CA2774955A1

CA2774955A1 - Methods and apparatuses for erecting a structural frame

Info

Publication number: CA2774955A1
Application number: CA 2774955
Authority: CA
Inventors: Alain Berard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-01-17
Filing date: 2012-04-20
Publication date: 2012-08-13

Abstract

A method of erecting a structural frame, the method comprising: extending a ram between two structural members, which are spaced and anchored relative to one another, to force the two structural members apart; inserting a cross member between the two structural members; and removing the ram to allow the two structural members to converge, compress, or converge and compress, against the cross member. Extendable rams are also disclosed.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR ERECTING A STRUCTURAL FRAME -TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This document relates to methods and apparatuses for erecting a structural frame.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Wedges are used in structural frame erection to force adjacent columns open to allow a new cross beam to be positioned between the columns and secured.

SUMMARY

[0003] A method of erecting a structural frame, the method comprising:
extending a ram between two structural members, which are spaced and anchored relative to one another, to force the two structural members apart; inserting a cross member between the two structural members; and removing the ram to allow the two structural members to converge, compress, or converge and compress, against the cross member.

[0004] An extendable ram is also disclosed comprising: a structural body; a first leg laterally extended from and movably connected to the structural body, the first leg defining a first pressure surface; a second leg laterally extended from the structural body and defining a second pressure surface opposing the first pressure surface to define a press axis; and an actuator between the structural body and the first leg for extending the first pressure surface along the press axis.

[0005] An extendable ram is also disclosed comprising: a structural body; a first pressure surface and a second pressure surface, both associated with the structural body and opposed to one another to define a press axis; a press movably connected to the structural body and defining the first pressure surface; an actuator between the structural body and the press for extending the first pressure surface along the press axis; a first stop overhanging the first pressure surface; and a second stop overhanging the second pressure surface.

[0006] An extendable ram is also disclosed comprising: an I-beam; a first pressure surface and a second pressure surface, both associated with the I-beam and opposed to one another to define a press axis; a press movably connected to the I-beam and defining the first pressure surface; and an actuator between the I-beam and the press for extending the first pressure surface along the press axis.

[0007] An extendable ram is also disclosed comprising: a structural body; a first pressure surface and a second pressure surface, both associated with the structural body and opposed to one another to define a press axis; a press movably connected to the structural body and defining the first pressure surface; and an actuator mounted to the structural body adjacent the press for extending the first pressure surface along the press axis, in which the actuator is repositionable to select a pressure point on the press from a range of pressure points.

[0008] An extendable ram is also disclosed comprising: a structural body having a retainer; a first pressure surface and a second pressure surface, both associated with the structural body and opposed to one another to define a press axis; a press movably connected to the structural body and defining the first pressure surface; and an actuator, removably mounted within the retainer and adjacent the press, for extending the first pressure surface along the press axis.

[0009] In various embodiments, there may be included any one or more of the following features: The method comprises securing the cross member to the two structural members. Each of the two structural members further comprise a respective first member and a respective second member laterally extending from the respective first member, in which:
extending further comprises extending the ram between the respective second members; and inserting further comprises inserting the cross member between the respective first members.
The respective first members are columns and the respective second members are transverse beams. The structural frame is a metal frame. The method is used for building construction.
The method is used for pipe rack module construction. The second press leg is movably connected to the structural body, and further comprising a second actuator between the structural body and the second leg for extending the second pressure surface along the press axis. The one or more stops are defined by the structural body; the press comprises a first leg laterally extended from the structural body; and the second pressure surface is defined by a second leg laterally extended from the structural body. The actuator is mounted with bolts through a set of bolt holes selected from plural sets of bolt holes in the structural body for repositioning the actuator. The retainer comprises a cylinder and the actuator comprises a hydraulic cylinder.

[0010] These and other aspects of the device and method are set out in the claims, which are incorporated here by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0011] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures, in which like reference characters denote like elements, by way of example, and in which:

[0012] Figs. 1A-D are a series of perspective and side elevation views that illustrate a method of assembling a structural frame using an extendable ram

[0013] Fig. 2. is a side elevation view of an extendable ram with a fixed leg and a movable leg for forcing two structural members apart.

[0014] Fig. 3 is a side elevation view of an extendable ram with two movable legs for forcing two structural members apart.

