AU2021221555A1 - A construction system, structure formed therefrom and method of forming and using the structure - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to construction systems comprising a plurality of interconnectable, or interconnected, modular members, each member having opposing lateral faces and opposing side surfaces, wherein at least one of the lateral faces of a modular member is configured to interconnect with one of the lateral faces or an adjacent modular member. The present invention also relates to modular structures formed from the construction systems of the present invention, in particular to a relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure. The present invention further relates to methods of forming and using the modular structures. LfL

Description

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TITLE "A CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM, STRUCTURE FORMED THEREFROM AND METHOD OF FORMING AND USING THE STRUCTURE" FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a construction system, structure formed therefrom, a method of forming the structure and a method of using the structure. More particularly, the present invention relates to one or more modular construction systems and structures formed therefrom, including a relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure, and methods of forming and using the structures.

BACKGROUND

[002] In industries such as mining, agriculture and building construction, it is often necessary to build a footing, foundation, platform or accessory structure, which may be used to support or protect an equipment, a machine, a building or human activity. Conventionally, such a structure is fixed to the ground, being formed by pouring concrete on top of soil, which is difficult or not possible to achieve a high level of precision in the cured concrete structure. Such a structure may also easily buckle or crack due to movement of the soil or changes in moisture level in the soil. It can also be challenging or time consuming to build such a structure, particularly at a remote site (e.g. with labour shortage and/or transport difficulties), or during a wet season (with the rain water compromising the strength and/or appearance of the concrete). This, in turn, may delay the progress of the overall project, since building such a foundation or support structure is often the first step in a mining, agricultural or constructionproject.

[003] More importantly, when a project is completed or when relocation is necessary, even if the equipment, machinery or the building itself may be relocated, the footing or foundation structure, being fixed to the ground and often cumbersome, cannot be relocated, resulting in old structures being abandoned and new support structures needing to be constructed at a new work site, rendering the operation inefficient and environmentally unfriendly.

[004] A specific example of the above may be a mining grinding mill (such as an autogenous or semi-autogenous mill, a ball mill, a roller mill, a tube mill, a hammer mill, a stirred mill or a stamp mill), which typically requires a solid foundation to support the weight of the mill and the ore material to be grinded, and withstand the grinding pressure or the severe vibrations that may arise during grinding. For such a grinding mill, a concrete foundation, at least 1.5 times the weight of the grinding mill, is often formed by pouring concrete to the ground. Thus, when one mine closes, the foundation cannot be relocated together with the grinding mill to a new mine site for use.

[005] The present invention attempts to overcome at least in part the aforementioned disadvantages associated with the conventional way of forming a footing, foundation, platform or accessory structure. The present invention also attempts to provide, in general, one or more construction elements and constructed structures that are more portable and more standardised and a constructions process that is more streamlined.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[006] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a construction system comprising a plurality of interconnectable modular members, each member having opposing lateral faces and opposing side surfaces, wherein at least one of the lateral faces of a modular member is configured to interconnect with one of the lateral faces of an adjacent modular member.

[007] Preferably, a lateral face of a modular member is provided with at least one interconnecting feature. In one embodiment, one lateral face of a modular member is provided with at least one interconnecting feature (e.g. a protrusion), whilst one lateral face of an adjacent modular member is provided with at least one corresponding interconnecting feature (e.g. a recess), to thereby enable two adjacent modular members to interconnect. In one embodiment, a majority of, or all, the modular members are provided with at least one interconnecting feature on each of the opposing lateral faces. In one embodiment, a majority of, or all, the modular members are provided with at least one protrusion on one lateral face and at least one recess on an opposing lateral face of the same modular member. In one embodiment, the construction system comprises a plurality of such modular members arranged to enable adjacent lateral faces of adjacent modular members to interconnect with one another.

[008] In one embodiment, each modular member comprises at least one aperture for receiving a reinforcing/fastening means. The aperture enables a reinforcing and/or fastening means to extend transversely through the modular member, thereby reinforcing and further connecting the plurality of modular members. Preferably, each modular member comprises a plurality of apertures, enabling a plurality of reinforcing/fastening means to extend through the modular member.

[009] In one embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention, the construction system further comprises one or more underlay elements. In one embodiment, the one or more underlay elements is/are engageable with one or more, or all, of the modular members. In one embodiment, one of the side surfaces of one or more modular members, or of each modular member, is configured to engage with one or more of the underlay elements.

[010] In one embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention, the construction system further comprises one or more block members of varying shape and/or configuration.

[011] In one embodiment according to the fist aspect of the present invention, the construction system further comprises a skid for supporting and/or transporting the one or more underlay elements, the plurality of interconnectable modular members and/or one or more block members of varying shape and/or configuration.

[012] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular structure comprising a plurality of interconnected modular members as defined in the first aspect of the present invention. The modular structure may be a footing, foundation, platform or wall structure, for example.

[013] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a construction system comprising interconnectable modular members as defined in the first aspect of the presentation and/or one or more modular structures as defined in the second aspect of the present invention.

[014] In one embodiment of the modular structure according to the second aspect of the present invention, or the construction system according to the third aspect of the present invention, there is further provided one or more underlay elements as defined in the first aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment, the opposing (in particular the downward facing) side surfaces of the interconnectable or interconnected modular members are engageable or engaged with the one or more underlay elements.

[015] In one embodiment, the modular structure according to the second aspect or the construction system according to the third aspect of the present invention, further comprises block members of varying shape and/or configuration.

[016] In one embodiment, the modular structure according to the second aspect or the construction system according to the third aspect of the present invention, further comprises a skid for supporting and/or transporting the one or more underlay elements, the plurality of interconnectable modular members and/or one or more block members of varying shape and/or configuration.

[017] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure comprising a plurality of interconnectable modular members each having an upward-facing surface, the modular members being arranged or interconnected together, with the upward-facing surfaces forming a conjoining surface for supporting one or more weighted objects or human activity.

[018] In a preferred embodiment, in addition to being interconnectable or being interconnected, the plurality of modular members are further fastened together with a reinforcing and/or fastening means. In a further preferred embodiment, the interconnectable, or interconnected, modular members are disposed on and engaged with one or more underlay elements.

[019] Preferably, the plurality of the modular members in the relocatable structure according to the fourth aspect of the present invention are those as defined in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, possessing at least the essential features (including but not limited to the opposing lateral faces wherein at least one of the lateral faces of a modular member is configured to interconnect with one of the lateral faces of an adjacent modular member).

[020] In a preferred embodiment, the relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure according to the fourth aspect of the present invention may comprise a plurality of interconnectable modular members as defined in the first aspect of the present invention and/or one or more modular structures according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[021] In a preferred embodiment, the relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure according to the fourth aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of modular structures according the second aspect of the present invention being arranged and/or fastened together. In one embodiment, the plurality of modular members in each modular structure is being fastened together (e.g. with reinforcing bars or tie rods). In one embodiment, a selected number of the modular structures may also be fastened together to form adjoining modular units. In one embodiment, the modular structures are disposed on one or more underlay elements.

[022] In one embodiment, the relocatable structure according to the fourth aspect of the present invention further comprises the optional features according to the first aspect of the present invention (e.g. the one or more underlay elements, or block members of various shape or configuration and/or a skid).

[023] Advantageously, all or substantially all components of a relocatable structure in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention may be prefabricated, transported to site and assembled on site. Advantageously also, the assembled structure may be conveniently disassembled, or partially disassembled, and transported to another location.

[024] In one embodiment, the relocatable structure according to the fourth aspect of the present invention may be used to support one or more heavy equipment or machinery (e.g. a grinding mill used in mining).

