CA1231850A - Building techniques - Google Patents
Building techniquesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1231850A CA1231850A CA000464881A CA464881A CA1231850A CA 1231850 A CA1231850 A CA 1231850A CA 000464881 A CA000464881 A CA 000464881A CA 464881 A CA464881 A CA 464881A CA 1231850 A CA1231850 A CA 1231850A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- building
- load
- decking
- holes
- site
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/0007—Base structures; Cellars
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D27/00—Foundations as substructures
- E02D27/01—Flat foundations
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Paleontology (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Conveying And Assembling Of Building Elements In Situ (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A method of construction of a suspended floor system for buildings, wherein a temporary support structure is located on the building site by means of jacks or the like and a floor system consisting of an array of load-supporting beams, and associated edge-forming material and decking material is erected thereon, whereby to provide a substantially level structure for subsequent erection of a building or the like.
A method of construction of a suspended floor system for buildings, wherein a temporary support structure is located on the building site by means of jacks or the like and a floor system consisting of an array of load-supporting beams, and associated edge-forming material and decking material is erected thereon, whereby to provide a substantially level structure for subsequent erection of a building or the like.
Description
~231850 The present invention relates in general to improve-ments in building techniques and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an improved method for the provision of a stable foundation structure (preferably elevated! for supporting a building or the like. The invention also relates to an improved flooring or foundation structure and to improved elements or components for use in such a structure and in the method of construction thereof.
The method and structure (equipment) in accordance with the present invention is particularly designed for use on hilly or uneven sites. It should be understood, however, that the method and equipment in accordance with the invention could equally well be employed on any site, hilly, sloping, uneven, flat, unstable, rocky or otherwise.
For purposes of explanation, however, throughout the ensuing description reference will be made to the utilizat-ion of the subject method or building technique on a site that is hilly or uneven, or perhaps more correctly sloping.
Nowadays it has become a common practice to employ a concrete slab of a predetermined size as the foundation upon which a building or the like structure is to be sub-seauently erected. Such a now traditional slab-on-ground technique has been found to require for its effectiveness a substantially level site. In order to achieve such a substantially level site, especially in hilly, sloping or undulating terrain, it has generally been found necessary ' I' ~23~1350 to employ heavy earthmoving machinery, for purposes perhaps of excavating and levelling an undulating site, or alternat-ively back-filling such a site. Such a requirement for the use of heavy earthmoving machinery and the like equip-ment gives rise to a number of practical disadvantages.
First of all, such equipment is expensive both to secure and operate. Secondly such machinery or equipment has been found to be in itself responsible for damage not only to the site being worked, but also to surrounding areas. By way of explanation, earthmoving equipment of the type under consideration is, by its very nature, rather substantial in size. The continued passage of such heavy equipment over any site in the long term can give rise to problems insofar as drainage of such a site itself is con-cerned. Furthermore, and if the site being worked happens to be in an otherwise established or built-up area, damage can be caused to other sites (albeit inadvertently).
Indeed, such equipment may well cause such damage to the environment as to ultimately call for or require the re-establishment of vegetation, of expensive paths, pavings etc. cracked by the very weight of the equipment, etc.
furthermore, the usage of excavating or earthmoving equip-ment invariably gives rise to a need for either the removal from the building site of large volumes of unwanted material,
The method and structure (equipment) in accordance with the present invention is particularly designed for use on hilly or uneven sites. It should be understood, however, that the method and equipment in accordance with the invention could equally well be employed on any site, hilly, sloping, uneven, flat, unstable, rocky or otherwise.
For purposes of explanation, however, throughout the ensuing description reference will be made to the utilizat-ion of the subject method or building technique on a site that is hilly or uneven, or perhaps more correctly sloping.
Nowadays it has become a common practice to employ a concrete slab of a predetermined size as the foundation upon which a building or the like structure is to be sub-seauently erected. Such a now traditional slab-on-ground technique has been found to require for its effectiveness a substantially level site. In order to achieve such a substantially level site, especially in hilly, sloping or undulating terrain, it has generally been found necessary ' I' ~23~1350 to employ heavy earthmoving machinery, for purposes perhaps of excavating and levelling an undulating site, or alternat-ively back-filling such a site. Such a requirement for the use of heavy earthmoving machinery and the like equip-ment gives rise to a number of practical disadvantages.
First of all, such equipment is expensive both to secure and operate. Secondly such machinery or equipment has been found to be in itself responsible for damage not only to the site being worked, but also to surrounding areas. By way of explanation, earthmoving equipment of the type under consideration is, by its very nature, rather substantial in size. The continued passage of such heavy equipment over any site in the long term can give rise to problems insofar as drainage of such a site itself is con-cerned. Furthermore, and if the site being worked happens to be in an otherwise established or built-up area, damage can be caused to other sites (albeit inadvertently).