[0015] Fig. 4 is cross-sectional view taken along the section lines 4-4 from Fig. 2.

[0016] Fig. 5 is an end elevation view of an actuator retainer and plate.

[0017] Fig. 6 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of an extendable ram.

[0018] Fig. 7 is a bottom plan view of the extendable ram of Fig. 6.

[0019] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the extendable ram of Fig. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Immaterial modifications may be made to the embodiments described here without departing from what is covered by the claims.

[0021] Construction of a steel frame building or other structure generally begins by assembly of one or more cranes on-site for lifting the steel columns, beams, and girders required to erect the structure. To hoist the steel, structural ironworkers may use cables connected to the crane to lift the beams onto the steel columns, and taglines may be attached to the beams so the ironworker can control the beams if necessary.

[0022] During construction, the crane hoists the steel into place, and ironworkers position the beams in place with spud wrenches to align bolt holes. Afterwards the beams are bolted to the steel columns. This process is continued until there are no beams or columns left to construct the structure. Structural ironworkers may also erect joist girders, bar joists, trusses and install metal decking.

[0023] To begin frame erection, spaced columns may first be positioned and anchored. Next, cross beams are connected between the columns in rows to provide lateral stability and make up the frame. Rows of cross beams are added one above the other until the structure is completed.

[0024] To position a new cross beam between adjacent columns, the adjacent columns are first forced open to allow entry of the cross beam. Opening adjacent columns to install a cross beam above an existing lower cross beam proceeds in several steps. First, one end of the lower cross beam is left loosely attached to one of the columns, for example by connecting the lower beam to a bolt plate on the column via several untorqued bolts with plenty of slack. Next, a wedge is driven between the loosely attached end of the lower beam and the column.

[0025] The force of the wedge is transferred through the beam to both columns, spreading the columns open. Once the columns are opened, the new beam is lowered into place and secured between the columns. After the new beam is installed, the wedge is removed and the lower beam is leveled and torqued securely in place.

[0026] Referring to Fig. 1A, a method of erecting a structural frame 10 is illustrated.
In the example shown, the structural frame 10, for example a metal frame, is composed of two or more structural members 12, which are spaced and anchored relative to one another.
Relative anchoring may or may not involve a direct connection, for example with beam 20, between members 12 and in some cases members 12 are independently anchored within a foundation or ground. Each structural member 12 may comprise a respective first member, such as a column 14, and a respective second member, such as a transverse beam 16, laterally extending from the column 14. As shown, each structural member 12 may form part of a respective wall structure 18 as shown, and the wall structures 18 may be connected via one or more cross beams 20.

[0027] Referring to Figs. 1 B-C, and 2, in one stage a ram 22 is extended between the two structural members 12 to force the two structural members 12 apart. In another stage a cross member such as beam 24 is inserted between the two structural members 12. In the example shown, the ram 22 is extended between the transverse beams 16 (Figs. 1 B-C, and 2), and the beam 24 inserted between the two columns 14 (Figs. 1 C and D). In some embodiments, however, the ram 22 may be extended between the columns 14 or another suitable pressure point on structural members 12.

[0028] Referring to Fig. 1 D, the ram 22 is subsequently removed, for example by retracting the ram 22 and lifting ram 22 from the structural frame 10, to allow the two structural members 12 to converge, compress, or converge and compress, against the beam 24.

[0029] In another stage, the beam 24 may be secured to the two structural members 12. For example, the beam 24 may be secured to both columns 14 while the ram 22 is extended. In other cases the beam 24 is secured after the ram 22 is removed.
In further cases the beam 24 is secured partially while the ram 22 is extended and partially when the ram 22 is removed. Securing may include leveling and bolting, as may be required.
Securing may be done through intermediate components such as brackets, legs, extensions, and other suitable components.

[0030] Referring to Fig. 1D, the structural frame 12 may form part of a pipe rack module 26, for supporting one or more pipes 28. A pipe rack module 26 is a structural frame fitted with for example pipes, cable trays, and miscellaneous equipment. Pipe rack modules 26 are used for example in the oil and gas industry as such modules are reusable, may be remotely constructed in a controlled environment, and may be transported to a remote work site. Additionally, pipe rack modules 26 may be constructed at the same time as the foundation is constructed, in order to save time in assembly. Other types of structural frames 12 may be constructed with the methods and rams 22 disclosed herein, for example buildings such as skyscrapers.

