GB2109836A

GB2109836A - Building method

Info

Publication number: GB2109836A
Application number: GB08134991A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Allan Glassbrook
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1981-11-20
Filing date: 1981-11-20
Publication date: 1983-06-08
Also published as: AU9121982A; IT8224337A0; GB2109836B; IT8224337A1; WO1983001800A1; ZA828567B; IT1153088B; EP0094397A1

Abstract

A building (10) is constructed by erecting on a base (11) several upright support members (12) to which at each floor level and the roof level frame members (13) are clamped. Wall panels are erected between the support members (12). The frame members (13) comprise upwardly facing channels (23) in which floor or roof attachment beams (20) are laid, the floor (21) or roof (14) structures being secured to the beams (20). During construction walkways (15) and walkway covers (17) are secured to the support members (12) by arms (16) clamped theretor so as to be height adjustable. The clamps (19) comprise two clamp elements secured to each other with a support member (12) therebetween, and the frame members (13) extend through slots (28, 30) in the clamp elements.

Description

SPECIFICATION Building construction method and device This invention relates to a method of constructing a building and to a device for use in that method. In particular the invention relates +0 a building construction method wherein the principal load bearing structure comprises structural steelwork and the building is completed by means of preformed panels, brickwork or the like as desired.

Such a method of construction is known for the purpose of factories and other industrial properties and large buildings such as blocks of flats or offices. However such a method of construction is generally not used for the purpose of private dwellings since the loads involved to not warrant the use of structural steelwork in the fabric of the property. In certain circumstances, for example, for a building erected in a locality susceptible to earthquakes or land subsidence, it may be desirable, and sometimes mandatory to build private dwellings with structural steelwork as the main load bearing structure.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple, quick and therefore relatively cheap method of building construction, using structural steelwork which is suitable for large industrial buildings or more particularly for private dwellings.

The invention provides a method of constructing a building, comprising erecting a plurality of support members in spaced, upright disposition, clamping a plurality of frame members to said support members so as to lie in one or a plurallity of upwardly spaced substantially horizontal planes, securing a floor or roof structure to the plurality of frame members lying within the or each plane and erecting wall structures between said support members.

Preferably the method comprising laying a base and erecting said support members on said base.

The frame members may comprise upwardly facing channels whereby floor or roof supporting beam may be laid in said channels and said floor or roof structures secured to said beams.

The method may also include supporting at least one walkway from said support members, said walkway extending adjacent said support members at the outside of a building planform defined by said support members. Preferably said walkway is supported by means of arms clamped to said support members whereby the height of said walkway may be adjusted. The method may also include supporting a cover from said arms so as to provide a weather shield for persons on said walkway.

The invention also provides a clamp device for use in the above method comprising a pair of clamp elements, each being adapted to be secured to the other with said support member clamped therebetween and at least one of said clamp elements having a slot therein adapted to receive a frame member extending therethrough substantially transversely of same frame member.

Each clamp element may have a slot therein adapted to receive a frame member, whereby two frame members may be secured to said support member in spaced parallel disposition on opposed sides of said frame member.

Each clamp element having a slot therein may comprise a body part and a slot closure part providing access to said slot for insertion and removal of said frame member.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a general schematic front elevation of a dwelling being built by the method of the invention, Fig. 2 is a schernatic end elevation of the dwelling of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a perspective part section cutaway view of the dwelling of Figs. 1 and 2, Fig. 4 is a side elevation of one embodiment of clamp, Fig. 5 is a plan view of the clamp of Fig. 4, Fig. 6 is a plan view of a second embodiment of clamp, and Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of clamp.

Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2 there is shown a two storey private dwelling 10 erected on a base 1 The dwelling 10 is constructed using upright support members 12 and horizontal frame members 13 in the form of steel joists which are clamped together to form a load bearing framework. Supported by the support members 12 are roof trusses 14, and the dwelling construction is completed by means of wall, roof, window and door structures of any conventional form. The wall structures may be preformed panels as will be referred to hereinafter.

During construction of the dwelling 10 walkways 1 5 are supported by arms 16 which are secured to the support members 12. By this means the need for separate scaffolding during the erection of the dwelling 10 is avoided, thus creating a saving in time and cost compared with known methods of building construction. Also supported by arms 1 6 are weatherproof sheets 17, for example sheets of polythene material, so that working can continue on the erection of the building in virtually any weather conditions after erection of the support members 12.

The construction of the dwelling 10 is shown in greater detail in Fig. 3. Firstly concrete foundations or a raft are laid to form a base 11, into which spigots 1 8 are set so as to project therefrom upwardly at the desired locations of the support members 12. The support members 12, which are of hollow, square or rectangular section steel, are placed over the spigots 18 and may be secured thereto by means of studs, bolts, pins or the like (not shown).Frame members 13 are then clamped to support members 1 2 at first floor and roof height by means of clamps 19, the frame members 13 being arranged in pairs which are disposed in parallel relationship on opposed sides of a support member 1 2 and clamped thereto by a single clamp 1 9. The support members 12 and the frame members 13 form a rigid load bearing framework for the dwelling 10. The frame members 1 3 are steel I-section joists and are disposed with upwardly facing channels 23 into which wooden beams 20 are located in the case of the frame members 13 located inwardly of the support members 12. To such wooden beams 20 are secured the floor joists 21 or roof trusses 14, e.g. by means of nails, screws and/or brackets or cleats 22.

