GB2586032A

GB2586032A - Foundation interface

Info

Publication number: GB2586032A
Application number: GB1910824.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hall Robin; Hall David; Straffon Trevor
Original assignee: Quadrabuild Ltd
Current assignee: Quadrabuild Ltd
Priority date: 2019-07-30
Filing date: 2019-07-30
Publication date: 2021-02-03
Anticipated expiration: 2039-07-30
Also published as: GB2586032B; GB201910824D0

Abstract

An interface for connecting a foundation to a building structure, the interface comprises a first 112 and second 103 surface. The surfaces are connected via a movable connector comprising a movable joint and enables position adjustment of the second surface by lateral translation and rotation about a parallel and perpendicular axis. The foundation may be a pile 106 attached to the first surface by a sleeve 107 and the movable joint a hinge comprising two members 104, 105 of U-shaped cross-section, rotatably connected via a fixing 121, 122. Apertures (fig6, 611a-b) in the two members enable fixing at a desired position relative to each other. There may be a rotatable plate 103 that forms the second surface and is secured to the movable joint via a central aperture 109. The plate has an elongated curved aperture (fig6, 610) adjacent to the central aperture to fix the plate and prevent rotation. A plurality of laterally spaced apertures (fig8, 800) enable lateral translation and may be on a further plate. Spacers (fig7, 700) enable the vertical position to be varied.

Description

Foundation Interface

Technical Field

The present invention relates to interfaces for securing foundations such as pile foundations to building structures.

Background

Foundations are used to support building structures and transfer loads from building structures into the ground.

Pile foundations are a well-known and widely used type of foundation. Typically pile foundations are columns that are driven into or otherwise secured in the ground to provide a surface that can be fixed to a building structure.

A problem with pile foundations is that it can be difficult to accurately control the final position of the pile. Controlling the final position of the pile can be particularly difficult when piles are installed by physically driving them into the ground because it is common for the direction of movement of the pile to change during installation as a result of, for example, different physical properties of the ground that the pile is being driven into, or user error.

Having pile foundations that are not accurately positioned can present various problems. For example, it can be difficult to secure a building structure to pile foundations that are not accurately positioned. This can be particularly problematic with certain types of building that require very precisely positioned foundations such as modular buildings.

It is known to provide an interface for securing pile foundations to a building structure.

Such an interface uses two plates separated by threaded bolts. One of the plates is securable to a pile foundation and the other is securable to a building structure. Adjusting the bolts allows the vertical position and relative angle of the plates to be changed. Such an arrangement provides a basic level of adjustment between a pile foundation and a building structure to account for certain small inaccuracies in the position of pile.

However, such an arrangement presents various problems. It can only compensate for certain positional inaccuracies (i.e. vertical position and tilt). It can also be difficult and time consuming to install because when a user adjusts one of the bolts this can change the relative position of the others. Furthermore, such an interface does not typically provide a fine level of control of the final position.

It is an object of certain embodiments of the invention to addresses some or all of these disadvantages.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an interface for securing a foundation element to a building structure. The interface comprises a first surface securable to a foundation element and a second surface securable to a building structure, the first and second surfaces connected via a moveable connector comprising a moveable joint. The moveable connector is arranged to enable the position of the second surface to be adjusted via: rotation of the second surface about an axis parallel to the second surface, rotation of the second surface about an axis perpendicular to the second surface, and lateral translation of the second surface.

Optionally, the interface further comprises a support sleeve secured to or integral with the first surface, the support sleeve securable to a pile foundation element.

Optionally, the moveable joint is a hinge.

Optionally, the hinge comprises a first hinge member rotatably connected to a second hinge member.

Optionally, the first hinge member and the second hinge member each have a substantially U-shaped cross section comprising a central portion, a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion and the second end portion extending from and angled relative to the central portion.

Optionally, the first hinge member and the second hinge member are rotatably connected via a fixing provided in a centrally located aperture in an end portion of the first hinge member and a centrally located aperture in an end portion of the second hinge member.

