US3882649A

US3882649A - Interlocked modular building system

Info

Publication number: US3882649A
Application number: US354986A
Authority: US
Inventors: Francis Mah; Iii Walk C Jones; William J Lemessurier
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-03-05
Filing date: 1973-04-27
Publication date: 1975-05-13
Anticipated expiration: 1992-05-13

Abstract

An interlocking modular building system which utilizes a plurality of spaced, vertically stacked modules to form columns for the building. The module columns are connected to a floor system comprising a plurality of beams and floor elements. In the preferred embodiment, the vertically stacked modules each have a generally ''''U'''' shape in plan view and are notched to receive one or more beams. The beams are connected at at least two points to one or two of the modules. A third connection for each beam is made to a module or to another beam. The floor elements are also connected at at least three points, two of which are to the modules or beams or to a combination thereof. The third connection for each floor element is made to a module, beam or another floor element. The resulting interlocking arrangement of the modules, beams and floor elements produces a stable three dimensional space frame.

Description

ite States Patent Mah et al. 1 1 May 13, 1975 1 INTERLOCKED MODULAR BUILDING 3,600,862 8/1971 Echert 52/236 3,662,506 5/l972 DIIIOl'l 52/262 X 3,744,200 7/1973 Rice 52/236 X [76] Inventors: Francis Mah, 1682 Lawrence PL,

Memphis Tenn 3 1 12; w C. FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Jones, III, 360 Tara Ln., Memphis, 130,683 3/1947 Australia 52/79 13 3 111; Wi 431,023 8/1967 Switzerland 52/236 LeMesSuI-ier, 402 Linden St 116,897 2/1970 Denmark 52/236 Wellesley, Mass. 02181 M Primary ExaminerErnest R. Purser Ffled' 1973 Assistant ExaminerLeslie A. Braun 2 1 App]. 354 9 Attorney, Agent,,0r Firm-Richard J. Birch Related U.S. Application Data ABSTRACT [63] Continuation of Ser. No. l2l,465, March 5, I971, abandoned An interlocking modular building system Wl'llCl'l utilizes a plurality of spaced, vertically stacked modules 52 U.S. c1. 52/79; 52/236; 52/252; to form Columns for the building- The module 52/262 umns are connected to a floor system comprising a 51 Int. Cl. E04b 1/343 plurality Of beams and floor elements- In the preferred [58] Field of Search 52/35, 9 23 2 2 25 embodiment, the vertically stacked modules each have 52/252, 73 23 a generally U shape in plan view and are notched to receive one or more beams. The beams are connected [56] References Cited at at least two points to one or two of the modules. A UNITED STATES PATENTS third connection for each beam is made to a module or to another beam. The floor elements are also cong 3/1912 P P 52/231 nected at at least three points, two of which are to the 17233;? 2/1335 22551151.: 11:: 25/323 medules or e or to a Combination F The 2:O53i873 9/1936 Neiderhofermu 52/236 third connection for each floor element 1s made to a 2168725 8/1939 Whelan v 52/35 module, beam or another floor element. The resulting 2,786,349 3/1957 Coff 52 23 interlocking arrangement of the modules, beams and 3201907 8/1965 Henderson 1 52/73 floor elements produces a stable three dimensional 3,487,597 1/1970 Gutt 52/73 space frame. 3,495,371 2/1970 Mitchell.... 52/236 3,566,558 3/1971 Fisher 52/236 21 Clalms, 16 Drawmg Flgures PAIENTEU IIII I 3% 3, 882.648

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INVENTORS FRANCIS MAH WALK c. JONES 1:11 BY WILLIAM J. LEMESSURIER l8 ATTORNEYS PATENIED W I W5 3, 882. 649 sum 2 0F 8 WVENFORS FRANCIS MAH BY WALK c JONES 111 W WILLIAM J. LEMESSURIER mgmgg 2:3: 1 3521s 3. 882,649

sum 3 0F 8 I E I! z 1 INVENTORS FRANCIS MAH BY WALK c. JONESIEE w l R R Fig 6 ILLIAMJ LEMESSU IE ATTORNEYS iii] INYENI'ORS FRANCIS MAH WALK C. JONES III WILLIAM J. LEMESSURIER A'ITORNEYS SHEET u 0? 8 PAIENTEB MAY I 3 i975 Fig. Z

RUE-HEB l 3 m SHEH 5 (IF 8 INVENTORS FRANCIS MAH WALK C. JONESDI WILLIAM J. LEMESSURIER Fig 9.

ATTORNEYS PATENTED HAY 31875 SHEET 8 BF 8 I,-'\"\/'E1\"I'ORS FRANCIS MAH y WALK c. JONES 111 WILLIAM J. LEMESSURIER PATEEHEBZW I 3W5 SHEET 7 I}? 8 INVENTORS FR ANCI S M AH WALK C. JONES'JIE WILLIAM J. LEMESSURIER ATTORNEYS PATENIED M 3,882,649

SHEET 8 UP 8 IO 5 ka Fzlgl INVENTOR. FRANCIS MAH BY WALK C. JONES III WILLIAM J. LEMESSURIER INTERLOCKED MODULAR BUILDING SYSTEM This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 121,465 filed Mar. 5, 1971, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to modular building systems in general and, more particularly, to a modular building system in which the column forming modules, beams and floor elements are structurally interlocked to produce a three-dimensional space frame.

In the past, various types of modular building sytsems have been proposed to simplify building construction techniques with a concomitant reduction in building costs. The use of prefabricated, pre-finished, room-size modules for bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms and the like was suggested at least as early as 1939 in US. Pat. No. 2,168,725, issued Aug. 8, 1939 to J. J. Whelan for BUILDING CONSTRUCTION. The Whelan patent describes a multi-story building construction in which various types of modules are vertically stacked to form a shaft. After all of the modules are in place, concrete is poured through the tubes in each of the modules fill ing all of the spaces therein. The resulting enclosed concrete, load-bearing column directly supports the floors and roof only for gravity loads. Since the Whelanbuilding construction does not provide a frame action to resist racking loads, it is impractical for use in current buildings.

