Device for inhibiting water from entering through construction joint

Abstract

An apparatus (400) for inhibiting water ingress through a construction seam, the apparatus (400) comprising: a footing (402) to be supported by a ground structure, the footing (402) comprising a floor defining a support surface (414), the footing (402) further comprising a sidewall (116) extending upwardly from the support surface (414); a structural wall element (424) supported by the support surface (414), the element (424) having an outer skin (440) adjacent the sidewall (116); a first sealing member (420) fixed to a side wall (116) of the footing (402) such that the first sealing member (420) is opposite the outer skin (440); and a joint seal (422) formed of a sealing material (433) at the connection of the first sealing member (420), the footing (402), and the outer skin (440) such that the sealing material (433) penetrates the interface between the first sealing member (420) and the structural wall element (424) without requiring access to the outer skin (440) of the structural wall element.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2022900872, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a device for preventing or inhibiting the flow of water through a joint of building elements, particularly a construction joint, such as between a footing and a structural wall. The invention also relates to a method of assembling such a device. The invention has been developed primarily for use with basement structures or other underground structures and will be described hereinafter with reference to that application. Background Art

[0004] Water ingress into building structures is a significant problem in the construction industry, particularly for building structures having underground foundations or footings for supporting walls, such as basements.

[0005] The basements of buildings are constructed under different soil conditions. Regardless of the ground conditions, the soil will contain some degree of moisture and may contain groundwater temporarily or permanently. The construction of the basement requires keeping the basement free of moisture and groundwater.

[0006] Achieving a waterproof basement construction depends on the walls themselves being waterproof, the footing / slab being waterproof, and the joint (where the footing / slab joins the walls) being waterproof as well. The footing / slab itself can be made waterproof by various methods, such as applying a membrane system, using waterproof concrete additives, and / or applying waterproofing equipment at the footing / slab joint. If the footing / slab is sufficiently waterproof, water entry into the basement can only occur at the walls and the wall-footing / slab joint. If the membrane system of the footing / slab is extended up the wall, typically to the basement ceiling, these components can also be made waterproof. This application of a membrane system is often referred to as "full tanking," which requires access / space along the perimeter of the basement walls. Waterproofing of the walls and footing / slab joint can be easily achieved when access space is available at the soil surface of the basement walls.

[0007] In order to gain access to the earth face of the basement walls during construction, over-excavation of the soil is required so that the waterproofing contractor / crew can apply the waterproofing material to the earth face of the walls. The provision of access space requires a safe support system or over-excavation, such as tilting (which is often not possible or practical in sandy conditions, especially in waterlogged soils). The support or tilting is required to prevent the soil from collapsing onto the waterproofing crews who are working in the access space. Providing access space may not be feasible in some circumstances due to the high associated costs, the extra time involved, and the potential loss of commercial space. Summary of the invention

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to at least substantially address one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages, or at least to provide a useful alternative to the above-mentioned waterproofing methods.

[0009] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a device for inhibiting water ingress through a construction joint, the device comprising:

[0010] a footing to be supported by the ground structure, the footing including a floor defining a support surface, the footing further including side walls extending upwardly from the support surface;

[0011] a structural wall element supported by the support surface, the element having an outer skin adjacent the side wall;

[0012] a first sealing member secured to the side wall of the footing such that the first sealing member is opposite the outer skin; and

[0013] A joint seal formed of a sealing material at the connection of the first sealing member, the footing and the outer skin allows the sealing material to penetrate the interface between the first sealing member and the structural wall element without access to the outer skin of the structural wall element.

[0014] Preferably, the support surface comprises a recessed portion adjacent the side wall, the recessed portion having a bottom, and wherein the first sealing member comprises a recessed arm configured to line the bottom of the recessed portion to define a void.

[0015] Preferably, the recess extends below the support surface.

[0016] Preferably, the recess extends into the side wall.

[0017] Preferably, the female arm includes one or more frangible locations to allow portions of the female arm to be removed to provide access to the void.

[0018] Preferably, the distance between the main body of the first sealing member and the first fragile position among the one or more fragile positions is smaller than the gap between the main body of the first sealing member and the outer skin of the structural wall element, so as to facilitate the sealing material of the joint seal to penetrate into the interface between the first sealing member and the outer skin.

