US3720034A

US3720034A - Methods for constructing multi-story structures

Info

Publication number: US3720034A
Application number: US00122778A
Authority: US
Inventors: F Dawley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-03-10
Filing date: 1971-03-10
Publication date: 1973-03-13
Anticipated expiration: 1990-03-13

Abstract

The method of building multi-story structures comprising storing superstructure columns vertically in the ground with the tops thereof disposed at a selected distance above a selected first floor level, providing a footing for each superstructure column at a selected distance below a selected basement floor level centrally apertured to accommodate said columns freely therethrough. Each said superstructure column is of a sufficient length ultimately to extend from the bottom of said footing to a small distance above the roof level of the completed structure. A conventional first floor slab is constructed at said selected first floor level supported on conventional basement columns, basement walls and footings spaced uniformly from said superstructure columns and footings. Reinforced concrete roof and floor slabs are then sequentially constructed in removable relationship on forms provided therefor on said conventional first floor slab including supporting and permanently fixing each said roof and floor slab on said superstructure columns in advance of raising the same, sequentially raising said superstructure columns in unison the desired designed distance between the roof and each of the floors therebelow after said roof slab and each said floor slab therebelow has been constructed in removable relationship on said forms and permanently supported on and fixed to said superstructure columns. After the superstructure columns have been raised to their final positions with the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth floor slabs and the roof slab permanently secured at their selected vertical heights thereon, the said superstructure columns are fixed in a supported relationship on the superstructure footings. The spaces between the superstructure columns and the apertures provided therefor in the superstructure footings are grouted and a reinforced concrete basement floor slab is poured and finished in a conventional manner at said selected basement floor level.

Description

United States Patent [191 Dawley METHODS FOR CONSTRUCTING MULTI-STORY STRUCTURES [76] Inventor: Fred M. Dawley, 200 Country Club,

Camelot Apts., Largo, Fla.

22 Filed: March 10,1971 [21 Appl.No.: 122,778

[52] US. Cl. ..52/742, 52/169, 52/236,

' 52/745 [51] Int. Cl. ..E04g 21/14 [58] Field of Search ..52/745, 742, 236, 169

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,416,234 12/1968 Adler ..52/745 .3,092,2l6 6/1963 Tye ..52/745 3,210,903 10/1965 Herolf .....52/745 3,362,126 l/l968 Herolf ..52/745 3,457,690 7/1964 Clerco ..52/742 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 752,998 2/l967 Canada ..52/745 Primary Examiner-Henry C. Sutherland Assistant Examiner-Henry E. Raduazo Attorney--Everett G. Wright [57] ABSTRACT The method of building multi-story structures comprising storing superstructure columns vertically in the ground with the tops thereof disposed at a selected [111 3,720,034' [451 March 13,1973

distance above a selected first floor level, providing a footing for each superstructure column at a selected distance below a selected basement floor level centrally apertured to accommodate said columns freely therethrough. Each said superstructure column is of a sufficient length ultimately to extend from the bottom of said footing to a small distance above the roof level of the completed structure. A conventional first floor slab is constructed at said selected first floor level supported on conventional basement columns, basement walls and footings spaced uniformly from said superstructure columns and footings.

Reinforced concrete roof and floor slabs are then sequentially constructed in removable relationship on forms provided therefor on said conventional first floor slab including supporting and permanently fixing each said roof and floor slab on said superstructure columns in advance of raising the same, sequentially raising said superstructure columns in unison the desired designed distance between the roof and each of the floors therebelow after said roof slab and each said floor slab therebelow has been constructed in removable relationship on said forms and permanently supported on and fixed to said superstructure columns.

After the superstructure columns have been raised to their final positions with the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth floor slabs and the roof slab permanently secured at their selected vertical heights thereon, the said superstructure columns are fixed in a supported relationship on the superstructure footings. The spaces betweenthe superstructure columns and the apertures provided therefor in the superstructure footings are grouted and a reinforced concrete basement floor slab is poured and finished in a conventional manner at said selected basement floor level.

