AU2017248411A1 - Method for erecting a portal frame - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for erecting a portal frame. The method includes the steps of securing a base member to a foundation; securing a beam to a hinge plate, securing the hinge plate to the base member, and pivoting the beam from a recumbent position to an upstanding position. 3396431vl ||4 22 -2 '130 2R7'l''l1

Description

Method for Erecting a Portal Frame

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a method for erecting a portal frame. In particular, the invention relates, but is not limited, to a method for erecting a portal frame and an associated hinge assembly.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge.

[0003] Portal frame construction is a method of building and designing structures, primarily using steel or steel-reinforced precast concrete although they can also be constructed using timber. The connections between the columns and the rafters are designed to be moment-resistant, i.e. they can carry bending forces.

[0004] A portal frame can be defined as a continuous or rigid frame which has the characteristic of a rigid or restrained joint between the supporting member and the spanning member.

[0005] The object of this continuity of the portal frame is to reduce the bending moment in the spanning member by allowing the frame to act as one structural unit, thus distributing the loads and stresses throughout the frame.

[0006] Portal frames have now become a common form of enclosure for spans of 20 to 60 m. Because of these very strong and rigid joints, some of the bending moment in the rafters is transferred to the columns. This means that the size of the rafters can be reduced or the span can be increased for the same size rafters. This makes portal frames a suitable technique to use for wide span buildings.

[0007] Portal frame construction is therefore typically seen in warehouses, barns and other places where large, open spaces are required at low cost. However, due to their size, it can be difficult to erect a structure quickly and efficiently.

[0008] Furthermore, the primary steel frame is typically bolted directly into the foundation requiring the use of multiple cranes to elevate construction workers to suitable heights to complete the construction of the frame.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is an aim of this invention to provide a method for erecting portal frames and a hinge assembly which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful alternative.

[0010] Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In another form, the invention resides in a method for erecting a portal frame, the method comprising: securing a base member to a foundation; securing a beam to a hinge plate, securing the hinge plate to the base member; and pivoting the beam from a recumbent position to an upstanding position.

[0012] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of pivoting a plurality of beams from a recumbent position to an upstanding position, wherein each of the plurality of beams is secured to a hinge plate pivotably connected to a base member and wherein the plurality of beams are connected.

[0013] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of securing the base member, the hinge plate and the beam together to prevent the hinge plate from pivoting further.

[0014] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of securing a plurality of bracing members extending between two beams.

[0015] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of securing a structural fascia to the bracing members.

[0016] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of securing joists between two bracing members.

[0017] Preferably, the method further comprises securing purlins between two bracing members.

[0018] In another form, the invention resides in a hinge assembly for a portal frame comprising: a base member secured to a foundation; a hinge member secured to a beam; and a coupling connecting the base member and the hinge member, the hinge member being rotatable relative to the base member about an axis.

[0019] Preferably, the coupling includes two substantially parallel flanges extending from the base member, each of the parallel flanges having at least one aperture. Preferably, the at least one aperture of each of the two parallel flanges are axially aligned.

[0020] Preferably, each of the base member and the hinge member include at least one aperture for receiving a securing means.

[0021] Preferably, the at least one apertures of the base member and the hinge member are aligned.

[0022] Preferably, the hinge assembly further comprises a pivot pin extending through the axially aligned apertures of the two parallel flanges for securing the hinge member.

[0023] Preferably, the pivot pin is integrally formed with the hinge member.

[0024] Preferably, the base member is substantially square.

[0025] Preferably, the foundation is a concrete foundation.

[0026] Preferably, the hinge member pivots about the pivot pin.

[0027] Preferably, the hinge assembly comprises metal.

[0028] Preferably, the beam is welded to the hinge plate.

