WO2012168762A1

WO2012168762A1 - A modular enclosure for a space over a ground surface for environmental control

Info

Publication number: WO2012168762A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/052483
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kenneth Milne CHRISTOFFERSON; Michael John PEACHEY
Original assignee: Christofferson Kenneth Milne; Peachey Michael John
Priority date: 2011-06-07
Filing date: 2011-06-07
Publication date: 2012-12-13

Abstract

An enclosure comprising a super structure and an inflatable enclosure for placement over a ground surface to create an environmentally controlled space. A method of framing the enclosure is also disclosed.

Description

A MODULAR ENCLOSURE FOR A SPACE OVER A GROUND SURFACE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

Technical Field

This invention relates to structures and more particularly static or moveable structures and specifically to a modular enclosure for a space over a ground surface for environmental control.

Background Art

Industrial, construction and other activities in extreme weather conditions experience severe productivity and operational problems. For example the repair of mechanical equipment in extreme weather, particularly extreme cold weather, requires the maintainer to expose him or herself to these debilitating conditions. This results in poor productivity and quality as the maintainer cannot withstand extreme cold for extended periods of time. Furthermore, the risk of injury due to frostbite and accidents further compromises productivity. Attempting to recruit a reliable pool of labour for a workplace situated in an extreme climate is also challenging. As well, the construction season at a worksite located in an extreme climate can be exceeding short thereby compromising the ability to schedule an efficient workflow. One only need consider the extreme climate conditions found in the Prudhoe Bay oil production zone in northern Alaska and the oil sands developments in northern Alberta to understand the extreme danger to personnel and equipment when temperatures can plunge to -45 ° C.

Some solutions to the problem of extreme weather, and particularly extreme cold weather, have been proposed in the form of temporary shelters such as tents and light weight steel structures. However, to date, these structures are difficult to heat because they have no insulation properties and are not large enough to cover a substantial worksite as might be found in a large building construction project. There is an ongoing requirement for a structure that is able to enclose a large space for environmental control to permit ongoing work in a safe and relatively comfortable environment.

Technical Solution

It is one object of the invention to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art as disclosed above.

It is a further object of the invention to improve worker productivity, quality and safety in extreme climate conditions by providing a structure to enclose a space over a working environment which can be environmentally controlled to provide a safe working environment for workers and equipment.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide a modular enclosure that is environmentally neutral.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a modular enclosure that does not require concrete foundations.

A further objective of the invention is to provide a modular enclosure that can resist wind and snow loads.

It is yet another objective of the invention to make an enclosure that is easily dismantled for transport by air, sea and land in a standard container or easily relocated over short distances by partial dismantling and lifting.

Summary of the Invention

In order to overcome the deficiencies noted above and to meet the objectives of the invention, what is provided is a modular enclosure for a space over a ground surface for environmental control. The invention comprises a load carrying superstructure system for suspending an enclosure system for creating a space for environmental control. There is also a stabilizing system for the superstructure system and the enclosure system. The module is contiguously repeatable to a desired length. The superstructure system comprises at least a first supporting arch and a second opposite supporting arch disposed apart from each other a predetermined incremental distance. Each of the arches has an apex. The superstructure system further comprises a horizontal ridge beam joining the first and second arches at their respective apex. The first and second arches comprise a plurality of latticed girders connected at joints in a downward relationship from the apex. In one embodiment of the invention there are six girders. The arches have a width that is approximately twice arch height. The end wall system comprises a plurality of lattice posts connecting between each of the first and second arches andthe ground surface. The plurality of lattice posts comprises at least one lattice post connecting between the joints and the ground surface. The plurality of lattice posts further comprises an additional lattice post disposed between a selected lattice girder midpoint and the ground surface. The enclosure system comprises an inflatable structure inflated within the superstructure system. The enclosure system further comprises an end wall suspended beneath each arch. The end wall may have at least one sealable doorway. The inflatable roof structure is fixed at regular spaced intervals to the horizontal ridge beam between each of the first and second arches.The stabilization system is a guy-wire and ground anchor system comprising a plurality of inclined and vertical guy wires temporarily anchored to the ground surface by helical ground anchors or other suitable means. The stabilization system further comprises a plurality of lateral cables regularly spaced and tensioned between the first arch and the second arch for carrying horizontal loads between the first and second arch and for fixing the inflatable structure thereto. The enclosure module comprises an assembly kit that is air/sea/land transportable in a standard container. The assembly kit optionally comprises one of a flooring system, an HVAC system, an electrical distribution and lighting system and a snow melt system. In one embodiment of the invention the enclosure module has a maximum width of 100m. In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a contiguously repeatable module for enclosing a space over a ground surface for environmental control comprising a load carrying superstructure comprising a first lattice arch, a second lattice arch and a lattice ridge beam connecting an apex of each of the first and second lattice arches for suspending an inflatable enclosure inflated within the superstructure and a plurality of guy-wire and ground anchors for stabilizing the module.

