NZ781927A - Improvements relating to fabrication of building modules - Google Patents

Abstract

A jigging system for fabrication of a building module frame, the system comprising a support for supporting elongate members arranged to define members of the frame, the support being configured to hold locators aligned to perpendicular axes and in abutment with sides of the members so as to locate the members to the axes for interconnection. the members to the axes for interconnection.

Description

Improvements relating to fabrication of building s Field of the invention The present invention is directed to improvements relating to fabrication of building modules. More particularly, the ion relates to jigging for fabrication of building module frames, and to frames fabricated using such jigging, as well as to systems for/methods of fabricating building modules which reduce or eliminate reliance on supply channels for sourcing structural framework for such modules.

Background ng methods of assembling or fabricating a modular building, and particularly a building module to form part of such a building (the module being a volumetric unit or structure, having length, width and height dimensions, ordinarily defining occupiable space in the building), involves first assembling/fabricating a building module chassis or frame, which ses aligning elongate ural components, typically comprising beam or column members of the frame/chassis, and subsequently connecting (such as by welding and/or bolting) the ural components together.

Existing methods suffer from difficulties in aligning or locating the structural components one to r, thereby ensuring the frame/chassis is square, especially when the frame/chassis, and particularly the members/components thereof, experience/s deformation due to heat from welding (to interconnect the members/components) and/or when the frame/chassis is assembled, e.g. on site, where space is restricted. Significant time and labour can be required to align the structural components/members to ensure the frame/chassis is square.

Related disclosure The sure of Australian provisional patent ation no. 2020903963, entitled “A Construction System”, is incorporated herein by reference in its ty.

Summary of the invention A first aspect of the t invention provides a g system for fabrication of a building module frame, the system comprising a support for supporting elongate members arranged to define members of the frame, the support being configured to hold locators d to perpendicular axes and in abutment with sides of the members so as to locate the members to the axes for interconnection.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a method of fabricating a building module frame, comprising arranging te members such that they are ted by the support of a system according to any one of the preceding claims with sides thereof abutting ones of said locators held aligned to perpendicular axes by the support, whereby the s are located to the axes, and interconnecting the members such that they define members of the frame.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a building module frame fabricated in accordance with the method of the second aspect or using the jigging system of the first aspect.

The abutment may comprise direct abutment or ct abutment.

Preferably, the locators are ble to members the sides of which they abut, thereby forming part of the frame, and removable from the support.

Preferably, the rs comprise junction locators each of which is configured to abut ones of said members at a junction thereof for interconnection at the junction. Preferably, the junction locators comprise corner locators each of which is configured to abut ones of said members at ends thereof.

The junction locators may comprise T-junction locators each of which is configured to abut at least one said member at an intermediate position therealong and at least one other said member at an end thereof.

Preferably, the locators comprise locating faces arranged to be aligned to said axes to be d by said sides of the members. Preferably, the locating faces are defined by walls of said locators.

Preferably, the locators comprise plate portions defining locating faces arranged to be abutted by said sides of the members.

Preferably, the locators are of metal.

Preferably, at least one of said locators is positionable at selectable locations along at least one axis to be held aligned thereto by the support, according to a ways dimension of a member that is to be in abutment therewith and thus aligned to the axis.

Preferably, said locators se ones positionable at selectable locations along respective ones of parallel axes according to lengthways dimensions of members that are to be in abutment therewith and thus aligned to the el axes. ably, said parallel axes comprise ones that are perpendicular to at least one other of said axes. ably, said parallel axes comprise first and second parallel axes, the first parallel axes ing perpendicular to the second parallel axes.

Preferably, at least one of said locators is positionable at selectable locations along perpendicular axes to be held aligned thereto by the support, according to lengthways ions of members that are to be in abutment therewith and thus d to the axes.

Preferably, at least one locator positionable at selectable locations is configured to be moveably coupled to part of the support whereby it is so positionable by movement thereof relative to said part.

Preferably, the support includes at least one part moveable parallel to a said axis to position one or more locators, held aligned thereby to an axis perpendicular to that along which said part is le, at a said location along an axis parallel to that along which said part is moveable.

Preferably, the support comprises one or more tracks, the or each track extending parallel to a said axis, and at least one of said locators is coupled or coupleable to at least one track to be moveable relative to the track along an axis el thereto from one location to another. ably, the support comprises at least one support section defining a said track with which at least one said part is engaged to be moveable therealong such that one or more said locators when held d thereby are moveably coupled to the track via the part.

Preferably, one or more said locators are engaged or engageable with at least one said track to be moveably coupled directly thereto.

Preferably, at least one said track comprises one or more rails.

Preferably, at least one said track comprises one or more grooves, slots or channels through which at least one said locator and/or part is engageable with the support and/or at least one said support section.

Preferably, said locators se at least one that is configured to lie in abutment with an end of at least one member so as to locate that/those member/s axially or along a said axis. The nt may comprise direct abutment or ct abutment.

Preferably, the locators comprise ones ured to be abutted by sides of elongate members arranged to define horizontal members of the frame.

Preferably, the locators comprise ones configured to be d by sides of te members arranged to define members of a building module base frame or roof or ceiling frame. Preferably, that frame comprises a perimeter frame.

Preferably, the locators comprise ones ured to be abutted by sides of te members arranged to define members of a building module base frame or roof or ceiling frame.

Preferably, the locators comprise ones each of which is configured to be d by sides of three te members so as to locate them to three mutually perpendicular axes for interconnection. ably, the locators se ones each of which has a first side locating face arranged to be held d to an axis to which a first one of the members (“first member”) is to be located (“first axis”), through abutment of the first locating face by a side of the first member, and a second side locating face which is perpendicular to the first side locating face and arranged to be held aligned to an axis to which a second one of the members (“second member”) is to be located (“second axis”), through abutment of the second side locating face by a side of the second member, the first axis and second axis being mutually dicular. ably, the locators comprise at least one in which the first side locating face is ed to be held aligned to a lengthways extending axis constituting the first axis and the second side locating face is arranged to be held aligned to a ays extending axis constituting the second axis.

Preferably, the locators comprise at least one in which the first side locating face is arranged to be held aligned to a widthways extending axis constituting the first axis and the second side locating face is arranged to be held aligned to a lengthways extending axis constituting the second axis.

Preferably, the locators comprise at least one in which the first locating face is arranged to be held aligned to a lengthways or widthways extending axis tuting the first axis and the second side locating face is arranged to be held aligned to a heightways extending axis constituting the second axis.

Preferably, the locators comprise at least one in which the first side locating face is arranged to be held aligned to a heightways extending axis constituting the first axis and the second side ng face is arranged to be held aligned to a lengthways or widthways extending axis constituting the second axis.

Preferably, in at least one said locator, the first side locating face is arranged to abut an inner side of the first member and the second side locating face is arranged to abut an inner side of the second member.

Preferably, in at least one said locator, the first side locating face is arranged to abut an inner side of the first member and the second side locating face is arranged to abut an outer side face of the second member. ably, in at least one said locator, the first side locating face is arranged to abut an outer side of the first member and the second side locating face is arranged to abut an inner side of the second member.

Preferably, the locators se ones each of which has a third side locating face which is perpendicular to one of the first and second side locating faces thereof (“one side locating face”) and parallel to or coplanar with the other of the first and second faces f (“other side locating face”) arranged to be held aligned to an axis to which a third one of the members (“third member”) is to be located (“third axis”), through abutment of the third side locating face by a side of the third member, the third axis being perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locators comprise ones each of which has a fourth side locating face which is parallel to or coplanar with said one side locating face thereof and dicular to said other side locating face thereof and arranged to be held aligned to another axis to which a said third member is to be located (“fourth axis”), h abutment of the fourth locating face by another side of the third member, the fourth axis being parallel to the third axis.

Preferably, the locators comprise ones in each of which a said fourth side locating face is perpendicular to the third side locating face thereof.

Preferably, the rs comprise ones each of which has, in addition to a said first side locating face, for locating a said first member to a said first axis, a locating face arranged to lie in abutment with an end of that first member so as to locate the first member axially or along that first axis (“first end locating face”).

Preferably, the locators comprise ones each of which es a plate or plate portion defining both a said first end ng face and a said second side locating face.

Preferably, the locators comprise ones each of which includes a plate or plate portion defining both a said first end ng face and a said third or fourth side locating face.

Preferably, the locators comprise ones each of which has, in addition to a said second side locating face, for locating a said second member to a said second axis, a locating face arranged to lie in nt with an end of that second member so as to locate the second member axially or along that second axis (“second end locating face”).

Preferably, the locators se ones each of which includes a plate or plate portion defining both a said second end locating face and a said first side locating face.

Preferably, the locators se ones each of which includes a plate or plate portion defining both a said second end locating face and a said fourth or third side locating face.

Preferably, the locators comprise ones each of which es plates or plate portions defining respective ones of a said first end locating face and a said second side locating face thereof Preferably, the locators comprise ones each of which includes plates or plate portions defining respective ones of a said second end locating face and a said first side locating face f Preferably, the locators comprise ones each of which has, in addition to a said third side locating face, for locating a said third member to a said third axis, a ng face arranged to lie in abutment with an end of that third member so as to locate the third member axially or along that third axis d end locating face”).

Preferably, the locators se brackets.

Preferably, the locators comprise ones which include fastener holes to receive ers for securing them to ones of said members.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method of fabricating a building module base, comprising applying a floor structure to one or more elongate structural members such that the floor structure is supported by the member(s), whereby the base comprises the floor structure and member(s).

