GB2489966A

GB2489966A - Modular beam and pile foundation system

Info

Publication number: GB2489966A
Application number: GB201106258A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Robert Price
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-04-13
Filing date: 2011-04-13
Publication date: 2012-10-17
Also published as: GB201106258D0

Abstract

A modular foundation system (100) comprising one or more piles (102), one or more connectors (110) and one or more beams (118), at least one connector and at least one beam being provided with complimentary formations (126) allowing the beam and connector to engage one another by being slotted into engagement in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the beam and where further, in use, at least one connector is supported, directly or indirectly, by a pile. The beam may have flanges (114) which extend perpendicularly from each lip of a recessed portion. A second invention is a beam with U-shaped recessed portion and two flanges. A third invention is a foundation system with a compressible material (133) such as polystyrene.

Description

FOUNDATION SYSTEM

The present invention is concerned with foundations for structures, particularly relatively light-weight structures such as conservatories. In some embodiments, the invention concerns modular foundation systems, a conservatory constructed using a modular foundation system, a connector, a beam and a method of assembling a foundation system.

Currently, building foundations are typically provided by excavating trenches and filling these with concrete. This method of foundation provision can be inconvenient as it requires transport of and access for large quantities of concrete and similar access and transport for removal of soil and rubble, etc. Recently therefore the advantages of modular foundation systems utilising piles and preformed beams have been appreciated, especially in the construction of relatively lightweight structures such as conservatories.

Unfortunately present modular foundation systems are somewhat difficult and cumbersome to assemble, reducing their use particularly in DIY. Additionally the use of prefabricated components (i.e. beams that may be given particular cross-sections) creates possibilities not fully exploited by present systems for making the building process easier and potentially therefore cheaper. Present modular foundation systems may also be prone to failure caused by heave in the soils around them.

According to a first aspect of the invention a modular foundation system is provided typically comprising one or more piles, one or more connectors and one or more beams. At least one connector and at least one beam may be provided with complimentary formations allowing the beam and connector to engage one another, typically by being be slotted into engagement in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the beam. Further, in use, at least one connector may be supported, directly or indirectly, by a pile.

The modular nature of the foundation system may make it easier, cleaner, more economic and less time consuming to install when compared to more traditional poured concrete foundation systems. Further significantly less excavation may be required than with traditional poured concrete foundation systems, with corresponding reductions in disposal transport costs both economically and to the environment.

Where slotting of the connectors and beams occurs in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the beam, the foundation system may be more easily assembled and/or adjusted. For example it may not be necessary to pre-assemble large areas or the complete foundation system before it is positioned into the ground. The modular foundation system may be particularly suitable for relatively small and or light constructions such as conservatories.

It will be understood that reference from here on to a formation of a beam or a formation of a connector refer to the complimentary formations allowing engagement as described above.

In general, features of individual beams, connectors and piles are discussed below. It will be appreciated however that these features may also be present in some or all of any other beams, connectors or piles within the modular foundation system.

In some embodiments the formations of the beam and connector allow the beam to be slotted into engagement with the connector from above when the beam and connector are orientated as in normal use. This may be a particularly convenient way of engaging beams with their connectors, best access for installation usually being from above, rather than from the side or from below.

In some embodiments at least one connector in the system is provided with only one formation allowing slotted engagement with only one beam. Such a connector may for example be a terminus where the foundation system does not continue by means of another bcam. This may be appropriate where for example the foundation system does not form a closed loop. It may be, for example, that one side of the foundation system abuts a pre-existing foundation of conventional construction, a wall or the like.

In some embodiments at least one connector in the system is provided with at least two formations allowing slotted engagement with at least two beams. This may allow a run of two or more beams extending in a single line. Additionally and/or alternatively it may allow beams engaged with the same connector to extend in different directions.

In some embodiments at least one connector in the system is provided with at least one formation allowing slotted engagement with one beam. This may be appropriate where for example a single beam is to be supported intermediate its ends (which may also be engaged with connectors).

S

In some embodiments at least two formations of the connector are orientated at substantially 90° or substantially 270° in order that two beams may converge on and engage with the connector from perpendicular directions. This may be appropriate where a right angled corner is to be created in the building above the connector in question.