[0019] Preferably, the device comprises an adjacent structural wall element similar to the structural wall element, the adjacent structural wall element being connected to the structural wall element by a set of interlocking elements, the interlocking elements being separated by gaps,

[0020] Wherein, due to the removal of the portion of the female arm, the sealing material in the void is able to enter the gap, so that the sealing material from the void is allowed to penetrate into the gap, thereby forming a seal between the set of interlocking elements.

[0021] Preferably, the size of the gap between the main body of the first sealing member and the skin of the structural wall element is set and the fragile position is located so that when the cement slurry filled into the structural wall element shrinks during curing into cured concrete to form a fluid flow gap between the skin of the structural wall element and the cured concrete, when the part of the concave arm has been removed, a fluid path exists between the fluid flow gap and the void.

[0022] Preferably, the apparatus further comprises an injection hose positioned to allow injection of sealing material into the void to form the sealed joint.

[0023] Preferably, the injection hose comprises a peripheral tube having an opening to allow injection of sealing material into the void, the peripheral tube being located in the void and being substantially surrounded by the concave arm.

[0024] Preferably, the injection hose comprises a discharge opening extending from the peripheral tube through the structural wall member to a stem side of the cavity adjacent the structural wall member.

[0025] Preferably, the injection hose comprises a corner fitting having a first opening adapted to receive a portion of the injection hose and a second opening adapted to receive a portion of the injection hose, the first opening and the second opening being oriented perpendicularly to each other so that the sealing material can flow between the first opening and the second opening.

[0026] Preferably, the first sealing member includes a retaining arm extending from the first sealing member into the side wall and / or the footing to resist movement of the first sealing member relative to the footing. [Nailed or screwed into the formwork plywood - correctly interfaced with the reinforcement or earthboard formwork to be installed]

[0027] Preferably, the retaining arm includes a series of crenels to create a tortuous path for water intruding along the interface between the retaining arm and the side wall and / or footing.

[0028] Preferably, the body of the first sealing member includes a series of crenels to create a tortuous path for water intruding along the interface between the body and the sidewall and / or footing.

[0029] Preferably, the wall element extends longitudinally between an upper end portion and a lower end portion, wherein the lower end portion has a base that sits on the support surface within the cavity.

[0030] Preferably, the first sealing member comprises a support arm extending from the sealing member away from the side wall, and wherein the base of the wall element at least partially sits on the support arm.

[0031] Preferably, the first sealing member comprises polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0032] Preferably, the joint seal comprises a hydrophilic compound which expands in volume when in contact with water and / or an adhesive compound.

[0033] Preferably, the first sealing member has a sloped surface at an upper end thereof, the sloped surface facing the outer skin of the structural wall element to generate a funnel-shaped gap between the first sealing member and the outer skin of the structural wall element.

[0034] Preferably, the first sealing member has a profile and is extruded along an extrusion path, and wherein the extrusion path comprises one or more of the following:

[0035] Horizontal section;

[0036] vertical part;

[0037] a horizontal angled portion; and

[0038] Vertical angled portion.

[0039] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of assembling a device for inhibiting water ingress through a construction joint, the method comprising the steps of:

[0040] Establish formwork to define footings at the construction site;

[0041] establishing a template defining a notch in the footing;

[0042] securing a first sealing member to the formwork defining the slot and / or the formwork defining the footing;

[0043] pouring a concrete mixture into the form defining the footing, and curing the concrete mixture to produce a first concrete body forming the footing, such that the first sealing member is cast in place and the notch is formed in the footing;

[0044] applying a joint seal to a connection between the first sealing member and a surface of the first concrete body within the notch;

[0045] establishing a formwork defining structural walls within the slot; and

[0046] The concrete mixture is poured into the form defining the wall and cured to produce a second concrete body forming the wall supported by the footing such that a sidewall of the wall engages the joint seal, wherein the first seal and the joint seal are configured to inhibit water flow along an interface between the wall and the footing.

[0047] Preferably, the step of applying the joint seal to the connection portion of the first sealing member and the surface of the first concrete body in the groove is performed after the step of pouring the concrete mixture into the formwork. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] Figure 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 An enlarged detail of the connection portion of the device.

[0051] Figure 3 It shows the assembly Figure 1 A flow chart of the steps of the method of the apparatus.

