EP2432947A1

EP2432947A1 - Wooden pillar made of sheet-shaped elements with a cross shaped cross section and supporting structures thereof

Info

Publication number: EP2432947A1
Application number: EP10727889A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nicola Fusaro
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-05-20
Filing date: 2010-05-19
Publication date: 2012-03-28
Anticipated expiration: 2030-05-19
Also published as: IT1394582B1; EP2432947B1; ITPD20090146A1; WO2010134033A1

Abstract

A wooden pillar (1) made of sheet-shaped elements, which form in a cross section perpendicular to the direction of the extension a cross. Said sheet-shaped elements (11,12) mutually connect each other by alternately crossong each other in the main axis of said pillar (X).

Description

DESCRIPTION

WOODEN PILLAR MADE OF SHEET-SHAPED ELEMENTS WITH A CROSS SHAPED CROSS SECTION SECTION AND SUPPORTING STRUCTURES THEREOF

Scope [0001] The subject of the present invention is a pillar, preferably in wooden material, and supporting structures of buildings comprising one or more of such pillars. [0002] Advantageously the pillars according to the invention can be used to make supporting structures of industrial, commercial or residential buildings.

State of the art

[0003] Buildings are known for artisan or industrial activities the carrying structure of which consists of pillars and beams of the sheet-shaped type, therefore having a section with very narrow base and considerable height, made of micro laminar multilayer wood, in particular of the type called LVL (laminated veneer lumber) . [0004] These buildings have large floor spans without intermediate supports (as shown in the Figure A) and with fire-resistance features equal to or above R 120. [0005] The use of micro laminar multilayer wood, in particular LVL, and the choice to make the pillars and beams as sheet-shaped elements allows satisfying the structural requirements required by the types of buildings mentioned and at the same time reduces to the utmost the quantity of raw material needed to make the structural elements compared to equivalent solutions using laminated or solid wood. [0006] Structures made with beams and pillars as described above well support the stresses on the structural element plane (indicated by the arrows A in the Figure B) . Due to the section of the above structural elements, such structures are not on the other hand able to withstand stresses conveyed onto the planes other than that of the structural element (indicated by the arrows B in the Figure B) . These stresses can originate, for example, from the wind, from non-axial loads, from earthquakes, etc. As shown in the Figure B, such stresses can determine, in particular in the pillars, bendings and deformations which are structurally unacceptable. To prevent or at least contrast such bendings, such structures are provided with cross braces C on the connection walls between one structural element and another, as shown in the Figure B.

[0007] The walls in which the cross braces C are positioned must be substantially blind because any openings or apertures would be in conflict with the cross braces. From a design viewpoint, this does no represent a relevant restriction in the case of buildings used for production, artisan or industrial purposes, where economic and practical-constructional requirements largely prevail over requirements of an aesthetic and compositional freedom nature. In buildings erected for other purposes, for example of residential type, the need to envisage blind walls for fitting cross braces represents, on the contrary, a relevant design restriction which considerably restricts the compositional freedom of designers. As a result, for example, widely used building solutions, normally adopted for reinforced-concrete buildings such as glass curtain walls along all the perimeter walls of a building, become inapplicable . [0008] From a constructional viewpoint, the pillars and the beams described above adapt well to the building of simple structures, where the primary framework (made up of pillar P and beam T) extends along a plane, while the secondary framework, of the purlin type Q, extends in a right-angle direction (typical diagram of industrial buildings, as shown in the Figure A) .

[0009] Such elements adapt, on the other hand, much less well in the building of more complex structures, in particular of the frame structure type, where on a same pillar several beams coming from different directions normally criss-cross one another. [0010] This constructional problem is traditionally overcome by increasing the section of the pillar until this has a shape tending to square. This way the available space is increased and several beams can be engaged in the pillar along different directions. The increase in section also has the advantage of making the pillars sturdier and able to resist stresses conveyed on planes different to that of the pillar-beam assembly. [0011] This solution however requires a greater use of material, to the detriment of the constructional economy of the building.

[0012] In this respect, it must also be noticed that as the section of the pillar is gradually increased, with movement therefore away from the slim section, the use of micro laminar multilayer wood, in particular LVL, becomes increasing less justifiable. The peculiarities of the mechanical resistance of this material do in fact lose their importance in thickset-section structural elements, in which the use of solid wood or laminated wood is mechanically sufficient.

[0013] In the French patent FR 2473942 a pillar is described consisting of four distinct longitudinal supporting elements lying two by two on two right-angled lying planes and connected together by gluing along the longitudinal axis of the pillar itself. This structure is not particularly suitable for withstanding, for example, bending stresses, which determine a longitudinal sliding between different portions of the pillar, or traction stresses perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pillar and conveyed onto the lying plane of one of the above supporting elements ( loads applied on beams anchored to the pillar) . The longitudinal gluing areas are in fact areas of discontinuity of the pillar and therefore areas of lower resistance and potential instability.

[0014] Presentation of the invention

[0015] Consequently, object of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks of the state of the art described above, by providing a pillar, preferably in wooden material, which allows making simple or complex structures without having to envisage cross braces. [0016] A further object of the present invention is to provide a pillar, preferably in wooden material, which allows joining beams arranged along different directions. [0017] A further object of the present invention is to provide a pillar, preferably in wooden material, which is simple and inexpensive to make.

