Patent Description:
The present invention relates to a modular formwork for reinforced concrete walls.

In more detail, the present invention relates to a disposable-type modular formwork for reinforced concrete walls, to which the following disclosure will make explicit reference without, however, losing its generality.

As is known, the modular formworks which are usually used to build the reinforced concrete walls of a building are basically made up of two rigid and usually rectangular-shaped, large containment walls, generally made of metal and/or wood, which are arranged one in front of the other in a vertical position, on opposite sides of the metal reinforcement of the reinforced concrete wall to be built, so as to form a large gap with predetermined height inside which the liquid cement necessary to incorporate the metal reinforcement and to form the reinforced concrete wall is then poured; and of a dismountable and removable support framework, which is placed outside the two containment walls, and is adapted to prop the two containment walls so as to maintain them stationary in a vertical position, one in front of the other, until the concrete has completely solidified.

Clearly, the modular formworks are placed side by side to one another along the entire length of the reinforced concrete wall to be built, putting together and firmly fixing the vertical sides of the containment walls of each modular formwork to the those of the immediately adjacent formworks.

Over the last few years, disposable modular formworks have also been realised in which each of the two containment walls of the formwork is made up of a series of large, parallelepiped-shaped, rigid blocks of expanded polystyrene with assemblable modular structure, which are shaped so as to be firmly interlocked to one another along the sides, and are arranged closely adjacent to one another according to a quincunx spatial distribution, up to reach the desired height, so as to form the entire containment wall.

This construction system is called ICF, acronym of Insulated Concrete Form.

The disposable modular formworks, in this case, additionally comprise a series of rigid transversal spacers, which extend bridging the two containment walls while remaining locally perpendicular to the same walls, and are firmly fixed to the internal faces of the blocks of expanded polystyrene, so as to connect the various blocks of expanded polystyrene rigidly to each other.

In more detail, the transversal spacers are distributed in a regular manner over the entire extension of the two containment walls, so that each block of expanded polystyrene is rigidly connected to the facing blocks of expanded polystyrene of the other containment wall in a plurality of anchoring points.

The blocks of expanded polystyrene and the transversal spacers are intended to remain stably incorporated in the reinforced concrete wall, thus the disposable formworks described above allow realising reinforced concrete walls with high thermal insulation.

Clearly, the degree of thermal insulation varies according to the thickness of the blocks of expanded polystyrene used.

Even if they make it possible to realise reinforced concrete walls with high thermal insulation, unfortunately the disposable formworks described above have a limited use, because both faces of the resulting reinforced concrete wall are entirely made of expanded polystyrene.

In the event of a fire, in fact, the expanded polystyrene, even if it is of the self-extinguishing type, can still emit harmful gases with all the problems that this entails for the people inside the room.

In addition, the reinforced concrete wall obtained with the disposable formworks has a very high thickness and this reduces the walkable space inside the building.

Finally, the plastering of reinforced concrete walls obtained with the expanded-polystyrene disposable formworks is relatively expensive.

Common plaster (i.e. the mixture formed by lime and/or cement mixed with water and sand with a grain size not exceeding <NUM>), in fact, cannot adhere very well to the surfaces of expanded polystyrene, thus the plastering must be done using very expensive special plasters, with a significant increase in the overall finishing costs for the wall.

<CIT> discloses a modular formwork for reinforced concrete walls wherein the blocks of foam material remain permanently attached to the reinforced concrete wall.

<CIT> discloses a modular formwork for reinforced concrete walls allowing the removal of the blocks of polystyrene once concrete has completely solidified.

Aim of the present invention is to overcome the operative limitations of the disposable formworks described above.

In accordance with these aims, according to the present invention there is provided a modular formwork for reinforced concrete walls as defined in claim <NUM> and preferably, though not necessarily, in any one of the claims dependent on it.