Indeed, such equipment may well cause such damage to the environment as to ultimately call for or require the re-establishment of vegetation, of expensive paths, pavings etc. cracked by the very weight of the equipment, etc.
furthermore, the usage of excavating or earthmoving equip-ment invariably gives rise to a need for either the removal from the building site of large volumes of unwanted material,
2, or alternatively the delivery to the site of back-filling material.
123:1~35~
The traditional building techniques, such as for example the slab-on-ground technique as previously referred to, can also suffer because of the weather. By way of example, during wet or wintry weather excavated sites or sites to be excavated can very often become to all intents and purposes physically unworkable, thereby leading in turn to annoying and expensive delays in actual construction. By way of further example, if after heavy rain previously erected trenches or the like have to be re-dug or re-excavated, with a resultant widening or deepening thereof, additional costs by way of filling can be incurred.
The present invention seeks to overcome the problems associated with the prior art building techniques by provid-ing what might be termed a suspended floor system or structure which involves in its construction minimal inter-ference with a building site, thereby leaving the site and its inherent natural drainage and vegetation substantially intact.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invent-ion, therefore, there is provided an improved technique or method for use in the construction of a suspended floor structure for buildings and the like, said method including the steps of:
(i) forming a plurality of spaced-apart holes in a predetermined pattern, over a proposed building site;
~318SO
(ii) positioning a temporary load-supporting structure over said pattern of formed holes in a predeter-mined manner (in accord with the intended floor plan for the building), said structure including at least a longitudinal array of load-supporting beams (preferably of steel) of any desired cross-section;
(iii) affixing a plurality of downwardly extending support or column members to said longitudinal array of load-supporting beams, said columns being adapted to be located in said formed holes;
(iv) adjusting the location of said temporary structure and associated beams and columns whereby to provide a substantially level or horizontal structure;
(v) fixing said column members in said holes, prefer-ably per medium of concrete, cement or the like material poured thereinto; and ~vi) affixing a suitable decking material to the structure whereby to provide a substantially level, stable, suspended floor support structure or configuration for subsequent building.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an improved cleat for use in connecting said support or column members to said load-supporting beams, said cleat including a connection plate iL2318S~) portion or member having a base portion dependent there-from, said base portion including at least one downwardly extending protrusion or spigot.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invent-ion there is provided a building clamp as illustrated.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect there shall now be described in detail a preferred method of construction or building technique in accordance with the invention.
The ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative example only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a top plan view of a building site having a floor system in accordance with the present invention in a first stage of construction thereon;
Figure 2 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow 2 in Figure l;
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of part of a floor system in accordance with the present invention, including a support beam, vertically disposed column and layer of decking material, in a later stage of construction to that of Figure l;
Figure 4 is a view taken along the line 4-4 of Figure 1 ;
Figure 5 is a view taken along the line 5-5 of Figure l; and ~Z,31~50 Figure 6 is a perspective view of a construction (house) incorporating the floor system in accordance with the present invention.
The first step in the preferred method or building technique in accordance with the present invention involves the drilling of a number of holes 1 on a building site in a prearranged or predetermined pattern. In this regard, and from a practical point of view, it has been found that a drilled hole constitutes a very stable excavation and will be less susceptible to collapse than will a dug hole or a trench (procedures employed in the prior art). These holes may be located over the building site to suit floor plan requirements. The spacing between holes and the relative location thereof can be altered as desired.
It should be understood that, strictly speaking, no other preliminary work will be required on or to the prop-osed construction site. Preferably, however, it would be desirable to clear any unwanted vegetation, rocks, etc.
Once the aforementioned holes 1 are drilled on the proposed site, a structure made up of what might be termed temporary support beams 2 is adapted to be located on that site and are fixed and levelled by any suitable means, as for example by means of an appropriate number of jacks 3 located around the periphery and internally of the structure.
Once in position, the structure of temporary beams 2 can be seen to provide a substantially level configuration. The lZ318~0 method in accordance with the present invention can there-fore be seen to remove altogether the need for any prelim-inary levelling, back-filling etc. of the building site in order to provide a level surface for subsequent construction of a building on that site.
A floor support structure of the desired size, shape etc. can either be constructed on site or prefabricated off-site and then be laid out on the structure of temporary beams previously provided. Such a floor support structure includes a framework or load-supporting or load-bearing beams 4 (of a predetermined size, strength etc. to suit engineering and strength requirements), that framework having depending therefrom a plurality of downwardly extend-ing columns 5 of any suitable material, as for example steel, the downwardly extending columns 5 being located on the framework in a predetermined pattern, there being a number of such columns equivalent to the number of holes 1 previously drilled on the building site.
