GB2453258A

GB2453258A - Modular pedestrian tunnel

Info

Publication number: GB2453258A
Application number: GB0817777A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matthew Robinson; Chris Foster; Colin Munnelly
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-09-29
Filing date: 2008-09-29
Publication date: 2009-04-01
Anticipated expiration: 2028-09-29
Also published as: GB0719044D0; WO2009044193A1; GB2453258B; GB0817777D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular assembly for use as an enclosed walkway such as a pedestrian tunnel assembly for use on building sites and public walkways adjacent to building sites. The assembly comprises a plurality and of first and second side panels 10 and 11 each comprising a top edge with a mating region, a bottom edge and first and second side edges. The assembly further comprises a plurality of ceiling panels 12 having first and second end edges and first and second side edges wherein the first and second end edges have a mating region. The mating regions of the ceiling panels are adapted to engage with the mating regions of the side panels and so support the ceiling panels. The side and ceiling panels are adapted so as to be buttable against adjacent panels and to be connected to each other by connecting means 13, 14 and 15. Later embodiments relate to a method of erecting said assembly and a kit of parts forming said assembly.

Description

Modular Assembly The present invention relates to modular assemblies for use as enclosed walkways and is particularly applicable but in no way limited to demountable enclosed pedestrian walkway tunnel assemblies for assembly on building sites and public walkways adjacent to building sites and the like to protect pedestrians walking through the walkway tunnels assembly from falling debris and the like.

Scaffolding is widely used in many situations and comprises elongate steel tubes which are secured together to define a rigid structure. The structure is generally arranged on the outside of a building and is arranged to support wooden platforms suitably defined by planks of wood. The platforms define walkways which allow workmen to move around and work on the outside of the building in a safe manner.

When scaffolding is used in relation to a building which is adjacent a pavement, the scaffolding structure will extend upwardly from and span the pavement adjacent the building. It is often undesirable or inconvenient to prevent access to that stretch of pavement and, accordingly, parts of the scaffolding adjacent the pavement may be clad with wooden sheets in order to define an enclosed walkway at the bottom of the scaffold structure.

Enclosed walkways of the type described can be time consuming to assemble.

Furthermore, gaps may be present between the sheets which make up the assembly through which dust and other particulate matter may pass.

Additionally, the wooden sheets which define the walkway may not be sufficiently strong to resist penetration/damage by falling material, for example bricks. Also, the walkways are generally unaesthetic.

In addition, a safe route for pedestrians and other traffic may be required through a building site or hazardous area where there is no scaffolding in a suitable place to support cladding to form a suitable route. An example of this could be during refurbishment of a hospital site. Patients, staff and visitors need a safe route through any building works. In such a case, a temporary wooden structure is often constructed having two side walls, a roof, and sometimes a floor. Such structures are time consuming to build, expensive in both labour and materials, and at the end of the project the wooden sheets employed are usually scrapped, because there is no immediate use for them and storage space, even if it was available, is very expensive. So consequently the wooden sheets are rarely, if ever, re-used. In addition, demounting a wooden walkway is extremely time-consuming.

GB231 1090 describes an enclosure device which provides an alternate protected walkway through scaffolding which is supported by scaffolding poles and forms part of the scaffolding. The problem with this is that the walkway may not always be through an area where scaffolding is in place and therefore such scaffolding poles may not be in existence. In any event, the enclosure described in GB-2,311,090 is not self-supporting.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention there is provided a modular assembly for use as an enclosed walkway comprising: a plurality of first side panels having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein a mating region is provided at the top edge; a plurality of second side panels having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein a mating region is provided at the top edge; a plurality of ceiling panels having a first end edge, a second end edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein a first mating region is provided at the first end edge and a second mating region is provided at the second end edge; the mating region of the first side panel being adapted to engage the first mating region of the ceiling panel; and the mating region of the second side panel being adapted to engage the second mating region of the ceiling panel, such that the first and second side panels support the ceiling panel; and wherein the first side edge of each of the plurality of first side panels is buttable against a second side edge of an adjacent first side panel and connectable together by a first connecting means; and wherein the first side edge of each of the plurality of second side panels is buttable against a second side edge of an adjacent second side panel and connectable together by a second connecting means; and wherein the first side edge of each of the plurality of ceiling panels is buttable against a second side edge of an adjacent ceiling panel and connectable together by a third connecting means.

