Formwork element

Abstract

A composite structure formed of a concrete slab and an integrated formwork element, wherein: the formwork element includes a side wall, against which concrete is poured to define a side of the slab, and a lateral flange that covers a top or bottom peripheral edge of the slab, wherein: the lateral flange has a grip that extends into a main body of the slab in a vertical direction, to form a space between the grip and the side wall, which is substantially filled with concrete such that the concrete locks into the space and structurally integrates the element with the concrete slab: and wherein: the lateral flange has a groove formed in an external face of the flange, opposite the slab, to serve as an anchor site for a load transfer member attached externally of the composite structure by being fitted to the formwork element.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The application claims priority from Australian Patent Application Number AU2013206540, the content of which is incorporated in entirety by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a formwork element, a composite structure including a concrete slab and the formwork element, and to a construction assembly with a load transfer member attached to the formwork element.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Formwork elements are typically used in in-situ, or precast, for casting of concrete structures for construction of a building. In the casting process, a continuous perimeter is first formed by positioning a plurality of profiled steel sheets positioned in an edge to edge arrangement as required to form a base, with a plurality of edge-formwork elements that define the outer edges of the concrete structure. Subsequently, wet concrete is poured within the continuous perimeter forming the concrete structure.[0004]In existing arrangements,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a formwork element that is designed to reduce stress concentration. This element is made in a single piece with radiused corners between the side wall, lateral flange, and grip. This design helps to disperse the force evenly across the element, making it stronger and more durable. Overall, this formwork element is designed to increase efficiency and provide better performance in construction projects.

Problems solved by technology

Although this can be achieved by drilling into the floor slab and subsequently introducing suitable fixing members such as mechanical or chemical concrete anchors, this arrangement is typically time consuming.

The process of drilling can be complicated by the presence of the concrete reinforcement members in the concrete structure, since typical concrete drills are usually unsuitable for use in penetrating the concrete reinforcement members.

This results in a labour intensive construction process, especially since the edge-formwork element is often required to be stripped off the floor slab after the casting process, in order for the individual channels to be revealed.

Although the resulting element simplifies the construction process, the element is typically costly due to a labour intensive manufacturing process.

In addition to the above, in use, the load capacity of the mechanical or chemical concrete anchors, and the individual channels, are typically limited by the pull-out capacity of the concrete structure.

Often, this renders the mechanical or chemical concrete anchors, and the individual channels unsuitable for use near the edges of the concrete structure, or in instances where the concrete structure is not thick enough.

In use, the mechanical or chemical concrete anchors, and the individual channels may also clash with the profiled steel sheets.

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