AU2753702A - A modular roofing system - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant(s): BHP STEEL LIMITED A.C.N. 000 011 058 Invention Title: A MODULAR ROOFING SYSTEM The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 2 A MODULAR ROOFING SYSTEM The present invention relates generally to a modular pitched roof and a method of constructing a modular pitched roof. The invention has been developed in the context of roofing systems that are employed in Japan and the invention is hereinafter described in that context.

However, it will be understood that the invention does have broader application, to the construction of building roofs in various styles and from various materials.

A typical Japanese home, at least in an urban area, is roofed by first erecting skeletal metal-frame building walls, constructing a skeletal metal roof-supporting structure above the skeletal walls and, thereafter, lifting roof modules onto the roof-supporting structure.

The roof modules normally are pre-fabricated from timber panels that are clad with tiles or shingles and the modules are lifted into position by a mobile crane. In an 20 alternative arrangement, pre-fabricated timber roof supporting structures are lifted into position above skeletal building walls by a mobile crane, and prefabricated roof modules are then lifted onto and secured to the timber roof-supporting structures in much the same S 25 way as the roof modules are secured to the metal roof supporting structures.

S. Both of these roofing systems require the employment of skilled workmen on site and the construction process is excessively time consuming and disruptive both to people and traffic in urban areas. Moreover, the roofing systems require the use of heavy timber and/or metal framing, this creating potential problems in earthquake prone regions.

Furthermore, transportation and erection of the timber and steel roof-supporting structure is inherently difficult in that they are both heavy and awkwardly shaped in three dimensions.

Speci/400-499/450-499/4530 7 3 According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a roof module for use in the construction of a modular pitched roof for a building, the roof module being designed to connect with one or more other roof modules so as to construct the pitched roof, the roof module comprising: a plurality of spaced-apart structural elements being arranged parallel to one another; and an elongate apex member interconnecting a common end of the structural elements, the apex member being configured to connect with an adjacent apex member of one of the other roof modules thereby forming a section of the modular pitched roof.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular pitched roof for a building, the pitched roof comprising a plurality of roof modules each including a plurality of spaced-apart structural elements being arranged parallel to one another with an elongate apex member interconnecting a common end of the structural elements, adjacent roof modules of the plurality of modules being designed so that their respective apex members connect so as to form the modular pitched roof.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of constructing a modular o S"pitched roof comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of roof modules each including a plurality of spaced-apart structural elements being arranged parallel to one another with an elongate apex member interconnecting a common end of the structural elements; and positioning adjacent roof modules of the plurality of roof modules so that their respective apex members abut whereby the modular pitched roof is formed.

Speci/400-499/450-499/45307 4 Preferably the structural elements are each in the form of steel ribs.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided an elongate structural member adapted to be an apex member in a roof module for use in the construction of a modular pitched roof for a building, the apex member comprising a web disposed between opposing flanges, the web being configured to abut to an adjacent apex member of an adjacent roof module wherein said modules by means of said abutting apex members are capable of being self-supporting and form a section of the modular pitched roof.

15 Preferably, the apex member is a first steel beam formed of :eoeoe a channel section of a general C-shape having a web disposed between opposing parallel flanges. More preferably, adjacent of the first steel beams are in crosssection shaped substantially the same with the web disposed at an acute and obtuse included angle relative to the respective parallel flanges. The angular disposition of the web relative to the flanges sets the relative angles of the adjacent connected modules and determines the pitch of the roof.

According to yet a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an elongate building member adapted to be a locator member in a roof module for use in the construction of a modular pitched roof for a building, the locator member being adapted to bear upon an underlying support element so as to support the roof module, the locator member having a cross-sectional shape which in construction of the modular pitched roof facilitates inclination of the roof module at a desired angle.

Preferably the locator member is provided with outwardly Speci/400-499/450-499/45307 5 projecting abutment means being adapted in construction of the roof to limit transverse movement of said member relative to the underlying support element. More preferably, said abutment means comprises a longitudinally extending continuous protrusion or an array of longitudinally spaced apart protrusions.

