A precast panel and assembly

Abstract

A precast panel having a wall portion having a first side and a second opposed side, the first side defining a plane, and two brace portions extending from 5 the first side transverse to the plane of the first side, wherein each of the two brace portions has a plurality of apertures for connecting the precast panel to an adjacent precast panel. ABSTRACT2020 2020200298 15 Jan 1 / 10 14 34 18 12 24 10 16 34 20 30 30 30 30 30 30 28 32 22 32 26 14 16 10a 22 36 FIG. 1 FIG. 2 20 20 20 02 98 1 5 Ja n 20 20 34 12 16 34 2020200298 15 30 14 30 10a 16 14 22 36 FIG. 2

Description

A PRECAST PANEL AND ASSEMBLY FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a precast panel. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for modular construction. Reference will be made in the specification to the use of the invention with respect to modular buildings. The patent specification describes this use but it is by way of example only and the invention is not limited to this use. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Precast concrete panels are used in the modular construction of many types of buildings. The concrete panels are typically cast offsite and transported to a building site, this can reduce the time and costs associated with constructing a building. The precast concrete panels require bracing until the panels are secured in a building's structure due to the size and weight of the panels. The braced precast concrete panels are a significant danger during the construction of the building and during the bracing process. Falling panels are a major cause of fatalities on building sites. In many jurisdictions, precast concrete panels can only be braced by licensed riggers and crane operators, adding to the time and cost of constructing the building. Additionally, certain construction cannot commence until the concrete panels have been secured in a building's structure and the bracing has been removed. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the abovementioned problems with precast concrete panels and / or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a precast panel having a wall portion having a first side and a second opposed side, the first side defining a plane; two brace portions extending from the first side transverse to the plane of the first side, wherein each of the two brace portions has a plurality of apertures for connecting the precast panel to an adjacent precast panel. The wall portion is preferably substantially rectangular in shape. Preferably the distance between the first side and the second side defines the thickness of the wall portion. Preferably, the wall portion has a first end and a second end. The distance between the first end and the second end preferably defines a width of the wall portion. The first end and the second end are preferably parallel to each other. Preferably the wall portion has a third end and a fourth end. The distance between the third end and the fourth end preferably defines a height of the wall portion. The third end and the fourth end can also be referred to as a bottom end and a top end respectively. The third end and the fourth end are preferably parallel to each other. The first end and the second end are preferably transverse to the third end and the fourth end. In one embodiment, the wall portion includes an opening. The opening is preferably rectangular in shape. The opening is preferably open to and extends between the first side and the second side. In one embodiment, the opening is further open to the third end of the wall portion. The opening is preferably adapted to accept a window frame or a door frame. The two brace portions preferably extend from the wall portion at or adjacent to the first end and the second end. Preferably a first brace portion of the two brace portions extends from the wall portion at or adjacent to the first end. Preferably a second brace portion of the two brace portions extends from the wall portion at or adjacent to the second end. Preferably each of the two brace portions is substantially right trapezoid in shape. Preferably each of the two brace portions has a third end adjacent to the third end of the wall portion and a fourth end adjacent to the fourth end of the wall portion. Preferably the third end of each of the two brace portions is longer than the fourth end of each of the two brace portions. The plurality of apertures are preferably cast or drilled into each of the two brace portions. Each of the plurality of apertures is preferably circular in cross section. Preferably the plurality of apertures in each of the two brace portions is between 2 and 6 apertures. More preferably the plurality of apertures in each of the two brace portions is 3 apertures. Preferably, each of the plurality of apertures has an axis that is parallel to the plane of the first side. Preferably in use, each of the plurality of apertures aligns with a corresponding aperture of an adjacent precast panel and fasteners such as bolts are inserted into the apertures and secured to connect the adjacent precast panels. In one embodiment, sleeves having an internal opening are cast into the brace portions to define the apertures. Preferably the internal opening is between substantially 20mm to 30mm in diameter. Preferably each of the two brace portions has a at least one utility aperture. The at least one utility aperture is preferably adapted to allow cables, gas pipes, water pipes and the like to pass between adjacent precast panels. The at least one utility aperture is preferably located towards the fourth end of the wall portion. The precast