WO2019014704A1

WO2019014704A1 - Construction system, components for a construction system and method of construction using components of a construction system

Info

Publication number: WO2019014704A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/050736
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony John CAMPBELL
Original assignee: Innovative Constructions Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2017-07-17
Filing date: 2018-07-16
Publication date: 2019-01-24
Also published as: EP3655600A1; EP3655600A4; AU2018303331A1; TW201928156A; AU2024204630A1

Abstract

A modular support structure for use in building a wall or floor has opposed side panels (10, 12) connectable in spaced relationship by connection members (14) engaging into receivers (24). Reinforcing (20) can pass through aligned openings (18) of the connection members. External lining or finishing boards 16 attach to the side panels. Construction material e.g. concrete fills the space between the side panels. The components of the structure can be moulded polymer. Connection blocks (30, 32) can lock components together e.g. the side panels to a top (panel 34), end panel(s) (36) and base panel (28).

Description

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM, COMPONENTS FOR A CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION USING COMPONENTS OF A CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a construction system, components for a construction system and/or a method of construction using components of a construction system.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] There is a need for cost effective construction systems for use in constructing buildings and other built infrastructure, such as bridge abutments and retaining walls.

[0003] For example, walls for buildings are typically constructed using either poured concrete, concrete panels raised in situ, single leaves of block, double leaves of brick or block, timber frame with cladding, or a modular insulation panel system attached to a light steel frame.

[0004] Single leaf block walls, and double leaf brick or block walls are constructed relatively slowly and are labour intensive to build.

[0005] With economic demands to construct buildings as quickly and cost effectively as possible, tilt up wall panel systems have been developed. These allow sections of precast concrete to be formed, tilted upright and joined together to form a wall of a building.

[0006] However, such concrete sections are either precast offsite and transported to the construction site for erection, which increases transportation costs and difficulty in handling/manoeuvring large, extremely heavy concrete slabs into position with associated risk of injury to personnel and need for heavy lifting equipment, or alternatively, the concrete sections are cast onsite, which can be prone to bad weather delaying the sections drying or damaging the sections as they dry e.g. due to frost or rain. Such sections also need special lifting lugs and heavy lifting equipment to move them into position or tilt them upright.

[0007] Poured concrete construction typically uses ply or wafer board shuttering to contain the poured concrete until the concrete is set and the shuttering can be removed.

[0008] One known form of construction for a building involves cutting and assembling framing, placing insulation, fixing an interior lining, fixing or applying an exterior material, and finishing both the exterior and interior surfaces e.g. for painting. This is a relatively complex and involved form of construction requiring many personnel and/or several different types of tradesman to complete the wall.

[0009] With the aforementioned in mind, it is desirable of the present invention to alleviate one or more problems associated with the known art for constructing walls and/or floors.

[0010] It has been found desirable to provide a construction system, components for a construction system and/or a method of construction adaptable to different building designs and building footprints that can be readily assembled and provides supporting strength for construction of walls and/or floors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[001 1 ] An aspect of the present invention provides a modular construction system including at least first and second opposed side panels releasably connected together in spaced relationship by at least one connection member, the at least one connection member including engagement connectors to releasably engage the respective at least one connection member with respective receivers on the first and second side panels, the at least one connection member including respective openings therethrough for reinforcing to pass, and at least one external board is attached to each said side panel, and wherein the space between the opposed side panels is provided to receive pourable construction material therein.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of constructing a wall or floor formwork structure includes assembling together at least first and second opposed side panels releasably connected together in spaced relationship by at least one connection member, the at least one connection member including engagement connectors to releasably engage the respective at least one connection member with respective receivers on the first and second side panels, providing the at least one connection member with respective openings therethrough for reinforcing to pass, and attaching at least one external board to each said side panel.

[0013] The method may include receiving construction material into the space between the opposed side panels.

