WO2018129591A1

WO2018129591A1 - Integrated composite framing system

Info

Publication number: WO2018129591A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/050018
Authority: WO
Inventors: Davood DAVOODI; Peter Marzullo
Original assignee: MYD Consulting Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2017-01-12
Filing date: 2018-01-12
Publication date: 2018-07-19
Also published as: AU2018207580A1

Abstract

A building system for constructing a multi-level building structure having a multitude of individual dwelling spaces arranged at different levels one upon the other includes a prefabricated hollow column formwork unit adapted to receive concrete introduced into the formwork unit during construction of the building structure. The formwork unit is anchored to a first floor member in a preselected position and orientation prior to the introduction of uncured concrete internally within the formwork unit, and is adapted to be fixedly connected to a second floor member for supporting the second floor member at the required location above the first floor member. The first floor member is spaced apart from the second floor member to define the height of the individual dwelling space being created within the building structure being supported by the formwork unit. The advantage of the building system is that individual modules comprising one or more formwork units are self-supporting in isolation which provides greater flexibility of design of the building structure, reduces both construction costs and the time for construction thereby making the individual dwelling spaces more affordable.

Description

INTEGRATED COMPOSITE FRAMING SYSTEM

FIELD The present description relates to building products, building systems, and building methods relating to frameworks and framing systems for building structures, such as multi-level or multi-storied building structures, including commercial and residential structures, such as high rise blocks of apartments, units, flats, townhouses or other multiple residential dwellings.

In one form, the present description relates to framing methods and framing systems for multi-level buildings in which modules of different components are used for different parts of the building structure for providing a more flexible approach to the construction of such buildings.

In one form, the present description relates to integrated composite framing systems (ICFS) in which pre-fabricated building components are individually installed and interconnected together to other components to form self-supporting assemblies or modules during construction of the building structure, and for forming part of the final building support structure.

Embodiments of the framing systems find particular application in use during construction of low rise and high-rise buildings in which discrete sections of the building can be constructed independently of other sections using separate modules or assemblies which maintain their rigidity and integrity in isolation from other individual components, as the independent sections, modules or assemblies are being constructed in sequence by not relying on the interconnection between the individual multiple sections, modules or assemblies to confer rigidity and integrity on the building structure during construction.

Although embodiments of the framing system will be described in detail it is to be noted that the scope of protection is not restricted to the described embodiments only, but rather the scope of protection is more extensive so as to include other forms and arrangements of the framing system, the components used in the framing system and the relationship between the various components of the framing system, and the application and use of the framing system, including methods of construction or assembly other than as specifically described.

BACKGROUND

The construction of multi-dwelling buildings is no small task, requiring large amounts of materials, logistics, labour and finance, as well as taking a considerable time to construct. With an ever increasing population, predominantly located in large cities, there is a constant need to provide shelter for an increasing number of people living in such cities. The demand for high-rise multi— dwelling buildings is increasing to accommodate the population. However, the cost of using conventional building products and conventional building techniques is becoming prohibitively expensive for the majority of people requiring such accommodation due to high construction costs and lengthy time delays of buildings containing such dwellings. The cost of forming building structures using conventional techniques is often out of the reach of the average person requiring accommodation in such building structures. Accordingly, new techniques of constructing buildings using existing building products and/or improved or new or modified building products, methods and systems need to be developed to improve efficiency of construction of buildings and/or reduce the time taken to construct such buildings, in order to contain costs as much as possible so that housing can be provided at a lower cost so as to be affordable to a wider range of the population, particularly in light of the increasing scarcity of suitable land upon which to build such dwellings in major cities. Therefore there is a need to develop new building techniques, new building systems, new building products and construction methods for use in constructing building structures for housing larger numbers of people.

Accordingly, it is an aim to provide building components which can be manufactured at lower costs. Accordingly, it is an aim to provide building techniques allowing building structures to be constructed at lower costs and in shorter timeframes.

Accordingly, it is an aim to provide a framing system which allows discrete sections of a building structure that are "stand-alone" structures, to be constructed in which the discrete sections are substantially self-supporting so as to provide increased flexibility in construction techniques by allowing the discrete self-supporting stand-alone sections to be constructed in sequence at different times.

Accordingly, it is an aim to provide methods of constructing building structures using new framing systems which obviate the need to have large substantially continuous concrete pours in order to obtain the required strength, rigidity and integrity of the building structure.

Accordingly, it is an aim to provide framing systems allowing greater flexibility of design of the building and/or construction methods or techniques during the construction of the building structures.