This modular assembly advantageously provides for a complete self-supporting enclosed walkway capable of being quickly and easily assembled and disassembled onsite whilst at the same time providing a particularly rigid structure. The construction of the modular assembly may all be completed internally to the walkway without the need for any head room or access above the enclosed walkway with the aid of blind threaded insert fasteners and the like to fasten the various modular components together.

In the main sheet metal is quite flimsy and has very little strength. When, however, folds are placed in the sheet metal the metal becomes much stronger and much more rigid enabling a strong structure to be built.

The first and second side panels are in one alternative exactly the same as each other, and thus depending on the width and height of the modular assembly desired there can be just 3 components, namely a series of side panels, ceiling panels, and connecting means.

Preferably the mating region of the first side panel and the first mating region of the ceiling panel are provided with complimentary interengaging formations.

Preferably the complimentary interengaging formations of the first side panel and the ceiling panel interengage to form a conduit.

Preferably the conduit runs the full length of the top edge of the first side panel.

Preferably the mating region of the second side panel and the second mating region of the ceiling panel are provided with complimentary interengaging formations.

Preferably the complimentary interengaging formations of the second side panel and the ceiling panel interengage to form a conduit.

Preferably the conduit runs the full length of the top edge of the second side panel.

Preferably services are laid through the conduit, more preferably electric cable is laid through the conduit, even more preferably the electrical cable is used to provide lighting in the tunnel assembly.

Preferably air conditioning is provided through the conduit.

Preferably the first connecting means overlaps the first side edge and the second side edge of the first side panels.

Preferably the second connecting means overlaps the first side edge and the second side edge of the second side panels.

Preferably the third connecting means overlaps the first side edge and the second side edge of the ceiling panels.

Preferably the first connecting means comprises a U shaped elongate member.

Preferably the second connecting means comprises a U shaped elongate member.

Preferably the third connecting means comprises and U shaped elongate member.

Preferably the first connecting means comprises a tubular conduit.

Preferably services are laid through the conduit.

Preferably electrical cable is laid through the conduit.

Preferably the electrical cable is used to provide lighting in the tunnel assembly.

Preferably air conditioning is provided through the conduit.

Preferably the second connecting means comprises a tubular conduit.

Preferably services are laid through the conduit.

Preferably electrical cable is laid through the conduit.

Preferably air conditioning is provided through the conduit.

Preferably the third connecting means comprises a tubular conduit.

Preferably services are laid through the conduit.

Preferably electrical cable is laid through the conduit.

Preferably air conditioning is provided through the conduit.

Preferably the bottom edges of the first side panels are provided with a retaining member for receiving the first connecting means to retain the first connecting means in position.

Preferably the bottom edges of the second side panels are provided with a retaining member for receiving the second connecting means to retain the second connecting means in position.

Preferably the first and second side edges of the first side panels are folded perpendicular to the main body of the first side panel in the same direction to form the first connecting means such that when the plurality of first side panels are butted together fixing means can be placed through the folded portions to connect the first side panels together.

Preferably the first and second side edges of the second side panels are folded perpendicular to the main body of the second side panel in the same direction to form the second connecting means such that when the plurality of second side panels are butted together fixing means can be placed through the folded portions to connect the second side panels together.

Preferably the first and second side edges of the ceiling panels are folded perpendicular to the main body of the ceiling panel in the same direction to form the third connecting means such that when the plurality of ceiling panels are butted together fixing means can be placed through the folded portions to connect the ceiling panels together.

Preferably the joint resulting from butting together the first side panels is offset from the joint resulting from butting together the ceiling panels.