[0052] Figure 4 is shown for assembly Figure 1 Schematic vertical section of the template details of the device.

[0053] Figure 5 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a previous method for waterproofing a construction joint.

[0054] Figure 6 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a vertical section of the device after the footing is completed.

[0056] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a vertical cross section of the device after placement of structural wall components.

[0057] Fig. 9 yes Figure 6 A schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the device after the drainage components are installed.

[0058] Fig.10 is with Figure 6 Detailed vertical cross-sectional schematic diagram of a first sealing member according to a first embodiment used with a device.

[0059] Fig.11 is with Figure 6 A vertical sectional schematic diagram of a first sealing member according to a second embodiment used in conjunction with a device.

[0060] Fig.12 yes Figure 6 Detailed vertical cross-sectional schematic view of a first sealing member of a device at a location where it overlaps a peripheral tube.

[0061] Fig.13 yes Figure 6 Detailed horizontal cross-sectional top plan schematic diagram of a first sealing member of a device at a location with overlapping peripheral tubes.

[0062] Fig.14 yes Figure 6 A detailed horizontal cross-sectional top plan view of a first sealing member of a device at a location having a corner.

[0063] Fig.15 is with Figure 6 Detailed vertical cross-sectional schematic diagram of a first sealing member according to a third embodiment used with a device before removing the fragile cover.

[0064] Fig.16 is with Figure 6 A vertical sectional schematic diagram of a first sealing member according to a fourth embodiment used in conjunction with a device.

[0065] Fig.17 is with Figure 6 A vertical sectional schematic diagram of a first sealing member according to a fifth embodiment used in conjunction with a device.

[0066] Fig.18 yes Figure 6 Schematic horizontal cross-section of a device in which a structural wall element is interlocked with an adjacent structural wall element.

[0067] Fig.19 yes Figure 6 Detailed horizontal cross-sectional top plan schematic view of a first sealing member of an apparatus at a location having a corner with a corner fitting.

[0068] Fig. 20 is a nonlinear extrusion path Figure 6 A perspective view of the device.

[0069] Fig.21 is a nonlinear extrusion path Figure 6 A perspective view of the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] exist Figure 1, a device 100 for inhibiting or preventing water ingress through or across a construction joint or "cold joint" is schematically depicted. In a preferred application, the device 100 is used in the construction of a water retaining structure such as a basement, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that the device 100 may also be used in the construction of other underground structures or water retaining structures such as water tanks.

[0071] The apparatus 100 comprises a first concrete body in the form of an earth slab or footing 102 to be supported by an underlying ground or soil structure. The footing 102 has a generally horizontal floor surface which in use is an upper side 104 and a ground engaging surface which in use is a lower side 106. The footing has a thickness or height dimension 108 extending vertically between the upper side 104 and the lower side 106. The footing 102 also has a perimeter or outer edge 110 which in use faces or is adjacent to the supporting ground structure.

[0072] A cavity or slot 112 is formed through the upper side 104 of the footing 102. The slot 112 is positioned adjacent to but spaced apart from the outer edge 110 and extends through the footing 102 toward the lower side 106 to a predetermined depth. The slot 112 defines a support surface 114 that is recessed relative to the upper side 104, and a pair of upwardly projecting lateral edges or side walls 116, 118 extending between the support surface 114 and the upper side 104. The pair of side walls 116, 118 includes an outer side wall 116 and an inner side wall 118. The outer side wall 116 provides a vertical surface 117 (118) that is spaced apart from the outer edge 110 of the footing 102. Figure 2 The inner side wall 118 also provides a vertical surface 119 which is opposite to the vertical surface 117 of the outer side wall 116 and is spaced farther from the outer edge 110 than the vertical surface 117 of the outer side wall 116 .

[0073] The first sealing member 120 is fixed to the vertical surface 117 of the outer side wall 116. Figure 2 As shown. In the depicted embodiment, the first sealing member is in the form of a flexible water stop 120, typically made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The water stop 120 extends vertically along the face 117 of the outer side wall 116 and across the support surface 114 to form a continuous, impermeable membrane to inhibit water from passing through the vertical face 117 of the outer side wall 116, that is, the water stop 120 inhibits water from entering from the outer edge 110 of the footing 102 in a generally horizontal plane.