SUMMARY According to one form of the present invention there is provided a framing system including a prefabricated column formwork unit for containing a moldable material introduced into the formwork unit during construction of a building structure having multiple levels of a first floor member and a second floor member, the formwork unit comprising a generally elongate hollow body portion having two or more interconnected wall sections, a joiner provided at or towards a first end of the formwork unit for fixedly joining the formwork unit to the first floor member to anchor the formwork unit stably on the first floor member so that the formwork unit in isolation is substantially self-supporting, a connector provided at or towards the second end of the formwork unit for connecting the formwork unit to the second floor member, the first floor member being spaced apart from the second floor member, the formwork unit for extending between the first floor member and the second floor member to support the second floor member, wherein when the joiner of the formwork unit is fixedly connected to the first floor member the formwork unit is stably fixed to the first floor member in a preselected position and orientation within the building structure prior to the introduction of the moldable material internally within the hollow formwork unit to form the column for supporting the second floor member.

According to one form of the present invention, there is provided a building

construction system for constructing a building structure, the system comprising a lower floor member, an upper floor member, a generally elongate hollow formwork unit for forming a column extending between the lower floor member and the upper floor member for supporting the upper floor member, the formwork unit for containing a moldable material introduced into the formwork unit during construction of the building structure the formwork unit including a joiner provided at or towards the lower end of the formwork unit in use for fixedly joining the formwork unit to the lower floor member to anchor the formwork unit stably on the lower floor member so that the formwork unit is substantially self-supporting, a connector provided at or towards the upper end of the formwork unit in use for connecting the formwork unit to the upper floor member, wherein when the formwork unit is fixedly attached to the lower floor member the formwork unit supports the upper floor member in a preselected position and orientation within the building structure prior to the introduction of the moldable material internally within the hollow formwork unit to form the column for supporting the upper floor member.

According to one form of the present invention, there is provided a method of constructing a building structure comprising the steps of fixedly joining a generally elongated hollow prefabricated column formwork unit to a lower floor member using a joiner provided at or towards the lower end of the formwork unit in use to anchor the formwork unit stably on the lower floor member so that the hollow formwork unit is substantially self-supporting, the formwork unit adapted to receive a mouldable material therein, connecting an upper end of the formwork unit to an upper floor member using a connector provided at or towards the upper end of the formwork unit in use to locate the upper floor member in a preselected position and orientation with respect to the formwork unit, the formwork unit extending between the lower floor member and the upper floor member to support the upper floor member, and introducing the moldable material internally into the hollow formwork unit to at least partially fill the formwork unit to form the column to support the upper floor member upon the formwork unit in a preselected position and orientation within the building structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In one form the first floor member is a lower floor member forming the floor at one level within the building structure, such as for example, the floor of a unit, flat, apartment or similar located within the building structure. In one form the lower floor member is a concrete floor member, typically a concrete slab floor.

In one form the floor member comprises one, two or more individual components, layers, structures, or similar. In one form the floor slab consists of decking, typically flooring decking, more typically profiled flooring decking, even more typically deep section composite metal deck flooring. One form of the decking is a decking having a deep section composite metal deck profile. In one form, the lower floor member includes a deep section composite metal deck floor and beams, typically metal beams, more typically steel beams, even more typically steel composite beams. Preferably, the steel beams support the profiled metal decking. Forms of the lower floor member include metal decking, steel beams and other components such as reinforcing elements, typically in the form of reinforcement elements such as bars, rods, wire, including reinforcement bar known as Rebar or similar, and/or the like. Other forms of the lower floor member include a composite of a concrete product or a cementitious product together with one or more metal products, including metal decking and reinforcements in the form of metal bars, metal rods or similar.

Forms of the metal decking include decking made by forming thin steel plates, plates or sheets of alloys or sheets or similar of combinations of different metals. Typically, the combination of different metals and or properties of the decking are in accordance with their end use depending upon the requirements of the relevant regulations concerning the building structure, such as the BCA code.

It is to be noted that the second floor member is the same as or similar to the first floor member in that the first floor member of an upper dwelling unit is the second floor member of a lower dwelling unit located immediately below the upper dwelling unit. Accordingly, the second floor member has the same features, characteristics, properties and similar as the first floor member Forms of the metal beam can be of any suitable or convenient type, size, profile, composition, or length. Preferably, the metal beam is a steel beam, more preferably a steel beam having the following composition, properties and/or characteristics:

Forms of the be beam, typically being an I-beam, have a length in the range from about 3m to about 8m, preferably in the range from about 6m to 7m. The formwork unit can be of any suitable or convenient form, type, configuration, shape, size, length or the like. One preferred form of the formwork unit is a hollow elongated generally rectilinear tube having a length approximating the height of a room or level within the multi-level building or high-rise building containing residential dwellings in the form of units, flats, apartments or similar.

Typically, the column formwork unit has a generally rectangular cross-section.

However other forms of the formwork unit can have a cross-section which is circular, round, square or any other polygonal shape as required for, such as for example, strength, orientation, decoration, style or similar. In one form the formwork unit is a hollow cylinder. Forms of the column formwork unit are designed to provide support for steel beams during the construction phase of the building structure, prior to the pouring of the mouldable material, such as for example, wet or uncured concrete used in the construction of the building structure.