Optionally, a plurality of further apertures are provided in an end portion of the first hinge member and at least one further aperture is provided in an end portion of the second hinge member, and wherein said apertures are arranged such that when a fixing is provided through one of the plurality of further apertures of the end portion of the first hinge member and the at least one further aperture of the end portion of the second hinge member, the position of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member is fixed at one of a plurality of predetermined positions.

Optionally, a slotted aperture is provided in an end portion of the first hinge member and at least one further aperture is provided in an end portion of the second hinge member, and wherein said apertures are arranged such that when a fixing is provided through the slotted aperture and the at least one further aperture of the end portion of the second hinge member, the position of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member is fixed.

Optionally, the first surface is a surface of the hinge.

Optionally, the moveable connector further comprises a rotatable plate between the first surface and the second surface.

Optionally, the plate is rotatably secured to the moveable joint via a fixing provided in a central aperture of the plate about which the plate is configured to rotate.

Optionally, the plate comprises an elongate curved aperture adjacent to the aperture about which the plate is configured to rotate, the elongate curved aperture arranged to receive a fixing and to prevent rotation of the plate.

Optionally, the second surface is a surface of the plate.

Optionally, the moveable connector comprises a plurality of laterally spaced apart connection positions arranged to enable lateral translation of the second surface.

Optionally, the connection positions comprise a plurality of spaced apart apertures.

Optionally, the moveable connector comprises a further plate and wherein the plurality of spaced apart apertures are provided on the further plate.

Optionally, the further plate is connected to or is integral with the moveable joint.

Optionally, the interface further comprises one or more spacers located between the first and second surface.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a building structure comprising an interface according to the first aspect.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a foundation element comprising an interface according to the first aspect.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of securing a foundation element to a building structure. The method comprises securing a first surface of an interface to a foundation element, adjusting the position of a second surface of the interface using a moveable connector of the interface comprising a moveable joint. Adjusting the position of the second surface comprises: rotating the second surface about an axis parallel to the second surface, rotating the second surface about an axis perpendicular to the second surface, and laterally translating the second surface.

Optionally, the method further comprises vertically translating the second surface of the interface.

Optionally, the method further comprises securing the second surface of the interface to a building structure.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, an interface is provided for securing a foundation element, such as a pile foundation, to a building structure.

Certain embodiments provide an interface that can be provided between a foundation element and a building structure to account for inaccuracies in the position of the foundation element. Certain embodiments enable adjustment of the tilt, rotation and lateral position of a surface to which a building structure is to be secured.

In certain embodiments, the foundation element can be a portion of a building structure or dwelling.

Certain embodiments enable the position of a surface to which a building structure is secured to be adjusted in one plane without effecting the position of the surface in one or more other planes.

Certain embodiments enable the position of a surface to which a building structure is secured to be adjusted with increased precision. Certain embodiments provide an interface that can reduce the time needed to install a building using pile foundations. Certain embodiments provide an interface that is easier for a user to operate. Certain to embodiments provide an interface that reduces the precision with which foundation elements such as pile foundations need to be installed.

Various further features and aspects of the invention are defined in the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings where like parts are provided with corresponding reference numerals and in which: Figure 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of an interface in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2a is a simplified schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the front to of the interface of Figure 1 after the interface has been assembled; Figure 2b is a simplified schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the side of the interface of Figure 1 after the interface has been assembled; Figures 3a and 3b provide simplified schematic diagrams showing a cross-sectional view of the side of the interface of Figure 2; Figures 4a and 4b provide simplified schematic diagrams showing a cross-sectional view of the front of the interface of Figure 2; Figure 5 provides a simplified schematic diagram showing the top of the interface of Figure 2; Figure 6 is a simplified schematic diagram of an interface in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a simplified schematic diagram showing a top view of the spacer of the interface of Figure 6; Figure 8 provides a simplified schematic diagram showing the top view of the central portion of the first hinge member of the interface of Figure 6; and Figure 9 provides a simplified schematic diagram showing a side view of the end portion of the second hinge member of the interface of Figure 6.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of an interface in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A top 100, front 101 and side 102 of the interface is shown in Figure 1. The interface is shown in a partially exploded view and before the interface has been assembled (by providing fixings in suitable fixing receiving apertures of the interface).