In some embodiments at least two formations of the connector are orientated at 180° in order that two beams may converge on and engage the connector from opposite but parallel directions. This may be appropriate where a wall of length longer than a single beam is to be created above the beams.

In some embodiments the connector and its formation(s) are formed to allow slotting with the beam to occur in a second direction opposite the first direction. In this way by turning over the connector the direction from which a beam converges and engages with the connector can be altered.

In some embodiments each engaged connector and beam are locked together by a locking means. This may increase the strength and resilience of the engagement between the connector and beam.

In some embodiments the locking means is formed by part of the connector formation and/or the beam formation. The locking means may for example be an interference or snap fit created by parts of the connector and beam formations.

In some embodiments the locking means may be distinct from the formations of the connector and beam. In this case the locking means may for example be a bolt or welding between the connector and beam.

Regardless of whether the locking means is formed by part of the formations or is distinct from them it may be releasable or permanent.

In some embodiments the beam including its formation(s) has a substantially uniform cross-section. In this way the formation(s) may be indistinct from the remainder of the beam with the exception that the formation(s) is the part of the beam allowing for it and the connector to be slotted into engagement in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the beam. The location and extent of the beam formation(s) may in this case therefore be dictated by the form of the connector(s). A beam having a substantially uniform cross-section may reduce manufacturing costs as well as allowing a strong and simple engagement between the beam and connector(s).

In some embodiments the connector including its formation(s) has a substantially uniform cross-section. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the cross-section may strictly speaking vary significantly where the connector contains one or more bends. This may be the case where the connector is designed to allow two or more beams to converge on and engage the connector from different directions. It is to be understood however that embodiments of the connector (including its formation(s)) said to have a substantially uniform cross section, should be taken to include connectors with bends, where the cross-section of the connector before and after the bend is substantially uniform.

Where the connector has a substantially uniform cross-section the formation(s) may be indistinct from the remainder of the connector with the exception that the formation(s) is the part of the connector allowing for it and the beam to be slotted into engagement in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the beam. The location and extent of the connector formation(s) may in this case therefore be dictated by the form of the beam(s). A connector having a substantially uniform cross-section may reduce manufacturing costs as well as allowing a strong and simple engagement between the connector and beam(s).

In some embodiments the beam has a recessed region, at least part of which comprises the formation of the beam. In this way the part of the recessed region corresponding to the beam formation may correspond to a female part for receiving a complimentary connector formation corresponding to a male part.

In some embodiments different parts of the recessed region comprise more than one formation of the beam. It may be for example that the recessed region runs the full length of the beam and that at either end of the beam the recessed region comprises a beam formation.

S

In some embodiments the beam has a flange along its longitudinal length which when the beam is orientated as in normal use is substantially horizontal and extends outward from the beam. Such a flange may create a support for the building of a wall, flooring structure or the like.

In some embodiments the beam has two flanges, one on either side along its longitudinal length, which when the beam is orientated as in normal use are substantially horizontal and extend outward from the beam in, generally, opposite directions. In this case the two separated flanges may act as a guide and/or a support for building a cavity wall, with one wall on each flange. Additionally and/or alternatively the one or both of the flanges may create a support for a flooring structure.

In some embodiments the beam has a cross-section comprising the recessed portion, having a rectangular U-shape', and the two flanges, one extending perpendicularly from each of the lips of the recessed portion and in opposite directions. This particular cross-section may be particularly advantageous, being structurally efficient for the quantity of spoil necessary to lay it.

In some embodiments the connector has a rectangular cross-section. This may make the connector relatively easy to manufacture and allow it to form an easy to use and strong engagement with a beam.

In some embodiments the beam is of steel. Steel may be particularly advantageous over concrete beams but also other possible materials in view of its cost, strength and convenience (both in manufacture and installation).

In some embodiments a securing means is provided arranged to secure the connector to a pile supporting it. This may help to enhance stability of the foundation system, as it may prevent the connector and potentially one or more beams engaged with it from being lifted from the pile.

