WO2018146202A1

WO2018146202A1 - A resuable modular building and a method for erecting the same

Info

Publication number: WO2018146202A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/053196
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carel Lodewijk VAN DUUREN
Original assignee: C.D. Holding B.V.
Priority date: 2017-02-10
Filing date: 2018-02-08
Publication date: 2018-08-16
Also published as: EP3580408A1; EP3580408B1; NL2018353B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a reusable modular building (1) and a method for erecting the same. The reusable modular building comprises a self-supporting steel skeleton (2) comprising releasably coupled elongated steel profiles (4) for rectangular steel floor and roof frames that are releasably interconnected by steel supporting pillars (7). Each elongated steel profile is provided with at least two tubular steel receiving members (8) that are arranged at its opposite ends. Each steel supporting pillar is provided at its ends with at least one elongated steel protrusion (9). Each of said tubular steel receiving members and each of said elongated steel protrusions are configured to establish a releasable tight-fitting coupling upon insertion of said elongated steel protrusion into said tubular steel receiving member. Due to its simple and robust construction, the modular building according to the invention can more easily and quickly be built and can be reused many times.

Description

A REUSABLE MODULAR BUILDING AND A METHOD FOR ERECTING THE

SAME

The invention relates to a reusable modular building that in use comprises a self- supporting steel skeleton. The invention also relates to a method for erecting the modular reusable building.

In the field of temporary buildings, aluminum-based structures, e.g. aluminum- based halls, and container-based buildings are commonly used as temporary buildings for example for catering and restaurant facilities that need to be provided for periods of time ranging from several days up to several years. However, the abovementioned known kinds of buildings have several disadvantages.

Regarding aluminum-based structures it is for example very difficult to make them so-called mouse-close, which is very important in particular for catering and restaurant facilities. It is also difficult to prevent leakages in aluminum-based structures and to render them air-tight in a cost-effective way. Another disadvantage of aluminum- based structures is that they comprise roofs having a high ridge which provides them with excessive volumes. Moreover, such roofs render the installation of ceiling systems more complicated. A further disadvantage of aluminum-based structures is that they comprise heavy supporting pillars which render erecting and dismantling of the aluminum-based structures more complicated. An additional disadvantage of aluminum-based structures is that they comprise aluminum rafters having ends parts that need to be anchored to the supporting surface on which they are positioned.

Aluminum-based structures generally also suffer from cold bridges that cause low thermal isolation values. Furthermore, especially regarding kitchen and restaurant facilities regulations with respect to isolation, fire resistance and the strength of the floors in terms of load capacity and stability get increasingly strict. As a result thereof, aluminum-based structures can no longer meet those regulations and therefore cannot be used any longer. The aforementioned disadvantages render aluminum-based structures unsuitable for long-term housing projects. In addition, any one of extensions, modifications and replacements of parts of aluminum-based structures is often quite expensive. Moreover, erecting and dismantling aluminum-based structures is labor- intensive and hence expensive.

A well-known disadvantage of container-based buildings is that their interior arrangement is limited because of the fixed sizes of the containers. In particular, they do not offer any free span which is not suitable for restaurant facilities. In addition, this type of buildings requires a considerable amount of maintenance. Furthermore, shipping and storage of containers is expensive as they are bulky. It is an object of the invention to provide a reusable modular building that preempts or at least reduces at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages associated with the mentioned buildings that are known in the art. It is also an object of the invention to provide a method for easily erecting a reusable modular building according to the present invention.

Aspects of this invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Combinations of features from the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims as appropriate and not merely as explicitly set out in the claims.

According to a first aspect of this invention to obtain at least one of the abovementioned objects, there is provided a reusable modular building that in use comprises a self-supporting steel skeleton comprising

a predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames that each comprise elongated steel profiles that are releasably coupled to each other with releasable coupling elements;

a predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames that each comprise elongated steel profiles that are releasably coupled to each other with releasable coupling elements;

