AU2019204213A1

AU2019204213A1 - Column and wall panel

Info

Publication number: AU2019204213A1
Application number: AU2019204213A
Authority: AU
Inventors: McKay BERRY; Goh Hoo; James MURRAY-PARKES; Patrick O'neill
Original assignee: Engineering Innovations Group Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Engineering Innovations Group Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-07-20
Filing date: 2019-06-14
Publication date: 2020-02-06

Abstract

Embodiments generally relate to columns, such as triangular timber columns or columns of other shapes and/or materials, for example, as well as wall panels and building structures comprising such columns, vertical column connections and associated methods of fabrication and construction. Such columns and panels may be used in erecting building structures of multiple storeys, for example. 1/38 124 108 100 102 102 I134 /-120 106- 106 - 136 Fig.IA Fig.IB

Description

2019204213 14 Jun 2019

Column and wall panel Technical Field [0001] Embodiments generally relate to columns, such as triangular glued-dowel columns or columns of other shapes and/or materials, for example, as well as wall panels and building structures comprising such columns, vertical column connections and associated methods of fabrication and construction.

Background [0002] Building structures are often erected using modular structural elements such as wall panels, columns or frame elements. In particular, prefabricated wall panels are becoming more popular as they can be designed and manufactured offsite and then assembled quickly and efficiently onsite to form a building structure. Such panels may include load-bearing columns. However, the load-bearing effectiveness and ease of assembly of such columns and/or panels may be less than is desirable.

[0003] There are various methods and connection systems for connecting the structural elements together to form a building. However, some connection systems require specialised skills or equipment for construction.

[0004] It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more shortcomings or disadvantages associated with existing columns, wall panels, building structures or associated methods of fabrication or construction, or to at least provide a useful alternative thereto.

[0005] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word comprise, and variations such as comprises and comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0006] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Summary [0007] Some embodiments relate to a column comprising an elongate body and a dowel extending from one end of the body, wherein the body defines: a mortice recess and first bore at a first end of the body; and a tenon projection and second bore at a second end of the body, wherein the first and second bores extend coaxially with each other and parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the body, wherein a first end of the dowel is disposed and fixed in one of the first and second bores, and wherein a second end of the dowel is configured to be received in the first or second bore of another one of the column, and the mortice recess is configured to receive the tenon projection of the other one of the column, such that the column is substantially in coaxial alignment with the other column. The body may define a triangular profile.

[0008] Some embodiments relate to a column comprising an elongate body with a triangular profile and a dowel extending from one end of the body, wherein the body defines: a mortice recess and first bore at a first end of the body; and a tenon projection and second bore at a second end of the body, wherein the first and second bores extend coaxially with each other and parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the body, wherein a first end of the dowel is disposed and fixed in one of the first and second bores, and wherein a second end of the dowel is configured to be received in the first or second bore of another one of the column, and the mortice recess is configured to receive the tenon projection of the other one of the column, such that the column is substantially in coaxial alignment with the other column.

[0009] In some embodiments, the body may be formed of timber, such as pine, plywood, or engineered timber, for example. The body may comprise a bush core and an outer shell fixed to the bush core. The outer shell may comprise a plurality of plywood panels fixed to the bush core by adhesive. The outer shell may extend past an end of the bush core to define the mortice recess. The bush core may extend past an end

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 of the outer shell to define the tenon projection. The bush core may define the first and second bores. In some embodiments, the body may define a venting passage or overflow hole from an internal surface of the first or second bore to an external side surface of the body.

[0010] The dowel and first and second bores may extend coaxially with the body of the column. The first end of the dowel may be disposed and fixed in the second bore and the second end of the dowel may be configured to be received in the first bore of another one of the column. In some embodiments, the second end of the dowel may be tapered. The second end of the dowel may define a slanted face which is angled relative to a central longitudinal axis of the dowel. This may assist with location and mitigate against piston lock.

[0011] Some embodiments relate to a wall panel comprising a plurality of columns according to any one of the embodiments described herein fixedly positioned between opposed boards and extending parallel to a height of the wall panel.

[0012] The columns may be arranged in parallel pairs. A first column of each pair may be fixed to a first one of the opposed boards. A second column of each pair may be fixed to a second one of the opposed boards. The first column of each pair may be fixed to the second column of each pair.

[0013] In some embodiments, the wall panel may further comprise insulation or frame elements disposed within spaces defined between the columns and between the boards. In some embodiments, upper ends of the columns may extend beyond upper edges of the boards.

[0014] Some embodiments relate to a building structure comprising a column or a wall panel according to any one of the embodiments described herein.

[0015] In some embodiments, the building structure may comprise a first set of wall panels according to any one of the embodiments described herein connected to a

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 foundation. The building structure may comprise a second set of wall panels connected to the first set of wall panels in a vertically adjacent configuration. The building structure may comprise a plurality of floor modules disposed between the first and second sets of wall panels to define a floor.

[0016] In some embodiments, the building structure may comprise a plurality of sets of wall panels, each subsequent set of wall panels being connected to a previous set of wall panels in a vertically adjacent configuration with floor modules disposed between vertically adjacent sets of wall panels to provide a plurality of levels of the building structure.

[0017] Some embodiments relate to a method of assembling a building structure comprising a plurality of wall panels according to any one of the embodiments described herein, the method comprising: inserting adhesive into the first bores of the columns of a first one of the wall panels; lowering a second one of the wall panels into place above the first wall panel such that the dowels of the second wall panel are received in the first bores of the first wall panel; and allowing the adhesive to set thereby adhesively bonding the dowels of the second wall panel to the columns of the first wall panel and connecting the second wall panel to the first wall panel.

[0018] Some embodiments relate to a method of manufacturing a wall panel comprising a plurality of columns according to any one of the embodiments described herein, the method comprising: adhesively bonding or mechanically fastening a first set of the plurality of columns to a first board; adhesively bonding or mechanically fastening a second set of the plurality of columns to a second board; and adhesively bonding or mechanically fastening the first set of columns to the second set of columns.

[0019] Some embodiments relate to a method of manufacturing a column, the method comprising adhesively bonding or mechanically fastening a plurality of flat panels to planar surfaces of an elongate prismatic core to form an outer shell such that a first end of the shell extends beyond a first end of the core to form a mortice recess defined by the shell and the first end of the core, and a second end of the core extends beyond a

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 second end of the shell to form a tenon projection defined by the second end of the core and extending away from the second end of the shell, wherein the mortice recess and tenon projection define complimentary mating surfaces such that the mortice recess is configured to receive the tenon projection of another one of the column, and wherein the core defines coaxial bores of similar diameter at either end of the core.

[0020] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise inserting a dowel into one of the bores and adhesively bonding the dowel to the core. In some embodiments, the core may define a triangular profile. In some embodiments, the core may be formed of timber, such as natural or engineered timber, for example. In some embodiments, the outer shell may be formed of timber, such as plywood panels, for example.

[0021] In some embodiments, the body may comprise two bush cores and an outer shell fixed to and at least partially surrounding each of the bush cores. The body may define two ones of the mortice recess and two ones of the first bore at the first end of the body, and two ones of the tenon projection and two ones of the second bore at the second end of the body. The column may comprise two ones of the dowel, with the first end of each dowel disposed and fixed in a respective one of the second bores at the second end of the body, and the second end of each dowel configured to be received in a respective one of the first bores of another one of the column.

[0022] Some embodiments relate to a column comprising an elongate body and two dowels extending from one end of the body, wherein the body comprises two bush cores and an outer shell fixed to and at least partially surrounding each of the bush cores, wherein the body defines: two mortice recesses and two first bores at a first end of the body; and two tenon projections and two second bores at a second end of the body, wherein the first bore of each bush core extends coaxially with the respective second bore of each bush core and parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the body, wherein a first end of each dowel is disposed and fixed in a respective one of the second bores at the second end of the body, and a second end of each dowel is configured to be received in a respective one of the first bores of another one of the column, and the mortice recesses are configured to receive the tenon projections of the

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 other one of the column, such that the column is substantially in coaxial alignment with the other column.

[0023] In some embodiments, the bush cores may be formed of timber and the outer shell may be formed of metal. For example, the outer shell may be formed of steel, sheet steel, coil steel, or structural steel. The outer shell may define a W-shaped profile. The outer shell may comprises a length of steel sheet defining a W-shaped profile. The outer shell may comprise two lengths of steel sheet, each defining a W-shaped profile, and connected to each other in opposition to surround the bush cores. The bush cores may each define a complimentary profile configured to be received in part of the Wshaped profile of the outer shell.

[0024] In some embodiments, the outer shell may entirely surround each of the bush cores along at least part of a length of the body. In other embodiments, the outer shell may only partially surround the bush cores. For example, one or more sides of each bush core may be left exposed and not covered by the outer shell.

[0025] The outer shell may be fixed to the bush cores by adhesive bonding. The outer shell may be fixed to the bush cores by a plurality of mechanical fasteners. For example, bolts, screws, or tek screws may be used as such fasteners.

[0026] The outer shell may extend past an end of each of the bush cores to at least partially define the mortice recesses. Each of the bush cores may extend past an outer end of the outer shell to define the tenon projections.

[0027] In some embodiments, the second end of each dowel may be tapered. The second end of each dowel may define a slanted face which is angled relative to a central longitudinal axis of the dowel.

[0028] In some embodiments, the body may further define a venting passage or overflow hole from an internal surface of each of the first bores to an external surface of the body.

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0029] Some embodiments relate to a wall panel comprising a plurality of columns according to any of the described embodiments, fixedly positioned between opposed boards. The wall panel may further comprise insulation or frame elements disposed within spaces defined between the columns and between the boards. Upper ends of the columns may extend beyond upper edges of the boards.

[0030] Some embodiments relate to a building structure comprising a column or a wall panel according to any of the described embodiments. The building structure may further comprise a first set of wall panels, according to any one the described embodiments. The building structure may further comprise a second set of wall panels connected to the first set of wall panels in a vertically adjacent configuration. The building structure may further comprise a plurality of floor modules disposed between the first and second sets of wall panels to define a floor. The building structure may further comprise a plurality of sets of wall panels, each subsequent set of wall panels being connected to a previous set of wall panels in a vertically adjacent configuration with floor modules disposed between vertically adjacent sets of wall panels to provide a plurality of levels of the building structure.

[0031] Some embodiments relate to a method of assembling a building structure comprising a plurality of wall panels according to any of the described embodiments, the method comprising: inserting adhesive into the first bores of the columns of a first one of the wall panels; lowering a second one of the wall panels into place above the first wall panel such that the dowels of the second wall panel are received in the first bores of the first wall panel; and allowing the adhesive to set, thereby adhesively bonding the dowels of the second wall panel to the columns of the first wall panel and connecting the second wall panel to the first wall panel.

[0032] Some embodiments relate to a method of manufacturing a wall panel comprising a plurality of columns according to any of the described embodiments, the method comprising: adhesively bonding or mechanically fastening the plurality of columns to a first set of boards; fixing one or more frame elements to the columns or to

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 the first set of boards; and adhesively bonding or mechanically fastening a second set of boards to the one or more frame elements or to the columns.

[0033] Some embodiments relate to a method of manufacturing a column, the method comprising adhesively bonding an outer shell to two elongate prismatic cores such that a first end of the shell extends beyond first ends of the cores to form two mortice recesses at least partially defined by the shell and the first ends of the cores, and second ends of the cores extend beyond a second end of the shell to form two tenon projections defined by the second ends of the cores and extending away from the second end of the shell, wherein the mortice recesses and tenon projections define complimentary mating surfaces such that the mortice recesses are configured to receive the tenon projections of another one of the column, and wherein the cores define coaxial bores of similar diameter at either end of each core. The method may further comprise inserting dowels into one of the bores of each core and adhesively bonding the dowels to the respective cores. The outer shell may define a W-shaped profile. The cores may be formed of timber. The outer shell may be formed of metal. The column may be formed to include any of the features of any one or more of the described embodiments.

[0034] Other embodiments may relate to any one of the steps, features, integers, structures, assemblies or components disclosed herein or indicated in the specification of this application individually or collectively, or any combination of two or more of said steps or features.

