Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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"Reinforcing Framework and Slab Design"
Introduction
This invention relates to a reinforcing framework capable of prefabrication in
an off-
site location. The reinforcing framework can be subsequently transported to a
building site location for instalment and use in the formation of reinforced
concrete
slabs in the construction of a building.
Background
Composite materials are widely used in the construction industry to form
reinforced
structures, for many reasons including durability, strength, tensile and
thermal
properties as well as flexibility in construction of various components and
structures.
It is to be appreciated that while concrete is an often used and popular
choice for use
in reinforced structures, other materials with similar physical properties,
such as
tensile strength and ductility, may be substituted.
Reinforcement of concrete or similar material is often achieved by embedding a
skeletal framework formed of reinforcing materials made of steel, polymers,
fibre
glass, or alternate composite material into the concrete or similar material.
Although
commonly steel reinforcing bars (rebar) are used alone or in combination with
other
reinforcing materials.
Shear reinforcement is required to resist the effects of sheer or diagonal
stress on a
material, such as concrete. Thus shear links are often added to reinforcing
frame
work to counter shear stress.
The length of the reinforcing materials used in skeletal frameworks can be
adjusted
by splicing two reinforcing materials, such as rebar, together. Splicing
allows for
shear stress to be transferred from one rebar to another. Splicing can be
achieved by
lapping the bars, using a mechanical joint, or welding the bars together where
they
join or overlap. Preferably splicing of bars is performed on alternate bars
with up to
50% of reinforcement bars spliced in any given section of a reinforcing
structure.
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Reinforced concrete is used to build many different types of structures and
components of structures including, slabs, walls, floors, beams, columns,
foundations
and frames.
A small change in the design of a reinforced structure can have significant
impact on
material costs, construction schedule, and ultimate strength, as well as
operating
costs, occupancy levels and end use of a building,
Reinforced concrete can be classified as precast or cast-in-place concrete.
The typical approach to fixing a skeletal framework is for loose rebar, or
other
reinforcing material, to be delivered to the construction site and manually
fixed in
place using fixers in accordance with drawings to form the framework on which
the
end result reinforced structures are designed. This system has a number of
drawbacks.
The loose rebar takes time to be loaded and unloaded from the vehicular
transportation, meaning that there is increased disturbance at the offsite and
onsite
locations, as greater time is needed to complete the loading or offloading
task. This
issue is even more evident at onsite locations positioned on a busy road.
A substantial number of fixers require substantial crane time to complete the
manual
fixation of bars in place meaning that there is increased downtime in
construction,
particularly for other build projects that require a crane to complete.
For example a standard 1000 square foot reinforcing framework will require
around 8
to 9 fixers and will take the 8 to 9 fixers about 5 to 6 working days to
complete the
reinforcing framework ready for concrete to be poured over the framework.
This approach is flawed as manual construction can be performed by
construction
personnel of varied competency and skill and is time consuming, taking
anything from
days to weeks to complete the fixing stage before the concrete is then poured
over
the framework.
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Furthermore construction of a standard reinforcing framework is disruptive,
diverting
man hours and equipment away from other construction tasks and preventing
other
tasks and projects from getting started and/or from being completed.
Most building regulations and standards require that the reinforcing skeletal
framework is checked and approved by a qualified engineer prior to the
concrete
being applied to the frame.
Manual construction of a skeletal framework, in situ, can lead to
inconsistencies in
approach with different interpretations of the design drawings being made.
This can
slow the construction and installation time as well as lead to errors in
construction.
Such errors may lead to a fail by the qualified engineer who may deem the
reinforcing
skeletal structure as not up to code and unsafe. A fail by the qualified
engineer can
delay construction with the skeletal framework needing to be redone before
installation of the reinforcing structure can continue, with further checks
required by
the qualified engineer.
Delays incurred by inconsistent approaches can have serious cost implications
on
installation and overall construction.
The buildings and construction industry is under pressure to deliver faster,
more cost-
effective builds and build designs without compromising the quality, strength
and
durability of the end product.
