Patent Description:
The process of erecting a building structure is typically a costly and cumbersome exercise. To simplify this process, prefabricated building structures have been developed. Prefabricated building structures are building structures that include components that are manufactured off-site. Prior to the process of erecting the building structure, the components are taken to a building site. The components are typically made in a factory and shipped to the building site. At the building site, the components are assembled together to erect the building structure. However, with conventional prefabricated building structures, there may still be a lot of on-site manufacturing and wet work involved to erect the building structure and make the building structure structurally sound.

The process of assembling the components of a conventional prefabricated building structure on-site typically are a cumbersome process and requires skilled labour as well as specialised machinery. This increases the cost for erecting the building structure.

Precast wall panels are conventionally connected using different types of anchors or connections, such as bolted connections, welded connections and dowel/anchor bolt connections. An example of a connection suitable for connecting adjoining precast wall panels is known from document <CIT>.

It would be advantageous if at least an embodiment of the present invention provided a connection for precast wall panels that improves or simplifies a process of installing the wall panels, or at least provided a working alternative to conventional connections.

Throughout the specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

The invention is a connection for connecting adjoining precast wall panels according to claim <NUM>.

The alignment element may comprise an external thread for engaging with a cavity of the first and/or second connection body. The external thread is typically located at an end portion of the alignment element. The cavity of the first and/or second connection body may comprise a corresponding internal thread. In one specific embodiment, the cavity of each connection body comprises an internal thread so that the alignment element can engage with either of first and second connection bodies. This provides more flexibility when the precast wall panels are positioned to be connected.

The connection is configured such that when the adjoining wall panels are connected, a space is provided between the adjoining wall panels. This has the particular advantage of allowing vibrations of the wall panels. Even more so, a sealing material may be inserted into the space. In one particular embodiment, a length of the alignment element defines a size of the space provided between the adjoining wall panels. Specifically, the cavity of each connection body may comprise a shoulder portion for engaging with end portions of the alignment element. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that a size of the space between the adjoining wall panels may depend on at least a position of the shoulder portion of each connection body and a length of the alignment element.

The alignment element may further comprise an external structure for engaging with a tool, such as a wrench or a spanner, to fasten the alignment element to the first or second connection body.

In one embodiment, the connection may be configured such that a space is formed between the connecting bar and the alignment element when the connecting bar extends through the alignment channel. For example, the alignment channel may have a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the connecting bar. The formed space within the alignment channel may be filled with a setting material, such as grout. Filling the formed space within the alignment channel with a setting material may improve the strength of the connection.

The cavities of the first and second connection bodies may each have a diameter that is of proximate size as the diameter of the alignment channel.

Forming a space between the connecting bar and the alignment channel may provide additional advantages. In particular, a certain degree of tolerance may be provided for positioning the precast wall panels next to one another.

In one embodiment, the connection may be configured such that the alignment element protects the connecting bar when the connecting bar extends between the adjoining wall panels. Furthermore, the connection may be configured such that the alignment element seals a space within the first and second connection body and the alignment body, for example, for inserting a setting material. In this way, setting material inserted into the space can be confined to the connection.

The connecting bar may have an external thread extending along the entire connecting bar. This provides the advantage that setting material inserted in the space between the connecting bar and the alignment channel and/or the cavities of the connection bodies has a larger surface area to set against. Thus, a stronger connection between the wall panels may be provided.

Each fastener may comprise a nut and the connection may be configured such that when the nut engages with the external thread of the connecting bar, the body of the nut pushes against the respective connection body to apply a force to the connecting bar. The fastener may further comprise a further nut configured to secure the nut on the connecting bar.

The connection may be configured as a straight connection to connect adjoining precast wall panels to form a straight wall. In this case, the first and second connection bodies are configured as straight connection bodies. In this case, the first and second connection bodies may be substantially identical. Furthermore, the cavity of each straight connection body may extend substantially parallel to a panel face of the wall panel.

