AU2005203718B2 - Method and apparatus for mounting and securing panel walls - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant: Process Equipment Co. Limited Invention Title: METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING AND SECURING PANEL WALLS The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: -2 Method and apparatus for mounting and securing panel walls TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates generally to the construction of walls for buildings and other structures and in particular to a method and apparatus for securing the lower edge of 5 wall panels to floors. BACKGROUND ART Various panel wall units are known for the construction of buildings and other structures and include wooden panels, metal panels and plastic panels. In the construction of walls of stressed skin insulated metal panels in particular, the panels 10 have traditionally been supported on concrete nibs to keep the base of the panel above the floor. Raising the base of the panels above the floor in this manner allows any water to drain freely away from the lower edge of the panels which are otherwise, in certain environments, vulnerable to corrosion. The nib is cast after the floor has been completed or a pre-cast nib may be set into the floor. A channel section (or a 15 pair of angles) for receiving the wall panel is typically then mounted to the top of the nib, with a fastener secured through the web of the channel (or angle sections) into the nib to hold it in place. Rivets, or the like, secured through the flanges of the channel (or the angle) fix the panel to the channel and through the nib fix the panel to the floor slab. In this manner the lower edge of the panel is fixed allowing it to be 20 used as a structural load-carrying element. The nib is generally narrower than the panel allowing a plaster coving to be applied over the exposed face of the nib. This method of construction has a number of drawbacks. When the nib is cast in place, the formwork required to form the sides of the nib must be secured on a newly poured concrete floor and the fasteners used often require later repairs to be made H:\jacindat\keep\speci\P5991 PROCESS EQUIPMENT Griffith 2005-08-18 - Spec.doc 18/06/05 -3 into the floor. The quality of workmanship is often a difficulty, for example accuracy in placing the nibs and achieving sufficient straightness in the sides is often a problem. The top surface of the nib is often not sufficiently flat and square across the section for good panel erection. Nibs are easily damaged and broken on site before the wall 5 is erected. The time span between casting nibs and erecting the panels (allowing for concrete to gain strength) delays the building programme. As the nibs are relatively narrow, using proprietary expanding anchors to fix wall panel base supports to the nib often results in damage to the nib sufficient to reduce its strength significantly. Thermal transfer through concrete or the panel base fixing is often a problem. As 10 concrete nibs are generally builder's work, while wall erection is by a walling sub contractor, demarcation problems can exist. It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from 15 the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. Any publication cited in this specification is hereby incorporated by reference, however this does not constitute an admission that the document forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country. The applicant reserves the right to challenge the pertinency of any publication cited herein, 20 or to challenge the accuracy of any assertion made in a cited publication. As used herein, the word "comprises" means "includes, but is not limited to" and its derivatives have a corresponding meaning. H:\jacindat\keep\speci\P57991 PROCESS EQUIPMENT Griffith 2005-08-18 - Spec.doc 18/08/05 -4 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Described herein is an elongate structural member for fixing an edge of a wall panel to a floor, including: a base portion with a planar face for abutting the floor; 5 a side portion fixed to the base portion and extending away from the floor-abutting face, the side portion having a wall-engaging face for engaging a side of the wall panel and which extends substantially perpendicular to the floor-abutting face, and lips forming opposing undercut edges of a continuous recess in the side portion, the base portion, side portion, and the lips being integrally formed as a unitary 10 structure. Preferably the member includes a side portion depending from an edge of the base portion but, for example, two opposing side portions may be provided depending from opposite edges of the base portion. A pair of said members are preferably adapted to form a substantially channel-shaped 15 structure for receiving the edge of a wall panel, and the members preferably further include a first attachment portion fixed to the base portion for engagement with a spacer for connecting the pair of members. Preferably the member further includes a flange extending from the inner face for abutting the end of the wall panel. 