GB2475138A

GB2475138A - Modular flooring panel

Info

Publication number: GB2475138A
Application number: GB1017667A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven Caffall Finch
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-10-03
Filing date: 2008-10-03
Publication date: 2011-05-11
Anticipated expiration: 2028-10-03
Also published as: GB201017667D0; AU2008306580A1; GB2453840B; US20090090070A1; GB0818127D0; GB201017666D0; JP2011516754A; WO2009044277A2; GB2474936A; AU2008306580B2; GB2453840A; EP2231940A2; GB2475138B; GB2474936B; GB201017669D0; EP2231940B1; JP5630764B2; GB201017665D0; GB2475137B; GB2475137A

Abstract

A modular floor comprising first and second floor elements 720 each element having a generally planar load bearing surface 721 extending along a horizontal axis between first and second ends 725. The end portions further comprise at least one recess portion 730 and at least two support portions 731, 732. In use the support portions are supported on a plurality of regularly spaced parallel joists 181. Each support portion may comprise a downwardly extending wall 728. In use, each flooring panel 720 locks the two adjacent flooring panels together so as to form a continuous, safe working surface which cannot open up unexpectedly but allows each flooring panel to be lifted and replaced individually and which provides access to the soffit for installation of lining panels (see figure 10).

Description

Il t I Modular flooring panel, e.g. for temporary mezzanine floors in railway arches This invention relates to systems, methods and apparatus for lining arched structures and for installing mezzanine floors, particularly in railway arches.

Railway arches are the spaces defined between the adjacent piers of an arched viaduct supporting a railway line, and are commonly adapted to accommodate light industrial, storage, retail, office and other commercial activities. Other arched structures include tunnels, vaults and the like.

A viaduct comprises a plurality of spaced-apart, usually parallel piers, each being a masonry structure extending transversely across the width of the viaduct and upwardly from a foundation, with an arched masonry structure known as a barrel supported between each adjacent pair of piers so that its soffit or intrados (the downwardly facing, curved surface) meets each pier along a usually horizontal line, not always visually discernible, known as the spring.

The width of the arch is thus defined as the horizontal distance between the respective piers in the transverse direction of the arch, which is typically parallel with the longitudinal axis of the viaduct; and the length of the arch as the length of the piers in the longitudinal direction of the arch, corresponding to the width of the viaduct. The overall height of the arch is the vertical distance between the arch floor or ground surface and the crown, which is an imaginary line extending along the length of the arch at the uppermost part of the soffit, typically equidistant between the respective piers.

The inwardly facing surfaces of the piers (i.e. the surfaces facing inwardly into the arch) thus define the generally vertical sides of the arch, while the two ends of the arch are often closed by freestanding walls defining a front entrance and, optionally, windows. Where the height of the arch permits, an additional floor (herein termed a mezzanine floor) may also be provided at an upper level.

Railway arches are usually damp and dirty and are often severely affected by rainwater which penetrates through the masonry and drips continuously from the soffit. The whole interior surface of *... the arch (piers and soffit) must therefore be lined so as to intercept the water and divert it, typically to 30 narrow soakaways formed between the base of each pier and the adjacent edge of a concrete floor * * slab, and/or to gutters arranged at or below the spring. S. * * . .

* ** Railway arches vary widely in their dimensions and in the geometry of the soffit, which for example * may conform to a cylindrical surface, or may be flattened at the crown, or may be ellipsoidal with the minor radius at the crown. The spring may range in height from below ground level to many tens of * .** metres above ground level, although for most commercially usable arches it is likely to be of the *: order of about 1 m -1 5m above ground level.

In order to maximise the available space within the arch, it is important that the lining should conform as closely as possible to the surface of the soffit and piers while providing a continuous downward fall

I

to carry water from the crown to the ground. Conventionally, the lining comprises overlapping corrugated plastics sheets which are screwed or nailed to horizontal battens fixed at spaced intervals to the soffit and piers. Each fixing passing through the corrugated sheets must be sealed to prevent water penetration.

In order to ensure their structural integrity, railway arches are subject to regular inspections, and in the United Kingdom a major inspection is typically carried out every ten years. This requires the sheets, battens and any interior structure to be entirely removed so that the masonry can be inspected and repointed or replaced as required. The arch is then re-lined with new materials. Over the years, numerous fasteners are inserted into the soffit and piers, and the repeated drilling damages the masonry while the fasteners corrode to leave voids which weaken the barrel and encourage water penetration.

