AU2014100244A4 - A prefabricated steel structural building system and construction method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A prefabricated steel structural building system is disclosed. The system comprising connecting bolt sets laid on a building foundation according to desired building pattern; prefabricated panels comprising wall prefabricated panels, window prefabricated panels and door prefabricated panels. Window/door openings are reserved on a front board, a rear board as well as on the light gauge steel frame forming the window/door panels, in which window and door openings windows and doors are installed. Connecting assemblies of various types with each connecting assembly secured on the building foundation according to the desired building pattern by fitting a connecting bolt set on the corresponding position through a base of a bottom central square tube of the connecting assembly and engaging a nut; the respective prefabricated panels are jointed to connecting assemblies in corresponding positions to form a framework of the building according to the desired building pattern. The prefabricated steel structural building construction system of the present invention provides modularized wall, which can facilitate transportation and in the meantime can reduce, if cannot completely avoid, noises of wastes generated by on-site panel fabrication. (Fig 16) Fig. 16

Description

- 1 A PREFABRICATED STEEL STRUCTURAL BUILDING SYSTEM AND CONSTRUCTION METHOD THEREOF Technical Field [0001] This invention relates to prefabricated modular housing constructions, and relates in particular to prefabricated steel structural building systems and its construction methods. Background art [0002] In 2011, technical standard on "low rise cold-formed thin-walled steel structural building construction" was issued in which detailed requirements has been elaborated for practitioners within the area to follow. However, the systems and the fabrication processes of the systems disclosed in the regulation are difficult to implement due to its high complexity. Moreover, the fabrication processes described therein are labor intensive, which means there is a potential risk that the cost of the system will reach an unaffordable level with the rise of average salary of the society. [0003] Various prefabricated panels and connecting components disclosed by the applicant of the present invention has made it possible for a system to be fabricated on field. The prefabricated panels can be found for example in Chinese Patent Literature (Published No: CN103015623A) entitled a prefabricated panel and its fixedly-installed structure, in which the steel structural components to be fixedly connected together by the coordination between bolts and nuts or by self-tapping screws. Example of the connecting components can be found in Chinese patent applications No. 201310264615.0 and 201320378115.5, in which connecting -2 components which enables the prefabricated panels to be connected in a variety of angles are described. Summary of invention [0004] One objective of this invention is to provide a prefabricated steel structural building system which enables a higher industrialization, higher integration and faster on-site installation, based on the above prefabricated panel and connecting components. [0005] According to one aspect of the invention, a prefabricated steel structural building construction system is proposed. The prefabricated steel structural building construction system can comprise connecting bolt sets laid on and fixedly connected to of a building foundation at predetermined positions according to a building pattern; a plurality of upright arranged connecting assemblies fixedly connected to the connecting bolt sets; and a plurality of prefabricated panels with each prefabricated panel provided with a channel along a respective side of the prefabricated panel, which can be in a shape complementary to the contour of the connecting assembly such that the prefabricated panel adaptive to be coupled to a pair of connecting assemblies. [0006] In some embodiments, the prefabricated panel can comprise a light gauge steel frame comprising a main body formed by two jamb members connected to an upper channel member and a lower channel member arrange opposed to one another; a front board laid on and fixedly connected to a front surface of the light gauge steel frame; and a rear board laid on and fixedly connected to a rear surface of the light gauge steel frame. In some embodiments, at least one of the prefabricated panels can be provided with at least one window opening for -3 installing at least one window subassembly; and at least one of the prefabricated panels can be provided with at least one door opening for installing at least one door subassembly. [0007] In some embodiments, the connecting assembly can comprise at least one first connecting assembly used to joint two laterally laid prefabricated panels. The connecting assembly can comprise a central column in a shape complementary to the channels extend along an edge of the respective prefabricated panels; or comprises a central column and two intermediate members fixed to a respective side of the central column with each intermediate member being configured into a shape complementary to one of the channels on the two prefabricated panels. [0008] In some embodiments, the connecting assembly can comprise at least one second connecting assembly used to joint two perpendicularly arranged prefabricated panels, which connecting assembly comprises a central column and two intermediate members fixedly connected to the central column in an right angle with each intermediate member being configured into a shape complementary to one of the channels on the two prefabricated panels. [0009] In some embodiments, the connecting assembly can comprise at least one third connecting assembly used to joint three prefabricated panel arranged in T shape, which connecting assembly comprises a central column and three intermediate members fixedly connected to the central column at 90 degree intervals with each intermediate member being configured into a shape complementary to one of the channels on the two prefabricated panels.