A fifth aspect of the present invention es a building module base fabricated in accordance with the method of the fourth aspect.

Brief description of the drawings The invention will now be described, by way of miting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 schematically shows an assembly comprising components of a jigging system, including locating connectors, for fabrication of a building module frame according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2A schematically shows a first type of locating connector which can be employed in the jigging system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2B schematically shows a ng connector of the first type and frame members positioned to abut that locating connector to be d relative to each other for interconnection via the locating connector of the first type; Figure 3A schematically shows a second type of locating connector which can be employed in the jigging system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 3B schematically shows a locating connector of the second type and frame members positioned to abut that locating connector to be located relative to each other for interconnection via the locating tor of the second type; Figure 3C tically shows an upright frame member and locating connectors of the second type arranged in abutment with the member at upper and lower ends thereof whereby the member is locatable at those ends to other frame members for connection thereto via the locating connectors; Figure 4A schematically shows a third type of ng tor which can be employed in the jigging system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 4B schematically shows a locating connector of the third type and frame members positioned to abut that locating tor to be d relative to each other for interconnection via the locating connector of the third type; Figure 5A schematically shows a fourth type of locating connector which can be employed in the jigging system in accordance with a preferred ment of the invention; Figure 5B schematically shows a locating connector of the fourth type and frame members oned to abut that locating connector to be located ve to each other for interconnection via the locating connector of the fourth type; Figure 6A schematically shows a fifth type of locating connector which can be employed in the jigging system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention Figure 6B schematically shows a locating connector of the fifth type and frame members positioned to abut that locating connector to be located relative to each other for interconnection via the locating connector of the fifth type; Figures 7A to 7D show a different embodiments of a floor ly for supporting a beam on a horizontal plane; Figures 8A and 8B show a floor assembly according to an embodiment of the present ion; Figures 9A and 9B show a floor assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figures 10A to 10D show different beams configurations for a chassis according to embodiments of the present ion; Figures 11A to 11C show wall assemblies according to embodiments of the present invention; Figure 12 shows a building module frame fabricated in ance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figures 13A and 13B show a jig or support stand of a jigging system or apparatus, for fabrication of a building module frame according to another red embodiment of the t invention; Figure 14 shows details of the said jig or support stand; Figures 15A and 15B show the jig or support stand engaging an upright member of a first type and of a second type, respectively; and Figure 16 shows schematically the system or apparatus comprising jigs/stands as shown in Figures A and 13B/15B, for fabrication of a ng module frame according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description Figure 1 shows a g apparatus or arrangement 100, comprising components of a jigging system according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, for fabrication of a building module frame 1, an example of which frame is shown in Figure 12. The system/assembly 100 comprises a support 4 for supporting elongate members M, the support 4 being configured to hold brackets B aligned to perpendicular axes X, Y, Z and in abutment with sides of the members M so as to locate the s M to the axes X, Y, Z for interconnection. The members M comprise transverse members 7 and longitudinal members 8, to define lengthways and widthways extending members, respectively, of a perimeter frame 10 of the frame 1, and upright members 9, to define uprights or columns of the frame 1, which extend from respective s of the perimeter frame 10.

The support 4 comprises a flat support e 5, which will typically be defined by a floor (but may alternatively be defined, for example, by a table or platform), and a locating structure 6, arranged on the surface 5, configured to engage the brackets B and members M to locate them to axes X, Y and Z at positions at which corners of the building module frame 1/10 are to be formed.

The locating structure 6 comprises support members S, comprising four elongate support members 12, 14, 16 and 18, defining first 120, second 140, third 160 and fourth 180 guides or guide ns, respectively, the first and second members S/guide portions extending along or parallel to axes Y, and the third and fourth members S/guide portions extending along or parallel to axes X, each of the former members being interconnected both of the latter members.

The first and fourth support members S/guides are fixedly, possibly albeit releasably, interconnected. A ng between the first and third support members S permits relative movement therebetween – specifically, movement of the third member S along the first member S, i.e. in the direction of the axis Y to which the first member is aligned. A coupling between the fourth and second support members S permits relative movement therebetween – specifically, movement of the second member S along the fourth member S, i.e. in the direction of the axis X to which the fourth member S is aligned. The coupling of the second member 14 and the third member 16 is such as to permit relative movement therebetween – specifically, nt of the second member 14 along third member 16, i.e. in the direction of the third member axis X to and movement of the third member 16 along second member axis Y.

The configuration of the ng structure 6 is such that the first and second members 12, 14 lie on the support surface 5, whereby flat lower faces of those s are received against surface 5, and the third and fourth members 16, 18 lie on the first and second s 12, 14, whereby flat lower faces of the third and fourth members 16, 18 are received against flat upper faces of the first and second members 12, 14. To that end, the first and second members 12, 14 may be defined by lengths of rectangular hollow n, and the third and fourth members 16, 18 defined by lengths of parallel flange channel the webs of which are arranged lowermost to abut the lengths of rectangular hollow section.

The third member 16 is provided with retainers arranged for close receipt of the first member 12 therebetween, such that they are receivable t opposed side faces of the first member 12 to preclude translational nt of the third member 16 along the axis X to which the third member 16 is aligned and rotational movement of the third member 16 about an axis onal to the lower face thereof, though to allow translational nt of the third member 16 along an axis Y thereof. The retainers may be configured to engage slideably the d side faces of the first member 12, e.g. sing spaced apart plate portions arranged parallel to that axis Y, or to engage rollingly the opposed side faces of the first member 12, e.g. comprising rollers such as wheels arranged to rotate about respective axes orthogonal to the lower face of the third member 16.

The second member 14 is provided with retainers arranged for close receipt of the fourth member 18 therebetween, such that they are receivable t opposed side faces of the fourth member 18 to preclude translational movement of the second member 14 along an axis Y of the second member 14 and rotational movement of the second member 14 about an axis orthogonal to the lower face thereof, though to allow translational movement of the second member 14 along an axis X of the fourth member 18. The retainers may be configured to engage bly the opposed side faces of the fourth member 18, e.g. comprising spaced apart plate portions arranged parallel to that axis X, or to engage rollingly the opposed side faces of the fourth member 18, e.g. comprising rollers such as wheels arranged to rotate about tive axes orthogonal to the lower face of the second member 14.

The second member 14 and third member 16 may be ured with respective longitudinal channels in the abutting surfaces thereof, or slots through the respective walls thereof defining those surfaces, and coupled via a retainer comprising tive portions, e.g. defined by a pin, closely received into/through the second member channel/slot and into/through the third member channel/slot to be movable along the channel/slot of each of the members 14 and 16, thus permitting (solely) the relative nt therebetween referred to above.

As will be clear from the foregoing and Figure 1, the first member 12 defines a guide or track, comprising a rail, along which the third member 16 is moveable, and the fourth member defines a guide or track, comprising a rail, along which the second member 14 is moveable. Also, the second member 140 defines a guide or track, sing a slot or rail, along which the third member 16 is le, and the third member 16 defines a guide or track, sing a slot or rail, along which the second member 140 is moveable.

Although the second member 14 is slideable against/over the support e 4 in the support 5 as described above, it may, without departure from the invention, instead be provided with rolling elements, such as castors, arranged to be received against the e 4 to support the second member 14 clear of the surface and permit rolling movement of that member over the surface 4 during positional adjustment thereof, thereby facilitating such adjustment. Also, although the third member 16 is slideable against/over each of the upper surfaces of the first 120 and second 140 members in the support 5, it may, without departure from the invention, instead be provided with rolling elements, such as castors, arranged to be received against those es to support the third member 16 clear thereof and permit rolling movement of that member over the surfaces 4 during positional adjustment thereof, thereby facilitating such adjustment.

The locating structure 6 is configured such that each of the members 12 and 18 and the tive one of the members to which it is moveably d (members 16 and 14, respectively), and such that the members 14 and 16, are releasably interlockable, whereby they can assume a locked condition during use of the jigging system/apparatus 100, to hold brackets B aligned and abutted by sides of the members M as discussed above, and an unlocked condition permitting onal adjustment f (according to the length and width the frame 1/10 is to have) for such use as well as, if riate, movement/retraction thereof once the members M have been interconnected, so as to enable or facilitate removal of the frame structure thus formed and/or other ty, such as the locating and ting of one or more intermediate frame members to the perimeter frame 10 as described below. The system 100/locating structure 6 may include any of a number of locking components (including clamps, grub screws, bolts, latching components, straps/cables, etc.) to that end. The system/arrangement 100/ locating structure 6 may be configured such that positions at which the support members S are lockable consist of or include ones corresponding to respective standard module/frame width and length ions. For example, to that end, the movably abutting walls thereof may be configured with holes arranged to align one-to-another, when ve positions thereof corresponding to any such dimensions are realised, for receipt of a locking element, such as a pin, peg or bolt, to lock them in such positions. The system/arrangement cating structure 6 may be configured with markings indicative of such dimensions to facilitate placement of members S into those positions.

The ts B in the assembly 100 shown in Figure 1 comprise, referring also to Figures 2A and 2B, brackets B1 configured to engage (directly and/or indirectly) members S at respective ones of corners C (comprising first 200a, second 200b, third 200c and fourth 200d corners) of the rectangular perimeter structure PS defined by members S and abut (directly and/or indirectly) members M that are arranged in the tus 100, whereby the brackets B are held aligned to perpendicular axes X, Y, Z and the members M are, in turn, d to axes X, Y, Z for interconnection y there are formed respective joints J defining corners of the frame 1 or 10.