panel preferably has a head portion extending from the first side of the wall portion, transverse to the plane of the first side. The head portion preferably extends between the two brace portions. The head portion preferably extends from the wall portion at or adjacent to the fourth end of the wall portion. The head portion is preferably substantially rectangular in shape. The head portion is preferably adapted to support a roof or a ceiling of a building. The head portion preferably has one or more apertures to attach the head portion to a roof or ceiling using one or more fasteners. The one or more apertures are preferably cast or drilled into the head portion. Preferably, each of the one or more apertures of the head portion has an axis that is parallel to the plane of the first side. In one embodiment, one or more sleeves having an internal opening are cast into the head portion to define the one or more apertures. Preferably the internal opening is between substantially 20mm to 30mm in diameter. The precast panel preferably has a foot portion extending from each of the two brace portions. The foot portions preferably extend transversely from the brace portions. The foot portions preferably extend from the two brace portions towards each other. Each of the foot portions preferably also extends from the wall portion at or adjacent to the third end of the wall portion. Each of the foot portions preferably has one or more apertures. The one or more apertures are preferably cast or drilled into the corresponding foot portion. The one or more apertures are preferably adapted to attach the corresponding foot portion to a floor or foundation using one or more fasteners. In one embodiment, one or more sleeves having an internal opening are cast into each of the foot portions to define the one or more apertures. Preferably the internal opening is between substantially 20mm to 30mm in diameter. In one embodiment, the precast panel has a single foot portion extending from the first side of the wall portion, transverse to the plane of the first side. The single foot portion preferably extends between the two brace portions. The single foot portion preferably extends from the wall portion at or adjacent to the third end of the wall portion. The single foot portion is preferably substantially rectangular in shape. The single foot portion preferably has one or more apertures to attach the single foot portion to a floor or foundation using one or more fasteners. In one embodiment, one or more sleeves having an internal opening are cast into the single foot portions to define the one or more apertures. Preferably the internal opening is between substantially 20mm to 30mm in diameter. Preferably the precast panel has a height of between 2m to 3m. More preferably the precast panel has a height of substantially 2.4m. Preferably the precast panel has a width of between 2m to 3m. More preferably the precast panel has a width of substantially 2.4m. Preferably the wall portion has a thickness of between 80mm to 200mm. More preferably the wall portion has a thickness of substantially 125mm. Preferably each brace portion has a thickness of between 80mm to 200mm. More preferably each brace portion has a thickness of substantially 125mm. Preferably the head portion has a thickness of between 80mm to 200mm. More preferably the head portion has a thickness of substantially 125mm. Preferably each foot portion has a thickness of between 80mm to 200mm. More preferably each foot portion has a thickness of substantially 125mm. Preferably each brace portion extends from the wall portion by between 800mm to 100mm. More preferably each brace portion extends from the wall portion by between 475mm to 175mm. Preferably the head portion extends from the wall portion by between 100mm to 400mm. More preferably the head portion extends from the wall portion by substantially 175mm. Preferably each foot portion extends from a corresponding brace portion by between 100mm to 400mm. More preferably each foot portion extends from a corresponding brace portion by substantially 175mm. In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a precast panel assembly including a plurality of precast panels as described in this specification, wherein each of the plurality of precast panels is connected to at least one adjacent precast panel. Preferably the precast panel assembly further includes one or more precast corner element. Each precast corner element preferably has a first brace portion and a second brace portion extending perpendicular from the first brace portion. Preferably the first brace portion and the second brace portion each have a plurality of apertures for connecting the precast corner element to an adjacent precast panel. Preferably each of the first brace portion and the second brace portion has a third end. Preferably in use, the third end of the first brace portion is located adjacent to the third end of the wall portion of an adjacent precast panel. Preferably each of the first brace portion and the second brace portion has a fourth end. Preferably in use, the fourth end of the first brace portion or second brace portion is located adjacent to the fourth end of the wall portion of an adjacent precast panel. Preferably the third end of each of the first and second brace portions is longer than the fourth end of each of the first and second brace portions. The plurality of apertures are preferably cast or drilled into each of the first and second brace portions. Each of the plurality of apertures is preferably circular in cross section. Preferably the plurality of apertures in each of the first and second brace