WO2016068692A1

WO2016068692A1 - A formwork arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2016068692A1
Application number: PCT/MY2015/050135
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tian Khoo
Original assignee: O-Stable Panel Sdn. Bhd.
Priority date: 2014-10-28
Filing date: 2015-10-28
Publication date: 2016-05-06
Also published as: MY168282A; CN107075860A

Abstract

A modular assembly for erecting formwork (10) to construct a concrete beam, comprising of a base formwork (14) and a pair of side formworks (16) assembleable to form a channel (41) to receive concrete, characterized in that the base formwork (14) comprises of at least one panel (11) with flanges (13), the side formwork (16) comprises of at least one panel (11A) with flanges (13A), at least a pair of brackets (20) to fasten the side formwork (16) against the base formwork (14) to provide a channel (41) to receive concrete, the pair of brackets (20) further includes a stopper means (22) to maintain a fixed distance (X) between each bracket (20) and a fastening means (24) to fasten the brackets (20) against side formworks (16) wherein the side formworks (16) bias against base formwork (14).

Description

A FORMWORK ARRANGEMENT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and a modular assembly for erecting a formwork for concreting works. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of arrangement and modular assembly of various components to erect a formwork for construction of a concrete beam.

Background of the Invention

During construction of a building, various parts of the building are constructed by first creating a mould, known in the art as formwork. Reinforced steel bars are bent to create steel cages which are then placed into the formwork and concrete is subsequently poured in.

Traditionally, formworks are constructed out of shuttering, typically composed of timber panels which are nailed together by a carpenter and then supported using frames and adjustable supports. The prior method faces a number of disadvantages, namely a large amount of time is consumed in setting up formwork, a large amount of waste is generated as timber cannot be reused and a steady supply of timber has to be provided to a construction site to ensure that construction proceeds smoothly.

Typically, a carpenter is employed to create formwork for a particular feature, e.g. a beam, column or slab whereby the carpenter joins timber panels and erects the formwork for steel cage to be lowered into and concrete to be poured in. The activities of cutting timber pieces to size and then nailing them together to create the formwork is time consuming as concreting works cannot begin before the formwork is completed.

After the steel cage has been lowered into formwork and concrete has been cast and hardened, the formwork is then removed for disposal. This generates a large amount of waste as the timber used in constructing the formwork cannot be reused as they are destroyed during removal. Furthermore, as a large amount of timber is used for creating formwork, this practice is not sustainable.

Solutions have been provided to address the frangibility of timber formwork in the form of reusable formwork wherein more durable materials such as reinforced timber, plastics and metals are used as shuttering for formwork which are not easily destroyed during removal and can be reused for a number of times until they are eventually discarded or recycled. However, the setting up time is still the same as workers will have to join individual panels together to erect the formwork.

Therefore, there is a need for a formwork system that can be quickly and easily set up and easily removed and which has high reusability. Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to a modular assembly for erecting formwork to construct a concrete beam, comprising of a base formwork and a pair of side formworks assembleable to form a channel to receive concrete, characterized in that the base formwork comprises of at least one panel with flanges, the side formwork comprises of at least one panel with flanges, at least a pair of brackets to fasten the side formwork against the base formwork to provide a channel to receive concrete, the pair of brackets further includes a stopper means to maintain a fixed distance between each bracket wherein the stopper means includes a tie bolt for connecting the brackets and a first stopper unit and a second stopper unit positioned along length of the tie bolt, whereby the first stopper unit is secured to the tie bolt and biases against inner side of bracket and the second stopper unit is secured to the tie bolt and biases against inner side of opposite bracket, and a fastening means to fasten the brackets against side formworks wherein the fastening means includes a tie bolt connecting the brackets and a first fastening unit and a second fastening unit positioned along length of the tie bolt, whereby the first fastening unit is secured to the tie bolt and biases against outer side of a bracket and the second fastening unit is secured to the tie bolt and biases against outer side of opposite bracket, whereby tightening the second fastening unit against the bracket will fasten the brackets against the side formwork and the side formwork biases against the base formwork, wherein a hook projects away from the bracket for temporarily suspending the bracket against exposed side of side formwork while the stopper means and the fastening means are being secured in position.

