WO1995029302A1

WO1995029302A1 - A method for constructing a building to which persons may have access and building elements for such a building

Info

Publication number: WO1995029302A1
Application number: PCT/NL1995/000144
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hendrikus Johannes Maria Van Dijk
Original assignee: Unigoed Vastgoedlease B.V.
Priority date: 1994-04-21
Filing date: 1995-04-20
Publication date: 1995-11-02
Also published as: AU2150395A; NL9400640A; EP0706595A1

Abstract

A method and building elements for constructing a building, wherein use is made of prefabricated building elements, and wherein first one or more stairwell segments (2) and subsequently a plurality of vertical columns (5, 9) are placed on a foundation laid on-site, between which columns further building elements, such as walls and/or floors, are mounted. The stairwell is assembled from stacked-together prefebricated stairwell segments. After one or more stairwells have been placed, prefabricated columns are provided, which have a height which corresponds with the height of the entire building. Then construction is completed storey by storey.

Description

A METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTING A BUILDING TO WHICH PERSONS MAY HAVE ACCESS AND BUILDING ELEMENTS FOR SUCH A BUILDING

The invention relates to a method for constructing a building, wherein use is made of prefabricated building elements. Advantages of the use of prefabricated building elements are inter alia the savings in costs which are realized as a result of the fact that the building elements can be produced in an efficient manner, and the improved quality of the building elements. In addition to that the amount of building waste is reduced. Prefabricated building elements are already being used on a large scale in the construction industry.

The object of the invention is to provide a construction method wherein use is made of prefabricated building elements and wherein a building can be constructed in a very efficient manner and in a very short period of time whilst producing a minimum amount of building waste. In this connection buildings for schools, offices, hotels, hospitals and the like consisting of several storeys may inter alia be considered.

When constructing a building according to the invention first one or more stairwell segments and subsequently a plurality of vertical columns are placed on a foundation laid on-site, between which columns further building elements, such as walls and/or floors, are mounted. Said stairwell segments may thereby consist of separate, substantially identical prefabricated units. The stairwell segments may be made of concrete and may have approximately the same height as one storey, whilst they comprise at least one staircase and/or a lift shaft and/or a pipe shaft. Before the other building elements are placed such stairwell segments may be stacked one on top of the other, until the total height of the building is reached. They may be provided with interlocking profiles along their upper and lower edges, which profiles may be formed in the concrete wall of the stairwell segment. In this way the stairwell segments may be stacked together loosely or with few connecting means. When during a later stage of the construction the floor of a certain storey is started, and when the interconnection between the stairwell segments is located at the level of said floor, a further fixation of the stairwell segments is obtained, whereby reinforcing material provided in the stairwell may extend into the concrete of the floor.

The advantage of providing one or more complete stairwells in this manner is that all stairwell segments for the building can be delivered practically simultaneously to the building site and be put in their definitive positions directly, so that no storage space is required for this. Because the building elements respectively being stacked are practically identical to each other, the stacking of the stairwell segments can take place in an efficient manner and in a short time, whereby any special know-how or special tools only have to be available at the building site for a short time. Moreover, the stairwells form a solid base for mounting additional building elements, which may be supported on the stairwell.

After one or more stairwells have been placed, which stairwells may or may not be provided with one or more lift shafts and/or pipe shafts, prefabricated columns may according to one aspect of the invention be provided, said prefabricated columns having a height which corresponds with the height of several storeys of the building, or preferably with the height of the entire building. According to the invention these columns may initially only be fixed in a lower portion thereof, for example at the level of the floor of the first storey. According to one aspect of the invention such a column may comprise a single pillar, or two pillars which are interconnected by means of cross beams at floor level. Said pillars may consist of hollow metal beams with a profiled cross-section (hereinafter referred to as "profiled beams"), in which holes are provided for pouring concrete to a respective predetermined level and for securing transverse connecting elements. The concrete may thereby be poured into the pillars up to the level of the floor being poured at that moment.

