GB2149830A - Wall modules - Google Patents

Abstract

The steel module comprises top and bottom channels (13, 20) spaced and joined by studs (14, 15) profiled to co-operate with the stud of an adjacent module, either in-line (Fig. 1a) or at a corner (Fig. 2a-not shown) to define an aperture (19 or 9, Fig. 2a) for receiving a through bolt to fasten the module to a foundation or frame member. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Wall modules This invention relates to a construction of steel frame building especially suitable for a domicile or the like. Steel frame constructions of such buildings are well known, using galvanised or other rust proofed steel members, as this type of construction lends itself to module construction and strong frame construction giving portability to a building unit. Additionally, steel frame construction is suitable especially where timber is expensive, or unavailable.

The invention specifically relates to a panel construction to be used as a corner module for building of the aforesaid type, and to wall panels forming modules suitable for interlocking with the corner module and with themselves, to form the basic frame of a building.

It also relates to a piurality of such modules for forming a wall or walls of a building.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART U.S. Patent 2102443 describes concrete stud modules of wall sections but the studs are not on interlocking as in the present invention and do not form a waterproof or weatherproof joint.

Australian Patent 457356 describes prefabricated modular units. The studs are not interlocking (nor of sheet metal) and the structure does not have good stability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one broad form the invention comprises a module for wall construction of a building, comprising an upper and a lower horizontal structural member, a pair of studs each joining and spacing respective ends of said upper and lower members, said studs having mating cross-sectional shapes, whereby one such module may interlock stud to stud with another such module providing a through aperture for a bolt adapted to connect said modules to a frame member or a foundation member for construction of a building.

In another broad form the invention provides a module for construction of the corner of a wall of a building, comprising a pair of upper and a pair of lower horizontal structural members said upper members being directly above respective lower members, and said upper and lower members meeting at an angle representing the chosen angle of the said corner, the outer ends of said members being joined and spaced by a pair of studs, said studs having cross-sectional shapes whereby they are adapted to interlock stud to stud with modules as described above and providing a through aperture for a bolt, the inner ends of said members being joined together and vertically spaced by at least one stud, the cross-section thereof providing an aperture for a bolt, said bolts adapted to connect said modules to a frame member or foundation member for construction of a building.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention may be readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings in which Fig. 1 is an isometric exploded view of a wall module in accordance with the invention and Fig. 1 a is a cross-section of the assembled module.

Fig. 2 is an isometric exploded view of the corner module in accordance with the invention and Fig. 2a is a cross-section of the assembled module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRE FERRED EMBODIMENTS.

The corner module 1 (Figs. 2 and 2a) comprises top channel members 2, 3 and bottom channel members 10, 11. The channel members are spaced and joined by studs 4, 5 inside studs 6, 7 and outside corner piece 8 of angle section. In Fig. 2, lug members are visible on studs 4 and 5, which serve to connect the respective channel members. Studs 6, 7 are shaped so as to form an aperture 9 extending vertically the full height of the module. This permits a bolt to pass therethrough. The wall module of Figs. 1 and 1 a comprises top channel member 13, bottom channel member 20 and studs 14, 15, 1 6 and 1 7 spacing and joining these members. Again note the lug members on the studs 6 and 7 which connect to respective channel members.The studs 14 and 15 are cross-sectionally matched so that the module can be connected to other wall or corner modules having the mating construction. Thus stud 14 would mate with 4, for example, or stud 1 5 would mate with stud 5. This would occur as shown by the mating arrangement (which forms a substantially weatherproof and waterproof joint) of studs 16, 17 in Fig. 1a.

Note that in mating an aperture 1 9 is formed extending the total length of the module to register with hole 18, and an equivalent hole (not visible) in channel 1 3. Note that there is no need for studs 1 6 and 1 7 to have the same form as studs 14 and 1 5, as they are in the middle of the module and fixed in position. For economies of manufacture however, it is best if they are of the same construction e.g. the studs may be in the shape of a "C" section or could be a timber stud. Note the top and bottom channel members 1 3 and 20 may be interchangeable. Further they may have a different shape from the shape specifically depicted and could even be a timber top or bottom plate.