Brief Description of Drawings [0035] Some embodiments will now be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1A is a side view of a column according to some embodiments;

[0037] Figure IB is a cross-sectional view of the column of Figure 1A;

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0038] Figures 1C to IF are a series of cross-sectional views of the column of Figure 1A being connected to another similar column;

[0039] Figure 1G is a bottom perspective view of the column of Figure 1A;

[0040] Figure 1H is a top perspective view of the column of Figure 1A;

[0041] Figure 1J is a plan view of a top end of the column of Figure 1A;

[0042] Figure IK is a perspective view of a dowel of the column of Figure 1 A;

[0043] Figure IL is a perspective cutaway view of the column of Figure 1A being connected to another similar column;

[0044] Figure 2A is a bottom perspective view of a column according to some embodiments;

[0045] Figure 2B is a top perspective view of the column of Figure 2 A;

[0046] Figure 2C is a plan view of the top end of the column of 2 A;

[0047] Figure 2D is a plan view of the top end of the column of 2A according to an alternative embodiment;

[0048] Figure 3 A is a perspective view of a wall panel according to some embodiments;

[0049] Figures 3B to 3H are a series of perspective views and plan views (3E and 3F) illustrating a method of manufacturing the wall panel of Figure 3 A;

[0050] Figures 3J to 3S are a series of perspective views (3J and 3K) and plan views illustrating wall panels of different sizes, having different numbers of columns and different board sizes, according to some embodiments;

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 ίο [0051] Figures 4 A and 4B are plan views illustrating a method of manufacturing a wall panel according to some embodiments;

[0052] Figure 5 A is a perspective view of a floor module according to some embodiments;

[0053] Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of part of the floor module of Figure 5A;

[0054] Figure 6A is a plan view of a dispersement stitch plate according to some embodiments;

[0055] Figure 6B is a side view of the dispersement stitch plate of Figure 6 A;

[0056] Figures 6C to 6 J are plan views of a number of alternative embodiments of the dispersement plate of Figure 6 A;

[0057] Figures 7 A to 7E are a series of perspective views of a base element according to various embodiments;

[0058] Figure 8 is an elevation view showing part of a building structure and illustrating a method of construction according to some embodiments;

[0059] Figure 9 A to 9F are a series of perspective views of a construction site and building structure comprising a foundation, a plurality of columns according to Figure 1A, wall panels according to Figure 3A, floor modules according to Figure 5A, and dispersement stitch plates according to Figure 6A, illustrating a method of construction of the building structure, according to some embodiments;

[0060] Figures 9G to 9 J are a series of cross-sectional views of the building structure of Figures 9 A to 9F taken through the columns showing cross-sections of the connections between a wall panel connected to a roof structure, wall panels connected to each other and to a suspended floor, and a wall panel connected to the foundation;

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0061] Figures 9K to 9M are a series of cross-sectional views of the building structure of Figures 9 A to 9F taken through the wall panels away from the columns showing cross-sections of the connections between a wall panel connected to a roof structure, wall panels connected to each other and to a suspended floor, and a wall panel connected to the foundation;

[0062] Figure 10A is a side view of a column according to some embodiments;

[0063] Figure 10B is a cross-sectional view of the column of Figure 10 A;

[0064] Figures 10C to 10F are a series of cross-sectional views of the column of Figure 10A being connected to another similar column;

[0065] Figure 11 is a bottom perspective view of the column of Figure 10 A, according to some embodiments;

[0066] Figure 12A is a bottom perspective view of the column of Figure 10A, according to some embodiments;

[0067] Figure 12B is a top perspective view of the column of Figure 12A;

[0068] Figure 12C is a plan view of a top end of the column of Figure 12A;

[0069] Figure 12D is a perspective view of the column of Figure 12A with and end cap, according to some embodiments;

[0070] Figure 13A is a perspective view of a wall panel, according to some embodiments;

[0071] Figure 13B is a perspective view of the wall panel of Figure 13A with side boards removed to reveal the internal structure of the wall panel;

[0072] Figure 13C is an exploded perspective view of the wall panel of Figure 13 A;

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0073] Figures 13D to 13H show a series of perspective views (13D, 13E) and plan views (13F to 13H) illustrating methods of fabrication of the wall panel of Figure 13 A;

[0074] Figures 13J and 13H are perspective views of the wall panel of Figure 13A illustrating different endcap configurations, according to some embodiments;

[0075] Figures 14A to 15H illustrate different dispersement stitch plates and packer plates according to some embodiments; and [0076] Figures 16 and 17 are perspective views of base plates illustrating a connection between a column and a foundation, according to some embodiments.

Description of Embodiments [0077] Embodiments generally relate to columns, such as triangular timber columns or columns of other shapes and/or materials, for example, as well as vertical column connections, wall panels and building structures comprising such columns, and associated methods of fabrication and construction. Some embodiments relate to prefabricated columns and/or wall panels comprising such columns, which can be connected to each other onsite to erect a building structure. In some embodiments, the columns may comprise a combination of materials, such as metal with timber. Some embodiments may be described as glued-dowel columns.

[0078] Referring to Figures 1A to IL, a column 100 is shown according to some embodiments. The column 100 may be used for connecting and/or supporting one or more structural elements of a building structure, such as wall elements, floor elements, and roof/ceiling elements, for example. Some embodiments relate to a wall panel 300 comprising a plurality of columns 100 connected to one or more boards, sheets or panels, as shown in Figures 3A to 3H. A plurality of wall panels 300 may be connected to each other, as well as to other structural elements (such as floor modules 500, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, dispersement plates 600 or dispersement stitch plates 600, as shown in Figures 6A to 6J, and/or base elements 700, as shown in Figures 7A to 7E) to form a building structure 900, as shown in Figures 9A to 9G.

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0079] Referring to Figures 1A and IB, the column 100 comprises an elongate body 102 and a connecting pin or dowel 110 extending from one end of the body 102. The body 102 defines a mortice recess 124 and first bore 134 at a first end 104 of the body 102 and a tenon projection 126 and second bore 136 at a second end 106 of the body 102. The first and second bores 134, 136 extend coaxially with each other and parallel to a central longitudinal axis 108 of the body 102.

[0080] A first end 114 of the dowel 110 is disposed and fixed in one of the first and second bores 134, 136. A second end 116 of the dowel 110 is configured to be received in the first or second bore 134, 136 of another one of the column 100, and the mortice recess 124 is configured to receive the tenon projection 126 of the other one of the column 100, such that the column 100 is substantially in coaxial alignment with the other column 100. For example, the first end 114 of the dowel 110 may be disposed and fixed in the second bore 136, and the second end 116 of the dowel 110 may be configured to be received in the first bore 134 of another one of the column 100, as shown in Figures 1C to IF, for example, to connect the column 100 to the other one of the column 100. In this way, the column 100 can be connected to another vertically adjacent one of the column 100.

[0081] The body 102 may generally define a polygonal prism, such as a triangular prism, rectangular prism, square prism, quadrilateral prism, pentagonal prism, hexagonal prism, heptagonal prism, octagonal prism, nonagonal prism, decagonal prism, trapezoidal prism, or a rhomboidal prism, for example. A lateral cross-sectional profile of the body 102 may be defined by an equilateral polygon, irregular polygon, rhombus, rhomboid, trapezium, square, rectangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, triangle, equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, or right-angled triangle, for example. In some embodiments, the body 102 may define a triangular profile, as shown in Figures 1G to 1 J.

[0082] In some embodiments, a lateral cross-section of the body 102 may be defined by an equilateral triangle, as shown in Figures 1G to 1J. In other embodiments, the angles and proportions of the body 102 may be varied to suit different applications. In

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 some embodiments, a lateral cross-section of the body 102 may be defined by a rightangled triangle, as shown in Figures 2A to 2D. The angles of the triangular profile and proportions of the body 102 may be selected to suit the dimensions and or structural performance requirements of a particular structural element (such as a wall panel 300) comprising one or more of the columns 100. Triangular profiles may be preferable for the columns 100 as triangular columns are structurally efficient and may provide enhanced strength, stiffness, and/or resistance to buckling and torsion in comparison with other similarly sized columns having square or rectangular profiles, for example.

[0083] The column 100 may be formed of any suitable material for a given application, such as timber, metal, polymer, or a composite material, for example. The body 102 may be formed of timber. The dowel 110 may be formed of metal, such as structural steel, for example.

[0084] The body 102 may be formed from a single piece of material, such as by machining, or may comprise a plurality of connected components. In some embodiments, the body 102 may comprise a bush core 120 (which may alternatively be referred to as a bush or a core) and an outer shell 122 (or casing) fixed to the bush core 120. The shell 122 may surround the sides of the bush core 120, leaving end faces of the core 120 exposed.

[0085] The outer shell 122 may comprise a plurality of plywood panels 122 fixed to the bush core 120 by adhesive bonding. For example, the panels 122 may comprise pine plywood. The bush core 120 may be formed of timber, such as pine, or coast Douglas fir, for example. The panels 122 may be glued or fixed to the bush 120 by any suitable adhesive, such as Techniglue R60/R90 or equivalent, for example.

[0086] The bush core 120 may define the first and second bores 134, 136. For example, the first and second bores 134, 136 may define cylindrical recesses formed in the bush core 120 by drilling. The dowel 110 and first and second bores 134, 136 may extend coaxially with the body 102 of the column 108 (i.e., coaxial with the central longitudinal axis 108).

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0087] The dowel 110 may be disposed and fixed in a lower end of the column 100, i.e., the lower end of the column 100 when oriented vertically for use in construction. For example, the first end 104 and first bore 134 may be referred to as an upper end 104 and upper bore 134, and the second end 106 and second bore 136 may be referred to as a lower end 106 and lower bore 136.

[0088] The first end 114 of the dowel 110 may be disposed and fixed in the second (lower) bore 136 with the second exposed end 116 of the dowel 110 extending away from the tenon projection 126 parallel to the central longitudinal axis 108 of the body 102. The first end 114 of the dowel 110 may be fixed in the second bore 136 by adhesive bonding, for example. The exposed second end 116 of the dowel 110 may be configured to be received in the first (upper) bore 134 of another one of the column 100. For example, the dowel 110 may be fixed in the lower bore with a suitable adhesive, such as Techniglue R60/R90 or equivalent.

[0089] During construction, when a first one of the column 100a is to be connected to a second vertically adjacent one of column 100b, the exposed end 116 of the dowel 110 of the first column 100a may be lowered into and received by the upper bore 134 of the second column 100b and fixed in the upper bore 134 with a suitable adhesive (such as Techniglue R60/R90 or equivalent, for example), as shown in Figures 1C to IF.

[0090] The outer shell 122 may extend past an end of the bush core 120 to define the mortice recess 124. That is, such that the mortice recess 124 is defined by the outer shell 122 extending beyond the end of the bush 120 as well as the end of the bush 120 itself, as shown in Figure IB, 1H and IL. The bush core 120 may extend past an end of the outer shell 122 to define the tenon projection 126. That is, such that the tenon projection 126 is defined by the end of the bush 120 extending beyond the end of the shell 122, as shown in Figures IB, 1G and IL. The bush core 120 may have substantially the same length as the outer shell 122, such that a depth of the mortice recess 124 is substantially equal to a depth of the tenon projection 126 in directions parallel to the axis 108.

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0091] In some embodiments, the bush core 120 may extend continuously from the mortice recess 124 to the tenon projection 126. In other embodiments, the bush core 120 may be discontinuous and may be split in to two segments, one at each end of the body 102. A continuous bush core 120 extending continuously from the mortice recess 124 to the tenon projection 126 and glued to the shell 122 along its length may be preferred, as that configuration would provide restraint against local buckling along substantially the entire length of the body 102.

[0092] The mortice recess 124 and tenon projection 126 may define complimentary mating surfaces. The mortice recess 124 of the second column 100b may be configured to receive the tenon projection 126 of the first column 100a to form a prismatic joint connection, as shown in Figures 1C to IF and IL. The mating surfaces of the mortice recess 124 and tenon projection 126 may assist in locating the columns 100a, 100b in relative angular alignment and provide rotational restraint, transferring azimuthal torque (about the longitudinal axis 108) between the columns 100a, 100b. The mating surfaces of the mortice recess 124 and tenon projection 126 may also provide further horizontal or lateral restraint in addition to the lateral restraint provided by the dowel/bore connection.

[0093] Referring to Figures 1C to IF, a lower end 106 of a first (upper) column 100a and an upper end 104 of a second (lower) column 100b are shown in successive steps as the exposed end 116 of the dowel 110 and the tenon projection 126 of the upper column 100a are lowered into and received in the upper bore 134 and mortice recess 124 of the lower column 100b to connect the vertically adjacent columns 100a, 100b in coaxial alignment.

[0094] Figure 1C shows the columns 100a, 100b before connection. Adhesive 138 may be inserted or placed in the upper bore 134 of the lower column 100b, as shown in Figure ID. The adhesive 138 may be injected into the bore 134 as a liquid, or a sealed, frangible capsule containing liquid adhesive 138 may be placed in the bore 134 to be pierced or otherwise broken under compression between the dowel 110 and the walls of

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 the bore 134 during the connection process, thereby releasing the adhesive 138 into the bore 134.

[0095] Once the dowel 110 of the upper column 100a is lowered into the adhesive 138 in the bore 134 of the lower column 100b, as shown in Figure IE, the second end of the dowel 116 begins to displace some of the adhesive 138, raising the level of the adhesive 138 in the bore 134 around the dowel 110.