Other pre-fabricated, pre-finished building systems have employed full, large size room units which are as sembled in longitudinal or transverse relationship and- /or stacked in superposed relationship. One typical example of such a building system is illustrated in US. Pat. No. 3,292,327, issued Dec. 20, 1966 to Van Der Lely for PLURAL STORY BUILDING COMPRISING SUPERIMPOSED BOX-SHAPED DWELLING UNIT. The large or full size room building system shown in Van Der Lely and other similar patents has some advantages, but, the disadvantages of the system outweigh its advantages. For example, the physical size of the boxshape dwelling units precludes the use of highway transportation for moving the dwelling units from the manufacturing site to the construction site. In addition, the system is generally unsuitable for highrise construction It is accordingly, a general object of the present invention to provide a modular building system which eliminates the major problems of the prior art systems.

It is specific object of the present invention to provide an interlocking modular building system which produces a three-dimensional space frame through the repetitive use of fixedly inter-connected structural elements, including modules, fixedly inter-connected structral elements, including beams and floor elements.

It is another object of the invention to provide a modular building system which allows the architect wide latitude in designing and implementing various types of floor plans.

It is still anotherobject of the present invention to provide an interlocking modular building system which employs easily constructed and, if desired, pre-cast modules in conjunction with conventional pre-cast beams and floor elements.

It is a feature of the present invention that various types of buildings can be constructed using the same basic modular system components of modules, beams and floor elements.

It is another feature of the invention that a building constructed with the interlocking modular building system costs less per square foot in terms of actual building construction costs than a comparable building constructed by conventional techniques.

These objects and other objects and features of the present invention will best be understood from a detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, selected for purposes of illustration and shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view in partial cut-away illustrating the interlocking, stacked, vertical modules, beams and floor elements of the modular buildings system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view in cross-section taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is an enlarged detailed view in side elevation I showing the connection of two of the horizontal beams depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of aportion of one building floor configuration using the module shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of one of the room units depicted in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view in partial cut-away of another embodiment of the interlocking, vertically stacked modules;

FIG. 6 is a view in cross-section taken along lines 66 in FIG. 5; I

FIG. 7 is a view in cross-section taken along lines 77 in FIG. 5;

FIGS. 8a and 8b are enlarged views in front elevation showing two systems for interconnecting the modules, beams and floor elements;

FIG. 9 is a view in perspective of a multi-story building incorporating the modules illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a view in perspective and partial cut-away of still another embodiment of the interlocking, vertically spaced modules;

FIG. 11 is a view in cross-section taken along lines 11l1 in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of one floor of a building showing the use of a combination of different types of modules;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation of two connected modules illustrating another embodiment of the modules; and,

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the modules depicted in FIG. 13.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates in perspective and partial cut-away view the interlocking arrangement of the components of the modular building system of the present invention. The system used only three basic types of structural element or components; a module 10, a beam 12 and a floor element 14. These three basic components are assembled together at the building site in an interlocking, repetitive pattern to produce a three-dimensional space frame for single and multi-story buildings.

The module 10 can be constructed from a number of materials including concrete, brick and mortar, wood, metal and pastic. Preferably, the modules 10 are formed from pre-cast concrete which can be poured at a remote location with the finished module being trucked to the construction site, or poured at the construction site itself. The size of the modules when viewed in plan can vary over a wide range depending upon the particular application for the module. For example, the two modules illustrated in FIG. 1 can range square. However, if the module must be shipped by highway, an 8 foot limitation is desirable in order to avoid the problems associated with trucking extra wide loads. The vertical height of the module can vary from approximately 8 feet up to the general maximum story height of 13 feet for a single story module. For a single, multiple story module, the vertical height and base dimensions will, of course, be greater. Since the modules can be pre-cast or manufactured at a remote location, prefinishing of the module and installation of suitable equipment, such as, the components of a bathroom or kitchen, are quite feasible and offer a cost saving over corresponding on-site work.

The interlocking. modular building system of the present invention can best be understood by looking at FIGS. 1 through 4 which illustrate the use of one embodiment of the module 10 together with the beams and

floor elements

12 and 14, respectively, to construct a multi-story, three-dimensional space frame. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, the module 10 comprises a pre-cast concrete unit having a U-shape in plan view with two

vertical side walls

16 and 18, a

back wall 20 and a floor 22.Although the module 10 is shown with three sides, 16, 18, and 20, three sides are not absolutely required. Conceptually, the space frame can be constructed with a two sided module, but three sides are preferred as shown in FIG. 1. The module floor 22 can be cast in place, as illustrated in FIG. 1, or omitted from the module. In the latter situation a horizontal surface is formed within the module by an extension of one or more of the floor elements 14. In any event, eachsuch module preferably includes at least two vertically extending, angularly interconnected walls.

The upper forward edges of the

side walls

16 and 18 are cut-away to form step notches or recesses 24 and 26, respectively. Alternatively, the

step notches

24 and 26 can be formed during the casting of the module. Each

step notch

24 and 26 has a horizontal and vertical dimension which corresponds to the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the beams 12. Thus, when the beams are placed on the

step notches

24 and 26,-as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper surface of each beam will be coplanar with the upper surface of the

vertical walls

16, 18, and 20 and with the front surfaces of the

sides walls

16 and 18. Although this particular arrangement is desirable, it should be understood that from the standpoint of the resulting structure, the lower portion of each

module side wall

16 and 18 can be notched to accomodate the beam 12. Other configurations for the module notching and beam positioning will be discussed below in connection with FIGS. 5, l0,

l3 and 14.

The two beams 12 illustrated in FIG. 1 are connected 'to each other by means of

metal tie plates

28 and 30 as.

shown in FIG. 2A. The metal tie plates are cast into the ends of the beam and are secured therein by means of

tie wires

32 and 34, respectively. After the beams are positioned in the

module notches

24 and 26, a field weld 36 is made to join the two tie plates 28 and 3f) togetheruWhile other connecting systems, such as drilled fastening plates and bolts can be used to connect the two beams together, the use of field welded tie plates eliminates the need for accurate drilling and positioning of the connecting means.

, 4 I I Eachibeam 12 is also connected tothe floor elments 14. Looking at FIGS. 1 and 2, a metal platefor insert I. 3% is mounted within and flush to thesurfaceof the pre-cast beam. A corresponding metal inset ,40 .is' mounted on the stem 42 of the double Tee floor element 14. Once the beams 12 have been positioned within the

appropriate notches

24 and 26 on the underlying module and the upper module is positioned thereover, a field weld is made between, an angle bracket 44 and the correspondingmetal inserts 38and 40. Similar metal inserts and angle brackets are used to secure the other stem 42a of the double Tee floor element "141. These inserts and brackets can best be seen in FIG. 2 and are identified by the samenumerals with asmall f letter a added thereafter.