portions is between 2 and 6 apertures. More preferably the plurality of apertures in each of the first and second brace portions is 3 apertures. Preferably in use, each of the plurality of apertures aligns with a corresponding aperture of an adjacent precast panel and fasteners such as bolts are inserted into the apertures and secured to connect the adjacent precast panels. In one embodiment, sleeves having an internal opening are cast into the first and second brace portions to define the apertures. Preferably the internal opening is between substantially 20mm to 30mm in diameter. Preferably each of the first and second brace portions has a at least one utility aperture. The at least one utility aperture is preferably adapted to allow cables, gas pipes, water pipes and the like to pass between adjacent precast panels. The at least one utility aperture is preferably located towards the fourth end of the first and second brace portions. Each precast corner element preferably has a head portion extending between the first and second brace portions, transverse to both the first and second brace portions. The head portion preferably extends between the first and second brace portions at or adjacent to the fourth end. The head portion is preferably substantially triangular in shape. The head portion is preferably adapted to support a roof or a ceiling of a building. The head portion preferably has one or more apertures to attach the head portion to a roof or ceiling using one or more fasteners. The one or more apertures are preferably cast or drilled into the head portion. In one embodiment, one or more sleeves having an internal opening are cast into the head portion to define the one or more apertures. Preferably the internal opening is between substantially 20mm to 30mm in diameter. Each precast corner element preferably has a foot portion extending between the first and second brace portions. The foot portion preferably extend transversely to both the first and second brace portions. The foot portion preferably extends from the first and second brace portions at or adjacent to the third end. The foot portion preferably has one or more apertures. The one or more apertures are preferably cast or drilled into the foot portion. The one or more apertures are preferably adapted to attach the foot portion to a floor or foundation using one or more fasteners. In one embodiment, one or more sleeves having an internal opening are cast into the foot portion to define the one or more apertures. Preferably the internal opening is between substantially 20mm to 30mm in diameter. Preferably each precast corner element panel has a height of between 2m to 3m. More preferably each precast corner element has a height of substantially 2.4m. Preferably the first and second brace portions each have a thickness of between 80mm to 200mm. More preferably the first and second brace portions each have a thickness of substantially 125mm. Preferably the head portion has a thickness of between 80mm to 200mm. More preferably the head portion has a thickness of substantially 125mm. Preferably the foot portion has a thickness of between 80mm to 200mm. More preferably the foot portion has a thickness of substantially 125mm. Preferably the first and second brace portions extend from each other by between 800mm to 100mm. More preferably the first and second brace portions extend from each other by between 475mm to 175mm. Preferably each of the plurality of precast panels is connected to at least one adjacent precast panel by fasteners in the form of nut and bolt fasteners. Preferably the precast panel assembly further includes one or more precast foundations. Preferably the plurality of precast panels are adapted to be attached to the one or more precast foundations. Preferably the one or more precast foundations are one or more precast concrete foundations. In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method of assembling a precast panel assembly, including the steps of locating a first precast panel as described in this specification on a floor or a foundation; locating a second precast panel as described in this specification adjacent the first precast panel on the floor or the foundation; aligning apertures in one of the two brace portions of the first precast panel with apertures in one of the two brace portions of the second precast panel; and securing the first precast panel to the second precast panel. Preferably the method further includes the step of securing the first precast panel to the floor or the foundation. Preferably the method further includes the step of securing the second precast panel to the floor or the foundation. Preferably the method further includes the step of locating a precast corner element as described in this specification, adjacent the first precast panel on the floor or the foundation. Preferably the step further includes aligning apertures in the other of the two brace portions of the first precast panel with apertures in one of the first or second brace portions of the precast corner element. Preferably the step further includes connecting the first precast panel to the precast corner element. Preferably the step of connecting the first precast panel to the precast corner element includes at least partially inserting one or more fasteners into the other of the two brace portions of the first precast panel and the apertures in one of the first or second brace portions of the precast corner element. Preferably the method further includes the step of securing the precast corner element to the floor or the foundation. Preferably the step of securing the first precast