Water proof construction unit
The present application includes a void form unit for creating a void space between concrete structures and expansive soil. The unit includes a cellular structure surrounded by a paper based shell. The cellular structure is impervious to moisture. Together the cellular structure and the shell make a singular rigid member. The rigid member is configured to temporarily support concrete and gradually increase in flexure so as to flex with the movement of the expansive soil. The shell is configured to weaken over time from the regulated absorption of moisture. The flexure of the cellular structure configured to increase with the deterioration of the shell.
1. A water proof component void form for creating a void space between concrete structures and expansive soil, comprising:
a cellular structure formed from an impervious material so as to avoid an absorption of moisture; and
a paper based shell configured to selectively wrap around and couple to the cellular structure so as to form a singular rigid member, the paper based shell passing internally within a portion of the cellular structure;
wherein a structural strength of the singular rigid member is configured to weaken over time by a gradual absorption of moisture in the paper based shell, a weakening occurring from contact with the setting concrete.
2. The void form of claim 1 , wherein the cellular structure is configured to flex due to movement of the expansive soil when pressed against the concrete.
3. The void form of claim 1 , wherein the cellular structure is formed into a selected honeycomb pattern, such that the honeycomb pattern is aligned vertically within the shell.
4. The void form of claim 1 , wherein the shell is coupled to the cellular structure via a fastening member.
5. The void form of claim 4 , wherein the fastening member is at least one of a staple and an adhesive.
6. The void form of claim 1 , wherein the shell includes a moisture resistant exterior surface configured to delay weakening prior to pouring of the concrete.
7. The void form of claim 1 , wherein a flexure rate of the cellular structure varies in relation to the level of moisture absorbed by the shell.
8. The void form of claim 1 , wherein the singular rigid member is configured to support a weight of a worker.
9. The void form of claim 1 , further comprising:
a seam pad configured to span a gap between adjoining rigid members to prevent passage of concrete between such rigid members.
10. The void form of claim 1 , wherein a shape of the singular rigid member is at least one of rectangular, trapezoidal, and circular.