According to one aspect of the invention a floor of the building may be constructed by interconnecting columns at floor level with cross beams consisting of trough-shaped profiled metal beams being open at their upper side, on which prefabricated floor parts are placed, which are f led witn concrete when concrete is being poured on said fl r parts, so as to form the floor of a storey. The trough-shaped profiled metal beams actually form the shuttering for pouring the concrete cross beams, which shuttering will continue to form the outside of the cross beams, it will not be removed, therefore.

According to another aspect of the invention a cross beam may be connected with a column by having a connecting means provided on the end of said cross beams engage in a recess in the respective pillar of said column, after which concrete is poured into the cross beam and into the adjacent part of the pillar, possibly after providing reinforcing material extending from said pillar into said cross beam. When several cross beams join a pillar at the same level, for example on both sides of said pillar, said reinforcing material may be provided in such manner as to extend from one cross beam into the other cross beam. Thus a rigid structure is obtained, which limits the amount of deflection of the cross beams in question. According to the invention it is to be preferred to provide columns consisting of two pillars near the stairwell first and connect said columns to said stairwell. When for example two stairwells are present, such columns may be provided in regularly spaced-apart relationship between said two stairwells, so that the assembly of columns is connected to the two stairwells and can be supported on said two stairwells. Then other columns are provided, for example columns consisting of one pillar. Said pillars may substantially consist of hollow profiled metal beams which are filled with concrete through lateral holes after being placed, thus making it possible to supply the concrete up to a respective higher level. As a result of this the columns are relatively light when they are being transported to the building site and provided in their desired position, whilst the pouring of concrete after the columns have been placed will give the columns a greater strength and a greater fire resistance.

According to another aspect of the invention outer wall panels may be provided around a storey before pouring the floor of the storey in question with concrete and carrying out further work on the storey in question. This obviates the necessity of taking special safety measures around the floor of a certain storey for the persons who are carrying out work on said floor, because the outer wall of the storey in question is already present.

According to another aspect of the invention the outer wall panels may be fixed with a profiled metal beam along their upper and lower edges, whereby a flat part of said profiled metal beam extends between the outer wall panels placed one above the other, and that into a higher portion of the boundary surface between said panels, said boundary surface having a lower portion located at the outside, in which a flexible joint material may be provided. The profiled metal beam may be secured to the pillars. Since the profiled metal beam does not extend up to the outside of the outer wall panels, no thermal bridge is created, as a result of which the thermal insulation capacity is not reduced. The flexible joint material to be provided between the outer wall panels may for example consist of a flexible tubular element, which is inserted between the outer wall panels from the outside.

According to one aspect of the invention the prefabricated outer wall panel may have substantially the same height as a storey and comprise a complete outer wall, including insulation material and window-panes, whereby the upper edge and the bottom edge of the outer wall profile are each staggered in such a manner that the outside of each edge is positioned lower than the inside (as already said before) , and that the side edge of the outer wall panel is provided with a profiled metal beam extending from the lower edge to the upper edge. This profiled metal beam may be a profiled tubular beam. The outer wall panels placed one above the other may be correctly positioned with respect to each other by keeping the profiled beams aligned at their vertical edges by securing a centring member to one profiled beam, which centring member extends into the other profiled beam.

The various building elements into which concrete is poured during construction may be provided with reinforcing material in advance, whilst part of the reinforcing material may also be provided during construction, for example when said reinforcing material is to extend from one building element irto the other building element.

According to one aspect of the invention a stairwell segment may include a two-part staircase, whose two parts extend in opposite directions in such a manner, that the beginning and the end of the staircase are located at the same side of the stairwell segment. By stacking stairwell segments of this type a stairwell which is only accessible from one side is obtained. A lift shaft may be provided on either side of the staircase, whereby the lift doors are likewise located on the same side of the stairwell. Behind said lift shaft a pipe shaft may be provided.

According to one aspect of the invention the cross beams interconnecting the vertical columns or pillars may substantially consist of trough-shaped profiled metal beams being open at their upper side, the bottom sides of said profiled metal beams being provided with an inwardly extending part for receiving the upper edge of a partition. Near the bottom side the side walls of the cross beam may be provided with an inwardly extending part for receiving the edge of ceiling plates. The profiled metal beam forms the shuttering for concrete to be poured during construction, whereby the section may be provided with reinforcing material in advance already. After pouring has taken place the profiled metal beam forms the covering of the cross beam.

