GB2405879A

GB2405879A - Prefabricated adaptable modular building

Info

Publication number: GB2405879A
Application number: GB0321099A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Theodore Koranteng
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-09-09
Filing date: 2003-09-09
Publication date: 2005-03-16
Also published as: GB0321099D0

Abstract

A building kit comprises connector joints fig a, door/window assemblies fig b, a foundation system fig c, corner bracing flanges fig h and a flooring system fig f. Each connector joint fig a has two opposed sockets into which round columns can be screwed and a flange around the entrance to each socket, transverse beams are connectable to each joint by being bolted between the two flanges of the joint. The door/window assemblies fig b are such that each can be used as a door or a window depending on how it is assembled. The foundation system fig c comprises a pre-cast concrete footing with pre-set anchor bolts. The flooring system fig f comprises pre-tensioned concrete beams interlocked to form a grid. The kit can be used to create buildings formed predominantly from circular steel columns connected to steel I beams.

Description

1 2405879

ADAPTABLE PREFABRICATED MODUIAR BUILDINGS

DESCRIPTION

Background

The present invention relates to a factory Jabricated building system which is predominantly comprises a steel frame and pre cast aerated concrete forms. This is transported to the building site in a kit of parts which is then assembled on site in a day or two.

Modules can be added lo or taken away in a vertical or horizontal fashion lo create variety in aesthetics andform.

The uniqueness of the system is its simplicity in design and construction and its adaptability.

It affords a variety of designs which are comfortable, practical and pleasing to the eye.

To achieve variety in Aesthetics, both the interior and exterior wall panels of the module can be pre-Jinished in any texture.

The building can also be disassembled and re-erected on little prepared ground and adapted to all sorts of other high and low density uses.

Challenge Shelter is one of the basic needs for human survival in addition to food and clothing. Ferguson (200()) notes that surveys of low-income households (especially in developing countries) typically show that housing has a higher priority than education or healthcare. With the increases in population growth and high rural-urban migration, mass population displacement caused by unstable political, social, economic or geographic factors ( the effect of which, a dramatic increase in the demandfor Dwelling space whic* is offset by a shortfall in supply, pitched against an upward spiralling dwelling cost) The challenge emerges for a system building which readily addresses the rapid changing socio economic pattern of today's society.

As an architect, I have always fell an urgent need to address that obvious gap between the demand for housing Jor a wide range market and the reality to readily deliver. My interest has been how to design a system that presents a possible solution to the above mentioned problems. A system which could be within the reach of that wide range market both socially and geographically.It must be affordable in nature. A system which would drastically reduce construction time therefore allowing immediate occupation of Lands. A system simple enough to cut across bureaucratic procedure to save time.An socially. Geographically, environmentally flexible system that allows growth or otherwise.

A system that can easily he transported to almost inaccessible sites.

A system Adaptable lo several other uses; Hospitals, schools, off ces etc.

...DTD: Solution' Prefabricated buildings are already well known, but here we have a factory built (kit of parts) module offering standard repetitive features which allow growth in a restricted, systematic, logical way and yet offers variety in appearance, planning and positioning. Most factory built buildings are built for a particular use where alteration of form is not tamed by a logical sequence, they all fall short of delivering that total package of flexibility in planning, form and use.

Whereby this building system avoids the use of cheap material, most prefabricated buildings meant to address the issue of mass low cost housing normally adopt the use of concocted material which is normally cheap in cost and quality.

To successfully achieve the type of flexibility required the component parts of the building are

adaptable

This is a building system which when put together offers flexibility in planning,movement, appearance and growth. Here, connection joints (see fig 1 and 6) make it possible for more modules to be added on in a horizontal or vertical fashion (One bedroom homes to a 6 bedroom homes can be provided in a standard modular approach) . A system which avoids stigmatization through clever design by creating an affordable dwelling space through the use of conventional and durable material.

Essential Features The present invention discloses a modular building which is factory built delivered to site as a kit of standard parts (see fig 1 andfg 2) Predominantly made of a steel frame with aerated concrete panels for the walls and pre-cast concrete beams with infill slabs for the floors. The wall and window/ door panels are of standard size.These slot between the universal beams to form the envelope of the building. The module itself stands on legs. The result of this is a simple modular form which offers other possibilities for variety the composition of the parts are l)-The connection joint (fg l-a& fgS). . This makes it possible for modules to connect to each other in a structurally rigid, firm and upright manner 2)-The windows / doors (fg l-b&fg 3). these come in a standard design and size and can have reversal of role where a window becomes a door and vice versa 3)-The structural egg crate flooring system (fgl-d & fig 6). Allows for structural openings to be made without the needfor additional structural support.

4)-The wall panel system dig 1-e)which allows for service ducts to be preburied before assembly S)-The foundation system (fig 1). This is pre cast to help achieve minimal site work and guarantee accurate setting andfacilitate easy removal and relocation.