[0031] Referring to Figs. 1 A and 1 D, the disclosed methods and rams 22 are advantageous over the wedge method of installing cross members 24. For example, the disclosed methods remove the need to re-level and torque the lower beam 20 after installing the new beam 24. Thus, with the disclosed methods the lower beam 20 may be fully secured in place before beam 24 is installed at all. This is particularly advantageous when erecting a pipe rack module or other structure that requires erection of scaffolding (not shown) or other obstacles after installing and before removing the wedge, because such scaffolding may have to be removed before the wedge can be accessed for removal itself and the lower beam 20 secured. The removal alone of the extra step of securing the lower beam 20 after installing the new beam 24 is expected to amount to a substantial cost savings in construction costs and a reduction in project duration.

[0032] Referring to Fig. 2, an embodiment of a ram 22 used in the method disclosed above is illustrated. Ram 22 comprises a structural body 30, a first pressure surface 32, a second pressure surface 34, and an actuator 39.

[0033] Structural body 30 may be an I-beam 31 or other suitable structure. I-beams are generally cheaper than other potential structural bodies. In addition, I-beams and other building materials may be found on site, meaning that in some cases only the non I-beam parts of ram 22 need be brought to the work site and assembled with the I-beam 31, reducing cost. In some cases structural frame 10, for example columns 14, beams 20, 16, and legs 44, 38, and 66, is partially or wholly assembled by I-beams. Other structural members may be used.

[0034] Pressure surfaces 32 and 34 are associated with the structural body 30 and opposed to one another to define a press axis 36. The first pressure surface 32 may be defined by a press 37 movably connected to the structural body 30. In some cases the press 37 may be a first leg 38 extended from and movably connected to the structural body 30. For example, first leg 38 is connected to slide across the structural body 30, for further example if an upper flange 40 of first leg 38 wraps around and rests on a lower flange 42 of I-beam 31. Leg 38 may be stopped (see for example stop 91 in the embodiment of Fig.
8) or temporarily attached, for example bolted against movement with removable bolts (not shown), during positioning or transport to prevent leg 38 from inadvertently sliding off of structural body 30. In other cases first leg 38 is connected to pivot relative to structural body 30. A second leg 44 may laterally extend from the structural body 30 and define the second pressure surface 34. Legs 38 and 44 allow the ram 22 to be assembled using a conventional structural body such as an I-beam 31, in order to reduce the cost of ram 22 and ensure that ram 22 possesses sufficient rigidity to force structural members 12 apart.

[0035] Actuator 39 may be positioned between the structural body 30 and the press 37 for extending the first pressure surface 32 along the press axis 36.
Actuator 39 may comprise a hydraulic cylinder 46 connected to a power source 49 such as a hand pump 50.
Power source 49 may be mounted on structural body 30 or remotely connected to cylinder 46. Power sources other than those shown may be used. A hand pump 50 and cylinder 46 is advantageous because such pump 50 can be operated using human power only while still reaching pressures of up to a hundred tons and more.

[0036] Referring to Figs. 2 and 4, actuator 39 may be mounted to the structural body 30 adjacent the press 37 and repositionable to select a pressure point 52 on the press 37 from a range of pressure points. Actuator 37 may be mounted with bolts 54 through a set of bolt holes 56 (Fig. 4) selected from plural sets 58 of bolt holes 56 in the structural body 30 for repositioning the actuator 39. Repositionability may be achieved by a variety of other suitable ways, such as using a track (not shown) or ratchet system (not shown). Actuator 39 may be repositionable about one or more axes of repositionability. Leg 38 may be reinforced along selectable pressure points, for example by thickening with welded material (not shown).

[0037] Allowing repositionability of the pressure point 52 is advantageous because it allows a user to position the actuator to ensure that a lateral and not a twisting force is produced against the structural member 12. For example, beam 16 may be an I-beam 17, and actuator 39 may be repositioned to apply a force vector into the center 60 of the I- beam 17 to avoid twisting the I-beam 17. Repositioning the actuator 39 may also be advantageous when using spreader 22 to press against beams 16 of different widths.