The present invention also relates to a method for erecting formwork to construct a concrete beam, comprising the steps of placing a base formwork on at least one supporting frame at a desired position, positioning side formworks perpendicularly on each longitudinal edge of the base formwork to form a channel to receive concrete, characterized in that the method further comprises the steps of positioning at least one pair of brackets on external side of the side formworks, positioning a stopper means transversely between the pair of brackets to fix distance between both brackets, wherein internal distance between each bracket is configured to correlate with total of width of base formwork and width of rib or flange of a side formwork and width of rib or flange of opposite side formwork, positioning a fastening means between base formwork and stopper means and transversely between the pair of brackets to fasten both brackets together after fixing distance between both brackets, and fastening the brackets.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include an exemplary or preferred embodiment of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It should be understood, however, the disclosed preferred embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention. Therefore, the figures disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and for teaching one skilled in the art of the invention.

Figure 1 a shows a front cross-section view of a panel used in preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 b shows a top view of a panel used in preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 c shows a side view of a panel used in preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 d shows an isometric view of a panel used in preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 e shows an example of various panel widths that may be fabricated.

Figure 1 f shows a plurality of panels arranged to obtain a desired length or width of formwork

Figure 2a shows panels arranged to form a base formwork and side formworks.

Figure 2b shows a base formwork and side formworks joined together to form a channel.

Figure 2c shows an example of channels of various width and height that can be formed using modular panels. Figure 2d shows panels being secured with temporary securing means such as bolts and nuts.

Figure 3a shows a front view of a pair of brackets. Figure 3b shows a side view of the brackets of figure 3a Figure 3c shows an isometric view of the brackets of figure 3a

Figure 4a shows a front cross-section view of an arrangement of panels and brackets to erect formwork.

Figure 4b shows a top view of the erected formwork of figure 4a to construct a beam. Figure 4c shows a side view of the erected formwork of figure 4a to construct a beam.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Detailed description of preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the embodiment is merely exemplary of the present invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claim and for teaching one skilled in the art of the invention. The numerical data or ranges used in the specification are not to be construed as limiting.

The term 'bracket' used in this specification is taken to mean a side of an assembly configured for the purpose of fastening base formwork and side formwork together, wherein each side of the assembly is formed from a single modular member or a plurality of modular members, wherein the modular member may be a hollow or solid member such as a c-channel, hollow section or solid section, and a pair of brackets comprise both sides of such assembly which fasten side formwork against base formwork by tightening one bracket against another bracket. Figure 1 a shows a front cross-section view of a panel (1 1 ) used to create formwork, while Figures 1 b, 1 c and 1 d show top, side and isometric views respectively. The panel (1 1 ) is formed with flanges (13) disposed lengthwise in a perpendicular relation to the panel (1 1 ), positioned at both longitudinal terminal edges of the panel (1 1 ). Preferably, at least one rib (12) is positioned lengthwise at middle portion of the panel (1 1 ) between both flanges (13). The rib (12) helps to improve strength and rigidity of the panel (1 1 ) to prevent deformation due to loads from steel cage and concrete poured into formwork and also during removal of formwork.

Each panel (1 1 ) is modular and the panel (1 1 ) can be used singly or a plurality of panels (1 1 ) can be joined together to form desired width and length of formwork. Alternatively, the panels (1 1 ) can be produced with different widths to suit application requirements, shown in Figure 1 e. Panel width is preferred to be at multiples of 50mm, however, widths of 150mm, 200mm, 250mm and 300mm can be used. It will be appreciated that as the panels are modular in design, widths are increased at fixed intervals, preferably at 50mm intervals. The panels are also preferably at thickness of 3mm and length of 1 .5m.

In Figure 1 f, it can be seen that panels (1 1 ) of equal width or unequal width can be joined together to obtain a desired formwork width or height. Alternatively, a panel (1 1 ) of a single width can be used to obtain the desired width or height. For example, in order to cast a beam of 600mm width, three 200mm panels may be joined together in order to reach the width of 600mm, otherwise, two 300mm panels may be joined together. Therefore, a single panel or a plurality of panels of equal or differing widths may be used where necessary.

