EP1630313A2

EP1630313A2 - Building structure comprising a roofing structure

Info

Publication number: EP1630313A2
Application number: EP05076905A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter John Delahunty; Paul Francis Hughes; Nicolas Linley Clarke
Original assignee: Corus UK Ltd
Current assignee: Tata Steel UK Ltd
Priority date: 2004-08-17
Filing date: 2005-08-17
Publication date: 2006-03-01
Also published as: EP1630313A3

Abstract

Building structure comprising a plurality of outer walls separated from each other and at least one inner wall positioned between the outer walls and also comprising a roofing structure characterised in that the roofing structure is at least partly supported by the inner wall or inner walls, and beam, locating means, fixing means and assembly apparatus for a modular roof.

Description

The invention relates to a building structure comprising a plurality of outer walls separated from each other and at least one inner wall positioned between the outer walls and also comprising a roofing structure.
Such building structure is known from practice e.g. in the form of a residential housing or an office building.
The commonly used method to build such building structure is to form a foundation on which the outer and inner walls, possibly with floors, are erected and on top of which a roof structure is installed to complete the building structure.
A problem with this known building structure is that it takes quite a long time to realise, in particular also since many steps are executed in series and the necessary building materials such as bricks, tiles and beams are delivered to the building site in rather small entities and assembled there.
There is an increasing need to reduce the time required to erect a building structure, not only to reduce the costs involved but also to produce a larger amount of building structures per unit of time.
Further, there is a tendency to build large amounts of identical or similar living cells e.g. for housing of military personnel, students, nurses or temporary inhabitants. The known building structure cannot fulfil these requirements for the reasons mentioned above.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a roofing structure for a building structure which can be erected quickly and in large quantities. It is another object of the present invention to provide a building structure which is cost effective to realise. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a building structure which, besides being cost effective and easy to install, has a great flexibility, in particular in the choice of the roofing system.
These, and other objects of the invention are achieved by a building structure which according to the invention is characterised in that the roofing structure is at least partly supported by the inner wall or inner walls.
In the known construction of a roofing structure this structure is resting on the outer walls and the roofing structure itself is self-supporting. Consequently, the roofing structure must be strong enough to carry its own weight, indusive the weight of the roof covering such as ceramic tiles.
Because of its weight, and its custom-made structure, the known roof is generally fully assembled on the building.
Contrary to the known structures, the present inventors have realised that a considerable reduction in weight can be achieved by a roofing structure which rests at least partly on the inner walls. This means that vertical forces, caused by the weight are lead down through the inner walls. Further, because the inner walls extend over a considerable portion of the distance in all directions between the outer walls, the required unsupported span of the roofing structure is very small or absent at all.
According to a preferred embodiment, the roofing structure comprises at least one latticed element fitting on the inner wall or inner walls.
A latticed element, In particular when provided with, in operation, vertical studs to lead down the weight of the roof covering, offers high strength per unit of weight. Braces in the lattice provide the required stability against racking forces. Using latticed elements (also called truss beams or trusses) thus provides a stiff and strong roofing structure that is lightweight and therefore more easy to handle.
Preferably, the roofing structure is made of steel, in particular the latticed elements, stud walls and purlins.
So, basically only vertical support elements, such as stud sections of any appropriate cross-section are required. Because of the lightweight construction and the fact that only vertical supports are basically required, a great freedom in the shape of the roof covering, comprising covering elements like tiles and panels, is achieved.
According to a preferred embodiment, the roofing structure is liftable.
This means that the roofing structure can be assembled at ground level at the building site and then lifted to be placed on the inner and outer walls of the building structure. Tests have shown that large areas roofing structures can easily be lifted and positioned by a simple crane with great accuracy, because the roofing structure according to the invention is lightweight in view of the latticed elements made of steel. The assembly at ground level makes it possible to provide a greater accuracy, gives an improvement in health and safety because less people have to work at height, makes the construction of the roofing system less weather dependant, and thus faster and more cost effective, and provides a greater accuracy in forecasting of finishing time.
