Radon Venting Concrete Form with Interlocking Throughbores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete form systems for building foundations lack effective radon venting capabilities and are not designed to remain as part of the structure for radon remediation after concrete curing.
Innovation Solution
A concrete form system with mechanically interlocking wall sections that include a throughbore for ventilation, using straps and spreaders to maintain the sections in place during concrete pouring, and featuring a ribbed exterior for increased strength, allowing for efficient radon remediation and remaining as part of the foundation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional concrete form systems are used, then construction simplicity is maintained, but radon venting capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The form system is divided into modular wall sections that can be assembled together, with each section containing integrated radon venting channels. This segmentation allows the radon venting function to be built into the basic building unit without requiring a completely complex system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The radon venting channels are merged directly into the wall sections themselves, combining the structural function and the radon mitigation function into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate radon venting systems while maintaining construction simplicity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If wall sections are designed with throughbores for radon venting, then radon remediation is enabled, but structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wall sections have different properties in different locations: the exterior surfaces and internal reinforcement provide structural strength, while the throughbores provide radon venting pathways. This local differentiation allows both strength and venting functionality to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall sections utilize composite construction with rebar reinforcement embedded in concrete, creating a material composite that maintains structural integrity despite the presence of throughbores. The reinforcement compensates for the potential strength reduction caused by the venting channels.
3Device complexity
If separators are removed after pouring, then form complexity is reduced, but rebar support function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The separators are designed to serve multiple functions: they maintain wall spacing during concrete pouring and simultaneously provide support for rebar placement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate rebar support components, reducing overall form system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The separators are designed to be self-supporting structures that inherently provide both spacing and rebar support functions without requiring additional auxiliary components. Their structural design allows them to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention 10 discloses a concrete form system for building foundations wherein two substantially parallel form walls 12 are constructed using a plurality of retainer sections that can mechanically interlock end-to-end 42, 44 when the retainer sections 14, 16, 18, 20 incorporate a throughbore 22 or butt-up end to end when there is no throughbore. Additionally the present invention provides a separator bar and reinforcement posts whereby the separator bar 24 serves as base for the retainer sections and as spacer between stacked retainer sections 14, 16, 18, 20 which can in cross-section have a circular, oval or polygonal shape and in one additional element a ribbed exterior portion 46, 48 for added strength and a substantially hollow interior 22 that forms a corrugated conduit retainer 20 that is conducive to providing ventilation for effective and efficient radon remediation from the structure being constructed. The aforementioned corrugated retainer 20 uses a combination of straps 50 and spreaders 40 to maintain the two form retainer wall 12 in place prior to and during the pouring of the concrete 36.