Patent Publication Number: US-11384546-B2

Title: Formwork with height adjustable support for forming concrete surfaces that transition between upward sloping and downward sloping

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from Canadian Patent Application No. 2,994,076 filed Feb. 6, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD 
     A formwork system for supporting forming panels to form a horizontal concrete surface. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Formwork systems provide a temporary mold into/onto which liquid concrete can be poured. After the liquid concrete sets, the formwork may be removed, leaving behind a concrete structure. Formwork systems are used in building numerous types of structures, including buildings, bridges, parking garages, and so forth. 
     Formwork systems may be used to form vertical concrete structures as well as horizontal concrete surfaces. Formwork systems may also be used to form inclined surfaces, for example, by inclining the beams. Inclined surfaces are useful in many applications, for example, to form ramps in parking garages. 
     However, traditional formwork systems are ill-suited for forming inclined surfaces. One problem with traditional formwork system is that gaps may form between forming panels. For example, a forming panel suspended by a first beam may not touch a forming panel suspended on an adjacent beam. Such gaps between panels are typically filled with thin strips that span the width of the forming panels (also known as ‘compensation-strips’). 
     Accordingly, improvements in formwork systems are desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a formwork system for supporting one or more forming panels to form a horizontal concrete surface. The system includes: a height-adjustable support comprising a central upstanding member providing a vertical abutment surface and a support arm having an inclined portion extending up and away from the central upstanding member; a beam comprising a transverse bar proximate an end, the transverse bar supported by the inclined portion of the support arm so that the transverse bar moves laterally relative to the inclined portion as the support arm is moved vertically; and a foot extending from the end of said beam and abutting the vertical abutment surface, wherein the vertical abutment surface opposes lateral movement of the beam relative to said upstanding member. 
     In one embodiment, an increase in the height of said support causes the transverse bar to move towards the central upstanding member along the inclined portion. 
     In one embodiment, a decrease in the height of said support causes the transverse bar to move away from the central upstanding member along the inclined portion. 
     In one embodiment, an incline angle of the beam is adjustable by adjusting the height of the support. 
     Other aspects, features, and embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       In the figures, which illustrate, by way of example only, embodiments of the present disclosure, 
         FIG. 1A  is a top-perspective view of a formwork system  100  in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 1B  is a side views of formwork system  100  in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 1C  is a side view of a support for use with the formwork system  100  in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 1D  is a side view of a beam for use with the formwork system  100  in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIGS. 2A-2C and 2E-2F  are close-up side views of the formwork system  100 ; 
         FIG. 2D  is a side-perspective view of the formwork system  100 ; 
         FIG. 3A  is an exploded view of a support for use with the formwork system  100  in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 3B  is an top view of a support of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3C  is a side view of the support of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3D  is a second side view of the support of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3E  is a top-perspective view of the support of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a top view of a support head for use with the support of  FIG. 3A  in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 4B  is a side view of the support head of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4C  is a second side view of the support head of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4D  is a top-perspective side view of the support head of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a top view of a side plate for use with the support head of  FIG. 4A  in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 5B  is a side view of the side plate of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5C  is a second side view of the side plate of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a top view of a support element for use with the support of  FIG. 3A  in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 6B  is a side view of the support element of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 6C  is a bottom view of the support element of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 6D  is a second side view of the support element of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 6E  is a top-perspective view of the support element of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 6F  is partial close-up view of the support element of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7A  is top view of a base plate for use with the support of  FIG. 3A  in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 7B  is a top view of a base portion for use with the support of  FIG. 3A  in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIGS. 7C-7E  are side views of the base portion of  FIG. 7B ; 
         FIG. 7F  is a top-perspective view of the base portion of  FIG. 7B ; 
         FIG. 7G  is a top-perspective view of a hook for use with the base portion of  FIG. 7B  in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 7H  is a top-perspective view of a spring for use with the base portion of  FIG. 7B  in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 8A  is a side view of a release wedge for use with the support of  FIG. 3A  in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 8B  is a top view of the release wedge element of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8C  is a cross-section view of the support element of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8D  is a second side view of the support element of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8E  is a close-up side view of the formwork system  100  in a second position in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 9A  is a top-perspective view of a beam for use with the formwork system  100  in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 9B  is a top-perspective view of a saddle member for use with the beam of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIGS. 9C-9E  are top, side, and bottom views of the beam of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9F  is a close-up side view of an end of the beam of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9G  is a side view of an end of the beam of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9H  is a cross-section view of protrusions of the beam of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIGS. 10A-10D  are top, side, back, and top-perspective views of a foot of the beam of  FIG. 9A  in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG. 11A  is a top-perspective view of a compensation-strip for use with the formwork system  100  in accordance with an example embodiment; and 
         FIGS. 11B-11D  are side views of the compensation-strip of  FIG. 11A  in use with the formwork system  100  in accordance with an example embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     When formwork systems are used form inclined surfaces, different sized gaps may result between forming panels. Forming panels are typically laterally secured to beams of the formwork system to prevent the beams from sliding along the beams. The lateral position of forming panels along the beams cannot be adjusted when beams are inclined. There may be large gaps between some forming panels and small gaps between other forming panels. Such systems are therefore ill suited for forming inclined surfaces. 