Alternatively, the connection may be configured as a corner connection to connect adjoining precast wall panels to form a corner. In this case, one of the first and second connection bodies is configured as a corner connection body. The cavity of the corner connection body may extend substantially perpendicular to a panel face of the respective wall panel. Thus, a length of the cavity of the corner connection body may be equal or shorter than a thickness of the respective precast wall panel.

Each connection body may comprise a plurality of legs for positioning the connection body in a casting mould when the wall panel is cast. The plurality of legs may be adjustable in length such that a position of the connection body can be adjusted. In this regard, each leg may comprise a nut head for engaging with a tool, such as a wrench or a spanner.

For a straight connection body, the plurality of legs may extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the cavity of the connection body. For a corner connection body, the plurality of legs may extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to the cavity of the connection body. The corner connection body may further comprise a flange from which the plurality of legs extend. For example, the corner connection may comprise a plate having an aperture for receiving the corner connection body. The corner connection body may comprise shoulders for positioning the plate. The plate may be made of steel.

In a specific embodiment, the connection may further comprise at least one grout tube that is connected to a cavity of the first and/or second connection body. A grout tube in this context has the function of providing a specified inlet for inserting a setting material into a space within the connection. The connection may be configured such that an end of the grout tube terminates at the panel face of a wall panel. For example, the grout tube may comprise an elbow such that an end of the grout tube terminates at the panel face of the wall panel. This is particularly advantageous for a straight connection body.

Each connection body may comprise an opening to a side wall of the cavity within the connection body. The connection may be configured such that the opening is substantially flush with a panel face of the wall panel. The connection body may further comprise a cap for closing the opening during the casting process of the wall panel. In this way, the setting material of the wall panel cannot enter the cavity of the connection body.

The opening may be arranged such that access to the external thread of the connecting bar can be provided for the fasteners.

Each connection body may be made of steel.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a structural wall comprising a plurality of precast wall panels, wherein adjoining wall panels are connected via the connection as described above. Each precast wall panel may be connected to an adjoining precast wall panel using more than one connection.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of connecting adjoining precast wall panels using the connection as described above.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of connecting adjoining precast wall panels according to claim <NUM>.

The step of providing first and second precast walls panels may comprise positioning the first and second connection bodies within a casting mould to cast the respective wall panels.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a non-structural wall having a surface area, the non-structural wall comprising:.

In an embodiment, a first frame element comprises first and second longitudinal angles and a C-channel beam having a longitudinal web and first and second legs extending from the web, wherein the frame element is configured such that the first recess is formed by a space between the first longitudinal angle and the first leg of the C-channel and the first recess is formed by a space between the second longitudinal angle and the second leg of the C-channel. The frame element is configured such that a width of the longitudinal web defines a size of the space between the panel layers.

In an embodiment, a second frame element comprises first and second C-channel beams and a spacer web connecting the first and second C-channel beams, wherein the first C-channel beam defines the first recess and the second C-channel beam defines the second recess. The first and second C-channel beams and the spacer web may be integrally formed.

In one embodiment, the frame comprises two first frame elements and two second frame elements. The two first frame elements may be arranged at opposite sides of the non-structural wall.

In one embodiment, the frame comprises one first frame element and three second frame elements. In an alternative embodiment, the frame comprises three first frame elements and one second frame element.

The non-structural wall panel may comprise insulating material, such as glass wool, located within the space between the two panels.

In an embodiment, the non-structural wall is configured such that adjoining wall panels of the series of wall panels are connected via an abutting joint. The abutting joint may be filled with a glue. The non-structural wall may be configured such that each wall panel of the first panel layer substantially faces a wall panel of the second panel layer. Alternatively, the series of wall panels of the first panel layer may be offset relative to the series of wall panels of the second panel layer. This example may improve fire rating characteristics of the non-structural wall.

Each wall panel may comprise a plurality of layers. In one specific example, each wall panel comprises a fibre cement layer, a sound shield layer and a fire shield layer.

Certain exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:.

