OA11121A

OA11121A - Self-supporting log-like building component

Info

Publication number: OA11121A
Application number: OA9900108A
Authority: OA
Inventors: Jouni Tapio Repo
Original assignee: Jouni Tapio Repa
Priority date: 1996-11-27
Filing date: 1999-05-25
Publication date: 2003-04-04
Also published as: HUP0000429A3; GEP20002305B; CA2272324A1; EA199900496A1; YU23299A; JP2001504561A; SK70799A3; IL130066A0; NO992521D0; NO992521L; CN1238822A; AU5055698A; WO1998023825A1; TR199901176T2; BR9713152A; EP0954655A1; AP9901592A0; ID24193A; BG103531A; EE9900212A

Abstract

The publication discloses a log-like building component (10) having an exterior side surface (7), an interior side surface (8), an insulation part (1) between these, and members (5, 6) which interconnect the insulation part and the side surfaces. According to the invention the insulation part (1) of the building component (10) serves as a loadbearing structure. Between the insulation part and the side surfaces there is a void (14) which, via openings in the interconnecting members (5, 6), is in air contact with the voids in the building components above and below. The building components can be self-locatingly stacked one on top of another to form the loadbearing structure of a building. All the necessary wiring and piping of the building can be installed at the factory in the voids (14) in the components, and the side surfaces (7, 8) can be given a coating finish at the factory. A building completely ready for use can be erected very rapidly from building components according to the invention.

Description

0111 21

Self-supporting log-like building component

The invention relates to a self-supporting log-like building component according tothe preamble of Claim 1.

The invention relates to the construction of low-rise buildings. Low-rise buildingsare currently built of logs, sawn timber and panels, as well as components madefrom these. An aim in the art has been to use prefabricated parts from which acompleted building can be obtained rapidly and with little labour. Packages of logand sawn-timber houses to be assembled from prefabricated components hâve beendeveloped.

Although some kind of instant erecting has been achieved with "tumkey" buildings,the assembling of the parts and the electric, HEP AC and interior works of thebuildings do require professional skill and a great deal of detailed craftsmanship, aswell as a large number of working hours. The manufacturing runs are small, whichfor its part increases the share of design work per building.

Overall, it can also be noted what where simple methods and savings in costs hâvebeen achieved in the building industry, this has inexcusably often meant aconsidérable lowering of the standard of quality of the buildings.

An object of the présent invention is thus to provide a building component whichhas at the factory been fabricated to the final dimensions with dimensional accuracyand been equipped with any necessary accessories, such as surface treatment,electric, télécommunications and HEP AC wiring and piping. Owing to theirdimensional accuracy and structure the components can simply and rapidly bestacked one on top of another, and thus a complété wali with finish be obtained. Thework can be carried out by a person without spécial skills, and nevertheless theresuit of the work will be both technically and visually at the level of earliercraftsmanship, or even better.

This is achieved by means of a building component according to the invention, theprincipal characteristics of which are stated in the characterizing clause ofaccompanying Claim 1.

The building component according to the invention is thus a log-like componentwhich has a mainly vertical exterior side surface and a vertical interior side surface, 011121 between these an insulation part and members interconnecting the insulation partand the said side surfaces. The insulation part of the building component is a load-bearing structure which receives a vertical load, the structure having substantiallythe height of the component but being so narrow that at least on one side of theinsulation part, between the insulation part and the exterior and/or interior sidesurface, there is a void. In the void or voids there are transverse members which areattached to the side surface or the side surfaces and to the insulation part. Thebuilding components are so designed that they can be stacked in a self-locatingmanner one on top of another to form a loadbearing structure.