     Alternatively, forming panels may be laterally unsecured to the beams to accommodate the use of a formwork system to form inclined surfaces. A worker can thus adjust the lateral position of the forming panels along the beams to accommodate the inclined beams to maintain panel gaps at a substantially constant size. However, laterally unsecured forming panels create a safety hazard as workers may walk on top of the forming panels from time-to-time. If a forming panel slides as a worker steps on the panel, the worker may fall and sustain an injury. 
     Disclosed is a formwork system adapted for forming concrete surfaces that transition from level to sloping (or vice-versa). In particular, the formwork system includes a height-adjustable support for supporting a beam in substantially horizontal position. The support includes a central upstanding member and a support arm. The support arm has an inclined portion extending up and away from the central upstanding member. The beam has a transverse bar, which is supported by the inclined portion of the support arm. As the support moves vertically, the transverse bar moves laterally relative to the inclined portion. A foot at the beam abuts the central upstanding member and opposes lateral movement of the beam relative to the upstanding member when the support is stationary. 
     Thus, when the support arm moves up or down vertically, the beam moves both horizontally and vertically along the inclined portion. In turn, the lateral shift of the beam in response to vertical shift of the support is reduced. Thus, the variance in the gap between laterally secured forming panels is also reduced. As a result, a single type of compensation-strips having an adjustable width can be used with the system. 
     Reference is made to  FIGS. 1A-1B , illustrating perspective and side views of a formwork system  100  for supporting one or more forming panels  102 . 
     Forming panels  102  provide a flat surface to pour liquid concrete thereon. In one embodiment, a plywood panel is used to provide the flat surface. In one embodiment, forming panels  102  may be 2 feet wide and 6 feet long. However, other sizes are possible: for example, forming panels  102  may range from 1 foot to 6 feet in length or width. In addition, different sized forming panels  102  may be used with formwork system  100 . 
     In one embodiment, each plywood panel of a forming panel  102  is supported by beams (not shown) extending along the edges of the panel. The plywood panel may also be supported by a series of beams spanning the length or width of the panel. The beams of a forming panel  102  may be made of a light material, such as wood or aluminum. 
     Formwork system  100  also includes a plurality of supports  105  and beams  108 . Each support  105  has base portion  104  and a support head  106  at an upper portion of support  105 . Beams  108  are supported at each end by support head  106 . In one embodiment, support head  106  is removably mounted on a vertical prop. 
     One or more supports  105  of system  100  may also support a compensation-strip  110 . Compensation-strips  110  may be used to fill gaps  112  between panels  102  that form around support heads  106 . 
     In use, a first pair of supports  105  (for example, including a pair of support heads  106  and a pair of vertical props) may be used to suspend a first beam  108 . A second pair of supports  105  may be used to suspend a second beam  108  in a substantially parallel position to the first beam  108 . One or more forming panels  102  may be supported on each of the first and second beams to form a suspended horizontal surface suitable for pouring concrete thereon. The horizontal surface formed by system  100  may have sections that are inclined and sections that are level. 
     Additional beams  108 , supports  105 , and forming panels  102  can be arranged side-by-side to form a larger suspended horizontal surface suitable for pouring concrete thereon. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , formwork system  100  allows for forming leveled and inclined horizontal concrete surfaces. In addition, formwork system  100  may be used to form a single horizontal concrete surface that transitions between upward sloping and downward sloping. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1B  beam  108 - 1  and the panels associated therewith are sloping up relative to support head  106 - 1 . Similarly, beam  108 - 2  and the panels associated therewith are sloping down from support head  106 - 2 . Similarly, beam  108 - 3  and the panels associated therewith are sloping down from support head  106 - 3 . Similarly, beam  108 - 4  and the panels associated therewith are sloping up relative to support head  106 - 4 . Similarly, beam  108 - 5  and the panels associated therewith are level with support head  106 - 5 . Beam  108 - 6  and the panels associated therewith also level. 
     The incline angle of a particular beam may be adjusted by adjusting the height of one of the supports  105  supporting that particular beam (for example, by adjusting the height of one of or both of support head  106  and vertical prop  104  supporting support head  106 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the heights of supports  105 - 1  to  105 - 6  are varied (or base portion  104 - 1  to  104 - 5 , for example, using height adjustable vertical props) to achieve the desired angle of each of beams  108 - 1  to  108 - 6 . 
     In one embodiment, the maximum incline angle of a beam  108  and the forming panels  102  associated therewith is plus or minus 5 degrees relative to the horizontal. 
     Reference is made to  FIG. 1C  illustrating an example support  105  for use formwork system  100  in accordance one embodiment. Support  105  has a support head  106  having support arms  220 . Support head  106  and support arms  220  thereof are supported in an elevated position by base portion  104  of support  105 . Beams  108  are supported at each end by support arms  220  of support head  106 . 