[0096] As the connection is completed and the second end 116 of the dowel 110 of the upper column 100a is substantially entirely received in the upper bore 134 of the lower column 100b, as shown in Figure IF, the adhesive 138 is pushed or squeezed up around the second end 116 of the dowel 110 between external surfaces of the dowel 110 and internal surfaces of the upper bore 134. When the adhesive 138 is allowed to set or cure, an adhesive bond is formed between the second end 116 of the dowel 110 of the upper column 100a and the upper bore 134 of the lower column 100b, thereby fixing the upper column 100a to the lower column 100b.

[0097] Referring to Figure IK, the dowel 110 may comprise a generally cylindrical rod. In some embodiments, the dowel 110 may define surface variations to increase the surface area and adhesive contact area of the dowel 110. In some embodiments, the dowel 110 may comprise a threaded rod. For example, an outer surface of the dowel 110 may comprise one or more helical threads 112 extending from the first end 114 to the second end 116. In some embodiments, the dowel 110 may comprise a threaded rod having a thread size of Ml 6, M20, M24 or M30, for example. The surface variations such as a threaded surface of the dowel 110 may be preferable to a smooth surface as it provides a comparatively higher surface area configured to be in contact with the adhesive 138. This may result in a stronger adhesive bond between the dowel 110 and each of the bores 134, 136.

[0098] In some embodiments, the first end 114 of the dowel 110 may be threadedly engaged with the body 102 in the second bore 136. In some embodiments, the diameter of each bore 134, 136 may be greater than or equal to a maximum diameter of the

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 thread of the dowel 110, such that the dowel 110 can slide freely into the bores 134, 136 before being adhesively bonded.

[0099] In some embodiments, the second end 116 of the dowel 110 may be tapered. In some embodiments, the second end 116 of the dowel 110 may define a slanted face 118 which is angled relative to a central longitudinal axis 119 of the dowel 110. This may be referred to as a stab-cut dowel. For example, an angle defined between the longitudinal axis 119 and a direction normal to the slanted face 118 may be in the range of 45° to 85°, or 60° to 80°, for example.

[0100] The tapered end or slanted face 118 of the dowel 110 may assist in locating the second end 116 of the dowel 110 in the upper bore 134 of the lower column 100b during the connection process. It may also mitigate against a phenomenon known as piston lock, in which a flat ended cylindrical rod pushed into a close fitting cylindrical bore may experience resistance to insertion, particularly in the presence of a viscous fluid such as a liquid or an adhesive liquid, for example. The tapered end or slanted face 118 of the dowel 110 may mitigate against piston lock by displacing the adhesive 138 to the sides (or one side) of the dowel 110 so that the adhesive 138 is allowed or encouraged to flow along the dowel 110 between the dowel 110 and an internal surface of the bore 134.

[0101] In some embodiments, sufficient adhesive 138 may be provided to flow out of the upper bore 134 into the mortice recess 124 of the lower column 100b, thereby adhesively bonding the tenon projection 126 of the upper column 100a into the mortice recess 124 of the lower column 100b. In some embodiments, there may only be sufficient adhesive provided to adhesively bond part or all of the second end 116 of the dowel 110 of the upper column 100a into the upper bore 134 of the lower column 100b.

[0102] In some embodiments, the body 102 may further define a venting passage 132 from an internal surface of the first or second bore 134, 136 to an external side surface of the body 102. For example, the venting passage 132 may extend from the upper bore

2019204213 14 Jun 2019

134 to an external side surface of the body 102, as shown in Figures IB to IF and IL. The venting passage 132 may also be referred to as an overflow hole.

[0103] The venting passage 132 may be formed by drilling a hole through the outer shell 122 and the bush core 120 into a side of the upper bore 134. The venting passage 132 may extend away from the bore 134 at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis 108 of the body 102, for example. The venting passage 132 may extend away from the bore 134 as it progresses towards the first (upper) end 104 of the body, such that during the connection process, adhesive 138 is progressively displaced: upwards from a base of the upper bore 134; into the venting passage 132; upwards and outwards through the venting passage 132; out of the venting passage 132; and down along an outer surface of the body 102 or shell 122, as shown in Figure IF. The venting passage 132 may extend away from the longitudinal axis 108 at an angle in the range of 30° to 85°, or 40° to 60°, for example.

[0104] The overflow hole or venting passage 132 may allow for the release of excess adhesive in a convenient manner which can be removed from the side of the body 102, which may be preferable to having excess adhesive 138 flowing out of the join between the outer side faces of the joined columns 100a, 100b. The adhesive 138 flowing out of the venting passage 132 may also serve as a visual indication that the adhesive 138 has sufficiently flowed between the mating surfaces of the connection (dowel/bore and optionally mortice/tenon), and will form a sufficient adhesive bond once allowed to set or cure. The adhesive overflow may be allowed to set or cure before removal so that the strength, hardness, quality and/or completeness of curing may be determined.

[0105] Figure IL shows a perspective view and partial section showing the configuration of the upper and lower columns 100a, 100b, dowel 110, upper bore 134, adhesive 138 and venting passage 132, at the beginning of the connection process, according to some embodiments.

[0106] In some embodiments, the column connection may be further strengthened by forming surface variations such as a threaded surface on the internal surface of the

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 bores 134, 136 to increase the adhesive contact area, or by increasing the length of the dowel 110 and bores 134, 136. Alternatively, a higher grade of timber may be used for the bush core 120, such as Australian Oak, for example, or lateral mechanical fasteners, such as screws or bolts, may be used to strengthen the mortice/tenon connection or dowel/bore connections.

[0107] Referring to Figures 2A to 2D, a right-angled triangular column 200 is shown according to some embodiments. Other than the triangular profile of the column 200 being a right-angle triangle, the column 200 is similar to column 100 described in relation to Figures 1A to IL, and may include similar features which are indicated with like reference numerals in the drawings.

[0108] Figures 2C and 2D show end views of the column 200 illustrating different configurations of the panels 122 forming the outer shell. The panels 122 may be arranged to extend substantially the length of each side of the triangular profile stopping short of each successive comer (following the perimeter of the triangle) by a thickness of the panels 122 to accommodate the end of the next panel 122 (viewed from the end), as shown in Figure 2C. Alternatively, one or more of the joins between panels 122 at the corners of the triangular profile (edges of the body) may be mitred, as shown at the right-angled comer of the triangular profile shown in Figure 2D.

[0109] Referring to Figure 3A, a wall panel 300 is shown according to some embodiments. The wall panel 300 comprises a first board 304, a second board 306 and a plurality of columns 100 disposed between the first and second boards 304, 306. The columns 100 may be substantially similar to, and include any one or more features of the columns 100, 200 described in relation to Figures 1A to IL and 2A to 2D.

[0110] The first and second boards 304, 306 may be similar in dimension, and may be formed of any suitable material, such as timber, plywood, triboard, oriented strand board, chip board, particle board, MDF board, fibre cement sheet, plaster board, gypsum board, magnesium oxide board, fire retardant board, Promat, Promatect 50, Gyprock Fyrchek TM, or a combination of materials, for example.

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0111] The columns 100 may be arranged in parallel with each other at spaced positions along a length of the boards 304, 306. The columns 100 may be arranged in pairs with a first column 100a of each pair adhesively bonded to the first board 304, a second column 100b of each pair adhesively bonded to the second board 306, and the first and second columns 100a, 100b of each pair adhesively bonded to each other. For each adhesive connection, any suitable adhesive may be used, such as Techniglue R60/R90 or equivalent, for example.

[0112] In some embodiments, right-angled triangular profiles may be preferred for the columns 100, 200 to provide rectilinear or orthogonal surfaces when connected in parallel. In some embodiments, equilateral or isosceles triangular profiles may be preferred to provide enhanced strength and resistance to torsion and buckling in comparison to right-angled triangular profiles of similar mass and dimensions.

[0113] In some embodiments, the columns 100 may be substantially similar in length to a height of the boards 304, 306, with only the tenon projection 126 and dowel 110 of each column 100 extending beyond a lower edge 316 of each board 304, 306, and the first (upper) end 104 of the body 102 of each column being level with an upper edge 314 of each board 304, 306. In some embodiments, the columns 100 may extend beyond the upper edges 314 of the boards 304, 306, as shown in Figure 3 A. This may allow for the accommodation of other structural elements, such as flooring elements or roofing elements, or part thereof, between the upper ends 104 of the columns 100.

[0114] The wall panel 300 may also comprise one or more internal elements disposed between the boards 304, 306 and between different pairs of columns 100, such as services, service conduits or pipes, plumbing services, electrical services, wall frames, frame elements, studs, noggings, insulation, thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, fibreglass insulation, wool insulation, rock wool, or mineral wool insulation, for example.

[0115] Referring to Figures 3B to 3H, a method of assembling the wall panel 300 is shown according to some embodiments. The first columns 100a of each pair may be

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 arranged, as shown in Figure 3B, and adhesively bonded to the first board 304, as shown in Figure 3C. The second columns 100b of each pair may be adhesively bonded to the second board 306 in a substantially similar manner, as shown in Figure 3D.

[0116] Frame elements 320 may then be located between adjacent pairs of columns 100 on each board 304, 306, as shown in Figure 3D. The frame elements 320 may comprise timber frame segments formed with studs and noggings in a conventional manner. The frame elements 320 may be adhesively bonded and/or mechanically fastened (with a plurality of mechanical fasteners, such as screws or bolts, for example) to the adjacent columns 100 and/or to the associated board 304, 306. In some embodiments, the frame elements 320 may be omitted from the wall panel 300.

[0117] The frame elements 320 may provide additional strength and stiffness to the wall panel, and may provide additional restraint against shear, bending, compression and buckling stresses.

[0118] In some embodiments, insulation material 330 may also be installed between adjacent columns 100 on each board 304, 306, as shown in Figure 3E. In embodiments including frame elements 320, the insulation material may be positioned at least partially within the frame elements 320 between the studs and noggings.

[0119] In some embodiments, service lines 340 (such as pipes, cables or conduits, for example) may be fixed to one or more of the boards 304, 306, columns 100 and/or frame elements, with adhesive and/or mechanical fasteners (such as brackets and screws or bolts, for example). In some embodiments, the wall panel 300 may define one or more cut-out openings or panels in one of the first or second boards 304, 306 to allow access to the service lines 340 during construction of a building structure 900 comprising the wall panel 300 so that the service lines 340 can be connected to other service lines 340 in the building structure 900. For example, one of the first or second boards 304, 306 may be left off until the service lines 340 have been connected and then fixed to the columns 100 of the wall panel 300.

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0120] The frame elements 320 and/or insulation 330 may be arranged between alternate sets of adjacent column pairs 100 on the first and second boards 304, 306, as shown in Figures 3D and 3E, such that the frame elements 320, insulation 330 and associated adjacent columns 100a of the first board 304, fit in an opposing space on the second board 306 between corresponding adjacent columns 100b on the second board 306, and vice versa.

[0121] The first and second boards 304, 306 may then be moved towards each other (in the direction indicated by arrow 390 in Figure 3E) to form the wall panel 300, as shown in Figure 3F, with the first and second columns 100a, 100b of each column pair being brought into contact and adhesively bonded to each other. Adhesive may be applied to a mating surface 101a of each first column 100a and/or to a mating surface 101b of each second column 100b. Then the columns 100a, 100b may be brought into contact with the mating surfaces 101a, 101b abutting each other, and the column pairs may be held, pressed and/or clamped together in contact until the adhesive sets or cures to form an adhesive bond between the first and second columns 100a, 100b of each column pair.

[0122] In some embodiments, the wall panel 300 may further comprise end boards 308 to enclose the end-most column pairs of the wall panel 300, as shown in Figures 3E and 3F. The end boards 308 may be formed of a similar material to the first and second boards 304, 306, and may be adhesively bonded into position between the first and second boards 304, 306 by applying adhesive to the edges of the end boards 308, moving the end boards 308 into position (i.e., in the direction indicated by arrow 393 in Figure 3E), and holding, pressing or clamping the boards 308 in place until adhesively bonded to the first and second boards 304, 306. In some embodiments, mechanical fasteners may also be used to fix the end boards 308 to the first and second boards 304, 306.

[0123] In some embodiments, the wall panel 300 may comprise an isolation bush (not shown) to reduce or mitigate against the transmission of acoustic and/or thermal energy through the wall panel 300 via the column to column connection (i.e., through column

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 pairs). For example, the isolation device may comprise a rubber bush disposed between the mating surfaces 101a, 101b of the columns 100a, 100b.

