WO2013076464A2

WO2013076464A2 - Formwork for a construction

Info

Publication number: WO2013076464A2
Application number: PCT/GB2012/052851
Authority: WO
Inventors: Julie Alexandra SODEN
Original assignee: Ulster University
Current assignee: Ulster University
Priority date: 2011-11-21
Filing date: 2012-11-16
Publication date: 2013-05-30
Anticipated expiration: 2014-05-21
Also published as: WO2013076464A3; GB201120071D0

Abstract

A woven formwork for construction of a structure is disclosed. The formwork comprises a three-dimensional woven fabric arranged so as to define one or more cavities into which an in-fill material can be inserted in order to construct said structure.

Description

FORMWORK FOR A CONSTRUCTION

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a formwork for use in construction. In the preferred embodiment, the formwork is for holding fluid material in place whilst it is setting so as to form a solid. For example, in a preferred embodiment the present invention is for setting concrete in a building structure. Alternatively, other types of setting material or non-setting material, such as earthen material or aggregate, may be held in place by the formwork.

Most current formworks are made from commercially available building fabrics. For example, it is known to use sand-bag material, canvas, polypropylene sacking or uniform warp knit spacer fabric for making formworks. These materials are industrially sewn together or adhesively bonded to make the formwork. Additional synthetic or metal ties are required to connect the interior and exterior sides of the formwork together. These conventional systems are then required to be supported with substantial timber framework or scaffolding until the setting material (in-fill) sets hard. External plastic or timber shuttering is also often required to ensure that a uniform wall surface is provided.

A recent improvement on these techniques is to use two layers of fabric which support a concrete powder in-fill. Water is then added to the powder and the in-fill is cured into a wall system. Additional textile layers are also required to be bonded onto the surfaces of the fabric layers in order to prevent the powder from leaking. This system also requires an external framework to hold it in place or support it during setting.

It is desired to provide an improved formwork.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention there is provided a formwork as claimed in claim

1 . Preferred features of the formwork are described in claims 2-25.

The preferred formwork can provide a compact yet expandable system which can be transported to site easily and can be assembled in-situ or in the locality with minimal tools and skills. With timber in short supply, particularly in the developing world, the system has an integral 'built-in' shuttering system described in the industry by the term 'permanently participating' (i.e. embedded), thereby reducing the requirement of additional construction materials (such as timber frameworks) and supporting structures and will ultimately save time. It eliminates most of the structural set-backs of current textile formworks such as non structural properties, offering containment to the liquid in-fill at pre-curing stage only, textiles are very lightweight, requiring considerable supporting framework, and they need to be removed after use. The formwork provides a long awaited solution that could transform building technology, particularly for small dwellings and communities.

The fabric of the formwork is preferably made from a combination of natural, synthetic, performance and moisture management fibres, e.g. flax, jute, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, nylon, superabsorbent fibres or combinations thereof and yarns to produce a robust, permanent, expandable, structural formwork wall system. The formwork is preferably designed to consider the thermal, acoustic, and environmental characteristics (including seasonal fluctuations such as flooding, erosion, drought and storms), and to meet the needs of modern sustainable buildings in both developed and developing economies.

The multiple-layer woven formwork system may incorporate integrally woven cavities for the insertion of in-fill materials, such as hemp-reinforced concrete (hemcrete), structural concrete, earthen materials or rubble. Several different configurations of the system are possible. For example, the whole system may comprise in-fill cavities or may comprise a specific number of cavities into a given zone so as to form column-like areas of reinforcement. The fabric design can be custom tailored to provide anisotropic

characteristics within the formwork which can respond to different mechanical property requirements in localised areas as well as situating the correct volume of in-fill material into specific regions.

Strap handles, tether loops and ancillary fixing devices such as Velcro (RTM) and zips may also be integrated into the formwork by stitching, adhesive bonding, ultrasonic welding seam technology or other known methods of textile construction. These may be required temporarily for tensioning the textile and for stabilisation and safety reasons before in-filling takes place. The fill materials will be placed in-situ within the 3D formwork, providing additional structural capacity as well as enhancing the environmental performance. Together with the yarns, the weave construction, assemblage of the layers and density of the woven material forms a robust textile structure capable of standing upright.