Description of Drawings

Figure 1 is a drawing of one embodiment of the invention showing a single module of the enclosure.

Figure 2 is a drawing of one embodiment of the invention showing the single module of the enclosure of Figure 1 with an additional contiguous module attached.

Figure 3 is a diagram of one embodiment of the invention showing one method of relocating a complete single module of the enclosure using a crane and lifting slings.

Figure 4 is a diagram of one embodiment of the invention showing another method of relocating an enclosure by deflating the vinyl shell and lifting using the ridge beams, a crane and lifting slings.

Figure 5 is a drawing of one embodiment of the invention showing the enclosure used as a temporary shelter for plant construction operations. In this embodiment the enclosure has a width of approximately 75m.

Figure 6 is a drawing of one embodiment of the invention showing the enclosure used as a temporary shelter for travelling paving operations. In this embodiment the enclosure is mounted on wheels and towed to keep pace with the paving operation.

Mode for Invention

The invention is an enclosure module for a space over a ground surface for environmental control. The invention uses a structurally enhanced pneumatic shell that is able to accommodate a large interior clear span width and a height of up to 50% of the width. The invention is modular and capable of being repeated in incremental modular lengths for an unlimited distance. Major access doors can be placed in each of the end walls of the enclosure according to end user requirements. HVAC, lighting and electrical systems can be installed as per the clients specifications. Some advantages of the present invention include that there are no internal air pressures or air locks since the structurally enhanced pneumatic shell is inflated. There is no need for concrete foundation and therefore the designed enclosure can be rapidly assembled, disassembled and transported. The enclosure is environmentally neutral, durable and provides a safe working environment.

Options for the enclosure include an HVAC system, a lighting system,a modular flooring system, a large access door to accommodate large vehicles, a snow melt system for the roof and a containerization system for transporting the enclosure.

The enclosure is anchored to the surface of the ground using reusable helical steel anchors or other suitable means. The inflatable vinyl enclosure is durable and impermeable to liquids and gases. It is resistant to flame, mould, chemicals, abrasion and ultraviolet radiation. Advantageously the inflatable enclosureprovides insulation. The superstructure and enclosure can be designed to withstand wind speeds and snow loadsto suit local weather conditions.

The present invention has a number of safety features. There are listed as:

Compiles with workplace health and safety regulations;
Eliminates weather affected unsafe work conditions;
Designed for regional wind and snow loads;
Redundancy in cable system mitigates impact from local air mat deflation;
Pneumatic type of building is blast resistance/blast absorbing;
Building shell material can be selected to withstand unplanned releases from existing operations (such as fluids from flares etc.).

The invention ensures that the workers are far safer inside the building than they are outside.

Advantages of the invention include the following:

Adaptable to fit most site configurations;
Permits work in an iceless and windless construction site;
Provides for a constant environmentally controlled workspace for optimized nightshift construction;
Permits continued work during severe storm conditions;
Is adapted for rapid installation and relocation to support multi-phased project schedules;
Minimizes the need for seasonal construction windows in the planning process;
It is reusable on multiple projects;
There is no need for site reclamation after disassembly.

A variety of activities can be carried out within the enclosure including:

Deep underground piping and utility system installation;
Concrete foundation and structure placement;
Assembly of steel structures and buildings;
Placing major and minor equipment;
Piping, electrical and instrumentation system installation;
Temporary factory operations;
Warehousing;
Maintenance and repair facilities;
Environmental remediation;
Pre-commissioning activities;
Protection of accommodation units or recreational activities;
Continuous paving or similar operations.

Referring to the figures the invention is amodular enclosure for a space over a ground surface for environmental control. The modular enclosure comprises a load carrying super structure system for suspending a load carryingenclosure system for creating the space for environmental control. The module further includes a stabilization system for the super structure system and the enclosure system

Referring now to Figure 1 there is shown, in one embodiment of the invention, a single module of the enclosure comprising a load carrying super structure system which is used to suspend the enclosure system. The super structure system comprises at least a first supporting arch 12 and a second opposite supporting arch 14 disposed apart from each other by a predetermined incremental distance. This distance can constitute a standard module length and can be repeated to form any desired length requested by the client. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 would constitute a single standard length of the module identified as length 18. Each of the arches includes an apex 22 and 24. The

arches

12 and 14 are comprised of a series or plurality of individual latticed girders 26. The latticed girders are joined in a manner which describes the arch as having a height that is generally one half the width of the base of the arch. The apex of each arch 22 and 24 are joined by a lattice ridge beam 28.

