Formwork for retaining walls

Abstract

A waler adapted for use as part of a modular cast concrete retaining wall system; said waler being adapted to interconnect with adjacent walers; said waler having side walls and upper walls defining an internal casting cavity; wherein said waler is adapted to be oriented in use in a substantially horizontal alignment by having relatively concrete impenetrable side walls and apertures in said upper and lower walls, thereby to permit passage of fluid concrete into and through said casting cavity; and a system incorporating same.

1 . A waler adapted for use as part of a modular cast concrete wall system; said waler being adapted to interconnect with adjacent walers; said waler having side walls and upper walls defining an internal casting cavity; wherein said waler is adapted to be oriented in use in a substantially horizontal alignment by having relatively concrete impenetrable side walls and apertures in said upper and lower walls, thereby to permit passage of fluid concrete into and through said casting cavity. 
     
     
         2 . The waler of  claim 1 , incorporating an internal structure adapted to receive, and thereby operably locate, a reinforcing bar passing horizontally through said waler. 
     
     
         3 . The waler of  claim 2 , wherein said internal structure is integrally formed with the waler. 
     
     
         4 . The waler of  claim 3 , wherein said waler has an upper and lower section; said upper section defined by an open top wall narrowing to a V-profile adapted to receive said reinforcing bar; said lower section have in a profile approximating an enclosed rectangle. 
     
     
         5 . The waler of  claim 4  wherein said waler is constructed from extruded PVC. 
     
     
         6 . The waler of  claim 1 , wherein there are provided rebates in the external wall of said waler that are adapted to allow attachment of external features, such as cladding to or the like, to the retaining wall. 
     
     
         7 . A modular system for creating a concrete wall, incorporating a plurality of walers according to  any preceding claim . 
     
     
         8 . The modular system of  claim 7 , incorporating a base waler that has a lower wall that is relatively concrete impenetrable. 
     
     
         9 . The modular system of  claim 8 , wherein said base waler incorporates a reinforcing insert in said lower section. 
     
     
         10 . The modular system of  claim 9 , wherein said reinforcing insert is a square or rectangular metal tube having apertures in its upper and side walls to allow ingress of concrete.