GB2468281A

GB2468281A - Modular build system with use of flexible spacer for structural support

Info

Publication number: GB2468281A
Application number: GB0903457A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Asif Din
Original assignee: ZEDFACTORY Ltd
Current assignee: ZEDFACTORY Ltd
Priority date: 2009-03-02
Filing date: 2009-03-02
Publication date: 2010-09-08
Also published as: GB0903457D0

Abstract

A modular build system comprising a plurality of building modules 3, typically for office, retail or domestic accommodation, with at least one curved surface arranged in a stacked configuration, a plurality of load receiving elements positioned between the modules and a structural element (8, fig 4) supported by the load receiving elements. Preferably the modules are cylinders which when stacked have their longitudinal axes in a substantially horizontal plane. The load receiving elements may comprise three flexible load receiving components, where the load receiving components may be filled flexible containers (12, fig 4) in the form of a hexagonal prism, the prism having an open narrow face that is tied when full to form a substantially pyramidal structure. Preferably the flexible containers have a concave face as one wide face of the prism whereby three such containers placed in concert provide a load receiving element that has a central void to receive a cantilever support element. The cantilever support element may comprise an open ended cylinder (5, fig 3) and at least one cylinder insert (6, fig 3), which has a shape cut therein corresponding to the shape of the structural element i.e, an I-beam. The load receiving element may also perform an infill retaining function. A flexible container, which may have at least two compartments and a method of construction is also claimed.

Description

Building System

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a building system for construction of Sbuildings typically for office, retail or domestic accommodation. In particular, the invention relates to a building system comprising curved building modules, to a load-receiving element for use in such a system and to a method of construction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modular build systems are increasingly adopted as a rapid construction method. A modular build approach may also enable construction of buildings with a reduced ecological impact.

In particular uses of modular build systems where structures, such as building modules, are stacked, there can be problems with point loading 1 5whereby a means for spreading the load is required. In building systems which utilize backfill, e.g. of earth, between building modules, there is required some form of retaining structure.

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

It is desirable to provide a build system which utilizes a minimum of structural materials and utilizes local materials. There is need in such build systems which comprises stacking of building modules, especially of an unconventional shape (e.g. having curved surfaces), for a reliable and readily available load-receiving element to enable stacking of such modules. There is a still further requirement for such a modular build system to have load-receiving elements and load formers having sufficient tolerance to build processes yet provide reliable and secure structural integrity.

It is an object of the invention to provide a modular build system which may be rapidly deployed, utilize where available local resources for load 30receiving and back filling, utilize a structural support system that is safe and reliable and provides structural integrity whilst having the flexibility to allow for build process tolerance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular build system comprising a plurality of building modules having each at least one curved surface for arrangement in a stacked configuration or in plurality of vertical planes; a plurality of load-receiving elements positioned between the modules for receiving the load of a first building module arranged to be stacked lOupon another module or modules, said load receiving elements configured to support a structural element whereby the structural element is secured in place solely by the load receiving elements bearing the load of one or more building module.

In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a load-l5receiving element for use in a module build system as defined above.

In a third aspect of the invention there is provided flexible container for use as a load-receiving component for a load-receiving element in a modular build system, said flexible container comprising a an hexagonal prism, which hexagon has three short sides and three long sides, one narrow face of the 2Oprism being open for filling of the container, and which once filled may be tied along the one narrow face forming the opening in order to form a substantially pyramidal structure.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a cantilever system for a modular build system as defined above.

In a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a cantilever securing system comprising a cantilever support element comprising an open ended cylinder and two shaped cut inserts; at least two load-receiving elements configured to receive the open ended cylinder; and a structural element such as an I-beam, whereby the structural element may be fitted into the correspondingly 3Oshaped cut inserts and thereby held within the open ended cylinder secured by the load-receiving elements in a manner which provides tolerance to build processes.

In a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a tolerance variation device for a cantilever support system.

