurality of grout retaining members 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B in accordance a further aspect of invention will now be described. After grout has been applied around the gap extending around the base perimeter of a precast column 30, a user places a first grout retaining member 1A along a first side 31 of said precast column and such that its inner face 15 is substantially flush with said first side 31 of the precast column, with seal 18 in contact with the ground 40. The first grout retaining member 1A may be manoeuvred so that the terminal edge of its proximal end 11 is approximately in alignment with a corner of the precast column. A second grout retaining member 2A is then placed substantially flush along a second side 32 of the precast column with the threaded fingers 21 of the first grout retaining member 1A being located through the elongate slots 222 of said second grout retaining member 2A. The second grout retaining member 2A is then manoeuvred so that the terminal edge of its proximal end 11 is approximately in alignment with a corner of the precast column. Respective third and fourth grout retaining members 1B, 2B are then installed in similar manner alongside the other sides of the precast column. At this stage, grout retaining members 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B are in loose connection, however upon application and subsequent tightening of threaded fasteners 50 onto the threaded ends of the respective threaded fingers 21, the adjacent grout retaining members 1A and 2A, 2A and 1B, 1B and 2B, and 2B and 1A are brought into respective mutual orthogonal abutment and are drawn tightly together around the precast column 30. By applying downward pressure to the assembled grout retaining members 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, for example by applying weight to their respective flanges 17 as said members are being drawn together by the tightening of the threaded fasteners, the seal 18 may be further compressed against the ground 40 to improve the grout sealing effect of the assembly. The threaded fasteners 50 may be nuts, for example winged nuts.

Conveniently, the grout retaining systems 10, 100 and grout retaining members 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 100A, 100B, 100C and 1000 of the present invention provide a convenient reliable and reusable means of sealing grout around precast columns and similar structures during grout setting. Prior means of retaining grout included shoring the bases of precast columns with pieces of timber. The releasable interconnectability of the grout retaining members of the present invention enables the grout retaining systems 10, 100 to be assembled rapidly and accurately, as well as disassembled quickly. In addition, the uniform structure and reliable interconnectivity of the grout retaining member types 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B and 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D of the present invention enables consistent sealing performance and a consistent grout finish even after prolonged and repeated use. Furthermore, as noted above, the length adjustability of the respective engagement and receiving means of grout retaining members 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B provides a versatile grout retaining system that is usable with wide range of precast column sizes.