Preferably, the locator member is in the form of a locating beam comprising a web positioned between opposing flanges, the web including said outwardly projecting abutment means which are adapted to bear against the underlying support element. More preferably, the locating beam is connected to at least one of and extends transverse to structural elements of the roof module, the locator member being 15 configured to bear upon the underlying support element :eeooo whereby sliding of the roof module relative to the support *...element is prevented to assist in abutment of the roof module with an adjacent roof module.

Preferably, the locating beam is formed of a channel S. section wherein the flanges have free end portions arranged **in the same plane for fixing to the structural elements of the roof module, the relative height of the flanges being *"*such that the corresponding roof module when located on the support element is inclined at the required pitch. More ".:preferably, the locator member or locating beam is one of a pair of spaced-apart locator members or beams being arranged parallel to one another and adapted to bear upon an inner and an outer support element, respectively.

Generally, the support element comprises a wall frame element of a building wall.

Preferably, each of the roof modules is substantially planar. Generally, each of the roof modules is a prefabricated roof panel including cladding fixed to one Speci/400-499/450-499/45307 6 surface of the structural elements and/or the apex member.

Preferably, the steel ribs are box elements. In one embodiment the box element steel ribs are each an I-shaped section of a web and hollow flange configuration.

According to an additional aspect of the present invention there is provided a roof module for use in the construction of a modular pitched roof for a building, the roof module comprising a plurality of spaced-apart parallel steel ribs, a first steel beam interconnecting a first end of the ribs and arranged to abut a similar beam of an adjacent roof module when the roof module is located within the building roof, and a steel locating beam extending transversely 15 across and interconnecting at least some of the ribs, the .ooo locating beam being arranged to bear upon an underlying frame element of a building wall and the locator member having a cross-sectional shape which in construction of the modular itched roof facilitates inclination of the roof module at a desired angle.

According to yet an additional aspect of the present invention there is provided a roof structure for a building and which comprises a plurality of roof modules as defined above, adjacent ones of the roof modules being interconnected by connecting adjacent ones of the first o.

o steel beams that are associated with the respective roof modules.

The preferred form of the present invention is directed to a roofing system in which roof modules may be prefabricated and quickly be lifted into position on the skeletal walls of a building. The system also provides an arrangement in which the roof modules may themselves provide all of the structural integrity of the roofing system, this minimising the need for roofing elements Speci/400-499/450-499/45307 7 other than those that form integral components of the roof modules.

As a consequence of each roof module being connected to a supporting wall and the adjacent roof modules being connected to one another, the roof structure forms an integrated structure. That is, the structure avoids the need for trusses, braces and such other structural elements as normally are required to carry and stabilise conventional roofing systems.

Also, by constructing the roof modules in appropriate shapes, adjacent ones of the first beams may be interconnected to form ridges, hips and valleys in the roofing system. Ridges and hips are formed by interconnecting two of the first beams in such a manner that the external angle between two roof modules is greater than 1800. A valley is formed by interconnecting two of the first beams in such a manner that the external angle between the two interconnected roof modules is less than 1800. These characteristics are described in more detail later in the specification.

According to a final aspect of the present invention there 25 is provided a method of constructing a pitched roof of a building and which comprises the steps of: lifting each of a plurality of roof modules as defined above into position upon a skeletal wall framing of the building; positioning the or each locating beam of each roof module on a horizontal frame element of the wall framing and securing the locating beam to the horizontal frame element; connecting adjacent first beam portions of adjacent ones of the roof elements to form the pitched structure of the roof; and cladding timber panels of the roof modules with cladding materials in the form of shingles or tiles.

SpeciI400-499/450-499/45307 8 The beam that interconnects the first end of the ribs (ie, the "first" beam) preferably comprises a channel-section steel beam into which the first end of each of the ribs projects. Also, a further beam preferably is provided to interconnect the second (ie, the other) end of the ribs.

The further beam most preferably comprises a channelsection steel beam into which the second end of each of the ribs projects.

The ribs and beams preferably are roll-formed from mild steel sheets or strips having a thickness in the range 0.8 to 4.0 mm and most preferably having a thickness in the order of 1.2 mm.

Each roof module as above defined preferably is clad with a timber panel before the module is placed in its intended position in a roof structure. However, the timber panel might alternatively be secured to the roof module after 20 the roof module has been placed in position. In either case, final cladding elements, for example in the form of shingles or tiles, will be secured to the timber panel **after the roof module has been placed in its intended position in a roof structure.

