Constructive element for the construction of partitions in architecture

Abstract

The invention relates to a constructive element (1) for the construction of partitions in architecture, comprising a first face (2) and a second face (4). The first and second faces (2, 4) are separated by a thickness (6) of the constructive element (1). The constructive element (1) comprises at least a first layer (10) comprising a mixture of earth and sheep wool fiber strands.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention is comprised in the field of architecture, and more particularly sustainable and low environmental impact architecture.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a constructive element for the construction of partitions in architecture, comprising a first face and a second face, said first and second faces being separated by a thickness of the constructive element.State of the Art

[0003] The sustainability and environmental impacts of new constructions are increasingly becoming a concern in the field of architecture.

[0004] Sustainability has been gaining importance in many architectural projects since the end of the 20 th< century and the beginning of the 21 st< century. This had led to many professionals of the sector to look back and revive conventional construction techniques and materials that are more friendly to the environment in which they are used.

[0005] However, this increased sustainability and environmental impact awareness faces new technical requirements that were perhaps not so pivotal in the past. These requirements include the new challenges required in modern architecture, such as comfort or energy efficiency.

[0006] Although construction with earth has been used for many centuries in conventional architecture, this way of construction does not always meet the standards of modern architecture.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to propose new solutions which, despite being sustainable and having a low environmental impact, are technologically advanced with respect to modern technological requirements.Summary of the invention

[0008] It is an object of the invention is to provide a constructive element for the construction of partitions in architecture of the type indicated above, which is sustainable and has a low environmental impact. However, the constructive element must provide high structural performance, insulation, and comfort.

[0009] This purpose is achieved by means of a constructive element comprising at least a first layer comprising a mixture of earth and sheep wool fiber strands.

[0010] In the Western world, sheep wool fiber strands have been losing ground as a base material in the textile sector in favor of synthetic fibers. Therefore, there is an excess of sheep wool with no market demand. In contrast, it has been proven in the invention that sheep wool fibers used as a reinforcement filler for the earth of traditional construction significantly improve its performance. Among other advantages, the addition of sheep wool fiber strands improves the horizontal thrust resistant capacity and furthermore prevents earth shrinkage. It has been proven that sheep wool fiber strands are longer and the cross-linking between fibers improves significantly compared to other types of animal fibers. This results in greater stability of the constructive element and thus greater resistance to thrust.

[0011] The invention further includes a number of preferred features that are object of the dependent claims and the utility of which will be highlighted hereinafter in the detailed description of an embodiment of the invention.

[0012] In a first preferred embodiment, the constructive element further comprises a plurality of strata of said at least a first layer, said plurality of strata being stacked and compacted consecutively on top of one another. This technology allows structural walls or simply separating walls to be manufactured in situ in a simple manner, but they can also be used horizontally. Manufacturing the strata vertically only requires a very simple formwork which is gradually filled with strata of the mixture of earth and sheep wool fiber strands. Each stratum is compacted before pouring the next stratum. This compaction technique is known in the state of the art as ramming. Therefore, the constructive element thus obtained is referred to hereinafter as a rammed earth constructive element.

[0013] In a particularly preferred manner, said plurality of strata of said at least a first layer are stacked and compacted consecutively on top of one another in the direction of a constructive height of said constructive element. Alternatively, said plurality of strata of said at least a first layer are stacked and compacted consecutively on top of one another in a direction perpendicular to the direction of a constructive height of said constructive element.

[0014] In a particularly preferred manner, in this embodiment of the rammed earth constructive element said at least a first layer comprising a mixture of earth and sheep wool fiber strands is formed by strata compacted with a density comprised between 1800 and 2000 kg / m 3< . This density significantly improves the resistant capacity of the constructive element.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, it comprises a load-bearing structure made of wood or cane, which is filled with said at least a first layer, the earth of said first layer being clayey earth in plastic state. In this case, the constructive element thus obtained is referred to hereinafter as a light earth constructive element.

[0016] In a particularly preferred manner, in this alternative embodiment of the light earth constructive element, said at least a first layer has a density comprised between 350 and 700 kg / m 3< . Again, this density provides stability to the assembly, optimizing the weight of the constructive element and improving thermal behavior.

[0017] The invention also addresses the problem of further improving the thermal behavior of the constructive element, as well as protecting the face exposed to the elements and preventing the premature degradation of the earth in those constructions exposed to adverse weather conditions. To that end, in a preferred embodiment, the constructive element further comprises a second layer comprising a mixture of lime mortar and sheep wool fiber strands, said second layer forming a part or the entirety of said first face of said constructive element.

[0018] In a particularly preferred manner, the constructive element comprises an inner framework made of a material from the group consisting of wood and metal, said inner framework being arranged at least in a direction of greatest extension of said constructive element. Moreover, in a particularly preferred manner, said framework can be flat or three-dimensional.

