WO2016141418A1

WO2016141418A1 - Improved modular wall system

Info

Publication number: WO2016141418A1
Application number: PCT/AU2016/000088
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hai Jun JING; Mert ATAOGLU
Original assignee: Jing Hai Jun; Ataoglu Mert
Priority date: 2015-03-12
Filing date: 2016-03-14
Publication date: 2016-09-15
Also published as: AU2021209352A1; AU2016228946A1

Abstract

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

Description

IMPROVED MODULAR WALL SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to building ccmstraction and in particular to reinforced concrete wall construction.

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

BACKGROUND OF THE INVE TIOM

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

The construction of concrete walls- in high rise buildings is typically time consuming and expensi ve. There is need i the art for an improved apparatus for, and respective methods of, constructing concrete walls.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

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

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

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the technology there is provided a modular wall system adapted to be site-erected and concrete-filled. The modular wall system including; a first wall skin panel and a second wall skin panel ; a plurality of webbing stud elements coupled to each of the first wall skin and the second wall skin to thereby substantially locate the first wall skin relative to the second wall skin.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a ibrmwork module s adapted to be site-erected, the formwork module including: a pair of opposable wall skin panels; a plurality of webbing stud elements releasablly eouplable to both of. the opposing panels; and wherein the webbing elements_* when coupled to the opposing panels, extend 10 vertically between the opposing panels for stabilising and maintaining a spaced apart configuration there between, such., that the opposing panels extend in -substantially parallel vertical planes,

According to an aspect of the invention there is provid ed a formwork module adapted to be site-erected, the forriwork^' module including: i s a base tray for marking up the wall systems on solid ground -or footings; a first wall sMn (sheeting or panelling) and a second wail skin (sheeting or panelling) that is seated (or located) in the tray_f wherei the first wall skin has a separate first external lining and first internal lining , and the second wall skin has a separate second external linin and second internal 20 lining; a piuraiity of vertical connection channel elements (typically constructed of PVC, plastics, or the like) are fixed to both the first external lining and the second external wall lining, the connection channel elements defining a connection channel for each receivin a respective vertical interconnecting 25 studs element (typically constructed of PVC, plastics, or the like) for

interconnecting the first wall skin (sheeting or panelling) and a second wall skin (sheeting or panelling), wherein the stud elements vertically slide into, and are retained by, the respective connection channel, thereby forming the wall cavity with the desirable wall mickness and providing rigidness and stability to the wall system.

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

Preferably, each of the webbing or stud elements comprises a substantially rectan gu lar configuration; whereby each of the webbing elem ents has a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of side edges.

Preferably, in use, the webbing or stud elements define wall thickness. More preferably, the spaced apart configuration between th e wall panels defines a cavity for receiving concrete therein. Most preferably, a webbing element has one or more apertures for enabling concrete to flow across the cavity.

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

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

Preferably the connection element forms a retaining recess that, receive a cooperating portion of a stud element Alternatively the connection element forms a protrusion that cooperates with a recess on the stud element- Preferably, the webbing elements are elongate having a retaining element or portion on each side-edge that is adapted to releasable engage the connection elements/ channels of opposing wall panels.

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

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

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

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

According to the inventio there is provided a method of on-site construction of concrete walk, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing one or more formwork modules;

(b) assembling the wall panels, with webbin elements there between, to define a wall cavity; and

(c) pouring concrete into the wall cavity .

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

BRI EF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with, reference to the accompanying dra wings in which:

FIG.i is perspective view of a portion of a .site-erected concrete-filled

modular wall system according to the invention, shown assembled:;

FIG.2 is a plan, view of the wall system of FIG. i; FIG.3 is a perspective view of a base tray for the wall system of FIG , 1;

FIG, 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment connection element for the wall system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an embodiment connection element shown, installed in the wall system of FIG , 1;

FIG. 6A through FIG. 6F, show a number of connection components or connection elements that may be utilised in adjoining multiple wall modules;

FIG. 7 and FIG, B show views of an embodiment stud element for the wall system of FIG, 1;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart for a method of installing a site-erected concrete-filled modular wall system according to the invention,

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

The walls modules can be hand-assembled on-site and concrete poured to form a wall (typically a structural or load bearing wall). Modules can he of varying thickness, height and length, depending on the need.