If the roof modules are placed in their intended positions :::sequentially in a manner such that successively placed '.:modules support one another, then the complete roof structure might be erected without any supporting formwork. This may be achieved if two roof modules are positioned simultaneously or successively and connected to form an A-frame having a common ridge. However, if it is desirable that the roof modules be positioned independently of one another, for example by erecting one side of an A-frame structure before erecting the other side, then it will be necessary to provide supporting formwork for the roof modules.

Speci/400-499/450-499/45307 9 In order that each roof module might be supported individually by supporting formwork, if so desired, each of the roof modules is preferably provided with two of the locating beams. The first of the beams is positioned adjacent a second end of the ribs, and a second of the locating beams is disposed parallel to the first locating beam.

The invention will be more fully understood from the following description of preferred embodiments of roof modules and a roofing system which incorporates a plurality of the roof modules. The description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings Figure 1 shows a plan view of a skeletal frame of a L-shaped building and, in dotted outline, a pitched roof structure covering the building framework, Figure 2 shows a plan view of the roof structure of Figure 1 when formed from twenty interconnected roof modules, Figure 3 shows an underside view of one of the roof modules (ie, a module having a generally rectangular shape) as used in the construction of the roof structure shown in Figure 2, Figure 4 shows a side view of the roof module as illustrated in Figure 3, Figures 3A and 4A show a underside and side views of an alternative form of the roof module as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, Figure 5 shows an underside view of another of the roof modules (ie, a module having a generally triangular shape) as used in constructing the roof structure as shown in Figure 2, Figure 6 shows a side view of the roof module as illustrated in Figure Figure 7 shows a sectional view of structural elements of the roof module of Figures 3 and 4, as viewed SpeciI400-499/450-499/45307 10 in the direction of section plane 7-7 in Figure 3, Figure 8 shows a sectional view of an elongate structural member of the roof modules of Figures 3 and 4, as viewed in the direction of section plane 8-8 in Figure 3, Figure 9 shows a sectional view of a further beam or a facia channel of the roof modules of Figures 3 and 4, as viewed in the direction of section plane 9-9 in Figure 3, Figure 10 shows a sectional view of a locator member of the roof module of Figure 3 and 4, as viewed in the direction of section plane 10-10 in Figure 3, Figure 11 shows a sectional view of a ridge portion of the roof structure as viewed in the direction of section plane 11-11 in Figure 1, Figure 11A shows a sectional view of an alternative ridge structure as viewed in the direction of section plane 11-11 in Figure i.

Figure 12 shows a sectional view of a hip 20 portion of the roof structure as viewed in the direction e -of section plane 12-12 in Figure 1, Figure 13 shows a sectional view of a valley portion of the roof structure as viewed in the direction of section plane 13-13 in Figure 1, Figure 14 shows a sectional view of an edge portion of the roof structure as viewed in the direction of section plane 14-14 in Figure i, and Figure 15 shows a sectional view of an edge S"portion of a modified form of roof structure as viewed in the direction of section plane 15-15 in Figure i.

Figures 7 to 15 all show aspects of the roof structure and the roof modules on an enlarged scale relative to the arrangements that are shown in Figures 1 to 6 in the drawings.

Figure 1 of the drawings shows a plan view of skeletal steel framework 20 of an L-shaped building 21. A pitched roofing structure or system 22 for the building is shown Speci/400-499/450-499/45307 ii I- l-il---Y~u;rrZrQ-Y--r-.-r- C-~-~LI~CIC~--YC I~~Y -II--Iii 11 in dotted outline and, because of the shape of the building, the roofing system has a relatively complex shape that comprises two ridges 23 and 24, six hips 25 to and one valley 31. Each of the ridges and hips has an external angle a that is greater than 180' (as shown in Figures 11 and 12), and the valley has an external angle P that is less than 1800 (as shown in Figure 13). A facia 32 surrounds the periphery of the roof structure.

As stated previously, the present invention embodies the concept of forming the roof structure from a plurality of roof modules 33. Figure 2 illustrates one of many ways in which this might be achieved, using twenty separate roof modules 33(A) to 33(T). All of the roof modules are prefabricated and are lifted one-by-one onto the framework of the building by use of a mobile crane (not shown). All but two of the modules are secured to the peripheral wall framing 20 of the building and all of the modules are connected to adjacent modules, as will be hereinafter described in more detail.