[0124] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, an alternative wall panel 400 is shown, according to some embodiments, comprising a plurality of right-angled triangle columns 200, as described in relation to Figures 2A to 2D. The wall panel 400 may comprise similar features and be assembled in a similar way to the wall panel 300, as described in relation to Figures 3A to 3F. The columns 200 may be arranged in column pairs, each including a first column 200a and a second column 200b, and assembled together with first and second boards 304, 306, and optionally frame elements 320, insulation 330 and/or service lines 340, as described in relation to Figures 3A to 3F.

[0125] The columns 200a, 200b may be adhesively bonded to each other by applying adhesive to a mating surface 201a of each first column 200a and/or to a mating surface 201b of each second column 200b. The mating surfaces 201a, 201b may be defined by a hypotenuse face of each right-angled triangular column 200a, 200b.

[0126] Referring to Figures 3G and 3H, in some embodiments, the wall panel 300 may further comprise one or more end caps 350 to cover and/or substantially enclose the upper ends 104 of each pair of columns 100a, 100b (a single end cap 350 is shown for example). The end caps 350 may also be referred to as top hats, for example. The end cap 350 may define a rectangular box configured to surround and substantially enclose the ends 104 of the columns 100a, 100b of the column pair extending beyond the upper edges 314 of the boards 304, 306.

[0127] The end cap 350 may comprise two board side panels 354, two lateral side panels 356, and a top panel 360. The end cap 350 may be fixed to the columns 100a, 100b by fastening the board side panels 354 (and/or lateral side panels 356) to the columns 100a, 100b, for example, with adhesive bonding and/or mechanical fasteners, such as screws or bolts, as shown in Figure 3H.

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0128] The end cap 350 may further define two flanges 358 extending perpendicularly away from the lateral side panels 356 in a lateral direction. The lateral side panels 356, flanges 358 and top panel 360 may together define a top-hat profile. The flanges 358 may be configured to extend along the top edges 314 of the boards 304, 306 of the wall panel 300. For example, the flanges 358 may extend laterally by a distance less than half the lateral width of the end cap 350. The flanges 358 may also be fixed to the upper edges 314 of the boards 304, 306 of the wall panel 300 with adhesive bonding and/or mechanical fasteners, such as screws, as shown in Figure 3H.

[0129] The top panel 360 may define two openings or apertures 364 having a substantially similar shape to the profile of the mortice recesses 124 of the columns 100a, 100b. For example, the end cap 350 shown in Figure 3H has openings 364 of an equilateral triangular shape to correspond to and align with the equilateral triangular profile of the mortice recesses 124 of the columns 100a, 100b. In other embodiments, the apertures 364 may be configured to correspond to and align with other profile shapes of different mortice recesses 124 in different columns 100.

[0130] The apertures 364 may be configured to allow passage of the tenon projections 126 of vertically adjacent columns 100a, 100b of a vertically adjacent wall panel 300 into the mortice recesses 124 of the columns 100a, 100b. Once the vertically adjacent wall panels 300 are connected, the top panel 360 may be disposed around each tenon projection 126 of the upper columns 100a, 100b and between the outer shells 122 of the upper and lower columns 100a, 100b. In some embodiments, the apertures 364 may also be configured to allow passage of the outer shells 122, such that the outer shells 122 of the upper columns 100a, 100b can contact and abut the outer shells 122 of the lower columns 100a, 100b.

[0131] The end cap 350 may be formed by bending a steel plate into the shape of a top hat bracket to form the top panel 360 (with apertures 364 cut into the plate), lateral side panels 356 and flanges 358. For example, the steel plate may be formed of 250MPa grade structural steel with a thickness of 3mm. The board side panels 354 may be formed of timber or plywood boards connected to the lateral and top panels 356, 360

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 with mechanical fasteners, such as screws, passing through the lateral and/or top panels 356, 360 and engaging edges of the board side panels 354 as shown in Figure 3H.

[0132] The end caps 350 may also serve as dispersement elements to disperse gravity loads from upper wall panels 300 placed on the end caps 350 into the first and second boards 304, 306 and columns 100a, 100b of the wall panel 300 below the end caps 350.

[0133] Referring to Figures 3J and 3K, the wall panel 300 may comprise different numbers of column pairs in different embodiments. In various embodiments, the wall panel 300 may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more column pairs. For example, the wall panel 300 may have five column pairs as shown in Figure 3A; four column pairs, as shown in Figure 3J; three column pairs, as shown in Figure 8; or even a single column pair as shown in Figure 3K. A wall panel 300 with a single column pair as shown in Figure 3K may be connected to an end of a longer wall panel 300 to extend the length, or may even be used as a standalone column, in isolation from other wall panels 300, which may be referred to as a clad column, for example.

[0134] In some embodiments, one side of the wall panel 300, such as the first board 304 or the second board 306, may comprise an external finish, such as external cladding, or have cladding 904 fixed to it, for example (as shown in Figures 9G to 9L).

[0135] In some embodiments, the wall panel 300 may define one or more openings (not shown) between column pairs to allow for one or more doors or windows. In wall panels 300 defining openings, a column pair may be positioned immediately adjacent each opening on either side of the opening. In some embodiments, the wall panel 300 may further comprise a lintel (not shown) disposed over the opening and connected to the columns 100 immediately adjacent the opening.

[0136] In some embodiments, the first and second boards 304, 306 may each comprise single boards or sheets of material, as shown in Figure 3 A. In some embodiments, the wall panel 300 may comprise a plurality of first boards 304, and a plurality of second boards 306, as shown in Figure 3J. For example, multiple smaller

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 boards 304, 306 may be connected to each other and to the columns 100 to cover each side of the wall panel 300.

[0137] This allows for the wall panels 300 to be designed and fabricated using standardised board sizes to reduce the time and cost of fabrication and avoid waste due to off-cuts. For example, some standardised board sizes which may be suitable for some embodiments include 1200mm x 2400mm, 1500mm x 2400mm, 1200mm x 2700mm, 1500mm x 2700mm, 1200mm x 3000mm, 1500mm x 3000mm, 1200mm x 3300mm, 1500mm x 3300mm, 1200mm x 3600mm, and 1500mm x 3600mm.

[0138] In some embodiments, the wall panel 300 may comprise one or more boards 304, 306 of a single standardised size or a combination of two or more different standardised sizes. For example, once the height of the wall panel 300 is chosen, and a board length corresponding to the height of the wall panel 300 (not including the ends of the columns 100 which may protrude beyond the edges 314, 316 of the boards 304, 406), a number of different wall lengths may be achieved for different wall panels 300 with different combinations of 1200mm and 1500mm wide boards, as shown in the table below.

Module combination	Wall Length (mm)	Module combination	Wall Length (mm)
1x1200	0x1500	1200	4x1200	2x1500	7800
0x1200	1x1500	1500	3x1200	3x1500	8100
2x1200	0x1500	2400	7x1200	0x1500	8400
1x1200	1x1500	2700	2x1200	4x1500	8400
0x1200	2x1500	3000	6x1200	1x1500	8700
3x1200	0x1500	3600	1x1200	5x1500	8700
2x1200	1x1500	3900	0x1200	6x1500	9000
1x1200	2x1500	4200	5x1200	2x1500	9000
0x1200	3x1500	4500	4x1200	3x1500	9300
4x1200	0x1500	4800	8x1200	0x1500	9600
3x1200	1x1500	5100	3x1200	4x1500	9600
2x1200	2x1500	5400	2x1200	5x1500	9900
1x1200	3x1500	5700	7x1200	1x1500	9900
0x1200	4x1500	6000	6x1200	2x1500	10200
5x1200	0x1500	6000	1x1200	6x1500	10200
4x1200	1x1500	6300	5x1200	3x1500	10500
3x1200	2x1500	6600	0x1200	7x1500	10500
2x1200	3x1500	6900	4x1200	4x1500	10800
6x1200	0x1500	7200	9x1200	0x1500	10800

2019204213 14 Jun 2019

1x1200	4x1500	7200	8x1200	1x1500	11100
0x1200	5x1500	7500	3x1200	5x1500	11100
5x1200	1x1500	7500	7x1200	2x1500	11400

[0139] Combining boards of 1200mm and 1500mm width as set out above provides a great deal of design flexibility allowing a wide range of wall lengths; almost all wall lengths greater than 1200mm in 300mm increments. For example, the wall panel 300 may comprise a plurality of boards 304, 306 of the same width, as shown in Figure 3L (1500mm board widths) and Figure 3M (1200mm board widths), or a combination of boards 304, 306 of different widths, as shown in Figure 3N (1200, 1500, 1200).

[0140] When another wall length is required, which cannot be achieved with combinations of 1200mm and 1500mm boards, additional 300mm wide boards 304, 306 may be added, and optionally also a further column pair, as shown in Figure 3P, for example (1500mm + 1500mm + 300mm for a 3300mm long wall panel 300).

[0141] Other lengths of wall panel 300 could be achieved by cutting the boards 304, 306 to reach the desired length. However, this would reduce efficiency due to the added fabrication time and cost as well as wastage of material.

[0142] The length of the wall panel 300 exposed in a room of a building structure can also be adjusted with different configurations of adjacent perpendicular wall panels 300. For example, the length of an internal wall face may be equal to the full length of the wall panel 300, or the length of the wall panel 300 minus one or two thicknesses of the wall panel 300, as shown in Figures 3Q to 3S. The thickness of the wall panel 300 is shown as 190mm in the drawings, but could be any suitable thickness in other embodiments depending on the structural performance requirements and the materials selected for a given application.

[0143] The boards 304, 306 and columns 100a, 100b of the wall panel 300 may be arranged such that junctions between adjacent boards 304, 306 (i.e., where board edges meet) may be aligned with a centerline of each column pair, or a midline of the mating

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 faces of the columns 100a, 100b of each column pair, as shown in Figures 3L to 3S. This allows each board 304, 306 to be adhesively bonded to one column 100 of each adjacent column pair along each side edge of each board 304, 306. The exception to this is at the ends of the wall panel 300 where the column pairs are completely surrounded by the first and second boards 304, 306 and the end board 308, as shown in Figures 3J to 3S.

[0144] While the spacing between column pairs in the mid sections of the wall panel 300 may generally be equal to the corresponding board width of each section, the different configuration of the columns 100a, 100b at the ends of the wall panel 300 means that the end sections have a column pair spacing that is less than the corresponding board width. For example, the width of the space between adjacent column pairs corresponding to a 1500mm board may be 1200mm for a mid-section and 1050mm for an end section, as shown in Figure 3L, while the width of the space between adjacent column pairs corresponding to a 1200mm board may be 900mm for a mid-section and 750 for an end section, as shown in Figure 3M.

[0145] Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, a floor cassette or module 500 is shown, according to some embodiments. The floor module 500 comprises a frame or truss 510 supporting one or more floor panels 520. The truss 510 may be configured such that ends of the truss 510 fit between the spaced column pairs or end caps 350 of a wall panel 300, as shown in Figures 8 and 9B to 9D. In some embodiments, a set of floor modules 500 with different truss widths may be provided to correspond to different spacings between adjacent column pairs, such as those described above in relation to Figures 3J to 3S.

[0146] A plurality of floor modules 500 of similar or different widths may be assembled together with one or more wall panels 300 to construct a building structure 900. The floor modules 500 may combine to define a suspended floor, as shown in Figures 9C and 9E. In some embodiments, a separate infill floor panel 525 may be provided to cover gaps between floor modules 500, as shown in Figure 9E.

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0147] Any suitable materials may be used for the floor module 500. Lightweight materials may be preferable for enhanced structural efficiency. The floor truss 510 may be formed of light weight gauge steel, such as 550MPa grade high tensile steel, for example. The truss 510 may be formed from beams using systems such as Scottsdale or ENDUROCAD® or FRAMECAD®, or systems such as RedBuild Open-Web Truss or Pryda Span Galvanised Steel Web Truss may be used, for example. The floor panels 520 and/or infill panels 525 may comprise timber, plywood, chip board, particle board, or fibre cement sheet, for example.

[0148] The floor panels 520 may define a thickness greater than a thickness of the dispersement stitch plates 600 (described below) by 0.5mm to 1mm to allow for compression of the floor panels 520 under the weight of the wall panel 300 or wall panels 300 placed above. In some embodiments, part of the floor panels 520 (for example, areas that won’t be covered by upper wall panels 300) may be covered with a further finished flooring material, such as tiles or carpet, for example.

[0149] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the floor panels 520 may not extend under the wall panels 300 and a packer plate or packer panel 560 may be placed on the floor truss 510 between the end caps 350 of the wall panel 300 to provide a surface level with the upper surfaces of the dispersement stitch plates 600 (see Figures 8 and 9L). The packer plate 560 may be formed of plywood having a thickness 0.5mm to 1mm greater than the difference between upper surface levels of the floor truss 510 and the dispersement stitch plates 600 to allow for compression of the packer plate 560 under the weight of the wall panel 300 above.