In some embodiments the securing means is a bolt (or similar) and may be a bolt.

Typically the bolt extends from the pile.

In some embodiments the modular foundation system further comprises a compressible material for positioning under at least one of the beams. The compressible material may help to prevent adverse effects from heave. The compressible material may be particularly usefully employed where the securing means is provided for securing the connector to a pile, as it may prevent stress and potential failure of the securing means. Clay soils are particularly prone to heave and so use of the compressible material may be most useful in areas known to have clay soils.

In some embodiments one or more of the piles comprises a pile cap.

In some embodiments when the beam and connector are engaged at least part of the beam rests directly on the pile cap. In this way the connector may not carry all or in some cases any of the weight of the beam and any gravitational load placed on the beam.

In some embodiments the pile and/or pile cap is reinforced. The pile and/or pile cap may be reinforced by an extended portion of the securing means, which may extend through the body of the pile and/or pile cap. The extended portion of the securing means may run through substantially the whole length of the pile and pile cap, projecting from the pile cap to provide the securing means. Reinforcing the pile and/or pile cap in this way may help to prevent tensile failure, which may otherwise be especially problematic in areas prone to uplift forces.

According to a second aspect of the invention a conservatory is provided constructed using a modular foundation system according to the first aspect.

According to a third aspect of the invention a connector is provided according to that discussed in the first aspect.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention a beam is provided according to that discussed in the first aspect.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention a method of assembling a modular S foundation system similar to that described in the first embodiment is provided comprising the steps: 1) Positioning one or more piles in the ground; 2) Securing a connector having at least one formation to one of the piles; 3) Optionally repeating step 2 for additional piles; 4) Slotting the formations of one or more connectors into engagement with complimentary formations of a beam, slotting occurring in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the beam.

The method may be preferable to methods whereby beams, optionally with intermediate connector,s are slotted or otherwise joined from a direction parallel to the longitudinal length of the beam.

In some embodiments the direction of step 4 is such that the beam is slotted into engagement with the connector from above when the beam and connector are orientated as in normal use. This may be a particularly convenient way of engaging beams with their connectors, best access usually being from above, rather than from the side or from below.

In some embodiments an additional step of positioning a compressible material under one or more of the beams is performed. The compressible material may help to prevent adverse effects from heave. The compressible material may help to prevent stress and potential failure of a securing means used to secure the connector to the pile. Clay soils are particularly prone to heave and so use of the compressible material may be most useful in areas known to have clay soils.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention a modular foundation system is provided comprising one or more piles, one or more connectors and one or more beams, where in use, at least one connector is supported, directly or indirectly, by a pile and is secured to that pile with a securing means and where further at least one beam is engaged with the connector and where under the beam is positioned a compressible material.

The compressible material may help to prevent adverse effects from heave. The compressible material may prevent stress and potential failure of the securing means.

Clay soils are particularly prone to heave and so use of the compressible material may be most useful in areas known to have clay soils. The securing means may help to enhance stability of the foundation system, as it may prevent the connector and potentially one or more beams engaged with it from being lifted from the pile.

In some embodiments the compressible material may be cellular polystyrene.

In some embodiments the securing means is a nut and bolt with the bolt projecting from the pile.

The skilled person will appreciate that a feature of any one of the above aspects may be applied, mutatis mutandis, to any other aspect of the invention.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of part of a modular foundation system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of another part of a modular foundation system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a plan view of a conservatory built utilising a modular foundation system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a plan view of a modular foundation system for use with the conservatory of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view through the line A-A in Figure 3; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view through the line B-B in Figure 3.

Referring first to Figure 1, part of a modular foundation system according to the invention is generally shown at 100. The foundation system 100 is modular in the S sense that its various parts may be assembled on site.

The modular foundation system 100 includes a pile 102 which has been driven into the ground (not shown) by means of a pile driver. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the pile 102 may be cast in situ. The pile 102 has a pile cap 104, coaxial with and having a larger diameter than the pile 102. The pile 102 is concrete (although in other embodiments other suitable materials such as grout may be used).