Preferably the joint resulting from butting together the second side panels is offset from the joint resulting from butting together the ceiling panels.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein:-Figure 1 is a side perspective view of the modular assembly; Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the modular assembly; Figure 3 is a top plan view of the modular assembly; Figure 4 is a side view of the modular assembly; Figure 5 is a part assembled side perspective view of the modular assembly; Figure 6 is a part assembled side view of the modular assembly; Figure 7 is a front view of the modular assembly; Figure 8a is a magnified front view of the mating regions of the first side panels and the ceiling panels; Figure 8b is a magnified front view of the recess of the bottom of the first side panels; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the mating regions of the second side panels and the ceiling panels; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the modular assembly detailing the fixing means; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the modular assembly detailing the fixing means; Figure 12 is a magnified view of figure 10; Figure 13 is a perspective view of the mating region and of the second side panels and the ceiling panels; Figure 14 is a magnified view of Figures 11; Figure 15 is a perspective view of the mating regions of the second side panels and the ceiling panels; Figure 16 is a view of an alternate connecting means; Figure 17 is a side perspective view of an alternate modular assembly embodiment; Figure 18 is a side perspective view of the modular assembly showing an alternative arrangement of support members; Figure 19 is a side perspective view of the modular assembly without support member; Figures 20c to 20h show alternate complimentary interengaging members; Figure 21 is a side perspective view of an alternate modular assembly with a floor; Figure 22 is a front perspective view of an alternate modular assembly with a floor; Figure 23 is a front view of an alternate modular assembly with a floor; Figure 24 is an enlarged view showing alternate and additional placing of conduits; Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view showing alternate and additional placing of conduits; Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate modular assembly.

Referring to Figures 1 to 15. These illustrate a modular assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only. These are the best ways known to the Applicants of putting the invention into practice, but they are not the only ways that this can be achieved.

The modular assembly generally comprises a plurality of first side panels 10 and a plurality of second side panels 11 which engage with a plurality of ceiling panels 12 to form an enclosed walkway. In one alternative the first side panels 10, the second side panels 11 and the ceiling panels 12 are formed from a metal, in one alternative the panels are formed from Aluminium, in another alternative the panels are formed from light steel. It will be understood that any suitable material, as selected by the materials specialist can be used to construct these panels.

The first side panels 10 are all of equal length (or height) being the desired height of the enclosed walkway, and of equal width. In order to form a first side of the enclosed walkway the first side panels 10 are butted together in edge-to-edge configuration and connected together using a first connection means 13. In the embodiment shown in Figures ito 15. The first connection means 13 is an elongate U shaped construction which overlaps the join between two adjacent first side panels 10. In an alternative the first connection means 13 is an elongate piece of hollow box section, or an elongate piece of non-hollow box section, or any other suitable construction such as a fold as shown in Figure 16 made in the edges of the respective panels such that when the panels are butted together the folds are also butted together providing a surface to put fixing means through. Fixing means are then fixed through pre-formed apertures, located in alignment in the first connection means 13 and first side panels 10 respectively. In one alternative the fixing means are coach bolts and the pre-formed apertures are square in shape in order to prevent the coach bolt from rotating within the pre-formed apertures after installation of the coach bolt.

In another alternative the fixing means are a blind threaded insert fasteners such as Hexert RTM.

In another alternative the fixing means comprise a female threaded region provided in the apertures of the first connecting means 13 and a male threaded fixing such as a bolt adapted to thread through the female threaded region without the need to place a "nut" on the end of the male threaded region or "bolt".

The second side panels 11 are all of equal length (or height) and of equal width.

The length (or height) of the second side panels 11 is the same as the length (or height) of the first side panels 10. The width of the second side panels 11 is the same as the width of the first side panels. In order to form a second side of the enclosed walkway the second side panels 11 are butted together in edge-to-edge configuration and connected together using a second connection means 14. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 15. The second connection means 14 is an elongate U shaped construction which overlaps the join between two second side panels 11. In an alternative the second connection means 13 is an elongate piece of hollow box section, or an elongate piece of non-hollow box section, or any other suitable construction such as a fold as shown in Figure 16 made in the edges of the respective panels such that when the panels are butted together the folds are also butted together providing a surface to put fixing means through. Fixing means 19 are then fixed through pre-formed apertures in one alternative, located in alignment in the second connection means 14 and second side panels 11 respectively as can be seen in more detail in Figures 10, 11, 12 and 14. In one alternative the fixing means 19 are coach bolts and the pre-formed apertures are square in shaped in order to prevent the coach bolts from rotating within the pre-formed apertures after installation of the coach bolt.