a predetermined number of steel supporting pillars that are releasably connected under right angles with the elongated steel profiles of both the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames so as to releasably interconnect said predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and said predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames; wherein each elongated steel profile of both the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and the predetermined number of the rectangular steel roof frames is provided with at least two tubular steel receiving members that are arranged at opposite ends of each respective elongated steel profile and wherein each steel supporting pillar of the predetermined number of steel supporting pillars is provided at its ends with at least one elongated steel protrusion, wherein each of said tubular steel receiving members and each of said elongated steel protrusions are configured to establish a releasable tight-fitting coupling upon insertion of said elongated steel protrusion into said tubular steel receiving member. In this way, the present invention provides a modular building that can more easily and therefore quickly be erected and dismantled than reusable buildings known in the art. All described parts of the self-supporting steel skeleton are releasably coupled to each other on site using releasable coupling means such as steel nuts and bolts. In this way, welding of any parts of the self-supporting steel skeleton can be avoided. This makes erecting the modular building less complex and less time-consuming. In addition, the reusability of the individual parts, e.g. the elongated steel profiles of the floor and roof frames, the steel supporting pillars, the wall panels, and therefore of the modular building as a whole is enhanced. Moreover, the modular building according to the invention offers an enhanced flexibility with respect to its configuration as any desired number of rectangular steel floor and roof frames can be used and any desired free span inside the modular building can be realized. Therefore, any requirements regarding size and interior layout of the modular building according to the invention that are defined by its intended use, e.g. as a restaurant facility, can easily be fulfilled.

Furthermore, due to the simple and robust construction of the self-supporting steel skeleton, the modular building according to the invention can be reused many times. Hence, the reusable modular building according to the present invention has a significantly improved sustainability. From the above, the skilled person will appreciate that the reusable modular building according to the invention pre-empts or at least reduces the drawbacks mentioned above regarding buildings known in the art.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, each elongated steel profile of both the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and the predetermined number of the rectangular steel roof frames has a longitudinal centerline that is at a right angle with respect to the longitudinal centerline of each tubular steel receiving member it is associated with. By welding the tubular steel receiving members at right angles with the elongated steel profiles, insertion of the elongated steel protrusions of the steel supporting pillars into the tubular steel receiving members of the elongated steel profiles can be achieved more easily. As a result, the releasable tight-fitting couplings between the elongated steel protrusions of the steel supporting pillars and the tubular steel receiving members of the elongated steel profiles can be established more reliably. Consequently, both erecting and taking down the reusable modular building according to the invention can be done more efficiently and therefore at lower cost.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, each elongated steel profile of both the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames is provided with a first predetermined hole pattern, wherein the holes of the first predetermined hole pattern are configured and arranged to receive releasable coupling elements to releasably couple adjacently arranged rectangular steel floor frames of the

predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and adjacently arranged rectangular steel roof frames of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames, respectively. By providing the elongated steel profiles with the first predetermined hole pattern, coupling of the required number of rectangular steel floor frames to one another and of the required number of rectangular steel roof frames to one another, respectively, can be done more easily and therefore faster. As releasable coupling elements, e.g. steel nuts and bolts, can be used, there is no need to weld the respective rectangular steel floor frames to one another or the rectangular steel roof frames to one another. In this way, the self-supporting steel skeleton can be erected much faster and with less cost. In addition, the reusability of the elongated steel profiles is considerably enhanced.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, a steel supporting structure is provided that is arranged to enclose the periphery of the releasably coupled adjacently arranged rectangular steel floor frames of the

predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames, the steel supporting structure comprising steel supporting profiles each of which has a Z-shape and is arranged to receive and support at least a first wall panel of a predetermined number of wall panels, wherein each of the steel supporting profiles is also provided with the first predetermined hole pattern to releasably couple each of the steel supporting profiles with elongated steel profiles of the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames that have a free side that faces away from the interior of the self-supporting steel skeleton. In this way, the steel supporting structure provides a slit in which wall panels can at least partially be received. Furthermore, the steel supporting structure supports the wall panels received in the slit.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, a steel eaves frame is provided that is arranged to enclose the periphery of the releasably coupled adjacently arranged rectangular steel roof frames of the

predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames, the steel eaves frame comprising steel eaves profiles each of which is arranged to support at least a first eaves panel of a predetermined number of eaves panels, wherein each of the steel eaves profiles is also provided with the first predetermined hole pattern to releasably couple each of the steel eaves profiles with elongated steel profiles of the

predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames that have a free side that faces away from the interior of the self-supporting steel skeleton. In this way, an edge of the roof is provided. Behind the eaves panels that are releasably coupled to the steel eaves profiles of the steel eaves frame facilities comprising at least one of a gutter and lighting can be provided.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, each steel supporting pillar of the predetermined number of steel supporting pillars is provided with a second predetermined hole pattern, wherein the holes of the second predetermined hole pattern are configured and arranged to receive releasable clamping mechanisms of a predetermined number of releasable clamping mechanisms to releasably clamp the predetermined number of wall panels to the steel supporting pillars. In this way, the wall panels that are either directly or indirectly supported by the steel supporting structure can releasably be clamped to the self-supporting steel skeleton. The skilled person will appreciate that the wall panels are at least one of directly and indirectly supported by at least one of the steel supporting structure and the releasable clamping mechanism.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, each releasable clamping mechanism is arranged between at least two wall panels of the predetermined number of wall panels to releasably clamp the at least two wall panels to a side of at least one steel supporting pillar that faces away from the interior of the self-supporting steel skeleton. In this way, the formation of cold bridges can be prevented which significantly improves thermal isolation of the modular building according to the invention.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, each releasable clamping mechanism comprises

a steel supporting plate provided with a first steel nut, the steel supporting plate being connected with at least one steel supporting pillar such that the first steel nut faces towards the at least two wall panels to be releasably clamped;

a steel threaded rod having a predetermined length that is determined by the thickness of the at least two wall panels that are to be releasably clamped, wherein in use of the releasable clamping mechanism, a first end part of the steel threaded rod is releasably connected with the first steel nut of the steel supporting plate;

at least a first resilient sealing member that in use of the releasable clamping mechanism is arranged in abutting contact with at least one of the at least two wall panels to be releasably clamped;

a steel retaining plate that is provided with a hole that, in use of the releasable clamping mechanism, is configured and arranged to receive the steel threaded rod; at least a second resilient sealing member that in use of the releasable clamping mechanism is arranged in abutting contact with both the steel retaining plate and at least one of the at least two wall panels to be releasably clamped;

a second steel nut that in use of the releasable clamping mechanism is releasably connected with the steel threaded rod and arranged to be in abutting contact with the steel retaining plate so as to keep the steel retaining plate in abutting contact with the at least two wall panels via the at least second resilient sealing member to releasably clamp the at least two wall panels against the steel supporting pillars. In this way, a very simple and robust releasable clamping mechanism is provided that enables the reusable modular building according to the invention to be assembled and disassembled very efficiently.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, each releasable clamping mechanism comprises at least a first spacer element that, in use of the releasable clamping mechanism, is connected with the steel threaded rod and arranged between two adjacent wall panels to keep them at a predefined distance with respect to each other. In this way, it is very easy to keep two adjacent wall panels that need to be installed at the correct predefined distance with respect to each other. After installation of the wall panels, the at least first spacer element can either be left on the steel threaded rod or be removed from it.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, each releasable clamping mechanism comprises at least a first elongated cover element that, in use of the releasable clamping mechanism, is releasably connected with the steel retaining plate via a snap connection. The first elongated cover element prevents the releasable clamping mechanism to which it is attached to be accessible from the outside. Furthermore, it prevents the releasable clamping mechanism to be subjected to pollution from the environment in which the reusable modular building according to the invention is used. The first elongated cover element also provides an aesthetic finish for the exterior of the reusable modular building.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, the second steel nut and the steel retaining plate are connected to each other so as to form one integrated component.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, the steel supporting profiles are provided with a third predetermined hole pattern, wherein the holes of the third predetermined hole pattern are configured and arranged to drain rainwater.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, the tubular steel receiving members are welded to the elongated steel profiles.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, the at least one steel elongated protrusion is at least one of rod-shaped and tubular- shaped.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, at least one rectangular steel floor frame of the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and/or at least one rectangular steel roof frame of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames is provided with a predetermined number of wooden reinforcement beams, wherein each wooden reinforcement beam of the predetermined number of wooden reinforcement beams is arranged at right angles with respect to oppositely arranged elongated steel profiles of the respective at least one rectangular steel floor frame and/or the at least one rectangular steel roof frame. The rectangular steel floor frames and the rectangular steel roof frames that are provided with wooden reinforcement beams have a higher strength and load capacity. It is noted that instead of steel reinforcement beams, wooden reinforcement beams are applied in the rectangular steel floor and roof frames because this is advantageous with respect to for example mounting of installation modules inside the modular building and positioning of the rectangular steel floor and roof frames during erection of the modular building according to the invention.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, at least one wooden reinforcement beam of the predetermined number of wooden reinforcement beams is provided with a predetermined number of through holes wherein at least two through holes of the predetermined number of through holes are each provided with an elongated steel element, each of the elongated steel elements being provided with threaded sections at its free ends, each of the threaded sections being releasably coupled with a threaded tubular steel element, one threaded tubular steel element is coupled with a securing element that, in use of the elongated steel element, is arranged to confine the elongated steel element to the respective through hole of the respective wooden reinforcement beam in which it is arranged, the other threaded steel tubular element, in use of the elongated steel element, is associated with at least one of a threaded steel ring-shaped element and a sealing element.