[0150] In some embodiments, the floor module 500 may further comprise one or more of the following elements: an acoustic substrate 530 (e.g. 2-3mm rubber sheet between floor panels 520 and truss 510), acoustic and/or thermal insulation 532, service lines or conduits 534, fireboard 536, and ceiling board 538, for example, as shown in Figure 5B.

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0151] A plurality of floor modules 500 may be connected to each other and/or to a plurality of wall panels 300, 400 to form a building structure 900 as discussed below in relation to Figures 9A to 9M.

[0152] Referring to Figures 6A and 6B, a dispersement plate 600 is shown, according to some embodiments. The dispersement plate 600 may also be referred to as a stitch plate, stitching member, stitching dispersement plate, dispersement stitch plate, or tie plate, for example. Dispersement plates 600 may be placed between end caps 350 of a lower wall panel 300 and columns 100 of a vertically adjacent upper wall panel 300 connected to the lower wall panel 300 to disperse gravity loads from the upper wall panel 300 through the end caps 350 and boards 304, 306 of the lower wall panel 300 as well as the columns 100 of the lower wall panel.

[0153] The dispersement plates 600 may also be used as stitching members, tie plates or dispersement stitch plates 600 to connect horizontally adjacent wall panels 300, 400 by connecting one or more columns 100a of a first wall panel 300a to one or more columns 100b of a second horizontally adjacent wall panel 300d, or to connect respective column pairs of each horizontally adjacent wall panel 300, 400, as shown in Figure 8, for example.

[0154] The dispersement stitch plate 600 may comprise a flat plate 602 having two or more end portions 606, each end portion 606 defining one or more apertures 624 configured to receive or allow passage of part of the tenon projection 126 of the column 100 (or 200). The flat plate 602 defining the end portions 606 and apertures 624 may comprise a continuous sheet or plate of material. Each end portion 606 may define two apertures 624 corresponding to the columns 100a, 100b of a column pair of each wall panel 300.

[0155] The end portions 606 and apertures 624 may be substantially similar in shape and dimensions to the top panel 360 and apertures 364 of the end cap 350, and may be formed of steel, such as 250MPa grade structural steel having a thickness in the range of 2mm to 20mm, 3mm to 10mm, or 3mm to 5mm, for example.

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0156] The dispersement stitch plate 600 may be placed on top of adjacent end caps 350 of horizontally adjacent wall panels 300a, 300d (as shown in Figure 8), such that the end portions 606 align with the top panels 360 of each end cap 350, and apertures 624 of each end portion 606 of the dispersement stitch plate 600 align with the apertures 364 of the top panel 360 of the end cap 350 of each of the horizontally adjacent wall panels 300. Then, when vertically adjacent wall panels 300 and/or columns 100 are connected to the horizontally adjacent wall panels 300, the tenon projections 136 of the columns 100 of the upper wall panels pass through the apertures 624 of the dispersement stitch pate 600 and the apertures 364 of the end caps 350 into the mortice recesses 124 of the lower wall panels 300, thereby connecting the horizontally adjacent wall panels 300 via the dispersement stitch plate 600.

[0157] Referring to Figures 6C to 6H, various embodiments of the dispersement stitch plate 600 are shown having different numbers of end portions arranged at different angles configured to connect different arrangements of horizontally adjacent wall panels 300. The dispersement stitch plate 600 may comprise two, three, four, five or more similar end portions 606, which may be arranged at different relative angles corresponding to the angular relationship of the horizontally adjacent wall panels 300.

[0158] Figure 6C shows an L-shaped dispersement stitch plate 600 comprising two end portions 606 configured to connect perpendicular horizontally adjacent wall panels 300.

[0159] Figure 6D shows a T-shaped dispersement stitch plate 600 comprising three end portions 606 configured to connect two parallel horizontally adjacent wall panels 300 to each other in an end-to-end arrangement and to a third wall panel 300 extending perpendicularly away from the first two horizontally adjacent wall panels 300.

[0160] Figure 6E shows another T-shaped dispersement stitch plate 600 which is similar to the dispersement stitch plate 600 of Figure 6D, but allows for an arrangement of three wall panels 300 with an end of the perpendicular wall panel 300 disposed between the two parallel wall panels 300.

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0161] Figure 6F shows a cross-shaped dispersement stitch plate 600 comprising four end portions 606 configured to connect two parallel horizontally adjacent wall panels 300 to each other in an end-to-end arrangement and to two other wall panels 300 extending perpendicularly away from the first two horizontally adjacent wall panels 300 on either side of the connection and extending parallel to each other.

[0162] Figure 6G shows an angled dispersement stitch plate 600 comprising two end portions 606 configured to connect non-perpendicular horizontally adjacent wall panels 300. The arrangement of the end portions 606 may be configured to allow connection of wall panels 300 defining an acute angle or an obtuse angle therebetween, such as 30°, 45°, 60°, 120°, 135° or 150°, for example, or any other selected angle. The angled dispersement stitch plate 606 may further comprise an intermediate connecting portion 610 between the two end portions 606.

[0163] Figure 6H shows an angled dispersement stitch plate 600 comprising three end portions 606 extending away from a central intermediate connecting portion 610. The end portions 606 may be configured to connect three non-perpendicular horizontally adjacent wall panels 300 defining any suitable selected angles therebetween, such as acute angles and/or obtuse angles. For example, the end portions 606 may be arranged in an equiangular relationship to allow connection of three wall panels 300 with an angle of 120° defined between each adjacent pair of wall panels 300.

[0164] Referring to Figure 6J, a single end cap dispersement plate or packing plate 600J is shown according to some embodiments. This dispersement plate may be configured for placement above a single end cap 350 which does not need to be connected to any other end caps 350 of other wall panels 300. A packing plate 600J may be used to build up the level from the end cap 350 to correspond to a level of an upper surface of one or more dispersement stitch plates 600 connecting other end caps 350 of the same wall panel 300, thereby creating similar parallel levels configured to receive a vertically adjacent wall panel 300.

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0165] The packing plate 600J may comprise a flat plate 602 defining two apertures 624 configured to receive the tenon projections 126 of a corresponding pair of columns 100a, 100b, and may be similar in configuration to the end portions 606 described above in relation to the dispersement stitch plates 600. The flat plate 602 may be formed of steel as described above, or in some embodiments, may be formed of plywood. When formed of plywood, the flat plate 602 may define a thickness greater than a thickness of the dispersement stitch plates 600 by 0.5mm to 1mm to allow for compression of the plywood under the weight of the wall panel 300 or wall panels 300 above.

[0166] Use of the dispersement stitch plates 600 and packing plates 600J is further described below in relation to Figure 8.

[0167] Referring to Figures 7A to 7E, a base element 700 is shown, according to some embodiments.

[0168] The base element 700 may provide an alternative connection point for a column 100 instead of another one of the column 100. For example, a base element 700 may be provided on the lowest level of a building structure as a connection point for a lowest column or columns 100 of the building structure. A plurality of base elements 700 may be provided as connection points for a corresponding plurality of columns 100 of a wall panel 300, for example.

[0169] The base element 700 may define a mortice recess 724 which may be substantially similar to the mortice recess 124 of the column 100 and configured to receive the tenon projection 126 of the column 100. The base element 700 may further define a bore 734 which may be substantially similar to the upper bore 134 of the column 100 and configured to receive the second end 116 of the dowel 110 of the column 100. The bore 734 may extend parallel to a central axis of the mortice recess 724. The bore 734 may be coaxial with the mortice recess 724. The bore 634 and mortice recess 624 may include any of the features described above in relation to the upper bore 134 and mortice recess 124 of the column 100.

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0170] Adhesive may be injected or inserted into the bore 734 prior to receiving the dowel 110 to adhesively bond the dowel 110 to the bore 734 (and optionally also adhesively bond the tenon projection 126 to the mortice recess 724) to connect the column 100 to the base element 700 in a similar manner to that described in relation to the vertically adjacent connecting columns 100a, 100b of Figures 1C to IF and IL. A venting passage or overflow hole may not be necessary for the base connection, as excess adhesive may escape out of the side of the connection to serve as a visual indicator and/or allow the quality of setting/curing of the adhesive to be determined.

[0171] A plurality of base elements 700 may be fixed to a foundation 902 (such as a frame, floor or concrete slab, for example) at selected locations, with the mortice recess 724 and bore 734 of each base element 700 configured to receive a column 100 to connect the column 100 to the foundation 902 at each location.

[0172] In some embodiments, the base element 700 may comprise a plurality of mortice recesses 724 and corresponding bores 734 for receiving a corresponding plurality of columns 100. For example, the base element 700 may comprise two adjacent mortice recesses 724 and two corresponding bores 734 arranged to receive the tenon projections 126 and dowels 110 of a pair of columns 100a, 100b, as shown in Figure 7A. For example, the columns 100a, 100b may comprise one of a plurality of column pairs of a wall panel 300, as described in relation to Figures 3A to 3H.

[0173] Referring to Figure 7A, in some embodiments, the base element 700 may comprise a shim or base plate 702 defining apertures 722. The plate 702 may be fixed directly to the foundation 902 by adhesive bonding, welding, or mechanical fastening with screws or bolts. For example, the foundation 902 may comprise a concrete slab and the plate 702 may be fastened to the slab with concrete screws. The mortice recesses 724 may be defined by the plate 702 surrounding each aperture 722 and the surface of the foundation 902. The bores 734 may be formed by drilling directly into the foundation 902 (e.g., concrete slab). The base plate 702 may be formed of any suitable material, such as timber, metal, steel, or structural steel, for example.

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0174] Referring to Figure 7B, in some embodiments, the base element 700 may further comprise an elongate base rail 704 defining guide holes 732 for guiding the drilling of the bores 734 into the foundation 902. The plate 702 may be fixed to the base rail 704 with the apertures 722 aligned with the guide holes 732. The mortice recesses 724 may be defined by the plate 702 surrounding each aperture 722 and a surface of the rail 704.

[0175] A plurality of base plates 702 may be fixed to the rail 704 at selected spaced locations along the rail 704 corresponding to the spaced locations of pairs of columns 100a, 100b along a length of a wall panel 300. This may be preferable to positioning the base plates 702 directly on the foundation 902 at a construction site, as the base plates 702 can be positioned accurately on the base rail 704 at a factory offsite, so that the prefabricated base element 700 corresponding to a particular wall panel 300 can be delivered to the construction site and fixed to the foundation 902 as a single element.

[0176] The base rail 704 may be fixed to the foundation 902 by adhesive bonding, welding or mechanical fastening, for example. The bores 734 may then be drilled through the guide holes 732 and into the foundation 902. In some embodiments, the base rail 704 may be deep enough that the bores 734 can be provided in the rail 704 itself, as shown in Figures 7D and 7E, for example. In some embodiments, the bores 734 in the rail 704 may be sufficiently deep that it may not be necessary to extend the bores 734 into the foundation 902.

[0177] The base rail 704 may be formed of any suitable material, such as timber, laminated timber, plywood, polymer, metal, steel, or structural steel, for example. In some embodiments, the base rail 704 may be formed of steel rectangular hollow section, as shown in Figure 7C. The base rail 704 may define guide holes 732 in a top surface and a bottom surface of the hollow section.

[0178] In some embodiments, each bore 734 may be defined by a cylindrical steel sheath 736, which may be inserted into the base rail 704 through the guide holes 732. The base element 700 may be formed by placing the bore sheaths 736 into the guide

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 holes 732, welding the bore sheaths 736 into the hollow steel section of the base rail 704, and then welding the base plate 702 to the base rail 704 with the apertures 722 defining the mortice recesses 724 in alignment with the guide holes 732 and bore sheaths 736 defining the bores 734.

[0179] Referring to Figure 7D, in some embodiments, the base plate 702 may comprise an elongate rail defining the mortice recesses 724 and bores 734. In some embodiments, the bores 734 may be extended by drilling into the foundation 902 through the bores 734.

[0180] Referring to Figure 7E, in some embodiments, the base plate 702 may comprise an elongate rail defining apertures 722 to define the mortice recesses 724, and the base element 700 may further comprise a base rail 704 defining the bores 734 and/or guide holes 732.

[0181] The elongate base plate 702 may define a plurality of adjacent pairs of apertures 722 and/or mortice recesses 724 spaced to align with a corresponding plurality of pairs of columns 100a, 100b of a wall panel 300, for example.

[0182] The base element 700 and components thereof may be formed of any suitable material, such as timber, laminated timber, engineered timber, plywood, metal, steel, structural steel, polymer, concrete or a composite material, for example.

[0183] The base element 700 may be fixed to the foundation with mechanical fasteners, such as screws or bolts, chemset fasteners, adhesive bonding, welding (e.g. to a steel frame or foundation), or in some cases may be cast into the foundation (such as a concrete slab, for example).

