Building component

Abstract

A building formwork component comprising first and second spaced sidewalls having one or more webs extending there-between, each sidewall comprising a flange extending inwardly along a first edge of the sidewall such that an outer surface of the flange forms a ramp surface; and a groove extending along an opposing second edge of the sidewall. The component may be coupled to a like component by relative movement of the components towards each other, whereby the flanges are received in respective grooves of the like component, and whereby the ramp surfaces facilitate such coupling by engaging respective second edges of the like component to move the second edges and/or ramp surfaces for engagement of the flanges in the grooves.

Claims

1. A building formwork component configured to provide a mould into which cementitious material is to be poured, the building formwork component comprising first and second spaced sidewalls having one or more webs extending therebetween, each of the first and second sidewalls having opposing edges, a first flange extending inwardly along one of the edges to define an associated ramp surface and a second flange extending inwardly along another one of the edges to also define an associated ramp surface, and a first groove extending along another one of the edges and a second groove extending along another one of the edges; wherein the component is configured to be coupled to a like component by relative movement of the components towards each other, whereby the flanges are received in respective grooves of the components, and whereby each ramp surface facilitates such coupling of the components by engaging a respective edge having the groove to move the edges and/or ramp surfaces for engagement of the flanges in the grooves, wherein the first and second spaced sidewalls define first edges at a first end of the component and second edges at an opposite second end of the component; and wherein the one or more webs include first and second webs extending between the first and second sidewalls, the first web extending between the sidewalls at a location between the second web and the first end of the component, and the second web extending between the sidewalls at a location between the first web and the second end of the component.

2. A building formwork component as claimed in claim 1, wherein an inner surface, opposing the outer surface, of each flange forms an acute angle with the sidewall.

3. A building formwork component as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sidewalls are arranged symmetrically such that the flanges are located in a first end region of the component and the grooves are located in an opposing second end region of the component.

4. A building formwork component as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sidewalls are arranged asymmetrically, such that one flange and one groove is located in each of a first end region and an opposing second end region of the component.

5. A building formwork component as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second webs extends between the sidewalls in proximity to the flanges, to inhibit movement of the sidewalls adjacent to the flanges during coupling.

6. A building formwork component as claimed in claim 5 wherein, when the component is coupled to a like component, the grooves of the component are located between the respective flanges of the like component.

7. A building formwork component as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second webs extends between the sidewalls in proximity to the grooves, to inhibit movement of the sidewalls adjacent to the grooves during coupling.

8. A building formwork component configured to provide a mould into which cementitious material is to be poured, the building formwork component comprising first and second spaced sidewalls having one or more webs extending therebetween, each of the first and second sidewalls having opposing edges, a first flange extending outwardly along one of the edges to define an associated ramp surface and a second flange extending outwardly along another one of the edges to also define an associated ramp surface, and a first groove extending along another one of the edges and a second groove extending along another one of the edges; wherein the component is configured to be coupled to a like component by relative movement of the components towards each other, whereby the flanges are received in respective grooves of the components, and the flanges of the component are located between the grooves of the like component; whereby each ramp surface facilitates such coupling of the components by engaging a respective edge having the groove to move the edges and/or ramp surfaces for engagement of the flanges in the grooves; wherein the first and second spaced sidewalls define first edges at a first end of the component and second edges at an opposite second end of the component; and wherein the one or more webs include first and second webs extending between the first and second sidewalls, the first web extending between the sidewalls at a location between the second web and the first end of the component, and the second web extending between the sidewalls at a location between the first web and the second end of the component.

9. A building formwork component as claimed in claim 1, wherein each groove is formed so as to correspond to a respective flange of a like component, whereby the flange may be closely received in the groove when the component is coupled to a like component.

10. A building formwork component as claimed in claim 1, wherein each flange is configured such that a distal end thereof abuts an inner surface of a respective groove in the like component to prevent lateral movement of the components away from one another when coupled.

11. A building formwork component as claimed in claim 1 further configured such that when coupled to a like component, each sidewall forms a generally flush surface with the corresponding sidewall of the like component.

