SUPPORT ELEMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SLABS WITH A LOWER CHAMBER AND THERMAL INSULATION

Abstract

A support element for constructing slabs with a lower chamber and thermal insulation, which provides a support plane for a platform formed by a plurality of slabs; the support element is formed by a part made of a plastic material comprising: a horizontal, elongated, quadrilateral-shaped plate (1) with a top and a bottom face; two support and elevation feet (2) extending from opposite ends of the bottom face of the plate (1), each foot (2) having a lateral coupling (5) configured for a male-female lateral assembly; and at least one upper, quadrilateral-shaped projection (3) extending from a central sector of the top face of the plate (1) and having at least one horizontal visor (4) parallel to the top face of the plate (1). [figure 1]

Description

Title of the invention: SUPPORT ELEMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SLABS WITH A LOWER CHAMBER AND THERMAL INSULATION SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of fully cast floor structures where the formwork elements are part of the floor, as well as to the field of special floor adaptations for the incorporation of conduits. It refers in particular to a support element for the construction of slabs with a lower chamber and thermal insulation. This element is used in the construction of cast floors with permanent formwork, allowing the incorporation of conduits in the chamber beneath the slab. CONTEXT OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the field of construction, particularly in the creation of slabs with lower chambers, the evolution of formwork systems has been marked by the need to combine construction efficiency, thermal insulation, and flexibility in the installation of underground infrastructure. Traditional methods have evolved towards more sophisticated solutions that aim not only to create a solid and resistant base, but also to allow the integration of conduits for electrical, plumbing, and heating installations, without compromising structural integrity or soil insulation.

[0003] Various modular formwork systems are known in the current state of the art, widely adopted because of their ability to create chambers under slabs that facilitate the passage of pipes and cables. These systems generally use recycled plastic elements which, once placed on site, allow concrete to be poured over them to form a slab with the required chamber. However, these systems have limitations, particularly with regard to flexibility in adapting to the specific needs of each project, which can lead to more complicated and costly construction processes.

[0004] A notable development in these systems has been the incorporation of insulating materials into the permanent formwork. Some systems have introduced components made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), which not only fulfill the formwork function but also provide additional thermal insulation, a key factor in the construction of energy-efficient buildings. Nevertheless, these systems remain expensive, particularly due to the transport costs associated with shipping large quantities. volumes of insulating material, which may make them less accessible in some regions.

[0005] In addition to costs, another significant limitation of existing systems is their closed and dependent nature. These systems require that all components be acquired and used together, which can limit manufacturers' ability to adapt the system to the specific circumstances of their project. This dependence on a closed system can be problematic in situations where access to certain components is limited or where more economical solutions are sought, allowing the use of locally available materials.

[0006] An example of such systems can be found in Spanish patent ES2960715, which describes a formwork infill element having a dome shape for creating arched openings that can be positioned between the perimeter walls defining the access space and the feet supported by tubular elements arranged vertically in the ground. The infill element has a flat base at the longitudinal ends of which protrude upwards a first tongue, which has a shape complementary to the opening and is provided with a lip for coupling to the first perimeter edge of the opening, and at least a second tongue, which acts as a seal when supported against the walls. The longitudinal ends of the flat base are arched.

[0007] Another example is found in document EP1092816, relating to formwork for containing poured concrete, adapted to form the support plane for a floor, roof, or similar structure of a building. The formwork is formed by stool-shaped elements molded from plastic material and joined together by overlapping their lateral edges. The lowermost portion of each leg of these stool-shaped elements has a downward-opening, forked projection that can be fitted into the upper edge of a tubular element positioned vertically on the ground.

[0008] There is therefore a need for a support element for the construction of slabs with a lower chamber and thermal insulation which overcomes the current limitations of the state of the art. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The object of the invention is a support element for the construction of slabs with a lower chamber and thermal insulation, which allows for the rapid formation of a support plane for a self-supporting platform onto which a concrete slab is poured to form a floor. The invention also allows for the creation of a hollow lower zone usable for passing pipes and cables. This hollow zone also allows for ventilation to combat rising damp and radioactive gases that the ground might emit towards the structure.

