Resilient Sacrificial Shuttering for Concrete Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sacrificial shuttering formwork struggles to withstand concrete expansion forces during curing and requires qualities that ensure it can be used effectively as a temporary support structure without being damaged.
Innovation Solution
A shuttering formwork comprising an elongate body member with a base portion and a compression portion, both made of resiliently deformable plastics material, which includes a strip element that can be releasably attached to the free end of the compression portion, allowing for expansion accommodation and increased stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If sacrificial shuttering formwork is used to support concrete during curing, then the shuttering must withstand expansion forces of the concrete, but this requires the material to be both strong and deformable, creating a conflict between strength and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to resiliently deformable plastics material, allowing the shuttering to physically deform and accommodate concrete expansion while maintaining structural integrity. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the material to dynamically adjust its physical state during the curing process.
2Strength
If traditional steel shuttering is used, then strength and durability are improved, but weight and ease of handling deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sacrificial shuttering made from resiliently deformable plastics material that is designed to be left in place after use. This disposable approach eliminates the need for heavy, durable materials like steel, significantly reducing weight while maintaining sufficient strength for the temporary curing period.
3Loss of time
If sacrificial shuttering is left in place after curing, then labor and time for removal are reduced, but the shuttering must be designed to remain intact and resist rotting or rusting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plastics material for sacrificial shuttering that is inherently resistant to rotting and rusting. This material choice ensures the shuttering remains intact when left in place, eliminating removal operations and associated time losses while maintaining reliability throughout the curing period.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the shuttering formwork to effectively support concrete during curing, reduce labor and costs, and facilitate easy handling and transportation, while being durable and resistant to rotting or rusting, thus enhancing the efficiency and speed of concrete pouring processes.
Implementation Method 1
the compression portion side face and the base portion upper face of at least one side of said first and second sides of said elongate body member each being a resiliently deformable surface
Data Source
AI summary
A shuttering formwork suitable for use as sacrificial shuttering formwork includes an elongate body member having a base portion and a compression portion extending therefrom and presenting a free end that extends in a length direction of the elongate body member. The elongate body member has first and second sides, each comprising a compression portion side face and a base portion upper face. A strip element is releasably attachable to the free end of the compression portion. The compression portion side face and the base portion upper face of at least one side of the elongate body member are each a resiliently deformable surface. The base portion is provided with apertures for receiving mortar material. The shuttering formwork may be fabricated from a plastics material and have a hollow structure.