Forms of the formwork unit are provided with a joiner suitable for joining the formwork unit to the first floor member , typically in the form of a concrete slab or similar, more typically a composite concrete slab of steel decking and a layer or layers of concrete. In one form the joiner includes a bracket or connector plate and masonry anchors, typically in the form of anchor bolts or similar. In one form the brackets are right angle brackets or similar.

The first floor member is the flooring or floor surface or floor of one of the residential dwelling units, typically the flooring of the unit above the level within the multilevel building being described. In one form the floor of an upper level of units is the roof of the lower level of units located immediately below the upper level of units so that the one composite structure of decking and concrete slab is both the floor of an upper unit and the roof of a lower unit located immediately below the upper unit.

In one form the joiner is one or more anchor bolts for fixedly joining the formwork unit to the concrete slab. Typically each formwork unit has four anchor bolts in which one anchor bolt is located at or towards each corner or edge of the rectangular formwork unit. Forms of the joiner also include a bracket, typically a right-angled bracket, located on either side of the formwork unit in which the bracket also carries the anchor bolts. Forms of the bracket receive there through two separate anchor bolts located at spaced apart locations to one another, typically at or towards the side edges of the bracket.

Forms of the formwork unit are provided with a connector located at or towards the top of the formwork unit in use for connecting the roof components of the upper dwelling unit to the top of the formwork unit so that the formwork unit can support the roof structure during construction of the building structure. In one form the connector extends outwardly from one or more of the sides of the formwork unit, typically from opposite sides of the rectangular formwork unit, more typically from both pairs of opposite sides of the rectangular cross-section of the formwork unit, such as from both longitudinal sides of the one pair of opposite sides of the generally rectangular formwork unit or from both pairs of opposite sides of the rectangular formwork such as from the pair of longitudinal sides and from the pair of transverse sites. Forms of the formwork unit have a connector extending from all sides, such as for example, from both longitudinal sides and from both lateral sides. One form of the connector is a flange located at the top end of the formwork unit. In use, the flange, in combination with the formwork unit itself, supports the roof deck of the dwelling space and is fixedly connected to the roof deck by suitable fasteners. In one form the roof deck rests upon the flange, typically in the form of a steel angle, provided on or around the perimeter of the upper end in use of the formwork unit. Forms of the formwork unit are provided with one or more shear studs. A single shear stud prevents movement of the metal decking with respect to the formwork unit, such as for example over the upper surface of the formwork unit.

Forms of the formwork unit are provided with a retainer for retaining the steel beam in place at or towards the top of the formwork unit. Typically, the formwork unit has two retainers located on opposite sides of the generally rectangular formwork unit, typically on both lateral sides or short sides of the rectangular formwork so that the beams can be supported on the formwork unit in a linear relationship to one another to extend from opposite sides of the formwork unit. Forms of the retainer include a bracket, a support, a cleat, a ledge, or similar projection or the like extending outwardly from the side of the formwork unit for supporting the end of the steel beam. In one form the retainer is spaced from the top end of the formwork unit to a length corresponding to the height of the steel beam so that when the steel beam rests upon the retainer the upper surface of the steel beam is flush with the upper surface of the flange or surround located at the top or upper end of the formwork unit.

Forms of the steel beam are provided with locators for locating the steel decking with respect to the steel beam and formwork unit. Typically, the locator is in the form of projections extending from the steel beam, typically upwardly extending projections arranged to extend substantially vertically from the upper surface in use of the steel beam. In use, the locator retains the roof deck of the dwelling space in place with respect to the formwork units and the steel beams.

The locator can have any suitable or desirable form, such as for example, being projections in the form of pins, pegs, studs, or other generally upwardly extending generally elongate or acicular components. Preferably, the locator is a shear stud. In forms, the length of the locator projection is less than the amplitude of the profile of the steel decking so that the locator is able to be received within the cavity formed on the underside of the decking profile to assist in locating the decking in position, such as for example by preventing excessive lateral movement of the decking during construction of the building structure, particularly prior to the layer of concrete being poured onto the upper surface of the steel decking to form the upper roof member.

In forms, multiple shear studs are used to locate the decking in position. Forms of the multiple shear studs arrangement can have any suitable or convenient form. One form involves the use of a line of spaced apart shear studs extending collinearly lengthwise along the central axis of the beam, whereas another form involves spaced apart staggered pairs of shear studs positioned on each longitudinal side of the beam and optionally on the top flange of the formwork unit so as to restrain the decking.

Forms of the steel beam are provided with a stopper for preventing movement of the steel decking with respect to the steel beam. The stopper can have any suitable or convenient form. One form of stopper is located on the upper surface in use of the steel beam. Forms of the stopper include stopper cleats, brackets, projections, or the like. Typically, the stoppers are arranged in spaced apart pairs located at or towards the longitudinal side edges of the upper surface of the steel beam. More typically, each individual pair of stoppers is located in spaced apart relationship to other pairs of stoppers in the lengthwise extending direction of the longitudinal axis of the steel beam. The locations of the stoppers assist in accurately locating the perimeter or edge of each decking sheet on the steel beam so that the decking sheets or plates can be located in spaced apart relationship to each other on the upper surface of the one steel beam, more typically with a gap or space therebetween.

