GB2508449A - Roof support structure for a horticultural building - Google Patents

Roof support structure for a horticultural building Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2508449A
GB2508449A GB1308633.5A GB201308633A GB2508449A GB 2508449 A GB2508449 A GB 2508449A GB 201308633 A GB201308633 A GB 201308633A GB 2508449 A GB2508449 A GB 2508449A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
roof support
building
roof
support structure
horticultural
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1308633.5A
Other versions
GB201308633D0 (en
GB2508449B (en
Inventor
Leonne Mcveigh
Kieran Murphy
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
J F MCKENNA Ltd
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J F MCKENNA Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by J F MCKENNA Ltd filed Critical J F MCKENNA Ltd
Priority to GB1308633.5A priority Critical patent/GB2508449B/en
Publication of GB201308633D0 publication Critical patent/GB201308633D0/en
Publication of GB2508449A publication Critical patent/GB2508449A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2508449B publication Critical patent/GB2508449B/en
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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H5/00—Buildings or groups of buildings for industrial or agricultural purposes
    • E04H5/08—Buildings or groups of buildings for agricultural purposes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G18/00—Cultivation of mushrooms
    • A01G18/60—Cultivation rooms; Equipment therefor
    • A01G18/62—Racks; Trays
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/32—Arched structures; Vaulted structures; Folded structures
    • E04B1/3205—Structures with a longitudinal horizontal axis, e.g. cylindrical or prismatic structures

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Mycology (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Roof Covering Using Slabs Or Stiff Sheets (AREA)

Abstract

A roof support structure, for a horticultural building such as a mushroom house, comprising a plurality of parallel curved/arched roof supports 12 spanning the width of the structure arranged at spaced locations along the length of the building, one or more of said roof support arches 12 being supported at a location along its length by at least one upright support member 24 that forms part of a shelving assembly 16, 18 including a plurality of trays 20 upon which a growing medium can be supported. The vertical support member 24 extends to the ceiling and may include an extension pole/leg 26. Trays are preferably mounted between a pair of vertical supports. The roof may be of metal such as aluminium and the building may be used to grow mushrooms.

Description

Roof Support Structure for a Horticultural Building This invention relates to a roof support structure for a horticultural building and to a horticultural building incorporating same, in particular a mushroom house for cultivating mushrooms therein.
Mushrooms are not plants, and therefore require different conditions for cultivation.
Plants develop through photosynthesis, requiring sunlight for growth. By contrast, mushrooms derive all of their energy and growth materials from the medium in which they are cultivated. Therefore mushrooms are typically cultivated in the dark, particularly since sunlight is typically a trigger for the production of spores. All mushroom cultivation techniques require the correct combination of humidity, temperature, substrate (growth medium) and inoculum (spawn or starter culture).
Mushrooms are usually commercially cultivated in a growing medium provided on vertically tiered trays located within a horticultural building which serves to shut out sunlight and provide a controlled environment, in terms of temperature and humidity conditions.
Such horticultural buildings typically comprise relatively lightweight structures, comprising a supporting structure upon which light weight roofing materials, such as metal or plastic sheeting, are mounted.
A commonly used design of building comprises an arrangement of parallel roof support arches spanning the width of the building, arranged at spaced locations along the length of the building, upon which support arches the roofing material is supported. A limitation of this design is that the width of the building is limited by the strength of the roof support arches. This is a particular problem in regions that are prone to winter snowfall, due to the load applied to the roof structure by snow lying thereon. Once the span of the roof arches exceeds around 10 metres the structure is prone to collapse under the weight of snow lying on top of the roofing material. It is an object of the present invention to alleviate the abovementioned problem, permitting an increase in the width of the building, without substantially increasing the weight and complexity of the building structure.
According to the present invention there is provided a roof support structure for a horticultural building comprising a plurality of parallel roof support arches spanning the width of the structure arranged at spaced locations along the length of the building, one or more of said roof support arches being supported at a location along its length by at least one upright support member, wherein said at least one upright support member comprises part of a shelving assembly including a plurality of trays upon which a growing medium can be supported.
Preferably said shelving assembly comprises a plurality of upright support legs between which said trays are mounted, said at least one upright support member comprising an extension of a respective upright support leg of the shelving assembly.
Preferably said roof support arches are interconnected by one or more longitudinal support members extending transverse to said support arches. Preferably said at least one upright support member engages one of said longitudinal support members.
Preferably said roof support structure is formed from a metal, more preferably aluminium.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a horticultural building comprising a plurality of parallel roof support arches spanning the width of the structure arranged at spaced locations along the length of the building, a roofing material being supported on said roof support arches, wherein one or more of said roof support arches is supported at a location along its length by at least one upright support member, wherein said at least one upright support member comprises part of a shelving assembly including a plurality of trays upon which a growing medium can be supported.
Preferably said horticultural building comprises a mushroom house.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a transverse sectional view through a horticultural building in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in Figure 1, a horticultural building in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention comprises a roofing material 10, preferably comprising a multi-layer material incorporating a thermally insulating material and a weatherproof outer material, supported on a roof support structure comprising a plurality of parallel roof support arches 12 spanning the width of the building arranged at spaced locations along the length of the building, said roof support arches 12 being interconnected by longitudinally extending support poles. The roof support arches and longitudinally extending support poles 14 may be formed from a metal, such as steel or aluminium.
A plurality of shelf assemblies 16,18 are provided within the building, each comprising an arrangement of vertically tiered trays 20 within which may be located a growing medium within which crops, in particular mushrooms, may be cultivated.
Preferably the shelf assembles 16,18 are arranged along the length of the building, separated by longitudinal aisles 22. Each shelf assembly 16,18 comprises an arrangement of vertical legs between which the trays 20 are mounted.
In order to provide greater support for the roof structure, upright leg extensions are provided on selected vertical legs 24 of the shelf assemblies 16,18. Preferably said leg extensions 26 engage selected longitudinally extending support poles 14 of the roof support structure, such that a vertical loading on the roof is transferred to the ground via the shelf assemblies 16,18, greatly increasing the strength of the roof support structure without substantially increasing the cost, weight or complexity of the structure.
In the example shown, the integration of the shelf assemblies into the roof support structure permits a building width of 13 metres or more, which can still be used in areas prone to winter snow fall without the risk of collapse.
Bracing members 28 may be provided extending between adjacent pairs of leg extensions to further reinforce the roof support structure.
The leg extensions 26 may be adjustable in length, for example by forming the leg extensions from telescopically arranged sections, to facilitate assembly. In one embodiment, each leg extension may comprise an elongate U or I shaped extrusion having an engagement member mounted at an upper end thereof, the engagement member having an upwardly facing U shaped upper portion adapted to engage the lower face of a respective support pole 14 of the roof structure. Preferably the engagement member is adjustably mounted on the respective leg extension to enable adjustment of the height of the upper portion of the engagement member.
The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (10)

