EP4267808A2

EP4267808A2 - A new module column and modular joint construction

Info

Publication number: EP4267808A2
Application number: EP21926966.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Rahman SAHSENAS
Original assignee: Yoeney Oezguer
Current assignee: Yoeney Oezguer
Priority date: 2021-02-22
Filing date: 2021-06-17
Publication date: 2023-11-01
Also published as: WO2022177521A3; WO2022177521A2; TR202102472A2

Abstract

The invention is related to a new module column and a modular joint construction that enables the construction of buildings or structures at the desired height and in the desired plan shape by transporting pre-manufactured modules from the factory to the construction site and placing them one on top of the other and side by side.

Description

A NEW MODULE COLUMN AND MODULAR JOINT CONSTRUCTION

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] This invention relates to a new module column and a modular joint construction which complements this new module column; these enable the construction of temporary or permanent residential, commercial, healthcare, educational or service buildings or structures at the desired height and in the desired plan shape, by transporting all static, architectural, mechanical and electrical components required for the intended use of the buildings in the form of modules, which are manufactured in the factory; and by combining the components in the modules, which are manufactured in the factory, on the construction site without requiring any mounting and demounting procedures or any subsequent additions.

BACKROUND ART

[002] Modular buildings, which are the products of developing construction technologies, are a very advantageous and preferable option among the building construction techniques, which will be an alternative to traditional construction methods. The advantage of this construction method is that modules, which are pre-manufactured at the factory, can be transported to the construction site and assembled at the construction site; and buildings at desired heights or in desired plan shapes can be constructed without being affected by time-related and cost- related disadvantages of traditional construction methods resulting from manufacturing components at the site. In order to make this method more preferable, studies have focused on finding effective solutions for two issues. The first of these issues is that, to minimize the amount of manufacturing to be made at the site, all mechanical, electrical, architectural and static components of the modules must be manufactured in the factory; the finished modules must be transported to the site; and connection technologies must be found minimize the intervention required on the components when assembling the modules at the site. The second important issue is that the connection technologies that offer a solution for the previous issue must respond to the requirements related to strength and stiffness that are required for the design of modular buildings. [003] In the state of the art, in the patent with publication number US 2014/0123573 Al, at the connection point of 8 modules and 4 modules, rods pass through the end plates that are welded to lower and upper ends of columns, and continue with nut attachments along the height inside the columns. The modules are also connected to each other with an independent end plate placed between upper and lower modules at the connection area. This connection is a bolted connection of an independent end plate to the L-section profiles that are welded to the ceiling beams of lower modules. During the application, the connection point must be accessible from all directions.

[004] In the state of the art, in the patent with publication number AU 2019283912 Al, module columns and beams are connected at the connection points of 4 and 2 modules using a socket with a special design. The socket design allows increasing the number of module columns as needed. During the application, the connection point must be accessible from all directions.

[005] In the state of the art, in the patent with publication number US 2020/0354950 Al, similarly to the previous patent mentioned above, columns and beams at connection points of 8, 4 and 2 modules are connected to each other using a socket with a special socket design. During the application, the connection point must be accessible from all directions.

[006] In the state of the art, in the patent with publication number WO 2017/058117 Al, module columns and beams are connected to each other at the connection point of 4 modules via a special connection design. During the application, access to the connection point from all directions is not required.

[007] In the state of the art, in the patent with publication number CN 109024890 A, the long bolts welded to the end plates at the upper end of the lower module columns at the connection point of 4 modules pass through the holes in the end plates that are welded to the lower end of the upper module columns; then, specially-designed nuts are placed on the rods; and the columns are connected to each other in a row. The connection of the independent modules is made using an additional plate, which is placed in the space in the end plates at the lower ends of the upper column, and which is welded to one of the end plates and connected with pins to the other end plate. During the application, access to the connection point from all directions is not required. [008] In the state of the art, in the patent with publication number CN 106948483 A, components are designed by using plates to connect module columns and beams with bolts for the connection point of 4 modules. During the application, the connection point must be accessible from all directions.