In forms, the stoppers are omitted as being not required as the relative positioning of forms of the shear studs securely retain the decking in position. In forms of the framing system a plate or similar support may be located on the upper surface in use of the steel beam for supporting the decking. Forms of the plate are provided with stoppers or shear studs in spaced apart relationship to one another.

Although the multiple material for being introduced internally within the formwork unit can have any suitable or convenient form, composition or type, it is to be noted that a particularly preferred form of multiple composition is a concrete mixture or similar. A suitable concrete mixture or similar cementitious product mixture is introduced into the gap or space at the top of the steel beam between the two individual decking sheets to assist in forming the roof structure of the dwelling unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Forms of the building system and of the individual components used in the building system will now be described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 A is a schematic elevation view from one side of one form of a building structure having one form of the framing system showing the arrangement of the various components with respect to one another. Figure 1 B is a schematic elevation view from another side of the building structure of Figure 1 A.

Figure 2A is a schematic top perspective view of one form of a formwork unit.

Figure 2B is a schematic top plan view of the formwork unit of Figure 2.

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view from above of one form of a steel beam extending between two spaced apart formwork units supporting the steel beam.

Figure 4A is a schematic perspective view from above of an assembly of two steel beams being supported by two spaced apart formwork units and a side wall of the building structure in which props in the form of diagonal struts support the assembly during construction.

Figure 4B is a view similar to figure 4A but showing an alternative form of the locator being in the form of staggered pairs of shear studs.

Figure 5A is a schematic section through one form of a steel beam located intermediate two top decking sheets showing the gap or space there between in which is located one form of a shear stud and stopper arrangement.

Figure 5B is a view similar to figure 5A showing another form of the locator which is a pair of shear studs.

Figure 6 is a schematic top perspective view of one form of assembly or module of a metal deck flooring supported upon the steel beams and formwork units during construction prior to pouring of concrete. Figure 7 is a schematic top perspective view of a further stage in the construction of the building structure showing floor reinforcements located on the upper surface of the metal decking. Figure 8 is a schematic top perspective view of the assembly of formwork unit, steel beams, decking and floor reinforcement prior to the introduction of concrete into the formwork unit. Figure 9 is a schematic partial side elevation view and partial cross-section of one form of the integrated composite framing system at one level in a multilevel building structure.

Figure 10 is a schematic enlarged side view showing the steel beam supported on the formwork unit for supporting the metal deck and layer of concrete forming the roof structure of the lower dwelling space and the floor structure of the upper dwelling space.

Figure 1 1 is a schematic partial side elevation view and partial cross section through one form of the formwork unit supporting the metal decking and concrete roof structure.

Figure 12 is a schematic cross-section section through one form of the metal beam showing concrete located intermediate two decking sheets.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT

One form of the framing system will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

One form of a building structure, generally denoted as 2, constructed using the integrated composite framing system of the present description is illustrated in figures 1 A and 1 B which illustrate the composite frame work of a multi— level building structure which is assembled from a multitude of elongate formwork units 10 located both in spaced apart locations at one level of the multilevel building and in stacked relationship one above the other at different respective levels within the multi-level building structure to support metal beams 40 extending between two adjacent formwork units 10 at the one level, upon which metal decking 70 is supported to form sections, modules or assemblies within building structure 2. Formwork units 10, beams 40, and decking 70 are arranged in alternating relationship, one above the other, over the height of the multilevel building in which an individual beam 40 spans between two adjacent formwork units 10 upon which sections of metal deck 70 are supported at each level. It is to be noted that the general arrangement of formwork units 10, beams 40 and decking 70 are provided for each level in the multilevel building structure 2. Other arrangements and/or spacing apart of formwork units 10 are possible.

One form of formwork unit 10 will now be described with reference to figures 2A and 2B. Formwork unit 10 is a generally hollow elongate substantially rectangular cross section structure having two opposed long sides or longitudinal walls 12, 14 and two opposed short sides or transverse walls 16, 18 defining a generally rectangular cavity 20 therebetween. In use, a moldable mixture of a suitable material, typically in the form of a suitable concrete mixture or other similar cementitious product, is introduced internally into formwork unit 10 to fill cavity 20 during construction of building 2, which mouldable material has been allowed to cure to form a plug 22 of concrete within cavity 20, as will be described in more detail below. In use, formwork unit 10 extends from the floor of a dwelling unit to the roof of the same dwelling unit within building 2. Formwork unit 10 is provided with a joiner at the lower end in use. One form of joiner includes a bracket 24 having two spaced apart apertures and two anchor bolts 26a, 26b being received within respective apertures. One bracket 24 is located on short side 18 and a second bracket 24 is located on opposite short side 16. In one form bracket 24 is a right-angled bracket having two legs arranged to extend at right angles to each other in which one leg is fixed to the short side of formwork unit 10 and the other extends outwardly therefrom. The outwardly extending leg is provided with the two spaced apart apertures for receiving the anchor bolts 26.