11 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures I\VE\TOR FRED M. DAWLEY ATT NEY PATENTEDHAR 1 31975 SHEET 1 OF 4 ESO PATENIEUMM 31m 720 34 SHEET 3 UF 4 [III/I A IIIIII FRED. M. DAWLEY Q FIGS fair, 3:

ATTORNEY PATENTEDHARI 31975 SHEET t Of '4 FIG. 7

FIG. 8

INVENTOR. FRED M. DAWLEY ATTO NEY METHODS FOR CONSTRUCTING MULTl-STORY STRUCTURES SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The primary object of the invention is to provide an improved and economical method of building multistory structures wherein superstructure columns are driven or otherwise stored in the ground with the tops thereof extending a short distance above a selected first 0 floor level, providing each superstructure column with a centrally apertured footing preferably located just below a selected basement floor level through each of which a superstructure column is freely disposed, constructing a conventional first floor slab at said selected first floor level supported on basement columns, walls and footings spaced independently from said superstructure columns and footings, and sequentially constructing reinforced concrete roof and floor slabs in first floor are completed and permanently supported on and fixed to said superstructure columns in their selected vertical spacing. Then the superstructure columns are anchored in supported relationship on their footings, the interstices between the superstructure columns and their footings are grouted, and finally, the basement floor slab with reinforcement therein is poured in a conventional manner.

The foregoing construction permits the wall, partition and glazing elements as well as heating, ventilating, plumbing and electrical units and supplies required at the roof and each floor therebelow to be lifted with each roof and floor slab as the construction of the superstructure sequentially progresses whereby supplies for completing the various finishing trades are made readily available for use and installation on the. superstructure when and as the main structural elements are sequentially completed, thus saving considerable time and expense by immediately working on and completing the architectural and utilitarian requirements of the multi-story structure from the roof down without encountering the delays normally experienced in finishing a building after all of the structural elements thereof are completely erected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a foundation and basement floor plan of the structural elements of a typical multi-story building of a type constructed in accordance with the instant invention;

FIG. 2 is a first floor plan;

FIG. 3 is a plan of the roof and all floors between the roof and first floor;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic vertical sectional view showing the superstructure columns driven or otherwise stored in the ground at D & S and sequentially raised from D & S to L-l, L-2, L-3, L-4, L-S and L-6 after the roof slab and each of the floor slabs therebelow are removably constructed on the first floor slab and fixed in supported relationship on said columns;

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view of one of the superstructure columns in its initially driven position in the ground extending a selected distance above the first floor slab with the roof slab completed in removable relationship on the first floor slab and secured to the superstructure columns ready for lifting by raising the said superstructure columns from their initial stored position;

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken at right angles to FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 77 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view showing the construction at the top of a typical superstructure column extending through the first floor slab before and after raising the said column after the reinforced concrete roof slab has been poured, cured, and secured to and supported on the superstructure column.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like and corresponding parts throughout the several views, the improved method for constructing multi-story structures of the invention is illustrated in connection with a six-story and roof structure including a suitable basement illustrated more or less diagrammatically in FIGS. 1-4 inclusive. The number of stories, size, shape, arrangement of columns, height between floors and roof, and the like may be varied to accommodate the multi-story structure 20 to its particular requirements. Suitable stairways, elevator shafts, walls, partitions, and mechanical and electrical equipment, not shown in the drawings, will be provided to permit the completed building to be functionally desirable as specified by the Architect and the Owner.

In the multi-story structure 20 employed to illustrate the improved method of the invention, the basement footings 21, basement columns 22, basement wall footings 23, basement walls 24, and the first floor slab 25 are constructed of reinforced concrete in a conventional manner after selecting suitable first floor and basement floor levels, Either before or after, preferably before the first floor slab 25 has been constructed as aforesaid, superstructure columns 30 of a length equal to the distance between the bottom of superstructure column footings 31 and a required short distance above the roof slab 32 are driven or otherwise stored vertically in the ground G as indicated at D & S in FIG. 4 in uniform spaced relationship between the basement columns 22 with the tops thereof initially extending a short distance above the selected first floor level. All necessary apertures required in the superstructure columns 30 for making necessary connections thereto are preferably punched or drilled therein before storing them in the ground. Each superstructure column 30 is provided with a centrally apertured footing 31, the central aperture 310 therein being of a sufficient size to permit the superstructure column 30 to telescope freely therethrough.

