Abstract: The invention is a formwork system and a method of using the formwork to construct rammed earth walls. The formwork comprises end panels which can be quickly assembled and disassembled to provide end stops to support side panels without the need for through-ties. The end panels comprise integral handholds for access to the full height of the formwork. The end panels are stackable, rotatable and interchangeable, such that one set of formwork may be used to create several different wall configurations. The finished wall contains an internal support structure and insulating core, without through-holes.

Abstract: A concrete form comprises cross members, plywood, and metal studs. The studs include a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls, the walls arranged to form a generally rectangular cross-section. A pair of inner walls extends between and perpendicular to the pair of side walls. A pair of flanges extends from the side walls. The flanges are aligned with each other and positioned between the front wall and the pair of inner walls. A portion of each stud is adapted for complementary engagement with the cross members. The cross members are attached to at least one of the inner walls and the flanges of the cut portion of the studs, and the plywood is mounted to the rear wall.

Abstract: A reinforced composite system for constructing insulated concrete structures comprising, panels having a foam plastic core between outside and inside reinforcement layers, reinforcement layers substantially strengthen the panels during material handling and construction, greatly reducing deflection of the panels between studs when placing concrete allowing walls to be filled in one lift. Panels are placed horizontally in an opposing and parallel spaced-apart relation. Opposing panels are placed end to end in rows and stacked vertically, rows of panels being staggered from each other so panel ends in adjacent rows do not line up vertically. Vertical studs are embedded in panels extending the full height of the panels, each stud having a flange for receiving mechanical fasteners and groove for receiving spreaders. A plurality of spreaders at each stud location extend between opposing panels and slidably engaging the studs in opposing panels.

Abstract: A compensating element (23) is permanently connected to a first formwork element (21) and a second formwork element (22) wherein the compensating element (23) has openings formed like elongated holes on the side along its axial direction through each of which one tube penetrates which terminates in one housing each on both sides of the compensating element (23). The housings can be displaced along the tube and be moved via a rod assembly. When the compensating element (23) is displaced into a formwork dismantling position, the formwork elements (21, 22) and the compensating element (23) are released from the concrete surface and the entire device can be moved (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A frame unit (11) used in the construction of a formwork module. The frame unit (11) is formed by connecting together rectangular loops of wire (12, 13) to form a rectangular block shape. Panels (60) and reinforcement (16) are connected to the frame to make a formwork module, with the reinforcement (16) extending beyond the sides of both the frame unit (11) and the panels (60). When a number of modules are connected together to form formwork for the desired building structure, the reinforcement (16) overlaps to form a continuous line of reinforcement from one module to the next.

Abstract: Lightweight, reinforced, non-biodegradable, tubular plastic footing form members and assemblies which may contain stake-engaging bores and/or are nailable to each other and/or to supporting stakes. The form members are water-repellant to resist absorbing and bonding to wet concrete compositions so that they can be removed and cleaned for repeated reuse. Alternatively they can be left in place, since they are inexpensive and non-biodegradable, and can support a porous drain conduit adjacent the formed footing.

Abstract: A construction opening plug has a template panel (1) with a perimeter that is predeterminedly congruent and sized to an outside periphery of a frame (11) that is selected to be positioned in a construction opening (9) and any furring thereof of a masonry building under construction. The template panel has edges on which form panels (2-5) are positioned pivotally between a use mode with the form panels being predeterminedly orthogonal to the template panel and a non-use mode with the form panels being predeterminedly parallel to the template panel. The plug may have fold-out tabs (25) in side panels for placement between concrete blocks to deter the plug from being blown out during high wind conditions. Positioned and articulated for easy grasping on the template panel is at least one positioning handle proximate a center of the template panel.

Abstract: A modular assembly for creating formwork for casting vertical concrete structures is characterized by elongated wall elements which are disposed in edge to edge relationship in two facing rows and which are simultaneously retained in edge to edge relationship and in facing relationship by connecting members. Retaining elements slidably engage connecting members and wall elements in diagonal relationship. Connecting members include engagement means for cooperating with notches in rigid panels which are disposed against the interior surfaces of flat walls formed by the formwork.

Abstract: A locking device for use with a concrete framing structure having a plurality of frame panels which form opposed first and second sides. The locking device includes a first locking half having a first mounting member and a first clamping member mounted to the first mounting member and a second locking half having a second mounting member and a second clamping member mounted to the second mounting member. The first mounting member rigidly holds one of the frame panels of the first side of the concrete forming structure and the second mounting member rigidly holds the opposite frame panel of the second side of the concrete forming structure. The locking device also includes means for clamping the first clamping member to the second clamping member such that the first mounting member is locked at a predetermined distance from the second mounting member.