     Support arms  220  may be lowered or raised to vary the slope of beams supported by the support head  106 . In one embodiment, support head  106  is mounted on a height-adjustable vertical prop, and the height of support arms  220  is adjustable by adjusting the height of the vertical prop. In one embodiment, support head  106  has support arms  220  that are height-adjustable independently from base portion  104 . 
     As shown, support  105  has two support arms  220  positioned on opposite sides of support  105 , but other embodiments are possible. For example, each support  105  may have four support arms  220 . 
     Support arm  220  of support  105  has an inclined portion  224  extending up and away from the center of support head  106 . In one embodiment, support arm  220  also has a flat portion  226  extending laterally from the center of support head  106  and inclined portion  224  extends up and away from flat portion  226 . Inclined portion  224  has an angle of a degrees relative to the horizontal, which may in some embodiments range from 30 to 40 degrees. 
     Support  105  also has a central upstanding member  230  at the center of support head  106 . Central upstanding member  230  extends vertically upwards relative to support arms  220 . Inclined portion  224  extends up and away from central upstanding member  230 . 
     Beam  108  may abut central upstanding member  230 , and in turn, central upstanding member  230  may oppose lateral movement of beam  108 ; thereby laterally stabilizing beam  108 . 
     Reference is made to  FIG. 1D  illustrating a partial side view of an example beam  108  for use with formwork system  100  in accordance one embodiment. 
     In one embodiment, beam  108  has two side plates  910  attached proximate an end of the beam and extending away from the beam. In one embodiment, side plates  910  secure a transverse bar  222  in a position proximate the end of the beam (see  FIGS. 9A-9B ). 
     In use, transverse bar  222  may be supported by inclined portion  224  of support arm  220  to suspend beam  108 . As will be explained further, the position of transverse bar  222  along inclined portion  224  may vary in dependence on the incline angle of beam  108  when suspended. 
     In one embodiment, beam  108  also has a foot  202  extending from the end of the beam. In one embodiment, foot  202  is a small metallic block (for example, made of steel) attached to the end of beam  108 . In one embodiment, foot  202  has thickness of 1 to 3 cm. In one embodiment, foot  202  is longer than the height of an end portion of beam  108 , such that foot  202  may extend relative to the upper and lower surfaces of the end portion of beam  108 . In one embodiment, foot  202  may be positioned substantially perpendicular to beam  108 . 
     In one embodiment, foot  202  is positioned at the end-most portion of beam  108 , such that a portion of foot  202  may abut central upstanding member  230  ( FIG. 1C ), and in turn, may oppose lateral movement of beam  108  to laterally stabilizing beam  108 . 
     Accordingly, central upstanding member  230  provides a vertical abutment surface for foot  202  to oppose lateral movement of beam  108  relative to central upstanding member  230 . By abutting vertical abutment surface, foot  202  may prevent transverse bar  222  from moving laterally along inclined portion  224 . 
     In one embodiment, foot  202  is any extension to beam  108  that provides a suitable abutment surface to laterally stabilize beam  108 . 
     Reference is made to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , illustrating beams  108 -L,  108 -R (generally referred to as “beams  108 ”) and support heads  106 -L,  106 -R (generally referred to as “support heads  106 ”). Support heads  106  are each supported in an elevated position, for example by a vertical prop (not shown). 
     Beam  108 -L is supported by support arms  220  of support head  106 -L at one end and by support arms  220  of support head  106 -R at a second end in a level position. Beam  108 -R is supported by support arms  220  of support head  106 -R at one end and by support arms  220  of a second support head (not shown) at a second end (not shown) in a level position. 
     When beam  108  is in a level/horizontal position, transverse bar  222  is supported approximately at the middle of inclined portion  224  of support arm  220  (as shown in phantom in  FIG. 2B ). Further, foot  202  is substantially perpendicular to central upstanding member  230 . 
     Each beam  108  has protrusions  240  extending upwardly from an upper surface of the beam. Each protrusion  240  is configured to engage the lower surface of a forming panel  102  to prevent lateral movement of the forming panel  102  along beam  108 . 
     Reference is made to  FIGS. 2C and 2D , illustrating beams  108 -L,  108 -R and support head  106 -R. In  FIGS. 2C and 2D , support arm  220  of support head  106 -R has been moved down vertically relative to its position in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ; thus, both beams  108 -L,  108 -R are sloping up relative to support head  106 -R. The beams  108  now create a ‘valley’. 
     Support arm  220  of support head  106  may be moved vertically downwards by adjusting the height of a vertical prop upon which support head  106  is mounted. Alternatively, support arm  220  may be vertically movable relative to central upstanding member  230 . 
     The decrease in the height of support head  106 -R also causes transverse bars  222  (shown in phantom) resting on inclined portions  224  of support head  106 -R to move laterally away from central upstanding member  230  along the inclined portion  224 . While in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  (when the beams are level) transverse bar  222  is supported approximately at the middle of inclined portion  224  of support arm  220 , in  FIGS. 2C and 2D  (when the beams are sloping up), transverse bar  222  is supported near the top of inclined portion  224  of support arm  220  at the position furthest from central upstanding member  230 . 