The upper end in use of formwork unit 10 is provided with a connector for connecting formwork unit 10 to the roof structure of the dwelling unit so as to support the dwelling unit during construction of building 2. In one form the connector is in the form of a flange 28 in which one flange 28a is arranged to extend outwardly from long side 12 and another flange 28b, is arranged to extend outwardly from opposite long side 14. A retainer, typically in the form of a ledge 30 or similar, is provided on short side 16 at or towards the upper end of formwork unit 10 for supporting one end of beam 40. It is to be noted that ledge 30 is located on wall 16 at a location so that the upper surface in use of beam 40 when resting upon ledge 30 is flush with the upper surface of flange 28 to enable deck 70 to be supported upon formwork unit 10 and beam 40. A second ledge 30 is provided on opposite short side 18, also at or towards the upper end in use of formwork 10, for supporting one end of another beam 40 located on the opposite side of formwork unit 10 as the first beam 40. A module or assembly of two formwork units 10 and a single beam 40 will now be described with particular reference to figure 3. Two formwork units 10 are located on the floor of the dwelling unit at p re-determined spaced apart locations corresponding to the length of beam 40 which in one form is an I-beam having a cross-section in the general shape of T. One end of beam 40 rests upon ledge 30 of one formwork unit 10 and the other end of beam 40 rests upon ledge 30 of the other of formwork unit 10 to span between the two formwork units.

Beam 40 is provided with a locator for locating deck 70 on the upper surface thereof in use. The locator can have any suitable or convenient form. One form of the locator is a sheer stud 42 which is attached to the upper surface in use of beam 40. Typically, there is a multitude of shear studs 42, located at regularly spaced apart locations along the lengthwise extending axis of beam 40, typically collinearly or in alignment with each other, such as for example along the central axis of beam 40. Shear studs 42 are placed so as to be located collectively within respective cavities or spaces formed on the underside of deck 70 by the profile of deck 70. In one form, the end of beam 40 is provided with a plate 44 which abuts against the upper part of the short side of formwork unit 10 when beam 40 is supported by ledge 30, so that fixing bolts or similar can be used to secure beam 40 in place to formwork unit 10, as shown more particularly in figure 10.

In an alternative embodiment, beam 40 is provided with another form of locator for locating deck 70 in position. In this embodiment, the locator is in the form of pairs of spaced apart shear studs arranged in staggered or in non-staggered pairs in which ones of the pairs of shear studs are located at or towards one longitudinal side of beam 40 whereas the others of the pairs of shear studs are located at or towards the other longitudinal side of beam 40, such as for example as shown in figures 4B and 5A. In this embodiment a pair of shear studs 42a are provided on either side of formwork unit 10, such as extending upwardly from either flange 30 at opposite sides of formwork unit 10. Also, beam 40 is provided with staggered pairs of shear studs 42b located along either longitudinal side thereof. Shear studs 42b are located within cavities of deck 70 to maintain deck 70 securely in position on beam 40 and formwork unit 10 during and after construction of the building structure.

Forms of the module of formwork unit 10 and beam 40 can have any number of formwork units and beams and be arranged in any suitable or convenient

configuration. In one form the module is stabilised by stabilisers which are additionally added to the module prior to introduction of the concrete mixture into cavity 20 of formwork unit 10. The stabilisers can have any suitable or convenient form or arrangement. One form of stabiliser is a prop 46, typically an inclined prop, and more typically two or more inclined props which are inclined in opposite directions and are located at spaced apart locations within the module, typically at or towards the inside of beams 40 of the modules. In one form two props 46 are oppositely inclined at about the same location which is at or towards one end of beams 40. In one form two oppositely inclined props 46 are attached to beams 40 at or towards either long side of the one formwork unit 10, such as for example by coupling 48. Configurations of layouts of props 46 are illustrated in figures 4, 6, 7, 9 and 10, as well as how the individual prop 46 is attached to the end of beam 40 using a suitable coupling 48.

Forms of beam 40 are provided with stoppers for limiting movement of deck 70 when located upon the upper surface of beam 40. The stoppers can have any suitable or convenient form for locating the edges of the sheets of deck 70 in the correct position and orientation. In one form the stoppers are located in spaced apart pairs on the upper surface of beam 40. Further, each pair of stoppers is located in spaced apart relationship to one another along the entire lengthwise extending direction of beam 40 to form spaced apart pairs of stoppers. One form of the stopper is a cleat 50 (as shown more particularly in figure 3) which is a short length of metal or plate in the form of a ridge or rib fixedly attached to beam 42 to extend upwardly from the upper surface of beam 40. It is to be noted that a shear stud 42 is located at or towards either end of each of the pair of spaced apart cleats 50, as shown more particularly in figure 4A. ln the alternative embodiment as illustrated in figures 5A and 5B, it is noted that the stopper has been omitted since the pair of spaced apart shear studs 42b retain decking 70 in place so that the stopper, particularly in the form of cleats 50, are no longer required in this embodiment. Instead, as the locator is in the form of two spaced apart shear studs 42b positioned on either longitudinal side of beam 40, shear studs 42b retain decking 70 securely in place by each engaging with separate decking 70 on either side of beam 40 such as for example, as illustrated in figure 5B.

