EP4332319A1

EP4332319A1 - Reusable support beam for roof of concrete frame building and a concrete frame building constructed with such support beams

Info

Publication number: EP4332319A1
Application number: EP23194362.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dirk Deroose
Original assignee: Koutermolen NV
Current assignee: Koutermolen NV
Priority date: 2022-08-30
Filing date: 2023-08-30
Publication date: 2024-03-06
Also published as: BE1030828B1; BE1030828A1

Abstract

The current invention relates to a support beam for roof support of a concrete frame building, the support beam being formed by a concrete volume extending in a longitudinal direction, having a T-shaped or I-shaped cross-section, formed by a stroke and an arm or by a stroke, a first and second arm, the support beam comprises a concrete reinforcement volume in each corner formed by respectively the stroke and the arm or the stroke and the first arm, the concrete reinforcement volumes bounded by the stroke, the arm and a sloping wall, the support beam comprising at each end and both sides of the stroke a flat recess in the sloping wall, a perforation extending parallel with the stroke from the flat recess through the arm. The invention also relates to a concrete frame building and a method for constructing it.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a support beam, more in particular to a reusable support beam for roof support of a concrete frame building. The present invention also relates to a concrete frame building and a method for constructing a concrete frame building.

BACKGROUND

Concrete frame buildings are known from the state of the art. A concrete frame building is a building comprising a network of concrete columns and concrete connecting beams that forms the structural skeleton of a building. This grid of beams and columns is typically constructed on a concrete foundation and is used to support the building's floors, roof, walls, and cladding. Concrete frame buildings are often used for larger buildings, such as office buildings, apartment buildings and industrial buildings. The network of columns and beams can be casted on site or precast elements can be used.
The main advantage of a concrete frame building is that the network of columns and beams forms a sturdy frame, simplifying the actual design and construction of the building.
The same sturdy frame is on the other hand also the main disadvantage. The use of a larger building can change over the years. This is especially the case for office buildings and industrial buildings. The needs of companies evolve over time, resulting in a building that is no longer suitable. The building must be adapted, but this is often not possible due to the sturdy frame that does not fit with the wanted new layout of the building. Because the columns and beams are attached to each other using grout, cement, mortar or the like or are casted on site as a single piece, it is also impossible to change the frame. The result is that the whole building is teared down. For the same reason no part of the frame can be reused during construction of the new concrete frame building. This results in a high ecological footprint.
Another drawback of known concrete frame buildings is that construction of the concrete frame requires often a variety of custom made beams. This increases design and construction costs, but also hampers the re-use of beams. This is especially the case for support beams for roof support.
Also disadvantageous is that a traditional roof construction of concrete frame building results in height loss inside the concrete frame building. The traditional roof construction comprises support beams and cross beams that are attached to concrete columns at different heights. This is especially in case of a warehouse a disadvantage, because a lowest point of the roof construction determines an allowed stacking height inside the warehouse.
The invention thereto aims to provide a solution for at least some of the above mentioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention relates to a support beam according to claim 1.
This support beam has a low weight and a high strength due to the T-shaped or I-shaped cross-section and the concrete reinforcement volumes in the corners formed by the stroke and the arm of the T-shape or the stroke and the first arm of the I-shape. The flat recesses in the sloping wall at each end of the support beam and at both sides of the stroke are advantageous for detachably attaching the support beam to columns of a concrete frame of a building. The support beam is suited to be placed with a flat surface defined by the arm of the T-shape or the first arm of the I-shape on the columns or on corbels of the columns and detachably attached using connections means through the perforations, such as bolts and nuts or threaded rods and nuts or threaded bushes and bolts, to the columns. Thanks to the flat recesses the connection means can be tightened to firmly attach the support beams to the columns. Because the support beam comprises perforations at both sides of the stroke and because the support beam is suited to be placed with the flat surface defined by the arm of the T-shape or the first arm of the I-shape on the columns or on corbels of the columns, the support beam is adapted to absorb torsional forces around the longitudinal direction of the support beam. It is not any longer required to attach the support beams in a non-detachable manner using for instance mortar, cement, or grout to obtain a sturdy frame. Because of that it is possible to modify the concrete frame of a building when required or to at least reuse support beams when a building is teared down, reducing the ecological footprint tremendously of a concrete frame building using support beams according to the current invention. The T-shape or the stroke extending through the first arm in case of the I-shape of the support beam is additionally beneficial because the support beam can be placed higher, protruding through an upper plane formed by crossbeams of a roof support of a concrete frame building, while maintaining the same strength as traditional I-shaped support beams. Traditional I-shaped support beams cannot protrude said plane, reducing the useful stacking height in for instance a warehouse.
Preferred embodiments of the support beam are shown in any of the claims 2 to 5.
A specific preferred embodiment relates to a support beam according to claim 5.
The corbels at both sides of the stroke are advantageous for reducing the number of columns in a concrete frame building, while maintaining a sufficiently dense raster of support beams and crossbeams, resulting in more open space in the concrete frame building.
In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a concrete frame building according to claim 6.
A concrete frame building according to claim 6 is advantageous because the roof support of the concrete frame is formed by support beams and concrete crossbeams that are detachably attached to the columns of the concrete frame using connection means, allowing to modify the concrete frame when the concrete frame building needs to be adapted according to the changed needs of the users of the concrete frame building. At least the support beams and the concrete crossbeams can be reused for constructing the roof support of a new concrete frame building when the current building is teared down. The concrete frame building results therefore in a reduced ecological footprint.
Preferred embodiments of the concrete frame building are shown in any of the claims 7 to 12.
A specific preferred embodiment relates to a concrete frame building according to claim 11.
This embodiment is advantageous for constructing the roof support of a concrete frame building with standardized and identical crossbeams. This roof support must be inclined to facilitate the drainage of water on the roof. Therefore, the crossbeams are usually of another shape than crossbeams of other levels of the concrete frame building to obtain the required inclination. Depending on the required inclination, another shape of crossbeam needs to be manufactured. By the use of the elastomer blocks, the required inclination for the roof support is obtained by placing the elastomer blocks under the crossbeams, which have an angle between the top surface and the bottom surface that corresponds to the required inclination. Independent of the inclination, identical crossbeams can be used, reducing costs and simplifying the design and the construction of the concrete frame building.
In a third aspect the present invention relates to a method according to claim 13.
The method is advantageous for constructing a concrete frame building that can be modified according to the changed needs of the users of the concrete frame building or at least allows to reuse support beams and crossbeams for constructing a new roof support of a concrete frame building when the constructed building is teared down. The method reduces the ecological footprint of constructing a concrete frame building.
Preferred embodiments of the method are shown in any of the claims 14 to 15.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a roof support of a concrete frame building according to the prior art.
Figure 2 shows a side view of a support beam according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3A shows a sectional view along axis A-A of the support beam of Figure 2.
Figure 3B shows a sectional view along axis B-B of the support beam of Figure 2.
Figure 4 shows a detail of a sectional view along axis C-C of the support beam of Figure 2.
Figure 5 shows a side view of a crossbeam according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6A shows a sectional view along axis A-A of the crossbeam of Figure 5.
Figure 6B shows a sectional view along axis B-B of the crossbeam of Figure 5.
Figure 6C shows a sectional view along axis C-C of the crossbeam of Figure 5.
Figure 6D shows a sectional view along axis D-D of the crossbeam of Figure 5.
Figure 7 shows a detail of a side view of a concrete frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.
As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:
"A", "an", and "the" as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more than one compartment.
"Comprise", "comprising", and "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "include", "including", "includes" or "contain", "containing", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.
Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.
The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.
Whereas the terms "one or more" or "at least one", such as one or more or at least one member(s) of a group of members, is clear per se, by means of further exemplification, the term encompasses inter alia a reference to any one of said members, or to any two or more of said members, such as, e.g., any ≥3, ≥4, ≥5, ≥6 or ≥7 etc. of said members, and up to all said members.
Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.
In the context of this document a concrete frame building is a building comprising a frame bearing the load of the building. The frame comprises a network of concrete columns and concrete connecting beams that forms the structural skeleton of the building. The concrete is usually reinforced concrete.
In the context of this document with rebar is meant reinforcement bars to reinforce concrete. These reinforcement bars can be in the shape of rods, meshes, loops or combinations of the previous.
In the context of this document a corbel is a projection jutting out from an element of a concrete frame, such as for instance a support beam or a column, to support a structure above it.
In the context of this document a stroke of a T-shape corresponds to the vertical part of the Roman capital letter T and an arm of a T-shape corresponds to the horizontal part of the Roman capital letter T on top of the stroke.
In the context of this document a stroke of an I-shape corresponds to the vertical part of the Roman capital letter I, a first arm of an I-shape corresponds to the horizontal part at the bottom of the stroke of the Roman capital letter I and a second arm of an I-shape corresponds to the horizontal part at the top of the stroke of the Roman capital letter I.
In a first aspect, the invention relates to a support beam for roof support of a concrete frame building.