Further aspects and features of the invention will be referred to and/or explained in more detail in the description of the Figures and in the claims.

Hereafter an embodiment of the invention will be described by way of illustration, whereby reference will be made to the Figures, in which:

Figures 1 - 4 each illustrate a building during various stages of construction;

Figure 5 is a front elevational view of a stairwell segment;

Figure 6 is a sectional view along the line VI-VI in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a plan view of a stairwell segment;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a stairwell segment;

Figure 9 shows a column comprising one pillar;

Figure 10 shows a column comprising two pillars;

Figure 11 is a sectional view of a cross beam;

Figure 12 is a side view of a part of a cross beam;

Figure 13 is another sectional view of a cross beam;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a part of a cross beam;

Figure 15 is a sectional view of a pipe duct;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a pipe duct;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a part of a building during construction;

Figure 18 is a diagrammatic view of that which is shown in Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a larger-scale view of a part of Figure 17;

Figure 20 shows an outer wall panel;

Figure 21 shows an outer wall panel in mounted condition; and

Figure 22 shows the inside of an outer wall panel..

The various Figures are merely diagrammatic illustrations of the embodiment, wherein like parts are numbered alike. Figure 1 shows a prepared building site 1, on which two stairwells are placed. During the preparation of the building site the foundation of the building has been provided, which may have included the driving of piles. As is diagrammatically indicated in Figure 1, each stairwell 2 consists of seven stacked-together stairwell segments, which stairwell segments are substantially or fully identical to each other. Each stairwell segment is provided with a two-part staircase 3, whereby the two parts of said staircase extend in opposite directions, in such a manner that the beginning and the end of the staircase in each stairwell segment are located on one side of the stairwell segment. A lift shaft 4 is located on either side of the staircase, with a door opening on each storey, said door being located on the same side of the stairwell segment as the entrance to the staircase. A pipe shaft 14 is located behind the lift shaft 4. A more detailed illustration of a stairwell segment is given in Figures 5 - 8.

The interconnection between the stacked-together stairwell segments may consist of engaging profiles, which may be provided in the upper edge and the bottom edge of the walls of the stairwell segment. These profiles, which are formed in the concrete of which the stairwell segment is made, are capable of connecting the stacked-together stairwell segments in such a manner that further fastening elements are not required or only to a limited extent. A very simple stacking may be achieved thereby, as a result of which the stairwell segments can be placed in a very short time, so that a separate, temporary storage of the stairwell segments is not necessary when the supply of the prefabricated stairwell segments is planned very well. The stairwell segments can be directly placed (stacked) at their eventual location upon being supplied. It is thereby possible to place the stairwell segments at a rate of less than one hour per stairwell segment. When at a later stage of construction the floors of the storeys are provided, the concrete of the floor around the interconnections between the stairwell segments may be poured, so that an additional fixation of the stairwell segments relative to each other is achieved. Reinforcing material (reinforcing steel) may be provided in the stairwell segments thereby, said reinforcing material extending outwards and being incorporated in the concrete of the floor.

Figure 2 shows the construction of the building at a later stage. A plurality of vertical columns 5, 9 have been placed. The columns have a length which approximately corresponds with the height of the building, six storeys above ground level in the present embodiment, and have dimensions which allow the supply of the prefabricated columns by road. The columns 5 consist of two pillars 6, which are interconnected by cross beams 7. Thirteen such columns 5 are provided in the illustrated embodiment. These columns may be made of hollow profiled metal beams, which may be filled with concrete at a later stage. These columns are shown in more detail in Figure 10.

Columns 9 consist of single pillars, which are illustrated in more detail in Figure 9, said columns having a height which corresponds with that of the columns 5. Said columns 9 may likewise coi.sist of a hollow profiled metal beam, which may be filled with concrete. Holes 10 are provided in the pillars of the columns 5, 9, through which the concrete may be poured, and that up to a respective higher storey. Initially the columns 5, 9 are only fixed at their bottom sides, for example at the level of the floor of the first storey, by means of cross connection beams 8, 11. The connection with the stairwells 2 will provide greater stability.