More particularly, in the case of the present embodiment/example(s), the brackets B are fixed, such as by bolting and/or welding, to members M whereby the respective joints J include the brackets B, those brackets and/or the support 4 being, to that end, configured such that the former are disengageable from the latter. The brackets B thus, in addition to ng rs, which engage members S and M to locate members M to axes X, Y, Z, define connectors via which members M are interconnected at the joints J. The brackets B thus, inasmuch as they form part of the jig/apparatus 100, are “sacrificial”.

The brackets B and/or support 4 can, referring to Figures 1, 2A and 2B, be configured such that the engagement between the former and the latter comprises (direct and/or indirect) abutment. More particularly, the brackets B can be positioned within the perimeter defined by the support rectangular ure, supported tly and/or indirectly) by/against the surface 5, such that respective faces or walls/wall portions of brackets B abut (directly and/or indirectly) side faces or walls/wall portions of support members S, as well as side faces or walls/wall portions of structural members M, whereby the ts B are held aligned, and the members M d, to axes X, Y, Referring to Figure 2A, bracket B1 is formed from a flat rectangular first plate P1 and a flat rectangular second plate P2, the latter being fixed at an edge thereof to a face of the former, whereby the second plate P2 is perpendicular to and projects from the first plate P1, such that there are defined three wall portions, namely a first wall portion W1, formed by the longer of the two portions of plate P1 to either side of the junction between plates P1 and P2, a second wall n W2, formed by plate P2, and a third wall portion, formed by the shorter of the said portions of plate P1.

The bracket B1 thus has an (asymmetric) T-shaped profile.

When the locating structure 6 is appropriately dimensionally adjusted according to the length and width dimensions of the frame 1/10 to be fabricated therewith, and the brackets B1 and members M positioned within the perimeter structure PS, a resulting ement of a bracket B1 at the second corner 200b or third corner 200c and members M in abutment therewith is as shown at Figure 2B, the resulting arrangement (of a bracket B1 and members M in abutment therewith) at the first corner 200a or fourth corner 200d being a mirror image, about a plane parallel to either (main) face of plate P2, of what is shown at Figure 2B. An inner side SI of member 7 is arranged to abut directly an outer face OF of the first plate P1 or first wall portion W1, and an inner side SI of member 8 is arranged to abut directly an outer face OF of the second plate P2 or second wall n W2. The end E of the member 8, at either the corner C illustrated or the corner opposite o along member 8, may abut an inner face IF of third wall portion W3, locating the member 8 y.

Either (or each) of the member 7 and member 8 is arranged such that an outer side OS thereof abuts the inner side IS of the respective one of the support members S adjacent/along which that member M extends. In the example shown, the members 7 and 8 comprise s of parallel flange channel (PFC), arranged such that the webs thereof are innermost, whereby the outer sides OS of those s are defined by tips or edges of upper and lower flanges of the said lengths, and the sides IS of the members S (given those members comprise a pair of parallel lengths rectangular hollow section (RHS) and a pair of el lengths PFC the webs of which are lowermost as indicated above) are defined by side faces of those members. In other examples within the scope of the invention, either or both of members 7 and/or members 8 could be configured with at least one side face which is outermost (e.g. comprise PFC the web(s) of which is/are outermost (instead of innermost as shown) or RHS), y the outer ) OS thereof is/are defined by one or more said edges or tips, and/or either or both of support members 12, 14 and/or support members 16, 18 could be configured with at least one flange the edge or tip of which is innermost (e.g. comprise PFC the web(s) of which is/are innermost), whereby the inner side(s) IS thereof is/are defined by one or more said edges or tips.

An upright or column member 9 is arranged such that an inwardly lengthways facing side SI thereof (being defined by a face of the member 9 given that member comprises RHS in the example shown) directly abuts an outer face OF of the third wall n W3. A lower end E of the member 9 can directly abut the surface 4 y the member 9 is d axially. An outwardly widthways facing side SO of the member 9 (likewise defined by a face of the RHS) can abut the inner side SI of the member S adjacent which both that member 9 and member 8 are positioned such that the member 9 is located to axis Z. Also, the end E of the member 7, at either the corner C illustrated or the corner opposite thereto along member 7, may directly abut an inwardly widthways facing side of the member 9 (likewise defined by a face of the RHS, and opposite the side thereof labelled SO), whereby the member 7 is located axially.

Owing to the abutment, at each of corners C, between sides of members 7, 8 and 9 and bracket B1, and between an opposite side of a least one of those members M and an inner side of a member S adjacent to which that member M is arranged, the members 7, 8 and 9 are held aligned to axes X, Y and Z respectively. Each of the members 7, 8 and 9 may be fixed to the bracket B1, for ce by means of at least one fastener (e.g. comprising a bolt provided with a nut) and/or one or more welds, such that joint J is formed. The brackets B1 may be, to that end, configured with fastener holes for receiving fasteners to secure members M thereto.

Brackets B1 may be secured to upper end ns of the members 9 (e.g. in the same way brackets B1 are secured to the lower end portions of those members), y they are arranged, referring to Figure 12, to locate longitudinal and transverse members 7’ and 8’ and be d thereto (e.g. in the same way brackets B1 are secured to the members 7 and 8) whereby there is formed a roof or g perimeter frame 10’ of the frame 1, that perimeter frame comprising the members 7’ and 8’. t B1 is suitable for (though not limited to) a frame 1/10 in which, at a given corner C, the width of side SO of member 9 is the same as the width (i.e. horizontal thickness) of member 7, and in which the width of side SI of member 9 is greater or less than or equal to the width (i.e. horizontal ess) of member 8.

Referring to Figure 3A, where, at a given corner C, the widths of the sides of member 9 are greater than the width (i.e. horizontal thickness) of each of members 7 and 8 (for instance), a bracket B2 may be employed. The bracket B2 is formed from a flat rectangular first plate P1 and second P2 and third P3 flat rectangular plates fixed at respective edges thereof to opposite faces of the plate P1, at spaced ons along plate P1, so as to project from, and perpendicular to, the plate P1/those faces. First wall portion W1 is formed by one of the portions of plate P1 to either side of the junction between plates P1 and P2, second wall portion W2 is formed by plate P2, and third wall portion is formed by the other of the said portions of plate P1. A fourth wall n W4 is defined by plate P3. The first W1 and third W3 wall portions are thus are coplanar, and the second W2 and fourth W4 wall portions parallel to one another.

When the ng structure 6 is appropriately dimensionally adjusted according to the length and width dimensions of the frame 1/10 to be fabricated ith, and brackets B2 and members M positioned within the perimeter structure PS, a resulting arrangement of a bracket B2 at the first corner 200a or fourth corner 200d and s M in nt therewith is as shown at Figure 3B, the resulting arrangement (of a bracket B2 and members M in abutment therewith) at the second corner 200b or third corner 200c being a mirror image, about a plane parallel to either (main) face of plate P1, of what is shown at Figure 3B. Member 9 is arranged such that an outwardly widthways facing side SO thereof abuts the inner side SI of the member S adjacent which both that member 9 and member 7 are positioned, and such that an outwardly lengthways facing side SO thereof abuts the inner side SI of the member S adjacent which both that member 9 and member 8 are positioned, whereby the member 9 is located to axis Z. inwardly lengthways facing side SI thereof directly abuts outer face OF of the third wall portion W3 and such that an inwardly widthways facing side SI thereof directly abuts an outer face OF of the second wall portion, whereby the member 9 is located to axis Z. Bracket B2 is arranged such that outer face OF of the third wall portion W3 thereof directly abuts inwardly lengthways facing side SI of the member 9, and outer face OF of the second wall portion W2 thereof directly abuts inwardly widthways facing side SI of the member 9, whereby it is located by the member 9 (and in particular by abutment with the locating or jig(ging) structure 6 via that member 9). A lower end E of the member 9 may directly abut the surface 4 y the member 9 is located axially. Inner side SI of member 7 is arranged to abut ly outer face OF of first plate P1 or first wall portion W1, and inner side SI of member 8 is arranged to abut directly an outer face OF of the third plate P3 or fourth wall portion W4. The end E of the member 7, at either the corner C illustrated or the corner te thereto along member 7, may abut inwardly widthways facing face IF of second wall n W2, ng the member 7 y. The end E of the member 8, at either the corner C illustrated or the corner opposite thereto along member 8, may abut inwardly lengthways facing face IF of third wall portion W3, locating the member 8 axially.

Owing to the nt, at each of corners C, between sides of members 7, 8 and 9 and bracket B1, and between an opposite side of a least one of those members M and an inner side of a member S nt to which that member M is arranged, the members 7, 8 and 9 are held along/aligned to axes X, Y and Z respectively. Each of the members 7, 8 and 9 may be fixed to the bracket B2, for instance by means of at least one fastener (e.g. comprising a bolt b, provided with a nut n) and/or one or more welds, such that joint J is formed. The brackets B2 may be, to that end, configured with fastener holes for receiving fasteners to secure members M thereto.

Referring to Figure 3C, brackets B2 may be secured to upper end portions of the members 9 (e.g. in the same way ts B2 are secured to the lower end portions of those members), whereby they are arranged, to locate longitudinal and transverse members 7’ and 8’ and be secured thereto (e.g. in the same way brackets B2 are secured to the members 7 and 8) whereby there is formed the roof or g perimeter frame 10’.