     Furthermore, in  FIGS. 2C and 2D , foot  202  is no longer substantially perpendicular to central upstanding member  230 . In  FIGS. 2C and 2D , when beams  108 -L,  108 -R are sloping up relative to support head  106 -R, foot  202  partially abuts central upstanding member  230  such that only an upper portion of foot  202  abuts central upstanding member  230 . 
     In addition, the gap between forming panels  102  supported by beam  108 -L and forming panels  102  supported by beam  108 -R is relatively smaller when beams  108  are sloping up relative to support head  106 -R ( FIG. 2C ) compared to when beams  108  are level ( FIGS. 2A and 2B ). Notably, however, since the beams moved both laterally and vertically when support arm  220  was moved down, the difference in the gap size is reduced. 
     Reference is made to  FIG. 2E  illustrating beams  108 -L,  108 -R and support head  106 -R. In  FIG. 2E , support arm  220  of support head  106 -R has been moved vertically upwards relative to its position in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ; thus, both beams  108 -L,  108 -R are sloping down relative to support head  106 -R. The beams  108  now create a ‘peak’. 
     Further the increase in the height of support head  106 -R also causes transverse bars  222  (shown in phantom) resting on inclined portions  224  of support arm  220  to move laterally towards central upstanding member  230  along the inclined portion  224 . While in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  (when the beams are level) transverse bar  222  is supported approximately at the middle of inclined portion  224  of support arm  220 , in  FIG. 2E  (when the beams are sloping down), transverse bar  222  is supported near the bottom of inclined portion  224  of support arm  220  at the position closest to central upstanding member  230 . 
     Furthermore, in  FIG. 2E , foot  202  is also no longer substantially perpendicular to central upstanding member  230 . In  FIG. 2E , when beams  108 -L,  108 -R are sloping down from support head  106 -R, foot  202  partially abuts central upstanding member  230  such that only a lower portion of foot  202  abuts central upstanding member  230 . 
     In some embodiments, the abutment surface of lower portion of foot  202  may be tapered ( FIG. 9F ) such that beam  108  can move more closely towards central upstanding member  230  when the beam is sloping down from support head  106 -R. 
     In addition, the gap between forming panels  102  supported by beam  108 -L and forming panels  102  supported by beam  108 -R is relatively larger when beams  108  are sloping down relative to support head  106 -R ( FIG. 2E ) compared to when beams  108  are level ( FIGS. 2A and 2B ). Notably, however, since the beams moved both laterally and vertically when support arm  220  was moved up, the difference in the gap size is reduced. 
     Reference is made to  FIG. 2F  illustrating beams  108 -L,  108 -R and support head  106 -R. In  FIG. 2F , support arm  220  of support head  106 -R is in the same vertical position as in  FIG. 2E , but the second support head (not shown) supporting beam  108 -R has been moved vertically upwards relative to its position in  FIG. 2E . Thus, beam  108 -L is sloping down from support head  106 -R whereas beam  108 -R is sloping up relative to support head  106 -R. The beams  108  now create a ‘ramp’. 
     Further, the increase in the height of the second support arm (not shown) also causes transverse bar  222  (shown in phantom) of beam  108 -R resting on inclined portions  224  of support head  106 -R to move laterally away from central upstanding member  230  along the inclined portion  224 . While in  FIG. 2E  transverse bar  222  of beam  108 -R is supported near the bottom of inclined portion  224  of support arm  220  (at the position closest to central upstanding member  230 ), in  FIG. 2F  transverse bar  222  of beam  108 -R is supported near the top of inclined portion  224  of support arm  220  (at the position furthest from central upstanding member  230 ). 
     Furthermore, in  FIG. 2F , lower portion of foot  202  of beam  108 -R is no longer abutting central upstanding member  230 . Instead, only upper portion of foot  202  of beam  108 -R partially abuts central upstanding member  230 . 
     In addition, the gap between forming panels  102  supported by beam  108 -L and forming panels  102  supported by beam  108 -R is relatively smaller in  FIG. 2F  compared to in  FIG. 2E . 
     Thus, an increase in the height of a support arm  220  supporting a transverse bar  224  of a beam  108  results in lateral movement of the transverse bar  222  along the inclined portion  224  of the support arm  220  towards central upstanding member  230  and further results in lateral movement of the beam  108  towards central upstanding member  230 . Further, any forming panels  102  resting on beam  108  which are laterally secured by protrusions  240  will move laterally along with beam  108 . 
     Similarly, a decrease in the height of a support arm  220  supporting a transverse bar  224  of a beam  108  results in lateral movement of the transverse bar  222  along the inclined portion  224  of the support arm  220  away from central upstanding member  230  and further results in lateral movement of the beam  108  away from central upstanding member  230 . Further, any forming panels  102  resting on beam  108  which are laterally secured by protrusions  240  will move laterally along with beam  108 . 
     In other words, each support arm  220  of formwork system  100  acts as a shifting pivot point for beams  108 . Beam  108  moves laterally when pivoted about support arm  220  (in addition to moving vertically). Since beams  108  have a fixed length, pivoting one end of a beam  108  about a fixed point would result in a lateral shift of the opposite end of beam  108 . However, in formwork system  100  beams  108  moves laterally when pivoted; thus, the lateral shift of the opposite end of beam  108  is reduced. 
