(19)
(11) EP 2 314 786 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
11.07.2012 Bulletin 2012/28

(21) Application number: 09179126.9

(22) Date of filing: 14.12.2009
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
E04B 2/86(2006.01)

(54)

Constructive element

Bauelement

Élément de construction


(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR

(30) Priority: 22.10.2009 CA 2683299
04.11.2009 US 612308

(43) Date of publication of application:
27.04.2011 Bulletin 2011/17

(73) Proprietor: Garcia Viar, Luis
11190 Benalup-Casas Viejas (ES)

(72) Inventor:
  • Garcia Viar, Luis
    11190 Benalup-Casas Viejas (ES)

(74) Representative: Pons Ariño, Angel 
Glorieta Ruben Dario 4
28010 Madrid
28010 Madrid (ES)


(56) References cited: : 
EP-A1- 0 757 137
DE-A1- 2 139 197
BE-A1- 902 661
   
       
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    OBJECT OF THE INVENTION



    [0001] The invention can be included in the technical field of construction, specifically in the field of construction systems and elements.

    [0002] The object of the present invention relates to a constructive element which can be manufactured in a particularly fast and efficient manner, and also provides precision in its finishing.

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION



    [0003] There are plenty of precedents in the field of construction systems and of the materials used, as it is public knowledge that, in the most developed countries, activities related to construction constitute the main engine of the economy.

    [0004] In any case, the higher the degree of development of a country, the higher the scarcity of labour force and, consequently, solutions which permit the saving of labour force are welcome, whether by mechanizing the construction processes, or by improving the performance of all the activities which take part in construction. Therefore, there is the trend of referring certain processes to integral manufacturing plants for prefabricated elements which can be easily and efficiently used in the civic work where they are required. On the other hand, development itself further involves compliance with ever more demanding regulations due to reasons of security, comfort and respect for nature.

    [0005] Prefabricated elements nowadays play central roles in the construction of all buildings, whether they be for the structural work or for the complementary formation works such as roofs, retaining walls or partitions of all types.

    [0006] This use of prefabricated elements normally requires complementary operations for surface finishing or for the formation of grooves intended to house the usual water, electricity, television wiring or other similar systems. In that sense, lightweight material panels are known which have built-in pipes, cable trays, connection boxes and other complements which facilitate the building work, as for example described in EP 0757137.

    DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION



    [0007] The object of the present invention is constituted by the provision of a constructive element of the wall or partition type in accordance with claim 1, which can be built with greater efficiency, speed and perfection in the finishing than those constructive elements described in the state of the art.

    [0008] Therefore a constructive element is described which comprises a construction setting material arranged inside a permanent formwork, wherein said permanent formwork is adapted in its geometry to remain solidly attached to the construction material during the setting of said construction material.

    [0009] The permanent formwork is constituted by a pair of semi-forms, equipped with fastening protuberances and/or recesses to the construction material. The semi-forms are arranged facing each other, and the construction setting material is poured between said semi-forms.

    [0010] The protuberances and recesses define slots which comply with the favourable functions of:
    • Provide fastening during the setting of the construction material between said construction material and the semi-forms, by holding said semi-forms together with the construction material;
    • Provide a means of holding and fastening for different coating elements used in each case for finishing of the constructive element, by allowing the insertion of a respective collaborating fitting in the inner space of each slot in the anchoring of said coating elements;
    • Permit the insertion of a wooden bar into said slots to achieve wooden, outer and inner finishing, screwing or nailing coating elements to said bars;
    • Permit the passage of systems such as electrical, plumbing, telephone, etc. systems;
    • Permit the placement of anchor clips to attach the construction systems of ventilated façades;
    • All types of finishing, such as plaster sheets, door and window frames, etc., can be screwed onto the semi-forms with self-tapping screws;
    • Permit the anchoring, fastening, attaching, nailing or screwing of all types of surface finishing elements on the outer part of the semi-forms, which a considerable saving in time and labour force with respect to the conventional techniques;
    • Additionally, the space provided by the recesses and the protuberances, regardless of the cross-sectional configuration that they adopt, besides providing the aforementioned effects, can be used as channelling to house any type of piping, duct, wiring or such like, or any other element associated with those different services and supplies, so that in addition to permitting an easy and quick installation of these types of elements, it guarantees a suitable protection thereof.