[0074] Special References Figure 2 , the device 100 also includes a joint seal 122 disposed at the connection between the water stop 120 and the support surface 114. The joint seal 122 comprises a caulking grade or sprayable hydrophilic or water-swellable compound that is configured to increase in volume or expand when in contact with water.

[0075] The device 100 also includes a structural wall element 124. In one embodiment, the structural wall element 124 includes a precast wall element, such as a cast-in-place or precast concrete element. In another embodiment, the structural wall element 124 includes a block (Besser Block) section laid, for example, by clay, concrete or insulating material. In a preferred embodiment, the structural wall element 124 includes a permanent or drop-out formwork element 124 to form an upright structural wall to be supported by the footing 102. The element 124 has a body 126 extending longitudinally between an upper end portion (not shown) and a lower end portion 128. The body 126 provides two generally parallel coextensive side walls 130, 132 joined by a transverse web 134. The web 134 has holes 136 to facilitate the insertion of reinforcing strips, etc. and the flow of concrete fill. The first side wall 130 provides an inner skin 138 facing the interior of the building structure. The second side wall 132 provides an outer skin 140 facing or adjacent to the surrounding ground or soil. Preferably, element 124 is formed of an extruded plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride to provide a permanent waterproof finish. Element 124 includes a panel joint (not shown) to inhibit water ingress. Further details of element 124 are described in detail in the applicant's earlier international application No. PCT / AU2002 / 001382 filed on October 10, 2002 or the applicant's earlier international application No. PCT / AU2012 / 000358. For the sake of brevity, the entire contents of these international applications are incorporated herein by cross-reference.

[0076] The element 124 is configured to receive a concrete pour to form a second concrete body defining the wall. The element 124 (and therefore the wall) is supported by the footing 102 by seating the lower end portion 128 within the notch 112 of the footing 102 such that the base 142 ( Figure 2 ) engages the support surface 114 of the footing 102 while the outer skin 140 is positioned against the water stop 120. Figure 2 As shown, in this position, the outer skin 140 of the element 124 compresses the joint seal 122 to disperse the hydrophilic compound beneath the outer skin 140 and against the waterstop 120. The volume expansion of the joint seal 122 when in contact with water creates an effective compression seal at the connection between the waterstop 120 and the supporting surface 114, which prevents water from passing or flowing between the interface of the base 142 and the supporting surface 114, and prevents water from flowing from any remaining vertical gap between the waterstop 120 and the outer skin 140.

[0077] Preferably, the device 100 also includes a drainage channel 144 installed in the slot 112 along the vertical face 119 of the inner side wall 118 to drain any excess water that migrates toward the inner skin 138. A drainage member 146 fluidly connects the drainage channel 144 to a pump out pit or the like. The drainage channel 144 is primarily used to drain water before the device 100 is completed, when the joint seal 122 has not yet been completed, or after the joint seal 122 has been completed in the event of water overflow into the surrounding area (usually a basement), such as caused by, for example, a fire sprinkler failure or washing a car with water.

[0078] Now go to Figures 6 to 9 , which shows an installation of an apparatus 400 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, features represented by integers that differ by 100 from the previous integer generally perform the same function, have similar characteristics, and interact similarly to the previously described integers.

[0079] In this arrangement, the support surface 414 of the footing 402 includes a recess 413 adjacent to an outer sidewall 416. The recess 413 has a bottom 415 and preferably extends below the support surface 414. However, in another embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 As shown, the recess may extend into the side wall 416. Similarly, the first sealing member or water stop 420 is modified, such as Fig.10 is shown in more detail in .

[0080] The first sealing member 420 includes a vertical body 421 adapted to line the vertical face 417 of the outer sidewall 416. Extending from the vertical body 421 in the direction of the outer sidewall 416 are one or more retaining arms 423 adapted to be embedded in the sidewall 416 and / or the footing 402 to resist movement of the first sealing member 420 relative to the footing 402. To this end, the retaining arms 423 include portions parallel to the vertical body 421. The retaining arms 423 are particularly useful for resisting movement of the first sealing member 420 when the footing 402 is curing. The vertical portions of the retaining arms 423 can also be used to attach the first sealing member 420 to a formwork used to construct the footing 402 by means of fasteners that pass through the retaining arms 423 and into the formwork.