The fabric preferably permits moisture transfer between the in-fill material and the external environment through use of specific moisture management/absorbent fibres, thereby enhancing the initial drying and hardening of the in-fill materials. The fabric may also be permeable to gases (although this may depend on chosen in-fill and wall finishes), enabling breathing wall performance.

The fabric may include reinforcing fibres. Such fibres and yarns can include synthetic fibres such as polyester, recycled polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene or nylon pure or blended natural fibres such as flax, jute, hemp, sisal, bamboo, wool or synthetically produced naturally derived fibres such as viscose rayon or lyocell (Tencel). These may be combined with fibres and yarns responsible for moisture absorption and/or moisture transportation (wicking) characteristics such as, but not exclusive to, polyester microfibres, other synthetics and absorbent combinations thereof. The fibres and/or yarns can include single ply, multiple ply, twisted, tapes, rovings, continuous filament, multifilament, monofilament, extruded fibres and yarns, metal wires and strands. They may be coated with appropriate sizing solutions, chemical agents and/or finishing treatments to improve formwork performance and to resist attack by chemicals present in the fill material and insect and/or fungal / mould manifestation (which may be typical to geographical region and climate). The yarn tows and resultant fabric will preferably provide a substrate to accept finishes such as lime based renders and plasters, e.g. for enhancing air-tightness and fire resistance as well as delivering a high quality aesthetic finish.

The formwork can be used with bamboo or 'glu-lam' support members (sustainable timber or grass members in addition to standard timber) between fabric modules to prevent racking distortion and, for example, to form structures such as supporting roof members or to support a canopy roof/porch concept. A canopy structure with textile elements has potential to support a 'living roof system' and rainwater harvesting.

The formwork modules can use heavy-duty zipper systems and attachment or mechanically adhesive textiles (.g. Velcro) to connect one another. Heavy duty zippers can also be employed to open out cavities to assist with gradual in-filling before closing.

The formwork may contain additional 'conduit channels for installation of essential services (e.g. water, waste, temperature control) that are separate from the in-fill cavities.

The exterior skin of the formwork can also act as a host for smart functionality, monitoring technology and energy storage in terms of external solar or photovoltaic panels. Solar paint (sheet metal/steel treated with a sensitive coating of solar cells) may be applied to the exterior skin.

The formwork may also be provided on a fabric roll, which makes it a compact, easily transportable and economical material to freight. Any external packaging necessary may be reused in the installation process.

The preferred embodiments provide a number of advantages, some of which will be described below.

The preferred embodiment provides a new woven material in the form of a versatile yet permanent structural formwork system that facilitates new methods of construction, and will act as a catalyst for the development of innovative custom build concepts using synthetic material(s), and/or sustainable and renewable plant-derived materials.

The fibres and yarns used in the formwork may permit moisture transportation and wicking of water from the in-fill, thus accelerating drying of the in-fill and improving the strength of mixture of the in-fill. Alternatively, or additionally, the permeable layers may permit the escape of air, thereby preventing air-bubbles and gas build-up.

Formwork dimensions, cavity size, geometric and sinusoidal curved formations can be constructed, enabling innovative shaped structures such as vaults, domes and arches to be built, and continuously woven fibre reinforcement through the intersection points can produce reinforced junctions and edges as well as adding greater compressive strength to span beams.

A permanent formwork system using renewable low carbon materials can be provided that delivers high quality load-bearing walls suited to a range of materials and applications.

A fabric formwork system can be provided that exploits the water sorption properties of natural fibres so it can be used to ameliorate the internal environment (e.g. to provide passive humidity and temperature control). A dry system using breathable natural fibres will prevent damp and mould growth A robust multiple-layer structure and shaped cavity construction will prevent high tension forces and resultant distortions often seen in single layer systems as the hydrostatic pressure of concrete distorts lightweight fabric.

The use of formwork should provide increased resistance to crack formation that forms during drying and curing and also in freezing and thawing conditions. It should also provide increased surface strength.

Fibres and yarns can be coated and act as a host for chemical agents to further improve performance properties, particularly to avoid insect invasion and fungal and mould growth.

