Patent GB-376259-A (GB)
Title: A method of and means for building with reinforced concrete, cement, plaster, or the like
IPC: E04B2/72
Filed: 1931-03-28
Abstract: 376,259. Structures of reinforced concrete, cement, plaster, or like material ; building blocks. WALLER, J. H. DE W., 115, Grafton Street, Dublin. March 28, 1931. Nos. 9505 and 34821. [Classes 20 (iv) and 87 (i).] A method of building with reinforced concrete, cement, plaster, or like material comprises stretching woven flexible material, composed solely of vegetable fibres, substantially in a straight line between supporting means to give it an initial tension, and then applying one or more layers of concrete, cement, plaster, or the like to the flexible material which forms the reinforcing means and is kept under permanent tensile stress in the finished structure. In the double wall shown in horizontal section in Fig. 1, hessian 2 for the outer wall is secured at one end to a rail (not shown) supported by concrete pillars 5 and after being stretched is fastened to one or more other supports according to the length of the wall. The hessian is preferably wetted to shrink it and is then covered with a thin paste of concrete or cement, and when dry is covered over with layers 13, 14 to form the outside wall. The hessian for the inner wall is fastened to timber strips 6 secured to the pillars 5 and when stretched in place is covered with plaster 15 which is pressed through the meshes of the hessian to form a coating 16. The pillars 5 may be of timber. In the roof shown in Fig. 4, hessian 2 is maintained in a stretched state over a ridge post 20. Wire netting or other metal reinforcement may be placed under the hessian to prevent it sagging too much. A layer of cement or concrete plaster 23 is placed over the outside of the hessian and when this layer has set, a layer 24 is placed upon the inside, covering both the hessian and the wire netting. The application of the invention to floors is indicated in Figs. 5 and 6. In the construction shown in Fig. 5, the floor is adapted to be supported by footings 40 and concrete supports 41. A layer of sand 42 is spread over the ground so as to be level with the supports, and the hessian 2 is laid on top and when stretched is secured to the footings 40. Concrete 43 is then applied to the hessian to form the floor surface. An upper floor may be made as shown in Fig. 6, the hessian 2, which is stretched over the floor joists 44 and is fixed to the top of the wall plate 17, being covered with concrete 45. Floors or walls may be built from units, such as shown in Fig. 7, comprising hollow tubular members 50 reinforced with hessian 2. The members are built around a framework of parallel members 51, preferably of timber, which are held in place by readily removable bracing 52. To form a floor, the members 50 are laid side by side, the joints are grouted, and the whole covered with concrete, the undersides being, if desired, plastered to form a ceiling. A space may be left between any two tubular members, and a reinforcing bar placed in this space which is filled with concrete to form a joist. To form a wall, the tubular members are laid horizontally or vertically and bonded together by cement mortar, the outside and inside being covered with a thin layer of concrete, cement, plaster, or like material. The invention may be applied to the construction of beams and stairs. Specifications 13319/97 and 11182/99, [both in Class 20, Buildings &c.], are referred to.