Abstract: A spreader pipe for use in erecting concrete walls. The spreader pipe may contain at least one hole in its wall which is then covered with an impermeable cuff to prevent the poured concrete from passing into the spreader pipe. Once the wall has been erected and the boarding plates removed, grout may be injected into the spreader pipe in such a manner that it flows through the at least one hole and passes from the cuff into the hollow spaces and cracks in the concrete wall around the spreader pipe thereby making the concrete wall substantially waterproof. Alternatively, the spreader pipe may contain weak spots, rather than the at least one hole, which are punctured by the pressure of the grout being forced into the spreader pipe, thereby filling the hollow spaces and cracks in the concrete wall around the spreader pipe.

Abstract: A system for insulating only the interior surface of a concrete wall to be poured between a pair of interior and exterior wall forms. The system includes horizontally extending elongated tie strips which connect to each of the wall forms to hold the wall forms spaced apart, a single layer of insulation positioned in contact with the interior wall form, and a plurality of connectors for securing the single layer of insulation to only the interior surface of the concrete wall. The connectors include an enlarged head portion which engages the insulation and a web portion of smaller cross section which extends through apertures in the insulation and into the space between the wall forms, the web portion including openings for the passage of concrete therethrough.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing an insulated, poured concrete wall which will result, when the concrete is poured, in a wall having internal and external insulation, drywall or other surface preparation connecting areas which are continuous of and extending the entire or selected lengths of the wall and apparatus for the provision of windows into the wall. The apparatus includes a pair of U-shaped lower members attachable to foundation footings to establish the sides of the wall and receive insulating or other material panels, a plurality of H-shaped intermediate members to receive insulating or other material panels which form the pouring area, a pair of U-shaped top members capping the uppermost tier of insulating or other material panels which members may also be utilized to form window openings, a plurality of tie bars frictionally attachable to the H members which provide cross connectors betwen tiers of the panel sections and U-shaped, corner members for both the bottom and top of the wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for injecting grout into a spreader pipe used in the erection of concrete walls. The apparatus has a central jet tube containing holes and having a nozzle locking cap mounted on one end. A jacket containing injection holes encases the jet tube in a manner which covers the holes in the jet tube. The apparatus also contains two draw-in hoses on both sides of the jacket that encases the jet tube. The draw-in hoses operate selectively to bulge out in an axial direction, thereby sealing off an interspace within the spreader pipe between the draw-in hoses and allowing grout to be pumped into the spreader pipe.

Abstract: A double tie includes a pair of upper and lower straps connected in parallel relationship by a pair of vertical plates attached to the outward ends of the straps. The plates are oriented orthogonally relative to the straps to form a general "T" shape. A pair of stop straps are mounted on the plates intermediate the upper and lower straps, and projecting towards one another. The stop straps have orthogonal heads spaced inwardly from the plates a distance to retain a form panel between the head and plate. Each upper and lower strap has a hinge formed at each end, the hinges at each end of the upper and lower straps being coaxial and parallel to the plates, such that the upper and lower straps may be pivoted from a position generally orthogonal to the plates, to a position generally parallel to the plates.

Abstract: A form tie for interlocking parallel and spaced foam panels. The tie is formed of an elongate planar strap having a lattice arrangement of openings for flow of concrete. Each of the opposite ends of the strap have an end plate and an inside plate spaced to bracket a corner of a foam form panel with each of the plates extending in a perpendicular or "Y" axis direction to the longitudinal or "X" axis of the strap. Each of the end portions forming the bracket also has vane shelves extending between the end and inside plates in a "Z" axis direction to the strap for support of the foam form panel corner. "U" shaped holders in the edges of the strap and overcenter tabs in the openings provide retainers to hold reinforcement bars, commonly termed rebar. The strap is preferably formed of a heavy gauge polypropylene.

Abstract: A form assembly is disclosed for forming vertical concrete walls for prefabricated apartment and office modules. The form assembly has a wall form having a plurality of internal wall forms and corresponding external wall forms. The wall form is connected to a support structure, and a plurality of hydraulic lifting cylinders connect to the support structure to raise and lower the wall form. The form assembly may also have hydraulic open and close mechanisms, hydraulic form ties and a control console for the hydraulic system. External corner mechanisms may be provided for locking the external form corners in place prior to concrete pouring. An efficient method of manufacturing the modules includes several steps. Slab reinforcement bars and conduits are layed on a slab deck. Concrete is poured over the slab reinforcement bars and conduits to form a slab. Wall reinforcement bars and conduits are erected on the slab for vertical walls.

Abstract: A retaining member for retaining spaced rigid members within a concrete matrix. A form for shaping the concrete matrix includes a base, a planar shaping surface for supporting the concrete matrix during its initial setting period, and a supporting member located on the rear side of the shaping surface. The retaining member includes a compressible hollow cylinder, preferably made of a foamed polymeric material. Portions of the retaining member are associated with the form and the supporting member, holding the retaining member in place to retain each rigid member in a parallel position to the other rigid members.