[0019] The invention also addresses the problem of preventing the premature degradation of the second protective layer. To that end, in a preferred embodiment, a common contact surface between said first and second layers has surface irregularities for the fixing of said second layer forming a part or the entirety of said first face of said constructive element. This improves the adherence between both layers and premature detachment of the second layer of earth and lime mortar which is protecting the first layer against the elements is prevented.

[0020] In a particularly preferred manner, said irregularities are at least one of those from the group consisting of variations in surface roughness, undulations, serrated teeth, projections from said intermediate surface, or the like.

[0021] In the invention, said constructive element is one from the group consisting of a wall constructed in situ, bricks, panels, and a prefabricated wall. The element can be manufactured to optimize its application in each situation.

[0022] The invention also seeks to obtain a constructive element that can be standardized and is easy to transport. To that end, the constructive element is a substantially parallelepiped constructive element and is defined by said thickness, a width, said width being equal to or greater than said thickness, and a height. The parallelepiped shape facilitates the prior manufacture, handling, and storage, as well as subsequent transport, of the constructive element.

[0023] In a particularly preferred manner, said first and second faces are flat and said thickness is comprised between 30 and 70 cm and preferably between 40 and 50 cm. These ranges of thickness provide structural elements that can be transported without any risk of breaking.

[0024] Said height is also preferably comprised between 2.5 and 3 m to enable transporting same in a commercial vehicle with small dimensions.

[0025] In another embodiment of the constructive element, said width is comprised between 0.5 and 1.5 m, and preferably between 0.75 and 1.2 m. These dimensions facilitate the handling of the constructive element when it is a prefabricated element.

[0026] To solve the technical problem of fixing the constructive element in a simple manner, said constructive element comprises at least one recess in the thickness of said constructive element at least one of the ends of said constructive element, said recess being configured to house a fixing element for fixing said constructive element to a surface not pertaining to said constructive element. Fixing elements suitable for this assembly would include corrugated metal rods or L-shaped profiles which allow fixing the constructive element to other elements in the surrounding area with screws. This has several advantages. First, the difficulty of manually modifying the constructive element while placing it on site is reduced. Moreover, the installation time is reduced. Finally, the fixing elements can be perfectly concealed.

[0027] In one embodiment, said at least one recess extends in the entire width of said first face or of said second face of said constructive element. This provides flexibility when installing the constructive element. The recess extending in the entire width of the constructive element results in the existence of many different points for applying the fixing elements and in an increased adaptability to the installation environment.

[0028] Alternatively, the constructive element comprises a plurality of independent recesses along the width of said first face at least one of the ends of said first face or of said second face of said constructive element. This solution significantly saves installation time since, once the constructive element is fixed with the fixing elements, the surface to be plastered in order to conceal the fixing elements is much smaller.

[0029] Finally, the invention also solves the problem of achieving good moisture insulation. To that end, in a preferred embodiment, at least two opposite surfaces of said thickness comprise longitudinal grooves for receiving a sealing gasket.

[0030] Likewise, the invention also includes other features of detail illustrated in the detailed description of an embodiment of the invention and in the accompanying figures.Brief description of the drawings

[0031] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which, without any limiting character, preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1, a perspective view of a first embodiment of two constructive elements according to the invention, in the form of a prefabricated wall and attached to one another by the side face thereof. Figure 2, a perspective view of a second embodiment of two constructive elements according to the invention, in the form of a prefabricated wall and attached to one another by the side face thereof. Figure 3, a perspective view of a third embodiment of two constructive elements according to the invention, in the form of a prefabricated wall and attached to one another by the side face thereof. Figure 4, a longitudinally section side view of the constructive element of Figure 3 installed on site. Figure 5, a longitudinally section front view of the constructive element of Figure 3. Figure 6, a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a constructive element according to the invention, in the form of a brick. Figure 7, a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a constructive element according to the invention, in the form of a panel. Figure 8, a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a constructive element according to the invention, in the form of a panel. Figure 9, a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a constructive element according to the invention, in the form of a panel. Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0032] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the constructive element 1 for the construction of both vertical and horizontal partitions in architecture. More particularly, the figure shows two contiguous parallelepiped structural elements 1 attached along their common vertical side 30 which, in this case, are prefabricated walls that are assembled on site. Alternatively, these elements may also be manufactured in situ by means of a suitable formwork.

[0033] The constructive element 1 of this first embodiment comprises a first front face 2 and a second rear face 4, the first and second faces 2, 4 being separated by a thickness 6 of the constructive element 1. In this case, each of the structural elements comprises a first layer 10 comprising a mixture of earth and sheep wool fiber strands.

[0034] The manufacture thereof begins by mixing the earth and sheep wool fiber strands in a suitable earth / fiber ratio. It is particularly desirable for the earth to contain clay. The earth for a mixture of this type normally has a typical moisture comprised between 8% and 12% and the addition of water is not necessary.

