Formwork

Abstract

An elongate formwork element for use in the construction of a concrete floor is disclosed. The formwork element includes a base wall ( 15 ) and a side wall ( 17 ) extending from one side edge of the base wall so that the element is generally L-shaped in transverse section.

1 . An elongate formwork element comprising: a base wall and a side wall extending from one side edge of the base wall so that the element is generally L-shaped in transverse section, and the formwork element is configured to interlock, in use, with a horizontally disposed profiled decking sheet so that the side wall extends upwardly from a side edge of the profiled decking sheet. 
   
   
       2 . The formwork element of  claim 1  wherein the side wall of the formwork element includes a strengthening member. 
   
   
       3 . The formwork element of  claim 2  wherein the strengthening member is in the form of a plurality of ribs in the side wall of the formwork element. 
   
   
       4 . The formwork element of  claim 3  wherein the ribs extend transversely to a length direction of the formwork element. 
   
   
       5 . The formwork element of  claim 4  wherein the ribs extend at least substantially between the base wall and a free end of the side wall. 
   
   
       6 . The formwork element of of  claim 4  wherein the ribs are in the form of deep embossments of at least about 2.0 mm that make it possible for the side wall to act compositely with the concrete layer. 
   
   
       7 . The formwork element of  claim 1  wherein the base wall is shaped to interlock with the profiled decking sheet. 
   
   
       8 . The formwork element of  claim 1  wherein, in a situation in which the profiled decking sheet includes at least one rib, the base wall includes an upturned lip that is configured to extend into a rib of the profiled decking sheet and the length of the base wall is selected so that, in use, the formwork element can be positioned so that the base wall is positioned against an undersurface of the profiled decking sheet at one side of the sheet and the lip extends into and engages the rib of the sheet. 
   
   
       9 . The formwork element of  claim 1  wherein an upper end of the side wall includes an end formation that defines a platform on which one or more than one profiled decking sheet can be located and secured. 
   
   
       10 . The formwork element of  claim 9  wherein the end formation includes a lip that is configured to contact edges of the ends of profiled decking sheets positioned on the end formation. 
   
   
       11 . An assembly comprising: a plurality of profiled decking sheets and a plurality of formwork elements that form a formwork of a base of a part of a beam and slab sections of a concrete floor. 
   
   
       12 . The assembly of  claim 11  wherein the formwork elements that form sides of the beam formwork are interlocked with the profiled decking sheets that form the base of the beam formwork, and wherein each formwork element comprises a base wall, and a side wall extending from a side edge of the base wall. 
   
   
       13 . The assembly of  claim 12  wherein upper ends of the formwork elements that form the sides of the beam formwork define a support platform that supports the profiled decking sheets that form the base formwork of the slab sections. 
   
   
       14 . The assembly of  claim 13  further comprising safety rail. 
   
   
       15 . A concrete floor that includes one or more than one concrete beam and a concrete slab section extending outwardly from the beam as a part of the floor, the floor comprising:
 (a) a base that includes a formwork in the form of an assembly of a plurality of profiled decking sheets and a plurality of formwork elements, and   (b) a layer of concrete on the base, and   wherein each formwork element comprises a base wall, and a side wall extending from a side edge of the base wall.   
   
   
       16 . The concrete floor of  claim 15  wherein the profiled decking sheets are pre-cambered along a length of the sheets. 
   
   
       17 . The concrete floor of  claim 15  wherein the profiled decking sheets are pre-cambered along the length of the sheets so that pans of the sheets form flat, horizontal surfaces when wet concrete is poured to form the concrete floor. 
   
   
       18 . The concrete floor of  claim 15  wherein the concrete floor further includes a reinforcement, embedded in the concrete.