Walls may be constructed from a series of modules. FIG. i shows an embodiment modular wall system 100 that is adapted to he site erected and concrete-filled. This modular wall system iOO includes: a base tray no for marking up the wall systems on solid ground or footings; a first wall skin (sheeting or panelling) 120 and a second wall skin (sheeting or panelling) 130 that is seated (or located) in the tray;, wherein the first wali skin 120 has a separate first external lining 122 and first internal lining 124, and the second wall skin 130 has a separate second external lining 132 and second internal lining 134; a plurality of vertical connection channel elements 140 (typically

constructed of PVC, plastics, or the like) are fixed to both the first external lining 122 and the second external wall lining, the connection channel elements defining a connection channel for each receiving a respective vertical interconnecting studs element.150 (typically constructed of PVC, plastics, or the like) for interconnecting the first wall ski (sheeting or panelling) 120 and a second wail skin (sheeting o panelling) 120, wherein the stud elements vertically slide into, and are retained by, the respective connection channel, thereby forming the wall cavity with the desirable wall thickness and providing rlgidness and stability to the wall system.

The external lining (122, 132) is typicall ^'selected to- receive the finishing coats for the wall. The internal lining (124,134) is typicall selected to provide fire insulation, sound insulation, energy efficiency to improve the thermal performance of a building.

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

In a .embodiment, the external wall linings of the wall panels may he made of Magnesium Oxide sheets (for example 9 or 6 mm thick) or Fibre Cement sheets (for example 6ffim thick). The system provides a relatively smooth finish that. is ready for skim coating and painting. The system will reduce the additional plastering and/or rendering process. The internal lining is formed of separate panel segments that are fitted between the vertical connection channel elements or th stud elements.

Wall panels (χ2θ,ΐ3θ) and stud elements 150 elements can be sized to conform to or accommodate design requirements for height and wall thickness,

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

The stud elements 150, when installed vertically in between die first wail skin and the second wall skin, create or define the cavity or void to be concreted, The stud elements 150 typically include a plurality of apertures 152 for enabling the flow of concrete within the wall cavity as it is concrete filled, while maintaining a required horizontal and vertical reinforcement The apertures also provide space for reinforcement rods to be located along the length of the wall, as per design requirements.

It will, be appreciated that, reinforcement (not shown) can be placed vertically down through the wall cavity, also placed horizontally by sliding it through the apertures of the vertical studs element, Reinforcement is usually in the form of reinforceme t bars or rods, as known in the art.

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

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

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

In an embodiment, the connection element further includes a base extension or flange for presenting an increased bond area to res ective wall panels.

In an embodiment bv vv of example onlv, a modular formwork c n he erected on site, wherein each module may consist of:

(a) a base tray, providing geometric: guidance on the floor, which could be inside or outside of the wail;

(b) a pair of wall panels, being a first wall skin panel and a second wall, skin panel, with optional additional insulation layers if required

^•(c) a lurality ofPVC stud, elements, joined perpendicularly ^'between the first wall skin panel and the second wall skin for establishing the wall cavity and stabilising the wall system;

(d) one or more assembly elements, such as retainin elements for

erecting/continuing straight wall, formin corners, forming T junctions and forming attachments to an existing wall.

In use, ^'by way of example only , a modular wall system can be constructed by;

(a) commencing with a base tray (for example formed of aluminium) that provided alignment of th wall, such that, the wall system will be formed on the base tray;

(h) installing wall skins onto the base tray, thereby guided to retain a straight line;

(c) installing vertical webbed stud elements to internal sides of the wall skins, wherein the wall stud element extend vertically to a desirable height, and have a selected -width to define the wall thickness (as pe design reqniremeiits), while maintaining the wall skins- parallel in orientation;

It will b appreciated that each wall typically establishes a rectangular configuration (having a top edge, a bottom edge, a pair of side edges), and the spacing between wall skins or panels defmes the size of the cavity for receiving concrete to be poured within_*

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

Two or more wall modules can be interconnected, for example a Ύ configuration or further extension of the wall panels. The ends or edges of wall units can he adapted tor abutting engagement, if wall modules require no further

connection, the wall end or edge can include a sealed finish hi an embodiment, by way of example only, the method- of constructing a concrete wall can include the followin steps:

(a) providing one or more f ntiwork modules;

(b) assembling the wail panels above non-corrosive alignment tray, with vertical webbed studs to define the required wall cavity;

(c) inserting vertical and/ r horizontal reinforcement, and

(d) pouring concrete into the wall cavity from the top;

(e) sealing edges of the wall (optional}; and

(f) applying finishing materials to exposed surfaces (optional).

According to a preferred embodiment, byway of example only, the wail system may comprise one or more of the following aspects and/or advantages;

(a) formwork module are sized with a maximum length of 1200mm and height from 2400 mm to 3600mm, ^'(b) the cavity width (distance in between connection channels) is 170mm for 3600111111 high wall and 2O0ram for 2400, 700 or 3000mm high wall;

(e) wall panels could be custom sized with assembly on-site, or

alternatively the wall panels and associated vertical elements; can be cut down to size on-site;

(d) service, doo and window openings can be pre-cut (according to design plans), with a nominated sub frame and door indow frame either installed on-site or pre-installed (different wall sizes may require different sub-frames and door/window frames);

(e) walls can include additional layers- if required- to provide Building Code fire rating requirements for all classes of buildings, having a structural adequacy/ integrity/ insulation rating from 60/60/60 to

(f) walls can be adapted to provide Building Code Acoustic Performance requirements, using a variety of components^' as additional layers to obtain the required Weighted Sound Reduction Index,

(g) walls can include insulatio to obtain the required energy efficiency (for example, as specified for BASIX legislation in NSW)

(h) exposed external or internal wall skins could be painted, rendered or waterproofed as required.

A Builder / Deveioper can specify wall dimensions (width/length/height), and the trays/tracks can be fixed firmly to the floor using concrete nail guns or industrial fasteners. The wails panels, and connection elements can be formed/glued together before- delivery, or cut on site. Typically, the connection elements and walls panels are glued using OEM high-strength fire resistant adhesive at 200mm centres.

It would be appreciated that the modular wall system can be used to- provide solid concrete internal walls, external, walls and retaining walls. Referring back to the drawings, particularly FIG. i and FIG. 2_* the modular wall system assembly loo that can he site-erected and concrete-fil d can include.: a first wall skin panel 120 and a second wall skin panel 130; and a plurality of spaced parallel stnd elements 150 coupled to each of, and interconnecting between, the first wall skin panel and second wall skin panel; such that the first second wall skin panel is spaced apart from and parallel to the second wall skin panel.

The vertical stud elements 150, when installed by sliding down in between opposite/opposing wail panels, function as a initial connecting and stabilising element for the wall.

When assembled, to form, a module assembly too. the vertical stud elements 150, define a spaced apart configuration between the wall panels 120,130. The stud elements are typically installed- vertically between the first panel and the second wall panel, in a wa that the first wall panel and the second wall panel are parallel in orientation, thereby defining, a wall thickness and forming a wall cavit for receiving concrete (not shown) therein. It will he appreciated that a stnd element, has a series of apertures 152 for enabling concrete t flow across the cavity. in use, the stud element segments the wall cavity, while the apertures enable fluid communication across the cavity. The apertures can further he used for enabling reinforcement rods to be located along a length of wall. The apertures have been shaped in a way to allo sufficient concrete flow through the vertical elements. in an embodiment, the assembly can include a base tray 110 for assisting with aligning the opposing wall panels 120,130, and to retain concrete poured within the cavity between wail panels. in an embodiment, the side edges of a module is adapted for sealed abutting engagement with another module (for example at 190), whereby two or more wall module assemblies can he interconnected.

FIG, 3 shows an. embodiment base tray 110, which includes a floor 1.1.2 and side rails 114,115 for abutting engagement with the wall panels 120,130 (not shown). Tlie base tray iio (or track) is typically fixed to the floor, followmg marking lines as per a building design.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment connection element 140, This embodiment connection element is formed as an elongate element of a desired length (for example, extruded or injection moulded). The connection element 140 defines an elongate channel 142 for accessing a retaining recess 143 that receives a coupling portion of a stud element (not shown).

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

Stud elements can he slid into place to brace each of the opposing wall panels using a. tongue and groove like connection with the respective connection element.

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

In this example j the connection element further includes oppositely uitwardl directed longitudinal flanges 145,146, The connection element is typically fixed to the wall panels, with the flanges 145,146 sandwiched between an external lining and interna] lining of a wall panel.

FIG, 5A and FIG. 5B show an embodiment connection element 140 installed in a wall system by way of example only. The connection element is fixed (for example glued) to the wall panel 120,130 with the flanges 145,146 sandwiched between an external linin 122,132 and internal lining 124,134, The external lining 12 ; 132 and internal lining 124,134 may be bonded 149 (for example glued with, construction adhesive) to retain the connection element. In an embodiment, wall panels, no, are typically constructed from 6mm or 9mm Magnesium Oxide sheets or 6mm Fibre Cement materials. The connection elements, for example in the form of PVC extruded or injection moulded stri s* are about.3mm thick and glued to the inside surface of the wall panels.

FIG.5 A and FIG. gB .show a portion of a wall panel showing the sandwich construction of the inner lining, and outer lining with the connection element embeddeii there- between. Whe in use, the connection element 140 receives a stud element 150,

The external lining 122,13a and internal lining 124,134 may he bonded 149 (for example glued with constraction adhesive)

FIG, 6A through FIG. 6£, show a number of connection components or connection elements that ma be utilised in adjoining multiple wall modules.

FIG, 6A through FIG. 6C connection components or connection elements used for adjoining perpendicular walls.

FIG, 6A shows an internal corner portion having a coupling element 640 with a pair of perpendicularly defined connection slots 642.643. It will be appreciated that the couplin element can be fixed to the wall panels (pei endiciilarly configured) with longitudinal flanges 644,645 sandwiched between the respective oute lining and inner lining. The connection element provides perpendicularly defined connection slots 642,643 that each receives a respective stud element,

FIG. 6B shows an embodiment comer configuration with stud elements installed.

FIG. 6C shows an external corner portion with includes a longitudinal corner connection eienient 650 that abuts (and is typically fixed or bonded to) the adjoinin wall sheets to stabilise the corner prior to concrete being poured.

It will he appreciated that selected connection elements (for example 640 and 650) provide angles and corners,

FIG, 6D and FIG, 6F show connection options for abutting wall modules. FIG. 6D shows a wall panel liavmg a connection element 660 used for adjoining inlin wall modules, wherein one of flange 662 of the connection elements 140 protrudes the edges of the external lining, which can be received by a receiving recess or gap formed between an adjoining wall panel (as best shown in FIG, 6E, by way of example only).

FIG. 6E shows a wall panel having a connection element portion 670 used for adjoining inline wall modules, wherei connectio element portion 670 defines a receiving recess (or gap) 672.

FIG. 6F shows a first connection element 660 and a second connection element portion 670 being used when abuttmg!y adjoining wall modules (showing one side of the wall module). In this example the flange is a longitudinal flange extending about the height of the wall and is located about the centre or aligned with the axis of the connection element body, which orientates the flange such that it can he centrally received by the elongate central recess (or gap) 672 of cooperating connection element, portion 670. The first connection element 660, in this example, comprised both the cooperating flange 662 and an elongate channel 664 for receiving a stud or webbing element (as described above).

Angles and trims can be addressed using appropriate moulded strips (typically formed from FVC), Stud elements, having different widths can be adapted (or engineered) to fit into both moulded strips on either side of the angle or comers.

It will be appreciated that the external lining and internal lining may be bonded 149 (for example glued with construction adhesive),

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B show views of an embodiment stud element 150. The stud element 150 comprises a substantially planar body (or webbing) portion 151 that, when in this configuration, extends between the first wall panel and the second wall panel. The stud element 150 has a plurality of apertures 152. A couplin portion 154 is formed on each longitudinal edge of the stud element 150 for engagin a respective connection element fixed to the first wall panel and the second wall panel, In this example, the coupling portion is "T" shaped to be slidingiy received and retained b an elongated slot and retaining recess of the respective connection element. Ιί will be appreciated thai couplmg portion 154 is^' substantially an end projection or moulding adapted to co-operate with (sMingly received and retained by) an elongated slot and retaining recess of the respective connection element.

FIG, 8 shows a embodiment flowchart 800 for a method of on-site construction of concrete wails. T e method comprising the steps of:

STEP 810: providing one or more formwork modules:

STEP 820: assembling the wall, panels, with stud element inserted, to define the wall cavity;

STEP 830: inserting reinforcement into the wall cavity, STEP 840: pouring concrete into the wall cavity.

By way of example only, the formwork modules are wall modules 100 as herein described.

In an embodiment, the method can optionally comprises STEP 830 of inserting reinforcement,

STE 820 of assembling the wall panels can include cutting wall panels down to required size on-site. Alternatively, the wall panels eonld he custom sized, and wall modules will be assembled on-site.

It will be appreciated that, by way of example only , wall modules can be erected by:

OPTION A; Each wall side wall panel are positioned upright (in situ) then vertical elements are slid into the wall cavity for coupling both side panels.

OPTION B: All the components can be first fixed together and the wall module is moved, into position.

It will be appreciated that, both options typically require fastening of both wall panels to the bottom track. Further, once wall modules have been erected, reinforced rods can be threaded through the preformed, apertures 152 in the stud webbing elements 150 and from the top of the wall between each stud webbing elements.

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

Preferably, concrete is poured after every 3000111111 high panel to allow for better control of concrete flow. it should he noted that the illustrated wall module provides a site-erected concrete filled wall system.