In one form beam 40, in the form of an Ύ beam is provided with an additional top plate 52 fixedly attached to the upper surface in use of the I-beam. It is to be noted that optional plate 52 can be provided in both embodiments, as shown in figures 5A and 5B.

In one form, the stopper is in the form of cleats 50 which are formed on the upper surface of spacer plate 52 to retain the ends of deck 70 in abutting relationship therewith to assist in locating two sheets of deck 70 in an aligned spaced apart relationship to each other on either side of beam 40 with shear stud 42 located intermediate the opposed ends of decks 70. When a module of formwork units and beams have been constructed, such as for example, in two spaced apart rows and are stably supported on the floor of the dwelling unit, sheets of deck 70 are positioned on top of beams 40 and formwork units 10 to span between the two rows. It is to be noted that each sheet of deck 70 is located to span between two adjacent rows of beams and formwork units so that each row supports the ends of the two decks 70, as shown more particularly in figure 6.

After deck 70 has been located in position, a suitable reinforcement is located upon the upper surface in use of deck 70. Typically, a suitable reinforcement is a reinforcement mesh, generally denoted as 72, of interconnected rods, such as rebar, arranged in a grid like structure on the upper surface of deck 70 supported by suitable chairs to space the reinforcement mesh away from the upper surface of deck 70, as shown more particularly in figure 7. It is to be noted that mesh 72 is of any suitable or convenient size, shape, profile, type or the like. A layer of concrete or other suitable material is formed over mesh 72 to embed the mesh within a slab 74 to form the roof structure of a lower dwelling unit and the floor structure of an upper dwelling unit located immediately above the lower dwelling unit. Slab 74 can have any suitable or convenient form and can be of any suitable or convenient composition, including additives or similar depending upon the

requirements of building 2.

A modification of the building system or framing system of the present description is the inclusion of additional props, in rows or lines, located intermediate two adjacent rows of formwork units to provide additional support to the roof/floor structure to support the weight of the composite structure of the roof/floor structure during construction, such as for example to support the concrete mixture and deck 70 immediately after pouring of the concrete mixture to allow the concrete to cure. The additional props are identified by 78, as shown more particularly in figure 9. It is to be noted that additional props 78 extend more or less substantially vertically between two adjacent roof/floor structures at different levels within building 2.

Construction of the building structure 2 will now be described. As each level within building 2 is substantially identical, the construction of a single level only will be described in detail. The remaining levels of the building are constructed more or less in the same manner using the same steps.

After forming a suitable flooring substrate at the required level, such as for example a concrete slab floor or a roof/floor structure comprising deck 70 and concrete slab 74 at an upper level, a multitude of formwork units 10 are fixedly attached to the floor in a grid like layout of rows and columns at pre-measured or pre-arranged spaced apart locations in accordance with the design parameters of the building using brackets 24 and anchor bolts 26 to stably and securely fix formwork units 10 in position. It is to be noted that, generally, it is preferred to pour the concrete mixture into the cavity of the column formwork unit from the deck on the same day as forming the concrete slab floor, typically with a 3-4 hour delay.

Beams 40 are located in place to span between adjacent formwork units 10 in rows, and optionally to span transversely if needed, owing to the layout of the building structure. However, in some configurations beams 40 can extend in both linear rows and in linear columns when viewed in plan from above.

Decking 70 is positioned on beams 40 and reinforcement mesh 72 located on suitable supports such as chairs to space mesh 72 from deck 70. A suitable concrete mixture is poured onto the combination of the hollow column formwork unit and deck 70 and mesh 72 to form concrete slab 74, preferably optionally simultaneously with one another. The composite framing system of the present description is allowed to cure for a specified period to develop sufficient strength to allow the next upper level to be constructed on the just recently constructed lower level which has by now developed sufficient strength and rigidity to allow continued construction of the building structure in an upwards direction by adding further upper levels to the building. Using the method and technique of the framing system as described, each level within the building can be constructed as a discrete section of the building, or a part of one level can be constructed as a discrete section which is self-supporting, having sufficient rigidity and strength to not require additional strengthening or similar which could delay continuing with the construction of the building structure.

ADVANTAGES

One or other embodiment of the integrated composite framing system as described herein has one or other of the following advantages.

No separate formwork is required during construction of the building as is necessary when using conventional building methods and techniques.

As no formwork is required there is no stripping of the formwork after cure of the concrete columns to delay the timeline of construction of the building and to contribute to the cost of construction of the building.

As no formwork needs to be stripped from the building there is no wastage of materials used solely for forming the formwork which materials must be discarded which further increases the cost of construction and the time taken for construction. As the concrete filled formwork units are self-supporting and form discrete modules that have sufficient strength and rigidity to support the building during construction only minor stabilisation of the individual modules are required by providing minimal back propping so that only minor back propping of the modules are required during construction of the modules.