20 The member may conveniently be formed as an extrusion from aluminium or an alloy of it, or may alternatively be moulded or extruded from a hard synthetic resin (reinforced or otherwise). 2309607_1 (GHMatters) 17/6/2010 -5 Preferably the member further includes a second attachment portion substantially aligned with the first attachment portion, for engagement with a spacer for connecting the pair of members. A third attachment portion may also be provided for engagement with a spacer for 5 connecting the pair of members, the third attachment portion being substantially aligned with the first and second attachment portions and fixed therebetween. Preferably at least one attachment portion is channel-shaped or in the form of a rib and upwardly facing when the floor-abutting face is horizontal. In this manner a spacer may engage the channel or rib of a pair of opposing members, for fixing the 10 members substantially parallel in a fixed lateral position. The side portion preferably includes a plate-like distal portion fixed to a substantially parallel plate-like proximal portion depending from an edge of the base portion, the lips being formed adjacent opposing ends of the proximal portion. In a second embodiment the member further includes at least one aperture-defining 15 panel spaced apart from the proximal and distal portions forming an enclosed elongate aperture to provide space for receiving plumbing, electrical lines and like services. In a third embodiment the member further includes insulating material fixed to at least part of the side portion for improved thermal performance. 20 According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an elongate structural member for fixing an edge of a wall panel to a floor, a pair of said members being adapted to form a substantially channel-shaped structure for receiving the edge of a wall panel, each member including: 2309607_1 (GHMatters) 17/6/2010 -6 a base portion with a planar face for abutting the floor; a side portion fixed to the base portion and extending away from the floor-abutting face, the side portion having a wall-engaging face for engaging a side of the wall panel and which extends substantially perpendicular to the floor-abutting face, and 5 two or more first attachment portions, each in the form of a longitudinally extending channel or rib for engagement with a spacer for connecting the pair of members, the base, side and attachment portions, being integrally formed as a unitary structure, and wherein the side portion includes lips forming opposing undercut edges of a 10 continuous recess. Another aspect the present invention provides a wall-nib structural system for fastening a wall panel to a floor, including: elongate members substantially as described above, and one or more spacers for holding the members at fixed lateral spacing, the, or each 15 spacer having means for engaging two opposing members to form a channel-shaped structure for receiving a wall panel. The cooperating spacers and elongate members are an important aspect of the invention, allowing the channel-shaped structure for receiving the wall panel to be to be efficiently constructed. In a preferred embodiment the spacers comprise an 20 insulating material (e.g. a plastic, such as polyethylene) to avoid a thermal connection which would allow heat transfer between the opposing members. A washer is provided for engagement with each spacer, the washer being configured to span substantially between the attachment portions of the two opposing members, with. 2309607_1 (GHMatters) 17/6/2010 - 6A each washer having an aperture for receiving a fastener for holding abutting the spacer in clamping engagement with the attachment portions of the members. The washer and spacer are supported at their ends where they engage the members and 2309607_1 (GHMatters) 17/6/2010 -7 the clamping load applied by the central fastener tends to bend the spacer and washer. The washer may be made from a stronger material than that of the spacer to provide the necessary structural integrity and stiffness. A