-4 [0010] In some embodiments, the connecting assembly can comprise at least one fourth connecting assemble used to joint four prefabricated panels arranged at an interval of 90 degrees, which connecting assembly comprises a central column and four intermediate members fixedly connected to the central column at 90 degrees interval with each intermediate member being configured into a shape complementary to one of the channels on the two prefabricated panels. [0011] Each of the two jamb members can comprise a first channeled stud member including a web portion and two flange portions coupled to the web portion to form a first side channel; a second channeled stud member including a web portion and two flange portions coupled to the web portion to form a second side channel; the web portion of the first channeled stub can be fixedly connected to the web portion of the second channeled stub such that the first side channel faces opposite to the second side channel; the flanged portions of the first channeled stud member of the second channeled stud member are provided with aligned holes for fastening one of the connecting assemblies; and the two jams are received in and fixedly connected to a channel of the upper channel member at their top ends and are received in and fixedly connected to a channel of the lower channel member at their bottom ends. [0012] The central column in at least one of the connecting assemblies comprising a lower tube and an intermediate tube inserted downwards into and fixedly connected with the lower tube. In some embodiments, the central column can further comprise an upper tube connected to the intermediate tube. In some embodiments, the system can further comprise a roof structure mounted on the connecting assemblies by extending at least a portion of the upper tube of each connecting assembly through the roof such that the roof forms a building -5 foundation of an upper story of the building and the upper tubes form lower tubes of the central columns for the connecting assemblies for the upper story. [0013] The side edges of the front board as well as the side edges of the rear board can be aligned with the vertical edges of the jambs respectively. [0014] In some embodiments, the upper channel member can comprise a web portion and two flanges portions extended from the web portion, wherein the web portion can be coped for receiving a first end portion of the first channel stud of each jamb so that the flange portions of the upper channel member are positioned exterior to the first end portion of the first channel stud of each jamb; and the lower channel member can comprise a web portion and two flanges portions extended from the web portion, wherein the web portion can be coped for receiving a second end portion of the first channel stud of each jamb so that the flange portions of the lower channel member are positioned exterior to the second end portion of the first channel stud of each jamb. [0015] The light gauge steel frame of at least one prefabricated panels can be provide with conduits for fitting in electric piping and or water piping, and the front board can be provided with openings for accessing the inlet and outlet of each conduit. [0016] In preferred embodiments, each conduit can comprise a pair of connecting wings threaded fastened to a block fixedly attached on an inner surface of the rear board. [0017] In some embodiments, the system can further comprise thermal insulation material filled in vacancies between the light gauge steel frame and the front board or the rear board.

-6 [0018] In preferred embodiment, the prefabricated steel structural building system can further comprises reinforcement ribs connected within the main body. The reinforcement ribs can comprise at least one of at least one lateral reinforcement rib arranged in parallel with the upper channel member and the lower channel member and at least one vertical reinforcement rib arranged in parallel with the two jambs. In preferred embodiments, the lateral reinforcement rib can comprise a web portion and two flanges elevated along the edges of the web portion to form a channel; wherein both ends of the lateral reinforcement rib can be coped for receiving the jambs so that the flanges of the reinforcement rib can be positioned exterior to the jambs. [0019] In preferred embodiments, the channel of the lateral reinforcement rib in a window opening or a door opening can be oriented such that the web portion of the rib forms a lateral surface of the windowing opening or the door opening; [0020] In preferred embodiments, the vertical reinforcement rib can comprise a web portion and two flanges elevated along the edges of the web portion to form a channel; in more preferred embodiments, both ends of the vertical reinforcement rib can be coped for receiving at least one of the upper channel member, the lower channel member and another reinforcement rib so that the flanges of the reinforcement rib can be positioned exterior to at least one of the upper channel member, the lower channel member and another reinforcement rib. [0021] In preferred embodiments, the channel of the vertical reinforcement rib in a window opening or a door opening can be oriented such that the web portion of the rib forms a vertical surface of the windowing opening or the door opening.