No back propping of lower levels is required during construction once the lower level has been formed.

Minor reinforcement installation only is required which includes a single bottom bar layer in pan as well as top mesh placement in combination with the steel deck.

Faster construction time is achieved in comparison to concrete framed structures.

The integrated composite framing system as described is about 40% lighter than conventional concrete flooring systems used in multi-level buildings.

High level of floor vibration control is attainable as compared to conventional concrete floor systems.

Floors can be poured in several segments so that there are no construction joint issues. There are lower structural steel tonnages used in building structures using the composite frame work system as described herein in comparison to the more usual structural steel framing structures.

There are minor fire protection requirements in comparison with the structural steel framing building structures.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

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

Claims

1 . A framing system including a prefabricated column formwork unit for containing a moldable material introduced into the formwork unit during construction of a building structure having multiple levels of a first floor member and a second floor member characterised in that the formwork unit comprises a generally elongate hollow body portion having two or more interconnected wall sections, a joiner provided at or towards a first end of the formwork unit for fixedly joining the formwork unit to the first floor member to anchor the formwork unit stably on the first floor member so that the formwork unit in isolation is substantially self- supporting, a connector provided at or towards the second end of the formwork unit for connecting the formwork unit to the second floor member, the first floor member being spaced apart from the second floor member, the formwork unit for extending between the first floor member and the second floor member to support the second floor member, wherein when the joiner of the formwork unit is fixedly connected to the first floor member the formwork unit is stably fixed to the first floor member in a preselected position and orientation within the building structure prior to the introduction of the moldable material internally within the hollow formwork unit to form the column for supporting the second floor member.

2. A building construction system for constructing a building structure,

characterised in that the system comprises a lower floor member, an upper floor member, a generally elongate hollow formwork unit for forming a column extending between the lower floor member and the upper floor member for supporting the upper floor member, the formwork unit for containing a moldable material introduced into the formwork unit during construction of the building structure the formwork unit including a joiner provided at or towards the lower end of the formwork unit in use for fixedly joining the formwork unit to the lower floor member to anchor the formwork unit stably on the lower floor member so that the formwork unit is substantially self-supporting, a connector provided at or towards the upper end of the formwork unit in use for connecting the formwork unit to the upper floor member, wherein when the formwork unit is fixedly attached to the lower floor member the formwork unit supports the upper floor member in a preselected position and orientation within the building structure prior to the introduction of the moldable material internally within the hollow formwork unit to form the column for supporting the upper floor member.

A method of constructing a building structure characterised in that the method comprises the steps of fixedly joining a generally elongated hollow prefabricated column formwork unit to a lower floor member using a joiner provided at or towards the lower end of the formwork unit in use to anchor the formwork unit stably on the lower floor member so that the hollow formwork unit is substantially self-supporting, the formwork unit adapted to receive a mouldable material therein,

connecting an upper end of the formwork unit to an upper floor member using a connector provided at or towards the upper end of the formwork unit in use to locate the upper floor member in a preselected position and orientation with respect to the formwork unit, the formwork unit extending between the lower floor member and the upper floor member to support the upper floor member, and introducing a moldable material internally into the hollow formwork unit to form the concrete column to support the upper floor member on the formwork unit in a preselected position and orientation within the building structure.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the first floor member is a lower floor member forming the floor at one level within the building structure.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the lower floor member is a concrete floor member, typically in the form of a layered or composite concrete slab floor.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the floor member comprises one, two or more individual components, layers, structures, or similar comprising a decking, more typically a profiled flooring decking, even more typically a deep profiled or section composite metal deck flooring, including a decking having a deep section composite metal deck profile.

7. A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the lower floor member includes a deep section composite metal deck floor and beams in which the beams support the profiled metal decking. A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the lower floor member further comprises reinforcing elements, in the form of bars, rods, wire, including reinforcement bar known as Rebar, typically in the form of an interconnected array or similar, such as a mesh, screen or similar.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the lower floor member includes a composite of a concrete product or a cementitious product together with one or more metal products, including metal decking and reinforcements in the form of metal bars, metal rods or similar.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the metal decking includes decking made by forming thin metal plates or sheets into the profile of the lower floor member.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the second floor member is the same as or similar to the first floor member due to the first floor member of an upper dwelling unit being the second floor member of a lower dwelling unit located immediately below the upper dwelling unit.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the beam is an I-beam, having a length in the range from about 3m to about 8m, preferably in the range from about 6m to 7m.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the formwork unit is a hollow elongated generally rectilinear tube having a length approximating the height of a room or level within the multi-level building or high-rise building containing residential dwellings.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the column formwork unit has a generally rectilinear, preferably a square or rectangular cross-section.