To position for example a rectangular steel floor frame tightly against another rectangular steel floor frame, four threaded tubular elements that are provided in pairs in two wooden reinforcement beams can be used. Each one of the four threaded tubular elements is associated at one of its open sides with a threaded steel ring- shaped element, e.g. a lifting eye, that can be releasably coupled with a sling. In this way, the wooden reinforcement beams are equipped to enable the rectangular steel floor frames to be positioned tightly against each other. The same applies to the positioning of the rectangular steel roof frames. After positioning the rectangular steel floor frame, the lifting-eyes can be replaced by sealing elements to cover the through holes in the wooden reinforcement beams.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, at least one elongated steel profile of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames is a truss beam.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, a predetermined number of shoring elements is provided that, in use of the reusable modular building, are arranged to interconnect elongated steel profiles of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames and steel supporting pillars of the predetermined number of steel supporting pillars. In this way, the steel supporting pillars and the rectangular steel roof frames can be arranged perpendicular and level. Furthermore, a rigid self-supporting steel skeleton is obtained.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, the shoring elements have an adjustable length. This enables an even more

convenient way of erecting the self-supporting steel skeleton of the modular building.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, the elongated steel profiles of at least one of the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames are provided with steel reinforcement elements. In this way the local strength and load capacity of the elongated steel profiles and therefore of the rectangular steel floor and roof frames can be increased.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, the releasable coupling elements are steel nuts and bolts.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, the self-supporting steel skeleton comprises at least one storey. The skilled person will appreciate that the reusable modular building according to the invention can have one storey but that depending on the intended use of the reusable modular building two, three or more storeys can also be envisaged.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, a predetermined number of incrementing frames is provided that in use of the reusable modular building are releasably coupled to a predetermined number of the rectangular steel roof frames to provide the self-supporting steel skeleton with at least one pitched roof section.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, each incrementing frame of the predetermined number of incrementing frames is provided with a predetermined number of wooden reinforcement beams. The incrementing frames that are provided with wooden reinforcement beams have a higher strength and load capacity. It is noted that instead of steel reinforcement beams, wooden reinforcement beams are applied in the rectangular steel floor and roof frames because this is advantageous with respect to for example mounting of roof panels and installation of air ducts of an air management system.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, a predetermined number of roof panels is provided and wherein each roof panel of the predetermined number of roof panels is releasably coupled to at least one incrementing frame of the predetermined number of incrementing frames via at least one of the wooden reinforcement beams of the predetermined number of wooden reinforcement beams that is associated with the respective at least one incrementing frame. The roof panels can comprise at least one of photovoltaic solar panels and solar collector panels of a solar water heater system.

In an embodiment of the reusable modular building according to the invention, a predetermined number of parts of a ceiling system is provided, each of which parts is provided with a fourth predetermined hole pattern that is also provided to each elongated steel profile of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames, wherein the holes of the fourth predetermined hole pattern are configured and arranged to receive releasable coupling elements to releasably couple at least a first part of the predetermined number of parts of the ceiling system to a first rectangular steel roof frame of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames. In this way, it is easier to releasably install ceiling systems in the reusable modular building according to the present invention than in for example aluminum based structures or container- based buildings known from the art.