For the roof structure as described with reference to S"Figures 1 to 14, no additional roof-supporting framework is required for supporting the individual roof modules 33.

When secured to the peripheral wall framing 20 of the building and when secured to one another, the roof modules co-operate to form an integrated roof structure.

S"The roof module 33(Q) may be regarded as having the most simple shape and is illustrated in more detail in Figures 3, 4 and 7 to 10. The roof module comprises a plurality of spaced-apart parallel structural elements in the form of steel ribs 34. An elongate structural member which is adapted to be an apex member in the form of a channelsection steel beam 35 interconnects a first end of the ribs 34 and is arranged to be connected to a similar beam of an adjacent roof module 33(D) to form a part of the ridge 23. A further channel-section steel beam 36 Speci/400-499/450-499/45307 XI 12 interconnects the second end of the ribs 34 and forms a portion of the facia 32 of the roof structure.

As is more clearly shown in Figure 7, each of the ribs comprises a rolled steel beam having longitudinally extending hollow flanges 37 that are interconnected by an integral web 38.

As shown in Figure 10, a locator member or in this embodiment first locating beam 39 extends transversely across and interconnects the ribs 34. As in the case of most of the other elements that form the roof module 33, the locating beam 39 is formed from steel. Another locator member or second locating beam 40 (see Figure 15) also extends transversely across and interconnects the ribs 34, but this second locating beam may only be necessary in particular roofing systems.

!i The locating beam 39 and, if appropriate, the locating beam 40, is arranged to be secured to a horizontally *disposed underlying frame element 41 (as shown in Figure 14) of the building wall 20. Also, the locating beam has a cross-sectional shape which functions to incline the ribs 34 and, hence, the roof module 33 at the required angle when the locating beam is secured to the building wall The locating beams such as 39 of Figure 10 are formed as rolled steel channels, each having a web 42, a first flange 43, and a second flange 44 which is higher than the first flange 43. Free edge portions 45 and 46 of the first and second flanges 43 and 44, respectively, are directed away from one another and aligned in a common plane so as to be secured directly to the ribs 34. Also, the web 42 of the locating beam 39 is in cross-section a rotated L-shaped with an integral longitudinally extending ridge 47 defined by a corresponding recess of the web 42.

As shown in Figure 14, the ridge 47 is employed to Speci/400-499/450-499/45307 13 position the locating beam 39 relative to the supporting frame structure 41.

Each of the roof modules 33 is clad over one entire face with a timber panel 48. The panel is employed to carry roofing elements such as shingles or tiles when all of the roof modules have been located in place within the roof structure. The timber panel 48 may be in the form of oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood. It also is mentioned at this point that weatherproofing strips may be used to cover any joints between roof modules before the roofing elements such as the shingles or tiles are fitted.

The timber panel 48 may be shaped and sized to correspond with the shape and size of respective ones of the roof modules, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 3(A) and the timber panels may be S• shaped and sized to extend beyond one or more of the edges of the roof modules 33 to overlap with one or more adjacent roof modules.

o• The various elements of the roof modules 33, that is the S"structural elements or ribs, apex members or channelshaped beams and timber panels, may be interconnected by nails, screws or other suitable metal fasteners.

Figure 6 of the drawings illustrates a triangular-shape roof module 33(B). This is constructed in much the same way as the rectangular roof module 33(Q), and like reference numerals are employed to identify like parts.

However, in this case the apex member or channel-section steel beam 35 that interconnects the ribs 34 is positioned so as to lie at an acute angle to and to join the other channel-section beam 36. Thus, in the case of the roof module 33(B), the channel-section beam 35 is arranged to be connected to the corresponding beam 35 of roof module 33(C) and so form the hip 26 of the roof structure.

Speci/400-499/450-499/45307 P~P1U;~WT~NII ir i;i~r-~i~W~U1~L~~irU 14 The remaining roof modules are fabricated to incorporate the features of one or the other or both of the previously described roof modules 33(Q) and/or 33(B). That is, all roof modules may be regarded as being in the form of a rectangle, a triangle or a compound shape that integrates at least one rectangle and at least one triangle.