[025] In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a relocatable wall structure comprising interconnectable modular members as defined in the first aspect of the present invention, or one or more modular structures according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[026] In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a modular structure according to the second aspect of the present invention, the method comprising a step of interconnecting a plurality of modular members defined in the first aspect of the present invention.

[027] In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a relocatable structure according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the method comprising arranging or interconnecting a plurality of interconnectable modular members together forming a conjoining surface for supporting one or more weighted objects or human activity. In one embodiment, the plurality of modular members are as those defined in the first aspect of the present invention.

[028] In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a footing, foundation, platform or wall structure using a construction system according to the first or third aspect of the present invention and/or one or more modular structures according to the second aspect of the present invention. In one embodiment, the footing, foundation or platform structure is a relocatable structure according to the fourth aspect of the present invention.

[029] In accordance with a nineth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of supporting a machine, equipment, building or human activity using one or more modular structure(s) according to the second aspect of the present invention, or a relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure according to the fourth aspect of the present invention.

DEFINITIONS AND DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[030] The term "plurality" as used herein, unless other specified, means there are two or more of the features to which the term is referred.

[031] The term "comprising", "including", "having", or variations thereof, as used herein are open-ended terms meaning 'containing but not limited to' the feature(s) recited after the term. Whilst not limiting, these terms also encompass the more restrictive meanings of "consisting essentially of' and "consisting of'.

[032] The term "prefabricated" as used herein means that the modular members are manufactured offsite, e.g. in a factory before being transported to the site of construction for assembly. In one embodiment, the prefabricated modular members are precast modular members manufactured using one or more precast or preformed moulds.

[033] The term "interconnect", "interconnecting", "interconnected", or "interconnection", as used herein means that relevant components of the present invention are connected, connectable or in connection with each other, reversibly or irreversibly. In one preferred embodiment, the term "interconnecting" or "interconnected" means that relevant components of the present invention are configured to reversibly connect with one another. In one embodiment, the relevant components of the present invention (e.g. between modular members, between underlay elements, or between modular members and underlay elements) are configured to reversibly interlock with one another.

[034] The term "modular member" as used in the present application refers to an interconnectable component, or one of the interconnected components, of a construction system, modular structure, or relocatable structure according to the first, second, third or fourth aspect of the present invention. The one or more modular members form(s) the main body of a structure in accordance with the present invention (e.g. a modular structure according to the second aspect of the present invention or a relocatable structure according to the fourth aspect of the present invention). A modular member according to the present invention may be formed from materials selected from cement or concrete, stone or rock, clay, brick or tile, ceramic, sand, gypsum, metal, wood, glass, fibre, polymer, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the modular member may be formed from materials selected from cement or concrete, brick, stone or rock, sand, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, a modular member according to the present invention is formed from cement or concrete. In a preferred embodiment, a modular member according to the present invention is prefabricated, e.g. the modular member may be a prefabricated steel, brick or concrete member. In one particular embodiment, a modular member according to the present invention is a prefabricated concrete member, for example a precast concrete member. A modular member according to the present invention may be in various, dimension, shape or configuration as desired. For example, a modular member according to the present invention may have a shape selected from a cube, a cuboid and a prism (such as a hexagonal prim or a L-shaped prism). In one embodiment, a modular member according to the present invention has a shape selected from a beam, a block and a slab. In one embodiment, a modular member according to the present invention may be a precast concrete block or slab. In one embodiment, one or more modular members according to the present invention has/have a compressive strength in the range of 2 to 100 MPa. In one embodiment, one or more modular members according to the present invention has/have a weight in the range of 0.05 to 35 tonnes. In one embodiment, a modular member according to the present invention may have a solid body (without any apertures). In a preferred embodiment, a modular member according to the present invention may comprise a plurality of apertures. For example, a modular member in the form of a precast concrete block or slab may have one or more apertures extending through the concrete member, to accommodate one or more fastening and/or reinforcing means. In one embodiment, a modular member according to the present invention further comprises one or more fixing means (e.g. ferrules and/or lugs) provided on one or more surfaces of the modular member, to enable the modular member to be lifted, for example.

[035] The term "lateral" as used in the present application refers to a direction that is aligned, or more aligned, with a horizontal or a longitudinal axis of a modular member according to the present invention. In one embodiment (e.g. if the modular member is of a substantially cuboid shape), a lateral face according to the present invention is a surface of the modular member having a plane extending substantially along a longitudinal axis of the modular member. In one embodiment, a lateral face, or the lateral faces, of a modular member has/have the largest surface area relative to other surfaces.

[036] In one embodiment of the present invention, the opposing lateral faces of a modular member include one front face and one rear face.

[037] In one embodiment, a lateral face of a modular member according to the present invention is provided with a mechanism or a feature which is able to connect, engage or interact with a corresponding mechanism or feature on an adjacent lateral face of an adjacent modular member. The mechanisms/features enable two adjacent modular members to interconnect or become interconnected. In one embodiment, there may exist more than one set of interconnecting mechanisms/features. In a preferred embodiment, the inteconnecting mechanisms/features would interlock or are interlockable. In one embodiment, one lateral surface of a modular member may comprise one or more protrusions, whilst one or more corresponding mechanisms/features on an adjacent lateral surface of an adjacent modular member may be one or more recesses. The protrusion(s) or recess(es) may take any shape or configuration. In a preferred embodiment, a modular member according to the present invention has one or more protrusions provided on one lateral face (e.g. a front or rear face), and one or more recesses provided on an opposing lateral face (e.g. a rear or front face).

[038] The term "side surface" as used herein refers to a surface of a modular member according to the present invention with a smaller surface area than a lateral surface of the modular member. In one embodiment of the present invention, the opposing side surfaces of a modular member according to the present invention include an upper side surface and a lower side surface, with the upper side surface facing in an upwardly direction and the lower side surface facing in a downwardly direction. An upper side surface may form a conjoining surface with an adjacent upper side surface of an adjacent modular member, or form an extended conjoining surface with a plurality of upper side surfaces of a plurality of modular members. An upper side surface of a modular member, or a conjoining surface/extended conjoining surface formed by a plurality of upper side surfaces, may provide a support surface to support one or more weighted objects (e.g. tool, equipment, machinery or building), or support one or more human bodies or human activities. The one or more side surfaces of a modular member may also comprise interconnecting/interlocking mechanisms/features.

[039] The term "underlay" as used in the present application refers to one or more elements included in a construction system, a modular structure or a relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure according to the present invention, with the one or more elements to be disposed, or being disposed, under the one or more interconnectable, or interconnected, modular members of the present invention. In one embodiment, an underlay according to the present invention may be placed on or affixed to the ground. In one embodiment, an underlay according to the present invention may be a single unitary ('mat-like') element, being sufficiently large to be disposed beneath a plurality of interconnectable, or interconnected, modular members. In one embodiment, an underlay according to the present invention may comprise a plurality of modular, prefabricated underlay elements, which may be arranged/pieced together in any way desired, e.g. to form a 'mat' of a certain shape or dimension.

[040] In a preferred embodiment, the one or more underlay elements may be disposed beneath a lower side surface, or the lower side surfaces, of one or more interconnectable, or interconnected, modular members of the present invention.

[041] In one embodiment, the one or more underlay elements are configured to engage (e.g. to interconnect such as to interlock) with the one or more modular members of the present invention. In one embodiment, the one or more underlay elements may comprise one or more protrusions. In one embodiment, a lower side surface of a modular member, or lower side surfaces of a plurality of modular members, may comprise corresponding recesses for engaging with the protrusions of the one or more underlay elements. The one or more underlay elements may be formed from materials selected from metal, wood, polymer and combinations thereof.

