GB2376281A

GB2376281A - Connector for joining tubular columns

Info

Publication number: GB2376281A
Application number: GB0113709A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Derek William Rea
Original assignee: Corus UK Ltd
Current assignee: Corus UK Ltd
Priority date: 2001-06-06
Filing date: 2001-06-06
Publication date: 2002-12-11
Anticipated expiration: 2021-06-06
Also published as: GB0113709D0; GB2376281B

Abstract

A connector for joining two tubular columns comprises spigot or socket means, having two spigots or sockets (1, 2), each of which extends in an opposite direction from a plate (3). The spigots or sockets (1, 2) are dimensioned to fit over or into opposed ends of columns to be joined. Means, such as bolts (9), are provided for securing the spigots or sockets (1, 2) to the columns.

Description

MODULAR CONNECTORS This invention relates to modular connectors for providing onsite connections between hollow sectioned columns of inter alia modular structures. More especially but not exclusively the invention relates to such connectors for use with multi-storey modular structures including but not limited to multi-storey car parks.

On-site assembly of permanent and temporary structures from a plurality of readily transportable relatively light-weight components and modules is well known. Advantages include speed of assembly (or disassembly where temporary structures are concerned) and cost savings through off-site production of generally standardised modular components.

Additional advantages include elimination or significant reductions in the use of wet trades, significant reductions in disruptions caused by on-site evacuations, the use of light-weight structures and the ability to instal foundation blocks without disrupting on-going services.

Hitherto, for many multi-storey modular structures these advantages have been marginalised by the need for conventional foundations to minimise any tendency for an assembled structure being subjected to uplift forces. Uplift forces are occasioned by turning moments attributable, for example, to wind resistance acting on the modular structure when assembled.

A further disadvantage of known modular structures is an inability readily to increase the height or number of floors of an already assembled structure.

An object of this invention is to provide a modular connector which can overcome or at least alleviate this disadvantage.

According to the present invention in one aspect there is provided a connector for providing a secure connection between two columns of tubular section to be assembled one above the other, the connector comprising socket means including upper and lower sockets

of tubular section which respectively extend upwardly and downwardly from a plate which protrudes outwardly from one or more surfaces of the socket means and which are shaped and dimensioned to extend into or over the opposed ends of the columns to be assembled, and means for securing each socket to the respective column.

The socket means may comprise a single length of tubular section from the external surface of which the plate projects. Alternatively individual sockets may be welded one to each surface of a plate. The sockets may be of square, rectangular or round crosssection. Other sections may however, be adopted.

The plate is dimensioned to define a protruding tip to provide support for one end of a beam of the modular structure during assembly thereof.

The securing means may comprise bolts which extend through complementary apertures formed in the side surfaces of the socket means and the columns. The beams are typically of"I"section and are secured to the adjoining column surface by angle plates.

Beams of other sections may, however, be employed.

Typically the upper and/or lower sockets project a distance of approximately 500 mm into or about the ends of the columns to be assembled. Other projection distances may however be employed. Typical column lengths are between 2.5 and 3.5m. A preferred column length is 3. 0m.

The connectors may be produced from any suitable material, a preferred material being galvanised steel. The columns may also be produced from galvanised steel.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which :- Figure 1 is an exploded side view in section of a connector in accordance with the invention providing a connection between two adjoining columns; and Figure 2 is a side view in section of an assembled structure including a connector

in accordance with the invention.

The connector illustrated in the drawings comprises upper and lower socket members 1,2 respectively. Each socket member takes the form of a hollow section tube of, for example, galvanised steel. Projecting from the external surface of the socket members is a steel plate 3. The plate 3 therefore defines a lip. In a preferred embodiment the socket members 1,2 form parts of a single galvanised steel tube. In this embodiment the plate 3 is simply welded to the external surfaces of the tube. In an alternative embodiment the socket members 1, 2 are separate from one another and are welded to the steel plate.

The sockets 1,2 are preferably of square section; other hollow sections may however be employed.

As will be seen more clearly from Figure 2, the upper socket 1 protrudes outwardly into the lower open end of a column 5 of similar cross-section to that of the socket but dimensioned to enable the socket to pass into its lower end. Similarly the lower socket 2 protrudes downwardly into the upper open end of a column 6 of tubular cross-section to form a relatively snug fit therein. Each socket 1, 2 is formed with bolt receiving holes 7 which, on assembly, are aligned with similar holes 8 formed in the columns. Through bolts 9 are provided to secure the sockets to the columns. Typically each bolt 9 extends into complementary threaded receptor 10. Several bolts are provided to provide a secure connection between the sockets and the columns. Other means for securing the sockets to the columns may be provided.

As will be seen from the drawings, the protruding lip of the plate provides support for one end of a beam 11 during assembly of the modular structure. This provides enhanced stability during the building process and potentially removes the need for cross girders. In addition, cranes normally deployed to lift cross girders can be employed for other purposes. Beams are typically of"I"section and are secured to the adjoining column face by means of angle brackets 12. The beams may, however, be of a section other than square.

The modular connectors described above provide secure connections between vertically assembled columns and enable the heights of already assembled columns to be increased on-site.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing is merely exemplary of connectors in accordance with the invention and that modifications can readily be made thereto without departing from the true scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A connector for providing a secure connection between two columns of tubular section to be assembled one above the other, the connector comprising socket means including upper and lower sockets of tubular section which respectively extend upwardly and downwardly from a plate which protrudes outwardly from one or more surfaces of the socket means and which are shaped and dimensioned to extend into or over the opposed ends of the columns to be assembled, and means for securing each socket to the respective column.
2. A connector as claimed in claim 1 wherein the socket means comprises a single length of tubular section from the external surface of which the plate projects.
3. A connector as claimed in claim 1 wherein individual sockets are welded one to each surface of a plate.
4. A connector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the sockets are of square, rectangular or round cross-section.
5. A connector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the plate is dimensioned to define a protruding tip to provide support for one end of a beam of the modular structure during assembly thereof.
6. A connector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the securing means comprise bolts which extend through complementary apertures formed in the side surfaces of the socket means and the columns.
7. A connector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims produced from galvanised steel.
8. A connector as herein described and as described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.