There is a need, therefore, to provide alternative skeletal framework designs
for
reinforced structures that are capable of reducing build time, installation
cost and
improve durability and strength of the end product reinforced structure
design.
Furthermore, single mesh layers are limited in the scope, complexity, and in
particular, the size of reinforcing structures that can be created. It is an
object of the
present invention to provide alternative skeletal framework designs for
reinforced
structures that are capable of enabling larger reinforcing structures to be
constructed.
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Summary of the Invention
According to the invention, there is provided a reinforcing framework for the
construction
of reinforced concrete structures, including:
at least two mesh layers, namely, a first mesh layer and a second mesh layer,
a plurality of spaced-apart spacers mounted between the first layer and the
second layer to support the two mesh layers spaced-apart in substantially
parallel planes,
each spacer having a cross member with a leg extending outwardly at each end
of the cross member, said legs being substantially parallel to each other and
substantially perpendicular to the cross member,
each leg having a foot at an outer end of the leg remote from the cross
member,
the foot being substantially perpendicular to the leg and substantially
perpendicular to the cross member, and
the cross member being bent inwardly between the legs.
In one embodiment of the invention the length of the cross member is
sufficient to
support a plurality of reinforcing bars.
In another embodiment of the invention, the spacing between the legs is
greater than
the spacing between adjacent parallel spaced-apart reinforcing bars of the
mesh layer
which engages the cross member.
In another embodiment, the cross member is curved inwardly between the legs.
In another embodiment, the cross member is V-shaped.
In a further embodiment, each spacer has feet which project outwardly from the
legs in
opposite directions.
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In another embodiment a spacer is mounted at a lifting point for the
reinforcing
framework.
In another embodiment, a plurality of spaced-apart splice bars project
outwardly at one
or both sides of the frame. Preferably, the splice bars form an extension of
one or both
of the mesh layers. This arrangement facilitates automatic splicing of
adjacent
reinforcing frameworks during construction.
In another embodiment, there is provided a method of constructing and
installing the
reinforcing framework in the construction of reinforcing structures comprising
the
following steps:
(I) prefabrication of the reinforcing framework (100) in an off-
site
location;
(ii) transporting and delivering the complete assembly of the reinforcing
framework (100) to the site of instalment;
(iii) instalment of the reinforcing framework (100) by lifting the complete
assembly into position; and,
(iv) applying concrete to the reinforcing framework (100).
One advantage of the new reinforcing framework of the present invention is
that
reinforcing frameworks comprising elongate members with a diameter of 10mm or
more can now be prefabricated in an offsite location.
Another advantage of the new reinforcing framework is that the design can be
pre-
approved by an engineer who has greater access for inspection.
A further advantage of the new reinforcing framework of the present invention
is that is
capable of being produced in a controlled factory environment with
standardised
equipment set up and standardised methods and approach to construction.
Another advantage of the new reinforcing framework is that build time onsite
is
greatly reduced with typical installation time taking minutes to hours to
complete
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compared with the days to weeks' timeframe endured using traditional designs
and
manual assembly and installation techniques. Delivery and installation time is
reduced by around 70% with no onsite labour required for fixing thereby
increasing
labour efficiency and decreasing labour costs associated with this task.
A further advantage of the new reinforcing framework of the present invention
is that
there are fewer disturbances to other onsite activities and to the surrounding
area
affected by the building project, as the fully assembled reinforcing framework
of the
present invention can be loaded and unloaded from the vehicular transportation
swiftly.
A further advantage of the new reinforcing framework of the present invention
is that
monopoly of a crane for the purpose of assembling a reinforcing framework
onsite by
traditional fixing means is mitigated as the new reinforcing framework of the
present
invention arrives at the onsite location, fully assembled and ready to install
and use.
A further advantage of the new reinforcing framework of the present invention
is that
monopoly of the crane for the purpose of loading and unloading the reinforcing
framework and placing the reinforcing framework into the desired location for
installation and use, is reduced.