12. A building formwork component as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second webs are arranged such that when the component is coupled to one or more like components, there is a gap between an outermost one of the first and second webs of the component and an outermost one of the first and second webs of the like component.

13. A building formwork system comprising a plurality of building formwork components, each component being as claimed in claim 1, the components configured to be coupled to one another.

14. A building formwork system as claimed in claim 13, further comprising: reinforcing arranged to span the coupled components and arranged with respect to one or more apertures in the components; and a cementitious material located in the spaces formed between the sidewalls and the first and second webs of the components.

15. A building formwork component as claimed in claim 1, wherein the associated ramp surface of each flange is configured for snap engagement in a respective one of the grooves.

16. A building formwork component as claimed in claim 1, wherein the component is configured such that, as a result of said relative movement of the component and like component towards each other, each edge along which a groove extends traverses the ramp surface associated with a respective flange, causing at least one of the sidewalls to flex, until the flange snap engages into the groove.

17. A building formwork component as claimed in claim 1, wherein the component is configured such that the component can be coupled to the like component by locating a first flange along one of the edges of the component in a first groove of the like component, and by pivoting the component about an axis that is formed along the first flange located in the first groove until a second flange along one of the other edges locates in a second groove along another one of the other edges.

18. A building formwork component as claimed in claim 17, wherein the associated ramp surface of the second flange is configured for snap engagement in the second groove.

19. A building formwork component as claimed in claim 18, wherein the component is configured such that, as a result of said pivoting, the edge along which the second groove extends traverses the ramp surface associated with its respective second flange, causing at least one of the sidewalls to flex, until the second flange snap engages into the second groove.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the system and device as defined in the Summary, specific embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIGS. 1A to 1G show various views of a first embodiment of the building formwork component;

(3) FIG. 2A to 2H show various views of a second embodiment of the building formwork component;

(4) FIG. 3A to 3F show various views of a variation of the second embodiment of the building formwork component;

(5) FIG. 4A to 4C show various views of a third embodiment of the building formwork component;

(6) FIG. 5A to 5C show various views of a variation of the third embodiment of the building formwork component;

(7) FIG. 6A to 6F show various views of a fourth embodiment of the building formwork component;

(8) FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of the building formwork component that is symmetrical about one plane of symmetry, and asymmetrical about one plane of symmetry; and

(9) FIG. 8 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of the building formwork component that is asymmetrical about two planes of symmetry.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

(10) In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter disclosed herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

(11) FIGS. 1A to 1G show a first embodiment of the building formwork component 110. The formwork component 110 comprises two parallel spaced sidewalls 112. The sidewalls 112 have webs 114 formed therebetween. The illustrated form comprises four webs 114, however other embodiments may comprise more or less webs. Similarly, the webs 114 in the illustrated embodiment are spaced equidistantly from one another; but in other embodiments the spacing between the webs may be uneven.

(12) Each sidewall 112 comprises a flange 116 extending inwardly (i.e. towards the other sidewall) along a first edge of the sidewall. Each flange 116 extends such that it is directed back along the sidewall 112 such that an inner wall of each flange 116 forms an acute angle with its respective sidewall 112. In this way, the outer surface of each flange 116 (i.e. the surface opposing the inner surface) forms a ramp surface 118.

(13) Each sidewall 112 further comprises a groove 120 formed in the sidewall 112 and extending along a second edge (opposing the first edge) of the sidewall 112. Each groove 120 has a generally V-shape in cross-section such that its profile corresponds to the profile of a respective flange 116 of a like component 110′ (i.e. a component having the same form as the illustrated embodiment). In the illustrated form, each groove 120 is formed immediately adjacent to the edge of the sidewall 112 such that it is in the form of an elongate hook-like feature. In other forms one or more of the grooves 120 may be set back from the edge of the sidewall 112 (although still within the vicinity of the edge) such that a small portion of the sidewall 112 extends beyond the groove 120.