In a preferred embodiment the support beam is formed by a concrete volume extending in a longitudinal direction. Preferably the concrete volume is reinforced with rebars. The concrete volume has a T-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The T-shape is formed by a stroke and an arm. The support beam has a constant height. The height is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the direction of the stroke. A constant height is beneficial for obtaining a simple beam that can be easily produced and used or reused flexibly. Preferably the T-shaped cross-section has not only a constant height, but the same dimension along the full length of the support beam, wherein the length of the support beam is measured in the longitudinal direction of the support beam.
The support beam comprises a concrete reinforcement volume in each corner formed by the stroke and the arm of the T-shape. When referring to the Roman capital letter T, said corners are the angles of 90° formed by the arm and the stroke left and right from the stroke. The reference to the Roman capital letter T is just made for clarification and it does not require that the actual angle between the arm and the stroke of the support beam is in said corners exactly 90°. The actual angle may deviate due to chamfers, for example. The concrete reinforcement volumes are bounded by the stroke, the arm, and a sloping wall. The sloping wall is extending from a free end of the arm up to the stroke. The concrete reinforcement volume is extending in the longitudinal direction of the support beam. The concrete reinforcement volume is preferably extending in the longitudinal direction along the full length of the support beam. It is clear to the skilled person in the art that in this context with the stroke and the arm is not meant a single line in a single cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support beam, but a surface defined by every stroke and arm in every possible cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support beam. It is also clear that the surface defined by the arm is an outer surface of the support beam that corresponds to the top side of the arm of a Roman capital letter T and that the surfaces defined by the stroke are outer surfaces of the support beam that correspond to the left and rights side of the stroke of a Roman capital letter T. In the remainder of this document, stroke and arm can also refer to a single line in a single cross-section or to a surface, depending on the context. The support beam has a low weight and a high strength due to the T-shaped cross-section and the concrete reinforcement volumes in the corners formed by the stroke and the arm of the T-shape.
The support beam comprises at each end of the support beam and at both sides of the stroke a flat recess in the sloping wall. Said ends of the support beam are defined along the longitudinal direction of the support beam. Consequently, the support beam comprises at least four flat recesses. The flat recesses define a flat surface. The flat recess is parallel to the arm. It is clear to a skilled person in the art that it is meant that the flat surface defined by the flat recess is parallel to the surface defined by the arm as explained before. A perforation is extending from the flat recess through the arm. This means that the perforation starts from the flat surface defined by the flat recess and ends on the surface defined by the arm. The perforation is consequently throughout the entire arm. The perforation is extending parallel with the stroke. It is clear that the support beam comprises at least four perforations, at least one for each flat recess.
The flat recesses are advantageous for detachably attaching the support beam to columns of a concrete frame of a building. The support beam is suited to be placed with a flat surface defined by the arm of the T-shape on the columns or on corbels of the columns and detachably attached using connections means through the perforations, such as bolts and nuts or threaded rods and nuts or threaded bushes and bolts, to the columns. Thanks to the flat recesses, parallel with the arm of the T-shape, the connection means can be tightened to firmly attach the support beams to the columns. Because the support beam comprises perforations at both sides of the stroke and because the support beam is suited to be placed with the flat surface defined by the arm of the T-shape on the columns or on corbels of the columns, the support beam is adapted to absorb torsional forces around the longitudinal direction of the support beam. It is not any longer required to attach the support beams in a non-detachable manner using for instance mortar, cement, or grout to obtain a sturdy frame that is able to absorb the load on the frame, including said torsional forces. Because the support beams can be detached by untightening the connection means, it is possible to modify the concrete frame of a building when required or to at least reuse support beams when a building is teared down, reducing the ecological footprint tremendously of a concrete frame building. The T-shape of the support beam is additionally beneficial because the support beam can be placed higher, protruding through an upper plane formed by crossbeams of a roof support of a concrete frame building, while maintaining the same strength as traditional I-shaped support beams. The same strength can be maintained because it is not necessary to reduce the height of the support beam in order to place the support higher. Traditional I-shaped support beams cannot protrude said plane, reducing the useful stacking height in for instance a warehouse.
In an alternative embodiment the support beam is formed by a concrete volume extending in a longitudinal direction, having an I-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Preferably the concrete volume is reinforced with rebars. The I-shape is formed by a stroke and a first arm and a second arm. The support beam has a constant height. The height is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the direction of the stroke. Preferably the I-shaped cross-section has not only a constant height, but the same dimension along the full length of the support beam, wherein the length of the support beam is measured in the longitudinal direction of the support beam.
The support beam comprises a concrete reinforcement volume in each corner formed by the stroke and the first arm of the I-shape. When referring to the Roman capital letter I, said corners are the angles of 90° formed by the first arm and the stroke left and right from the stroke. The reference to the Roman capital letter I is just made for clarification and it does not require that the actual angle between the first arm and the stroke of the support beam is in said corners exactly 90°. The actual angle may deviate due to chamfers, for example. The concrete reinforcement volumes are bounded by the stroke, the first arm, and a sloping wall. The sloping wall is extending from a free end of the first arm up to the stroke. The concrete reinforcement volume is extending in the longitudinal direction of the support beam. The concrete reinforcement volume is preferably extending in the longitudinal direction along the full length of the support beam. It is clear to the skilled person in the art that in this context with the stroke and the first arm is not meant a single line in a single cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support beam, but a surface defined by every stroke and first arm in every possible cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support beam. It is also clear that the surface defined by the first arm is an outer surface of the support beam that corresponds to the bottom side of the first arm of a Roman capital letter I and that the surfaces defined by the stroke are outer surfaces of the support beam that correspond to the left and rights side of the stroke of a Roman capital letter I. In the remainder of this document, stroke and first arm can also refer to a single line in a single cross-section or to a surface, depending on the context. The support beam has a low weight and a high strength due to the I-shaped cross-section and the concrete reinforcement volumes in the corners formed by the stroke and the arm of the I-shape. It is clear to the skilled person that the support beam may comprise similar concrete reinforcement volumes in each corner formed by the stroke and the second arm of the I-shape.
The stroke extends through the second arm, forming a free end of the stroke. This means that the support beam comprises a protrusion on the surface defined by the second arm, that is an extension of the stroke. The definition for the surface defined by the first arm applies mutatis mutandis to the surface defined by the second arm.
The support beam comprises at each end of the support beam and at both sides of the stroke a flat recess in the sloping wall. Said ends of the support beam are defined along the longitudinal direction of the support beam. Consequently, the support beam comprises at least four flat recesses. The flat recesses define a flat surface. The flat recess is parallel to the first arm. It is clear to a skilled person in the art that it is meant that the flat surface defined by the flat recess is parallel to the surface defined by the first arm as explained before. A perforation is extending from the flat recess through the first arm. This means that the perforation starts from the flat surface defined by the flat recess and ends on the surface defined by the first arm. The perforation is consequently throughout the entire first arm. The perforation is extending parallel with the stroke. It is clear that the support beam comprises at least four perforations, at least one for each flat recess.
This alternative embodiment has similar advantages as the previously described embodiment having a T-shaped cross-section. The stroke extending through the second arm is additionally beneficial because the support beam can be placed higher, the free end of the stroke protruding through an upper plane formed by crossbeams of a roof support of a concrete frame building, while maintaining the same strength as traditional I-shaped support beams. The same strength can be maintained because it is not necessary to reduce the height of the support beam in order to place the support higher. Traditional I-shaped support beams cannot protrude said plane, reducing the useful stacking height in for instance a warehouse. This alternative embodiment is especially advantageous for constructing buildings with a possible heavy load on the roof, for instance due to snow.
In a preferred embodiment the support beam comprises a first looped rebar, a second looped rebar and a third looped rebar. The first, second and third looped rebar are preferably formed by bending a steel bar in a loop and by welding the ends of the bended steel bar to each other. The first, second and third looped rebar are extending in the longitudinal direction of the support beam. Preferably the first, second and third looped rebar are extending over at least 80% of a total length of the support beam in the longitudinal direction, more preferably over at least 85% of the total length of the support beam, even more preferably over at least 90% of the total length of the support beam and most preferably over at least 95% of the total length of the support beam.
The first looped rebar is positioned inside the support beam in a plane parallel to the stroke. The second looped rebar and the third looped rebar are positioned inside the support beam in a plane parallel to the arm. The second looped rebar and the third looped rebar are positioned on opposite sides of the stroke.
This embodiment is advantageous to reinforce the concrete of the support beam against tensile forces in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction and in the plane of the stroke (first looped rebar) or in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction and in the plane of the arm (second and third rebar). Concrete can handle compressive forces very well, but not tensile forces. The tensile forces will be absorbed by the rebars. Because of the loop, the sense of the tensile force is not important. This embodiment is additionally beneficial because it allows the use of the support beam in two orientations, being with the arm oriented upwards or downwards.