Beneath each of the

arches

12 and 14 there is disposed an end wall system 32. The end wall system comprises a plurality of lattice posts 34 connectedbetween each of the first and second arches to the ground surface 36.

There is shown an inflatable enclosure structure 52 that is inflated within the super structure. The enclosing system further comprises an

end wall

54 and 56 suspended beneath each arch 12 and 14. In one embodiment of the invention at least one of the end walls has at least one sealable doorway to permit entry and egress by vehicles and personnel. The inflatable enclosure structure is fixed at regularly spaced intervals to the horizontal ridge beam 28. Each of the end walls are fixed at regularly spaced intervals to the lattice posts 34.

The stabilization system of the invention comprises a plurality of cable stays and helical ground anchors. There are cable stay and

ground anchor units

68 and 70 which are used to stabilize each of the arches in at least one longitudinal direction. Other cable stay and

helical anchor combinations

72 and 74 further stabilize the inflatable enclosure against lateral wind loads. Finally the ends of the inflatable enclosure are fixed to the ground surface using cable stays 82 and helical anchors 84 spaced regularly along the longitudinal sides of the enclosure modules. The lattice posts 34 and the bottom arch girders in contact with the ground surface 36 are all fixed to the ground surface using helical anchors 90 or other suitable means.

There is a plurality of longitudinal and regularly spaced parallel cables 62 tensioned between each of the

arches

12 and 14. The inflatable structure 52 is fixed at regularly spaced intervals to each of the cables 62 to provide additional rigidity and stability to the structure and also provide temporary support of the structure when it is deflated.

Referring to Figure 2 and in another embodiment of the invention there is shown the single module of the enclosure 102 with an additional module104 attached. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 would constitute two standard lengths of the module with a total length identified as length 20. The modules can be added in incremental modular lengths for an unlimited distance. If required at the intermediate arches 16 the duplicate arch from the additional module may be eliminated and the ridge beam 29 and longitudinal cables 64 connected directly to the arch 16 of the adjacent module.

Major access doors 92 can be placed in each of the end walls of the enclosure according to end user requirements.

Referring to Figure 3 there is shown, in one embodiment of the invention, one method of relocating a single module of the enclosure using a crane 300 and lifting slings 320 attached to the ends of the ridge beam 340. The module can be lifted after disconnecting from adjacent modules, the end wall system and helical anchors. The module can be swung and tracked to a new location, lowered to the ground and re-attached to helical anchors, end wall system and adjacent modules. The modules comprising the total length of an enclosure can be singly disconnected relocated and reconnected to relocate a total enclosure.

Referring to Figure 4 there is shown, in another embodiment of the invention, another method of relocating the enclosure. The longitudinal parallel cables 400 in a single module are disconnected from each of the adjacent arches. The vinyl shell is deflated 410 and disconnected from the helical anchors. The ends of the vinyl shell are folded 420 and lifted to the ridge beam 430 and temporarily attached to the ridge beam. Using a crane 440 and lifting slings 450 attached to the ends of the ridge beam 460 the ridge beam and vinyl shell can be lifted after disconnecting from adjacent arches. The ridge beam is lowered onto a suitable trailer 480 with the folded vinyl shell flaked below. The remaining adjacent arches, stabilising cables, end wall systems and helical anchors are disassembled, and loaded onto suitable trailers. All components are transported to the new location and reassembled in reverse order.

Referring to Figure 5 there is shown, in another embodiment of the invention 500 the enclosure used as a temporary shelter for plant construction operations 502.

Referring to Figure 6 there is shownin another embodiment of the invention the enclosure used as a temporary shelter for travelling paving operations. In this embodiment the enclosure 600 is mounted on a frame 602 and wheels 604 and towed to keep pace with the paving operation.

A method of erecting a contiguously repeatable modular enclosure for enclosing a space over a ground surface for environmental control from a kit comprising a plurality of latticed girders, an inflatable structure for enclosing the space, at least two end walls, a plurality of supporting cables, and a plurality of guy wires and anchors to provide stability to the modular enclosure comprises the following steps:

a) transporting said kit to the site of the ground surface to be enclosed;

b) assembling a first arch having a first apex from a first plurality of girders;

c) assembling a second arch having a second apex from a second plurality of girders;

d) assembling a ridge beam from a third plurality of girders;

e) erecting the first arch and stabilizing the first arch using a first suitable number of guy wires and anchors;

f) erecting the second arch and stabilizing the second arch using a second suitable number of guy wires and anchors;

g) disposing the ridge beam between the first apex and the second apex;

h) disposing in a regularly spaced and parallel manner a suitable number of supporting cables between the first arch and the second arch;

i) inflating the inflatable structure so that it is in contact with the supporting cables and ridge beam;

j) suspending the inflatable structure from the ridge beam;

k) fixing the inflatable structure to the supporting cables;

l) anchoring the inflatable structure to the ground surface using a third suitable number of

guy wires and anchors; and,

m) installing the end walls.