[042] The term "arranging", or variation thereof, as used in the present application may mean locating, positioning and/or piecing or placing together (including abutting or interconnecting) a component of the present invention relative to, or with, one or more other components of the invention, or relative to a surface (e.g. a ground surface). The arranging may be in lateral, longitudinal and/or other direction(s) as required for constructing a desired structure.

[043] The term "forming", "form", or variations thereof, as used in the present application may broadly mean to provide a component, unit or structure according to the present invention, e.g. via processes such as prefabricating and/or precasting, assembling, or constructing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[044] The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[045] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a construction system according to the first aspect of the present invention, with enlarged views of selected features;

[046] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a modular structure comprising interconnected modular members according to the second aspect of the present invention and formed from interconnectable modular members exemplified in Figure 1;

[047] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a construction system according to the first and/or third aspect of the present invention; and

[048] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure according to the fourth aspect of the present invention in use, supporting a mining grinding mill.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[049] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a construction system 10 according to the first aspect of the present invention. The system 10 comprises a plurality of modular members 12. Each modular member 12 takes a substantially cuboid shape having an elongated body disposed laterally, providing opposing elongated lateral faces 14 and 16. In this embodiment, lateral face 14 may be a front face and lateral face 16 may be a rear face of the modular member 12.

[050] The front face 14 is provided with a protrusion 18 in the form of a protruding ledge 18 extending centrally along a horizontal axis of the modular member 12. On the opposing rear face 16, there is provided a corresponding recess in the form of a groove 20 configured to accommodate the protruding ledge 18. When two adjacent modular members 12 are arranged or pressed together, the protruding ledge 18 and groove 20 interconnect, or interlock, to thereby connect two adjacent modular members 12 together.

[051] In this embodiment, each modular member 12 is provided with a protrusion ledge 18 on one lateral face and a groove 20 on the opposing lateral face, to enable the plurality of modular members 12 to interconnect with one another.

[052] In an embodiment comprising only two modular members 12, only one of the lateral faces (14 or 16) of a modular member 12 may be provided with an interconnection mechanism (e.g. a protrusion ledge 18 or a groove 20). Even in an embodiment comprising a number of modular members 12, selected members (e.g. those to be placed at the end of an arrangement) may be provided with an interconnection mechanism on one of the lateral faces only.

[053] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a modular member 12 also has two opposing side surfaces 22 and 24, with side surface 22 being an upper (upwardly facing) side surface and side surface 24 being a lower (downwardly facing) side surface. In this embodiment, the opposing side surfaces 22 and 24 are the respective elongated edge surfaces positioned between the front face 14 and rear face 16 in the cuboid-shaped modular member 12. The upper side surface 22 is substantially flat, extending in a lateral direction, providing a support surface enabling one or more objects to rest thereon. The lower side surface 24, being a bottom surface of a modular member 12, has a plurality of recesses or cuts 26, forming (part of) an interconnecting and/or locating mechanism. In this embodiment, each recess or cut 26 extends across the lower side surface 24 (transversely from the front face 14 to the lateral face 16), with the recesses or cuts 26 being substantially evenly spaced along the lower side surface 24. In this embodiment, all the lower side surfaces 24 of the plurality of modular members 12 have a plurality of recesses or cuts 26. A modular member 12 preferably also has fixing means in the form of one or more embedded ferrules and/or lugs (not shown) which may be arranged on/in the upper side surface 22, for example, to enable the modular member to be lifted. A modular member 12 further comprises two opposing end surfaces 28. An end surface 28 may or may not be provided with any fixing or interconnecting features.

[054] In this embodiment, the nine modular members 12 in the system 10 have identical shape and dimension. The modular members, however, may be of different shapes and/or dimensions (including width, height and/or length).

[055] A construction system 10 may further comprise a plurality of reinforcing/fastening means 30, e.g. in the form of reinforcing bars and/or tie bars. In this embodiment, each modular member 12 comprises a plurality of apertures 32 each extending perpendicularly through the elongated body of the modular member 12, enabling the reinforcing bars or tie bars 30 to extend through the body of the modular member 12. The reinforcing/fastening means 30 may be of various length, dimension/thickness and/or shape (e.g. having a round or square cross-section). The reinforcing/fastening means may be made from various materials, but preferably steel (particularly if the modular members are concrete members and/or reinforcement of the structure formed would be required). The reinforcing/fastening means 30 serve to connect and/or fasten the modular members together and to stabilise/strengthen a structure formed therefrom.

[056] To accommodate the reinforcing/fastening means 30, a modular member 12 is provided with a plurality of apertures 32. In one embodiment, one or more polymer pipes (e.g. formed from PVC) may be disposed inside the one or more apertures. For example, one or more PVC pipes may be embedded in a modular member 12 during the prefabrication/precast process, with each PVC pipe accommodate a reinforcing/fastening means 30. In another embodiment, the one or more reinforcing/fastening means 30 may extend directly through the one or more apertures 32 (i.e. without the PVC pipes). As illustrated in Figure 1, each modular member 12 may have two rows of apertures 32 disposed in parallel to the protruding ledge 18 and/or groove 20, near the upper side surface 22 and lower side surface 24, respectively. In each row, the apertures 32 are substantially evenly spaced apart from one another. The dimension of the apertures 32 depends on the dimension/thickness of the reinforcing/fastening means. The number, dimension and arrangement of the apertures 32 and reinforcing/fastening means 30 are designed to provide strength and durability of a modular member 12 and the structure formed from the plurality of modular members 12.

[057] A construction system 10 according to the first aspect of the present invention further comprises a plurality of underlay elements 34. In this embodiment, each underlay element takes a rectangular plate-like shape, with a substantially flat bottom surface, enabling each element 34 to be placed on a surface of another object, or on the ground. Being a rectangular shape, an underlay element 34 has opposing long edges/sides and opposing ends (being width ends). In a preferred embodiment, an underlay element 34 has a plurality of protruding ridges 36, adapted to engage with the recesses or cuts 26 on a lower side surface 24 of a modular member 12. The underlay element 34 further comprises furrowed portions 38 for accommodating unrecessed or uncut portions of the lower side surface 24. Whilst the underlay elements 34 may be prepared from various materials and in various shapes, in one embodiment each underlay element 34 is a rectangular-shaped corrugated metal plate. The bottom surface of the plate is substantially flat for placing on a surface such as the ground, and the opposing upper surface of the plate having ridges and furrows, the ridges 36 able to engage or interlock with the recesses or cuts 26 on the lower side surfaces 24 of the modular members 12. The ridges 36 also serve to guide the positioning of the modular members 12. The ridges and furrows, or the corrugated configuration, of the underlay elements 34 also assist to stabilise and prevent undesired lateral movement of the modular members 12.

[058] In a preferred embodiment of the construction system 10, the modular members 12 are precast modular members (e.g. precast concrete or stone blocks formed from moulds, with protruding ledges 18, grooves 20, recesses or cuts 26 and apertures 32 all cast into the blocks 12 using a predesigned mould). In one embodiment, other reinforcing features (such as steel bars or a metal mesh structure) may be embedded into the concrete modular members 12 during the precast process, to form reinforced concrete blocks or slabs.