[0018] A further object of the present invention is to provide a pillar, preferably in wooden material, which has high fire resistance. Brief description of drawings

[0019] The technical characteristics of the invention, according to the above objects, are clearly identifiable from the contents of the claims shown below and the advantages of same will appear more evident in the detailed description that follows, made with reference to the attached drawings, which represent one or more embodiments of the invention and are provided purely by way of example and without wanting to be restrictive, wherein:

[0020] - the Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a detail of the pillar made according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, relating to a main sheet- shaped element; [0021] - the Figures 2 and 3 show two perspective views (the first of which exploded) of a detail of the pillar according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, relating to a supporting core; [0022] - the Figures 4 and 5 show two perspective views (the first of which exploded) of the supporting core shown in the Figures 2 and 3 having stiffening plates;

[0023] - the Figures 6 and 7 show two perspective views

(the first of which exploded) of a detail of the pillar made according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, relating to a pair of end sheet-shaped elements ;

[0024] - the Figures 8 and 9 show two perspective views (the first of which exploded) of the pair of end sheet- shaped elements shown in the Figures 6 and 7 having stiffening plates;

[0025] - the Figures 10, 11 and 12 show three perspective views (the first of which exploded) of a detail of the pillar made according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, relating to a pair of end sheet-shaped elements; ■

[0026] - the Figures 13 and 14 show two perspective views (the first of which exploded) of a supporting structure of a building made with pillars according to the invention; [0027] - the Figure 15 shows a perspective view of a supporting structure of a building of the frame structure type, made with pillars according to the invention;

[0028] - the Figures 16a and lβb show two perspective views (the first of which exploded) of a pillar made according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0029] - the Figures 17, 18 and 19 show a plurality of alternative embodiments of a detail of the pillar according to the invention relating to connection knots with beams; [0030] - the Figures 20 and 21 show perspective views of a detail of the pillar made according to two different alternative embodiments of the invention, relating to a supporting core;

[0031] - the Figures 22, 23 and 24 show three perspective views (the first of which exploded) of a detail of the pillar made according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, relating to a curved supporting core; [0032] - the Figure 25 shows a perspective view of a detail of the pillar according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, relating to a main sheet-shaped element;

[0033] - the Figures 26, 32 and 33 show three perspective views of a detail of the pillar made according to three different alternative embodiments, relating to a supporting core with box structure;

[0034] - the Figures 27 and 28 show two perspective views of the box supporting core shown in the Figure 26 having stiffening plates arranged on the outer surface according to two different patterns of application; [0035] - the Figure 29 shows a perspective exploded view of a detail of the pillar made according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, relating to an terminal box- shaped body; [0036] - the Figure 30 shows a perspective partially- exploded view of the terminal box-shaped body shown in the Figure 29, having stiffening bodies in fireproof material;

[0037] - the Figure 31 shows a perspective exploded view of a supporting structure of a building made with box- structured pillars made according to the invention;

[0038] - the Figures 34 and 35 show two perspective views of two terminal box-shaped bodies made according to two different alternative embodiments of the invention; [0039] - the Figure 36 shows the connection between a pillar shown in the Figure 13 and a solid wood beam;

[0040] - the Figures 37a and 37b show two perspective views (the first of which exploded) of a detail of the pillar according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, relating to a supporting core; [0041] - the Figure 38 shows a perspective view of a detail of the pillar according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention, relating to a supporting core tapered upwards; [0042] - the Figures 39 and 40 show two perspective views (the first of which exploded) of a detail of the pillar according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, relating to a supporting core having elements for jointing connection; [0043] - the Figures 41 and 42 show two perspective views (the first of which partially exploded) of the supporting core shown in the Figure 5 having first corner elements; [0044] - the Figure 43 shows a perspective exploded view of the box-structure supporting core shown in the Figure 26 having second corner elements; [0045] - the Figure 44 shows a perspective view of the supporting core shown in the Figure 5 having longitudinal reinforcement elements; and

[0046] - the Figures 45 and 46 show two perspective views (the first of which partially exploded) of a detail of the pillar relating to a box-structure supporting core tapered upwards . [0047] Detailed description

[0048] The present invention concerns a pillar, preferably in wooden material, and a supporting structure of a building comprising one or more of such pillars.

[0049] Advantageously the pillar according to the invention can be used to make supporting structures of buildings for example industrial, commercial, residential or with other intended uses. [0050] The pillar made according to the invention will be generally indicated by 1 in the attached Figure. [0051] According to a general embodiment of the invention, the pillar 1 comprises a supporting core 2 extending along the main extension axis X of the pillar 1. [0052] As will be indicated again later on, the supporting core 2 may take on different shapes, for example a cross shape (symmetric or asymmetric) for example according to the embodiments illustrated in the Figures 3, 20 or 21, or a closed shape of the box type according to, for example, the embodiments illustrated in the Figures 26, 32 or 33.

[0053] According to a first essential aspect of the invention, the supporting core 2 comprises a number of first main sheet-shaped elements 11 and of second main sheet-shaped elements 12, which are positioned respectively on at least a first lying surface m and at least a second lying surface n not parallel to each other. [0054] Hereafter in the description by "sheet-shaped element" shall be meant a body of thin thickness having prevalently a surface extension, where the thickness is defined according to a direction substantially at right angles to the prevalent extension surface. The extension surface can have any pattern. [0055] As will be indicated again later on, depending on building requirements, the sheet-shaped elements can take on many different conformations. For example, they can be flat, as shown in the Figures 1 or 20, or else be curved, as shown in the Figure 22. In the same pillar 1 sheet- shaped elements with different conformations can be present.

[0056] According to a further aspect of the invention, the sheet-shaped elements 11 and 12 connect together to form the supporting core 2, with the first elements 11 alternating with the second ones 12, as shown in the Figures 2 and 3. The connection is made by jointing, crossing the first sheet-shaped elements 11 with the second along the main axis X of the pillar 1. [0057] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the first main sheet-shaped elements 11 are abutted the one to the other with continuity in their thickness si to form at least a first structural portion 3 of the above supporting core 2 which thus appears arranged on the first lying surface m. In turn, the above second sheet-shaped elements 11 are abutted to each other with continuity in their thickness s2 to form at least a second , structural portion 4 of the supporting core 2 which thus appears arranged on the second lying surface m. [0058] Functionally speaking, the axial stresses are transmitted (totally or in part depending on the direction of application) along the two different structural portions. Each of the two structural portions 3 and 4 is therefore destined to withstand the mechanical stresses not supported by the other structural portion 4 and 3.