Referring to Figure 4A, where, at a given corner C, the width of either or each of dicular sides the member 9 is comparable to or greater than the width of the tive one of the members 7 and 8 (for instance) which that side is to face, a bracket B3 may be employed. The bracket B3 is formed from a flat rectangular first plate P1 and second P2 and third P3 flat rectangular plates fixed at respective edges thereof to te faces of the plate P1, at aligned positions along plate P1, so as to project from, and perpendicular to, the plate se faces. First wall portion W1 is formed by one of the portions of plate P1 to either side of the junction between plates P1 and P2, second wall portion W2 is formed by plate P2, third wall portion is formed by the other of the said ns of plate P1, and fourth wall n W4 is formed by plate P3. Thus, the first W1 and third W3 wall portions are coplanar, and the second W2 and fourth W4 wall portions are likewise coplanar.

When the locating structure 6 is appropriately dimensionally adjusted according to the length and width dimensions of the frame 1/10 to be fabricated ith, and brackets B3 and members M positioned within the perimeter structure PS, a resulting arrangement of a bracket B3 at the second corner 200b or third corner 200c and members M in abutment therewith is as shown at Figure 4B, the resulting ement (of a bracket B3 and members M in abutment therewith) at the first corner 200a or fourth corner 200d being a mirror image, about a plane parallel to either (main) face of plate P1, of what is shown at Figure 4B. Member 9 is arranged such that outwardly widthways facing side SO of the member 9 abuts the inner side SI of the member S adjacent which both that member 9 and member 8 are positioned, and outwardly lengthways facing side SO of the member 9 abuts the inner side SI of the member S adjacent which both that member 9 and member 7 are positioned, whereby the member 9 is located to axis Z. Bracket B3 is arranged such that outer face OF of the third wall portion W3 thereof directly abuts inwardly ways facing side SI of the member 9, and outer face OF of the second wall portion W2 thereof directly abuts inwardly widthways facing side SI of the member 9, whereby it is located by the member 9 (and in particular by abutment with the locating or jig(ging) structure 6 via that member 9). A lower end E of the member 9 may directly abut the surface 4 whereby the member 9 is located axially. Inner side SI of member 7 is arranged to abut directly outer face OF of first plate P1 or first wall portion W1, and inner side SI of member 8 is arranged to abut directly an outer face OF of the third plate P3 or fourth wall portion W4. The end E of the member 7, at either the corner C rated or the corner opposite thereto along member 7, may abut inwardly widthways facing face IF of second wall portion W2, locating the member 7 axially. The end E of the member 8, at either the corner C rated or the corner opposite thereto along member 8, may abut inwardly lengthways facing face IF of third wall n W3, locating the member 8 axially.

Owing to the abutment, at each of corners C, between sides of members 7, 8 and 9 and bracket B3, and between an opposite side of a least one of those members M and an inner side of a member S adjacent to which that member M is arranged, the members 7, 8 and 9 are held along/aligned to axes X, Y and Z tively. Each of the members 7, 8 and 9 may be fixed to the bracket B3, for instance by means of at least one fastener (e.g. comprising a bolt provided with a nut) and/or one or more welds, such that joint J is . The brackets B3 may be, to that end, configured with fastener holes for receiving fasteners to secure members M thereto. ts B3 may be secured to upper end portions of the members 9 (e.g. in the same way brackets B3 are secured to the lower end portions of those members), whereby they are arranged, to locate longitudinal and transverse members 7’ and 8’ and be secured thereto (e.g. in the same way brackets B3 are secured to the members 7 and 8) whereby there is formed the roof or g perimeter frame 10’.

Referring to Figure 5A, where, at a given corner C, the width of either or each of perpendicular sides the member 9 is greater than the width of the respective one of the members 7 and 8 which that side is to face (for instance), a bracket B4 may be employed. The bracket B4 is formed from plate and comprises a flat rectangular first plate portion P1, a flat rectangular second plate n P2 extending dicular to, and laterally outwardly from a widthways axially outer edge of, first plate n P1, a flat rectangular third plate portion P3 extending perpendicular to, and axially outwardly widthways from a laterally outer edge of, second plate portion P2, a flat rectangular fourth plate portion P4 extending perpendicular to, and axially inwardly ways from a widthways axially outer edge of, the third plate portion P3, a flat rectangular fifth plate portion P5 extending perpendicular to, and laterally inwardly from a lengthways y inner edge of the fourth plate portion P4, and a flat rectangular sixth plate n P6 extending perpendicular to, and axially inwardly ways from a laterally inner edge of, fifth plate portion P5.

When the locating structure 6 is appropriately dimensionally adjusted ing to the length and width dimensions of the frame 1/10 to be fabricated therewith, and brackets B4 and members M positioned within the ter structure PS, a ing arrangement of a bracket B4 at the second corner 200b or third corner 200c and members M in abutment therewith is as shown at Figure 5B, the resulting arrangement (of a bracket B4 and members M in abutment therewith) at the first corner 200a or fourth corner 200d being a mirror image, about a plane parallel to either (main) face of plate P1, of what is shown at Figure 4B. Inner side (SI) of member 7 is arranged to abut directly outer face (OF) of first plate portion P1 (or a first wall portion W1 defined thereby), and inner side (SI) of member 8 is arranged to abut directly an outer face (OF) of sixth plate portion P6 (or a second wall portion W2 defined thereby). Outer faces (OF) of third P3 and fourth P4 plate portions (or third W3 and fourth W4 wall portions defined thereby) are arranged to abut directly the inner sides (IS) of the support s S nt to which the members 7 and 8 respectively extend.

The end (E) of the member 7, at either the corner C illustrated or the corner opposite thereto along member 7, may abut inwardly widthways facing face IF of the second plate portion P2 (or a fifth wall portion W5 defined thereby), locating the member 7 axially. The end (E) of the member 8, at either the corner C illustrated or the corner opposite thereto along member 8, may abut inwardly ways facing face IF of the fifth plate n P5 (or a sixth wall portion W6 defined thereby), locating the member 8 y. Member 9 can be arranged such that inwardly lengthways facing side SI thereof directly abuts outwardly lengthways facing face OF of the sixth wall portion W6 and such that inwardly widthways facing side SI thereof directly abuts outwardly widthways facing face OF of the fifth wall portion W5, y the member 9 is located to axis Z. A lower end E of the member 9 may directly abut the surface 4 whereby the member 9 is located axially. It is possible also that the outwardly widthways facing side SO of the member 9 abuts the inwardly widthways facing face IF of the fourth wall portion W4 and/or that the outwardly lengthways facing side SO of the member 9 abuts the inwardly lengthways facing face IF of the third wall portion W3.

Owing to the abutment, at each of corners C, between sides of members 7, 8 and 9 and bracket B4, and between bracket B4 and sides of members S, the members 7, 8 and 9 are held along/aligned to axes X, Y and Z respectively. Each of the members 7, 8 and 9 may be fixed to the bracket B4, for instance by means of at least one fastener (e.g. comprising a bolt provided with a nut) and/or one or more welds, such that joint J is . The brackets B4 may be, to that end, configured with fastener holes for ing fasteners to secure members M o.

Brackets B4 may be secured to upper end ns of the members 9 (e.g. in the same way brackets B4 are secured to the lower end portions of those members), whereby they are ed, to locate longitudinal and transverse members 7’ and 8’ and be secured thereto (e.g. in the same way brackets B4 are secured to the s 7 and 8) whereby there is formed the roof or ceiling perimeter frame 10’.

Referring to Figure 6A, where, at a given corner C, the width of either or each of perpendicular sides the member 9 is greater than or equal to the width of the respective one of the members 7 and 8 which that side is to face (for instance), a bracket B5 may be employed. The bracket B5 is formed from plate and comprises a flat gular first plate portion P1 defining a first wall portion W1, a flat rectangular second plate portion P2 extending perpendicular to first plate portion P1 and defining a second wall portion W2, and a flat triangular third plate portion P3 extending perpendicular to first P1/W1 and second P2/W2 plate/wall ns and interconnecting lower edges of those portions.

When the locating structure 6 is appropriately dimensionally adjusted according to the length and width dimensions of the frame 1/10 to be fabricated ith, and brackets B5 and members M positioned within the perimeter structure PS, a resulting arrangement of a bracket B5 at the second corner 200b or third corner 200c and members M in abutment therewith is as shown at Figure 6B, the resulting ement (of a bracket B5 and members M in abutment therewith) at the first corner 200a or fourth corner 200d being a mirror image, about a plane parallel to either (main) face of plate P2, of what is shown at Figure 6B. Outer face OF of first plate P1 or wall W1 portion is arranged to abut directly the inner side (IS) of the t member S (member 16 or 18) adjacent to which it is arranged, outer face OF of second plate P2 or wall W2 portion is arranged to abut directly the inner side (IS) of the support member S (member 12 or 14) adjacent to which it is arranged, and a lower face LF of third plate P3 or wall W3 portion is arranged to abut directly the surface 4 – whereby the bracket B5 is correctly positioned and orientated. Outer side SO of member 7 is arranged to abut directly an inner face IF of first P1 plate or wall W1 portion, and outer side SO of member 8 is arranged to abut directly an inner face OF of second P2 plate or wall W2 portion. Member 9 is arranged such that dly lengthways facing side SO thereof directly abuts inner face IF of first P1 plate or wall W1 portion, and such that that dly widthways facing side SO thereof directly abuts inner face IF of second P2 plate or wall W2 portion, whereby the member 9 is d to axis Z. A lower end E of the member 9 may directly abut an upper face UF of the third plate P3 or wall W3 n whereby the member 9 is located axially. The end E of the member 8, at either the corner C illustrated or the corner opposite thereto along member 8, may abut inwardly widthways facing side SI of the member 9, whereby the member 8 is d axially.