The building component according to the invention is a fully prefabricated part of acompleted building. Its exterior side surface has received the desired surfacing at thefactory, as has its interior side surface. The exterior side surface and the interiorside surface are preferably moulded. The exterior surface may be of a wood veneer,a wood compound, a stone compound, or a recycled compound consisting ofvarious materials. The surface may be given any treatment at the factory. Theinterior surface is preferably of the same material as the exterior surface, but it canbe given any surface treatment, such as painting, wallpapering, panelling, etc., at thefactory. The side surfaces may be given any profile, for example, an omamentalprofile. A low-rise building erected from log-like building components according to theinvention primarily resembles a building made of panel boarding. With differentsurface treatments and shapes of the component, highly different effects can beachieved.

The insulation part of the building component constitutes the loadbearing structureof the component and alone provides the necessary thermal and other insulation.The insulation part is a closed watertight casing inside the component. The core ofthe insulation part is, for example, of minerai wool, and there is a loadbearing boardon the side surfaces of the core. The core is preferably of cellular plastic or mineraiwool, and the loadbearing boards are preferably plywood boards. The core mayaltematively be the loadbearing element of the insulation part, in which case it is,for example, of structural minerai wool in which the orientation of the fibre planesis vertical. In this case there may be some airtight film or sheet on the side surfacesof the insulation part.

Between the insulation part and one or both of the side surfaces there is a void inwhich ail the necessary piping and wiring of the building, such as electrical, 0111 21 télécommunications, data network and HEPAC wiring and piping, can be installed.In building components stacked one on top of another, these voids communicate viaopenings in the transverse members attached to the side surfaces and to theinsulation part. Thus there is formed between the insulation part and the side surfacea continuons air space which ventilâtes the walls of the void.

The building component is designed to self-locate on top of the component under it.The upper and lower surfaces of the components are designed so as to interlock byoverlap or by shape, and thus no errors will occur in the stacking of the componentsone on top of another; they will self-locate one on top of another, with accuracy inthe transverse orientation of the component. Altematively, if the upper and lowersides of the components are not thus designed, an auxiliary device can be used,which is pushed through openings in the transverse members in order to guide thecomponents one on top of another, with accuracy in the transverse orientation.

Longitudinal locating is carried out, for example, according to markings made onthe components or according to the building drawings.

Owing to the préfabrication of the building components, they are absolutelyaccurate dimensionally, and therefore no diffîculties due to dimensional déviationwill arise in their assembling.

Construction using the building component according to the invention becomes aseasy as a children's game. The components are light to handle, and can be liftedeven by one person. The components adhéré to one another by mere gravity. It isalso possible to use an adhesive to fasten the components to one another. Adhesiveis applied on one or both of the surfaces coming against each other, or altemativelythe surfaces may be provided in advance with an adhesive strip having a removablecovering. Additionally or altematively, fasteners passed through openings in thecomponents can be used as fastening means.

Correct construction is automatic, since the components hâve in advance the correctsurface treatments, moisture barriers, ventilation gaps, etc. Making different inlaysor cut-outs is easy even by using simple tools. Electrical and heating installationsand, when necessary, data network installations, are made in the components at thefactory. Ail that needs to be done when the components are assembled together is tofasten the lacking connection equipment in place.

According to calculations, an extemally and intemally surface-fmished detachedhouse equipped with ail electrical, water supply and heating equipment can be 0111 21 erected within a time which is only about 1/20, i.e. a small fraction, of the timewhich is taken by the erecting of a corresponding detached house.

The most significant advantage of the invention is that a completed wall is producedrapîdly and at low construction costs. The construction is inëxpensive and the endresuit is always good. By methods of System building, a wall surface is ac-complished which visually and technically resembles a wall produced byconventional wood-building methods and has ail the advantages provided bytraditional wood building methods, but is in some respects technically even better.

The exterior surface of a wall erected from such insulated, log-like buildingcomponents resembles a panel-boarded surface, the profile of which can be freelyselected. Altematively the wall may be completely smooth. The surfacing attachedto the moulded surface may be almost any surface material.

In régions and countries in which skilled labour is not available or in which suchlabour is very expensive, construction will take place in a completely new situation.Construction is inexpensive, rapid and of a high standard even when done with alimited labour force.