The interface includes a moveable connector which, in this embodiment, includes a plate 103 and a moveable joint. The moveable joint is a hinge that includes a first hinge 10 member 104 and a second hinge member 105.

A cylindrical support sleeve 107 is also shown in Figure 1. The support sleeve 107 is secured to a foundation element 106. The support sleeve 107 includes apertures 115 116 117 for receiving a suitable fixing (such as a nut and bolt) to secure the support sleeve 107 to the foundation element 106. In this embodiment, the interface and support sleeve 107 are separate components. However, in certain embodiments the support sleeve 107 is part of the interface.

The plate 103 includes a surface 108 that is securable to a building structure using a suitable securing technique. For example, by providing fixings in one or more fixing-receiving apertures in the surface 108.

The surface 108 of the plate 103 has square cross-section when viewed from the top 100 of the interface.

The plate 103 includes a centrally located fixing-receiving aperture 109. The aperture 109 can be used to secure the plate 103 to the first hinge member 104 using a suitable fixing.

When secured to the first hinge member 104, the plate 103 is rotatable about the aperture 109. Rotating the plate 103 about the aperture 109 provides rotation of the building-securing surface 108 about an axis perpendicular to the building-securing surface 108.

The first 104 and second 105 hinge members each have a substantially U-shaped cross section when viewed from the front 101 of the interface.

The U-shaped cross section includes a central portion, and first and second end portions. The end portions extend at an angle out from the central portion. In this embodiment, the end portions extend at an angle of approximately 90 degrees from the central portion.

The first hinge member 104 includes a first fixing-receiving aperture 110 on the first end portion and a second fixing receiving aperture 111 on the second end portion. The second hinge member 105 includes corresponding fixing receiving apertures. The apertures can be used to rotatably connect the first 104 and second 105 hinge members using a suitable fixing. When connected, the first 104 and second 105 hinge members can rotate relative to each other about the apertures. Rotating the first 104 and second 105 hinge members about the apertures provides rotation of the building-securing surface 108 about an axis parallel to the second surface (also referred to herein as "tilting" of the building-securing surface 108).

The central portion of the first hinge member 104 includes a plurality of spaced apart fixing-receiving apertures (which are shown in cross section in Figure 2). An arrangement of spaced apart fixing-receiving apertures according to an embodiment of the invention is also shown in plan view in and is described with reference to Figure 8.

The central aperture 109 of the plate 103 is securable to one of the spaced apart apertures using a suitable fixing (each position that the central aperture 109 can be secured to via one of the spaced apart apertures providing a connection position). Securing the central aperture 109 to different spaced apart apertures provides lateral translation of the building-securing surface 108 (i.e. motion along an axis parallel to the building-securing surface 108).

The central portion of second hinge member 105 includes a surface 112 that is securable to the foundation element 106. In this embodiment, the surface 112 is secured to the foundation element 106 via a fixing-receiving aperture 113 of the second hinge member 105 that is connectable to a corresponding fixing-receiving aperture 114 of the support sleeve 107 using a suitable fixing.

The moveable connector enables adjustment of the position of the building-securing surface relative to the foundation-securing surface.

Figure 2a is a simplified schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the front 101 of the interface of Figure 1 after the interface has been assembled. Figure 2b is a simplified schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the side 102 of the interface of Figure 1 after the interface has been assembled. For clarity, some of the reference signs have been omitted from Figures 2a and 2b.

The plate 103 is rotatably secured to the first hinge portion 104 by providing a fixing 118 through the central aperture 109 of the plate 103 and one of the plurality of spaced apart apertures 119 120 of the first hinge portion 104. The plurality of spaced apart apertures 119 120 provide laterally spaced apart connection positions. The plate is rotatable about the fixing 118.

