Reinforcing framework and slab design

Abstract

A reinforcing framework (10) for the construction of reinforced concrete structures includes at least two spaced-apart mesh layers (202, 204). A plurality of spaced-apart spacers (206) are mounted between the mesh layers (202, 204) to support the two mesh layers (202, 204) spaced-apart in substantially parallel planes. Each spacer (206) has a cross member with a leg extending outwardly at each end of the cross member, said legs being substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the cross member. Each leg has a foot at an outer end of the leg remote from the cross member, the foot being substantially perpendicular to the leg and substantially perpendicular to the cross member. The cross member is bent inwardly between the legs.

1 . A reinforcing framework for the construction of reinforced concrete structures, the reinforcing framework including:
 at least two mesh layers, namely, a first mesh layer and a second mesh layer,   a plurality of spaced-apart spacers mounted between the first layer and the second layer to support the two mesh layers spaced-apart in substantially parallel planes,   each spacer having a cross member with a leg extending outwardly at each end of the cross member, said legs being substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the cross member,   each leg having a foot at an outer end of the leg remote from the cross member,   the foot being substantially perpendicular to the leg and substantially perpendicular to the cross member, and   the cross member being bent inwardly between the legs.   
     
     
         2 . The reinforcing framework as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the length of the cross member is sufficient to support a plurality of reinforcing bars. 
     
     
         3 . The reinforcing framework as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the spacing between the legs is greater than the spacing between adjacent parallel spaced-apart reinforcing bars of the mesh layer which engages the cross member. 
     
     
         4 . The reinforcing framework as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the cross member is curved inwardly between the legs. 
     
     
         5 . The reinforcing framework as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the cross member is V-shaped. 
     
     
         6 . The reinforcing framework as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein each spacer has feet which project outwardly from the legs in opposite directions. 
     
     
         7 . A reinforcing framework as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a spacer is mounted at a lifting point for the reinforcing framework. 
     
     
         8 . The reinforcing framework as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of spaced-apart splice bars project outwardly at one or both sides of the reinforcing framework. 
     
     
         9 . The reinforcing framework as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the splice bars form an extension of one or both of the mesh layers.