If desired, the roofing structure can be a so-called cold roof wherein the roofing structure itself is not isolated at its upper side or a so-called warm roof wherein the covering of the roofing structure is provided with one or more isolating layers on its side directed to the interior of the building structure.
The time to construct the roofing structure according to the invention at the building site is reduced significantly as compared to the construction time required to construct the known roofing structure because the roofing structure can be assembled at ground level.
In a further embodiment the lattice element or elements are constructed of C-shaped steel (cold or hot rolled) profiles.
This embodiment provides among other things further reduction in weight and costs. C-shaped steel joists are easy to manufacture and provide high strength per unit weight. Preferably the profiles are rolled, starting from cold rolled or hot rolled steel sheet, dependent on the required thickness and quality of the profiles.
Another advantage of C-profiles that this type of profile can easily be assembled into a lattice element by riveting, boiling together the flanges directly or by using connection plates, brackets or cleats. The web of the C-profile will be positioned such that maximum strength and rigidity is obtained. The skilled person will know how to achieve that dependent on the detailed construction of the profile.
However, other embodiments are possible in which the lattice element or elements are constructed of otherwise shaped profiles, such as angled profiles or dosed profiles, et cetera.
A test has shown that a latticed element of considerable length can easily be handled by a single person because of its low weight, which improves the time-to-construct, safety, manpower and consequently costs.
In another embodiment the latticed elements are protected against environmental damage preferably by galvanising or coating with an organic coating.
In this embodiment the element can be used in an unfriendly or harsh environment. In particular also in an application of the roofing structure as cold roofs, thermal leak will not lead to local corrosion of the underlying base material such as steel, of which the roof structure or latticed element is manufactured.
A further advantage of this embodiment can be achieved in combination with the use of C-profiles or profiles of other profiles made from steel strip. The technology of coil coating of steel with a zinc layer or an organic layer is proven. The resulting coated steel strip can easily be formed into a C-profile or a profile of another shape.
In order to improve the rigidity of the roofing structure yet another embodiment of the invention is characterised in that the roofing structure comprises a plurality of latticed elements linked by lattice elements running in the transverse direction.
Preferably the stud walls are lattice stud walls of comparable construction as the latticed elements. The steel profiles of which the latticed elements are made can be perforated to save weight if required.
In order to reduce the number of different components required to manufacture the roofing structure it is preferred that the stud walls are constructed of C-shaped steel profiles or other profiles, as above.
Preferably, the cross-section and/or the coating and/or the composition and manufacturing process of the C-shaped or other shaped profiles used for the latticed elements are the same as those used for the stud walls.
In order to further reduce the construction time at the building site, it is often preferred that at least one latticed element is constructed of prefabricated latticed sub-elements which are assembled at the building site at ground level to form a latticed element. This usually has to do with the maximum length in which a latticed (sub-)element can be produced to be transportable.
Prefabricating latticed sub-elements under normal workshop conditions is in general more cost effective than assembling at the building site.
Because of the lightweight construction of the latticed sub-elements transport from the workshop to the building site and handling at the building site is easy, simple and without problems.
In order to further reduce the construction time at the building site yet another embodiment of the building structure according to the invention is characterised in that at least one of the outer walls and/or of the inner walls comprises a supporting frame preferably covered with panels,
A supporting frame can be assembled easily and quickly at the building site, from base components, pre-assembled parts or a combination of both. The frame, light weight through its construction, can easily and quickly be erected and joined to form the skeleton for the outer and inner walls, Once the frames have been joined, the roof can be put in place. From that point on, the workers finishing the building structure are protected at least from rain and sunshine. Also it might be easier to attach shields to protect them from other unwanted weather conditions like wind or cold.
Placing the roofing structure does not have to wait until the inner and outer walls are built up to roof level.
In an embodiment, the roofing structure comprises a standing seam roof covering.
Standing seam roof covering is well known and offers a great number of advantages over more conventional roof covering materials.