According to a second aspect of this invention, there is provided a method for erecting a reusable modular building according to the present invention that in use comprises a self-supporting steel skeleton, the method comprising the steps of

providing a predetermined number of elongated steel profiles that are provided with at least two tubular steel receiving members that are arranged at opposite ends of each respective elongated steel profile and releasably coupling the elongated steel profiles to each other with releasable coupling elements to form a predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames;

providing a predetermined number of elongated steel profiles that are provided with at least two tubular steel receiving members that are arranged at opposite ends of each respective elongated steel profile and releasably coupling the elongated steel profiles to each other with releasable coupling elements to form a predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames;

providing a predetermined number of steel supporting pillars each of which is provided at its ends with at least one elongated steel protrusion and releasably connecting the steel supporting pillars under right angles with the elongated steel profiles of both the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames so as to releasably interconnect said predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and said predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames, wherein each of said tubular steel receiving members and each of said elongated steel protrusions are configured to establish a releasable tight-fitting coupling upon inserting the elongated steel protrusion into the tubular steel receiving member. The method according to the invention enables erecting a modular building according to the present invention in an easy and therefore fast way. Furthermore, the method according to the invention provides enhanced flexibility by facilitating easy extension of the modular building.

In an embodiment of the method for erecting a reusable modular building according to the invention, the method further comprises the step of releasably coupling adjacently arranged rectangular steel floor frames of the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and adjacently arranged rectangular steel roof frames of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames, respectively using releasable coupling elements, wherein each elongated steel profile of both the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames is provided with a first predetermined hole pattern, wherein the holes of the first predetermined hole pattern are configured and arranged to receive the releasable coupling elements. By providing the elongated steel profiles with the first predetermined hole pattern, coupling of the required number of rectangular steel floor frames to one another and of the required number of rectangular steel roof frames to one another, respectively, can be done more easily and therefore faster. As releasable coupling elements, e.g. steel nuts and bolts, can be used, there is no need to weld the respective rectangular steel floor frames to one another or the rectangular steel roof frames to one another. In this way, the method according to the present invention enables the self-supporting steel skeleton to be erected much faster and with less cost. In addition, the reusability of the elongated steel profiles is considerably enhanced.

In an embodiment of the method for erecting a reusable modular building according to the invention, the method further comprises the steps of

providing Z-shaped steel supporting profiles that are provided with the first predetermined hole pattern;

releasably coupling each of the Z-shaped steel supporting profiles using releasable coupling elements with elongated steel profiles of the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames that have a free side that faces away from the interior of the self-supporting steel skeleton to provide a steel supporting structure that encloses the periphery of the releasably coupled adjacently arranged rectangular steel floor frames of the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames;

providing a predetermined number of wall panels, wherein each of the Z-shaped steel supporting profiles receives and supports at least a first wall panel of the predetermined number of wall panels. In this way, the steel supporting structure provides a slit in which wall panels can at least partially be received. Furthermore, the steel supporting structure supports the wall panels received in the slit.

providing steel eaves profiles that are provided with the first predetermined hole pattern;

releasably coupling each of the steel eaves profiles using releasable coupling elements with elongated steel profiles of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames that have a free side that faces away from the interior of the self-supporting steel skeleton to provide a steel eaves frame that encloses the periphery of the releasably coupled adjacently arranged rectangular steel roof frames of the

predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames;

providing a predetermined number of eaves panels, wherein each of the steel eaves profiles supports at least a first eaves panel of the predetermined number of eaves panels. In this way, an edge of the roof is provided. Behind the eaves panels that are releasably coupled to the steel eaves profiles of the steel eaves frame, facilities comprising at least one of a gutter and lighting can be provided.

In an embodiment of the method for erecting a reusable modular building according to the invention, the method further comprises the step of providing releasable clamping mechanisms of a predetermined number of releasable clamping mechanisms to releasably clamp the predetermined number of wall panels to the steel supporting pillars each of which is provided with a second predetermined hole pattern, wherein the holes of the second predetermined hole pattern are configured and arranged to receive the releasable clamping mechanisms. In this way, the wall panels that are either directly or indirectly supported by the steel supporting structure can releasably be clamped to the self-supporting steel skeleton. The skilled person will appreciate that the wall panels are at least one of directly and indirectly supported by at least one of the steel supporting structure and the releasable clamping mechanism.