[0059] The supporting core 2 of the pillar 1 has two structural portions mechanically connected and interconnected the one to the other, having the respective resistant sections turned according to two different non-parallel directions. This enables the supporting core 2, and therefore the pillar 1, to absorb stresses coming from different directions. [0060] Advantageously, a resistant section can therefore be identified in the single sheet-shaped element which is located between the jointing areas and which crosses the entire element, ensuring structural continuity. [0061] According to a further essential aspect of the invention, the pillar 1 comprises means 21, 22, 91 and 92 for connecting the first main sheet-shaped elements 11 the one to the other and the second main sheet-shaped elements 12 the one to the other in correspondence to the points of reciprocal abutment 110, 120. [0062] Functionally speaking, such connection means (which will be better described later on) are necessary to contrast the traction stresses applied on a part of or the entire supporting core. In other words, such connection means are necessary to reduce the instability of the supporting core 2 in the abutment points 110 and 120 between the sheet-shaped elements 11 and 12. Without the above connection means the pillar would be too unstable if subjected to traction stresses, for example deriving from non-vertical loads or which are not centred on the axis X of the pillar. [0063] Thanks to the invention, with respect to pillars in LVL made according to prior art, applied stresses being equal, it is therefore possible to make a pillar that is substantially not subject to bending instability phenomena while continuing to use constructional elements having a slim section (i.e. the above sheet-shaped elements) .

[0064] It is therefore possible to maintain the advantage- of significantly restricting the consumption of material

• and, at the same time eliminating, or at least significantly reducing, the structural behaviour limits typical of traditional solutions .

[0065] Advantageously, the alternation between the first sheet-shaped elements 11 and the second sheet-shaped elements 12 leads to a partially self-offsetting effect of the stresses along the entire extension of the supporting core 2 and therefore of the pillar 1. This self-offsetting effect helps make the supporting core 2 more stable. In particular there is a positive effect of reducing the instability of the supporting core 2 in correspondence of the abutment points between two adjacent sheet-shaped elements arranged on the same lying surface. In fact stresses (of traction or bending) that tend to separate two adjacent sheet-shaped elements are absorbed (at least up to certain stress levels that depend on the dimensions of the sheet-shaped elements and on the point of stress application) by the sheet-shaped element arranged on the other lying surface in correspondence to the same portion of the supporting core . [0066] According to the preferred embodiment shown in the Figures from 1 to 4, the pillar 1 according to the invention comprises a supporting core 2 having a cross- plan section and a rectilinear longitudinal extension along the axis X. The core 2 comprises a first and a second structural portion, indicated by 3 and 4, which are arranged on a first lying surface m and on a second lying surface n respectively.

[0067] The first structural portion m consists of first sheet-shaped elements 11 abutted to one another in their thickness si along the axis X, while the second structural portion n consists of second sheet-shaped elements 12 which in turn are abutted to one another in their thickness s2 along the axis X itself. [0068] As can be seen in particular in the Figure 2, the first and the second elements 11 and 12 connect together to form the respective structural portions 3 and 4 alternating and crossing one another along the axis X. [0069] Both the surfaces m and n are flat and intersect along the main extension axis X of the pillar 1 forming right angles a with each other.

[0070] Advantageously the angle a between the two lying surfaces m and n (and therefore the angle between the first and the second sheet-shaped elements) can vary according to the structural and constructional requirements. The Figure 20 shows an alternative embodiment wherein the two lying surfaces m and n are not at right angles to one another.

[0071] As mentioned above, in the embodiment shown in the Figures from 1 to 4, the two lying surfaces m and n are flat. Consequently, the first sheet-shaped elements 11 and the second sheet-shaped elements 12 are flat and differ from one another only in terms of the final arrangement inside the supporting core 2 of the pillar 1. [0072] More in detail, as shown in detail in the Figure 1, the single sheet-shaped element 11 or 12 consists of a flat sheet, preferably rectangular or possibly square, wherein the ratio between base b and height h can vary according to constructional and sizing requirements. The thickness s can also vary according to constructional and sizing requirements, as long as the element has a slim section. Approximately, the ratio s/h between thickness s and height h is best not above 0.1. By way of example, a flat sheet-shaped element 11 or 12 made in LVL can have, for example, the following dimensions: b = 40 cm; h = 60 cm; s = 3-4 cm.

[0073] Advantageously, according to constructional and functional requirements defined when sizing the pillar 1, the first main sheet-shaped elements 11 can have different dimensions and shape compared to the second main sheet-shaped elements 12, as shown in the Figures 37a, 37b and 38.

[0074] In particular, the first sheet-shaped elements 11 and the second sheet-shaped elements 12 can have a non- rectangular or square shape. [0075] According to the embodiment shown in the Figures 37b and 38 the sheet-shaped elements 11 and 12 have, for example, a trapezoid shape. This way, by shaping the various sheet-shaped elements with decreasing dimensions gradually upwards, the pillars 1 can be made according to the invention tapered upwards, as shown in the Figure 38. [0076] Advantageously, the lying surfaces m, n can also comprise one or more non-flat portions. In this case, at least a part of the main sheet-shaped elements 11, 12 are shaped in a corresponding way and may therefore not be flat. [0077] Pillars 1 according to the invention can also therefore be made not perfectly straight, as shown in the Figures 22, 23 and 24, where a curved-section pillar can be seen. In this case the first and the second main sheet-shaped elements 11 and 12 can have shapes different the one from the other, according to the position they have to take in the pillar 1.