The second hinge portion 105 is secured to the support sleeve 107 by providing a fixing 123 through the aperture 113 of the second hinge portion 105 and the aperture 114 of the support sleeve 107. In this embodiment the connection between the second hinge portion 105 and the support sleeve 107 is such that in a first configuration, rotation between the support sleeve 107 and the second hinge portion 105 is enabled and in a second configuration, rotation between the support sleeve 107 and the second hinge portion 105 is prevented. In this way, the first and second hinge portions can be rotated relative to the foundation element during installation, if necessary.

The first hinge portion 104 is rotatably secured to the second hinge portion 105 by providing fixings 121 122 through the apertures 110 111 of the first hinge portion 104 and the corresponding apertures of the second hinge portion 105.

The interface will now be described in use with reference to Figures 3 to 5 in a method of securing a foundation element to a building structure in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

When securing a foundation element to a building structure, it is desirable to provide a surface to which the building structure can be secured (referred to herein as a building-securing surface) that has a desired position. However, as discussed, it can be difficult to provide a surface with a desired position directly on a foundation element due to difficulties with controlling the final position of the foundation element during installation. This can be a particular problem with pile foundations.

Figures 3-5 depict a process where an interface is secured to a foundation element 300 and is adjusted to provide a building-securing surface with a desired position. It will be understood that the desired position can vary depending on the application. For example, in some applications it is desirable to provide a building-securing surface that is planar with a ground surface while in other applications it is desirable to provide a building-securing surface that is non-planar with a ground surface. Furthermore, where multiple interfaces are used to secure a building structure, the desired position can be different for each interface.

In this embodiment, the building-securing surface is a surface of the plate 103. The process involves adjusting one or more of the tilt of the plate 103 (rotating the plate about an axis parallel to the plate, as shown in Figures 3a and 3b), the lateral position of the plate 103 (laterally translating the plate along an axis parallel to the plate, as shown in Figures 4a and 4b) and the rotational position of the plate 103 (rotating the plate about an axis perpendicular to the plate, as shown in Figure 5).

Figures 3a and 3b provide simplified schematic diagrams showing a cross-sectional view of the side 102 of the interface. Figures 4a and 4b provide simplified schematic diagrams showing a cross-sectional view of the front 101 of the interface. Figure 5 provides a simplified schematic diagram showing the top 100 of the interface.

Figures 3a and 3b depict adjusting the position of the plate 103 about an axis parallel to the plate (also referred to as tilting the plate), using the first 104 and second 105 hinge members.

The interface is secured to a foundation element 300. In this embodiment, the interface is secured to the foundation element 300 via a support sleeve 107. The foundation element 300 is non-vertical i.e. it extends from the ground at a non-perpendicular angle. The foundation element 300 is also laterally and rotationally offset from a desired position.

As such, the plate 103 is initially in a tilted position. This is shown in Figure 3a.

To adjust the tilt of the plate, a user first rotates the interface so that the interface is in a position where the first 104 and second 105 hinge member can be rotated (i.e. tilted) to provide the desired position of the plate 103. To do so, the user applies a force to the interface to rotate the interface relative to the foundation element 300.

In embodiments where the interface is moveable relative to the support sleeve 107, this involves rotating the interface about the moveable connection between the interface and the support sleeve 107. Alternatively, in embodiments where the interface is not moveable relative to the support sleeve 107 or the support sleeve 107 is part of the interface, this involves the user rotating the support sleeve 107 relative to the foundation element and securing the support sleeve 107 to the foundation element at a desired position.

Next, the user applies a force to the interface to rotate the plate 103 via the first 104 and second 105 hinge members so that the building-securing surface 108 of the plate 103 is at a desired tilt angle. The plate 103 is shown in a desired tilt position in Figure 3b.

Next, the user can adjust the lateral position of the plate 103. Figures 4a and 4b depict adjusting the lateral position of the plate 103.