When erecting the roof structure, one of the roof modules 33(eg, roof module 33(Q)) is first lifted onto the wall frame 20 and the locating beam 39 is positioned to bear upon the horizontal frame element 41 of the wall frame as shown in Figure 14. Also, the longitudinally extending ridge portion 47 of the locating beam is positioned against the inner edge of the horizontal frame element 41 to prevent the roof module from sliding outwardly relative to the building frame Thereafter, the opposite roof module 33(0) is positioned g on the building wall frame 20 in much the same manner, and the two modules 33(Q) and 33(0) are connected as shown in S"Figure 11, to form the ridge 23.

All of the remaining roof modules 33 are lifted and placed in position also in much the same way. In the case of the some of the roof modules, for example modules 33(F) and 33(G), the modules are interconnected along their channelsection beam 35 to form the hip as illustrated in Figure 12. In the case of others of the roof modules, for °e e example modules 33(D) and 33(E), the modules are interconnected by their channel-section beam 35 to form the valley as illustrated in Figure 13.

When using roof modules of the type shown in Figures 3A and 4A, the projecting edges 48a of the timber panels 48 are extended over the edges of adjacent panels, for example as in the case of the alternative ridge arrangement 23a as shown in Figure 11A. This requires the use of apex members or channel-section steel beams 35a and Speci/400-499/450-499/45307 I_ _____RYW__LIILI____Il~rm~--1IIIILI---~ 15 which have cross-sectional shapes that are different from one another and from that of the beam 35 as shown in Figure 11.

In circumstances where it is not convenient or expedient to mount opposing ones of the roof modules 33 in a sequential manner, so that one roof module might support the other, then each roof module 33 may be placed independently of all others by using the formwork arrangement 50 as shown in Figure 15. That is, the formwork 50 may be built upon the wall framing 20 (within the outer periphery of the wall framing 20) and be used to provide two-point support for each of the roof modules 33.

This is illustrated in Figure 15, which shows the further locator member or second locating beam 40 supported upon and secured to a horizontal framing element 51 of the formwork When the roof construction as illustrated in Figure 15 is complete and all roof modules are interconnected, the formwork 50 may either be left in place within the roof cavity or be removed.

.i As illustrated in Figures 8 and 11 each of the two apex members 35 are formed of a channel section having a web located between opposing parallel flanges. The web is formed at an acute and obtuse included angle relative to :the respective parallel flanges. The angular disposition of the web relative to the flanges sets the relative angles of the adjacent connected modules such as 33D and 33Q and determines the pitch of the roof. Figure 11A illustrates an alternative embodiment of apex members 35a and 35b. In this example the web of one of the apex members 35a is formed by two adjoining sides arranged at right angles to one another. The other apex member 35b is simply a rightangled channel section with its web configured to abut and connect to one side of the adjacent web of the apex member Speci/400-499/450-499/45307 16 The structural elements or ribs 34, locator members or locating beams 39 and 40, and apex members or beams 35 are preferably roll formed from a relatively light gauge galvanised steel material. This in conjunction with the OSB or plywood cladding 48 forms a lightweight roof module panel such as 33A.

The general steps involved in construction of a modular roof incorporating roof modules such as those described above will now be detailed.

1. A first roof module is lifted into position with locator members or beams bearing on external and internal wall beams, respectively. The locator members are screwed to their corresponding wall beams so as to rigidly secure the roof module. A pilot hole (not shown) is provided in the OSB cladding for the 0 passage of a fastening which is to secure the locator 20 members or beams to the wall beam.

2. The second roof module is lifted into location ee o adjacent the first roof module with abutting apex members or first beams which are thus connected whilst the locator members or beams restrain downward movement of the module holding it at the required pitch and height. The locator members are then screwed to the underlying beams so as to form the apex connection.

3. A third roof module is lifted into position alongside one of the fitted roof modules and the locator members moved into locking engagement with the underlying wall beams whereupon the roof module is held at the required height and pitch. This roof module may include an overhanging OSB cladding portion which rests upon an outermost structural element or rib of the adjacent roof module.

Speci/400-499/450-499/453O 7 D- 17 4. In a similar manner, adjacent roof modules are then lifted and fixed into position.

