Building system and method

Abstract

A building system comprising insulating formers manufactured from an insulating material, for example polystyrene foam. Each former has at least one internal wall defining a rebated portion in which concrete can be cast, forming a reinforcing rib. The rebated portion typically has a dove-tail profile to reduce the likelihood of the cast concrete rib falling out. Each former has locating formations or engagement means configured for complementary engagement with at least one other former, allowing the formers to be arranged in register with one another. Also disclosed is a method of building which includes the steps of: shaping formers from insulating material, for example polystyrene foam, in such a way that the formers each define a rebated portion and engagement means configured for complementary engagement with at least one other former; casting reinforced concrete ribs in the rebated portions; and arranging the formers in abutment with one another.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]THIS INVENTION relates to a building system and method. It relates in particular to a building system and method involving insulating formers.BACKGROUND ART[0002]According to conventional techniques used for many years in the background art, concrete is poured into site-specific formers and cured on site. Also known in the background art is structural precast concrete, which is a construction product produced by casting concrete in a reusable former, curing it in a controlled environment, transporting it to the construction site and lifting it into place.[0003]Insulating Concrete Form (“ICF”) is a system of formwork that stays in place as permanent building insulation for cast-in-place, reinforced concrete walls, floors and roofs. In conventional systems of ICF, forms consisting of insulating material are placed on either side of the volume which is to be concreted, forming two, spaced walls, and concrete is poured between the walls. The insulating forms are lef...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a former used in construction that has a mouth that leads into a recessed portion. This recess becomes the space where concrete is placed to set. The goal is to keep the concrete securely within the former after it has set. To achieve this, the mouth of the recess is made narrower than the interior of the recess, which helps to keep the concrete in position and reduce the likelihood of it falling out of the former. The technical effect is a more secure and stable construction using the formed former.

Problems solved by technology

There are disadvantages with conventional systems of ICF.

The cost can be higher than with traditional building methods.

Also, adding or moving doors, windows, or utilities is difficult once the building is complete (concrete cutting tools may be needed).

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