The columns 5 not in Figure 2 are not detached, but interconnected by cross beams 8 up to top level. Generally this will not be the case, however, because it will also suffice when initially the columns 5 are only fixed at their bottom sides, after which the cross beams 8 are respectively provided on the storey being constructed at that moment.

The various floors and outer walls of the storeys are provided in succession, whereby the outer wall of a storey is respectively provided before the actual construction work on the storey in question can be started, so that the outer wall that has been provided forms a protection for the persons carrying out work on the storey in question.

Figure 3 shows a stage of construction wherein the first storey is present and also the outer wall is present up to and including said storey. Furthermore the cross beams 11 for the second storey have already been provided. The outer wall consists of two identical, prefabricated outer wall panels 12, in which also window-panes and insulation material are already present, as is illustrated in more detail in Figure 20.

Proceeding from the situation shown in Figure 3, first the prefabricated floor parts 52 of the second storey will be placed, which has already taken place in the middle part. Then the outer wall panels 12 of the second floor are placed, so that the work on the second storey can be carried out in a safe manner. By pouring a concrete floor on the floor parts 52 of the second storey a watertight roof for the first storey is obtained, so that said storey can be completely finished.

Figure 4 diagrammatically illustrates the building after all floors and outer walls have been provided. The Figure shows that the outer wall of the building substantially consists of a large number of identical segments 12, which segments are all in the form of prefabricated building elements. The same applies to the floor parts, on which the floor is poured. Access to the roof 13 of the building can be gained via the stairwell 2, and the upper stairwell segment of each of the two stairwells is located on the roof. The driving mechanism of the lift may be provided therein. The upper side of the stairwell is yet to be covered, of course.

Figures 5, 6 , 7 and 8 show further details of a stairwell segment. Figure 5 is a front elevational view of a stairwell segment and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a plan view and Figure 8 is a perspective view. The stairwell segment is poured of concrete in one piece and is substantially rectangular, both in front view and in plan view. No recesses are present in the rear wall 15, whilst recesses 17 are provided in the side walls 16, said recesses 17 giving entry to the pipe shafts 18. The pipe shafts 18 are present behind the lift shafts 19. Two openings 21 are provided in the front wall 20 of the stairwell segment, in which doors giving entry to the lift shaft 19 may be placed. The front wall 20 of the stairwell segment furthermore comprises an opening which gives entry ~o the staircase 22, 23, which consists of two parts. The first part 22 of the staircase leads upwards to a platform 24, and the second part 23 of the staircase leads upwards from the platform 24, back to the front side of the stairwell segment, and that to an opening in the front wall of the stairwell segment placed on top thereof. Profiles may be provided in the concrete along the bottom edge 26 and the upper edge 27 of said stairwell segment, which ; ofiles may engage each other. Said profiles, which are not ;ιown in Figures 5 - 8, may improve the relative fixation and positioning of the stacked-together stairwell segments.

Figure 9 shows a column which substantially consists of a tubular metal beam 30. In this embodiment the profiled beam 30 has a substantially square cross-section. The column is placed vertically in the building and has a length (height) which preferably corresponds with the height of the entire building. In the embodiment according to Figures 1 - 4 the columns according to Figure 4 are placed circumferentially near the outer wall of the building. Profiled beam 30 is provided with a plurality of recesses 31, which correspond with the places where the floors of the building will be provided. Cross beams may be provided in the holes 31, as will be explained in more detail hereafter. Holes 32 are provided in pairs in another side wall of profiled beam 30. Pipe ducts or finishing sections, which also serve to support ceiling plates, may be provided in said holes 32. Also this will be explained in more detail hereafter.

Figure 10 shows a column which substantially consists of two tubular profiled beams 33, between which cross beams 34 are provided. Also these profiled beams 33 are provided with recesses 31 for receiving the ends of cross beams and with holes 32 for securing profiled beams, such as pipe ducts, therein. In the embodiment according to Figures 1 - 4 the columns according to Figure 10 are centrally provided in the building, in such a manner that the two profiled beams 33 are located on either side of the central corridor of each storey. Each cross beam 34 is on either side provided with an angle section 35, on which prefabricated floor elements of the floor yet to be provided may be placed, as will be described in more detail hereafter.