In practice it has been found that, so long as the building under construction, or more correctly the proposed floor thereof, is no more than three metres above ground level, then a structure consisting of a plurality of long-itudinally extending temporary beams 2 is necessary and sufficient (with no transverse or lateral bracing members being required). However, and again in practical terms, when the proposed floor level is in excess of three metres 123~8S~
above ground level, it is recommended that some form of lateral bracing be employed. It should be understood, however, that such lateral bracing does not constitute a necessary and essential feature of the subject invention.
When the floor support structure is properly located on the system of temporary beams, the columns 5 depending therefrom will be located in the previously drilled holes 1.
When in such a position the floor support structure may be readily squared and final levels taken to ensure that an effectively horizontal surface is provided for any subse-quent structure to be built thereon. Once the composite structure is deemed level, concrete or the like material may be poured into the holes formed on site such that the downwardly extending columns 5 are ultimately embedded therein. When the thus poured concrete has set, then the structure of temporary beams or supports 2 may be removed.
The result will be a substantially level structure, sus-pended above ground level to a prearranged height. In accordance with known building techniques a layer 6 of so-called Bondeck or other equivalent decking material of any suitable type, as for example consisting of lengths of sheet steel or the like, may be located on the floor support structure in any known manner, as for example by bolting.
In an especially preferred embodiment, as illustrated, a plurality of panels of pre-cast steel may be employed, with adjacent panels to be connected in any known manner to the ~318SO
beams 4, as for example by puddle welding, gun nailing, screwing or bolting. The temporary support structure and associated floor support structure then consti.tute an enclosure and, if required a concrete sheet or slab may then be formed thereon in any suitable manner, again in accordance with known building techniques. Alternatively, a system of floor boards or the like or indeed any suit-able flooring material may be employed.
The method and apparatus in accordance with the present invention preferably and primarily employs galvan-ized steel cold-formed sections as the major load-bearing and structural components of both the system of temporary beams and the prefabricated floor support structure. Load is transferred to ground by the columns 5 set in concrete, the columns 5 being either substantially circular or sub-stantially parallelepipedal in cross-section in accordance with known techniques.
In order to allow for connection or interconnection of the beams and downwardly depending columns making up, with the temporary support members, the so-called floor support structure, in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a special and part-icular form of so-called cleat 7. The accompanying representations illustrate preferred ernbodiments of a cleat 7 in accordance with the present invention. In general terms, when viewed in side elevation, a cleat 7 in accord-~.X~1850 ance with the invention is of a substantially inverted T-shape, comprising a connection plate 8 (preferably cast) having either a circular or a parallelepipedal base 9 depending therefrom, the actual shape of that base 9 being governed by the cross-sectional shape of the column 5. The base 9 has one or more spigots (not shown) extend-ing therefrom whereby to allow for accommodation of at least two different cross-sectional sizes of columns. In other words a column of one size (cross-section) is adapted to fit internally of the depending spigot, or alternatively a larger-sized column may be located externally of that spigot. The cleat may be connected to a beam of the pre-fabricated floor structure in any suitable manner, as for example by having the connection plate portion bolted to that beam (see Figure 2). In an especially preferred embodiment two pairs of horizontally aligned apertures are provided at spaced-apart positions on the connection plate of the cleat 7, such an arrangement allowing for vertical alignment of a column 5 along the axis of an associated load-bearing beam 4.
Once the floor support structure is fixed in the desired position on the site, as for example by setting of the poured concrete in the previously-drilled holes, and the temporary beam structure is removed, the next step in the building of a house or the like involves the laying of bricks. In order to assist in bricklaying lintels 10 of lZ~85~
any known type are adapted to be fastened to the downwardly-depending columns 5 in any suitable manner, and more part-icularly through use of a suitable clamping means. In accordance with known techniques such lintels 10 may be stepped in courses around the overall structure to follow the terrain and changes in floor levels as a result of accurate positioning of such clamps on the downwardly-depending columns (as desired). The provision of such clamped lintels 10 etc. facilitates the task of a brick-layer in setting and levelling an initial course of bricks, and furthermore effectively eliminates the possib-ility of errors occurring therein.
The clamp as referred to in the preceding paragraph may also be employed for other purposes, as for example the attachment of timber beams to the columns or the floor structure, as would be required in the instance of a timber decking, verandah or the like required to be disposed around the perimeter of a house or other structure.
The technique or method of construction in accordance with the present invention, and the elements utilised there-in, can be seen to be responsible for a number of advantages, as explained in detail hereinafter.