A further advantage of the new reinforcing framework of the present invention
is that
the monopoly of skilled labour or manpower as traditionally required in
assembling a
reinforcing framework onsite by traditional fixing means, is mitigated as the
new
reinforcing framework of the present invention arrives at the onsite location,
fully
assembled and ready to install and use.
A further advantage of the new reinforcing framework of the present invention
is that
the health safety and wellbeing of onsite labour is improved.
A further advantage of the new reinforcing framework of the present invention
is that
productivity of the reinforcing framework made in factory environments is
increased.
A further advantage of the new reinforcing framework is that it provides a
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standardised construction approach with improved accuracy and consistency in
building the reinforcing framework on which the completed reinforcing
structure such
as, but not limited to, a slab design, is made.
A further advantage to the new reinforcing framework of the present invention
is that
by combining more than one mesh layer together, separated by a spacer, enables
larger reinforcing structures to be constructed with rebar elements having
diameters
of up to 40mm.
In a further embodiment the cross member is curved such as to allow a gap to
be
formed between the cross member and the mesh layer engaged therewith.
In a preferred embodiment the gap formed between the cross member and the
first
mesh layer is generally positioned at a substantially midway point along the
cross
member and between proximal and distal ends of the cross member.
One advantage of the curve in the cross member is that the curve allows for
ease of
access through the gap positioned between the cross member and to the two sets
of
elongate members present in the first mesh layer such that it allows at least
one bar
to be placed between the two sets of elongate members present in the first
mesh
layer.
A further advantage of the curve in the cross member is that the curve allows
for
additional reinforcing bars to be added once the reinforcing framework has
been fully
assembled.
A further advantage of the curve in the cross member is that the curve allows
for
ease of access to enable the additional bars to be spliced together with the
existing
elongate members of the first mesh layer once the reinforcing framework has
been
fully assembled.
It is to be appreciated that the potential for post assembly modification of
the fully
assembled reinforcing framework allows for adjusting the strength of the
overall
framework ahead of transportation, installation and use. Said post assembly
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modification enables the design to be modified, if necessary, without needing
to
restart the assembly of the reinforcing framework completely from scratch.
It is to be appreciated that additional bars added to the reinforcing
framework, post
assembly or otherwise, said bar being intended to be spliced to existing
elongate
members in the first mesh layer, may alternatively be referred to as a "splice
bar".
It is to be appreciated that any and all details pertaining to the second set
of elongate
members may also equally be applied to the first set of elongate members.
Furthermore, any and all details pertaining to the first mesh layer may
equally be
applied to the second mesh layer. The mesh layers are interchangeable in this
regard.
In a further embodiment the at least one bar may be placed evenly throughout
the
first mesh layer and adjacent to one or more elongate member.
In a preferred embodiment more than one bar is placed, namely a first bar and
a
second bar, such that the first bar is placed at a distance of approx. 500mm
c\c from
the second bar.
In a preferred embodiment the curve of the cross member is any angle from 1
to
45 .
In a more preferred embodiment the curve of the cross member is any angle from
5"
to 30 .
In a most preferred embodiment the curve of the cross member is any angle from
8
to 15'.
A further advantage of the curve in the cross member is that splicing together
the two
sets of elongate members, present in the first mesh layer, where the first set
of
elongate members engage the second sets of elongate members, can be performed
easily. Such positions, where the first set of elongate members engage the
second
set of elongate members, as spliced together may further be referred to as
joints.
In a further embodiment the at least one contact point is substantially
adjacent to the
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distal or proximal ends of the cross member.
In a preferred embodiment the cross member comprises at least two contact
points.
One advantage of the contact points is that the contact points provides
clearly
defined positions on the first mesh layer that provide improved purchase, such
that
the fully assembled reinforcing framework may be lifted about the contact
points from
the vehicular transportation to the desired position for final instalment and
use. Such
contact points may also be referred to as lifting points.
