Load bearing wall formwork system and method

Abstract

A load bearing wall formwork system and method are disclosed. The load bearing wall formwork system comprises a unique clip assembly for joining two or more substantially planar structures, such as a wall panel, in a spaced apart manner and providing a space there between for placement of a flowable material. The clip assembly comprises a first clip member having a first side for attachment to the wall panel, a second side and an opening positioned between the first and second sides, as well as a second clip member, engageable with the first clip member, having a first side for attachment to a second wall panel, a second side and an opening positioned between the first and second sides. The openings provided in the first and second clip members are aligned when the clip members are engaged. A connecting member is insertable into the aligned openings of the first and second clip members, connecting the first and second clip members together. A wall formed by the foregoing components and a method of assembling a wall formwork are also disclosed.

1 . A clip assembly for joining two or more substantially planar structures in a spaced apart manner, the clip assembly comprising:
 a first clip member comprising an attachment member for attachment to a planar structure, an engagement member attached to the attachment member having first and second engagement arms; and an opening positioned in the engagement member;   a second clip member engageable with the first clip member, the second clip member comprising an attachment member for attachment to a second planar structure, an engagement member attached to the attachment member having first and second engagement arms and an opening positioned in the engagement member, the openings of the first and the second clip members being aligned when the clip members are engaged; and   a connecting member positioned in the aligned openings of the first and second clip members.   
   
   
       2 . The clip assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment member comprises a first longitudinal member and a second longitudinal member. 
   
   
       3 . The clip assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second longitudinal members comprise an attachment arm and a raised arm, wherein the raised arm is in contact with the engagement member and spaces the engagement member a distance from the attachment to the wall panel. 
   
   
       4 . The clip assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the first and second clip members are fastened to the planar structures at the attachment arm of the attachment member. 
   
   
       5 . The clip assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the clip members are metal. 
   
   
       6 . The clip assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the connecting member comprises a rod. 
   
   
       7 . The clip assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the substantially planar structures comprise panels. 
   
   
       8 . A clip assembly comprising:
 a first clip member having an attachment member and an engagement member, the engagement member having a first engagement arm and a second engagement arm, each engagement arm having an opening;   a second clip member having an attachment member and an engagement member, the engagement member having a first engagement arm and a second engagement arm, each engagement arm having an opening, the first and second clip members engageable at the engagement arms so as to align the openings; and   a connecting member positioned within the aligned openings of the first and second clip members.   
   
   
       9 . The clip assembly of  claim 8 , comprising more than one opening in at least one of the clip members. 
   
   
       10 . The clip assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the attachment member comprises a first longitudinal member and a second longitudinal member. 
   
   
       11 . The clip assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the first and second longitudinal members comprise an attachment arm and a raised arm, wherein the raised arm is in contact with the engagement member, spacing the engagement member a distance from a position of attachment. 
   
   
       12 . A formwork section for a load bearing wall structure comprising:
 a first wall panel and a second wall panel;   a first clip member attached to the first wall panel, the first clip member having an opening therein;   a second clip member attached to the second wall panel, the second clip member having an opening therein, the second clip member being engaged with the first clip member so as to align the opening of the first clip member and the opening of the second clip member; and   a connecting member connecting the first and second clip members at the aligned openings.   
   
   
       13 . The formwork section of  claim 12 , wherein the connecting member is a rod. 
   
   
       14 . The formwork section of  claim 12 , further comprising an additional structural reinforcement material and two hoisting bar assemblies. 
   
   
       15 . The formwork section of  claim 12 , further comprising concrete between the first and second wall panels. 
   
   
       16 . The formwork section of  claim 12 , wherein the wall panels comprise fiberboard. 
   
   
       17 . A clip bracket for a panel assembly comprising:
 an attachment member for attachment to a panel;   a first engaging arm attached to the attachment member and spaced a distance from the panel;   a second engaging arm attached to attachment member, parallel with the first engaging arm and spaced a distance from the panel;   an opening in the first engaging arm; and   an opening in the second engaging arm substantially aligned with the opening in the first engaging arm.   
   
   
       18 . The clip bracket of  claim 17 , further comprising an additional opening in at least one of the first and second engaging arms. 
   
   
       19 . The clip bracket of  claim 18 , wherein each of the first and second engaging arms comprises an additional opening. 
   
   
       20 . The clip bracket of  claim 17 , further comprising a base member in contact with the attachment member and the first and second engagement arms. 
   
   
       21 . A wall comprising:
 a first panel and a second panel;   a first clip member attached to the first panel, the first clip member having an attachment member, a first engaging arm and a second engaging arm, the first clip member also comprising an opening;   a second clip member attached to the second panel, the second clip member having an attachment member, a first engaging arm, and a second engaging arm, the second clip member also comprising an opening, the second clip member being engaged with the first clip member, wherein the opening of the first clip member and the opening of the second clip member are aligned;   a connecting member positioned at the aligned openings of the first and second clip members; and   a flowable material in a space between the first panel and the second panel.   
   
   
       22 . The wall of  claim 21 , wherein the flowable material comprises concrete. 
   
   
       23 . The wall of  claim 21 , wherein the flowable material surrounds at least a portion of the clip members and connecting member. 
   
   
       24 . The wall of  claim 21 , wherein the connecting member comprises a rod. 
   
   
       25 . The wall of  claim 21 , wherein the panel comprises fiberboard.