Co-axial with the pile 102 and pile cap 104 is a bolt 106, part of which is set into the pile 102 and pile cap 104 and part of which projects from the pile cap 104. A levelling nut 108 is screwed down the projecting part of the bolt 106 into contact with the pile cap 104. In other embodiments, any one or more of the pile 102, pile cap 104 and the bolt 106 need not be co-axial with one another.

A connector 110 is also provided. In the embodiment being described, the connector 110 has a ninety degree bend 112 extending from which are perpendicular arms 114.

Other embodiments may have a bend of other than 90 degrees.

The perpendicular arms 114 are of a uniform rectangular cross-section and consequently the whole connector may be considered to be of a uniform cross-section.

At the distal end of each arm 114, to the bend, is a formation (not shown). Passing through the connector 110, proximal to the bend 112 is an open ended cylindrical bore (not shown) arranged to allow the bolt 106 to pass therethrough. The connector 110 sits atop the levelling nut 108 with the bolt 106 passing through the cylindrical bore.

The connector 110 is therefore indirectly supported by the pile 102. The connector 110 is secured against movement in the longitudinal direction of the bolt 106 by a securing nut 116 screwed down the bolt 106. The projecting part of the bolt 106 and securing nut 116 may be considered a securing means arranged to secure the connector to the pile 102 which is supporting it. The part of the bolt 106 set into the pile 102 and pile cap 104 extends to the base (not shown) of the pile 102, serving to reinforce both the pile 102 and pile cap 104. The part of the bolt 106 set into the pile 102 may be considered an extended portion of the securing means.

Converging on and engaged with each arm 114 is a beam 118. The beams 118 are S single-piece preformed ground beams. Each beam 118 has a uniform cross-section and is manufactured from steel. The beam 118 cross-section comprises a recessed portion 120, having a rectangular U-shape'. Further two flanges 122 (only one shown per beam 118) are provided, one extending perpendicularly from each of the lips 124 (only one shown per beam 118) of the recessed portion 120 and in opposite directions.

End regions of each beam 118 comprise formations 126 complimentary to the formations of the arms 114. The longitudinal length of each beam 118 is in the same direction as the arm 114 of the connector 110 to which it is engaged. The engagement is by means of a slotting relationship, whereby the rectangular U-shaped' recessed portion 120 of a formation 126 is slotted over a corresponding formation of an arm 114. It will be appreciated that this engagement is by means of the male connector 110 formation being slotted inside the female beam formation 126, to which end the rectangular U-shaped' recessed portion 120 and rectangular arms 114 are complimentary in their dimensions. It will further be noted that in this embodiment, because the connector 110 and beam 118 have uniform cross-sections (and therefore because their complimentary formations are simply identified areas of their main structures) the engagement is created by an overlapping region of the connector 110 and beam 118 main bodies. Other embodiments, may arrange the connector 110 to be a female member to receive the beam therewithin.

In the embodiment of Figure 1 the engagement between the beam formation 126 and its respective connector formation (not shown) is a locking engagement. A bolt (not shown) passes through the beam formation 126, through the respective connector formation and again through the beam formation 126, whereupon a locking nut (not shown) is applied to the bolt. The bolt (not shown) passes in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bolt 106. It will be appreciated however that in other embodiments alternative means of producing a locking engagement between beam and connector formations may be used.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, the diameter of the pile cap 104 and beam 118 and connector 110 arrangement is such that part of each beam 118 converging on and engaged with the connector 110 rests directly on the pile cap 104. In this case it is the flanges 122 in proximity to the beam formations 126 that directly contact the pile cap.

In this way the connector 110 does not bear all of the loading of the beam and any loading placed on it.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, brick work courses 128 are laid on one of the flanges 122 of each beam 118. On the other flange 122 of each beam block work courses 130 are laid. Together the brick work courses 128 and block work courses 130 comprise a cavity wall. In this case the size of the cavity 132 in the cavity wall is determined by the recessed portion 120 ofeachbeam 118.

In the embodiment of Figure 1 a compressible material 133, such as cellular polystyrene, has been positioned beneath each beam 118.