[0014] The method may include connecting the side panels to at least one of a base panel, an end panel and a top panel, or a combination of any two thereof.

[0015] The method may further include providing reinforcing within the space between the side panels.

[0016] The reinforcing may be provided as metal reinforcing, such as metal reinforcing rods, passing through aligned said openings of the connection members.

[0017] The method may include applying at least one external board or sheet to an outside face of the respective first and/or second side panel. [0018] The at least one external board or sheet may include an insulation layer and/or a moisture or vapour barrier.

[0019] Alternatively, the insulation layer and/or the moisture or vapour barrier may be provided separate to the at least one board or sheet.

[0020] The board or sheet may be of a building material, such as containing gypsum or magnesium oxide or may be of a cement based material or a timber or polymer material, or may include a foam, or a combination of any two or more thereof.

[0021 ] A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of constructing a wall or floor includes assembling together at least first and second opposed side panels releasably connected together in spaced relationship by at least one connection member, the at least one connection member including engagement connectors to releasably engage the respective at least one connection member with respective receivers on the first and second side panels, providing the at least one connection member with respective openings

therethrough for reinforcing to pass, and attaching at least one external board to each said side panel, and receiving construction material into the space between the opposed side panels.

[0022] One or more forms of the present invention can provide a construction system incorporating the at least one connection member as one or more brackets that fasten to the respective opposed side panels to form at least part of an internal skeleton structure for a wall or floor.

[0023] It will be appreciated that the components of the present invention interlock together to form a support structure able to receive reinforcement therein and create a space into which construction material can be delivered, such as a setable/curable liquid material e.g. concrete, that can be poured or pumped into the space. [0024] External boards or sheets, such as gypsum based sheets (e.g.

plasterboard), magnesium oxide based boards or sheets, timber sheets or other sheet-like cladding material may be applied to the side panels.

[0025] The reinforcing, such as metal rods (e.g. steel reinforcing bar aka 'rebar') may be provided within the skeleton structure.

[0026] Preferably, the reinforcing passes through the openings through the connection members.

[0027] More preferably, the openings through the connection members are aligned from one connection member to the next such that a straight part of the reinforcing passes through the aligned openings without substantial bending or preferably any bending thereof.

[0028] The reinforcing may be attached to the at least connection member, such as by a wire or plastic tie for additional location and initial rigidity before the construction material is poured.

[0029] Pouring of the construction material may be by gravity or may be pumped into the space between the opposed side panels.

[0030] The construction material may be cementitious. Such as a concrete material, or may be a grout or a non-cementitious construction material.

[0031 ] One or more of the respective side panels may include at least one side panel aperture therethrough. For example, the side panel or each side panel may have a framework or lattice structure reducing overall weight and use of material of the side panel. Consequently, in such an embodiment or

embodiments, the construction material may contact an inside face of the external board or sheet, which may preferably create a bond therewith providing additional strength and rigidity to the construction. [0032] A said engagement connector of the at least one connection member may be provided at each of first and second opposed ends of the respective connection member.

[0033] One or more of the said engagement connectors may include a tongue portion for engagement with a receiver on the respective side panel, such as a tongue or 'dovetail' portion engaging into an aperture provided by the respective receiver on the side panel.

[0034] Preferably, the engagement portion may provide an angled connector, such as a dovetail portion, with at least one angled portion to engage with one or more corresponding surfaces associated with the respective receiver.

[0035] The side panel receiver may include one or more inclined surfaces such that the at least one angled portion of the angled connector engages with the receiver.

[0036] The at least one engagement connector may provide a notch such that a portion of the engagement connector passes into the receiver of the side panel, and the notch sits within the receiver, e.g. within an aperture provided by the receiver in the side panel.

[0037] Relative rotation of the connection member and side panel can cause the angled connector to increase engagement with the one or more inclined surfaces and lock together the side panel and the connection member.