The size and geometry of a railway arch often poses significant access problems when lining the soffit. For example, an average lined arch might be six metres in width and seven metres in height at the crown, with a height of four metres at the spring. Since the soffit curves away on either hand, it is impossible to support an ordinary ladder to safely reach the, crown. A scaffolding tower is also inconvenient since it provides only a small working area and must be repeatedly moved as the work progresses. It is time consuming and difficult to drill multiple fixing holes into the soffit overhead and to accurately align the fixings with holes in the battens. Masonry is a heterogeneous material, comprising bricks and mortar joints of varying hardness as well as old, corroded fasteners and locatised voids. It is therefore likely that the drill will wander or will need to be repositioned so as to avoid local obstructions.

GB 2 383 804 discloses an arch lining system comprising a plurality of overlapping tiles supported on a framework. The framework comprises a central, galvanized steel water deflection plate, which is fixed along the crown of the arch, and a set of spaced-apart frame elements, each comprising an outer, galvanized steel water deflection plate and an inner, aluminium extrusion, which are arranged in pairs to extend downwardly along the curve of the soffit in opposite directions from the central deflection plate on either side of the crown. The deflection plates are fixed to the soffit by means of * * expanding bolts. Once the framework is in place, the tiles are fixed in horizontal rows between the aluminium extrusions, so that the central portion of the lower edge of each tile extends downwardly * * * behind the upper edge of the tile below, forming a continuous surface which sheds water. The ends * :.: of each tile are sealed against the aluminium mouldings by means of neoprene gaskets, while any water falling onto the zone above the tile ends is diverted by the galvanized steel deflection plates to * the central portion of the tiles on either side. *.I' ** S

* .: The system of GB 804 advantageously provides for inspection of portions of the brickwork by selective removal of the tiles, but it is not clear whether the system is able to accommodate variations I' in the curvature of the soffit Without compromising the waterproof seal between the tiles and the aluminium extrusions.

Disadvantageously, the expanding bolts apply a point load in an inward direction away from the soffit, which may dislodge individual bricks from the barrel. Moreover, the system of GB 804 relies on gaskets to seal the penetrations of the expanding bolts through the deflection plates, so that the integrity of the waterproof lining depends on the waterproof seal provided by each of the gaskets.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus which may be used in installing a mezzanine floor in an arched structure, particularly a railway arch.

Accordingly the present invention provides an apparatus as defined in the claims.

In this specification, a lining may comprise a waterproof inner covering (sheets, panels, or the like) and/or a framework supporting lighting or other fixtures.

A novel framework comprising a plurality of elongate, flexible frame elements supported by stanchions at either side of the arch is easily installed within an arched structure without inserting any fixings into the soffit or piers, so that the attendant problems of water penetration and structural damage are entirely avoided. Moreover, the flexible frame elements are adapted to be cut to length and re-joined as required and adapt automatically to the geometry of the arch in which they are installed. Each installation can thus be accomplished using standard, interchangeable and largely re-usable components, and requires neither complex measurement nor customised parts.

The invention recognises that it is possible to provide a framework which is entirely self supporting -which is to say, a framework which is capable of transferring its own weight, plus the load imposed upon it by lining panels, lighting fixtures and the like, to the ground -but which nevertheless relies upon contact with the pre-existing masonry structure to provide it with rigidity and stability.

Alternatively, each flexible frame element may comprise locking joints which confer sufficient inherent *.a* s, * 30 rigidity to permit the frame element to be mechanically decoupled from the soffit in the installed * : *.: position, which may be advantageous in ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.

* . Since each flexible frame element does not need to provide the inherent rigidity and resistance to wind and other external loading required of an independent, freestanding structure, it may * 35 consequently be surprisingly long and small in profile compared with its load carrying capacity, ***** making it relatively light in weight and cheap to manufacture. By engaging each flexible frame *.** element pressingly against the soffit during installation, the whole lining may be accommodated * S S * within an envelope of no more than about, say, 50mm -75mm from the inner surface of the arch, maximising the available space in the lined arch.

