Concrete truss formwork and method

Abstract

A modular concrete truss formwork system for constructing building walls is disclosed. The formwork is preferably manufactured from a structurally reinforced crumb rubber– based composite derived from recycled rubber material, providing durability, reusability, and environmental sustainability. The system includes an opening bucket for concrete pouring, configurable in vertical or horizontal orientation according to wall or floor layout. The formwork cooperates with a scaffolding frame having specialized top and bottom connections, and incorporates voids permitting passage of the scaffolding structure through walls and floor levels. The configuration enables simultaneous or sequential construction of multiple wall floors. Slab construction may be achieved by cast-in-place concrete or, alternatively, by prefabricated joists or slab elements supported on corbels formed by the truss system. The arrangement facilitates concurrent MEP installation during concrete placement and may include protective weather shielding supported by the structural framework.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTIONConcrete truss formwork and methodCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] There are no cross-related applications.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the engineering construction field materials and methods. More particularly, the present invention relates truss formworks used to make reinforced concrete trusses for building’s walls and slabs and methods of use thereof.• BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Nowadays, different materials have been used to erect building structure. The most common building structures are made of the following materials:a. Wood frame or wood truss.b. Steel frame or steel truss.0c. Bricks or concrete’s structure frames.

[0004] The use of wood structure is limited to low rise buildings but may endanger the environment as mentioned by “greenmatch.co.uk- Mar.2024 - if not managed sustainably, timber extraction for construction purposes can destroy forests vital for carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and maintaining ecological balance”.'

[0005] The use of steel structure requires large factories and heavy logistic for prefabrication, transportation and installation.

[0006] The use of mixed brick structure, concrete frame structure or frame shear-wall structure requires massive use of concrete. As a consequence, very heavy deadweight is supported by walls, columns, beams and / or slabs. Moreover, the common concrete0construction practice requires relatively high live load, service loads and safety factors imposed by the applicable legislation, such as standard codes, for the structure design. Such factors unavoidably raises the building’s mass of concrete which has a major impact on the environment as mentioned by “ScienceDirect -website, Nov.2022, Concrete use has a relatively ecological footprint per service delivered. Nevertheless,widespread and intensifying demand for concrete dramatically impacts the health and environment, combined with water consumption, material extraction, heavy metal, and particulate emissions, ... , the demand for concrete will keep increasing, requiring urgent measures and strategies to limit their negative impact on the environment and climate change".

[0007] Several attempts have been made using different methods and materials in the construction of buildings balancing between environment impacts, cost of material, fabrication and construction time, labor costs, complex assembly, and disassembly, reusability, and material waste.•

[0008] Truss systems are light-weight structures, usually used for large span roofs or columns and are generally made of steel, timber and or a composite concrete-fdled steel tube truss.

[0009] Broadly, a truss is a structure that often used in civil engineering, such as bridges, steel buildings, towers and roof structures.0

[0010] In structural engineering, a truss is an important type of structure characterised by a triangulated system of members. Such members are part of a structure and are connected in a way such that they only incur axial force. The members of a truss are considered two-force members because the forces are only applied at either end of the member, resulting in either a compression or tension force. The joints are typically • pinned connections, such that no shear or moment forces are transferred from member to member.

[0011] A truss generally comprises the followings:a. top beams of a truss, often compressed, also referred to as top chords; b. bottom beams comprising bottom chords, the said chords being0typically in tension;c. interior beams, also referred as webs;d. areas inside the webs, also referred as panels or polygons.

[0012] Trusses are a popular choice for many constructions and contribute to a structure’s visual appeal with clean lines and a design that complements different • architectural styles.

[0013] Floors trusses may span over long distances without compromising structural integrity, offering flexibility for both residential and industrial projects.

[0014] Simple design of trusses generally leads to budget-friendly construction, minimising labour and material costs in the building process.0

[0015] Floor trusses offer an open design that allows efficient installation of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.

[0016] Examples of prior art patents are mostly found for steel / concrete filled tube floor truss follow:a. CN107152083 A, Concrete-filled steel tube truss building and its • construction method.b. CN111962675A, Construction method of large-span special-shaped cast-in-place reinforced concrete open-web truss.c. US7275348B2, Precast, prestressed concrete truss.