[0038] Preferably, the at least one connection member is engaged with the opposed side panels and relative rotation of the connection member with respect to the opposed side panels causes locking together of the connection member and the opposed side panels with the engagement connector locked in the respective aperture of the respective side panel. [0039] Preferably the at least one connection member and/or the side panels are formed of a moulded polymer material.

[0040] Preferably the polymer material can be or include polystyrene, polyurethane, PVC or nylon or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0041 ] Relative rotation of a number of the connection members relative to the side panels locks together the assembled structure and preferably aligns the openings through the connection members for the reinforcing to pass

therethrough.

[0042] The construction system may include a base panel and/or a top panel. The construction system may include at least one end panel.

[0043] Preferably the at least one connection member includes first and second flange portions at an angle to one another, preferably at a right angle to one another.

[0044] More preferably the at least one connection member includes first, second and third flange portions an angle to each other, preferably at right angles to each other. The connection member openings can be through the respective flange portion(s).

[0045] The at least one side panel can be of a predetermined width.

Preferably a selection of predetermined width sizes of the side panels are provided. For example, one or more 150mm wide, 200mm wide, 325mm wide, 600mm wide, 750mm wide, 800mm wide, 1000mm wide, 1200mm wide and 1500mm wide side panels may be provided.

[0046] Side panel height may also vary to suit a project or specification, such as 1200mm high, 1500mm high, 1800mm high, 2100mm high, 2400mm high, 3000mm high etc. [0047] Preferably the opposed side panels of an assembly are of the same width, however, side panels of different sizes can be used as required. For example, two 200mm wide side panels and a 400mm wide side panel may be use opposite a single 800mm wide side panel.

[0048] The side panels may be moulded, cast or machined to shape and size. One or more openings or cut-outs may be included through the material of the side panels to reduce use of material, to lighten the assembly and/or to allow adhesion/contact of the construction material to the exterior panel or lining thereon.

[0049] Each of the lining and/or finishing boards or sheets can be applied directly or indirectly onto the respective side panel. Direct application means that the lining and/or finishing panel can be attached (such as by bonding using a bonding agent, mastic or adhesive).

[0050] The lining and/or finishing board or sheet may include an insulation layer or material and/or a moisture or vapour barrier layer or material. Indirect application means that the respective lining and/or finishing board or sheet may be applied to a board or sheet material (such as a vapour barrier applied to the side panel(s).

[0051 ] The lining and/or finishing board or sheet may include one or more locating pins and/or one or more locating holes for locating the edge of one board or sheet correctly in position relative to an adjoining board or sheet.

[0052] The locating pin or pins associated with one sheet may locate into respective hole or holes on an edge of an adjoining board or sheet.

[0053] The pin or pins may be permanently attached to one of the boards or sheets and inserted into the holes of the other board or sheet when aligned together. Alternatively, each said pin may be a separate item that inserts into respective holes in the edges of two boards or sheets to be located together edge on.

[0054] It will therefore be appreciated that the pin(s) can locate assemblies of the system together prior to pouring concrete or other construction material into the space between the side panels.

[0055] A further aspect of the present invention provides a component for use in constructing a wall or floor formwork structure, the component including at least one notch at at least one end of the component, the notch arranged to be engaged within an aperture through a side panel from a first side of the side panel to a second side of the side panel, and wherein a portion of the component that passes into or through the aperture is arranged to engage with an engagement portion on the second side of the side panel.

[0056] Preferably the engagement increases with relative rotation of the component with respect to the side panel.

[0057] Preferably the component includes at least one dovetail type widening of material of the component adjacent the notch. The dovetail type widening may provide at least one surface arranged to engage with a corresponding at least one surface of the side panel.

[0058] Preferably the side panel includes at least one inclined surface forming part of or adjacent the aperture or the material forming the aperture.

[0059] Preferably, relative rotation of the component with respect to the side panel causes the component and side panel to increase engagement with each other.