Owing to its dimensional accuracy, the building component enables comprehensivedeliveries to be made, including even the smallest part of the delivery. In principle,no sawdust will be produced on the construction site.

The building component according to the invention provides an opportunity toproduce wooden buildings in a centralized manner in one place in large productionruns. The components can also be obtained in an optimal form, and they are easy totransport even over long distances.

In the most preferred embodiment, the exterior side surface and the interior sidesurface of the building component and the interconnecting upper surface of thecomponent hâve been moulded as one piece, i.e. the shell part of the component.The self-locating means of the component, as well as any side surfaceembellishments based on shape, can be produced simply by moulding.

The shell part of the building component may be of a wood veneer, a wood compound, a stone compound, a recycled compound, plastic or any other similar material. 011121

Building component shell part made of a wood veneer

The shell part of the component may be made of a wood veneer, in which case itsproperties will primarily resemble those of a solid-wood panel, although withoutcertain drawbacks of solid wood. The desired outer appearance is achieved by thesélection of the surface veneer. If cross-banded, compressed wood will changedimension and crack considerably less than does solid wood, and is thus a lessproblematic and better base for surface treatment, such as painting. As a paintingbase, compressed wood can be made even better by laminating, for example, a resinpaper onto the surface of the compressed wood. The painting conditions and thepaint chemistry used can be optimized, since the painting takes place at the factory.The durability of the paint surface is thus largely dépendent on the durability of thepaint material itself.

Building component shell part made of a wood compound

The shell part of the component may be made of a wood compound, such as a mdf(middle density fibre) or hdf (high density fibre) compound. A compressed woodcompound is considerably less costly than compressed laminated wood. When usinga compressed wood compound, clear resemblance to wood is not achieved but, in-stead, many other good properties are obtained. If the surface is veneered, even theouter appearance of wood can be achieved.

The vertical profile of the shell part is easy to work to the desired shape. Thepainting properties of compressed wood compounds (mdf) are better than those ofany other wood product. Depending on its composition, a compressed woodcompound provides wider possibilities for affecting fîre and weather résistance.Other material options

The shell part of the building component may in principle be made of anycompound which in its technical properties is suitable for the desired shape and use.Various compressed stone and plastic materials which are used in, for example,sanitary ware are highly usable as the raw material of the shell part.

It is also possible to make the shell part from a recycled compound, especially for régions in which the required standards are not as high as in Finland. Such régions include the developing countries, disaster areas, temporary construction for a project, i.e. ail uses in which the construction must be inexpensive and rapid. 011121

The fire résistance of the building component can be increased substantially bylaminating a thin métal layer under the surface veneer. The métal layer can also beattached as the surface layer of the compressed material if it is desired to give thecomponent spécial properties in, for example, cold storages or the like. Usable 5 surfacing alternatives also include ail other known methods of the wood andcompressed-material industry, such as forming various films on the surface, forexample, melamine films, plastic laminates, and PVC coatings.

The building component according to the invention is additionally ecological. It ismade ffom a renewable natural resource. It is thermally economical. Its paint 10 surface will last considerably longer than those of conventional buildings. Theconstruction of a building produces waste in only one place, i.e. the manufacturingfactory, and so the waste problem is easier to solve. It is packed only once andtransported only once, i.e. to the construction site. A number of preferred embodiments of building components according to the15 invention are described below in greater detail, with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figure 1

Figure 2 20

Figure 3Figure 4Figure 5 25

Figure 6

Figure 7 30 Figure 8

Figure 935 depicts a vertical section of a building component according to theinvention; depicts a vertical section of two building components according to the invention, placed one on top of the other, and above them a building component before its being lowered on top of the former two; depicts a partial horizontal section of Figure 1, through ΙΠ: depicts a partial horizontal section of Figure 1, through IV; depicts as a perspective représentation of the building component according to Figure 1; depicts a building component according to another embodiment,wherein the side surfaces of the component hâve another shape;depicts a building component according to another embodiment,wherein the side surfaces of the component hâve a further other shape;depicts three building components according to another embodiment, inthe state according to Figure 2; in these components the upper surfaceof the component and the side surfaces of the component are separatepièces; depicts a building component according to another embodiment,without an upper surface; 0111 21