In case of an embodiment with an I-shaped cross-section, the support beam preferably comprises a fourth looped rebar and a fifth looped rebar. The fourth looped rebar is similar to the second looped rebar and the fifth looped rebar is similar to the third looped rebar. The second looped rebar and the third looped rebar are preferably positioned in the first arm and the fourth looped rebar and the fifth looped rebar are preferably positioned in the second arm.
In a preferred embodiment the support beam comprises a first series of looped rebars and a second series of looped rebars. A looped rebar is preferably formed by bending a steel bar in a loop and by welding the ends of the bended steel bar to each other. Each looped rebar of the first series of looped rebars and each looped rebar of the second series of looped rebars is positioned in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support beam. A looped rebar of the first series is positioned in the stroke. A looped rebar of the second series is positioned in the arm, or a looped rebar of the second series is positioned in the arm and in the reinforcement volumes. A looped rebar of the second series preferably extends through a plane defined by the stroke.
This embodiment is advantageous to reinforce the concrete of the support beam against tensile forces in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and in the plane of the stroke (first series of looped rebars) or in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and in the plane of the arm (second series of looped rebars). A series of looped rebars is beneficial to allow a good absorption of tensile forces in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction throughout the full length of the support beam. Because of the loop, the sense of the force is not important. This embodiment is beneficially combined with the previous embodiment, to reinforce the concrete against tensile forces in directions parallel with and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support beam. This embodiment is beneficially combined with the previous embodiment, because it allows to attach the first series and second series of looped rebars to the first looped rebar, the second looped rebar and the third looped rebar, simplifying the positioning of the first and second series of looped rebars during casting of the support beam.
In case of an embodiment with an I-shaped cross-section, the support beam preferably comprises a fourth series of looped rebars. The fourth series of looped rebars is similar to the second series of looped rebars. The second series of looped rebars is preferably positioned in the first arm and the fourth series of looped rebars is preferably positioned in the second arm. In combination with the previous embodiment, the fourth series of looped rebars is preferably attached to the first looped rebar, the second looped rebar and the third looped rebar and when applicable to the fourth looped rebar and the fifth looped rebar.
In a preferred embodiment the support beam comprises a third series of looped rebars. A looped rebar is preferably formed by bending a steel bar in a loop and by welding the ends of the bended steel bar to each other. Each looped rebar of the third series of looped rebars is extending in the longitudinal direction of the support beam. Preferably each looped rebar of the third series of looped rebars is extending over at least 80% of a total length of the support beam in the longitudinal direction, more preferably over at least 85% of the total length of the support beam, even more preferably over at least 90% of the total length of the support beam and most preferably over at least 95% of the total length of the support beam. Each looped rebar of the third series of looped rebars is parallel to the arm. Each looped rebar of the third series of looped rebars is positioned inside the support beam in a plane parallel to the arm. Each looped rebar of the third series of looped rebars is positioned inside the stroke.
This embodiment is advantageous to reinforce the concrete of the support beam against tensile forces in a direction parallel with the longitudinal direction and in the plane of the stroke. A series of looped rebars is beneficial to allow a good absorption of tensile forces in a direction parallel with the longitudinal direction throughout the full height of the support beam. Because of the loop, the sense of the force is not important. This embodiment is beneficially combined with the previous two embodiments, to reinforce the concrete against tensile forces in directions parallel with and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support beam. This embodiment is beneficially combined with previous embodiment describing the first looped rebar, because it allows to attach the third series of looped rebars to the first looped rebar, simplifying the positioning of the third series of looped rebars during casting of the support beam.
It is clear to the skilled person that in case of an embodiment with an I-shaped cross-section, the third series of looped rebars are parallel to the first arm and/or the second arm.
In a preferred embodiment the support beam comprises longitudinal rebars parallel to the longitudinal direction of the support beam. Preferably a longitudinal rebar is extending over at least 80% of a total length of the support beam in the longitudinal direction, more preferably over at least 85% of the total length of the support beam, even more preferably over at least 90% of the total length of the support beam and most preferably over at least 95% of the total length of the support beam.
This embodiment is advantageous to reinforce the concrete of the support beam against tensile forces in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction and in the plane of the stroke. This embodiment is advantageously combined with the three previously described embodiments.
In a preferred embodiment the support beam comprises at both sides of the stroke a corbel. The corbels are opposite and positioned between the ends of the support beam along the longitudinal direction. Preferably the corbels are equidistant from each end. If the support beam comprises multiple corbels at each side of the stroke, the corbels are preferably regularly spread along the support beam, seen in the longitudinal direction. A corbel comprises a cavity extending parallel with the stroke for receiving connection means.
The corbels at both sides of the stroke are advantageous for reducing the number of columns in a concrete frame building, while maintaining a sufficiently dense raster of support beams and crossbeams, resulting in more open space in the concrete frame building.
In a second aspect, the invention relates to a concrete frame building.
In a preferred embodiment the concrete frame building comprises at least four concrete columns, at least two support beams and at least two concrete crossbeams. The support beams are concrete support beams. Preferably the concrete columns, the support beams and the concrete crossbeams are reinforced with rebars.
The concrete columns extend in a vertical direction. Optionally the concrete columns comprise corbels to support the support beams and/or the crossbeams. The concrete columns are substantially cylindrical- or beam-shaped or have another suited shape. A column is preferably placed on a concrete slab or a concrete foundation.
The support beams are support beams according to the first aspect. The support beams are placed in a first direction horizontally between two concrete columns. The support beams rest directly on the concrete columns or on corbels of the concrete columns. The support beams are placed at each end of the support beam along the longitudinal direction of the support beam with the arm of the T-shape on the concrete column. The support beam has a low weight and a high strength due to the T-shaped cross-section and the concrete reinforcement volumes in the corners formed by the stroke and the arm of the T-shape. Because the support beam comprises perforations at both sides of the stroke and because the support beam is suited to be placed with the flat surface formed by the arm of the T-shape on the columns or on corbels of the columns, the support beam is adapted to absorb torsional forces around the longitudinal direction of the support beam. It is not required to attach the support beams in a non-detachable manner using for instance mortar, cement, or grout to obtain a sturdy frame that can withstand torsional forces around the longitudinal direction of the support beam. At the same time the support beam results in a reduced use of concrete for constructing the concrete frame building due to its T-shaped cross-section, which is beneficial for a reduced ecological footprint.
In case of an embodiment of the support beam according to the first aspect having an I-shaped cross-section, the support beams are placed at each end of the support beam along the longitudinal direction of the support beam with the first arm of the I-shape on the concrete column. The previous paragraph applies mutatis mutandis.
The crossbeams are formed by a concrete volume extending in a longitudinal direction. The concrete volume has a rectangular, I-shaped, or T-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Preferably the concrete volume has a T-shaped cross-section. A crossbeam has a constant height. The height is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The crossbeams are placed in a second direction between two concrete columns. The second direction is transverse to the first direction. Preferably the second direction makes an angle of at most 10° with a plane defined by the support beams. Consequently, the second direction makes an angle of at most 10° with a horizontal plane. The crossbeams rest directly on the concrete columns or on corbels of the concrete columns.
The support beams and the crossbeams form a roof support of the concrete frame building.
The support beams and the crossbeams are detachably attached to the concrete columns using connection means. Non-limiting examples of suitable connection means are bolts and nuts or threaded rods and nuts or threaded bushes and bolts. For example, a threaded rod can be cemented in an opening of the column. The threaded rod fits through a perforation in the support beam or crossbeam. By tightening a nut, the support beam or crossbeam is detachably attached to the concrete column. It is clear that in a similar way the support beam or crossbeam can be detachably attached using bolts and nuts or threaded bushes and bolts. By attaching the support beams and crossbeams to the concrete columns a substantially rectangular three-dimensional lattice is obtained that forms the concrete frame of the concrete frame building.
The concrete frame building is advantageous because the concrete frame is formed by support beams and concrete crossbeams that are detachably attached to the columns of the concrete frame, allowing modification of the concrete frame when the concrete frame building needs to be adapted according to the changed needs of the users of the concrete frame building. At least the support beams and the concrete crossbeams can be reused for constructing the roof support of a new concrete frame building when the current building is teared down. The concrete frame building results therefore in a reduced ecological footprint.
In a further embodiment a crossbeam has a T-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the crossbeam. The T-shape is formed by a stroke and an arm. The stroke of the crossbeam has a cut-out at each end of the crossbeam along the longitudinal direction of the crossbeam. The concrete column is received in the cut-out. A surface formed by the arm of the T-shape of the crossbeam is facing upwards. It is clear that the surface defined by the arm is an outer surface of the crossbeam that corresponds to the top side of the arm of a Roman capital letter T. At each end of the crossbeam said surface defined by the arm of the T-shape of the crossbeam is at a lower height than a free end of the stroke of the T-shape of a support beam that is detachably attached to the same column. A free end of the stroke of the T-shape of the crossbeam is at each end of the crossbeam at a same height ± 5.0 cm as a downwards facing surface formed by the arm of the T-shape of the support beam that is detachably attached to the same column. Said free end of the stroke is preferably at a same height ± 4.0 cm, more preferably at a same height ± 3.0 cm, even more preferably at a same height ± 2.0 cm. The height is measured in a vertical direction from a reference point on said column. Preferably the crossbeam has a length, measured in the longitudinal direction of the crossbeam, that is greater than the length of the support beam, measured in the longitudinal direction of the support beam.