-7 [0022] Another aspect of the present invention directs to method for constructing any of the prefabricated steel structural building systems mentioned above. The method can comprise the steps of forming a building foundation; laying and fixing a plurality of connecting bolt sets on the building foundation according to a building pattern; connecting a plurality of connecting assemblies to the connecting bolt sets according to the building pattern; and installing prefabricated panels between two adjacent connecting assemblies via the connecting assemblies and the channels on the sides of the prefabricated panel complementary to the connecting assemblies according to the building pattern to form a building structure. [0023] Advantages of this invention: The invention of prefabricated steel structural building construction system is capable to modularize the wall and decentralize which makes it easier for transportation and reduces the waste and noise generated by the on-site panel cutting. As different loads required, the light gauge steel frame, which is made of cold-formed thin-wall steel, is very easy to adjust integration form and easily adapts to different loads. This system, which enables the internal insulation board and external structural board to prefabricate within the factory, can reduce on-site construction. This system also enables the layout of water and electricity pipes channel to be completed within the factory. Moreover, doors and windows can be installed within the factory. With the recited three reasons, this system can achieve higher industrialization. If insulation material is filled in the prefabricated panel, the panel itself will become insulated. Description of drawings [0024] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a prefabricated panel according to one embodiment of the invention; -8 [0025] Figure 2 is a partial section view of the prefabricated panel in Figure 1; [0026] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the prefabrication panel with illustration of the installation of the water and electric pipes; [0027] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a light gauge steel frame for the prefabricated wall panel according to one embodiment of the invention; [0028] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a light gauge steel frame for a prefabricated panel with opening for fitting in a window subassembly according to a first embodiment of the invention; [0029] Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a light gauge steel frame for a prefabricated panel with opening for fitting in a door subassembly according to an embodiment of the invention; [0030] Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of a light gauge steel frame for a prefabricated panel with opening for fitting in a window subassembly according to a second embodiment of the invention; [0031] Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of a light gauge steel frame for a prefabricated panel with opening for fitting in a window subassembly according to a third embodiment of the invention; -9 [0032] Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a light gauge steel frame of a prefabricated panel with the front board, the rear board and the windows subassembly installed according to an embodiment of the invention; [0033] Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of a first connecting component according to an embodiment of the invention; [0034] Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of a second connecting component according to an embodiment of the invention; [0035] Figure 12 illustrates the structure of a third connecting component according to an embodiment of the invention. [0036] Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of a fourth connecting components according to an embodiment of the invention. [0037] Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of an equivalent variation of the third connecting component in Figure 12; [0038] Figure 15 is a schematic illustration of an assembly of the prefabricated panel in Figure 1 and the connecting components. [0039] Figure 16 is a schematic illustration of a framework of the prefabricated steel structural building system according to an embodiment of the invention. [0040] Figure 17 is a schematic illustration of another framework of the prefabricated steel structural building system according to an embodiment of the invention.