The foundation for the multi-story structure 20 has been shown in the drawings as independent footings for each of the basement and superstructure columns. However, other types of foundations may be employed as, for example, a reinforced concrete mat foundation (not shown) may be employed with apertures provided therein through which the superstructure columns may be driven and stored in the ground until lifted as required to raise the roof slab and floor slabs therebelow constructed in removable relationship on the first floor slab supported on basement columns suitably spaced from the superstructure columns. In the event a concrete mat foundation were substituted for separate column footings, the peripheral basement wall as well as the basement columns and first floor slab would be constructed in the conventional manner shown with suitable apertures provided in the first floor slab to accommodate the superstructure columns freely therethrough. While the superstructure columns 30 are indicated in the drawings to be structural steel I-I- columns, it is obvious that other types of columns may be substituted therefor.

As indicated in FIG. 7, it is preferable that each superstructure column 30 be provided with a heavy base plate 33 grouted at 3300 on top of its footing 31 to which it is secured by conventional anchor bolts 34 cast in each footing 31. The said base plate 33 is provided with a central aperture 330 therethrough which is aligned with the aperture 310 provided in the superstructure column footing 31 permitting the superstructure columns 30 to telescope freely through both the superstructure column footings 31 and the base plates 33 thereon.

A suitable grid indicated generally by the reference numeral 40 in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 is erected on each superstructure column base plate 33 to provide support on the superstructure column footings 31 for a pair of hydraulic jacks 35 employed to lift each said superstructure column 30 as required. A hydraulic jack 35 is located centrally opposite and adjacent each of the flanges of each superstructure column 30. The said grid preferably consists of a pair of horizontal H- beam supports 41 each centered under a hydraulic jack 35 and supported at opposite ends of a pair of short H- beam supports 42. All of the elements of the grid 40 are preferably bolted together and to a grid base 43 which sets on, is supported by, and is anchored to the superstructure column footing 31 and base plate 33 during the erection of the superstructure above the first floor. The bottom flange 350 of each hydraulic jack 35 is secured to the top of the upper H-beam support 41 of the grid 40 at each side of the superstructure column 30 as viewed in FIGS. 5 and 6. The top flange 351 of each hydraulic jack 35 is fixed to the cylinder 352 thereof, and is in turn connected by suitable bolts to the bottom of each of a pair of oppositely disposed raising brackets 37 which are each bolted at 370 to opposite flanges of each superstructure column 30.

As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a pair of lower column guide rollers 44 are preferably provided on the grid 40, and a pair of upper column guide rollers 46 are anchored to the bottom of the first floor slab. The

lower guide rollers 44 contact the web of the superstructure H-columns 30 and the upper guide rollers 46 contact the opposite flanges of the said superstructure columns 30. Both pairs of

guide rollers

44 and 46 serve to guide and maintain the superstructure columns 30 in their vertical position when and as they are raised from their initial vertical storage position in the ground G.

Obviously, the

superstructure guide rollers

44 and 46 would not be required in situations wherein the superstructure columns 30 have little or no tendency to deflect laterally. In such instances, suitable friction plates for maintaining the columns 30 may be substituted for the

guide rollers

44 and 46.

Each hydraulic jack 35 is connected at 353 to a source of hydraulic fluid under high pressure in a manner and under suitable conventional controls (not shown) whereby the pistons 354 of all said hydraulic jacks 35 may be activated simultaneously to uniformly raise all of the superstructure columns 30 in unison and in selected increments 38 sequentially upwardly from their initial stored position indicated at D & S in FIG. 4 with the tops thereof at a selected distance above the first floor level to a distance equal to the distance between the roof level and the 6th floor level. Likewise, the hydraulic jacks 35 are actuated to raise all said superstructure columns 30 sequentially in unison and in selected increments 38 a distance equal to the distance between each of all floor levels therebelow until the roof slab 32 and each of the sixth, fifth, fourth, third and second floor slabs 27, which have been sequentially removably constructed on forms supported on the first floor level and simultaneously fixed to said superstructure columns 30 by such as shear heads 39, are raised to their required final selected positions as shown and noted in FIG. 4, at which time the bottom of each superstructure column 30 is located substantially at the bottom of each superstructure footing 31.