(14) The component 110 may be coupled to a like component 110′ (i.e. that is the same or substantially similar to the first-mentioned component) by relative movement of the components 110, 110′ towards one another until e.g. a snap-locking inter-engagement occurs. For example, the component 110 may be moved towards the like component 110′ such that the flanges 116 of the component 110 are received in respective grooves 120′ of the like component 110′. This coupling can be such that the components 110, 110′ are ready to receive a cementitious material therein (e.g. functioning as stay-in-place formwork). As shown in FIG. 1D, the ramp surfaces 118 may facilitate such engagement by engaging the edges 122 of the grooves 120 (i.e. the distal ends of sidewalls 112), which may cause the sidewalls 112 to flex outwards.

(15) In the illustrated form, flexing of the sidewalls 112 adjacent to the grooves 120 is facilitated by the location of the webs 114. In particular, the webs 114d are arranged such that they are not proximal to the grooves 120. In other words, the length of sidewall 112 between the grooves 120 and the nearest web 114d is relatively large to allow for flexing of the sidewalls 112. Further, the flanges 116 and grooves 120 are arranged such that when the component 110 is coupled to a like component 110′, the grooves 120 sit between the flanges 116. Thus the flanges 116 prevent the sidewalls 112 adjacent the grooves 120 from flexing outwards. The hydraulic pressure of concrete, when poured into the building component 110 may force the flanges 116 outwards (i.e. moving the flanges 116 into the grooves 120), which may improve the seal formed between the flanges 116 and the grooves 120. This may reduce or prevent the ingress of water into and across coupled building components 110, and at the same time may help to prevent the concrete from leaking from the building components 110, 110′ (i.e. through the joints between them).

(16) The webs 114 of the illustrated embodiment are arranged such that when the component 110 is coupled to a like component 110′ a space is formed between the outer webs 114a, 114d′ of the components 110, 110′. In use, this space may be filled with concrete which can help to reduce or prevent the ingress of water into the space. Even if a small crack remains between the hardened concrete and the webs 114, autogenous healing will reduce the size of the crack and impede further water entering the space. If the outer webs 114a, 114d′ of the coupled components 110, 110′ were arranged such that they abut one another, as in prior art arrangements, then it is possible for a small gap to form between the abutting webs 114a, 114d′ such that water may leak from one side of the coupled building components 110, 110′ to the other (i.e. through the gap).

(17) Alternatively or additionally, movement of the component 110 towards a like component 110′, and engagement of the ramp surfaces 118 with the second edges, may cause the flanges 116 (i.e. having the ramp surfaces 118) to move. For example, the walls adjacent the flanges 116 may flex outwards, or the flanges 116 themselves may deflect. In the case that the flanges 116 deflect, the entire flange 116 may rotate about the point at which it extends from its respective sidewall 112, or a portion of the flange 116 (i.e. at the distal end of the flange 116) may deflect or deform with respect to the remainder of the flange 116 (e.g. in a snap-locking interengagement).

(18) The component 110 may also be coupled with a like component 110′ by relative pivoting movements of the components 110 as shown in FIGS. 1E and 1F. For example, the component 110 and like component 110′ may first be connected along an edge by alignment of a flange 116 of the component 110 in the corresponding groove 120′ of a like component 110′. The components 110 may then be pivoted relative to one another about an axis formed along the connected edges in order to effect snap engagement of the opposing flange 116 and groove 120′ (i.e. by engagement of the edge 122 of the groove 120′ with the ramp surface 118 for movement of the edge 122 and/or ramp surface 118).

(19) The illustrated form is symmetrical about a plane of symmetry cutting the component 110 in half (i.e. between the top and bottom of the component 110). This plane would appear as a horizontal line in FIG. 1B. In describing the form as being symmetrical about a plane, the webs are being ignored. Only the sidewalls are being considered. In other words, the sidewalls are arranged symmetrically about the plane. Such an arrangement allows the component 110 to couple to a like component 110′ in more than one orientation. In particular, the component 110 can still be coupled when it is oriented such that it is inverted. This may be convenient, for example, on a building site whereby several building components 110 require coupling to one another (e.g. to form a wall) and they are not necessarily stacked or stored in the correct orientation. Thus, in use, minimal reorientation of the component 110 may be required, which may provide faster coupling, thereby reducing the time (and costs) required to build a structure (e.g. wall, roof, flooring, etc.) using multiple formwork components 110.