The present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate a nonlimiting embodiment thereof, in which:.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, number <NUM> denotes as a whole a modular formwork for reinforced concrete walls, which can be advantageously used to realise reinforced concrete walls with high thermal insulation.

In other words, the modular formwork <NUM> is adapted to be placed around the metal reinforcement <NUM> of the reinforced concrete wall to be made, substantially along the entire length of the same wall, so as to form a large rigid container open at the top, which has a shape roughly complementary to that of the reinforced concrete wall to be made, and is adapted to be filled up with the liquid concrete (cement conglomerate, aggregates and water) necessary to incorporate the metal reinforcement <NUM> and complete the structure of the reinforced concrete wall.

The modular formwork <NUM> therefore comprises at least a pair of rigid and substantially plate-like, containment walls that are adapted to be arranged one in front of the other, so as to form a gap with given height and/or width, which is adapted to accommodate/contain the concrete necessary to complete the structure of the reinforced concrete wall.

In more detail, the modular formwork <NUM> comprises: two rigid and plate-like, large containment walls <NUM> and <NUM> that are preferably substantially rectangular in shape, and are arranged in a substantially vertical position one facing and substantially parallel to the other, on opposite sides of the metal reinforcement <NUM> of the reinforced concrete wall to be made, so as to form a large gap <NUM> with given height and/or width, inside which the liquid concrete necessary to incorporate the metal reinforcement <NUM> and to complete the structure of the reinforced concrete wall is subsequently poured; and preferably also a dismountable and removable support framework <NUM>, which is preferably placed outside the containment walls <NUM> and <NUM>, and is adapted to prop one or both containment walls <NUM> and <NUM> so as to maintain them stationary in a substantially vertical position, one in front of the other, until the concrete has completely solidified.

Moreover, both containment walls <NUM> and <NUM> have an assemblable modular structure, and the modular formwork <NUM> additionally comprises a plurality of substantially rigid, transversal spacers <NUM> that extend bridging the containment walls <NUM> and <NUM> preferably while remaining locally substantially perpendicular to the same walls, and are integral with both containment walls <NUM>, <NUM> so as to connect the containment walls <NUM> and <NUM>, or rather the assemblable modules forming the containment walls <NUM> and <NUM>, rigidly to one another.

In addition, the transversal spacers <NUM> are separated and distinct from the containment walls <NUM> and <NUM>, have a modular structure, and are rigidly anchored to both containment walls <NUM> and <NUM>.

Preferably, the transversal spacers <NUM> are moroever distributed in a substantially regular manner over the entire extension of the containment walls <NUM> and <NUM>, so that each assemblable module of the containment wall <NUM> is rigidly connected to the facing assemblable module(s) of the containment wall <NUM>, and vice versa, in a plurality of anchoring points.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, in particular, the containment wall <NUM> is basically made up of a series of substantially parallelepiped-shape, rigid large assemblable blocks of thermal insulation material <NUM> with a modular structure, which are made of polymeric-material foam and are arranged tightly adjoined to one another, preferably according to a substantially quincunx spatial distribution, so as to form substantially the entire containment wall <NUM>.

In other words, the blocks of thermal insulation material <NUM> all have substantially the same shape.

Preferably, the blocks of thermal insulation material <NUM> are moreover shaped/structured so that they can interlock or otherwise couple firmly to one another preferably substantially in a liquid-cement-tight manner, i.e. so that the liquid cement is prevented from freely seeping between the blocks of thermal insulation material <NUM>.

In more detail, the blocks of thermal insulation material <NUM> preferably are oblong parallelepiped in shape, and are arranged one tightly adjoined to the other with the two major faces of the parallelepiped locally substantially parallel to the lying plane of the containment wall <NUM>, i.e. in a substantially vertical position, and with the two intermediate faces and the two minor faces of the parallelepiped locally substantially perpendicular to the lying plane of the containment wall <NUM>.

Clearly, one of the two major faces of the block of thermal insulation material <NUM> faces the containment wall <NUM> and contributes to delimiting the gap <NUM>.