panel to the second precast panel includes at least partially inserting one or more fasteners into the aligned apertures of the first precast panel and the second precast panel. In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a precast panel having a wall portion having a first side and a second opposed side, the first side defining a plane; two brace portions extending from the first side transverse to the plane of the first side, wherein each of the two brace portions has a plurality of apertures for connecting the precast panel to an adjacent precast panel; and a wall member spaced from the wall portion and operatively attached to the wall portion. Preferably the wall member is spaced from the wall portion by one or more spacing members. Preferably each of the one or more spacing members is a purlin. In one embodiment, the one or more spacing members is 3 spacing members. More preferably the one or more spacing members is 3 purlins. Preferably the wall member is spaced from the wall portion by at least 50mm. Preferably the wall member is attached to the wall portion by the one or more spacing members. Preferably each of the one or more spacing members is attached to the wall portion and each of the one or more spacing members is attached to the wall member. Preferably the wall portion includes a plurality of threaded inserts. Preferably the plurality of threaded inserts are cast into the wall portion. Preferably each of the one or more spacing members is attached to the wall portion by screws or bolts which are screwed into the plurality of threaded inserts. Preferably the precast panel further includes insulation located between the wall member and the wall portion. Preferably the precast panel further includes one or more conduits located at least partially between the wall portion and the wall member. Preferably the one or more conduits are adapted to encase electrical cables. Preferably the one or more conduits are located through an opening in at least one of the two brace portions. Preferably the precast panel further includes one or more pipes located at least partially between the wall portion and the wall member. Preferably the one or more pipes are adapted to convey fluid. Preferably the one or more pipes are adapted to convey liquid. More preferably the one or more pipes are adapted to convey water. Preferably the one or more pipes are located through an opening in at least one of the two brace portions. The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a precast panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a precast panel with a door opening according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a precast panel with a door opening according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a precast panel with a window opening according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a precast panel with a window opening according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a corner element according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a precast panel with a window opening according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a precast panel with a window opening according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a precast panel with a window opening according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a corner element according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a precast panel with a window opening according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a precast panel according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 is a perspective view of a precast panel with a window opening according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a precast panel with a door opening according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15 is a perspective view of a precast panel with a door opening according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 is a perspective view of a corner element according to a third embodiment of the present invention Figure 17 is a partially sectioned view of a precast panel according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 18 is a cross section view of the precast panel of Figure 17. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to Figure 1 there is shown a precast panel 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The precast panel 10 is made of precast concrete. The precast panel 10 has a substantially rectangular wall portion 12. The wall portion 12 has a first side 14 and a second opposed side 16 (not shown). The wall portion 12 has a first end 18 and a second end 20. The wall portion 12 also has a third end 22 and a fourth end 24. Two opposed brace portions 26,28 extend from the first end 18 and the second end 20 respectively. Each of the brace portions 26,28 has a plurality of apertures 30. The apertures 30 enable the precast panel 10 to be secured to an adjacent precast panel (not shown) by inserting fasteners such as bolts (not shown) through aligned apertures 30 of the precast panel 10 and the adjacent panel (not shown) and securing the fasteners, using for example nuts (not shown). The brace portions 26,28 each have a third end 32 and a fourth end 34. The brace portions 26,28 taper from the third end 32 to the fourth end 34. With reference to Figure 2, there is shown a precast panel 10a similar to the precast panel 10 shown in Figure 1. The precast panel 10a has an opening 36 extending between and open to the first side 14 and the second side 16. The opening 36 is also open to the third end 22. The opening 36 is adapted to accept a door frame and door (not