(20) In further alternative embodiments, the component can assume asymmetric forms. FIG. 7 shows a component 110″ wherein the sidewalls 112a, 112b are asymmetric about one plane (i.e. a plane that extends centrally through the webs 114a to 114d, which would be a horizontal line in FIG. 7) but wherein each sidewall 112a or 112b is symmetric about a central plane extending transverse through the sidewall (which would be a vertical line in FIG. 7). FIG. 8 shows a component 110′″ that is generally asymmetric. Asymmetrical arrangements may be suitable, for example, where it is intended that the component be used in only one orientation.

(21) More specifically, FIG. 7 shows a component 110″ wherein each sidewall 112a, 112b is symmetrical about a plane of symmetry that cuts the sidewall 110 in half, whilst the component 110″ is asymmetrical about a plane that extends between, and parallel to, the sidewalls 112a & b (i.e. a plane that extends centrally through the webs 114a to 114d). In the component 110″, one flange 116 and one groove 120 are located in each of the first end region 111 and the opposing second end region 113 of the component. Further, a first sidewall 112a comprises two flanges 116, with each flange 116 being formed along a respective first or opposing second edge of the sidewall 112a. Each flange is directed to extend back inwardly along the sidewall 112a such that an inner wall of each flange 116 forms an acute angle with the same sidewall 112a. In the component 110″, the other, second sidewall 112b comprises two grooves 120, each groove 120 being formed along a respective first or opposing second edge of the sidewall 112b and having a generally V-shape in cross-section such that its profile corresponds to the profile of a respective flange 116 of a like component (i.e. a component having the same form as the illustrated embodiment). However, to connect the like components to each other, the adjacent component 110″ needs to be rotated relative to an existing component (i.e. the adjacent component is rotated 180° around an imaginary centre-point relative to the component that is shown in FIG. 7).

(22) FIG. 8 shows a component 110′″ that is generally asymmetrical. In component 110′″, one flange 116 and one groove 120 are located in each of the first end region 111 and the opposing second end region 113 of the component. In addition, each of the first and second sidewalls 112a,112b comprises one flange 116 and one groove 120 being formed along a respective first or opposing second edge of the respective sidewall 112a,112b. Thus, each flange 116 is located at a diagonally opposite sidewall edge across the component 110′″, and each groove 120 is located at a diagonally opposite sidewall edge across the component 110″. Again, each flange 116 is directed to extend back inwardly along the respective sidewall 112 such that an inner wall of each flange 116 forms an acute angle with the sidewall 112 on which it is formed. Each groove 120 is formed along a respective first or opposing second edge of the sidewall and having a generally V-shape in cross-section such that its profile corresponds to the profile of a respective flange 116 of a like component (i.e. a component having the same form as the illustrated embodiment).

(23) Returning to the description of the component 110, each flange 116 fits closely within its corresponding groove 120, such that movement between two coupled components 110, 110′ is restricted. This also facilitates alignment of coupled components 110, 110′ such that the outer surfaces of the coupled sidewalls 112 are flush (thereby providing a continuous wall requiring minimal surface finish).