In another alternative the fixing means comprise a female threaded region provided in the apertures of the second connecting means 14 and a male threaded region adapted to thread through the female threaded region without the need to place a "nut" on the end of the male threaded region or "bolt".

The ceiling panels 12 are all of equal length, the length being the desired width of the enclosed walkway, and all bar two of the ceiling panels 12 are of equal width.

The two ceiling panels which are not of equal width 12a and 12b are the first and last ceiling panels respectively in the enclosed walkway.

The ceiling panels 12a and 12b are half the width of the rest of the ceiling panels 12 which allows for the join between ceiling panels to be offset from the join between side panels. In order to form the ceiling of the enclosed walkway the ceiling panels 12 are butted together in edge to edge configuration and connected together using a third connection means 15. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 15, the third connection means 15 is an elongate U shaped construction which overlaps the join between two ceiling panels 12. In an alternative the third connection means 14 is an elongate piece of hollow box section, or an elongate piece of non-hollow box section, or any other suitable construction such as a fold similar to that shown in Figure 16 in relation to the first connection means 13. Fixing means 22 are then fixed through pre-formed apertures in one alternative located in alignment in the third connection means 15 and ceiling panels 12 respectively. In one alternative the fixing means 22 are coach bolts and the pre-formed apertures are square in shape in order to prevent the coach bolt from rotating within the pre-formed apertures after installation of the coach bolt.

In another alternative the fixing means comprise a female threaded region provided in the apertures of the third connecting means 15 and a male threaded region adapted to thread through the female threaded region without the need to place a "nut" on the end of the male threaded region or "bolt".

In an alternative not shown the ceiling panels 12 are all of equal length, the length being the desired width of the enclosed walkway, and all the ceiling panels 12 are of equal length. In this alternative in order to offset the joins in the side panels from the joins in the ceiling panels two of the first side panels and two of the second side panels are not equal in width to the remaining panels and are the first and last side panels respectively in the enclosed walkway.

In a further alternative shown in Figure 17 all of the first and second side panels are of equal width and all of the ceiling panels are of equal width being the same width as the side panels and the joints between the side panels are not offset with the joins in the ceiling panels.

During construction, a first and a second side panel are erected the desired distance apart and held in position at least temporarily. This might be by means of support means or struts 49, or by workmen holding them in place. A ceiling panel is then offered up, either by lifting it upwards from within the walkway, or by lifting it and sliding it along the respective mating regions in the top edges of the first and second sides. Once in the desired location it is secured in place using the appropriate fixings.

A recess or channel 25 is formed at the bottom edge of the first side panels to assist location of the first connection means 13 and to assist in retaining the first connection means 13. The recess or channel 25 is formed by folding the bottom edge of the first side panels 10 in one alternative. In an alternative, a box section 60 can be connected to the bottom edge to provide a conduit for additional services as seen in more detail in Figures 24 and 25.

A recess or channel 26 is formed at the bottom edge of the second side panels to assist location of the second connection means 14 and to assist in retaining the second connection means 14. The recess or channel 26 is formed by folding the bottom edge of the second side panels 11 in one alternative. In an alternative a box section 61 can be connected to the bottom edge, to provide a conduit for additional services as seen in more detail in Figures 24 and 25.

In a further alternative additional conduits for additional services can be provided internally 63, 64, or externally 65, 66 to the modular assembly as can be seen in detail in Figures 24 and 25.

The first side panels engage with the ceiling panels 12 by means of a mating region provided on the first side panels 10 and a mating region provided on the ceiling panels 12. The mating region of the first side panels 10 is provided on the top edge and the mating region of the ceiling panels 12 is provided on the first side edge.