[0060] Preferably the component and the side panel are rotated through substantially 90° with respect to one another from least engagement to most engagement. The side panel may include at least one limit or stop to prevent further relative rotation of the component with respect to the side panel. The at least one limit or stop may be a surface within or adjacent the aperture. The limit or stop may be recessed below an outer surface of the side panel and may be at least partially, preferably completely, within the aperture.

[0061 ] The component may include at least one aperture therethrough, preferably multiple apertures, such as for receiving through one or more of the apertures as provided at least one reinforcing member.

[0062] The apertures through the component may be provided with a horizontal axis/level axis and a vertical axis/upright axis therethrough when the component is installed in position, such that the reinforcing can pass substantially horizontally/level and substantially vertical/upright to form a reinforcing framework or lattice. The reinforcing can be connected together, such as by wire tying.

[0063] A further aspect of the present invention provides a panel for use as a side panel in constructing a wall or floor formwork structure, the panel including at least one aperture therethrough for receiving a component acting as a connection member, the panel including at least one engagement portion within or adjacent the respective aperture, the engagement portion including at least one inclined surface for engagement with a connection portion of the component, the at least one inclined surface increasing engagement of the panel and the component with relative rotation of the component and the panel.

[0064] Preferably the engagement portion is provided recessed into the aperture.

[0065] Preferably the aperture of the panel includes an opening of sufficient first width in one direction to receive a portion of the component through the aperture, and a second width in another direction smaller than the first width preventing removal of the component after relative rotation of the component with respect to the panel.

[0066] The component may be or include the connection member. The component may include a notch and/or a dovetail portion at one or both of two ends of the component, each said notch and/or said dovetail portion for engaging into the respective aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] One or more embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0068] Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an arrangement of components for a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 2 shows the arrangement of Figure 1 in assembled orientation.

[0070] Figure 3 shows an arrangement of components of a system with reinforcing present according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071 ] Figures 4 to 6 show front, rear and side views of a side panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the side panel can be provided in a chosen width and/or length with the arrangement and number of receiver apertures for receiving the connection member(s) varying according to chosen specification.

[0072] Figure 7 to 9 show front, rear and cross sectional views of the receiver aperture of each side pane according to an embodiment of the present invention [0073] Figures 10 to 13 show various views of side panels according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0074] Figures 14 to 18 show various views of an end panel or top panel arrangement according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0075] Figures 19 to 20 and 21 to 22 show alternative arrangements of additional connector members attached to an end panel or top panel according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0076] Figures 23 to 26 show various views of a base panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Figures 27 and 28 show alternative arrangements of additional connector members attached to a base panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Figures 29 to 30 and 31 to 32 show alternative sizes of a connection member to suit different thicknesses of wall or floor according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0079] Figures 33 to 34 show a connector block for connecting together components of the system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figures 35 to 36 show a right angle connector block for connecting together components of the system at right angles with respect to one another according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081 ] Figures 37 to 39 show front and rear views of a connector plate according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0082] Figures 40 to 41 show various views of an end panel reinforcement support according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Figures 42 to 43 show an example of an assembled system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 42 shows exterior panels applicable to the side panels, and Figure 43 shows the assembled system prior to the exterior panels being applied.

[0084] Figures 44 to 45 show an assembly of the components of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention arranged to create a right angle corner.

[0085] Figures 46 to 47 show plan views of an assembly of the components of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a T

configuration to create a wall where one wall abuts a continuing wall.

[0086] Figures 48 to 58 show various views of an assembly and components for an assembly of a system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0087] Components according to one or more embodiments of the present invention and one or more assemblies of components for a system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention will herein be described.

[0088] However, it is to be understood that the specificity of the components and assemblies herein is not to be taken to limit the generality of the present invention unless for the purposes of a specific claim to the specific features of a component or system. [0089] As shown in the accompanying Figures 1 to 58, components of various embodiments of the present invention can be brought together to provide a construction system for use in constructing one or more walls or floors.