[0035] As seen in the figures, the constructive elements 1 comprise a plurality of strata 14 of this first layer 10, said plurality of strata stacked and compacted consecutively on top of one another. In this embodiment, strata 14 are stacked in the direction of the constructive height 8 of the constructive element 1.

[0036] This constructive technique is known as a rammed earth technique. This is a construction technique with load-bearing capacity that consists of compacting selected earths in rigid molds in a stratified manner, with a low moisture content. The constructive element is completed following formwork removal.

[0037] In the invention, these strata 14 are formed by means of a novel method comprising the following steps. First, a formwork having the width, thickness, and height dimensions of the panel to be constructed is prepared. In this embodiment, the wall comprises an inner framework 16 made of a wooden material which allows transporting the prefabricated wall. This inner framework 16 is arranged at least in the direction of the height 8 of said constructive element 1. However, the inner framework 16 can be flat or three-dimensional. In this way, once the formwork is completed, the mixture forming the first layer 10 of the wall is prepared from earth and sheep wool fiber strands. This mixture is poured into the formwork to form a first stratum 14, filling the entire formwork up to a height such that it has a stratum height of between 8 and 16 cm, and preferably between 8 and 12 cm, once compacted. Then, this filling of the first layer 10 poured into the formwork is distributed uniformly throughout the entire surface. Eventually it may be necessary to slightly wet the surface of the first layer. The stratum 14 is then gradually compacted by means of a tamper, hitting the corresponding surface several times until the compacted stratum 14 has a density comprised between 1800 and 2000 kg / m 3< . Once this step is finished, the preceding steps from the pouring of the composition of the first layer 10 are repeated until the desired height is achieved. In some situations, it may be necessary to gradually move the formwork vertically to gain height. Once the wall is completed, it is simply left to dry so that the clayey components contained in the earth bind it together and provide it with its final hardness.

[0038] Optionally, this prefabricated constructive element 1 of Figure 1 can also be a structural element. The thickness 6 of each of these constructive elements 1 is between 30 and 50 cm, in this case, 40 cm, and their height 8 is from 2.5 to 3 m, in this case, 2.6 m. Finally, the width 28 is comprised between 0.5 and 1.5 m and in this case 1 m.

[0039] To obtain good moisture insulation, in this embodiment the two opposite surfaces of the thickness 6 comprise longitudinal grooves 22. These grooves are sized to receive a sealing gasket 24 which prevents moisture from being able to readily enter the notch 30 formed between two contiguous constructive elements 1.

[0040] Other embodiments of the constructive element 1 according to the invention which share many of the features described in the preceding paragraphs are shown below. Accordingly, only the distinguishing elements will be described below, while reference is made to the description of the first embodiment for the common elements.

[0041] Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the constructive element 1 according to the invention. In this case, it is a bilayer prefabricated façade enclosure wall with an optional structural functionality.

[0042] The wall comprises a first layer 10 on the right side of the figure comprising a plurality of strata 14 of a mixture of earth and sheep wool fiber strands. This wall further comprises a second layer 12 comprising a mixture of lime mortar and sheep wool fiber strands. In this case, the second layer 12 covers the entirety of the wall which would be closing the façade. The lime mortar of the second layer 12, together with the wool, form a light crust of about 10 to 20 cm, and particularly 12 cm. Therefore, they form the second face 4 of the constructive element 1 and protect the first layer 10 from adverse weather conditions. In this case, this second layer 12 has a lower density comprised between 350 and 700 kg / m 3< .

[0043] On the other hand, this constructive element 1 also differs from the preceding element in that the common contact surface 18 between the first and second layers 10, 12 has surface irregularities for the fixing of the second layer 12 of lime mortar and sheep wool fiber strands. In this case, these irregularities are serrated teeth or zigzag lines resulting from placing the mortar crust in the formwork in the form of a wedge that ensures an optimal anchoring of the crust to the body of the wall. Alternatively, the irregularities can be variations in surface roughness, undulations, projections from the intermediate surface, or the like.

[0044] Both the first and second layers 10, 12 are simultaneously constructed, layer by layer within the formwork with a ramming method such as that explained in the preceding paragraphs. The total thickness 6 of the constructive element is between 30 and 70 cm, in this case, 60 cm, and its height 8 is from 2.5 to 3 m, in this case, 2.9 m. The width 28 is 1.1 m.

[0045] The constructive elements 1, which are an enclosure wall for the construction of partitions in architecture of Figures 3 to 5, also comprise a first face 2 and a second face 4. The first and second faces 2, 4 are separated by a thickness 6 of the constructive element 1. Also in this case, each of the constructive elements has a single first layer 10 comprising a mixture of earth and sheep wool fiber strands. In this case, the wall is manufactured from light earth, with sheep wool fiber strands to provide an insulating behavior.

[0046] Light earth construction is a mixed technique made up of a load-bearing structure made of wood or cane. In the invention, the filler is earth with a high sheep wool fiber contents. This technique is constructed with clayey earth in plastic state. This earth in the mixture has the function of surrounding the fiber to cause its agglutination.