    [0011] The protuberances and recesses can have extremely varied cross-sections, both of regular and irregular geometries, and can consequently be rectangular, circular, trapezoidal or of any other shape, leaving an inner space large enough to allow the insertion of the aforementioned anchoring fittings of coating elements, of the profile-type or of any other configuration. The anchoring fittings can be solidly joined to respective internal fittings with the assistance of pin bolts, screws or such like which, passing through a frontal aperture, are nailed to the corresponding internal fitting.

    [0012] In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the recesses and the protuberances are used to anchor external fittings with the aid of pin bolts or screws which pass through the longitudinal apertures and whose heads, of a larger diameter than said aperture, are housed inside.

    [0013] According to another preferred embodiment, the recesses and the protuberances permit the application of intermediate spacers which keep the separation between the semi-forms of both faces constant, in accordance with the thickness planned for the wall or partition to be built. If you move away from what is described, the use of semi-forms according to the invention permits an improvement of the building of constructive elements, such as walls and partitions simplifying the construction operations and considerably reducing the time invested in such operations, while at the same time providing flat surfaces, duly prepared to receive and fasten the coating and finishing elements provided for to finish the building work.

    [0014] According to the invention, the semi-forms are materialized in metal plates, such as black plates, zinc-coated plates, galvanized plates, lacquered plates, plastic-coated plates, or any other of similar nature, of a thickness which is preferably between 0.50 and 0.75 mm, shaped as is usual in this state of the art, for example by folding or drawing. In this case, the protuberances and recesses are defined in the plate by means of the shaping method itself, whether it is folding, drawing or any of those known and usually used in the state of the art. Each metal plate is fitted with protuberances projecting from one side of the metal plate towards the construction setting material, and with slots defined in correspondence with said protuberances in the other side of said metal plate, said slots housing auxiliary installations.

    [0015] Preferably, in the case of semi-forms manufactured from metal plate, said semi-forms can incorporate stiffening projections which, similar to the protuberances and the recesses, can be shaped by drawing or folding, preferably, and which provide said semi-forms with greater rigidity and strength. Preferably, the stiffening projections feature rectangular forms or substantially smaller dimensions to those of the protuberances and the recesses.

    [0016] Furthermore, a method is described, which is not part of the claimed invention.

    [0017] The method comprises three main stages, in addition to a preliminary production stage of a construction project with its plans and details for the redesign. That defines the measurement of the formwork to be used and the design of the systems which must run through each one of the constructive elements.

    [0018] In the first phase, the semi-forms positioned on the floor are comfortably worked with so that the planned systems (electric, water, communications channelling, etc.) can be placed in the corresponding slots, subsequently securing them by casting a polyurethane foam filling or similar product. It is implied that said systems are preferably vertical, even though it is possibly advisable to make a cut to place, depending on dimensions, the cable box, mechanism box, or some horizontal or oblique channelling of short length. That is based on the physical design of the semi-forms which, as is known, have the slots in the vertical direction. In the upper or lower part, as applicable, the appropriate instalments will be left for the subsequent connections which will run through a false ceiling or floating floor.

    [0019] To finish up this first phase the necessary fittings must be placed in the slots which will eventually serve to reinforce the coating and finishing elements planned in the project.

    [0020] The first phase being completed, the second phase is carried out, which consists of lifting the semi-forms with all of the systems and fittings built-in during the first phase, until positioning them vertically and using them traditionally as permanent formworks. The semi-forms are arranged in pairs to define both sides of the constructive elements, supporting them on foundation bases, securing them vertically with braces, or in whatever is considered advisable, and securing the distance between semi-forms with spacing elements, with the purpose of the idea that filling them with the filling material (concrete, lightweight mortar or plastic foams, for example) will maintain both the verticality and the distance between the semi-forms, which are decisive in the final finishing.

    [0021] Lastly, once a necessary setting for the constructive element to acquire the suitable consistency and strength has been produced, the third phase is started, which comprises, in the first place, completing the electricity, water, communications or any other type of systems and, following this, placing the coating elements planned for the project, attaching them as specified in each case by means of nails, lag screws, screws/nuts, etc.

    [0022] This way of proceeding in the construction system has a series of advantages with respect to other more traditional methods. The main advantage is the cheapening of the final product stemming from the important reduction in labour force costs as a consequence of the quickness with which the building is carried out.

    [0023] Furthermore, the programming, the meticulous preparation of the work to be done and the quickness of the construction have a direct impact on the improvement in efficiency, on the overall performances and on the decrease in the financial costs.