[0184] Referring to Figure 8, part of a building structure 800 is shown to illustrate a process for connecting the structural elements described above, according to some embodiments. Figure 8 shows part of a building structure comprising wall panels 300 (including columns 100), floor modules 500, packing plates 560, dispersement plates

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600J and dispersement stitch plates 600. For the purposes of the following description (in relation to Figure 8 only), the wall panels 300 are marked as 300a (top left), 300b (middle left), 300c (bottom left), 300d (top right), 300e (middle right) and 300f (bottom right).

[0185] Horizontally adjacent wall panels 300c and 300f of the lower level are connected to each other by a first dispersement stitch plate 600a, which may be similar to the dispersement stitch plate 600 shown in Figure 6A, for example. Internal columns 100 of the mid-level wall panels 300b, 300e (columns not shown in Figure 8, see Figures 3 A to 3F) are connected to the end caps 350 and columns 100 of the lower wall panels 300c, 300f, with the tenon portions 126 of the columns 100 extending through the apertures 624 of the dispersement stitch plate 600a, thereby connecting lower wall panels 300c, 300f to each other, and the mid-level panels 300b, 300e to each other.

[0186] Floor modules 500 are placed on the top edges 314 and/or end cap flanges 358 between the end caps 350 of each wall panel 300, and each of the end caps 350 not covered by dispersement stitch plates 600 are covered with single cap dispersement plates 600J before the next vertically adjacent wall panel 300 above is lowered into place.

[0187] The top right panel 300d is shown in place with columns 100 connected to the columns of the vertically adjacent wall panel 300e and the tenon projections 126 extending through the right side end portion 606 of a second dispersement stitch plate 600b. The left side end portion 606 of the second dispersement stitch plate 600b is in position above the end cap 350 of the middle left wall panel 300b, and the vertically adjacent upper left wall panel 300a is being lowered into place to connect to the middle left wall panel 300b, and also to connect the second dispersement stitch plate 600b to the end cap 350 of the middle left wall panel 300b, thereby connecting horizontally adjacent mid-level wall panels 300b, 300e to each other, and connecting horizontally adjacent top-level panels 300a, 300d to each other. Packing plates 560 are disposed above floor modules 500 between horizontal dispersement plates 600, 600J and between vertically adjacent wall panels 300.

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0188] The next stage is to lower the next level of floor modules 500 into place between the end caps 350 of the top-level wall panels 300a, 300d and to position a third dispersement stitch plate 600c above the end caps 350 to connect the top-level wall panels 300a, 300d when the next level of vertically adjacent wall panels 300 is connected to the top-level wall panels 300a, 300d. The construction process is described in further detail below in relation to Figures 9A to 9M.

[0189] Referring to Figures 9A to 9M, a method of erecting a building structure 900 is shown, according to some embodiments. The building structure 900 may comprise a foundation 902 (e.g., a concrete slab), a plurality of base elements 700, a plurality of floor modules 500, a plurality of dispersement plates 600J and dispersement stitch plates 600, and a plurality of wall panels 300 (or 400), each wall panel 300 comprising a plurality of columns 100 (or 200). Each of the components of the building structure 900 may comprise any of the features described above in relation to Figures 1A to 7E.

[0190] In some embodiments, all of the building components 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 (other than the foundation 902) may be prefabricated offsite, i.e., fabricated in a factory away from the construction site of the building structure 900, and then transported to the construction site for assembly and construction to erect the building structure 900.

[0191] In some cases, one of the first or second boards 304, 306 may be left off until the service lines 340 have been connected and then fixed to the columns 100 of the wall panel 300. For example, one or more wall panels 300 with a plurality of first boards 304 and second boards 306 may be provided on-site for construction of the building structure 900 with one of the boards 304, 306 not fixed to the wall panel 300 leaving one or more of the spaces between column pairs at least partially open. The wall panel 300 may be connected to the building structure 900, and the exposed space between column pairs may allow service lines 340 to be connected to other service lines in the building structure (e.g. in one or more other horizontally or vertically adjacent wall panels 300). Once the service lines 340 are connected, the loose/separate board 304,

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306 may be fixed to the wall panel 300 to cover the open space between column pairs (e.g. by adhesive bonding and/or mechanical fastening).

[0192] Referring to Figure 9A, the base elements 700 may be fixed to the foundation 902 in selected locations corresponding to planned locations of the wall panels 300. If necessary, the bores 734 of the base elements 700 may be extended by drilling through the bores 734 or guide holes 732 into the foundation 902.

[0193] Adhesive may be inserted into the bores 734 of the base elements 700, and a first set of wall panels 300a may then be connected to the base elements 700 by aligning each wall panel 300a with its corresponding base element 700 and lowering the wall panel 300a to connect with the base element 700 (either manually or with a crane), with the second ends 116 of the dowels 110 and tenon projections 126 of each column 100 of the wall panel 300a being lowered into the bores 734 and mortice recesses 724, respectively, of the base element 700.

[0194] Each wall panel 300a may be supported in place (optionally with temporary braces) until the adhesive sets or cures and/or the wall panels 300a are supported by other structural elements of the building structure 900.

[0195] Figures 9A to 9M show a building structure 900 with connections between vertically adjacent wall panels 300. Horizontally adjacent wall panels 300 on each level may be connected by dispersement stitch plates 600, as described in relation to Figures 6A to 6H and 8.

[0196] Referring to Figures 9B and 9C, the floor truss modules 500 may then be lifted into place (manually or with a crane) between the end caps 350 of the wall panels 300a. Respective ends of each floor module 500 may be supported by adjacent wall panels 300a. The flanges 358 of the end caps 350 may be strong enough to temporarily support the floor modules 500 (see Figure 9D) until the trusses 510 are fixed to the lateral side panels 356 of the end caps 350 and/or directly to the columns 100. For example, the trusses 510 may be fixed to the end caps 350 and/or columns 100 by one

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 or more of: adhesive bonding, welding, and mechanical fasteners, such as bolts, rivets, screws, self-drilling screws or Tek® screws, for example.

[0197] Referring to Figure 9E, additional floor panels 525 may be connected to the floor trusses 510 to cover gaps between the floor modules 500 aligned with the columns 100 and end caps 350.

[0198] Referring to Figure 9F, a second (upper) set of wall panels 300b may connected to the first (lower) set of wall panels 300a by inserting adhesive into the upper bores 134 of the columns 100 of the first set of wall panels 300a and lowering each of the second set of wall panels 300b towards each corresponding one of the first set of wall panels 300a (either manually or with a crane), such that the second ends 116 of the dowels 110 and tenon projections 126 of each column 100 of the upper wall panel 300b are lowered into the upper bores 134 and mortice recesses 124, respectively, of the each column 100 of the lower wall panels 300a.

[0199] Further floor modules 500 may then be installed between the end caps 350 of the second set of wall panels 300b, and the process may be repeated to erect a third set of wall panels 300c above the second set of wall panels 300b.

[0200] The construction process set out above may be repeated for each level to be erected to form the building structure 900. For example, a building structure 900 may be erected with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more levels, each level comprising a set of wall panels 300, 400 and floor modules 500.

[0201] Referring to Figures 9G to 9M, a series of vertical cross-sections of different connections of the building structure 900 are shown, according to some embodiments. Figures 9G to 9J show cross-sections through the columns 100 and Figures 9K to 9M show cross-sections through the wall panels 300 in the space between column pairs.

[0202] The top level of the building structure 900 may comprise a roof structure 909 connected to the uppermost wall panels 300, as shown in Figures 9G and 9K. For

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 example, the roof structure 909 may comprise one or more frame modules that fit into the tops of the wall panels 300 between the end caps 350 in a similar way to the trusses 510 of the floor modules 500. The frame modules may be formed of light weight steel, as described in relation to the floor trusses 510.

[0203] Figures 9H and 9L show the connection between vertically adjacent wall panels 300 and a floor module 500, as described above in relation to Figure 8. A dispersement stitch plate 600 is shown in Figure 9H between the vertically adjacent wall panels 300 around the columns 100 at the column connection. Figure 9L shows the end of the truss 510 of the floor module 500 disposed between the end caps 350 of the lower wall panel 300, and a packer plate 560 between the floor truss 510 and the upper wall panel 300, to build up the level of the floor module 500 to the level of the dispersement stitch plate 600.

[0204] The building structure 900 may further comprise external cladding 904 fixed to external surfaces of the wall panels 300, and flashing 905 may be installed to mitigate against water ingress into the connections between vertically adjacent wall panels 300, as shown in Figures 9H and 9L.

[0205] Figures 9J and 9M show the connection between a lowermost wall panel 300 and the foundation 902. A rebate 903 is cast into the foundation 902 (e.g. concrete slab) and configured to receive the base element 700, such that the lower edge 316 of the wall panel 300 is level with the main upper surface of the foundation 902. In some embodiments, the base element 700 and rebate 903 may be configured to set the lower edge 316 of the wall panel 300 above or below the level of the upper surface of the foundation 902. The rebate 903 may mitigate against water ingress and/or provide resistance to out of plane tilting of the wall panel 300.

[0206] The bore 734 is drilled through the base element 700 into the foundation 902 as described in relation to Figure 7A, and the dowel 110 of the column 100 of the wall panel 300 is glued into the bore 734, thereby connecting the lowermost wall panel 300 to the foundation 902.

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0207] The described structural elements, building structure and method of construction may allow for increased efficiency in construction as well as structural efficiency, as building structures may be designed and built using less material than conventional structures due to the increased structural performance afforded to the wall panels by the geometry of the columns 100 (particularly the described columns with triangular profiles).

[0208] The described structural elements 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, may be prefabricated off-site in a factory, reducing the time required for on-site construction, and improving fabrication efficiency in a factory production line. Fabrication efficiency may be further improved by using standardised material sizes, such as standard plywood sizes for the wall panel boards 304, 306, as described above.

[0209] On-site construction efficiency may be improved in comparison to conventional construction methods, as no tools are required to connect the wall panels 300 to each other, all that is required is that the adhesive is put in the upper bores 134 and a vertically adjacent wall panel 300 can be lifted into place and connected to the lower wall panel 300.

[0210] The described embodiments may be implemented with different materials and dimensions suitable for a given application. For example, the columns 100, 200 may have a length in the range of Im to 4m, 2m to 3.5m, or 2.5m to 3m, and a width in the range of 50mm to 400mm, 100mm to 250mm or 150mm to 200mm. The outer shell 122 may have a thickness in the range of 10mm to 50mm, or 15mm to 30mm, and the mortice recess 124 may have a depth corresponding to the length of the tenon projection 126 in the range of 10mm to 200mm, 20mm to 150mm, or 50mm to 100mm.

[0211] The wall panels 300, 400 may have a height similar to the length of the columns 100, 200 and a length in the range of Im to 20m, 2m to 12m, or 2m to 5m. The columns 100, 300 and wall panels 300, 400 may be formed predominantly of timber materials for structural efficiency and sustainability, but other materials may be used as well or instead. The boards 304, 306, may have a height in the range of Im to

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4m, 2m to 3.6m, 2.4m to 3.3m, or 2.7m to 3m. The thickness of the wall panels 300 may be in the range of 100mm to 400mm, 150mm to 300mm, 200mm to 250mm, or about 190mm, for example.

[0212] The dowels 110 may be formed of timber, but generally a metal such as steel may be required depending on the design loads. The dowels 110 may have a length in the range of 100mm to 1000mm, 200mm to 800mm, or 400mm to 600mm, and a diameter in the range of 5mm to 100mm, 10mm to 50mm, 15mm to 30mm or 20mm to 25mm. The bores 134, 136 may have a length and diameter substantially similar to or slightly greater than the length and diameter of the dowels 110.

[0213] The spacing between column pairs in the wall panel 300, 400 may be in the range of 0.5m to 2m, or 0.8m to 1.2m, and the columns 100 may extend beyond the upper edges 314 of the boards 304, 306 of the wall panel 300, 400 by a distance in the range of 100mm to 1000mm, 200mm to 800mm, 200mm to 500mm or 300mm to 400mm. The width of the floor modules 500 may be similar to or slightly less than the spacing between column pairs, and the depth of the floor modules may be similar to the distance that the columns 100, 200 extend beyond the upper edges 314 of the boards. The floor modules 500 may have a span in the range of Im to 7m, 2m to 6m, or 3m to 5m.

[0214] Referring to Figures 10A and 10B, a column 1000 is shown according to some embodiments, in side view and in cross-section, respectively. The column 1000 shares a number of features with the columns 100, 200 described above, and similar components are indicated with like reference numerals.