[009] In the state of the art, in the patent with publication number CN 108316474 A, a socket connection is designed for the connection point of 2 modules. On this socket, lower and upper module columns are connected using horizontally placed bolts, and lower and upper module beams are connected using vertical bolts through the plates extending from the socket. During the application, the connection point must be accessible from all directions.

[010] In the state of the art, in patent with publication number CN 108589921 A, a socket is designed for the connection point of 8 modules. Module beams are formed by back-to-back U profiles to create access surfaces on the columns; the columns are connected to the sockets via these surfaces by using horizontally placed bolts; and back-to-back module beams are connected to each other via horizontally placed bolts on the webs. During the application, the connection point must be accessible from all directions.

[Oil] In the state of the art, in the publication of "Experimental study on interior connections in modular steel buildings, Zhihua Chen, Jiadi Liu, Yujie Yu (ELSEVIER Engineering Structures 147 (2017) 625-638)" module columns are inserted into long sockets that are welded to the top and bottom part of an independent end plate at the connection point of 8 modules, and overlapping module beams are connected to each other with long bolts. During the application, the connection point must be accessible from all directions.

[012] In the state of the art, in the publication "Modeling of connections and lateral behavior of high-rise modular steel buildings, Y.S. Chua, J.Y. Richard Liew, S.D. Pang (ELSEVIER Journal of Constructional Steel Research 166 (2020) 105901)", a new connection is recommended for the connection point of 8 modules, which consists of an end plate with shear keys welded to the top end of the lower module column; another end plate welded to the lower end of the upper module column, with a hole in the end plate for inserting the shear key; an independent end plate connecting adjacent module columns, which has holes for inserting the shear keys at the upper end of all lower module columns; and a bolt that passes through the center of the columns and continues along the column height. During the application, access to the connection point from all directions is not required. [013] In the state of the art, in the publication "Review of bolted inter-module connections in modular steel buildings, Andrew William Lacey, Wensu Chen, Hong Hao, Kaiming Bi (Journal of Building Engineering January 2019)", the current bolted inter-module connection solutions were reviewed, including the inventions in some of the patents mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[014] The purpose of the invention is to achieve a modular building construction technology that will minimize the productions to be made at the construction site, improve the structural strength of buildings, and upgrade the building behavior to a more predictable level.

Technical Problem

[015] The technical problem can be expressed as the ability to connect the modules to each other and to achieve a predictable building behavior, without requiring any additional manufacturing or revision for the finished modules at the construction site.

Solution to Problem

[016] For the solution of this technical problem, a new solution has been invented, which is applied by accessing the module connections at the bottom end of the module columns from the open top ends of the module columns.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[017] The advantages offered by the invention are explained below.

[018] The first advantage of the invention is that it allows the construction of a building or structure much faster than the conventional solutions or the other solutions in which the load bearing systems are manufactured in the factory and other components are installed at the construction site, because, in this invention, all the static, architectural, mechanical and electrical components of the building or structure are manufactured in the factory environment. [019] The second of the advantage of the invention is that the buildings or structures which are constructed by using this invention can later be disassembled and re-assembled at another location without interfering with the static, architectural, mechanical and electrical components of the modules, which allows relocation and reuse of the buildings or structures.

[020] The third advantage of the invention is that it eliminates all workload, costs and loss of time resulting from the use of conventional methods in which static, architectural, mechanical and electrical components are manufactured at the construction site, and it also eliminates the environmental damage and restrictions arising in the construction process due to the use of these practices in the conventional methods.

[021] The fourth advantage of the invention is that it provides continuity of behavior in tensile and bending stiffness and strength in the module column, through the special structure and the splice method of the new module column.

[022] The fifth advantage of the invention is that, independently from the continuity of behavior explained above which is achieved through the special structure of the new module column, the continuity of shear and compressive strength and stiffness in module columns and the connection of adjacent modules to each other can be ensured via modular joint construction, without requiring any welded or bolted connection in module columns or beams.

[023] The sixth advantage of the invention is that the beams of adjacent modules that are on top of or next to each other can behave independently from each other, because the connection between modules is made only via the new module column.

[024] The seventh advantage of the invention is that, thanks to the structure of the new module column, continuity plates can be inserted in the new module column at the same level as the upper and lower flanges of module base beams, which have relatively higher strength and rigidity than the module ceiling beams, and these continuity plates improve the transfer of the tension and compression forces occurring in the module base beam flanges to the column beam connections.