[0010] For this purpose, the support element, similar to a joist, is materialized from a piece of plastic material, preferably expanded polystyrene (EPS). The piece first comprises an elongated central horizontal plate and two lateral feet located at two opposite ends of the central sector, from which they project downwards to support and raise the support element relative to the plane of a surface.

[0011] Each of the feet in turn has lateral couplings that allow for lateral assembly when forming a joist. This lateral assembly can be made either between two consecutive support elements or with intermediate reinforcing elements. In a preferred embodiment, the lateral couplings have a "Z" shape to form a male-female type coupling. Other geometries are also envisaged for the lateral couplings, for example, dovetail joints.

[0012] The support element also includes at least one upper projection, which originates from an upper face of the plate, and a front wing which originates from the upper projection.

[0013] Furthermore, a longitudinal groove is located on the upper face of the upper front wing. This longitudinal groove is designed for coupling a metal rod to raise the mesh relative to the plane defined by the support element. In this way, when concrete is poured onto the assembly formed by the panels, the mesh, and the support elements, the concrete penetrates the space defined between the support element and the mesh, a space created by the slight elevation produced by the rod inserted into the longitudinal groove.

[0014] The support element that is the subject of the invention overcomes the aforementioned limitations of the current state of the art by proposing an innovative support system distinguished by its open architecture. Unlike existing systems, the new support allows the use of insulation panels, such as extruded polystyrene (XPS), which are widely available from any building materials supplier. This not only significantly reduces transport costs, since the insulation material does not need to be transported with the supports, but also offers greater flexibility in the choice of materials, better adapting to the local needs and possibilities of each project.

[0015] The system's flexibility is also reflected in its one-dimensional design, which allows for the free distribution of support points along the structure. This is particularly useful in projects where it is necessary to avoid interference with underground conduits or installations, as it allows the position of the supports to be adjusted to optimize the available space under the slab. Furthermore, the system's modular design facilitates assembly, enabling quick and efficient installation, even in complex site situations. It is also of a solution that is easy to transport and store, as the elements can be stacked on top of each other.

[0016] In summary, the invention not only provides solutions to the economic and logistical problems associated with traditional systems, but also introduces a new level of versatility and adaptability in the construction of slabs with lower chambers, meeting the growing demands of the sector for more efficient, economical and sustainable systems.

[0017] The most significant advantages of this support element include cost reduction, installation flexibility, improved thermal efficiency, and ease of adaptation to different construction needs, all without sacrificing the structural quality of the final slab. The support element proposed in this invention introduces several improvements over existing systems:

[0018] - open architecture: unlike complete systems, this invention allows to use commercially available insulation panels, eliminating the need to transport large volumes of material, thus reducing execution costs.

[0019] - one-dimensional system: the supports can be placed in any longitudinal position, allowing flexible distribution of support points for the concrete slab, avoiding interference with conduits that may pass through the lower chamber.

[0020] - modularity: between the spaces or "gaps" generated by the supports, other elements can be incorporated to fulfill various functions, such as increasing the rigidity of the system or adding additional features with new materials.

[0021] - ease of assembly: the brackets are assembled laterally, not from top to bottom, this which allows for simpler and more versatile assembly on the construction site.

[0022] - housing for rods: includes a longitudinal groove which serves as a housing for a steel rod, facilitating the support and fixing of the steel mesh in the concrete slab, improving stability during the work process. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] To supplement this description and to aid in a better understanding of the features of the invention, according to a preferred example of its practical implementation, a set of drawings forming an integral part of this description is attached, on which, by way of illustration and not limitation, the following has been shown:

[0024] Fig. 1 is a perspective top view of the support element for the construction of slabs with a lower chamber and thermal insulation.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a perspective view from below of the support element.

[0026] Fig. 3A is a front view of the support element.

[0027] Fig. 3B is a view of the left side of the support element.

[0028] Fig. 3C is a view of the right side of the support element.

[0029] The [Fig.3D] is a top plan view of the support element.

[0030] Figure 4 is a plan view of the coupling sequence of two elements of consecutive supports.