[0081] A concave arm 425 extends from the vertical body 421, preferably toward the element or structural wall member 424, and is configured to line the bottom of the recess 413 to define a void 427. Preferably, the concave arm 425 lines the entire support surface 414 of the recess 413. Preferably, the first sealing member 420 can be fixed to the footing 402 using fasteners (not shown), such as bolts, screws. In some embodiments, the first sealing member 420 can be fixed to a temporary form, such as a plywood form, for casting the footing.

[0082] The first sealing member 420 also includes a support 429 extending from the vertical body 421 toward the element 424 at a position vertically above the female arm 425 .

[0083] return Figure 8 Once the first sealing member 420 has been installed (typically by curing the footing 402 with the first sealing member 420 in place), the injection hose 431 is positioned to allow the injection of the sealing material 433 into the void 427 to form the joint seal 422. In one embodiment, the injection hose 431 includes a peripheral tube 435 having an opening 437 to allow the injection of the sealing material 433 into the void 427. The peripheral tube 435 can be secured within the void 427 using fasteners 461. The injection hose 431 can also include one or more discharge ports 439 extending from the peripheral tube 435 through the element 424 or the footing 402 to the dry side 441 of the element 424. Thus, the injection hose 431 can be a system including the peripheral tube 435 and the discharge ports 439. Preferably, the discharge ports 439 are provided along the device 400 every 8m to 50m, more preferably every 10m to 30m, and most preferably every 20m.

[0084] like Fig.15 , the concave arm 425 of the first sealing member 420 may include one or more fragile locations 447 to allow a portion 449 of the concave arm 425 to be removed for providing access to the void 427. Access to the void 427 helps position the injection hose 431, while the portion 449 contributes to the rigidity of the first sealing member 420, and therefore to the positional stability of the first sealing member 420, prior to positioning the injection hose 431, particularly during installation of the first sealing member 420. The presence of the portion 449 prior to removal inhibits contamination of the void 427 during installation of the first sealing member 420.

[0085] Temporarily go to Fig.12 and Fig.13 , which shows where the peripheral tubes 435 fed by different discharge ports 439 intersect. Preferably, there is an overlap between the ends 443 of the peripheral tubes 435. Thus, preferably, the width of the gap 427 is at least twice the width of the peripheral tubes 435. Turning temporarily to Fig.14 , showing the location of the perimeter tube 435 wrapped around the corner 445 of the device 400. Preferably, the perimeter tube 435 does not have its end 443 adjacent to the corner 445 to prevent the creation of air gaps in the sealing material 433 forming the joint seal 422. In another embodiment, the device 100 may include Fig.19Corner fitting 436 is shown. Corner fitting 436 includes a first opening 438a adapted to receive a portion of perimeter tube 435 and a second opening 438b adapted to receive another portion of perimeter tube 435. First opening 438a and second opening 438b are oriented vertically so that sealing material can flow between first opening 438a and second opening 438b. Use of corner fitting 436 inhibits kinking in perimeter tube 435 near corner 445.

[0086] Back to Figure 8 , now that the injection hose 431 has been positioned, the element 424 is seated on the support surface 414. Preferably, at least a portion of the base 442 of the element 424 is supported by the support 429 of the first sealing member 420, preferably such that the base 442 is substantially aligned with the support surface 414.

[0087] like Fig.10 As shown, the first sealing member 420 may include a crenel 451 adjacent to the outer skin 440 of the element 424. The crenel 451 is used to inhibit the movement of the sealing material 433 between the first sealing member 420 and the outer skin 440. Alternatively or in addition, the first sealing member 420 may include an adhesive 453 that is suitable for adhering to the outer skin 440 to inhibit the movement of the sealing material 433 between the first sealing member 420 and the outer skin 440. For example, as Fig.15 As shown, the vertical body 421 of the first sealing member 420 may have a smooth surface facing the outer skin 440 of the element 424 so that the tape or sealant 453 can be applied.