It is clear that in case of a support beam with an I-shaped cross-section, the previous paragraph applies mutatis mutandis for the free end of the stroke formed by the stroke extending through the second arm of the support beam.
This embodiment is especially advantageous for maximizing available stacking height in an industrial building. A traditional roof construction of concrete frame building results in height loss inside the concrete frame building. The traditional roof construction comprises support beams and cross beams that are attached to concrete columns at different heights. This is especially in case of a warehouse a disadvantage, because a lowest point of the roof construction determines an allowed stacking height inside the warehouse. In the current embodiment, the support beams form both lowest and highest points of the roof of the building. The crossbeams form long spans of the roof between support beams. Roof panels rest on the arms of the crossbeams. Roof panels are often corrugated roof panels. Because the support beams are placed with the arms on the columns, the stroke of the support beams is pointing upwards. The support beams are moved upwards compared to the traditional roof construction until the free end of the stroke of the support beams is protruding through an upper plane formed by the crossbeams and until the free end of the stroke of the T-shape of the crossbeam is at each end of the crossbeam at the same height ± 5.0 cm as the downwards facing surface formed by the arm of the T-shape of the support beam. The available height inside the concrete frame building is consequently maximized.
Alternatively, the crossbeam has an I-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the crossbeam. The I-shape is formed by a stroke and a first arm and a second arm. In the case of an I-shaped cross-section, a surface formed by the second arm of the I-shape of the crossbeam is facing upwards. In this case at each end of the crossbeam said surface is at a lower height than a free end of the stroke of the T-shape or I-shape of a support beam that is detachably attached to the same column. A downwards facing surface formed by the first arm of the I-shape of the crossbeam is at each end of the crossbeam at a same height ± 5.0 cm as a downwards facing surface formed by the arm of the T-shape or the first arm of the I-shape of the support beam that is detachably attached to the same column.
A crossbeam with an I-shaped cross-section has similar advantages as a crossbeam with a T-shaped cross-section. A crossbeam with an I-shaped cross-section is especially advantageous for constructing buildings with a possible heavy load on the roof, for instance due to snow.
In a further embodiment the support beams comprise at both sides of the stroke of the support beam a corbel.
The corbels are opposite and positioned between the ends of the support beam along the longitudinal direction of the support beam. Preferably the corbels are equidistant from each end. If the support beam comprises multiple corbels at each side of support beam, the corbels are preferably regularly spread along the support beam, seen in the longitudinal direction. A corbel comprises a cavity extending parallel with the stroke for receiving connection means.
Additional crossbeams are placed in the second direction between two adjacent support beams. The additional crossbeams are identical to the crossbeams placed in the second direction between two concrete columns. This is beneficial for simplifying construction of the concrete frame building and also for reuse of the additional crossbeams after tearing down the concrete frame building in the construction of a new concrete frame building. The additional crossbeams are detachably attached using connection means to the corbels of the adjacent support beams. Non-limiting examples of suitable connection means are bolts and nuts or threaded rods and nuts or threaded bushes and bolts.
The corbels at both sides of the support beams and the additional crossbeams are advantageous for reducing the number of columns in a concrete frame building, while maintaining a sufficiently dense raster of support beams and crossbeams, resulting in more open space in the concrete frame building.
A surface formed by the arm of the T-shape of the additional crossbeam is facing upwards. At each end of the additional crossbeam said surface is at a lower height than a free end of the stroke of the T-shape of the support beam to which said end is detachably attached. A free end of the stroke of the T-shape of the additional crossbeam is at each end of the crossbeam at a same height ± 5.0 cm as a downwards facing surface formed by the arm of the T-shape of the support beam to which said end is detachably attached. Said free end of the stroke is preferably at a same height ± 4.0 cm, more preferably at a same height ± 3.0 cm, even more preferably at a same height ± 2.0 cm. The height is measured in a vertical direction from the reference point mentioned in the previous embodiment.
This embodiment has the same advantages for maximizing the available stacking height.
In the case the crossbeam has an I-shaped cross-section, the additional crossbeam has an I-shaped cross-section. A surface formed by the second arm of the I-shape of the additional crossbeam is facing upwards. At each end of the additional crossbeam said surface is at a lower height than a free end of the stroke of the T-shape or I-shape of the support beam to which said end is detachably attached. A downwards facing surface formed by the first arm of the I-shape of the additional crossbeam is at each end of the additional crossbeam at a same height ± 5.0 cm as a downwards facing surface formed by the arm of the T-shape or the first arm of the I-shape of the support beam to which said end is detachably attached. Said surface is preferably at a same height ± 4.0 cm, more preferably at a same height ± 3.0 cm, even more preferably at a same height ± 2.0 cm. The height is measured in a vertical direction from the reference point mentioned in the previous embodiment.
In a preferred embodiment corrugated roof panels are placed on the support beams and the crossbeams as roof covering. The corrugated roof panels are preferably corrugated metal panels. The free end of the stroke of each support beams is placed inside a groove in a corrugated roof panel. Said free end of the stroke has a profile that is at most 1 cm separated from walls of the corrugated panel forming the groove.
It is clear that in case of a support beam with an I-shaped cross-section, the previous paragraph concerns the free end of the stroke formed by the stroke extending through the second arm of the support beam.
This embodiment is advantageous because the support beam can protrude through the upper plane formed by the crossbeams as previously described, while still allowing to place the corrugated roof panels uninterrupted as with a traditional roof construction. It is not necessary to construct a roof ridge, which would increase effort and costs and would introduce risk on leaks. It is clear that this embodiment is also applicable for additional crossbeams. This embodiment can be beneficially combined with the two previously described embodiments to maximize the stacking height.
In a preferred embodiment an elastomer block is placed under the crossbeams of the concrete frame. The elastomer block is placed between the crossbeams and the columns or between the crossbeams and the corbels of the columns on which the crossbeams rest. The elastomer block has a density of at least 1200 kg/m³, preferably a density of at least 1300 kg/m³, more preferably a density of at least 1400 kg/m³ and most preferably a density of at least 1500 kg/m³. The elastomer block has a tensile strength of at least 2.5 MPa, preferably a tensile strength of at least 3.0 MPa, more preferably a tensile strength of at least 3.5 MPa and most preferably a tensile strength of 4.0 MPa. The tensile strength is determined according to ISO 37:2017. The elastomer block has an elongation at break of at least 150%, preferably at least 160%, more preferably at least 170% and most preferably at least 180%. The elongation at break is determined according to ISO 37:2017. The elastomer block has a Shore A hardness of at least 40, preferably at least 50 more preferably at least 60. A non-limiting example of a suitable material for the elastomer block is a synthetic rubber such as neoprene.
A concrete frame comprising detachably attached crossbeams allows minor movements of the crossbeams with reference to the columns. In order to avoid damage due to friction or breakage of the crossbeams or columns, elastomer blocks are placed under the crossbeams to allow these minor movements. However, the elastomer block must be able to withstand the enormous loads of the concrete frame building. An elastomer block with the previously given properties is able to withstand the required load without excessive or premature wear.
Optionally the elastomer block is under the support beams. The elastomer block has the same advantages.
This embodiment is also advantageous in combination with previously described additional crossbeams, in which case the elastomer block is placed in between the additional crossbeams and the corbels of the support beams.
In a further embodiment the elastomer block has a top surface and a bottom surface wherein the top surface and the bottom surface are under an angle of at least 1° and at most 10°. Preferably the angle is at most 8°, more preferably at most 6°, even more preferably at most 4° and most preferably at most 3°.
This embodiment is advantageous for constructing the roof support of a concrete frame building with standardized and identical crossbeams. This roof support must be inclined to facilitate drainage of water on the roof. Therefore, the crossbeams are usually of another shape than crossbeams of other levels of the concrete frame building to obtain the required inclination. Usually, these crossbeams have a triangular shape. Depending on the required inclination, another shape of crossbeam needs to be manufactured. By the use of the elastomer blocks, the required inclination for the roof support is obtained by placing the elastomer blocks under the crossbeams, which have an angle between the top surface and the bottom surface that corresponds to the required inclination. Independent of the inclination, identical crossbeams can be used, reducing costs and simplifying the design and the construction of the concrete frame building. A small angle between 1° and 10° is sufficient for drainage of the water on the roof. Such a small angle also requires only a very small gap between the column and the crossbeams to allow inclination of the crossbeams.
It is clear that this embodiment is also advantageous in combination with previously described additional crossbeams.
In a preferred embodiment the support beams have equal lengths measured along the longitudinal direction of the support beams and the crossbeams have equal lengths measured along the longitudinal direction of the crossbeams. The length of the support beams can be different or can be equal to the length of the crossbeams. Due to the equal lengths of the support beams and the equal lengths of the crossbeams, a completely regular lattice is obtained for the concrete frame.
This embodiment is advantageous for simplification of the construction of the concrete frame building. Every support beam can be used for every position of a support beam in the concrete frame building and every crossbeam can be used for every position of a crossbeam in the concrete frame building. This embodiment is additionally beneficial to reduce construction costs because the support beams and crossbeams can be produced in increased numbers. This embodiment is especially beneficial for the reuse of support beams and crossbeams when a concrete frame building is teared down because a new building can be designed to use support beams and cross beams with a standard length.
In a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for constructing a concrete frame building.
In a preferred embodiment the method comprises the steps of:

placing at least four concrete columns on a rectangular grid;
placing support beams in a first direction horizontally between each pair of concrete columns;
attaching the support beams to the concrete columns;
placing crossbeams in a second direction between each pair of concrete columns;
attaching the crossbeams to the concrete columns.

The support beams and crossbeams are concrete support beams and crossbeams. Preferably the concrete columns, the support beams and the concrete crossbeams are reinforced with rebars. The support beams and crossbeams form a roof support of the concrete frame building.
The concrete columns extend in a vertical direction. A column is preferably placed on a concrete slab or a concrete foundation.
The support beams are support beams according to the first aspect. The support beams are placed at each end of the support beam along the longitudinal direction of the support beam with the arm of the T-shape on the concrete column. As described before, it is not required to attach the support beams in a non-detachable manner using for instance mortar, cement, or grout to obtain a sturdy frame that can withstand torsional forces around the longitudinal direction of the support beam, allowing modification of the concrete frame of the building or reuse of the support beams. At the same time the reduced use of concrete for constructing the concrete frame building is beneficial for a lower ecological footprint.
In case of an embodiment of the support beam according to the first aspect having an I-shaped cross-section, the support beams are placed at each end of the support beam along the longitudinal direction of the support beam with the first arm of the I-shape on the concrete column.
The crossbeams are formed by a concrete volume extending in a longitudinal direction. The concrete volume has a rectangular, I-shaped, or T-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Preferably the concrete volume has a T-shaped cross-section. A crossbeam has a constant height. The height is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The second direction is transverse to the first direction. Preferably the second direction makes an angle of at most 10° with a plane defined by the support beams.
The support beams and the crossbeams are detachably attached to the concrete columns using connection means. Non-limiting examples of suitable connection means are bolts and nuts or threaded rods and nuts or threaded bushes and bolts.
The method is advantageous for constructing a concrete frame building that can be modified according to the changed needs of the users of the concrete frame building or at least allows to reuse support beams and crossbeams for constructing a new concrete frame building when the constructed building is teared down. The method reduces the ecological footprint of constructing a concrete frame building.
It is clear for a skilled person in the art that some of the steps of the method can be executed in a different order or that a step does not need to be completely completed before starting execution of a next step. For example, after placing two concrete columns, it is possible to start placing already a support beam or a crossbeam. It is also possible that after placing some of the support beams already some crossbeams are placed, while continuing placing concrete columns.
In a preferred embodiment, the support beams comprise at both sides of the stroke of the support beam a corbel.
The corbels are opposite and positioned between the ends of the support beam along the longitudinal direction of the support beam. Preferably the corbels are equidistant from each end. A corbel comprises a cavity extending parallel with the stroke for receiving connection means.
The method comprises an additional step of placing additional crossbeams in the second direction between two adjacent support beams and detachably attaching the additional crossbeams using connection means to the corbels of the adjacent support beams. This additional step is advantageous for reducing the number of columns in a concrete frame building, while maintaining a sufficiently dense raster of support beams and crossbeams, resulting in more open space in the concrete frame building.
In a preferred embodiment the method comprises an additional step of placing an elastomer block under the crossbeams of the concrete frame of the concrete frame building. The elastomer block has a density of at least 1200 kg/m³, preferably a density of at least 1300 kg/m³, more preferably a density of at least 1400 kg/m³ and most preferably a density of at least 1500 kg/m³. The elastomer block has a tensile strength of at least 2.5 MPa, preferably a tensile strength of at least 3.0 MPa, more preferably a tensile strength of at least 3.5 MPa and most preferably a tensile strength of 4.0 MPa. The tensile strength is determined according to ISO 37:2017. The elastomer block has an elongation at break of at least 150%, preferably at least 160%, more preferably at least 170% and most preferably at least 180%. The elongation at break is determined according to ISO 37:2017. The elastomer block has a Shore A hardness of at least 40, preferably at least 50 more preferably at least 60. A non-limiting example of a suitable material for the elastomer block is a synthetic rubber such as neoprene. An elastomer block with these properties is able to withstand the load of the concrete frame building without excessive or premature wear and avoids damage or breakage of crossbeams or columns due to minor movements between the crossbeams and the columns.
Optionally the elastomer block is also placed under the support beams. This embodiment is also advantageous in combination with previously described additional crossbeams.
In a further embodiment the elastomer block has a top surface and a bottom surface wherein the top surface and the bottom surface are under an angle of at least 1° and at most 10°. Preferably the angle is at most 8°, more preferably at most 6°, even more preferably at most 4° and most preferably at most 3°.
This embodiment is advantageous for constructing the roof support of a concrete frame building with standardized and identical crossbeams. The required inclination for the roof support to facilitate drainage of water on the roof is obtained by placing the elastomer blocks under the crossbeams level, which have an angle between the top surface and the bottom surface that corresponds to the required inclination. Independent of the required inclination, identical crossbeams can be used, reducing costs, and simplifying the design and construction of the concrete frame building.
A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a support beam according to the first aspect is suited for constructing a concrete frame building according to the second aspect and for executing a method according to the third aspect, that a concrete frame building according to the second aspect is preferably constructed using support beams according to the first aspect and the method according to the third aspect and that a method according to the third aspect is preferably executed with the use of support beams according to the first aspect and is preferably executed for constructing a concrete frame building according to the second aspect. Accordingly, any feature described in this document, above as well as below, may relate to any of the three aspects of the present invention.
The invention is further described by the following non-limiting figures which further illustrate the invention, and are not intended to, nor should they be interpreted to, limit the scope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a roof support of a concrete frame building according to the prior art.
The concrete frame building is constructed using columns (42), support beams (1), crossbeams (23) and additional crossbeams (47). The support beams (1) are not according to the current invention. The support beams (1) have an I-shaped cross-section. The support beams (1) are placed on corbels (7) of the columns (42). The crossbeams (23) are not according to the current invention. The crossbeams (23) have an I-shaped cross-section. The crossbeams (23) are placed on the columns (42). The additional crossbeams (47) are not according to the current invention. The additional crossbeams (47) have an I-shaped cross-section. The additional crossbeams (47) are not identical to the crossbeams (23). The additional crossbeams (47) have a cut-out for receiving the corbel (7) of the support beams (1). The additional crossbeams (47) and the crossbeams (23) have a different length. The crossbeams (23) have a lower surface that is at an end of the crossbeam (23) that is attached to the column (42) at a bigger height than a lower surface of the support beam (1) that is attached to the same column (1). The additional crossbeams (47) have a lower surface that is at an end of the additional crossbeam (47) that is attached to the corbel (7) of the support beam (1) at a bigger height than a lower surface of that same support beam (1).
Figure 2 shows a side view of a support beam according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The support beam (1) is formed by a concrete volume extending in a longitudinal direction (8). The concrete volume has a T-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (8). The T-shaped cross-section will be clearly visible in Figures 3A and 3B. The T-shape is formed by a stroke (6) and an arm (2). The stroke (6) and the arm (2) will also be clearly visible in Figures 3A and 3B. The support beam (1) has a constant height (10). The height (10) is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (8) and parallel to the stroke (6). The support beam (1) comprises a concrete reinforcement volume (3) in each corner formed by the stroke (6) and the arm (2). The concrete reinforcement volume (3) is bounded by the stroke (6), the arm (2) and a sloping wall (11). This is clearly depicted in Figure 3B. The support beam (1) comprises at each end (9) of the support beam (1) and at both sides of the stroke (6) a flat recess (4) in the sloping wall (11). A perforation (5) is extending from the flat recess (4) through the arm (2). The perforation (5) is extending parallel with the stroke (6). The support beam (1) comprises at both sides of the stroke (6) a corbel (7). The corbel (7) is represented in more detail in Figure 4.