In the example shown, in particular, the blocks of thermal insulation material <NUM> are preferably substantially rectangular-parallelepiped in shape. In other words, the two major faces, the two intermediate faces and the two minor faces of the block of thermal insulation material <NUM> are all substantially rectangular in shape.

In addition, the blocks of thermal insulation material <NUM> have a length ℓ<NUM> preferably ranging between <NUM> and <NUM> (millimetres), and optionally equal to about <NUM>; a height h<NUM> preferably ranging between <NUM> and <NUM>, and optionally equal to about <NUM>; and a depth preferably ranging between <NUM> and <NUM>, and optionally equal to about <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>.

Lastly, the assemblable blocks of thermal insulation material <NUM> are preferably made of expanded polystyrene, and are preferably shaped/structured so that they can firmly interlock to one another at the two intermediate faces and/or the two minor faces of the parallelepiped.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the containment wall <NUM> in turn comprises: a series of substantially parallelogram-shaped, rigid large assemblable infill boards or panels <NUM> with a modular structure, which are preferably made of solid wood or plasterboard, preferably have a thickness lower than <NUM>, and are arranged one tightly adjoined to the other, preferably according to a substantially quincunx spatial distribution, so as to form substantially the entire containment wall <NUM>; and a plurality of interconnection joints <NUM>, separated and distinct from the infill boards <NUM>, which are distributed along the edges of the various infill boards <NUM> and are adapted to rigidly connect the infill boards <NUM> to each other in pairs.

In other words, the interconnection joints <NUM> are interposed between pairs of substantially coplanar and mutually adjacent infill boards <NUM>, and are adapted to simultaneously couple to both infill boards <NUM>, along the edges of the boards, so as to rigidly connect the same boards to one another.

Clearly the assemblable infill boards or panels <NUM> could be made of wood and composites, gypsum and composites, mineral fibres and composites, plastics or light metal alloys.

Similarly to the blocks of thermal insulation material <NUM>, also the infill boards <NUM> have all substantially the same shape and the interconnection joints <NUM> have all substantially the same shape.

With reference to <FIG>, moroever, the interconnection joints <NUM> are adapted to firmly fit and interlock simultaneously on the edges of both infill boards <NUM>, so that they cannot freely slide along the edges of the same infill boards <NUM>, and are additionally shaped so as to embrace each infill board <NUM> on the opposite sides thereof.

In more detail, each interconnection joint <NUM> is structured so as to straddle the edge of both infill boards <NUM>, so as to protrude outside the two infill boards <NUM>, on opposite sides of the same boards, and then to extend locally substantially skimming the outer 12a and inner 12b faces of the same infill boards <NUM>.

In addition, each interconnection joint <NUM> is adapted to simultaneously engage a corresponding pair of conjugated and facing transversal rectilinear slots <NUM>, which preferably have substantially the same dimensions, and are made aligned with and opposite to each other, on the conjugated and facing edges of the two infill boards <NUM> adjacent to the same interconnection joint <NUM>.

In other words, each of the two transversal rectilinear slots <NUM> engaged by the interconnection joint <NUM>, is realised on the edge of a respective infill board <NUM>, and extends inside the same infill board <NUM> while remaining substantially aligned with the homologous transversal rectilinear slot <NUM> realised on the other infill board <NUM>.

Preferably each of the two transversal rectilinear slots <NUM> engaged by the interconnection joint <NUM>, moreover extends inside the corresponding infill board <NUM> while remaining substantially perpendicular to the edge of the same board.

In addition, the transversal spacers <NUM> of modular formwork <NUM> are adapted to rigidly connect the various interconnection joints <NUM> of containment wall <NUM> to containment wall <NUM>, or rather to the blocks of thermal insulation material <NUM> forming the containment wall <NUM>.