    [0024] Additionally, the method stands out in that it reduces transportation costs, as one only needs to stock up on the semi-forms, finishing materials and system fittings; the construction material, such as mortar or such like, is supplied in cement mixers and is pumped, which means that when fillings based on lightweight mortars and polyurethane foams are used, the total loads are less than those of the traditional construction systems.

    [0025] The use of the semi-forms permits an accurate preparation of hollow spaces, windows and doors which are perfectly built, including anchors, and avoiding the use of frames in doors and windows.

    [0026] As an added advantage, it must be pointed out that the semi-forms themselves provide not only the waterproofing of the façades but also noticeable improvements from the acoustic and thermal standpoints.

    [0027] The use of radial systems is particularly interesting. In said radial electrical systems, the main switchboard, as well as all of the wiring in the housing or, in general, in the building, arrives in the workshop already prepared, the terminals for the wires having been installed and duly numbered, so that the on site installation can be carried out by the workers themselves, since the route and installation of each wire is specified in a plan. This radial electrical installation system achieves an improvement in quality of installation, as well as a savings in labour force and, in general, in costs.

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



    [0028] 

    Figure 1 shows two semi-forms facing each other and arranged in vertical position

    Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a semi-form manufactured from metal plate which comprises stiffening projections inserted between the protuberances.

    Figure 4 represents the general arrangement of the different elements which take part in the forming and concreting process for the formation of a partition.

    Figure 5 represents the final phase of the constructive method, wherein the auxiliary structures are eliminated and the inner and outer surfaces are coated according to the type of finishing chosen. In this case, coating tiles have been decided upon on the outer and plaster on the inner.


    PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION



    [0029] As has been previously mentioned, the detailed description of the forms of preferred embodiment of the constructive element of the invention is going to be carried out in the following with the help of the attached drawings, wherethrough these drawings use the same numeric references to designate the equal or similar parts.

    FIRST EMBODIMENT: SEMI-FORM PLATES



    [0030] Referring in the first place to Figure 1, a schematic view can be observed, viewed from an overhead perspective, of a permanent formwork (1) in accordance with the invention, made up of two semi-forms (11, 11') manufactured from folded or drawn metal plate, and which adopt a substantially flat configuration, wherefrom one of whose faces project multiple protuberances (5) and recesses (2), built into the body of the semi-form (11, 11'), extended in the longitudinal direction of said semi-form (11, 11'), equal and parallel to each other, and in successively equidistant positions.

    [0031] The protuberances (5) and the recesses (2) feature a profile whose cross-section can adopt different alternative forms. The protuberances (5) are projected from one side of the metal plate and slots (3) are defined in correspondence with said protuberances (5) in the other side of the plate.

    [0032] Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment wherein the semi-form (11, 11') additionally incorporates stiffening projections (32) defined between the protuberances (5), which provide greater rigidity and strength.

    [0033] Figure 4 schematically shows a wall or such like under construction, whose external faces are delimited by an array of semi-forms (11, 11') successively aligned by each one of the sides of the wall, and separated by a pre-set distance which is going to define the thickness of the wall or partition once it is filled with a construction material (20). As can be observed (see figure 1), the protuberances (5) and the recesses (2) constitute the means of maintaining said semi-forms (11, 11') in their position fitting in the material (20) once said material (20) has set. On the external face, the slots (3) are left uncovered to fasten an outer coating (7).

    [0034] In figure 5, a schematic view can be observed wherein semi-forms (11, 11') appear positioned vertically on both sides of a wall or such like under construction with the use of mortar, concrete or other material (20), where the thickness of the wall is precisely determined by the separation between the semi-forms (11, 11'). Thanks to the configuration of the recesses (2) (see figure 1), a multiplicity of spacers (13), which will be described below in greater detail, can be coupled.

    [0035] Said coupling by means of spacers (13) immobilises a semi-form (11) from one side of the wall with respect to the semi-form (11') of the opposite side of the wall, thereby guaranteeing the maintenance of the uniformity of the thickness of the wall, and these spacers (13) being buried by the material (20) of the wall, thereby helping reinforce said wall after the setting of the material (20).