The same type of fastening system is also used to secure the ends of the floor element stems 42 and 42a 'to the back wall of the module. Looking at FIG. 2, a metal.

insert 46 is embedded in the pre-cast stem 42a of floor element 14. Another plate 48 is mounted within theinj- N v side back wall of the module. Angle bracketYSU'is field welded to the metal inserts 416 and 48 after the dry as-' sembly of the modules, beams and floor elements After the dry assembly of the vertically stacked modules 10 and the interlocking beams and floor elements:

it is desirable to clamp the modules and beam's togethe'r by means other than gravity. For this purpose, and by way of. illustration only, post tensioning rods 52 are ules together.

with the vertically stacked modules, beams and floor elements connected together in' interlocking relation ship toform a threedimensional space frame, conven tional techniques are than employed to finish thebuilding. For example, a poured in situ concrete topping S4 is laid over the top surface of the doubleTeefloorelements 14. Noexterior wallelements have been shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 because such wall elementsdo not form a part of the buildings three dimensionalfspace frame structure. Standard skin panels can be usedto';

cover the exterior of the building framein a manner well known to those skilled in the art. 1

It has already been mentioned that the interlocking modular building system of the present invention utilizes a repetition of three basic components i.e.. mod ules, beams, and floor elements, to form a threedimensional space frame. This system affords the. archi tect a considerabledegree of latitude. in designing the floor plans for a building and permits a varietyofdifferent types of buildings to be constructed with'the same basic system. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates a typical floor plan for a single or multi-story low or moderate 7 income housing development using the modular system depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. Each module 10 is used. to 7 form a bathroom 56 for a corresponding living unit, in-

dicated generally by reference numeral 58. The outside .walls 60 are non-load bearing and donot form a part of the structural system .for the building. Thetypicalf. building layout shown .in FIGS. 3 and 4 canbe constructed with 8 foot modules and a spacing between the exterior walls of approximately 37 to 38 feet. This arrangement leaves two 16 foot deep apartment units and a foot wide corridor 62. Looking at the enlarge plan view of a typical apartment unit 58 show in FIG. 4, the unit comprises a living room-kitchen area 64, a bedroom 66 and the previously mentioned bathroom 56. Representative dimensions for the living room-kitchen area are: a length of 16 feet from the corridor to the exterior wall 60 and a width of 13 feet 6 inches. The bedroom 66 has a width of feet 6 inches and a depth including the closet space of 16 feet. Normally, pipe chase 68 is provided on the interior side of the module 10 and, preferably, the pre-case module is prefinished with the major bathroom components installed before the module is positioned in place at the construction site.

It will be appreciated from the preceding description of the interlocking modular building system and the representative floor plans shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 that the system provides considerable flexibility in both floor plans and types of buildings. For example, the system can be used to construct multiple occupancy dwellings including apartment buildings, hotels and motels all of which reequire numerous service modules e.g. bathrooms and kitchens. The modular system is also well suited for any type of building construction which requires large, open bays. Since the system is not limited to the specific module configuration shown in FIG. 1, additional flexibility can be achieved by using a combination of different types of modules. One such combination of different types of modules is illustrated in FIG. 12 and will be discussed in detail after a description of the two additional types of modules depicted in FIGS. 5 and 10.

Referring to FIGS. 5 through 9, and in particular, FIG. 5, there is shown another embodiment of the module 10. Where possible, the same reference numerals have been used in FIGS. 5 through 9 to identify the same components previously discussed in connection with FIGS. 1 through 4. The module 10 again has a generally U shape in plan view with

side walls

16 and 18 and a back wall 20. If the optional module floor 22 it used, it is generally pre-cast with the module. The

side walls

16 and 18 are cut-away or cast with a full notch or

recess

70 and 72, respectively. The position of the

full notches

70 and 72 along the side walls can be varied to accommodate different building floor plans. The width and depth of the two notches corresponds to the width and height of the beams 12 to provide a flush surface when the beams are assembled in interlocking relationship with the modules as best shown in FIG. 6. Again, depending upon module height and the desired configuration, the

notches

70 and 72 can be located in the lower portion of each module.

The fastening system for securing the floor elements 14 to the beams is substantially the same as previously described. Thus looking at FIGS. 5 and 6, each beam 12 is provided with a metal insert 38 and a corresponding metal insert 40 is mounted on the single Tee stem 42. After dry assembly of the interlocking modules, beams and floor elements at the construction site, a field weld is made between the angle bracket 44 and the metal plates inserts 38 and 40.

A similar fastening system is also used to connect the floor elements 14 to the module. Each single Tee stem 42 is provided with a metal insert 46 (FIG. 6). A corresponding metal insert 48 is located on the forward edge of each of the side walls. The angle bracket 50 is field welded to the

metal plates

46 and 48 after dry assembly of the structural components. If desired, a concrete topping 54 can be poured over the floor elements 14 to provide a smooth and contiuous surface. Preferably, the concrete topping surface should be co-planar with the surface of the module floor 22. If the module 10 is formed from pre-cast concrete, optional metal tie rods 74 can be secured within the pre-cast concrete to provide a connection between the concrete topping 54 and the module 10.

FIGS. 8a and 8b illustrate in enlarged form two methods for securing the single Tee stem 42 to the

side walls

16 and 18 of the module. FIG. 8a shows the method previously described in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6 in which the beam and Tee stem metal inserts 38 and 40, respectively, are field welded to an angle bracket 44. If post-tensioning of the vertically stacked modules is employed, as shown for illustrative purposes in FIGS. 5 through 8, then the stem 42 of the floor element can be clamped between a portion of the side walls and the beams. FIG. 8b illustrates this arrangement and shows the side walls 18 with an undercut area 76 that accommodates a portion of the Tee stem 42. When the upper and lower modules are clamped together by means of the post-tensioning rods 52, the Tee stem 42 will be securely held in place and structurally connected to the module and beam.

FIG. 9 illustrates in perspective view a portion of the mulit-story building constructed in accordance with the present invention. It can be seen from FIG. 9 that the interlocking modular building system provides a very flexible building system with the option of obtaining large open bays by using in repetitive sequence the three basic components of modules, beams and floor elements. Where multi-story open areas are desired, as for example, in hotel ballrooms, the floor elements 14 can be omitted from one or more floors.