It is to be appreciated that "purchase" as used in context of the lifting
points covers
obtaining a firm contact, hold, grasp, attachment or grip on the object to be
lifted, such
as the fully assembled reinforcing framework, or to haul up the desired item
to be
moved, such as the fully assembled reinforcing framework, by means of a pulley
or
lever system and any vehicular or apparatus comprising a pulley and lever
system, such
as a crane.
A further advantage of the contact points is that the contact points enable
multiple fully
assembled reinforcing frameworks to be lifted from the vehicular
transportation to the
desired position for instalment and use. Being able to lift multiple fully
assembled
reinforcing frameworks in a single lift means that the time taken to load and
unload the
reinforcing framework is greatly reduced and less disturbance of other onsite
activities.
A further advantage of the contact points is that, due to the reduced number
of lifts
required to load or unload the fully assembled reinforcing frameworks, the
crane time
needed is significantly reduced freeing up the crane for other onsite jobs or
projects.
This has a positive impact on overall build time meaning that the construction
project
can be completed in a shorter time period.
One advantage of having each foot portion extending in the opposite direction
to one
another is that stability of the overall spacer is improved.
In another embodiment the cross member, the leg portion and the foot portion
are all
mutually orthogonal.
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In one embodiment each of the first mesh layer and second mesh layer comprise
at
least two sets of elongated members, namely a first set and a second set.
One advantage of the present invention is that the diameters of the elongate
members,
used in constructing the mesh layers, namely the first mesh layer and the
second mesh
layer, can range from 10mm to 100mm.
Preferably, the diameters of the elongate members, used in constructing the
mesh
layers, namely the first mesh layer and the second mesh layer, range between
10mm to
70mm.
More preferably, the diameters of the elongate members, used in constructing
the mesh
layers, namely the first mesh layer and the second mesh layer, range between
10mm to
50mm.
Most preferably, the diameters of the elongate members, used in constructing
the mesh
layers, namely the first mesh layer and the second mesh layer, range between
10mm to
40mm.
In a further embodiment the first set of elongated members and the second set
of
elongate members are positioned substantially perpendicular to one another.
In a further embodiment the first set of elongate members are arranged in
pairs, each
pair of elongate members being positioned substantially in parallel to the
next pair of
elongate members.
In a preferred embodiment in each pair of elongate members each elongate
member
differs in length.
One advantage to having differing lengths of elongate members is that it
allows for
greater flexibility in the design of different types of reinforcing
structures.
A further advantage to having differing lengths of elongate members is that it
allows for
designs to be adjusted to fit onsite dimensions.
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In a most preferred embodiment in each pair of elongate members one elongate
member is substantially shorter than the other elongate member that makes up
the pair.
In a further embodiment at least a proportion of the individual components
that make up
the reinforcing framework are made from one or more of steel, rebar, polymers,
fibre
glass and alternate composite material or any combination thereof.
The present invention is further directed towards a method of fabricating and
installing
the reinforcing framework in the construction of reinforcing structures
comprising
prefabrication of the reinforcing framework in an off-site location;
transporting and
delivering a complete assembly of the fabricated reinforcing framework to the
site;
instalment of the reinforcing framework by lifting the complete assembly into
the desired
position; and, applying concrete to the reinforcing framework.
One advantage of the method of fabricating and installing reinforcing
framework of the
present invention is that production in a controlled factory environment with
standardised equipment set up and standardised methods and approach to
construction
enables a fast and efficient turnaround of production of individual components
and the
fully assembled reinforcing structure.
It is to be appreciated that the method of fabricating and installing
reinforcing
framework with standardised equipment set up can speed up production of the
fully
assembled reinforcing structure by being continually present and in the
desired position
ready for assembly purposes. It is to be appreciated that during onsite
fabrication of
similar reinforcing frameworks the equipment is often moved and repositioned
for the
purpose of other onsite jobs, meaning that the fabrication is slowed as the
equipment
needs to be returned to the desired position for the purpose of fabricating
reinforcing
frameworks.