[0088] In yet another embodiment, the first sealing member 420 has a bevel 455 at its upper end 457. The bevel 455 is configured to face the outer skin 440 of the element 424 to create a funnel-shaped gap 459 between the first sealing member 420 and the outer skin 440. Before pumping the sealing material 433, concrete may be poured into the funnel-shaped gap 459 to create a plug between the first sealing member 420 and the outer skin 440 to inhibit movement of the sealing material 433 between the first sealing member 420 and the outer skin 440. Preferably, the retaining wall 471 used in the casting of the footing 402 may extend higher than the side wall 416 of the footing 402 being cast, so that when concrete is poured into the funnel-shaped gap 459, the concrete is retained at the funnel-shaped gap 459 to allow the concrete to flow into the funnel-shaped gap 459. The retaining wall 471 may be a temporary formwork made of plywood or sheet piles. Sheet piles are preferred in sandy soil conditions.

[0089] like Fig.17As shown, the first sealing member 420 can be positioned very close to the end of the side wall 416. The end of the retaining arm 423 is coplanar with the end of the side wall 416, or penetrates the end of the side wall 416. This exposes the interface between the retaining arm 423 and the footing 402 to water intrusion. In order to inhibit water intrusion along this interface, the retaining arm 423 includes a crenel 451 to create a tortuous water path along the interface between the retaining arm 423 and the footing 402. In addition, the main body 421 of the first sealing member 420 may also include a crenel 451 to create a tortuous water path along the interface between the main body 421 of the first sealing member 420 and the footing 402.

[0090] The element 424 may then be filled with concrete, such as Figure 8 As shown, the sealing material 433 is pumped through the injection hose 431 to form the joint seal 422. Since the sealing material 433 is inhibited from flowing out of the gap 427 between the first sealing member 420 and the element 424, the first sealing material 433 forms a joint seal between the first sealing member, the footing and the element 424. Preferably, each element 424 interlocks with the adjacent element 424 using the first interlocking element 463 and the second interlocking element 465. In a preferred embodiment, the interlocking elements 463, 465 are separated by the gap 467, as shown in FIG. Fig.18 During the pouring of concrete into element 424, interlocking elements 463, 465 deform under the pressure of the weight of the concrete, thereby clamping interlocking elements 463, 465 together, leaving gaps 467 filled with air. In some cases, the clamping may be incomplete, leaving gaps 467 filled with concrete slurry, or a mixture of air and concrete slurry.

[0091] Since the elements 424 are seated on the supports 429 of the first sealing member 420, the gap 467 is open to the void 427 at its bottom or is completely or partially filled with concrete slurry. Since the sealing material 433 is inhibited from flowing out of the void 427 under the high pressure between the first sealing member 420 and the elements 424, the sealing material 433 is also pumped upward into the gap 467, thereby forming a seal between adjacent elements 424. In addition, since the cement slurry shrinks when it cures, a wall gap (not shown) may open between the inner surface (not shown) of the element 424 and the concrete filled into the element 424. The wall gap is located at a similar point as the gap 467, and therefore similarly opens to the void 427, so that the sealing material 433 is pumped upward from the void 427 into the wall gap under high pressure. Thus, while fluid path gaps may exist between the skin of structural wall element 424 and the concrete fill within structural wall element 424 at both the wet side of element 424 (facing sidewall 416) and the dry side of element 424 (facing away from sidewall 416) as the concrete fill shrinks during curing into cured concrete, preferably, sealing material 433 may be pumped upward from void 427 at high pressure into the fluid path gap at the wet side of the structural wall element. The sealing material 433 under pressure may also reach the fluid path gap between element 424 and the shrinking concrete fill at the dry side of the structural wall element.

[0092] like Fig. 9 As shown, a drainage channel 444 filled with drainage features 446 may then be added, thereby obstructing the drainage port 439 for pumping the sealing material 433. In a preferred embodiment, the drainage port 439 may terminate vertically above the drainage channel 444 and not be obstructed when the drainage features 446 are added.

[0093] like Fig.16 and Fig.17 As shown, the width of the side wall 416 may be greater than the width of the retaining arm 423 of the first sealing member 420, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 As shown, the width of the side wall 416 may alternatively be substantially the same as the width of the retaining arm 423 of the first sealing member 420 .

[0094] like Fig. 20 and Fig.21 As shown in , the sealing member 420 has a cross section 460 and is shaped so that the cross section 460 follows the extrusion path 450. In some embodiments, the extrusion path 450 may not be straight. For example, as Fig. 20 As shown, for a portion of the sealing member 420, the extrusion path 450 may be angled in the vertical direction to produce a vertical portion, or as shown in FIG. Fig.21As shown, the extrusion path 450 may be angled on a horizontal axis for a portion of the sealing member 420. In one embodiment, the device 100 includes opposing sealing members 420 having mirror image features, having vertical extrusion path 450 portions of substantially the same length to define a step.