In a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of construction comprising the steps of positioning and securing a first building 5module and a second building module adjacent one another, each of said first and second building modules having curved surfaces and positioned for assembly with at least a third building module; placing one or more load-receiving elements at the confluence of said first and second building modules and proposed position of said third building module, said load receiving elements providing load reception 1 Oalong adjunctive planes defined by the relative positions of said first, second and third building modules and said load-receiving elements preferably configured to receive a structural element; preferably providing in association with the load receiving elements a structural element; positioning a third building module in contact with the load-receiving elements and vertically elevated relative to said l5first and second building modules to form a stack of building modules whereby the point loading from the third building modules is received by the load-receiving elements and spread across a portion of the surfaces of the first and second load receiving elements.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides improvements in modular build systems and in particular in modular build systems that involve stacking of multiple building modules. In particular, it provides a novel modular build support structure in which a load-receiving element provides both the structural 25integrity for the system and a retaining function for infill between building modules. It optionally further provides structural support for a cantilever for secondary structures associated with the building module. The modular build system enables through the use of a flexible container, filled with compressive granular material preferably sourced on-site, an ecologically sound structural 30support solution which is light to transport, utilizes local materials, provides stnictural integrity and contributes to the sound and heat insulation capability of the build system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1 is a diagrammatical representation of a build system according to the invention showing the location of the load-receiving elements in an assembly of the build system Figure 2 is a diagrammatical representation of the load-receiving element of the invention showing the arrangement of the three components according to a preferred embodiment.

Figure 3 is a diagrammatical representation of the cantilever securing and levelling system according to the invention Figure 4 is a diagrammatical representation of the cantilever system in location within the build system according to a preferred embodiment.

Figure 5 is an illustration of the build system of the invention having backfilled material Figure 6A shows a flexible container form of the load-receiving component Figure 6B shows a flexible container of Figure 6A being filled with support material Figure 6C shows a flexible container of Figure AB tied and placed on a cantilever support system.

Figure 7A illustrates a flexible container having two compartments for filling Figure 7B illustrates a tied filled flexible container substantially in the form of a pyramidal structure Figure 8 illustrates an example of a built environment constructed 2susing a build system according to the present invention and having secondary structure formed thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a modular build system. In 30particular it provides a modular build system in which building modules are stacked and preferably utilize infill between the build modules to provide structural support and thermal stability for the build modules. The build system is preferably for use as office, retail and/or accommodation purposes.

The build system may be appropriate for unconventionally shaped building modules, and preferably building modules having at least one curved surface. Preferably the build system comprises stacking of multiple building modules having curved surfaces. The building modules may be of, for example, a prism (e.g. a pentagonal prism or an hexagonal prism), a cone or truncated cone, an ellipsoid, an elliptical cylinder or a cylinder. Preferably the building module is a cylinder. The building modules when utilized in the build system are preferably lOstacked, in the example of prisms, cones or cylinders, such that they are orientated with their longitudinal axes substantially horizontal. In the example of a cone or truncated cone, it may be that the modules are stacked typically where the longitudinal axis is substantially horizontal or within the angle of the cone to the horizontal. By substantially horizontal it is meant at least within the typical 1 Sbuilding process tolerance of the horizontal and within stylistic variations of the stacking of, for example, cylinders and in any case closer to the horizontal than to the vertical, preferably within 30 degrees, more preferably within 10 degrees and most preferably within 5 degrees of the horizontal.

The building modules may be of any suitable sized and are 20typically of a dimension at its largest vertical dimension, when stacked, that is at least big enough for a person to walk. Preferably the building modules provide self-contained office, retail or domestic accommodation. As such, the building module may be sized to entirely encompass a small office space, an apartment, maisonnette or townhouse sized structure (e.g. greater than three meter diameter 2scylinder, optionally greater than six meter diameter cylinder). The build system according to the invention allows for multiple different sized and shaped building modules to be accommodated into the same structure.

Typically, the building modules are pre-fabricated or part pre-fabricated such that they arrive on site ready to place into the structure. The 30building module may be made of any suitable material which may optionally have heat conductive or heat insulating properties. In the case of a cylindrical building modules, the material used in the construction may be for example concrete or similar, although the cylinder faces/ends may be formed of a different material which is highly insulating or contributes highly to the energy efficiency of the building.

Infill between building modules in the assembled build system may Sbe any suitable material. A prefened material is earth or soil such that the modular self-contained accommodation is maintained at a lower temperature in summer and is maintained at a warmer temperature than otherwise during winter due to the thermal capacity of the infill. This is especially the case where the infill material is thermally insulated from the external environment.

Access to the interior of the modular accommodation is via one or both ends, i.e. longitudinal extremities of the building module when stacked in position.