[0090] Opposed side panels 10, 12 are locked together in spaced relationship by at least one, preferably a multiplicity, of connection members 14.

[0091 ] One or more exterior lining and/or finishing boards or sheets 16, such as gypsum or magnesium oxide based sheets, can be attached to the outside face of one or both of the side panels 10, 12.

[0092] The boards or sheets can be layered one on another, and can be bonded together. One or more of the boards or sheets can include an insulation material, such as expanded polystyrene or insulating foam.

[0093] The side panels 10, 12 can include openings therethrough such that the respective side panel has a lattice or framework structure.

[0094] Construction material delivered into the space (e.g. poured and/or pumped) can contact the inside face of the exterior board/panel.

[0095] The connection member(s) can include openings 18 therethrough.

[0096] Reinforcing 20, such as rebar, can be inserted through the opening(s) 18. The reinforcing can be tied, such as by one or more plastic or metal ties, to the respective connection member.

[0097] The connection member(s) can lock together the side panels in spaced relationship providing the space therebetween for the reinforcing and to receive the construction material poured or pumped therein. [0098] The connection member(s) can include at least one engagement connector 21 to engage with a receiver 24 on the respective side panel.

[0099] The engagement connector 21 can include an angled portion 22 with at least one respective inclined surface 23, such as a dovetail, arranged to engage with one more inclined surfaces 26 of the respective receiver.

[00100] A said engagement connector 21 can be provided at each of opposed ends of the respective connection member.

[00101 ] The receiver 24 can include an aperture 25 into which the engagement connector 21 is received.

[00102] Relative rotation of the connection member and side panel(s) causes angled portions 22 of the engagement connector to interact with inclined surface(s) 26 and thereby lock together the two opposed side panels.

[00103] At least one stop surface 27 can be provided to limit travel along the inclined surface(s) and help to align the component being locked into the receiver with other components, such as components that will themselves connect with the component locked into the receiver or to be locked into the receiver.

[00104] Such relative rotation can align the openings of adjacent connection members such that the reinforcement can pass straight through the openings.

[00105] The side panels can be connected to a base panel 28. For example, one or more of a connection block 30 and a right angle connection block 32 can connect the respective side panel to the base panel 28.

[00106] The base panel, the end panel and/or the top panel can include at least one raised land 37. Preferably the raised land provides a thickened region of the respective panel to facilitate attachment of one or more components and provide additional strength to the respective panel at such an attachment region.

[00107] One or more of said connection block 30 and a right angle connection block 32 can connect the respective side panel to a top panel 34.

[00108] The connection block 30 and the right angle connection block can include a connection portion 31 with at least one inclined surface 33 to engage with one or more respective inclined surfaces 26 of the respective receiver 24.

[00109] The connection block 30 can also include at least one surface 35 to engage with at least one respective inclined surface of the right angled connection block 32.

[001 10] The connection block 30 can include a notch 37 between the inclined surfaces 33 and 35, which notch sits within an aperture of the right angled connection block when assembled together.

[001 1 1 ] The connection block 30 applies pressure to the right angled connection block 32 and to the respective panel 28, 34, 36 helping to hold that assembly together.

[001 12] The end or top panel can include a locating projection 39 at at least one end thereof and a locating recess 41 at at least one end thereof.

[001 13] The locating projection can insert into a corresponding locating recess in another end panel or top panel.

[001 14] For example, a top panel having a locating projection at one end that fits into a corresponding locating recess of an end panel. [001 15] Likewise, an opposed end panel can have a locating projection that fits into a locating recess of the top panel.

[001 16] A said connector block 30 can lock a right angled connector block 32 to the base panel 28 or to the top panel 34 or to an end panel 36. An end panel 36 can be connected to the opposed side panels 10, 12.

