A sealing block for sealing an opening for ducting provided in an underground wall and a method of installation

Abstract

Apparatus for closing an opening in a void in a below ground masonry wall comprises a composite block member 1 with apertures 2 extending laterally therethrough. End surfaces of the block have extendi

Description

[0002] , Ground floors of the majority of new-build constructions are created using a suspended block and beam concrete floor. The suspended floor has a void underneath to stop the beams touching the ground which could cause rising damp or contact with ground water and improve structural stability by not relying on the ground below. Service ducts and internal drainage runs are located within the void that extend through an opening created in the external masonry wall to exit the building beneath the ground surface and route to the road / exterior infrastructure.

[0003] , Once the pipes and ducts are installed the masonry opening is back-filled with shingle and earth. A problem with this method is that it can cause water ingress below the floor. Furthermore, rodents can enter the void due to the soft back fill. Concrete cannot be used to fill the opening as the pipes and ducts require movement within the opening to prevent cracking and / or shearing due to ground movement

[0004] , The present invention seeks to provide a wall sealing assembly which seals the masonry wall opening into the cavity / underfloor void whilst allowing service pipes and ducts to pass through the sealing block with adequate movement due to the flexible rubber seal. Statement of the Invention

[0005] , According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a sealing block according to claim 1.

[0006] , Preferred features of the invention are defined in dependent claims 2 to 4.

[0007] , According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method installing a sealing block according to claim 5.

[0008] , Preferably, the method further includes the step adding applying a silicone bead or pre made rubber gasket around the periphery of the seal block between the block edge and the masonry wall.

[0009] , Preferably, the floor of the building is a suspended block and beam floor.

[00010] , The term “rib” in the construction trade refers to a short section of a wall that juts out from a buildings framework.

[00011] , In this case the term “extending ribs” refers to two parallel spaced ribs extending from each end of the composite block. Brief Description of the Drawings

[00012] , The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[00013] , Figures 1 is a perspective view of a sealing block constructed in accordance with the invention;

[00014] , Figure 2 is a plan view of the sealing block installed; and 25 11 24

[00015] , Figure 3 is a perspective view of the installed sealing block in use. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[00016] , Referring to the figures, a below ground masonry wall opening sealing system according to the invention comprises a sealing block member 1 that is secured within a wall 5 of a building to close off an opening 12 into a void 13 under the building. The opening 12 is typically formed beneath the structural lintel 6 of a suspended concrete floor 10, 11.

[00017] , The suspended concrete floor is constructed using concrete beams 10 and infill concrete blocks 11, with a layer of insulation and screed overlaying the block and beam.

[00018] , The block 1 is generally rectangular and preferably made from a plastic / composite material.

[00019] , Each end surface of the block 1 has longitudinally extending, parallel, spaced ribs 4. The ribs 4 are spaced to receive an end of a respective standard sized concrete wall block 5 that forms part of the wall 5.

[00020] , The concrete wall blocks 5 are typically conventional rectangular blocks used in the building industry to construct said walls.

[00021] , As can be seen in figure 2, the block 1 has a depth that is slightly larger than the wall blocks 5 so that, when the end of wall block 5 is received in the ribs 4, the end of the block 1 overlaps each side of the end of the wall block 5.

[00022] , Each rib 4 has open ends to allow the block 10 to be placed above and between wall blocks 5 that bound the opening. When pushed downwardly into place the ribs 4 form a connection between the wall blocks 5 and seal the opening.

[00023] , The block 1 has at least one aperture 2 through which a service pipe or ducting 8 can extend from underneath the block and beam floor, through the block 1, to the exterior of the building for connection of external services.

[00024] , In the embodiment described, the block 1 has five apertures 2 comprising two of a larger 35 diameter 8 sandwiching three small sized diameter apertures 8 so to accommodate service pipes of different sizes. Any number of apertures 2 of differing diameters may be provided to accommodate the number and type of service lines 8 required.

[00025] , Sealing elements 3 are provided on the inside surface of the apertures 2 to engage with the outer surface of each service / duct 8 to create a watertight seal.

Claims

1. A sealing block (1) for closing an opening in an under-ground masonry wall, formed from blocks (5), in an underground void in a building, said sealing block (1) formed of a composite and having at least one aperture (2) extending laterally therethrough to pass a pipe or duct, the sealing block (1) having end surfaces each having an extended rib (4), said ribs (4), in use, receive the end of the masonry wall bounding the opening when the composite block member is pushed downwardly into the opening, forming a connection between the block member (1) and the wall bounding blocks (5) whereby the sealing block (1) is located, retained and sealed in the required position to close the opening.

2. A sealing block according to claim 1, wherein the composite block is made from plastics material.

3. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a sealing element (3) located on the inner periphery of each aperture (2).

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each sealing element (3) comprises a rubber seal, washer or grommet5. A method of sealing an opening formed in an underground ground masonry wall of a building, comprising the steps of: pushing a sealing block (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 down into the opening whereby the extended rib (4) receives the ends of the masonry wall blocks (5) bounding the opening to create a water seal around the periphery of the composite block (1); and extending one end of a pipe or duct (8) through the aperture into the void.

6. A method according to claim 5, comprising applying a silicone bead or rubber gasket around the periphery of the sealing block between the rib and the ends of the masonry wall blocks.

7. A method according to claim 6, comprising installing the sealing block (1) in an opening formed in an underground wall formed of masonry blocks (5) in a void formed below the space provided for a suspended block and beam floor of a building.

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