[059] In one embodiment, one or more concrete modular members 12, or all concrete modular members 12, has/have a compressive strength in the range of 15 to MPa, more preferably 20 to 50 MPa, most preferably 35 to 45 MPa, for example MPa. In one embodiment, one or more concrete modular members 12, or all concrete modular members 12, has/have a weight in the range of 1 to 30 tonnes, more preferably 5 to 25 tonnes and most preferably 10 to 20 tonnes (e.g. 11.5 tonnes, 14 tonnes or 17 tonnes). In one embodiment, one or more concrete modular members 12, or all concrete modular members 12, take(s) a block or slab shape, with a dimension, or with dimensions, falling in the ranges of: width 0.1 to 1.2 meter (e.g. 0.3, 0.5 or 1.0 m); length 2 to 20 meters, more preferably 3 to 15 meters (e.g. 5, 6.4, 7.5, 9.6 or 12 m); and height 0.6 to 3 meters, more preferably 1 to 2 meters (e.g. 1.2, 1.5 or 1.8 m).

[060] In a preferred embodiment of the construction system 10, the plurality of underlay elements 34 are also prefabricated, e.g. in the form of corrugated metal plates. In one embodiment, an underlay element 34 may have a dimension, or dimensions, falling in the ranges of: width 0.5 to 10 meters, more preferably 1 to 5 meters (e.g., 2 to 3 m, 2.9 m or 4 m); and length 1 to 30 meters, more preferably 2 to meters (e.g., 5 to 12 m, 6.5 m, 8.7 m or 10 m).

[061] Advantageously, the modular members 12 and underlay elements 34 in accordance with the present invention are designed for convenient mass production, enabling standardised parts to be produced within a manufacturing plant, for example. Advantageously also, the modular members 12 and underlay elements 34 may not only be easily assembled or disassembled but also be easily transported due to, e.g. the regular and appropriate dimensions and/or the weight of the modular members 12 and underlay elements 34.

[062] Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a modular structure 40 according to the second aspect of the present invention formed from nine modular members 12 being arranged together and interconnected to one another through the protruding ledge 18 and groove 20 respectively disposed on two adjacent lateral faces of two adjacent modular members 12. In this embodiment, the nine modular members 12 are preferably precast concrete block members, which may or may not be reinforced/fastened with reinforcing bars/tie bars 30. With the modular structure 40, the upper side surfaces 22 of the modular members 12 substantially adjoin to form a conjoining or extended conjoining surface 42. Advantageously, in an embodiment with the modular members 12 being elongated concrete block members arranged in a lateral manner, interconnected through the lateral faces (14 and 16) and optionally fastened with reinforcing bars/tie bars 30, there is provided a solid, compact modular structure with a desirable height (provided by the width of the modular members 12) and a large conjoining surface 42, to enable the structure 40 to be used in a versatile manner, e.g. as a construction unit to build a larger modular structure, or to be used as a footing, foundation or platform structure to protect and/or support one or more tools, equipment, machinery, building structures, human subjects or activities. Advantageously, the modular structure 40 can be easily transported, assembled or disassembled. The size of a modular structure 40 can also be easily varied as desired by increasing or reducing the number of modular members 12 in the structure 40. Further, the dimension of the modular structure 40 can be easily varied by varying the dimension of the prefabricated modular members 12 (e.g. with increased or reduced length, width and/or thickness). In one embodiment, a modular structure 40 may also comprise modular members 12 of varying dimensions being interconnected with one another, forming a modular structure of irregular shape or configuration.

[063] Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a construction system 100 according to the first and/or third aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment, the construction system may comprise a plurality of unassembled interconnectable modular members as in construction system 10 and/or one or more (partially) assembled modular structures similar to a modular structure 40, for the construction of a footing, foundation or platform structure for supporting one or more sizable weighted objects, such as a machine or a building structure. In one embodiment, a construction system 100 comprises various groups of cuboid-shaped modular members 102, 104 and 106, with a plurality of modular members within the same group having the same length or dimension, but the those in a different group having a different length or dimension. For example, whilst one group of modular members may have a length in the range of 8 to 13 meters, the other two groups of modular members may have a shorter length in the range of 5 to 8.5 meters, whilst all groups of modular members have substantially the same width and height. Whilst the length, shape or dimension may vary, the modular members 102, 104 and 106 preferably have the same features as the modular members 12 in construction system 10, including the interconnecting features such as protruding ledges 18 and grooves 20 on the lateral faces 14 and 16, the apertures 32 for accommodating reinforcing bars/tie bars 30, and recesses or cuts 26 on the lower side surfaces 24 for engaging one or more underlay elements 34. The modular members 102, 104 and 106 may also have features such as lifting/fixing means, PVC pipes or reinforcing features (such as steel bars and/or a metal mesh) being embedded in the body of a modular member, as with modular members 12.

[064] The modular members 102, 104 and 106 may mix-and-match to form one or more modular structures with regular or irregular configurations. In one preferred embodiment, all the modular members of the same length are arranged together, to form modular structures/units 108, 110 and 112, which may be combined to form a larger modular structure, such as a footing, foundation or platform structure. In this embodiment, the plurality of modular members 104 are significantly lengthier than the modular members 102 and 106. For example, the modular members 104 may have a length in the range of 9.0 to11 meters, whilst modular members 102 and 106 have a length in the range of 6.0 to 8 meters. Therefore, in one arrangement with the plurality of modular members 104 being disposed between the respective plurality of modular members 102 and 106, a portion of the modular members 104 overlap with the modular members 102 and/or 106. Advantageously, all the apertures 32 in the overlapped portions of the modular members 102, 104 and/or 106 may be aligned, to thereby enable reinforcing bars/tie bars 30 to extend all the way through to connect/tie modular members 102, 104 and 106, or respective modular structures/units 108, 110 and 112, together, to form a larger modular structure. In this embodiment, the modular unit 110 bridges the units 108 and 112. On one side 118 of the adjoining units 110 and 112, the plurality of end surfaces 28 of both units are all flush with one another. In this embodiment, the modular members 102, 104 and 106 have substantially the same width and height (e.g., with a width in the range of 0.2 to 1.0 meter, such as 0.5 meter; and a height in the range of 1 to 2 meters, such as 1.5 meters).

[065] With each of the modular units 108, 110 and 112, the upper side surfaces 22 of the modular members 102, 104 and 106 adjoin to form conjoining surfaces 120A, 120B and 120C, respectively. When the modular units 108, 110 and 112, or more identical or similar modular structures/units, are combined, it is able to provide a much extended conjoining surface 120. The size of the conjoining surface 120 may be as large as required depending on, e.g. the size of an equipment, machinery or building structure to be supported.

[066] The modular members 102, 104 or 106, or the corresponding modular units 108, 110 and 112, may also be combined to form modular structures of various dimension, shape and/or configuration (e.g. by varying the dimension and the number of the modular members for the construction, or the way modular units 108, 110 and 112, and/or similar modular structures, are joint together). In one embodiment, the end surfaces 28 of the modular members 102, 104 and/or 106 may also have interconnecting mechanisms/features to enable the modular members, or the corresponding modular units, to adjoin along a longitudinal and a lateral axis.

[067] The number, length and/or thickness of the reinforcing bars/tie bars 30, and the material forming the reinforcing bars/tie bars may also vary accordingly in order to fasten the modular members, or modular structures/units, together and/or to strengthen an end modular structure formed.

[068] As with the construction system 10, in one preferred embodiment, the modular members 102, 104, 106 are prefabricated and in the form of precast concrete blocks or slabs, which may be formed from moulds of varying length, for example. In this embodiment, the reinforcing bars/tie bars are preferably steel bars. The respective weights of concrete modular members 102, 104 and 106 preferably fall in the range of 5 to 25 tonnes. For example, the lengthier modular members 104 may have a weight in the range of 15 to 20 tonnes (e.g. 17 tonnes), whilst the shorter modular members 102 and 106 may both have a weight falling in the range of 10 to tonnes (e.g. 11.5 or 13 tonnes, or both 11.5 tonnes).