[001 17] Components of the construction system, such as the side panels, base panel, end panel, top panel, connector block, right angled connector block etc., can be formed of moulded polymer material, such as polyurethane, polyethylene, PVC, nylon, polystyrene.

[001 18] The construction system provides a low cost, strong skeleton structure provided by modularised component parts providing adaptability in assembly whilst allowing rapid construction of walls and/or floors.

[001 19] One or more forms of the present invention avoids the need to customise wooden shuttering, reduces assembly time and thereby reduces over construction costs.

[00120] Construction can be standardised, construction is readily repeatable and construction quality is more assured than with commonly used timber shuttering based construction.

[00121 ] A connector plate 38 having two apertures 40 with inclined surfaces 42 can be used to connect together two adjacent panels. For example, used in connection with two respective connection blocks 30 (one into each of the panels), the connection plate can span between and link together the two panels.

[00122] A reinforcement member 44 can be provided, such as to provide additional support to an end panel, a top panel or other panel. [00123] The reinforcement member 44 can include an elongate portion 52, an engagement portion 46 having a notch 48 and at least one inclined surface 50 to engage into a receiver 24 on respective panel.

[00124] As shown in Figures 44 and 45, connections can be provided on one side of the assembly to enable a corner or right angle wall connection to join to the assembly.

[00125] Figures 46 and 47 show respective end and plan views of a similar arrangement but allowing corner/right angled connection on both sides, thereby providing a T-connection, which can allow construction of a side wall junction with a continuing wall.

[00126] It will be appreciated that the components and/or system 1 ,101 of the present invention provide for an interlocking arrangement of components which enable a support structure to be readily assembled in situ from a predetermined range of components prior to applying a pourable/pumpable construction material into the space between the side panels to form a wall or floor structure.

[00127] The side panels 10, 12 can include the receivers 24 at predetermined positions thereon. Likewise, the base panel, end panel and top panel can each include the receivers at predetermined positions.

[00128] The side panels, the base panel, the end panel and the top panel can each be of predetermined length and width sizes providing a predetermined range of such panels for modularity of the components and/or system.

[00129] For example, 150mm wide, 200mm wide, 325mm wide, 600mm wide, 750mm wide, 800mm wide, 1000mm wide, 1200mm wide and 1500mm wide side panels may be provided. [00130] Side panel height can also vary to suit a project or specification, such as 1200mm high, 1500mm high, 1800mm high, 2100mm high, 2400mm high, 3000mm high etc.

[00131 ] Preferably the opposed side panels of an assembly are of the same width, however, side panels of different sizes can be used as required. For example, two 200mm wide side panels and a 400mm wide side panel may be use opposite a single 800mm wide side panel.

[00132] The side panels may be moulded, cast or machined to shape and size. One or more cut-outs may be included through the material of the side panels to reduce use of material, to lighten the assembly and/or to allow adhesion/contact of the construction material to the exterior panel or lining thereon.

[00133] Each of the lining and/or finishing boards or sheets 16 can be applied directly or indirectly onto the respective side panel 10, 12. Direct application means that the lining and/or finishing panel can be attached (such as by bonding using a bonding agent, mastic or adhesive).

[00134] The lining and/or finishing board or sheet may include an insulation layer or material and/or a moisture or vapour barrier layer or material.

[00135] Indirect application means that the respective lining and/or finishing board or sheet may be applied to a board or sheet material (such as a vapour barrier applied to the side panel(s).

[00136] The lining and/or finishing board or sheet 16 may include one or more locating pins 54 and/or one or more locating holes 56 for locating the edge of one board or sheet correctly in position relative to an adjoining board or sheet. The locating pin or pins associated with one sheet may locate into respective hole or holes on an edge of an adjoining board or sheet. [00137] The pin or pins 54 may be permanently attached to one of the boards or sheets and inserted into the holes of the other board or sheet when aligned together.

[00138] Alternatively, each said pin may be a separate item that inserts into respective holes in the edges of two boards or sheets to be located together edge on.