[0038] Referring to Figs. 2 and 5, structural body 30 may have a retainer 62, which actuator 39 may be removably mounted within. The retainer 62 may comprise a whole or semi cylinder 64 (Fig. 5), for example mounted to a support leg 66 laterally extended from the structural body 30. Retainer 62 may be mounted to ensure that actuator 39, when mounted, is aligned, for example parallel with an axis of I-beam 31, to deliver a force against press 37 across a desirable press axis 36, which may be a level axes when body 30 is level.

Thus, retainer 62 is advantageous because it reduces the chance of inadvertently bending structural member 12 by misdirecting force against structural member 12, while allowing actuator 39 to be quickly and accurately assembled from a kit after transport to the work site in parts. Retainer 62 may be mounted to structural body 12 using suitable methods such as welding to a bolt plate 71 (Fig. 5).

[0039] Referring to Figs. lB and 2, ram 22 may further comprise a first stop overhanging the first pressure surface 32, and a second stop 70 overhanging the second pressure surface 34. As shown, stops 68 and 70 may be defined by the structural body 30 or by other components. Stops.68 and 70 allow ram 22 to be stably positioned over transverse cross beams 16 before extension. Stops 68 and 70 are advantageous, particularly when ram 22 is used to impart force against horizontally oriented beams 16, because stops 68 and 70 allow ram 22 to be lifted and deposited by crane to rest by gravity upon beams 16, freeing the same crane to subsequently lift beam 24 into place (Fig. 1 C). Thus, stops 68 and 70 allow one crane instead of two to be used in the disclosed methods, resulting in a substantial cost savings. For the purpose of lifting via crane (not shown), body 30 may have one or more lifting lugs 72. In some cases, stops 68, 70 may be provided with sufficient respective overhang to ensure that stops 68, 70 overhang surfaces 32, 34, respectively after full extension of ram 22. Stops 68, 70 may be adjustable in overhang extension.
Stops 68, 70 may have hooks (not shown) for hooking onto wall beams 16.

[0040] Referring to Fig. 3, the second press leg 44 may be movably connected to the structural body 30 for example in the same fashion as first leg 38 is movably connected to structural body 30. Thus, a second actuator 76 may be provided between the structural body 30 and the second leg 44 for extending the second pressure surface 34 along the press axis 36. The ability to press from both legs 38 and 44 may be advantageous in some applications, for example when opening heavy gauge columns. Like actuator 39, second actuator 76 may be mounted to a support leg 67 extended from body 30. Second actuator 76 may also be repositionable like first actuator 39, and may have some or all of the features described herein for first actuator 39.

[0041] Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, body 30 may be reinforced against twisting and bending via a reinforcing bar 74. Other forms of reinforcement may be used, for example knee braces 78 against legs 44, 66 and 67.

[0042] Referring to Figs. 6-8, another embodiment of an extendable ram 22 is illustrated. Instead of knee brace 78, legs 44 and 66 are reinforced with knee plates 83. Each leg 44, 66, and 38 may be connected, for example through welding, to a plate 85 that connects to structural body 30. Plates 85 may have bolt holes 93 in the case of stationary legs 44 and 66, for connection to body 30 via bolts 89. Stationary legs 44 and 66 may be bolted through a set of holes 87 selected from plural sets of holes 87 in structural body 30 as shown, to allow the spacing between surfaces 32 and 34 to be adjusted by adjusting leg separation to fit a range of separations between structural members 12 in use. Each of legs 44, 66, and 38 may have an upper flange 40 that wraps around and rests on lower flange 42 of body 30, in order to allow legs 44, 66, and 38 to be slid into position during assembly. A
removable or permanent stop 91 may limit slide travel of leg 38.

[0043] Embodiments of the methods disclosed herein contemplate elastic deformation of structural members 12 by use of ram 22. However, in some cases permanent deformation may occur. If permanent deformation is not desired, ram 22 or another suitable device may be used to permanently deform structural member 12 back to the desired shape.

[0044] Ram 22 may be provided partially or wholly in kit form. As described above, an exemplary kit may include all required parts except the structural body 30, which may be found at the worksite. In other cases, all of the parts of ram 22 including structural body 30 may be provided in kit form. For ease of assembly, parts connecting at or near a first end 82 of structural body 30 may be color coded differently than parts connecting at or near a second end 84 of structural body 30 (Fig. 2). Other installation location identifiers may be used other than color coding.