[0031] The [Fig.5] is a plan view of two consecutive support elements coupled together.

[0032] Fig. 6 is a plan view of the formation of a slab with the support elements. PREFERRED METHOD OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0033] With the aid of the figures mentioned above, a detailed explanation is provided of a preferred embodiment of the object of the present invention.

[0034] The support element for constructing slabs with a lower chamber and thermal insulation, as described and illustrated in Figures 1-2, is designed to form a support plane for a self-supporting platform. This platform is itself formed by a plurality of plates on which a mesh is arranged for the subsequent pouring of concrete, so as to constitute, after hardening, the slab with a chamber and thermal insulation. For this purpose, the support element is formed by a component made of a plastic material, which in this preferred embodiment is expanded polystyrene, also known as EPS.

[0035] The part essentially comprises a horizontal, elongated, quadrilateral-shaped plate (1) having an upper and a lower face. Two support feet (2) project from two opposite ends of the lower face of the plate (1), and at least one upper projection (3) extends from a central sector of the upper face of the plate (1). The projection (3) also includes at least one horizontal visor-shaped projection (4), in this case parallel to the upper face of the plate (1). Alternative embodiments incorporate a second visor (4), which may be perpendicular to the plate (1).

[0036] Each of the feet (2) has a lateral coupling (5), which allows for lateral assembly when forming a joist. In the preferred embodiment described and illustrated in the figures, this lateral assembly is made between two consecutive support elements. In alternative embodiments, between the support elements are arranged strong elements, made of materials such as concrete, which are also provided with corresponding fittings allowing union with the lateral couplings (5) of the feet (2).

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, in this preferred embodiment, each lateral coupling (5) has a planar geometry similar to a "Z", which allows for lateral male-female coupling acting from the same plane, without it It may be necessary to lift one part relative to the other. It also allows for lateral movement to make the necessary adjustments during operations. In alternative embodiments, it is envisaged that the lateral couplings (5) may have other male-female geometries, for example, dovetail joints.

[0038] The upper projection (3), also quadrilateral in shape, has plan dimensions smaller than those of the upper face of the plate (1). In this way, a first support surface (6) is generated on the upper face of the plate (1) to support the plates forming the self-supporting platform. This first support surface (6) is delimited between the longitudinal edge of the upper face of the plate (1) and the longitudinal edge of the projection (3).

[0039] The visor (4) extends upwards from this first support surface (6), so as to define a recess for the plate, which is embedded between the two. The visor (4) also has a longitudinal groove (7) defined on an upper face to receive a metal rod for raising the platform's lattice.

[0040] The part also includes second support surfaces (8) for the plates of the self-supporting platform. These second support surfaces (8) are located on an upper face of each of the legs (2) and are coplanar both with each other and with the first support surface (6). In this way, when the platform is formed, the aforementioned plates are arranged horizontally.

Claims

Demands

1. Support element for the construction of slabs with a lower chamber and thermal insulation, which allows the formation of a support plane for a platform formed by a plurality of plates, characterized in that the support element is formed by a part made of a plastic material which comprises: - a horizontal and elongated quadrilateral-shaped plate (1) with an upper face and an lower face; - two support and elevation feet (2) extending from two opposite ends of the lower face of the plate (1), each of the feet (2) having a lateral coupling (5) configured for a male-female lateral assembly; and - at least one upper quadrilateral-shaped projection (3) extending from a central sector of the upper face of the plate (1) and having at least one horizontal visor (4) parallel to the upper face of the plate (1).

2. Support element according to claim 1, in which the visor (4) includes a longitudinal groove (7) for housing a metal rod.

3. Support element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lateral coupling (5) of the feet (2) has a plan geometry similar to a "Z".

4. Support element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the part comprises a first support surface (6) for the plates of the self-supporting platform, delimited between a longitudinal edge of the upper face of the plate (1) and a longitudinal edge of the projection (3).

5. Support element according to claim 4, wherein the part comprises second support surfaces (8) located on an upper face of each of the feet (2), and wherein the second support surfaces (8) are both coplanar with each other and with the first support surface (6).

6. Support element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the part is made of expanded polystyrene.

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