Referring now to Figure 2, features similar to those discussed in Figure 1 are given like reference numerals in the series 200. As in Figure 1, part of a modular foundation system according to the invention is generally shown at 200. The modular foundation system 200 comprises a pile 202 having a pile cap 204, a bolt 206 and a levelling nut 208. The modular foundation system 200 further comprises a connector 210 having a uniform rectangular cross-section and like connector 110 has an open ended cylindrical bore 234. The connector 210 differs from the connector 110 in that it does not have a ninety degree bend. Instead arms 214 of the connector 110 extend in opposite directions from the cylindrical bore 234 and are parallel.

The connector 210 sits atop the levelling nut 208 with the bolt 206 passing through the cylindrical bore 234. The connector 210 is secured against movement in the longitudinal direction of the bolt 206 by a securing nut 216 screwed down the bolt 206.

Converging on and engaged with each arm 214 is a beam 218. The cross-section of each beam 218 is similar to that of beam 118. Further the engagement between connector 210 and beam 218 is also similarly achieved (by means of complimentary formations on the connector 210 and beam 218).

Figure 3 shows a plan view of a light-weight structure (in this case a conservatory 336). The conservatory is built adjacent an exterior wall of a house 338 provided with doors 340 for access to the conservatory. The conservatory 336 comprises two brick cavity walls 342 extending from the house 338 and a doorway 344 between the cavity S walls 342. Each cavity wall has two angular direction changes 346 such that the conservatory has a substantially semi-circular floor plan. Between the angular direction changes 346 the cavity walls 342 are straight rather than curved.

Figure 4 shows a modular foundation system 400 for use in supporting conservatory 336. The assembly of the modular foundation system 400 and the specific uses of the parts of such systems (as shown in Figures 1 and 2) will now be discussed. Similar features to those already discussed are provided with like reference numerals in the series 400. In Figure 4 each feature may be considered to be orientated as in normal use.

Assembly of the foundation system 400 begins with the driving of a number of piles 402a-h into the ground. Piles 402d, 402e, 402g and 402h are positioned at locations where it is desired for there to be an angular direction change in the wall to be built on the foundation (e.g. angular direction changes 346 in Figure 3). Pile 402f is positioned intermediate the end points of a location where it is desired to build an extended straight wall on the foundation. Piles 402a and 402c are positioned at locations where it is intended that a wall built on the foundation should terminate (e.g. adjacent the wall of the house 338 of Figure 3). Pile 402b is positioned intermediate the end points of a location where it is desired that no wall should be built above the foundation, but that a floor should be supported. Each pile has a pile cap 404 and a bolt (not shown) projecting therefrom. A levelling nut (not shown) is screwed down the bolt of each pile 402a-h into contact with the respective pile cap 404.

Considering first pile 402d, a connector 410d is rested on the levelling nut with the bolt passing through a cylindrical bore (not shown) through the connector 402d. The connector is secured by means of a securing nut (not shown) screwed down the bolt into contact with the connector 410d. The connector 410d has two arms 414d, each of which has a formation (not shown) at its distal end. The arms 414d are orientated at 125° from each other. Similarly the formations at the distal ends of the arms 414d are orientated at 1250.

A similar connector 410e is secured to and supported by pile 402e in a similar fashion.

A beam 418de, having at both of its ends a formation (not shown) that is complimentary to the formations of the connectors 410d, 410e, is slotted into engagement with the connectors 410d, 410e from above. Slotting from above is possible because the complimentary formation of the connectors 410d, 410e and beam 418de with which it engages allow it. In this way the connectors and beams do not need to be secured together before the connectors are secured to the piles. It will be appreciated that this advantage may be obtained from slotted engagement of the connectors 410d, 410e and beam 418de from any direction perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the beam 418de, not just from above. In other embodiments such slotting directions may be used.

Piles 402g and 402h are provided with connectors 410g and 410h similar to connectors 410d and 410e. Likewise a beam 418gh similar to beam 418de is engaged with connectors 402g and 402h in a similar slotting engagement.