As described above, the plate 103 is initially in a position that is laterally offset from a desired position. This is shown in Figure 4a. In this embodiment, in the initial position the plate 103 is secured to the first hinge member 104 via a fixing 118 provided through the central aperture of the plate 103 and a central aperture of the plurality of spaced apart apertures 119 120 of the first hinge portion 104.

A user of the interface removes the fixing 118 to separate the plate 103 from the first hinge member 104, moves the plate 103 laterally into a desired lateral position, then re-introduces the fixing 118 into the central aperture of the plate 103 and a different (suitably positioned) aperture 119 of the plurality of spaced apart apertures 119 120 of the first hinge member 104 to secure the plate 103 to the first hinge member 104. The plate 103 is shown in a desired lateral position in Figure 4b.

Next, the user can adjust the rotational position of the plate 103. Figure 5 depicts adjusting the rotational position of the plate 103 about an axis perpendicular to the plate 103.

As described above, the plate 103 is rotatably secured to the first hinge portion 104 via a fixing 118 through the central aperture of the plate 103 and one of the plurality of spaced apart apertures 119 120 of the first hinge portion 104. The plate 103 is initially in a position 103a that is rotationally offset from a desired position.

A user of the interface applies a force to the plate to rotate the plate 103 about the fixing 118 until the building-securing surface 108 of the plate 103 is in a desired rotational position.

After the above described process, the tilt, lateral and rotational positions of the building-securing surface 108 of the interface have been adjusted into a desired position. Once the building-securing surface 108 is in the desired position, a user can then secure the surface 108 to a building structure using a suitable securing technique.

In certain embodiments, a further step of adjusting the vertical position of the plate 103 (i.e. vertically translating the plate along an axis perpendicular to the plate) is performed. This step can be used to provide a desired vertical position for the building-securing surface of the plate 103. Typically, this step involves providing once or more spacers between the foundation-securing and building-securing surfaces of the interface, or between the interface and the foundation element itself (for example, on top of the foundation element before the support sleeve is located over the foundation element).

In certain embodiments, the spacers are flat plates that include a central fixing-receiving aperture. The spacers can be secured between suitable components of the interface to vertically translate the building-securing surface 108 of the plate 103, for example between the first hinge member 104 and the plate 103. The thickness and/or number of spacers provided can be selected to provide a desired vertical offset.

Figure 6 is a simplified schematic diagram of an interface in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A top 600, front 601 and side 602 of the interface is shown in Figure 6. The interface is shown in a partially exploded view and before the interface has been assembled (that is, by providing fixings through fixing-receiving apertures of the interface).

The interface substantially corresponds with and operates in substantially the same manner as the interface that was described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 except as otherwise described below. For clarity, some reference signs have been omitted from Figure 6.

The interface includes a moveable connector that includes a plate 603 and a moveable joint. The moveable joint is a hinge that includes a first hinge member 604 and a second hinge member 605. The plate 603 includes a building-securing surface 608.

A cylindrical support sleeve 607 is attached to a foundation element 606 for securing to the interface. The foundation element 606 and support sleeve 607 substantially correspond with the foundation element and support sleeve described with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

The building securing surface 108 of the plate 103 includes a plurality of fixing receiving apertures 609 located next to the edges of the plate 603. These apertures 609 can be used to secure the interface to a building structure using a suitable fixing.

The building securing surface 108 of the plate 103 also includes an elongate curved aperture 610. The aperture 610 is located next to the central aperture of the plate 103.

The aperture 610 is arranged to receive a fixing and, via the fixing and one of the spaced apart apertures of the first hinge member 604, to secure the position of the plate 603 in a desired position after it has been rotated about the central aperture. In this way, during installation of the interface, once the user has adjusted the rotational position of the plate 603 about the central aperture to a desired position, the user can secure the plate at the desired position by securing a fixing through the curved aperture 610.

In certain embodiments, the plate 603 can include one or more brackets or slots for receiving suitable fixings such as bolts or clamps to secure further components such as timber or steel components of a building structure to the interface.