-10 Description of the preferred embodiments [0041] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, prefabricated panels in the present invention are developed from those disclosed in Chinese Patent publication CN 103015623A, which is incorporated by reference as if set forth herein in its entirety, especially by providing prefabricated panels with opening for fitting in window subassembly, prefabricated panels with opening for fitting in door subassembly and prefabricated wall panels to satisfy different requirements of various building structures. Specifically, according to embodiments of the present invention as illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, a prefabricated panel according to a first embodiment of the invention includes a light gauge steel frame 1, a front board 2a and a rear board 2b. The light gauge steel frame 1 is a rectangular shaped frame formed by an upper channel member 13a, a lower channel member 13b, and tow jambs, i.e. a left jamb and a right jamb, fixedly connected to the upper channel member 13a and the lower channel member 13b for example by self-tapping screws. The left jamb includes an external stud member 11 a and an internal stud member 12a connected back to back and similarly a right jamb includes an external stud member 11 b and an internal stud member 12b connected back to back. Here, the internal stud member is the one facing inwards whereas the external stud member is the one facing outwards. [0042] To facilitate assembly of the prefabricated panel using self-tapping screws and to facilitate connection of the prefabricated panel to various connecting components, the external stud members 11 a, 11 b of the left and right jambs, the upper channel member 13a and the lower member 13b are all steel with U-shaped profile in cross section, or U-shaped steel in short. The internal stud members 1 2a, 1 2b of the left and right side frames are steel with either U-shaped or C-shaped cross section, or U-shaped steel or C-shaped steel in short. The - 11 channels of upper and lower channel members 13a, 13b are facing opposite to each other as receiving channels for the jambs. The channels of the external studs 11 a, 11 b are facing leftward and rightward respectively for mating with connecting components. Ends of the internal stud members 12a, 12b are received in the respective channels of the upper and lower channel members 13a, 13b and are fixedly connected thereto for example by self-tapping screws. The fastening of the internal stud member 12a and the upper channel member 13a is completed by progressing a self-tapping screw into a front flange of the upper channel member 13a and a front flange of the external stud member 12a, and progressing another self-tapping screw into a rear flange of the upper channel member 13a and a rear flange of the internal stud member 12a. By progressing a self-tapping screw successively into the web portions of the external stud member 11 a and the internal stud member 12a and by progressing a self tapping screw successfully through the web portions of the external stud member 11 b and the internal stud member 12b, the external stud members 11 a, 11 b are fixedly connected to the internal stud members 12a, 12b respectively. [0043] Moreover, the front and rear flanges of the external stud members 11 a, 11 b can be provided with installing holes, i.e. holes for the bolts to pass through, which are aligned to each other for attaching to connecting components. The front and rear boards 2a, 2b are laid on the light gauge steel frame 1 as the front and rear surfaces of the frame 1 and are fixedly connected to the reinforcement ribs by self-tapping screws. The front and rear boards 2a, 2b of the prefabricated panel are laid on their front surface and the structure in Figure 4 can be used as the structure of the light gauge steel frame 1. As illustrated in Figures 5, 7, and 8, openings for fitting in window subassemblies A3 and/or A4, A2, A5 are reserved on the front and rear boards 2a, 2b and the light gauge steel frame 1 of a prefabricated panel, in addition, openings -12 which are vertically aligned with the opening A5 can also be reserved as opening for fitting in window subassemblies if required. As illustrated in Figure 6, openings for fitting in door subassembly Al are reserved on the front and rear boards and the light gauge steel frame 1 of another prefabricated panel. As shown in Figure 5 to Figure 8, the light gauge steel frame is covered by the front and rear boards except the openings reserved. This can be achieved by cutting off portions corresponding to the reserved openings from the whole piece of plate or by jointing together small board pieces. In Figure 9, structure of a prefabricated panel with opening reserved for window subassembly based on the light gauge steel frame in Figure 7 is depicted. For matching the light gauge steel frame 1, the front and rear boards 2a, 2b can be lightweight sheet material, such as magnesium oxide board, fiber cement board, OSB board and plaster board. [0044] Light gauge steel frame and lightweight plates have been well defined in "Technical specification for lightweight residential buildings of steel structure", i.e., a light gauge steel frame refers to an unbraced frame system or a braced frame system formed by small section hot-rolled H-beam, high-frequency welded H beam, ordinarily welded H beam or special shaped H beam, and rectangular or round steel tubes formed by cold or hot rolling. A lightweight panel herein refers to a board or a panel formed from materials that have a dry density equals or less than 50% of traditional building materials, such as steel reinforced concrete. [0045] The front board 2a and the rear board 2b can be dimensioned such that the left edge and the right edge of the front board 2a is aligned with the respective vertical edge of the front flanges of external stud members 11 a and 11 b, and that the left edge and the right edge of the rear board 2b can be aligned with the respective vertical edge of the rear flanges of the -13 external stud members 11 a and 11 b. Here, the front board 2a and the rear board 2b can also be dimensioned to be extended or retracted slightly with respect to the external stud members 11a, 11b. [0046] The reinforcement rib can be designed based on the types of the prefabricated panel as long as functionalities such as supporting and fixing the front and rear boards 2a, 2b, as well as reserving openings as required, can be satisfied. As illustrated in Figures 4 to 8, the reinforcement ribs can include at least one lateral reinforcement rib 14 arranged parallel to the upper channel member 13a and the lower channel members 3b and/or at least one vertical reinforcement rib 15 arranged parallel to the left jamb and the right jamb. The lateral reinforcement rib can be U-shaped steel which is of same type as the upper channel member 13a and the lower channel member 13b. In the illustrated embodiment, each end of this lateral reinforcement rib is provided with a notch for receiving the left and right side jambs so that the front and rear flanges of the lateral reinforcement rib lies in front of and behind the left and right jambs respectively and then the lateral reinforcement rib is fixedly connected to the internal stud members 12a, 12b of left and right side jambs by self-tapping screws. The U channel of a lateral reinforcement rib that forming a surface of an opening for fitting in a window subassembly or a door subassembly is facing a direction that allows its web portion exposes outwardly so that the U channel is concealed by the front and rear boards 2a, 2b. [0047] The vertical reinforcement rib 15 can be either U-shaped steel or C-shaped steel which is the same as that used for the internal stud members 12a, 12b. Some vertical reinforcement ribs 15 are received in respectively in the upper or lower channel members 13a, 13b at their ends and some are received in channels of two lateral reinforcement ribs 14 at their ends according to the desired design pattern, and are fixedly connected to the channels - 14 they are received by self-tapping screws. In some designs, lateral reinforcement ribs may intersects with vertical reinforcement ribs in which case the web of the lateral reinforcement rib 14 will be coped with an opening to allow the vertical reinforcement rib to pass through. Similarly, The U channel of a vertical reinforcement rib that forming a surface of an opening for fitting in a window subassembly or a door subassembly is facing a direction that allows its web portion exposes outwardly so that the U channel is concealed by the front and rear boards 2a, 2b. [0048] As depicted in Figure 4, a reinforcement rib described herein can also be an angularly arranged bracing reinforcement rib 16. The ends of the rib are received in the upper and lower channel members 13a, 13b respectively and are fixedly connected thereto 13a 13b by self-tapping screws, if the rib 16 is braced as a whole. The web portion of a lateral reinforcement rib or a vertical reinforcement rib which intersects with the bracing reinforcement rib should be coped to form an opening for the bracing reinforcement rib 16. [0049] As depicted in Figures 2 to 3, conduits 4 for accommodating electric wire running pipes and water pipes are provided within predetermined areas of the light gauge steel frame 1. Inlets and outlets of the pipes are provided on the front board to facilitate attachment of electrical and plumbing terminals. As a result, electric wires running pipes and plumbing pipes can be fitted on site without damaging the prefabricated panels. It is preferable that the pipes are fixed in the conduits 4. In one example, the pipes can comprise connecting wings 42 through which the pipes can be fastened to a block secured on the interior surface of the rear board 2b by bolt and nut.