Figure 10

Figure 11Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17Figure 18Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21 depicts three building components according to Figure 9, in the State according to Figure 2; depicts a horizontal section through XI-XI in Figure 10; depicts a building component according to another embodiment, without a lower surface; depicts three building components according to Figure 12, in the Stateaccording to Figure 2; depicts a horizontal section through XIV-XIV in Figure 13; depicts a building component according to another embodiment, without both an upper surface and a lower surface; depicts three building components according to Figure 15, in the Stateaccording to Figure 2; depicts a horizontal section through XVÏÏ-XVII in Figure 16;depicts a horizontal section through XVIII-XVIII in Figure 16;depicts two building components according to a further embodiment,without the self-locating means formed by the side surfaces, in a State inwhich the components are at a small vertical distance from each other;depicts, in the manner according to Figure 19, two building componentsaccording to another embodiment, in which there are self-locatingmeans in only one of the side surfaces; and depicts, in the manner according to Figure 19, two building componentsaccording to another embodiment, in which the self-locating means areformed in the upper surface and the lower surface of the component.

The building component according to Figures 1-5 is the best embodiment of theinvention, comprising ail the solutions according to the invention optimallyimplemented. The log-like component is indicated by numéral 10. The componentcomprises a loadbearing insulation part 1, which is enclosed between a mouldedshell part 9 and a lower surface 6. The insulation part comprises a core 2 of aninsulation material and, fastened to its side surfaces, loadbearing boards 3. The shell9 comprises an exterior side surface 7 and an interior side surface 8 of thecomponent, and an upper surface 5 intégral with these. The lower surface 6 has a U-shaped cross section, and its branches 11 are attached to the inner surface of theside surfaces 7, 8 of the component.

The upper edges of the side surfaces 7, 8 of the component are inwardly slanted sothat the side surfaces hâve an inwardly bent section 12 and above it a verticalsection 13. The lower edges of both side surfaces 7, 8 extend to a point somewhat 011121 below the lower surface 6. Thus there is formed between the lower surface 6 and thelower sections of the side surfaces 7, 8 a space into which a component uppersection made up of the upper edges of side walls 7, 8 and the upper surface 5 of thecomponent fit with accuracy of shape. Owing to this fit the components are self-located one on top of the other accurately in the orientation of the width of thecomponent. Owing to shape-locking and to gravity, the components adhéré so wellto each other that other fastening means are not necessarily needed.

The voids between the boards 3 of the insulation part 1 and the side surfaces of thecomponent are indicated by numéral 14. In the upper surface 5 and lower surface 6of the component there are openings 15 in the région of the voids 14. The openingsare oblong and the distance between the openings is smaller, preferably significantlysmaller, than the length of an opening. Thus an air space communication betweencomponents one on top of the other is formed via the openings 15, since the upperand, respectively, lower surfaces of two components one on top of the other toucheach other so that their openings are at least in part one on top of the other,regardless of the longitudinal position of the components relative to each other.

This air space communication ensures ventilation of the component. The air spacecommunication enables wiring and piping to be run from one component level toanother. The void 14 itself enables piping and wiring to be run concealed inside thewalls. The openings in contact with one another also enable mechanical fasteningmeans to be used.

The core 2 of the insulation part 1 is, for example, of minerai wool or cellularplastic, and the boards 3 attached to it are preferably plywood. The shell part 9 is ofsome compound suitable for the purpose, suitable for moulding. The lower surface 6of the component is preferably of the same compound, but it may also be of adifferent material. The upper and the lower surfaces 5 and 6 are against the in-sulation part or are fastened to it, and the branches 11 of the lower surface are fas-tened to the inside of the side surfaces 7, 8.