One of the major advantages of the technique in accordance with the present invention resides in the utiliz-ation of a floor support structure which is adapted for easy positioning on a previously-prepared (or even 12318~0 unprepared) site. The utilization of such structures, prefabricated off site or built or erected on site serves to minimise the amount of on-site preparation and labour, not to mention tooling. In a practical sense, once the columns 5 with associated temporary beam structure are fixed in position on site and the floor support structure located thereon, then effectively the only tool required will be a spanner or the like. This reduction in on-site labour can be seen to be especially important in cold or wet climes. The lack of a need for any sophisticated equipment, as for example electrically-operated tools, reduces the possibility of accidents on building sites, it being understood that the use of electrical tools with depending wiring in wet conditions is somewhat dangerous, to say the least.
The utilization of preferably prefabricated struc-tures also is responsible for minimisation of wastage of material on site. Indeed only material which will ultimately be used on site need be transported to that site, thereby reducing transport costs (delivery and removal).
As stated earlier, a further advantage associated with the method or technique in accordance with the present invention is that minimal disturbance of the site prior to construction is necessary. Indeed, and in contrast with the prior art techniques, no excavation or back-filling is ~2~850 required in accordance with the method of the present invention.
In terms of cost, a substantial reduction is achieved with the method in accordance with the present invention by reason of the need, first of all for utilization of a much reduced quantity of concrete or the like material. Indeed when compared to conventional techniques, utilizing a concrete slab extending over the entire si-te for building, the method in accordance with the present invention, which requires concrete only in certain localised areas - around the downwardly depending columns 5 in the drilled holes 1 - has been found to give rise to a reduction in the volume of concrete of the order of perhaps 50~. This need for utilization of concrete only in localised areas in turn lS means that the actual volume of concrete employed is con-trollable, a fact which allows for construction to go ahead at a fixed price. This is in marked contrast to prior techniques, wherein the volume of materials, such as concrete, to be employed was largely uncontrollable, thereby giving rise to substantial fluctuation in price for any given structure, dependant on such variables as soil conditions, etc.
The holes 1 drilled for receiving the columns 5 in accordance with the method of the present invention are in fact drilled to a depth below what might be termed unstable soil conditions. In other words, the columns 5 are more or l23~as~
less sited on bedrock. This factor alone can be seen to give rise to a substantial reduction in the likelihood of any subsequent movement of a completed building or struct-ure. With the prior art techniques, even when a substantial solid concrete slab was employed a certaln degree of move-ment could take place dependant upon changes in, for example, the moisture content of the surrounding soil. Any movement of the concrete slab in the prior art gave rise to subse-quent cracking of brickwork, plaster etc. The arrangement in accordance with the present invention, set as it is sub-stantially in bedrock, is not susceptible to such cracking or the like.
It should be understood that, whilst the method ln accordance with the present invention is especially suited for use with the building of new homes, the method or technique can in fact be adapted to suit any home design.
In a practical sense, however, savings in time, material, labour and expense can be expected to be more significant if the flooring system as produced by the subject method is incorporated in any plans or the like right from the outset. A flooring system as produced by the present method has been found to be especially successful in the construct-ion of external decking, car-ports and/or recreation areas on existing homes. Again in a practical sense, and in contrast to conventional building techniques involving the utilization of a concrete slab, the flooring system in 1Z3~
accordance with the present invention has been found to provide up to double the usable floor or living space, depending of course on the building site itself, over the same ground area and with substantial savings in construct-ion time, labour, materials and accordingly money.
In an especially preferred embodiment the method of the present invention may be used in conjunction with what may best be described as a "kit", constituting all the components required for construction of a suspended floor-ing system in accordance with the invention. Indeed all material needed for construction, including load-supporting beams, columns, decking material, edging material and re-inforcing fabric or material, may be supplied on site to suit the specific requirements of a builder (together of course with appropriate instructions for the correct utiliz-ation thereof). The flooring system may then be installed either by the builder, or by licensed sub-contractors, thereby ensuring speedy erection and structural reliability.
Once the decking material 6 is in place, provision can be made for ultimate connection to or of services, as for example power, gas, plumbing, heating etc. In an especially preferred embodiment, not illustrated, those areas designed for service penetrations may be boxed out.
In an alternative arrangement, suitable penetrations to accommodate service material may be drilled out in the correct position once the concrete slab formed on the lZ3~ 85~
decking material has set or cured to the desired level.
With the technique in accordance with the present invention cables, pipes and other service ducting etc. are adapted to be supported beneath the decking material 6, thereby to be effectively proof against the possible ravages of moisture and within easy reach and access for repair, maintenance, replacement etc.
The method or building technique in accordance with the present invention, by reason of its very simplicity, will be seen to be responsible for substantial reductions in labour time, in terms of site preparation lor rather lack of such preparation), actual construction time, etc.
Reduction in labour time in turn gives rise to substantial reduction in overall costs, an important consideration nowadays when the building industry is at somewhat of a low ebb.
Finally, it is to be understood that the aforegoing description refers merely to preferred embodiments of the present invention, and that variations and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the ambit of which is to be determined from the ensuing claims.