(24) Each web 114 comprises multiple apertures 124 therethrough. In particular, in the illustrated form each web 114 comprises four apertures 124. The apertures 124 of each web 114 are aligned such that, in use, reinforcing bar or rod can be passed through them (i.e. such that when the bar or rod becomes embedded in e.g. cementitious material, it can provide additional strength to the resultant composite structure). The apertures 124 may also provide access for services such as electrical wiring and pipes. The profile of each aperture 124, as shown in FIG. 1G is such that it comprises top and bottom convex edges 126 and two side concave edges 128. The corners formed between these edges provide troughs 130 for locating reinforcing bars, wiring etc. The concave side edges 128 of each aperture 124 (i.e. that bow outwards towards the sidewalls 112) can result in an inset placement of each reinforcing bar, relative to the adjacent sidewall 112 (i.e. and thus also away from the outer surfaces of the concrete when formed in the formwork), whilst still allowing for an increased size of each aperture 128. The maximising of the size of the aperture 124 also maximises the flow of the concrete across the webs 114. In this respect, the continuity of the hardened structure is disrupted as little as possible by the presence of the webs 114, thereby leading to a stronger e.g. wall structure. In essence, the series of components function as formwork for a continuous wall.

(25) The profile of the apertures 124 is symmetrical, such that location of the bars is not affected by the orientation of the component 110 (i.e. upright or inverted).

(26) FIGS. 2A to 2H show a further embodiment of the building component 210 comprising parallel sidewalls 212 and webs 214 therebetween. Each sidewall 212 comprises at one edge, a flange 216 that projects inwardly such that it is perpendicular to the sidewall 212 and extends along an edge of the sidewall 212. Both flanges 216 extend from their respective sidewalls 212 to the same extent, such that they are symmetrical about a plane of symmetry between the flanges 216 and parallel to the sidewalls 212. This allows the component 210 to be coupled to a like component 210′, even if it is in an upside down orientation.

(27) Each sidewall 212 further comprises at an opposing edge (i.e. at the end of the sidewall 212 opposing the flange 216), a groove 220 extending along the opposing edge. Each groove 220 is in the form of a U-shaped channel that it is optimised to receive a flange 216 therein. An angled flange projects from one of the grooves 220a, such that it forms a ramp surface 218 adjacent to the groove 220a.

(28) The component 210 may be coupled to a like component 210′ by receipt of a flange 216b′ of a like component 210′ in a groove 220b of the component 210, such that the groove 220b and flange 216b form an edge connection between the two components 210. The components 210 may then be pivoted about an axis formed along the connected edges until the flange 216a′ and groove 220a of the opposing sidewalls may be snap engaged. This snap engagement is facilitated by the ramp surface 218 located adjacent the groove 220a. In particular, the flange 216a′ contacts the ramp surface 218, which causes the sidewall adjacent the groove 220a to flex, thereby moving the groove 220a inwards and allowing receipt of the flange 216a′ in the groove 220a. The distal edge of the flange 216a′ is filleted, thereby providing a smaller ramp surface 232 which further facilitates the snap engagement.

(29) In the illustrated form there are three webs 214 interconnecting the sidewalls 212. One of these webs 212a is arranged such that it is connected between the sidewalls adjacent to the flanges 216. This limits flex in the sidewalls 212 adjacent to the flanges 216, thereby inhibiting movement of the flanges 216 during snap engagement. The flanges 216 are also arranged such that they are located outside the grooves 220 when coupled, such that when e.g. concrete is received in the building components 210, 210′ the walls having the grooves 220 flex outwards and force the grooves 220 against the flanges 216 to form a tighter, water-resistant seal.

(30) Each web 214 comprises four apertures 224 for receipt of reinforcing bar, electrical wiring, pipes etc. As in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 1G, the profile of each aperture 224 is such that it comprises top and bottom convex edges 226 and two side convex edges 232.

(31) A similar embodiment is shown in FIGS. 3A to 3F, whereby coupling of the component 310 with a like component 310′ is effected by connection along a single edge, followed by relative pivoting of the components 310.

(32) In the illustrated form, the first sidewall 312a comprises, at one end, a flange 316a extending inwardly such that it forms an acute angle with the sidewall 312a. The first sidewall 312a further comprises, at the other end, a groove 320a having a V-shaped profile (i.e. complementing the flange 316a extending at an acute angle). The second sidewall 312b comprises at one end, an inwardly extending flange 316b that is perpendicular to the sidewall 312b. At the other opposing end, the second sidewall 312b comprises a groove 320b having a hook shaped profile.