Figure 3A shows a sectional view along axis A-A of the support beam of Figure 2.
Figure 3A clearly shows that the flat recess (4) defines a flat surface parallel to the arm (2) and that at each side of the stroke (6) a perforation (5) extends through the arm (2) parallel with the stroke (6). The support beam (1) comprises a first looped rebar (12), a second looped rebar (13) and a third looped rebar (14), extending in the longitudinal direction (8) of the support beam (1). The first looped rebar (12) is positioned inside the support beam (1) in a plane parallel to the stroke (6). The second looped rebar (13) and the third looped rebar (14) are positioned inside the support beam (1) in a plan parallel to the arm (2). The second looped rebar (13) and the third looped rebar (14) are positioned on opposite sides of the stroke (6). The support beam (1) comprises a first series of looped rebars (15), a second series of looped rebars (16) and a third series of looped rebars (17). Each looped rebar of the first series of looped rebars (15) and each looped rebar of the second series of looped rebars (16) is positioned in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (8) of the support beam (1). A looped rebar of the first series (15) is positioned in the stroke (6). A looped rebar of the second series (16) is positioned in the arm (2) and extends through a plane defined by the stroke (6). Each looped rebar of the third series of looped rebars (17) is extending in the longitudinal direction (8) of the support beam. Each looped rebar of the third series (17) is parallel to the arm (2) and positioned inside the stroke (6). The support beam (1) further comprises longitudinal rebars (18) parallel to the longitudinal direction (8) of the support beam (1).
Figure 3B shows a sectional view along axis B-B of the support beam of Figure 2.
Figure 3B shows how the concrete reinforcement volume (3) is bounded by the stroke (6), the arm (2) and a sloping wall (11). The sloping wall (11) extends from a free end of the arm (2) up to the stroke (6). In this part of the support beam (1), where there is no flat recess (4), a looped rebar of the second series (16) is positioned in the arm (2) and in the reinforcement volume (3).
Figure 4 shows a detail of a sectional view along axis C-C of the support beam of Figure 2.
Figure 4 does not show the complete length of the support beam (1) of Figure 2, but only the part near the corbels (7). Figure 4 clearly shows that the support beam (1) comprises at both sides of the stroke (6) a corbel (7). The corbels (7) are opposite each other with respect to the stroke (6). Each corbel (7) comprises a cavity (22) extending parallel with the stroke (6) for receiving connection means. The corbels (7) comprise a first looped rebar (19) to reinforce the concrete against tensile forces in directions parallel with the arm (2) and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (8). The corbels (7) comprise a first series of looped rebars (20) to reinforce the concrete against tensile forces in directions parallel with the stroke (6) and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (8). The corbels (7) comprise a second series of looped rebars (21) to reinforce the concrete against tensile forces in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (8) and parallel with the arm (2).
Figure 5 shows a side view of a crossbeam according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The crossbeam (23) is formed by a concrete volume extending in a longitudinal direction (30).
The concrete volume has a T-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (30). The T-shaped cross-section will be clearly visible in Figures 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D. The T-shape is formed by a stroke (25) and an arm (24). The stroke (25) and the arm (24) will also be clearly visible in Figures 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D. The crossbeam (23) has a constant height (31). The height (31) is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (30) and parallel to the stroke (25). The stroke (25) of the crossbeam (23) has a cut-out (28) at each end (26) of the crossbeam (23) along the longitudinal direction (30) of the crossbeam (23). The crossbeam (23) comprises at each end (26) a perforation (27). The perforation (27) extends parallel with the stroke (25) through the crossbeam (23). Near one end (26) of the crossbeam there is a cylindrical passage (29) through the stroke (25). The passage (29) has an axis parallel with the arm (24) and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (30). The passage (29) is beneficial as throughput for pipes, cables and the like.
Figure 6A shows a sectional view along axis A-A of the crossbeam of Figure 5.
Figure 6A clearly shows how the perforation (27) extends parallel with the stroke (25) through the crossbeam (23). The crossbeam (23) comprises longitudinal rebars (32) extending in the longitudinal direction (30) to reinforce the concrete against tensile forces in directions parallel with the longitudinal direction (30). The crossbeam (23) comprises a first looped rebar (33) extending in the longitudinal direction (30) to reinforce the concrete against tensile forces in directions parallel with the longitudinal direction (30). The crossbeam (23) comprises a first series of looped rebars (34) extending in the longitudinal direction (30) and parallel with the arm (24) to reinforce the concrete against tensile forces in directions parallel with the longitudinal direction (30). The crossbeam (23) comprises a second series of looped rebars (35) positioned in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (30). The second series (35) is positioned in the arm (24). The crossbeam (23) comprises a third series of looped rebars (36) positioned in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (30). The third series (36) is positioned in the arm (24) and the stroke (25). When comparing Figure 6A with the Figures 6B, 6C and 6D, it is clear that a part of the stroke (25) is missing due to the cut-out (28).
Figure 6B shows a sectional view along axis B-B of the crossbeam of Figure 5.
Figure 6B clearly shows that between the two ends (26) of the crossbeam (23), the crossbeam comprises a fourth series of looped rebars (37) and a fifth series of looped rebars (38) to reinforce the stroke (25). The looped rebars of the fourth series (37) extend in the longitudinal direction (30) and are positioned in the stroke (25) and the arm (24). The looped rebars of the fifth series (38) are extending in the longitudinal direction (30) and parallel with the arm (24) to reinforce the concrete against tensile forces in directions parallel with the longitudinal direction (30). Notice that the dimensions of the looped rebars of the third series (36) changed due to the changed dimensions of the stroke (25).
Figure 6C shows a sectional view along axis C-C of the crossbeam of Figure 5.
The reinforcements remain the same as in Figure 6D.
Figure 6D shows a sectional view along axis D-D of the crossbeam of Figure 5.
Due to the passage (29), the third series (36) is locally interrupted. A second looped rebar (39) reinforces instead a bottom part of the stroke (25).
Figure 7 shows a detail of a side view of a concrete frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The support beam (1) is placed on a concrete column (42). The support beam (1) is similar to the support beam (1) in Figure 1. The column (42) extends in a vertical direction. The arm (2) of the support beam (1) is placed at end (9) of the support beam (1) on a first horizontal surface (44) of the column (42). Threaded rods (41) extend from the first horizontal surface (44) and protrude through the perforations (5). The support beam (1) is detachably attached to the column (42) by tightening a nut (40) on the threaded rod (41). The column (42) comprises a second horizontal surface (45) above the first horizontal surface (44). The crossbeam (23) is placed on the concrete column (42). The crossbeam (23) is similar to the crossbeam (23) in Figure 4. The stroke (25) of the crossbeam (23) is placed at end (26) of the crossbeam (23) on the second horizontal surface (45) of the column (42). A threaded rod (41) extends from the second horizontal surface (45) and protrudes through the perforation (27) and an elastomer block (43). At end (26) of the crossbeam (23) an upward facing surface formed by the arm (24) of the crossbeam (23) is at a lower height than a free end of the stroke (6) of the support beam (1). A free end of the stroke (25) of the crossbeam (23) is at end (26) of the crossbeam (23) at a same height ± 2.0 cm as a downwards facing surface formed by the arm (2) of the support beam (1). Corrugated roof panels (46) are placed on the support beam (1) and the crossbeam (23). The free end of the stroke (6) of the support beam is placed inside a groove (47) of the corrugated roof panel (46). The free end of the stroke (6) has a profile that is at most 1 cm separated from walls of the corrugated roof panel (46) forming the groove (47). The elastomer block (43) is placed between the crossbeam (23) and the column (42). The elastomer block (43) has a top surface and a bottom surface. The crossbeam (23) lies on the top surface and the elastomer block (43) lies with its bottom surface on the second horizontal surface (45). The top surface and the bottom surface of the elastomer block (43) are under an angle of 2°. This causes an inclination of 2° of the crossbeam (23) to a horizontal plane. The crossbeam (23) is detachably attached to the column (42) by tightening a nut (40) on the threaded rod (41).
The numbers in the figures refer to:

1.: Support beam
2.: Arm of support beam
3.: Reinforcement volume
4.: Flat recess
5.: Perforation in support beam
6.: Stroke of support beam
7.: Corbel
8.: Longitudinal direction of support beam
9.: End of support beam
10.: Height of support beam
11.: Sloping wall
12.: First looped rebar of support beam
13.: Second looped rebar of support beam
14.: Third looped rebar of support beam
15.: First series of looped rebars of support beam
16.: Second series of looped rebars of support beam
17.: Third series of looped rebars of support beam
18.: Longitudinal rebars of support beam
19.: First looped rebar of corbel
20.: First series of looped rebars of corbel
21.: Second series of looped rebars of corbel
22.: Cavity
23.: Crossbeam
24.: Arm of crossbeam
25.: Stroke of crossbeam
26.: End of crossbeam
27.: Perforation in crossbeam
28.: Cut-out
29.: Passage
30.: Longitudinal direction of crossbeam
31.: Height of crossbeam
32.: Longitudinal rebars of crossbeam
33.: First looped rebar of crossbeam
34.: First series of looped rebars of crossbeam
35.: Second series of looped rebars of crossbeam
36.: Third series of looped rebars of crossbeam
37.: Fourth series of looped rebars of crossbeam
38.: Fifth series of looped rebars of crossbeam
39.: Second looped rebar of crossbeam
40.: Nut
41.: Threaded rod
42.: Column
43.: Elastomer block
44.: First horizontal surface
45.: Second horizontal surface
46.: Corrugated roof panel
47.: Additional crossbeams