[069] The construction system 100 further comprises a plurality of underlay elements. In a preferred embodiment, the underlay elements 34 are prefabricated corrugated metal (e.g. steel) plates, as those in a preferred embodiment of the construction system 10. The plurality of ridges (or folds) 36 in the corrugated plates are able to interlock with the recesses or cuts 26 on the lower side surfaces 24 of the modular members 102, 104 or 106. The unrecessed or uncut portions of the lower side surfaces 24 are adapted to fit into the furrows 38 of the corrugated plates 34. With the unrecessed or uncut portions residing in the furrows, it assists to maintain the position (particularly prevents the lateral movement) of a modular member 102, 104 or 106. In one embodiment, each underlay element 34 is able to receive or engage between 1 to 25, more preferably between 5 to 20 or 10 to 20, modular members 102, 104 and/or 106.

[070] The construction system 100 further comprises a plurality of block members of various shape or configuration, such as block members 114A, 114B and 114C. A block member 114 may be prism, cubic, cuboid (e.g. 114C), letter L (e.g. 114A) or letter U (e.g. 114B) shaped. There may be a plurality of block members of a particular shape (e.g. a plurality of block members 114C of a cuboid shape). In a preferred embodiment, the block members 114 are also prefabricated, e.g. as precast concrete block members. The block members 114 may only have selected, or may not have any of, the features of the modular members 102, 104 or 106. The block members 114 may also be formed from a material other than concrete (e.g. from metal, polymer or wood).

[071] The construction system 100 further comprises a skid, which may be used to support and/or transport one or more underlay elements 34, interconnectable modular members 102, 104, and 106 and/or block members 114. The dimension or configuration of the skid may vary accordingly. The skid may be made from a material selected from metal (e.g. steel), wood, polymer and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, a skid 116 is made from steel and used to support block members 114.

[072] Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure according to the fourth aspect of the present invention in use, supporting a mining machinery such as a grinding mill.

[073] The footing, foundation or platform structure may comprise a plurality of interconnectable modular members 12, 102, 104 and/or 106, modular structures/units , 108, 110 and/or 112, and/or additional modular structures formed from modular members 12, 102, 104 and/or 106, being arranged and/or adjoint together. In this embodiment, the modular members and/or modular structures are as those defined in the first, second and/or third aspect of the present invention.

[074] In one embodiment, a relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure 130 as exemplified in Figure 4 comprises a modular structure 40 and modular structures 108, 110 and 112 arranged and/or adjoint together, forming a substantially U-shaped overall modular structure 130, with the modular unit 40 being positioned on one side, modular unit 108 being positioned on an opposing side, and modular units 110 and 112 bridging the units 40 and 108. In one embodiment, end surfaces 28 of a number of the modular members 12 on an inner side 132 of the unit 40 abut the end surfaces 28 on a side 118 of the adjacent/adjoining units 110 and 112. Therefore, in this embodiment, the modular unit 40 is only placed side-by-side with modular units 110 and 112. In another embodiment, the abutting end surfaces 28 of respective units may have means (e.g. interlocking means) connecting the abutting end surfaces.

[075] With the structure 130, the interconnectable modular members 12, 102, 104 and 106 preferably take the form of precast concrete blocks or slabs. Preferably, one or more fixing means (e.g. ferrules and/or lugs) are embedded in each or selected concrete blocks or slabs, with the engageable portion of a fixing means (e.g. the aperture portion of a lifting lug) being exposed/accessible, from an upper side surface and/or two end surfaces, for example, to enable a modular member 12, 102, 104 and 106, or a modular structure comprising one or more of the modular members, to be lifted, moved, positioned or transported. Other reinforcing features (such as steel bars or a metal mesh structure) may also be embedded into the concrete blocks or slaps during the precast process, to form one or more reinforced concrete modular members 12, 102, 104 and/or 106.

[076] In a preferred embodiment, reinforcing/fastening means 30 are employed to provide a strengthened/fastened modular structure 40, and strengthened/fastened and adjoining modular structures 108, 110 and 112. In a preferred embodiment in which the modular members are precast concrete blocks or slabs, the reinforcing/fastening means are preferably reinforcing steel bars.

[077] With the structure 130, the modular members 12, 102, 104 and 106, or respective modular structures/units 40, 108, 110 and/or 112, are disposed on and engaged/interlocked with a plurality of underlay elements 34, which are arranged together to form a large mat-like underlay. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, each rectangular shaped underlay element is disposed in a lateral direction, with each long edge of an underlay element 34 abutting a long edge of an adjacent underlay element 34 forming a 'connected' or continuous row of underlay elements 34. To construct a mat-like underlay of the desired dimension, two rows of underlay elements 34 are arranged together, with adjacent (width) ends of each row of underlay elements 34 abutting one another.

[078] In a preferred embodiment of a structure 130, modular members 12, 102, 104 and 106 are precast concrete blocks/slabs, the reinforcing/fastening means 30 are prefabricated steel bars, and underlay elements 34 are prefabricated corrugated metal (e.g. steel) plates, with the lower side surfaces 24 of the modular members configured to engage/interlock with the corrugated metal plates 34. In a further preferred embodiment of a structure 130, the recesses or cuts 26 on the lower side surfaces 24 of the modular members are engaged/interlocked with the protruding ridges 36 of the corrugated metal plates 34. The substantially flat portions of a lower side surface 24 (between the recesses or cuts 26) reside in the furrows of corrugated metal plates 34.

[079] A structure 130 may further comprise block members 114A, 114B and 114C. In one embodiment, the block members 114A, 114B and 114C are also precast concrete members.

[080] In use, a relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure 130 is able to support a sizable, weighted object such as a machine or a building, or to support human activity. In one embodiment, the structure 130 is used to support a heavy machinery such as a mining grinding mill (including an autogenous or semi autogenous mill, a ball mill, a roller mill, a tube mill, a hammer mill, a stirred mill or a stamp mill).

[081] In the embodiment of the structure 130 for supporting a mining grinding mill, the structure 130 comprises a plurality of interconnectable modular members 12, 102, 104 and 106, or a plurality of modular structures/units 40, 102, 104 and 106, being disposed on and engaged with a plurality of underlay elements 34. The embodiment further comprises a plurality of block members 114 and a skid 116.

[082] With the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the mining grinding mill 140 supported by the footing, foundation or platform structure 130 is a ball mill. The ball mill 140 comprises a cylindrical drum 142 for housing an ore (oreore-containing) material, a mill inlet end 144 and an opposing mill discharge end 146. At the mill discharge end 146 of the cylindrical drum 142, there is provided a ring gear 148, the movement of which is driven by a motor 150 via a pinion 152 linked to a clutch 154, the clutch being connected to a central shaft (not shown) of the motor 150. In use, the drum 142 housing the ore material is set in a back-and-forth rotational motion by the ring gear 148 and the motor 150, to thereby crush/mill the ore pieces into a fine, or much finer, material.

[083] As shown in Figure 4, the mill inlet end 144 of the ball mill 140 is supported by a frame structure 156 installed on the modular unit 40. A ladder structure 158 is also supported by the modular unit 40, with a landing area of the ladder structure 158 resting on the conjoining surface 42 formed by the plurality of upper side surfaces 22 of the modular members 12. The ladder structure 158 provides access to the mill inlet end 144 of the ball mill 140 to, e.g. enable maintenance and/or feeding of the ore material into the ball mill.