A further advantage of the method of fabricating and installing reinforcing
framework of
the present invention is that mass production is enabled.
It is to be appreciated that the reinforcing framework of the present
invention, fully
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assembled or otherwise, may be transportable at any length and width, and in
particular any wide-load width or parameters as may be required or imposed by
vehicular transportation.
In a further embodiment the method comprises a drying step following the
application
of concrete, in particular when the concrete is cast-in-place.
The advantage of having a drying step is to set the concrete, or other similar
material,
hard and in place against the reinforcing framework to form a strong and
robust
reinforcing structure.
In a further embodiment the reinforcing frameworks of the present invention
are for use
in the construction of one or more reinforcing structures including, but not
limited to,
slabs, walls, floors, beams, columns, foundations and frames.
It is to be appreciated that the fully formed reinforcing framework, for use
in constructing
reinforcing structures, can be arranged in a variety of sequences in
conjunction with
other reinforcing frameworks including, but not limited to, in series and in
parallel.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description
of some
embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a portion of a reinforcing framework in
accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a front view of the reinforcing framework of Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a side sectional view of the reinforcing framework of Figure 1;
Figure 4 shows a further side sectional view of the reinforcing framework of
Figure
1;
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Figures 5a to 5g show a series of fabrication steps for constructing the
reinforcing
framework of Figure 1 and a resulting reinforcing structure;
Figure 6 is a plan view of another reinforcing framework according to another
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 7 is a side sectional elevational view showing the reinforcing
framework of
Figure 6 in use;
Figure 8 is a plan view of a further reinforcing framework according to
another
embodiment of the invention;
Figure 9 is a side sectional elevational view of the reinforcing framework of
Figure
8, shown in use;
Figure 10 is a detail perspective view showing the reinforcing framework of
the
invention in use;
Figure 11 is another detail perspective view showing the reinforcing framework
in
use;
Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a reinforcing framework of the
invention
in use; and
Figure 13 is a detail perspective view showing portion of the arrangement in
Fig.
12.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
Referring to the drawings and initially to Figure 1, there is provided a
prefabricated
reinforcing skeletal framework according to the invention, indicated generally
by
reference numeral 100 for use in the construction of reinforced structures
such as
floor slabs and wall slabs in buildings. The reinforcing skeletal framework
100 is
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shown without a set of elongate members of a first top mesh layer, in order to
improve the understandability of the drawing.
Referring to Figures 2 and 3 the reinforcing skeletal framework comprises at
least two
mesh layers, namely a first mesh layer and a second mesh layer, indicated
generally
by reference numerals 202 and 204 respectively; and, a plurality of spacers,
generally indicated by reference numeral 206.
The first mesh layer 202 and the second mesh layer 204 are substantially
adjacent
from one another and, when fully constructed for use, are held separate by the
plurality of spacers 206. A plurality of spaced-part spacers 206 support the
two mesh
layers spaced-apart in substantially parallel planes in a double skin
construction.
Each of the plurality of spacers 206 is formed of a cross member 302, leg
portions
304 and foot portions 306.
Each leg portion 304 has a top and a bottom and is connected, at the top of
the leg
portion 304, to a distal or proximal end of the cross member 302. The leg
portion 304
is positioned substantially perpendicular to the cross member 302. Each leg
portion
304 is also connected to at least one foot portion 306 at the bottom end of
the leg
portion 304 remote from the cross member 302. The foot portion 306 extends
substantially perpendicular to the leg portion 304. In this way, the cross
member 302,
the leg portion 304 and the foot portion 306 may be mutually orthogonal to
each
other.
Preferably the foot portions 306 project outwardly from the legs 304 in
opposite
directions as shown in the drawings.