In more detail, the transversal spacers <NUM> are separated and distinct from the interconnection joints <NUM>, and are structured so as to be able to rigidly anchor/fix to said interconnection joints <NUM>.

In other words, each transversal spacer <NUM> has a first end firmly anchored/anchorable to a corresponding interconnection joint <NUM> of containment wall <NUM>, and a second end firmly anchored/anchorable to the facing block of thermal insulation material <NUM> of containment wall <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in particular, the infill boards <NUM> are preferably arranged tightly adjoined and coplanar to one another, with the two major sides of the infill board <NUM> in a substantially horizontal position; and the interconnection joints <NUM> are preferably distributed along the major sides of the various infill boards <NUM>.

In more detail, each infill board <NUM> has, along the two major sides thereof, a series of transversal rectilinear slots <NUM>, which cross the entire thickness of the infill board <NUM> and preferably extends inside the infill board <NUM> while remaining locally substantially perpendicular to the corresponding major side of the board.

Preferably, the transversal rectilinear slots <NUM> are moreover spaced in a substantially regular manner along the entire length of the corresponding major side of the infill board <NUM>. In addition, the transversal rectilinear slots <NUM> present on one major side of the infill board <NUM> are preferably substantially aligned with the transversal rectilinear slots <NUM> present on the other major side of the same infill board <NUM>.

In other words, the transversal rectilinear slots <NUM> are distributed in a substantially specular manner on the two opposite sides of the infill board <NUM>.

In the example shown, in particular, the infill boards <NUM> are substantially rectangular in shape.

In addition, the various infill boards <NUM> preferably have a length ℓ<NUM> substantially equal to the length ℓ<NUM> of the blocks of thermal insulation material <NUM> and/or a height h<NUM> substantially equal to half the height h<NUM> of the blocks of thermal insulation material <NUM>.

In more detail, in the example shown, each infill board <NUM> has a length ℓ<NUM> preferably ranging between <NUM> and <NUM> (millimetres), and optionally equal to about <NUM>; and a height h<NUM> preferably ranging between <NUM> and <NUM>, and optionally equal to about <NUM>. The thickness of the infill boards <NUM>, on the other hand, preferably ranges between <NUM> and <NUM>, and it is optionally equal to about <NUM>.

Clearly, the length ℓ<NUM> of the infill boards <NUM> could also be a multiple or submultiple of the length ℓ<NUM> of the blocks of thermal insulation material <NUM>.

Similarly, the height h<NUM> of the infill boards <NUM> could also be a multiple or submultiple of the height h<NUM> of the blocks of thermal insulation material <NUM>.

Preferably the transversal rectilinear slots <NUM> are moroever distributed on the two major sides of the infill board <NUM> with a substantially constant pitch p, optionally with a value ranging between <NUM> and <NUM>.

In more detail, with particular reference to <FIG>, in the example shown each infill board <NUM> is preferably provided with six transversal rectilinear slots <NUM> that are distributed on each major side of the infill board <NUM>, with a pitch p preferably equal to about <NUM>.

Preferably, the transversal rectilinear slots <NUM>, on the other hand, have a length ℓ<NUM> greater than <NUM> and optionally also lower than one third of the height h<NUM> of the infill boards <NUM>, and/or a substantially constant width w<NUM> optionally greater than or equal to <NUM>.

In more detail, in the example shown each transversal rectilinear slot <NUM> has a width w preferably ranging between <NUM> and <NUM> and optionally equal to about <NUM>; and/or a length ℓ<NUM> preferably ranging between <NUM> and <NUM> (millimetres) and optionally equal to about <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, each interconnection joint <NUM>, on the other hand, has a rigid oblong and substantially straight structure, with a roughly H-shaped transversal profile, and is adapted to simultaneously engage, with its central flat web, the transversal rectilinear slots <NUM> of both infill boards <NUM>, arranging the wings locally substantially skimming the outer 12a and inner 12b faces of the same infill boards <NUM>.