Preferably, aluminium extruded stock are used as panels to create formwork. It is appreciated that these panels can be extruded stock made of other materials such as but not limited to plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and fibreglass, and metals or metallic alloys such as iron and steel. Figure 2a shows a plurality of panels (1 1 /1 1 A) arranged to create a formwork (10), which is divided into base formwork (14) and a pair of side formworks (16). At least one panel (1 1 /1 1 A) is used to form base formwork (14) and each side formwork (16) respectively, or a plurality of panels (1 1 /1 1 A) can be used to form base formwork (14) and side formwork (16) respectively or any combination thereof. In Figure 2b, formwork (10) comprising of base formwork (14) and side formworks (16) together form a channel (41 ) into which steel cage is lowered and concrete is poured. Various combinations of panels (1 1/1 1 A) of differing or same width can be used to attain desired width of base formwork (14) and desired height of side formwork (16). As such, channels (41 ) varying height and width are producible, as shown in Figure 2c. During erection of formwork, panels (1 1 ) can be held together temporarily using nuts and bolts (43), as shown in Figure 2d. Alternatively, clamps, tie rods, wires, and any other means known to a person skilled in the art can be used to temporarily secure panels (1 1 ) together.

Figure 3a shows a front view while figure 3b shows a side view and figure 3c shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a pair of brackets (20) used to fasten base formwork and side formwork of the present invention together. A stopper means (22) and a fastening means (24) run transversely through the pair of brackets (20). The brackets (20) are formed from a plurality of modular sections and rods (32). Preferably, the modular sections are c-channels (30), however, other rigid members can be used such as hollow or solid sections made of metals or plastics such as steel, aluminium, fibreglass, PVC or ABS. The stopper means (22) comprise of a tie bolt (26), a first stopper unit (44) and a second stopper unit (46). The fastening means (24) comprise of a tie bolt (26A), a first fastening unit (48) and a second fastening unit (50). Preferably, each bracket (20) is formed from of a pair of c-channels (30) welded together with a plurality of rods (32) interspersed between each c-channel (30) at intervals along the length of the c-channel (30) pairs, with a topmost rod protruding from and beyond the c-channel (30) pair to form a hook (21 ). The rods (32) which are interspersed between each c-channel (30) pair allow tie bolts (26/26A) of the stopper means (22) and fastening means (24) to be rested on the rods (32) before position of the stopper units (44, 46) or fastening units (48, 50) are adjusted on the tie bolts (26/26A). The hook (21 ) allows each bracket (20) to be temporarily suspended on ribs or flanges formed on the side formwork prior to being fastened.

The stopper means (22) function to lock position of brackets (20) for fastening base formwork and side formworks together. The tie bolt (26) of the stopper means (22) runs transversely through both brackets (20) and the first stopper unit (44) and second stopper unit (46) are positioned along length of the tie bolt (26) between both brackets (20). Distance between each bracket (20) is governed by position of first stopper unit (44) and second stopper unit (46) located between the pair of brackets (20) along length of tie bolt (26) of the stopper means (22). The first stopper unit (44) biases against inner side of the bracket (20) in contact with the first stopper unit (44) and the second stopper unit (46) biases against inner side of the other bracket (20) in contact with the second stopper unit (46) to prevent both brackets (20) from closing in further after the fastening means (24) is tightened. The fastening means (24) function to bring both brackets (20) together, thereby fastening base formwork and side formworks together. The tie bolt (26A) of the fastening means (24) runs transversely through both brackets (20) and the first fastening unit (48) and second fastening unit (50) are positioned at terminal ends of the tie bolt (26A) with both brackets (20) located between the first fastening unit (48) and second fastening unit (50). By adjusting position of the second fastening unit (50) to be closer to the first fastening unit (48), first fastening unit (48) will bias against outer side of the bracket (20) in contact with the first fastening unit (48) and second fastening unit (50) will bias against outer side of bracket (20) in contact with the second fastening unit (50). Further adjustment of the second fastening unit (50) to become closer to the first fastening unit (48) will cause the brackets (20) to clamp against side formwork which fastens base formwork and side formwork together.

It would be appreciated that for the stopper means (22), positions of the first stopper unit (44) and second stopper unit (46) can be adjustable. Alternatively, positions of the first stopper unit (44) and second stopper unit (46) can be permanently fixed to correspond with width of a beam to be cast. Preferably, position of the first stopper unit (44) is permanently fixed while position of the second stopper unit (46) is adjustable. These configurations are used based on the requirements on-site, whereby if beams of various width are to be cast, then it is preferable to have positions of the first stopper unit (44) and second stopper unit (46) to be adjustable, while in the case whereby a large quantity of beams of uniform width are to be cast, positions of the first stopper unit (44) and second stopper unit (46) can be fixed to shorten setup time.