[0047] The thickness 6 of the wall is 45 cm and the height 8 is 2.6 m. The wall has an inner framework 16 for the transport and vertical connection between parts and levels.

[0048] In this case, the wall comprises a load-bearing structure made of wood with vertical posts and horizontal beams incorporated in the constructive element itself, which is filled with the first layer 10, with the earth of the first layer 10 being clayey earth in plastic state.

[0049] Furthermore, Figure 3 shows that the constructive element 1 comprises a recess 20 arranged in the thickness 6 of the constructive element 1 and particularly at the lower end thereof and extending in the entire width 28 of the first and second faces 2, 4 of the constructive element 1. This recess 20 is configured to house several fixing elements 26 for fixing the constructive element 1 to the adjacent surfaces of the constructive element 1. In this case, as can be seen in Figure 3, the fixing elements 26 are metal brackets that allow attaching the constructive element 1 with the foundations 32 on which the constructive element 1 is assembled.

[0050] Once the constructive element has been anchored on site, the recess 20 can be covered to conceal the brackets. A first possibility is to plaster the constructive element 1 with a mixture of earth and sheep wool fiber strands, i.e., the same component of the constructive element 1. However, alternatively, a panel-type constructive element 1, such as the one shown in Figure 7, can be used.

[0051] On the other hand, the constructive element 1 of Figure 4 can be coated in situ with a first layer 36 of lime mortar, this being the first face 2 facing the outside of the building, whereas the second face 4 is coated with a second layer 38 of lime mortar, earth mortar, or a gypsum layer. Alternatively, the constructive element 1 according to the invention can incorporate the first and second layers 36, 38 that can be provided in a prefabricated constructive element.

[0052] Figure 6 shows a brick-like constructive element 1 manufactured from a first layer 10 of earth and sheep wool fiber strands.

[0053] In Figure 7, the constructive element 1 is a panel made of earth and sheep wool fiber strands that can be used as claddings or to make non-load-bearing walls.

[0054] In both cases, the first layer 10 is also rammed until achieving a density comprised between 1800 and 2000 kg / m 3< .

[0055] Figure 8 shows a constructive element 1 similar to that of Figure 1, with a plurality of strata 14 of a first layer 10, said plurality of stratastacked and compacted consecutively on top of one another, but which incorporates protective crossbars 34 for transport and which can also be used for on-site assembly.

[0056] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a prefabricated constructive element 1 with a large format, with a width 28 dimension of at least 1 m and a thickness 6 dimension of more than 50 cm. In this case, the constructive element has a smaller height 8 which can be less than 80 cm.

[0057] In this case, successive constructive elements 1 can be stacked successively and adjacent constructive elements can be attached to one another on the common surface by means of a layer of earth mortar. Successive stacking of the constructive elements 1 of this embodiment allows very high walls to be constructed in situ in a simple, quick, and unexpensive manner.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0032]Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the constructive element 1 for the construction of both vertical and horizontal partitions in architecture. More particularly, the figure shows two contiguous parallelepiped structural elements 1 attached along their common vertical side 30 which, in this case, are prefabricated walls that are assembled on site. Alternatively, these elements may also be manufactured in situ by means of a suitable formwork.

[0033]The constructive element 1 of this first embodiment comprises a first front face 2 and a second rear face 4, the first and second faces 2, 4 being separated by a thickness 6 of the constructive element 1. In this case, each of the structural elements comprises a first layer 10 comprising a mixture of earth and sheep wool fiber strands.

[0034]The manufacture thereof begins by mixing the earth and sheep wool fiber strands in a suitable earth / fiber ratio. It is particularly desirable for the earth to contain clay. The earth for a mixture...

Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention is comprised in the field of architecture, and more particularly sustainable and low environmental impact architecture.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a constructive element for the construction of partitions in architecture, comprising a first face and a second face, said first and second faces being separated by a thickness of the constructive element.State of the Art

[0003] The sustainability and environmental impacts of new constructions are increasingly becoming a concern in the field of architecture.

[0004] Sustainability has been gaining importance in many architectural projects since the end of the 20 th< century and the beginning of the 21 st< century. This had led to many professionals of the sector to look back and revive conventional construction techniques and materials that are more friendly to the environment in which they are used.

[0005] However, this increased sustainability and environmental impact awareness faces new technical requirements that were perhaps not so pivotal in the past. These requirements include the new challenges required in modern architecture, such as comfort or energy efficiency.

[0006] Although construction with earth has been used for many centuries in conventional architecture, this way of construction does not always meet the standards of modern architecture.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to propose new solutions which, despite being sustainable and having a low environmental impact, are technologically advanced with respect to modern technological requirements.Summary of the invention

[0008] It is an object of the invention is to provide a constructive element for the construction of partitions in architecture of the type indicated above, which is sustainable and has a low environmental impact. However, the constructive element must provide high structural performance, insulation, and comfort.