The end E of the member 7, at either the corner C illustrated or the corner opposite thereto along member 7, may abut inwardly ways facing side SI of the member 9, whereby the member 7 is located axially.

Owing to the abutment, at each of s C, between sides of members 7, 8 and 9 and bracket B5, and between bracket B5 and sides of members S, the members 7, 8 and 9 are held along/aligned to axes X, Y and Z respectively. Each of the members 7, 8 and 9 may be fixed to the bracket B5, for instance by means of at least one fastener (e.g. comprising a bolt provided with a nut) and/or one or more welds, such that joint J is formed. The brackets B5 may be, to that end, ured with er holes for receiving fasteners to secure members M thereto.

Brackets B5 may be secured to upper end portions of the members 9 (in the same way brackets B5 are secured to the lower end portions of those members, albeit such that the faces of plate P3 or wall W3 portion defining upper and lower faces are the opposite of those as shown at Figure 6A), whereby they are arranged, to locate longitudinal and transverse members 7’ and 8’ and be secured thereto (in the same way ts B5 are secured to the members 7 and 8) whereby there is formed the roof or ceiling perimeter frame 10’.

Figures 12, 13A to 13C, 14A to 14C, 15A, 15B and 16 show details of a g apparatus or arrangement 100’, comprising components of a jigging system according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, for fabrication of building module frame 1. Referring to Figure 16, the system/assembly 100’ comprises a support 4’ for supporting elongate members M, the support 4’ being configured to hold brackets B aligned to perpendicular axes X, Y, Z and in abutment with sides of the members M so as to locate the members M to the axes X, Y, Z for interconnection.

The support 4’ comprises a flat support surface 5A’, which will typically be defined by a floor (but may alternatively be defined, for example, by a table or platform), parallel lines of s 5B’, mounted on the t surface 5A’ and arranged such that uppermost portions thereof lie in a plane parallel to surface 5A’, for supporting respective ones of the longitudinal members 8, and a locating structure or arrangement 6’, arranged on the surface 5A’, configured to engage the brackets B and s M to locate them to axes X, Y and Z at positions at which corners of the building module frame 1/10 are to be . Each line of rollers 5B’ s along a tive axis Y.

The locating arrangement 6’ comprises jigs, sing stands S’, which stands comprise first 12’, second 14’, third 16’ and fourth 18’ , which are arranged on the support surface 5A’ at positions adjacent which respective ones of corners of the frame 1/10 are to be formed. Each stand S’ is configured to hold upright a respective one of the members 9 and to hold, via the member 9 held thereby, a respective one of brackets B correctly orientated and positioned at the respective corner.

Referring to s 13A and 13B, each of the stands S’ ses a static base 30, comprising a flat plate 30A, defining a floor of the base 30, and provided with fasteners 31, able in respective ones of holes (not shown) formed through floor surface 5A’ at the positions shown in Figure 16, to secure base 30/stand S over and in ent with the surface 5A’. Stand S’ additionally comprises a movable locating or holding structure H, slidably supported on/by the base 30, the structure H having a base 32, comprising a flat plate 32A, arranged on the plate/floor 30A of the base 30 and slidable thereover between a retracted position, shown in Figures 13A and 13B, and an advanced position, shown in Figure 12, or either/any one of plural advanced positions. The base 30 includes laterally spaced guide blocks 33 attached to the plate 30A, each guide block 33 being configured with a rebate 33A which together with the plate/floor 30A s a channel or slot receiving a tive one of opposed lateral edges of the plate 32A, constraining movement of the base 32/structure H, between ed and retracted positions, to linear movement which, referring to Figure 16, is parallel to an axis A which forms an angle a of 45 degrees with each of axes X and Y at the respective corner position.

The plate 32A is configured with slots 32B therethrough, through each of which extends a respective locking screw 34 the thread of which engages a mating thread in a respective hole formed in the plate 30A. Tightening of the screws 34 locks, inantly frictionally, the plate 32A to the plate 30A, and thus the structure H to the static base 30, precluding relative movement therebetween. Loosening of the screws 34 s movement of the plate 32A along the plate 30A, and thus movement of the structure H, relative to the static base 30, between advanced and retracted positions.

The structure H further es an upright holder 40, configured to hold upright member 9 parallel to axis Z, the holder 40 including a locator 42 profiled to abut upright member 9 at one side thereof, to locate it el to axis Z, and retainers 46 configured so as, in an engaged condition (shown in s 13A and 13B), to engage/abut the member 9 at an opposite side f, at respective positions therealong, to hold it in abutment with the locator 42, and, in a disengaged condition, to permit removal of the member 9 from the locator 42/stand S’. In the t embodiment, the retainers 46 are defined by brackets and are two in number and are securable, via releasable fasteners 47, to the locator 42 to assume their engaged conditions, and removable from the locator 42, by release of the fasteners, to assume their disengaged conditions. However, in an alternative arrangement, there may be only a single retainer, or three or more retainers, without departure from the invention, and the or each retainer may take a different form, e.g. comprise a strap or cable tensionable to hold the member 9 in abutment with the locator 42 and slackenable or releasable to permit removal of the member 9 from the locator 42/stand S’.

Referring to Figures 15A and 15B, the locator 42 comprises two vertically ed side-by-side RHS members 42A. More particularly, those members are square hollow section (SHS) members, since transverse cross-sectional ions thereof are the same widthways and depthways. The members 42A are arranged in edge-to-edge relation whereby adjacent faces F thereof are arranged in orthogonal planes to be abuttable with respective ones of outwardly widthways facing and outwardly lengthways facing faces SO of the member 9.

Each retainer/bracket 46 is formed from plate and comprises perpendicular wall or plate portions 46A ng respective retaining faces R and configured with holes for passage therethrough of fasteners 47 such that threaded shanks of those fasteners are ed in threaded holes, formed through d side wall portions SW of the members 42A adjacent to those which define the faces F, to secure the retainer/bracket 46 to the locator 42, whereby the holder H s an operative condition in which retaining faces are arranged to abut faces F to hold the member 9 parallel to axis Z, sufficiently tightly that it cannot move vertically/parallel to axis Z.

The ure H further includes a brace 50 configured to connect to an upper end section of the locator 42 at a forward/upper 52 thereof and to connect to the static base 30 at a lower/rear end 54 f. The stand/jig S’ may be configured such that the end 54 is hinged to base 30 to be pivotable about a horizontal axis which is transverse with respect to axis A and such that the end 52 is slidably and retainably engaged with the locator 42 such that it can move upwardly therealong when holder H/locator 42/plate 32 is moved rearwardly/in a retracting direction along axis A and downwardly therealong when holder H/locator te 32 is moved forwardly/in an advancing direction along axis A, and be additionally configured such that the end 52 is releasably lockable to the locator 42 y it is operable to brace the locator 42 and a member 9 when held thereby.

Alternatively, the stand/jig S’ may be configured such that either or each of ends 52 and 54 is disconnectable from the locator 42/base 30 to which it is coupled, so as to permit movement of the holder H/locator 42/plate 32 along axis A, and reconnectable o whereby it is operable to brace the locator 42 and a member 9 when held thereby.

Use of the system/apparatus 100’, in the case of cross-sectionally larger members 9A, shown in Figure 15A, and sectionally smaller members 9B, shown in Figure 15B, will now be described.

In the case of cross-sectionally larger members 9A, at each corner position, a respective spacer 48, comprising parallel nt faces and a through-hole perpendicular thereto to receive a fastener 47, is arranged n each n 46A of each bracket 46 of the respective structure S’ and the side wall SW (in the said ure S’) adjacent to that portion. With member 9A arranged captive between each bracket 46 and the locator 42 and arranged in the correct position relative o vertically/parallel to axis Z, the ers 47 are tightened such that the member 9A is clamped between the brackets 46 and faces F, thereby located to the r 42, and held by the holder H, as discussed above.

A bracket B2 is d, e.g. welded and/or bolted, against/to a lower end portion of the member 9A, whereby it engages that lower end portion in the manner shown in Figure 3C. The locator 42 is arranged at a position along axis A such that member 9A is arranged along axis Z, and the ers 34 and end(s) of brace 50 locked/tightened, whereby the holder H holds the member 9A to the axis Z, and thus holds the bracket B2 such that plate P/wall W portions/faces IF and OF thereof are arranged to engage/abut members 7 and 8, which members are secured to the bracket B2, as described above with reference to Figures 3A to 3C.

In the case of cross-sectionally smaller members 9B, at each corner position, member 9B is arranged e between each bracket 46 and the locator 42 of the respective jig S’ and arranged in the correct position relative thereto vertically/parallel to axis Z, the fasteners 47 are tightened such that the member 9B is d between the brackets 46 and faces F, thereby located to the locator 42, and held by the holder H, as discussed above.

A bracket B3 is secured, e.g. welded and/or bolted, against/to a lower end portion of the member 9B, whereby it engages that lower end portion in a manner consistent with that shown in Figure 3C. The locator 42 is arranged at a position along axis A such that member 9B is arranged along axis Z, and the fasteners 34 and end(s) of brace 50 locked/tightened, whereby the holder H holds the member 9B to the axis Z, and thus holds the bracket B3 such that plate P/wall W portions/faces IF and OF thereof are arranged to engage/abut members 7 and 8, which members are secured to the bracket B3, as described above with reference to Figures 4A and 4B. As can be seen at Figures 13A, 13B and 14, base 30 or 32 comprises edge ns ing along perpendicular axes bisected by axis A, to be abuttable with respective ones of members 7 and 8 when the advanced condition/position is d, those edge sections defining ones of said locators.