123:1~35~
The traditional building techniques, such as for example the slab-on-ground technique as previously referred to, can also suffer because of the weather. By way of example, during wet or wintry weather excavated sites or sites to be excavated can very often become to all intents and purposes physically unworkable, thereby leading in turn to annoying and expensive delays in actual construction. By way of further example, if after heavy rain previously erected trenches or the like have to be re-dug or re-excavated, with a resultant widening or deepening thereof, additional costs by way of filling can be incurred.
The present invention seeks to overcome the problems associated with the prior art building techniques by provid-ing what might be termed a suspended floor system or structure which involves in its construction minimal inter-ference with a building site, thereby leaving the site and its inherent natural drainage and vegetation substantially intact.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invent-ion, therefore, there is provided an improved technique or method for use in the construction of a suspended floor structure for buildings and the like, said method including the steps of:
(i) forming a plurality of spaced-apart holes in a predetermined pattern, over a proposed building site;
~318SO
(ii) positioning a temporary load-supporting structure over said pattern of formed holes in a predeter-mined manner (in accord with the intended floor plan for the building), said structure including at least a longitudinal array of load-supporting beams (preferably of steel) of any desired cross-section;
(iii) affixing a plurality of downwardly extending support or column members to said longitudinal array of load-supporting beams, said columns being adapted to be located in said formed holes;
(iv) adjusting the location of said temporary structure and associated beams and columns whereby to provide a substantially level or horizontal structure;
(v) fixing said column members in said holes, prefer-ably per medium of concrete, cement or the like material poured thereinto; and ~vi) affixing a suitable decking material to the structure whereby to provide a substantially level, stable, suspended floor support structure or configuration for subsequent building.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an improved cleat for use in connecting said support or column members to said load-supporting beams, said cleat including a connection plate iL2318S~) portion or member having a base portion dependent there-from, said base portion including at least one downwardly extending protrusion or spigot.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invent-ion there is provided a building clamp as illustrated.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect there shall now be described in detail a preferred method of construction or building technique in accordance with the invention.
The ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative example only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a top plan view of a building site having a floor system in accordance with the present invention in a first stage of construction thereon;
Figure 2 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow 2 in Figure l;
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of part of a floor system in accordance with the present invention, including a support beam, vertically disposed column and layer of decking material, in a later stage of construction to that of Figure l;
Figure 4 is a view taken along the line 4-4 of Figure 1 ;
Figure 5 is a view taken along the line 5-5 of Figure l; and ~Z,31~50 Figure 6 is a perspective view of a construction (house) incorporating the floor system in accordance with the present invention.
The first step in the preferred method or building technique in accordance with the present invention involves the drilling of a number of holes 1 on a building site in a prearranged or predetermined pattern. In this regard, and from a practical point of view, it has been found that a drilled hole constitutes a very stable excavation and will be less susceptible to collapse than will a dug hole or a trench (procedures employed in the prior art). These holes may be located over the building site to suit floor plan requirements. The spacing between holes and the relative location thereof can be altered as desired.
It should be understood that, strictly speaking, no other preliminary work will be required on or to the prop-osed construction site. Preferably, however, it would be desirable to clear any unwanted vegetation, rocks, etc.
Once the aforementioned holes 1 are drilled on the proposed site, a structure made up of what might be termed temporary support beams 2 is adapted to be located on that site and are fixed and levelled by any suitable means, as for example by means of an appropriate number of jacks 3 located around the periphery and internally of the structure.
Once in position, the structure of temporary beams 2 can be seen to provide a substantially level configuration. The lZ318~0 method in accordance with the present invention can there-fore be seen to remove altogether the need for any prelim-inary levelling, back-filling etc. of the building site in order to provide a level surface for subsequent construction of a building on that site.
A floor support structure of the desired size, shape etc. can either be constructed on site or prefabricated off-site and then be laid out on the structure of temporary beams previously provided. Such a floor support structure includes a framework or load-supporting or load-bearing beams 4 (of a predetermined size, strength etc. to suit engineering and strength requirements), that framework having depending therefrom a plurality of downwardly extend-ing columns 5 of any suitable material, as for example steel, the downwardly extending columns 5 being located on the framework in a predetermined pattern, there being a number of such columns equivalent to the number of holes 1 previously drilled on the building site.
In practice it has been found that, so long as the building under construction, or more correctly the proposed floor thereof, is no more than three metres above ground level, then a structure consisting of a plurality of long-itudinally extending temporary beams 2 is necessary and sufficient (with no transverse or lateral bracing members being required). However, and again in practical terms, when the proposed floor level is in excess of three metres 123~8S~
above ground level, it is recommended that some form of lateral bracing be employed. It should be understood, however, that such lateral bracing does not constitute a necessary and essential feature of the subject invention.