[0078] As already previously said, the connection between the sheet-shaped elements 11 and 12 is made by jointing. [0079] As can be seen in particular in the Figures 2 and 3, each main sheet-shaped element 11, 12 has a pair of notches 31, 32 in correspondence of which intersection occurs with the adjacent sheet-shaped elements. [0080] More in detail, the notches 31 and 32 are obtained in distal positions according to the position which the single sheet-shaped element has to take along the extension axis X of the pillar 1.

[0081] Advantageously, as already previously said, on the single sheet-shaped element a continuous resistant section is therefore defined, located between the notches. Such resistant section is arranged crossways to the longitudinal axis of the pillar and is therefore able to oppose stresses (for example traction or shearing stress) which could determine phenomena of longitudinal sliding between portions of the pillar arranged in opposite positions with respect to the longitudinal axis. [0082] Preferably, in the case of sheet-shaped elements 11 and 12 having a symmetric shape (for example rectangular or trapezoid) the notches 31, 32 are aligned with one another parallel to the main axis X.

[0083] According to the embodiment shown in the Figures 1 and 2, the notches 31 and 32 are made on the centre line of the single sheet-shaped element 11 and 12. [0084] Alternatively, as shown in the Figure 21 the notches 31 and 32 can also not be obtained along the centre line. This possibility can be exploited during the design phase in case it is envisaged that the stresses not be distributed uniformly along an entire structural portion, but be rather concentrated in particular on one side with respect to the main axis X.

[0085] Advantageously, as will be indicated later on, the number of notches can be greater than two, its being possible to envisage two or more pairs of notches 31, 32. [0086] According to the embodiment shown in the Figures 2 and 3, the supporting core 2 of the pillar 1 is closed at the extremities by sheet-shaped elements 11a and 12a having a reduced extension in height and a single notch. Such elements are sized so that one or both the extremities of the supporting core 2 are flat, as shown in the Figures 3 or 38. [0087] According to an embodiment not shown in the attached Figures, the main sheet-shaped elements which close the supporting core 2 at one or both the extremities can be identical to the others. In this respect, the extremities of the supporting core 2 are not flat, but have a protruding part.

[0088] Advantageously, as will be indicated later on in detail, the pillar 1 can have terminal sheet-shaped elements 41 and 42 designed to allow the connection of ' the pillar 1 to one or more beams T.

[0089] As already said previously, the pillar 1 comprises means 21, 22, 91 and 92 for connecting the first main sheet-shaped elements 11 the one to the other and the second main sheet-shaped elements 12 the one to the other in correspondence of the reciprocal abutment points 110, 120.

[0090] Advantageously the above connection means can be of any type, as long as they are able to connect together the sheet-shaped elements, contrasting traction stresses. [0091] Preferably, the above connection means comprise stiffening plates 21, 22 which externally join the main sheet-shaped elements 11, 12 the one to the other and/or to the already-mentioned terminal sheet-shaped elements 41, 42. [0092] Advantageously, each stiffening plate 21, 22 can connect together more than two main sheet-shaped elements 11, 12 following the pattern of the first lying surface m or of the second lying surface n.

[0093] According to the embodiment shown in the Figures 4 and 5, the stiffening plates consist of tables 21 and 22 which join together more than two main sheet-shaped elements 11, 12 extending in a single body on the first lying surface m or on the second lying surface n. [0094] Even more preferably, the above stiffening plates 21, 22 join together the main sheet-shaped elements 11, 12 in correspondence of both their faces 11', 11", 12' and 12".

[0095] According to the embodiment shown in the Figures 5 and 13, the above stiffening plates 21 and 22 cover only a part of the supporting core 2, and in particular the central part, leaving on the other hand uncovered the extremities 2' and 2". As will be indicated later on this is envisaged to allow the connection to the already- mentioned terminal sheet-shaped elements 41 and 42. [0096] Alternatively, as shown in the Figures 16a and 16b, the stiffening plates 21 and 22 have a length extension equal to or greater than that of the supporting core 2 and therefore join together the various sheet-shaped elements 11 and 12 from one extremity to the other. This solution is adopted in particular when the connection of the pillar 1 to the beams T is made without using the above terminal sheet-shaped elements 41 and 42. [0097] As will be indicated later on, the above stiffening plates 21 and 22 can be connected to the main sheet- shaped elements 11 and 12 by gluing and alternatively or in combination by means of mechanical fastening means such as screws, nails, bolts or wooden blocks. [0098] According to a first alternative embodiment not shown on the attached figures, the above connection means can comprise metal staples to be arranged astride the abutment points between the sheet-shaped elements 11 and 12. Such staples can be used instead of or in combination with the above stiffening plates 21, 22. [0099] According to a second alternative embodiment shown in the Figures 39 and 40, the above connection means can comprise elements of jointing connection 91 and 92, such as, for example, keys or tangs, which are fitted in special counter-shaped seats 93 and 94 obtained in the thickness of the main sheet-shaped elements 11, 12 and/or of the terminal sheet-shaped elements 41, 42 in a position corresponding to the reciprocal abutment points 110, 120.

[00100] Advantageously, to prevent twisting the pillars (i.e. deformations according to a transversal plan) and in particular angle variations between the two structural portions 3 and 4, first corner elements 95 can be envisaged, as shown in the Figures 41 and 42. [00101] Advantageously, to increase the compression strength of the pillars 1 longitudinal reinforcement elements 97 can be envisaged (for example small beams in solid wood of reduced section) to be fastened mechanically to the supporting core 2 parallel to the extension axis X, as shown in the Figure 43. The number and the longitudinal extension of the reinforcement elements 97 can vary according to structural and constructional requirements.