Returning to the corner module, it should be noted that the aperture 9 extends through the top and bottom channels by virtue of being formed by mating cut-outs in the mat ing ends of respective channels. The purpose of the vertical apertures is to permit the insertion of a through bolt which can fasten the modules to a foundation or to floor joists which might comprise timber beams, concrete runs, or individual foundation modules located at appropriate positions. Bolting down the modules unifies the building frame and also makes it extremely resistant to movement which might otherwise be caused by strong winds or earth tremors. Also, if the modules are bolted together and not to a fixed foundation, or are bolted to a moveable frame, the whole structure is a rigid readily transportable unit.

If preferred, noggins can be inserted between the studs to strengthen the structure.

A preferred material of construction is light gauge galvanised iron section, however, aluminium or p.v.c. (polyvinyl chloride) construction also is suitable.

It is preferred that the module components be rivetted together for economy of construction; they can however be screwed, spot welded, nailed or otherwise affixed together.

If they are of plastics construction, they may be glued together.

It will be appreciated that the above described unit comprises a corner module and wall module for building construction which is of extremely rigid character, readily transportable and shippable. A typical domicile type building would suitably have metal or cement roofing tiles on battens centered at 410 or 365 m.m., with a truss spacing of 900 or 450 m.m. and maximum truss span of 12,000 m.m. The ceiling material would suitably be of (for example) 6 m.m. Villaboard. The corner module itself could be 502 x 502 m.m. and the panels approximately twice this length. Height of the modules could be for example 2429 m.m. The design wind velocity (Vz) for a building of this construction and dimensions is 46 metres/second.

Although the material of construction mentioned specifically is steel it is intended that the invention be not so limited and any suitable may be used.g. aluminium and aluminium alloys are materials which immediately come to mind. Alloy steels are also a possibility as may be plastics and the like providing they meet the necessary physical parameters required.

It is emphasised that the description is to be given a broad connotation and is not limited to the embodiments specifically described. Furthermore, as ceilings are sometinmes sloping, the upper structural member may be angled to the horizontal and to this extent 'horizontal' in respect of the upper structural member is to be given a broad meaning and to cover such circumstances.

Claims (7)

1. A module for wall construction of a building, comprising an upper and a lower horizontal structural member, a pair of studs each joining-and spacing respective ends of said upper and lower members, said studs having mating cross-sectional shapes, whereby one such module may interlock stud to stud with another such module providing a through aperture for a bolt adapted to connect said modules to a frame member or a foundation member for construction of a building.

2. A module for construction of the corner of a wall of a building, comprising a pair of upper and a pair of lower horizontal structure members said upper members being directly above respective lower members, and said upper and lower members meeting at an angle representing the chosen angle of the said corner, the outer ends of said members being joined and spaced by a pair of studs, said studs having cross-sectional shapes whereby they are adapted to interlock stud to stud with modules as defined in claim 1, and providing a through aperture for a bolt, the inner ends of said members being joined together and vertically spaced by at least one stud, the cross-section thereof providing an aperture for a bolt, said bolts being adapted to connect said modules to a frame member or foundation member for construction of a building.

3. A module as defined in Claim 2, wherein said horizontal structural members are braced at their inner ends by a stud member of angle section forming a corner piece for the module.

4. A module as defined in Claims 1, 2 or 3, said horizontal members being of channel section, the upper member or members having upwardly extending flanges and the lower member or members having downwardly extending flanges.

5. A module as claimed in Claim 1 substantially composed of steel.

6. A module as claimed in Claim 2 substantially composed of steel.

7. A kit of parts for constructing building walls, said kit comprising one or more modules as defined in Claim 1.