-15 [0050] A plurality of lattice regions separated by reinforcement ribs within the enclosure of the light gauge steel frame 1, the front panel 2a and the rear panel 2b can be filled with thermo insulation materials, such as EPS, rockwool, glass cotton and/or polyurethane foam, to provide the prefabricated board with capabilities of warm keeping, heat insulation and sound proof. [0051] The prefabricated panels according to various embodiments of the present invention described above can be joined by connecting components illustrated in Figures 10 to 13. The connecting components are basically categorized into four types for connecting prefabricated panels into different patterns and all of them share a common feature that they all comprise a central column. In one embodiment of the present invention, the central column is a unitary tube, in more preferred embodiments, however, the central column comprises a lower tube with a base portion, and an intermediate tube 6 fixedly connected to the lower tube. The central column can have a cross section of rectangular, square, round, and any symmetrical polygonal shape. A combination of connecting components can be selected from the exemplary embodiments as specified below during assembly according to requirements of various architectural layouts. [0052] A connecting component of a first type, or a first connecting component, is shown in Figure 10, which can be used to connect two laterally aligned prefabricated panels laid in a same plane. As illustrated by Figure 10, the central column 6 is braced by two U shaped channels of a pair of external stud members facing one another and is fixedly connected to the external stud members by a bolt and nut set via aligned through holes provided on the central column and the flanges of the external stud members. Additionally, the first connecting component can be further provided with two intermediate members 7 fixedly connect to two opposite sidewalls of the central column. The two intermediate members are received in the U- -16 shaped channels of the external stud members in the corresponding prefabricated panels and are fixedly connected thereto by bolt and nut set 5 via aligned through holes on the flanges of the external stud members. The intermediate member 7 can be, e.g. C-shaped steel as shown in Figures 11, 12 and 13. [0053] The channel of C-shaped steel can be arranged to face inwardly to the prefabricated panel as depicted in Figures 11 to 13 or to face outwardly. Where it is arranged to face inwardly, the C shaped steel should be welded to the central column 6, whereas when it is arranged to face outwardly, the C shaped steel can be connected to the rectangular tube by bolt and nut sets or by self-tapping screws. If bolt and nut sets are employed, the same bolt and nut sets that used to connect the intermediate tube and the lower tube of a central column can be used. U shaped steel can also be used as intermediate member for which outwardly facing channel is a regular selection. Although no special requirement is intend to be applied here on the structure of the intermediate members, it is important that they are capable of being received in the external stud members 11 a 11 b of the prefabricated panel and are feasible for being connected thereto. [0054] Connecting component of a second type 2, or a second connecting component, as depicted in Figure 11 is used to connect two prefabricated panels laid perpendicular to each other, i.e., in "L" shape. The connecting component of the second type may also include two intermediate members 7 which are fixedly connected to two adjacent side walls of the central column 6. As illustrated in Figure 15, the two intermediate members 7 are received in the U shaped channels of the external stud members on the respective panels and are fixedly connected to the external stud members via aligned holes on the intermediate member 7 and holes on the external stud members by bolt and nut sets.