The roof modules are flat and thus can be transported and erected with relative ease. Engagement of the roof modules provides a self-supporting roof structure without the need for strutting to internal load bearing walls. The resultant roof structure is relatively lightweight and reduces resonance under conditions of vibration such as that experienced during an earthquake.

The roof modules may be lifted via one or more hooks which engage the pilot holes provided in the cladding such as 48.

Once located on the support wall elements or beams the relatively lightweight modules can be accurately slid into position by hand. For safety and ease of construction, scaffolding should be provided around the perimeter of the building at roof level. Lifting of the lightweight modules Swill usually be achieved by a small crane.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention ee e described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. For example, the apex members may be practically of any shape provided they permit connection of adjacent roof modules.

The roof modules may be provided unclad depending on the building requirements. The roof modules may include a single locator member only although, depending on the weighting and location of the locator member, it is preferable for there to be two spaced locator members for ease of construction and in order to reduce the structural element span. All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope of the present invention the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description.

Speci/400-499/450-499/45307 ~r~a4~r 18 In the claims which follow and in the preceding summary of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprising" is used in the sense of "including", that is the features specified may be associated with further features in various embodiments of the invention.

e Speci/400-499/450-499/45307

Claims (20)

1. A roof module for use in the construction of a modular pitched roof for a building, the roof module being designed to connect with one or more other roof modules so as to construct the pitched roof, the roof module comprising: a plurality of spaced-apart structural elements being arranged parallel to one another; and an elongate apex member interconnecting a common end of the structural elements, the apex member being configured to abut with an adjacent apex member of one of the other roof modules thereby forming a section of the modular pitched roof.

2. A modular pitched roof for a building, the pitched roof comprising a plurality of roof modules each including a plurality of spaced-apart structural elements being arranged parallel to one another with an elongate apex 20 member interconnecting a common end of the structural elements, adjacent roof modules of the plurality of modules being designed so that their respective apex members abut so as to form the modular pitched roof. S 25 3. A roof module or a modular pitched roof as defined in claim 1 or 2 wherein the apex member is a first steel beam formed of a channel section of a general C-shape having a web disposed between opposing parallel flanges.

4. A roof module or a modular pitched roof as defined in claim 3 wherein adjacent of the first steel beams are in cross-section shaped substantially the same with the web disposed at an acute and obtuse included angle relative to the respective parallel flanges, the angular disposition of the web relative to the flanges setting the relative angles of the adjacent connected modules and determining the pitch of the roof. Speci/400-499/450-499/45307 20 A roof module or a modular pitched roof as defined in any one of the preceding claims wherein the structural elements are each in the form of steel ribs.

6. A roof module or a modular pitched roof as defined in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a locator member being adapted to bear upon an underlying wall frame element of a building wall, the locator member having a cross-sectional shape which in construction of the modular pitched roof facilitates inclination of the roof module at a desired angle.

7. A roof module or a modular pitched roof as defined in claim 6 wherein the locator member is a locating beam comprising a web positioned between opposing flanges, the web including outwardly projecting abutment means being adapted in construction of the roof to limit transverse movement of said member relative to the underlying support 20 element. .o

8. A roof module or a modular pitched roof as defined in 0* claim 7 wherein said abutment means comprises a longitudinally extending continuous protrusion or an array 25 of longitudinally spaced apart protrusions.

9. A roof module or a modular pitched roof as defined in 0 o claim 7 or 8 wherein the locating beam is connected to at least one of and extends transverse to structural elements of the roof module, the locating beam being configured to bear upon the underlying frame element whereby sliding of the roof module relative to the frame element is prevented to assist in abutment of the roof module with an adjacent roof module. A roof module or a modular pitched roof as defined in claim 9 wherein the locating beam is one of a pair of Speci/400-499/450-499/45307 21 spaced-apart locating beams being arranged parallel to one another and adapted to bear upon an inner and an outer wall frame element, respectively.

11. A roof module or a modular pitched roof as defined in any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the locating beam is formed of a channel section wherein the flanges have free end portions arranged in the same plane for fixing to the structural elements of the roof module, the relative height of the flanges being such that the corresponding roof module when located on the wall frame element is inclined at the required pitch.

12. An elongate structural member adapted to be an apex member in a roof module for use in the construction of a modular pitched roof for a building, the apex member comprising a web disposed between opposing flanges, the web being configured to abut to an adjacent apex member of an adjacent roof module wherein said modules by means of said 20 abutting apex members are capable of being self-supporting and form a section of the modular pitched roof.