[0017] There is thus a need for an improved concrete truss formwork and method0overcoming the drawbacks of prior art truss formworks.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention consists of a novel concrete truss formwork having an opening bucket for concrete pouring where the opening bucket is vertical following the wall plan and or horizontal following the floor plan. The present invention includes also • a novel scaffolding’s frame having special top and bottom head connections. The truss triangular voids allow the passage of the scaffolding’s frame through the walls and slabs providing a unique opportunity for the possibility to fully install the truss formwork and scaffoldings of the walls and slabs for multiple floors of the building and allowing to do the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) installation concurrently with the0concrete pouring avoiding the existing common practice to cut in the concrete for the MEP conduits and giving the advantage of installing a weatherproof fabric shade cloth around the building for better working conditions during extreme hot or cold weather.

[0019] The present invention generally aims at providing building construction alternatives to achieve the above-mentioned goal by adopting a light structure of V • concrete trusses for walls and slabs.

[0020] The present invention generally aims at providing an improved concrete truss formwork and its related construction method which can be safe, structurally efficient, stable, environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

[0021] The provided truss concrete formwork comprises a double parallel square form0trusses spaced by a distance allowing for the passage of small conduits and pipes used by the MEP services. The double parallel square form truss generally comprises:a. a top chord comprising a central spaced cut allowing pouring of concrete in the foam truss formwork. The top chords may further comprise an extension making the top chord continuous.• b. bottom chords,c. side vertical webs or portions and central crossing webs. The side and / or central webs or portions may comprise an opening allowing pouring of concrete. The opening may be embodied as a central intersection between the webs.0

[0022] The top and bottom chords are extended beyond the side vertical webs by a distance equal to half the distance in between the two parallel square form trusses formwork and having multiple grooves designed to matte with the corresponding multiple grooves of the Connectors and where the distance between two adjacent truss formworks may be adjusted by moving in-between the multiple grooves while the • minimum distance is equal to the space between the two parallel square form trusses formwork. Similarly, the sides webs are extended beyond the top and bottom chords by a distance equal to half the distance in between the two parallel square form trusses formwork and having similar multiple grooves at its ends.

[0023] The webs or portions joining the two parallel square form trusses formwork are0also extended beyond the trusses’ chords and webs by a distance equal to the protrusion of the central intersection bucket and are having single groove to matte with the grooves of the connector which may be used as a side plug encompassing a transparent plex glass plate allowing to visualize the concrete during pouring stage.

[0024] The front faces of the two parallel square forms truss formwork are then having V • movable parts which may be removed allowing to install the steel rebars.

[0025] Understandably, the double parallel truss formwork may be replaced with a single truss formwork.

[0026] The formwork is preferably manufactured from environmentally responsible, durable, reusable, and easily assemblable materials. In a preferred embodiment, the0truss formwork comprises a semi-rigid material based on crumb rubber composite, optionally combined with a binding matrix or reinforcing elements to enhance structural performance. The crumb rubber composite may be derived from recycled rubber sources and engineered to provide sufficient stiffness and resilience under concrete pressure. Alternative materials may include, without limitation, expanded polystyrene, • expanded polyethylene, expanded polypropylene, or other lightweight structural composites.

[0027] The connector between the adjacent trusses formwork comprises two parts assembled with screw and having multiple grooves matting with its counterparts of the truss formwork and then a nominal threaded road with nuts is provided to connect the0two connectors at each side of the two parallel square form trusses formwork.

[0028] The connectors are preferably made of recycled plastic.

[0029] The present invention is also providing a novated metallic scaffolding’s frame with four top prismatic shaped plates, two single plates placed opposite to each other and two double plates placed perpendicularly to the first single plates in a manner that • the single plates are intercepted by the double plates for the scaffolding assembly.

[0030] The wall finishes and flooring with any required insulation boards are considered to be of commercially available materials and are easily fixed on the faces of the wall concrete trusses.

[0031] The floor truss configuration is arranged to receive a top lightweight concrete layer and may be further adapted to incorporate cast-in-place concrete ribs where required to accommodate increased span demands. In certain embodiments, the slab system may alternatively comprise prefabricated j oists or modular structural members configured to rest on corbels formed integrally by the truss formwork. Such pre-shaped corbel supports facilitate rapid floor assembly and enable repetitive multi-floorr• construction while maintaining structural continuity between vertical and horizontal elements.