[025] The eighth advantage of the invention is that, as the upper and lower module beams are not used for connecting the modules and as the vertical distance between them can be adjusted as needed, the end plates in the modular joint construction can be connected with planar brace systems which are independent from the constructions of the modules; therefore a diaphragm behavior can be achieved at the floor levels of the building or structure, and planar deformations can be prevented on the floors of the modules as compared to each other or within each module.

[026] The ninth advantage of the invention is that it allows designing or constructing modular buildings or structures with reinforced concrete shear walls or braced steel frames in cases where the stiffness and strength may not be sufficient for a building or structure which only consists of modules, as the horizontal load resulting from wind or seismic activity can be transferred to the reinforced concrete shear walls or braced steel frames via the planar bracing systems that connect the end plates in the construction of module connection.

[027] The tenth advantage of the invention is that, with the special structure of this new module column, the inside of the new module columns can be filled with fluid high-strength concrete after the modules are assembled to carry the high axial force that may be exerted on the columns of a high-rise building or structure.

[028] The eleventh advantage of the invention is that, with the solutions offered by the new module column joint connection, different numbers of bolts that may be needed for the design can be easily placed using the same principles.

[029] The twelfth advantage of the invention is that it does not require any welded manufacturing at the construction site, as the modular joint construction transfers force to the module columns and beams at the new column ends only via contact.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[030] The drawings illustrate the principles of the invention. The drawings are not scaled.

Figure 1: It illustrates the perspective view of the connection points of 4, 6 and 8 modules that may be in a multi-storey modular building in any plan shape.

Figure 2: It illustrates the perspective view of the state of the half of the new module column, which is the subject of the invention, before it is combined with the other half, which is same as the first half, and transformed into a module column, and the components at the ends of the module column in independent and combined state are illustrated together.

Figure 3: It is the illustration of the sectional view of the state in which long nuts and unthreaded long nuts are connected to each other and to the half column profile via nut tie plates on one half of the new module column, consistently with the number and placement of imbus bolts to be chosen during design.

Figure 4: It is illustration of the sectional view of the state in which long nuts and unthreaded long nuts are connected only to the half column profile via nut tie plates on one half of the new module column, consistently with the number and placement of the imbus bolts to be chosen during design.

Figure 5: It is the illustration of the sectional view of the state in which long nuts and unthreaded long nuts are directly connected to the module column part on one half of the new module column, consistently with the number and placement of the imbus bolts to be chosen during design.

Figure 6: It is the illustration of the sectional view of the state in which pre-welded long nuts, unthreaded long nuts and nut tie plates or long nuts and unthreaded long nuts are driven into the built-up or hot-rolled square or rectangular profile and welded from outside through access holes.

Figure 7: It is the illustration of the top view of the end plate of the modular joint construction for the connection point of 8 modules.

Figure 8: It is the illustration of the top view of the end plate of the modular joint construction for the connection point of 6 modules.

Figure 9: It is the illustration of the top view of the end plate of the modular joint construction for the connection point of 4 modules.

Figure 10: It is the illustration of the top view of upper module column sockets, socket support plates and end plate stiffeners of the modular joint construction for the connection point of 8 modules. Figure 11: It is the illustration of the top view of upper module column sockets, socket support plates and end plate stiffeners of the modular joint construction for the connection point of 6 modules.

Figure 12: It is the illustration of the top view of upper module column sockets, socket support plates and end plate stiffeners of the modular joint construction for the connection point of 4 modules.

Figure 13: It is the illustration of the bottom view of lower module column sockets, socket support plates and end plate stiffeners of the modular joint construction for the connection point of 8 modules.

Figure 14: It is the illustration of the bottom view of lower module column sockets, socket support plates and end plate stiffeners of the modular joint construction for the connection point of 6 modules.

Figure 15: It is the illustration of the bottom view of lower module column sockets, socket support plates and end plate stiffeners of the modular joint construction for the connection point of 4 modules.

Figure 16: It is the illustration of the top view of the modular joint construction for the connection point of 8 modules.

Figure 17: It is the illustration of the top view of the modular joint construction for the connection point of 6 modules.