When the floor support structure is properly located on the system of temporary beams, the columns 5 depending therefrom will be located in the previously drilled holes 1.
When in such a position the floor support structure may be readily squared and final levels taken to ensure that an effectively horizontal surface is provided for any subse-quent structure to be built thereon. Once the composite structure is deemed level, concrete or the like material may be poured into the holes formed on site such that the downwardly extending columns 5 are ultimately embedded therein. When the thus poured concrete has set, then the structure of temporary beams or supports 2 may be removed.
The result will be a substantially level structure, sus-pended above ground level to a prearranged height. In accordance with known building techniques a layer 6 of so-called Bondeck or other equivalent decking material of any suitable type, as for example consisting of lengths of sheet steel or the like, may be located on the floor support structure in any known manner, as for example by bolting.
In an especially preferred embodiment, as illustrated, a plurality of panels of pre-cast steel may be employed, with adjacent panels to be connected in any known manner to the ~318SO
beams 4, as for example by puddle welding, gun nailing, screwing or bolting. The temporary support structure and associated floor support structure then consti.tute an enclosure and, if required a concrete sheet or slab may then be formed thereon in any suitable manner, again in accordance with known building techniques. Alternatively, a system of floor boards or the like or indeed any suit-able flooring material may be employed.
The method and apparatus in accordance with the present invention preferably and primarily employs galvan-ized steel cold-formed sections as the major load-bearing and structural components of both the system of temporary beams and the prefabricated floor support structure. Load is transferred to ground by the columns 5 set in concrete, the columns 5 being either substantially circular or sub-stantially parallelepipedal in cross-section in accordance with known techniques.
In order to allow for connection or interconnection of the beams and downwardly depending columns making up, with the temporary support members, the so-called floor support structure, in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a special and part-icular form of so-called cleat 7. The accompanying representations illustrate preferred ernbodiments of a cleat 7 in accordance with the present invention. In general terms, when viewed in side elevation, a cleat 7 in accord-~.X~1850 ance with the invention is of a substantially inverted T-shape, comprising a connection plate 8 (preferably cast) having either a circular or a parallelepipedal base 9 depending therefrom, the actual shape of that base 9 being governed by the cross-sectional shape of the column 5. The base 9 has one or more spigots (not shown) extend-ing therefrom whereby to allow for accommodation of at least two different cross-sectional sizes of columns. In other words a column of one size (cross-section) is adapted to fit internally of the depending spigot, or alternatively a larger-sized column may be located externally of that spigot. The cleat may be connected to a beam of the pre-fabricated floor structure in any suitable manner, as for example by having the connection plate portion bolted to that beam (see Figure 2). In an especially preferred embodiment two pairs of horizontally aligned apertures are provided at spaced-apart positions on the connection plate of the cleat 7, such an arrangement allowing for vertical alignment of a column 5 along the axis of an associated load-bearing beam 4.
Once the floor support structure is fixed in the desired position on the site, as for example by setting of the poured concrete in the previously-drilled holes, and the temporary beam structure is removed, the next step in the building of a house or the like involves the laying of bricks. In order to assist in bricklaying lintels 10 of lZ~85~
any known type are adapted to be fastened to the downwardly-depending columns 5 in any suitable manner, and more part-icularly through use of a suitable clamping means. In accordance with known techniques such lintels 10 may be stepped in courses around the overall structure to follow the terrain and changes in floor levels as a result of accurate positioning of such clamps on the downwardly-depending columns (as desired). The provision of such clamped lintels 10 etc. facilitates the task of a brick-layer in setting and levelling an initial course of bricks, and furthermore effectively eliminates the possib-ility of errors occurring therein.
The clamp as referred to in the preceding paragraph may also be employed for other purposes, as for example the attachment of timber beams to the columns or the floor structure, as would be required in the instance of a timber decking, verandah or the like required to be disposed around the perimeter of a house or other structure.
The technique or method of construction in accordance with the present invention, and the elements utilised there-in, can be seen to be responsible for a number of advantages, as explained in detail hereinafter.
One of the major advantages of the technique in accordance with the present invention resides in the utiliz-ation of a floor support structure which is adapted for easy positioning on a previously-prepared (or even 12318~0 unprepared) site. The utilization of such structures, prefabricated off site or built or erected on site serves to minimise the amount of on-site preparation and labour, not to mention tooling. In a practical sense, once the columns 5 with associated temporary beam structure are fixed in position on site and the floor support structure located thereon, then effectively the only tool required will be a spanner or the like. This reduction in on-site labour can be seen to be especially important in cold or wet climes. The lack of a need for any sophisticated equipment, as for example electrically-operated tools, reduces the possibility of accidents on building sites, it being understood that the use of electrical tools with depending wiring in wet conditions is somewhat dangerous, to say the least.