[0032] It should be appreciated that this summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0033] Other and further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiments about to be described or will be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice.Advantages of the present formwork invention:•

[0034] The present invented concrete truss formwork is providing an easy way to do three dimensions cubical concrete trusses for buildings in an easy way saving labors time, skills and materials.

[0035] The present invented concrete truss formwork has the particularity to cast in- situ concrete for each formwork truss formwork block individually which reduce0considerably the wet concrete lateral pressure on the formwork and therefore reducing the formwork cost of materials.

[0036] The present invented concrete truss formwork has the particularity to allow for the concurrent installation of the formworks and scaffolding for multiple floors which reduce the time compared to the time required for prior art methods to dismantle and / or • reassemble formworks and scaffolding supports. Indeed, the typical prior art method are executed on one floor, moving only to the next floor after a floor is completed.

[0037] The present invented concrete truss formwork generally allows installation of an outside fabric shade allowing for safe and convenient work environment during extreme hot and cold weathers.0

[0038] The present invented concrete truss formwork has the particularity to providing larger working area to install concurrently the MEP first and second fix without waiting full completion of concrete slabs and simultaneously in between multiple floors, which can be great factor for time, manpower and material saving.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0040] FIG 1A is an elevation front view of one block of an embodiment of a truss foam formwork for vertical walls in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. IB is side elevation view of one block of the truss foam formwork of FIG.1A.•

[0042] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the truss formwork of FIG. 1 A shown with a straight form extension for top and bottom chords.

[0043] FIG. ID is a perspective view of the truss formwork of FIG. 1A shown with a multidirectional form extension for top and bottom chords.

[0044] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the truss formwork of FIG. 1 A.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a perspective sectional view of the truss formwork of FIG. 2.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wall of a truss formwork in accordance with the principles of the present invention showing adjacent trusses formworks connected one to another.•

[0047] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a truss formwork for horizontal slab side in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0048] FIGS. 6A to 6C are perspective views of an embodiment of a connector between truss formworks in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0049] FIG.7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembly of truss0formworks in accordance with the principles of the present invention showing rebars being installed inside the assembled truss formwork.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a truss formwork for a wall and a slab shown with concrete being poured inside the assembled truss formwork in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a scaffolding’s frame in accordance with the principles of the present invention shown being assembled.

[0052] FIGS. 10. is a perspective view of an embodiment of an individual scaffolding member of the scaffolding of FIG. 9

[0053] FIG. 11 is a perspective enlarged view of an embodiment of a head’s connector of the scaffolding of FIG. 10.

[0054] FIG. 12 and 13 are perspective enlarged views of an embodiment of a head’s connectors shown wit top plates being intersected to form a scaffolding frames in accordance with the principles of the present invention.•

[0055] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of a connector of the scaffolding of FIG. 11 showing scaffolding bracings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] A novel concrete truss formwork and method will be described hereinafter. Although the invention is described in terms of specific illustrative embodiments, it is0to be understood that the embodiments described herein are by way of example only and that the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited thereby.

[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 1A to ID, an embodiment of a truss formwork 100 is illustrated. In such embodiment, the truss formwork 100 comprises tubular sections. In some embodiments, the tubular section may be octagonal or square. Understandably, • any shape of tubular sections are comprised within the scope of the present invention.In such embodiment, the truss formwork 100 comprises two parallel form trusses 105, preferably having a square-shape section. The two form trusses 105, as shown in FIG.3, where the two form trusses 105 are spaced by a distance dl allowing passage of conduits and pipes for the MEP services. Each of the form trusses 105 comprises a top opening 110, a plurality of top chords 119, bottom chords 118, side walls 115 and middle crossing portions 116 and 117, typically formed as webs. The top 119 and bottom 118 chords are generally spaced apart from one another by a distance d5. The said space d5 generally allows concrete to be easily poured in the opening bucket 110. In the embodiment shown at FIG. 1C, an extending member 120 may be inserted within the top 119 and / or bottom 118 chords after the concrete is poured from the opening bucket 110, to make the chords 119, 118 continuous. In the embodiment shown at FIG. ID, extending members 121 may be inserted within the top chords 119 after theconcrete is poured from the opening bucket 110, to make the chords 119 continuous and, an extending member 122 may be inserted within the bottom chord 118 creating a continuous portion or web 123.