Figure 18: It is the illustration of the top view of the modular joint construction for the connection point of 4 modules.

Figure 19: It is the illustration of the top perspective view of the state of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 8 modules, in which one half of the columns of two consecutive modules are removed. Figure 20: It is the illustration of the bottom perspective view of the state of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 8 modules, in which one half of the columns of two consecutive modules are removed.

Figure 21: It is the illustration of the top perspective view of the state of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 6 modules, in which one half of the columns of two consecutive modules are removed.

Figure 22: It is the illustration of the bottom perspective view of the state of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 6 modules, in which one half of the columns of two consecutive modules are removed.

Figure 23: It is the illustration of the top perspective view of the state of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 4 modules, in which one half of the columns of two consecutive modules are removed.

Figure 24: It is the illustration of the bottom perspective view of the state of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 4 modules, in which one half of the columns of two consecutive modules are removed.

Figure 25: It is the illustration of the top view of new module columns and the modular joint construction at the connection point of 8 modules.

Figure 26: It is the illustration of the side view of new module columns and the modular joint construction at the connection point of 8 modules.

Figure 27: It is the illustration of the top view of new module columns and the modular joint construction at the connection point of 6 modules.

Figure 28: It is the illustration of the side view of new module columns and the modular joint construction at the connection point of 6 modules.

Figure 29: It is the illustration of the top view of new module columns and the modular joint construction at the connection point of 4 modules. Figure 30: It is the illustration of the side view of new module columns and the modular joint construction at the connection point of 4 modules.

Figure 31: Section 1-1 shown in Figure 21, which is the illustration of the top view of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 8 modules.

Figure 32: Section 2-2 shown in Figure 21, which is the illustration of the top view of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 8 modules.

Figure 33: Section 3-3 shown in Figure 21, which is the illustration of the top view of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 8 modules.

Figure 34: Section 4-4 shown in Figure 22, which is the illustration of the side view of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 8 modules.

Figure 35: Section 5-5 shown in Figure 22, which is the illustration of the side view of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 8 modules.

Figure 36: Section 6-6 shown in Figure 22, which is the illustration of the side view of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 8 modules.

Figure 37: Section 7-7 shown in Figure 22, which is the illustration of the side view of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 8 modules.

Figure 38: Section 8-8 shown in Figure 23, which is the illustration of the top view of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 6 modules. Figure 39: Section 9-9 shown in Figure 23, which is the illustration of the top view of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 6 modules.

Figure 40: Section 10-10 shown in Figure 24, which is the illustration of the side view of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 6 modules.

Figure 41: Section 11-11 shown in Figure 24, which is the illustration of the side view of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 6 modules.

Figure 42: Section 12-12 shown in Figure 24, which is the illustration of the side view of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 6 modules.

Figure 43: Section 13-13 shown in Figure 24, which is the illustration of the side view of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 6 modules.

Figure 44: Section 14-14 shown in Figure 25, which is the illustration of the top view of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 4 modules.

Figure 45: Section 15-15 shown in Figure 25, which is the illustration of the top view of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 4 modules.

Figure 46: Section 16-16 shown in Figure 26, which is the illustration of the side view of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 4 modules.

Figure 47: Section 17-17 shown in Figure 26, which is the illustration of the side view of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 4 modules. Figure 48: Section 18-18 shown in Figure 26, which is the illustration of the side view of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 4 modules.

Figure 49: Section 19-19 shown in Figure 26, which is the illustration of the side view of the new module columns and the connection of modular joint construction at the connection point of 4 modules.