shown). With reference to Figure 3, there is shown a precast panel 10b similar to the precast panel 10 shown in Figure 1. The precast panel 10b has an opening 38 extending between and open to the first side 14 and the second side 16. The opening 38 is also open to the third end 22. The opening 38 is adapted to accept a door frame and door (not shown). With reference to Figure 4, there is shown a precast panel 10c similar to the precast panel 10 shown in Figure 1. The precast panel 10c has an opening 40 extending between and open to the first side 14 and the second side 16. The opening 40 is adapted to accept a window frame and window (not shown). With reference to Figure 5, there is shown a precast panel 10d similar to the precast panel 10 shown in Figure 1. The precast panel 10d has an opening 42 extending between and open to the first side 14 and the second side 16. The opening 42 is adapted to accept a window frame and window (not shown). With reference to Figure 6, there is shown a precast corner element 50 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The corner element 50 has a first brace portion 52 and a second brace portion 54 extending from the first brace portion 52. The first brace portion 52 and the second brace portion 54 have a third end 56 and a fourth end 58. The first brace portion 52 and the second brace portion 54 taper from the third end 56 to the fourth end 58. The first brace portion 52 and the second brace portion 54 each have a plurality of apertures 60 for connecting the precast corner element 50 to an adjacent precast panel (not shown). With reference to Figure 7 there is shown a precast panel 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The precast panel 110 is made of precast concrete. The precast panel 110 has a substantially rectangular wall portion 112. The wall portion 112 has a first side 114 and a second opposed side 116 (not shown). The wall portion 112 has a first end 118 and a second end 120. The wall portion 112 also has a third end 122 and a fourth end 124. Two opposed brace portions 126,128 extend from the first end 118 and the second end 120 respectively. Each of the brace portions 126,128 has a plurality of apertures 130. The apertures 130 enable the precast panel 110 to be secured to an adjacent precast panel (not shown) by inserting fasteners such as bolts (not shown) through aligned apertures 130 of the precast panel 110 and the adjacent panel (not shown) and securing the fasteners, using for example nuts (not shown). The brace portions 126,128 each have a third end 132 and a fourth end 134. The brace portions 126,128 taper from the third end 132 to the fourth end 134. The precast panel 110 has a head portion 136 extending from the first side 114 and extending between the two brace portions 126,128. The head portion 136 has a plurality of apertures 138. The apertures 138 are adapted to secure the precast panel 110 to a ceiling or roof (not shown) using fasteners such as bolts (not shown). The precast panel 110 has foot portions 140,142 extending from brace portions 126,128 respectively. The foot portions 140,142 also extend from the first side 114. The foot portions 140,142 are substantially rectangular in shape. The foot portions 140,142 each have a plurality of apertures 144 (only apertures of foot portion 140 shown). The apertures 144 are adapted to secure the precast panel 110 to a floor or foundation (not shown) using fasteners such as bolts (not shown). The precast panel 110 has an opening 146 extending between and open to the first side 114 and the second side 116. The opening 146 is adapted to accept a window frame and window (not shown). With reference to Figure 8, there is shown a precast panel 110a similar to the precast panel 110 shown in Figure 7. The precast panel 110a has an opening 146a extending between and open to the first side 114 and the second side 116. The opening 146a is adapted to accept a window frame and window (not shown). With reference to Figure 9, there is shown a precast panel 110b similar to the precast panel 110 shown in Figure 7. The precast panel 110b has an opening 146b extending between and open to the first side 114 and the second side 116. The opening 146b is adapted to accept a window frame and window (not shown). With reference to Figure 10, there is shown a precast corner element 150 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The corner element 150 has a first brace portion 152 and a second brace portion 154 extending from the first brace portion 152. The first brace portion 152 and the second brace portion 154 have a third end 156 and a fourth end 158. The first brace portion 152 and the second brace portion 154 taper from the third end 156 to the fourth end 158. The first brace portion 152 and the second brace portion 154 each have a plurality of apertures 160 for connecting the precast corner element 150 to an adjacent precast panel (not shown). The precast corner element 150 has a head portion 162 extending between the first brace portion 152 and the second brace portion 154 towards the fourth end 158. The head portion 162 has an aperture 164. The aperture 164 is adapted to secure the precast corner element 150 to a ceiling or roof (not shown) using fasteners such as bolts (not shown). The precast corner element 150 has a foot portion 166 extending between the first brace portion 152 and the second brace portion 154 towards the third end 156. With reference to Figure 11 there is shown a precast panel 210 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The precast panel 210 is made of precast concrete. The precast panel 210 has a substantially rectangular wall