When the hydraulic jacks have raised the superstructure columns 30 a first selected increment 38 of the distance required to space a roof or floor slab a selected story height above the first floor slab, a pair of bolsters 45 preferably formed of l-I-column sections and steel capped at both ends are inserted and temporarily secured between each grid base 43 and the bottom of the column raising brackets 37 as best shown by the dot and dash lines in FIG. 5. The connections between the top flanges 351 of the hydraulic jacks 35 and the column raising brackets 37 are then removed, and the pistons 354 are retracted. A second pair of column raising brackets 37 are then secured to the superstructure columns 30 with the bottoms thereof disposed on and secured to the top flange 351 of each retracted hydraulic jack 35. The hydraulic jacks 35 are again actuated in unison and raise the superstructure columns 30 and the roof or floor slab thereon, as the case may be, a second increment 38 in a manner like and similar to the first increment raising of the said superstructure columns as hereinabove described; except however, the bolsters employed after the second increment column raise are obviously longer than the bolsters 45 previously employed.

The length of the lifting stroke of the hydraulic jacks 35 governs the number ofincrements necessary to raise the superstructure columns 30 the required distance to elevate each of the roof slab and sixth, fifth, fourth, third and second floor slabs sequentially after each said roof and floor slab has been removably constructed on forms supported on the first floor slab and secured to said superstructure columns 30.

Although raising of the superstructure columns has been shown and described as being lifted by hydraulic jacks, it is obvious that the method of the invention can be readily carried out by those skilled in the art by employing any suitable conventional mechanical lifting means such as screw jacks, or the like.

The space 36 between each superstructure column 30 and central aperture 310 in its superstructure column footing 31 is thoroughly grouted after said columns and the roof and floors secured thereto have been completely raised, and each superstructure column 30 is then secured in its fully raised position by means of a pair of heavy angles 44 as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

The hydraulic lines and controls may now be disconnected from the hydraulic jacks 35, and the said jacks 35 may be removed from the column raising brackets 37 and the H-beam supports 41 of the grid 40. The entire grid at each superstructure column 30 is then dismantled and stored ready for use in building other multi-story structures in accordance with instant improved method of constructing same.

To the extent practicable, all mechanical and electrical rough-ins that may be required should be accomplished before the reinforced concrete roof and floor slabs are poured sequentially at just above first floor level. Also, so much of the architectural, mechanical and electrical items of the multi-story structureth at have not been installed or erected during the time that the superstructure thereof was being erected according to the improved method of the invention may now be completed and/or installed in the usual conventional manner.

The improved method of constructing multi-story structures of the invention disclosed herein is obviously not limited to the use thereof in constructing the particular type of structure disclosed herein for illustrative purposes inasmuch as architects and engineers can readily design multi-story office buildings, apartments, v

commercial buildings, and manufacturing and storage structuresin which a number of the floors thereof would have a substantially typical layout, whereby such buildings would advantageously reflect many economies afforded by using the method of the instant invention including but not limited to savings on construction costs and early occupancy income for the owner.

Furthermore, in building multi-story structures in accordance'with the invention when a basement is not required, a second floor slab, first floor columns and footings therefor are constructed in a conventional manner with the second floor slab at a selected second floor level and the footings located below the bottom of a first floor slab ultimately to be located at a selected level above ground level. The superstructure columns stored in the ground extending through apertured superstructure footings are raised sequentially thereon a distance equal to each story height after the roof and each of the floor slabs above the second floor are removably constructed on forms provided therefor on said second floor slab and secured in supported relationship on the superstructure columns. Other than the foregoing, the method of the invention is carried out in the manner and with the method steps hereinbefore set forth.