Abstract: The wall tie comprises a length of wire and includes a plurality of flattened areas thereon defined between end shoulders for each. A locking arm on concrete forms engaged about the tie engages over an outer half of a chosen flattened portion, and engages adjacent forms together. To keep the form from encroaching into the portion of the flattened area to be engaged by the locking arm, the outer half of each flattened area incorporates a stop member which, when abutted against an outwardly directed surface of the form, eliminates the need for repositioning of the form to allow for appropriate engagement of the locking arm thereover.

Abstract: A spacer core for use in constructing hollow concrete walls by introducing the core between and spaced from a pair of vertical mold plates before casting the wet concrete, and subsequently removing the spacer core, the lower end of the spacer core including a water permeable wall and a bottom chamber for accumulating water permeating the wall. Also described is a method of constructing hollow concrete walls by the use of the above spacer core by: introducing the spacer core between and spaced from a pair of vertical mold plates; casting wet concrete into the spaces between the spacer core and the mold plates, whereby the water from the concrete permeates through the bottom of the spacer core into the bottom chamber; after a first time interval, lifting the spacer core a first predetermined distance to draw water from the concrete into the bottom chamber; and subsequently removing the spacer core from the concrete.

Abstract: An adjustable long bolt for connecting modular concrete form panels. The bolt is generally flat along its length and has a pair of elongated slots disposed in adjacency to opposite ends of the bolt. At least one circular hole is disposed between the slots having its mid-point disposed along a longitudinal line in longitudinal alignment with longitudinal axes of said elongated slots. The longitudinal spacing between the elongated slots with respect to the at least one circular hole being varied to enable the bolt to be installed in a larger number of adjustable positions by turning the bolt on its end through an arc of rotation of 180.degree..

Abstract: Corner forming apparatus is disclosed, including novel generally L-shaped member having a seating flange projecting from one leg of the member substantially parallel to the other leg. The seating flange is adapted to shield an edge of a panel when the panel is seated on the seating flange. The other leg of the L-shaped member is securable to a panel-support beam mounted on the back of said panel, and is provided with at least one aperture therein to receive fastening elements for securing another panel to the other leg such that a surface of the other panel and the outer surface of said one leg are substantially coplanar.Also a unique outside corner waler useful with the inside corner forming member in quick and accurate assembly of a complete corner wall form. Said waler having a major leg and a minor leg each joined at one end at right angles by an apertured web and being of respectively different heights such that said waler seats at about a 45.degree. angle.

Abstract: A composite insulated wall includes a pair of outer poured concrete layers cured in a form and an organic or inorganic insulating panel or panels disposed between the concrete layers and retained in place by a number of lateral tie-rods extending through the insulating panel and into the concrete.

Abstract: A formwork panel for constructing concrete walls having a forming skin supported by a steel frame in which a plurality of holes are provided for receiving a tie rod. The holes are provided with a plastic bushing which extends through and is fastened in the frame. The bushing has a conically tapered bore, the surface of which is continuous and smooth. This makes the removal of concrete from the bore extremely easy (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A concrete wall form includes a support structure comprising a beam capable of functioning as a stringer or stiffback and which includes a bolt holding channel, a nailer channel and an internal channel for telescopically receiving an extension splice. A tie rod locking system is associated with the support structure for readily adjusting the forms.

Abstract: A tie assembly for use in removably supporting plywood sheets or other wall defining materials in fixed spaced relationship to define a form into which concrete may be poured to form a portion of a structure. The tie assembly so operates that portions thereof not embedded in the concrete may be removed for future use after the concrete has set. The plywood sheets after removal and recovery of the outwardly disposed portions of the assembly may be separated from the set concrete wall. The tie assembly is adapted for use with forms defined by new plywood sheets, or forms in which previously used plywood sheets are employed that have bolt holes of relatively large diameter therein.

Abstract: A form tie and a method of making the same is provided. The form tie includes an elongated hollow protective sleeve contiguously surrounding a portion of the form tie to facilitate the removal of the form tie portion from a settable casting, such as concrete. The thickness of the sleeve is minimized so that the cross-sectional area of the form tie portion which includes the surrounding sleeve is also minimized.

Abstract: The specification discloses concrete forms each including a plurality of rectangular panels secured edgewise together by connectors. Each connector includes a pair of half sleeves secured in a pair of grooves in the edges of the panels, and a cupped head of a connector sleeve wedges the half sleeves together to hold the panels in edgewise abutment. A nut screwed on the connector sleeve draws the cupped head into wedging engagement with the half sleeves. Tie rods extend through the connector sleeves. The panels include wood framing having plywood faces and filled with foamed plastic.

Abstract: A system for casting cement uses a plurality of lightweight forms made from a ladder-like, aluminum member covered on one side by a sheet of transparent plastic. The forms may be assembled and erected in any desired and suitable shape or configuration. As cement is poured, its surface may be viewed through the transparent plastic to find and correct surface blemishes. A series of connector and optional connection points enables the system to be used in many alternative ways.