Such advantages are lightweight, easy to form to the desired shape in three dimensions, available in a large variety of surface finishing.
Standing seam roofs can be manufactured, starting from coiled metal, such as aluminium, which is roll-formed at the building site in the desired length and shape. Of course, short end simple-shaped panels can be manufactured in a workshop and shipped to the building site. The fastening of standing seam roof panels to the substructure is known to the skilled person and does not need to be further described here.
However, other coverings for the roofing system according to the invention are also possible, such as metal tiles and conventional tiles.
The present invention also relates to locating means, fixing means and an assembly apparatus for a modular roof.
In this application, a modular roof is understood to be a roof or part of a roof of a building consisting of roof modules together forming the modular roof, each module comprising at least two latticed elements, extending in parallel and interconnected by purlins extending between the latticed elements. The modular roof may be assembled in a production plant, or at ground level of a building site. The latticed elements, cross wall panels and purlins are components of the modular roof.
Also a roof module, suitable to be joined with other modules of a roof is understood to be a modular roof.
To increase the benefits obtainable by a modular roof, it is desirable that the roof is lightweight, easy to assemble, preferably to a great extent in a production plant with final assembly at the production site at ground level, and easy to position and to fix on the supporting building structure.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a series of means and apparatus which makes it possible to further increase the benefits obtainable from the application of modular roofs in the modern building industry.
This and other objects are achieved by the invention described below.
Basic components of a roof module are latticed elements, cross wall panels and purlins. Latticed elements and cross wall panels are often pre-assembled in a production plant and finally assembled on the building site at ground level, since pre-assembly is usually the most efficient production.
Positioning roof modules on a building of a modular roof is simplified with locating means for positioning components of a modular roof comprising a lower chord characterised by a first generally U-shaped channel, extending in a first longitudinal direction, having a first leg, a second leg and a bottom portion extending in between the first and second leg whereby the first leg and/or second leg has at its side away from the bottom portion a sloping part, sloping upwardly and outwardly as seen from the bottom portion.
The generally U-shaped channel is fixed at a position in which the component is to be located. Subsequently, the component is brought near to the generally U-shaped channel and slides over the sloping part into the generally U-shaped channel into the desired position. With a generally U-shaped channel is meant a channel having a shape similar to the shape of the chord of the roof structure.
The generally U-shaped channel can be fixed at the end of a first latticed element or other component of a first roof module that is placed on the supporting building structure. A second latticed element or other component of a second roof module can easily be positioned in the U-shaped channel of the locating means according to the invention that is present on the first roof module, resulting in an accurate positioning of the second roof module.
A further embodiment of the locating means according to the invention is characterised in that the first generally U-shaped channel is suitable to accommodate the lower chords of two components like latticed elements positioned side by side. This embodiment is particularly useful when locating two latticed elements side by side, such as when joining sections of a modular roof either at ground level or on top of the supporting building structure.
A preferred embodiment of the locating means according to the invention is characterised in that the sloping part is at its end away from the first leg, provided with a baffle plate.
The sloping part is present so at to easily apply the roofing system, such that the roofing system needs not be applied accurately, but the roofing system is positioned by the chords sloping down the sloping part of the locating means when the roofing system is lowered until the chords fits in the U-shaped channel.
Yet another embodiment of the locating means according to the invention is characterised in that the second leg is provided with a second generally U-shaped channel extending in a second longitudinal direction which makes a selected angle with the first longitudinal direction (recess).
A roof module of a modular roof often comprises first components extending in a first longitudinal direction and mounted side by side or in line, such as latticed elements, and also second components, extending in a second longitudinal direction, like cross wall panels or purlins which are mounted at a desired angle to the other components, such as latticed elements. This embodiment simplifies locating second components relative to the first components. The first components are located in the first U-shaped channel and the second components are located in the second U-shaped channel after which the first and second components can be joined to form a modular roof or part thereof.
Preferably at least one of the third and fourth legs is provided with a second sloping part at its side away from the second bottom portion sloping upwardly and outwardly as seen from the second bottom portion. This embodiment further simplifies locating the second components into the second U-shaped channel because the sloping parts guides the components into the desired location.