[00102] Preferably, as already previously mentioned, the pillar 1 according to the invention has at least one extremity 1' and 1" of a pair of terminal sheet-shaped elements 41 and 42, of which a first terminal element 41 is arranged on the first lying surface m and a second terminal element 42 is arranged on the second lying surface n. [00103] More in detail, as shown for example in the Figures β and 10, the two terminal elements 41, 42 are connected together by jointing (similarly to the main sheet-shaped elements 11 and 12) and cross one another along the above 'main axis X. The cross angle α is equivalent to that existing between the two structural portions 3 and 4 of the supporting core 2 to which they are connected.

[00104] At least one of the above two terminal sheet- shaped elements 41 and 42 has one or two appendices 51 and 52 protruding crossways with respect to the pillar 1 to define a connection area for one or more beams T (as will be described later on in more detail) . [00105] According to the embodiment shown in the Figures 6 and 7, the two terminal elements 41 and 42 each have a single notch 61 and 62 to allow reciprocal connection by jointing. The two notches 61 and 62 are aligned along the main axis X of the pillar 1. In this case, as will be indicated later on, the connection between the above two terminal elements 41 and 42 with the supporting core 2 is not direct, but only occurs through the above connection means (preferably the above stiffening plates 21 and 22).

[00106] According to the embodiment shown in the Figures 10 and 11, the two terminal elements 41 and 42 each have at least a pair of notches 61 and 62 so that the two elements 41 and 42 can be connected by jointing not only to each other, but also to the main sheet-shaped elements 11, 12 of two pillars 1 made according to the invention one of which arranged above and the other below. [00107] Alternatively, in the case of the connection being envisaged with a single pillar 1 it is possible to envisage that only one of the two terminal elements will have a pair of notches.

[00108] For reasons of structural strength of the pillar 1 (in particular to reduce the instability in the abutment points) , the two terminal sheet-shaped elements 41 and 42 are connected to one or more of the main sheet- shaped elements 11, 12 of the supporting core 2 by means of the above connection means, preferably by means of one or more stiffening plates 21, 22.

[00109] According to the embodiments illustrated in the Figures 8, 9 and 12 the stiffening plates .21 and 22 extend beyond the terminal elements 41 and 42 to be able to overlap the main head sheet-shaped elements 11 and 12 of the supporting core 2 of the pillar 1

[00110] According to the embodiment shown in the Figures 9, 13 and 14 the connection between the above two terminal elements 41 and 42 with the supporting core 2 is not direct, but only occurs by means of the above stiffening plates 21 and 22. In other words, the terminal elements 41 and 42 are not directly inter-connected with the main sheet-shaped elements 11 and 12. In this case the supporting core 2 of the pillar 1 is made according to the embodiment shown in the Figure 5, i.e. with the extremity 2' or 2" flat. The terminal elements 41 and 42 therefore abut with their thickness on the corresponding main sheet-shaped elements 11 and 12.

[00111] According to the embodiment shown in the Figure 12 the connection between the above two terminal elements 41 and 42 with the supporting core 2 is also direct, in the sense that the jointing is envisaged of at least one terminal element with the corresponding main sheet-shaped head element of the supporting core 2. Preferably, as already said, the connection means, in particular when they comprise the above stiffening plates 21 and 22, join together the main sheet-shaped elements 11 and 12 in a position corresponding to both the faces. This is also preferably applied in the connection with the terminal elements 41 and 42. This way, as shown in the Figures 9 and 12, seats 71 and 72 are defined inside which the head parts of the supporting core 2 are engaged. [00112] As already previously mentioned at least one of the above two terminal sheet-shaped elements 41 and 42 has one or two appendices 51 and 52 protruding crossways with respect to the pillar 1 to define a connection area for one or more beams T.

[00113] More in detail, the terminal elements 41 and, 42 can be symmetric with respect to the axis X, with the appendices extending at right angles with respect to the above axis X, as shown in particular in the Figures 7 and 11 .

[00114] Advantageously, with the variation of the constructional requirements, variations to this pattern can be envisaged, by varying not only the number and the position of the above appendices 51 and 52 (see figure 18), but also varying the inclination of the appendices with respect to the axis X (see Figures 17 and 18) . In particular, solutions can be envisaged wherein the appendices are arranged asymmetrically. [00115] -In particular the Figure 17 shows an embodiment studied for the connection with the inclined beams of a sloping roof. More in detail, the appendices 51" and 52" are aligned according to the inclination Y of the sloping roof, while the appendices 51' and 52' are substantially at right angles to the axis X for the connection with beams arranged crossways to the inclination of the roof. [00116] According to the invention, as already been said several times, the pillars 1 according to the invention can be used to make supporting structures of buildings for example industrial, commercial, residential or with other intended uses.

[00117] The connection between pillars 1 according to the invention and the beams T envisaged in the structure can be made in many different ways. [00118] Preferably, the connection is made by means of the above terminal sheet-shaped elements 41 and 42 and the respective connection appendices 51 and 52. Such terminal elements 41 and 42 define real knots that can be part of a single pillar 1 in a position corresponding to one of its extremities 1' or act as an interconnection area between two different pillars 1 (see figure 14) . [00119] Preferably, the beams T connectable to the appendices 51 and 52 of the terminal elements 41 and 42 are made by coupling together sheets in LVL (or other similar high-performance material) . The two sheets are separated the one from the other so as to create an inter-space open at the extremity inside which an appendix 51,52 can be engaged (see figure 13) . [00120] Alternatively, the beams T connectable to the appendices 51 and 52 of the terminal elements 41 and 42 can be made of solid wood, as shown in the Figure 36. In this case at the extremity of the beams T, seats are obtained inside which the appendices 51, 52 of the terminal elements 41, 42 are engaged. [00121] Alternatively to the terminal elements 41 and 42, it is possible to make engaging seats 81 and 82 directly at the extremities of the supporting core 2 of the single pillar 1 by means of the above stiffening plates 21 and 22, as shown in the Figures 16a and 16b. Unlike what is envisaged in the embodiment shown in the Figure 5, the plates 21 and 22 are sized so they extend lengthways beyond the extremities of the supporting core. This way, by arranging the plates 21 and 22 on both faces of each main sheet-shaped element 11 and 12, a plurality of seats 81 and 82 are created (with width substantially equivalent to the thickness of the sheet-shaped elements 11 and 12) inside which beams T can be engaged, made for example of an LVL sheet. [00122] Advantageously, as already previously mentioned, the supporting core 2 can have a closed shape of box type.