galvanized steel washer could be used, for example, and. as it is separated from the members by the thermally 5 insulating spacer, it does not provide a path for heat transfer between the members. Alternatively, it will be evident that the spacer may be a one-piece element having the necessary strength to provide the clamping load and incorporating insulating material, while also serving to hold the members at fixed lateral spacing. The spacers preferably include means for engaging the attachment portions of the 10 two opposing members. The spacers may include lugs on opposing ends thereof adapted to be received in the channel-shaped attachment portions and an aperture for receiving a fastener for holding the spacers in clamping engagement with the members and thereby fixing the members to the floor. The wall-nib structural system may further include fasteners adapted for engaging the 15 spacers for fixing the members to the floor. The wall-nib structural system may further include trim pieces adapted to be received in the recess in each member for fastening a trim piece thereto. Each trim piece preferably includes a planar face portion for extending generally parallel to the outer face of the wall-engaging portion to cover the recess. 20 According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of constructing a wall including: providing at least two elongate structural members as described above; H:\jacindat\keep\speci\P57991 PROCESS EQUIPMENT Griffith 2005-08-18 - Spec.doc 18/08/05 fixing the members to a concrete floor at fixed transverse spacing to form a channel shaped structure for receiving a wall panel between the side faces of the respective members, and mounting the lower edge of the wall panel between the members. 5 Preferably, the side faces are wall-engaging. As used herein, "floor" includes foundations of different types upon which a wall may be supported. Optionally the members may be placed upon an under-flashing or insulating strip to provide a thermal barrier between the floor and the members. Preferably spacers engaging the attachment means are fixed between the opposing 10 members to hold them at their fixed transverse spacing. Alternatively, spacers such as portions of the wall panel, may be used to temporarily position the members at their fixed transverse spacing. Preferably before attaching the wall panels, infill material such as concrete is used to fill the space between the opposing members. The members may thus be used as a 15 permanent form for placing a concrete nib on a floor and which is integrated with the concrete nib when the form is filled. Spacers can be fixed between any of the opposing pairs of attachment portions and can also serve to support rods for reinforcing the concrete nib. Preferably a fastener is fixed in the floor to extend between the members, the fastener and spacer cooperating to clamp and fix the 20 members in position. Trim pieces can be fixed after the members are in place. Advantageously, the undercut lips of the recess can also serve to "key" in position a plaster coving applied thereto to finish the base of the wall. 23096071 (GHMatters) 17/6/2010 - 9 In light of problems recited above with previous panel wall construction it will be understood that this invention may allow a wall nib to be constructed without damage to the adjacent floor. A straight, strong, parallel-sided nib is readily constructed and as the wall-engaging portions are integral therewith, problems with the flatness of the 5 top of the nib are avoided. The members can be handled and positioned quickly, conveniently allowing for rapid, low-cost building construction. The nibs can be readily installed by the walling sub-contractor and it allows for acceleration of the building programme since is unnecessary to wait for the infill concrete to set before the wall panels can be erected. It also provides good thermal resistance and total 10 moisture resistance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 15 Fig. 1a is a cross-section through a preferred embodiment of the member of the present invention; Fig. 1b is a cross-section through a second embodiment of the member of the present invention; Figs. 2a-2f are cross-sectional views of trim pieces for engagement with the 20 members of Fig. 1a and 1b; Figs. 3a and 3b are plan and elevations respectively of a spacer; Figs. 4a-4g are cross-sectional views of a wall nib assembly using members of Figs 1 a and 1 b, the trim pieces of Figs 2a-2f and the spacer of Figs 3a and 3b; 23096071 (GHMatters) 17/6/2010 - 10 Figs. 5a and 5b are third and fourth