[084] The mill discharge end 146 of the ball mill 140 is (indirectly) supported by the modular units 108, 110 and 112. In one embodiment, block members 114A, 114B and 114C are placed on a skid 116, which is placed on the extended conjoining surface 120 formed by adjoining modular units 108, 110 and 112. The letter-U shaped block members 114C assists to affix the pinion 152 and enable the pinion 152 to interact with/spin the ring gear 148. Block members 114C and 114A are provided to support the clutch 154 and motor 150 of the ball mill 140. The block members 114 form a pier support for components at the mill discharge end 146 of the ball mill 140, with the skid 116 acting as a pier skid to help dispersing the weight of the load-bearing pier support, and to assist with the confinement and/or transport of the block members 114.

[085] Due to the sheer weight of a grinding mill and the ore material contained therein, and particularly the intense vibration of the heavy machinery during grinding, with the embodiment of the relocatable structure 130 for supporting a grinding mill, the interconnectable modular members 12, 102, 104 and 106 are all in the form of concrete members, with the lower side surfaces being engaged with a plurality of underlay elements 34 in the form of corrugated metal plates. Also in this embodiment, the block members 114 are formed from concrete, whilst the skid 116 being formed from steel. Also in this embodiment, reinforcing steel bars 30 are used to fasten the modular members together, to strengthen the structure or a modular unit formed, and/or to adjoin adjacent modular units together. Also in this embodiment, all the modular members 12, 102, 104 and 106 preferably have a compressive strength in the range of 20 to 50 MPa, more preferably 35 to 45 MPa (e.g. 40 MPa). Also in this embodiment, all modular members 12,102, 104 and 106 have a weight in the range of 5 to 25 tonnes, more preferably 10 to 20 tonnes (e.g. 11.5 tonnes or 17 tonnes).

[086] Advantageously, the components of the present invention (including but not limited to the interconnectable modular members, the reinforcing bars, the underlay elements, the block members and the skid) may all be prefabricated and conveniently transported to site for use or for assembly.

[087] In the embodiment of the modular structure 130 for supporting the ball mill 140, the modular members 12, 102, 104 and 106 may be precast concrete blocks, e.g. formed from reusable and/or adjustable cuboid shaped moulds in a controlled factory environment. The concrete modular members 12, 102, 104 and 106 can also act as ballast elements providing weight/stability to the structure 130. Whilst forming a modular member 12, 102, 104 and 106, a plurality of apertures 32 may also be formed, and a polymer pipe (e.g. a PVC pipe) is preferably incorporated into each aperture during the precast process, for accommodating a reinforcing bar 30. In one embodiment, a plurality of polymer pipes may be positioned in the mould, then concrete may be poured and cured so that the concrete would set around each PVC pipe. Fixing means such as ferrules and/or lugs (not shown) are also embedded in the concrete during the precast process, to enable a modular member 12, 102, 104 or 106 to be lifted, for example, by a crane through the use of a spreader bar, which may be affixed to the lugs accessible on the upper side surface 22 and/or lower side surface 24 of a modular member 12, 102, 104 or 106. Other reinforcing features such as steel bars or a metal mesh structure may be optionally embedded in the concrete during the precast process of modular members 12, 102, 104 and/or 106. The block members 114 in this embodiment are also precast concrete block members formed from moulds of various shape or configuration, as required to accommodate relevant components (e.g. the pinion and ring gear) of the ball mill 140.

[088] In one embodiment for forming/constructing a structure 130 for supporting the ball mill 140, all the components (including the plurality of modular members 12,

102, 104 and 106) may be transported to a mining site individually, then assembled on site. In one embodiment, the ground on site for constructing the structure 130 is preferably first levelled and consolidated, then a plurality of corrugated metal plates may be disposed on the ground and arranged together in side-by-side (i.e. each long edge of a plate 34 abutting a long edge of an adjacent plate 34) and/or end-to-end (i.e. width end to width end) manner(s). All the corrugated plates may be arranged together on the ground first to form a mat-like underlay sufficiently large to support the entire structure 130, or a selected number of the corrugated plates may be arranged together on the ground first with the underlay being large enough to at least support a modular unit, or part thereof.

[089] Once the corrugated plates 34 are in place, then a modular concrete member 12, for example, may be lifted through the lifting lugs on the upper side surface 24, for example, and located on a row of plates 34. The recesses 26 on the lower side surface 24 of the concrete member 12 act as locating guides able to conveniently position/align the concrete member 12 until the recesses 26 are interlocked with the protruding ridges 26 of the plates 34. Once the concrete member 12 is in position, the unrecessed portions of the lower side surface 24 would reside in the furrows of the corrugated plates 34. This arrangement assists to stabilise the position of the modular member, e.g. preventing the laterally disposed concrete member 12 to slide in a lateral direction (along a longitudinal axis of the modular member). Once the first concrete member 12 is in position, a second concrete member 12 may then be arranged together and aligned with the first concrete member 12, with the protruding ledge 18 on a front lateral face 14 of the second concrete member 12 interlocking with a groove 20 on a rear lateral face 16 of the first concrete member 12, for example. This process may then be repeated until a sufficient number of modular concrete members 12 are interconnected/interlocked together to form a modular unit 40. Reinforcing steel bars 30 may then be extended through the aligned apertures 32 (preferably with the PVC pipes disposed inside the apertures) of the plurality of concrete members 12, to fasten the modular members together and to strengthen the modular structure/unit formed therefrom.

[090] The above-described construction process may repeat with the modular concrete members 106,104 and 102 until the corresponding modular units 112, 110 and 108 are arranged/formed on the underlay and fastened together (forming adjoining modular units) with reinforcing stee bars/tie rods 30.

[091] In another embodiment, one or more of the modular units (e.g. modular unit(s) , 108, 110 and/or 112) may be formed, or partially formed, within the offsite factory environment first, then transported to site for use. In this instance, once the corrugated plates 34 are arranged on the ground, a modular unit 40 can be lifted with a crane through the fixing or anchoring means on side surfaces 22 and/or 24 of the concrete members 12, for example, and placed on the prearranged plates 34. The fastened or partially fastened units 108, 110 and/or 112 (which may be fully or partially adjoining) may be lifted through lifting points e.g. provided on the reinforcing/fastening steel bars 30, and be positioned on the underlay with modular unit 112 abutting (adjacent) modular unit 40 in an orientation as shown in Figure 4.

[092] Once all the modular units 40, 108, 110 and 112 are arranged together (including being placed next to each other and/or being fastened to become adjoining units) on the underlay, a sizable footing, foundation or platform structure is then formed with conjoining surfaces 42 and 120(A,B,C) acting as support surfaces capable of supporting a heavy machinery such as the ball mill 140 and/or supporting accessory components or structures associated with the operation of the ball mill 140. In one embodiment, concrete block members 114 supported by a metal skid 116 are placed on the conjoining surface 120, forming one or more pier columns for supporting the pinion 152, clutch 154 and motor 150 of the ball mill 140.

[093] Advantageously, a relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure 130 according to the present invention may be conveniently constructed/assembled on site, and conveniently disassembled and relocated as necessary. The relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure 130 may be constructed using the construction system(s) and/or modular structure(s) in accordance with the first, second and/or third aspect of the present invention.

[094] In another instance, a relocatable footing, foundation or plat form structure for supporting a heavy machinery such as a mining grinding mill may comprise interconnectable modular members (and optionally underlay elements) other than those exemplified in the Figures.

[095] Advantageously, with the embodiment of the structure 130 comprising interconnected concrete members 12, 102, 104 and 106, which are further engaged/interlocked with the corrugated plates 34 on lower side surfaces 24, and which are also fastened together with reinforcing steel bars/tie rods 30 forming the abutting/adjoining modular units 40, 108, 110 and 112, the overall relocatable modular structure 130 is not only sufficiently strong and stable to support a mining machinery (even with the intense vibration during ore grinding) but also sufficiently flexible in terms of ease of transport of the components, and ease of assembly/reassembly of the structure.