[0215] The column 1000 comprises an elongate body 102 and two dowels 110a, 110b extending from one end 106 of the body 102. The body 102 comprises two bush cores 120a, 120b and an outer shell 122 fixed to and at least partially surrounding each of the bush cores 120a, 120b. The body 102 defines two mortice recesses 124a, 124b and two first bores 134a, 134b at a first end 104 of the body 102. And the body 102 defines two

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 tenon projections 126a, 126b and two second bores 136a, 136b at a second end 106 of the body 102.

[0216] The first bore 134a, 134b of each bush core 120a, 120b extends coaxially with the respective second bore 136a, 136b of each bush core 120a, 120b and parallel to a central longitudinal axis 108 of the body 102. A first end 114 of each dowel 110a, 110b is disposed and fixed in a respective one of the second bores 136a, 136b at the second end 106 of the body 102, and a second end 116 of each dowel 110a, 110b is configured to be received in a respective one of the first bores 134a, 134b of another one of the column 1000, and the mortice recesses 124a, 124b are configured to receive the tenon projections 126a, 126b of the other one of the column 1000, such that the column 1000 is substantially in coaxial alignment with the other column 1000.

[0217] In some embodiments, the bush cores 120a, 120b may be formed of timber and the outer shell 122 may be formed of metal. For example, the outer shell 122 may be formed of steel, sheet steel, coil steel, or structural steel. The outer shell 122 may be fixed to the bush cores 120a, 120b with mechanical fasteners, such as bolts, screws, or tek screws, for example. The outer shell 122 may be adhesively bonded to the bush cores 120a, 120b. Any suitable adhesive may be used, such as Duramax Maxibond, Wurth MS3 adhesive or equivalent, for example.

[0218] The outer shell 122 may extend past an end of each of the bush cores 120a, 120b to at least partially define the mortice recesses 124a, 124b as shown in Figure 10B. Each of the bush cores 120a, 120b may extend past an outer end of the outer shell 122 to define the tenon projections 126a, 126b.

[0219] Each of the bush cores 120a, 120b may define a polygonal prism, such as a triangular prism, rectangular prism, square prism, quadrilateral prism, pentagonal prism, hexagonal prism, heptagonal prism, octagonal prism, nonagonal prism, decagonal prism, trapezoidal prism, or a rhomboidal prism, for example. A lateral cross-sectional profile of the bush cores 120a, 120b may be defined by an equilateral polygon, irregular polygon, rhombus, rhomboid, trapezium, square, rectangle,

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, triangle, equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, or right-angled triangle, for example.

[0220] In some embodiments, the second end 116 of each dowel 110a, 110b may be tapered to avoid piston lock when connecting columns 1000, as discussed above in relation to columns 100, 200. The second end 116 of each dowel 110a, 110b may define a slanted face 118 which is angled relative to a central longitudinal axis of the dowel, as described above in relation to Figure IK and IL.

[0221] The dowels 110a, 110b and/or internal surfaces of the bores 134a, 134b, 136a, 136b may include surface variations to increase the surface area in contact with the adhesive and improve the strength of the adhesive bond. For example, the dowels 110a, 110b and/or internal surfaces of the bores 134a, 134b, 136a, 136b may define threaded surfaces. The dowels 110a, 110b may comprise steel threaded rod having a thread size of M16, M20, M24 or M30, for example.

[0222] In some embodiments, the body 102 may further define a venting passage 132 or overflow hole from an internal surface of each of the first bores 134a, 134b to an external surface of the body 102, as described above in relation to column 100 and Figures lAto IF and IL.

[0223] Referring to Figures 10C to 10F, a first (upper) column 1000a is shown being lowered into and connected to a second (lower) vertically adjacent column 1000b. The connection process is substantially similar to that described in relation to columns 100a and 100b as shown in Figures 1C to IF. As the upper column 1000a is lowered into place, the second end 116 of each dowel 110a, 110b is received in the first bores 134a, 134b of the lower column 1000b, and the tenon projections 126a, 126b of the upper column 1000a are received in the mortice recesses 124a, 124b of the lower column 1000b.

[0224] Adhesive is inserted into the first bores 134a, 134b of the second column 1000a before the upper column 1000a is lowered into place, as described in relation to

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 the adhesive 138 shown in Figures ID to IF (not shown in Figures 10C to 10F). Excess adhesive may flow up around the dowels 110a, 110b and out through the venting passages or overflow holes 132, as described in relation to Figures ID to IF and IL.

[0225] Once the adhesive is allowed to set, the dowels 110a, 110b are adhesively bonded to the internal surfaces of the first bores 134a, 134b to connect the upper column 1000a to the lower column 1000b. Any suitable adhesive may be used, such as Techniglue R60/R90 or equivalent, for example.

[0226] Referring to Figure 11, a column 1100 is shown according to some embodiments. The column 1100 may include any one or more of the features of column 1000 described in relation to Figures 10A to 10F, and like features are indicated with like reference numerals.

[0227] The outer shell 122 may entirely surround each of the bush cores 120a, 120b along at least part of a length of the body 102. As shown in Figure 11, the outer shell 122 may entirely surround the bush cores 120a, 120b along substantially the entire length of the body 102 except for at the mortice recesses 124a, 124b and the tenon projections 126a, 126b.

[0228] The outer shell 122 of the column 1100 comprises two lengths of steel sheet 123, each defining a W-shaped profile. For example, the steel sheets 123 may comprise W-beam guardrail, commonly used along highways. W-beam guardrail is typically roll formed from sheet steel and is readily available for purchase.

[0229] The lengths of steel sheet 123 are fixed to the bush cores 120a, 120b in opposition to each other with ridges 121 of the W-shaped profile of each sheet 123 directed away from each other, such that the bush cores 120a, 120b are located within lobes of the W-shaped profile between the opposed sheets 123. The outer shell 122 may be fixed to the bush cores 120a, 120b by adhesive bonding and/or by mechanical fasteners, such as screws 1104, for example, as shown in Figure 11.

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0230] The W-shaped profile of the steel sheets 123 defines a channel 125 between the ridges 121. In some embodiments, the opposed steel sheets 123 may be fixed to each other along the channels 125 of each sheet 123 by a plurality of mechanical fasteners, such as screws, rivets or bolts, for example.

[0231] The bush cores 120a, 120b may each define a complimentary profile configured to be received between the W-shaped profiles of the lengths of steel sheet 123 forming the outer shell 122. The bush cores 120a, 120b may each define polygonal profiles with a plurality of flat facets that are approximately complimentary to internal surfaces of the outer shell 122. For example, the bush cores 120a, 120b may each define an irregular nonagonal profile, as shown in Figure 11.

[0232] In other embodiments, the outer shell 122 may only partially surround the bush cores 120a, 120b. For example, one or more sides of each bush core 120a, 120b may be left exposed and not covered by the outer shell 122.

[0233] Referring to Figures 12A to 12D, a column 1200 is shown according to some embodiments. The column 1200 may include any one or more of the features of the columns 1000, 1100 described in relation to Figures 10A to 10F and 11, and like features are indicated with like reference numerals.

[0234] The outer shell 122 of the column 1200 comprises a single length of sheet steel 123 having a W-shaped profile defining two ridges 121, as described in relation to column 1100.

[0235] The bush cores 120a, 120b may each define a complimentary profile configured to be received in part of the W-shaped profile of the outer shell. The bush cores 120a, 120b may each define polygonal profiles with a plurality of flat facets that are approximately complimentary to internal surfaces of the outer shell 122. For example, the bush cores 120a, 120b may each define an irregular hexagonal profile, as shown in Figures 12A to 12C.

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0236] The outer shell 122 may be fixed to the bush cores 120a, 120b by adhesive bonding and/or by mechanical fasteners, such as screws 1104, as shown in Figure 12A and 12B.

[0237] The outer shell 122 of the column 1200 does not entirely surround the bush cores 120a, 120b leaving an exposed face 1206 of each bush core 120a, 120b which is not covered by the outer shell 122.

[0238] The column 1200 may further comprise an end cap 1350, as shown in Figure 12D, which cooperates with the W-shaped steel sheet 123 to define the mortice recesses 124a, 124b.

[0239] The end cap 1350 is described in further detail below in relation to Figures 13J and 13K, and may include similar features to the end cap 350 described in relation to Figures 3G and 3H, with similar features indicated with like reference numerals.

[0240] Referring to Figures 13A to 13K, a wall panel 1300 is shown according to some embodiments. The wall panel 1300 may comprise a plurality of columns 1000, 1100, 1200 and include similar features to the wall panels 300 described above in relation to Figures 3A to 3S with like features indicated by like reference numerals.

[0241] Wall panels 1100 with two lengths of guardrail or steel sheets 123 may be used in wall panels requiring a relatively higher strength, such as for applications involving relatively higher gravity loads like multistorey building structures, for example. Wall panels 1200 with a single length of guardrail or steel sheet 123 may be used in wall panels requiring relatively less strength, such as for applications involving relatively lower gravity loads like one or two storey building structures, for example.

[0242] The wall panel 1300 comprises a plurality of columns 1000 fixedly positioned between opposed boards 304, 306. The wall panel 1300 may further comprise frame elements 320, insulation 330 and/or service lines 340 disposed within spaces defined

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 between the columns 1000 and between the boards 304, 306, as described in relation to wall panel 300.

[0243] The wall panel 1300 may comprise a plurality of columns 1000, a first set of one or more first boards 304 fixed on one side of the columns 1000 and a second set of one or more second boards 306 fixed on another side of the columns 1000. The wall panel 1300 may further comprise end boards 308 closing off each end of the wall panel 1300 and one or more frame elements 320 (and optionally insulation 330 and/or service lines 340) disposed between the boards 304, 306 and between the columns 1000, as shown in Figures 13A to 13C.

[0244] In contrast to the wall panels 300, 400 described above, where pairs of columns 100a, 100b are arranged to be connected to each other, thereby connecting the first and second boards 304, 306, each column 1000 of the wall panel 1300 may be connected to the first and second boards 304, 306 either directly, or via the frame elements 320.

[0245] The columns 1000 may be fixed to the first set of boards 304 with adhesive, as shown in Figure 13D. In the case of columns 1200, the exposed faces 1206 may be adhesively bonded directly to the boards 304. When a plurality of boards 304 are used, some of the columns 1000 may be fixed to two adjacent boards 304 to connect the adjacent boards 304 in edge to edge abutment. The boards 304 may or may not be directly connected to each other.

[0246] The frame modules 320 may be fixed (such as by adhesive bonding) to the second set of second boards 306, as shown in Figure 13E and 13F, and then the frame elements 320 and second boards 306 may be adhesively bonded to the first boards 304 and columns 1000 respectively, as shown in Figure 13G.

[0247] Alternatively, the frame elements 320 may first be fixed to the first boards 304, as shown in Figure 13H, before being fixed to the second boards 306, as shown in Figure G. The frame elements 320 may be adhesively bonded to the first boards 304

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 and/or columns 1000. Additionally, or alternatively, the frame elements 320 may be fixed to the columns 1000 with mechanical fasteners (not shown). Insulation 330 and service lines 340 may then be positioned within the frame elements 320 and then the second boards 306 may be adhesively bonded to the frame elements and/or columns 1000, and the end boards 308 may be adhesively bonded to the end columns 1000.

[0248] In some embodiments, the wall panel 1300 may further comprise a contoured moulding (not shown) defining a complimentary surface configured to receive and be adhesively bonded to the ridges 121 of the columns 1100, 1200 to increase the contact area and strengthen the connection between the columns 1000, 1100, 1200 and the boards 304, 306. In some embodiments, the columns 1000 may be fixed to the boards 304, 306, 308 with mechanical fasteners, such as screws, for example.

[0249] Upper ends of the columns 1000 may extend beyond upper edges 314 of the boards 304, 306, as described in relation to the wall panels 300, 400. End caps 1350 may be installed on the upper ends of the columns 1000 to square off the rounded surfaces, provide a suitable structure for fastening other structural elements to (such as floor modules 500), and, in the case of columns 1200, cooperate with the outer shell 122 of the column 1200 to define the mortice recesses 124a, 124b.

[0250] Referring to Figure 13J, the end cap 1350 suitable for column 1200 is shown fitted to a column 1200 in a wall panel 1300, according to some embodiments. An alternative endcap 1351 suitable for column 1100 is shown in Figure 13K, with the endcap 1351 fitted to a column 1100 in a wall panel 1300, according to some embodiments.

[0251] Vertically adjacent wall panels 1300 may be connected in the same way as described in relation to wall panels 300, with the dowels 110a, 110b of an upper wall panel 1300 being received in and adhesively bonded to upper bores 134a, 134b in the lower wall panel 1300 and tenon projections 126a, 126b of the upper wall panel 1300 being received in the mortice recesses 124a, 124b of the lower wall panel 1300.