embodiments of the member of the present invention; Figs. 6a and 6b are plan and elevations respectively of an alternative spacer, and 5 Figs. 7a-7d are cross-sectional views of a wall nib assembly using members of Figs 5a and 5b, the trim pieces of Figs 2a-2f and the spacer of Figs 3a, 3b and 6a, 6b; Figs. 8a and 8b are cross-sections of fifth and sixth embodiments of the member of the present invention; 10 Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a wall nib assembly using the members of Figs la and a temporary spacer; Figs. 1Oa - 1Oe are cross-sectional views of seventh through eleventh embodiments of the member of the present invention, and Fiq. 11a-11d are cross-sectional views of a wall nib assembly using members 15 of Figs 10a, 10b and 10d; BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A preferred embodiment of an extruded elongate structural member 20 for fixing an edge of an insulated metal wall panel to a floor or foundation is shown in cross section in Fig. 1a, and includes a base portion 1 having a planar face 2 for abutting 20 the floor. A side portion 3 has an inner planar wall-engaging face 4 which extends perpendicular to the floor-abutting face 2 and opposing outer face 5. The outer face 5 2309601_1 (GHMatters) 17/6/2010 - 11 is coplanar with an outer plane 6. The side portion 3 includes a plate-like distal portion 80 on which wall-engaging face 4 is provided. Substantially parallel to the distal portion 80 but offset inwardly, a plate-like proximal portion 81 depends from an edge of the base portion 1. The outer plane 6 extends between the outer edges of 5 elongate upper and lower lips 8, 9. The lips 8, 9 are positioned adjacent opposing ends of the proximal portion 81 and form opposing undercut edges of a continuous recess 10 in the side portion 3. A first attachment portion is provided by an upwardly facing channel 11 formed in the base portion 1. As described with reference to Figs 4a-4g, the channel cooperates 10 with a spacer for fastening the member 20 to the floor. A flange 15 is fixed to the side portion 3, extending from the inner face 4 for abutting the end of the wall panel (see Figs 4a-4g). A second attachment portion in the form of upwardly facing channel 12 is fixed to the flange 15 in transverse alignment with the channel 11. Channel 12 also cooperates with a spacer for fastening the member 15 to the floor. A third attachment portion in the form of upwardly facing channel 13 is fixed intermediate the flange 15 and the base portion 1 in transverse alignment with the channels 11 and 12. Referring to Fig. 1b, in a second embodiment the member 120 has generally like 20 construction to the member 20, but further includes an aperture-defining panel 25 spaced apart from the proximal and distal portions 80 and 3 forming apertures 26, 28 separated by web 27. The apertures 26, 26' can provide space for receiving plumbing, electrical lines and like services or could alternatively be filled with insulating material. H:\jacindat\keep\speci\P57991 PROCESS EQUIPMENT Griffith 2005-08-18 - Spec.doc 18/08/05 - 12 Trim pieces 30-35 are shown in Figs 2a-2f respectively and are adapted to be received in the recess 10 in each member 20, 120. Each trim piece includes a planar face portion 36 for extending over the recess 10 generally parallel to the outer face 5 of the side portion 3 and protrusions 37 and 38 for engagement with the lips 8, 9. Fig. 5 2a shows an edge trim 30 for covering an outer edge of the floor. A face trim 31 is shown in Fig. 2b. Figs 2c and 2d show cove section trims for rebating into the floor and lying flat on the floor respectively. Figs 2e and 2e are sliding door return sections for rebating into the floor and lying flat on the floor respectively. As shown in Figs. 3a and 3b, a spacer 39 has parallel lugs 40 on opposing ends 10 thereof adapted to be received in the channel 11-13. A central aperture 40 is provided for receiving a fastener for holding the spacers 39 in clamping engagement with the members 20, 120. Spacers 39 are preferably made from an insulating material (e.g. a plastic, such as polyethylene) to provide a thermal break between the members 20. 