portion 212. The wall portion 212 has a first side 214 and a second opposed side 216 (not shown). The wall portion 212 has a first end 218 and a second end 220. The wall portion 212 also has a third end 222 and a fourth end 224. Two opposed brace portions 226,228 extend from the first end 218 and the second end 220 respectively. The brace portions 226,228 each have a third end 232 and a fourth end 234. The brace portions 226,228 taper from the third end 232 to the fourth end 234. The precast panel 210 has a head portion 236 extending from the first side 214 and extending between the two brace portions 226,228. The head portion 236 is adapted to support a ceiling or roof (not shown). The precast panel 210 has foot portions 240,242 extending from brace portions 226,228 respectively. The foot portions 240,242 also extend from the first side 214. The foot portions 240,242 are substantially triangular in shape. The precast panel 210 has an opening 246 extending between and open to the first side 214 and the second side 216. The opening 246 is adapted to accept a window frame and window (not shown). With reference to Figure 12, there is shown a precast panel 210a, similar to the precast panel 210 shown in Figure 11. The difference being that the precast panel 210a does not have an opening extending between the first side 214 and the second side 216. With reference to Figure 13, there is shown a precast panel 210b similar to the precast panel 210 shown in Figure 11. The precast panel 210b has an opening 246b extending between and open to the first side 214 and the second side 216. The opening 246b is adapted to accept a window frame and window (not shown). With reference to Figure 14, there is shown a precast panel 210c similar to the precast panel 210 shown in Figure 11. The precast panel 210c has an opening 246¢ extending between and open to the first side 214 and the second side 216. The opening 246¢ is also open to the third end 222 of the wall portion 212. The opening 246¢ is adapted to accept a door frame and door (not shown). With reference to Figure 15, there is shown a precast panel 210d similar to the precast panel 210 shown in Figure 11. The precast panel 210d has an opening 246d extending between and open to the first side 214 and the second side 216. The opening 246d is also open to the third end 222 of the wall portion 212. The opening 246d is adapted to accept a door frame and door (not shown). With reference to Figure 16, there is shown a precast corner element 250 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The corner element 250 has a first brace portion 252 and a second brace portion 254 extending from the first brace portion 252. The first brace portion 252 and the second brace portion 254 have a third end 256 and a fourth end 258. The first brace portion 252 and the second brace portion 254 taper from the third end 256 to the fourth end 258. The precast corner element 250 has a head portion 262 extending between the first brace portion 252 and the second brace portion 254 towards the fourth end 258. The head portion 262 is adapted to support a ceiling or roof (not shown). The precast corner element 250 has a foot portion 266 extending between the first brace portion 252 and the second brace portion 254 towards the third end 256. With reference to Figures 17 and 18 there is shown a partially sectioned precast panel 310 (Figure 17) and a cross section of the precast panel 310 (Figure 18) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The precast panel 310 is similar to the precast panel 10 of Figure 1 and the precast panel 210 of Figure 12. In addition to all of the features of the precast panel 10 of Figure 1 and the precast panel 210 of Figure 12, the precast panel 310 has a wall member 350 spaced from the wall portion 312. The wall member 350 is spaced from the wall portion by one or more spacing members in the form of three purlins 352,354,356. Each purlin 352,354,356 is attached to the wall portion 312 by a screw 360 and to the wall member 350 by a screw 362. The precast panel 310 further includes insulation 370 located between the wall member 350 and the wall portion 312. The precast panel further includes a conduit 380 for electrical cables and a pipe 382 for water. ADVANTAGES An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the precast panel includes having more stability than a slender panel and requiring less bracing during construction of a building. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the precast panel includes a modular design that enables multiple precast panels to be easily connected together, requiring minimal skill onsite. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the precast panel includes the head portion which provides the precast panel with additional support to resist cracking during transportation. An advantage of a preferred embodiment of the precast panel assembly includes that a building using the precast panel assembly can be dismantled, moved to a new location and reassembled. An advantage of a preferred embodiment of the precast panel assembly includes that the buttress shape of the precast panel allows to it to be load rated. VARIATIONS While the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth. Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A precast panel having a wall portion having a first side and a second opposed side, the first side defining a plane; two brace portions extending from the first side transverse to the plane of the first side, wherein each of the two brace portions has a plurality of apertures for connecting the precast panel to an adjacent precast panel.