REFERENCE NUMBERING SCHEME

1-Part of modular building/structure la-Upper-storey module lb-Upper-storey module lc-Upper-storey module ld-Upper-storey module le-Upper-storey module lf-Lower-storey module lg-Lower-storey module lh-Lower-storey module li-Lower-storey module lj-Lower-storey module lk-8-module connection ll-6-module connection lm-4-module connection

2- New module column

2a-Module column part

2b- Long nut

2c-Unthreaded long nut

2d-Nut tie plate

2e-Beam continuity plate

2f- Imbus bolt (Hexagon socket head cap bolt)

2g-Bolt installation hole

3-Module beam

4-8-socketed module connector

5-6-socketed module connector 6-4-socketed module connector

7-8-socketed end plate

8-6-socketed end plate

9-4-socketed end plate

10-Column socket

11-Socket support plate

12-End plate stiffener

13-Bolt hole

14-Concrete pouring hole

15-Concrete overflow hole

16-Floor diaphragm profile connection hole

17-Access hole

DETAILED DESCRIPTION of EMBODIMENTS

[031] The present invention is a special solution that allows connection of modules which have been completely or partially pre-manufactured at the factory and transported to the construction site, without requiring additional manufacturing, revisions or renewals, and thus allows construction of buildings or structures at the desired height and in the desired plan shape.

[032] There is not any restrictions as to the size, relative position, direction, number, manufacturing method, shape and type of the components of the solution which is explained in detail here, and explanations and references about these aspects of components are provided in the description of the invention.

[033] The materials of the components used by the present invention, together or independently from each other, can be made of structural steel, alloy steels, stainless steels or aluminum.

[034] Figure 1 shows a modular building/structure part (1) that is taken from any part of a modular building or structure with any plan shape, plan dimension and number of storeys. This modular building/structure part (1) consists of 5 upper-storey modules (la-le) and 5 lower- storey modules (lf-lj). In the modular building/structure part (1) view, 3 different states of module connection that can exist anywhere in such a structure are illustrated as 8-module connection (lk), 6-module connection (II) and 4-module connection (lm). The 8-module connection (lk), where 8 modules are connected to each other, is the connection where 4 upper-storey modules (la, lb, lc, Id) and 4 lower-storey modules (If, lg, lh, li) are connected to each other. 6-module connection (II), where 6 modules are connected to each other, is the connection where 3 upper-storey modules (la, Id, le) and 3 lower-storey modules (If, li, lj) are connected to each other. 4-module connection, (lm) where 4 modules are connected to each other, is the connection where 2 upper-storey modules (la, lb) and 2 lower-storey modules (If, lg) are connected to each other. The upper-storey modules (la-le) and the lower-storey modules (lf-lj) can have a square or rectangular plan shape. Upper- storey modules (la-le) and lower-storey modules (lf-lj) are fully or partially manufactured at the factory and transported to the construction site. The upper-storey modules (la-le) and the lower-storey modules (lf-lj) are manufactured at the factory, while the columns are manufactured as new module columns (2), as explained here.

[035] The new module column (2) consists of two module column parts (2a) and the long nuts (2b), unthreaded long nuts (2c), nut tie plates (2d) and beam continuity plates (2e) in these module column parts (2a).

[036] To manufacture the new module column (2), unthreaded long nuts (2c), nut tie plates (2d) and beam continuity plates (2e) at the lower end of the 2 module column parts (2a) are welded together; the long nuts (2b) and the nut tie plates (2d) at the upper end of the 2 module column parts (2a) are welded together; and these two finished products are placed side by side with inner surfaces facing each other and they are welded together along their height. Beam continuity plates (2e) are welded at the same level as the upper and lower flanges of module beams (3). Beam continuity plates (2e) may not be used, depending on the design. As per the design, beam continuity plates (2e) may also be added to the upper end of the new module column (2). The number and placement of bolt installation holes (2g) on the beam continuity plates (2e) may vary according to the design.

[037] Figure 2 shows the components described above, separately and together, at the lower end of the half of the upper new module column (2) and at the upper end of the half of the lower new module column (2) on one half of each of the new module columns (2) which will overlap. [038] The module column part (2a) can be made of hot-rolled profiles, or cold-formed bi section profiles or by welding flat plates to each other. The finished sectional shape of the new module column (2) can be square or rectangular.

[039] The number of long nuts (2b) and unthreaded long nuts (2c), and the number and placement of nut tie plates (2d) in the new module column (2) may differ depending on the design of the new module column (2). Figure 3 and Figure 4 show that this arrangement may vary according to the design and depending on the number of imbus bolts (2f) that will pass through the new module column (2). Figure 3 shows that long nuts (2b) and unthreaded long nuts (2c) can be connected to each other and to the inner face of the module column (2) via nut tie plates (2d). Figure 4 shows that long nuts (2b) and unthreaded long nuts (2c) can be directly connected to the inner face of the module column (2) via nut tie plates (2d).