     In one embodiment, an increase in the height of a support arm  220  by approximately 200 to 220 mm will result in a lateral movement of transverse bar  222  along inclined portion  224  of the support arm  220  towards central upstanding member  230  by approximately 9.5 mm. In addition, transverse bar  222  will move down vertically along inclined portion  224  by approximately 4.5 mm. Further, the increase in height will cause beam  108  to incline down from support head  106  at an angle of 5 degrees. 
     In one embodiment, a decrease in the height of a support arm  220  by approximately 200 to 220 mm will result in a lateral movement of the transverse bar  222  along the inclined portion  224  of the support arm  220  away from central upstanding member  230  by approximately 7 mm. In addition, transverse bar  222  will move up vertically along inclined portion  224  by approximately 7 mm. Further, the increase in height will cause beam  108  to incline up relative to support head  106  at an angle of 5 degrees. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 3A-3E , showing an example embodiment of support head  106  in isolation. As will be explained in greater detail, support head  106  has a support arm block  225  including support arm(s)  220 , a base portion  270  for mounting support head  106  on a vertical prop (not shown), a release wedge  260  and side plates  265  allowing support head  106  to function as a ‘drop-head’ (as will be explained later), and an upper support  250  for supporting a compensation-strip  110 . In one embodiment, support head  106  extends by approximately 500 mm from the top of upper support  250  to the bottom of base portion  270 . 
     Central upstanding member  230  is an elongate member. For example, in one embodiment, central upstanding member  230  is approximately 40 mm long, 40 mm wide and 340 mm tall. In one embodiment, central upstanding member  230  is made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel. In one embodiment, central upstanding member  230  is hollow. 
     In one embodiment, central upstanding member  230  has side plates  265  attached at a bottom portion thereof to increase the thickness of the bottom portion of central upstanding member  230 . In one embodiment, each side plate  265  is 10 mm thick, thereby increasing the thickness of the bottom portion of central upstanding member  230  to 60 mm. 
     One example embodiment of support arm block  225  of support head  106  is illustrated in isolation in  FIGS. 4A-4D . Support arm block  225  has a central block  445 , formed by an upper base plate  440  and a lower base plate  442  separated by a vertical plates  444 . Each of upper base plate  440  and lower base plate  442  has a void in the center thereof. Support arm block  225  receives central upstanding member  230  through the voids in upper and lower base plates  440 ,  442  and may be vertically moveable relative to central upstanding member  230  (See  FIGS. 3A-3E ). 
     In one embodiment, each of upper and lower base plates  440 ,  442  is approximately 80 mm×80 mm in size. In one embodiment, the void of of upper base plate  440  is approximately 60 mm×60 mm in size and the void of lower base plate  442  is approximately 60 mm×41 mm in size. Further, in one embodiment, central upstanding member  230  is marginally smaller in size than the void of lower base plate  442  (for example, 40 mm×40 mm in size), such that support arm block  225  can move vertically relative to central upstanding member  230 . 
     In one embodiment, the plates of support arm block  225  are made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel. The plates may be secured to one another by welding. 
     In one embodiment, support arm block  225  includes two support arms  220 , mounted at opposing sides of support arm block  225 . In one embodiment, the distance between the two support arms  220  is approximately 200 mm. 
     Each support arm  220  may include two opposing side plates  420 , which are separated by upper and lower spacers  432 ,  434 . Thus, the two opposing side plates  420 , when placed side-by-side, separated by spacers  432 ,  434 , provide inclined portion  224  and flat portion  226  ( FIG. 1C ) upon which transverse bar  222  of beam  108  may be supported. 
     Side plates  420  and upper and lower spacers  432 ,  434  may be made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel. Side plates  420  may interlock with central block  445  of support arm block  225 . In one embodiment, side plates  420  may also be welded to upper and lower spacers  432 ,  434  and to central block  445 . In one embodiment, support arms  220  are welded to central block  445 . 
     One example embodiment of a side plate  420  of support arm  220  of support arm block  225  is illustrated in isolation in  FIGS. 5A-5C . Notably, as shown, each side plate  420  has a flat/horizontal portion  522  which extends away from central block  445  (and central upstanding member  230 ), an inclined portion  524  which extends up and away from flat/horizontal portion  522 , and a vertical portion  526  extending upwardly from inclined portion  524 . 
     In one embodiment, flat/horizontal portion  522  may limit the range of travel of transverse bar  222 , thereby making assembly of formwork system  100  more convenient. In one embodiment, flat portion  522  may extend 25 to 35 mm away from central block  445 . 
     As previously discussed, inclined portion  524  provides the inclined portion  224  upon which transverse bar  222  of beam  108  is supported. In one embodiment, as shown, inclined portion  524  is a straight incline. Further, in one embodiment, inclined portion  524  may be inclined at an angle ranging from 30 to 40 degrees. As shown, inclined portion  524  is inclined at a 35 degree angle. Further, in one embodiment, inclined portion  524  may extend 25 to 35 mm away from flat portion  522 . 
