building formwork module

Abstract

A building formwork module is described for use in a modular formwork system. The building formwork module comprises a body portion defining at least one elongate channel that extends through the building formwork module, the body portion having at least two sides. A first side is provided with a first distancing means that is arranged such when the first side is disposed in abutting relationship with a side of an adjacent building formwork module an elongate gap is defined between the first side and the side of the adjacent module. A settable material can be directed into the at least one elongate channel and the elongate gap between two adjacent modules.

1 . A building formwork module for use in a modular formwork system, the building formwork module comprising: 
 a body portion defining at least one elongate channel that extends through the building formwork module, the body portion having at least two sides;    a first side being provided with a first distancing means that is arranged such when the first side is disposed in abutting relationship with a side of an adjacent building formwork module an elongate gap is defined between the first side and the side of the adjacent module;    wherein a settable material can be directed into the at least one elongate channel and the elongate gap between two adjacent modules.    
   
   
       2 . A building formwork module according to  claim 1 , further comprising a second distancing means provided on a second of the at least two sides.  
   
   
       3 . A building formwork module according to  claim 1 , wherein the first distancing means comprises one or more first fins that protrude from the first side.  
   
   
       4 . A building formwork module according to  claim 3 , wherein the second distancing means comprises one or more second fins that protrude from the second side and are offset with respect to the first fins in a direction perpendicular to the elongate direction of the module.  
   
   
       5 . A building formwork module according to  claim 4 , wherein the protruding dimension of the second fins is substantially equal to the protruding dimension of the first fins.  
   
   
       6 . A building formwork module according to  claim 4 , wherein the elongate gap is bounded by the first and second sides and one or both of the first and second fins.  
   
   
       7 . A building formwork module according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the at least two sides is provided with at least one hole through which settable material can pass.  
   
   
       8 . A building formwork module according to  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of holes in the sides are aligned such that a reinforcing rod can pass transversely through the building formwork module.  
   
   
       9 . A building formwork module according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least one web that is connected to the first and second faces, the at least one web bounding adjacent elongate channels extending through the module.  
   
   
       10 . A building formwork module according to  claim 9 , wherein each of the at least one web is provided with at least one hole through which settable material can pass.  
   
   
       11 . A modular formwork system comprising a plurality of building formwork modules according to  claim 1 , wherein the building formwork modules are arranged in abutting relationship such that the first distancing means of one building formwork module abuts the side of an adjacent building formwork module.  
   
   
       12 . A method of constructing a wall using a modular formwork system, comprising: 
 providing a plurality of building formwork modules according to  claim 1;     arranging the plurality of building formwork modules in abutting relationship such that the first distancing means of each building formwork module abuts a side of an adjacent building formwork module to form an elongate gap between adjacent building formwork modules;    filling each of the at least one elongate channels and elongate gaps with a settable material;    allowing the settable material to harden.