[00123] More in detail, a pillar 1 according to the invention can be made with a supporting core 2 comprising at least two first structural portions 3' and 3" and at least two second structural portions 4' and 4", arranged parallel to the above first lying surface m and to the above second lying surface n respectively. Such structural portions are connected together to form one or more box-shaped bodies 200, as shown for example in the Figures 26, 32 or 33.

[00124] Preferably, each of the first main sheet-shaped elements 11 of the first structural portions 3' and 3" is connected by jointing in correspondence of at least two of the second main sheet-shaped elements 12 of each of the second structural portions 4' and A". [00125] Advantageously, to allow such type "of jointing, each sheet-shaped element 11, 12 has at least two pairs of notches 31, 32, as shown in particular in the Figure 25. [00126] Advantageously, according to constructional and functional requirements defined at the time of sizing the pillar 1, the first main sheet-shaped elements 11 can have different dimensions and shape compared to the second main sheet-shaped elements 12, as shown in the Figures 45 and 46.

[00127] In particular, the first sheet-shaped element 11 and the second sheet-shaped element 12 can have a non- rectangular or square shape. [00128] According to the embodiment shown in the Figures 45 and 46 the sheet-shaped elements 11 and 12 have, for example, a trapezoid shape. This way, by shaping the various sheet-shaped elements with progressively decreasing dimensions upwards, pillar 1 according to the invention can be made having a box structure, tapered upwards, as shown in the Figure 46.

[00129] Advantageously, the first structural portions 3' and 3" and the second structural portions 4' and 4" can each be arranged on a different lying surface m' , m", n' and n" . As can be seen in the Figures 45 and 46, the structural portions are arranged on four different non- parallel lying surfaces.

[00130] Advantageously, the number of pairs of notches 31, 32 in the single main sheet-shaped element 11 and 12 varies according to the envisaged jointing connection number.

[00131] Advantageously, to prevent twisting of the pillars (i.e. deformations according to a transversal plane) and in particular .variations of the angles between the two structural portions 3 and 4, second corner elements 96 can be envisaged to be inserted with interference ratio inside the free internal space of the box structure, preferably arranged on a plane at right angles to the axis X, as shown in the Figure 43. The number and axial position of such second corner elements 96 for single pillar 1 can vary according to structural and constructional requirements.

[00132] In particular, as shown in the Figure 43, such second corner elements 96 can have one or more central openings 98 to allow the transit of any pipes located inside the box structure.

[00133] Preferably, a pillar with box structure 200 is connected to a second pillar and/or to beams T by means of at least two pairs of terminal sheet-shaped elements 41 and 42 arranged at at least one extremity 1' and 1" of the pillar itself. [00134] More in detail, such terminal elements 41 and 42 are connected together by jointing to form one or more terminal box-shaped bodies 210, as shown in the Figures 29, 30, 34 and 35. Apart from the number of notches, the terminal elements that go to form an terminal box-shaped body 210 have a conformation similar to that envisaged for the terminal elements intended for non-box pillars. [00135] Preferably, at least some of above terminal sheet-shaped elements 41 and 42 have one or two appendices 51, 52 protruding crossways with respect to the pillar 1 to define a connection area with one or more beams T .

[00136] ^• For reasons of structural strength of the pillar 1 (in particular to reduce the instability in the abutment points) , the box structure pillars 200, as well as the above terminal box-shaped bodies 210 have the above connection means to join the main sheet-shaped elements the one to the other and/or to the terminal sheet-shaped elements. [00137] Advantageously, the connection means can be of any type, and in particular of the previously-described types, i.e. stiffening plates, metal staples and elements for jointing connection (for example keys or tangs) . [00138] . As already indicated in relation to the pillars of open shape, several connection means can be combined. In particular, it could be advantageous to combine stiffening plates and elements for jointing connection. [00139] As connection means of the sheet-shaped elements, particularly preferred is the use of stiffening plates 21 and 22. In this respect, the different realisation variations can be used already described previously in relation to the open-shape pillars . [00140] In particular the stiffening plates 21 and 22 can be arranged on all the surfaces, internal and external, of the box-shaped bodies 200 and 210.