It has already been mentioned that additional flexibility can be achieved by using a combination of the various types of modules. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a third type of module. The same reference numerals will again be used to identify the same elements described in connection with FIGS. 1 through 4. The module shown in FIG. 10 combines the beam-notch arrangement of the modules depicted in FIGS. 1 and 5. The module 10 has two

step notches

24 and 26 located at the upper forward edge of the

side walls

16 and 18, respectively. The height and depth of the

sep notches

24 and 26 correspond to the width and height of the beams 12, as best seen in FIG. 11. Two full notches and 72 are also provided in the side walls 61 and 18, respectively. However, in this case, the location of the

full notches

70 and 72 is different from the location of the same notches shown in FIG. 5. The beams 12 are positioned within the

step notches

24 and 26 and the

full notches

70 and 72 as best seen in FIG. 11.

The beams 12 support a floor system formed a plurality of hollow core, slab floor elements 14. The floor elements 14 are secured to the beams by means of the plate and welded angle bracket system previously described in connection with the FIGS. 1 and 5. It should be noted that in this arrangement, the metal insert plate 40 is positioned on the under surface of the floor slab l4.

Each module is undercut on the forward portion of the

side walls

16 and 18 to accommodate the combined thickness of the floor slab 14 and the concrete topping 54. It can be seen from an inspection of FIG. 11 that when the vertically stacked modules are connected together by suitable means, such as, the previously described post-tensioning system, some of the floor ele-- ments 14 will be clamped between the module side walls and the underlying beam. The other floor elements 14 are connected to the beams by means of the welded angle bracket system. Thus, after posttensioning and field welding of the angle brackets, the. interlocked modules, beams and floor elements provide the desired three-dimensional space frame.

FIG. 12 illustrates in plan view a building structure that incorporates three diffeent types of modules 10. The right hand row of modules are of the type shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, with step notch at the forward end at each of the

side walls

16 and 18. Two beams 12 are used to span the three right hand modules. The beams are connected together in the right hand center module in the manner shown in FIG. 2a. The center vertical row, as viewed in FIG. 12, uses the module configuration illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. Again, two beams 12 are used to span the three modules and the two beams are connected together in the same manner as previously described. The left hand set of modules is similar in configuration to the module structure shown in FIGS. and 11 with the omission of the

step notches

24 and 26. Two beams are likewise used to span the distances between the modules and are connected together in the same manner.

Single Tee floor elements 14 span the distance between the right hand and center beams, as viewed in FIG. 12. The floor elements are secured to the beams by the angle brackets system previously described. The extended portions of the Tee stems are also connected to the side of the module by the plate and angle bracket system with only the angle bracket 50 being shown in FIG. 12. The left hand set of floor elements 14 span the distance between the center beam and the left hand beams are cantilevered outwardly to the left as viewed in FIG. 12 from the left hand set of beams. Here again, the single Tee floor elements 14 are connected to the two beams and to the modules. Typical dimensions for the building shown in FIG. 12 are as follows: length, 120 feet; width, 80 feet; distancebetween beams measured along the long dimension of the building, 48 feet; module size, 8 feet; and, length of the cantilever, 12 feet.

The flexibility of the interlocking modular building system of the present invention is further demonstrated by still another module configuration shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. In many types of multi-occupancy dwellings, such as hotels and apartment houses, it is desirable to have one or more relatively narrow, centrally located corridors to provide access to the individual dwelling units. The vertically stacked modules shown in side elevation in FIG. 13 and in plan view in FIG. 14greatly simplify this type of construction. Looking at FIGS. 13 and 14, the modules 10 are similar to the previously discussed module depicted in FIG. 5. Where possible the same reference numerals have been used in FIGS. 13 and 14 to identify similar elements. Each module has a generally U shape in plan view with two

side walls

16 and 18, a back wall 21 and an optional floor 22. Step notches and 72 are cut into or formed in the side module with its floor 22 and extension 78can be cast as a monolithic unit. The two sets of vertically stacked modules are arranged with the extensions 78in abut.

ting relationship. The extensions are connected .to

gether by means of a metal plate 80 that is field welded I i to corresponding metal inserts 82 in each of theeXtenF sions. I

From astructural standpoint, the two extensions '78 correspond tothe previously discussed floor element 14. The resulting interlocked module, beam and r three i dimensional space frame. By repeating the pairedmodfloor or extension elements form a ule arrangement shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, it is possible to form a modular core for a multi-dwelling building which provides the necessary resistance to lateral} loads. This modular core constitutes the primary structural system for the building. The exterior system can be constructed in a variety of conventional ways with I in-fill slabs being used to form a floor system between the beams 12 and the exterior walls (not shown).

It will be appreciated from the preceding discussion that the interlocking modular. building system of the presentinvention can be used for all or only'a. portion of a building. In the latter case, the system provides the:

necessary three-dimensional space frame forthe building. Looking specifically at FIG. 13, the extensions78 and the facing surfaces of the module back'walls 20 define a corridor. Typical dimensions for this particular configuration are as follows: module floor dimension,

8 square feet; module height, 8 to 13 feetymodule ex- 7 tension length, 3 feet. Thus for an apartmentor'ho tel construction, the twomodules shown in FIGS. 13 .and i I 14 provide a 6 foot wide corridor.

For multi-dwelling units, the modules shown building site in abutting relation with one of the

module side walls

16 or 18. This configuration then permits a back-to-back arrangement with common water supply, waste, drain and vent lines. I I

l-Iaving described in detail a number ofembodiments of the modules 10 and the corresponding interlocking relationship among the modules, beams, and floorelements, certain generalizations can be made about the interlocking module building system of the present in-" vention. For example, although the preferred module embodiment has a generally U shape in plan view with three sides, the systemcan be constructed with a mod-i ule having at least two connected vertical sides. Each of the spaced, horizontally, extending beams 12 isconnected at at least three points. Two to the points new one or two of the modules 10 while the third point is to a module or beam. Similarly, the longitudinal, hori-* zontally extending floor elements 14 are each con-p nected at at least three points of which two of the points are to one of the modules or to twoof the modules or to a combination of one of the modules and one of the beams, or to two of the beams. The thirdpoint of connection for each floor element is to .one ofthe in Pics.) 13 and 14 normally would be prefabricated as service modules i.e., kitchens, or bathrooms. The ajdoining dwelling unit bathroom or kitchen is constructedat the modules or beams or to another floor element. Given these general requirements, the three basic components of the interlocking modular building system can be arranged in a variety of ways to accommodate the architects floor plans. In each instance, however, the modules, beams and floor elements are connected together as defined above to form a threedimension space frame.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications can be made to the interlocking modular building system of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What we claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A modular building structure, comprising:

a plurality of fixedly interconnected structural elements, aligned connecting means on each of said structural elements fixedly connecting said structural elements together, said structural elements including vertically extending modules, horizontally extending beams, and horizontally extending floor elements, means fixedly connecting each of said beams and floor elements at at least spaced points thereon to at least another one of said structural elements,

said modules each being substantially U-shaped in horizontal cross section and including a pair of vertically extending side walls and a vertically extend ing back wall connected to the side walls, said side walls each having an upper marginal edge surface and a lower portion with at least one beam receiving recess in each of said upper marginal edge surfaces,

said beam receiving recesses being located in the front marginal edges or corners of the upper edge surfaces of the side walls and comprising step recesses having a depth and width corresponding to the cross sectional thickness of a beam so that a beam positioned in a recess is flush with the edge surfaces of the modules,

at least some of said beams received in said recesses and each fixedly connected at at least two spaced points thereon to said modules, and each fixedly connected at a third point thereon to another one of said structural elements,

said floor elements each being elongate and substantially rectangularly shaped and supported on said beams in a horizontal position, each of said floor elements being fixedly connected at at least two spaced points thereon to at least one other of said structural elements, and fixedly connected at a third point thereon to another one of said structural elements,

adjacent connecting means on said structural elements being aligned and operatively secured together to fixedly secure said beams, modules, and floor elements together to define a threedimensional space frame which resists horizontal and vertical loads.

2. A modular building structure, comprising:

a plurality of fixedly interconnected structural elements, aligned connecting means on each of said structural elements fixedly connecting said structural elements together, said structural elements including vertically extending modules, horizontally extending beams, and horizontally extending floor elements, means fixedly connecting each of said beams and floor elements at at least three spaced points thereon to at least another one of said structural elements,

said modules each being substantially U-shaped in horizontal cross section and including a pair of vertically extending side walls and a vertically extending back wall connected to the side walls, said side walls each having an upper marginal edge surface and a lower portion with at least one beam receiving recess in each of said upper marginal edge surfaces,

said beam receiving recesses being located between opposite ends of the upper marginal edge surface of the side walls and comprising full recesses having a depth and width corresponding to the cross sectional thickness of a beam so that a beam positioned in a recess is flush with the upper marginal edge surface of the modules,

adjacent connecting means on said structural elements being aligned and operatively secured together to fixedly secure said beams, modules, and floor elements together to define a threedimensional space frame which resists horizontal and vertical loads,

3. A modular building structure as in claim 2, wherein at least one beam extends between the side walls of one module and is received in the recesses in said side walls.

4. A modular building structure as in claim 2, wherein each beam is connected at two spaced points thereon to one module and at a third point to another module.

5. A modular building structure as in claim 2, wherein each beam is connected at two spaced points thereon to one module and at a third point to another beam.

6. A modular building structure as in claim 2, wherein each beam is connected at two spaced points thereon to two separate modules and at a third point to another module.

7. A modular building structure as in claim 2, wherein each beam is connected at two spaced points thereon to two separate modules and at a third point to another beam.

8. A modular building structure as in claim 2, wherein each floor element is connected at two spaced points thereon to one of the modules and at a third point thereon to another module.

9. A modular building structure as in claim 2, wherein each floor element is connected at two spaced points thereon to two separate modules and at a third point thereon to another module.

ill

10. A modular building structure as in, claim 2, wherein each floor element is connected at twospaced points thereon to a module and a beam and at a third point thereon to another floor element.

11. A modular building structure, comprising:

a plurality of fixedly interconnected structural elements, aligned connecting means on each of said structural elements fixedly connectingsaid struc tural elements together, said structural elements including vertically extending modules, horizontally extending beams, and horizontally extending;

floor elements, means fixedly connecting each of said beams and floor elements at at least three spaced points thereon to at least another one of said structural elements.

said modules each being substantially U-shaped in cross section and including a pair of vertially ex-' tending side walls and a vertially extending back wall connected to the side walls, said side walls each having an upper marginal edge surface and a lower portion with at least one beam receiving recess in each of said upper marginal edge surfaces, a plurality of said modules being connected together in superposed, vertically stacked relationship to form a vertical column, said structural including a plurality of said columns in spaced apart relationship with said columns each comprising a pair of adjacent, vertical stacks of U-shaped modules, with the back walls of the modules in one stack adjacent; the back elements of the modules in the adjacent stack, a horizontal projection on the backwall of each module extending toward the backwall of an adjacent module, and means connecting together the extensions on adjacent pairs of modules,

at least some of said beams received in said recesses and each fixedly connected at at least two spaced points thereon to said modules, and eachfixedly connected at a third point thereon to another one of said structural elements,

said floor elements each being elongate and substanfloor together gether to fixedly secured said beams, modules, and

dimensional space frame which resists horizontal and vertical loads. 12. A modular building structure, comprising: a plurality of fixedly interconnected structural elements, aligned connecting means on each of said,

structural elements fixedly connecting said structural elements together, said structural elements including vertically extending modules, horizontally extending beams, and horizontally extending floor elements, means fixedly connecting each of said beams and floor elements at at least three spaced points thereon to at least another one of said structural elements,

said modules each including at least two vertically extending, angularly interconnected walls:each having an upper marginal edge surface and a lower s o portion withat least one beam receiving recess in each of said upper marginal edge surfaces,-

at least some of said beams received in said recesses and each fixedly connected at at least two spaced points thereon to said modules, and each fixedly' connected at a third point thereon to another one of said structural elements,

said floor elements each being elongate and substan-i I tially rectangularly shapedand supported on said V beams in a horizontal position, each of'said floor elements being fixedly connected'atjat leasttwo spacedpoints thereon to at least one other of said structural elements, and fixedly connected at a third point thereon to another one of said struc tural elements, adjacent connecting means thereof exposed, said exposed portions of adjacent, aligned connecting means welded together, to fixedly secure said beams, modules, and floor elementstogether toydefine a three-dimensional space: 1 i frame which resists horizontal and verticala loads."