[0009] This purpose is achieved by means of a constructive element comprising at least a first layer comprising a mixture of earth and sheep wool fiber strands.

[0010] In the Western world, sheep wool fiber strands have been losing ground as a base material in the textile sector in favor of synthetic fibers. Therefore, there is an excess of sheep wool with no market demand. In contrast, it has been proven in the invention that sheep wool fibers used as a reinforcement filler for the earth of traditional construction significantly improve its performance. Among other advantages, the addition of sheep wool fiber strands improves the horizontal thrust resistant capacity and furthermore prevents earth shrinkage. It has been proven that sheep wool fiber strands are longer and the cross-linking between fibers improves significantly compared to other types of animal fibers. This results in greater stability of the constructive element and thus greater resistance to thrust.

[0011] The invention further includes a number of preferred features that are object of the dependent claims and the utility of which will be highlighted hereinafter in the detailed description of an embodiment of the invention.

[0012] In a first preferred embodiment, the constructive element further comprises a plurality of strata of said at least a first layer, said plurality of strata being stacked and compacted consecutively on top of one another. This technology allows structural walls or simply separating walls to be manufactured in situ in a simple manner, but they can also be used horizontally. Manufacturing the strata vertically only requires a very simple formwork which is gradually filled with strata of the mixture of earth and sheep wool fiber strands. Each stratum is compacted before pouring the next stratum. This compaction technique is known in the state of the art as ramming. Therefore, the constructive element thus obtained is referred to hereinafter as a rammed earth constructive element.

[0013] In a particularly preferred manner, said plurality of strata of said at least a first layer are stacked and compacted consecutively on top of one another in the direction of a constructive height of said constructive element. Alternatively, said plurality of strata of said at least a first layer are stacked and compacted consecutively on top of one another in a direction perpendicular to the direction of a constructive height of said constructive element.

[0014] In a particularly preferred manner, in this embodiment of the rammed earth constructive element said at least a first layer comprising a mixture of earth and sheep wool fiber strands is formed by strata compacted with a density comprised between 1800 and 2000 kg / m 3< . This density significantly improves the resistant capacity of the constructive element.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, it comprises a load-bearing structure made of wood or cane, which is filled with said at least a first layer, the earth of said first layer being clayey earth in plastic state. In this case, the constructive element thus obtained is referred to hereinafter as a light earth constructive element.

[0016] In a particularly preferred manner, in this alternative embodiment of the light earth constructive element, said at least a first layer has a density comprised between 350 and 700 kg / m 3< . Again, this density provides stability to the assembly, optimizing the weight of the constructive element and improving thermal behavior.

[0017] The invention also addresses the problem of further improving the thermal behavior of the constructive element, as well as protecting the face exposed to the elements and preventing the premature degradation of the earth in those constructions exposed to adverse weather conditions. To that end, in a preferred embodiment, the constructive element further comprises a second layer comprising a mixture of lime mortar and sheep wool fiber strands, said second layer forming a part or the entirety of said first face of said constructive element.

[0018] In a particularly preferred manner, the constructive element comprises an inner framework made of a material from the group consisting of wood and metal, said inner framework being arranged at least in a direction of greatest extension of said constructive element. Moreover, in a particularly preferred manner, said framework can be flat or three-dimensional.

[0019] The invention also addresses the problem of preventing the premature degradation of the second protective layer. To that end, in a preferred embodiment, a common contact surface between said first and second layers has surface irregularities for the fixing of said second layer forming a part or the entirety of said first face of said constructive element. This improves the adherence between both layers and premature detachment of the second layer of earth and lime mortar which is protecting the first layer against the elements is prevented.

[0020] In a particularly preferred manner, said irregularities are at least one of those from the group consisting of variations in surface roughness, undulations, serrated teeth, projections from said intermediate surface, or the like.

[0021] In the invention, said constructive element is one from the group consisting of a wall constructed in situ, bricks, panels, and a prefabricated wall. The element can be manufactured to optimize its application in each situation.

[0022] The invention also seeks to obtain a constructive element that can be standardized and is easy to transport. To that end, the constructive element is a substantially parallelepiped constructive element and is defined by said thickness, a width, said width being equal to or greater than said thickness, and a height. The parallelepiped shape facilitates the prior manufacture, handling, and storage, as well as subsequent transport, of the constructive element.

[0023] In a particularly preferred manner, said first and second faces are flat and said thickness is comprised between 30 and 70 cm and preferably between 40 and 50 cm. These ranges of thickness provide structural elements that can be transported without any risk of breaking.

[0024] Said height is also preferably comprised between 2.5 and 3 m to enable transporting same in a commercial vehicle with small dimensions.

[0025] In another embodiment of the constructive element, said width is comprised between 0.5 and 1.5 m, and preferably between 0.75 and 1.2 m. These dimensions facilitate the handling of the constructive element when it is a prefabricated element.