[00141] The Figures 27 and 28 show two different application schemes of the above stiffening plates 21 and 22 in box-structure pillars 200. [00142] In the embodiments shown in the Figures 27 and 28, the plates are only arranged on the external surfaces of the box structure. Solutions can however be envisaged wherein the plates are also arranged on the internal surfaces of the box structure or alternatively on such internal surfaces only. [00143] Advantageously, the hollow space inside the box-structure pillars 200 can be exploited to arrange pipes and lines of the utility networks envisaged for a building (electricity, gas, water, ventilation, IT networks, etc) . [00144] According to a preferred embodiment, the stiffening plates arranged on the external surface of the box bodies 200 and/or of the terminal box-shaped bodies 210 are made of fireproof material. Fireproof materials are preferably used having mechanical strength properties, such as for example composite materials, laminates, plasterboards, fibre plasters, fibre cements. This allows considerably reducing the surface exposed to the fire and therefore increasing the degree of resistance to the fire. [00145] Advantageously, in pillars 1 made with two or more box structures 200 and having stiffening plates arranged on both the external and the internal surfaces, the external stiffening plates can be made with any type of fireproof material without any restraint as regards the mechanical strength properties. Intumescent fireproof materials can therefore also be advantageously used. The mechanical connection and traction resistance function is in fact provided by the internal stiffening plates which must not necessarily have fire resistance properties. [0O146] Preferably, at least one part of the main sheet-shaped elements 11, 12 and/or of the terminal sheet-shaped elements 41, 42 is made of LVL. [00147] The acronym LVL stands for Laminated Veneer Lumber. This is a laminated-layered panel material also known as micro laminated multilayer material. This material is preferably made from layers of fir wood with thickness up to β mm, glued together. The layers are glued together (for example using phenol glues) so that the fibres of a layer are crossed with respect to the fibres of the layers connected to it.

[00148] The use of LVL is especially advantageous as it allows reducing the dimensions of the sheet-shaped elements. LVL in fact has excellent mechanical strength characteristics . [00149] In particular LVL is an isotropic material and is able to resist stresses to the same extent from whichever direction these come, unlike solid or laminated wood which resists differently depending on whether the stresses reach the fibres in a parallel direction or at right angles.

[00150] In addition, LVL can be easily shaped. This makes it particularly suitable for making curved elements of the type shown in the Figures 22, 23 and 24. [00151] Instead of LVL, OSB (Oriented Strand Board) can be used. This is a wood material in the form of panels made from synthetic resins and with thin veneering

(strands) . The strands are pressed into 3-4 layers: those of the outer layers are normally arranged longitudinally with respect to the length of the panel, while the strands of the intermediate layers are normally arranged crossways.

[00152] To make the sheet-shaped elements, instead of LVL and OSB, board plywood or solid wood can be used. [00153] Alternatively, at least one part of the main sheet-shaped elements 11, 12 and/or of the terminal sheet-shaped elements 41, 42 can be made of non-wood materials .

[00154] Preferably, the non-wood materials used to make the sheet-shaped elements are selected from plastic materials, composite materials, mixtures of cement and fibres or mixtures of plaster and fibres.

[00155] Preferably, the stiffening plates 21 and 22 are made of LVL, OSB, board plywood or solid wood. [00156] In case that the stiffening plates are made of solid wood, the fibres are arranged prevalently aligned along the axis of extension X of the pillar 1. [00157] Advantageously the stiffening plates can also be made of non-wood materials, preferably chosen from among metals, plastic materials, composite materials, mixtures of cement and fibres or mixtures of plasters and fibres .

[00158] The elements for jointing connection (for example tangs or keys) are preferably made of the same material as the sheet-shaped elements to be connected. Other types of materials can however be used according to constructional and mechanical strength requirements. [00159] The present invention also concerns a supporting structure of a building comprising one or more pillars 1 according to any of the embodiments described above .

[00160] An example of supporting structure according to the invention is shown in the Figure 14 (pillars with non-box structure) or in the Figure 31 (pillars with box structure) . [00161] Advantageously, the supporting structure according to the invention can be of the frame structure type as shown in the Figure 15, wherein all the pillars 1 are connected together by means of beams T . [00162] The connection of the pillars below the rest of the framed structure can also be done by means of a base in reinforced-concrete or other adequate structural material .

[00163] The present invention offers various advantages, some of which have already been mentioned. [00164] Thanks to the invention, pillars can be made having mechanical strength properties, such as to allow the construction of simple or complex structures without the need for cross braces, reducing the use of material to the utmost. The pillars are in fact made from resistant sheet-shaped elements, connected together to form non-massif structures, for example box structures or open-section structures.

[00165] Compared to similar state-of-the-art solutions, stresses being equal, though being made from sheet-shaped elements, the pillars according to the invention are in fact able to withstand stresses coming from different directions .

[00166] A further advantage is tied to the fact that the pillars are, made by assembling modular elements. These elements can be prefabricated or easily made directly on the worksite in accordance with the real needs arising during work in progress. The modular jointing structure, in particular if associated with the use of LVL, allows making the pillars of any shape in a fast and simple way. This makes the pillars according to the invention simple and inexpensive to manufacture. [00167] To this it must also be added that the use of sheet-shaped elements allows considerably reducing the consumption of material . [00168] A further advantage is tied to the fact that the pillars made according to the invention can be easily made fire resistant.

[00169] The pillars according to the invention are already fairly resistant to fire. The outside exposed surface, which is therefore attackable by fire, is in fact small. The use of structural elements or facings in fireproof material placed on the outside surface allows further increasing fire resistance.

[00170] A further advantage stems from the fact that the pillars according to the invention can be easily connected to two or more beams without this calling for an increase in cross section. This makes the pillars according to the invention constructively flexible. [00171] The invention thus conceived consequently achieves the preset objects.

[00172] Obviously, in its practical realisation it can also take on shapes and configurations different to those shown above, without, because of this, falling without the present scope of protection. [00173] Furthermore, all the parts can be replaced by technologically equivalent parts and the dimensions, the shapes and the materials used can be any, depending on need.

Claims

1. Pillar, preferably in wooden material, characterised by the fact of comprising a supporting core (2), which extends along a main extension axis (X) of said pillar and comprises a number of first (11) and second main sheet-shaped elements (12), which are positioned respectively on at least a first (in) and at least a second lying surface (n) not parallel to each other and which alternate with each other connecting reciprocally by jointing, crossing along said main axis (X) , said first sheet-shaped elements (11) abutting against each other with continuity in their thickness (si) to form at least a first structural portion (3) of said supporting core (2) positioned on said first lying surface (m) , said second sheet-shaped elements (12) abutting in turn against each other with continuity in their thickness (s2) to form at least a second structural portion (4) of said supporting core (2) positioned on said second lying surface (n) , each of said two structural portions (3, 4) being intended to support the mechanical stresses not supported by the other structural portion (4, 3), said pillar (1) comprising means (21, 22, 91, 92) for connecting the first main sheet-shaped elements (11) to each other and the second main sheet-shaped elements (12) to each other in correspondence to the points of reciprocal abutment (110, 120) .