Some embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a connection for connecting adjoining precast wall panels. For example, the precast wall panels may be structural wall panels made of concrete. The connection may be configured as a straight connection to connect two precast wall panels forming a straight wall, or as a corner connection to form a corner between two wall panels.

Precast wall panels are typically connected to each other upon installation using various types of anchors and connections. The primary purpose of these connections is to fix precast panels in position relative to one another and ultimately transfer load to the supporting structure for strength and stability. In the following, an exemplary connection between two precast wall panels will be described in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This exemplary connection has the advantage that the precast wall panels can be connected to each other without the requirement for welding. In this way, installation speed of the wall panels at the building site can be improved and the need for welders to be present on site may be eliminated or at least reduced. Moreover, when the connection is installed between two adjacent wall panels, a significant portion of the connection will be located within the adjoining wall panels and not visible from the outside. As such, the aesthetics of the connected wall panels may be improved.

Referring now to the accompanying drawings, a particular example of a straight connection <NUM> for connecting adjoining precast wall panels will be described with reference to <FIG>. An example of a corner connection <NUM> not in accordance with the present invention but useful to understand possible embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG>.

Referring initially to <FIG> and <FIG>, there is shown a straight connection <NUM> for connecting a first precast wall panel <NUM> with a precast second wall panel <NUM>. The precast wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> may, for example, be made of concrete and form a structural wall of a building structure. Each wall panel <NUM>, <NUM> has a panel face <NUM>, <NUM> that refers to the largest surface area of the wall panel <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus, to form a straight wall, the straight connection <NUM> connects the first and second wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> so that the panel faces <NUM>, <NUM> are aligned.

This particular embodiment of connection has been designed to resist forces imposed on the connections in accordance with the requirements of AS <NUM> and AS <NUM> in Australia or their equivalent in other areas.

The straight connection <NUM> comprises a first connection body <NUM> that is positioned within the first precast wall panel <NUM>. In this example, the first connection body <NUM> was placed in a casting mould (not shown) when the first wall panel <NUM> was cast. A detailed view of the first connection body <NUM> outside of the wall panel <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The straight connection <NUM> further comprises a second connection body <NUM> that is positioned within the second precast wall panel <NUM>. A detailed view of the second connection body <NUM> outside of the wall panel <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. An alternative example of the first connection body 106A is shown in <FIG>. The first connection body 106A functions in the same way as the first connection body <NUM>, however requires less overall material than the first connection body <NUM>.

Both connection bodies <NUM> (106A), <NUM> have cavities <NUM> (110A), <NUM> that extend through an entire length of the connection bodies <NUM> (106A), <NUM>. In this example, the cavities <NUM> (106A), <NUM> are in the form of tunnels wherein one end of the tunnels terminates at a side face of the wall panel <NUM>, <NUM> that face each other when the wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> are connected. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the cavities may have any suitable shape and length. For example, the cavities may not extend through the entire length of the connection bodies.

The connection bodies <NUM> (106A), <NUM> within the wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> are connected by virtue of a connecting bar <NUM> and an alignment element <NUM>. In this example, the connecting bar <NUM> is in the form of a threaded steel rod, where end portions of the steel rod comprise external threads. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the external thread may extend along an entire length of the connecting bar. This configuration may simplify the manufacturing process and has some additional advantages as will be described below with regard to a setting material inserted into the connection.

An example of the alignment element <NUM> is shown in detail in <FIG>. The alignment element <NUM> has an overall cylindrical shape and comprises an alignment channel <NUM> for receiving the connecting bar <NUM>. The alignment element <NUM> also has an external thread <NUM> located at one end of the alignment element <NUM> to attach to one of the connection bodies <NUM> (106A), <NUM>. In this regard, at least one of the cavities <NUM>, <NUM> of the connection bodies <NUM> (106A), <NUM> has an internal thread for engaging with the alignment element <NUM>. In this particular example, both cavities <NUM>, <NUM> of the connection bodies <NUM>, <NUM> have an internal thread such that the alignment element <NUM> can be attached to either of the connection bodies <NUM>, <NUM>. This provides improved flexibility when the precast wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned to be connected. In this example, the alignment element <NUM> further has an external structure <NUM> to be manipulated by a tool, such as a spanner or a wrench, to fasten the alignment element <NUM> to one of the first and second connection bodies <NUM> (106A), <NUM>.