It would also be appreciated that for the fastening means (24), the first fastening unit (48) and the second fastening unit (50) can be adjustable along length of a tie bolt (26). Preferably, position of the first fastening unit (48) is fixed and position of the second fastening unit (50) is adjustable.

Preferably, for the stopper means (22), the first stopper unit (44) is a stopper, wherein the stopper is a solid metal piece for biasing against brackets (20), which stopper is welded to the tie bolt (26) and the second stopper unit (46) is a nut. Still preferably, the nut is a wing nut. Alternatively, the stopper is a stopper bar welded crosswise to the tie bolt (26). Still alternatively, both the first stopper unit (44) and second stopper unit (46) are nuts. Still alternatively, both the first stopper unit (44) and second stopper unit (46) are stoppers. Similarly, for the fastening means (24), it is preferable that the first fastening unit (48) is a stopper and the second fastening unit (50) is a nut, where the nut is preferably a wing nut. Alternatively, the stopper is a stopper bar welded crosswise to the tie bolt (26A). Still alternatively, both the first fastening unit (48) and second fastening unit (50) are nuts.

Figure 4a shows a front cross-section view of a modular assembly for erecting formwork (10), wherein panels are arranged together to form base formwork (14) and side formwork (16) of desired dimensions atop a supporting frame (38). Brackets (20) are then placed on either side of assembled side formwork (16) and tightened. The stopper means (22) is adjusted first to fix distance (X) between each bracket (20) by adjusting position of first stopper unit (44) and second stopper unit (46) to correspond with the required distance/width (X). Distance (X) corresponds to total width (b) of the base formwork (14) and width (r r₂) of ribs/flange (12A/13A) of both side formworks (16), i.e. Χ= +η+Γ₂. Once the distance/width (X) is fixed, the fastening means (24) is tightened by adjusting position of first fastening unit (48) and second fastening unit (50) to bring both brackets (20) together and fasten base formwork (14) and side formworks (16) together. Where position of the first fastening unit (48) is permanently fixed to the tie bolt (26A) of the fastening means (24), position of the second fastening unit (50) is adjusted to approach the first fastening unit (48) to bring both brackets (20) together. It would be understood that the fastening means (24) cannot be over-tightened as the adjustment of the stopper means (22) limits the amount which the second fastening means (24) can be tightened. It can be seen in the figure that each hook (21 ) rests on a rib/flange (12A/13A) at external side of side formwork (16) which prevents the brackets (20) from sliding off or falling from the sides of the side formwork (16) before being tightened.

Figures 4b and 4c shows a top view and a side view respectively of the formwork (10) erected to form a channel (41 ) to construct a beam. Brackets (20) are interspersed along the length of the side formwork (16) where clamping force is needed. Likewise, supporting frames (38) are interspersed under the channel (41 ) along the length of the channel (41 ) to support the formwork (10) before, during and after concrete is cast. Where gaps are present, wooden pieces can be joined together to create a wooden formwork (40) having same cross-section of the channel (41 ) to be cast to fill the gaps between erected formwork (10). It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the ends of the potentially assembled channel (41 ) are joined to a column, beam or any other feature to be constructed by concrete casting so that concrete introduced into the channel (41 ) does not spill out, and is contained within the channel (41 ) during concreting works. Where ends of the potentially assembled channel (41 ) are not joined to another structure, they can be capped with a wooden cap (not illustrated) which ensures that concrete does not spill out of the channel (41 ) during concreting works. Once concrete has been cast and constructed beam reaches sufficient strength, the formwork (10) may be removed for future use. Returning to Figure 4a, brackets (20) can be rapidly removed by loosening fastening means (24) which allow brackets (20) to open and be taken off the formwork. Formwork (10) can then be easily removed from the beam by means of release agent applied onto inner surface of the channel (41 ) prior to casting of concrete.

Method of erecting formwork using modular panel assembly shall now be described with references to Figures 2a and 4a. To erect formwork (10), panels (1 1/1 1 A) are arranged to form base formwork (14) and side formwork (16). At least one panel (1 1 ) is used to form base formwork (14) and at least one panel (1 1 A) is used to form each side formwork (16). Where more than one panel (1 1 ) is used to form base formwork (14), the panels (1 1 ) are arranged one panel (1 1 ) alongside another panel (1 1 ). Where more than one panel (1 1 A) is used to form side formwork (16), one panel (1 1 A) is arranged on top of another panel (1 1 A) in a single plane.