13. A modular building structure, comprising:

a plurality offixedly interconnected structuralelee;

ments, aligned connecting means on each of said v structural elements fixedly connecting saidstructural elements together, said structural elements including vertically extending, precast concrete modules, horizontally extending percast concrete beams, and horizonally extending precast floor ele+i ments, means fixedly connecting each of said beams and floor elements at at least three spaced points thereon to at least another one of said structuralelements,

said modules being substantially U-shaped in horizontal cross section with vertically extending, an? gularly interconnected walls each having an upper marginal edge surface and a lower portion with at least one beam receiving recess in each of said upper marginal edge surfaces,

at least some of said beams received in said recesses and each fixedly connected at at least, two spaced, points thereon to saidmodules, and each fixedly another one connected at a third point thereon to of said structural elements, I

said floorelments each being elongate and substantially rectangularly shaped and supported on said beams in ahorizontal position, each of said floor elements being fixedly connected at at least two spaced points thereon to at least one other of said structural elements, and fixedly connected at a third point thereon to another one ofsiaid struc-' tural elements, I

adjacent connecting means on said structural elements being aligned and operatively secured to-, gether to fixedly secure said beams, modules,( and: A I

to define a three}:

dimensional space frame which resists horizontal floor elements together and vertical loads.

14. A modular building structure as in claim 13, wherein a poured in situ concrete topping is on top of 1 said floor elements.

15. A modular building structure as in claim '14 wherein metal tie rods are cast into said modulesand have exposed portions extendinginto said poured in situ topping to, secure the topping to the modules; I

on said structural elements comprising metallic members cast intosaid I modules, beams and floor elements with portions 16. A modular building structure, comprising a plurality of fixedly interconnected, vertically extending modules, horizontally extending beams and horizontally extending floor elements, said modules each comprising precast concrete and each substantially U- shaped in horizontal cross section and including a back wall and a pair of spaced apart side walls having upper edge surfaces, aligned notches in the front, upper corners of the side walls of each module, a pair of axially aligned, horizontal, end-to-end beams received in the notches in each module in perpendicular relationship to the plane of the side walls and with adjacent ends of the pair of beams positioned between the side walls of the associated module, beam connecting means on the adjacent ends of the pair of beams, means connecting the beam connecting means together to rigidly connect the beams to one another, a plurality of horizontal floor elements supported on the beams, each of said floor elements having a pair of spaced apart, parallel, longitudinally extending, downwardly projecting ribs on the underside thereof, said ribs supported on the tops of said beams, floor element and beam connecting means on said ribs and on adjacent portions of said beams, means connecting the floor element and beam connecting means together to rigidly secure the floor elements to the beams, floor element and module connecting means on the floor elements and on adjacent portions of the modules, and means connecting the floor element and module connecting means together to rigidly connect the floor elements to the modules, to define a three-dimensional space frame which resists horizontal and vertical loads.

17. A modular building structure, comprising a plurality of fixedly interconnected, vertically extending modules, horizontal beams and horizontal floor elements, said modules each comprising precast concrete and each substantially U-shaped in horizontal cross section and including a back wall and a pair of spaced apart side walls having upper edge surfaces, aligned notches in the upper edge surfaces of the side walls between opposite ends of the upper edge surfaces, a horizontal beam received in the notches and extending between and perpendicular to the side walls of the modules, a plurality of horizontal floor elements supported on the beam, a longitudinally extending, downwardly projecting rib on the underside of each floor element, said ribs supported on top of the beams, floor element and beam connecting means on the rib of each floor element and on an adjacent portion of the beams, means connecting the connecting means together to rigidly connect the floor elements to the beams, floor element and module connecting means on the ribs of the floor elements and on adjacent portions of the modules, and means rigidly connecting the floor element and module connecting means together to rigidly connect the floor elements to the modules to define a three-dimensional space frame which resists horizontal and vertical loads.

18. A modular building structure, comprising a plurality of fixedly interconnected, vertically extending modules, horizontal beams and horizontal floor elements, said modules each comprising precast concrete and each substantially U-shaped in horizontal cross section and including a back wall and a pair of spaced apart side walls having upper edge surfaces, aligned notches in the upper edge surfaces of the side walls between opposite ends of the upper edge surfaces, a horizontal beam received in the notches and extending between and perpendicular to the side walls of the mod ules, a plurality of horizontal floor elements supported on the beams, a longitudinally extending, downwardly projecting rib on the underside of each floor element, said ribs supported on top of the beams, floor element and beam connectingmeans on the rib of each floor element and on an adjacent portion of the beams, means connecting the connecting means together to rigidly connect the floor elements to the beams, each module having an undercut portion in a front, lower portion thereof defining a downwardly facing shoulder, and at least one floor element having an end portion thereof received in said undercut portion and clamped between said shoulder and a beam spaced vertically below said shoulder, to define a three-dimensional space frame which resists horizontal and vertical loads.

19. A modular building structure as in claim 18, wherein vertically extending, elongate tie bolts extend through aligned vertical openings in said modules, beams and floor elements to securely clamp the modules, beams and floor elements together.

20. A modular building structure comprising a plurality of fixedly interconnected, vertically extending modules, horizontally extending beams and horizontally extending floor elements, said modules each comprising precast concrete and each substantially U-shaped in horizontal cross-section and including a back wall and a pair of spaced apart side walls having upper edge surfaces, a pair of spaced apart notches in each upper edge surface with the notches in one side wall in alignment with the notches in the other side wall, an undercut portion in a lower front.corner of each side wall defining a downwardly facing shoulder in each side wall, horizontal beams received in the notches in the side walls, a plurality of substantially rectangular, flat floor elements supported on top of said beams, at least one floor element having an end portion thereof received in said undercut portion and clamped between said shoul- Y der and an underlying beam, beam and floor element connecting means on the underside of the floor elements and on adjacent aligned portions of the beams, and means rigidly connecting the aligned connecting means together to rigidly secure the floor elements to the beams, to define a three dimensional space frame which resists horizontal and vertical loads.