Figures 1-4 are depicted approximately on the scale 1:2. The width of thecomponent is thus preferably approx. 250 - 300 mm and its height preferablyapprox. 150-180 mm. It is clear that the dimensions of the components hâve nosubstantial effect on its structure and fimctioning. The component is preferablymanufactured in lengths of approx. 3-4 m. The optimal manufacturing length isdetermined on the basis of expérience and the facilities of the factory. Componentscan be extended at the construction stage, for example, so that two successive com- 0111 21 ponents are interconnected, preferably by using a suitable intermediate piece. Theintermediate piece is fitted inside opposite log ends in means fitted for the purpose,for example in recesses formed in the insulation part, which the intermediate piecewill engage when the logs are pushed accurately against each other. The inter-mediate piece may be of métal, plastic, wood or other suitable material. In order tomaintain full insulation efficiency, the intermediate piece is fitted precisely to fillthe space formed for it.

The thickness of the shell part 9, as well as of the lower surface, is in the order of 8-16 mm. The length of the self-locating means, i.e. the height of the overlap ofcomponents one on top of the other, is approx. 20 mm. The height of the narrowedupper section of the component is slightly greater, i.e. approx. 35-40 mm. Owing tothis height différence there forms in the wall surface a groove 16, which has anomamental effect. It is clear that the dimensions mentioned here also do not hâve asubstantial effect on the structure and functioning of the component; they may vary,depending on various factors.

The dimensions of the core 2 of the insulation part 1 dépend on the use of thecomponent. Likewise, the thickness of the loadbearing boards 3 is fully dépendenton the intended use.

Figure 2 shows the placing of components one on top of another and their self-locating, and their shape-locking to each other.

Figures 3 and 4 depict horizontal sections of the building component according toFigure 1, through ΙΙΙ-ΙΠ and IV-IV. The upper and lower surfaces 5 and 6 of thecomponent hâve oblong openings 15 in a row in the région of the voids 14. Theopenings are oblong, and their length is substantially greater than the distancebetween the openings. Thus it is ensured that a continuous air space is formedregardless of the longitudinal positioning of the components.

Figure 5 depicts a perspective représentation of the building component accordingto Figures 1-4.

The embodiments according to Figures 6 and 7 hâve side surfaces of differentshapes. In Figure 6 the interior side surface 17 is smooth and slightly downwardlyand outwardly slanted. Owing to the slant the upper section of the component isnarrower than the lower section which receives an upper section and fits togetherwith it with accuracy of shape. The branch part 18 of the lower surface isrespectively inwardly slanted. 10 011121

In Figure 6 the middle section of the exterior side surface 19 is profiled to form anindefmite omamental motif.

In Figure 7 the exterior side surface 20 is slightly curved below the overlappingarea. A groove 21 is formed in the overlapping area. The interior side surface 22 isvertical, and the self-locating means are formed so that no groove is produced; thewall continues smooth in the wall surface formed by successive components.

Figure 8 depicts an embodiment according to the invention, wherein the sidesurfaces 23 and 24 of the component are separate pièces and the upper and lowersurfaces 25 and 26 of the component are separate pièces. The side surfaces arepreferably moulded, the upper and lower surfaces being straight boards. The sidesurfaces are preferably slightly thicker than the upper and lower surfaces. The upperedge région of the side surfaces is inwardly slanted at point 27 and is vertical abovepoint 27 in région 28. At the lower edge région 29 there is respectively a wideningeffected by the removal of a strip from the inside of the surfaces. The upper surface25 is preferably fastened both to the insulation part and to the end surfaces of theside surfaces, and the lower surface respectively to the insulation part and to thenotched end surface 30 of the side surfaces. The upper surface and the lower surfaceare of the same width. Thus the narrowed upper section of the component fîts withaccuracy of shape in the notched point of the lower edge région, and surfaces 25and 26 adhéré to each other. Owing to the dimensions used, a groove 31 is formedbelow the overlapping area.