Figure 11 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a profiled beam to be used as a cross beam, which may be provided between the columns. An inwardly extending part 40 is located at the bottom side of said profiled beam, said part 40 having a width which corresponds with the thickness of a partition, 8 cm for example. After the profiled beam has been provided in the building a partition can be moved into the space 40 from below in a simple manner. Parts 41, likewise extending inwards, are present on the side of said profiled beam. Said inwardly extending parts form a supporting surface 42, on which ceiling plates may be supported after the cross beams have been provided. After a partition has been provided in space 40 and ceiling plates have been placed on supporting surface 42, the part 48 of the profiled beam between the inwardly extending part 40 and the inwardly extending part 41 will form the finish along the upper edge of the spaces in the building, along which edge a wall and the ceiling join one another. Said profiled beam is provided with two flanged upper edges 43, on which prefabricated floor parts may be placed. When the floor is finished with a layer of concrete also the profiled beam will be filled with concrete, so that the required strength is obtained. The profiled beam may thereby be provided with reinforcing mate 1 (not shown) .

Figure 12 shows an end portion of a cross beam, which substantially consists of the profiled beam shown in Figure 11. The end portion is provided with a hook-shaped connecting means 44, which is welded to the bottom of said profiled beam. Furthermore the end of the profiled beam is bevelled at an angle α, and that in such a manner that the upper side of the section is longer than the bottom side. As a result of this it may be achieved that when connecting means 44 is in engagement with a vertical profiled beam 30, 33, in the recess 31 thereof, the higher portion of the profiled beam forming the cross beam extends into the profiled beam 30, 33 through the recess 31. In this way the cross beam provided is kept in its correct position until it has been filled with concrete.

Figures 13 and 14 show a second embodiment of a cross beam. Figure 13 is a diagrammatical cross-sectional view of the section for the cross beam which may be provided between the columns. Said profiled beam likewise has an inwardly extending portion 40 for receiving a partition and two inwardly extending portions 41, which form supporting surfaces 42 for ceiling plates. Said profiled beam is shaped in such a manner that a great strength is obtained as a result of the great height, 30 or 40 cm for example, whilst the cross beam is lighter than the cross beam according to Figure 11.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a part of the profiled beam, whereby the end is provided with the hook-shaped connecting means 44 by which the profiled beam can be suspended in a column. In Figure 14 it can be hardly distinguished that the edges 49 hang slightly forward from the end of the profiled beam, because the bevel is so small that the upper side of the section extends less than for example one centimetre into the opening of a column. This is sufficient, however, to keep the profiled beam in its correct position after it has been placed.

Figure 15 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a profiled beam which may form a pipe duct. Said profiled beam likewise has an inwardly extending portion 45, in which an upper edge of a partition may be received, and flanged upper edges 46, which may function as a supporting surface for supporting ceiling plates. The profiled beam being formed with this profile is shown in perspective view^' in Figure 16. Plates having holes 47 are thereby provided at the ends, said holes corresponding with the holes 32 in the columns according to Figures 9 and 10. The profiled beam illustrated in Figure 16 may be secured between the columns by passing pins through the holes 47 and 32. In the present application the profiled beam is designated to be a pipe duct, but it also functions as a finishing profiled beam when partitions and ceiling parts are being provided, whilst it may also be used as such without functioning as a pipe duct.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a part of the building according to Figures 1 - 4, and Figure 18 is a view of that which is shown in Figure 17. Pillars 30 are only partially illustrated in Figures 17 and 18, said pillars 30 being connected, by means of cross beams 50, with pillars 33 forming a column, as shown in Figure 10. This column 5 substantially consists of two pillars 33, with cross beams 34 therebetween.

Figure 18 shows by way of illustration a part of Figure 17, on a larger scale, however. This Figure clearly shows that i0 the cross beam 34 is assembled from two angle profiles 51, which are welded on the pillars 33 on both sides. Said angle profiles 51 are sufficiently strong to support the floor elements 52, as is likewise shown in Figures 17 and 19. The two angle profiles 51 are interconnected by two 5 metal plates 53, one of said plates being welded on top of said angle sections and the other being welded under said angle profiles. The duct thus created may be used for passing pipes therethrough.