(33) To couple the component 310 with a like component 310′, the perpendicular flange 316b′ of a like component 310′ may be received in the hook shaped groove 320b of the component 310 to connect the second sidewalls 312b, 312b′ of the components 310, 310′ along an edge. The distal edge of the flange 316b is filleted to aid alignment of the flange 316b in the hook-shaped groove 320b. Similarly, the profile of the hook-shaped groove 320 is such that it fits closely within a recess 334 formed between the flange 316b and a web 314a adjacent to the flange. This further aids alignment of the components 310, 310′.

(34) In order to effect coupling, the components 310, 310′ may then be pivoted relative to one another about the connected edge to snap engage the opposing flange 316a′ in the V-shaped groove 320a. The outer surface of the flange 316a provides a ramp surface 318, thereby facilitating the snap engagement. In the illustrated form, the distal edge of the V-shaped groove 320a is filleted such that it forms a smaller ramp surface 328 to further facilitate the snap engagement.

(35) FIGS. 4A to 4C show a further embodiment of a building formwork component 410. In this embodiment, each sidewall 412 comprises a first edge having a pair of parallel flanges 436 extending therefrom, and a second opposing edge having a further pair of parallel flange 438 extending therefrom. The flanges 436, 438 are arranged such that the component 410 may be coupled to a like component 410′ by interdigitation (i.e. interleaving) of the flanges 436, 438. Thus, the recesses 440 formed between the flanges 436, 438 are approximately the width of a flange (i.e. so that a flange 436, 438 may be closely received in the recess 440).

(36) The interdigitation of the flanges 436 may help to reduce or eliminate the ingress of water into and through the coupled building components 410, 410′. In particular, the interdigitation arrangement increases the length and complexity of the path (e.g. tortuous) which water (or other liquids) must take in order to pass through the joint.

(37) In other forms, the sidewalls 412 may comprise more flanges 436, 438 and, for example, each edge of the sidewalls 412 may comprise three, four or five parallel flanges extending therefrom. Moreover, the sidewalls of a single component 412 may comprise different numbers of flanges. For example, the first sidewall 412a could comprise two flanges at each edge, whilst the second sidewall 412b could comprise four flanges at each edge.

(38) In the illustrated form, each of the flanges 436, 438 comprises a pointed and/or filleted distal end. This provides easier alignment of the flanges 436, 438 between and around the corresponding flanges 436′, 438′ of a like component 410′.

(39) The inner flange 436a of the first edge of the first sidewall comprises a ridge 442a that extends along the flange 436a. Similarly, the inner flange 438a of the second edge of first sidewall 412a comprises a groove 444a extending along the flange 438a. On the other hand, the inner flange 436b of the first edge of the second sidewall 412b comprises a groove 444b, and the inner flange 438b of the second edge of the second sidewall 412b comprises a ridge 442b. In other words, the arrangement of the second sidewall 412b is such that it is essentially the reverse of the first sidewall 412a.

(40) Each groove 444 is formed and located such that it complements a corresponding ridge 442 and may receive a corresponding ridge 442′ of a like component 410′ when the component 410 is coupled thereto. The ridges 442 and grooves 444, when engaged, inhibit movement of the component 410 away from a like component 410′ (i.e. when coupled thereto). They also provide further sealing to prevent the ingress of water into the building formwork components 410, 410′. In the illustrated form, the grooves 444 and ridges 442 are formed in the inner flanges 436, 438, however a person skilled in the art would understand that the grooves and ridges could be located elsewhere (i.e. in another position on the inner flanges 436, 438, or on different flanges) and still provide a retaining and/or waterproofing function. Similarly, whilst the illustrated form comprises two ridges 442 and two grooves 444, other forms of the building formwork component 410 may comprise less or more ridges 442 and grooves 444. For example, the embodiment of the formwork component 510 as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C comprises a single ridge 542 and a single groove 544; both of which are located on the flanges 536b, 538b of the second sidewall 512b.