15. A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the column formwork unit provides support for steel beams during the construction phase of the building structure, prior to the pouring of the mouldable material, such as for example, wet or uncured concrete used in the construction of the building structure.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the formwork unit further comprises a joiner suitable for joining the formwork unit to the first floor member.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the joiner includes a bracket or connector plate and masonry anchors.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the floor of an upper level of units is the roof of the lower level of units located immediately below the upper level of units so that the one composite structure of decking and concrete slab is both the floor of an upper unit and the roof of a lower unit located immediately below the upper unit.

19. A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the joiner is one or more anchor bolts for fixedly joining the formwork unit to the concrete slab.

20. A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the formwork unit has four anchor bolts in which one anchor bolt is located at or towards each corner or edge of the rectangular formwork unit.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the joiner includes a bracket, typically a right-angled bracket, located on either side of the formwork unit in which the bracket also carries the anchor bolts.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the bracket further comprises apertures for receiving there through separate anchor bolts located at spaced apart locations to one another at or towards the side edges of the bracket.

23. A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the formwork unit further comprises a connector located at or towards the top of the formwork unit in use for connecting the roof components of the upper dwelling unit to the top of the formwork unit so that the formwork unit can support the roof structure during construction of the building structure. 24. A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the connector extends outwardly from one or more sides of the formwork unit, typically from opposite sides of the rectangular formwork unit, more typically from both pairs of opposite sides of the rectangular cross-section of the formwork unit, such as from both longitudinal sides of the one pair of opposite sides of the generally rectangular formwork unit or from both pairs of opposite sides of the rectangular formwork unit such as from the pair of longitudinal sides and from the pair of transverse sides.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the formwork unit includes a connector extending from all sides of the formwork including from both longitudinal sides and from both lateral sides.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the connector is a flange located at the top end of the formwork unit in which the flange assists in supporting the roof deck of the dwelling space and is fixedly connected to the roof deck by suitable fasteners.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the roof deck rests upon the flange, typically in the form of a steel angle, provided on or around the perimeter of the upper end in use of the formwork unit.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the formwork further includes one or more shear studs.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the formwork is provided with a single shear stud for preventing movement of the metal decking with respect to the formwork unit, such as for example over the upper surface of the formwork unit. A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the formwork unit further comprises a retainer for retaining the steel beam in place at or towards the top of the formwork unit. 31 . A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the formwork unit has two retainers located on opposite sides of the generally rectangular formwork unit, typically on both lateral sides or short sides of the rectangular formwork so that the beams can be supported on the formwork unit in a linear relationship to one another to extend from opposite sides of the formwork unit.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the retainer includes a bracket, a support, a cleat, a ledge, a ridge or similar projection extending outwardly from the side of the formwork unit for supporting the end of the steel beam, typically from the short or transverse sides of the formwork unit.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the retainer is spaced from the top end or upper surface of the formwork unit to a length corresponding to the height of the steel beam so that when the steel beam rests upon the retainer the upper surface of the steel beam is flush with the upper surface of the flange or surround located at the top or upper end of the formwork unit.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the steel beam further includes locators for locating the steel decking with respect to the steel beam and formwork unit.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the locator is in the form of projections extending from the steel beam, typically upwardly extending projections arranged to extend substantially vertically from the upper surface in use of the steel beam for retaining the roof deck of the dwelling space in place with respect to the formwork units and the steel beams. A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the length of the locator projection is less than the amplitude of the profile of the steel decking so that the locator is able to be received within the cavity formed on the underside of the decking profile to assist in locating the decking in position, such as for example by preventing excessive lateral movement of the decking during construction of the building structure, particularly prior to the layer of concrete being poured onto the upper surface of the steel decking to form the upper roof member. 37. A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the beam includes multiple shear studs which are used to locate the decking in position wherein the multiple shear studs are arranged in a line of spaced apart shear studs extending collinearly lengthwise along the central axis of the beam, or are arranged in spaced apart staggered pairs of shear studs positioned on each longitudinal side of the beam and optionally on the top flange of the formwork unit so as to restrain the decking.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the steel beam further includes a stopper for preventing movement of the steel decking with respect to the steel beam.

A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the stopper which is located on the upper surface in use of the steel beam includes stopper cleats, brackets, projections arranged in spaced apart pairs located at or towards the longitudinal side edges of the upper surface of the steel beam in which each individual pair of stoppers is located in spaced apart relationship to other pairs of stoppers in the lengthwise extending direction of the longitudinal axis of the steel beam for assisting in accurately locating the perimeter or edge of each decking sheet on the steel beam so that the decking sheets or plates can be located in spaced apart relationship to each other on the upper surface of the one steel beam with a gap or space therebetween.

40. A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the system further comprises a support plate located on the upper surface in use of the steel beam for supporting the decking.

41 . A system or method according to any preceding claim characterised in that the moldable material includes a concrete mixture or similar cementitious product mixture which is introduced into the gap or space at the top of the steel beam between the two individual decking sheets to assist in forming the roof structure of the dwelling unit.

42. A system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the

accompanying drawings.

43. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the

accompanying drawings. 44. A formwork unit as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.