21. A modular building structure, comprising a plurality of fixedly interconnected, vertically extending modules, horizontally extending beams and horizontally extending floor elements, said modules each comprising precast concrete and each substantially U- shaped in horizontal cross-section and including a back wall, a horizontal projection extending rearwardly from the back wall and a pair of spaced apart side walls having upper edge surfaces, aligned notches in the front, upper corners of side walls of each module, said modules arranged in pairs in back-to-back relationship with the horizontal projections on adjacent modules in alignment with one another, module connecting means on the horizontal projections, means connecting the module connecting means together to rigidly secure the modules to one another, a pair of axially aligned, horizontal, end-to-end beams received in the notches in each module in perpendicular relationship to the side walls and with adjacent ends of the pair of beams positioned between the side walls of the associated module, beam connecting means on the adjacent ends of the pair of beams, means connecting the beam connecting a means together to rigidly connect the beams to one another, a plurality of horizontal floor elements supported on the beams, each of said floor elements having a pair of spaced apart, parallel, longitudinally extending, downwardly projecting ribs on the underside thereof, said ribs supported on the tops of said beams, floor element and beam connecting means on said ribs and an adjacent portion of said beams, means connecting thefloor element and beam connecting means tofloor elements and on adjacent: portions of the modules, and means connecting the floor element and module connecting means together to rigidly connect'the floor elements to the modules, to (define a threedimensional space frame which resists horizontal and vertical loads.

Claims

1. A modular building structure, comprising: a plurality of fixedly interconnected structural elements, aligned connecting means on each of said structural elements fixedly connecting said structural elements together, said structural elements including vertically extending modules, horizontally extending beams, and horizontally extending floor elements, means fixedly connecting each of said beams and floor elements at at least spaced points thereon to at least another one of said structural elements, said modules each being substantially U-shaped in horizontal cross section and including a pair of vertically extending side walls and a vertically extending back wall connected to the side walls, said side walls each having an upper marginal edge surface and a lower portion with at least one beam receiving recess in each of said upper marginal edge surfaces, said beam receiving recesses being located in the front marginal edges or corners of the upper edge surfaces of the side walls and comprising step recesses having a depth and width corresponding to the cross sectional thickness of a beam so that a beam positioned in a recess is flush with the edge surfaces of the modules, at least some of said beams received in said recesses and each fixedly connected at at least two spaced points thereon to said modules, and each fixedly connected at a third point thereon to another one of said structural elements, said floor elements each being elongate and substantially rectangularly shaped and supported on said beams in a horizontal position, each of saId floor elements being fixedly connected at at least two spaced points thereon to at least one other of said structural elements, and fixedly connected at a third point thereon to another one of said structural elements, adjacent connecting means on said structural elements being aligned and operatively secured together to fixedly secure said beams, modules, and floor elements together to define a threedimensional space frame which resists horizontal and vertical loads.

2. A modular building structure, comprising: a plurality of fixedly interconnected structural elements, aligned connecting means on each of said structural elements fixedly connecting said structural elements together, said structural elements including vertically extending modules, horizontally extending beams, and horizontally extending floor elements, means fixedly connecting each of said beams and floor elements at at least three spaced points thereon to at least another one of said structural elements, said modules each being substantially U-shaped in horizontal cross section and including a pair of vertically extending side walls and a vertically extending back wall connected to the side walls, said side walls each having an upper marginal edge surface and a lower portion with at least one beam receiving recess in each of said upper marginal edge surfaces, said beam receiving recesses being located between opposite ends of the upper marginal edge surface of the side walls and comprising full recesses having a depth and width corresponding to the cross sectional thickness of a beam so that a beam positioned in a recess is flush with the upper marginal edge surface of the modules, at least some of said beams received in said recesses and each fixedly connected at at least two spaced points thereon to said modules, and each fixedly connected at a third point thereon to another one of said structural elements, said floor elements each being elongate and substantially rectangularly shaped and supported on said beams in a horizontal position, each of said floor elements being fixedly connected at at least two spaced points thereon to at least one other of said structural elements, and fixedly connected at a third point thereon to another one of said structural elements, adjacent connecting means on said structural elements being aligned and operatively secured together to fixedly secure said beams, modules, and floor elements together to define a three-dimensional space frame which resists horizontal and vertical loads.

10. A modular building structure as in claim 2, wherein each floor element is connected at two spaced points thereon to a module and a beam and at a third point thereon to another floor element.

11. A modular building structure, comprising: a plurality of fixedly interconnected structural elements, aligned connecting means on each of said structural elements fixedly connecting said structural elements together, said structural elements including vertically extending modules, horizontally extending beams, and horizontally extending floor elements, means fixedly connecting each of said beams and floor elements at at least three spaced points thereon to at least another one of said structural elements. said modules each being substantially U-shaped in cross section and including a pair of vertially extending side walls and a vertially extending back wall connected to the side walls, said side walls each having an upper marginal edge surface and a lower portion with at least one beam receiving recess in each of said upper marginal edge surfaces, a plurality of said modules being connected together in superposed, vertically stacked relationship to form a vertical column, said structural including a plurality of said columns in spaced apart relationship with said columns each comprising a pair of adjacent, vertical stacks of U-shaped modules, with the back walls of the modules in one stack adjacent the back elements of the modules in the adjacent stack, a horizontal projection on the back wall of each module extending toward the back wall of an adjacent module, and means connecting together the extensions on adjacent pairs of modules, at least some of said beams received in said recesses and each fixedly connected at at least two spaced points thereon to said modules, and each fixedly connected at a third point thereon to another one of said structural elements, said floor elements each being elongate and substantially rectangularly shaped and supported on said beams in a horizontal position, each of said floor elements being fixedly connected at at least two spaced points thereon to at least one other of said structural elements, and fixedly connected at a third point thereon to another one of said structural elments, adjacent connecting means on said structural elements being aligned and operatively secured together to fixedly secured said beams, modules, and floor elements together to define a three-dimensional space frame which resists horizontal and vertical loads.

12. A modular building structure, comprising: a plurality of fixedly interconnected structural elements, aligned connecting means on each of said structural elements fixedly connecting said structural elements together, said structural elements including vertically extending modules, horizontally extending beams, and horizontally extending floor elements, means fixedly connecting each of said beams and floor elements at at least three spaced points thereon to at least another one of said structural elements, said modules each including at least two vertically extending, angularly interconnected walls each having an upper marginal edge surface and a lower portion with at least one beam receiving recess in each of said upper marginal edge surfaces, at least some of said beams received in said recesses and each fixedly connected at at least two spaced points thereon to said modules, and each fixedly connected at a third point thereon to another one of said structural elements, said floor elements each being elongate and substantially rectangularly shaped and supported on said beams in a horizontal position, each of said floor elements being fixedly connected at at least two spaced points thereon to at least one other of said structural elements, and fixedly connected at a third point thereon to another one of said structural elements, adjacent connecting means on said structural elements comprising metallic members cast into said modules, beams and floor elements with portions thereof exposed, said exposed portions of adjacent, aligned connecting means welded together, to fixedly secure said beams, modules, and floor elements together to define a three-dimensional space frame which resists horizontal and verticala loads.