The system has an integral 'built-in' shuttering system described in the industry by the term 'permanently participating' system, thereby reducing the requirement of additional construction materials (such as timber frameworks) and supporting structures and will ultimately save time. This helps provide a solution in developing countries, where the deforestation and scavenging of natural vegetation for shelter is a problem.

A high pH lime matrix material (render) may be provided for benefits such as fire resistance and biological durability and without the need for additives to provide this effect with the associated environmental impacts.

Integrated service ducts and functionality may be provided via conduit channels to enable acute services and sustainable technologies to be integrated into the system design; e.g. life services, water, waste, intelligent solar power via photovoltaic devices.

A lightweight formwork system may be provided that is easily handled on-site and easily transported, for example to meet demands of post-disaster shelter particularly in the re-settling and re-building phase of communities. A range of formwork and in-fill system can be developed to respond to different environments, climates and specifications.

The formwork may be used, for example, to make walls, columns, roof beams or other structures. The formwork may be particularly useful in low carbon housing and long term sustainable housing shelters following natural disasters or for the resettlement of refugees after displacement. Alternatively, the formwork may be used for road

construction, infrastructural Geo textiles, flood-prevention dwellings, embankment retention reinforcements, bridge structures, marine and coastal protection applications, seabed erosion control and packaging or cargo containment structures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows a formwork of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows three views of an elongated formwork for use in making a wall;

Figs. 3A and 3B show a portion of woven fabric used to make a preferred formwork; Fig. 4 shows a portion of woven fabric used to make another preferred formwork;

Fig. 5 illustrates materials that may be applied to the formwork in use; Fig. 6 shows a section of a preferred formwork that includes conduit channels for receiving pipes; and

Fig. 7 shows a schematic of a formwork similar to that shown in Fig. 5, except that the conduit channels are illustrated on the interior surface of the formwork.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Fig. 1 shows a formwork according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The formwork comprises a 3D woven fabric that is joined to form a central tubular conduit and a tubular cavity on either side of the conduit. The structure is self- supporting and stands upright bearing its own weight. In use, the formwork is arranged in its desired position within the structure that is being built. Concrete, or another in-fill material, is then poured into the tubular cavities. The in-fill material is then allowed to set, thus forming a rigid structural member of the structure that is under construction. In this example, the central cavity is not filled with in-fill material and is provided as a conduit for installing piping, electrical wires, air ducts or other services. Of course, in other

embodiments the conduit cavity need not be used for such services and in-fill could also be inserted into this cavity. The dimensions of the cavities can be modified according to the needs of that formwork system at the design stage.

Fig. 2 shows three views of a formwork that is similar to Fig. 1 , except that it is an elongated structure comprising many cavities along its length. The formwork is

constructed from four layers of 3D woven material. Two intermediate layers are provided between two outer layers. The layers are woven together so as to form the tubular cavities, although in other versions, they may be joined by other means such as machine stitching, adhesive bonding, mechanical means or ultrasonic or high temperature welding technologies. The formwork shown in Fig. 2 may be used, for example, as a section of wall.

Fig. 3A shows a schematic of a portion of a fabric for forming a portion of a formwork according to a preferred embodiment. The fabric comprises a total of four layers. The fabric has an upper outer layer, an upper intermediate layer, a lower intermediate layer and a bottom outer layer. Each layer comprises yarns that are interwoven in the warp and weft directions. As can be seen from Fig. 3A, the yarns that form the intermediate layers and which extend in the warp direction cross over between the two intermediate layers. The yarns cross over such that the yarns in the upper intermediate layer extend from the left to the right side of this layer in the warp direction and then cross over into the lower intermediate layer at a junction. The yarns then continue in the warp direction through the lower intermediate layer, extending from the left to the right side. Similarly, the yarns in the lower intermediate layer extend from the left side of this layer in the warp direction and then cross over into the upper intermediate layer at the junction. These yarns then continue in the warp direction through the upper intermediate layer, from the left to the right side.