[040] The sectional shape of long nuts (2b) and unthreaded long nuts (2c) may be square, rectangular, polygonal, trapezoidal, or circular. The imbus bolt (2f) may be either screw- threaded or trapezoidal-threaded. Accordingly, the long nut (2b) can be either screw-threaded or trapezoidal-threaded. The long nut (2b) and the unthreaded long nut (2c) can be welded to the inner surface of the module column (2) without using a nut tie plate (2d), as shown in Figure 5.

[041] The new module column can be manufactured as explained above, or it can be manufactured by welding the long nuts (2b), unthreaded long nuts (2c) and nut tie plates (2d) to each other; then by driving the resulting product into the ready-made or built-up square or rectangular section, so that the nut tie plates (2d) are aligned with the access holes (17) to be opened on the new module column; and by welding the nut tie plates (2d) to the new module column (2) from the outside using these access holes (17). This connection is shown in Figure 6.

[042] Similarly, the new module column can be manufactured from hot-rolled or built-up square or rectangular profiles, by driving long nuts (2b) and unthreaded long nuts (2c) into the new module column (2) so that the long nuts (2b) and unthreaded long nuts (2c) are aligned with the access holes (17) to be opened on the new module column (2); and then by welding the long nuts (2b) and unthreaded long nuts (2c) to the new module column (2) from the outside by using these access holes (17). This connection is shown in Figure 6. [043] In the factory, the module construction is prepared by using the new module columns (2) and module beams (3) which are prepared as explained above. Then, the manufacturing of the module is completed with the addition of other architectural, mechanical and electrical components required for the service of the building. In this description, the beams, which have been referred to as "module beams" (3), can be square or rectangular profiles or hot-rolled or built-up profiles with I or [ (channel section) shaped section.

[044] 8-socketed module connector (4) consists of an 8-socketed end plate (7), 4 column sockets (10) above and 4 column sockets (10) below the 8-socketed end plate (7), socket support plates (11) inside the column sockets (10), end plate stiffeners (12) going between and around the column sockets (10) above and below the 8-socketed end plate (7), and bolt holes (13), concrete pouring holes (14), concrete overflow holes (15) and floor diaphragm profile connection holes (16) on the 8-socketed end plate (7).

[045] 6-socketed module connector (5) consists of a 6-socketed end plate (8), 3 column sockets (10) above and 3 columns sockets (10) below the 6-socketed end plate (8), socket support plates (11) inside the column sockets (10), end plate stiffeners (12) going between and around the column sockets (10) above and below the 6-socketed end plate (8), and bolt holes (13), concrete pouring hole (14), concrete overflow holes (15) and floor diaphragm profile connection holes (16) on the 6-socketed end plate (8).

[046] 4-socketed module connector (6) consists of a 4-socketed end plate (9), 2 column sockets (10) above and 2 columns sockets (10) below the 4-socketed end plate (9), socket support plates (11) inside the column sockets (10), end plate stiffeners (12) going between and around the column sockets (10) above and below the 4-socketed end plate (9), and bolt holes (13), concrete pouring hole (14), concrete overflow holes (15) and floor diaphragm profile connection holes (16) on the 4-socketed end plate (9).

[047] 8-socketed end plate (7) shown in Figure 7, 6-socketed end plate (8) shown in Figure 8 and 4-socketed end plate (9) shown in Figure 9 are prepared by drilling the concerete pouring holes (14), concrete overflow holes (15), bolt holes (13) and floor diaphragm profile connection holes (16) on them. In case the design does not require pouring concrete inside the new module column (2), the concrete pouring holes (14) and concrete overflow holes (15) may not be necessary. The number of concrete overflow holes (15) may be more or less, and their location may vary, depending on the design. The number of bolt holes (13) may be more or less and their location may vary, depending on the design. The number of floor diaphragm profile connection holes (16) may be more or less and their location may vary, depending on the design.