15 A wall-nib structural system 45 using the members 20, 120 and spacers 39 is illustrated in Figs. 4a-4h. In use the system 45 provides a structural connection between a wall panel 46 and a concrete floor slab 47. Fig. 4a shows a pair of opposing members 20 fastened together to form a substantially channel-shaped structure with a base and opposing sides. The 20 members 20 are positioned symmetrically about the central plane 70 to hold the wall panel 46 between the inner faces 4. The members 20 are held at fixed lateral spacing by an upper spacer 39a engaging the channels 12 and a lower spacer 39b engaging the channels 11, clamped by respective nuts 48 and washers 54 on a threaded fastener 50 extending centrally between the two members 20. An 25 intermediate spacer 39c engages the channels 13 to support a reinforcing rod 51 set H:\jacindat\keep\speci\P57991 PROCESS EQUIPMENT Griffith 2005-08-18 - Spec.doc 18/08/05 - 13 in the concrete infill 52. The spacing s between the edges of the opposing ground abutting portions 2 serves to provide a space to receive the central fastener 50 and provides a thermal break between the sides of the wall. A coving 53 is applied in place on an inner side of the wall and the undercut lips 8, 9 of the recess 10 serve to 5 "key" the coving in position. On an external side of the wall an edge trim 30 covers the edge 53 of the floor and provides a flashing. The members 20 are thus used as a permanent form for placing a concrete nib on a floor 47 and which is integrated with the concrete nib when the form is filled. Fig. 4b shows the use of the members 20 without the central fasteners 50 and 10 spacers 39, wherein the members 20 are fixed by anchors 55 through holes formed in the base portions 1. Fig. 4c shows the use of anchors 55 through holes formed in the base portions 1 together with a spacer 39 clamped to the channels 13 of the opposing members 20. A foamed plastic infill 56 can be used after the members 20 are fixed in place. 15 Figs 4d-4f are exemplary of what will be understood to include a large numbers of variations in the nib-wall system 45. Fig. 4d shows the use of the members 120, with a single spacer 39 fixed by a central fastener 50 (but without a concrete infill 52 as shown in Figs 4e-4g). Fig. 4e illustrates a third embodiment with the member 20 further including insulating material 57 fixed adjacent the distal and proximal portions 20 80 and 81 for improved thermal performance. Fig. 4f shows an arrangement of spacers as Fig. 4a, but details the fixing of the rebated trims 32 and 34. Likewise Fig. 4g illustrates the flat-lying coving trim 33 and sliding door trim 35. A third embodiment of the member 220 is illustrated in Fig. 5a, member 220 is of like construction to member 20 but further includes vertically spaced recesses 58, 59 and H;\jacindat\keep\speci\P57991 PROCESS EQUIPMENT Griffith 2005-08-18 - Spec.doc 18/08/05 - 14 60 of semi-circular section. A fourth embodiment of the member 320, as seen in Fig. 5b, is of like construction to member 120 but further includes semi-circular section recesses 61 and 62. A cruciform spacer 139 is illustrated in Figs. 6a and 6b and has four semi-spherical 5 ends 65 adapted to be received in the attachment portions or recesses 58-62 for fixing the members 220, 320 together at fixed lateral spacings. Figs. 7a-7d illustrate a wall-nib structural system 45 using the members 220, 320 and spacers 139. In use the system 45 provides a structural connection between a wall panel 46 and a concrete floor slab 47. As shown in Fig. 7a, the members 220 can be 1W fixed to the floor 47 by anchors 55 and fixed together by the spacers 139. As shown in Figs 7b-7d, spacers 39 cooperating with fastener 50 may be used together with the spacers 139. Referring to Fig. 8a, in a fifth alternative embodiment the member 420 has generally like construction to the member 20, but excludes the lips 8, 9 forming the undercut 15 recess 10, rather the outer face 5 of the side portion 3 is continuous and intersects face 2 of the base portion 1. Similarly, in a sixth alternative embodiment the member 520 has generally like construction to the member 120, but also excludes the lips 8, 9 forming the undercut recess 10. A seventh alternative embodiment the member 620 is shown in Fig. 10a. As in each 20 of the earlier embodiments, member 620 includes the base portion 1 having a planar face 2 for abutting the floor. The plate-like side portion 3 extends perpendicular to the base portion 1 and has a planar inner face 4. The continuous recess 10 is defined by the side portion 3 and the lips 8, 9 at opposite ends thereof. A flange 40 fixed to the side portion 3 is provided to support the bottom edge of the panel 46. The first H:\jacindat\keep\speci\P57991 PROCESS EQUIPMENT Griffith 2005-08-18 - Spec.doc 18/08/05 - 15 attachment portion is provided by the upwardly facing rib 111 formed on the base portion 1. The face 71 of the upper lip 8 is inclined to the inner wall-abutting face 4 at an acute angle. Eighth