The system/apparatus 100’ is configured such that the holder tor 42 is positionable along axis A, and lockable, at respective advanced positions corresponding to the differing cross-sectional dimensions of alternative members 9 (including or consisting of, for example, those of members 9A and 9B), which members may comprise standard members/sections. The ement 100/each stand S’ may be configured with markings indicative of advanced positions to facilitate placement of the holder H/locator 42 into any one of those ons. Alternatively or additionally, the stand S’ may be configured such that brace 50 can connect or lock to/engage with the base 30 and/or locator 42 only when the locator 40 assumes any such position, thereby functioning as a guide le to place the holder tor 42 in a given/any said position.

In either/any case, referring to Figure 16 (in which the jigs/stands S’ are shown in retracted conditions/bases 32 are shown in retracted positions), the members 8 are, during fabrication of the frame 1/10, arranged on rollers 5B’. Once the members M have been interconnected via ts B (and any additional frame members, e.g. members 7’, 8’ and/or members such as ones defining ceiling or floor joist members – which members may be located and secured to members 7 or members 8 via brackets B – and/or other components have been applied as appropriate), the bases 32 assume ted positions shown in Figure 16 (and the retainers 46 assume their disengaged conditions), permitting the thus fabricated frame to be removed from the apparatus 100’ by being pushed along/over the rollers parallel to axes Y as shown. If appropriate, spacers or shims, having parallel upper and lower faces ted by a distance substantially equal to the vertical spacing between the uppermost extents of rollers 5B’ and the plane in which the floor surface 5A’ lies can be arranged to support the members 7 from beneath during the fabrication, such that lowermost extents of those members 7 will be substantially flush with the uppermost extents of rollers 5B’, facilitating the carriage of the frame over/along the rollers during removal thereof from the apparatus 100’.

In operation or use of the system/apparatus 100’, to fabricate a frame 1/10, as described above, jigs or stands 12’, 14’, 16’ and 18’ are employed, whereby the length of the frame 1/10 is L1, which may be rd, e.g. 6 metres. The system/apparatus 100’ additionally includes jigs or stands 14” and 18”, which are identical to jigs/stands 14’ and 18’ respectively but spaced further from the jigs 12’ and 16’, respectively, in the directions of axes Y, whereby the length of a frame 1/10 fabricated ing tands 14” and 18” (instead of jigs/stands 14’ and 18’) is L2, which is greater than L1 and may be standard, e.g. 9 metres. In either case, the spacings in the directions of axes X between jigs/stands 12’ and 16’ and between jigs/stands 14’ and 18’ or 14” and 18”, is such that the width of the frame 1/10 is W, which may be standard, e.g. 3 metres.

Referring now to Figures 7A to 7D, s 8A and 8B, Figures 9A and 9B and Figures 10A to 10D, there will now be bed fabrication of a building module, or ularly a building module base, in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, which fabrication ses applying a floor structure to one or more te ural members such that the floor structure is supported by the member(s), whereby the base comprises the floor structure and member(s).

Figure 7A shows a building module base 60 manufactured in accordance with a preferred ment of the invention. The base 60 comprises te spaced apart lengthways extending structural members 70 and a floor structure 80 applied to the members 70. Each member 70 ses or is defined by a length of steel section, which is preferably hot-rolled. The sections are universal beam section in the present e, though either or each may instead be an alternative section, e.g. PFC, t departure from the invention. Also, the number of members 70 is two in the present example, though this number may vary without departure from the invention. For example, there may be provided only one member 70 or three more such members, without departure from the invention.

Members 70 are supplied, e.g. from a mill, in the appropriate lengths, with any appropriate surface ent (e.g. galvanised and/or coated with paint and/or otherwise ), and/or configured with pre-applied components/fittings and/or formations, such as preformed holes, for ng of the floor structure 80 to the members 70.

The floor structure 80 may be fabricated at the same facility (which may comprise a plant and/or factory) as that at which the base 60 is assembled/fabricated, and comprises a frame 82 comprising one or more frame members 84 secured over or to the members 70 and ed to extend transverse thereto, whereby sections 84S thereof are cantilevered from the members 70 (defining a cantilevered region to either or each side of the member(s)). The or each frame member 84 in the present example is a truss, having top 84T and bottom 84B chord members and web members 84W interconnecting those chord members.

The web members 84W are preferably lengths of rolled metal (preferably steel) section. Either or both of the top 84T and bottom 84B chord members are likewise preferably lengths of rolled metal (preferably steel) n. The rolled-section web 84W and/or chord 84T/84B members can comprise cold-rolled sections, and may be manufactured at the said facility. In particular, they may be manufactured using a cold-rolling apparatus (typically comprising a cold-rolling mill) at the facility, which apparatus may be operable to receive metal sheet or plate, such as from a coil, and to cold-roll the sheet/plate, thereby forming the members with an appropriate sectional configuration. The roll-formed members may be interconnected via any of conventional means, including by welding or application of fasteners, the latter comprising, for example, bolts and/or The frame 82 may comprise frame members 84 arranged in el relation at spaced positions along the member(s) 70, in which case the frame members 84 can define a supportive structure for paneling 86 to be d thereover, which paneling may form a part of the base 60. In particular, the frame members 84 can define joists to t a floor ure 86, sing said paneling, applied thereto to form part of the base 60.

The application of the frame (s) 84 to the structural member(s) 70, advantageously, can, owing to the latter being preconfigured with components/fittings and/or formations as mentioned above, be rapid, simple and precise/accurate, and thus so too can the ation of the base 60. ageously, the base 60, notwithstanding that it does not have a conventional perimeter base frame (comprising lengthways extending, typically hot-rolled, structural members arranged at or adjacent lateral edges of the base, and widthways extending, likewise typically hot-rolled, structural members interconnecting the ways extending members at opposite ends thereof), is strong and structurally sound, owing to the nt strength and stiffness of the supportive member(s) 70 extending lengthways and the inherent strength and stiffness of the member(s) 84 extending widthways. gh in the present example the member(s) 70 and 84 extend lengthways and widthways tively, they may, in other examples, extend widthways and lengthways respectively, without departure from the invention.

Walls and/or framing therefor may be applied to the base 60, or to the framework comprising member(s) 70 and 84, and a ceiling and/or roof structure or framing therefor applied to the walls/wall framing, also at the said facility. Any additional fitout for the module can also be carried out at the facility. Fabrication of the module in its entirety is thus, advantageously, carried out at the facility, and is contingent only on the provision/sourcing of appropriately configured/treated individual member(s) 70 – which can be procured with little lead time ed to a conventional perimeter base frame as mentioned above.

The module can be lifted (such as by a crane, forklift or hoist)/manipulated and supported via member(s) both for transportation to the building site and when/once installed in the construction of the modular building.

Figure 7B shows an assembly comprising a building module base 60’ manufactured in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the ion, the base 60’ likewise comprising one or more structural s 70 as bed above. The base 60’, which may for example comprise the base 60, is provided with a lifting structure 90 comprising at least one transverse, preferably hot-rolled, structural member 75 secured to the member(s) 70, preferably to flange sections thereof, and preferably by way of (preferably ural) fasteners 77 (e.g. comprising bolts) received directly through those flange ns fically, through preformed holes as mentioned above) and/or through at least one structural bracket 78 y the member 75 is (alternatively or additionally) secured to member(s) 70/flange(s) via the bracket(s) 78. The lifting structure 90, or the or each member 75, is designed for lifting the base 60’/module, and is intended/designed to be removed from the base 60’ once lifted may form a part of the base 60’ (though could be part of the base 60’, and remain in place after lifting/installation of the base 60’/module, without departure from the invention).

The lifting structure 90 may further comprise lifting components 79 secured, preferably by way of ers 77, to opposite ends of the or each member 75, which lifting components can be engageable by a lifting component (e.g. a hook) of a crane. The ents 79 are preferably provided at an underside of the/each member 75, y the member(s) 75 is/are bottom-lifted during lifting via the structure 90/components 79.

Figure 7C shows details of a building module base 60” manufactured in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the base 60” likewise comprising one or more structural members 70 as bed above. The base 60”, which may for example comprise the base 60 or 60’, includes floor structure 80/frame 82 and also, along either or each of laterally opposite edges thereof, with one or more support members 88 to which a respective wall and/or framing or may be applied (and can be so applied at the facility). The or each member 88 may comprise a length of channel section and the floor structure 80/frame 82 include/be provided with a laterally outwardly projecting rib or protuberance 89 arranged to be received by the channel, between upper and lower flanges f. The floor structure me 82 may, as shown at Figure 7C, be configured with one or more downwardly opening ls engageable with said member(s) 70 (preferably the upper flanges/flange portions thereof) to locate the floor structure me 82 to the member(s) 70.

Figure 7D shows details of a building module base 60”’ manufactured in accordance with a preferred ment of the invention, the base 60”’ being identical to the base 60” though comprising downwardly projecting, lengthways extending ribs or protuberances 83 applied to an underside of the frame 89 and defining rs sideways abuttable by said (s) 70 (preferably the upper flanges/flange portions thereof) to locate the floor structure 80/frame 82 to the member(s) 70.

Any one of the module bases of s 7A to 7D may comprise a said floor structure comprising any one of a steel structure/framework (e.g. formed from the BONDEK® system), a composite slab, a concrete slab, a geosynthetic mat, or a thetic cementitious composite mat (such as of the CONCRETE CANVAS® system). The floor structure could, alternatively or additionally, comprise a lightweight aerated concrete (e.g. as a core), which may comprise COMPCRETE or HEBEL (for instance) and may further include a support membrane and/or vapor barrier to which it is bonded. A vinyl/tile underlay sheet may be adhesively provided on an upper surface of the core.