As described above, when the wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned to be connected, the alignment element <NUM> attaches to one of the connection bodies <NUM> (106A), <NUM>. A detailed view of the wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> being connected by the connection <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. In this example, the alignment element <NUM> is attached to the second connection body <NUM>. The connecting bar <NUM> is initially positioned within the cavity <NUM> of the second connection body <NUM>. It should be noted that in this particular example, the cavities <NUM> (110A), <NUM> of both connection bodies <NUM>, <NUM> are dimensioned to fully accommodate the connecting bar <NUM> to provide flexibility when the precast wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> are connected. However, it will be appreciated that only one connection body may be sized to fully accommodate the connecting bar or that each connection body <NUM> (106A), <NUM> may be dimensioned to accommodate only a portion of the connecting bar <NUM>, such as half a length of the connecting bar <NUM>.

In order to connected the precast wall panels <NUM>, <NUM>, the first wall panel <NUM> is positioned next to the second wall panel <NUM> such that opposite ends of the alignment element <NUM> are positioned within the respective cavities <NUM>, <NUM> of the connection bodies <NUM>, <NUM>. In this regard, each cavity <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a seat or shoulder portion for seating an end portion of the alignment element <NUM> to stop further movement of the alignment element <NUM> into the cavity <NUM>, <NUM>. An exemplary shoulder portion <NUM> of the first connection body 106A is shown in <FIG>.

As shown in the Figures, in this example the alignment element <NUM> further functions as a spacer element between the adjoining precast wall panels <NUM>, <NUM>. In this regard, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that a dimension of a space between the connected precast wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> depends on at least a position of the seat or shoulder portion within the cavities <NUM> (110A), <NUM>, such as shoulder portion <NUM> of the first connection body 106A, and a length of the alignment element <NUM>. Providing a relatively small space between connected precast wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> has the particular advantage that the so formed wall can allow for vibrations of the wall panels <NUM>, <NUM>. Even more so, a sealing material may be provided in the space between the connected wall panels <NUM>, <NUM>.

Once the cavities <NUM> (110A), <NUM> of the connection bodies <NUM> (106A), <NUM> are aligned by virtue of the alignment element <NUM>, the connecting bar <NUM> is positioned to extend through the alignment channel <NUM> of the alignment element <NUM> and into both cavities <NUM> (110A), <NUM>. Specifically, the connecting bar <NUM> is positioned such that the external thread <NUM> at both ends of the connecting bar <NUM> can be accessed through openings <NUM> (124A), <NUM> for respective fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>.

For simplicity, in the following only the opening <NUM> of cavity <NUM> of the second connection body <NUM> will be described. The opening <NUM> is located within a side wall of the connection body <NUM> and arranged such that the opening <NUM> is substantially flush with the panel face <NUM> of the wall panel <NUM>. The opening <NUM> has the function of providing access to the cavity <NUM> of the connection body <NUM>, for example for the fasteners <NUM> to engage with the connecting bar <NUM>. The connection body <NUM> further comprises a cap <NUM> that is configured to seal the opening <NUM> when the wall panel <NUM> is cast.

As particularly shown in <FIG>, the cavity <NUM> of the second connection body <NUM> comprises a shoulder portion providing a flat surface <NUM> that is configured to provide a resistance against the fastener <NUM> when the fastener <NUM> engages with the connecting bar <NUM>. In this way, the fastener <NUM> can apply a force to the connecting bar <NUM>. In this particular example, each fastener <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a first nut <NUM>, a second nut <NUM>, such as a jam nut, and a washer <NUM>. The first nut <NUM> is configured to engage with the external thread <NUM> of the connecting bar <NUM> and fastened against the flat surface <NUM> of the connection body <NUM> via the washer <NUM> to apply a force to the connecting bar <NUM>. The second nut <NUM> is configured to lock the first nut <NUM> in place. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable type of fasteners is envisaged that can engage with the external thread portions of the connecting bar <NUM>.