In addition, each interconnection joint <NUM> has an overall length preferably greater than the sum of the lengths ℓ<NUM> of the two transversal rectilinear slots <NUM> forming said pair of conjugated and facing transversal rectilinear slots <NUM>, and preferably also lower than or equal to the nominal height h<NUM> of the infill boards <NUM>.

In more detail, in the example shown, the overall length of the interconnection joints <NUM> is preferably substantially equal to the height h<NUM> of the infill boards <NUM>, so that the interconnection joints <NUM> can be arranged with ends abutting against each other.

Preferably, each interconnection joint <NUM> is additionally provided, at the opposite ends thereof, with specific male-female coupling members <NUM> that allow the ends of the various interconnection joints <NUM> to interlock with one another.

With reference to <FIG>, in particular, each interconnection joint <NUM>
, according to an embodiment not covered by the present invention,
has a monolithic structure, and is preferably made of metal or a high density plastic material, such as for example polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE) or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

In addition, each interconnection joint <NUM> is preferably provided with a large oblong plate-like portion <NUM> that is adapted to be arranged, about the two transversal rectilinear slots <NUM>, in abutment against the inner face 12b of the two infill boards <NUM> to be rigidly connected to one another; with an oblong plate-like ridge <NUM> that juts out from the oblong plate-like portion <NUM> orthogonally to the latter, extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the oblong plate-like portion <NUM> preferably roughly in the centre of the same portion, and is adapted to simultaneously engage both transversal rectilinear slots <NUM> of said pair of conjugated and facing transversal rectilinear slots <NUM>, protruding from the opposite side of the two infill boards <NUM>; and finally with an oblong plate-like head <NUM>, which is located on top of the oblong plate-like ridge <NUM> so as to jut out cantilevered from the ridge while remaining locally substantially skimming the outer face 12a of the two infill boards <NUM>, and is shaped/dimensioned so as to prevent the oblong plate-like ridge <NUM> from being extracted from the transversal rectilinear slots <NUM> orthogonally to the infill boards <NUM>.

In more detail, the oblong plate-like head <NUM> is preferably structured so as to protrude cantilevered from the top of the oblong plate-like ridge <NUM> substantially along the whole perimeter of the ridge, while remaining locally substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the oblong plate-like portion <NUM> below.

Clearly, the oblong plate-like ridge <NUM> forms the central flat web of the interconnection joint <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, in the example shown, in particular, the oblong plate-like portion <NUM> of interconnection joint <NUM> is preferably substantially elongated rectangular in shape. Preferably, the oblong plate-like portion <NUM> moroever has a width w<NUM> much greater than the width w<NUM> of the transversal rectilinear slots <NUM>, and/or a length ℓ<NUM> much greater than the sum of the lengths ℓ<NUM> of the two transversal rectilinear slots <NUM> forming said pair of conjugated and facing transversal rectilinear slots <NUM>.

In more detail, the width w<NUM> of the oblong plate-like portion <NUM> preferably ranges between <NUM> and <NUM>, and is optionally equal to about <NUM>. On the other hand, the length ℓ<NUM> of the oblong plate-like portion <NUM> is preferably substantially equal to the height h<NUM> of the infill boards <NUM>, so that the minor sides of the oblong plate-like portions <NUM> of two adjacent interconnection joints <NUM> can abut to one another.

Preferably, the male-female coupling members <NUM> moreover consist of substantially dovetail-shaped protruding fins and of complementary-shaped seats or recesses suitably placed along the minor sides of the oblong plate-like portion <NUM>.

The oblong plate-like ridge <NUM> of interconnection joint <NUM>, on the other hand, preferably has a shape roughly complementary to that of the two transversal rectilinear slots <NUM> forming said pair of conjugated and facing transversal rectilinear slots <NUM>.