and ninth alternative embodiments of the member 720, 820 are shown in Figs 5 10b and 10c, and also include plate-like distal portions 80 on which wall-engaging face 4 is provided and substantially parallel plate-like proximal portions 81 depending from an edge of the base portion 1. Member 720, 820 also a first attachment portion in the form of an upwardly facing rib 111 formed in the base portion 1. A second attachment portion in the form of upwardly facing rib 112 is fixed in transverse 10 alignment with the rib 111. Rib 112 also cooperates with a spacer for fastening each member 720, 820 to the floor. A face 73 on the tip of each member 720, 820 extends from the inner face 4, joining the outer face 5 at an acute angle. In member 720 a flange 40 is provided to support the bottom edge of the panel 46. The tenth and eleventh alternative embodiments of the member 920, 1020 are of like 15 construction to member 720, 820 respectively, but both further include tips 75, fixed to the side portion 3 and inclined outward. In the preferred embodiments of the invention the attachment portions on the members and the complementary parts of the spacer are in the form of a protruding part (e.g. lug, nub, rib etc) and a complementary recesses part (channel, aperture 20 etc). Of course, the protruding part or complementary recesses may be formed on either the spacer 39 or member 20. As shown in Fig. 11 a, the wall-nib structural system 45 using the members 620 and spacers 39 provides a structural connection between a wall panel 46 and a concrete floor slab 47. The pair of opposing members 620 held at fixed lateral spacing by the H:\jacindat\keep\speci\P57991 PROCESS EQUIPMENT Griffith 2005-08-18 - Spec.doc 16/08/05 - 16 spacer 39 engaging the channels 11, clamped by nut 48 and washers 54 on a threaded fastener 50 extending centrally between the two members 620. The wall panel 46 rests upon the flanges 40 and the channels on the spacer 39 receive ribs 111 to clamp the members 620 in place. The spacing s between the edges of the 5 opposing ground-abutting portions 2 serves to provide a space to receive the central fastener 50 and provides a thermal break between the sides of the wall. A coving 53 is applied in place on an inner side of the wall and the undercut lips 8, 9 of the recess 10 serve to "key" the coving in position. On an external side of the wall an edge trim 30 is held by engagement with the lips 8, 9 and covers the edge 53 of the floor and 10 provides a flashing. A bead of sealant 72 can be applied to seal between the face 71 and the sides of the wall panel 46. The members 620 are thus used as a permanent form for placing a concrete nib on a floor 47 and which is integrated with the concrete nib when the form is filled. Figs 11 b and 11 c illustrate two alternative uses of the members 720 in a wall-nib 15 structural system 45, fixed either by a single spacer 39 engaging the ribs 111, or by two spacers 39a, 39b engaging both ribs 111 and 112. A bead of sealant 74 can be applied to seal between the face 73 and the sides of the wall panel 46. Fig. 11d shows the manner in which a bead of sealant 76 may be provided between the outturned tips 75 of the members 920 and the wall panel 46. The 20 The method of the present invention for mounting and securing panel walls 46 will be understood from the drawings to include fastening a pair of members 20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 821, 920, 1020 to a floor 47 such that the respective wall engaging portions 3 are parallel. This may conveniently be done, particularly in applications requiring good insulating performance from the completed wall system, 25 using one or more spacers 39 cooperating with fastener 50. Alternatively the H:\jacindat\keep\speci\P57991 PROCESS EQUIPMENT Griffith 2005-08-18 - Spec.doc 18/08/05 - 17 members may be positioned in the known manner by measurement or using an alternative spacer, such as the slotted spacer 80 (shown in Fig. 9). Particularly where the wall is used to carry a structural load, concrete is then placed between the members to form a nib, the members providing permanent formwork and opposing E faces for receiving the wall panel 46. Advantageously, it is unnecessary to wait for the concrete to cure before the wall panels 46 are then fixed to the members. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof. 1o In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the 15 invention. It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. H:\jacindat\keep\speci\P57991 PROCESS EQUIPMENT Griffith 2005-08-18 - Spec.doc 18/08/05