The mating regions engage with each other by means of complimentary interengaging formations 29, 30 provided in the mating regions respectively.

In one alternative shown in Figure 8a, the complimentary interengaging formations 29, 30 co-operate to form a void 31 running through the centre of the complimentary interengaging formations 29, 30 along the full width of the panels 10, 12, and thus along the length of the passageway.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 15 and in detail in Figure 7 the complimentary interengaging formations 29, 30 are formed by folding the top edge of the first side panels 10 in two places to form a fl shaped channel and by folding the first side edge of the ceiling panels 12 in two places to form a c shaped channel. The complimentary interengaging formations 29, 30 co-operate and engage with each other to form a square shaped void 31.

Figures 20a to 20h shown alternate complimentary formations which may be formed.

The complimentary interengaging formations 29, 30 are provided in one alternative with pre-formed apertures in alignment between the first side panels 10 and the ceiling panels 12 through which fixing means are located and fixed in place to retain the engagement of the two panels 10, 12.

In one alternative the fixing means are coach bolts and the pre-formed apertures are square in shape.

The second side panels 11 engage with the ceiling panels 12 by means of a mating region provided on the second side panels 11 and a mating region provided on the ceiling panels 12. The mating region of the second side panels 11 is provided on the top edge and the mating region of the ceiling panels 12 is provided on the second side edge. The mating regions engage with each other by means of complimentary interengaging formations 40, 41 provided in the mating regions.

In one alternative the complimentary interengaging formations 40, 41 co-operate to form a void 42 running through the centre of the complimentary interengaging formations 40, 41 along the full width of the panels 11, 12.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 12 to 15 the complimentary interengaging formations 40, 41 are formed by folding the top edge of the second side panels 11 in two places to form a fl shaped channel and by folding the second side edge of the ceiling panels 12 in two places to form a shaped channel. The complimentary interengaging formations 40, 41 co-operate and engage with each other to form a square shaped void 42.

Figures 20a to 20h shown alternate complimentary formations which may be used to create suitable mating regions.

The complimentary interengaging formations 40, 41 are provided in one alternative with pre-formed apertures in alignment between the second side panels 11 and the ceiling panels 12 through which fixing means are located and fixed in place to retain the engagement of the two panels ii, 12.

In the embodiment shown in Figures ito 15, the voids 31,42 are continuous along the full length of the enclosed walkway. Services including electric cables can be run through the void to assist in enclosing within a secure duct electric cables for providing heat, lighting, alarms or CCTV to the enclosed walkway. In an alternative air conditioned air or fresh air may be run through the voids 31, 42. It will be understood that additional ductwork may be required to run cables or air to appropriate points along the passageway. These additional ducts can be added during construction using known constructional techniques.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 15 support members 49 are provided along the two sides of the enclosed walkway to provide an additional support for the modular assembly. In the alternative shown the support member 49 are fixed to the first and second connecting means 13, 14 by fixing means 50, 53 and elongate apertures 51, 52 provided in the first and second connecting means 13, 14. The elongate apertures 51, 52 provide means for ease of changing the angle at which the support member 49 is fixed to the modular assembly via the first and second connecting means 13, 14. The support members 49 are further provided with plates 54 for engaging the floor surface pivotable about a pivot point 55 to assist in ease of changing the angle at which the support member engages with the floor when fixed to the first and second connecting means 13, 14 at varying angles.

In the alternative shown in Figure 18 the support members 49 are angled upwards towards a ceiling rather than downwards towards the floor.

In the alternative shown in Figure 19 no support members have been provided.

As'shown in Figures 1 to 15 especially in detail in Figure 15 the first, second and third connecting means 13, 14, 15 also serve to provide structural support and increased safety by increasing the width of the visible edge of the first, second and ceiling panels, 10, 11, 12 at the two ends of the enclosed walkway of the modular assembly.

In a further alternative shown in Figures 21 to 23 the modular assembly is further provided with a floor so to form a completely enclosed walkway. In one alterative services such as electric cabling for power, lighting, alarms, CCTV may be run in the void 51 between the floor 50 and the ground.