[00139] It will therefore be appreciated that the pin(s) can locate assemblies of the system together prior to pouring concrete or other construction material into the space between the side panels.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A construction system including an assembly of at least first and second opposed side panels releasably connected together in spaced relationship by at least one connection member, the at least one connection member including engagement connectors to releasably engage the respective at least one connection member with respective receivers on the first and second side panels, the at least one connection member including respective openings therethrough for reinforcing to pass, and at least one external board is attached to each said side panel, and wherein the space between the opposed side panels is provided to receive pourable construction material therein.

2. The construction system according to claim 1 , further including external boards or sheets or cladding material applied directly or indirectly to one or both of the side panels.

3. The construction system according to claim 1 or claim 2, including additional reinforcing provided within the assembly.

4. The construction system according to claim 3, wherein the reinforcing includes at least one metal rod.

5. The construction system according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the reinforcing passes through the openings through the connection members.

6. The construction system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, the openings through the connection members being aligned from one connection member to the next such that a straight part of the reinforcing passes through the aligned openings.

7. The construction system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the construction material includes concrete or a cementitious construction material or a grout or a non-cementitious construction material.

8. The construction system of any one of the preceding claims, the at least one connection member having an engagement connector at each of first and second opposed ends of the respective connection member.

9. The construction system of claim 8, wherein one or more of the said engagement connectors engages into an aperture of a corresponding receiver on the respective side panel.

10. The construction system of claim 9, wherein the respective engagement connector portion provides an angled connector with at least one angled portion to engage with one or more corresponding surfaces associated with the respective side panel receiver.

1 1 . The construction system of claim 10, wherein the respective receiver on the side panel s an aperture and one or more inclined surfaces such that the at least one angled portion of the angled connector engages with the inclined surface(s).

12. The construction system of any one of claims 8 to 1 1 , wherein the at least one engagement connector includes a notch such that a portion of the

engagement connector passes into the receiver of the side panel and the notch sits within the receiver.

13. The construction system of any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein relative rotation of the connection member and side panel increases engagement of the at least one engagement connector with the respective receiver and locks together the side panel(s) and the respective connection member.

14. The construction system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one connection member and/or the side panels are formed of a moulded polymer material.

15. The construction system of claim 14, wherein the polymer material includes polystyrene, polyurethane, PVC or nylon or a combination of any two or more thereof.

16. The construction system according to any one of the preceding claims, further including at least one of a top panel, end panel and base panel.

17. The construction system according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least one of a connector block, a right angle connector block and a connector plate, or a combination of any two or more thereof.

18 The construction system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the side panels is of a predetermined width.

19. The construction system according to claim 18, wherein each said side panel is selected from a selection of predetermined width sizes of the side panels are provided, including one or more of 150mm wide, 200mm wide, 325mm wide, 600mm wide, 750mm wide, 800mm wide, 1000mm wide, 1200mm wide and 1500mm wide side panels.

20. The construction system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side panels are moulded, cast or machined to shape and size.

21 . The construction system according to claim 20, wherein one or more of the side panels includes one or more openings or cut-outs through the material of the respective side panel.

22. The construction system according to any one of the preceding claims, including a lining and/or finishing board or sheet applied directly or indirectly to cover at least part of the respective side panel.

23. The construction system according to claim 22, the lining and/or finishing board or sheet including an insulation layer or material and/or a moisture or vapour barrier layer or material, or the respective lining and/or finishing board or sheet and the vapour or moisture barrier layer or material provided separately.

24. The construction system according to claim 22 or 23, the lining and/or finishing board or sheet including one or more locating pins and/or one or more locating holes for locating the edge of one board or sheet correctly in position relative to an adjoining board or sheet.

25. The construction system according to claim 24, the locating pin or pins associated with one sheet locating, in use, into respective hole or holes on an edge of an adjoining board or sheet.