[0026] To solve the technical problem of fixing the constructive element in a simple manner, said constructive element comprises at least one recess in the thickness of said constructive element at least one of the ends of said constructive element, said recess being configured to house a fixing element for fixing said constructive element to a surface not pertaining to said constructive element. Fixing elements suitable for this assembly would include corrugated metal rods or L-shaped profiles which allow fixing the constructive element to other elements in the surrounding area with screws. This has several advantages. First, the difficulty of manually modifying the constructive element while placing it on site is reduced. Moreover, the installation time is reduced. Finally, the fixing elements can be perfectly concealed.

[0027] In one embodiment, said at least one recess extends in the entire width of said first face or of said second face of said constructive element. This provides flexibility when installing the constructive element. The recess extending in the entire width of the constructive element results in the existence of many different points for applying the fixing elements and in an increased adaptability to the installation environment.

[0028] Alternatively, the constructive element comprises a plurality of independent recesses along the width of said first face at least one of the ends of said first face or of said second face of said constructive element. This solution significantly saves installation time since, once the constructive element is fixed with the fixing elements, the surface to be plastered in order to conceal the fixing elements is much smaller.

[0029] Finally, the invention also solves the problem of achieving good moisture insulation. To that end, in a preferred embodiment, at least two opposite surfaces of said thickness comprise longitudinal grooves for receiving a sealing gasket.

[0030] Likewise, the invention also includes other features of detail illustrated in the detailed description of an embodiment of the invention and in the accompanying figures.Brief description of the drawings

[0031] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which, without any limiting character, preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1, a perspective view of a first embodiment of two constructive elements according to the invention, in the form of a prefabricated wall and attached to one another by the side face thereof. Figure 2, a perspective view of a second embodiment of two constructive elements according to the invention, in the form of a prefabricated wall and attached to one another by the side face thereof. Figure 3, a perspective view of a third embodiment of two constructive elements according to the invention, in the form of a prefabricated wall and attached to one another by the side face thereof. Figure 4, a longitudinally section side view of the constructive element of Figure 3 installed on site. Figure 5, a longitudinally section front view of the constructive element of Figure 3. Figure 6, a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a constructive element according to the invention, in the form of a brick. Figure 7, a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a constructive element according to the invention, in the form of a panel. Figure 8, a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a constructive element according to the invention, in the form of a panel. Figure 9, a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a constructive element according to the invention, in the form of a panel. Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0032] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the constructive element 1 for the construction of both vertical and horizontal partitions in architecture. More particularly, the figure shows two contiguous parallelepiped structural elements 1 attached along their common vertical side 30 which, in this case, are prefabricated walls that are assembled on site. Alternatively, these elements may also be manufactured in situ by means of a suitable formwork.

[0033] The constructive element 1 of this first embodiment comprises a first front face 2 and a second rear face 4, the first and second faces 2, 4 being separated by a thickness 6 of the constructive element 1. In this case, each of the structural elements comprises a first layer 10 comprising a mixture of earth and sheep wool fiber strands.

[0034] The manufacture thereof begins by mixing the earth and sheep wool fiber strands in a suitable earth / fiber ratio. It is particularly desirable for the earth to contain clay. The earth for a mixture of this type normally has a typical moisture comprised between 8% and 12% and the addition of water is not necessary.

[0035] As seen in the figures, the constructive elements 1 comprise a plurality of strata 14 of this first layer 10, said plurality of strata stacked and compacted consecutively on top of one another. In this embodiment, strata 14 are stacked in the direction of the constructive height 8 of the constructive element 1.

[0036] This constructive technique is known as a rammed earth technique. This is a construction technique with load-bearing capacity that consists of compacting selected earths in rigid molds in a stratified manner, with a low moisture content. The constructive element is completed following formwork removal.

[0037] In the invention, these strata 14 are formed by means of a novel method comprising the following steps. First, a formwork having the width, thickness, and height dimensions of the panel to be constructed is prepared. In this embodiment, the wall comprises an inner framework 16 made of a wooden material which allows transporting the prefabricated wall. This inner framework 16 is arranged at least in the direction of the height 8 of said constructive element 1. However, the inner framework 16 can be flat or three-dimensional. In this way, once the formwork is completed, the mixture forming the first layer 10 of the wall is prepared from earth and sheep wool fiber strands. This mixture is poured into the formwork to form a first stratum 14, filling the entire formwork up to a height such that it has a stratum height of between 8 and 16 cm, and preferably between 8 and 12 cm, once compacted. Then, this filling of the first layer 10 poured into the formwork is distributed uniformly throughout the entire surface. Eventually it may be necessary to slightly wet the surface of the first layer. The stratum 14 is then gradually compacted by means of a tamper, hitting the corresponding surface several times until the compacted stratum 14 has a density comprised between 1800 and 2000 kg / m 3< . Once this step is finished, the preceding steps from the pouring of the composition of the first layer 10 are repeated until the desired height is achieved. In some situations, it may be necessary to gradually move the formwork vertically to gain height. Once the wall is completed, it is simply left to dry so that the clayey components contained in the earth bind it together and provide it with its final hardness.

[0038] Optionally, this prefabricated constructive element 1 of Figure 1 can also be a structural element. The thickness 6 of each of these constructive elements 1 is between 30 and 50 cm, in this case, 40 cm, and their height 8 is from 2.5 to 3 m, in this case, 2.6 m. Finally, the width 28 is comprised between 0.5 and 1.5 m and in this case 1 m.

[0039] To obtain good moisture insulation, in this embodiment the two opposite surfaces of the thickness 6 comprise longitudinal grooves 22. These grooves are sized to receive a sealing gasket 24 which prevents moisture from being able to readily enter the notch 30 formed between two contiguous constructive elements 1.

[0040] Other embodiments of the constructive element 1 according to the invention which share many of the features described in the preceding paragraphs are shown below. Accordingly, only the distinguishing elements will be described below, while reference is made to the description of the first embodiment for the common elements.

[0041] Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the constructive element 1 according to the invention. In this case, it is a bilayer prefabricated façade enclosure wall with an optional structural functionality.

[0042] The wall comprises a first layer 10 on the right side of the figure comprising a plurality of strata 14 of a mixture of earth and sheep wool fiber strands. This wall further comprises a second layer 12 comprising a mixture of lime mortar and sheep wool fiber strands. In this case, the second layer 12 covers the entirety of the wall which would be closing the façade. The lime mortar of the second layer 12, together with the wool, form a light crust of about 10 to 20 cm, and particularly 12 cm. Therefore, they form the second face 4 of the constructive element 1 and protect the first layer 10 from adverse weather conditions. In this case, this second layer 12 has a lower density comprised between 350 and 700 kg / m 3< .

[0043] On the other hand, this constructive element 1 also differs from the preceding element in that the common contact surface 18 between the first and second layers 10, 12 has surface irregularities for the fixing of the second layer 12 of lime mortar and sheep wool fiber strands. In this case, these irregularities are serrated teeth or zigzag lines resulting from placing the mortar crust in the formwork in the form of a wedge that ensures an optimal anchoring of the crust to the body of the wall. Alternatively, the irregularities can be variations in surface roughness, undulations, projections from the intermediate surface, or the like.

[0044] Both the first and second layers 10, 12 are simultaneously constructed, layer by layer within the formwork with a ramming method such as that explained in the preceding paragraphs. The total thickness 6 of the constructive element is between 30 and 70 cm, in this case, 60 cm, and its height 8 is from 2.5 to 3 m, in this case, 2.9 m. The width 28 is 1.1 m.

[0045] The constructive elements 1, which are an enclosure wall for the construction of partitions in architecture of Figures 3 to 5, also comprise a first face 2 and a second face 4. The first and second faces 2, 4 are separated by a thickness 6 of the constructive element 1. Also in this case, each of the constructive elements has a single first layer 10 comprising a mixture of earth and sheep wool fiber strands. In this case, the wall is manufactured from light earth, with sheep wool fiber strands to provide an insulating behavior.

[0046] Light earth construction is a mixed technique made up of a load-bearing structure made of wood or cane. In the invention, the filler is earth with a high sheep wool fiber contents. This technique is constructed with clayey earth in plastic state. This earth in the mixture has the function of surrounding the fiber to cause its agglutination.

[0047] The thickness 6 of the wall is 45 cm and the height 8 is 2.6 m. The wall has an inner framework 16 for the transport and vertical connection between parts and levels.

[0048] In this case, the wall comprises a load-bearing structure made of wood with vertical posts and horizontal beams incorporated in the constructive element itself, which is filled with the first layer 10, with the earth of the first layer 10 being clayey earth in plastic state.

[0049] Furthermore, Figure 3 shows that the constructive element 1 comprises a recess 20 arranged in the thickness 6 of the constructive element 1 and particularly at the lower end thereof and extending in the entire width 28 of the first and second faces 2, 4 of the constructive element 1. This recess 20 is configured to house several fixing elements 26 for fixing the constructive element 1 to the adjacent surfaces of the constructive element 1. In this case, as can be seen in Figure 3, the fixing elements 26 are metal brackets that allow attaching the constructive element 1 with the foundations 32 on which the constructive element 1 is assembled.

[0050] Once the constructive element has been anchored on site, the recess 20 can be covered to conceal the brackets. A first possibility is to plaster the constructive element 1 with a mixture of earth and sheep wool fiber strands, i.e., the same component of the constructive element 1. However, alternatively, a panel-type constructive element 1, such as the one shown in Figure 7, can be used.