In other words, the oblong plate-like ridge <NUM> preferably has a height h<NUM> that over-approximates the thickness of the infill boards <NUM>, and a thickness s that under-approximates the width of the two transversal rectilinear slots <NUM> forming said pair of conjugated and facing transversal rectilinear slots <NUM>.

Preferably, the oblong plate-like ridge <NUM> furthermore has a length ℓ<NUM> that under-approximates the sum of the lengths ℓ<NUM> of the two transversal rectilinear slots <NUM> forming said pair of conjugated and facing transversal rectilinear slots <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, similarly to the oblong plate-like portion <NUM>, also the oblong plate-like head <NUM> of interconnection joint <NUM> is preferably substantially elongated rectangular in shape, and is preferably centred on top of the oblong plate-like ridge <NUM>.

In addition, the oblong plate-like head <NUM> has a width w<NUM> preferably lower than or equal to the width w<NUM> of the oblong plate-like portion <NUM>, and/or a length ℓ<NUM> preferably lower than the length ℓ<NUM> of the oblong plate-like portion <NUM>.

In the example shown, in particular, the width w<NUM> of the oblong plate-like head <NUM> is preferably substantially equal to the width w<NUM> of the oblong plate-like portion <NUM>, whereas the length ℓ<NUM> is preferably greater than half the length ℓ<NUM> of the oblong plate-like portion <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the transversal spacers <NUM>, on the other hand, are preferably structured so as to rigidly couple onto the oblong plate-like portion <NUM> of the interconnection joint <NUM>, on the side opposite to the oblong plate-like ridge <NUM>.

In more detail, each interconnection joint <NUM> is preferably also provided with a large longitudinal reinforcing rib <NUM> that extends along the oblong plate-like portion <NUM>, on the side opposite to the oblong plate-like ridge <NUM>, and is preferably moreover substantially coplanar to the oblong plate-like ridge <NUM>. The/each transversal spacer <NUM>, in turn, is preferably structured so as to be fixed/coupled directly onto the longitudinal reinforcing rib <NUM> of the interconnection joint <NUM>.

In the example shown, in particular, each interconnection joint <NUM> is preferably provided with a rectilinear groove <NUM> with a substantially dovetailed profile, which extends on top of the longitudinal reinforcing rib <NUM>, preferably over the entire length of the rib.

Each transversal spacer <NUM>, in turn, is preferably structured so as to be able to firmly interlock inside the rectilinear groove <NUM> of the interconnection joint <NUM>, optionally with the capability of freely sliding along the rectilinear groove <NUM>.

In addition, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, each block of thermal insulation material <NUM> is preferably provided, on the major inner face thereof (i.e. on the face that contributes to delimiting the gap <NUM>), with a series of rectilinear transversal grooves <NUM> having a substantially dovetailed profile, which extend from one side of the major face to the other, and are distributed according to a spacing that is complementary to that of the interconnection joints <NUM>, or rather complementary to the spacing of the transversal rectilinear slots <NUM> on the major sides of the infill boards <NUM>, so that each rectilinear groove <NUM> is aligned with a respective interconnection joint <NUM>.

Preferably, the profile of the rectilinear grooves <NUM> is furthermore substantially the same as the profile of the rectilinear grooves <NUM> of the interconnection joints <NUM>.

Each transversal spacer <NUM>, in addition, is preferably structured so that it can firmly interlock into any one of the transversal rectilinear grooves <NUM> present on the major face of the facing block of thermal insulation material <NUM>, optionally with the capability of freely sliding along the rectilinear groove <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in the example shown, in particular, each transversal spacer <NUM> preferably consists of a small rigid substantially H-shaped frame, which has the two vertical uprights <NUM> shaped so that they can interlock, preferably in freely sliding manner, one into the rectilinear groove <NUM> of the interconnection joint <NUM>, and the other into any one of the rectilinear grooves <NUM> of the block of thermal insulation material <NUM>.

In addition, the distance between the two vertical uprights <NUM> is preferably equal to about <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>.