Referring in particular to Figure 3, the first mesh layer 202 and second mesh
layer
204 independently comprise of at least two sets of elongated reinforcing bar
members, namely a transverse first set 308 and a longitudinal second set 310
of
spaced-apart reinforcing bars in parallel alignment, positioned substantially
perpendicular to one another, so as to form a grid-like structure for the mesh
layer
202, 204. The second set of elongate members 310 is arranged in pairs 312 of
reinforcing bars, comprising a first elongate reinforcing bar member 312a and
a
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second elongate reinforcing bar member 312b, each pair of elongate members 312
being positioned substantially parallel to and spaced-apart from the next pair
of
elongate members 312 within the second set of elongate members 310.
Within each of the pairs of elongate members 312 present in the second set of
elongate members 310, the first elongate member 312a making up each pair of
elongate members 312 may independently be of different length to the second
elongate member 312b making up each pair of elongate members 312. In
particular
the second elongate member 312b which forms one of the pair of elongate
members
312 may be substantially shorter than the first elongate member 312a that
forms the
other of the pair of elongate members 312.
Each of the pairs of elongate members 312 may be of different lengths
independently
of each other pair in the second set of elongate members 310.
It is to be appreciated that any and all details pertaining to the second set
of elongate
members 310 may also equally be applied to the first set of elongate members
308.
Furthermore, any and all details pertaining to the first mesh layer 202 may
equally be
applied to the second mesh layer 204. The mesh layers 202, 204 are
interchangeable
in this regard.
Referring in particular to Figure 4, the cross member 302 has a distal and
proximal
end, with a portion of the cross member 302 curved intermediate the ends such
as to
allow at least one contact point 402 between the cross member 302 and the
first
mesh layer 202, wherein the contact point 402 is located towards one of the
distal
and proximal ends of the cross member 302. Said portion of the cross member
302
being curved intermediate the ends also allows for a gap 404 to be formed
between
the cross member 302 of the spacer 206 and the first mesh layer 202.
An example of a fabrication method of the reinforcing framework of the present
invention will now be described. It will be appreciated that alternative
methods of
fabrication may be used.
Referring to Figure 5a the reinforcing framework 100 is fabricated firstly by
laying out
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the first set of elongate members 308, spaced-apart and substantially in
parallel to
one another. This is followed by the second elongate members 312b of the
second
set of elongate members 310 positioned spaced-apart and mutually orthogonal to
the
first set of elongate members 308 as shown in Figure 5b.
In Figure 5c, it can be seen that the spacers 206 are positioned substantially
adjacent
to and resting on the first set of elongate members 308, such that the foot
portions
306 of the spacer 206 are positioned substantially adjacent to the second
elongate
member 312b of the second set of elongate members 310. The foot portions 306
of
the spacer 206 are then secured to the second elongate member 312b of the
second
set of elongate members 310 and the second elongate members 312b are secured
to
the elongate members 308.
As is shown in Figure 5d, the first elongate member 312a is positioned
substantially
adjacent to the second elongate member 312b to form a pair of elongate members
312 within the second set of elongate members 310. The first elongate member
312a is then secured to the second elongate member 312b to complete the second
mesh layer 204.
It is to be appreciated that alternatively to that shown in Figure 5d the
first elongate
member 312a may be positioned substantially adjacent to the foot portions 306
of the
spacer 206, such that the foot portions 306 of the spacer 206 are positioned
between
the first elongate member 312a and the second elongate member 312b.
As is further seen from Figure 5d some further second elongate members 312b
are
arranged substantially in parallel and over the cross members 302 of the
plurality of
spacers 206.
Further first elongate members 312a are laid out substantially adjacent to the
further
second elongate members 312b so as to be substantially adjacent the cross
member
302 of the spacer 206 as can be seen in Figure 5e. The first elongate members
312a
and second elongate members 312b are secured together to form a pair of
elongate
members 312 and forming a further second set of elongate members 310.
As can be seen in Figure 5f, a further first set of elongate members 308 are
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positioned mutually orthogonal to the further second set of elongate members
310.
The further first set of elongate members 308 and the further second set of
elongate
members 310 are secured together to form the first mesh layer 202. The first
mesh
layer 202 is then secured to the cross member 302 of the spacers 206. The
prefabricated mesh cage construction thus formed can be transported to a
building
site and lifted into position.