The long, narrow, flexible frame elements are preferably supplied, bound together in pairs so as to form a rigid assembly which is easy to transport, and are easily installed without specialist access equipment by means of the novel installation tools which permit the majority of the installation work to be camed out at ground level. Once in place, the novel framework may be used to support a working platform or mezzanine floor which affords easy access for attachment of the lining sheets or panels beneath the soffit. After installation, the frame elements and panels may provide conduits and attachment points for wiring, small diameter pipework, lighting and power fixtures, and the like.

More specific objectives as well as further features and advantages will be understood from the following description in which an illustrative embodiment of the invention is set forth, purely by way of example and without limitation to the scope of the invention, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figs. 1, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 illustrate sequential steps in the installation of a first embodiment of the novel framework in a railway arch; Figs. 2, 3, 5, 6, 11, and 13-79 are deleted; Figs. 80 -86 show particularly preferred embodiments of the stanchion and frame element for use with a preferred shield, in which: Fig. 80 is a cross-section through the stanchion; Fig. 81 shows a bracket assembly for attaching a bracing strut to the stanchion; Fig. 82 shows the bracket assembly attached to the stanchion; * *1* Fig. 83 shows a second bracket assembly for use in attaching a joist to the stanchion; **** * 30 ****SS * Fig. 84 shows the second bracket assembly in use; *. * Fig. 85 is a cross-section through the frame element; and * * Fig. 86 shows the frame element engaged with the stanchion; and **** *. Figs. 95-101 show a modular temporary flooring system, in which: Figs. 95, 96 and 97 are respectively a top, side and bottom view of a first modular flooring element; Figs. 98 and 99 are respectively an enlarged side view and an enlarged bottom view of one corner of the first modular flooring element; and Figs. 100 and 101 are respectively a bottom view and a top view of a modular floor formed from a plurality of interlocking modular flooring elements.

Corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals in each of the figures. I0

Referring to Fig. 1, a brickwork railway arch I comprises a barrel 2 which is supported by two parallel piers 3, 3' whose respective opposite, inwardly facing vertical surfaces 4, 4' are spaced apart by about 5.5 metres in the transverse (width) direction W of the arch to define the two sides of the arch.

The lower surface of the barrel forms an arched soffit 5 which intersects the sides 4, 4' of the arch to define two horizontal spring lines 6, 6' at a height of about 3.5 metres above the arch floor 7.

The soffit curves upwardly and inwardly as shown from the spring lines on either side of the arch towards an imaginary horizontal crown line 8 at its uppermost part, which extends longitudinally along the arch, parallel with the piers and equidistant between the two sides 4, 4' at a height of about 6 metres above the floor. The arch extends for a length of about 11 metres in its longitudinal direction L to a freestanding wall 9 at its rear end, and is open at its front end so that we can see what's happening. (Normally the front end would be closed with a corresponding wall or shutter.) The floor 7 comprises a concrete slab which is spaced from each pier by a narrow soakaway 10, 10'. *..* * * S...

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Overview of novel framework Each flexible frame element 70 can be a single length of top hat steel section, with the central U-shaped channel divided into portions by cut lines which leave the flanges intact to form deformable hinge portions. Alternatively the element (850, Fig. 7) can comprise a plurality of individual lengths of top.-hat section pivotably riveted together.

The stanchions 40 also comprise top-hat sections, more preferably with tubular reinforcing portions, and are arranged in opposed pairs, one every two metres down each side of the arch. A length of extruded plastics shield 149 is interposed between the rear wall of each stanchion (which faces the brickwork) and the pier. A tool 300 is then mounted on each stanchion 40 at floor level, and a mount on the top of the tool is pivoted about its axis (which is orthogonal to the plane of the pier) by releasing a ratchet until the mount lies on an axis slanting slightly down from horizontal towards one end of the arch. One end 77 of the flexible frame element is releasably attached to the mount.