[0058] In such embodiment, the side walls 115 and crossing portions 116 and 117 are0preferably embodied as webs or portions. The side wall 115 and crossing portions 116 & 117 may form an opening bucket 110 allowing pouring of the concrete. The opening 110 is typically located in the central intersection of the truss formwork 100.

[0059] In such embodiment, the middle portion 123 is optional and the truss formwork may be done with the top and bottom chords 118 & 119, the sides walls 115 and the 1 • crossing portions 116 & 117 to enlarge the triangular voids between the truss webs.

[0060] In such embodiment, the distance dl between two adjacent trusses formwork 105 is preferably equal to the distance d4 between the top chords 119 and the horizontal middle portion 116. Understandably, the distances dl and d4 may vary to adapt to different shapes of the truss formwork 100 or of the form trusses 105.10

[0061] In some embodiments, the top and bottom chords 118 & 119 may extend by a distance d2 beyond the side walls 115. In a preferred embodiment, the extended part may comprise a threaded section with multiple grooves 124.

[0062] In some embodiments, a joining assembly 130 may allow extending by a distance d3 beyond the side walls 115. In such embodiment, the extended portion may • comprise a threaded section with multiple grooves 125.

[0063] In further embodiments, the distance d6 may be equal to half the distance d7.

[0064] In some embodiments, the double parallel formwork truss is optional, and the truss formwork block may be replaced with a single truss.

[0065] Referring now to FIG. 2, the embodiment of the truss block formwork 100 of0FIG. 1 is illustrated. In such embodiment, the truss block formwork 100 comprises two parallel form trusses 105 where each form truss 105 comprises a central portion 102 and identical side portions 101. In such embodiment, the formwork 100 comprises a male-female grooves 112 and 113 to seal the joints between side portion 101 and central portion 102.V •

[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 4, 6A, 6B, and 6C, in some embodiments, the formwork 100 may further comprise attachment assemblies 106 adapted to connect trussesformwork 100 to another. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment assembles 106 allow changing the distance between the truss formwork members 105. The attachment assembly 106 may comprise attachment members 18 at each end, each adapted to mate with a portion of a truss formwork 105. The attachment assemblies 106 are further0discussed below. Using the said attachment assemblies 106, the distance between two adjacent trusses formwork 100 may be adjusted by varying the distance between the attachment members 120 and the attached chord. Preferably, the minimum distance is equal to the space dl between the two parallel truss formwork 100. Similarly, the sides walls 115 may be extended beyond the width of the top and bottom chords 118 & 119 U by a distance d2. While the distance d2 may vary, the distance d2 is equal to half the distance dl in the illustrated embodiment.

[0067] Referring back to FIG. 1, each of the formwork truss members 105 may further comprise a joining assembly 130 adapted to connect two adjacent formwork members 105. The joining assembly 130 may extend beyond the chords 118 & 119 by a distance0d3. The joining assembly 130 may comprise an attachment member 125, such as but not limited to a single groove. The attachment member 125 is adapted to mate with compatible attachment member 15 of the connector 106. In some embodiment, the joining assembly 130 may be used as a side plug encompassing a transparent plexiglass plate 109 (see FIG. 4) allowing to visualize the flowing concrete during pouring stages. U

[0068] Referring back to FIG. 2, the truss formwork members 105 may comprise movable portions 101 adapted to cover side portions of the said members 102. The movable portions 101 may be removed, thus allowing installation of steel rebars 140.

[0069] Still referring to FIG. 2, an exploded view of an embodiments of the truss formwork system 100 comprising three different members. Broadly, in such embodiment, the front and rear portions 101 typically comprise a central opening or passage 110 adapted for concrete pouring. The central passage may be shaped as a bucket to ease pouring of the concrete. In such embodiment, one or both of the portions 101 comprises a portion of the opening 110 and the central portion 102 comprise a matching portion of the opening 110. When connected to one another, the opening 110 V • is formed, (see, for instance, FIG 3). Understandably, any other means to form the passage 110 is contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

[0070] In such embodiment, each of the front and rear portions 101 is connected to the central member 102. The portions 101 may further comprise complimentary grooves 112 and tongues 113 adapted to create a sealed connection between the central 102 and side member 101. The connected members 102 and 101 then form channels connected0to the concrete passage 110 allowing the concrete to flow within the formwork system 100.