[0029] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: [0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the hinge assembly shown in FIG. 1 secured to a foundation and a beam; [0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the hinge assembly secured to a foundation and beam shown in FIG. 2; [0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the hinge assembly shown in FIG. 1; [0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the underside of the hinge assembly shown in FIG. 1; [0036] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the hinge assembly shown in FIG. 1; [0037] FIG. 7 illustrates an end view of the hinge assembly shown in FIG. 1; [0038] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative end view of the hinge assembly shown in FIG. 1; [0039] FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the base plate of the hinge assembly shown in FIG. 1; [0040] FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the hinge plate of the hinge assembly shown in FIG. 1; [0041] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the hinge bracket of the hinge assembly shown in FIG. 1; [0042] FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of the hinge plate shown in FIG. 1 secured to a foundation and a beam; [0043] FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of the foundation shown in FIG. 2; [0044] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of steel portal frames connected to the hinge plate shown in FIG. 1; [0045] FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of the steel portal frames connected to the hinge plate shown in FIG. 14; [0046] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of steel portal frames shown in FIG. 14 with a structural fascia attached; [0047] FIG. 17 illustrates a crane lifting the portal frame shown in FIG. 16 into an erect position; [0048] FIG. 18 illustrates the erected portal frame; and [0049] FIG. 19 illustrates the erected portal frame of FIG. 18 fitted with LVL floor joists and roof purlins.

[0050] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that minor deviations from the symmetrical layout of components as illustrated in the drawings will not detract from the proper functioning of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a hinge assembly 10 for portal frame system 500 (shown in FIG. 19). The hinge assembly 10 has a base plate 100 and a hinge plate 200 pivotably secured together.

[0052] The base plate 100 has a square body 110 with two hinge brackets 120 extending substantially perpendicularly from the body 110 of the base plate 100. At least one of the hinge brackets 120 can be integrally formed with the body 110. The body 110 further includes a plurality of apertures 112, 114.

[0053] The hinge plate 200 has a substantially rectangular body 210 with a pivot pin 220 connected along an edge of the body 210.

[0054] The body 210 of the hinge plate 200 further includes a plurality of apertures 212. The apertures 212 of the hinge plate 200 align with the apertures of the base plate 100 to allow bolts or other securing means (not shown) to be passed through the apertures 112, 212. The securing means secure the hinge assembly 10 to a concrete foundation 300 (shown in FIG. 2)- [0055] Each hinge bracket 120 has an aperture 122 aligned with an opposing aperture on the opposite hinge bracket 120. The hinge brackets 120 receive the pivot pin 220 and keep the hinge plate from moving other than pivoting about the pivot pin 220.

[0056] As can be seen, the hinge plate 200 further includes four engaging members 230 for engaging a plate 410 connected to an beam 400 (shown in FIG 2).

[0057] FIG. 2 illustrates an assembled portal frame hinging system 20. The hinging system 20 includes the hinge assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1, a foundation 300 and a beam 400.

[0058] Furthermore, the beam 400 is attached to a plate 410. The plate 410 includes two apertures 412 which align with apertures 112, 212 of the base plate 100 and hinge plate 200, respectively. Additional bolts (not shown) are the inserted through apertures 112, 212, 412 to secure the beam 400 and plate 410 to the hinge assembly 10 and to prevent the hinge assembly 10 from moving.

[0059] The plate 410 also includes four apertures 430 which align with the protruding engaging members 230.

[0060] As shown, the hinge assembly 10 is secured to the foundation 300 by bolts 214 that are inserted through apertures 114.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 3, the hinge assembly 10 sits slightly elevated, approximately 200mm, off the foundation 300 once bolted into place.

[0062] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the hinge assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the pivot pin 220 extends beyond the edges of the body 210 to prevent the hinge plate 200 from being removed from the hinge brackets 120.

[0063] FIG. 5-12 illustrates various view of the hinge assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1. As can be seen, the plurality of apertures 112 extend through the body 110 to allow bolts, or other securing means, to pass through the apertures 112 for securing the hinge assembly 10 to a foundation.

[0064] FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of the foundation 300 shown in FIG. 2. The foundation 300 includes threaded holes 314 for receiving securing bolts (not shown) which extend through apertures 114 of the base plate 100 to secure the hinge assembly 10 to the foundation 300.

[0065] Turning to FIG. 14-16, construction of a portal frame 501 of the portal frame system 500 takes place on the ground with hinged base plates 10 attached to the foundations 300 and a structural angle fascia 510 that is connected to bracing members 505 and pivots at the top of the beams 400.

[0066] Construction of each individual portal frame 501 includes foundations 300 being boarded and steel reinforcement (not shown) being placed to suit the hinge assembly 10.

[0067] Steel portal frames 501 are bolted together and connected to the hinge plate 200 with the first frame elevated at approximately 15 degrees. The remaining frames 501are then bolted together on top of each preceding frame 501.