0 Cross beam 50 consists of the profiled metal beam illustrated in Figures 13 and 14 and is on both ends provided with a hook-shaped fastening means 44. With this fastening means cross beam 50 is fixed in pillar 30 at one end and in pillar 33 at the other end, in both cases in 5 recesses 31 of the respective pillarε

Only a few floor elements 52 are shown in Figures 17 - 19, but it will be apparent that further prefabricated floor elements will be placed on the cross beams 50 with their 0 ends. After these floor elements 52 have been placed the concrete of the floor is poured, whereby the cross beams 50 are filled with concrete, as are the pillars 30, 33 up to the respective floor. The level of the eventual floor is illustrated by the dashed line 54 in Figure 18. 5

In the present embodiment rooms are formed between the pillars 30 and 33 and a central corridor is located between the pillars 33. Between the pillars 33, parallel to said corridor, profiled metal beams 55 are provided, on which the ceiling of the corridor may be supported, so that a spacious passage is obtained at the upper side of the corridor, through which conduits for a ventilation system may be passed. By accommodating all other conduits, such as hot and cold water pipes, electricity wiring and other electric and electronic wiring in pipe duct 56, which is shown in more detail in Figure 14, the space at the upper side of the corridor can be completely reserved for providing air pipes having a maximum diameter therein. The pipe ducts 56 may be interconnected by providing ducts 57 in the pillars 33 before said pillars are filled with concrete.

Figure 20 diagrammatically shows an outer wall panel 12 in perspective view. Said outer wall panel 12 is provided with a number of windows 60, 61, whereby the windows 61 are provided at a high level and whereby it may be possible to open said windows. The height of the outer wall panel corresponds with the height of a storey and its length corresponds with twice the distance between the pillars 30. The vertical edge of the outer wall panel is provided with a tubular profiled beam 62, which may for example have a square cross-section. On the one hand the strength of the outer wall panel is enhanced therewith, whilst on the other hand the sections may be accurately placed one on top of the other by providing the upper side or bottom side thereof with a centring member, which engages in the profiled beam of the outer wall panel located on top of or under said outer wall section. When the outside dimensions of the latter section are 80 x 80 mm and the wall thickness is 4 mm, a length of section dimensioned 70 x 70 mm may be slid therein and be clamped down thereon or be welded thereon, said length- of section extending up to for example 100 mm outside the outer wall panel. When the outer wall panel to be provided on top thereof is being placed said outer wall panel may be slid with its vertical profiled beams over the centring member of the outer wall panel provided thereunder so as to be correctly positioned.

The upper edge of the outer wall panel 12 has a staggered profile, so that the abutting face between outer wall panels positioned one above the other lies lower at the outside (the front side in Figure 20) than the abutting face between the outer walls panel positioned one above the other at the inside of the building. The bottom edge of the outer wall panel is constructed correspondingly.

The outer wall panel is provided with fastening means in the form of hooks 65, which may engage in supporting means 66 of the pillars 30. Figure 21 diagrammatically illustrates a wall panel 12 in mounted condition, which panel comprises six fastening means. The position of said fastening means is illustrated in Figure 22, which shows the inside of an outer wall panel 12. The outer wall panels 12 are not supported on one another, therefore, and the space between said panels may be filled with foam or another flexible material.

The outer wall panel 12 is fully prefabricated, whereby also the window-panes and the insulating material of the panel may already be in place.

The embodiments of the invention illustrated in the Figures are to be considered as examples only. Many variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. Thus it will be possible to build with flexible patterns, so that many forms of the building may be realized.

Claims

Unigoed Vastgoedlease B.V.CLAIMS

1. A method for constructing a building, wherein use is made of prefabricated building elements, and wherein first one or more stairwell segments and subsequently a plurality of vertical columns are placed on a foundation laid on-site, between which columns further building elements, such as walls and floors, are mounted.

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that a stairwell is assembled from stacked-together prefabricated stairwell segments, which are substantially made of concrete and which comprise at least one staircase and/or a lift shaft and/or a pipe shaft.