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 [0252] Dispersement stitch plates 1400, 1500 may be used to connect columns 1000, 1100, 1200 of horizontally adjacent wall panels 1300 as described in relation to dispersement stitch plates 600 and wall panels 300. Packer plates 1401, 1501 may be used to raise the level of columns 1000 to that of the dispersement stitch plates 1400, 1500.

[0253] Figures 14A to 14F illustrate different dispersement stitch plates 1400 suitable for connecting wall panels 1300 comprising columns 1100, and Figures 15A to 15G illustrate different dispersement stitch plates 1500 suitable for connecting wall panels 1300 comprising columns 1200. Dispersement stitch plates 1400, 1500 may include similar features to the dispersement stitch plates 600 described in relation to Figures 6A to 6H, with apertures 624 configured to receive the tenon projections 126a, 126b of the different columns 1100, 1200 respectively. Packing plates 1401, 1501 may include similar features to the packing plate 600J described in relation to Figure 6J, with apertures 624 configured to receive the tenon projections 126a, 126b of the different columns 1100, 1200 respectively.

[0254] Figure 16 shows a base element 1600 for connecting a column 1100 to a foundation (not shown). Figure 17 shows a base element 1700 for connecting a column 1200 to a foundation (not shown).

[0255] The base elements 1600, 1700 include similar features to the base element 700 described in relation to Figures 7A and 7B, and similar features are indicated with like reference numerals. The base elements 1600, 1700 both comprise a rail 704 configured to be connected to a foundation, such as a concrete slab. The rail 704 defines apertures 722 configured to define mortice recesses 724 when connected to the foundation. The apertures 722 of each base element 1600, 1700 are configured to receive the tenon projections 126a, 126b of the corresponding columns 1100, 1200, respectively.

[0256] A wall panel 1300 or column 1000, 1100, 1200 may be connected to a foundation by fixing an appropriate base element 1600, 1700 to the foundation, drilling bore holes in the foundation, configured to receive the dowels 110a, 110b of the

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 column(s) 1000, 1100, 1200, such that the tenon projections 126a, 126b are aligned with the apertures 722 and mortice recesses 724; then inserting adhesive into the bores and connecting the column(s) 1000, 1100, 1200 to the foundation.

[0257] A building structure may be constructed using the columns 1000, 1100, 1200 and/or wall panels 1300 as described in relation to columns 100, 200 and wall panels 300, 400.

[0258] Standard sized boards 304, 306 may be used to form wall panels 1300 of different lengths, as described in relation to wall panels 300. However, the dimensions of the columns 1100, 1200 may be different to the columns 100, which may lead to different spacing between columns and different standard sizes of floor modules 500. For example, a wall panel 1300 with columns 1100 may have a thickness of 206mm, whereas a wall panel 1300 with columns 1200 may have a thickness of 123mm. A typical clad column 1100, 1200 may have a width of 350mm, for example (i.e., the width of the column 1100, 1200 and two thicknesses of end boards 308). The spacing between columns 1100, 1200 may allow for floor modules that are 675mm, 975mm, 850mm, or 1150mm wide, for example.

[0259] Other than the features described in relation to Figures 10A to 17, columns 1000, 1100, 1200, wall panel 1300, dispersement stitch plates 1400, 1500, packer plates 1401, 1501 and base elements 1600, 1700 may comprise any of the features described in relation to columns 100, 200, wall panels 300, 400 dispersement stitch plates 600, packer plates 600J and base elements 700, respectively, and building structures may be constructed using any combination of the described structural elements as described in relation to Figures 8 and 9A to 9M.

[0260] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A column comprising an elongate body with a triangular profile and a dowel extending from one end of the body, wherein the body defines:

a mortice recess and first bore at a first end of the body; and a tenon projection and second bore at a second end of the body, wherein the first and second bores extend coaxially with each other and parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the body, wherein a first end of the dowel is disposed and fixed in one of the first and second bores, and wherein a second end of the dowel is configured to be received in the first or second bore of another one of the column, and the mortice recess is configured to receive the tenon projection of the another one of the column, such that the column is substantially in coaxial alignment with the another column.
2. A column comprising an elongate body and a dowel extending from one end of the body, wherein the body defines:

a mortice recess and first bore at a first end of the body; and a tenon projection and second bore at a second end of the body, wherein the first and second bores extend coaxially with each other and parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the body, wherein a first end of the dowel is disposed and fixed in one of the first and second bores, and wherein a second end of the dowel is configured to be received in the first or second bore of another one of the column, and the mortice recess is configured to receive the tenon projection of the another one of the column, such that the column is substantially in coaxial alignment with the another column.
3.

A column according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the body is formed of timber.

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4. A column according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the body comprises a bush core and an outer shell fixed to the bush core.
5. A column according to claim 4, wherein the outer shell comprises a plurality of plywood panels fixed to the bush core by adhesive.
6. A column according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the outer shell extends past an end of the bush core to define the mortice recess.
7. A column according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the bush core extends past an end of the outer shell to define the tenon projection.
8. A column according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the bush core defines the first and second bores.
9. A column according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the dowel and first and second bores extend coaxially with the body of the column.
10. A column according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first end of the dowel is disposed and fixed in the second bore and the second end of the dowel is configured to be received in the first bore of another one of the column.
11. A column according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second end of the dowel is tapered.
12. A column according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second end of the dowel defines a slanted face which is angled relative to a central longitudinal axis of the dowel.
13. A column according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the body further defines a venting passage from an internal surface of the first or second bore to an external side surface of the body.
14. A wall panel comprising a plurality of columns according to any one of claims 1 to 13 fixedly positioned between opposed boards.

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15. A wall panel according to claim 14, wherein the columns are arranged in parallel pairs, a first column of each pair being fixed to a first one of the opposed boards, a second column of each pair being fixed to a second one of the opposed boards, and the first column of each pair being fixed to the second column of each pair.
16. A wall panel according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising insulation or frame elements disposed within spaces defined between the columns and between the boards.
17. A wall panel according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein upper ends of the columns extend beyond upper edges of the boards.
19. A building structure comprising a column according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or a wall panel according to any one of claims 14 to 18.
20. A building structure according to claim 19, further comprising a first set of wall panels according to any one of claims 14 to 18 connected to a foundation.
21. A building structure according to claim 20, further comprising a second set of wall panels connected to the first set of wall panels in a vertically adjacent configuration.
22. A building structure according to claim 21 further comprising a plurality of floor modules disposed between the first and second sets of wall panels to define a floor.
23. A building structure according to claim 22, further comprising a plurality of sets of wall panels, each subsequent set of wall panels being connected to a previous set of wall panels in a vertically adjacent configuration with floor modules disposed between vertically adjacent sets of wall panels to provide a plurality of levels of the building structure.
24. A method of assembling a building structure comprising a plurality of wall panels according to any one of claims 14 to 18, the method comprising:

inserting adhesive into the first bores of the columns of a first one of the wall panels;

2019204213 14 Jun 2019 lowering a second one of the wall panels into place above the first wall panel such that the dowels of the second wall panel are received in the first bores of the first wall panel; and allowing the adhesive to set, thereby adhesively bonding the dowels of the second wall panel to the columns of the first wall panel and connecting the second wall panel to the first wall panel.
25. A method of manufacturing a wall panel comprising a plurality of columns according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising:

adhesively bonding or mechanically fastening a first set of the plurality of columns to a first board;

adhesively bonding or mechanically fastening a second set of the plurality of columns to a second board; and adhesively bonding or mechanically fastening the first set of columns to the second set of columns.
26. A method of manufacturing a column, the method comprising adhesively bonding a plurality of panels to planar surfaces of an elongate prismatic core to form an outer shell such that a first end of the shell extends beyond a first end of the core to form a mortice recess defined by the shell and the first end of the core, and a second end of the core extends beyond a second end of the shell to form a tenon projection defined by the second end of the core and extending away from the second end of the shell, wherein the mortice recess and tenon projection define complimentary mating surfaces such that the mortice recess is configured to receive the tenon projection of another one of the column, and wherein the core defines coaxial bores of similar diameter at either end of the core.
27. A method of manufacturing a column according to claim 26, further comprising inserting a dowel into one of the bores and adhesively bonding the dowel to the core.

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28. A method of manufacturing a column according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the core defines a triangular profile.
29. A method of manufacturing a column according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the core is formed of timber.
30 A method of manufacturing a column according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the outer shell is formed of plywood panels.
31. A column according to claim 2, wherein the body comprises two bush cores and an outer shell fixed to and at least partially surrounding each of the bush cores, wherein the body defines two ones of the mortice recess and two ones of the first bore at the first end of the body, and two ones of the tenon projection and two ones of the second bore at the second end of the body, and wherein the column comprises two ones of the dowel, with the first end of each dowel disposed and fixed in a respective one of the second bores at the second end of the body, and the second end of each dowel configured to be received in a respective one of the first bores of another one of the column.
32. A column according to claim 31, wherein the bush cores are formed of timber and the outer shell is formed of metal.
33. A column according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the outer shell extends past an end of each of the bush cores to at least partially define the mortice recesses.
34. A column according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein each of the bush cores extends past an outer end of the outer shell to define the tenon projections.
35. A column according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the second end of each dowel defines a slanted face which is angled relative to a central longitudinal axis of the dowel.
36. A column according to any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the body further defines a venting passage from an internal surface of each of the first bores to an external surface of the body.

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37. A column according to any one of claims 31 to 36, wherein the outer shell entirely surrounds each of the bush cores along at least part of a length of the body.
38. A column according to any one of claims 31 to 37, wherein the outer shell comprises a length of steel sheet defining a W-shaped profile.
39. A column according to any one of claims 31 to 38, wherein the outer shell is fixed to the bush cores by a plurality of mechanical fasteners.
40. A wall panel comprising a plurality of columns according to any one of claims 31 to 39 fixedly positioned between opposed boards.
41. A wall panel according to claim 40, further comprising insulation or frame elements disposed within spaces defined between the columns and between the boards.
42. A wall panel according to claim 40 or 41, wherein upper ends of the columns extend beyond upper edges of the boards.
43. A building structure comprising a column according to any one of claims 31 to 39 or a wall panel according to any one of claims 40 to 42.
44. A building structure according to claim 43, further comprising a first set of wall panels according to any one of claims 40 to 42 connected to a foundation.
45. A building structure according to claim 44, further comprising a second set of wall panels connected to the first set of wall panels in a vertically adjacent configuration.
46. A building structure according to claim 45, further comprising a plurality of floor modules disposed between the first and second sets of wall panels to define a floor.
47. A building structure according to claim 46, further comprising a plurality of sets of wall panels, each subsequent set of wall panels being connected to a previous set of wall panels in a vertically adjacent configuration with floor modules disposed between vertically adjacent sets of wall panels to provide a plurality of levels of the building structure.

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48. A method of assembling a building structure comprising a plurality of wall panels according to any one of claims 40 to 42, the method comprising:

inserting adhesive into the first bores of the columns of a first one of the wall panels;

lowering a second one of the wall panels into place above the first wall panel such that the dowels of the second wall panel are received in the first bores of the first wall panel; and allowing the adhesive to set thereby adhesively bonding the dowels of the second wall panel to the columns of the first wall panel and connecting the second wall panel to the first wall panel.
49. A method of manufacturing a wall panel comprising a plurality of columns according to any one of claims 31 to 39, the method comprising:

adhesively bonding or mechanically fastening the plurality of columns to a first set of boards;

fixing one or more frame elements to the columns or to the first set of boards; and adhesively bonding or mechanically fastening a second set of boards to the one or more frame elements or to the columns.
50. A method of manufacturing a column, the method comprising adhesively bonding an outer shell to two elongate prismatic cores such that a first end of the shell extends beyond first ends of the cores to form two mortice recesses at least partially defined by the shell and the first ends of the cores, and second ends of the cores extend beyond a second end of the shell to form two tenon projections defined by the second ends of the cores and extending away from the second end of the shell, wherein the mortice recesses and tenon projections define complimentary mating surfaces such that the mortice recesses are configured to receive the tenon projections of another one of the column, and wherein the cores define coaxial bores of similar diameter at either end of each core.

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51. A method of manufacturing a column according to claim 50, further comprising inserting dowels into one of the bores of each core and adhesively bonding the dowels to the respective cores.
52. A method of manufacturing a column according to claim 50 or 51, wherein the cores are formed of timber.
53. A method of manufacturing a column according to any one of claims 50 to 53, wherein the outer shell is formed of metal.
54. A method of manufacturing a column according to any one of claims 50 to 54, wherein the outer shell defines a W-shaped profile.
55. Any one of the steps, processes, sub-processes, features, integers, structures, components, assemblies, building structures or structural elements disclosed herein or indicated in the specification of this application individually or collectively, or any combination of two or more of said steps, processes, sub-processes, features, integers, structures, components, assemblies, building structures or structural elements.