Claims (26)

1. An elongate structural member for fixing an edge of a wall panel to a floor, a pair of said members being adapted to form a substantially channel-shaped structure 5 for receiving the edge of a wall panel, each member including: a base portion with a planar face for abutting the floor; a side portion fixed to the base portion and extending away from the floor abutting face, the side portion having a wall-engaging face for engaging a side of the wall panel and which extends substantially perpendicular to the floor 10 abutting face, and two or more first attachment portions, each in the form of a longitudinally extending channel or rib for engagement with a spacer for connecting the pair of members, the base, side and attachment portions, being integrally formed as a unitary 15 structure, and wherein the side portion includes lips forming opposing undercut edges of a continuous recess.

2. The member as claimed in claim 1, further including a flange extending from the wall-engaging face for abutting an end of the wall panel. 2309e07_1 (GHMstters) 17f/I2010 - 19

3. The member as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 further including a second attachment portion substantially aligned with the first attachment portion, for engagement with a spacer for connecting the pair of members.

4. The member of claim 3 wherein a third attachment portion is provided for 5 engagement with a spacer for connecting the pair of members, the third attachment portion being substantially aligned with the first and second attachment portions and fixed therebetween.

5. The member of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein at least one attachment portion is channel-shaped, longitudinally extending and upwardly facing when the 10 floor-abutting face is horizontal.

6. The member of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein at least one attachment portion is in the form of a rib that is longitudinally extending and upwardly facing when the floor-abutting face is horizontal.

7. The member of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the side portion includes a 15 plate-like distal portion fixed to a substantially parallel plate-like proximal portion depending from an edge of the base portion, the lips being formed adjacent opposing ends of the proximal portion.

8. The member of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the member further includes insulating material fixed to at least part of the side portion for improved thermal 20 performance.

9. The member of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the member further includes at least one aperture-defining panel spaced apart from the distal and proximal 2309607_1 (GHMatter) 17/62010 - 20 portions forming an enclosed elongate aperture to provide space for receiving plumbing, electrical lines and like services.

10. An elongate structural member substantially as hereinbefore described and shown in the accompanying illustrations. 5

11. A wall-nib structural system for fastening a wall panel to a floor, including: elongate members as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, and one or more spacers for holding the members at fixed lateral spacing, the, or each spacer having means for engaging two opposing members to form a channel-shaped structure for receiving a wall panel. 10

12. The wall-nib structural system of claim 11 wherein the, or each spacer include means for engaging the attachment portions of the two opposing members.

13. The wall-nib structural system of claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the, or each spacer includes an aperture for receiving a fastener for holding the spacers in clamping engagement with the attachment portions of the members. 15

14. The wall-nib structural system of any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the means on the, or each spacer for engaging two opposing members is in the form of either a projecting nub or a channel.

15. The wall-nib structural system of any one of claims 11 to 14 wherein the, or each spacer comprises an insulating material to avoid a thermal connection which 20 would allow heat transfer between the opposing members. 2309607_1 (GHMatters) 17/6/2010 - 21

16. The wall-nib structural system of any one of claims 11 to 15 further including a washer for engagement with each spacer, the washer being configured to span substantially between the attachment portions of the two opposing members, each washer having an aperture for receiving a fastener for holding the spacer in clamping 5 engagement with the attachment portions of the members.

17. The wall-nib structural system of any one of claims 11 to 16 further including fasteners adapted for engaging the, or each spacer for fixing the members to the floor.

18. The wall-nib structural system of any one of claims 11 to 17 further including 10 trim pieces adapted to be received in the recess in each member for fastening a trim piece thereto.

19. The wall-nib structural system of claim 18 wherein each trim piece includes a planar face portion for extending generally parallel to the outer face of the side portion to cover the recess. 15

20. A method of constructing a wall including: providing at least two elongate structural members as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10; fixing the members to a concrete floor at fixed transverse spacing to form a channel-shaped structure for receiving a wall panel between the side faces of 20 the respective members, and mounting the lower edge of the wall panel between the members. 23096071 (GHMatoers) 1716/2010 - 22

21. The method of claim 20 including the step of installing spacers engaging the attachment means and fixed between the opposing members to hold the members at their fixed transverse spacing.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein a fastener is fixed in the floor to extend 5 between the members, the fastener and spacer cooperating to clamp and fix the members in position.

23. The method of any one of claims 20 to 22 wherein an infill material is used to fill at least a part of the space between the opposing members.

24. The method of any one of claims 20 to 23 wherein, after the members are 10 fixed to the floor, trim pieces are received between the lips to fix them in place.

25. The method of any one of claims 20 to 24 wherein a longitudinal bead of sealant is fixed between a side face of the wall panel and a face on the member which is inclined thereto.

26. The method of any one of claims 20 to 25 wherein a plaster coving covering 15 the space between the lips is applied to finish the base of the wall, the undercut lips of the recess serving to key the coving in position. 2309607_1 (GHMailers) 171W2010