In a further alternative, not shown, the modular assembly can be readily made to curve in it's path or even to turn sharp corners. This is achieved by varying the width of the side panels, for example if the width of the side panels on the right hand side of the modular assembly are decreased whilst the left had side panels remain unchanged then the modular assembly will turn to the right, with the assistance of specially created ceiling panels.

In a further alternative, not shown, the side panels may either include doors and door frames or may be substituted with doors and door frames which act to provide for example emergency exists from the modular assembly enclosed walkway in the event of an emergency.

In summary there is described a prefabricated modular aluminium pedestrian tunnel system which has been developed to speed up the onsite installation of temporary protected walkways installed through the construction work forces. Using a combination of light steel and aluminium sections, prefabricated panels are delivered to site and assembled using a simple methodology, complimentary of safe working site practices and environmental and waste targets, resulting in the following features and benefits:- * Up to 50m enclosed walkway of the modular assembly can be erected and/or dismantled in one 24 hour shift using a team of 4 people.

* The modular assembly is developed to be palletted and within manageable lifting constraints.

* The modular assembly is AA rather under BS 476 part 3 (Fire tests on building materials and structures).

* The modular assembly has a Class 0 rating for surface spread of flame.

* The modular assembly has good fire retardant properties.

* The components of the modular assembly have excellent recyclable qualities.

* All bespoke sections of the modular assembly that may be required would be available within 3 working days subject to agreed fabrication details.

* Emergency exit doors are easily incorporated in standard modular units.

* Containment is provided in the modular assembly for lighting, alarms, CCTV etc. * The internal finish of the modular assembly enclosed walkway is suitable for painting and advertising space.

* Fixing points for fixtures and fittings are easily incorporated into the design of the modular assembly enclosed walkway.

The modular assembly has been developed specifically to provide a safe pedestrian route to and from areas within a live Train Station however, could easily be incorporated into the logistical plans of the following type of project: * Airport Terminal * Shopping Centre * Assembly Buildings * Museums * Pedestrian Footpath Further in summary the main parts to the tunnel are as follows 1. Wall panel standard size govern the overall height and length of the tunnel all have square holes (which align with the square head of a coach bolt assisting in the installation and strength along the edges to align with the wall c channels part 5.

They also have elongated holes in the base channel to enable through bolts or anchor points to be located and secured down to see OO7SRT. By altering the width or height of these panels you can alter the direction of the tunnel i.e. reduce the width of a panel to the right side will pull the tunnel right (relative to special roof panel lining up with decreased dimensions) 2. Roof panel standard size governs the width (is the same as the width of the wall panels) and length of the tunnel these panels have holes along there edges which are precision machined to align with the roof channels holes to enable a mechanical fixing to hold it into place.

3. Roof end panel makes up the smaller (half offset) panel at the ends of the panel these can be adjusted in size to allow for corners and adjustments to the tunnel direction.

4. Roof C' channel forms the mechanical fixing medium for the nuts on the inside of the tunnel to locate on to the also provide additional stiffness to the tunnel each section has two rows of nutserts RTM positioned to line up with the holes in the roof panel this enables the tunnel to be erected from within the confides of small spaces as the materials can be raised into position and then secured into place.

5. Wall C' channels form the stiffeners to the side of the wall and tie the two side panels together. They also form a firm end post that terminates the side of the tunnel. Each one has precision cut holes in it to align with the holes in the wall panels.

6. The outriggers are used to assist with the stability of the tunnel during installation and as support to the side panels to add rigidity to the tunnel. These can be either solid bar connections or variable wall tie connections if site conditions do not allow the required leg length.

The tunnel is further provided with a service void. This feature has the ability to be used as a small void which in turn can be used to help manage services that need to be routed along the tunnel (alarms, cctv, power etc). The external faces of the tunnel can also be utilised to mount various service trays as they are strong enough to carry this additional requirements. This helps to keep the Safe Route tunnel look.

Key Design points The tunnel has been developed to speed up the onsite installation of temporary protected walkways installed through live construction work faces. Using a combination of light steel and aluminium sections, prefabricated panels are delivered to site and assembled using a simple methodology, complimentary of safe working site practices and environmental & waste targets.