Claims

Claims A retaining member for retaining grout comprising a panel comprising: an inner face and an outer face; opposing proximal and distal ends having substantially parallel end edges; spaced apart and substantially parallel upper and lower edges; wherein the proximal end and the distal end are each provided with a connection means; wherein the respective connection means on the proximal and distal ends are adapted for interconnection with complementary connection means provided on the respective distal and proximal ends of a like retaining member in use; and wherein the lower edge is provided with ground engaging sealing means substantially along the length of said lower edge.
2. A retaining member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower edge is flanged in the direction of the outer face of said retaining member, and wherein the ground engaging sealing means is provided on the underside of the flange or flanges.
3. A retaining member as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sealing means is formed from a resilient material.
4. A retaining member as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sealing means is formed from rubber.
5. A retaining member as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sealing means is formed from neoprene.
6. A retaining member as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the retaining member is formed from steel. 30
7. A retaining member as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the connection means on the proximal end comprises one or more male members that is/are attached to the outer face of the retaining member and which project longitudinally outwardly beyond the adjacent edge of the proximal end of said retaining member.
8. A retaining member as claimed in claim 7, wherein the or each male member(s) is a threaded finger adapted to receive a threaded fastener.
9. A retaining member as claimed in claim 8, wherein the or each threaded finger is fastened to the retaining member by screwing a portion of its shank into an internally threaded keeper that is provided on the retaining member.
10. A retaining member as claimed in claim 9, wherein the or each threaded finger is fastened to the retaining member by welding a portion of its shank to the retaining member.
11. A retaining member as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the connection means provided on the distal end of the retaining member comprises one or more female formations, or one or more sets of longitudinally aligned female formations, through which respective aligned threaded male finger or fingers of a similar retaining member are insertable.
12. A retaining member as claimed in claim 11, wherein the female formations are apertures formed in the retaining member.
13. A retaining member as claimed in claim 12 where the apertures are provided as one or more sets of longitudinally aligned apertures formed in the retaining member, wherein the respective apertures of a set of apertures define alternative discrete fastening locations on the retaining member.
14. A retaining member as claimed in claim 13, wherein each discrete fastening location is positioned at a length from the proximal end of the retaining member which corresponds substantially with a standard, or common or predetermined dimension of a precast column.
15. A retaining member as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the apertures are slots.
16. A retaining member as claimed in claim 15, wherein the slots are elongate slots.
17. A retaining member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the retaining member is a substantially rigid panel.
18. A retaining member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the panel is arcuate.
19. A retaining member as claimed in claim 18 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the flanged lower edge is formed as a series of discrete flanges.
20. A retaining member as claimed in claim 19, wherein the panel is resiliently flexible. 15
21. A retaining member as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the connection means on the respective proximal and distal ends comprises a bracket that is attached to the outer face of the retaining member, the bracket having a projection which extends outwardly from said outer face and thorough which a fastener is engageable.
22. A retaining member as claimed in claim 21, wherein the brackets provided on the respective proximal and distal ends are in alignment.
23. A system for retaining the grout around a structure, the system comprising a plurality of retaining members as claimed in any one claims 1 to 22, and a plurality of fasteners adapted for rigidly interconnecting the respective connection means of the proximal end of one retaining member with the connection means of the distal end of another retaining member.
24. A method of retaining the grout around the base of a quadrilateral structure during grout setting, the method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of retaining members as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17; placing a first retaining member along a first side of said structure such that its inner face is substantially flush with a first side of said structure and with the sealing means of the first retaining member in contact with the ground; placing a second retaining member substantially flush along a second side of the structure with the engagement means of the first grout retaining member being located through the receiving means of said second retaining member, and with the sealing means of the second retaining member in contact with the ground; placing a third retaining member substantially flush along a third side of the structure with the engagement means of the second retaining member being located through the receiving means of said third grout retaining member, and with the sealing means of the third retaining member in contact with the ground; placing a fourth retaining member substantially flush along a fourth side of the structure with the engagement means of the third retaining member being located through the receiving means of said fourth retaining member, and with the engagement means of said fourth retaining member being located through the receiving means of the first retaining member, and with the sealing means of the a fourth retaining member in contact with the ground; and applying fasteners to the engagement means and tightening said fasteners so that adjacent pairs of retaining members are brought into respective mutual orthogonal abutment.
25. A method as claimed in claim 17, including the step of manoeuvring one or more of the first, second, third or fourth retaining member or members so the terminal edge(s) of their proximal end(s) is/are approximately in alignment with a respective corner of the structure.
26. A method of retaining the grout around the base of a substantially circular structure during grout setting, the method comprising the steps of providing a plurality of arcuate retaining members as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22; placing a first retaining member along a portion of said circular structure such that its inner face is substantially flush with a portion of said structure and with the sealing means of the first retaining member in contact with the ground; placing a second retaining member substantially flush along a portion of said circular structure, with a terminal edge of the second retaining member being located in proximity to, or in abutment with, the adjacent terminal edge of the first retaining member, and the sealing means of the second retaining member in contact with the ground; placing a third retaining member substantially flush along a portion of said circular structure, with a terminal edge of the third retaining member being located in proximity to, or abutment with, the adjacent terminal edge of the second retaining member, and the sealing means of the third retaining member in contact with the ground; placing a fourth retaining member substantially flush along a portion of said circular structure, with the terminal edges of the fourth retaining member being located in proximity to, or abutment with, the adjacent terminal edges of the first and third retaining members, and the sealing means of the third retaining member in contact with the ground; locating a threaded connector through each set of mutually opposing brackets of adjacent retaining members; applying fasteners to each end of each threaded connector and tightening said fasteners to tighten the respective retaining members against the substantially circular column.
27. A method as claimed in anyone of claims 18 to 25 including the step of compressing the sealing means by applying downward pressure to the assembled retaining members as the fasteners are tightened.