These special features of the present invention are thus fully illustrated and described. More specifically, fully illustrated and described herein is a unique modular enclosure for a space over a ground surface for environmental control. Variations and modifications are recognizably possible which will come within the spirit of the invention

Claims

What is claimed is:

A modular enclosure for a space over a ground surface for environmental control comprising:

a) A load carrying superstructure system for suspending;

b) A load carrying enclosure system for creating said space for environmental control; and,

c) A stabilizing system for said superstructure system and said enclosure system.
The enclosure module of claim 1 wherein the module is contiguously repeatable to a desired length.
The modular enclosure of claim 2 wherein said superstructure system comprises at least a first supporting arch and a second opposite supporting arch disposed apart from each other a predetermined incremental distance, wherein each of said first and said second arches has an apex.
The modular enclosure of claim 3 wherein the superstructure system further comprises a horizontal ridge beam joining said first and second arches at said respective apex.
The modular enclosure of claim 4 wherein the first and second arches comprise a plurality of latticed girders connected at joints in a downward relationship from the apex.
The modular enclosure of claim 5 wherein said plurality of joined latticed girders comprises a sufficient number of girders to obtain a desired width and height of the modular enclosure.
The modular enclosure of claim 6 wherein the plurality of joined latticed girders describes an arch having a width that is approximately twice said arch height.
The modular enclosure of claim 7 further comprising an end wall system disposed beneath each of the first and second arches.
The modular enclosure of claim 8 wherein said end wall system comprises a plurality of lattice posts connecting each of the first and second arches to said ground surface.
The modular enclosure of claim 9 wherein said plurality of lattice posts comprise at least one lattice post connecting said joints to the ground surface.
The modular enclosure of claim 10 wherein the plurality of lattice posts further comprise an additional lattice post disposed between a selected lattice girder midpoint and the ground surface.
The modular enclosure of claim 4 wherein said enclosure system comprises an inflatable structure inflated within the superstructure system.
The modular enclosure of claim 12 wherein said enclosure system further comprises an end wall suspended beneath each arch.
The modular enclosure of claim 13 wherein said end wall has at least one sealable doorway.
The modular enclosure of claim 14 wherein said inflatable roof structure is fixed at regular spaced intervals to said horizontal ridge beam and to each of the first and second arches.
The modular enclosure of claim 1 wherein said stabilization system is a guy-wire and ground anchor system comprising a plurality of inclined and vertical guy wires anchored to the ground surface by anchors.
The modular enclosure of claim 16 wherein the stabilization system further comprises a plurality of lateral cables regularly spaced and tensioned between the first arch and the second arch for carrying horizontal loads between the first and second arch and for fixing the inflatable structure thereto.
The modular enclosure of claim 1 further comprising an assembly kit that is air/sea/land transportable in a standard container and wherein said assembly kit optionally comprises one of a flooring system, an HVAC system, an electrical distribution and lighting system and a snow melt system.
A contiguously repeatable modular enclosure for enclosing a space over a ground surface for environmental control comprising: a load carrying superstructure comprising a first lattice arch having a first apex, a second lattice arch having a second apex and a lattice ridge beam connecting said first and said second apex; an inflatable enclosure suspended between the first and second arches and inflated within said superstructure; and, a plurality of guy-wire and ground anchors for stabilizing said module.
A method of erecting a contiguously repeatable modular enclosure for enclosing a space over a ground surface for environmental control from a kit comprising a plurality of latticed girders, an inflatable structure for enclosing said space, at least two end walls, a plurality of supporting cables, and a plurality of guy wires and anchors to provide stabilityto said modular enclosure, wherein said method comprises the following steps:

a) transporting said kit to said ground surface;

b) assembling a first arch having a first apex from a first number of said plurality of girders;

c) assembling a second arch having a second apex from a second number of the plurality of girders;

d) assembling a ridge beam from a third number of the plurality of girds;

e) erecting said first arch and stabilizing the first arch using a first suitable number of said plurality of guy wires and anchors;

f) erecting said second arch and stabilizing the second arch using a second suitable number of the plurality of guy wires and anchors;

g) disposing said ridge beam between said first apex and said second apex;

h) disposingin a regularly spaced and parallel manner a suitable number of supporting cables between the first arch and the second arch;

i) inflating the inflatable structure so that it is in contact with the supporting cables and ridge beam;

j) suspending said inflatable structure from the ridge beam;

k) fixing the inflatable structure to the suitable number of supporting cables;

l) anchoring the inflatable structure to the ground surface using a third suitable number of

the plurality of guy wires and anchors; and,

m) installing said end walls.