[048] As described above, 4 column sockets (10) above and 4 column sockets (10) below the 8- socketed end plate (7); 3 column sockets (10) above and 3 column sockets (10) below the 6- socketed end plate (8); and 2 column sockets (10) above and 2 column sockets (10) below the 4-socketed end plate (9) are connected to the plates by welding. The column socket (10) can be square or rectangular depending on the sectional shape of the new module column (2). The column socket (10) can be directly manufactured by using plates, hot-rolled square or rectangular profiles, or cold-formed [-shaped profiles (channel section profile). The sectional shape of the column socket (10) may not be closed, and column sockets (10) can also be made of built-up or hot-rolled T profiles by placing and welding the flanges of T profiles in parallel to the edges of the new module column (2).

[049] Socket support plates (11) are placed in the column sockets (10) which are connected by welding, and socket support plates (11) are connected to the column socket (10), 8-socketed end plate (7), 6-socketed end plate (8) and 4-socketed end plate (9) by welding. The number of socket support plates (11) and their placement in the column socket (10) may vary depending on the design. The socket support plates (11) can be square, rectangular, triangular, or any other shape. Socket support plates (11) may not be used at all, depending on the design.

[050] Below and above the finished products, which are manufactured by welding column sockets (10) and socket support plates (11) to the 8-socketed end plate (7), to the 6-socketed end plate (8) and to the 4-socketed end plate (9); the end plate stiffeners (12), which are placed between and around the column sockets (10), are welded to each other, to the 8- socketed end plate (7), to the 6-socketed end plate (8) and to the 4-socketed end plate; and thus, 8-socketed module connector (4), 6-socketed module connector (5) and 4-socketed module connector (6) are manufactured as finished products. End plate stiffeners (12) can be of different sizes and thicknesses depending on the design or to facilitate the application. End plate stiffeners (12) may not be used, depending on the design.

[051] The order of manufacturing may be different from the one explained above in order to weld the column sockets (10), socket support plates (11) and end plate stiffeners (12) to 8- socketed end plate (7), 6-socketed end plate (8) and 4-socketed end plate (9). [052] Figure 10 illustrates the top view of the upper column sockets (10), socket support plates (11) and end plate stiffeners (12) of the 8-socketed module connector (4) manufactured for the 8-module connection (lk), and Figure 13 illustrates the bottom view of the lower column sockets (10), socket support plates (11) and end plate stiffeners (12).

[053] Figure 11 illustrates the top view of the upper column sockets (10), socket support plates (11) and end plate stiffeners (12) of the 6-socketed module connector (5) manufactured for the 6-module connection (II), and Figure 14 illustrates the bottom view of the lower column sockets (10), socket support plates (11) and end plate stiffeners (12).

[054] Figure 12 illustrates the top view of the upper column sockets (10), socket support plates (11) and end plate stiffeners (12) of the 4-socketed module connector (6) manufactured for the 4-module connection (lm), and Figure 15 illustrates the bottom view of the lower column sockets (10), socket support plates (11) and end plate stiffeners (12).

[055] The 8-socketed module connector (4), which will be used in the 8-module connection (lk), as shown in the plan view in Figure 16; the 6-socketed module connector (5), which will be used in the 6-module connection (II), as shown in the plan view in Figure 17; and the 4- socketed module connector (6), which will be used in the 4-module connection (lm), as shown in the plan view in Figure 18 are the parts to be manufactured independently from the modules, as explained above.