     In one embodiment, inclined portion  524  is approximately 30 mm in length. The length of inclined portion  524  may be modified to alter the maximum incline angle of beams  108 . In one embodiment, an inclined portion  524  allows the beams to incline up or down by 5 degrees. 
     In other embodiments, the inclined portion may be curved (not shown). For example, the inclined portion may take the shape of a quadratic which extends up and away from flat portion  522 . 
     In other embodiments, the inclined portion may be jagged (not shown). For example, the inclined portion may include multiple steps upon which transverse bar  222  of beam  108  may be supported. Notably, however, a jagged inclined portion may be more difficult to use as transverse bar  222  may not slide easily up along the jagged inclined portion. 
     Vertical portion  526  may be helpful in preventing transverse bar  222  from rolling off inclined portion  524  when only one end of beam  108  is supported, and thus also prevents beam  108  from falling. In one embodiment, vertical portion  526  extends up by 10 to 20 mm from the top of inclined portion  524 . 
     In one embodiment, each side plate  420  also has a tapered end  528  extending upwardly from vertical portion  526 . Tapered end  528  may have a tapered slope extending from vertical portion  526 , which may help direct transverse bar  222  towards inclined portion  524  of side plate  420 . Further, in one embodiment, the outer edge of tapered end  528  may be curved to minimize sharp edges and reduce the likelihood of injury to a worker. 
     In some embodiments, tapered end  528  has a width ranging from 20 to 30 mm and a height ranging from 15 to 22 mm. In some embodiments, tapered end  528  is also angled in towards the opposing side plate  420  (see  FIGS. 4C and 5C ). In some embodiments, tapered end  528  is angled in at an angle ranging from 5 to 15 degrees (10 degrees, as shown). In one embodiment, tapered end  528  is angled by deforming a portion of plate  420 . 
     An example embodiment of upper support  250  for supporting a compensation-strip  110  is shown in isolation in  FIGS. 6A-6F . Upper support  250  is mounted at the top of support head  106  such that when compensation-strip  110  is supported on upper support  250 , compensation-strip  110  is level with forming panels  102  adjacent to the compensation-strip  110 . 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 6B, 6D, and 6E , upper support  250  is T-shaped, having an upper cross-member  620 , a support plate  615  for supporting upper cross-member  620 , and a vertical member  610 . In one embodiment, the components of upper support  250  are made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel. 
     In one embodiment, vertical member  610  is hollow and is larger in size than upstanding member  230 , such that vertical member  610  maybe inserted over central upstanding member  230 , as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3E . In one embodiment, vertical member  610  is approximately 70 mm long, 50 mm wide and 180 mm tall. In contrast, central upstanding member  230  is smaller in size (for example, 40 mm×40 mm in size). 
     In one embodiment, vertical member  610  includes a through-hole  617  and central upstanding member  230  includes a corresponding through-hole  717 . Through-hole  617  and through-hole  717  are aligned when vertical member  610  is inserted over central upstanding member  230 . To removably secure the two members to one another, a pin or screw (not shown) may be inserted into through-hole  617  of vertical member  610  of upper support  250  and into corresponding through-hole  717  ( FIG. 3A ) of central upstanding member  230 . 
     In one embodiment, support plate  615  is secured to the top of vertical member  610  (for example, by welding, with a screw, or otherwise). Support plate  615  has a width corresponding to the width of upper cross-member  620 , which is then secured to support plate  615  (for example, by welding, with a screw, or otherwise). In one embodiment, upper cross-member  620  has a width of 50 mm and is 240 mm long. 
     In one embodiment, once mounted, upper cross-member  620  is the top point of support head  106  ( FIG. 3A-3E ). Upper cross-member  620  is configured (for example, shaped) to support a central hinge portion of a compensation-strip  110 . The central hinge portion of a compensation-strip  110  may rest on upper cross-member  620  without being secured thereto ( FIGS. 11A-11D ). In one embodiment, upper cross-member  620  has a top surface that has a corresponding shape to the central hinge portion of compensation-strip  110 . For example, the top surface of upper cross-member  620  may be curved to accommodate the central hinge portion of compensation-strip  110 . 
     Reference is made to  FIGS. 7A-7F , showing an example embodiment of a base portion  270  of support head  106 . Base portion  270  allows for mounting support head  106  on a vertical prop. Base portion  270  includes a base plate  710  ( FIG. 7A ) for securing support head  106  to a vertical prop, a U-shaped member  720  ( FIGS. 7C-7F ), and hinged hooks  730  ( FIGS. 7C-7G ). In one embodiment, the components of base portion  270  are made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel. 
     Base plate  710  may have a central void  715  ( FIG. 7A ). In one embodiment, central void  715  is approximately 25 mm in width and 25 mm in length. 
     A bottom portion of central upstanding member  230  may be secured to an upper side of base plate  710  at central void  715 , for example, by welding. Similarly, the top of U-shaped member  720  may be secured to a lower side of base plate  710  at central void  715 , for example, by welding. 