2. Pillar according to claim 1, wherein said lying surfaces (m, n) comprise one or more non-flat portions, said main sheet-shaped elements (11, 12) being shaped correspondingly to said surfaces (m, n) .

3. Pillar according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each main • sheet-shaped element (11, 12) has at least one pair of notches (31, 32) made in distal positions, said first main sheet-shaped elements (11) being coupled to said second main sheet-shaped elements (12) by jointing at said notches (31, 32) .

4. Pillar according to any of the previous claims, provided at least at one extremity (I' ; 1") with at least one pair of terminal sheet-shaped elements (41; 42), of which a first terminal element (41) is positioned on said first lying surface (m) and a second terminal element (42) on said second lying surface (n) , said two terminal elements (41,42) being connected by jointing to each other, crossing along said main axis (x) , at least one of said terminal sheet-shaped elements (41, 42) having one or two appendix (51, 52), protruding transversally in relation to said pillar (1) to define a connection area for one or more beams (T) .

5. Pillar according to claim 4, wherein at least one of said terminal sheet-shaped elements (41, 42) connects by jointing with the last main sheet-shaped element (11, 12) of the supporting core (2) of said pillar (1) in correspondence of said at ^' least one extremity (I' , 1").

6. Pillar according to claim 4 or 5, wherein at least one of said terminal sheet-shaped elements (41, 42) is provided with means for connecting said pillar (1) to a second pillar (1') .

7. Pillar according to any of the previous claims, wherein said supporting core (2) comprises at least two first structural portions (3) and at least two second structural portions (4), respectively positioned parallel to said first (m) and to said second lying surface (n) and connected to each other to form one or more box- shaped bodies (200) .

8. Pillar according to claim 7, wherein each of the first main sheet-shaped elements (11) of said at least two first structural portions (3) is connected by jointing with at least two of the second main sheet- shaped elements (12) of each of said at least two second structural portions (4) .

9. Pillar .according to claim 3 and 8, wherein each main sheet-shaped element (11, 12) has at least two of said pairs of notches (31, 32).

10. Pillar according to claim 4 and any of the claims from 7 to 9, provided at least at one extremity (I' ; 1") with at least two of said pairs of terminal sheet-shaped elements (41; 42), which are connected by jointing to each other to form one or more terminal box-shaped bodies

(210) , at least some of said terminal sheet-shaped elements (41, 42) being provided with one or more appendixes (51, 52) protruding transversally in relation to said pillar (1) to define a connection area for one or more beams (T) .

11. Pillar according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least some of said main sheet-shaped elements

(11, 12) and/or of said terminal sheet-shaped elements (41, 42) are made in LVL, in OSB, in plywood planks or in solid wood.

12. Pillar according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least some of said main sheet-shaped elements

(11, 12) and/or said terminal sheet-shaped elements (41, 42) are made in non-wooden material.

13. Pillar according to claim 12, wherein said non- wooden materials are chosen from plastic materials, composite materials, mixtures of fibre and cement or mixtures of fibre and plaster.

14. Pillar according to any of the claims from 4 to 13, wherein said connecting means (21, 22) connect said terminal sheet-shaped elements (41, 42) to one or more of said main sheet-shaped elements (11, 12) .

15. Pillar according to any of the previous claims, wherein said connecting means comprise stiffener plates

(21, 22) which join said main sheet-shaped elements (11, 12)- to each other and/or to said terminal sheet-shaped elements (41, 42) externally.

16. Pillar according to claim 15, wherein each of said stiffener plates (21, 22) connects more than two main sheet-shaped elements (11, 12) to each other following the course of said first (m) or of said second lying surface (n) .

17. Pillar according to claim 15 or 16, wherein said stiffener plates (21, 22) are connected to said main sheet-shaped elements (11, 12) and/or to said terminal sheet-shaped elements (41, 42) by gluing or by mechanical fixing means .

18. Pillar according to any of the claims from 15 to 17, wherein at least some of said stiffener plates (21, 22) are made from shaped planks made in LVL, in OSB, in plywood planks or solid wood.

19. Pillar according to any of the claims from 15 to 18, wherein at least some of said stiffener plates (21, 22) are made from shaped planks in non-wooden material.

20. Pillar according to claim 19, wherein said non- wooden materials are chosen from metals, plastic materials, composite materials, mixtures of fibre and cement or mixtures of fibre and plaster.

21. Pillar according to any of the claims from 15 to 20, wherein at least a part of said stiffener plates (21, 22) are made in fire-resistant material.

22. Pillar according to claim 7 or 10 and claim 21, wherein the stiffener plates positioned on the outer surface of said box-shaped bodies (200) and/or of said terminal box-shaped bodies (210) are made in fire- resistant material.

23. Pillar according to any of the previous claims, wherein said connecting means comprise elements (91, 92) for jointing connection inserted in suitable counter- shaped seats (93, 94) made in the thickness of said main sheet-shaped elements (11, 12) and/or of said terminal sheet-shaped elements (41, 42) in correspondence of the areas of reciprocal abutment (110, 120) .

24. Supporting structure of a building comprising one or more pillars (1) according to any of the claims from 1 to 23.

25. Supporting structure according to claim 24, wherein said pillars (1) are connected to each other by beams (T) to form a framed supporting structure.