[0071] Referring now to FIG. 3, a sectional view of the truss formwork 100 is illustrated. The cut-out view shows inner portion of an embodiment of form truss member 105. The form truss member 105 comprises a junction member 114 • intersecting with the central member 102 and the opening bucket 110.

[0072] Referring back to FIG. 4, an embodiment of an assembled truss formwork 100 is illustrated. The truss formwork 100 comprises a plurality of connectors 106. The connectors 106 join adjacent truss formworks 100 about the horizontal members 116 or 118 and vertical members 115. In the illustrated embodiment, extending members 1210may be inserted within the top chords 119 after the concrete is poured from the opening bucket 110, to make the chords 119 continuous and, an extending member 122 may be inserted within the bottom chord 118 creating a continuous portion or web 123.

[0073] In some embodiments, extreme sections, such as top chords may comprise a cover 109 to seal the formwork 100. In further embodiments, the cover 109 may be • made of transparent or translucid material, such as but not limited to plexiglass, to visually control the concrete during pouring stage (see also FIG 6).

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the distance d9 between two adjacent truss formwork 100 is typically equal to the internal distance dl between the two truss form members 105. The distance d9 may be varied, such as being increased or decreased by0using an extension, such as the tubular section 107. The increased distance is designed as dlO.

[0075] Referring now to FIG. 5, an exploded view of another embodiment of a truss formwork 150 being laid horizontally is illustrated. The truss formwork 150 is typically used to build floor slab and is typically attached on a side of the truss formwork 100, V • which is typically used vertically for walls. The floor truss formwork 150 comprises a front side component 151 having an opening adapted to pour concrete 154, generally located in a central top portion of the formwork 150. The formwork 150 furthercomprises a central member 152 which comprises a pair of truss formwork members 102 and a rear side member 153. The rear side member 153 is typically similar to the front component 151 with a closed middle intersection 155 instead of the opening 154.

[0076] In such embodiment, the truss formwork 100 for wall and the formwork for0floor 150 comprise similar chords and side members 115, 116, 117, 118, 119 and 130.For the floor truss formwork 150, a vertically positioned member 110, such as a cylinder, having an open top extremity 154 allows pouring the concrete. The vertically positioned member 110 is generally supported by horizontal hollow members or webs 152 fluidly connected to a hollow portion of the vertically positioned member 110. •

[0077] In such embodiment, the truss formwork 100 or 150 is preferably manufactured from a semi-rigid structural material. In a preferred configuration, the material comprises a crumb rubber-based composite, optionally combined with a polymeric or cementitious binding matrix and / or reinforcing elements to provide adequate stiffness and load-bearing performance under fresh concrete pressure. The crumb rubber0composite may be derived from recycled rubber sources and engineered to achieve controlled density and structural resilience. Alternative materials may include, without limitation, expanded polystyrene, expanded polyethylene, expanded polypropylene, glass fiber reinforced cement (GFRC), recycled plastic, or other lightweight structural composites.•

[0078] Referring now to FIGS. 6A to 6C, embodiments of the connector 106 joining truss formworks 100 & 150 are illustrated. The connector 106 comprises two halves 11 adapted to clamp over an extending member 120. Each of the halves 11 may be shaped as half tubular octagonal shape 18. A connector 106 may be connected to an adjacent connector 106 with a structural link 12, such as a threaded rod 12 and nuts 13. An inner0portion of the connectors may further comprise a plurality of grooves or threads 15 to matte with matching grooves or threads of the truss formworks 100 & 150.

[0079] Still referring to FIGS. 6A to 6C, another embodiment of a connector 106 is illustrated. The said connector comprises a cover plate 109 used as a plug for the sides protruded webs or portions of the truss formwork 100 & 150. As described above, the V • cover plate 109 may be made of a transparent or translucid material.

[0080] In such embodiment, the extension section 120 may be inserted into connectors 106 to adjust the distance in between the connected truss formworks 100 & or 150.

[0081] In another embodiment, the connector 106 may be used as a side plug for the truss formwork 100 & 150. In embodiments having a transparent cover plate 109, one may visually follow up and control the concrete consistency and homogeneity during pouring of concrete.

[0082] In a further embodiment, the connectors 106 may be made of semi-rigid material, such as plastic and preferably recycled plastic.