[0045] Although ram 22 is illustrated in Figs. 1A-D as opening vertical columns 14, in some cases ram 22 may be used to open horizontal or angled columns 14 or beams 16. In fact the use of the words vertical, horizontal, transverse, up, down, lateral, and all other directional language, is relative and it should be understood that the methods and rams 22 disclosed herein may be used to separate any two structural members 12 regardless of absolute directional orientation of members 12 relative to the surface of the earth. In addition, beam 24 inserted between columns 14 may be inserted transverse, parallel, or angled relative, to columns 14. The use of terms such as column or beam are also relative, and may refer to studs, bents, joists, ties, and other suitable structural members. Additionally, references to bolting or bolts are exemplary and it should be understood that other connection methods may be used. The methods and rams 22 disclosed herein may be used for disassembly as well as assembly of a structural frame 10.

[0046] In the claims, the word "comprising" is used in its inclusive sense and does not exclude other elements being present. The indefinite articles "a" and "an"
before a claim feature do not exclude more than one of the feature being present. Each one of the individual features described here may be used in one or more embodiments and is not, by virtue only of being described here, to be construed as essential to all embodiments as defined by the claims.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A method of erecting a structural frame, the method comprising:
extending a ram between two structural members, which are spaced and anchored relative to one another, to force the two structural members apart;
inserting a cross member between the two structural members; and removing the ram to allow the two structural members to converge, compress, or converge and compress, against the cross member.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising securing the cross member to the two structural members.

3. The method of any one of claim 1 - 2 in which each of the two structural members further comprise a respective first member and a respective second member laterally extending from the respective first member, in which:
extending further comprises extending the ram between the respective second members; and inserting further comprises inserting the cross member between the respective first members.

4. The method of claim 3 in which the respective first members are columns and the respective second members are transverse beams.

5. The method of claim 1 - 4 in which the structural frame is a metal frame.

6. The method of claim 5 in which the method is used for building construction.

7. The method of claim 5 in which the method is used for pipe rack module construction.

8. An extendable ram comprising:
a structural body;
a first leg laterally extended from and movably connected to the structural body, the first leg defining a first pressure surface;
a second leg laterally extended from the structural body and defining a second pressure surface opposing the first pressure surface to define a press axis;
and an actuator between the structural body and the first leg for extending the first pressure surface along the press axis.

9. The extendable ram of claim 8 in which the second press leg is movably connected to the structural body, and further comprising a second actuator between the structural body and the second leg for extending the second pressure surface along the press axis.

10. An extendable ram comprising:
a structural body;
a first pressure surface and a second pressure surface, both associated with the structural body and opposed to one another to define a press axis;
a press movably connected to the structural body and defining the first pressure surface;
an actuator between the structural body and the press for extending the first pressure surface along the press axis;
a first stop overhanging the first pressure surface; and a second stop overhanging the second pressure surface.

11. The extendable ram of claim 10 in which:
the one or more stops are defined by the structural body;
the press comprises a first leg laterally extended from the structural body;
and the second pressure surface is defined by a second leg laterally extended from the structural body.

12. An extendable ram comprising:
an I-beam;
a first pressure surface and a second pressure surface, both associated with the I-beam and opposed to one another to define a press axis;
a press movably connected to the I-beam and defining the first pressure surface; and an actuator between the I-beam and the press for extending the first pressure surface along the press axis.

13. An extendable ram comprising:
a structural body;
a first pressure surface and a second pressure surface, both associated with the structural body and opposed to one another to define a press axis;
a press movably connected to the structural body and defining the first pressure surface; and an actuator mounted to the structural body adjacent the press for extending the first pressure surface along the press axis, in which the actuator is repositionable to select a pressure point on the press from a range of pressure points.

14. The extendable ram of claim 13 in which the actuator is mounted with bolts through a set of bolt holes selected from plural sets of bolt holes in the structural body for repositioning the actuator.

15. An extendable ram comprising:
a structural body having a retainer;
a first pressure surface and a second pressure surface, both associated with the structural body and opposed to one another to define a press axis;
a press movably connected to the structural body and defining the first pressure surface; and an actuator, removably mounted within the retainer and adjacent the press, for extending the first pressure surface along the press axis.

16. The extendable ram of claim 15 in which the retainer comprises a cylinder and the actuator comprises a hydraulic cylinder.