Innovative formwork system for the construction of ventilated crawl spaces
The Cupolex Rialto system is a patented system that allows for the economical and fast construction of a ventilated crawl space using formwork. The void space can reach up to 250 cm in height.
Recycled plastic is used to make the dome-shaped formwork units, tubes, and bases that make up the formwork for the concrete pour. A reinforced concrete slab, supported by pillars of varying lengths, creates a void space, the crawl space, ensuring excellent ventilation.
In addition to ventilation, it also provides a significant load-bearing capacity with minimal use of concrete: the load is supported by the concrete columns that form within the tubes at the Cupolex vertices and transferred to the surface below.
The major advantage of Cupolex Rialto, besides being sustainable and cost-effective, is the ability to create a ventilated flooring system even at elevated heights, reducing the overall weight of the structure. Thanks to the void space created beneath the slab, it is possible to naturally or mechanically ventilate the crawl space, allowing for the removal of moisture and harmful gases emanating from the ground, facilitating the passage and maintenance of utilities.
The use of Cupolex Rialto is not limited to buildings but extends to sidewalks, pavements with trees, or rainwater collection systems.
Advantages of the crawl space
⦁ Savings on gravel and other filling materials
⦁ Customizable height down to the centimeter
⦁ Possible construction of slabs with a maximum slope of 15%
⦁ More economical and faster solution compared to traditional gravel crawl spaces
⦁ Potential for natural or forced ventilation
⦁ Recycled plastic formwork units with closed cells form an impermeable layer
⦁ Easy and fast installation of formwork units
⦁ Ability to perform all traditional finishes with screed, helicopter, and other systems
⦁ Easy maintenance with inspection and access points
⦁ Potential for 14 LEED points