Although the invention has bee described with reference to specific examples,, it will.be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment⁵⁵ or "an

•embodiment means that, a particular feature, structure or characteristic ^•described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one em bodiment of the present in vention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, hi one or more embodiments. la the claims below and th e description herein , an one of the terms comprising, comprised of or which comprises is an open term that means incl uding at least the dements/features that follow, but not excluding others, Thus, the term comprising, when used in the claims, should not he interpreted as being limitative to the means or elements or steps listed thereafter. For example, the scope of the expression a device comprising A and B should not be .limited to devices consisting only of elements A and B. Any one of the terms including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that: also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising. Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term coupled, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only. The terms "coupled'' and "connected", along with their derivatives, may he used, it should he understood, that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A coupled to a device B should not he limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of devi ce B. ft means that there exists a path between an outpu t of A and an input of B which may be a path including oilier devices or means. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

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

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of terms ''horizontal",

"vertical", "left", "right", "up" and "down", as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally", ¾ghtwardly^M, "upwardly", etc), simply refer to the orienta tion of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure feces the reader, or with, referen ce to the orientation of the structure during nominal use, as appropriate. Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and

"outwardly" generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

^'Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplar emhodimenta of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various Inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, ho wever, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment Thus, the claims following the Detailed

Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description,, wit each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

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

Furthermore, an element described herein of a apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention.

In the description provided, herein, numerous specific details are set forth.

However,- it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced ^•without these specific details, In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown In detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art. will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departin from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention. it will be appreciated that an embodiment, of the invention ca consist

essentially of features disclosed herein. Alternatively, an embodiment of the invention can consist of features disclosed herein. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

Claims

WE CLAIM

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

2. Hie modular wall according to claim x, wherei the plurality of webbing stud eleme ts are releasabily couplahle to both of the opposing panels.

3. The modular wall accordin to claim 2. wherein the webbing elements, when coupled to the opposing panels, extend vertically between the opposing panels for stabilisin and maintaining a spaced apart configuratio there between., such that the opposing panels extend in substantially parallel vertical planes,

4. The modular wall accordin to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each wall skin panel comprise a substantially rectangular configuration; whereby each wall skin panels has a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of side edges,

5. The modular wall accordin to an one of the preceding claims, wherein each webbing stud elements comprises a substantiall rectangular configuration; whereby each webbing elements has a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of side edges,

6. The modular wall according to any one of the precedin claims, wherein the webbing stud elements define wall thickness when in use. , The modular wall according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spaced apart configuration between the wall panels defines a cavity for receiving concrete therein. , The modular wall according to claim , wherein a webbing element has one or more apertures for enabling concrete to flow across the cavity. , The modular wall according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a iormwork module is adapted to be site-erected, the formwork module Including: a base tray for marking up the wall systems on solid ground or footings; the first wall skin panel and the second wall skin panel being located in the tray, the first wall skin panel has a separate first external lining and first Internal lining, and the second wall skin panel has a separate second external lining and second internal lining; a plurality of vertical connectio elements are fixed to both the first, externa^] lining and the second external wall lining, the connection elements defining a connection for each receiving a respective vertical interconnecting studs element for interconnecting the first wall skin panel and a second wail skin panel, wherein the stud, elements vertically slide into engagement with, and are retained by, the respective connection element, thereby forming the wall cavity with the desirable wall thickness and providing rigidness and stability to the wall system, , The modular wall according to claim wherein the connection elements are spaced apart on wall panels, such that connection elements o opposing wall panels form an alignment. , The modular wall according to claim 10, wherein the connection elements are evenly spaced apart on wall panels. 12, The modular wall according to claim 11, wherein the connection elements are feed vertically to the wall panels.

33, The modular wall according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein connection element forms a retaining channel recess that receives a cooperating portion of a stud element.

14. The modular wall according to any one of claims 9 to 1.2,. wherein the

connection element forms a protrusion that cooperates with a recess o the stud element.

15. The modular wall accordin to an one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the

webbing elements is elongate having a retaining element on each side-edge that, is adapted to releasable engage the connection elements of opposing wail panels.

16. The modular wall accordin to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the base tray spans between opposing wall panels and is adapted to retain concrete poured within the cavity between wall panels.

17. The modular wall according to an one of the preceding claims, wherein two or more wall modules can be interconnected.

18. A method of on-site construction of concrete walls, the method comprising the steps of;

(a) providing one or more f rmwork modules;

(b) assembling the wall panels, with webbing elements there between, to define a w^rai! cavity; and

(c) pouring concrete into the wall cavity.