  1. Claims 1. A roof support structure for a horticultural building comprising a plurality of parallel roof support arches spanning the width of the structure arranged at spaced locations along the length of the building, one or more of said roof support arches being supported at a location along its length by at least one upright support member, wherein said at least one upright support member comprises part of a shelving assembly including a plurality of trays upon which a growing medium can be supported.
  2. 2. A roof support structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said shelving assembly comprises a plurality of upright support legs between which said trays are mounted, said at least one upright support member comprising an extension of a respective upright support leg of the shelving assembly.
  3. 3. A roof support structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein said roof support arches are interconnected by one or more longitudinal support members extending o transverse to said support arches.N0 20
  4. 4. A roof support structure as claimed in claim 3, wherein said at least one upright support member engages one of said longitudinal support members.
  5. 5. A roof support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said roof support structure is formed from a metal.
  6. 6. A roof support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said roof support structure is formed from aluminium.
  7. 7. A horticultural building comprising a roof support structure as claimed in any preceding claim, a roofing material being supported on said roof support arches.
  8. 8. A horticultural building as claimed in claim 7, wherein said horticultural building comprises a mushroom house.
  9. 9. A roof support structure for a horticultural building substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
  10. 10. A horticultural building substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. (4N
GB1308633.5A 2013-05-14 2013-05-14 Roof support structure for a horticultural building Active GB2508449B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1308633.5A GB2508449B (en) 2013-05-14 2013-05-14 Roof support structure for a horticultural building

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1308633.5A GB2508449B (en) 2013-05-14 2013-05-14 Roof support structure for a horticultural building

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201308633D0 GB201308633D0 (en) 2013-06-19
GB2508449A true GB2508449A (en) 2014-06-04
GB2508449B GB2508449B (en) 2016-09-28

Family

ID=48672287

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1308633.5A Active GB2508449B (en) 2013-05-14 2013-05-14 Roof support structure for a horticultural building

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2508449B (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL7903170A (en) * 1979-04-23 1980-10-27 Alcoa Nederland Bv Skeleton in agricultural or storage building structure - comprises horizontal base and top beams, transmits wind force to building foundations
NL8105823A (en) * 1981-12-23 1983-07-18 Veciap Holland B V Cell for growing mushrooms etc. - has superimposed trays and lateral plenum chambers for supplying conditioned air and removing gases
US5245802A (en) * 1991-09-26 1993-09-21 Davis James P Portable collapsible building system
UA64976A (en) * 2003-04-04 2004-03-15 Anatolii Mykhailovych Levko Mushroom vegetatiän greenhouse
CN102505877A (en) * 2011-09-30 2012-06-20 上海大生泰保鲜设备有限公司 Integral structure of assembly type air-conditioned mushroom house

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH224381A (en) * 1942-02-23 1942-11-30 Kunz Gfeller Marie Cultivation system for mushrooms, bleached vegetables or the like.
CN201015327Y (en) * 2007-02-10 2008-02-06 张井利 Inorganic fiberglass frame for greenhouse
CN102640678A (en) * 2011-02-17 2012-08-22 金祚献 Greenhouse skeleton made of novel material
CN202050742U (en) * 2011-05-10 2011-11-30 房凌 Greenhouse plastic tent

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL7903170A (en) * 1979-04-23 1980-10-27 Alcoa Nederland Bv Skeleton in agricultural or storage building structure - comprises horizontal base and top beams, transmits wind force to building foundations
NL8105823A (en) * 1981-12-23 1983-07-18 Veciap Holland B V Cell for growing mushrooms etc. - has superimposed trays and lateral plenum chambers for supplying conditioned air and removing gases
US5245802A (en) * 1991-09-26 1993-09-21 Davis James P Portable collapsible building system
UA64976A (en) * 2003-04-04 2004-03-15 Anatolii Mykhailovych Levko Mushroom vegetatiän greenhouse
CN102505877A (en) * 2011-09-30 2012-06-20 上海大生泰保鲜设备有限公司 Integral structure of assembly type air-conditioned mushroom house

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
ArkFab Living Machines Series: Spore v.0.1, Youtube video uploaded Feb 4, 2011, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtKmNTQ6kIs *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201308633D0 (en) 2013-06-19
GB2508449B (en) 2016-09-28

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