Although not illustrated, this intersecting pattern is repeated along the length of the fabric, i.e. in the left and right directions. For example, the yarns in the upper intermediate layer at the right hand edge of the illustrated portion of fabric will cross back over into the lower intermediate layer at a junction that is located to the right of the illustrated portion. These yarns will then continue in the warp direction through the lower intermediate layer, extending from the left to the right side. Similarly, the yarns in the lower intermediate layer at the right side of the illustrated portion will cross back over into the upper intermediate layer at the junction that is to the right of the illustrated portion. These yarns then continue in the warp direction through the upper intermediate layer, from the left to the right side. Although not illustrated, this cross-over pattern is also repeated along the length of the fabric in the other direction, i.e. to the left of the illustrated portion.

Fig. 3B shows a sectional view of the portion of fabric shown in Fig. 3A, as seen by looking along the weft direction. This further illustrates the manner in which the various yarns extend through the layers of the fabric.

When the fabric of Fig. 3A is opened up it will take the configuration of the formwork shown in Fig. 2. It will be appreciated that the locations at which the intermediate layers are joined in Fig. 2 correspond to the junctions described in relation to Fig. 3A at which the yarns intersect between the two intermediate layers. The portions of the intermediate layers that extend between the junctions described in Fig. 3A and which are not

interconnected interlace to form the walls of the cavities in Fig. 2A that are arranged between the intermediate layers.

Referring back to Fig. 3A, the yarns that form the outer layers and which extend in the warp direction are woven at specific locations into their adjacent intermediate layer before returning to the layer of origin to interlace in-plane. The yarns in the upper outer layer interlace from the left to the right side of this layer in the warp direction and then interweave with yarns in the upper intermediate layer at a specific place in the construction. This is not shown in the illustrated portion of the fabric. Similarly, the yarns in the lower outer layer interlace from the left to the right side of this layer in the warp direction and then interweave with yarns in the lower intermediate layer at a specific place in the construction.

As mentioned above, when the fabric of Fig. 3A is opened up it will take the configuration of the formwork shown in Fig. 2. It will be appreciated that the locations at which each intermediate layer is joined to its adjacent outer layer in Fig. 2 correspond to the woven intersections described in relation to Fig. 3A at which the yarns cross between each intermediate layer and its adjacent outer layer. The portions of intermediate layer and its adjacent outer layer that extend between these junctions are not interconnected and act to form the walls of the cavities in Fig. 2A that are arranged between each intermediate layer and its adjacent outer layer.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic of a portion of a fabric for forming a portion of a formwork according to another preferred embodiment. The fabric of Fig. 4 is substantially the same as that described above in relation to Figs. 3A and 3B, except that each layer is a 3D woven layer. Each 3D woven layer has a plurality of parallel yarns extending in both the warp and the weft direction. The spacing of said yarns (i.e. the warp ends per cm/inch and weft picks per cm/ inch) is determined by the density of yarn used and the interlacement structure employed. A proportion of warp yarns in each layer interlace in-plane or to the layer adjacent. The remaining proportion of warp yarns form a through-the-thickness constituent by interlacing with weft yarns located in a non-adjacent layer. All the yarns within the multiple layer configuration results in the formation of an integral single fabric.

As shown in Fig. 4, all of or a proportion of the yarns of the lower intermediate layer which extend in the warp direction intersect into the upper intermediate layer at a specific place in the weave structure, in a similar manner to that described in Figs. 3A and 3B. Some of the yarns of the top outer layer that extend in the warp direction interlace with yarns in the upper intermediate layer before returning to interlace in their layer of origin, in a similar manner to that described in Figs. 3A and 3B. Only some of the yarns of the bottom outer layer that extend in the warp direction interlace with yarns in the lower intermediate layer before returning to interlace in their layer of origin, in a similar manner to that described in Figs. 3A and 3B.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic illustration of the use of the formwork of Fig. 2 in forming a wall. As shown in Fig. 5, in-fill is inserted into the hollow, tubular cavities to make a rigid structure. If the wall is used to form part of an enclosed building then the wall has an interior side and an exterior side. The dimensions of the outer or inner surface layer/skin can be modified to minimise the corrugated configuration of the fabric and provide a relatively flat outer or inner layer/skin, if preferred. The exterior side may be rendered with a suitable material, such as a lime based render. The interior side may have a coating or other material attached thereto, e.g. for aesthetic appearances.

