Integral Footing Foundation Formwork Single Pour Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete foundation forming methods require separate footings, which increase labor costs and construction time, and do not allow for a single pour of both walls and footings.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using vertical and inclined barriers with adjustable ties that allow for a single concrete pour to form a foundation with integral footings, eliminating the need for separate footings and reducing labor and time costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If separate footings are used for concrete foundations, then foundation strength and stability are improved, but labor costs and construction time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the footing and foundation wall into a single integrated concrete structure. The formwork system uses an inclined bottom surface that slopes from the vertical wall toward the exterior, creating a merged footing-wall element that is poured as one continuous concrete mass. This eliminates the need for separate footing construction, reducing both labor costs and construction time while maintaining foundation strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The formwork system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it creates the vertical foundation wall, forms the integrated footing with proper slope, and provides structural support during pouring. The inclined bottom surface of the formwork serves both as the footing geometry and as a means to consolidate concrete material, making the system universally applicable to foundation construction.
2Reliability
If separate footings are used for concrete foundations, then proper concrete consolidation is achieved, but the number of construction steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork design merges the footing and wall forms into a single integrated system. The inclined bottom surface of the formwork naturally guides concrete flow and consolidation during a single pour, eliminating the need for separate footing consolidation steps while ensuring proper concrete placement and compaction throughout the entire foundation structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional vertical forms are used for foundation walls, then construction simplicity is maintained, but foundation strength at the base is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork system introduces asymmetry by using an inclined bottom surface instead of a purely vertical configuration. The form slopes from the vertical wall toward the exterior, creating a trapezoidal footing shape that concentrates strength at the base where it is most needed. This asymmetric geometry maintains construction simplicity while significantly improving foundation strength at the critical base area.
4Productivity
If more concrete is used to create integral footings, then single pour capability is achieved, but material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork system applies local quality by concentrating concrete material where it is most needed—the base area. The inclined bottom surface of the formwork naturally directs and consolidates concrete flow toward the exterior, ensuring proper density and strength at the footing base while using concrete efficiently throughout the structure. This localized material placement achieves single-pour capability without excessive concrete volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A foundation form that comprises a first barrier, an opposed second barrier that is oriented non-parallel with respect to the first barrier, and a plurality of ties that engage the first barrier and the second barrier at a plurality of axial lengths.