With particular reference to Figure 5g construction of the reinforcing
structure
comprising the reinforcing framework 100 is completed in situ at an onsite
location;
concrete, or other material, is applied to the reinforcing framework 100, such
that only
a portion of the first mesh layer 202 and the second mesh layer 204 remain
visible,
namely the ends of the pair of elongate members 312 that make up the second
set of
elongate members 310 present in both the first mesh layer 202 and the second
mesh
layer 204.
It is to be appreciated that while Figures 5a to 5g show the method for
fabrication of
the reinforcing framework 100 of the present invention as following a certain
series of
steps as outlined above, the method of fabrication may comprise similar steps
conducted in alternative orders, such as may be considered more efficient or
otherwise beneficial, without being considered to substantially deviate from
the
present invention.
Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that while Figures 5a to 5g show the
first mesh
layer 202 and second mesh layer 204 to be constructed in situ in connection
with the
spacer 206, that each of the mesh layers, namely the first mesh layer 202 and
the
second mesh layer 204 may be fabricated independently and separately from each
other and the reinforcing framework 100. The complete assembly of the first
mesh
layer 202 and the complete assembly of the second mesh layer 204 are then
incorporated into the fabrication of the reinforcing framework 100 of the
present
invention. Such method of fabricating the reinforcing framework 100 of the
present
invention may comprise firstly laying out the second mesh layer 204 before
placing
the spacers 206 positioned substantially adjacent to the first set of elongate
members
308, such that the foot portions 306 are positioned substantially adjacent to
the
second elongate member 312b of the second set of elongate members 310 present
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in the second mesh layer 204. The foot portions 306 of the spacer 206 are then
secured to the second elongate member 312b of the second set of elongate
members 310 present in the second mesh layer 204; The first mesh layer 202 is
placed such as to position the first mesh layer 202 substantially adjacent to
the cross
member 302 of the spacer 206. The first mesh layer 202 is placed, such that
shear
links contained within the first mesh layer 202 are positioned substantially
adjacent to
the lifting points. The first set of elongate members 308 are then spliced to
the
second set of elongate members 310, where the first set of elongate members
308
and the second set of elongate members 310 fall within the curve area of the
cross
member 302 of the spacer 206. The first mesh layer 202 is then secured to the
cross
member 302 of the spacer 206 about the contact points.
It is to be appreciated that securing of elongate members and the spacer may
include, but is not limited to, splicing and fixers made of steel or other
material as
may be deemed appropriate in the industry for use as a fixer, and welding.
Splicing
may include, but is not limited to, half lap splice, bevel lap splice and
tabled splice
joints as may be deemed appropriate. Welding may include any form of welding
technique, as may be deemed appropriate, including, but not limited to spot
welding,
bottom welding,
Example 1: Method of constructing and installing a reinforcing framework for a
slab
design in accordance with the present invention.
The reinforcing framework 100 is firstly designed and approved by engineers.
Prefabrication in an offsite location is achieved by fixing the components of
the
reinforcing framework 100 using standard steel fixers according to a slab
format
design, as pre-approved by an engineer. The assembled reinforcing framework
100
is then transported and delivered, in one piece, to the site of instalment.
Instalment
involves lifting the assembled reinforcing framework 100, in one piece, into
the
desired position and cast-in-place concrete applied to the reinforcing
framework 100.
The concrete is then allowed to dry before use of the fully formed slab.
Referring now to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, there is shown another reinforcing
framework
according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 400.
Parts
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similar to those described previously are assigned the same reference
numerals. In
this case, splice bars 401 project outwardly at one side of the reinforcing
framework
400 in a single fly arrangement. Fig. 7 shows a concrete slab 402 cast about
the
reinforcing framework 400 in use.