Preferably, each flexible frame element is in two separate parts, and the corresponding end of the other part is attached to the other tool on the opposite stanchion. The two parts are then brought together manually in a generally horizontal plane and joined by a jointing bar in the centre of the floor of the arch, so that the frame element forms into an arched shape assisted by springs or plastic deformation elements at its joints. A length of flexible shield 149 is attached to the central web of the flexible frame element supported on blocks 11 (Fig. 4). A plumb-bob may also be suspended from a cord 12 (Fig. 7). It is then raised into a vertical plane, supported by the ratchets, and the tools are then driven simultaneously up the stanchions until the frame element (carrying the shield with it) engages pressingly against the soffit. The mount can also be moved axially along its pivot axis so as to bring the frame element (top hat section) into nested sliding engagement with the stanchion, flanges against flanges. Continued upward movement of the tools engenders a hoop stress which conforms the frame element 70, 850 flexibly to the geometry of the soffit, after which the frame element is bolted (50) to the stanchion. (Fig. 7, Fig. 8.) * * **.* * : * The arch is thus lined with a series of hoops, each comprising a flexible frame element 70 pressed * against the curved soffit between the spring lines at either end and supported by a pair of vertical stanchions 40. In a development, the joints can be locked (e.g. by simultaneous or sequential * * resistance projection welding in series), following which the tools can be lowered very slightly to relieve the hoop stress from the soffit. Panels 200 are then attached between the hoops to form a * .** * * * * complete water shedding lining, with the lengths of flexible shield overlapped to define a dry zone covering the stanchions 40 and the frame elements 70. (Fig. 12.) Once in place, the stanchions may be used to support a temporary working platform or mezzanine floor 187, e.g. on temporary joists 181 (Fig.9, Fig.10), which affords easy access for attachment of the panels 200 beneath the soffit, while the hoops provide conduits and attachment points for wiring, small diameter pipework, lighting and power fixtures, and the like. Bracing struts 60 and corrugated plastics sheets 190 may be arranged at the crown before fitting the panels 200. (Fig. 10.) Simple baseplates In accordance with a first embodiment, installation of the novel framework commences by spacing out a senes of mounting bases, which in their simplest form comprise fiat attachment plates or baseplates 20 on the floor along the base of each pier. The baseplates are set out in pairs, one on either side of the arch and aligned in the transverse direction of the arch, at a spacing which corresponds to the length of a panel plus the width of a stanchion. Conveniently, these components are dimensioned so that the baseplates are spaced apart by an easily measured distance, which in the example shown is 2 metres. The first pair of baseplates are arranged adjacent the front end of the arch, and the final (seventh) pair are arranged adjacent the rear wall 9 so that the spacing between the last two baseplates on each side is reduced to correspond to the length of the arch.

Each baseplate is bolted to the floor slab 7 by means of two small expanding bolts inserted into holes drilled in the floor, so that its rear wall is spaced about 5mm from the inner surface 4, 4' of the respective pier and overhangs the soakaway 10, 10'. The plates need only light fixing sufficient to locate the base of the respective stanchion adjacent the pier and to support the stanchion in an upright position during installation. Once the framework is in place, the fixings do not play any part in supporting it.

The initial fixing of the baseplates is the only stage at which any drilling is required, and also the only stage at which the arch needs to be measured so as to accurately locate components, since subsequent steps in the installation are all dependent on the position of the baseplates. Since the principal measurement and all of the drilling is carried out on the floor, it is a very easy task *... compared with the conventional method of lining in which most of the work is done high up under the * soffit.

*S..SS * I Once the baseplates are in position, stanchions 40 are attached to the baseplates along each side of * the arch for supporting the flexible frame elements 70. S*S** * S

After the installation of lining panels, the panels will also support the stanchions in vertical alignment. * S.. * * *5S5

The stanchions 40 are restrained in the longitudinal direction L by bracing wires and struts and outwardly in the width direction W by the piers, so their only freedom of movement is now by rotation of the upper ends of the stanchions inwardly in the width direction W, away from the piers and into the arch. This movement is resisted prior to installation of the flexible frame elements by the small expanding bolts at the base of each stanchion. Once the flexible frame elements are fixed to the stanchions, and during the process of installing them, their load (including the hoop stress applied during installation, and the load placed on them after installation by the lining, lighting fixtures etc.) braces the upper ends of the stanchions 40 outwardly in the width direction W towards the piers, so that the entire framework is stabilised and rigidified without attachment to the masonry of the arch at any point It is then impossible for the framework to collapse under load, provided that its component parts are of adequate strength.

Preferred stanchion and frame element The top-hat configuration of the stanchion advantageously provides a rack for sliding/rolling engagement by the tool, and the flanges provide attachment points for the panels, while the body of the panel extends rearwardly of the flanges so that the flanges define the approximate plane of the interior surface of the finished arch lining. The central U-shaped recess also receives the frame element and functions as a cabling channel. However, top-hat section may be vulnerable to buckling at higher slenderness ratios. It is therefore preferable to provide a stanchion which presents two lateral, oppositely directed flanges flanking a central recess, but which has improved axial compressive loadbearing capacity compared with a plain top hat section.