Arms 16 are also secured to support members 12 by means of brackets 19, the height of which are adjustable so that the height of walkways 15 may be arranged as desired.

When the framework of support members 12 and frame members 13 is completed the walls, doors and windows may be erected and/or placed in position. The walls may be of conventional brick built construction or may be preformed panels. In the latter case the lower part of the walls is supported by the base 11 whilst the upperwall panels may be located in and supported by the upwardly facing channels of 24 of the free members 1 3 located outwardly of the support members 12.

The head 26 of window 25 is secured to and located by the frame member 13. In this way the need for a separate lintel is avoided thus providing a further saving in cost in comparison with conventionally constructed dwellings.

The construction of a clamp 1 9 is more clearly shown in Figs. 4 to 6. As seen in side elevation in Fig. 4 the clamp 19 may be of square or rectangular planform, and Figs. 5 and 6 show such a clamp 19 of rectangular planform, and Figs.

5 and 6 show such a clamp 19 of rectangular planform with respectively the long and short sides thereof extending parallel with the frame members 1 3 clamped thereby. The construction of the clamps shown in the Figs. 4 to 6 are identical in all respects (other than relative dimensions). Each clamp 19 comprises two parts of outwardly flanged channel section. The basewall 27 of each clamp part has a slot 28 therein extending between and into the sidewalls 29. In each sidewall 29 is a slot 30 extending parallel with the basewall 27 and slot 28 extends into slots 30 at their mid points so as to form a Tshaped slot arrangement in each sidewall 29. A part of a clamp 19 may thus be slid onto a frame member 13 with web 31 and flanges 32 thereof extending through the slots 28, 30 respectively.

The respective two parts of a clamp 19, in each of which is engaged a frame member 13, are placed in position on opposed sides of a support member 12 and clamping is effected by the insertion and tightening of bolts 33. In this way the flanges 32 of frame members 1 3 are pressed firmly against the support member 1 2 to effect a secure clamping of the members together.

An alternative form of clamp 1 9 is shown in Fig. 7. In this case a part 34 of basewall 27 is detachably secured, e.g. by means of screws 35, to each part of clamp 1 9. With parts 34 detached the clamps 1 9 may be secured to the support members 1 2 in their desired positions and the frame members 1 3 then afforded to and slotted into the lower parts of slots 30 of each clamp 1 9.

Parts 34 are then secured in position to effect positive location of the frame members 13, and further tightening of bolts 33 may be required to provide adequate clamping of the members together.

By means of the invention the framework of members 12, 1 3 is a load bearing rigid structure which is easily and quickly assembled, thus saving time and labour costs. The walls may be of preformed panel sections which are easily and quickly located and secured in position, thus saving further time and labour costs. Since the framework is a load bearing structure the internal walls downstairs as well as upstairs may be party walls instead of conventionally of brick or block construction, thus saving material costs and building costs.

As shown in the Figures, Fig. 4 in particular, the beams 20 substantially fill the channels 23 of inner frame members 13. However the channels 13 may be wider than beams 20 so as to allow space within channels 1 3 for location of central heating pipes and/or electrical wires. Alternatively such pipes 36 and/or wires 37 may be conveniently located in further channels 38 which are secured to or integral with the frame member 13, as shown in Fig. 4. A cover 39 is clipped to channels 38 to provide a skirting board at the base of inner wall 40. In this way there is provided means for easy access to the pipes 36 and/or wires 37 for repair or for moving existing or installing new radiators, electrical sockets or the like.

Claims (Filed on 22/11/82).

1. A method of constructing a building comprising erecting a plurality of support members in spaced, upright disposition, clamping a plurality of frame members to said support members so as to be in one, or a plurality of upwardly spaced, substantially horizontal plane or planes, securing a floor or roof structure to the plurality of frame members lying in the or each plane and erecting wall structure between said support members.

2. A method according to claim 1 comprising laying a base and erecting said support members on said base.

3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherin said frame members comprise upwardly facing channels, comprising laying floor or roof attachment beams in said channel and securing floor or roof structure to said beams.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 comprising supporting at least one walkway from said support members, said walkway extending adjacent said support members at the outside of a building planform defined by said support members.

