Reinforcing framework and slab design

Abstract

A reinforcing framework (10) for the construction of reinforced concrete structures includes at least two spaced-apart mesh layers (202, 204). A plurality of spaced-apart spacers (206) are mounted between the mesh layers (202, 204) to support the two mesh layers (202, 204) spaced-apart in substantially parallel planes. Each spacer (206) has 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 has 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. The cross member is bent inwardly between the legs.

Claims

1. A reinforcing framework for the construction of reinforced concrete structures, the reinforcing framework 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.

2. The reinforcing framework as claimed in claim 1, wherein the length of the cross member is sufficient to support a plurality of reinforcing bars.

3. The reinforcing framework as claimed in claim 1, wherein 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.

4. The reinforcing framework as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross member is curved inwardly between the legs.

5. The reinforcing framework as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross member is V-shaped.

6. The reinforcing framework as claimed in claim 1, wherein each spacer has feet which project outwardly from the legs in opposite directions.

7. A reinforcing framework as claimed in claim 1, wherein a spacer is mounted at a lifting point for the reinforcing framework.

8. The reinforcing framework as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of spaced-apart splice bars project outwardly at one or both sides of the reinforcing framework.

9. The reinforcing framework as claimed in claim 8, wherein the splice bars form an extension of one or both of the mesh layers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0093] 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:

[0094] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a portion of a reinforcing framework in accordance with the present invention;

[0095] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the reinforcing framework of FIG. 1;

[0096] FIG. 3 shows a side sectional view of the reinforcing framework of FIG. 1;

[0097] FIG. 4 shows a further side sectional view of the reinforcing framework of FIG. 1;

[0098] FIGS. 5a to 5g show a series of fabrication steps for constructing the reinforcing framework of FIG. 1 and a resulting reinforcing structure;

[0099] FIG. 6 is a plan view of another reinforcing framework according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0100] FIG. 7 is a side sectional elevational view showing the reinforcing framework of FIG. 6 in use;

[0101] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a further reinforcing framework according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0102] FIG. 9 is a side sectional elevational view of the reinforcing framework of FIG. 8, shown in use;

[0103] FIG. 10 is a detail perspective view showing the reinforcing framework of the invention in use;

[0104] FIG. 11 is another detail perspective view showing the reinforcing framework in use;

[0105] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a reinforcing framework of the invention in use; and

[0106] FIG. 13 is a detail perspective view showing portion of the arrangement in FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0107] Referring to the drawings and initially to FIG. 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 shown without a set of elongate members of a first top mesh layer, in order to improve the understandability of the drawing.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] Preferably the foot portions 306 project outwardly from the legs 304 in opposite directions as shown in the drawings.

[0112] Referring in particular to FIG. 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 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] Referring in particular to FIG. 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 5a the reinforcing framework 100 is fabricated firstly by laying out 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 FIG. 5b.

[0119] In FIG. 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.

[0120] As is shown in FIG. 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.

[0121] It is to be appreciated that alternatively to that shown in FIG. 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.

[0122] As is further seen from FIG. 5d some further second elongate members 312b are arranged substantially in parallel and over the cross members 302 of the plurality of spacers 206.

[0123] 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 FIG. 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.

[0124] As can be seen in FIG. 5f, a further first set of elongate members 308 are 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.

[0125] With particular reference to FIG. 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.

[0126] It is to be appreciated that while FIGS. 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.

[0127] Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that while FIGS. 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 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.

[0128] 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

[0129] 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 installment. Installment 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.

[0130] 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 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] The arrangements in FIGS. 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] It is also to be appreciated that while the example provided uses concrete other materials with similar physical properties may be readily substituted.

[0137] 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.

[0138] Furthermore where precast concrete is used a drying step is not necessary.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] The terms contact points and lifting points are to be considered as interchangeable and accorded the widest possible interpretation.

[0143] The terms c/c and O.C are commonly used term in construction to mean centre to centre and on centre respectively and as such are to be considered as interchangeable and accorded the widest possible interpretation.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.