To enable building modules to be stacked, there is provided in the build system a means for retaining the load of the stacked system and providing l5structural integrity. There is provided a load-receiving means which is capable of receiving the load of the building module being stacked onto the subsidiary modules already in position by providing contact with an extended area of the surface of the building module being stacked and contacting an extended area of the surface of the subsidiary building modules or support structures. The load- 20receiving means should be capable of providing the structural integrity of the stacked modular system. For a longitudinally extended building module, such as a cylinder, the load-receiving means should provide support on each side of the balance of mass of the building module. This may be achieved by having a longitudinally extended building element but is preferably achieved by providing 25two or more building elements at least one on each side of the balance of mass of the building module.

Preferably, one load-receiving element is provided at one end of the building module and a second load-receiving element is provided at the other end. A further load-receiving element may be provided at a central position along 30the longitudinal axis of the building module.

Each load-receiving element may be positioned at the confluence of two or more building elements. When in place, it is preferred that two load-receiving elements define the limits of a cavity formed between stacked building modules. When this cavity is infilled with suitable material, the load-receiving elements provide a retaining function for the infilled material, and so act as retaining structures.

The load-receiving element may be a single component forming a point of contact between two or three stacked building modules. Any suitable such load-receiving element may be used. For example, the load-receiving element may be a single or multi-component prefabricated bracket-type structure (e.g. in the form of strengthened composite load-receiving surfaces for each of the 1 Obuilding modules and integrally connected to one another to provide a robust load-receiving element). Preferably, the load-receiving element comprises at least two load-receiving components and most preferably three load-receiving components, which when used together form a load-receiving element capable of receiving the load of stacked building modules and providing structural integrity to the build.

Load-receiving elements used in the build system of the invention should be of a material capable of providing a sound structural basis for the build whilst being sufficiently pliable to enable unconventional, especially curved, shaped building modules to be received in position by to some degree the load-receiving elements moulding to the shape of building componets. In a prefened 2Oembodiment, the load-receiving elements are formed of load-receiving components that are flexible containers containing a suitable structural material, such as compressive granular materials. The load-receiving component may therefore be formed by filling with compressive granular materials a flexible bag shaped such that it readily provides, with one or two other such load-receiving 25components, a load supporting function for one building module stacked onto two subordinate building modules. The load-receiving element will be configured to receive the load from the stacked building module and spread that load over a larger portion of the surface of each of the two subordinate building modules in the stack.

Preferably, according to this embodiment, each load-receiving component may be of substantially pyramidal shape such that when three such load-receiving components are placed in concert to form a load-receiving element, the bases of the pyramids converge to form a solid compressive load-receiving mass within the cavity formed by stacking three, e.g. cylindrical, building modules whilst the projecting portions of the pyramid is configured to receive the load of one building modules upon a neighbouring building module.

In a preferred embodiment a flexible container, which may be filled and then used to support stacked building modules which are, for example, cylindrical building modules, is of an hexagonal prism form. This may resemble a truncated triangular prism, whereby the hexagon comprises three long sides and three short sides, each long side adjacent to two short sides. The hexagonal prism lOformed would thereby have three narrow faces (corresponding to the short sides of the hexagon) and three wide faces (corresponding to the long sides of the hexagon). One narrow face would typically have an opening to enable filling of the container with suitable compactable material. Optionally, the opening would provide access to two compartments as illustrated in Figure 7, one of which would 1 Sbe for receiving compactable material for structural support, the other for receiving sound/thermal insulating material to provide a sound/insulating function to the infilled material from the external environment. The container may then be filled and once sufficiently filled, secured along the open end (e.g. by using a cable tie) for example to draw the corresponding short sides of the hexagon at 2Oeach end together and thereby form a substantially pyrimdal structure. In a preferred embodiment in which the load-receiving element provides a structural support for secondary structures (e.g. via a cantilever system) the wide face opposite the opening of the bag is formed as a concave surface resulting from a concave side on the triangles. When three such filled bags are located in a build 25with their bases together, this forms a void for receiving a pipe or open ended cylinder or, directly, a structural element such as an I-beam, and thereby providing a structural support element for a cantilever system.

Accordingly there is an embodiment of the build system of the invention in which there is provided a cantilever capable of bearing a load of a 3Osecondary structure dependent upon the load borne by the load-receiving elements. The secondary structure would typically be frames, walkways, bridges and the like projecting from the main structure.