[0095] Now refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 A method 200 of assembling the apparatus 100 is described. In an initial step 202, a form or template 214 defining the footing 102 is established at the construction site, such as in an excavated area of ​​land in the yard of a residence. Known techniques and materials may be implemented to establish a template that conforms to known standards. For example, bracing members, such as sheet piles 216, may be used to define the outer edge 110 of the footing 102. During this initial step 202, structural reinforcements, typically in the form of reinforcing strips or mesh 218 (e.g., made of steel), are arranged in the template 214 to provide reinforcement (e.g., tensile strength) to the concrete to be poured. Some of the reinforcing strips protrude upward from the template to form starter bars 220 for subsequent connection or anchoring of the structural wall in a later step.

[0096] In the next step 204, provision is made to create connection points or anchor points to the reinforcement to secure the water stop 120 in place and to secure the formwork 222 required to form the slot 112 within the footing 102. The water stop 120 may also be temporarily attached to the formwork 222 for the slot 112 for additional anchoring of the water stop 120.

[0097] In a subsequent step 206, a concrete mix is ​​prepared, which is then poured into the form 214 and allowed to cure to form the footing 102. The concrete mix may include a mixture of fine aggregate and coarse aggregate in a fluid cement binder, such as Portland cement. Once the concrete pour for the footing 102 has cured, the forms 214, 222 are removed, exposing the notch 112 and the water stop 120 cast in place in the footing 102.

[0098] The joint sealer 122 (ie, a hydrophilic compound) is then applied (at step 208 ) to the connection of the waterstop 120 and the support surface 114 as a controlled, triangular bead using a caulking gun or other suitable means.

[0099] In a subsequent step 210, the elements 124 are installed to form the structural wall. The lower edge of the outer skin 140 of the elements 124 is pressed into the hydrophilic compound 122 so that the hydrophilic compound 122 is dispersed below the outer skin 140 and against the water stop 120. High slump concrete is poured into the assembled elements 124 and vibrated sufficiently to minimize air voids. Alternatively, self-compacting concrete may be poured into the elements 124 to form the wall. The concrete cures in the assembled elements 124 to form the structural wall. The second concrete body defining the structural wall and the first concrete body defining the footing 102 together form a construction joint at the interface of the base 142 and the support surface 114.

[0100] In optional step 212 , the drain channel 144 and associated drain component 146 are installed.

[0101] Figure 5 A prior art method 300 is shown for waterproofing a construction joint between a footing 302 and a wall 304. In contrast to the apparatus 100 of the present disclosure, the waterstop 306 of the prior art method 300 is centrally located below the wall 304, rather than below the outer skin of the wall 304. Conventional hydrophilic products are typically specified to have a minimum of 50 mm of concrete cover in order to completely surround the waterstop, which is not necessary for the presently disclosed apparatus 100.

[0102] Furthermore, due to the placement of water stop 306 in prior art method 300, water ingress is only prevented along one plane at a time, and only when water has entered the construction joint. In contrast, the presently disclosed device 100 inhibits or prevents water ingress in both the vertical and horizontal planes in one application and before any water enters the construction joint.

[0103] Furthermore, prior art method 300 requires providing access adjacent to the outer skin of wall 304 to apply waterproof membrane 308 to the outer surface of wall 304 and footing 302. In contrast, the presently disclosed apparatus 100 eliminates the need for this access, thereby saving time and cost while providing a safer solution.

[0104] Integer:

[0105]

Claims

1. A device for inhibiting water ingress through a construction joint, the device comprising: a footing to be supported by a ground structure, the footing comprising a floor defining a support surface, the footing further comprising side walls extending upwardly from the support surface; a structural wall element supported by said support surface, said element having an outer skin adjacent to said side wall; a first sealing member secured to the side wall of the footing such that the first sealing member is opposite the outer skin; and A joint seal formed of a sealing material at the connection of the first sealing member, the footing and the outer skin allows the sealing material to penetrate the interface between the first sealing member and the structural wall element without access to the outer skin of the structural wall element.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the support surface comprises a recess adjacent the sidewall, the recess having a bottom, and wherein the first sealing member comprises a recessed arm configured to line the bottom of the recess to define a void. The device of claim 2 , wherein the recess extends below the support surface. The device of claim 2 , wherein the recess extends into the side wall.

