Wall panel and wall structure

Abstract

A lightweight concrete panel for use as an outer layer of a dwelling wall, said panel made of concrete mix of cement, sand, lightweight concrete aggregate such as polystyrene beads, superplasticiser and water, said concrete mix having a nominal density in the range of 500 to 1500 kg/m³. The panel preferably has a backing sheet of polystyrene affixed thereto. The panel is used as in a cladding and insulating veneer arrangement for a load bearing subwall formed from studs or masonry. The panels are loose fixed in vertical alignment in a horizontally and vertically extending stack of panels and retained in position by retaining clips without any bonding jointing material between the panels. A method of forming such a cladding and insulating arrangement is also disclosed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a lightweight panel for use as an outer layer of a dwelling wall and a dwelling wall constructed using such lightweight panels. BACKGROUND [0002] Many conventional dwellings have brick veneer walls that typically comprise a structural frame having an outer layer of bricks and an inner layer of plasterboard liner. In recent years such walls have been constructed with insulation foil disposed therein. The use of the insulation foil increases the thermal resistance of the dwelling wall and results in a far more energy efficient home. Whilst many home builders and the general public at large are becoming more aware of the advantages of energy efficient homes, their cost of construction are still quite considerable, particularly due to the labour and materials handling required. [0003] The brick veneer is a form of cladding which covers the load bearing wall and generally provides an aesthetically pleasing exterior finish. Be...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] According to a third aspect the present invention there is disclosed a lightweight panel for use in the abovementioned cladding and insulating arrangement, said panel being formed substantially from concrete which comprises cement, sand, lightweight aggregate, superplasticiser and water; having a density in the range of 500-1500 kg / m3; and having an inter-engagement means to enable said panel to be loose fixed with a plurality of like panels in a vertically and horizontally extending stack of said panels, and said inter-engagement means being shaped to permit engagement with a retaining clip which permits said stack of panels to be retained adjacent a subwall from which said retaining clip extends.

Problems solved by technology

Whilst many home builders and the general public at large are becoming more aware of the advantages of energy efficient homes, their cost of construction are still quite considerable, particularly due to the labour and materials handling required.

The cost of conventionally laid bricks is relatively high because of the need for skilled (and therefore highly paid) bricklayers and the need for mortar with its inherent delays involved in mixing, laying and subsequent clean up.

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