-17 [0055] Connecting component of a third type 3, or a third connecting component as depicted in Figure 12, is used to connect together three prefabricated panels which are laid in T shape, i.e. thee prefabricated panels arranged in 90 degree intervals. The connecting component of the third type comprises three intermediate members fixedly connected to three side walls of the central column. The three intermediate members are received in the U shaped channels of the external stud members on the corresponding prefabricated panels and are fixedly connected to the external stud members via aligned through holes on the intermediate members and holes on the external stud members on the prefabricated panels by bolt and nut sets. [0056] Connecting component of a fourth type 4 or a fourth connecting component, as depicted in Figure 13, is used to connect together four prefabricated panels laid in 90 degree intervals. The connecting component further includes four intermediate members which are fixedly connected to four side walls of the central column. The four intermediate members are received in the U shaped channels of the external stud members on the corresponding prefabricated panels and are fixedly connected to the external stud members via aligned through holes provided on the connecting profiles and holes on the external stud member by bolt and nut sets. [0057] A possible variant of the connecting component of the third type is illustrated in Figure 14 in which a profiled connecting component is shown. The profiled connecting component has the same section as that for the assembly of the central column 6 and the intermediate members 7. As there is no substantive difference between the two, the profiled connecting component can therefore be understood as a direct modification of the rectangular tube and connecting steel assembly described above.