5. A device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the concave arm comprises one or more frangible locations to allow portions of the concave arm to be removed for providing access to the void.

6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the distance between the main body of the first sealing member and the first fragile position among the one or more fragile positions is smaller than the gap between the main body of the first sealing member and the outer skin of the structural wall element, so as to facilitate the sealing material of the joint seal to penetrate into the interface between the first sealing member and the outer skin.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the device comprises an adjacent structural wall element similar to the structural wall element, the adjacent structural wall element being connected to the structural wall element by a set of interlocking elements, the interlocking elements being separated by gaps, Wherein due to the removal of the portion of the female arm, the sealing material in the void is able to enter the gap, so that the sealing material from the void is allowed to penetrate into the gap, thereby forming a seal between the set of interlocking elements.

8. An apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the size of the gap between the main body of the first sealing member and the skin of the structural wall element is set and the fragile position is located so that when the cement slurry filled into the structural wall element shrinks during curing into cured concrete to form a fluid flow gap between the skin of the structural wall element and the cured concrete, when the part of the concave arm has been removed, a fluid path exists between the fluid flow gap and the void.

9. The device of any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the device further comprises an injection hose positioned to allow injection of sealing material into the void to form the sealing joint.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the injection hose comprises a peripheral tube having an opening to allow injection of sealing material into the void, the peripheral tube being located in the void and being substantially surrounded by the concave arm.

11. Apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the injection hose comprises a discharge opening extending from the peripheral tube through the structural wall member to a stem side of the cavity adjacent the structural wall member.

12. An apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the injection hose includes a corner fitting having a first opening adapted to receive a portion of the injection hose and a second opening adapted to receive a portion of the injection hose, the first opening and the second opening being oriented perpendicularly to each other so that the sealing material can flow between the first opening and the second opening.

13. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first sealing member includes a retaining arm extending from the first sealing member into the side wall and / or the base footing to resist movement of the first sealing member relative to the base footing.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the retaining arm includes a series of crenels to create a tortuous path for water intruding along the interface between the retaining arm and the side wall and / or the footing.

15. Apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the body of the first sealing member comprises a series of crenels to create a tortuous path for water intruding along the interface between the body and the side wall and / or the footing.

16. The device of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the wall element extends longitudinally between an upper end portion and a lower end portion, wherein the lower end portion has a base that sits on the support surface within the cavity.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the first sealing member includes a support arm extending from the sealing member away from the side wall, and wherein the base of the wall element at least partially sits on the support arm.

18. The device of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the first sealing member comprises polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

19. The device of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the joint seal comprises a hydrophilic compound that expands in volume when in contact with water and / or an adhesive compound.

20. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first sealing member has a bevel at its upper end, the bevel facing the outer skin of the structural wall element to create a funnel-shaped gap between the first sealing member and the outer skin of the structural wall element.

21. The device of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the first sealing member has a profile and is extruded along an extrusion path, and wherein the extrusion path comprises one or more of: Horizontal section; vertical part; a horizontal angled portion; and Vertical angled portion.

22. A method of assembling a device for inhibiting water ingress through a construction joint, the method comprising the steps of: Establish formwork to define footings at the construction site; establishing a template defining a notch in the footing; securing a first sealing member to the formwork defining the slot and / or the formwork defining the footing; pouring a concrete mixture into the formwork defining the footing, and curing the concrete mixture to produce a first concrete body forming the footing, such that the first sealing member is cast in place and the notch is formed in the footing; applying a joint seal to the notch at the connection between the first sealing member and the surface of the first concrete body; establishing a formwork defining a structural wall within the slot; as well as pouring the concrete mixture into the formwork defining the wall and curing the concrete mixture to produce a second concrete body forming the wall supported by the footing such that a sidewall of the wall engages the joint seal, wherein the first seal and the joint seal are configured to inhibit water flow along an interface between the wall and the footing.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the step of applying the joint seal to the connection portion of the first sealing member and the surface of the first concrete body within the groove is performed after the step of pouring the concrete mixture into the form.

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