The interface also includes a further plate referred to herein as a spacer (shown in Figure 7). The spacer is located between the plate 603 and the first hinge member 604 and is secured to the plate 603 so that it rotates with the plate 603. The spacer increases the distance between the plate 603 and the first hinge member 604 to provide a region to prevent fixings secured through the outer apertures 609 of the plate 603 from contacting the first hinge member 604. A spacer (or in certain embodiments, a plurality of spacers, as described) can also be used to adjust the vertical position of the building-securing surface 608.

A top view of the spacer 700 is shown in Figure 7. The spacer 700 includes a central fixing receiving aperture 701 and, next to the central aperture 701, an elongate curved aperture 702. The apertures 701 702 substantially correspond with the central and curved apertures of the plate 603.

Returning to Figure 6, as described the first 604 and second 605 hinge members each have a substantially U-shaped cross section that includes a central portion, and first and second end portions extending at an angle out from the central portion. When connected, the first 604 and second 604 hinge members can rotate relative to each other about central apertures located on each of their respective end portions. This motion enables tilting of the plate 603.

In this embodiment, the end portions of both the first 604 and second 605 hinge members also include further fixing-receiving apertures. An arrangement of further apertures 611a 611b that is provided on each of the end portions of the first hinge member 604 is shown in Figure 6. An arrangement of further apertures 902a 902b that is provided on each of the end portion of the second hinge member 605 is shown in Figure 9.

The further apertures 611a 611b 902a 902b are positioned to provide a plurality of predetermined positions at which the first 604 and second 605 hinge members can be secured corresponding to predetermined angles of tilt of the plate 603. In this way, during installation of the interface, once the user has adjusted the tilt of the plate 603 to a desired tilt angle, the user can secure the plate in position by inserting a fixing through the further apertures.

It will be understood that in certain embodiments instead of providing substantially circular apertures, one or more elongate (i.e. slotted) apertures could be provided in the end portions of the first and/or second hinge members to enable the plate 603 to be secured at a desired tilt via a suitable fixing.

Figure 8 provides a simplified schematic diagram showing the top view of the central portion of the first hinge member 604 in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The central portion includes a plurality of spaced apart fixing-receiving apertures 800. As described, the apertures 800 are used to provide a plurality of laterally spaced apart (connection) positions at which the plate can be secured to the first hinge member 604 to change the lateral position of the building-securing surface of the interface to provide a desired position.

Figure 9 provides a simplified schematic diagram showing the side view of an end portion of the second hinge member 605 in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The end portion includes a central aperture for rotatably securing to the corresponding central aperture of the first hinge member 604 as described. The end portion also includes further apertures 902a 902b. The further apertures 902a 902b are arranged to overlap with the further apertures 611a 611b of the first hinge member 604 to provide a plurality of predetermined positions at which the first 604 and second 605 hinge members can be secured. The predetermined positions can include positions where the first 604 and second 605 hinge members are parallel to each other and positions where they are at one or more predetermined angles relative to each other.

It will be appreciated that the position and spacing of the apertures 611a 611b 902a 902b can be selected to adjust the resolution and range of possible angles for securing the first 604 and second 605 hinge members depending on the requirements of a particular application.

In certain embodiments, other configurations of plate can be provided. For example, the plate can have a non-square shape and/or a non-planar building-securing surface.

In certain embodiments, instead of providing the apertures for adjusting the lateral position of the plate in a surface of the first hinge member, the apertures can be provided in another component of the interface, for example in a surface of the second hinge member, or in a separate plate.

In certain embodiments, the interface includes or is integral with the support sleeve. In 20 such embodiments, the top of the support sleeve can form part of or can be permanently secured to (for example, welded) the second hinge portion.

In certain embodiments, the interface is provided as part of a building structure or as part of a foundation element.

In certain embodiments, the foundation element is a portion of a building structure or dwelling (i.e. it is building-based) and the interface enables the building-based foundation to be secured to a further building structure, for example to add one or more storeys to an existing building.