[0083] Referring now to FIG. 7, another embodiment of an exemplary truss formwork assembly comprising rigid rebars is illustrated. In such assembly, rigid rebars, such as steel rebars, are inserted through assembled members 102 & 152 of the truss formworks • 100 & 150. In some embodiments, the rebars may be arranged as required by the structure design. The rebars may comprise vertical bars 141, transversal bars 142, diagonal bars 143 and / or transversal links 144.

[0084] In such embodiment, the front and rear parts 101, 151 & 153 of the truss formwork 100 or 150 are connected to one another with connectors 106 and / or side0plugs 109. Once the assembly is mounted and sealed, concrete may be poured in one of the apertures 110 or 154.

[0085] Referring now to FIG. 8, an embodiment of an exemplary truss formwork assembly is illustrated. The illustrated assembly comprises truss formworks 100 & 150, and supporting scaffolding members’ frame 200.•

[0086] A further embodiment of an exemplary truss formwork assembly comprising rigid rebars, in which concrete is being poured, is illustrated. In such embodiment, the sequence and stages of pouring the concrete inside the assembled truss formwork 100 & 150 is illustrated. The method for pouring concrete comprises pouring a first row of the truss formwork 100 of wall wl STI and repeating the same for other rows in0sequence (see ST2 for second row, ST3 for third row). The method further comprises filling the floor fl truss formwork 150 with concrete along with the slab ribs 400 and beams 401for large spans.

[0087] In such embodiment, the scaffolding members 200 are passing through the trusses for walls and slabs 100 & 150 trusses polygons, aiming at providing necessary supports for the truss’s formwork 100 & 150. The said support may be enough to provide a safe working platform for all construction activities which can beconcurrently done. Moreover, the scaffolding can be used to install a weatherproof shade to ensure proper working conditions during extreme weather.

[0088] In such embodiment, the method may further comprise installing insulation and finishes on slab floor panels and wall panels. Such step may be performed concurrently0with dismantling of the scaffolding and / or other construction activities.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 an assembly method of scaffolding’s frame 200 is illustrated. The scaffolding’s frame 200 comprises a hollow section 201, typically a tubular member which may have an octagonal or circular shape. The scaffolding 200 may further comprise top and bottom head fasteners, such as screws 205. The nuts of • the fasteners 205 may be configured to slid inside the hollow member 201 to adjust the length of the scaffolding’s frame 200. The screwhead 205 may be affixed, such as welded, to multiple plates 210. The plates 210 may be four oval shaped plates placed in a cross-shape opposite to each other.

[0090] In such embodiment, the scaffolding’s frame 200 comprises a typical diagonal0bracings 220 vertically and 225 horizontally.

[0091] Referring now to FIG. 11, an enlarged view of an embodiment of the scaffolding 200 is illustrated. In such embodiment, the hollow member 201 is affixed at one end to an end plate matching with the elongated member 205 attached to a connecting head 210. The connecting head 210 may comprise a base portion 214 attached to connecting • members 211 and 213. The connecting members 211 and 213 are mounted to the base portion 214. In such embodiment, the base portion 214 is enlarged and affixed to the elongated member 205. Understandably, any means to provide a base for the base is contemplated in the present invention. The enlarged portion 214 may be welded to the elongated member 205. In the illustrated embodiment, the head 210 comprises double plates 213 and single plate 211 configured to be received by one another. As such, another connecting head 210 may mate with the illustrated connecting head 210 using a locking member 215.

[0092] In some embodiment, the elongated member 205 may be a threaded rod received by the inner portion of the hollow member 201 and affixed using the nut 203, thus V • allowing length adjustment. In such embodiment, the threaded rod 205 mounted to a top plate 214 which is mounted to connecting head 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the double plates 213 and single plates 211 are generally shaped oval or semi-oval. Theplates 211 and 213 are configured as a cross form and two of opposite plates 211 are single flat plates forming a V shape and two other perpendicular plates 213 are double plates spaced in a manner to intercept the single flat plates 211. Each of the plates may comprise a hole configured to receive a locking member 212, such as but not limited to0a wedge, a lock nut, or other similar connector, having central cylindrical shape and two edge flat plates with holes designed to intercept with the flat plates 211 or 213. The locking member 212 may be secured using a drop lock bolt 215.