26. The construction system according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the pin or pins is/are permanently attached to one of the boards or sheets and inserted, in use, into the holes of the other board or sheet when aligned together or each said pin is a separate item from the respective lining and/or finishing board/sheet that inserts into respective holes in the edges of two said boards or sheets to be located together edge on.

27. A method of constructing a wall or floor formwork structure includes assembling together at least first and second opposed side panels releasably connected together in spaced relationship by at least one connection member, the at least one connection member including engagement connectors to releasably engage the respective at least one connection member with respective receivers on the first and second side panels, providing the at least one connection member with respective openings therethrough for reinforcing to pass, and attaching at least one external board to each said side panel.

28. The method of claim 27, further including receiving construction material into the space between the opposed side panels.

29. The method of claim 27 or 28, including connecting the side panels to at least one of a base panel, an end panel and a top panel, or a combination of any two thereof.

30. The method of any one of claims 27 to 29, further including providing reinforcing within the space between the side panels.

31 . The method of claim 30, wherein the reinforcing is metal reinforcing passing through aligned said openings of the connection members.

32. The method of any one of claims 27 to 31 , further including applying at least one external board or sheet to an outside face of the respective first and/or second side panel.

33. A method of constructing a wall or floor includes assembling together at least first and second opposed side panels releasably connected together in spaced relationship by at least one connection member, the at least one connection member including engagement connectors to releasably engage the respective at least one connection member with respective receivers on the first and second side panels, providing the at least one connection member with respective openings therethrough for reinforcing to pass, and attaching at least one external board to each said side panel, and receiving construction material into the space between the opposed side panels, and receiving construction material into the space between the opposed side panels.

34. The method of claim 33, including connecting the side panels to at least one of a base panel, an end panel and a top panel, or a combination of any two thereof.

35. The method of any one of claims 33 or 34, further including providing reinforcing within the space between the side panels.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the reinforcing is metal reinforcing passing through aligned said openings of the connection members.

37. The method of any one of claims 33 to 36, further including applying at least one external board or sheet to an outside face of the respective first and/or second side panel.

38. The method of any one of claims 33 to 37, further including rotating the connection member(s) relative to the side panels to interlock the connection member(s) with the side panels.

39. The method of any one of claims 33 to 38, wherein the side panels include the receivers at predetermined positions.

40. A component for use in constructing a wall or floor formwork structure, the component including at least one notch at at least one end of the component, the notch arranged to be engaged within an aperture through a side panel from a first side of the side panel to a second side of the side panel, and wherein a portion of the component that passes into or through the aperture is arranged to engage with an engagement portion on the second side of the side panel.

41 . The component of claim 40, wherein the engagement increases with relative rotation of the component with respect to the side panel.

42. The component of claim 40 or 41 , including at least one dovetail type widening of material of the component adjacent the notch.

43. The component of any one of claims 40 to 42, including at least one aperture therethrough for receiving at least one reinforcing member.

44. The component of claim 43, wherein the aperture or the apertures through the component is/are provided with a horizontal axis/level axis and/or a vertical axis/upright axis therethrough when the component is installed in position, allowing reinforcing to pass substantially horizontally/level and/or substantially vertical/upright.

45. A further aspect of the present invention provides a panel for use as a side panel in constructing a wall or floor formwork structure, the panel including at least one aperture therethrough for receiving a component acting as a connection member, the panel including at least one engagement portion within or adjacent the respective aperture, the engagement portion including at least one inclined surface for engagement with a connection portion of the component, the at least one inclined surface increasing engagement of the panel and the component with relative rotation of the component and the panel.

46. The panel of claim 45, wherein the engagement portion is recessed into the aperture.

47. The panel of claim 45 or 46, wherein the aperture of the panel includes an opening of sufficient first width in one direction to receive a portion of the component through the aperture, and a second width in another direction smaller than the first width preventing removal of the component after relative rotation of the component with respect to the panel.