While embodiments of the invention have been described where the moveable joint is a hinge, other suitable moveable joints can be used. For example, in certain embodiments the moveable joint can be a knuckle joint or a ball joint.

It will be understood that suitable fixings include nut and bolt type arrangements.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure have been to described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An interface for securing a foundation element to a building structure, the interface comprising: a first surface securable to a foundation element and a second surface securable to a building structure, the first and second surfaces connected via a moveable connector comprising a moveable joint, wherein the moveable connector is arranged to enable the position of the second surface to be adjusted via: rotation of the second surface about an axis parallel to the second surface, rotation of the second surface about an axis perpendicular to the second surface, and lateral translation of the second surface.
2. An interface according to claim 1, further comprising a support sleeve secured to or integral with the first surface, the support sleeve securable to a pile foundation element.
3. An interface according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the moveable joint is a hinge.
4. An interface according to claim 3, wherein the hinge comprises a first hinge 20 member rotatably connected to a second hinge member.
5. An interface according to claim 4, wherein the first hinge member and the second hinge member each have a substantially U-shaped cross section comprising a central portion, a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion and the second end portion extending from and angled relative to the central portion.
6. An interface according to claim 5, wherein the first hinge member and the second hinge member are rotatably connected via a fixing provided in a centrally located aperture in an end portion of the first hinge member and a centrally located 30 aperture in an end portion of the second hinge member.
7. An interface according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein a plurality of further apertures are provided in an end portion of the first hinge member and at least one further aperture is provided in an end portion of the second hinge member, and wherein said apertures are arranged such that when a fixing is provided through one of the plurality of further apertures of the end portion of the first hinge member and the at least one further aperture of the end portion of the second hinge member, the position of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member is fixed at one of a plurality of predetermined positions.
8. An interface according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein a slotted aperture is provided in an end portion of the first hinge member and at least one further aperture is provided in an end portion of the second hinge member, and wherein said apertures are arranged such that when a fixing is provided through the slotted aperture and the at least one further aperture of the end portion of the second hinge member, the position of the first hinge member relative to the second hinge member is fixed.
9. An interface according to any of claims 2 to 8, wherein the first surface is a surface of the hinge.
10. An interface according to any preceding claim, wherein the moveable connector further comprises a rotatable plate between the first surface and the 20 second surface.
11. An interface according to claim 10, wherein the plate is rotatably secured to the moveable joint via a fixing provided in a central aperture of the plate about which the plate is configured to rotate.
12. An interface according to claim 11, wherein the plate comprises an elongate curved aperture adjacent to the aperture about which the plate is configured to rotate, the elongate curved aperture arranged to receive a fixing and to prevent rotation of the plate.
13. An interface according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the second surface is a surface of the plate.
14. An interface according to any preceding claim, wherein the moveable connector comprises a plurality of laterally spaced apart connection positions arranged to enable lateral translation of the second surface.
15. An interface according to claim 14, wherein the connection positions comprise a plurality of spaced apart apertures.
16. An interface according to claim 15, wherein the moveable connector comprises a further plate and wherein the plurality of spaced apart apertures are provided on the further plate.
17. An interface according to claim 16, wherein the further plate is connected to or is integral with the moveable joint.
18. An interface according to any preceding claim, wherein the interface further comprises one or more spacers located between the first and second surface.
19. A building structure comprising an interface as claimed in any preceding claim.
20. A foundation element comprising an interface as claimed in any of claims 1 to 18.
21. A method of securing a foundation element to a building structure, the method comprising: securing a first surface of an interface to a foundation element; adjusting the position of a second surface of the interface using a moveable connector of the interface comprising a moveable joint, wherein adjusting the position of the second surface comprises: rotating the second surface about an axis parallel to the second surface; rotating the second surface about an axis perpendicular to the second surface; and laterally translating the second surface.
22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the method further comprises: vertically translating the second surface of the interface.
23. A method according to claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the method further comprises: securing the second surface of the interface to a building structure.