MODULAR FRAMEWORK SUBSTRUCTURES FOR CREATING INSULATED CONCRETE WALLS AND RELATED WALLS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS

Abstract

Modular framework substructures for creating insulated concrete walls are disclosed, along with related systems and methods. The substructures include interior panels defining, at least in part, an interior passageway for concrete. The interior panels extend between exterior panels to define, at least in part, additional passageways for insulation. Openings are provided in the exterior panels for concrete which may flow between the interior passageways of adjacent substructures. The substructures include interlocking features for connecting adjacent substructures. The substructures may vary in size and shape and may be arranged in various fashions to create various size and shape walls.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is filed as original and therefore makes no priority claim.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Exemplary embodiments relate generally to modular framework substructures for creating insulated concrete walls and related walls, systems, and methods.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

ICFs are sometimes used to create walls, specifically insulated concrete walls, for structures. Typically, these forms are manufactured off site and include two parallel panels of insulation which are spaced apart by intermediate structures. The forms are installed at a building site and concrete is poured between the insulation panels to essentially sandwich the concrete between the insulation panels. Sometimes, rebar is provided at the intermediate structures before the concrete is poured to structurally reinforce the wall. The forms themselves can be unstable, particularly when stacked. Furthermore, this conventional approach may result in at least outer surfaces with limited structural strength, such as for supporting various types of siding installed thereto, and therefore sometimes intermediate framing or other structural support is required. Furthermore, aligning the forms is generally performed manually and can be difficult to execute with a high level of precision. Therefore, what is needed is a stronger, more reliable, precise, and/or cost-effective approach to creating insulated concrete walls.

Modular framework substructures for creating insulated concrete walls are disclosed, along with related walls, systems, and methods which provide a stronger, more reliable, precise, and/or cost-effective approach. Each of the substructures include exterior and interior panels. The exterior walls may define a partial enclosure. The interior panels may define an interior passageway for concrete. The interior and exterior panels may define additional passageways for insulation. Openings may be provided in at least certain of the exterior panels, and in some embodiment at least certain of the interior panels, to allow passage of concrete between adjacent substructures. The substructures may be provided in various sizes and/or shapes with various locations of the openings. In this way, various size and/or shape walls may be created by appropriately positioning the appropriately sized and/or shaped substructures.

The substructures may include one or more interlocking features. The interlocking features may include portions of the interior panels which extend below the exterior panels, such as to form a framework. The framework may fit within the interior panels of a vertically adjacent substructure. A bottom portion of the framework may be tapered for alignment and fit. Alternatively, or additionally, the interlocking features may include tabs and mating recesses. In exemplary embodiments, without limitations, the tabs may be provided on the framework and the mating recesses may be provided on the interior panels. Alternatively, or additionally, the interlocking features may include apertures on some or all of the exterior panels, such as to accept ties which are passed between the apertures of adjacent substructures to connect them.

The substructures may include flank panels which are offset vertically and/or laterally from an associated exterior panel. The flank panels may be used for alignment and/or partial sealing of adjacent substructures. The flank panels may optionally include a lip for frictionally engaging and/or further sealing adjacent substructures, such as those positioned substantially perpendicular to one another.

Further features and advantages of the systems and methods disclosed herein, as well as the structure and operation of various aspects of the present disclosure, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In addition to the features mentioned above, other aspects of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following descriptions of the drawings and exemplary embodiments, wherein like reference numerals across the several views refer to identical, similar, or equivalent features, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a flow chart with an exemplary method for creating insulated concrete walls using modular framework substructures;

FIG. 2 is front perspective view of an exemplary modular framework substructure for creating an insulated concrete wall in accordance with the method of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the substructure of FIG. 2 with exemplary insulation installed;

FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of the substructure of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4B is another top perspective view of the substructure of FIG. 4A without the exemplary insulation;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the substructure of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the substructure of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the substructure of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another exemplary modular framework substructure for creating an insulated concrete wall in accordance with the method of FIG. 1 with exemplary insulation installed;

FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the substructure of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of multiple exemplary substructure installed to one another with exemplary insulation installed in accordance with the method of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the multiple substructures of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of another exemplary set of multiple substructures installed to one another with exemplary insulation installed in accordance with the method of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of another exemplary set of multiple substructures installed to one another with exemplary insulation installed in accordance with the method of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another exemplary set of multiple substructures installed to one another with exemplary insulation installed in accordance with the method of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another exemplary set of multiple substructures installed to one another in accordance with the method of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another exemplary modular framework substructure for creating an insulated concrete wall in accordance with the method of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another exemplary modular framework substructure for creating an insulated concrete wall in accordance with the method of FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another exemplary modular framework substructure for creating an insulated concrete wall in accordance with the method of FIG. 1;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another exemplary modular framework substructure for creating an insulated concrete wall in accordance with the method of FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another exemplary set of multiple substructures for creating an insulated concrete wall in accordance with the method of FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another exemplary set of multiple substructures for creating an insulated concrete wall in accordance with the method of FIG. 1;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another exemplary set of multiple substructures for creating an insulated concrete wall in accordance with the method of FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another exemplary set of multiple substructures installed to one another with exemplary insulation installed in accordance with the method of FIG. 1;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another exemplary set of multiple substructures installed to one another with exemplary insulation installed in accordance with the method of FIG. 1;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another exemplary set of multiple substructures installed to one another with exemplary insulation installed in accordance with the method of FIG. 1;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another exemplary set of multiple substructures installed to one another with exemplary insulation installed in accordance with the method of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another exemplary set of multiple substructures installed to one another with exemplary insulation installed in accordance with the method of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, specific details such as detailed configuration and components are merely provided to assist the overall understanding of these embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary process for creating insulated concrete walls using modular framework substructures 10 (hereinafter also the “substructures”, or individually a “substructure”), such as those shown and/or described herein. Multiple substructures 10 of the same or different type may be modularly arranged to create one or more frameworks of various size and/or shape for creation of various size and/or shape insulated concrete walls. In exemplary embodiment, without limitation, the substructures are created off-site. Preferably, insulation is installed to the substructures at a same or different off-site location, individually for each substructure 10. The substructures 10 may subsequently be delivered to a building site where they are modularly installed to one another to create one or more forms. Concrete may then be installed within interior space(s) 18 of the substructure 10 to create the insulated concrete wall(s).

The substructure 10 may remain in place, such as after the concrete is cured. For example, the substructures 10 may provide a surface for installing siding or other material. In exemplary embodiments, at least some, if not all, of the substructures 10 may be interlocking to temporarily secure them in place before concrete is installed, for example.

The substructures 10 may include notches 30 or other features for holding rebar or other structural reinforcement material, such as through the interior space(s) 18 to be cured and left in place with the resulting wall.

FIG. 2 through FIG. 4B illustrate an exemplary substructure 10 for creating insulated concrete walls. The substructure 10 may be at least partially enclosed. The substructure 10 may include interior panels 14 and exterior panels 12. The exterior panels 12 may define an outer enclosure. Each of the interior panels 14 may extend between at least two of the exterior panels 12. In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, each of the interior panels 14 extend between a same set of two exterior panels 12 of the substructure 10. In other exemplary embodiments, without limitation, each of the interior panels 14 extend between each of four exterior panels 12 of the substructure 10.

The interior panels 14 may define an interior passageway 18, such as for the concrete. Space(s) between the interior panels 14 and at least certain of the exterior panels 12 may define additional passageways 36 for the insulation. Preferably, upper and/or lower sides of the substructure 10 are at least substantially (e.g., at least 80%), if not wholly, open, though such is not necessarily required. This may allow the concrete to flow vertically between substructures 10 to create various height walls. In other exemplary embodiments, the substructure 10 may optionally include top surfaces and/or bottom surfaces, such as to provide a cap or floor to contain the provided concrete, for example.

Where the substructure 10 are substantially cuboidal in shape, the additional passageways 36 may take the form of channels which extend along opposing sides of the substructure 10. Preferably, the additional passageways 36 extend all, or substantially all, an interior length of the substructure 10, however, they terminate within the individual substructures 10. In this way, the provided insulation is contained, at least laterally, within the individual substructures 10. The additional passageways 36 may optionally be open on the top and/or bottom, though such is not required. The additional passageways 36 (e.g., channels) may be fluidly separated from the interior space 18 for the concrete, and instead may be provided to receive and hold insulation 32, such as illustrated in FIGS. 3-4 by way of example.

Foaming type insulation 32 may be provided at the additional passageways 36 and allowed to cure. In this fashion, outer, insulation layers of the walls may be created with the substructure 10. Preferably, the insulation 32 is installed offsite and delivered with the substructures 10 to a building site.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the interior panels 14 may intersect one another. Where intersecting, openings 40 may be provided in the interior panels 14 to provide continuity within the respective additional passageways 36 and accommodate the flow of insulation within the respective additional passageways 36. In other exemplary embodiments, the interior panels 14 may not intersect and may instead extend at least substantially (e.g., at least 80%), if not wholly, parallel with one another. In such embodiments, the openings 40 may not be required since the additional passageways 36 may be inherently continuous. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the interior panels 14 and exterior panels 12 may also extend at least substantially (e.g., at least 80%), if not wholly, parallel to one another.

The interior panels 14 may define, at least in part, interior passageway(s) 18 for concrete. Interior passageway 14 of a respective substructure 10 may be interior to all of the additional passageway(s) 36 of the respective substructure 10. In this way, the substructures 10 may be used to create a layer of concrete between the dual insulation layers 32, thereby creating insulated concrete walls which are at least partially encased by the exterior panels 12 of the substructure(s) 10.

At least one, if not multiple, of the exterior panels 12, and optionally one or more of the interior panels 14, may include one or more openings 16 for concrete to flow through. This may permit fluid connection between interior spaces 18 of multiple substructures 10, such as to allow concrete to flow, such as in an at least generally lateral direction, through multiple substructures 10 to create various size and/or shape walls. Preferably, concrete is deposited by way of the open top of one or more of the substructures 10.

The openings 16 may be provided in both the interior panels 14 and/or exterior panels 12 as needed. For example, without limitation, where the interior panels 14 intersect, openings 16 may be required in both the exterior panels 12 and the interior panels 14. Alternatively, without limitation, where the interior panels 14 intersect, openings 16 may be required in only the exterior panels 12. Exceptions may exist, for example without limitation, where the substructure 10 is configured to create a corner, turn, or other feature in a resulting wall.

The location, orientation, and/or number of openings 16 may vary based on the size and/or shape of the substructure 10 and/or desired size and/or shape of wall, forms 100, and/or concrete flow. For example, without limitation, all openings 16 in a given substructure 10 may be aligned, located perpendicular to one another, located at an angle relative to one another, combinations thereof, or the like.

Some or all of the openings 16 in the substructures 10 may comprise notches 30 or other features for receiving and/or securing rebar and/or other reinforcement members. Preferably, multiple notches 30 are provided in alignment along a lower edge or other portion of each of the openings 16. The notches 30 are preferably aligned between multiple openings 16 of a respective substructures 10, and/or across the openings 16 of multiple substructures 10, accommodate and support relatively rigid and heavy rebar or other structural reinforcement members.

The substructures 10 may be interlocking and may be provided with one or more interlocking features to facilitate the same. In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the interlocking features may comprise a framework 20, which may be provided at a lower portion of some or all of the substructures 10. The framework 20 may be located interior to outer panels 12 of the substructure 10. In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the framework 20 may comprise an extended portion of at least a middle-portion of the interior panels 14 which extends below a bottom edge of the exterior panels 12 and forms a hollow shape. For example, without limitation the framework 20 may form a hollow rectangle, square, or triangle within a larger rectangle, square, or triangle formed by the exterior panels 12. Other shapes may be utilized. The framework 20 may be configured to fit within the interior panels 14 of a vertically adjacent one of the substructures 10, such as of a common size and/or shape. In this fashion, a snug fit, interference fit, friction fit, compression fit, combinations thereof, or the like may be provided between vertically adjacent substructures 10.

A tapered edge 24 may be provided along a lower edge of the framework 20 of the first interlocking feature 20, such for ease of fit and alignment with adjacent substructures 10.

Alternatively, or additionally, the substructures 10 may comprise one or more tabs 26. The tab(s) 26 may be provided at the framework 20, for example, and may provide alternative or additional interlocking. For example, without limitation, the tab(s) 26 may each be configured to mate with a corresponding recess 34, where the corresponding recess 34 may be provided at an upper portion of the interior panels 14 of other substructures 10. Any size or shape framework 20, and preferably corresponding interior panels 14, may be utilized, such as with various size and/or shape substructures 10.

The tab(s) 26 may be biased in an advanced position. In this way, when a first one of the substructures 10 is positioned vertically adjacent to a second one of the substructures 10, such as with the framework 20 of the first substructure 10 inserted within the interior passageway 18 of the second substructure 10, the tabs 26 may be advanced and secured within the recesses 34 at the interior panel(s) 14 of the second substructure 10, thereby connecting the two substructures 10. The tabs 26 may be configured to provide frictional engagement, snap fit, interference fit, combinations thereof, or the like with the recess(es) 34. Any number and/or arrangement of tabs 26 and/or recesses 34 may be utilized, such as with various size and/or shape substructures 10. For example, without limitation, the tabs 26 may protrude below the interior panels 14 without necessarily requiring the framework 20.

Alternatively, or additionally, the substructures 10 may comprise one or more apertures 28. The apertures 28 may provide alternative or additional interlocking, such as between laterally and/or vertically adjacent substructures 10. The apertures 28 may be located, sized, and/or shaped to accommodate various items for interconnecting adjacent substructures 10 to one another by way of the apertures 28 of such adjacent substructures 10. For example, without limitation, the apertures 28 may be provided at upper and/or lower portions of at least some of the exterior panels 12 having the openings 16 therein. The apertures 28 may be configured to accommodate plastic ties, metal ties, rope, string, wire, combinations thereof, or the like which may be inserted through the aperture 28 of adjacent ones of the substructures 10 to tie or otherwise connect them to one another. The number, size, shape, and/or location of the apertures 28 is exemplary and not intended to be limiting.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 4A and 4B, which essentially juxtapose the substructure 10 with and without exemplary insulation 32 installed, the channels 36 for the insulation 32 become more visible. The channels 36 may extend at least substantially (e.g., within 20%) parallel to one another. The interior panels 14 may extend within the channels 36 and may optionally comprise openings 40 for accommodating the insulation. In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the insulation is provided in a liquid form and is foamed and cured within the channels 36. The openings 40 in the channels 36 thus allowing for movement of the liquid insulation within the channel 36, such as before curing.

As illustrated in other figures herein (e.g., FIGS. 12-13), the channels 36 may be provided in other locations, such as to generate various size and/or shape passageways 18 for concrete within and/or amongst the substructure(s) 10. For example, without limitation, the openings 16 to the interior space 18 may be provided perpendicular or at another angle to other of the openings 16 such as to provide essentially for a right or left turn of the passageway(s) 18 and resulting wall, an angular or curved passageway 18 and resulting wall, combinations thereof, or the like. In such embodiments, the openings 40 may not be provided in certain locations to contain the insulation 32 and concrete, respectively.

FIGS. 4A and 4B, in particular, make interior supports 38 more visible. The interior supports 38 may comprise elongate protrusions which extend vertically along inner surface(s) of the exterior panels 12. The interior supports 38 may enhance strength and/or rigidity of the substructures 10. Alternatively, or additionally, similar or the same such supports may be provided on an exterior surface of the exterior panels 12 and/or on exterior and/or interior surfaces of the interior panels 14. Not all interior and/or exterior panels 12, 14 or all portions of such panels 12, 14 need comprise such supports 38, though they may. The number, size, shape, arrangement, and/or spacing of the supports 38 may be varied.

As illustrated with particular regard to FIG. 5 through FIG. 9 the substructures 10 may be provided in various sizes and/or shapes, such as to provide for modular combination of the substructures 10 to provide various size and/or shape forms 100 and resulting walls. In exemplary embodiments, the substructures 10 may comprise a generally cuboidal (e.g., FIGS. 3-7) and/or pyramidal (e.g., FIGS. 8-9) shape, such as to may generally cuboidal, angular, and/or curved walls, though various sizes and/or shapes may be utilized.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 2-4B as compared to FIGS. 5-9, the interior panels 14 may intersect with one another for some of the substructures 10 (e.g., FIGS. 2-4B). For example, without limitation, in such embodiments, the interior panels 14 may be provided which extend in perpendicular or at another angle to one another and intersect. In other of the substructures 10 (e.g., FIGS. 5-9), the interior panels 14 may not necessarily intersect with one another. For example, without limitation, in such embodiments, the interior panels 14 may be provided which extend parallel or substantially parallel (e.g., within 20 degrees) to one another.

As illustrated with particular regard to FIG. 10 through FIG. 15, the various size and/or shape substructures 10 (sometimes herein labeled and/or referred to individually as items 10A, 10B, etc.) may be modularly interconnected. Each of the forms 100 may comprise at least one common fluid passageway 118 which is created by the interconnection of the inner spaces 18 (sometimes herein labeled and/or referred to individually as items 18A, 18B, etc.) of adjacent ones of the substructures 10 in the form 100. The substructures 10 may be selected and placed to generate various size and/or shape forms 100 for creating various size and/or shape walls. For example, substructures 10 may be arranged vertically and/horizontally to control passage of concrete in various directions.

The openings 16 may be provided and/or arranged at the individual substructures 10 and/or forms 100 to allow connection of the substructures 10 to provide various shape and size forms 100 and resulting walls. For example, without limitation, the openings 16 may be provided on a forward, rear, and/or side surfaces of the substructures 10. In this fashion the interior space(s) 18 of the substructures 10 of a form 100 may collectively provide a continuous passage 118 for concrete in various directions (e.g., straight, left turn, right turn, right and left turn, angled passageway, curved passageway, combinations thereof, or the like). One of skill in the art will appreciate that a wide variety of size and/or shape forms 100 may be generated using the substructures 10 to create a wide variety of size and/or shape walls. Any number and/or type of the substructures 10 may be provided vertically and/or horizontally adjacent to one another, for example, to further vary size and/or shape of the forms 100 and resulting walls.

Such substructures 10 may be optionally interlocked or otherwise connected when positioned adjacent to one another in the forms 100, such as before concrete material is deposited in the passageways 18 which may permanently or further connect the substructures 10 into the forms 100 and also generating the walls.

While some embodiments of the substructures 10 are shown and/or described herein of comprising a single substructure 10 or multiple substructures 10 provided adjacent to one another, such as to create various size and/or shape forms 100, those of skill in the art will appreciate that such forms 100 may be provided as an integrally formed substructure 10, and likewise that internally formed forms 100 may be provided as multiple substructures 10 which may be placed adjacent to one another and connected to create various forms 100.

The substructures 10 in exemplary embodiments, without limitation, may be formed from one or more polymers. The insulation 32 may comprise a foaming polystyrene, for example without limitation, though other insulating materials may be utilized. While concrete is discussed in many instances, other structural materials may be utilized. Other materials may be installed interior or exterior to the substructures 10, such as to create the final wall or other structure. Such other materials may include, for example without limitation, insulation, vapor barriers, siding, decorative objects, electrical materials (e.g., wiring, conduit, etc.), plumbing materials (e.g., pipes, valves, etc.), structural materials, fixtures, combinations thereof, or the like.

FIG. 16 through FIG. 22 illustrate other exemplary embodiments of the substructure 10. The substructure 10, except as otherwise indicated herein, in exemplary embodiments, without limitation, may be the same as the corresponding substructures 10 previously shown and/or described herein. As such, certain call outs may be omitted in these illustrated embodiments to more clearly illustrate distinguishing features of these substructures 10. However, the failure to provide a call out and/or the inclusion of a call out should not necessarily be construed as indicating that the feature does or does not exist.

Each of the substructures 10 may comprise one or more flank panels 13. In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the flank panels 13A, 13B are provided on each side of the substructures 10 not having the openings 16 therein. The flank panels 13 may be offset from the underlying exterior panels 12. In this fashion, the flank panels 13 may be used to align and/or further stabilize the substructures 10 with one another, such as when placing together to generate the forms 100. The offset may be lateral and/or vertical, preferably both. The flank panels 13 may be separate from the exterior panels 12, or may be integrally formed therewith. Some or all of the flank panels 13 may comprise a lip 15. The lip 15 may extend away from the flank panel 13 and may be configured to cause frictional engagement when the substructure 10 are arranged to create the forms 100.

The flank panels 13 and/or lips 15 may be one of the interlocking features. For example, without limitation, the flank panels 13 and/or lips 15 assist with aligning the substructures 10 when positioned adjacent to one another to generate the forms 100. The flank panels 13 and/or lips 15 may, alternatively or additionally, provide a level of ingress protection, such as against liquids, dust, combinations thereof or the like. For example, without limitation, the flank panels 13 may overlap with the adjacent exterior panels 12, at least in part, thereby making ingress more difficult and/or providing a partial seal. Alternatively, or additionally, the lips 15 may abut adjacent substructures 10, such as to provide at least partial sealing to perpendicularly disposed substructures 10 of a form 100, by way of non-limiting example.

Some of all of the substructure 10 may comprise multiple of the apertures 28 at each side of the openings 16. Preferably, the apertures 28 are spaced apart from one another along a given side of the openings 16.

FIG. 23 through FIG. 27 illustrate certain exemplary forms 100 that may be generated using the substructures 10. As those of skill in the art will appreciate, a wide variety of forms 100 may be generated using a wide variety of combination of the substructures 10. As illustrated, a relatively small gap may remain between the flank panels 13 of adjacent substructures 10 of a form 100. By way of example, without limitation, the gap may be around 1-20 mm. Various size gaps may be provided.

Any embodiment of the present invention may include any of the features of the other embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention. Having shown and described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to the described invention. Many of those variations and modifications will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A method for creating insulated concrete walls, said method comprising: providing substructures, each comprising: exterior panels defining, at least in part, a partial enclosure;interior panels, each extending between at least two of said exterior panels;an interior passageway defined, at least in part, by interior facing surfaces of at least some of the interior panels;one or more additional passageways defined, at least in part, by exterior facing surfaces of at least some of the interior panels and interior facing surfaces of at least some of the exterior panels; andopenings located in at least some of the exterior panels and providing access to the interior passageway from an exterior of the substructure;depositing insulating material within each of the one or more additional passageways;positioning the substructures adjacent to one another to create one or more forms, each of said one or more forms having a common fluid passageway comprising the interior passageways of the substructures of the respective form; anddepositing concrete within the common interior passageway of each of the one or more forms.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein: the step of depositing insulating material within each of the one or more additional passageways is performed before positioning the substructures adjacent to one another to create the one or more forms.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising: allowing the insulating material to cure, wherein the insulating material is provided as a liquid which solidifies when cured.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein: the step of depositing insulating material within each of the one or more additional passageways is performed at an offsite location; andthe steps of positioning the substructures adjacent to one another to create one or more forms and depositing concrete within the common interior passageway of each of the one or more forms is performed at an installation site.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein: at least some of the substructures are of different size and shape from other of the structures.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein: the openings of at least some of the substructures are at least substantially parallel with one another; andthe openings of at least some other of the substructures are at least substantially perpendicular to one another.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein: each of the substructures comprise one or more interlocking features.

8. The method of claim 7: wherein at least a respective one of the substructures comprises a framework located at a lower portion of the respective substructure; andfurther comprising: fitting the framework of the respective substructure within the interior panels of a second respective one of the substructures located vertically below the respective substructure.

9. The method of claim 7: wherein at least a first respective one of the substructures comprises one or more tabs located on a lower portion of the first respective one of the substructures, and at least a second respective one of the substructures comprises a corresponding set of one or more recesses, each located at an upper portion of one of the interior panels of the second respective one of the substructures; andfurther comprising mating each of the one or more tabs of the first respective one of the substructures with the corresponding set of one or more recesses of the second respective one of the substructures.

10. The method of claim 7: wherein at least a two of the substructures each comprises a set of one or more apertures, each located at one of the exterior panels of the respective substructure; andfurther comprising connecting the at least a two of the substructures, which are disposed laterally adjacent to one another, by passing a piece of material through at least one of the set of one or more apertures of each of the at least a two of the substructures.

11. The method of claim 1: wherein each of the substructures comprises notches located along a lower edge of the one or more openings; andfurther comprising placing rebar in the notches of at least some of the substructures prior to the step of depositing concrete within the common interior passageway of each of the one or more forms.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein: each of the substructures comprises at least one flank panel, wherein each flank panel is offset vertically and laterally from an associated one of the exterior panels; andthe step of positioning the substructures adjacent to one another to create one or more forms comprises placing the at least one flank panel of a respective substructure against the exterior panels of an adjacent substructure such that the at least one flank panel of the respective substructure partially overlaps the exterior panels of the adjacent substructure.

13. A modular framework substructure for creating an insulated concrete wall, said substructure comprising: exterior panels defining, at least in part, a partial enclosure;interior panels, each extending between at least two of said exterior panels;an interior passageway defined, at least in part, by interior facing surfaces of at least some of the interior panels;one or more additional passageways defined, at least in part, by exterior facing surfaces of at least some of the interior panels and interior facing surfaces of at least some of the exterior panels; andopenings located in at least some of the exterior panels and providing access to the interior passageway from an exterior of the substructure;one or more interlocking features for interlocking the substructure to an adjacent substructure.

14. The substructure of claim 12: wherein at least some of the interior panels intersect; andfurther comprising additional openings in portions of the at least some of the interior panels which extend between the intersection and one of the said exterior panels.

15. The substructure of claim 12 wherein: each of the interior panels extends between a same set of two of the exterior panels; andeach of the interior panels are spaced apart from one another.

16. The substructure of claim 12 wherein: said one or more interlocking features comprise a framework comprising an extending portion of a middle portion of at least some of the interior panels extending beyond a lower edge of the exterior panels, and at least one of: a tab located at the framework and a mating recess located at one of the interior panels;an aperture located at one of the exterior panels; andflank panels, each offset vertically and laterally from an associated one of the exterior panels.

17. The substructure of claim 12 further comprising: interior supports comprising vertically extending protrusions provided along interior facing surfaces of the exterior panels.

18. A system for creating an insulated concrete wall, said system comprising: substructures, each comprising: exterior panels defining, at least in part, a partial enclosure;interior panels, each extending between at least two of said exterior panels;an interior passageway defined, at least in part, by interior facing surfaces of at least some of the interior panels;one or more additional passageways defined, at least in part, by exterior facing surfaces of at least some of the interior panels and interior facing surfaces of at least some of the exterior panels; andopenings located in at least some of the exterior panels and providing access to the interior passageway from an exterior of the substructure;one or more interlocking features for interlocking the substructure to an adjacent substructure.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein: at least some of the substructures vary in size and shape from other of the substructures.

20. The system of claim 18 wherein: said one or more interlocking features of each of said substructures comprise: a framework comprising an extending portion of a middle portion of at least some of the interior panels extending beyond a lower edge of the exterior panels;a tab located at the framework and a mating recess located at one of the interior panels;an aperture located at one of the exterior panels; andflank panels, each offset vertically and laterally from an associated one of the exterior panels.