2. A precast panel having a wall portion having a first side and a second opposed side, the first side defining a plane; two brace portions extending from the first side transverse to the plane of the first side, wherein each of the two brace portions has a plurality of apertures for connecting the precast panel to an adjacent precast panel; and a wall member spaced from the wall portion and operatively attached to the wall portion. 3 A precast panel as claimed in claim 2, wherein the wall member is spaced from the wall portion by one or more spacing members.

4. A precast panel as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein each of the one or more spacing members is a purlin.

5. A precast panel as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the wall member is spaced from the wall portion by at least 50mm.

6. A precast panel as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the wall member is attached to the wall portion by the one or more spacing members. ¥ A precast panel as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the wall portion includes a plurality of threaded inserts cast into the wall portion, and wherein each of the one or more spacing members is attached to the wall portion by screws or bolts which are screwed into the plurality of threaded inserts.

8. A precast panel as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, further including insulation located between the wall member and the wall portion.

9. A precast panel as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, further including one or more conduits and / or pipes located at least partially between the wall portion and the wall member.

10. A precast panel as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall portion is substantially rectangular in shape and has a first end and a second end, a distance between the first end and the second end defines a width of the wall portion, the first end and the second end are parallel to each other, and wherein the wall portion has a third end and a fourth end, a distance between the third end and the fourth end defines a height of the wall portion, the third end and the fourth end are parallel to each other and the first end and the second end are transverse to the third end and the fourth end, and wherein the two brace portions extend from the wall portion at or adjacent to the first end and the second end, a first brace portion of the two brace portions extends from the wall portion at or adjacent to the first end, and a second brace portion of the two brace portions extends from the wall portion at or adjacent to the second end, each of the two brace portions is substantially right trapezoid in shape, and each of the two brace portions has a third end adjacent to the third end of the wall portion and a fourth end adjacent to the fourth end of the wall portion, wherein the third end of each of the two brace portions is longer than the fourth end of each of the two brace portions.

11. A precast panel as claimed in claim 10, wherein the precast panel has a head portion extending from the first side of the wall portion, transverse to the plane of the first side, extending between the two brace portions at or adjacent to the fourth end of the wall portion, and wherein the head portion is substantially rectangular in shape, the head portion adapted to support a roof or a ceiling of a building.

12. A precast panel as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the precast panel has a foot portion extending from each of the two brace portions, transversely from the brace portions and extending from the wall portion at or adjacent to the third end of the wall portion, each of the foot portions has one or more apertures adapted to attach the corresponding foot portion to a floor or foundation using one or more fasteners.

13. A precast panel assembly including a plurality of precast panels as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each of the plurality of precast panels is connected to at least one adjacent precast panel.

14. A precast panel assembly as claimed in claim 13, further including one or more precast corner element, each precast corner element having a first brace portion and a second brace portion extending perpendicular from the first brace portion, the first brace portion and the second brace portion each having a plurality of apertures for connecting the precast corner element to an adjacent precast panel.

15. A method of assembling a precast panel assembly, including the steps of locating a first precast panel as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 on a floor or a foundation; locating a second precast panel as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 adjacent the first precast panel on the floor or the foundation; aligning apertures in one of the two brace portions of the first precast panel with apertures in one of the two brace portions of the second precast panel; and securing the first precast panel to the second precast panel.

16. A method as claimed in claim 15, further including the step of securing the first precast panel to the floor or the foundation.

17. A method as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16 further including the step of securing the second precast panel to the floor or the foundation.

18. A method as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, further including the steps of locating a precast corner element adjacent the first precast panel on the floor or the foundation: aligning apertures in the other of the two brace portions of the first precast panel with apertures in one of a first or second brace portion of the precast corner element: and connecting the first precast panel to the precast corner element.

19. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the step of connecting the first precast panel to the precast corner element includes at least partially inserting one or more fasteners into the other of the two brace portions of the first precast panel and the apertures in one of the first or second brace portions of the precast corner element.

20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the step of securing the first precast panel to the second precast panel includes at least partially inserting one or more fasteners into aligned apertures of the first precast panel and the second precast panel.

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