5. A method according to claim 4 wherein the

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. of a support member 1 2 and clamped thereto by a single clamp 1 9. The support members 12 and the frame members 13 form a rigid load bearing framework for the dwelling 10. The frame members 1 3 are steel I-section joists and are disposed with upwardly facing channels 23 into which wooden beams 20 are located in the case of the frame members 13 located inwardly of the support members 12. To such wooden beams 20 are secured the floor joists 21 or roof trusses 14, e.g. by means of nails, screws and/or brackets or cleats 22. Arms 16 are also secured to support members 12 by means of brackets 19, the height of which are adjustable so that the height of walkways 15 may be arranged as desired. When the framework of support members 12 and frame members 13 is completed the walls, doors and windows may be erected and/or placed in position. The walls may be of conventional brick built construction or may be preformed panels. In the latter case the lower part of the walls is supported by the base 11 whilst the upperwall panels may be located in and supported by the upwardly facing channels of 24 of the free members 1 3 located outwardly of the support members 12. The head 26 of window 25 is secured to and located by the frame member 13. In this way the need for a separate lintel is avoided thus providing a further saving in cost in comparison with conventionally constructed dwellings. The construction of a clamp 1 9 is more clearly shown in Figs. 4 to 6. As seen in side elevation in Fig. 4 the clamp 19 may be of square or rectangular planform, and Figs. 5 and 6 show such a clamp 19 of rectangular planform, and Figs. 5 and 6 show such a clamp 19 of rectangular planform with respectively the long and short sides thereof extending parallel with the frame members 1 3 clamped thereby. The construction of the clamps shown in the Figs. 4 to 6 are identical in all respects (other than relative dimensions). Each clamp 19 comprises two parts of outwardly flanged channel section. The basewall 27 of each clamp part has a slot 28 therein extending between and into the sidewalls 29. In each sidewall 29 is a slot 30 extending parallel with the basewall 27 and slot 28 extends into slots 30 at their mid points so as to form a Tshaped slot arrangement in each sidewall 29. A part of a clamp 19 may thus be slid onto a frame member 13 with web 31 and flanges 32 thereof extending through the slots 28, 30 respectively. The respective two parts of a clamp 19, in each of which is engaged a frame member 13, are placed in position on opposed sides of a support member 12 and clamping is effected by the insertion and tightening of bolts 33. In this way the flanges 32 of frame members 1 3 are pressed firmly against the support member 1 2 to effect a secure clamping of the members together. An alternative form of clamp 1 9 is shown in Fig. 7. In this case a part 34 of basewall 27 is detachably secured, e.g. by means of screws 35, to each part of clamp 1 9. With parts 34 detached the clamps 1 9 may be secured to the support members 1 2 in their desired positions and the frame members 1 3 then afforded to and slotted into the lower parts of slots 30 of each clamp 1 9. Parts 34 are then secured in position to effect positive location of the frame members 13, and further tightening of bolts 33 may be required to provide adequate clamping of the members together. By means of the invention the framework of members 12, 1 3 is a load bearing rigid structure which is easily and quickly assembled, thus saving time and labour costs. The walls may be of preformed panel sections which are easily and quickly located and secured in position, thus saving further time and labour costs. Since the framework is a load bearing structure the internal walls downstairs as well as upstairs may be party walls instead of conventionally of brick or block construction, thus saving material costs and building costs. As shown in the Figures, Fig. 4 in particular, the beams 20 substantially fill the channels 23 of inner frame members 13. However the channels 13 may be wider than beams 20 so as to allow space within channels 1 3 for location of central heating pipes and/or electrical wires. Alternatively such pipes 36 and/or wires 37 may be conveniently located in further channels 38 which are secured to or integral with the frame member 13, as shown in Fig. 4. A cover 39 is clipped to channels 38 to provide a skirting board at the base of inner wall 40. In this way there is provided means for easy access to the pipes 36 and/or wires 37 for repair or for moving existing or installing new radiators, electrical sockets or the like. Claims (Filed on 22/11/82).

5. A method according to claim 4 wherein the

or each walkway is supported by arms clamped to said support members whereby the height of the or each walkway may be adjusted.

6. A method according to claim 5 comprising supporting a cover from said arms providing a weather shield above the or each walkway.

7. A building constructed by the method of claim 1 comprising a plurality of support members erected in spaced upright disposition, a plurality of frame members clamped to said support members so as to lie in one, or a plurality of upwardly spaced, substantially horizontal plane or planes, a floor or roof structure secured to the plurality of frame members lying in the or each plane and wall structures erected between said support members.

8. A building according to claim 7 comprising a base, said support members being erected on said base.

9. A building according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein said frame members comprise upwardly facing channels.

10. A building according to claim 9 comprising floor or roof attachment beams laid in said channels, said floor or roof structures being secured to said beams.

11. A building according to any one of claims 7 to 10 comprising a plurality of clamp devices each adapted to clamp at least one frame member to a support member.

12. A buidling according to claim 11 wherein each clamp device comprises a pair of clamp elements, each element being adapted to be secured to the other with a support member clamped therebetween, and at least one of said clamp elements having a slot therein adapted to receive a frame member and extending therethrough substantially transversely of said support member.

13. A building according to claim 12 wherein each clamp element has a slot therein adapted to receive a frame member, whereby two frame members may be sedured to said support member in spaced, parallel disposition on opposed sides of said frame member.

14. A building according to claim 12 or claim 1 3 wherein each clamp element having a slot therein comprises a body part and a removable slot closure part providing access to said slot for insertion and removal of a frame member.

1 5. A method of constructing a building substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figs.1,2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.

1 6. A building substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Fig. 1 to 3 and Fig. 4 and 5, or Fig. 6 or Fig. 7 of the accompanying drawings.