A cantilever securing system may comprise, for example, a cantilever support element, such as an open ended cylinder. This usefully may be secured in position within the build structure by placing the support element within the load-receiving element during construction and is preferably positioned 5in a void formed between load-receiving components according to a preferred embodiment above. Two such cantilever support elements each secured in place within respective load-receiving elements described above provide a sound structure within which a structural element such as an I-beam, pre-fabricated metal channel, T-bar etc may be positioned and securely held and from which a 1 Osecondary structure may be secured. The cantilever securing system further comprises a tolerance variation device which is typically in the form of an insert for the cylinder and is characterized by being configured to receive, into the cylinder, a structural element such as an I-beam, and is adjustable in precise location in order to provide adjustment in the precise position of the structural 1 5element across two or more such cantilever support elements to provide tolerance in the build system, before being secured in place in its desired position. The tolerance variation device typically comprises a resiliently compressible insert, such as a closed cell foam insert, having a cut shape corresponding to the structural element in order to receive the structural element within the support 2Oelement (e.g. cylinder) and a further cut shape or hole to provide for passage of grout or other fixing material into the cylinder once the desired position of the structural element has been found. Each cylindrical support element will have two such tolerance variation devices provided.

Accordingly, the cylindrical support element and (e.g. foam) 25tolerance variation device allow a structural element such as an I-beam to be placed, grouted and leveled so that a non-traditional load bearing structure is obtained with a low embodied energy, which allows for the construction of secondary structures such as walkways and stairs to provide access to the modular accommodation units.

Flexible containers for use, once filled, as load-receiving components according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, may be formed from any suitable material. The material should be of a strength and -10 -pliability to avoid tearing during operation to be able to withstand a contained load of compressible material and to be sufficiently pliable to allow moulding of the interior materials to shaped building modules, especially arcs, curves etc. Preferably the container is composed of a geotextile material, which such 5materials are typically used in sheet or net form and to provide support in retaining walls. The containers may be formed by gluing, sewing or otherwise fixing along the seams. The containers may be of any suitable size to suit different structural requirements and local construction needs. The bag/container is typically filled on site and secured using a cable tie this allows the whole operation to be performed lOon a building site with site labour.

According to a particular preferred embodiment of the invention, a build system is provided for constructing a building with a plurality of pre-fabricated cylindrical building modules. The cylindrical building modules are configured for a stacking alTangement. The build system provides a plurality of 1 5load-receiving elements for each stacking configuration (i.e. one stacked cylinder on two subordinate cylinders), which load-receiving elements each comprise three load-receiving components in the form of filled prism shaped flexible containers tied to form substantially pyramidal structures. These three load-receiving elements act in concert when placed at the confluence of the three cylindrical 2Obuilding modules in order to provide structural integrity to the stack and define a void within which a cantilever support element (e.g. a cylinder) may be positioned and fitted with a tolerance variation device (e.g. a resiliently compressible foam insert) for receiving a structural element such as an I-beam which may be secured in a desired leveled position by pumping grout into a hole in the tolerance 25variation device in order to set the position. The structural element may then protrude from the main structure of stacked cylindrical building modules on which to construct secondary structures such as stairs and walkways and balconies and the like. The load-receiving elements and cylindrical building module stack define a cavity within which may be backfilled with material from the site to a 3Ocompacted state to form a sound structural system. The load-receiving elements thereby act also as infill retaining structures.

The system relies on gravity and requires no additional mechanical fixings into the structures reducing the potential for water penetration and corrosion.

According to a further aspect there is provided a method of 5construction. The construction method comprises the steps of positioning and securing a first building module and a second building module adjacent one another, each of said first and second building modules having curved surfaces and positioned for assembly with at least a third building module; placing one or more load-receiving elements at the confluence of said first and second building 1 Omodules and proposed position of said third building module, said load receiving elements providing load reception along adjunctive planes defined by the relative positions of said first, second and third building modules and said load-receiving elements preferably configured to receive a structural element; preferably providing in association with the load receiving elements a structural element; 1 5positioning a third building module in contact with the load-receiving elements and vertically elevated relative to said first and second building modules to form a stack of building modules whereby the point loading from the third building modules is received by the load-receiving elements and spread across a portion of the surfaces of the first and second load receiving elements. The method typically 2Ofurther comprises infilling, with an infill material, a cavity formed between the stacked cylinders and defined by the load receiving elements. Optionally, the method further comprises providing a secondary structure, such as access stairways, on the cantilevers projecting from the stack of building modules.