[056] After the products described above are manufactured and transported to the constructions site, the first stage of the on-site assembling process is completed by inserting the 8-socketed module connector (4) to the 8-module connection (lk), the 6-socketed module connector (5) to the 6-module connection (II), and the 4-socketed module connector (6) to the 4-module connection (lm) on the lower-storey modules (lf-lj). After this procedure, if the storey diaphragm consists of plan bracing systems, the bracing profiles are connected to the 8- socketed end plate (7), the 6-socketed end plate (8) and the 4-socketed end plate (9) via floor diaphragm profile connection holes. Thus, the second stage of the assembling procedure is completed. Then, the upper-storey modules (la-le) are fitted so that the new module columns (2) go into the column sockets (10). Thus, the third stage of the assembling procedure is completed. At this stage, the upper ends of the new module column (2) of the upper-storey modules (la-le) have not been closed yet, and the interior of the new module column (2) is accessible from the upper ends. Imbus bolts (2f) are inserted into the new module column (2) through their upper ends, and slided down so that they pass through the unthreaded long nuts (2c) and bolt installation holes (2g) at the lower ends of the new module column (2) and reach the long nut (2b) on the upper ends of the new module columns (2) of the lower-storey modules (If- lj). The imbus bolts (2f), which are placed on their axis and which have reached the long nut (2b), are tightened with a driver passing through the long nut (2b) at the upper end of the upper-storey module columns (2). Thus, the fourth and final stage of the assembling procedure is completed.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[057] The invention allows transporting modules, which are pre-manufactured in the factory independently from each other, to the construction site, and connecting them to each other to construct buildings which can be directly put to use. Therefore, the invention will help to move a significant part of the construction industry to permanent facilities which use a higher level of technology than conventional construction methods, and these facilities will be capable of manufacturing at high-quality by using materials more diversely and efficiently, and will make sure that independent disciplines, such as static, architectural, mechanic and electrical disciplines, can work together in design and manufacture, which will in turn allow the industrialization of the sector.

Claims

1- The invention is a new module column and a modular joint construction; It comprises of upper-storey modules (la-le) and lower-storey modules (lf-lj) with new module columns (2); an 8-socketed module connector (4) in the 8-module connection (lk) of the upper-storey modules (la-le) and lower-storey modules (lf-lj); a 6-socketed module connector (5) in the 6- module connection (II) of the upper-storey modules (la-le) and lower-storey modules (lf-lj); and a 4-socketed module connector (6) in the 4-module connection (lm) of the upper-storey modules (la-le) and lower-storey modules (lf-lj).

2- It is the new module column (2) as claimed in Claim 1; wherein long nuts (2b) are connected to the inner surface of the new module column (2) at the upper end; unthreaded long nuts (2c) are connected to the inner surface of the new module column (2) at the lower end; and the imbus bolts (2f) pass through the inside of the long nuts (2b) and unthreaded long nuts (2c), all of which enable flexural and tension continuity of the new module column (2) and which run parallel to the axis of the new module column (2).

3- It is the new module column (2) as claimed in Claim 2; wherein beam continuity plates (2e) with bolt installation holes (2g) are present inside and in the lower end of the new module column (2) at the same level as the module beam (3) flanges.

4- It is the socketed module connectors (4, 5, 6) as claimed in Claim 1; wherein the 8- socketed module connector (4) has an 8-socketed end plate (7) and 8 column sockets (10), the 6-socketed module connector (5) has a 6-socketed end plate (8) and 6 column sockets (10), and the 4-socketed module connector (6) has a 4-socketed end plate (9) and 4 column sockets, and each column socket (10) has socket support plates (11) inside.

5- It is the socketed module connectors (4, 5, 6) as claimed in Claim 4; wherein the 8- socketed module connector (4), the 6-socketed module connector (5), and the 4-socketed module connector (6) have end plate stiffeners (12) placed between and around the upper and lower column sockets (10).

6- It is the socketed module connectors (4, 5, 6) as claimed in Claim 4; wherein each column socket (10) has a concrete pouring hole (14) at the center, including 4 column sockets (10) in the 8-socketed end plate (7), 3 column sockets (10) in the 6-socketed end plate (8), and 2 column sockets (10) in the 4-socketed end plate (9).

7- It is the socketed module connectors (4, 5, 6) as claimed in Claim 4; wherein the 8- socketed end plate (7), the 6-socketed end plate (8) and the 4-socketed end plate (9) have at least 2 concrete overflow holes (15) at the center of each column socket (10).

8- It is the socketed module connectors (4, 5, 6) as claimed in Claim 4; wherein the 8- socketed end plate (7), the 6-socketed end plate (8) and the 4-socketed end plate (9) have bolt holes (13) inside each column socket (10), and the number and the location of these bolt holes is consistent with the number and location of the imbus bolts (2f) in the new module column (2).

9- It is the socketed module connectors (4, 5, 6) as claimed in Claim 4; wherein the 8- socketed end plate (7), the 6-socketed end plate (8) and the 4-socketed end plate (9) have floor diaphragm profile connection holes (16) at the edges.