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said stairwell segments have substantially the same height as a storey and are provided with interlocking profiles along their upper and lower edges, wherein the profiles are preferably provided in the concrete walls of said stairwell segment and wherein the relative fixation of said stairwell segments may be enhanced by pouring a concrete floor at the level of the boundary surface between the stairwell segments during a later stage of construction.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after one or more stairwells have been placed, prefabricated columns are provided, which have a height which corresponds with the height of several storeys or of the entire building, which columns, which may comprise one or more pillars, are initially only fixed in a lower portion thereof, for example at the level of the floor of the ground level and/or of the first storey.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said columns comprise hollow profiled metal beams, which are filled with concrete after being placed, and that up to the storey that is being constructed.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a floor of the building is constructed by interconnecting columns at floor level with cross beams consisting of trough-shaped profiled metal beams being open at their upper side, on which prefabricated floor parts are placed, which are filled with concrete when concrete is being poured on said floor parts, so as to form the floor of a storey.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cross beam is connected to a column by having a connecting means p^rovided on the end of said cross beam engage in a recess in the respective pillar of said column, after which concrete is poured into the cross beam and into the adjacent part of the pillar, possibly after providing reinforcing material extending from said pillar into said cross beam.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when a cross beam joins a pillar on either side of said pillar, reinforcing material is provided, in such manner as to extend from one cross beam into the other cross beam.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that outer wall panels are provided around a storey before the concrete of the floor of said storey is poured.

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an outer wall panel is fixed with a profiled metal beam along its upper edge and/or its bottom edge, whereby a flat part of said profiled metal beam extends between the outer wall panels placed one above the other into a higher portion of the boundary surface between said panels, said boundary surface having a lower portion located at the outside, in which a flexible joint material may be provided.

11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that outer wall panels placed one above the other are positioned with respect to each other by keeping tubular metal beams provided at the vertical edges in line with each other by having a centring member secured to one section extend into the other section.

12. A stairwell segment suitable for being stacked to form a stairwell for several storeys, said stairwell being substantially made of concrete and being provided with a staircase, one or more lift shafts and/or pipe shafts.

13. A stairwell segment according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said stairwell segment comprises a staircase consisting of two parts, said parts extending in opposite directions, in such a manner that the beginning and the end of said staircase are located on the same side of said stairwell segment.

14. A stairwell segment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the central part thereof a staircase is provided with a lift shaft on either side and a pipe shaft behind each lift shaft.

15. A column for being used in the method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the prefabricated column comprises a single pillar or two pillars, which are interconnected by means of cross beams at the level of the floors of the respective storeys, said pillars consisting of hollow profiled metal beams having holes for pouring concrete to a respective predetermined level and for securing transverse connecting elements.

16. A cross beam for being provided between columns according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said cross beam substantially consists of a trough-shaped profiled metal beam being open at its upper side, the bottom side of which is provided with an inwardly extending part for receiving the upper edge of a partition and/or the side walls of which are near the bottom side provided with an inwardly extending part for receiving the edge of ceiling plates, which cross beam may be filled with concrete after being placed.

17. A cross beam according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the height of said cross beam is greater than its width and that said cross beam is at least at one end provided with a metal member, which is preferably provided near the bottom side of the cross beam, said member being capable of engaging in a recess of a pillar, and that the end of said cross beam extends obliquely, in such a manner that the upper side of said cross beam is longer than its bottom side.

18. A pipe duct or finishing section substantially consisting of a trough-shaped profiled metal beam being open at its upper side, the bottom side of which is provided with an inwardly extending part for receiving the upper edge of a partition, said section furthermore being provided with a supporting surface for ceiling plates.

19. An outer wall panel for being used in the method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the prefabricated outer wall panel has substantially the same height as a storey and comprises a complete outer wall, including insulation material, that the upper edge and the bottom edge of said outer wall panel are each staggered in such a manner that the outside of each edge is located lower than the inside and that a plurality of fastening means are provided, which may be brought into engagement with supporting means, which are provided on vertical pillars of the building.

20. An outer wall panel according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the side edges of the outer wall panel are provided with profiled metal beams extending from the bottom edge to the upper edge and being provided with means for engaging the corresponding sections of the outer wall panel provided thereabove or thereunder.

21. A building constructed by using the method according to any one of the preceding claims and/or by using building elements according to any one of the preceding claims.