    PRODUCTION METHOD



    [0036] The construction method used in the production of walls or partitions using the semi-forms (11, 11') previously described as permanent formwork (1) is described below again with help of figure 1, 4 and 5. The method is carried out according to the following three phases:

    First phase.- (see figure 1)
    Once the dimensions of an inner semi-form (11) and an outer semi-form (11') are known, said semi-forms (11, 11') are placed horizontally or in the position which is considered to be most comfortable and in the inner semi-form (11), flexible tubes for electrical pipes (4), the junction boxes (24), the boxes for switches or plugs (25), the pipes for the conduction of water (26) with their stopcocks (27) and outlet connectors for pigtails (28), leaving instalments for the upper and lower part with the purpose of, when it is time, to proceed to the splicing with the systems which run on a false roof or under a floating floor. Once the placement of all the necessary elements on the corresponding slots (3) has been finished, they are secured and immobilised in their position with a foam polyurethane filling (29) or similar product.
    The outer semi-form (11') is equipped with adapted fittings for the holding of coating elements (7), such as wooden bars (40), hooks, blind plugs, special screws, etc., whose operation is very easy as all of these elements can be strengthened on slots (3). In the case represented in figure 1, wooden bars (40) have been decided upon which are perfectly fit into said slots (3) as their cross-section has been prepared so that they can slide inside said slots (3) without the possibility of them coming out when they have to work as support for the coating elements (7). Another possibility is to fasten the bars (40) to the semi-forms (11, 11') by means of lag screws (not represented).

    Second phase.- (see figure 4)
    In this second phase, the semi-forms (11, 11') are lifted with all of the elements installed thereon which have been immobilised thanks to the foam filling (29) (see figure 1) placed for this purpose. Then, said semi-forms (11, 11') are placed precisely on the firm floor, or on the foundation (31) built for this purpose, fastening them with provisional support structures (14), guaranteeing the uniform separation of the semi-forms (11, 11') by means of spacers (13) which incorporate cladding (18), and the solidity of the array with threaded bars (16) and nuts (17). Taking advantage of the support structure (14), scaffolding boards (15) can be placed, as is normal in constructions.
    Lastly, the construction material (20), which can be concrete, mortar or the type of mixture chosen for the project, is pumped, pouring it through a supply hose (19) in the space between both semi-forms (11, 11') which, as has been indicated, act as permanent formwork (1).
    Once the setting period has passed, the support structure (14), scaffolding boards (15) and the rest of the elements such as nuts (17) and threaded bars (16) are removed.

    Third phase.- (see figure 5)
    The finishing operations are performed in this phase:

    1. a) systems, making the correct connections from the installations which have remained visible.
    2. b) inner facing, adding a layer of plaster (22) or any other type of finishing which is considered by the project of the construction work.
    3. c) an outer facing, placing the coating tiles (7), which are nailed on the wooden bars (30) (see figure 1).




    Claims

    1. Constructive element which comprises:

    a permanent formwork (1) including a pair of separate semi-forms (11, 11') comprising:

    a first semi-form (11) including a first metal plate and

    a second semi-form including a second metal plate,
    said metal plates having an inner side and an outer side, the inner side of the pair of semi-forms (11, 11') facing each other and defining a hollow space between them,

    a construction setting material (20) arranged inside said hollow space,

    auxiliary installations,

    a plurality of protuberances (2) defined in the first metal plate projecting from its inner side towards the construction set material (20), and

    a plurality of longitudinal slots (3) defined on the outer side of the first metal plate in correspondence with said protuberances (2), said longitudinal slots housing the auxiliary installations,

    characterized in that
    the first and second semi-forms (11, 11') consist of only said first and second metal plate respectively, the second metal plate being similar to the first metal plate, having a plurality of protuberances (2) defined in its plate, projecting from the inner side of said metal plate towards the construction setting material (20), and having a plurality of longitudinal slots (3) defined on the outer side of said metal plate in correspondence with said protuberances (2) housing the auxiliary installations, and
    in that the constructive element further comprises coating elements (7) and fastening means for said coating elements (7), the fastening elements being located in the longitudinal slots (3) of the first and second metal plates.
     
    2. Constructive element according to claim 1, wherein each metal plate is fitted with stiffening projections (32) located between the protuberances (2).
     
    3. Constructive element according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary installations are water and/or electricity and/or fibre optics installations.
     