Referring to Figs. 80 -86, a preferred stanchion 600 (Fig. 80) is roll-formed from steel strip to form an elongate profile defining a central recess 601 with a pair of oppositely directed lateral flanges 602, the edges of the strip being continuously welded at the joint 603. The central recess comprises two spaced-apart rear walls 604, 605 and two side walls 606 arranged between the rear walls and the flanges. Each of the flanges defines a respective tubular section 607 (by which is meant a portion closed in cross-section), while the rear walls define a third tubular section 608. Advantageously, each of the side walls 606 comprises two layers of steel, which may be rigidifled by spot welding them together, the mounting holes 609 for attachment of the flexible frame element being penetrated through both layers. The tubular flanges 602 and the tubular rear wall portion 608 resist local buckling, stiffening the section and greatly increasing its axial loadbearing capacity so that it is *.*.** * * suitable for use in supporting a mezzanine floor. ** .

*: The rear tubular section is penetrated by spaced-apart apertures 610 which receive the curved end 620 of a first bracket element 621 (Fig. 81). A cooperating second bracket element 622 carrying a stud 624 is inserted into an aligned aperture 611 in the tubular flange 602, and the two bracket S..* * . . * elements are bolted together (the bolt engaging in a threaded hole 623 in the first bracket element * . 621 and extending through it into the mounting hole 609) so as to fix the stud 624 to the stanchion as shown in Fig. 82, the stud then being used as required for attachment of a bracing strut or cable.

A joist (not shown) may be attached to the stanchion using a pair of brackets 630 (Fig. 83), each having a vertical array of fixed studs 631 and threaded holes 632, the studs 631 being inserted into the mounting holes 609 in the double thickness side walls 606 so as to rapidly provide a satisfactory shear connection which is secured by only two bolts inserted via adjacent mounting holes 609 into corresponding adjacent threaded holes 632 in the brackets. The vertical web of the joist (not shown) is received between the two brackets, while the central recess 601 of the stanchion remains available for cables 629 as shown in Fig. 84. The brackets 630 are waisted 633 so as to leave the flanges 602 clear to receive the mounting portions of the panels and accommodate lateral variations in stanchion spacing.

The rear tubular section 608 is provided with two grooves 612 to receive the ribs of the attachment portion of an alternative extruded polyethylene shield (not shown) in snap-fit relation.

Fig. 85 shows a preferred, one-piece flexible frame element 640 having a generally top-hat configuration with corresponding grooves 641, which similarty receive the ribs of the alternative shield so as to retain it in snap-fit relation. The holes 642 for attachment to the preferred stanchion are formed through the grooves 641, which are cut away to receive rectangular nuts 643 (or rectangular headed bolts) as shown in Fig. 86, so that the frame element nests inside the stanchion 600, flange against flange.

It is desirable to arrange the stanchions as close as possible to the piers of the arch, and hence above the soakaway on either side of the arch. This may be problematic if the soakaway is a wide one. In a development, a mounting arrangement is adapted to support a column beyond an edge of a support surface such as a floor slab, and in particular, above the soakaway between the pier and the edge of the floor slab of a railway arch. This is accomplished by transferring the whole or part of the vertical load of the column to a ground-engaging element, which may be a flat plate or block simply arranged on the ground surface directly beneath the column, and using a base element to transfer non-vertical forces from the column to the floor slab so that the floor slab anchors the lower end *..* ** ***. portion of the column against horizontal displacement and/or against tilting. Since the base element need not transfer the whole of the vertical load from the column to the floor slab, it may have a relatively low vertical profile so that the floor is substantially unobstructed. ** . * * S * *S

S S. 55 * S

Joists Se.... 35 ** * The stanchions may be used to support horizontal joists, providing a mezzanine floor, in which case

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* * the stanchions are dimensioned accordingly and the joists and floor are installed once the framework is in place and before the lining panels are attached, so that the floor provides a working platform which affords easy access to the whole of the soffit up to the crown.

Alternatively, where it is not intended to install a mezzanine floor, smaller stanchions are used, and lightweight temporary joists 181 may be releasably attached to the stanchions to support a temporary working platform giving access to the soffit.