Connector 410f is secured to and supported by pile 402f in a fashion similar to that described previously. Connector 410f however has arms 414f orientated at 180° and consequently connector formations (not shown) that are similarly orientated. A beam 418ef and another 418fg are slotted into engagement from above with connectors 410e, 410f and 410f, 410g respectively. Engagement is facilitated by formations (not shown) at either end of each beam 418e1 418fg which are complimentary to the formation of the connectors 410e, 410f and 410g. The connector 410f, beams 418ef, 418fg and pile 402f arrangement is therefore similar to the arrangement shown in Figure 2.

Turning now to pile 402a, a connector (not shown) similar to connector 410f is supported by pile 402a in a fashion similar to that described previously. In this case however the securing nut (not shown) is not screwed down the bolt (not shown) until a beam 418ha having formations (not shown) at either end has been slotted into engagement with complimentary formations (not shown) of the connector (not shown).

The bolt passes through an aperture in the beam 418ha, and the securing nut is therefore screwed down into contact with the beam 418ha. Beam 418ha extends a short distance beyond pile 402a away from pile 402h. This extending portion 448 may be secured in pre-existing foundations, brick work or by another means.

Pile 402c is provided with a connector (not shown) similar to the connector secured to pile 402a. Likewise a beam 41 8cd similar to beam 41 8ha is engaged with connectors 402c and 402d in a similar slotting engagement.

Pile 402b is provided with a connector 449 having two arms orientated at 1800 for use in connecting floor support beams 450ab and 450bc. The floor support beams 450ab and 450bc are installed so as to extend from connector 449 to connector 410a and connector 410c respectively and to be secured thereto.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention typically provide great flexibility in terms of assembly. In particular all connectors may be secured to their respective piles before beams are engaged, or alternatively groups of connectors and beams may be installed together in stages. Further installation/assembly methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Although it may be possible, there is no requirement that all or significant numbers of the connectors and beams are engaged before the connectors are secured to the piles.

With reference now to Figures 5 and 6 the construction of the conservatory 336 on the modular foundation system 400 is described. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view through the line A-A in Figure 3. The beam 418ha comprises a recessed portion 520, having a rectangular U-shape'. Further two flanges 522a and 522b are provided, one extending perpendicularly from each of the lips 524 of the recessed portion 520 and in opposite directions. The beam may be provided as a box girder or the like with the flanges provided as a plate attached, perhaps by welding or the like, thereto. Other embodiments, may provide the beam and flanges by other means, such as by bending or the like.

Beneath the beam 41 8ha is a compressible material 533 positioned in order to mitigate the effects of possible ground heave. Built above the flange 522a are brick work courses 528a. As can be seen the initial brick work courses abut a side wall 552 of the recessed portion 520. Built above the flange 522b are a spacer 554, a block infill 556 and brick work courses 528b. As can be seen the spacer 554 and block infill 556 abut a side wall 558 of the recessed portion 520. The recessed portion standardises the cavity width between the brick work courses 528a and 528b.

The block infill 556 extends away from the beam 418ha towards the interior of the S conservatory 336, where it is supported by a lip 560 of a floor beam 562. The floor beam 562 runs parallel to the beam 418ha. Support for floor beams such as floor beam 562 can be seen with reference to Figure 6. Because Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view through the line B-B in Figure 3 it shows beam 418ef. In Figure 6 no spacer 554 is present and instead end region 564 of a floor beam 566 (parallel to floor beam 562) is positioned between the block infill 556 and flange 522b. Although not shown in Figure 6 the other end of floor beam 566 is supported by floor support beam 4SObc.