Fig. 6 shows a portion of the formwork of a preferred embodiment that includes conduit channels extending within the fabric. As can be seen, adjacent layers of fabric can be woven to form hollow tubular cavities to produce conduit channels for the insertion of pipes or other tubing therein, as shown. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the formwork is used to construct a wall of an enclosed building and the interior surface of formwork facing into the building comprises the conduit channels. As such, the conduit channels in the wall are able to enclose pipework that may be required to service the building, e.g. water pipes.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic of a formwork similar to that shown in Fig. 5, except that the conduit channels described in relation to Fig. 6 are illustrated on the interior surface of the formwork. Various pipework can be inserted into the conduit channels for conveying services such as waste fluid, water and electricity.

The skilled person would understand that all designs and dimensions of the fabrics may be altered from those shown in the drawings and depending on the specification of the particular formwork and/or the capacity of the weaving loom available to manufacture the formworks. The proportion and arrangement of yarns distributed in each of the layers can be equal or varied enabling solid, spaced and grid aperture constructions.

If developed in modular form, modules could vary in dimension of cavities, preferred in-fill, designation and presence of in-fill in specific cavities to aid strength and integrity whilst reducing overall volume of in-fill required. Earthen materials or rubble mixtures are often a by-product of a natural disaster and do not require skilled rule of mixture and so are preferred in disaster situations.

Claims

1 1080502v3

Claims: 1 . A woven formwork for construction of a structure, wherein the formwork comprises three-dimensional (3D) woven fabric arranged so as to define one or more cavities into which an in-fill material can be inserted in order to construct said structure.

2. The formwork of claim 1 , wherein the formwork is configured to contain a fluid, settable in-fill material whilst it is setting, the settable material becoming rigid when set.

3. The formwork of claim 1 or 2, wherein the formwork has a length, a height, a thickness and a plurality of substantially tubular shaped cavities; wherein the tubular shaped cavities have their axes extending in the direction of the height; and wherein a plurality of said cavities are arranged adjacent one another in the direction of the length of the formwork and with their axes parallel to each other; optionally wherein >2, >3, >4, >5, >6, >7, >8, >9, >10, or >15 cavities are arranged adjacent one another in the direction of the length.

4. The formwork of any preceding claim, wherein the formwork has a length, a height, a thickness and a plurality of tubular cavities; wherein the tubular cavities have their axes extending in the direction of the height; and wherein a plurality of said cavities are arranged adjacent one another in the direction of the thickness of the formwork and with their axes parallel to each other; optionally wherein >2, >3, >4, >5, >6, >7, >8, >9, >10, or >15 cavities are provided adjacent one another in the direction of the thickness.

5. The formwork of any preceding claim, wherein the fabric is formed from a plurality of 3D woven layers that are joined together so as to form said cavities.

6. The formwork of claim 5, wherein the fabric comprises a woven top layer, a woven bottom layer and a woven intermediate layer(s) that is arranged between the top and bottom layers, the intermediate layer being joined to the top and bottom layers in a configuration so as to form said cavities between the intermediate layer and the top layer and/or bottom layer.

7. The formwork of claim 6, wherein the fabric comprises at least two woven intermediate layers arranged between the top and bottom layers, one of the intermediate layers being joined to the top layer, another of the intermediate layers being joined to the bottom layer, and the two intermediate layers being joined to each other, the various layers being joined together in a configuration so as to form said tubular cavities between the intermediate layers and/or to form cavities between the intermediate layers and the top layer and/or bottom layer.

8. The formwork of claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the layers are joined together by being interwoven, stitched or knitted at the areas of join; or wherein the layers are joined together at the areas of join by being bonded, by mechanical means or by adhesive means.

9. The formwork of claim 8, wherein at least some of the layers that are joined together are joined by some of the yarns that form a first of said layers traveling in a first direction and intersecting/crossing into a second of said layers at a junction and being woven into said second layer.

10. The formwork of claim 9, wherein the yarns pass back into the first layer at the junction and continue in the first layer in the first direction so as to continue to form the first layer.

1 1 . The formwork of claim 9, wherein the yarns are woven into said second layer and continue in said first direction from said junction such that they form part of said second layer.

12. The formwork of claim 1 1 , wherein the yarns continue in the first direction within the second layer, cross back into the first layer at a second junction and then continue in the first layer.