Preferably the rigid frame is lastly made of metal or high-density plastic material, such as for example polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE) or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

General operation of modular formwork <NUM> is easy inferable from what written above and therefore does not require further explanation.

As regards the interconnection joints <NUM>, the oblong plate-like portion <NUM> serves, together with the oblong plate-like head <NUM>, to stably direct and confine the assembly of the boards <NUM>. The oblong plate-like portion <NUM> moreover serves to prevent or at least minimise the percolation of concrete through the transversal rectilinear slots <NUM>. Which phenomenon could affect the stability and functionality of the formwork system as a whole.

The advantages connected to the special structure of modular formwork <NUM> are remarkable.

With the aid of modular formwork <NUM>, it is possible to realise a reinforced concrete wall with high thermal insulation, in which the inner face of the wall is made of a material that does not emit harmful gases in the event of fire, and can moreover have a significantly higher fire resistance than the blocks of expanded polystyrene, with the greater safety that this entails.

The modular formwork <NUM>, therefore, can be more easily used also for types of construction where the fire behaviour of the structure is particularly important, such as for example schools, hotels, restaurants, etc. Now it is no longer necessary to place additional, expensive internal layered claddings to protect the polystyrene foam blocks.

In addition, the modular formwork <NUM> allows the realisation of reinforced concrete walls with high thermal insulation, wherein the inner face of the wall is made of an environmentally friendly and/or low impact material.

Furthermore, the special structure of the modular formwork <NUM> makes it possible to significantly reduce the overall thickness of the reinforced concrete walls with high thermal insulation, without significantly reducing the thermal insulation properties of the product.

The containment wall <NUM>, in fact, has a much lower thickness than that of the containment wall <NUM>, and experimental tests have shown that the layer made of polymeric-material foam inside the building contributes only marginally to the thermal insulation properties of the wall, so it can be validly replaced by a layer of wood or plasterboard.

Furthermore, the infill boards <NUM> have a much lower thickness than polystyrene foam blocks, and therefore allow reducing logistics costs (lower volumes of material to be transported).

Clearly, the modular formwork <NUM> allows also to reduce the overall finishing costs for the wall.

Optionally, the modular formworks <NUM> additionally allow the removal and reuse of the infill boards <NUM> with the savings that this entails.

Finally, the infill boards <NUM> have a much higher rigidity, hardness and mechanical strength than the polymeric-material foam, thus the reinforced concrete wall obtained with the aid of the modular formwork <NUM> has a higher structural strength.

It is finally clear that modifications and variants can be made to the modular formwork <NUM>, according to the claims.

For example, with reference to <FIG>, in a different embodiment, the containment wall <NUM> has an assemblable modular structure identical to that of the containment wall <NUM>.

In other words, instead of being formed by a series of blocks of thermal insulation material <NUM> arranged one next to the other, the containment wall <NUM> comprises: a series of substantially parallelogram-shaped, rigid assemblable infill boards or panels <NUM> with a modular structure, which are preferably made of wood or plasterboard, preferably have a thickness lower <NUM>, and are arranged one tightly adjoined to the other, preferably according to a substantially quincunx spatial distribution, so as to form substantially the entire containment wall <NUM>; and a plurality of interconnection joints <NUM>, separated and distinct from the infill boards <NUM>, which are distributed along the edges of the various infill boards <NUM> and are adapted to connect the infill boards <NUM> rigidly to one another.

With reference to <FIG>, additionally the various interconnection joints <NUM>, are divided into two separated and mutually distinct pieces, which are complementary in shape and are fixed/coupled or couplable to one another in a rigid and stable, though easily detachable manner, so as to allow a person to easily detach/separate the infill boards <NUM> from the interconnection joints <NUM>, after the cement has solidified inside the gap <NUM>. Clearly, the two complementary shaped pieces are even preferably made of metal or plastic.