The upper and lower surfaces 25, 26 may be of a material different from or the sameas that of the side surfaces.

Figures 9-18 depict building components according to the invention, wherein theinsulation part is covered by only an upper surface or only a lower surface, orneither.

The most preferred embodiments of the invention are those in which the insulationpart is a sealed casing. This is the case in the embodiments according to Figures 1-8.There is a plywood board 3 fixedly fastened to the side surfaces 7 and 8 of the insu-lation part, and the upper surface and respectively the lower surface 5 and 6 of thebuilding component bear against the upper and lower surface of the insulation partor are fixedly fastened thereto. In place of the plywood board there may be a film orsome other board, if the core of the insulation part constitutes a loadbearing 11 011121 structure. The fastening of the surfaces to the insulation part is carried out by soniemethod known per se, for example by lamination.

The casing-like character of the insulation part increases its sturdiness and therebyits strength. Its air-tightness is likewise ensured, provided of course that the sidesurfaces are air-tight.

However, the invention may also be applied so that the building componentcomprises only a lower surface or only an upper surface. Figures 9-11 depict abuilding component without an upper surface and Figures 12-14, respectively,without a lower surface.

In a wall 31, Figure 10, formed from building components according to Figure 9,the air-tightness of the insulation part is ensured, since the insulation parts 1,between which there is always one lower surface 6 of a component, bear one on an-other. The fastening of the building components to one other and their self-locationis preferably achieved so that the side surfaces 7 and 8 of the component and itslower surface 6 are formed as one piece in which the corner régions 32 between thesurfaces are reinforced. In the two corner régions 32 there are formed receivingnotches 33 for receiving the upper edges of the side surfaces of the componentbelow. The distance between the upper edges has been narrowed by forming in theside surfaces a slight inward bend 12, from which the side surfaces continuevertically upwards. The side surfaces 7 and 8 thus overlap in the same manner as,for example, in the embodiment according to Figure 2.

Figure 11 depicts a horizontal section through XI-XI, which shows that the openings15 in the lower surface 6 extend somewhat into the corner région 32.

Figures 12-14 depict a corresponding System with the différence that the buildingcomponent has only an upper surface but no lower surface. The side surfaces 7 and8 are intégral with the upper surface 5. The distance between the upper edges of theside surfaces 7 and 8 has again been shortened by forming in the side surfaces aninward bend 12, from which the side surfaces continue vertically upwards. At thelower edges of the side surfaces there has been formed a reinforcement 34 having atriangular cross-section, with the base downwards. In the base of the reinforcement34 there is a small notch 35 at the level of the lower edge of the insulation part. Onone side of the notch 35 the side surface 7, 8 of the component continues sub-stantially to a point below the lower edge of the insulation part. In the upper surfaceof the component there is another small notch 37 for that part 36 of the 12 0111 21 reinforcement 34 which is on the other side of notch 35. When components arefitted one on top of another, the upper surface 5 of a component and the side walllower edges with their reinforcements 34 will interlock with accuracy of shape. Theinsulation part 1 is completely enclosed between the upper surfaces 5, and thesturdiness of the structure is ensured by the said shape-locking.

Figure 14 depicts a horizontal section through XIV-XIV, showing that the openings15 fit within the area between the notch 37 and the insulation part.

Figures 15-18 depict an embodiment of the building component, which has neitheran upper nor a lower surface of the component. Instead, the side surface 7 of thecomponent is profile-structured in such a way that between thç side surface 7 andthe insulation part 2 there are two L-shaped profiles 38 and 39, the former upwardlyoriented within the upper edge région of the side surface and the latter downwardlyoriented within the lower edge région. Within the upper région of the side surface 7there is an inward bend 12, above which the side surface continues in the verticalorientation. The lower edge of the side surface continues substantially to a pointbelow the lower edge of the insulation part.