Referring now to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, there is shown another reinforcing
framework
according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the
reference numeral 500. Parts similar to those described previously are
assigned the
same reference numerals. In this case, sets of splice bars 401 project
outwardly at
both sides of the reinforcing framework 500. It will be noted that this has a
double fly
construction with the splice bars 401 projecting out at opposite sides of the
reinforcing framework 500 and forming an extension of the first mesh layer 202
and
second mesh layer 204.
The arrangements in Figures 6 to 9 advantageously provide for automatic
splicing of
the reinforcing frameworks 400, 500 during construction of a building. The
reinforcing
framework 400 is inserted first. Then a required number of the reinforcing
framework
500 are dropped into place in alignment with the first reinforcing framework
400 with
the splice bars 401 overlapping with the adjacent framework. It will be
appreciated
that the reinforcing frameworks 400, 500 facilitate automatic splicing of the
reinforcing
frameworks 400, 500 which greatly speeds up the construction process.
Referring now to Fig. 10, this shows the knitting together of a vertical wall
panel 600
and a reinforcing framework 400. Fig. 11 shows this from another angle. It
will be
noted that U-bar ends 410 on the reinforcing framework 400 accommodate varying
dimensions. It will be appreciated that the wall panel reinforcement may be
formed
by any of the reinforcing frameworks of the invention previously described.
Referring in particular to Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, this shows a reinforcing
framework 500
mounted at a column 700. It will be noted in Fig. 13, a cutaway portion 502 is
provided in the reinforcing framework 500 to accommodate the column 700. Shear
links 503 are incorporated into the steelwork of the reinforcing frame 500
around the
opening 502.
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It is to be appreciated that while the present example demonstrates a slab
design the
reinforcing framework may also be used to construct and install other
reinforcing
structures such as, but not limited to, walls, floors, beams, columns,
foundations and
frames.
It is also to be appreciated that white the example provided uses concrete
other
materials with similar physical properties may be readily substituted.
It is also to be appreciated that while the example provided describes the
cast-in-
place concrete applied to the reinforcing framework after transport and
delivery to the
onsite location, the concrete may be applied to the reinforcing framework
before the
fully assembled reinforcing framework is transported and delivered to the
onsite
location.
Furthermore where precast concrete is used a drying step is not necessary.
The terms "comprise" and "include", and any variations thereof required for
grammatical
reasons, are to be considered as interchangeable and accorded the widest
possible
interpretation.
The terms "framework", "skeletal framework", "frame" and "skeleton" refer to a
structure,
or structures, for supporting or enclosing a reinforcing structure or
prefabricated
concrete, such as reinforcing slab designs, and as such are to be considered
as
interchangeable and accorded the widest possible interpretation. Said terms
should not
be confused with "formwork" or "shuttering" as further defined below.
The terms "formwork" or "shuttering, refer to temporary or permanent moulds
into which
cement , or other material, may be poured and allowed to dry, and as such may
be
formed of "framework", "skeletal framework", "frame" and "skeleton".
The terms "contact points" and lifting points" are to be considered as
interchangeable
and accorded the widest possible interpretation.
The terms "c/c" and "O.C" are commonly used term in construction to mean
centre to
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centre and on centre respectively and as such are to be considered as
interchangeable
and accorded the widest possible interpretation.
The terms "double skin" and "double skin mats" are well known industry terms
to mean
a set of skins, panels or rebar mats or mesh layers and as such are to be
considered as
interchangeable and accorded the widest possible interpretation.
It will be understood that the components referred to a standard steel fixers
throughout
may be readily substituted for other standard fixers that may be applicable
for use in the
prefabrication and construction of reinforcing frameworks, reinforcing
structures,
reinforcing slab designs and other reinforcing structures.
It will be understood that the components shown in any of the drawings are not
necessarily drawn to scale, and, like parts shown in several drawings are
designated
the same reference numerals.
It will be further understood that features from any of the embodiments may be
combined with alternative described embodiments, even if such a combination is
not
explicitly recited hereinbefore but would be understood to be technically
feasible by the
person skilled in the art.
The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which
may be
varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the appended
claims.