Claims

Support beam for roof support of a concrete frame building, wherein the support beam is formed by a concrete volume extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein the support beam has a constant height, wherein the concrete volume has a T-shaped or I-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein respectively the T-shape is formed by a stroke and an arm and the I-shape is formed by a stroke and a first and a second arm, wherein the support beam comprises a concrete reinforcement volume in each corner formed by respectively the stroke and the arm of the T-shape or the stroke and the first arm of the I-shape, wherein the concrete reinforcement volumes are bounded by the stroke, the arm and a sloping wall extending from a free end of the arm up to the stroke, characterized in that the support beam comprises at each end of the support beam along the longitudinal direction and at both sides of the stroke a flat recess in the sloping wall, wherein the flat recess is parallel to the arm, wherein a perforation is extending parallel with the stroke from the flat recess through the arm and that in case of an I-shaped cross-section the stroke extends through the second arm, forming a free end of the stroke.
Support beam according to claim 1, characterized in that the support beam comprises a first looped rebar, a second looped rebar and a third looped rebar, wherein the first, second and third looped rebar are extending in the longitudinal direction of the support beam, wherein the first looped rebar is positioned in a plane parallel to the stroke, wherein the second and third looped rebar are positioned in a plane parallel to the arm and wherein the second and third looped rebar are positioned on opposite sides of the stroke.
Support beam according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support beam comprises a first series of looped rebars and a second series of looped rebars, wherein each looped rebar of the first series and second series of looped rebars is positioned in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support beam, wherein a looped rebar of the first series is positioned in the stroke and wherein a looped rebar of the second series is positioned in the arm or in the arm and the reinforcement volumes.
Support beam according to any of the previous claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the support beam comprises a third series of looped rebars, wherein each looped rebar of the third series of looped rebars is extending in the longitudinal direction of the support beam, wherein each looped rebar of the third series of looped rebars is parallel to the arm, and wherein a looped rebar of the third series is positioned in the stroke.
Support beam according to any of the previous claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the support beam comprises at both sides of the stroke a corbel, wherein the corbels are opposite and positioned between the ends of the support beam along the longitudinal direction and wherein a corbel comprises a cavity extending parallel with the stroke for receiving connection means.
Concrete frame building comprising at least four concrete columns, at least two support beams and at least two concrete crossbeams, wherein concrete columns extend in a vertical direction, wherein the support beams are placed in a first direction horizontally between two concrete columns, wherein the crossbeams are formed by a concrete volume extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein the crossbeams have a constant height, wherein the crossbeams are placed in a second direction between two concrete columns, wherein the second direction is transverse to the first direction, and wherein the support beams and the crossbeams form a roof support, characterized in that the support beams are according to any of the previous claims 1 to 5, wherein the support beams are placed at each end of the support beam along the longitudinal direction of the support beam with the arm of the T-shape or the first arm of the I-shape on the concrete column and wherein the support beams and the crossbeams are detachably attached to the concrete columns using connection means.
Concrete frame building according to claim 6, characterized in that a crossbeam has a T-shaped or I-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the crossbeam, wherein respectively the T-shape is formed by a stroke and an arm and the I-shape is formed by a stroke and a first and a second arm, wherein the stroke of the crossbeam has a cut-out at each end of the crossbeam along the longitudinal direction of the crossbeam, wherein the column is received in the cut-out, wherein respectively a surface formed by the arm of the T-shape of the crossbeam or a surface formed by the second arm of the I-shape of the crossbeam is facing upwards, wherein at each end of the crossbeam said surface is at a lower height than a free end of the stroke of the T-shape or I-shape of a support beam that is detachably attached to the same column and wherein respectively a free end of the stroke of the T-shape of the crossbeam or a downwards facing surface formed by the first arm of the I-shape of the crossbeam is at each end of the crossbeam at a same height ± 5.0 cm as a downwards facing surface formed by the arm of the T-shape or the first arm of the I-shape of the support beam that is detachably attached to the same column.
Concrete frame building according to claim 7, characterized in that the support beams comprise at both sides of the stroke of the support beam a corbel, wherein the corbels are opposite and positioned between the ends of the support beam along the longitudinal direction of the support beam, wherein a corbel comprises a perforation extending parallel with the stroke through the corbel, wherein additional crossbeams are placed in the second direction between two adjacent support beams, wherein the additional crossbeam are identical to the crossbeams, wherein the additional crossbeams are detachably attached using connection means to the corbels of the adjacent support beams, wherein respectively a surface formed by the arm of the T-shape of the additional crossbeam or a surface formed by the second arm of the I-shape of the additional crossbeam is facing upwards, wherein at each end of the additional crossbeam said surface is at a lower height than a free end of the stroke of the T-shape or I-shape of the support beam to which said end is detachably attached and wherein respectively a free end of the stroke of the T-shape of the additional crossbeam or a downwards facing surface formed by the first arm of the I-shape of the additional crossbeam is at each end of the additional crossbeam at a same height ± 5.0 cm as a downwards facing surface formed by the arm of the T-shape or the first arm of the I-shape of the support beam to which said end is detachably attached.
Concrete frame building according to any of the previous claims 6 to 8, characterized in that corrugated roof panels are placed on the support beams and crossbeams as roof covering, wherein the free end of the stroke of each support beam is placed inside a groove in a corrugated roof panel and wherein said free end of the stroke has a profile that is at most 1 cm separated from walls of the corrugated panel forming the groove.
Concrete frame building according to any of the previous claims 6 to 9, characterized in that an elastomer block is placed under the crossbeams of the concrete frame, wherein the elastomer has a density of at least 1200 kg/m³, a tensile strength of at least 2.5 MPa, an elongation at break of at least 150% and a Shore A hardness of at least 40.
Concrete frame building according to claim 10, characterized in that the elastomer block has a top surface and a bottom surface wherein the top surface and the bottom surface are under an angle of at least 1° and at most 10°.
Concrete frame building according to any of the previous claims 6 to 11, characterized in that all support beams have equal lengths measured along the longitudinal direction of the support beams and that all crossbeams have equal lengths measured along the longitudinal direction of the crossbeams.
Method for constructing a concrete frame building, comprising the steps of:
- placing at least four concrete columns on a rectangular grid, wherein concrete columns extend in a vertical direction;

- placing support beams in a first direction horizontally between each pair of concrete columns;

- attaching the support beams to the concrete columns;

- placing crossbeams in a second direction between each pair of concrete columns, wherein the crossbeams are formed by a concrete volume extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein the crossbeams have a constant height, and wherein the second direction is transverse to the first direction;

- attaching the crossbeams to the concrete columns;
characterized in that the support beams are according to any of the previous claims 1 to 6, wherein the support beams are placed at each end of the support beam along the longitudinal direction of the support beam with the arm of the T-shape or the first arm of the I-shape on the concrete column and wherein the support beams and the crossbeams are detachably attached to the concrete columns using connection means.
Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the support beams comprise at both sides of the stroke of the support beam a corbel, wherein the corbels are opposite and positioned between the ends of the support beam along the longitudinal direction of the support beam, wherein a corbel comprises a cavity extending parallel with the stroke for receiving connection means, wherein the method comprises an additional step of placing additional crossbeams in the second direction between two adjacent support beams and detachably attaching the additional crossbeams using connection means to the corbels of the adjacent support beams.
Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the method comprises an additional step of placing an elastomer block under the crossbeams of the concrete frame, wherein the elastomer has a density of at least 1200 kg/m³, a tensile strength of at least 2.5 MPa, an elongation at break of at least 150% and a Shore A hardness of at least 40, wherein the elastomer block has a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein the top surface and the bottom surface are under an angle of at least 1° and at most 10°.