Although but a single embodiment of the improved method of the invention has been disclosed and described in detail herein in connection with the construction of only one type of multi-story building structure, it is obvious that many changes and modifications may be made in the details of carrying out the method steps of the invention in constructing other types of multi-story structures, all without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as defined by the appended claims.

lclaim: I

l. The method of constructing multi-story structures comprising a. constructing a conventional reinforced concrete first floor slab at a selected first floor level supported on suitable columns with footings therefor located below a selected basement floor level,

. providing superstructure footings spaced between said basement footings also located below said basement floor level, each said superstructure footing including a base plate anchored thereon and both being centrally apertured to accommodate a superstructure column vertically disposed in spaced relationship therethrough.

c.- initially storing a multi-story superstructure column vertically in the ground with the upper end thereof extending freely in spaced relationship through each said superstructure footing and its base plate and said first floor slab to a selected short distance thereabove,

d. said superstructure columns being of sufficient length to extend ultimately from the bottom of their footings to a selected distance above the roof of the completed multi-story structure,

e. sequentially constructing a roof slab and a plurality of floor slabs in removable relationship on forms supported on said first floor slab, and permanently securing each said slab during the construction thereof to said superstructure columns,

f. raising said superstructurecolumns in unison a selected distance equal to the distance between the roof and the floor next below, and sequentially raising said superstructure columns in unison a selected distance between each of the additional floors therebelow until the roof and all floors above the first floor slab are erected on said superstructure columns in their selectedvertical spaced relationship,

. then anchoring said superstructure columns in supported relationship on the base plate and the footing provided therefor,

perstructure columns and their footings below the basement floor level, and

i. constructing aconventional basement floor slab at said selected basement floor level extending over all said footings.

2. The method of constructing multi-story structures as claimed in claim 1 including guiding said superstructure columns vertically at spaced intervals between their footings and the conventionally constructed floor thereabove as the said columns are raised in unison.

3. The method of constructing multi-story structures as claimed in claim 1 wherein the reaction to the lifting pressure required to raise the superstructure columns in unison is accepted by their footings.

. grouting closed all interstices between said su-.

4. The method of constructing multi-story structures comprising a. constructing a conventional reinforced concrete second floor slab at a selected second floor level supported on suitable columns with first floor footings therefor located below a selected first floor level,

. providing superstructure footings spaced between said first floor footings also located below said first floor level, each superstructure footing including a base plate anchored thereon and both said footing and said base plate being centrally apertured to accommodate a superstructure column vertically disposed in spaced relationship therethrough,

c. initially storing a multi-story superstructure column vertically in the ground with the upper end thereof extending freely in spaced relationship through each said superstructure footing and its base plate and said second floor slab to a selected short distance thereabove,

e. sequentially constructing a concrete roof slab and a plurality of floor slabs in removable relationship on forms supported on said second floor slab, and permanently securing each said slab during its construction to said superstructure columns,

f. raising said superstructure columns in unison a selected distance equal to the distance between the roof and the floor next below, and sequentially raising said superstructure columns in unison a selected distance between each of the additional floors therebelow until the roof and all floors above said second floor slab are erected on said superstructure columns in their selected vertical spaced relationship.

. then anchoring said superstructure columns in supported relationship on said base plate and the footing provided therefor,

h. grouting closed all interstices between said superstructure columns and their footings below said first floor level, and

i. constructing a conventional first floor slab at said selected first floor level.

5. The method of constructing multi-story structures as claimed in claim 4 including guiding said superstructure columns vertically at spaced intervals between their footings and the conventionally constructed floor thereabove as the said columns are raised in unison.

6. The method of constructing multi-story structures as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the reaction to the lifting pressure required to raise the superstructure columns in unison is accepted by their footings.