The other side surface 43 of the component is fastened directly to the side surface ofthe insulation part. It has the same height as the insulation part 2, but is slightlytransloeated downwards. Thus the component self-locates at the correct point on topof the previous component and is shape-locked in that position owing to theoverlapping side surfaces 7 and 43. The insulation parts bear directly one onanother.

Cross-sectional Figures 17 and 18 show that the openings 15 are formed in thehorizontal parts of the profiles 38 and 39. Side surface 7 here constitutes theexterior side surface, and side surface 8 the interior side surface. Side surface 8 maybe, for example, a gypsum board or other similar board suitable for an interior wall.Side surface 7, which has horizontal parts made up of profiles 38 and 39, withopenings 15, cannot be replaced by a side surface fastened directly to the insulationpart. In such a case the ventilation provided by the continuous air space would belacking, and thus the wall structure would be non-functional.

On the other hand, side surface 8, which is fastened to the insulation part, may be replaced with a profile wall 7, 38, 39. In such a case the continuous air spaces of the interior wall can be used for running wiring and piping concealed in the wall. 13 011121

Figures 19-21 depict building component embodiments in which the self-locating means hâve been provided in another way.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 19, neither side surface 7 and 8 has self-locatingmeans. At the construction stage the openings 15 in the upper and lower surfacescan be taken advantage of in such a way that an auxiliary device, the largest cross-sectional dimension of which corresponds to the smallest diameter of the opening, isfîtted into openings which are one on top of another. In this manner the componentscan be caused to settle directly in a position one on top of another. The componentsmay be fastened to one another by using an adhesive and/or fasteners (not shown inthe figùres) engaging the openings.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 20, one of the side surfaces has self-locatingmeans, for example, in accordance with Figure 1, whereas self-locating means arelacking in the other side surface 40. By using one-sided self-locating means thesettling of the components one on top of another can be achieved successfully withrelative ease. Fastening is carried out in the same manner as in the case according toFigure 19.

In the embodiment depicted in Figure 21, neither side wall has self-locating means.Instead, a projection 41 and a corresponding notch 42 hâve been formed in thelower surface and, respectively, the upper surface of the component. "Automatic"locating is achieved by these means.

It is clear that the design and equipment of the building component according to theinvention may be varied widely within the accompanying daims, according to theintended use.

It is also clear that the terni "low-rise building" must not be understood as referringonly to a detached house; the intended buildings may be any halls, industrialbuildings, schools, hospitals, apartment buildings, etc. A building component according to the invention may, owing to its technicalproperties and variability, be exploited in many other areas.

Claims

14 011121 daims

1. A self-supporting log-like building component (10) having a substantiallyvertical exterior side surface (7; 19; 23) and a substantially vertical interior sidesurface (8; 17, 24), an insulation part (1) between these, a structure bearing thevertical load, and members interconnecting the insulation part and the said sidesurfaces, the building components being self-locatingly stackable one on top ofanother to form a loadbearing structure, characterized in that the insulation part (1)is the loadbearing structure which receives the vertical load and is substantially ofthe height of the component but so narrow that there is a void (14) at least on thatside which is towards one of the side surfaces, preferably the exterior side surface,and that in the said void, or respectively voids, there are, fastened to the side surfaceand to the opposite surface of the insulation part, transverse members (5, 6; 25, 26;38, 39).

2. A building component according to Claim 1, characterized in that the void (14) towards the exterior side surface (7) communicates with the surroundings viaopenings (15) in the transverse members.

3. A building component according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that theinterior side surface of the component is made up of an interior-wall board (43), forexample, a gypsum board, fastened to that surface of the insulation part (1) whichfaces towards the interior side surface.

4. A building component according to Claim 1, characterized in that there is avoid (14) on each side of ±e insulation part (1) and that both voids communicatewith the surroundings via openings (15) in the transverse members (5, 6).

5. A building component according to any of Claims 2-4, characterized in thatthe openings (15) are oblong in the longitudinal orientation of the component.