13. The formwork of claim 12, wherein some of the yarns that form said second layer travel in the first direction and cross into said first layer at said first junction and are woven into said first layer, these yarns preferably continuing in the first direction from said first junction such that they form part of the first layer.

14. The formwork of claim 13, wherein the yarns continue in the first direction within the first layer, cross back into the second layer at said second junction and then continue in the second layer.

15. The formwork of claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein the lengths of the first and second layers that extend between said first and second junctions define said cavities.

16. The formwork of any preceding claim, wherein each 3D layer in the fabric has its major surface areas in an x-y plane and a thickness in the z direction, each 3D layer comprising a plurality of parallel yarns that are spaced apart through the thickness of the layer and in the x or y direction, and wherein all of said parallel yarns are interwoven into a single layer by yarns woven in the thickness direction; optionally wherein >2, >3, >4, >5, >6, >7, >8, >9, or >10 parallel yarns are spaced through the thickness of the layer.

17. The formwork of any preceding claim, wherein the 3D fabric is flexible; the formwork optionally configured such that the cavities may be collapsed and the formwork may be rolled into a roll.

18. The formwork of any preceding claim, wherein some or all of the fabric layers are permeable to water vapour and/or gasses, preferably air.

19. The formwork of any preceding claim, wherein some or all of the fabric layers defining walls of the cavities are permeable to water vapour and/or gasses, preferably air.

20. The formwork of any preceding claim, wherein some or all of the fabric layers defining walls of the cavities are configured to wick water through their thickness.

21 . The formwork of any one of claims 1 -19, wherein some or all of the fabric layers defining walls of the cavities are substantially impermeable to liquid water.

22. The formwork of any preceding claim, wherein some or all of the fabric layers defining walls of the cavities are impermeable to particulate matter within the in-fill material.

23. The formwork of any preceding claim, wherein some or all of the fabric layers defining walls of the cavities have been treated to resist attack by chemicals present in the in-fill material.

24. The formwork of any preceding claim, wherein the 3D fabric is formed from renewable plant-derived cellulosic materials, such as jute, hemp, flax, sisal, ramie, abaca or any related species.

25. The formwork of any preceding claim, wherein some or all of the fabric has been treated with an insecticide, fungicide, anti-mould agent or bactericide.

26. A construction comprising the formwork of any preceding claim and said in-fill material arranged in at least some of said cavities.

27. The construction of claim 26, wherein the in-fill material is a settable material that sets so that the formwork is maintained as a rigid structure.

28. The construction of claim 26 or 27, wherein the in-fill material comprises at least one of: concrete; (hemcrete); earthen material; aggregate; rubble; or waste material.

29. The construction of claim 26, 27 or 28, wherein said in-fill material is not provided in some of the tubular cavities.

30. The construction of claim 29, wherein said construction is configured such that the cavities that do not contain in-fill are in contact with a fluid source and wherein these cavities are configured to convey fluid from said fluid source through the construction.

31 . The construction of claim 30, wherein the construction includes said fluid source, such as a water source or a waste fluid/gas source.

32. The construction of claim 29, 30 or 31 , wherein said construction is configured such that the cavities that do not contain in-fill are in contact with the atmosphere external to said construction for maintaining temperature and moisture control of the structure.

33. The construction of any one of claims 26-32, comprising a coating of render applied to an outer surface of the formwork, e.g. a lime render.

34. A method of building a rigid structure comprising:

providing the formwork of any one of claims 1 -25; and

introducing said in-fill material into at least some of said cavities.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the in-fill material is a settable material and the method comprises allowing or inducing said setting material to set after it has been introduced into the cavities.

36. The method of claim 34 or 35, wherein the fabric is flexible and the formwork is provided in a compact, collapsed configuration so that the cavities are collapsed; and wherein the formwork is expanded into an enlarged configuration in with the cavities are opened up prior to said step of introducing the in-fill material into the cavities.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the formwork is provided in said compact configuration as a rolled up fabric.

38. A textile formwork for construction of a structure, the formwork being constructed from woven, knitted, stitched, unidirectional or non-woven textile, or combinations thereof; wherein the formwork material is stitched together, bonded together, interconnected via interlacement, mechanical means or adhesive means to form one or more cavities into which an in-fill material can be inserted in order to construct said structure.