7. The method of constructing multi-story structures comprising a. providing footings for superstructure columns having a central aperture vertically therethrough,

b. storing superstructure columns in the ground extending vertically in spaced relationship through said superstructure footings and extending through a conventional lower floor slab supported at a selected elevation with respect to grade on conventional columns and footings independent of and spaced from said superstructure columns and footings,

c. sequentially constructing a roof slab and a plurality of floor slabs in removable relationship on said conventional lower floor slab and simultaneously securing and supporting said roof slab and each said floor slab on said superstructure columns during the construction of each said slab,

. sequentially raising said superstructure columns in unison the required distance through said superstructure footings after each said roof and floor slab above said conventional lower floor slab has been sequentially constructed and secured to said superstructure columns until the roof slab and all said floor slabs are disposed at the desired vertical spacing above said conventional lower floor,

e. then securing and supporting each said superstructure column on its footing, and

f. grouting closed the interstices between each superstructure column and its footing.

8. The method of constructing multi-story structures as claimed in claim 7 including guiding said superstructure columns vertically at spaced intervals between their footings and the conventionally constructed floor thereabove as the said columns are raised in unison.

9. The method of constructing multi-story structures as claimed in claim 7 wherein the reaction to the lifting pressure required to raise the superstructure columns in unison is accepted by their footings.

10. The method of constructing multi-story structures comprising a. providing footings for superstructure columns disposed below a selected ground floor level each including a base plate anchored centrally thereon and having a central aperture vertically through both said footing and said base plate,

. initially storing superstructure columns of multistory length vertically in the ground with a portion thereof extending vertically in spaced relationship through said superstructure footings and extending a short distance through a conventional lower floor slab supported at a selected elevation above said ground floor level on conventional columns and footings independent of and spaced from said superstructure columns and footings,

c. said superstructure columns being of sufficient length to extend ultimately from the bottom of their footings to a selected distance above the roof of the completed multi-story structure,

. sequentially raising said superstructure columns in unison the required distance through said superstructure footings and said conventional lower floor slab after each roof and floor slab above said conventional lower floor slab has been sequentially constructed on and se-cured in supported relationship to said superstructure columns until the roof and all said floor slabs are disposed and fixed at the desired spaced relationship above said conventional lower floor slab,

e. securing and supporting each said superstructure column on its footing,

f. grouting closed the interstices between each superstructure column and its footing, and

g. constructing a ground floor slab at said selected ground floor level.

11. A method for constructing multi-story buildings comprising a. providing suitably spaced superstructure footings located below a selected lower floor level including a base plate anchored centrally thereon, each said footing and its base plate being centrally apertured to accommodate in vertical spaced relationship therethrough multi-story superstructure columns stored in the ground below each said footb. constructing a conventional reinforced concrete lowermost supported floor slab on forms that remain in place while said lowermost supported slab is used as a support upon which the roof and all other floor slabs are sequentially constructed,

. sequentially constructing a roof slab and a plurality of floor slabs in removable relationship on said lowermost supported floor slab, and permanently securing each said slat to said superstructure column prior to each raising of said superstructure columns.

. raising said superstructure columns in unison first a selected distance equivalent to the distance between the roof and the floor next below, and

. applying lifting pressure on said footings at all times during the raising of said superstructure columns in unison,

. guiding said superstructure columns at vertically spaced right angle positions between the superstructure footings and the lowermost supported floor slab,

. anchoring said superstructure columns in sup ported relationship on the base plate and footing provided therefor,

. then grouting closed all interstices between said superstructure columns and the roof and floor slabs, and said footings.

Claims

1. The method of constructing multi-story structures comprising a. constructing a conventional reinforced concrete first floor slab at a selected first floor level supported on suitable columns with footings therefor located below a selected basement floor level, b. providing superstructure footings spaced between said basement footings also located below said basement floor level, each said superstructure footing including a base plate anChored thereon and both being centrally apertured to accommodate a superstructure column vertically disposed in spaced relationship therethrough. c. initially storing a multi-story superstructure column vertically in the ground with the upper end thereof extending freely in spaced relationship through each said superstructure footing and its base plate and said first floor slab to a selected short distance thereabove, d. said superstructure columns being of sufficient length to extend ultimately from the bottom of their footings to a selected distance above the roof of the completed multi-story structure, e. sequentially constructing a roof slab and a plurality of floor slabs in removable relationship on forms supported on said first floor slab, and permanently securing each said slab during the construction thereof to said superstructure columns, f. raising said superstructure columns in unison a selected distance equal to the distance between the roof and the floor next below, and sequentially raising said superstructure columns in unison a selected distance between each of the additional floors therebelow until the roof and all floors above the first floor slab are erected on said superstructure columns in their selected vertical spaced relationship, g. then anchoring said superstructure columns in supported relationship on the base plate and the footing provided therefor, h. grouting closed all interstices between said superstructure columns and their footings below the basement floor level, and i. constructing a conventional basement floor slab at said selected basement floor level extending over all said footings.