-18 [0058] In addition, individual rooms can be constructed via the building system according to this invention. For example, an integrally installed bathroom or kitchen unit, as depicted in Figure 17, can be formed by assembling certain prefabricated panels together into an individual space and then applying interior decoration and/or sanitary wares. [0059] In order to construct a prefabricated steel structural building system of the invention, a building foundation is laid out at first, connecting bolt sets are then laid and fixed on the building foundation at positions corresponding to external walls and internal partition walls of a building according to a building layout design. In preferred embodiments of the invention, each connecting bolt set may include four connecting bolts arranged on vertices of a rectangle which pass through four clearance holes on the base of the lower tube for a central column of a connecting component and then engage with nuts. By such means the lower tube of the central column is fixed on the building foundation. Other portions of the connecting component, e.g. intermediate tube 6 and intermediate members 7, can then be assembled to the bottom central rectangular tube by bolt nut arrangements and/or self-tapping screws. After all the required connecting components are installed, the prefabricated panels can be installed onto corresponded positions according to the layout design of the building so that a building frame, such as that depicted in Figure 16, can be formed. [0060] If a single story building is desired, a roof subassembly can be directly laid on the building frame formed. If however a multi-story building is desired, it is required that upper tubes 3 as depicted in Figures 10, 12 and 13 are provided and inserted into the intermediate tubes 6 and are then fixedly connected with the intermediate tubes by bolt and nut set. Correspondingly, the roof subassembly is configured such that the upper tubes are extendable through the roof subassembly after the roof is affixed. As a result, the upper tubes can then be -19 used the lower tubes of a next storey of the building frame and roof subassembly can then the used as the building foundation of the next storey of the building frame. For connecting components of certain types, the connection of the intermediate tube 6, the intermediate members 7 and the upper tube 3 can be achieved by the same bolt and nut set. [0061] The building foundation mentioned above refers to the junction layer between the building and the soil layer. A variety of building foundation forms can be selected, such as a common raft foundation, or an off-ground foundation as depicted in Figure 16. Designer can select the appropriate building foundation according to specific needs of a customer. [0062] The specific configurations, choice of materials, and the size and shape of various elements can be varied according to particular design specifications or constraints requiring a device, system, or method constructed according to the principles of the invention. The presently disclosed embodiments, therefore, are considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims (12)

1. A prefabricated steel structural building construction system, comprising a plurality of connecting bolt sets laid on and fixedly connected to of a building foundation at predetermined positions according to a building pattern; a plurality of upright arranged connecting assemblies fixedly connected to the connecting bolt sets; and a plurality of prefabricated panels, wherein each prefabricated panel provided with a channel along a respective side of the prefabricated panel, which is in a shape that complementary to the contour of the connecting assembly such that the prefabricated panel adaptive to be coupled to a pair of connecting assemblies.

2. The prefabricated steel structural building construction system of claim 1, wherein, the prefabricated panel comprising a light gauge steel frame comprising a main body formed by two jamb members connected to an upper channel member and a lower channel member arrange opposed to one another; a front board laid on and fixedly connected to a front surface of the light gauge steel frame; and, a rear board laid on and fixedly connected to a rear surface of the light gauge steel frame; wherein at least one of the prefabricated panels is provided with at least one window opening for installing at least one window subassembly; and - 21 wherein at least one of the prefabricated panel is provided with at least one door opening for installing at least one door subassembly.

3. The prefabricated steel structural building construction system of claim 1, wherein, the connecting assembly comprising at least one first connecting assembly used to joint two laterally laid prefabricated panels, which connecting assembly comprises a central column in a shape complementary to the channels extend along an edge of the respective prefabricated panels; or comprises a central column and two intermediate members fixed to a respective side of the central column with each intermediate member being configured into a shape complementary to one of the channels on the two prefabricated panels; at least one second connecting assembly used to joint two perpendicularly arranged prefabricated panels, which connecting assembly comprises a central column and two intermediate members fixedly connected to the central column in an right angle with each intermediate member being configured into a shape complementary to one of the channels on the two prefabricated panels; at least one third connecting assembly used to joint three prefabricated panel arranged in T shape, which connecting assembly comprises a central column and three intermediate members fixedly connected to the central column at 90 degree intervals with each intermediate member being configured into a shape complementary to one of the channels on the two prefabricated panels; at least one fourth connecting assemble used to joint four prefabricated panels arranged at an interval of 90 degrees, which connecting assembly comprises a central column and four intermediate members fixedly connected to the central column at 90 degrees interval - 22 with each intermediate member being configured into a shape complementary to one of the channels on the two prefabricated panels.