The utilization of preferably prefabricated struc-tures also is responsible for minimisation of wastage of material on site. Indeed only material which will ultimately be used on site need be transported to that site, thereby reducing transport costs (delivery and removal).
As stated earlier, a further advantage associated with the method or technique in accordance with the present invention is that minimal disturbance of the site prior to construction is necessary. Indeed, and in contrast with the prior art techniques, no excavation or back-filling is ~2~850 required in accordance with the method of the present invention.
In terms of cost, a substantial reduction is achieved with the method in accordance with the present invention by reason of the need, first of all for utilization of a much reduced quantity of concrete or the like material. Indeed when compared to conventional techniques, utilizing a concrete slab extending over the entire si-te for building, the method in accordance with the present invention, which requires concrete only in certain localised areas - around the downwardly depending columns 5 in the drilled holes 1 - has been found to give rise to a reduction in the volume of concrete of the order of perhaps 50~. This need for utilization of concrete only in localised areas in turn lS means that the actual volume of concrete employed is con-trollable, a fact which allows for construction to go ahead at a fixed price. This is in marked contrast to prior techniques, wherein the volume of materials, such as concrete, to be employed was largely uncontrollable, thereby giving rise to substantial fluctuation in price for any given structure, dependant on such variables as soil conditions, etc.
The holes 1 drilled for receiving the columns 5 in accordance with the method of the present invention are in fact drilled to a depth below what might be termed unstable soil conditions. In other words, the columns 5 are more or l23~as~
less sited on bedrock. This factor alone can be seen to give rise to a substantial reduction in the likelihood of any subsequent movement of a completed building or struct-ure. With the prior art techniques, even when a substantial solid concrete slab was employed a certaln degree of move-ment could take place dependant upon changes in, for example, the moisture content of the surrounding soil. Any movement of the concrete slab in the prior art gave rise to subse-quent cracking of brickwork, plaster etc. The arrangement in accordance with the present invention, set as it is sub-stantially in bedrock, is not susceptible to such cracking or the like.
It should be understood that, whilst the method ln accordance with the present invention is especially suited for use with the building of new homes, the method or technique can in fact be adapted to suit any home design.
In a practical sense, however, savings in time, material, labour and expense can be expected to be more significant if the flooring system as produced by the subject method is incorporated in any plans or the like right from the outset. A flooring system as produced by the present method has been found to be especially successful in the construct-ion of external decking, car-ports and/or recreation areas on existing homes. Again in a practical sense, and in contrast to conventional building techniques involving the utilization of a concrete slab, the flooring system in 1Z3~
accordance with the present invention has been found to provide up to double the usable floor or living space, depending of course on the building site itself, over the same ground area and with substantial savings in construct-ion time, labour, materials and accordingly money.
In an especially preferred embodiment the method of the present invention may be used in conjunction with what may best be described as a "kit", constituting all the components required for construction of a suspended floor-ing system in accordance with the invention. Indeed all material needed for construction, including load-supporting beams, columns, decking material, edging material and re-inforcing fabric or material, may be supplied on site to suit the specific requirements of a builder (together of course with appropriate instructions for the correct utiliz-ation thereof). The flooring system may then be installed either by the builder, or by licensed sub-contractors, thereby ensuring speedy erection and structural reliability.
Once the decking material 6 is in place, provision can be made for ultimate connection to or of services, as for example power, gas, plumbing, heating etc. In an especially preferred embodiment, not illustrated, those areas designed for service penetrations may be boxed out.
In an alternative arrangement, suitable penetrations to accommodate service material may be drilled out in the correct position once the concrete slab formed on the lZ3~ 85~
decking material has set or cured to the desired level.
With the technique in accordance with the present invention cables, pipes and other service ducting etc. are adapted to be supported beneath the decking material 6, thereby to be effectively proof against the possible ravages of moisture and within easy reach and access for repair, maintenance, replacement etc.
The method or building technique in accordance with the present invention, by reason of its very simplicity, will be seen to be responsible for substantial reductions in labour time, in terms of site preparation lor rather lack of such preparation), actual construction time, etc.
Reduction in labour time in turn gives rise to substantial reduction in overall costs, an important consideration nowadays when the building industry is at somewhat of a low ebb.
Finally, it is to be understood that the aforegoing description refers merely to preferred embodiments of the present invention, and that variations and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the ambit of which is to be determined from the ensuing claims.