[0093] In such embodiment, the scaffolding’s frame 200 and its components are generally made of a rigid material, such as but not limited to metal.•

[0094] Referring now to FIG, 12, an embodiment of the three scaffolding’s frames 200 being connected to one another is illustrated. In such embodiment, two or more scaffolding’s frame 200 may be connected to one another to form a desired structure. As illustrated, the single flat plate 211 of a first standard 200B is inserted inside the upper double top plates 213 of a second standard 200D. In some embodiments, as0illustrated, the top plates may be shaped as oval. The upper single flat plate 211 of the second standard 200C is further inserted inside the double plate 213 of the standard 200B. The lower single flat plate 211 of the standard 200C is inserted inside the front double plate 213 of the standard 200 A. The front side single flat plate 211 of the standard 200D is inserted inside the back side double plate 213 of the standard 200C.•

[0095] Referring nowto FIG, 13, an embodiment of five (5) scaffolding’s frames 200A to 200E are connected and braced together. In such embodiment, two or more scaffolding’s frames 200 may be connected and braced to one another to form a desired solid structure. As illustrated, scaffolding bracings 220 / 225 are connected to the connecting head 210 of the frame 200. In such exemplary embodiment, the vertical 220 and horizontal 225 bracings are mounted to the connecting heads 210 of the scaffoldings 200A to 200E. As such, the front side single flat plate 211 of the top standard 200C is inserted inside the upper double plates 213 of the standard 200A and the front side single flat plate 211 of the standard 200A is inserted inside the front side double plate 213 of the standard 200D. The top vertical bracing 220 is fixed to the V • connecting means 212 fixing the front side double plate 213 of 200C with the top single plate 211 of the standard 200D and a fastener 215, such as drop-lock bolt, is inserted inside the holes of the wedge 212. Similarly, the lower vertical bracing 220 is fixed to the wedge 212. As such, the front side double plate 213 of 200E is attached to the lowersingle plate 211 of the standard 200D. As such, a fastener 215, such as a drop-lock bolt, is inserted inside the holes of the wedge 212 to mount the double plate 213 to the lower single plate 211. Upon mounting the horizontal bracing 225 to the wedge 212, the side double plate 213 of 200D may be mounted to the front side single plate 211 of the0standard 200 A. As such, a fastener 215, such as a drop-lock bolt is inserted inside the holes of the wedge 212 to mount the side double plate 213 to the front single plate 211. Understandably, such embodiment is exemplary and any other types of connections between the scaffoldings are within the scope of the present invention.

[0096] In such embodiment, the standard 200B may be replaced by an individual • standard head 210 as a cup to complete the side of the scaffolding.

[0097] The different components may be attached or connected to one another using any fastening methods, such as fasteners, connecting screws or any other attachment method known in the art. The fasteners have been omitted from the figures for sake of clarity.0

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, a method of installation of the truss formwork and using the said formwork to build trusses is illustrated. The method may be used to install formwork for wall, slabs and / or multiple floors.. The scaffolding members are typically passing through triangular voids of the trusses to provide necessary supports for the truss formwork 100 & 150 and / or to provide a safe working platform for all construction • activities which can be concurrently done. Moreover, the scaffolding frame 200 can be used to install a weatherproof external fabric shade to ensure proper working conditions during extreme weather. The method involves installing the scaffolding frame 200 by laying and attaching its members, along with installing the truss formwork 100 & 150. The method further comprises installing the truss formwork 100 and 150 and attaching0the said truss formwork to one another, such as using the connectors 106. The method further comprises: installing steel rebars inside assembled core parts 102 & 152 of the truss formwork 100 & 150, and installing the front and rear parts 101, 151 & 153 of the truss formwork, once the formwork is assembled and secured, the method comprises pouring concrete inside the assembled truss formwork for wall and slab.V •

[0099] The method may further comprise removing the front and rear parts 101, 151 &

[0100] The method may further comprise installing mechanical, plumbing and electrical conduits within the concrete trusses. Such step may be performed concurrently to the removing the front and rear parts 101, 151 & 153 of the truss formwork.

[0101] The method may further comprise removing the scaffolding frame. The removing of the scaffolding frame may be performed concurrently with the installation of slab floor panels and wall panels, insulation, and / or finishes. Such steps may be coordinated with other construction activities.

[0102] The step install the formwork may further comprise installing side plugs • 109 prior to pouring the concrete.