Thus, when the connecting bar <NUM> extends through the alignment element <NUM> and into the cavities <NUM> (110A), <NUM> of the first and second connection bodies <NUM> (106A), <NUM> within the precast wall panels <NUM>, <NUM>, the first and second fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> can be inserted into the cavities <NUM> (110A), <NUM> through the respective openings <NUM> (124A), <NUM> to engage with the respective outer threads <NUM> at the end portions of the connecting bar <NUM>. In this way, opposing forces are applied to the ends of the connecting bar <NUM> thereby securely connecting the adjoining wall panels <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring now in particular to <FIG>, a cross section of the straight connection <NUM> is shown. In this particular example, the straight connection <NUM> is configured such that a space <NUM> is formed between the connecting bar <NUM> and the alignment channel <NUM>. In addition, a space <NUM> is formed between the connecting bar <NUM> and the cavities <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second connection bodies <NUM>, <NUM>. The straight connection <NUM> is configured such that the space <NUM> defines a flow channel for a setting material, such as grout <NUM> as shown as shaded area in <FIG>. Filling the formed space <NUM> with the setting material, such as grout, may improve the strength of the connection <NUM>. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that filling the space <NUM> with a setting material such as grout is optional and may not be required to securely connect the precast wall panels <NUM>, <NUM>.

In this particular example, the space <NUM> is formed by providing a connecting bar <NUM> that has a smaller diameter than a diameter of the alignment channel <NUM> and the cavities <NUM>, <NUM>. A further advantage of this configuration is that a certain degree of tolerance is provided for aligning the first and second cavities <NUM>, <NUM> when the precast wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned to be connected. This tolerance may further be advantageous if one or both of the wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> move relative to each other, for example, after the building structure has been erected.

The alignment element <NUM> in this particular embodiment also has the function of sealing the formed space <NUM>. In this way, if a setting material, such as grout, is inserted into the connection <NUM>, the setting material can be substantially confined to the space <NUM> within the connection <NUM>. Thus, by providing the alignment element <NUM>, no or only a limited amount of setting material may move outside of the connection <NUM>.

The straight connection <NUM> in this example further comprises a further flow channel, such as grout tube <NUM> that attaches to the first and/or second connection body <NUM>, <NUM>. In this particular example, the grout tube <NUM> attaches to the second connection body <NUM> by virtue of a thread <NUM>. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that other suitable attachments are envisaged, including but not limited to a sliding connection that may be secured using an adhesive such as tape. The grout tube <NUM> is arranged such that an end of the grout tube <NUM> terminates at a panel face of a wall panel <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the grout tube <NUM> attaches to the second connection body <NUM> to be in fluid communication with the cavity <NUM> and comprises an elbow <NUM> such that an end of the grout tube <NUM> terminates at the second panel face <NUM>. A protective cap (not shown) may be attached to the end of the grout tube <NUM> when the wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> are cast.

In one example (not shown), the connecting bar may have an external thread that extends along the entire length of the connecting bar. This provides the advantage that setting material inserted in the space <NUM> has a larger surface area to set against. Thus, a stronger connection between the precast wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided.

As mentioned above, each connection body <NUM> (106A), <NUM> is positioned within a respective precast wall panel <NUM>, <NUM>. In this regard, the connection body <NUM> (106A), <NUM> is placed into a casting mould (not shown) together with any components of the wall panel, such as the reinforcing structure <NUM>. In order to avoid that any casting material protrudes into the cavities <NUM>, <NUM> of the connection bodies <NUM> (106A), <NUM>, protective caps, such as cap <NUM> or cap <NUM>, attach to the connection bodies <NUM> (106A), <NUM> during the casting process.