13. A structural member as defined in claim 12 wherein the apex member is a first steel beam formed of a channel section of a general C-shape having a web disposed between opposing parallel flanges. A structural member as defined in claim 13 wherein adjacent of the first steel beams are in cross-section shaped substantially the same with the web disposed at an acute and obtuse included angle relative to the respective parallel flanges, the angular disposition of the web relative to the flanges facilitating inclination of the adjacent abutting modules. An elongate building member adapted to be a locator member in a roof module for use in the construction of a Speci/400-499/450-499/45307 22 modular pitched roof for a building, the locator member being adapted to bear upon an underlying support element so as to support the roof module, the locator member having a cross-sectional shape which in construction of the modular pitched roof facilitates inclination of the roof module at a desired angle.

16. A building member as defined in claim 15 wherein the locator member is provided with outwardly projecting abutment means being adapted in construction of the roof to limit transverse movement of said member relative to the underlying support element.

17. A building member as defined in claim 16 wherein said abutment means comprises a longitudinally extending continuous protrusion or an array of longitudinally spaced apart protrusions. 0 *S S

18. A building member as defined in claim 16 or 17 wherein the locator member is in the form of a locating beam comprising a web positioned between opposing flanges, the web including said outwardly projecting abutment means which are adapted to bear against the underlying support element.

19. A building member as defined in claim 18 wherein the ***locating beam is connected to at least one of and extends 0*04 0 transverse to structural elements of the roof module, the locator member being configured to bear upon the underlying support element whereby sliding of the roof module relative to the support element is prevented to assist in abutment of the roof module with an adjacent roof module. A building member as defined in claim 19 wherein the locating beam is formed of a channel section wherein the flanges have free end portions arranged in the same plane for fixing to the structural elements of the roof module, Speci/400-499/450-499/45307 23 the relative height of the flanges being such that the corresponding roof module when located on the support element is inclined at the required pitch.

21. A building member as defined in any one of claims to 20 wherein the locator member or locating beam is one of a pair of spaced-apart locator members or beams being arranged parallel to one another and adapted to bear upon an inner and an outer support element, respectively.

22. A building member as defined in any one of claims to 21 wherein the support element comprises a wall frame element of a building wall. 15 23. A method of constructing a modular pitched roof 0 comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of roof modules each including a plurality of spaced-apart structural elements being 0 arranged parallel to one another with an elongate apex 0*0: 20 member interconnecting a common end of the structural e elements; and 00. positioning adjacent roof modules of the plurality of V roof modules so that their respective apex members abut 0 whereby the modular pitched roof is formed.

24. A roof module for use in the construction of a modular pitched roof for a building, the roof module comprising a plurality of spaced-apart parallel steel ribs, a first steel beam interconnecting a first end of the ribs and arranged to abut a similar beam of an adjacent roof module when the roof module is located within the building roof, and a steel locating beam extending transversely across and interconnecting at least some of the ribs, the locating beam being arranged to bear upon an underlying frame element of a building wall and the locator member having a cross-sectional shape which in construction of the modular pitched roof facilitates inclination of the roof module at Speci/400-499/450-499/45307 24 a desired angle. A roof structure for a building and which comprises a plurality of roof modules as defined in claim 24, adjacent ones of the roof modules being interconnected by connecting adjacent ones of the first steel beams that are associated with the respective roof modules.

26. A method of constructing a pitched roof of a building and which comprises the steps of: lifting each of a plurality of roof modules as defined in claim 24 into position upon a skeletal wall framing of the building; positioning the or each locating beam of each roof ~15 module on a horizontal frame element of the wall framing and securing the locating beam to the horizontal frame element; connecting adjacent first beam portions of adjacent S" ones of the roof elements to form the pitched structure of the roof; and cladding timber panels of the roof modules with ooo* cladding materials in the form of shingles or tiles. 25 27. A roof module or a modular pitched roof substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

28. An elongate structural member or an elongate building member substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Speci/400-499/450-499/4530 7 25

29. A method of constructing a modular pitched roof substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 18 th day of March 2002 BHP STEEL LIMITED By their Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK Speci/400-499/450-499/45307