The tunnel is recyclable and can be erected and dismantled in a short period of time.

It has been design to be palletised so can be quickly transported to the work place.

It can be made fire proof and a consequence of this can help reduce the noise from the external work face environment.

Doors and changes in direction can be accommodated plus with the use of skirting system height fluctuations can be accommodated.

The tunnel is made out of readily available materials and can be adjusted to accommodate bespoke scenarios.

It is light weight, pleasing to the eye and has the ability to offer a client an area for advertising and media presentation upon its surface.

The service section can also help with the redirection of temporary services that the tunnel may need for lighting, alarms and CCTV.

The standard design can also assist with the preplanning of new tunnels and can be modelled on to other overviews.

In short it can be used to take pedestrian and other traffic through an area to another area safely, avoiding the site activities and reducing the associated distractions of people travelling through a site'.

It helps prevent and manage pedestrian traffic flow through busy and sometimes hazardous construction zones.

Areas of application include the movement of people, materials, livestock valuable products from a point to another. It gives the client infinite possibilities to reroute this traffic by adjusting a small number of components.

Our standard modular system provides a clear walkway of 2350mm with a floor to ceiling of 2250mm and is fabricated using aluminium and galvanized steel, no single component is heavier than 38kg therefore suitable for a 2 man safe assembly process.

If required we have developed a simple method for cladding the system with an additional 2hrs of fire protection, similarly we can easily integrate all interfacing services such as lighting, CCTV, fire alarms, PAVA etc.