In order to position the connection bodies <NUM>, <NUM> in the casting mould at the required position and thus within the cast wall panels <NUM>, <NUM>, each connection body <NUM> (106A), <NUM> comprises a plurality of apertures <NUM> (149A) for receiving a respective plurality of legs <NUM>. In this particular embodiment, each connection body <NUM> (106A), <NUM> comprises four legs <NUM> that are height adjustable. Each leg <NUM> comprises a nut head <NUM> for engaging with a tool, such as a wrench or a spanner to adjust a length of the legs <NUM>. The legs <NUM> of the connection body <NUM> (106A), <NUM> extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the cavity <NUM> (110A), <NUM> of the connection body <NUM> (106A), <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is shown a connection <NUM> that is configured as a corner connection. In other words, the corner connection is configured to connect a first precast wall panel <NUM> with a second precast wall panel <NUM> to form a corner. As shown in particular in <FIG>, the corner connection <NUM> comprises a corner connection body <NUM> and a straight connection body, such as second connection body <NUM> of the straight connection <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. Features of the straight connection body of connection <NUM> are analogous to the features described for the connection <NUM> and like numerals are used to indicate like components.

The corner connection <NUM> also comprises a connecting bar, in this example connecting bar <NUM>, and an alignment element, in this example the alignment element <NUM>.

Similar to the straight connection body <NUM>, the corner connection body <NUM> also comprises a cavity <NUM> for receiving a portion of the connecting bar <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> of the corner connection body <NUM> extends substantially perpendicular to the panel face <NUM> of the wall panel <NUM> and due to the arrangement of the wall panel <NUM>, it will be appreciated that a length of the cavity <NUM> is limited by a thickness of the precast wall panel <NUM>. Thus, the cavity <NUM> is typically shorter than cavity <NUM> of the straight connection body <NUM>.

The corner connection body <NUM> also has an opening <NUM> to provide access to the cavity <NUM>, for example for fasteners to engage with the external thread of the connecting bar <NUM>. Due to the position of the corner connection body <NUM> within the precast wall panel <NUM>, the opening <NUM> is arranged at an end portion of the corner connection body <NUM> terminating at a side face of the wall panel <NUM> instead of the panel face <NUM>. The opening <NUM> can be closed using a cap <NUM> such that during the casting process of the wall panel, no casting material protrudes into the cavity <NUM> of the corner connection body <NUM>. Similarly, the opposite end of the cavity <NUM> can be closed with a cap (not shown).

The corner connection body <NUM> comprises a plurality of legs <NUM> for positioning the corner connection body <NUM> in a casting mould (not shown) when the wall panel <NUM> is cast. The plurality of legs <NUM> are adjustable in length to adjust the position of the corner connection body <NUM> relative to the wall panel <NUM>. In this regard, the legs <NUM> have nut heads <NUM> for engaging with a tool.

The plurality of legs <NUM> extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to the cavity of the corner connection body <NUM>. In this way, the corner connection body <NUM> can be positioned within the wall panel <NUM> such that when the wall panel <NUM> and the wall panel <NUM> are positioned next to one another, the cavity <NUM> of the corner connection body <NUM> aligns with the cavity <NUM> of the straight connection body <NUM>.

In this particular connection, the corner connection body <NUM> further comprises a flange enclosing the corner connection body <NUM>. The flange is configured to hold the plurality of legs <NUM> and is in this example in the form of a plate, such as a steel plate <NUM>. The steel plate <NUM> comprises a central aperture for receiving the corner connection body <NUM>. In this regard, the corner connection body <NUM> comprises shoulders to secure the steel plate <NUM> in relative position. The flange further provides the advantage that a surface area of the corner connection body <NUM> can be increased that engages with surrounding casting material, such as concrete. Thus, stability of the corner connection body <NUM> within the wall panel <NUM> can be improved.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is shown a non-structural wall <NUM>, which may be used with the present invention. In contrast to the pre-cast wall panels described above, a non-structural wall typically forms internal walls within a building structure.