Base formwork (14) is first arranged atop at least one supporting frame (38). Side formworks (16) are then arranged perpendicularly along longitudinal edge of the base formwork (14), whereby the base formwork (14) and side formwork (16) form a channel (41 ) to receive concrete. After the formwork (10) has been arranged on top of the supporting frame (38), at least one pair of brackets (20) is used to fasten side formwork (16) to base formwork (14). Brackets (20) are temporarily suspended on exposed side of side formwork (16) by means of hooks (21 ) formed on each bracket (20).

A stopper means (22) is first placed transversely between each bracket (20) to fix distance between brackets (20) whereby tie bolt (26) of the stopper means (22) is placed transversely through both brackets (20). Attached to the tie bolt (26) are a first stopper unit (44) and a second stopper unit (46).The first stopper unit (44) is positioned on the tie bolt (26) to internally bias against a bracket (20) in contact with the first stopper unit (44) wherein the first stopper unit (44) is positioned between the pair of brackets (20). The second stopper unit (46) is then positioned on the tie bolt (26) at another end of the tie bolt (26) to internally bias against another bracket (20) in contact with the second stopper unit (46) wherein the second stopper unit (46) is positioned between the first stopper unit (44) and the other bracket (20), such that distance (X) between the pair of brackets (20) corresponds to total of width (b) of base formwork (14) and width (n) of rib (12A) or flange (13A) of a side formwork (16) and width (r₂) of rib (12A) or flange (13A) of opposite side formwork (16), i.e. X=b+r_!+r₂. Where position of first stopper unit (44) is permanently fixed on the tie bolt (26) of the stopper means (22), position of the second stopper unit (46) is adjusted to fix distance (X). It would be appreciated that positions of the first stopper unit (44) and second stopper unit (46) may be pre-set on the tie bolt (26) of the stopper means (22) before placing the stopper means (22) transversely through both brackets (20) or set after placing the stopper means (22) transversely through both brackets (20) to fix distance between both brackets (20).

A fastening means (24) is then placed transversely between each bracket (20) to bias both brackets (20) together whereby tie bolt (26A) for the fastening means (24) is placed transversely through both brackets (20). Attached to the tie bolt (26A) are a first fastening unit (48) and a second fastening unit (50). The first fastening unit (48) is positioned on the tie bolt (26A) to externally bias against a bracket (20) in contact with the first fastening unit (48). The second fastening unit (50) is then positioned on the tie bolt (26A) at another end of the tie bolt (26A) to externally bias against another bracket (20) in contact with the second fastening unit (50). Position of the second fastening unit (50) is then adjusted to approach the first fastening unit (48) such that the brackets (20) are biased together and exert force against side formwork (16) which causes side formwork (16) and base formwork (14) to be fastened together. More pairs of brackets (20) may be added along length of the base formwork (14) and side formwork (16) to fasten base formwork (14) and side formwork (16) together.

Once base formwork (14) and side formwork (16) have been securely fastened together, the channel (41 ) is ready to receive concrete and steel cage for construction of a concrete beam.

Claims

1 . A modular assembly for erecting formwork (10) to construct a concrete beam, comprising of a base formwork (14) and a pair of side formworks (16) assembleable to form a channel (41 ) to receive concrete, characterized in that: the base formwork (14) comprises of at least one panel (1 1 ) with flanges (13); the side formwork (16) comprises of at least one panel (1 1 A) with flanges (13A); at least a pair of brackets (20) to fasten the side formwork (16) against the base formwork (14) to provide a channel (41 ) to receive concrete, the pair of brackets (20) further includes: a stopper means (22) to maintain a fixed distance (X) between each bracket (20); and a fastening means (24) to fasten the brackets (20) against side formworks (16).

2. The modular assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the stopper means (22) comprises of a tie bolt (26) for connecting the brackets (20) and a first stopper unit

(44) and a second stopper unit (46) positioned along length of the tie bolt (26), whereby the first stopper unit (44) is secured to the tie bolt (26) and biases against inner side of bracket (20) and the second stopper unit (46) is secured to the tie bolt (26) and biases against inner side of opposite bracket (20).

3. The modular assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the fastening means (24) comprises of a tie bolt (26A) connecting the brackets (20) and a first fastening unit (48) and a second fastening unit (50) positioned along length of the tie bolt (26A), whereby the first fastening unit (48) is secured to the tie bolt (26A) and biases against outer side of a bracket (20) and the second fastening unit (50) is secured to the tie bolt (26A) and biases against outer side of opposite bracket (20), whereby tightening the second fastening unit (50) against the bracket (20) will fasten the brackets (20) against both side formworks (16), and both side formworks (16) bias against the base formwork (14).