The invention will now be described, without limitation as to the scope of the invention, with reference to the drawings.

The bags/containers (12) are made from flexible material and either glued or sewn (11) together to form their seams. The top of the bag is left open (13) with enough space to be filled on site with local granular material (see figure 306). Once the bag is filled the bag is tied off using a cable tie (4).

-12 -The bag can be filled with a range of differing components and in a two bag option differing components to provide advantageous thermal, acoustic or other properties. The bags could be filled with an additive to make the local materials more durable e.g. Dry mix.

Three bags are placed around a high density tube (5) in differing configurations and geometries depending on whether it is resting on a curved or flat surface (1,2). These support a curved structure, this could be circular, elliptical or part of an arc (3) The high density plastic tube has a closed cell foam, or similar, lOinsert on each end (6) within which the structural element is placed (8) the shape that is cut into the foam insert depends on the type of structural element to be fitted there e.g. T beam, prefabricated metal channel, T etc. Each tube (5) is the length of the bag. A number of these are placed in series to provide loading points and potential to level structural items (see figure 4). The structure being supported lSat a range of places makes for an efficient cantilever structure as the structural support is fully restrained and allows load to be placed at the end of the cantilever (9).

The tubes are filled with grout so that they are in fixed position once the structure is levelled this is done by a grouting hole at the top of the foam 2Oinsulation plug (7) which is filled until grout comes out of the hole.

After the structure is placed the construction is backfilled (1 O)with on site material to a compacted state so that it acts as a structural system. The secondary structure is effectively part of a structural retaining wall requiring no additional structure to the ground (9).

Additional structures can be placed above this and the procedure repeated dependant on the crushing strength of the tubes (5) and the structures themselves (3). The system relies on gravity and required no additional mechanical fixings into the structures reducing potential for water penetration and corrosion.

-13 -The bag acts like a void former with a large enough space to allow soil to be compacted around the rest of the structures to create a structurally sound entity.

The pipe and closed cell foam or similar tube bung allows a structure to be placed, grouted and levelled so that a non traditional load bearing structure is obtained with a low embodied energy. This structure allows support for frames, walkways, bridges and the like from the main structure.

A container bag (12) which is placed against a plastic pipe (5) to provide a retaining former. This allows support of curved structures (3). The bag lOcan be varied in size and geometry to match the structures supported. The bag can be filled with a range of materails and additives to change the characteristics of the bag. The bag is filled with on site and placed. The former has the ability with the plastic tube (5) to have additional structure placed into it providing potential for cantilevers (9).

The structure has the ability to be levelled and then the space between the formers is backfilled (10). This provides a secure structure with the ability to place more curved structures above it in a tessellated form. The bags can have multiple compartments() to isolate the thermal and acoustic of the back infill material from the external environment.

According to still further aspects of the invention, or as subsidiary features of the invention hereinbefore described, the following further features are provided.

1. a flexible bag, filled on site, used as part of a retaining structure which allows structural support of other structural elements 2. bag designed for site operations requiring minimal skill levels 3. Ties and curved structures are already readily available on the market 4. Unlike pinning retaining walls site fill is used for backfilling a retaining wall with the bag used as the retaining device 5. The bags can support a range of differing curved structures without fixings 6. The bags can be varied in size and geometry dependant n the structure supported -14 - 7. Secondary structure is supported intermittently along its length to provide structural support 8. the mass of infill provides passive cooling in climates with cool nights and hot days 9. the mass of infill provides acoustic privacy between structures 10. outer compartment bag can be filled with locally available materials including low density materials to isolate the enclosed mass from external conditions 11. bags can be used with an additive to improve the infill material properties The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications can be effected by a person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the l5scope of the invention.

-15 -

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A modular build system comprising a plurality of building modules having each at least one curved surface for arrangement in a stacked configuration or in Splurality of vertical planes; a plurality of load-receiving elements positioned between the modules for receiving the load of a first building module arranged to be stacked upon another module or modules, said load receiving elements configured to support a structural element whereby the structural element is secured in place solely by the toad receiving elements lObearing the load of one or more building module.