4. The method of constructing multi-story structures comprising a. constructing a conventional reinforced concrete second floor slab at a selected second floor level supported on suitable columns with first floor footings therefor located below a selected first floor level, b. providing superstructure footings spaced between said first floor footings also located below said first floor level, each superstructure footing including a base plate anchored thereon and both said footing and said base plate being centrally apertured to accommodate a superstructure column vertically disposed in spaced relationship therethrough, c. initially storing a multi-story superstructure column vertically in the ground with the upper end thereof extending freely in spaced relationship through each said superstructure footing and its base plate and said second floor slab to a selected short distance thereabove, d. said superstructure columns being of sufficient length to extend ultimately from the bottom of their footings to a selected distance above the roof of the completed multi-story structure, e. sequentially constructing a concrete roof slab and a plurality of floor slabs in removable relationship on forms supported on said second floor slab, and permanently securing each said slab during its construction to said superstructure columns, f. raising said superstructure columns in unison a selected distance equal to the distance between the roof and the floor next below, and sequentially raising said superstructure columns in unison a selected distance between each of the additional floors therebelow until the roof and all floors above said second floor slab are erected on said superstructure columns in their selected vertical spaced relationship. g. then anchoring said superstructure columns in supported relationship on said base plate anD the footing provided therefor, h. grouting closed all interstices between said superstructure columns and their footings below said first floor level, and i. constructing a conventional first floor slab at said selected first floor level.

7. The method of constructing multi-story structures comprising a. providing footings for superstructure columns having a central aperture vertically therethrough, b. storing superstructure columns in the ground extending vertically in spaced relationship through said superstructure footings and extending through a conventional lower floor slab supported at a selected elevation with respect to grade on conventional columns and footings independent of and spaced from said superstructure columns and footings, c. sequentially constructing a roof slab and a plurality of floor slabs in removable relationship on said conventional lower floor slab and simultaneously securing and supporting said roof slab and each said floor slab on said superstructure columns during the construction of each said slab, d. sequentially raising said superstructure columns in unison the required distance through said superstructure footings after each said roof and floor slab above said conventional lower floor slab has been sequentially constructed and secured to said superstructure columns until the roof slab and all said floor slabs are disposed at the desired vertical spacing above said conventional lower floor, e. then securing and supporting each said superstructure column on its footing, and f. grouting closed the interstices between each superstructure column and its footing.

10. The method of constructing multi-story structures comprising a. providing footings for superstructure columns disposed below a selected ground floor level each including a base plate anchored centrally thereon and having a central aperture vertically through both said footing and said base plate, b. initially storing superstructure columns of multi-story length vertically in the ground with a portion thereof extending vertically in spaced relationship through said superstructure footings and extending a short distance through a conventional lower floor slab supported at a selected elevation above said ground floor level on conventional columns and footings independent of and spaced from said superstructure columns and footings, c. said superstructure columns being of sufficient length to extend ultimately from the bottom of their footings to a selected distance above the roof of the completed multi-story structure, d. sequentially raising said superstructure columns in unison the required distance through said superstructure footings and said conventional lower floor slab after each roof and floor slab above said conventional lower floor slab has been sequentially constructed on and se-cured in supported relationship to said superstructure columns until the roof and all said floor slabs are disposed and fixed at the desired spaced relationship above said conventionaL lower floor slab, e. securing and supporting each said superstructure column on its footing, f. grouting closed the interstices between each superstructure column and its footing, and g. constructing a ground floor slab at said selected ground floor level.