4. The prefabricated steel structural building construction system of claim 1, wherein each of the two jamb members comprising a first channeled stud member including a web portion and two flange portions coupled to the web portion to form a first side channel; a second channeled stud member including a web portion and two flange portions coupled to the web portion to form a second side channel; the web portion of the first channeled stub is fixedly connected to the web portion of the second channeled stub such that the first side channel faces opposite to the second side channel; wherein the flanged portions of the first channeled stud member of the second channeled stud member are provided with aligned holes for fastening one of the connecting assemblies; and wherein the two jams are received in and fixedly connected to a channel of the upper channel member at their top ends and are received in and fixedly connected to a channel of the lower channel member at their bottom ends.

5. The prefabricated steel structural building construction system of claim 1, wherein central column in at least one of the connecting assemblies comprising a lower tube and an intermediate tube inserted downwards into and fixedly connected with the lower tube; wherein the central column further comprising an upper tube connected to the intermediate tube; and, the system further comprising a roof structure mounted on the connecting - 23 assemblies by extending at least a portion of the upper tube of each connecting assembly through the roof such that the roof forms a building foundation of an upper story of the building and the upper tubes form lower tubes of the central columns for the connecting assemblies for the upper story.

6. The prefabricated steel structural building system of Claim 1, wherein the side edges of the front board as well as the side edges of the rear board is aligned with the vertical edges of the jambs respectively.

7. The prefabricated steel structural building system of Claim 1, wherein the upper channel member comprises a web portion and two flanges portions extended from the web portion, wherein the web portion is coped for receiving a first end portion of the first channel stud of each jamb so that the flange portions of the upper channel member are positioned exterior to the first end portion of the first channel stud of each jamb; and wherein the lower channel member comprises a web portion and two flanges portions extended from the web portion, wherein the web portion is coped for receiving a second end portion of the first channel stud of each jamb so that the flange portions of the lower channel member are positioned exterior to the second end portion of the first channel stud of each jamb.

8. The prefabricated steel structural building system of Claim 1, wherein the light gauge steel frame of at least one prefabricated panels is provide with conduits for fitting in electric piping and or water piping, and the front board is provided with openings for accessing the inlet and outlet of each conduit. - 24

9. The prefabricated steel structural building system of Claim 8, wherein each conduit comprises a pair of connecting wings threaded fastened to a block fixedly attached on an inner surface of the rear board.

10. The prefabricated steel structural building system of Claim 1, wherein further comprises thermal insulation material filled in vacancies between the light gauge steel frame and the front board or the rear board.

11. The prefabricated steel structural building system of Claim 1, further comprising reinforcement ribs connected within the main body; wherein the reinforcement ribs comprises at least one of at least one lateral reinforcement rib arranged in parallel with the upper channel member and the lower channel member and at least one vertical reinforcement rib arranged in parallel with the two jambs; wherein the lateral reinforcement rib comprises a web portion and two flanges elevated along the edges of the web portion to form a channel; wherein both ends of the lateral reinforcement rib are coped for receiving the jambs so that the flanges of the reinforcement rib is positioned exterior to the jambs; wherein the channel of the lateral reinforcement rib in a window opening or a door opening is oriented such that the web portion of the rib forms a lateral surface of the windowing opening or the door opening; wherein the vertical reinforcement rib comprises a web portion and two flanges elevated along the edges of the web portion to form a channel; wherein both ends of the vertical reinforcement rib are coped for receiving at least one of the upper channel member, the lower channel member and another reinforcement rib so that the flanges of the reinforcement rib is positioned exterior to at least one of the upper channel member, the lower - 25 channel member and another reinforcement rib; wherein the channel of the vertical reinforcement rib in a window opening or a door opening is oriented such that the web portion of the rib forms a vertical surface of the windowing opening or the door opening.

12. A method for constructing the prefabricated steel structural building system of any of claims 1 to 11, comprising the steps of forming a building foundation; laying and fixing a plurality of connecting bolt sets on the building foundation according to a building pattern; connecting a plurality of connecting assemblies to the connecting bolt sets according to the building pattern; and installing prefabricated panels between two adjacent connecting assemblies via the connecting assemblies and the channels on the sides of the prefabricated panel complementary to the connecting assemblies according to the building pattern to form a building structure.