     Base plate  710  may also be shaped to prevent beams from hitting support  105  which supports the beam. As shown in  FIG. 7A , base plate  710  has extension portions  721  on each side thereof. In use, extension portions  721  are aligned with beams  108 . Thus, when only one end of beam  108  is supported, extension portions  721  may provide a barrier preventing the beam  108  from hitting the base portion  104  of support  105 . In one embodiment, extension portions  721  extend by approximately 100 mm in each direction from the center of base plate  710 . 
     In one embodiment, base portion  270  may be removably mounted on top of a vertical prop (not shown). To allow for mounting, base plate  710  has notches  713  at each side thereof and through-holes  717  ( FIG. 7A ), which may provide convenient points to screw base plate  710  to the top of a vertical prop (not shown). Further, U-shaped member  720  may extend below base plate  710 , and may be received in a void (not shown) of vertical prop (not shown) for added stability. In one embodiment, U-shaped member  720  has a height of approximately 130 mm. 
     In one embodiment, U-shaped member  720  may be omitted from support head  106  to allow support head  106  to be mounted on a vertical prop having no corresponding void. 
     In one embodiment, U-shaped member  720  has attached thereto a pair of hinged hooks  730  ( FIG. 7G ) and a spring  735  ( FIG. 7H ). Hinged hooks  730  are oriented in opposite directions and help secure base portion  270  to the top of a vertical prop (not shown). Spring  735  applies pressure on each of hinged hooks  730 , causing the hinged hooks  730  protrude outwardly, pressing against the interior of a void of vertical prop which receives U-shaped member  720 . 
     Each hinged hook  730  has a top notch  737  and a bottom notch  735 . Bottom notches  735  are configured to engage the interior of the void of vertical prop (not shown) which receives U-shaped member  720 , whilst top notches  737  protrude through central void  715  of base plate  710  and further protrude through notches in central upstanding member  230  and side plates  265  ( FIGS. 7C-7F ). 
     To remove support head  106  from a vertical prop (not shown), top notches  737  may be struck to de-engage the bottom notches from pressing the interior of the void of vertical prop. Hinged hooks  730  may thus, in some embodiments, allow for attachment and detachment of support head  106  without the use of screws and bolts. 
     Reference is made to  FIGS. 8A-8D , illustrating an example embodiment of a release wedge  260  in isolation. Release wedge  260 , in conjunction with side plates  265 , allows support head  106  to function as a drop-head. In one embodiment, release wedge  260  is approximately 180 mm long, 140 mm wide and 15 mm thick. In one embodiment, release wedge  260  is made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel. 
     As is known in the art, liquid concrete is first poured onto forming panels  102  supported by beams  108  and supports  105 . Concrete sets and cures slowly over time and may take a few days to set and several weeks to fully cure. Forming panels  102  can usually be removed within a matter of days provided that supports  105  are maintained to support the concrete for a longer time (for example, a week or more, depending on the conditions). Early removal of forming panels  102  and beams  108  may reduce construction costs, as the same parts can be re-used to form higher floors. Thus, in example embodiments, support head  106  may include a release wedge  260  to allow for releasing forming panels  102  and beams  108  prior to removing supports  105 . 
     Release wedge  260  and side plates  265  provide a mechanism for releasing support arms  220  from a first position at a first height to a second position at a lower height. Release wedge  260  is supported by side plates  265  in the first position ( FIGS. 3A-3E ). Once the release wedge  260  is released, release wedge  260  drops closer to base plate  710 , as shown in  FIG. 8E . In one embodiment, the vertical distance between the first and second positions is approximately 100 mm. 
     Release wedge  260  defines a large central void  815 . Central void  815  has a wide end and a narrow end. The narrow end has a width that is marginally larger than the width of central upstanding member  230  (for example, in one embodiment, central upstanding member  230  is 40 mm×40 mm; while the narrow end of void  815  has a width of 42 mm). The wide end of central void  815  has a width that is marginally larger than the width of central upstanding member  230  plus the thickness of the two side plates (for example, in one embodiment, each side plate is 10 mm thick for a total thickness of 60 mm; while the wide end of void  815  has a width of 62 mm). 
     Thus, side plates  265  (attached to central upstanding member  230 ) can only pass through the wide end of central void  815  of release wedge  260 . To release support arms  220  from the first position at the first height ( FIGS. 2A-2F ) to the second position at the lower height ( FIG. 8E ), a user may strike release wedge  260  laterally, thereby moving it laterally so that side plates  265  can pass through wide end of central void  815 . In one embodiment, release wedge  260  has tapered side portions  823  which allow for easier release of release wedge  260 . 
     Reference is made to  FIGS. 9A-9H , illustrating an example embodiment of beam  108  in isolation. In one embodiment, beam  108  is a generally hollow elongate member with tapered ends ( FIGS. 9D and 9G ). The tapered ends may help prevent beam  108  from hitting support  105  which the beam is mounted on. 