As shown in both Figures 5 and 6, above the floor beams 562 and 566 is a flooring structure 568.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A modular foundation system is provided comprising one or more piles, one or more connectors and one or more beams, at least one connector and at least one beam being provided with complimentary formations allowing the beam and connector to engage one another by being slotted into engagement in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the beam and where further, in use, at least one connector is supported, directly or indirectly, by a pile.
2. A modular foundation system according to claim 1 where the formations of the beam and connector allow the beam to be slotted into engagement with the connector from above when the beam and connector are orientated as in normal use.
3. A modular foundation system according to claim 1 or claim 2 where at least one connector in the system is provided with only one formation allowing slotted engagement with only one beam. r
4. A modular foundation system according to any preceding claim where at least C one connector in the system is provided with at least two formations allowing slotted engagement with at least two beams.C
5. A modular foundation system according to any preceding claim where at least one connector in the system is provided with at least one formation allowing slotted engagement with one beam.
6. A modular foundation system according to any preceding claim where at least two formations of the connector are orientated at 90° or 270° in order that two beams may converge on and engage with the connector from perpendicular directions.
7. A modular foundation system according to any preceding claim where at least two formations of the connector are orientated at 180° in order that two beams may converge on and engage the connector from opposite but parallel directions.
8. A modular foundation system according to any preceding claim where the connector and its formation(s) are formed to allow slotting with the beam to occur in a second direction opposite the first direction.
9. A modular foundation system according to any preceding claim where each engaged connector and beam are locked together by a locking means.
10. A modular foundation system according to claim 9 where the locking means is formed by part of the connector formation and/or the beam formation.
11. A modular foundation system according to any preceding claim where the beam including its formation(s) has a uniform cross-section.
12. A modular foundation system according to any preceding claim where the connector including its formation(s) has a uniform cross-section.
13. A modular foundation system according to any preceding claim where the beam has a recessed region, at least part of which comprises the formation of the C beam.

0
14. A modular foundation system according to claim 13 where different parts of the recessed region comprise more than one formation of the beam.
15. A modular foundation system according to claim 13 or claim 14 where the beam has a flange along its longitudinal length which when the beam is orientated as in normal use is horizontal and extends outward from the beam.
16. A modular foundation system according to any of claims 13 to 15 where the beam has two flanges, one on either side along its longitudinal length, which when the beam is orientated as in normal use are horizontal and extend outward from the beam in opposite directions.
17. A modular foundation system according to claim 16 where the beam has a cross-section comprising the recessed portion, having a rectangular U-shape', and the two flanges, one extending perpendicularly from each of the lips of the recessed portion and in opposite directions.
18. A modular foundation system according to any preceding claim where the S connector has a rectangular cross-section.
19. A modular foundation system according to any preceding claim where a securing means is provided arranged to secure the connector to a pile supporting it.
20. A modular foundation system according to any preceding claim further comprising a compressible material for positioning under at least one of the beams.
21. A modular foundation system according to any preceding claim where one or more of the piles comprises a pile cap.
22. A modular foundation system according to any preceding claim where when ru-the beam and connector are engaged, at least part of the beam rests directly on the pile cap.
23. A modular foundation system according to any preceding claim where the pile 0 and/or pile cap are reinforced by an extended portion of the securing means, which extends through the body of the pile and/or pile cap.
24. A conservatory constructed using a modular foundation system according to any of claims ito 23.
25. A beam having a cross-section comprising a rectangular U-shaped' recessed portion and two flanges, one extending perpendicularly from each of the lips of the recessed portion and in opposite directions.
26. A method of assembling a modular foundation system comprising the steps: i) Positioning one or more piles in the ground; 2) Securing a connector having at least one formation to one of the piles; 3) Optionally repeating step 2 for additional piles; 4) Slotting the formations of one or more connectors into engagement with complimentary formations of a beam, slotting occurring in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the beam.
27. A method of assembling a modular foundation system according to claim 26 where the direction of step 4 is such that the beam is slotted into engagement with the connector from above when the beam and connector are orientated as in normal use.
28. A method of assembling a modular foundation system according to claim 26 or claim 27 where an additional step of positioning a compressible material under one or more of the beams is performed.
29. A modular foundation system comprising one or more piles, one or more connectors and one or more beams, where in use, at least one connector is supported, directly or indirectly, by a pile and is secured to that pile with a securing means and where further at least one beam is engaged with the connector and where under the beam is positioned a compressible material.

0
30. A modular foundation system according to claim 29 where the compressible material is cellular polystyrene.
31. A modular foundation system of the kind set forth substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.
32. A conservatory of the kind set forth substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.
33. A beam of the kind set forth substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.
34. A method of assembling a modular foundation system of the kind set forth substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.