The non-structural wall panel <NUM> comprises a first panel layer <NUM> and a second panel layer <NUM> that are arranged to extend substantially parallel to one another. This is shown in particular in <FIG>. Each of the first and second panel layers <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a series of wall panels <NUM>. In this example, when the non-structural wall <NUM> is assembled, adjoining wall panels <NUM> of the first and second panel layers <NUM>, <NUM> are connected by virtue of an abutting joint <NUM>. Thus, adjoining wall panels <NUM> abut edge to edge. The abutting joint <NUM> may be filled with a suitable adhesive or glue to strengthen the non-structural wall <NUM>. It will be appreciated that other suitable joints between adjoining wall panels <NUM> are envisaged. However, an abutting joint has the particular advantage that manufacturing of the wall panels <NUM> can be simplified. Even more so, an exemplary sample of the non-structural wall panel <NUM> with the simplified abutting joints has been thoroughly tested and fulfilled the necessary fire and strength rating.

Specifically, according to an Australian standard testing environment, the exemplary sample of the non-structural wall <NUM> was tested for wind loading, fire resistance and acoustic insulation. The testing results were the following:.

The first and second panel layers <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged to enclose a space <NUM> along and between the two panel layers <NUM>, <NUM>. The space <NUM> may be empty, i.e. filled with air, but is typically filled with an insulating material, such as glass fibre or wool.

As particularly shown in <FIG>, the wall panels <NUM> of the first and second panel layers <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged to offset each other. In other words, an abutting joint <NUM> of the first panel layer <NUM> faces a centre portion of a wall panel <NUM> of the second panel layer <NUM>. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that alternatively each wall panel of the first panel layer <NUM> may substantially face a corresponding wall panel of the second panel layer <NUM>.

In this example, each wall panel <NUM> comprises a plurality of layers, such as laminated layers. In one specific example, the wall panel <NUM> may comprise outer layers and inner layers. The outer layers may be arranged to protect the inner layers and may, for example, be fibre cement layers. In one specific example, each fibre cement layer may have a thickness of <NUM>. The inner layers of the wall panel <NUM> may comprise a sound shield layer and a fire shield layer. The sound shield layer may, for example, be plasterboard with a thickness of <NUM>. The fire shield layer may comprise calcium silicate. An example of a fire shield layer may be Promatec <NUM>. The fire shield layer may have a thickness of <NUM>. The described dimensions of the layers are for illustrative purposes only and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the thickness of each layer may vary depending on the desired strength and fire resistance characteristics of the non-structural wall <NUM>.

The non-structural wall <NUM> further comprises a frame structure <NUM> configured to hold the plurality of wall panels <NUM> to form the non-structural wall <NUM>. The frame structure <NUM> comprises a frame element provided on each side of the non-structural wall <NUM>. Thus, the frame structure <NUM> comprises four frame elements <NUM>. Each frame element <NUM> generally comprises first and second recesses <NUM>, <NUM>, each configured to receive an edge of a wall panel <NUM>, and a spacer <NUM> component defining the space <NUM> between the two panel layers <NUM>, <NUM>. In this regard, the non-structural wall <NUM> may be configured to provide a snug fit between the frame elements <NUM> and the wall panels <NUM>. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that dimensions of the frame elements <NUM> are typically selected based on a thickness of the wall panels <NUM> and the requirements of the space <NUM> between the two panel layers <NUM>, <NUM>. The wall panels <NUM> are typically held only by the frame structure <NUM> enclosing the panel layers <NUM>, <NUM>. As such, no additional frame elements are required that extend through a centre portion of the wall <NUM>. Thus, the amount of material needed for assembling the wall <NUM> can be further reduced and simplified.

Furthermore, a total thickness of this exemplary non-structural wall <NUM> is <NUM> which is thinner than conventional non-structural walls whilst achieving substantially the same strength and fire resistance requirements.

