AU720960B2 - Building construction - Google Patents

Description

h RequLation 3.2 -1-

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 S IPE S F-C 1 IF~ T C Jz-rPT(DIW S~ r1SMnAL1-D F'2l- Jr IE M Tr

APPLICANT:

NUMBER:

FILING DATE: AITKEN KEEFE PTY. LIMITED

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Invention Title: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION This invention relates to a building construction and in particular to a building construction using cast concrete panels.

There have been many forms of building constructions which use cast concrete panels (and in this specification this expression is being used generally and could include various types of cast panels other than those which are cast from normal concrete, generally about a steel reinforcement).

In most of these constructions there is little structural rigidity when the panels are first being sited and, very often, the builder has to prepare props or the like to maintain the panels in position until the rafters or joists of the ceiling are located, as these provide the upper support for the panels.

o00o This has meant that the production of buildings from pre cast 0 9 concrete panels has been difficult and complex although the o5 go 4 overall construction has been satisfactory, when completed.

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The principal object of the present invention is to provide a means whereby building construction using pre cast concrete panels are easier to install than previously known WP51/SPEC/AITKEN.CAP/VM/28 NOVEMBER 1996 3 constructions are which, at the same time, has advantages over such constructions.

The invention, in its broadest sense, includes a building construction which includes concrete columns at positions which will be junctions of pre cast concrete panels, said columns being connected to a footing or the like by means of metal spigots extending from the footings and entering into a central aperture of the columns which includes a metal tube into which the spigot is adapted to fit, the columns having at least one groove in the sides thereof to which concrete panels are to be located to receive the ends of the panels and to retain these in a position, the arrangement being such that the cooperation between the spigot and the tube is oo.- adapted to distribute the load applied by any turning forces placed on the column and provide o oo a stable structure notwithstanding that the panels are not supported at their upper ends.

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It is preferred that the spigots be cast into the footings and these may be bars or tube and must have sufficient strength to restrain the pre cast panel, when it is located into the grooves from movement.

The tubes, which receive the spigots and can cause distribution of the load if there is a turning movement around the spigot along the axis thereof can be cast into the column from at least one end thereof or could extend through the column.

The invention can also provide a construction as described which can be used for multiple columns, in panels one above the other and can also provide means whereby form work at the base of the panels can be limited.

S K:\WP51 PEC\AITKEN.wpd AT 18 April, 2000 Lu w) In order that the invention may be more readily understood we shall describe particular embodiments of the building construction made in accordance with the invention in terms of the accompanying drawings.

Fig, 1 shows a perspective view of the building construction.

Fig. 2 shows a top view of the column of the building construction and associated members.

Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the column of the building construction detached from the associated members.

The building construction(l), can be deemed to have a number of concrete footings(2), which can be cast in situ which footings(2) can be provided with reinforcing bars(3) both for a the footing(2) and for attachment to other parts of the construction as required. The footing(2) has a metal spigot(4) cast therein and if required this spigot(4) could be provided with extension members(5) therefrom to provide good keying to the concrete. It extends upwardly from the footing(2) for the distance, which can depend upon the support required.

In the actual building construction(l) itself, we provide concrete columns(6) which may be octagonal in shape but could WP51/SPEC/AITKEN.CAP/VM/28 NOVEMBER 1996 be square or any other form of shape and these may have a central metal tube(7) passing therethrough or tubular members(8) passing into the column(6) from each end.

The internal diameter of these tubes are such as to receive the spigot(4) extending from the footing(2).

Formed in the sides of the concrete column(6), where panels(9) are to extend, there are grooves(l0) which are adapted to receive the panels(9). It will be appreciated that, depending on where the column(6) is, there may be two grooves(10), if it is simply located between two panels(9) or where it is a corner junction and two panels(9) are to meet at right angles or even three or four grooves(10), in the case where it is a junction between four walls each at right angles.

These grooves(10) are of a width to closely receive pre cast concrete panels(9).

In use after the footings(2) have been prepared, the appropriate columns(6) are located over the spigots(4) *9 extending from the footings(2) with their grooved sides extending in the required direction.

Pre cast concrete panels(9) can then be raised above the 0 columns(6), engaged with the grooves(10) and permitted to move WP51/SPEC/AITKEN.CAP/VM/28 NOVEMBER 1996 downwardly along the length of the column(6) until they contact the footing.

We may prefer to strap the panels(9) to the columns(6) by locating a metallic strap(ll) or the like between the column(6) and the panel(9) with the strap(ll) being connected to the panel by bolts(12) or the like. If required studs could be pre cast into the column(6) or panel(9) or nuts could be cast into the column(6) or panel(9) to enable bolts to be connected therethrough.

It will be seen that the construction so provided has sufficient internal integrity to enable the various components to stay in position without any form of props or the like, not withstanding the fact that at the upper ends of the panels there is no support.

