Tilt-Wall Panel

Abstract

Embodiments of a panel for use in building a tilt-wall building are disclosed, some of which comprise a plurality of structural studs, each comprising: a baseplate; an exterior-facing sidewall and an interior-facing sidewall connected by the baseplate; and a tab punched out of each of the sidewalls; an exterior concrete surface in which the tabs punched out of the exterior-facing sidewalls are embedded; and an interior concrete surface in which the tabs punched out of the interior-facing sidewalls are embedded; where the exterior and interior concrete surfaces are substantially planar surfaces that are substantially parallel to each other. Methods for forming tilt-wall panels are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE(S) TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 080,632 filed Jul. 14, 2008, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention generally relates to the field of building construction. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices and methods for building a tilt-wall building.[0004]2. Related Art[0005]The building and construction industry has previously employed a technique for forming walls in which structural studs are embedded in concrete to form tilt-wall panels, which are then lifted into place to form the walls of tilt-wall buildings. A primary challenge in creating tilt-wall panels is to embed the studs in concrete in such a way as to minimize or eliminate any separation between the studs and the concrete once the panel is formed and lifted into place. One means of addressing t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]Embodiments of the present invention include an improved tilt-wall panel that provides a concrete interior surface and yet is lighter in weight, easier and less expensive to make, better insulated, and better suited to being used in the taller walls of industrial buildings than prior tilt-wall panels providing a concrete interior surface. A further benefit of the tilt-wall panels of certain embodiments of the present invention is that the structural studs used therein have the benefit of improved adhesion between the studs and the surrounding concrete.

Problems solved by technology

A primary challenge in creating tilt-wall panels is to embed the studs in concrete in such a way as to minimize or eliminate any separation between the studs and the concrete once the panel is formed and lifted into place.

One problem with the machinery needed to form the tabs in Ruiz is that two strikes are required to form the tabs: one strike to punch the tab out of the sidewall and another strike to form the L-shape in the tab.

Kariakin describes a number of problems with the design disclosed in Ruiz, including that the L-shaped tabs are difficult to punch out from the sidewall of the stud due to the extreme right angle required which joins the two legs of the L-shape together.

Kariakin also discloses that another problem with the L-shaped tab design is that the surrounding concrete does not completely engage the tab surface area, particularly around the right angle joint.

Such insulation is expensive compared to other types of insulation, but it is necessary to offset the high thickness and weight of the three to four inch concrete layers used for the interior and exterior surfaces.

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