     In one embodiment, beam  108  is approximately 2.4 m long and 10 cm wide. Beams of different lengths may also be used (for example, in one embodiment, different beams  108  may have a length ranging from 4 feet to 8 feet). Beam  108  may be made of a lightweight material that can withstand the weight of concrete (for example, aluminum) to allow for easy manipulation of the beam. 
     In one example embodiment, beam  108  has a plurality of protrusions  240  extending upwardly from an upper surface thereof. Protrusions  240  may laterally secure forming panels  102  and prevent forming panels  102  from moving laterally. Protrusions  240  are positioned along the length of the upper surface of beam  108  in a pattern that corresponds to the type of forming panels  102  selected for use with beam  108 . As shown in  FIG. 9H , the upper surface of beam  108  may include a plurality of through-holes  945  for securing protrusions  240 . For example, screws may be used to attach protrusions  240  via the through-holes. 
     Further, in one embodiment, beam  108  has a plurality of guides  940  extending upwardly from an upper surface thereof. Guides  940  are positioned along the length of the upper surface of beam  108  at the center to guide forming panels  102  into position. 
     In one example embodiment, beam  108  has attached to each end a saddle member  915  (shown in isolation in  FIG. 9B ), which protrudes outwardly. Saddle member  915  has two opposing side plates  910  which may be secured to an end or proximate an end of beam  108 . For example, side plates  910  may be welded, riveted, or screwed to beam  108 . 
     Side plates  910  support transverse bar  222  in position proximate to the end of beam  108 . Transverse bar  222  may, for example, be welded to each of side plates  910  such that transverse bar  222  protrudes perpendicularly from beam  108 . As previously discussed, transverse bar  222  supports beam  108  on a support arm  220  of support  108 . 
     In one embodiment, transverse bar  222  is made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel. In one embodiment, transverse bar  222  is cylindrical in shape and is approximately 70 mm long and has a diameter of 20 mm. Notably, the diameter of transverse bar  222  may be selected in dependence on the material used (for example, a less stiff material, such as aluminum, may require transverse bar  222  to have added thickness to properly support beam  108 ). 
     Reference is made to  FIGS. 10A-10D , illustrating an example embodiment of a foot  202  in isolation. Saddle member  915  also supports foot  202 , which extends out from an end of saddle member  915 . Foot  202  may also be welded to saddle member  915 . Foot  202  may have an attachment member  1050  to provide an area which can be used to secure foot  202  to saddle member  915 . 
     In one embodiment, foot  202  has tapered upper portion  1052  and rounded corners for added safety, as such a corner may be less sharp. 
     In one embodiment, foot  202  also has tapered lower portion  1054 . Tapered lower portion  1054  may allow beam  108  to move more closely towards central upstanding member  230  when the beam is sloping down from a support head  106 . 
     In one embodiment, foot  202  is made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel. In one embodiment, foot  202  is approximately 60 mm wide, 80 mm long and 20 mm thick. The thickness of foot  202  may require adjustment in dependence on the material used. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 11A , illustrating an example embodiment of compensation-strip  110  in isolation, and  FIGS. 11B-11D , illustrating an example embodiment of compensation-strip  110  as supported by upper support  250  of support head  106 . 
     In one embodiment, compensation-strip  110  has two elongate panels  1002 ,  1004  hingedly coupled to one another. The length of each panel  1002 ,  1004  is selected to match the width of an associated forming panel  102 . 
     In one embodiment, compensation-strip  110  has a central hinge portion. For example, panel  1002  may have at one side thereof a substantially cylindrical joint  1012  and panel  1004  may have at one end thereof a corresponding semi-circular joint  1014 . Cylindrical joint  1012  may be slotted into the corresponding semi-circular joint  1014  to hingedly couple panels  1002  and  1004  to one another. 
     In use, an edge of each of panels  1002 ,  1004  rest on adjacent forming panels  102  and the central hinge portion rests on cross-member  620  of upper support  250  ( FIGS. 11B-11D ). 
     In one embodiment, panel  1004  has a notch  1024 . In some embodiments, compensation-strip  110  may attach to freshly set concrete. Notch  1024  may be used to remove compensation-strip  110 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 11B-11D , panel  1002  may be rotated about joint  1014  to form various angles to correspond with the incline of adjacent beams  108 . For example, compensation-strip  110  in  FIG. 11B  is oriented to create a ‘valley’, compensation-strip  110  in  FIG. 11C  is oriented to create a ‘ramp’, and compensation-strip  110  in  FIG. 11D  is oriented to create a ‘peak’. 
     Hingedly coupled panels  1002  and  1004  allow compensation-strip  110  to fill gaps of different widths. In one embodiment, the width of the gap is approximately 60 mm in the ‘valley’ orientation, approximately 90 mm in the ‘ramp’ orientation, and approximately 115 mm in the ‘ramp’ orientation. Thus, compensation-strip  110  in the example given can accommodate gap widths in the range of 60 mm to 115 mm. 
     Of course, the above described embodiments are intended to be illustrative only and in no way limiting. The described embodiments are susceptible to many modifications of form, arrangement of parts, details and order of operation. The invention is intended to encompass all such modification within its scope, as defined by the claims.