The locating means can be connected to a component or they can be mounted on a building structure on which the modular roof is to be placed.
The invention is also embodied in a component like a latticed element of a modular roof provided with locating means according to any of the preceding claims. The component can be provided with the locating means either at a production plant or at the building site. The component according to the invention makes assembly with other components easier, cheaper, less labour intensive and faster.
The invention is also embodied in a beam suitable as a chord for a latticed element or other component comprising two substantially parallel legs each connected to a bottom portion so as to form a substantially U-shaped cross-section wherein at least one leg is provided at or near the end away from the bottom portion with a flange extending in the longitudinal direction of the beam. The flanges provide high resistance against bending in a plain in which the flanges extend.
Preferably a beam wherein the flanges are integral with the leg. This embodiment simplifies a method of manufacturing the beam since it can be hot rolled or roll-shaped as known In the art.
A further improvement of the stiffness of the beam is achieved with an embodiment of the invention which is characterised in that the bottom portion is provided with at least one bottom flange extending substantially in the plain of the bottom portion. The flanges of the bottom portion give additional resistance against bending in the plain of the bottom portion.
It is remarked here that it is also possible to apply flanges to the bottom portion without providing flanges on the legs. Further, it is noted that the flanges can be applied to the bottom portion in a manner know to the skilled person, like hot rolling, roll-forming or welding.
The invention is also embodied in a latticed element or other component comprising a beam according to the invention. The flanges, which increase the stiffness and resistance against bending of the latticed element or other component, make it possible to design the components lighter, thereby saving material like steel and making it possible to also design the supporting structure lighter.
The invention is further embodied in fixing means for fixing a component like a latticed element of a modular roof having a lower chord to a supporting structure comprising a channel suitable for accommodating the lower chord and clamping means for holding the lower chord in the channel.
In the building industry it is important to make the construction time as short as possible and also to have the building structure covered as fast as possible. The fixing means according to the invention have the advantage that they can be put in place on the supporting building structure independently of the assembling of the modular roof. Once the fixing means are put in place, they can, at least temporarily, hold the modular roof or a section thereof in place by the action of the damping means.
Preferably the clamping means comprise spring-loaded lips. Spring loaded lips are suitable to clamp or to hold a latticed element in place without additional human activity and therefore contribute to quick, simple and cheap locating and fixing of a latticed element on the supporting building structure.
Preferably the channel of the fixing means comprises mounting means for mounting the fixing means to the supporting building structure. The fixing means can be finally mounted on the supporting building structure as a result of which the latticed elements are fixed to the supporting building structure.
The invention also relates to a modular roof comprises fixing means according to the invention. Such modular roofs can be quickly and simply mounted on the supporting building structure. Further, the modular roof is very suitable for being, at least partly, assembled in a production plant or at ground level on the building site and subsequently put on place on the supporting building structure.
The invention is also embodied in an apparatus for assembling a modular roof having at least two latticed elements connected to each other by at least one cross wall panel extending between the two latticed elements wherein the assembly apparatus comprises a support frame from supporting at least two latticed elements and positioning means for positioning the two latticed elements relative to each other. Components making up a modular roof are assembled into a modular roof or a roof module thereof at the building site at ground level. The assembly apparatus according to the invention makes it possible to position at least two latticed elements such that they are in the correct position for assembly relative to each other.
In a preferred embodiment the positioning means comprises channel shaped elements closely fitting around the latticed element. The channel-shaped elements are easy to construct and can easily be adapted to the shape of the latticed elements to be positioned.
In a preferred embodiment the support frame comprises an adjustable support arm for each of the latticed elements which arm is suitable for supporting the latticed element at least before and during assembly of the modular roof or a roof module thereof. The adjustable support arm makes it possible to adjust the position of the arm relative to the remainder of the assembly apparatus or a result of which a misalignment between the support arm and the remainder of the assembly apparatus can be compensated.
