Removable Concrete Form Sidewall with Cross Tie Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete forms with insulating sidewalls do not allow for the removal of sidewalls after concrete curing, limiting exposure of the concrete surface and flexibility in structure design.
Innovation Solution
A concrete form design featuring removable sidewalls secured by cross ties and fasteners, with spacers to prevent direct contact between the sidewall and cross tie, allowing for easy removal of the sidewall after concrete solidification, while maintaining the insulating sidewall for thermal insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sidewalls are permanently secured to cross ties in ICFs, then structural stability and insulation are maintained, but the concrete surface cannot be exposed and design flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The form assembly is segmented into removable sidewalls and permanent cross ties. The sidewalls can be detached after concrete curing while the cross ties remain embedded in the concrete to maintain structural stability and insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between sidewalls and cross ties is made dynamic through removable fasteners. This allows the sidewalls to be securely attached during concrete pouring and then easily removed after curing, providing both stability during construction and flexibility afterward.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sidewalls are made removable to expose concrete surface, then design flexibility improves, but ease of manufacture and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The form system is divided into modular components: sidewalls, cross ties, and fasteners. This segmentation allows the sidewalls to be easily removed while the cross ties remain as permanent structural elements, simplifying both manufacture and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross ties serve multiple functions: they act as temporary formwork supports during pouring, become permanent structural reinforcement in the concrete, and provide mounting points for the removable sidewalls. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity.
3Strength
If sidewalls directly contact cross ties for secure attachment, then structural integrity during pouring is maintained, but surface uniformity is compromised due to cross tie exposure
Solution Approach 1:
A spacer element is introduced as an intermediary between the sidewall and cross tie. The spacer maintains the required attachment strength while preventing direct contact between the sidewall and cross tie, ensuring a uniform concrete surface after form removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into three distinct components: sidewall, spacer, and cross tie. This allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the spacer protects the concrete surface while still providing secure attachment during the pouring process.
Data Source
AI summary
A concrete form includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall positioned in parallel and spaced relation to each other, where the first sidewall has a first passage extending therethrough, with a first insert received in the first passage of the first sidewall. The form also includes a first cross tie having opposed first and second ends, where the first sidewall is removably secured to the first end of the first cross tie and the second sidewall is secured to the second end of the first cross tie. A first fastener extends through the first passage and engages the first insert and the first end of the first cross tie to removably secure the first sidewall to the first cross tie. The second sidewall may be removably or non-removably secured to the first cross tie.