6. A building component according to any of Claims 1-5, characterized in thatthe transverse members interconnecting the insulation part (1) and the side surfaces(7, 8) of the building component are made up of the upper surface (5) and/or thelower surface (6) of the building component, resting against the upper surface of theinsulation part or being fastened thereto, and/or respectively against the lowersurface of the insulation part or being fastened thereto, and are joined to the uppersections and/or lower sections of the exterior side surface and the interior sidesurface. 15 011121

7. A building component according to Claim 6, characterized in that its lowersurface (6) has a U-shaped vertical cross-section and that its branches (11) arefastened to the inside of the exterior and interior side surfaces (7, 8).

8. A building component according to any one or several of Claims 1-5, char-acterized in that the transverse members interconnecting the insulation part (1) anda side surface (7) of the building component are made up of a profile structurewhich comprises at least two transverse branches which at one end join the sidesurface of the building component and are at the other end connected to the sidewall (3) of the insulation part.

9. A building component according to Claim 8, characterized in that the profilestructure comprises two L-shaped flanges (38, 39) the transverse branches of whichjoin a side surface (7) of the building component and the vertical branches of whichare connected to the side wall (3) of the insulation part.

10. A building component according to any one or several of Claims 1-9, char-acterized in that the upper and lower surfaces (5, 6) of the building component hâvemating self-locating means (28, 29, 30) which will align the building componentsone on top of another relative to the transverse orientation of the component.

11. A building component according to Claim 10, characterized in that the self-locating means are means which fit one inside the other or overlap, one (28; 7; 7,37; 42) being located in the upper surface of the building component and the other(29, 30; 7, 33; 35, 36; 41) at the corresponding point in the lower surface.

12. A building component according to Claim 10, characterized in that the self-locating means are formed in either edge or in both edges of the exterior and interiorside surfaces.

13. A building component according to Claim 10, characterized in that the self-locating means are in the upper surface and, respectively, the lower surface of theinsulation part and are mating female and male means (41, 42).

14. A building component according to Claim 13, characterized in that the upperedges of the exterior and interior side surfaces (7, 8) are inwardly slanted (12) andtheir lower edges continue directly to a point below the lower surface (6) so that theupper section of the component fits with accuracy of shape inside the downwards-continuing side walls of an upper component. 16 011121

15. A building component according to any one of Claims 6-12, characterized inthat the upper and lower surfaces are fiat boards (25, 26) and the exterior andinterior side surfaces are moulded boards (23, 24).

16. A building component according to any one or several of Claims 6-12, char-acterized in that the upper surface (5) and the exterior and interior side surfaces (7, 8) are moulded as one piece (9).

17. A building component according to any one or several of Claims 1-16, char-acterized in that one or each of the exterior and interior side surfaces has a profiledeviating from straight, preferably a curved profile (20) or an omamental profile(19).

18. A building component according to any one or several of Claims 1-17, char-acterized in that its exterior and interior side surfaces and/or upper surface and/orlower surface are made of a wood veneer, a wood compound, a recycled compound,a stone compound, or any other similar compound.

19. A building component according to Claim 18, characterized in that there is alayer of some material, for example, a paper layer, a métal layer, a melamine film ora plastic film, laminated onto the surface of the building component.

20. A building component according to Claim 18 or 19, characterized in thatthere is a layer of some material, for example, a layer of métal, laminated onto theinside of the exterior and/or interior wall surfaces in order to increase firerésistance.

21. A building component according to any one or several of Claims 1-20, char-acterized in that the insulation part (1) is air-tight.

22. A building component according to Claim 21, characterized in that theinsulation part (1) comprises an insulation core (2) of, for example, polyuréthane orminerai wool, there being loadbearing boards (3) of, for example, plywood, fastenedto the side surfaces of the core.

23. A building component according to Claim 21, characterized in that theinsulation core (2) of the insulation part (1) is of a loadbearing material, forexample, a structural minerai wool in which the fibre planes are vertical.

24. A building or a part of a building, characterized in that it is made of buildingcomponents according to any one or several of Claims 1-23.