In a preferred embodiment the support frame is composed of elements which are demountable and transportable over public roads. Larger modular roofs cannot be finally assembled in a production plant but should be put together at the building site. With an assembly apparatus according to this embodiment, it is possible to transport the assembly apparatus to the building site, erect it there and remove it again after the modular roof has been completed.
The invention will now be illustrated by way of non-limiting embodiments as shown in the drawing in which:
The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Fig 1 shows a top view of a section of a modular roof;
Fig 2 shows a latticed element of a modular roof;
Fig 3 shows a cross wall panel of a modular roof;
Fig 4 shows in perspective locating means according to the invention;
Fig 5 shows in cross section another embodiment of the locating means;
Fig 6 shows an embodiment of a beam suitable for application in a component of a modular roof;
Fig 7 shows another embodiment of a beam suitable for application in a component of a modular roof;
Fig 8 shows fixing means for fixing a component like a latticed element of a modular roof to a supporting building structure;
Fig 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the fixing means according to the invention;
Fig 10 shows an assembly apparatus for assembling a modular roof according to the invention.

In fig 1 a section 1 of a modular roof, comprising latticed elements 2, joined by cross wall panels 3 (see also fig 3) is shown.
Purlins 4 are mounted on top of the latticed elements 1, Braces 5 provide additional stiffness to the section. The section can be lifted into position by lifting points 6.
in fig 2 numeral 7 generally designates a latticed element having a lower chord 8 or upper chord 9, latticed element braces 10 and latticed element studs 11.
Fig 3 shows an embodiment of a cross wall panel, having a lower panel chord 12, or upper panel chord 13, panel braces 14 and panel studs 15.
The latticed elements, purlins and cross brace panels all are components of a modular roof or a roof module thereof. The chords, braces and/or purlins are preferably manufactured from steel, preferably in the form of U or C-shaped profiles. Where in this application reference is made to U-shaped profiles, this is deemed to imply also C-shaped profiles or profiles of any other suitable shape.
In fig 4, numeral 20 generally designates locating means for locating one or more components of a modular roof. Locating means 20 comprises a first U-shaped channel 21 having a first leg 22 and a second leg 23. The channel extends in a first longitudinal direction designated by arrow 24.
The first leg 22 is provided with a recess 25, the second leg with a recess 26. The second leg 23 is provided with sloping parts 28 and 29.
Connected to the second leg 26 is a second U-shaped channel 27 extending in a second longitudinal direction indicated by arrow 34.
U-shaped channel 27 is also provided with two sloping parts 40 and 30, connected to the third en fourth legs 31 and 32 respectively. The bottom portions of U-shaped channel 27 is indicated by numeral 33. The locating means are placed at a position, where a component, such as a latticed element should be, temporarily or permanently, located. The latticed element or any other component is lifted above the sloping parts 28 and/or 29 and lowered Into the U-shaped channel 21 at its correct location. The locating means are also suitable to locate two latticed elements or other components in line with each other.
A second component, such as a cross wall panel can be lifted above the second U-shaped 27 channel and lowered into the second U-shaped channel 27 while being guided by sloping parts 29 and 30. Recess 26 makes it possible to put the two components, held in U-shaped channels 20 and 27 closely together.
Both U-shaped channels 20 and 27 are of a size that they closely fit around the component located therein. Recesses 26 and 23 make it possible to make a cross or T-shaped connection between components.
It will be clear to the skilled person that U-shaped channels 20 and 27, with or without recess, can be applied separately, e.g. in the case that the components are only to be located in line with each other. The locating means can be fixed on the building structure, on a component in a production plant for modular roofs or at ground level on a building site.
In fig 4, the two longitudinal directions are at a right angle to each other. However, any other angle is possible dependent on the design of the modular roof.
Fig 5 shows a cross section of another embodiment of the locating means. Numeral 50 designates the bottom portion, numeral 51 the first leg and numeral 52 the second leg. Second leg 52 is provided with a sloping part 53. At its end away from second leg 52, the sloping part 53 is provided with a baffle plate 54 extending downwardly, in the figure, toward the plain 55 of the bottom portion 50.