With reference to Figures 8A and 8B, once the floor structure as described with reference to any of Figures 7A to 7D is located/applied to the member(s) 70, opposite elongate structural members/components 700a, 700b (typically comprising beams) bearing/forming part of the floor structure can be drawn towards each other by tensioning a rod or rods 1420 passed h the members/components and applying. The members/components 700a, 700b can thus be pulled in by tension applied to the rod(s) 1420 skewing either/both of them.

With reference to Figures 9A and 9B, once the floor structure as described with reference to any of Figures 7A to 7D is d/applied to the member(s) 70, opposite elongate structural components 700a, 700b of the s can be kept straight using an arrangement of tensioned rods and spacers provided between a pair of structural components on opposite sides of the base frame/chassis. The structural components 700a, 700b may comprise C-shaped beams or channel section members with mouths facing, i.e. flanges projecting, outwardly (i.e. the mouth portion of one ural component and the mouth n of the other structural component face in te directions, away from each other). The tensioned rods are for drawing the components ly, while the spacers are for ing a distance of components away from each other.

In the e shown in the side view in Figure 9A, spacers 1540 are aligned with tensioned rods 1520. In ular, a tensioned rod 1540 is centrally located through a section of the first and second elongate structural components 700a, 700b, while two spacers 1540 are provided between the first and second elongate structural components. One of the s 1540 is located above the tensioned rod 1520 in the section, while the other one of the spacers 1540 is located below the tensioned rod 1520 in the n. The rod 1520 between two spacers 1540 in the section shown in Figure 9A corresponds to one set of rod and spacers. The chassis/frame may include a plurality of sets of rods between a pair of spacers along a length of the chassis. In other examples, at a section, the chassis may include one rod and one spacer, or may include two rods and one spacer.

In the example shown in the top view in Figure 9B, spacers 1640 are interleaved or arranged in an alternating manner with the ned rods 1620 along a length of the chassis/frame. In particular, a spacer 1640 is located between a pair of rods 1620 along the length of the chassis/frame. s 10A to 10C show ent beams/members and arrangement/orientations of elongate structural components of the chassis/frame according to the embodiments previously described for location to brackets B as set using a jigging system/apparatus 100 or 100’. As shown in the s/frame section 1700 in Figure 10A, the beams 700d for the chassis/frame could be each be a C-shaped beam or channel with a mouth portion of one C-shaped beam or channel facing a mouth portion of another C-shaped beam or channel (i.e. webs of the beams/channels being arranged laterally outermost). In other example, as shown in the system 1800 in Figure 10B, the members/beams 700e for the frame/chassis could each be a C-shaped beam/channel with the mouth of one C-shaped beam/channel facing away from the mouth of another C-shaped beam/channel (i.e. webs of the beams/channels arranged lly innermost). In other examples, as shown in the system/arrangement/assembly 1900 in Figure 10C, the members 700f of the chassis/frame could comprise I-shaped beams/I-beams/universal beam sections.

In the example shown in Figure 10D, the chassis/frame section 2000 includes brackets/bracket portions 2020, or rails/rail portions, which can mounted on an upper region of components 700f g the chassis. The components 700f are shown as C-shaped ents with mouth portions facing away from each other. Other beams and other arrangement of the beams, such as those described with nce to Figures 10A and 10C, may also be provided with the brackets or bracket portions 2020. The bracket or bracket portion in some embodiments is fixed to the elongate component. In other examples, the bracket or bracket n may be removable attached to the chassis, and can be removed depending on the requirements for the building. The bracket or bracket portion 2020 has a U-shaped profile and is for receiving a side wall panel portion. The wall panel or wall panel portion may in some es be removable from the bracket or bracket portion, while in other examples, the wall panel or wall panel portion is fixed to the bracket or t portion. This system allows for walls or wall portions to be readily installed in the building module or removed from the module/wall framing thereof as desired.

Figures 11A to 11C show embodiments of different wall panels or wall panel sections/portions using the brackets or t portions previously described with reference to Figure 10D..

In the system 2100 shown in Figure 11A, the wall panels or wall panel sections/portions 2120, 2140 can be located at opposite sides of the chassis/frame between the floor or floor section/portion(s) and the roof/ceiling or roof/ceiling section/portion(s) of the chassis/frame. The brackets or bracket portions to which the wall portions/section/panels are mounted are fastened to the elongate structural components forming the chassis/frame . The wall or wall portion/section 2120 on one side can be secured to the chassis/frame from an exterior of the building module by g a fastener through the lower bracket/bracket n to a flange n of a lower structural component 700w and by g a fastener through the upper bracket/bracket portion to a flange n of an upper structural component 700y from the outside of the building module. The wall/wall portion/section/panel 2140 on an opposite side can be secured to the chassis/frame from an interior of the building by passing a fastener through the lower bracket/bracket portion to a body portion of a lower structural component and by passing a fastener through the upper bracket/bracket portion to a body portion of an upper ural component from the outside of the building module.

In the system 2200 shown in Figure 11B, the wall panels/panel portions/sections 2220, 2240 can be located at opposite sides of the chassis/frame between the floor portion/structure/section and the roof/ceiling or roof/ceiling portion/section of the chassis/frame/module. The br ackets/bracket portions to which the walls/wall portions/sections/panels are mounted are fastened to the floor /structure or ceiling/roof system/structure within the chassis/frame/module. The wall/wall portion 2220, 2240 on each side can be secured to the chassis/frame from an interior of the ng module by passing a fastener through the lower bracket/bracket portion into the floor system/structure/section(s) of the building module adjacent a respective one of the lower elongate structural components 700w, x of the chassis/frame, and by passing a fastener through the upper bracket/bracket portion to a ceiling/roof system/structure/section/portion adjacent a respective one of the upper elongate structural components 700y, z of the building module/chassis/frame.

In the system 2300 shown in Figure 11D, the wall panels/panel ns/sections 2320, 2340 can be located at opposite sides of the s/frame/module between the floor or floor section/structure/portion and the roof/ceiling or roof/ceiling n/structure/portion of the chassis/frame/module. The wall or wall portion/section/structure/panelling 2320 on one side of the chassis/frame/module can be secured to timber or sacrificial members/structure respectively located on the lower structural component or on the upper structural component. Once the wall panel is located between the timber or sacrificial members, a leaf or surface of the wall or wall portion can be pulled away from the wall or wall portion to provide access to the timber or sacrificial portions.

The walls or wall portions can then be fastened to the timbers from within the walls or wall ns.

If necessary (e.g. if the timber or sacrificial becomes worn out), the timber or sacrificial portions can be removed from the chassis without having to remove any of the elongate structure components forming the chassis/frame, and ed with a new timber or sacrificial portion. Each timber or sacrificial portion is ed in the bracket/bracket portion previously bed. In other examples, the timber or sacrificial portion replaces the bracket/bracket portion. The wall panel/portion 2340 on an opposite side of the chassis/frame/module can be angled into the bracket/bracket portion on an upper structural component. The bottom of the wall panel/portion 2340 has a bracket/bracket portion that is locatable on a lower structural component for fastening o or for fastening to the floor /structure/section/portion.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been bed above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of e only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various s in form and detail can be made therein t departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be d by any of the above described exemplary embodiments.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior ation (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification relates.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word ‘comprise’, and variations such as ises’ and ‘comprising’, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the ion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims (72)

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A jigging system for fabrication of a building module frame, the system comprising a support

for ting elongate s arranged to define members of the frame, the support being configured

to hold locators aligned to perpendicular axes and in abutment with sides of the s so as to locate

the members to the axes for interconnection.

2. A system according to claim 1, ured such that the locators are securable to members the

sides of which they abut, thereby forming part of the frame, and ble from the support.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locators comprise junction locators each of

which is configured to abut ones of said members at a on thereof for interconnection at the

junction.

4. A system according to claim 3, wherein the junction locators comprise corner locators each of

which is configured to abut ones of said s at ends thereof.

5. A system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the junction locators comprise T-junction locators

each of which is configured to abut at least one said member at an intermediate position therealong and

at least one other said member at an end thereof.

6. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locators comprise locating

faces arranged to be aligned to said axes to be abutted by said sides of the members.

7. A system ing to claim 6, wherein the locating faces are defined by walls of said locators.

8. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locators comprise plate

portions defining locating faces arranged to be abutted by said sides of the members.

9. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, n the rs are of metal.

10. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said locators is

positionable at selectable ons along at least one axis to be held aligned thereto by the support,

according to a lengthways dimension of a member that is to be in abutment therewith and thus aligned

to the axis.

11. A system according to any one of the preceding , wherein said locators comprise ones

positionable at selectable ons along respective ones of el axes according to lengthways

ions of members that are to be in abutment therewith and thus d to the parallel axes.

12. A system according to claim 11, configured such that said parallel axes comprise ones that are

perpendicular to at least one other of said axes.

13. A system according to claim 11, configured such that said parallel axes comprise first and

second parallel axes, the first parallel axes extending perpendicular to the second parallel axes.

14. A system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein at least one of said locators is

positionable at selectable locations along perpendicular axes to be held aligned o by the support,

according to lengthways dimensions of members that are to be in nt therewith and thus d

to the axes.

15. A system according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein at least one locator positionable at

selectable locations is configured to be moveably coupled to part of the support whereby it is so

positionable by movement thereof relative to said part.

16. A system according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the support includes at least one

part moveable parallel to a said axis to position one or more locators, held aligned thereby to an axis

perpendicular to that along which said part is moveable, at a said location along an axis parallel to that

along which said part is moveable.

