Panel formwork system

Abstract

Formwork system for the process of casting prefabricated wall and slab panels that is flexible in width and height is provided. This formwork system includes two types of retractable bracing structures that are located on the sides and ends of mould structure. The height and width of panels can be varied by moving the linear retractable bracing structure, while the lever retractable bracing structure holds the side form firmly by clamping down the side form to the platform of the support structure. The thickness of the panel to be cast can be varied by using different modules of side form that are designed to produce a series of modules of various heights. Various patterns on the wall can be designed by incorporating specially designed channels in the mould.

1 . Formwork system for use in casting prefabricated panels, the formwork system including: 
 a support structure including a platform defining a surface of the panel to be cast, and a sub-structure supporting the platform;    a plurality of side forms being positionable on the platform to define sides of the panel to be cast;    each side form being braced by at least one brace structure connected to the support structure for bracing the plurality of side forms in position, each brace structure having adjustment means for permitting adjustment of the position of each side form on the platform to adjust the length and width dimensions of the panel to be cast.    
     
     
         2 . Formwork system according to  claim 1 , wherein each brace structure also includes an abutment connected to the sub-structure, a strut extending from the side form, the adjustment means providing a connection between the strut and the abutment that permits adjustment of the position of each side form on the platform.  
     
     
         3 . Formwork system according to  claim 2 , wherein the adjustment means includes a threaded bore associated with the abutment and a threaded shaft forming at least in part the strut which is received by the threaded bore so that rotation of the shaft relative to the bore causes adjustment of the strut and the side form relative to the abutment.  
     
     
         4 . Formwork system according to  claim 2 , wherein the adjustment means includes an edge associated with the abutment about which the strut pivots, a height adjuster is located at a distal end of the strut for adjusting the position of the distal end of the strut relative to the sub-structure, a proximal end of the strut engages the side form so that elevating the position of the distal end of the strut creates a clamping force at the proximal end of the strut clamping the side form in position on the platform.  
     
     
         5 . Formwork system according to  claim 4 , wherein the height adjuster includes a threaded bore associated with the distal end of the strut, and a threaded shaft received by the threaded bore, a distal end of the threaded shaft engages the sub-structure so that rotation of the threaded shaft relative to the threaded bore causes the elevation of the distal end of the strut to alter, to thereby alter the clamping force.  
     
     
         6 . Formwork system according to  claim 5 , wherein the formwork system includes a plurality of sets of side forms each set varying in height to permit casting of panels of varying thickness.  
     
     
         7 . Formwork system according to  claim 6 , wherein the sub-structure includes beams and/or channels which provide support to the platform.  
     
     
         8 . Formwork system according to  claim 7 , wherein the platform is designed to impart a pattern onto the surface of the panel.  
     
     
         9 . Formwork system according to  claim 8 , wherein each side form is designed with a profile to impart a shape into the side of the panel to be cast.  
     
     
         10 . Formwork system according to  claim 9 , wherein the formwork system can be extended using modular extension mould to prefabricate higher heights of wall panel.  
     
     
         11 . Formwork system according to  claim 1 , wherein the formwork system includes a plurality of sets of side forms each set varying in height to permit casting of panels of varying thickness.  
     
     
         12 . Formwork system according to  claim 1 , wherein the sub-structure includes beams and/or channels which provide support to the platform.  
     
     
         13 . Formwork system according to  claim 1 , wherein the platform is designed to impart a pattern onto the surface of the panel.  
     
     
         14 . Formwork system according to  claim 1 , wherein each side form is designed with a profile to impart a shape into the side of the panel to be cast.  
     
     
         15 . Formwork system according to  claim 1 , wherein the framework system can be extended using modular extension mould to prefabricate higher heights of wall panel.