4. The modular assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the pair of brackets (20) further includes a hook (21 ) which projects away from each bracket (20) for temporarily suspending the bracket (20) against exposed side of side formwork (16).

5. The modular assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the fixed distance (X) between the brackets (20) is b+n+r₂, wherein (b) is the desired width of the base formwork (14), (n) is width of rib/flange (12A/13A) on one side formwork and (r₂) is width of rib/flange (12A/13A) on opposite side formwork (16).

6. The modular assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first stopper unit (44) or second stopper unit (46) is moveable lengthwise along the tie bolt (26).

7. The modular assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first stopper unit (44) or second stopper unit (46) is permanently fixed to the tie bolt (26).

8. The modular assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first fastening unit (48) or second fastening unit (50) is moveable lengthwise along the tie bolt (26A).

9. The modular assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first fastening unit (48) is permanently fixed to the tie bolt (26A).

10. The modular assembly as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the panel (1 1 , 1 1 A) further includes at least one rib (12, 12A) projecting from exposed side of the panel (1 1 , 1 1 A) between the flanges (13, 13A).

1 1 . The modular assembly as claimed in claims 4 and 10, wherein the bracket (20) is temporarily suspended on a rib (12A) or flange (13A) at exposed side of side formwork (16).

12. A method for erecting formwork (10) to construct a concrete beam, comprising the steps of: a) placing a base formwork (14) on at least one supporting frame (38) at a desired position; b) positioning side formworks (16) perpendicularly on each longitudinal edge of the base formwork (14) to form a channel (41 ) to receive concrete, characterized in that the method further comprises the steps of: i. positioning at least one pair of brackets (20) on external side of the side formworks (16); ii. positioning a stopper means (22) transversely between the pair of brackets (20) to fix distance (X) between both brackets (20), wherein internal distance (X) between each bracket (20) is configured to correlate with total of width (b) of base formwork (14) and width ( ) of rib (12A) or flange (13A) of a side formwork (16) and width (r₂) of rib (12A) or flange (13A) of opposite side formwork (16), wherein the total width is X=b+r_!+r₂ and width ( ) and (r₂) is maximum width of rib (12A) or flange

(13A) of each side formwork (16); iii. positioning a fastening means (24) between the base formwork (14) and the stopper means (22), and transversely between the pair of brackets (20) to fasten both brackets (20) together after fixing distance (X) between both brackets (20) in step (ii); iv. fastening the brackets (20).

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the base formwork (14) comprises of at least one panel (1 1 ).

14. The method as claimed in claims 12 and 13, wherein placing a base formwork (14) in step (a) further comprises of placing at least one panel (1 1 ) alongside another panel (1 1 ).

15. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the side formwork (16) comprises of at least one panel (1 1 A). The method as claimed in claims 12 and 15, wherein positioning side formworks (16) of step (b) further comprises of positioning at least one panel (1 1 A) on top of another panel (1 1 A) on a same plane.

The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein each bracket (20) is temporarily suspended on a rib (12A) or a flange (13A) of the side formwork (16) by means of a hook (21 ) before the arms (20) biased together.

The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein positioning a stopper means (22) transversely between the pair of brackets (20) to fix distance (X) between both brackets (20) in step (ii) further comprises the steps of: a) positioning a first stopper unit (44) on the tie bolt (26) to internally bias against a bracket (20), wherein the first stopper unit (44) is positioned between the pair of brackets (20); b) positioning a second stopper unit (46) on the tie bolt (26) at another end of the tie bolt (26) to internally bias against other bracket (20), wherein the second stopper unit (46) is positioned between the first stopper unit (44) and the other bracket (20), such that distance (X) between the pair of brackets (20) corresponds to width (b) of base formwork (14).

The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein fastening the brackets (20) in step (iv) further comprises the steps of: a) positioning a first fastening unit (48) on the tie bolt (26A) to externally bias against a bracket (20); b) positioning a second fastening unit (50) on the tie bolt (26A) at another end of the tie bolt (26A) to externally bias against another bracket (20); c) adjusting position of the second fastening unit (50) to approach the first fastening unit (48) such that the brackets (20) are biased together and fasten against side formwork (16).