[096] During construction, as many modular members 12, 102, 104 and 106, or corresponding modular structures/units 40, 108, 110 and 112, may be combined in various ways/directions (including the modular units being disposed one on top of another) to form an overall modular structure of any shape/configuration as desired. Depending on the purpose of the overall modular structure (e.g. whether it is for supporting tools, equipment, machinery, a building or human activity), the modular members, reinforcing/fastening means and block members may be formed from various materials depending on the load to be supported and endurance of the material required (including to weathering).

[097] In one embodiment, concrete modular members 12, 102, 104 or 106 may also be used to form/construct a wall structure according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, e.g. by interconnecting two modular members, and optionally securing the two interconnected members together with steel bars/tie rods 30, to form a modular unit. A plurality of such modular units may then be arranged with end surfaces 28 of one modular unit abutting the end surfaces 28 of an adjacent modular unit to thereby form a continuous wall structure. In one embodiment, the end surfaces 28 may also have interconnecting/interlocking features.

[098] With the components of the present invention being able to be prefabricated in advance (including an entire modular structure/unit being formed/assembled in advance) in a factory environment, this enables efficient assembling of the modular members, or modular structures/units, on site. Also, the relatively controlled manufacturing environment/process enables the use of superior or desired materials (e.g. to improve weathering), and enables all the parts to be standardised for precision construction of a modular structure on site (e.g. modular structures 40, 108, 110, 112 or 130).

[099] In one embodiment according to the sixth or seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a modular structure 40, 108, 110, 112, 130 or a wall structure comprising a step of interconnecting a plurality of modular members 12, 102, 104 and/or 106. The method may comprise a further step of fastening the modular members or reinforcing the modular structure formed with reinforcing/fastening means. The method may also comprise a step of arranging the modular members 12, 102, 104 and/or 106 on one or more underlay elements, the arranging including locating/positioning the modular members to be engaged with the one or more underlay elements and arranging the modular members to be interconnected or interconnectable with one another. The steps may be performed in various orders (e.g. arranging the underlay elements first or forming a modular structure first).

[0100] In one embodiment according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of constructing a relocatable modular structure according to the fourth aspect of the present invention comprising arranging or interconnecting a plurality of interconnectable modular members together forming a conjoining (support) surface for supporting, e.g. a mining grinding mill. The interconnectable modular members may be those other than modular members 12, 102, 104 and 106. Prior to the present invention, a footing, foundation or support structure for a mining grinding mill is formed by pouring concrete on the ground and forming one large solid platform structure which cannot be relocated. The present invention enables such footing, foundation or support structures to be modularised and portable.

[0101] In one embodiment of a method according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the method uses a construction system according to the first or third aspect of the present invention (comprising modular members 12, 102, 104 and/or 108) and/or one or more modular structures according to the second aspect of the present invention (e.g. modular structures 40, 108, 110 and/or 112), to thereby form a relocatable modular structure, such as 130, for supporting a tool, equipment, machine, building or human activity.

[0102] In one embodiment of a method according to the seventh or eighth aspect of the present invention, the construction system comprises one or more underlay elements engageable with the one or more modular members. In this embodiment, the method may comprise arranging the one or more underlay elements on a surface (such as a ground surface which may be first levelled and/or consolidated), and arranging a plurality of modular members on the one or more underlay elements. Preferably, the step of arranging a plurality of modular members on the one or more underlay elements includes locating/positioning a first modular member on the one or more underlay elements configurated to engage with the modular member, and locating/positioning a second modular member on the one or more underlay elements and interconnecting a lateral face of the second modular member with a lateral face of the first modular member, and repeating the step(s) until a desired number of the modular members are arranged on the one or more underlay elements. In one embodiment, the method comprises another step of reinforcing/fastening the one or more modular members together with reinforcing/fastening means (e.g. reinforcing bars or tie rods).

[0103] The relocatable modular structure formed from the method of seventh or eighth aspect of the present invention may be a footing, foundation or platform structure. In one embodiment, there is a step of prefabricating all or the main components of the structure, such as interconnectable modular members (e.g. modular members 12, 102, 104 and 106) and underlay elements (e.g. elements 34). In a further embodiment, the method comprises a step of transporting the prefabricated components and other required components/materials to site for the construction/assembly of a relocatable modular structure, such as structure 130.

[0104] In one embodiment, there is provided a method according to the eighth aspect of the present invention for constructing a relocatable modular structure according to the fourth aspect of the present invention. This method is similar to the above described method(s) according to the seventh or eighth aspect of the present invention. However, in this method, rather than employing individual modular members for the construction/assembly, a modular structure or unit (such as structure/unit 40), or adjoining modular structures/units (such as modular structures/units 108, 110 and 112), may be formed in the factory environment first, with the interconnectable modular members (e.g. 12), or the modular structures/units, being reinforced/fastened together with reinforcing/fastening means such as reinforcing bars/tie rods 30. Also in this embodiment, other components such as modular underlay elements 34, block members 114 and skid 116, and all other required components/materials (e.g. for constructing the ladder structure 158) may be transported to site with the prefabricated/preassembled modular structures/units. Once on site, in a preferred embodiment, the method comprises arranging one or more underlay elements (such as corrugated plates 34) on a ground surface. The method may comprise an earlier step of levelling and/or consolidating the ground. After arranging the one or more underlay elements, the method comprises arranging the one or more modular structures/units together, or in position, on the one or more underlay elements. In another embodiment, the method may only comprise arranging a plurality of modular structures/units together on a ground surface without the one or more underlay elements.

[0105] In one embodiment, a method according to the seventh or eighth aspect of the present invention for forming a relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure according to the fourth aspect of the present invention comprises: a) arranging one or more underlay elements (e.g. elements 34 or a unitary mat-like underlay) on a ground surface; and b) arranging a plurality of interconnectable modular members, such as those defined in the first aspect of the present invention (e.g. modular members 12, 102, 104 and/or 106), and/or one or more modular structures, such as those defined according to the second aspect of the present invention (e.g. modular structures 40, 108, 110 and/or 112), on the one or more underlay elements.

[0106] In one embodiment, there is provided a method of forming a relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure for supporting a machine or an equipment, the method comprising: a. arranging a plurality of underlay elements on a ground surface in lateral and/or longitudinal directions, and b. arranging a plurality of interconnectable concrete modular members, such as those according to the first aspect of the present invention, and/or arranging one or more concrete modular structure(s), such as those according to the second aspect of the present invention, on the underlay elements; wherein the plurality of concrete modular members, or the one or more modular structures, form a conjoining surface for supporting the machine or equipment.

[0107] In one embodiment, the above-described method comprises a step of reinforcing/fastening the plurality of interconnectable concrete modular members, or the modular structure(s), with reinforcing/fastening means, e.g. in the form of reinforcing bars/tie rods. In one embodiment, the method comprises preassembling and forming the one or more modular structures (preferably in a factory environment), with the modular structure(s) already being reinforced/fastened with reinforcing/fastening means. The preassembled modular structure(s) may then be transported to site for use. In the aforedescribed embodiments, the underlay elements may also be prefabricated in the form of corrugated plates (e.g. corrugated steel plates) and transported to site for use. In these embodiments, the method may comprise prefabricating additional components such as block members (which may also be of a concrete material) and a skid (e.g. a metal skid) and transporting the additional components of the invention to site for use. In another embodiment, instead of the preassembled modular structure(s), the method may comprise prefabricating/precasting the concrete modular members only, and transporting the precast concrete modular members along with other prefabricated components (e.g. underlay elements in the form of corrugated metal plates and the reinforcing/fastening means in the form of reinforcing steel bars, concrete block members and/or a metal skid) to site for assembly. In a further step, the method may comprise transporting a mining grinding mill and/or other accessory materials/structures (e.g. a ladder structure 158) to site for installation on the relocatable modular structure formed according to the present invention.