Baffle plate 54 enhances the rigidity of the locating means. A baffle plate, like the embodiment shown in this fig 5 can also be applied to the locating means shown in fig 4 and all variations thereon.
In fig 6 numeral 60 generally designates a beam for application in a component of a modular roof, such as a chord in a latticed element or cross brace panel. Numeral 61 designates the bottom portion of the beam, extending in a longitudinal direction indicated by arrow 62. Connected to bottom portion 61 are two legs respectively indicated with numerals 63 and 64. At the end away from the bottom portion 61, the legs 63 and 64 are provided with flanges 65 and 66 respectively extending in longitudinal direction and transverse to the direction in which the legs extend. The flanges 65 and 66 provide additional stiffness to the beam.
To further increase the stiffness, also the lower ends of the legs, near the bottom portion 61 are provided with bottom flanges 67, 68 extending in the longitudinal direction 62 and transverse to the legs 63 and 64.
Fig 7 shows another embodiment of the beam according to the invention, Identical numerals in Fig 6 and Fig 7 designate elements with identical or similar functions. The embodiment of the legs in Fig 6 is manufactured by roll forming; the embodiment of Fig 7 is manufacture by hot rolling of profiles.
It will be clear to the skilled person that an increased stiffness is obtained by applying more than one flange and that four flanges as shown are by way of example only, Further, it will be dear to the skilled person that this flange can be positioned at other right angles relating to the direction of the legs without departing from the principle of the invention.
Fig 8 shows fixing means for fixing a component like a latticed element of a modular roof like on a supporting building structure. The fixing means 81 comprises a channel 79 having a bottom portion 82 and two upstanding legs 83 and 84. The legs 83, 84 are, at their side away from the bottom portion 82 provided with hooks, as clamping means, that engage around the upper side of the legs 87, 88 of a chord and fix the chord relative to the channel 79. The fixing means 81 are provided with brackets 89 and 90 for mounting them on the supporting building structure 91 by means of nuts 92, 93 and bolts 94, 95. Preferably the bolts used for lifting and locating the supporting building structure are used. Fig 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the fixing means. Like numerals in fig 8 and fig 9 designate elements with the same or similar function. The figure shows an elongate U-shaped channel 79 having leaf spring elements 92 reaching over the top of the legs 83, 84 and suitable to engage the upper side of the legs 87 and 88 of the chord 85 of the component to be fixed. Preferably, the U-shaped channel has a length suitable to span the distance between two, spaced apart supporting building structure elements 91. In that embodiment, the chord 85 can be designed lighter because part of the load on the chord in use is transmitted to the channel 79. The channels as shown in fig 8 and 9 are U-shaped but any other shape, suitable to receive and closely surround a chord 85 is applicable.
Fig 10 shows an assembly apparatus for assembling a modular roof. The assembly apparatus 100 comprises arms 101, joined by connecting arms 102. The arms are mounted on in height adjustable legs such that the arms can be brought to the desired height, also relative to each other. The distance between the arms is adjustable by means of the connecting arm the position or length of which can be adjusted by adjusting means 103 here in the form of clamps. On top of the arms, locating means 104 as described above may be fixed.
In the figure, a latticed element 105 sits on each arm, the latticed elements being joined by purlins 106.
It will be clear to the skilled person that although described separately the various embodiments of the invention, like locating means, beam, fixing means and apparatus for assembly may be combined with a synergetic effect on the modular roof to be constructed such as speed of construction weight, costs, material efficiency and safety.

Claims

Building structure comprising a plurality of outer walls separated from each other and at least one inner wall positioned between the outer walls and also comprising a roofing structure characterised in that the roofing structure is at least partly supported by the inner wall or inner walls.
Building structure according to claim 1 characterised in that the roofing structure comprises at least one latticed element fitting on the inner wall or inner walls.
Building structure according to claim 2 characterised in that the roofing structure is made of steel, in particular the latticed elements, stud walls and purlins.