    4. Constructive element according to claim 1 wherein the coating element (7) is a plaster coating element.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Konstruktives Element, das Folgendes umfasst:

    eine permanente Schalung (1) einschließlich eines Paares getrennter Halbformen (11, 11'), Folgendes umfassend:

    eine erste Halbform (11) einschließlich einer ersten Metallplatte und

    eine zweite Halbform einschließlich einer zweiten Metallplatte, wobei die besagten Metallplatten eine Innenseite und eine Außenseite besitzen, wobei die Innenseiten des Paares von Halbformen (11, 11') einander gegenüberliegen und dazwischen einen Hohlraum definieren,

    ein Bau-Setzungsmaterial (20), das innerhalb des besagten Hohlraums angeordnet ist,

    Hilfsinstallationen,

    eine Vielzahl von Protuberanzen (2), die in der ersten Metallplatte definiert sind und sich von deren Innenseite in Richtung des Bau-Setzungsmaterials (20) erstrecken, und

    eine Vielzahl von Längsschlitzen (3), die an der Außenseite der ersten Metallplatte in Übereinstimmung mit den besagten Protuberanzen (2) definiert sind, wobei die besagten Längsschlitze die Hilfsinstallationen aufnehmen,

    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    die erste und zweite Halbform (11, 11') jeweils nur aus der besagten ersten und zweiten Metallplatte bestehen, wobei die zweite Metallplatte ähnlich der ersten Metallplatte ist und eine Vielzahl von Protuberanzen (2) besitzt, die in der Platte definiert sind und sich von der Innenseite der besagten Metallplatte in Richtung des Bau-Setzungsmaterials (20) erstrecken, und über eine Vielzahl von Längsschlitzen (3) verfügt, die an der Außenseite der besagten Metallplatte in Übereinstimmung mit den besagten Protuberanzen (2) definiert sind und die Hilfsinstallationen aufnehmen, und
    dass das konstruktive Element weiterhin Beschichtungselemente (7) und Befestigungsmittel für die besagten Beschichtungselemente (7) umfasst, wobei sich die Befestigungsmittel in den Längsschlitzen (3) der ersten und zweiten Metallplatte befinden.
     
    2. Konstruktives Element nach Anspruch 1, bei dem jede Metallplatte mit Versteifungsvorsprüngen (32) ausgestattet ist, die sich zwischen den Protuberanzen (2) befinden.
     
    3. Konstruktives Element nach Anspruch 1, bei dem es sich bei den Hilfsinstallationen um Wasser- und/oder Strom- und/oder Glasfaseroptikinstallationen handelt.
     
    4. Konstruktives Element nach Anspruch 1, bei dem es sich bei dem Beschichtungselement (7) um ein Putzbeschichtungselement handelt.
     


    Revendications

    1. Élément de construction qui comprend :

    un coffrage permanent (1) comportant une paire de semi-coffrages séparés (11, 11') comprenant :

    un premier semi-coffrage (11) comportant une première plaque en métal et

    un second semi-coffrage comportant une seconde plaque en métal,
    lesdites plaques en métal possédant un côté interne et un côté externe, le côté interne de la paire de semi-coffrages (11, 11') se faisant face et définissant un espace creux entre eux,

    un matériel de pose pour construction (20) disposé à l'intérieur dudit espace creux,

    des installations auxiliaires,

    une pluralité de protubérances (2) définies dans la première plaque en métal se projetant depuis son côté interne en direction du matériel de pose pour construction (20), et

    une pluralité de fentes longitudinales (3) définies sur le côté externe e la première plaque en métal en correspondance avec lesdites protubérances (2), lesdites fentes longitudinales logeant les installations auxiliaires,

    caractérisé en ce que
    le premier et le second semi-coffrages (11, 11') sont uniquement constitués desdites première et seconde plaque en métal respectivement, la seconde plaque en métal étant similaire à la première plaque en métal, possédant une pluralité de protubérance (2) définies dans sa plaque, se projetant depuis le côté interne de ladite plaque en métal en direction du matériel de pose pour construction (20), et possédant une pluralité de fentes longitudinales (3) définies sur le côté externe de ladite plaque en métal en correspondance avec lesdites protubérances (2) logeant les installations auxiliaires, et
    en ce que l'élément de construction comprend en outre des éléments de revêtement (7) et des moyens de fixation pour lesdits éléments de revêtement (7), les éléments de fixation étant situés dans les fentes longitudinales (3) des première et seconde plaques en métal.
     
    2. Élément de construction selon la revendication 1, dans lequel chaque plaque en métal est ajustée avec des projections de raidissement (32) situées entre les protubérances (2).
     
    3. Élément de construction selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les installations auxiliaires sont des installations à eau et/ou à électricité et/ou à fibres optiques.
     
    4. Élément de construction selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'élément de revêtement (7) est un élément de revêtement en plâtre.
     




    Drawing




















    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description