[0103] The step to pour the concrete may further comprise pouring a first row of the truss formwork 100 of wall wl (STI). The step STI may be repeated for each of the other rows in sequence. As such, the pouring may further comprise pouring the concrete for the second row (ST2), pouring the concrete for third row (ST3) and / or0pouring the concrete inside the floor fl trusses foam formwork 150, etc. (ST4).

[0104] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to details of the illustrated invention shown in the figures and that a number of variants may be made even if they have a fundamentally different design without departing from the scope • thereof as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.

Claims

CLAIMS1) A concrete truss formwork for wall construction, the formwork comprising:at least two spaced apart and parallel form trusses, each of the form trusses comprising:a top opening;side hollow members;a plurality of top hollow members positioned to allow concrete to be poured into the top opening;at least one bottom hollow member in fluid communication with the side hollow members;side hollow webs in fluid communication with the top opening, the top hollow members, the bottom hollow member and the side hollow members.2) The formwork of claim 1 further comprising a hollow extending member connectable to the top or bottom hollow members for fluidly connecting the top hollow members.3) The formwork of claim 2, the hollow extending member comprising attachment assemblies for connecting the hollow extending member to the top or bottom hollow members.4) The formwork of claim 3, the attachment assemblies comprising inner grooves mating with outer grooves of the extending member and of the top or bottom hollow members.5) The formwork of claim 3, the attachment assemblies comprising two halves adapted to clamp over the extending member6) The formwork of claim 1, at least one of the side hollow members comprising a removable cover adapted to cover hollow portion of the side hollow member.7) The formwork of claim 1 further comprising a connector for joining one of the hollow members of the truss formwork to one of the hollow members of another truss formwork.8) The formwork of claim 7, the connector comprising two halves adapted to clamp over the hollow member of the truss formwork and to the hollow member of the other truss formwork.9) The formwork of claim 8, the connector being a side plug.010) The formwork of claim 9, the side plug comprising a transparent cover plate.11) The formwork of claim 7, the connector comprising inner grooves mating with outer grooves of the hollow member of the truss formwork and the hollow member of the other truss formwork.12) The formwork of claim 11, the inner grooves and outer grooves being used to • move the connector with regard to grooves of the formwork.13) The formwork of claim 7, the connector may be connected to a connector of an adjacent truss form work with a structural link.14) The formwork of claim 12, the structural link comprising a threaded rod and a fastener attachable to the threaded rod.015) A scaffolding structure passing through concrete truss formwork for walls and slabs, the scaffolding structure comprising a plurality of members, each of the members comprising a hollow section and a connector at each end of the member, each connector mating with another connector.16) The scaffolding structure of claim 15 comprising a plurality of vertical • members, diagonal members and horizontal members.17) The scaffolding structure of claim 15, the connector may comprise an elongated member and a connecting head attached to the elongated member.18) The scaffolding structure of claim 17, the connecting head being adapted to connect to at least two connecting heads of members.19) The scaffolding structure of claim 15, the connecting head comprising at least one single plate and at least one double plate, the single plate fitting within the double plate.20) The scaffolding structure of claim 15, the connecting head comprising a locking member for attaching the single plate to a double plate of a connector of an "* adjacent member.21) A method for installing a truss formwork and using the installed formwork to build trusses for walls or slabs comprising:laying and attaching to one another members of the scaffolding frame; attaching hollow members of a truss formwork to one another and attaching the truss formwork to the scaffolding frame;inserting steel rebars inside the hollow members of the truss formwork; upon insertion of the steel rebars, covering the hollow members; pouring concrete inside the hollow members of the assembled truss formwork for wall and slab.• 22) The method of claim 21 comprising uncovering the hollow members of the assembled truss formwork after the concrete has settled.23) The method of claim 21 comprising installing mechanical, plumbing and electrical conduits within the trusses.24) The method of claim 21 comprising removing the installed scaffolding frame.25) The method of claim 21 comprising installing side plugs to the open-ended hollow members prior to pouring the concrete.26) The method of claim 21, the step to pour the concrete further comprising pouring concrete in a first row of the truss formwork and repeating the pouring for each of other rows of the truss formwork in sequence.• 27) The method of claim 26 further comprising visually following and controlling the consistency or homogeneity of the concrete consistency and homogeneity during the pouring of the concrete,

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