[0108] Advantageously, a method of construction using a construction system according to the first or third aspect of the present invention and/or one ore modular structures/units according to the second aspect of the present invention is highly efficient and flexible, as the interconnectable modular members, modular units and/or underlay elements (or other elements of the present invention) may be prefabricated as desired and may be easily added during construction, to provide, expand or vary the size or configuration of the overall modular structure intended to be constructed at a desired location (including a highly remote location where such construction would have been previously impossible or challenging). If desired, a modular structure according to the present invention may also be stacked one on top of another, e.g. to increase the height of the end modular structure, which may be a footing, foundation, platform or wall structure, for example.

[0109] Depending on the purpose of the end modular structure, the materials for forming the interconnectable modular members, underlay element(s), reinforcing/fastening means and/or additional components such as one or more block members may be varied to provide an end modular structure of a desired strength/durability.

[0110] In one embodiment, there is provided a method for supporting one or more weighted objects or human activity, the method comprising the use of a structure according to the second or fourth aspect of the present invention. In one embodiment, there is provided a method of using a relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, for supporting a machine in mining, such as a mining grinding mill, e.g. a ball mill.

[0111] In one embodiment, there is provided a method for supporting one or more weighted objects, the method comprising the steps of a) arranging a plurality of interconnectable modular members according to the first aspect of the present invention together and/or arranging one or more modular structures according to the second aspect of the present invention in position or together; and b) placing the weighted object(s) on a conjoining surface provided by the plurality of interconnected modular members, or by the modular structure(s).

[0112] In one embodiment, there is provided a method for supporting a mining grinding mill (e.g. a ball mill), the method comprising the steps of a) arranging a plurality of interconnectable concrete modular members according to the first aspect of the present invention in position or together, or arranging one or more modular structures according to the second invention in position or together; and b) placing the mining grinding mill on a conjoining surface provided by the plurality of concrete modular members (interconnectable or interconnected), or by the modular structure(s).

[0113] In a further embodiment, there is provided a method for supporting a mining grinding mill, the method comprising the steps of a) arranging one or more underlay elements (e.g. in the form of corrugated metal plates) on a surface (e.g. a ground surface); b) arranging a plurality of interconnectable concrete modular members according to the first aspect of the present invention, or arranging one or more modular structures according to the second invention in position, in position or together on the one or more underlay elements; and c) placing the mining grinding mill (directly or indirectly) on a conjoining surface provided by the plurality of interconnectable or interconnected concrete modular members, or by the modular structure(s).

[0114] In the above embodiments of the method for supporting a mining grinding mill, there may be an earlier step of prefabricating and/or preassembling components of the present invention, e.g. within a factory environment. There may also be an earlier step of transporting the prefabricated and/or preassembled components (and other relevant materials/structures) to a site (e.g. a mine site) for further assembly or for construction. The above embodiments of the method for supporting a mining grinding mill may also comprise a step of arranging other components (such as a metal skid and/or concrete block members) on the conjoining surface prior to placing the mining grinding mill on the conjoining surface.

[0115] Advantageously, the methods of the present invention for forming a structure according to the second or fourth aspect of the present invention, or for supporting a weighted object on site (whether it is a mine site, agricultural site, urban stie or building/construction site), leave minimal environmental footprint, as the structure can be constructed above ground (withing impacting the ground) and relocated/recycled after use, without leaving residual material behind. The present method of forming a structure on site, including a footing, foundation or platform structure, also significantly reduces the time and/or costs associated with the normal construction, installation, relocation and/or clearance process(es). This also renders a construction project which may not be feasible (e.g. because of a highly remote location) feasible.

[0116] Advantageously, the construction systems and methods of the present invention are able to efficiently form a portable or relocatable structure, the size or configuration of which may be easily varied as desired, with a level of stability, rigidity and/or precision comparable to a permanent structure.

[0117] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (27)

1. A construction system comprising a plurality of interconnectable modular members, each member having opposing lateral faces and opposing side surfaces, wherein at least one of the lateral faces of a modular member is configured to interconnect with one of the lateral faces of an adjacent modular member.

2. A construction system according to claim 1, wherein one of the lateral faces of a modular member is provided with at least one interconnecting feature, whilst one lateral face of an adjacent modular member is provided with at least one corresponding interconnecting feature, to thereby enable two adjacent modular members to interconnect.

3. A construction system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a majority of, or all, the modular members are provided with at least one interconnecting feature on each of the opposing lateral faces.

4. A construction system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a majority of, or all, the modular members are provided with at least one protrusion on one lateral face and at least one recess on an opposing lateral face of the same modular member.

5. A construction system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each modular member comprises a plurality of apertures for receiving a plurality of reinforcing/fastening means.

6. A construction system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprises a plurality of underlay elements.

7. A construction system according to claim 6, wherein the one or more underlay elements is/are engageable with one or more of the modular members.

8. A construction system according to claim 7, wherein one of the side surfaces of the one or more modular members is configured to engage with one or more of the underlay elements.

9. A modular structure comprising a plurality of modular members as defined in any one of claims 1-5, with the modular members being interconnected to one another.

10. A modular structure according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of modular members are fastened together with reinforcing/fastening means.

11. A modular structure according to claim 10, wherein the reinforcing/fastening means comprises a plurality of reinforcing steel bars.

12. A construction system comprising a plurality of modular members as defined in any one of claims 1-5 and/or one or more modular structures as defined in any one of claims 9-11.

13. A construction system according to claim 12, further comprises one or more underlay elements.

14. A construction system according to claim 12 or 13, further comprises one or more block members.

15. A construction system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprises a skid.

16. A relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure comprising a plurality of interconnectable modular members each having an upward-facing surface, the modular members being arranged or interconnected together, with the upward facing surfaces forming a conjoining surface for supporting one or more weighted objects or human activity.

17. A relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of modular members are as those defined in any one of claims 1-5.

18. A relocatable, footing, foundation or platform structure according to claim 16, comprised of a plurality of modular structures according to claim 10 or 11, with the modular structures being arranged and/or fastened together.

19. A relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure according to claim 17 or 18, further comprises one or more underlay elements, with the plurality of modular members, or modular structures, being disposed on the one or more underlay elements.

20. A relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure according to claim 19, wherein the one or more underlay elements is/are in the form of corrugated metal plate(s).

21. A relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure according to any one of claims 16-20, wherein the plurality of interconnectable or interconnected modular members are concrete modular members.

22. A relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure according to claim 21, wherein a lower side surface of each modular members has recesses or cuts for engaging with the corrugated metal plate(s).

23. A method of forming a relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure for supporting a machine, building or human activity, the method comprising arranging or interconnecting a plurality of interconnectable modular members together forming a conjoining surface for supporting the machine, building or human activity.

24. A method of forming a footing, foundation, platform or wall structure using a construction system according to any one of claims 1-8, one or more modular structures according to any one of claims 9-11, or a construction system according to any one of claims 12-15.

25. A method according to claim 24, wherein the footing, foundation or platform structure is a relocatable footing, foundation, or platform structure according to any one of claims 16-22.

26. A method of supporting a machine, equipment, building or human activity using one or more modular structures according to any one of claims 9-11, or a relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure according to any one of claims 16-22.

27. A method according to claim 26, wherein a mining grinding mill is supported by a relocatable footing, foundation or platform structure according to any one of claims 16-22.