The non-structural wall <NUM> may further comprise outer layers <NUM>, such as cladding layers. The outer layers <NUM> may be arranged to cover a portion of the frame elements <NUM>. Exemplary outer layers <NUM> may be plasterboard such as Gyprock or CSR surround.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, specific examples of two exemplary frame elements <NUM> will be described. A first frame element <NUM> of the frame structure <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The first frame element <NUM> comprises a frame body <NUM>, first and second longitudinal angles <NUM>, <NUM> and a C-channel beam <NUM> having a longitudinal web <NUM> and first and second legs <NUM>, <NUM> extending from the web <NUM>. The first frame element <NUM> is configured such that a first recess <NUM> for receiving an edge of the wall panel <NUM> is formed by a space between the first longitudinal angle <NUM> and the first leg <NUM> of the C-channel beam <NUM>. A second recess <NUM> is formed by a space between the second longitudinal angle <NUM> and the second leg <NUM> of the C-channel beam <NUM>. Suitable fasteners (not shown) may be used to secure the angles <NUM>, <NUM> and the C-channel beam <NUM> to the frame body <NUM> and the edges of the wall panel <NUM>.

A width of the longitudinal web <NUM> of the C-channel beam <NUM> therefore defines a width of the space between the panel layers <NUM>, <NUM>. The frame structure <NUM> may comprise four first frame elements <NUM> arranged to form the non-structural wall <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a second frame element <NUM> of the frame structure <NUM> is shown. The second frame element <NUM> comprises a first C-channel beam <NUM>, a second C-channel beam <NUM> and a spacer web <NUM> connecting the first and second C-channel beams <NUM>, <NUM>. In this particular example, the first and second C-channel beams <NUM>, <NUM> and the spacer web <NUM> are integrally formed and therefore form a W-shaped channel <NUM>. The second frame element <NUM> may also comprise a frame body (not shown) and the W-shaped channel <NUM> may be attached to the frame body using suitable fasteners (not shown).

In one specific example, the frame structure <NUM> comprises two first frame elements <NUM> and two second frame elements <NUM>. The two first frame elements <NUM> may be arranged opposite of each other. However, it will be appreciated that the two first frame elements <NUM> may alternatively be next to one another. In another specific example, the frame structure <NUM> comprises one first frame element <NUM> and three second frame elements <NUM>. In yet another specific example, the frame structure <NUM> comprises three first frame elements <NUM> and one second frame element <NUM>.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as long as they fall under the scope of the claims.

Claim 1:
A connection (<NUM>, <NUM>) for connecting adjoining precast wall panels (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the connection (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a connecting bar (<NUM>) comprising an external thread (<NUM>) at each end portion of the connecting bar (<NUM>);
first and second connection bodies (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), each comprising a cavity (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for receiving at least a portion of the connecting bar (<NUM>) and configured to be positioned within a respective precast wall panel (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) such that when the precast wall panels (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are connected the cavity (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the first connection body (<NUM>, <NUM>) substantially aligns with the cavity (<NUM>) of the second connection body (<NUM>);
first and second fasteners (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to engage with the respective external threads (<NUM>) of the connecting bar (<NUM>);
characterised in that the connection comprises an alignment element (<NUM>) for aligning the cavities (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the first and second connection bodies (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the alignment element (<NUM>) comprising an alignment channel (<NUM>) for receiving the connecting bar (<NUM>);
and in that the connection (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured such that when the connecting bar (<NUM>) extends through the alignment channel (<NUM>) of the alignment element (<NUM>) and into the cavities (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the first and second connection bodies (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) positioned within the precast wall panels (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the first and second fasteners (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) can engage with the respective external threads (<NUM>) of the connecting bar (<NUM>) to apply opposing forces to the connecting bar (<NUM>) thereby connecting the adjoining wall panels (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), and a sealed space (<NUM>) is formed between the connecting bar (<NUM>) and the alignment channel (<NUM>) of the alignment element (<NUM>) that defines a flow channel between the cavities (<NUM>, <NUM>) for receiving a setting material.