6)-The bracing f anges gig 1-h &fg 4). For lateral support up to 2storey and to provide angular supportfor cable bracing of structures above 2 storey 7)-Thefloor slabs gl-f &fg6). Removable for relocation or replacement 8)-The roof ng structural system. A simple system where roofs can be removed and repositioned

Detailed description'

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig 1 shows an abstract 3d drawing of the total structural framework blithe module depicting the kit of ' parts in context and highlighting the various elements Fig 2 shows the kit of standard parts drawing (in elevation) Fig 3 shows various window/door formation ( abstract 3d) FIG 4 shows the bracing f anges (3d) FIG 5 shows the connection joint (3d) FIG 6floor beams and slain system (3d) Fig 1-a & fig 5 Connection joint F'gl-b& fg3- -window/door Fig 1-c foundation system) Fig l-d & fig 6 structural cross beam system Fig 1-e - - wall panels Fig 1-f & fig 6inf llfloor slabs Fig 1-g - universal beam Fig 1-h & fig 4 - -Angle bracing flange The building is predominantly made of' a steel frame with insulated aerated concrete panels for the walls which are bolted to the steelframe (fig 1 & fig C) The floor and roof structure comprise pre tensioned concrete beams which are bolted to the steel H beam for lateral support (fig 1-c & fig 64) pre-cast concretefloor slabs are used to f it between the floors beams (fig 1-f andfg 6-2) The ingenuity Lithe system lies in the design of 1)-The connection joint system (fig 1-a and fgS-1) this is the most important part of the whole system here round steel columns(fgS-3) are screwed in place whilst Universal steel beams are slotted and bolted between the flanges (dig 54) of' the connection joint / 4bolt joints are used to (2no-up,2no-down) Adequate support against lateral and torsion forces.

2)-The windows and the doors system (fig 1-b andfg 3) are of a standard design where a window can be modif ed (with the replacement of a few screws) to turn into a door. These come in three sections ffg3-l)_the sky light window (fg3-2)_ the middle window (fg3-3) bottom fixed window /bottom of swing door 3)-Thefoundation system (fig logic) is a pre cast reinforced concrete footing with the anchor bolts pre-set in position ready for the column base plate. The purpose of this is to reduce both time and site work and provide easier and more accurate setting out method andfacilitate easy removal and relocation. The foundation Steel column plate is bolted to the foundation base plate with thin high compressive rubber spacers between for shock absorption..

4)-The structural floor beams andlloor slab system (figs 1-d & 1-f andfg 6) interlock at regular intervals to create a rigid egg crate grid system of which the ends sit within the flanges of the steel beams (fg6-4) on all four sides giving a fair balance to the whole flooring system. These are secured in place with bolts to the steel beam. This also allows floor openings (fg6-1) to be made without the needfor extra structural support or reinforcement.

To further help spread the load to each other, the crossing beams (A g 63) are locked together in the middle with a rolled steel pin(permanentlyfixed in place with cement) . The pre cast individual Pavement like slabs of standard size are wedged between the box openings of the concrete beams.

These floor slabs come either pre f nished (semi polished) or f nished (tiled) (A g 6-2) . Reason for this being, flooring can be salvaged with minimal damage when building is being disassembled with minimal damage to the floor f nish.

5)- The Corner Bracing flanges (fgl-h and fig 4) add additional lateral support to the whole building structure by bracing the steel columns to the floor steel beams. Provision is made for tie steel cable to brace the buildingirom one corner to the other

Claims

CLAIM* 1)-An Adaptable Affordable factory built modular structure which

comes as a kit of parts.

modules join up with other modules to evolve into various other Architectural forms, features and uses 2)-The connection join' system ( fig la) round steel columns are screwed in place whilst Universal steel beams are bolted to the flanges of the connection joint / 4bolt joints are used (2no- up,2no-down) to secure the beam in place and also to give adequate support against lateral and torsion forces. The connection ensures rigidity and accurate setting out 3)-The windows and the doors system (fig 1b) This is a standard design fashioned where with the replacement of 'a few screws or hinges there is the possibility okra door becoming a window or vice versa. These come in three sections (I)_the sky light (fixed /casement) (2)_ the middle top hung window ordered top part of door (fixed, casement or swing) (3) f xed bottom part of window / bottom door (fixed or wing) 4)-The structuralilooring system (fig Id and If) these are pre tensioned concrete beams which interlock at regular intervals to create a rigid structural grid system the ends of these sit within the flanges of the steel beams on all four sides giving a fair balance to the wholefloor. The beams are secured to the steelframe at the ends with high strength steel bolts. This system makes it possible for Floor openings to be made without the needfor extra structural support or reinforcement.

To further distribute the load to each other, the concrete beams are locked together at the crossing point with steel screw and bolts. Pcivement like slabs of standard size 600mm by 600 mm are wedged between the box openings of the concrete beams. The pre cast individualfloor slabs come either pre f nished (semi polished) or f nished (tiled) . Recison for this being, flooring can be salvaged with minimal damage tofloor f nishes when building is being disassembled or remodelled.