Insulating connectors used to retain forms during the manufacture of

Abstract

Connectors used in manufacturing composite wall structures to substantially prevent forms from being displaced in response to pressure generated by concrete poured between the forms. In a completed composite wall structure, the connectors extend through two structural layers and an insulating layer positioned therebetween. The composite wall structures are formed by positioning the insulating layer between and in a spaced-apart relationship to the two forms. The connectors are subsequently inserted through the insulating layer and the forms. As concrete is then poured into spaces between the forms and the insulating layer, a bearing surface on a form retention segment, which extends beyond the outer surface of the forms, abuts the forms and prevents them from moving away from the insulating layer. The bearing surface is either directly positioned on the form retention segment or on a form locking device attached to the form retention segment. After the concrete hardens, the forms are removed and the form retention segments are optionally detached from the remainder of the connector. The surface of the connectors optionally includes an adhesion promotion material or mechanical anchoring structure to improve the bond between the connectors and the structural layers.