Building structure according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the roofing structure is liftable.
Building structure according to claim 2, 3 or 4 characterised in that the latticed elements or elements are constructed of C-shaped steel (cold or hot rolled) profiles.
Building structure according to claim 2,3 or 4 characterised in that the latticed elements are constructed of profiles, such as angled profiles or closed profiles.
Building structure according to any one of claims 2 - 6, characterised in that the latticed elements are protected against environmental damage, preferably by galvanising or coating with an organic coating.
Building structure according to any of the preceding claims characterised in that the roofing structure comprises a plurality of latticed elements linked by lattice elements running in the transverse direction.
Building structure according to claim 8 characterised in that the stud walls are constructed of C-shaped steel profiles.
Building structure according to claim 8 characterised in that the stud walls are constructed of profiles such as angled profiles or closed profiles.
Building structure according to any one of claims 2-10 characterised in that at least one latticed element is constructed of prefabricated latticed sub-elements which are assembled at a building site to form a latticed element.
Building structure according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that at least one of the outer walls and/or of the inner walls comprises a supporting frame preferably covered with panels.
Building structure according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the roofing structure comprises a standing seam roof covering.
Locating means for positioning components of a modular roof comprising a lower chord characterised by a first generally U-shaped channel, extending in a first longitudinal direction, having a first leg, a second leg and a bottom portion extending in between the first and second leg whereby the first leg and/or second leg has at its side away from the bottom portion a sloping part, sloping upwardly and outwardly as seen from the bottom portion.
Locating means according to claim 14, characterised in that the first generally U-shaped channel is suitable to accommodate the lower chords of two components positioned side by side.
Locating means according to claims 14 or 15, characterised in that the sloping part is at its end away from the first leg, provided with a baffle plate.
Locating means according to any of the preceding claims 14 - 16 characterised in that the first and/or the second leg is provided with a second generally U-shaped channel extending in a second longitudinal direction which makes a selected angle, preferably a right angle, with the first longitudinal direction (recess).
Locating means according to claim 17 characterised in that at least one of the third and fourth legs is provided with a second sloping part at its side away from the second bottom portion sloping upwardly and outwardly as seen from the second bottom portion.
Component of a modular roof provided with locating means according to any of the preceding claims 14 - 18.
Beam suitable as a chord for a latticed element or other component comprising two substantially parallel legs each connected to a bottom portion so as to form a substantially U-shaped cross-section wherein at least one leg is provided at or near the end away from the bottom portion with a flange extending in the longitudinal direction of the beam.
Beam according to claim 20 wherein the flanges are integral with the leg.
Beam according to claim 20 or claim 21 wherein the bottom portion is provided with at least one bottom flange extending substantially in the plain of the bottom portion.
Latticed element or other component for a modular roof comprising a beam according to any of claims 20 - 22.
Fixing means for fixing a component like a latticed element of a modular roof having a lower chord to a supporting structure comprising a channel suitable for accommodating the lower chord and clamping means for holding the lower chord in the channel.
Fixing means according to claim 24 wherein the clamping means comprises spring-loaded lips.
Fixing means according to claim 24 or claim 14 wherein the channel comprises mounting means for mounting the fixing means to the supporting building structure.
Modular roof comprising fixing means according to any of claims 24 - 26.
Assembly apparatus for assembling a modular roof having at least two latticed elements connected to each other by at least one cross wall panel extending between the two latticed elements wherein the assembly apparatus comprises a support frame from supporting at least two latticed elements and positioning means for positioning the two latticed elements relative to each other.
Assembly apparatus according to claim 28 wherein the positioning means comprises channel shaped elements closely fitting around the latticed element.
Assembly apparatus according to claim 28 or claim 29 wherein the support frame comprises an adjustable support arm for each of the latticed elements which arm is suitable for supporting the latticed element at least before and during assembly of the modular roof.
Assembly apparatus according to any of claim 28 - 30 wherein the support frame is composed of elements which are demountable and transportable over public roads.