Referring to Fig. 9, for installation of a floor or working platform, a bracket 180 is preferably first bolted to the upper end of each stanchion 40. Each bracket 180 may comprise a flat plate which is inserted into the central U-shaped portion of the frame element 70 inside the stanchion 40 and is bolted through corresponding holes in the two abutting side walls. It may be installed at the same time as the frame element 70 is bolted to the stanchion, so that all three elements are fixed together simultaneously by the bolts 50. The bracket 180 may provide adjustable attachment holes, both for attachment of the bolts 50 and for attachment of the joist 181, so that the bracket 180 can be adjustably positioned on the stanchion 40 and/or the joist 181 can be adjustably positioned on the bracket 180. Alternatively, a two-part bracket can be used which provides positional adjustment between its parts.

Conveniently, each temporary joist 181 comprises a telescopic assembly comprising two hollow, box section or inverted, U-section or top-hat section aluminium end portions 182, in which an aluminium centre portion 183 is telescopically received. The centre portion 183 has slots 184, and the three parts are retained in sliding, adjustable relation by bolts 185 which pass through the slots. Each end portion 182 has a fixing hole 186 at its outer end, closer to its base than to its upper (horizontal) wall.

Each temporary joist 181 is first lifted at one end and slid over one of the brackets 180, which is received between the side walls of the joist so that the upper wall of the joist sits on the bracket, and then pivotably attached to the bracket by means of a bolt via the fixing hole 186. (Fig. 9.) The other end of the joist is then raised off the ground (either by lifting it directly or, perhaps, by a modified attachment to the installation tool) and attached at its second end to the corresponding bracket 180 on the upper end of the opposite stanchion 40. The assembly telescopes to * accommodate the changing length of the joist. By fixing two or three joists side by side and then S...

laying boards or planks across them, a stable working platform or floor 187 is quickly created which * S. I.* * affords easy access to the soffit up to the crown. (Fig. 10.) *5 * * 5.

* The framework (comprising principally the flexible frame elements 70 and stanchions 40) can be *....* * used to support panels 200 or sheeting to form a waterproof lining, and can also be used either with * ... 35 or without a lining or shield elements to support lighting fixtures, pipework, racking and the like.

*:* Modular flooring elements Referring to Figs. 95-101, a temporary floor or working platform may be quickly laid out on the regularly spaced, parallel joists 181 by interlocking a plurality of modular flooring elements 720. Each element comprises a generally planar loadbearing surface 721, formed for example from a sheet 722 of aluminium plate or moulded from glass reinforced plastics material or other strong, stiff, lightweight material. A plurality of parallel reinforcing struts 723 are welded, integrally moulded or otherwise attached to the underside of the loadbeanng surface so that they extend along a first horizontal axis Xl transverse to the joists between respective continuous inner transverse walls 724, Two end portions 725 are defined between the outer face 726 of each transverse wall 724 and the opposed inner face 727 of a respective second discontinuous transverse wall 728 at which the loadbearing surface terminates, both transverse walls 724, 728 extending downwardly away from the plane of the loadbearing surface and below a horizontal level LI of an upper surface 181' of the respective joist 181 to define a channel 729 between them which receives the supporting joist in use.

The end portions 725 of each element 720 are supported on the respective first and second joists 180. Each end portion comprises two recess portions 730, one full width support portion 731 and two half width support portions 732 which extend in use to cover the respective joist 180 so that they are supported by its upper surface 181'. The corresponding half width support portions 732 of each adjacent pair of elements 720 are received as shown in the recess portion 730 of an adjacent element 720, so that they lie between the respective support portions 731 and 732 of that element.

The support portions 731 and 732 of that element thus abut against the corresponding half width support portions 732 of the aforesaid adjacent pair of elements 720 arranged in-between them, so as to restrain the aforesaid adjacent pair of elements in abutting side-by-side relation as shown against movement in the plane of the loadbearing surface. Bystaggering the elements 720, each element thus locks the two adjacent elements together, so as to form a continuous, safe working surface which cannot open up unexpectedly, and yet allows each element 720 to be lifted and replaced individually. The low profile of the elements advantageously allows them to be stacked, so that it is envisaged that with a length of about 2m and a width of about 1 m per element, and an overall depth of perhaps 40mm, a stack of elements only about I.2m high would form a temporary floor over a useful area of, for example, 6m x lOm. This makes it very easy to install the panels under the soffit once the stanchions and joists are in position. Of course, the novel elements can also be used in divers other situations. S.,. * *...