[0068] The structural fascia 510 is bolted to the top of the frames 500 with only one bolt (not shown) in each connection on both sides of the frames 501. A second bolt (not shown) is then placed in each connection once each frame 501 is in an upstanding position.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 17 and 18, the frame system 500 can then be raised by using a crane 600. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the portal frame system 500 can be raised by any other suitable means, such as a winch attached to the top of the first frame.

[0070] Once the portal frame system 500 is erected, as shown in FIG. 18,the frame 500 is then braced by bracing members 505.

[0071] Advantageously, only one type of frame is required as all frames are parallel for ease of construction.

[0072] Secondary bolts (not shown) are then placed in hinge plates 200 and structural fascia 510. Minimal bracing is required during construction once the secondary bolts are in.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 19, the LVL floor joists 520 are then fixed between the flanges (not shown) of the bracing members 505 into position using baton screws (not shown) in pre-drilled holes provided at 450mm centres. A plywood floor (not shown) can also then be laid.

[0074] The LVL purlins 530 are then placed similarly to the LVL floor joists 520 but at 900mm centres. Following this stage, timber batons and roof sheeting (not shown) can be installed.

[0075] Wall framing (not shown) can subsequently be erected and bracing ply (not shown) installed.

[0076] A particularly advantageous feature of the invention is that the hinge assembly allows a structure to be assembled on the ground and then subsequently erected using a winch or crane.

[0077] Advantageously, the hinge assembly and method allows for frames to be erected simultaneously via a hinge plate system which links all frames via outriggers. This allows for the frames to be winched into position using an on ground pulley system or crane.

[0078] Further advantageously, the method allows provides improved efficiency as all materials can be prefabricated off site. As a result, the system is ideal for use in remote and regional areas.

[0079] An advantage of the hinge assembly described can be mounted easier and more convenient to use than directly bolting a steel frame into a foundation.

[0080] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc.

[0081] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

[0082] In this specification, the terms ‘comprises’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’, or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

Claims (20)

1. A method for erecting a portal frame, the method comprising the steps of: securing a base member to a foundation; securing a beam to a hinge plate; securing the hinge plate to the base member; and pivoting the beam from a recumbent position to an upstanding position.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of pivoting a plurality of beams from a recumbent position to an upstanding position, wherein each of the plurality of beams is secured to a hinge plate pivotably connected to a base member and wherein the plurality of beams are connected.

3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising the step of securing the base member, the hinge plate and the beam together to prevent the hinge plate from pivoting further.

4. The method of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising the step of securing a plurality of bracing members extending between two beams.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of securing a structural fascia to the bracing members.

6. The method of claim 4 or claim 5, further comprising the step of securing one or more joists between two bracing members.

7. The method of any one of claims 4-6, further comprising the step of securing one or more purlins between two bracing members.

8. A hinge assembly for a portal frame, the hinge assembly comprising: a base member secured to a foundation; a hinge member secured to a beam; and a coupling connecting the base member and the hinge member, the hinge member being rotatable relative to the base member about an axis.

9. The hinge assembly of claim 8, further comprising the coupling having two substantially parallel flanges extending from the base member.

10. The hinge assembly of claim 9, further comprising each of the two substantially parallel flanges having an aperture.

11. The hinge assembly of claim 10, wherein the apertures of each of the two substantially parallel flanges are axially aligned.

12. The hinge assembly of claim 11, further comprising each of the base member and the hinge member having an aperture for receiving a securing means.

13. The hinge assembly of claim 12, wherein the aperture of the base member is axially aligned with the aperture of the hinge member.

14. The hinge assembly of claim 11, further comprising a pivot pin extending through the axially aligned apertures of the two parallel flanges for securing the hinge member.

15. The hinge assembly of claim 14, wherein the pivot pin is integrally formed with the hinge member.

16. The hinge assembly of any one of claims 8-15, wherein the base member is substantially square.

17. The hinge assembly of any one of claims 8-16, wherein the foundation is a concrete foundation.

18. The hinge assembly of any one of claims 8-17, wherein the hinge member pivots about the pivot pin.

19. The hinge assembly of any one of claims 8-18, wherein the hinge assembly is metal.

20. The hinge assembly of any one of claims 8-19, wherein the beam is welded to the hinge plate.