[0051] On the other hand, the constructive element 1 of Figure 4 can be coated in situ with a first layer 36 of lime mortar, this being the first face 2 facing the outside of the building, whereas the second face 4 is coated with a second layer 38 of lime mortar, earth mortar, or a gypsum layer. Alternatively, the constructive element 1 according to the invention can incorporate the first and second layers 36, 38 that can be provided in a prefabricated constructive element.

[0052] Figure 6 shows a brick-like constructive element 1 manufactured from a first layer 10 of earth and sheep wool fiber strands.

[0053] In Figure 7, the constructive element 1 is a panel made of earth and sheep wool fiber strands that can be used as claddings or to make non-load-bearing walls.

[0054] In both cases, the first layer 10 is also rammed until achieving a density comprised between 1800 and 2000 kg / m 3< .

[0055] Figure 8 shows a constructive element 1 similar to that of Figure 1, with a plurality of strata 14 of a first layer 10, said plurality of stratastacked and compacted consecutively on top of one another, but which incorporates protective crossbars 34 for transport and which can also be used for on-site assembly.

[0056] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a prefabricated constructive element 1 with a large format, with a width 28 dimension of at least 1 m and a thickness 6 dimension of more than 50 cm. In this case, the constructive element has a smaller height 8 which can be less than 80 cm.

[0057] In this case, successive constructive elements 1 can be stacked successively and adjacent constructive elements can be attached to one another on the common surface by means of a layer of earth mortar. Successive stacking of the constructive elements 1 of this embodiment allows very high walls to be constructed in situ in a simple, quick, and unexpensive manner.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0032]Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the constructive element 1 for the construction of both vertical and horizontal partitions in architecture. More particularly, the figure shows two contiguous parallelepiped structural elements 1 attached along their common vertical side 30 which, in this case, are prefabricated walls that are assembled on site. Alternatively, these elements may also be manufactured in situ by means of a suitable formwork.

[0033]The constructive element 1 of this first embodiment comprises a first front face 2 and a second rear face 4, the first and second faces 2, 4 being separated by a thickness 6 of the constructive element 1. In this case, each of the structural elements comprises a first layer 10 comprising a mixture of earth and sheep wool fiber strands.

[0034]The manufacture thereof begins by mixing the earth and sheep wool fiber strands in a suitable earth / fiber ratio. It is particularly desirable for the earth to contain clay. The earth for a mixture...

Claims

1. A constructive element (1) for the construction of partitions in architecture, comprising a first face (2) and a second face (4), said first and second faces (2, 4) being separated by a thickness (6) of the constructive element (1), characterized in that it comprises at least a first layer (10) comprising a mixture of earth and sheep wool fiber strands.

2. The constructive element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of strata (14) of said at least a first layer (10), said plurality of strata (14) being stacked and compacted consecutively on top of one another.

3. The constructive element (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said at least a first layer (10) comprising a mixture of earth and sheep wool fiber strands is formed by strata (14) compacted with a density comprised between 1800 and 2000 kg / m3.

4. The constructive element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a load-bearing structure made of wood or cane, which is filled with said at least a first layer (10), the earth of said first layer (10) being clayey earth in plastic state.

5. The constructive element (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said at least a first layer (10) has a density comprised between 350 and 700 kg / m3.

6. The constructive element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises a second layer (12) comprising a mixture of lime mortar and sheep wool fiber strands, said second layer (12) forming a part or the entirety of said first face (2) of said constructive element (1).

7. The constructive element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises an inner framework (16) made of a material from the group consisting of wood and metal, said inner framework (16) being arranged at least in a direction of greatest extension of said constructive element (1).

8. The constructive element (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that a common contact surface (18) between said first and second layers (10, 12) has surface irregularities for the fixing of said second layer (12) forming a part or the entirety of said first face (2) of said constructive element (1).

9. The constructive element (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said irregularities are at least one of those from the group consisting of variations in surface roughness, undulations, serrated teeth, projections from said intermediate surface, or the like.

10. The constructive element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said constructive element (1) is one from the group consisting of a wall constructed in situ, bricks, panels, and a prefabricated wall.

11. The constructive element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it is a substantially parallelepiped constructive element (1) and is defined by said thickness (6), a width (28), said width (28) being equal to or greater than said thickness (6), and a height (8).

12. The constructive element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises at least one recess (20) in the thickness of said constructive element (1) at least one of the ends of said constructive element (1), said recess (20) being configured to house a fixing element (26) for fixing said constructive element (1) to a surface not pertaining to said constructive element (1).

13. The constructive element (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that said at least one recess (20) extends in the entire width (28) of said first face (2) or of said second face (4) of said constructive element (1).

14. The constructive element (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of independent recesses (20) along the width (28) of said first face (2) at least one of the ends of said first face (2) or of said second face (4) of said constructive element (1).

15. The constructive element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least two opposite surfaces of said thickness (6) comprise longitudinal grooves (22) for receiving a sealing gasket (24).

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