* Each recess portion 730 extends along the first (length) axis Xl to define in use an aperture 733 in * the loadbearing surface 721, the aperture being defined between an inner edge 734 of the recess * * portion (defined by the face 726) and the respective opposed side 181" of an adjacent one of the first and second joists. Each of the corresponding walls 728 of the corresponding support portions of the :: 35 adjacent elements 720 is received in an aperture 733 as shown, so as to restrain each flooring *, * element against movement along the first axis in the plane of the loadbearing surface by abutment of the wall 728 against the respective joist.

In a development, the walls 728 can be removed, in which case the element 720 is restrained against movement along the axis Xl by abutment of the walls 724 against the joists. Only one recess portion, or more than two recess portions, may be provided.

Summary

In summary, a preferred embodiment provides a plurality of elongate, flexible frame elements, each protected by a flexible, waterproof shield and engaged frictionally against the curved soffit by hoop stress applied at either end, preferably by a pair of installation tools mounted on stanchions. Each tool preferably includes a pivoting ratchet which allows the flexible frame element to be formed into an arched shape on the ground and then raised into a vertical plane prior to installation. Each frame element may comprise a unitary "top-hat' profile with deforrnable hinges, each hinge having an associated deformation structure which distributes bending forces evenly during installation. The frame elements may be fixed to the stanchions to support them at either end in their installed position, providing a self-supporting, arched framework which relies upon the masonry soffit for its shape and stability. Alternatively, each frame element may comprise joints which are remotely locked in the installed position, allowing the frame element to be decoupled from the soffit. The framework can be installed without specialist access equipment, and the stanchions may be used to support a temporary mezzanine floor made from modular, interlocking panels which provides access to the soffit for installation of cooperating, flat lining panels, each panel preferably comprising a foamed plastics body with downwardly directed channels and interlocking upper and lower edges which cooperate to form an angularly adjustable joint.

Instead of the baseplates first described, a single steel beam or the like could alternatively be fixed horizontally along the base of each pier, each stanchion being attached at its base to the beam; alternatively, each pair of stanchions may be attached, one at either end of a beam arranged transversely across the floor of the arch, so that a suspended floor may be laid across the beams, in which case the beams and stanchions need not be bolted to the floor. The entire installation may **** , 30 then be accomplished without the use of a drill or nail gun.

I

. ., *�* * . Wherever means are disclosed herein for performing a function, that means may comprise any * * arrangement which is capable of performing that function in its essential aspects as defined by the * claims, and is not limited to the specific means described.

0*S*II * *

I I...' I. S I £ * *1

Claims

CLAIMS1. A first modular flooring element for use in constructing a floor, the floor being supported on a plurality of regularly spaced parallel joists; the first flooring element comprising a generally planar Ioadbeanng surface, the Ioadbearing surface extending along a first horizontal axis transverse to the joists between respective first and second end portions, the end portions being supported by respective first and second joists; characterised in that each of the end portions comprises at least one recess portion and at least two, first support portions, the first support portions of each end portion extending to cover the respective first or second joist, wherein at least one corresponding support portion of a corresponding second flooring element and at least one corresponding support portion of a corresponding third flooring element are receivable between the first support portions of the first end portion of the first flooring element, such that the said corresponding support portions of the second and third flooring elements are supported on the first joist, and the second and third flooring elements are restrained in abutting side-by-side relation against movement in the plane of the loadbeanng surface by abutment of the said corresponding support portions against the first support portions of the first end portion of the first flooring element.
2. A modular flooring element according to claim 1, charactensed in that the first and second joists have respective opposed sides, and each support portion terminates in a wall, the wall extending downwardly away from the plane of the loadbearing surface and below a horizontal level of an upper surface of the respective joist; and in that each recess portion of the first modular flooring element extends along the first axis to define in use an aperture in the loadbearing surface, the aperture being arranged between an edge of the recess portion and the respective opposed side of an adjacent one of the first and second joists; and each of the corresponding walls of the said corresponding support portions of the * * second and third flooring elements is received in a said aperture *. : so as to restrain the respective flooring element against movement along the first axis in the * ** plane of the Ioadbearing surface by abutment of the respective wall against the respective joist. *S.IS* * 35
3. A modular flooring element substantially as described with reference to the accompanying ::*:J drawings.