17. A system according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the support comprises one or more

, the or each track ing parallel to a said axis, and at least one of said locators is coupled or

coupleable to at least one track to be moveable relative to the track along an axis parallel thereto from

one location to r.

18. A system according to claim 17 as appended to claim 16, wherein the support comprises at least

one support section defining a said track with which at least one said part is engaged to be moveable

therealong such that one or more said locators when held aligned thereby are moveably coupled to the

track via the part.

19. A system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein one or more said locators are engaged or

engageable with at least one said track to be moveably coupled directly thereto.

21. A system according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein at least one said track comprises

one or more rails.

22. A system according to any one of claims 17 to 21, n at least one said track comprises

one or more grooves, slots or channels through which at least one said locator and/or part is engageable

with the t and/or at least one said support n.

23. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said locators se at least

one that is ured to lie in abutment with an end of at least one member so as to locate that/those

member/s axially or along a said axis.

24. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locators comprise ones

configured to be abutted by sides of elongate members arranged to define horizontal s of the

frame.

25. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locators comprise ones

configured to be abutted by sides of elongate members arranged to define members of a building module

base frame or roof or g frame.

26. A system according to claim 25, wherein the locators comprise ones configured to be abutted

by sides of elongate members arranged to define members of a building module base frame or roof or

ceiling frame.

27. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, n the locators comprise ones

each of which is configured to be abutted by sides of three elongate members so as to locate them to

three mutually perpendicular axes for interconnection.

28. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locators comprise ones

each of which has a first side locating face arranged to be held aligned to an axis to which a first one of

the members (“first member”) is to be located (“first axis”), through nt of the first locating face

by a side of the first member, and a second side locating face which is perpendicular to the first side

locating face and arranged to be held aligned to an axis to which a second one of the members (“second

member”) is to be located (“second axis”), through abutment of the second side locating face by a side

of the second member, the first axis and second axis being mutually dicular.

29. A system according to claim 28, wherein the rs comprise at least one in which the first

side ng face is arranged to be held aligned to a lengthways extending axis constituting the first

axis and the second side locating face is arranged to be held aligned to a widthways extending axis

constituting the second axis.

30. A system according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the locators comprise at least one in which the

first side locating face is arranged to be held aligned to a widthways extending axis constituting the first

axis and the second side locating face is arranged to be held aligned to a lengthways extending axis

constituting the second axis.

31. A system according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the locators comprise at least one

in which the first locating face is arranged to be held aligned to a lengthways or widthways extending

axis tuting the first axis and the second side locating face is arranged to be held d to a

ways extending axis tuting the second axis.

32. A system according to any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the locators comprise at least one

in which the first side locating face is arranged to be held aligned to a heightways extending axis

constituting the first axis and the second side locating face is arranged to be held aligned to a lengthways

or widthways extending axis constituting the second axis.

33. A system according to any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein, in at least one said locator, the first

side locating face is arranged to abut an inner side of the first member and the second side locating face

is arranged to abut an inner side of the second .

34. A system according to any one of claims 28 to 33, wherein, in at least one said locator, the first

side locating face is arranged to abut an inner side of the first member and the second side locating face

is arranged to abut an outer side face of the second member.

35. A system according to any one of claims 28 to 34, wherein, in at least one said locator, the first

side locating face is arranged to abut an outer side of the first member and the second side locating face

is arranged to abut an inner side of the second member.

36. A system according to any one of claims 28 to 35, wherein the locators comprise ones each of

which has a third side locating face which is perpendicular to one of the first and second side locating

faces thereof (“one side locating face”) and parallel to or coplanar with the other of the first and second

faces f r side locating face”) arranged to be held aligned to an axis to which a third one of

the members (“third member”) is to be located (“third axis”), through abutment of the third side ng

face by a side of the third member, the third axis being perpendicular to the first axis and the second

axis.

37. A system according to claim 36, wherein the locators comprise ones each of which has a fourth

side locating face which is parallel to or coplanar with said one side locating face thereof and

perpendicular to said other side locating face thereof and arranged to be held d to another axis to

which a said third member is to be located (“fourth axis”), through abutment of the fourth locating face

by r side of the third member, the fourth axis being parallel to the third axis.

38. A system according to claim 37, wherein the locators comprise ones in each of which a said

fourth side locating face is perpendicular to the third side locating face thereof.

39. A system according to any one of claims 28 to 38, wherein the locators comprise ones each of

which has, in on to a said first side locating face, for locating a said first member to a said first

axis, a locating face arranged to lie in nt with an end of that first member so as to locate the first

member y or along that first axis (“first end locating face”).

40. A system according to claim 39, wherein the locators comprise ones each of which includes a

plate or plate portion defining both a said first end ng face and a said second side locating face.

41. A system according to any one of claims 36 to 38 and to claim 39 or 40, wherein the locators

comprise ones each of which includes a plate or plate n defining both a said first end locating face

and a said third or fourth side locating face.

42. A system according to any one of claims 28 to 41, wherein the locators comprise ones each of

which has, in addition to a said second side locating face, for locating a said second member to a said

second axis, a locating face arranged to lie in abutment with an end of that second member so as to

locate the second member axially or along that second axis (“second end ng face”).

43. A system according to claim 42, wherein the locators comprise ones each of which includes a

plate or plate portion defining both a said second end locating face and a said first side locating face.

44. A system according to any one of claims 36 to 38 and to claim 42 or 43, wherein the locators

comprise ones each of which includes a plate or plate portion ng both a said second end locating

face and a said fourth or third side locating face.

45. A system according to claim 39, 40 or 41 or any one of claims 42 to 44 as appended thereto,

n the locators comprise ones each of which includes plates or plate portions defining respective

ones of a said first end locating face and a said second side locating face thereof

46. A system according to claim 42, 43 or 44 or claim 45 as appended thereto, wherein the locators

comprise ones each of which includes plates or plate portions defining respective ones of a said second

end locating face and a said first side locating face thereof

47. A system according to claim 36, 37 or 38 or any one of claims 39 to 46 as appended thereto,

n the locators se ones each of which has, in addition to a said third side ng face, for

locating a said third member to a said third axis, a locating face arranged to lie in abutment with an end

of that third member so as to locate the third member axially or along that third axis (“third end locating

face”).

48. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locators comprise brackets.

49. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locators comprise ones

which include fastener holes to receive fasteners for ng them to ones of said s.

50. A method of fabricating a building module frame, comprising arranging elongate members such

that they are supported by the support of a system according to any one of the preceding claims with

sides thereof abutting ones of said locators held aligned to perpendicular axes by the support, whereby

the members are d to the axes, and interconnecting the members such that they define members

of the frame.

50A. A building module frame fabricated using a system according to any one of claims 1 to 49 or

in accordance with a method according to claim 50.

51. A method of fabricating a building module base, comprising applying a floor structure to one

or more te structural members such that the floor structure is ted by the member(s),

whereby the base comprises the floor structure and member(s).

52. A method according to claim 51, wherein the or each member comprises a length of structural

metal section.

53. A method according to claim 52, wherein said section is steel section.

54. A method according to claim 52 or 53, wherein said n is hot-rolled section.

55. A method according to any one of claims 52 to 54, wherein the, each, or at least one said,

member comprises a length of universal beam section.

56. A method ing to any one of claims 51 to 55, wherein the floor structure comprises at

least one frame or joists.

57. A method according to any one of claims 51 to 56, wherein application of the floor structure to

the member(s) comprises securing at least one prefabricated floor module or section to the (s)

whereby said floor structure comprises said floor (s).

58. A method according to claim 57, wherein the, each, or at least one said, floor module or section

comprises parallel joists.

59. A method according to claim 56 or 58, wherein the application of the floor structure is such

that joists thereof extend erse to said member(s).

60. A method according to claim 56, 58 or 59, wherein each joist comprises top and bottom chord

members and web s interconnecting the top and bottom chord members.

61. A method according to any one of claims 56 and 58 to 60, wherein the joists comprise lengths

of structural metal section.

62. A method according to claim 61, wherein said n is steel section.

63. A method according to claim 61 or 62, wherein said section is cold-rolled section.

64. A method ing to any one of claims 51 to 63, wherein said structural members are spaced

apart and arranged along parallel axes extending lengthways or widthways with respect to the base.

65. A method according to claim 64, wherein the application of the floor structure is such that it is

evered from at least one said member.

66. A method according to claim 65, wherein the application of the floor ure is such that either

or each of opposed side regions thereof cantilevers in a direction transverse to said member(s).

67. A method according to any one of claims 51 to 66, wherein the floor structure comprises at

least one section formed with one or more locators to locate it to at least one said member for securement

thereto whereby it is applied to the member(s).

68. A method according to claim 67, wherein the, each, or at least one said, section is formed with

at least one downwardly facing locating surface arranged to abut at least one ponding upwardly

facing surface of at least one said member.

69. A method according to claim 67 or 68, wherein the, each, or at least one said, n is formed

with at least one sideways facing locating surface arranged to abut at least one corresponding sideways

facing surface of at least one said .

70. A method according to any one of claims 67 to 69, wherein the, each, or at least one said,

n ses at least one channel configured to receive at least one said member therealong to

locate the section to the member(s) translationally in a direction transverse thereto and/or rotationally

about an axis which is perpendicular to the member(s) received thereby and said direction.

71. A building module base fabricated by a method according to any one of the preceding claims.

72. A building module including a base according to claim 71.

C B

18 X

Z 14

5 Z

X Z

S Z

X C S

Z PS