In this way, the infill boards <NUM> do not remain stably incorporated in the reinforced concrete wall and can therefore be reused.

In more detail, with reference to <FIG>, in a first embodiment variation, the interconnection joint <NUM> is preferably divided into a first piece <NUM> which is shaped so as to form the oblong plate-like portion <NUM> of the interconnection joint <NUM> and preferably also the longitudinal reinforcing rib <NUM>, and into a second piece <NUM> which is shaped so as to form the oblong plate-like ridge <NUM> and the oblong plate-like head <NUM> of the interconnection joint <NUM>.

In this variation, the interconnection joint <NUM> additionally comprises also one or more anchoring screws <NUM>, which are adapted to fix the pieces <NUM> and <NUM> to one another in a rigid and stable, thought easily detachable manner.

In more detail, in the example shown, the anchoring screw(s) <NUM> pass through the piece <NUM> from side to side at the oblong plate-like ridge <NUM>, and screw firmly into the piece <NUM> in removable manner.

With reference to <FIG>, in a second embodiment variation, on the other hand, the interconnection joint <NUM> is preferably divided into a first piece <NUM> which is shaped so as to form the oblong plate-like portion <NUM> of interconnection joint <NUM> and preferably also the longitudinal reinforcing rib <NUM>, and into a second piece <NUM> which is shaped so as to form the oblong plate-like ridge <NUM> and the oblong plate-like head <NUM> of the interconnection joint <NUM>.

The pieces <NUM> and <NUM> are furthermore shaped so as to interlock to one another in detachable manner preferably by means of a linear sliding bayonet coupling.

In more detail, the piece <NUM> has two L-shaped fixing tabs <NUM> that protrude cantilevered from the base of the oblong plate-like ridge <NUM> and are adapted to be inserted into and firmly interlock inside respective slots <NUM> specially made on piece <NUM>, in the area corresponding to the oblong plate-like portion <NUM> of interconnection joint <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, finally, in a third embodiment variation, the interconnection joint <NUM> is preferably divided into a first piece <NUM> which is shaped so as to form the oblong plate-like portion <NUM>, the oblong plate-like ridge <NUM> and preferably also the longitudinal reinforcing rib <NUM> of the interconnection joint <NUM>, and into a second piece <NUM> which is shaped so as to form only the oblong plate-like head <NUM> of the interconnection joint <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A modular formwork (<NUM>) for reinforced concrete walls of the type comprising: a pair of containment walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) substantially plate-like and with assemblable modular structure, which are adapted to be arranged one in front of the other so as to form a gap (<NUM>) adapted to contain the concrete; and a plurality of transversal spacers (<NUM>), which extend bridging the two containment walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) and are fixed to both containment walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) so as to connect said containment walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) rigidly to one another;
at least a first containment wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising: a series of assemblable infill boards (<NUM>), substantially parallelogram-shaped and with a modular structure, which are arranged one adjoined the other so as to form substantially the whole wall; and a plurality of interconnection joints (<NUM>), separated and distinct from the infill boards (<NUM>),
which are distributed along the edges of the various infill boards (<NUM>), and are adapted to rigidly connect said infill boards (<NUM>) to one other in pairs; said interconnection joints (<NUM>) being adapted to firmly fit and interlock simultaneously on the edges of both the infill boards (<NUM>),
and being shaped so as to embrace each infill board (<NUM>) on opposite sides thereof;
wherein the transversal spacers (<NUM>) are separated and distinct from the interconnection joints (<NUM>), are structured so as to rigidly anchor to said interconnection joints (<NUM>) and are adapted to connect the various interconnection joints (<NUM>) of the first containment wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) rigidly to the second containment wall (<NUM>, <NUM>);
said modular formwork (<NUM>) being characterized
in that each interconnection joint (<NUM>) is divided into at least two pieces (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) separated and distinct from one another, which are complementary in shape and are coupled/couplable to one another in easily detachable manner.