13. A modular building structure, comprising: a plurality of fixedly interconnected structural elements, aligned connecting means on each of said structural elements fixedly connecting said structural elements together, said structural elements including vertically extending, precast concrete modules, horizontally extending percast concrete beams, and horizonally extending precast floor elements, means fixedly connecting each of said beams and floor elements at at least three spaced points thereon to at least another one of said structural elements, said modules being substantially U-shaped in horizontal cross section with vertically extending, angularly interconnected walls each having an upper marginal edge surface and a lower portion with at least one beam receiving recess in each of said upper marginal edge surfaces, at least some of said beams received in said recesses and each fixedly connected at at least two spaced points thereon to said modules, and each fixedly connected at a third point thereon to another one of said structural elements, said floor elments each being elongate and substantially rectangularly shaped and supported on said beams in a horizontal position, each of said floor elements being fixedly connected at at least two spaced points thereon to at least one other of said structural elements, and fixedly connected at a third point thereon to another one of said structural elements, adjacent connecting means on said structural elements being aligned and operatively secured together to fixedly secure said beams, modules, and floor elements together to define a three-dimensional space frame which resists horizontal and vertical loads.

14. A modular building structure as in claim 13, wherein a poured in situ concrete topping is on top of said floor elements.

15. A modular building structure as in claim 14, wherein metal tie rods are cast into said modules and have exposed portions extending into said poured in situ topping to secure the topping to the modules.

16. A modular building structure, comprising a plurality of fixedly interconnected, vertically extending modules, horizontally extending beams and horizontally extending floor elements, said modules each comprising precast concrete and each substantially U-shaped in horizontal cross section and including a back wall and a pair of spaced apart side walls having upper edge surfaces, aligned notches in the front, upper corners of the side walls of each module, a pair of axially aligned, horizontal, end-to-end beams received in the notches in each module in perpendicular relationship to the plane of the side walls and with adjacent ends of the pair of beams positioned between the side walls of the associated module, beam connecting means on the adjacent ends of the pair of beams, means connecting the beam connecting means together to rigidly connect the beams to one another, a plurality of horizontal floor elements supported on the beams, each of said floor elements having a pair of spaced apart, parallel, longitudinally extending, downwardly projecting ribs on the underside thereof, said ribs supported on the tops of said beams, floor element and beam connecting means on said ribs and on adjacent portions of said beams, means connecting the floor element and beam connecting means together to rigidly secure the floor elements to the beams, floor element and module connecting means on the floor elements and on adjacent portions of the modules, and means connecting the floor element and module connecting means together to rigidly connect the floor elements to the modules, to define a three-dimensional space frame which resists horizontal and vertical loads.

18. A modular building structure, comprising a plurality of fixedly interconnected, vertically extending modules, horizontal beams and horizontal floor elements, said modules each comprising precast concrete and each substantially U-shaped in horizontal cross section and including a back wall and a pair of spaced apart side walls having upper edge surfaces, aligned notches in the upper edge surfaces of the side walls between opposite ends of the upper edge surfaces, a horizontal beam received in the notches and extending between and perpendicular to the side walls of the modules, a plurality of horizontal floor elements supported on the beams, a longitudinally extending, downwardly projecting rib on the underside of each floor element, said ribs supported on top of the beams, floor element and beam connecting means on the rib of each floor element and on an adjacent portion of the beams, means connecting the connecting means together to rigidly connect the floor elements to the beams, each module having an undercut portion in a front, lower portion thereof defining a downwardly facing shoulder, and at least one floor element having an end portion thereof received in said undercut portion and clamped between said shoulder and a beam spaced vertically below said shoulder, to define a three-dimensional space frame which resists horizontal and vertical loads.

20. A modular building structure comprising a plurality of fixedly interconnected, vertically extending modules, horizontally extending beams and horizontally extending floor elements, said modules each comprising precast concrete and each substantially U-shaped in horizontal cross-section and including a back wall and a pair of spaced apart side walls having upper edge surfaces, a pair of spaced apart notches in each upper edge surface with the notches in one side wall in alignment with the notches in the other side wall, an undercut portion in a lower front corner of each side wall defining a downwardly facing shoulder in each side wall, horizontal beams received in the notches in the side walls, a plurality of substantially rectangular, flat floor elements supported on top of said beams, at least one floor element having an end portion thereof received in said undercut portion and clamped between said shoulder and an underlying beam, beam and floor element connecting means on the underside of the floor elements and on adjacent aligned portions of the beams, and means rigidly connecting the aligned connecting means together to rigidly secure the floor elements to the beams, to define a three dimensional space frame which resists horizontal and vertical loads.

21. A modular building structure, Comprising a plurality of fixedly interconnected, vertically extending modules, horizontally extending beams and horizontally extending floor elements, said modules each comprising precast concrete and each substantially U-shaped in horizontal cross-section and including a back wall, a horizontal projection extending rearwardly from the back wall and a pair of spaced apart side walls having upper edge surfaces, aligned notches in the front, upper corners of side walls of each module, said modules arranged in pairs in back-to-back relationship with the horizontal projections on adjacent modules in alignment with one another, module connecting means on the horizontal projections, means connecting the module connecting means together to rigidly secure the modules to one another, a pair of axially aligned, horizontal, end-to-end beams received in the notches in each module in perpendicular relationship to the side walls and with adjacent ends of the pair of beams positioned between the side walls of the associated module, beam connecting means on the adjacent ends of the pair of beams, means connecting the beam connecting means together to rigidly connect the beams to one another, a plurality of horizontal floor elements supported on the beams, each of said floor elements having a pair of spaced apart, parallel, longitudinally extending, downwardly projecting ribs on the underside thereof, said ribs supported on the tops of said beams, floor element and beam connecting means on said ribs and an adjacent portion of said beams, means connecting the floor element and beam connecting means together to rigidly secure the floor elements to the beams, floor element and module connecting means on the floor elements and on adjacent portions of the modules, and means connecting the floor element and module connecting means together to rigidly connect the floor elements to the modules, to define a three-dimensional space frame which resists horizontal and vertical loads.