Claims

Claims 1. A modular assembly for use as an enclosed walkway comprising: a plurality of first side panels having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein a mating region is provided at the top edge; a plurality of second side panels having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein a mating region is provided at the top edge; a plurality of ceiling panels having a first end edge, a second end edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein a first mating region is provided at the first end edge and a second mating region is provided at the second end edge; the mating region of the first side panel being adapted to engage the first mating region of the ceiling panel; and the mating region of the second side panel being adapted to engage the second mating region of the ceiling panel, such that the first and second side panels support the ceiling panel; and wherein the first side edge of each of the plurality of first side panels is buttable against a second side edge of an adjacent side panel and connectable together by a first connecting means; and wherein the first side edge of each of the plurality of second side panels is buttable against a second side edge of an adjacent second side panel and connectable together by a second connecting means; and wherein the first side edge of each of an adjacent ceiling panel is buttable against a second side edge of the plurality of ceiling panels and connectable together by a third connecting means.
2. A modular assembly as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the mating region of the first side panel and the first mating region of the ceiling panel are provided with complimentary interengaging formations.
3. A modular assembly as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the complimentary interengaging formations of the first side panel and the ceiling panel interengage to form a conduit.
4. A modular assembly as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the conduit runs the full length of the top edge of the first side panel.
5. A modular assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the mating region of the second side panel and the second mating region of the ceiling panel are provided with complimentary interengaging formations.
6. A modular assembly as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the complimentary interengaging formations of the second side panel and the ceiling panel interengage to form a conduit.
7. A modular assembly as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the conduit runs the full length of the top edge of the second side panel.
8. A modular assembly as claimed when dependent upon any of Claims 3, 4, 6 or 7 wherein services are laid through the conduit.
9. A modular assembly as claimed in Claim 8 wherein electric cable is laid through the conduit.
10. A modular assembly as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the electrical cable is used to provide lighting in the tunnel assembly.
11. A modular assembly as claimed when dependent upon any of Claims 3, 4, 6 or 7 wherein air conditioning is provided through the conduit.
12. A modular assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first connecting means overlaps the first side edge and the second side edge of the first side panels.
13. A modular assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the second connecting means overlaps the first side edge and the second side edge of the second side panels.
14. A modular assembly as claimed in any preceding claims wherein the third connecting means overlaps the first side edge and the second side edge of the ceiling panels.
15. A modular assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first connecting means comprises a U shaped elongated member.
16. A modular assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the second connecting means comprises a U shaped elongated member.
17. A modular assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the third connecting means comprises and U shaped elongated member.
18. A modular assembly as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 14 and 16 to 17 wherein the first connecting means comprises a tubular conduit.
19. A modular assembly as claimed in 18 wherein services are laid through the conduit.
20. A modular assembly as claimed in 19 wherein electrical cable is laid through the conduit.
21. A modular assembly as claimed in 20 wherein the electrical cable is used to provide lighting in the tunnel assembly.
22. A modular assembly as claimed in 18 wherein air conditioning is provided through the conduit.
23. A modular assembly as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 15 and 17 to 22 wherein the second connecting means comprises a tubular conduit.
24. A modular assembly as claimed in 23 wherein services are laid through the conduit.
25. A modular assembly as claimed in 24 wherein electrical cable is laid through the conduit.
26. A modular assembly as claimed in 25 wherein the electrical cable is used to provide lighting in the tunnel assembly.
27. A modular assembly as claimed in 23 wherein air conditioning is provided through the conduit.
28. A modular assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 16 and 18 to 27 wherein the third connecting means comprises a tubular conduit.
29. A modular assembly as claimed in 28 wherein services are laid through the conduit.
30. A modular assembly as claimed in 29 wherein electrical cable is laid through the conduit.
31. A modular assembly as claimed in 30 wherein the electrical cable is used to provide lighting in the tunnel assembly.
32. A modular assembly as darned in 28 wherein air conditioning is provided through the conduit.
33. A modular assembly is claimed in any preceding claims wherein the bottom edges of the first side panels are provided with a retaining member for receiving the first connecting means to retain the first connecting means in position.
34. A modular assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bottom edges of the second side panels are provided with a retaining member for receiving the second connecting means to retain the second connecting means in position.
35. A modular assembly as claimed in any of Claims ito 11 wherein the first and second side edges of the first side panels are folded perpendicular to the main body of the first side panel in the same direction to form the first connecting means such that when the plurality of first side panels are butted together fixing means can be placed through the folded portions to connect the first side panels together.
36. A modular assembly as claimed in 1 to 11 and 35 wherein the first and second side edges of the second side panels are folded perpendicular to the main body of the second side panel in the same direction to form the second connecting means such that when the plurality of second side panels are butted together fixing means can be placed through the folded portions to connect the second side panels together.
37. A modular assembly as claimed in 1 to 11 and 35 and 36 wherein the first and second side edges of the ceiling panels are folded perpendicular to the main body of the ceiling panel in the same direction to form the third connecting means such that when the plurality of ceiling panels are butted together fixing means can be placed through the folded portions to connect the ceiling panels together.
38. A modular assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the joint resulting from butting together the first side panels is offset from the joint resulting from butting together the ceiling panels.
39. A modular assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the joint resulting from butting together the second side panels is offset from the joint resulting from butting together the ceiling panels.
40. A method of erecting a modular assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 39 comprising the steps of: a) erecting a first side panel; b) erecting a second side panel parallel to the first side panel the distance between the first and second side panels being the length of a ceiling panel; c) offering up a ceiling panel in between the first and second side panels; d) aligning the mating region of the first side panel with the first mating region of the ceiling panel; e) aligning the mating region of the second side panel with the second mating region of the ceiling panel; f) fixing the panels in position.
41. A method as claimed in Claim 40 comprising the additional steps of: a) erecting a further first side panel butted end to end with the original first side panel and connecting the first side panels together using the first connection means; b) erecting a further second side panel butted end to end with the original second side panel and connecting the second side panels together using the second connection means; c) offering up a further ceiling panel in between the further first and second side panels, aligning the respective mating regions and connect the ceiling panels together using the third connection means.
42. A kit of parts of a modular assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 39 comprising: a) a plurality of first side panels; b) a plurality of second side panels; c) a plurality of ceiling panels; d) a plurality of first connection means; e) a plurality of second connection means; and f) a plurality of third connection means.
43. A modular assembly as substantially described herein with reference to the accompanying figures.