(41) Referring again to the embodiment of FIGS. 4A to 4C, each ridge 442 comprises a ramp surface 446, such that when the flange 436, 438 comprising the ridge 442 is inserted between the corresponding flanges 436, 438 of a like component, the ramp surface 446 facilitates the insertion of the flange 436, 438 comprising the ridge 442 (i.e. by gradually displacing the corresponding flanges 436′, 438′ apart to allow insertion).

(42) In the embodiment shown, the flanges 438a of the second edge of the first sidewall 412a, and the flanges 436b of the first edge of the second sidewall 412b, are inset from their respective sidewalls 412 by a distance substantially equivalent to the width of a flange. This means that the sidewalls 412 of the component 410 are flush with the sidewalls 412′ of a like component 410′ when coupled thereto (requiring minimal surface finish).

(43) Referring now to FIGS. 6A to 6F, a further embodiment of the building formwork component 610 is shown. In this embodiment, the component 610 is coupled to a like component 610′ by sliding the components 610, 610′ relative to one another such that they become interlocked.

(44) Each sidewall 612 of the component 610 comprises at a first end, a groove 620 in the form of a U-shaped (i.e. in cross-section) channel. Each sidewall 612 further comprises, at a second end, a flange 616 inwardly extending perpendicular to the sidewall 612. A recess 648 is formed between each flange 616 and a web 614a that extends between the sidewalls 612 adjacent to the flanges 616. Two further flanges 650 extend from this web such that they are generally parallel to the sidewalls 612. These further flanges 650 each comprise a ramp surface 652, which facilitates alignment of a like component 610′ within the associated recess 648 (i.e. by guiding the edge of a sidewall 612′ of a like component 610′ into the recess 648).

(45) A first sidewall 654 of each U-shaped channel 620 (i.e. one “leg” of the U) extends inwardly from its respective first or second sidewall 612. A second sidewall 656 of each channel 620 (i.e. the other “leg” of the U) has a cut-away (as shown in detail in FIG. 6E) therein 658. This cut-away 658 allows the outer surface of each flange 616 (i.e. on the second end of each sidewall 612) to be moved into close facing engagement with the inner surface of the first sidewall 654 of the U-shaped channel 620 (i.e. where the second sidewall 656 of the channel 620 has been cut away). This close facing engagement means that a user (e.g. a labourer) can align the components 610, 610′ along the axis of slidable engagement (i.e. such that the flanges 616 are aligned with their corresponding recesses 648). This may provide simpler coupling of components 610, and may reduce time, labour costs and worker fatigue.

(46) The cut-aways 658 in the illustrated form are located at the top and bottom of each U-shaped channel 620. However, in other forms, each channel 620 may only comprise a single cut-away 658 at e.g. the top or the bottom of the channel 620. Alternatively, the channel 620 may comprise one or more cut-aways located intermediate the ends of the channels 620. In this case, corresponding cut-aways may be located on the flanges 616 in order to provide for close facing contact of the flanges 616 with the first sidewalls 654 of the channels 620.

(47) Each web 614 of the illustrated form comprises three apertures 624. Each top and bottom side of the apertures 624 has a wave-like form. The troughs of this wave like form may be utilised for locating reinforcing bars, wiring etc. The profile of the apertures 624 is symmetrical, such that location of the bars is not affected by the orientation of the component 610 (i.e. upright or inverted). It would be understood by a person skilled in the art that, in other forms, the apertures may be other suitable shapes such as circular, ovoid, rectangular, etc.

(48) Whilst a number of specific building formwork component embodiments have been described, it should be appreciated that the building formwork component may be embodied in other forms.

(49) For example, the clipping portions (i.e. flanges, grooves etc.) may extend only partway along the edges of the sidewalls. Moreover, the sidewalls may be curved (e.g. for forming a curved wall structure) or, for example, may have a wave-like form. Alternatively, component may be in the form of a corner structure (i.e. such that it bends at right angles).

(50) In the claims which follow and in the preceding summary except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprising” is used in the sense of “including”, that is, the features as above may be associated with further features in various embodiments.

(51) Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure.