GB2569970A

GB2569970A - A stiffening device

Info

Publication number: GB2569970A
Application number: GB1800129.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Edwards Jonathan
Original assignee: Ancon Ltd
Current assignee: Leviat Ltd
Priority date: 2018-01-04
Filing date: 2018-01-04
Publication date: 2019-07-10
Anticipated expiration: 2038-01-04
Also published as: GB2569970B; GB201800129D0

Abstract

The stiffening device 10 is a vertical in use post made from sheet material and having a planar main web 18. The post defines an elongate profile in cross-section having a first end 20 which extends into an interior layer of a wall structure and a second end 22 located in a spacing between interior and exterior layers of a wall structure. The second end has a first stiffening configuration in the form of an arm 32 extending away from the plane of the main web. The distal end of the arm may have an end return 34 extending parallel with the main web defining a channel for insulation material. The arm and main web may each have an array of rows of spaced apart slots or apertures 42, 46. The post may have a second stiffening configuration in the form of a hem, rib, or short return arm at the first end of the main web. Also claimed is a post having an insulating section 44 in the form of an array of slots or apertures at the first end. The stiffening configurations may reduce buckling effects. The stiffening device may be a wind post.

Description

A Stiffening Device

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a stiffening device for providing lateral support to a wall structure, and to a wall structure comprising a stiffening post.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stiffening devices, also known as wind posts, are commonly used to provide lateral support for wall structures of the type having an interior layer, e.g. an internal blockwork layer, and an exterior layer, e.g. an exterior brickwork layer. The stiffening device is often positioned in a spacing between the interior and exterior layers of the wall. Such stiffening devices are arranged vertically in said spacing to span between floors of a multi-storey building, in order to provide support along the height of the building.

Due to the high loads that may be imparted onto walls structures during strong winds, the stiffening devices are required to be sufficiently thick in order to provide sufficient lateral support to the wall structure, without the stiffening device buckling under the load. This required thickness of the device results in relatively high material and transport costs.

Typically, in wall structures of the type described above, the spacing between the internal and external layers is at least partially filled with insulation in order to minimise heat transfer through the wall. Providing a metal stiffening device that is connected to both the internal and external layers of a wall structure provides a thermal bridge therebetween. Thus, known stiffening devices can reduce the thermal insulation provided by a wall structure.

The present invention seeks to overcome, or at least mitigate, one or more problems associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A first aspect of the invention provides a stiffening device for providing lateral support to a wall structure of the type having an interior layer, an exterior layer, and a spacing therebetween (e.g. for receiving insulation therein), wherein the stiffening device is in the form of a post intended to be vertical in use, the post comprising: a body formed from sheet material, the body defining an elongate profile in cross-section having first and second ends, wherein the elongate profile defines first and second regions, wherein the first region is associated with the first end of the elongate profile, and the second region is associated with the second end of the elongate profile, and wherein the first region is intended to be positioned to extend into an interior layer of a wall structure, such that the second region is located in a spacing between the interior layer and an exterior layer of said wall structure; wherein the body has a main web of planar configuration; further wherein the body has a first stiffening configuration in association with the second region, the first stiffening configuration being formed in such a way as to define an arm extending in a direction away from the plane of the main web.

Forming the second end of the elongate profile in this way has been found to provide increased stiffness and rigidity to the main web, in use, reducing local buckling effects and thereby improving the degree of lateral support that can be provided to a wall structure.

The arm may extend orthogonally to the main web.

An end return may be provided at a distal end of the arm. The end return may extend parallel with the plane of the main web, thereby defining a channel between the end return, arm and the main web, into which insulation material may be fitted.

Such a configuration makes easy to increase the thermal insulation properties of the post.

Insulation material may be provided in the channel, extending substantially along the length of the post.

Pre-fitted insulation within the post makes incorporation of the device into a wall structure a more efficient process, and increases the thermal insulation properties of the post.

The channel may define a width between the end return and the main web. The width may extend by a distance in the range 50mm and 150mm, e.g. 70mm.

The body may include an anchor provided on the end return. The anchor may extend into the channel.

The anchor is advantageous for keying into insulation provided in the channel (whether pre-fitted or otherwise), preventing relative movement between the insulation material and the channel.

The anchor may extend into the channel in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the main web, at an end of the end return.

Such a configuration is advantageous, in that it is straightforward to produce from sheet material.

The arm may include a series of spaced apart slots or apertures in an array at least substantially along the length of the post.

Such slots or apertures make it easy for receiving a connecting member (e.g. in the form of a tie), for connecting the second region of the body to an exterior layer of a wall structure.

The main web may include a series of spaced apart slots or apertures in an array extending substantially along the length of the post.

Such slots or apertures make it easy for receiving a connecting member (e.g. in the form of a tie), for connecting the first region of the body to an interior layer of a wall structure.

The slots or apertures may be positioned proximate to the first end of the elongate profile.

The first region of the body may include an insulating section extending at least substantially along the length of the post. The insulating section may take the form of an array of slots or apertures in the main web.

Such a configuration creates a tortuous heat flow path within the material of the main web, thereby reducing the rate of thermal transfer between opposite ends of the elongate profile.

The slots or apertures may be provided in an array, which defines rows of said slots or apertures, extending at least substantially along the length of the post, wherein each slot or aperture defines a centre, and the centre of the slots or apertures in a first row are offset from the centre of the adjacent slots or apertures in a second row.

Such a configuration creates a staggered array or slots and apertures, which creates a more tortuous heat flow path within the material of the main web, thereby further reducing the rate of thermal transfer between opposite ends of the elongate profile.

Each slot or aperture may have a longitudinal extent, and wherein the longitudinal extent of the respective slots or apertures in adjacent rows overlap with one another.

Such a configuration creates an even more tortuous heat flow path within the material of the main web, thereby still further reducing the rate of thermal transfer between opposite ends of the elongate profile.

The body may include a stiffening configuration in association with the first region.

Providing a stiffening region in association with the first region increases structural rigidity of the body, reducing buckling effects at a region local to the first end of the elongate profile, and improving the overall structural performance of the post.

The stiffening configuration may be formed in such a way as to define a hem at the first end of the web, wherein a hem portion of the web extends back on itself to oppose the main web.

This arrangement provides a second stiffening configuration of increased thickness, e.g. at least twice as thick as the material of the body, thereby increasing the structural rigidity of the body at a region local to the first end of the elongate profile.

The hem portion may extend in a direction generally parallel with the main web.

The hem portion may define a tear drop, loop or otherwise curved return at the first end of the elongate profile.

The hem portion may extend in a return direction by a distance in the range 10mm and 40mm, e.g. between 15mm and 30mm.

The stiffening configuration at the first region may take the form of a stiffening rib formed in the web at a location proximate to or at the first end of the elongate profile.

The stiffening configuration at the first region may take the form of a short return arm extending orthogonally to the main web.

The sheet material may be from one of a group comprising of metal (e.g. steel) or fibre-reinforced material (e.g. GRP).

The profiled configuration may be formed by one of the following methods: folding, rolling or press breaking.

The thickness of the sheet material may be in the range of around 1mm to 8mm, e.g. 1mm to 4mm or 4mm to 8mm.

The post may have a maximum length of around 5m, and is typically of a length in the range of around 2-3m.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts for providing lateral support to a wall structure of the type having an interior layer, an exterior layer, and a spacing therebetween, the kit of parts comprising: a stiffening device according to any preceding claim; at least one connecting member for connecting the post to a wall structure; and an insulation material for mounting in association with the second region of the body of the post.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a wall structure comprising: an interior layer; an exterior layer; a spacing between the interior layer and the exterior layer; and a stiffening device in accordance with the first aspect, providing lateral support to the wall structure, wherein the stiffening device is in the form of a post arranged to be upright, the post comprising: a body formed from sheet material, the body defining an elongate profile in cross-section having first and second ends, wherein the elongate profile defines first and second regions, wherein the first region is associated with the first end of the elongate profile, and the second region is associated with the second end of the elongate profile; further wherein the post is arranged so that the first region extends into the interior layer, such that the second region is located in the spacing between the interior layer and the exterior layer of said wall structure; wherein the body has a main web of planar construction, and further wherein the body has a first stiffening configuration in association with the second region, the first stiffening configuration being formed in such a way as to define an arm extending in a direction away from the plane of the main web, in a direction parallel with a plane of the interior layer and/or the exterior layer.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a stiffening device for providing lateral support to a wall structure of the type having an interior layer, an exterior layer, and a spacing therebetween (e.g. for receiving insulation therein), wherein the stiffening device is in the form of a post intended to be vertical in use, the post comprising: a body formed from sheet material, the body defining an elongate profile in cross-section having first and second ends, wherein the elongate profile defines first and second regions, wherein the first region is associated with the first end of the elongate profile, and the second region is associated with the second end of the elongate profile, and wherein the first region is intended to be positioned to extend into an interior layer of a wall structure, such that the second region is located in a spacing between the interior layer and an exterior layer of said wall structure; wherein the body has a main web of planar configuration; and wherein the first region of the body includes an insulating section extending at least substantially along the length of the post, wherein the insulating section takes the form of an array of slots or apertures in the main web.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a stiffening device for providing lateral support to a wall structure of the type having an interior layer, an exterior layer, and a spacing therebetween (e.g. for receiving insulation therein), wherein the stiffening device is in the form of a post intended to be vertical in use, the post comprising: a body formed from sheet material, the body defining an elongate profile in cross-section having first and second ends, wherein the elongate profile defines first and second regions, wherein the first region is associated with the first end of the elongate profile, and the second region is associated with the second end of the elongate profile, and wherein the first region is intended to be positioned to extend into an interior layer of a wall structure, such that the second region is located in a spacing between the interior layer and an exterior layer of said wall structure; wherein the body has a main web of planar configuration; and wherein the body includes a stiffening configuration in association with the first region, for reducing buckling effects at a region local to the first end of the elongate profile.

This arrangement provides a stiffening configuration of increased thickness, e.g. at least twice as thick as the material of the body, thereby increasing the structural rigidity of the body at a region local to the first end of the elongate profile.

The hem portion may extend in a direction generally parallel with the main web.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a wall structure comprising: an interior layer; an exterior layer; a spacing between the interior layer and the exterior layer; and a stiffening device according to the fourth aspect, or in accordance with the fifth aspect.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts for providing lateral support to a wall structure of the type having an interior layer, an exterior layer, and a spacing therebetween, the kit of parts comprising: a stiffening device according to the fourth aspect or according to the fifth aspect; at least one connecting member for connecting the post to a wall structure; and an insulation material for mounting in association with the second region of the body of the post.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a section of a stiffening device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is an alternative perspective view of the stiffening device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an end view of the stiffening device of Figure 1; and

Figure 4 is a sectional plan view of a wall structure comprising the stiffening device of Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3, a stiffening device is indicated generally at 10.

The stiffening device 10 has a body 12 with first and second longitudinal ends 14, 16. The body 12 defines an elongate profile in cross-section (as shown clearly in Figure 3), having a main web 18, which defines first and second ends 20, 22 of the elongate profile. The elongate profile of the body 12 further defines first and second regions 24, 26, wherein the first region 24 is associated with the first end 20 of the elongate profile, and the second region 26 is associated with the second end 22 of the elongate profile.

The stiffening device 10 is in the form of a post, intended to be vertical in use (e.g. wherein the first end 14 is intended to be uppermost and the second end 16 is intended to be lowermost, in use). More particularly, the post 10 is designed to provide lateral support to a wall structure of the type having an interior layer, an exterior layer, and a spacing therebetween (e.g. for receiving insulation therein), wherein the first region 24 positioned to extend into the interior layer of the wall structure, such that the second region 26 is located in the spacing between the interior and exterior layers of the wall structure.

The post 10 is provided in the form of a sheet of material having a profiled configuration. Typically, the sheet material may be from one of a group comprising of metal (e.g. steel) or fibre-reinforced material (e.g. GRP). The profiled configuration may be formed by folding, rolling or press breaking, for example. Typically, the thickness of the sheet material is in the range of around 1mm to 4mm, but may be in the region of around 4-8mm in some embodiments.

Typically, the post 10 has a maximum length of around 5m, and is typically of a length in the range of around 2-3m.

As can be seen clearly from Figure 3, the main web 18 of the body 12 is of planar configuration.

As described below, the body 12 has a first stiffening configuration 28 in association with the second region 26.

The first stiffening configuration 28 is formed in such a way as to define a return arm 32 extending away from the plane of the main web, e.g. orthogonally to the main web 18 (so as to define an L-shape at the second end 22 of the elongate profile). Forming the second end 22 in this way has been found to provide increased stiffness and rigidity to the main web 18, in use, reducing local buckling effects and thereby improving the degree of lateral support that can be provided to a wall structure.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures, an end return 34 is provided at a distal end of the return arm 32, so as to be parallel with the main web 18. This configuration defines a channel 36 into which insulation material may be fitted (not shown), in order to add thermal insulation properties to the post 10. An anchor 38 may be provided on the end return 34, extending into the channel 36 (e.g. in a plane parallel to the return arm 32), for keying into the insulation and preventing relative movement between the insulation material and the channel 36.

In exemplary embodiments, the channel 36 has a width (i.e. the length of the return arm 32 between the main web and the end return 34) of 70mm. However, it will be appreciated that this may vary between 50mm and 150mm to suit the application. The anchor 38 is preferably formed at the distal end of the end return 34, and has a length in the range of around 10-30mm, e.g. in the region of 20mm.

As shown in Figure 2, return arm 32 may include a series of spaced apart slots or apertures 40 in an array at least substantially along the length of the post 12. These slots or apertures 40 are provided for receiving a connecting member (not shown), e.g. in the form of a tie, for connecting the second region 24 of the body 12 to an exterior layer of a wall structure.

Referring to Figures 1 8i 2, the main web 18 of the body 12, in exemplary embodiments (e.g. of the type illustrated herein), may include a series of spaced apart slots or apertures 42 in an array extending at least substantially along the length of the post 12. The slots 32 are positioned proximate to the first end 20 of the elongate profile. These slots or apertures 42 are provided for receiving a connecting member (not shown), e.g. in the form of a tie, for connecting the first region 24 of the body 12 to an interior layer of a wall structure.

Referring again to Figures 1 8i 2, the first region 24 of the body 12, in exemplary embodiments (e.g. of the type illustrated herein), may include an insulating section 44 extending at least substantially along the length of the post. In such embodiments, the insulating section 44 takes the form of an array of slots or apertures 46. Specifically, the slots or apertures 46 are provided in an array, which defines rows of said slots or apertures, extending at least substantially along the length of the post, wherein each slot or aperture defines a centre, and wherein the centre of the slots or apertures in a first row are offset from the centre of the adjacent slots or apertures in a second row. Moreover, each slot or aperture has a longitudinal extent (i.e. extending in a direction between the first and second ends of the post), and wherein the longitudinal extent of the respective slots or apertures in adjacent rows overlap with one another. This arrangement has been found to provide the post 10 with improved thermal insulation properties, by creating a tortuous path for heat to travel along the web 18 between the first and second ends 20, 22 of the elongate profile (which reduces the rate of thermal transfer between said first and second ends).

Referring back to Figure 3, exemplary embodiments (e.g. as illustrated herein) may include a second stiffening configuration 30 in association with the first region 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the second stiffening configuration 30 is formed in such a way as to define a hem 48 at the first end of the web 18, wherein a hem portion 50 of the web 18 extends back on itself to oppose the main web 18. This arrangement provides a second stiffening configuration of increased thickness, e.g. at least twice as thick as the material of the body 12. The hem portion 50 may extend in a direction generally parallel with the main web 18. Dependent on the method of forming, hem portion 50 may be spaced apart from the main web. Although not illustrated, the hem portion 50 can be fixed in place relative to the main web, e.g. via welding or via screws, rivets, bolts etc.

In alternative arrangements, the hem portion 50 may not be parallel with the main web 18, and may instead define a tear drop, loop or otherwise curved return at the first end of the main web 18.

In exemplary embodiments, such as those illustrated herein, the hem portion 50 has a length (in terms of its extent in a direction from the first end 20) in the region of 25mm. However, it will be appreciated that this length may be varied to suit the application, and may vary between 10mm and 40mm, for example between 15mm and 30mm.

Although not illustrated, in alternative arrangements, the second stiffening configuration 30 may not define a hem, and may instead take the form of a stiffening rib formed in the web 18 at a location proximate to or at the first end of the elongate profile. Further alternatively, the second stiffening configuration 30 may take the form of a short return arm extending orthogonally to the main web 18, e.g. in the same direction and parallel with the return arm 32.

Referring now to Figure 4, the stiffening device 10 of Figures 1 to 3 is illustrated in situ within a wall structure indicated generally at 60. The stiffening device 10 is arranged vertically in the wall structure 60, e.g. to span between floors of a building. The wall structure 60 includes an interior layer 62, e.g. an interior blockwork layer, and an exterior layer 64, e.g. an exterior brickwork layer. The exterior layer 62 is spaced apart from the interior layer 64. The spacing between the interior and exterior layers 62, 64 is partially filled with insulation 66. The insulation 66 is provided as a series of spaced apart insulation units 68, where the stiffening device is positioned in the spacing between adjacent insulation units 68.

The first region 24 of the body 12 extends into the interior layer 62 of the wall structure 60 and is positioned in vertical cavities 72 provided in said interior layer 62. In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, the first region 24 extends into the interior layer 62 by approximately 100m. However, this distance may vary between 75mm to 150mm, for example between 90mm-130mm, to suit the application. The cavity, or spacing, 72 between adjacent blockwork members 74 of the interior layer 62 is packed with a filler material 76, e.g. mortar, so as to improve the structural and thermal properties of the wall structure 60.

The second region 26 extends outward from the interior layer 62 such that it is positioned in the spacing between the interior and exterior layers 62, 64 between adjacent insulation units 58. The second region 26 extends from the interior layer 62 such that that the return arm 32 is substantially flush with an external face of the insulation units 68. In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, the stiffening device 10 extends from the internal layer 62 by approximately 65mm. Thus, in the exemplary illustrated embodiment, the insulation layer 66, and the insulation unit 68, is approximately 65mm thick. However, it will be appreciated that the extension from the internal layer 62, and the thickness of the insulation layer, may vary between 50mm and 200mm, to suit the application.

The stiffening device 10 also includes insulation material 70 provided in the channel 36 defined by the web 18 and the return arm 32. This configuration improves the thermal insulation properties of the post 10. The anchor 38 extends into the channel 36 and into the insulation material 70 in order to prevent relative movement between the insulation material 70 and the channel 36. This arrangement also positions the insulating material 70 between adjacent insulating units 68, which works to provide a continuous insulation layer between the internal and external layers 62, 64 of the wall structure 70.

As discussed above, the stiffening device 10 is connected to the interior and exterior brickwork layers 62, 64 so as to be able to provide lateral support to the wall structure 60.

The first region 24 of the body 12 is secured to the interior layer 62 via first connecting members 78 extending through each of the spaced apart slots 42. The second region 26 of the body 12 is secured to the exterior layer 64 of the wall structure 60 via second connecting members 80 extending through each of the spaced apart slots 40 in the return arm 32. In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, the connecting members 78, 80 are provided in the form of substantially rectangular tie plates. Provision of the elongate slots 40, 42 allows for some relative movement to occur between the stiffening device 10 and the connecting members 78, 80, whilst still providing structural support to the wall structure 60. In alternative arrangements, the slots 40, 42 may not be provided, and the connecting members may define a recess that is configured to fit around the first or second end 20, 22 of the body 12. It will be appreciated that any suitable arrangement for connecting the stiffening device 10 to the wall structure 60 may be provided, providing it allows for some vertical relative movement between the device 10 and the wall structure 60.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A stiffening device for providing lateral support to a wall structure of the type having an interior layer, an exterior layer, and a spacing therebetween (e.g. for receiving insulation therein), wherein the stiffening device is in the form of a post intended to be vertical in use, the post comprising: a body formed from sheet material, the body defining an elongate profile in cross-section having first and second ends, wherein the elongate profile defines first and second regions, wherein the first region is associated with the first end of the elongate profile, and the second region is associated with the second end of the elongate profile, and wherein the first region is intended to be positioned to extend into an interior layer of a wall structure, such that the second region is located in a spacing between the interior layer and an exterior layer of said wall structure; wherein the body has a main web of planar configuration; further wherein the body has a first stiffening configuration in association with the second region, the first stiffening configuration being formed in such a way as to define an arm extending in a direction away from the plane of the main web.

2. A stiffening device according to claim 1, wherein said arm extends orthogonally to the main web.

3. A stiffening device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein an end return is provided at a distal end of the arm, the end return extending parallel with the plane of the main web, thereby defining a channel between the end return, arm and the main web, into which insulation material may be fitted.

4. A stiffening device according to claim 3, wherein insulation material is provided in said channel, extending substantially along the length of the post.

5. A stiffening device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the channel defines a width between the end return and the main web, and wherein the width extends by a distance in the range 50mm and 150mm, e.g. 70mm.

6. A stiffening device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the body includes an anchor provided on the end return, the anchor extending into the channel.

7. A stiffening device according to claim 6, wherein the anchor extends into the channel in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the main web, at an end of the end return.

8. A stiffening device according to any preceding claim, wherein the arm includes a series of spaced apart slots or apertures in an array at least substantially along the length of the post.

9. A stiffening device according to any preceding claim, wherein the main web includes a series of spaced apart slots or apertures in an array extending substantially along the length of the post.

10. A stiffening device according to claim 9, wherein slots or apertures are positioned proximate to the first end of the elongate profile.

11. A stiffening device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first region of the body includes an insulating section extending at least substantially along the length of the post, wherein the insulating section takes the form of an array of slots or apertures in the main web.

12. A stiffening device according to claim 11, wherein the slots or apertures are provided in an array, which defines rows of said slots or apertures, extending at least substantially along the length of the post, wherein each slot or aperture defines a centre, and the centre of the slots or apertures in a first row are offset from the centre of the adjacent slots or apertures in a second row.

13. A stiffening device according to claim 12, wherein each slot or aperture has a longitudinal extent, and wherein the longitudinal extent of the respective slots or apertures in adjacent rows overlap with one another.

14. A stiffening device according to any preceding claim, wherein the body includes a stiffening configuration in association with the first region.

15. A stiffening device according to claim 14, wherein the stiffening configuration is formed in such a way as to define a hem at the first end of the web, wherein a hem portion of the web extends back on itself to oppose the main web.

16. A stiffening device according to claim 15, wherein the hem portion extends in a direction generally parallel with the main web.

17. A stiffening device according to claim 15, wherein the hem portion defines a tear drop, loop or otherwise curved return at the first end of the elongate profile.

18. A stiffening device according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the hem portion extends in a return direction by a distance in the range 10mm and 40mm, e.g. between 15mm and 30mm.

19. A stiffening device according to claim 14, wherein the stiffening configuration at the first region takes the form of a stiffening rib formed in the web at a location proximate to or at the first end of the elongate profile.

20. A stiffening device according to claim 14, wherein the stiffening configuration at the first region takes the form of a short return arm extending orthogonally to the main web.

21. A stiffening device according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheet material may be from one of a group comprising of metal (e.g. steel) or fibre-reinforced material (e.g. GRP).

22. A stiffening device according to any preceding claim, wherein the profiled configuration may be formed by one of the following methods: folding, rolling or press breaking.

23. A stiffening device according to any preceding claim, wherein the thickness of the sheet material is in the range of around 1mm to 8mm, e.g. 1mm to 4mm or 4mm to 8mm.

24. A stiffening device according to any preceding claim, wherein the post has a maximum length of around 5m, and is typically of a length in the range of around 2-3m.

25. A kit of parts for providing lateral support to a wall structure of the type having an interior layer, an exterior layer, and a spacing therebetween, the kit of parts comprising: a stiffening device according to any preceding claim; at least one connecting member for connecting the post to a wall structure; and an insulation material for mounting in association with the second region of the body of the post.

26. A wall structure comprising: an interior layer; an exterior layer; a spacing between the interior layer and the exterior layer; and a stiffening device in accordance with claim 1, providing lateral support to the wall structure, wherein the stiffening device is in the form of a post arranged to be upright, the post comprising: a body formed from sheet material, the body defining an elongate profile in cross-section having first and second ends, wherein the elongate profile defines first and second regions, wherein the first region is associated with the first end of the elongate profile, and the second region is associated with the second end of the elongate profile; further wherein the post is arranged so that the first region extends into the interior layer, such that the second region is located in the spacing between the interior layer and the exterior layer of said wall structure; wherein the body has a main web of planar construction, and further wherein the body has a first stiffening configuration in association with the second region, the first stiffening configuration being formed in such a way as to define an arm extending in a direction away from the plane of the main web, in a direction parallel with a plane of the interior layer and/or the exterior layer.

27. A wall structure according to claim 26, wherein the stiffening device is in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 23.

28. A stiffening device for providing lateral support to a wall structure of the type having an interior layer, an exterior layer, and a spacing therebetween (e.g. for receiving insulation therein), wherein the stiffening device is in the form of a post intended to be vertical in use, the post comprising: a body formed from sheet material, the body defining an elongate profile in cross-section having first and second ends, wherein the elongate profile defines first and second regions, wherein the first region is associated with the first end of the elongate profile, and the second region is associated with the second end of the elongate profile, and wherein the first region is intended to be positioned to extend into an interior layer of a wall structure, such that the second region is located in a spacing between the interior layer and an exterior layer of said wall structure; wherein the body has a main web of planar configuration; and wherein the first region of the body includes an insulating section extending at least substantially along the length of the post, wherein the insulating section takes the form of an array of slots or apertures in the main web.

29. A stiffening device according to claim 28, wherein the slots or apertures are provided in an array, which defines rows of said slots or apertures, extending at least substantially along the length of the post, wherein each slot or aperture defines a centre, and the centre of the slots or apertures in a first row are offset from the centre of the adjacent slots or apertures in a second row.

30. A stiffening device according to claim 29, wherein each slot or aperture has a longitudinal extent, and wherein the longitudinal extent of the respective slots or apertures in adjacent rows overlap with one another.

31. A stiffening device for providing lateral support to a wall structure of the type having an interior layer, an exterior layer, and a spacing therebetween (e.g. for receiving insulation therein), wherein the stiffening device is in the form of a post intended to be vertical in use, the post comprising: a body formed from sheet material, the body defining an elongate profile in cross-section having first and second ends, wherein the elongate profile defines first and second regions, wherein the first region is associated with the first end of the elongate profile, and the second region is associated with the second end of the elongate profile, and wherein the first region is intended to be positioned to extend into an interior layer of a wall structure, such that the second region is located in a spacing between the interior layer and an exterior layer of said wall structure; wherein the body has a main web of planar configuration; and wherein the body includes a stiffening configuration in association with the first region, for reducing buckling effects at a region local to the first end of the elongate profile.

32. A stiffening device according to claim 30, wherein the stiffening configuration is formed in such a way as to define a hem at the first end of the web, wherein a hem portion of the web extends back on itself to oppose the main web.

33. A stiffening device according to claim 32, wherein the hem portion extends in a direction generally parallel with the main web.

34. A stiffening device according to claim 32, wherein the hem portion defines a tear drop, loop or otherwise curved return at the first end of the elongate profile.

35. A stiffening device according to any of claims 32 to 34, wherein the hem portion extends in a return direction by a distance in the range 10mm and 40mm, e.g. between 15mm and 30mm.

36. A stiffening device according to claim 31, wherein the stiffening configuration at the first region takes the form of a stiffening rib formed in the web at a location proximate to or at the first end of the elongate profile.

37. A stiffening device according to claim 31, wherein the stiffening configuration at the first region takes the form of a short return arm extending orthogonally to the main web.

38. A wall structure comprising: an interior layer; an exterior layer; a spacing between the interior layer and the exterior layer; and a stiffening device in accordance with any one of claims 28 to 30, or any one of claims 31 to 37.

39. A kit of parts for providing lateral support to a wall structure of the type having an interior layer, an exterior layer, and a spacing therebetween, the kit of parts comprising: a stiffening device according to any one of claims 28 to 30, or any one of claims 31 to 37; at least one connecting member for connecting the post to a wall structure; and an insulation material for mounting in association with the second region of the body of the post.