2. A modular build system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the building modules are cylinders which when stacked in a building have their longitudinal axes in a substantially horizontal plane.

3. A modular build system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the load-receiving elements each comprise load-receiving components capable of being positioned at the confluence of two or more building modules and receiving the load of one building module upon another.

4. A modular build system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the load-receiving components are filled flexible containers.

5. A modular build system as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the 2Sload-receiving element comprises three flexible load-receiving components, each of which provides a load-receiving function between two building modules in a stack of three building modules and which together form a structural support for the build system.

306. A modular build system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the load-receiving components are filled flexible containers, which flexible containers have an -16 -hexagonal prism form, which hexagon has three short sides and three long sides, one narrow face of the prism being open for filling of the container, and which once filled are tied along the one narrow face forming the opening in order to form a substantially pyramidal structure.

7. A modular build system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the flexible container forming the load-receiving components have a concave face as one wide face of the prism, which concave face is the face opposing the open face of the prism, whereby three such load-receiving components placed in concert provide a 1 Oload-receiving element having a central void for receiving a cantilever support element.

8. A modular build system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which further comprises a cantilever system, which is supported by a plurality of load-receiving element.

9. A modular build system as claimed in claim 8, which comprises a structural element and a cantilever support element for supporting the structural element.

10. A modular build system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the cantilever support element comprises an open ended cylinder capable of being received by a void in a load-receiving element as defined in claim 7 and at least one cylinder insert, which is compressively resilient and having a shape cut therein corresponding to the shape of the structural element whereby a structural element can be supported by the cantilever support element and associated load-receiving elements and providing tolerance for variation of building processes.

11. A modular build system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 30wherein the load-receiving element also performs an infill retaining function.

-17 - 12. A load-receiving element as defined in anyone of claims ito 11.

13. A flexible container for use as a load-receiving component for a load-receiving element in a modular build system, said flexible container comprising a 5an hexagonal prism, which hexagon has three short sides and three long sides, one narrow face of the prism being open for filling of the container, and which once filled may be tied along the one narrow face forming the opening in order to form a substantially pyramidal structure.

1014. A flexible container as claimed in claim 13, which comprises a concave side as one long side of the hexagon and thereby a concave face as one wide face of the prism, which concave face is the face opposing the open face of the prism, whereby three such load-receiving components placed in concert provide a load-receiving element having a central void for receiving a cantilever support element.

15. A flexible container as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, which comprises at least two compartments, a first compartment for receiving material for providing structural integrity to the load receiving element and a second compartment for receiving material for enhancing sound and/or thermal insulation 20from the external environment.

16. A flexible container as claimed in claim 13, claim 14 or claim 15, which is composed of a geotextile material.

2517. A cantilever securing system comprising a cantilever support element comprising an open ended cylinder and two shaped cut inserts; at least two load-receiving elements as defined in claim 7 and configured to receive the open ended cylinder; and a structural element such as an I-beam -18 -whereby the structural element may be fitted into the correspondingly shaped cut inserts and thereby held within the open ended cylinder secured by the load-receiving elements in a manner which provides tolerance to build processes.

518. A method of construction comprising the steps of positioning and securing a first building module and a second building module adjacent one another, each of said first and second building modules having curved surfaces and positioned for assembly with at least a third building module; placing one or more load-receiving elements at the confluence of said first and second building modules and proposed position of said third building module, said load receiving elements providing load reception along adjuctive planes defined by the relative positions of said first, second and third building modules and said load-receiving elements preferably configured to receive a structural element; preferably providing in association with the load receiving elements a structural element; positioning a third building module in contact with the load-receiving elements and vertically elevated relative to said first and second building modules 2Oto form a stack of building modules whereby the point loading from the third building modules is received by the load-receiving elements and spread across a portion of the surfaces of the first and second load receiving elements.

19. A method as claimed in claim 18, which further comprises infilling, with 25an infill material, a cavity formed between the stacked cylinders and defined by the load receiving elements.

20. A method as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, which further comprises providing a secondary structure, such as access stairways, on the cantilevers 3oprojecting from the stack of building modules.

-19 - 21. A modular build system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.

22. A flexible container for use in a load-receiving element substantially as 5hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.-20 -