By the use of the invention the relative location of the panels to the columns can be varied to ensure that height variations, say, it appears, can be compensated for an the required final orientation readily achieved.

The whole, or any part of the building can be completed in this way by the location of the required panels between columns without the necessity of any form of bracing or rapid Slocation of the girders or ceiling joist.

9* WP51/SPEC/AITKEN.CAP/VM/28 NOVEMBER 1996 7 The construction of the invention can, if required, be used for more than a single floor by passing spigots through the upper ends of the columns and locating a further column there above either directly or, if the floor members are to be pre cast by passing the spigots through the floor member and then placing the column there above.

Cast panels can then be located between the columns as previously described.

The method of construction also enables the footings and floor to be poured after the wall panels are installed and this restricts the need for form work and provides a pier and beam type steel reinforced footing which is integral with the floor slab, which can be most desirable.

It will be appreciated, too, that by use of the construction of the type described the expansion effectively be provided in the slots of the columns so that these are not unsightly, and indeed cannot be seen. At the same time, if required, sealing strips could be located at the ends of the panels which strips can abut the inner ends of the slots in the column to provide a weather proof and wind proof junction there between.

Whilst we have described the arrangement in association with a 9building construction it will be appreciated that a similar 9 WP51/SPEC/AITKEN.CAP/VM/28 NOVEMBER 1996 arrangement can readily be used to make fences or retaining walls.

It will be understood that in the specification we have described particular embodiments of the invention but it is to be appreciated that variations can be made in this without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

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1: WP51/SPEC/AITKEN.CAP/VM/28 NOVEMBER 1996

Claims (10)

1. A building construction which includes concrete columns at positions which will be junctions of pre cast concrete panels, said columns being connected to a footing or the like by means of metal spigots extending from the footings and entering into a central aperture of the columns which includes a metal tube into which the spigot is adapted :to fit, the columns having at least one groove in the sides thereof to which concrete panels are to be located to receive the ends of the panels and to retain these in position, the arrangement being such that the cooperation between the spigot and the tube is adapted to distribute the load applied by any turning forces placed on the 0000 column and provide a stable structure notwithstanding that the panels are not r •"supported at their upper ends. 6606 S

2. A building construction as claimed in claim 1 wherein the columns have precast therein a metal tube passing into the columns from each end.

3. A building construction as claimed in claim 1 wherein the columns have precast therein a metal tube which extends the length of the column.

4. A building construction as claimed in either claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the central tube(s) are coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the columns or are parallel to the R A> longitudinal axis. 18 April, 2000 A building construction as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the spigots are cast into footings and these may be bars or tubes which must have sufficient strength to restrain the pre cast panel against movement when it is located into the grooves.

6. A building construction as claimed in claim 5 wherein the spigots cast into footings are provided with extension members therefrom to provide good keying to the concrete.

7. A building construction as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said construction is used for multiple columns, with panels one above the other and means whereby form work at the base of the panels is limited. r 8. A building construction as claimed in claim 7 wherein there are a multiple of grooves 4 S. 4 *woo 9 7. A building construction as claimed in claim 8 wherein after the footings have been prepared, said columns are located over the spigots extending from the footings with the grooved sides of said column extending in the required direction, pre-cast *00o Siconcrete panelts are then raised above the columns engaged with the grooves and moved downwardly along the length of the column until panels contact the footing fmconrk patnte ae fthe aes isov lmthed.lmsegae ihteroe n moe*onady ln h egh fteclm utlpnl otattefoig :\AITKEN.wpd AT 18 April, 2000 11 A building construction as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the panels are located between the columns without the necessity of any form of bracing or location of girders.

11. A building construction as claimed in claim 9 wherein the footings and floor are able to be poured after the panels are installed restricting the need for form work.

12. A building construction as claimed in claim 10 wherein sealing strips are located at 0e* 9 9 the ends of panels which strips abut the inner ends of the slots in the column to provide a weather proof and wind proof junction there between. S 13. A concrete column for a building construction as claimed in any preceding claim S" having a central aperture which includes a metal tube whereby the column can be fitted over spigot extending from a footing, the tube being adapted to distribute a Sa:- load applied by any turning force by the spigot onto the column and at least one groove along a side thereof whereby a panel may be associated therewith.

14. A concrete column as claimed in claim 13 wherein there is more than one groove. A concrete column as claimed in either claim 13 or claim 14 wherein said columns may be connected to a footing or the like by means of metal spigots extending from the footings and entering into a central aperture of the columns. O K:\WP\S\PEC\AITKEN.wpd AT 18 April, 2000 12

16. A building construction as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this 19 day of April, 2000 S S S S S 4's* S 9 S OSSS 9.- S 6.. S 9-906 9 .5.9 S *SSS SSSS *S 5. S 5555S5 S S AITKEN KEEFE PTY. LIMITED By its Patent Attorneys A Tatlock Associates AT 18 April, 2000