Claims (8)
1. A method of constructing a suspended floor structure for buildings and the like, said method including the steps of:
(a) forming a plurality of spaced-apart holes for footings, in a predetermined pattern, over a proposed building site; and:
(i) positioning a temporary load-supporting structure over said pattern of holes in a predetermined manner, and substantially levelling said structure;
(ii) locating at least a longitudinally-disposed array of load-supporting beams on said load-supporting structure;
(iii)affixing a plurality of downwardly-extending column members to said longitudinally-disposed array of load-supporting beams, said column members being adapted to be located in said previously-formed holes;
(iv) readjusting said temporary load-supporting structure, load-supporting beams, and column members to maintain a substantially level structure;
(b) thereafter fixing said column members in said footing holes;
(c) removing said temporary load-supporting structure;
and, (d) affixing a suitable decking material to said thus-formed substantially level structure to thereby provide a substantially level, stable, suspended floor structure for subsequent building thereon.
(a) forming a plurality of spaced-apart holes for footings, in a predetermined pattern, over a proposed building site; and:
(i) positioning a temporary load-supporting structure over said pattern of holes in a predetermined manner, and substantially levelling said structure;
(ii) locating at least a longitudinally-disposed array of load-supporting beams on said load-supporting structure;
(iii)affixing a plurality of downwardly-extending column members to said longitudinally-disposed array of load-supporting beams, said column members being adapted to be located in said previously-formed holes;
(iv) readjusting said temporary load-supporting structure, load-supporting beams, and column members to maintain a substantially level structure;
(b) thereafter fixing said column members in said footing holes;
(c) removing said temporary load-supporting structure;
and, (d) affixing a suitable decking material to said thus-formed substantially level structure to thereby provide a substantially level, stable, suspended floor structure for subsequent building thereon.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said holes are formed on said building site by drilling.
3. The method of claim 2, including the further step of attaching lintels to said downwardly-extending column members to thereby facilitate the laying of courses of brickwork.
4. The method of claim 3, including the further step of attaching an edge-forming material, in conjunction with said decking material, forming an enclosure for a hardenable material to thereby provide a floor for said building.
5. The method of claim 1, 3 or 4 including the further step of pouring a hardenable material into the enclosure formed by said decking material, thereby to provide a floor slab for said building.
6. The method of claim 1, 3 or 4 including the further steps of boxing out areas on said decking for the connection of services and pouring a hardenable material into the enclosure formed by said decking material, thereby to provide a floor slab for said building.
7. The method of claim 1, 3 or 4 including the further steps of boxing out areas on said decking for the connection of services and pouring a hardenable material into the enclosure formed by said decking material, thereby to provide a floor slab for said building and wherein said longitudinally-disposed load-supporting beams are constructed of cold-formed sections of galvanized steel and said decking material is of a pre-shaped type.
8. The method of claim 1, 3 or 4, including the further step of using a reinforcement material in conjunction with said decking material.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUPG1748 | 1983-10-07 | ||
| AUPG174883 | 1983-10-07 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1231850A true CA1231850A (en) | 1988-01-26 |
Family
ID=3770349
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000464881A Expired CA1231850A (en) | 1983-10-07 | 1984-10-05 | Building techniques |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1231850A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2147635B (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ209787A (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6550213B1 (en) * | 1994-08-29 | 2003-04-22 | Michael G. Butler | Slab foundation construction fixture, particularly as adapts standard girts for pre-use as foundation forms |
| US6076320A (en) * | 1994-08-29 | 2000-06-20 | Butler; Michael | Foundation for a modular structure |
| FR2908795B1 (en) * | 2006-07-12 | 2011-03-25 | Texo | METHOD FOR BUILDING BUILDING STRUCTURE ON PILOTILES |
| US7908804B2 (en) | 2007-09-14 | 2011-03-22 | Vieira Jose | Structural lintel assembly and building construction method using the same |
| CN113818468B (en) * | 2021-08-11 | 2022-11-04 | 广州地铁设计研究院股份有限公司 | First-stage construction method for flexibly reserving metro vehicle section structure of floor type high-rise building |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB756922A (en) * | 1951-03-16 | 1956-09-12 | Kurt Joachim Sommerfeld | Improvements in sub-floor constructions for buildings and methods of erecting them |
| GB923776A (en) * | 1961-06-12 | 1963-04-18 | Bertagni Jose Juan | Prefabricated house building |
| GB1238012A (en) * | 1967-06-09 | 1971-07-07 | ||
| CA1151385A (en) * | 1980-05-05 | 1983-08-09 | Gavin C. Armstrong | Construction method |
-
1984
- 1984-10-05 NZ NZ20978784A patent/NZ209787A/en unknown
- 1984-10-05 CA CA000464881A patent/CA1231850A/en not_active Expired
- 1984-10-08 GB GB08425365A patent/GB2147635B/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2147635B (en) | 1986-12-31 |
| GB8425365D0 (en) | 1984-11-14 |
| NZ209787A (en) | 1988-07-28 |
| GB2147635A (en) | 1985-05-15 |
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