In an embodiment of the method for erecting a reusable modular building according to the invention, the method further comprises the step of arranging each releasable clamping mechanism between at least two wall panels of the predetermined number of wall panels to releasably clamp the at least two wall panels to a side of at least one steel supporting pillar that faces away from the interior of the self-supporting steel skeleton. In this way, the formation of cold bridges can be prevented which significantly improves thermal isolation of the modular building according to the invention. In an embodiment of the method for erecting a reusable modular building according to the invention, assembling each releasable clamping mechanism comprises the steps of

providing a steel supporting plate that is provided with a first steel nut and connecting the steel supporting plate with at least one steel supporting pillar such that the first steel nut faces towards the at least two wall panels to be releasably clamped; providing a steel threaded rod having a predetermined length that is determined by the thickness of the at least two wall panels that are to be releasably clamped; releasably connecting a first end part of the steel threaded rod with the first steel nut of the steel supporting plate;

providing at least a first resilient sealing member and arranging it in abutting contact with at least one of the at least two wall panels to be releasably clamped; providing a steel retaining plate that is provided with a hole;

inserting the steel threaded rod into the hole to arrange the steel retaining plate on the threaded rod;

providing at least a second resilient sealing member and arranging it in abutting contact with both the steel retaining plate and at least one of the at least two wall panels to be releasably clamped;

providing a second steel nut and releasably connecting it with the steel threaded rod and arranging it to be in abutting contact with the steel retaining plate so as to keep the steel retaining plate in abutting contact with the at least two wall panels via the at least second resilient sealing member to releasably clamp the at least two wall panels against the steel supporting pillars. In this way, a very simple and robust releasable clamping mechanism is provided that enables the reusable modular building according to the invention to be assembled and disassembled very efficiently.

providing at least a first spacer element and connecting it with the steel threaded rod of at least one of the releasable clamping mechanisms;

arranging the at least first spacer element between two adjacent wall panels to keep them at a predefined distance with respect to each other. In this way, it is very easy to keep two adjacent wall panels that need to be installed at the correct predefined distance with respect to each other. After installation of the wall panels, the at least first spacer element can either be left on the steel threaded rod or be removed from it.

In an embodiment of the method for erecting a reusable modular building according to the invention, the method further comprises the steps of providing at least a first elongated cover element and releasably connecting it with the steel retaining plate of at least one of the releasable clamping mechanisms via a snap connection. The first elongated cover element prevents the releasable clamping mechanism to which it is attached to be accessible from the outside. Furthermore, it prevents the releasable clamping mechanism to be subjected to pollution from the environment in which the reusable modular building according to the invention is used. The first elongated cover element also provides an aesthetic finish for the exterior of the reusable modular building.

providing at least one rectangular steel floor frame of the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and/or at least one rectangular steel roof frame of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames with a predetermined number of wooden reinforcement beams;

arranging each wooden reinforcement beam of the predetermined number of wooden reinforcement beams at right angles with respect to oppositely arranged elongated steel profiles of the respective at least one rectangular steel floor frame and/or the at least one rectangular steel roof frame;

providing at least one wooden reinforcement beam of the predetermined number of wooden reinforcement beams with a predetermined number of through holes;

providing at least two through holes of the predetermined number of through holes each with an elongated steel element, each of the elongated steel elements being provided with threaded sections at its free ends, each of the threaded sections being releasably coupled with a threaded tubular steel element, one threaded tubular steel elements is coupled with a securing element;

arranging the securing element to confine the elongated steel element to the respective through hole of the respective wooden reinforcement beam in which it is arranged;

associating the other threaded steel tubular element with at least one of a threaded steel ring-shaped element and a sealing element.

The rectangular steel floor frames and the rectangular steel roof frames that are provided with wooden reinforcement beams have a higher strength and load capacity. It is noted that instead of steel reinforcement beams, wooden reinforcement beams are applied in the rectangular steel floor and roof frames because this is advantageous with respect to for example mounting of installation modules inside the modular building and positioning of the rectangular steel floor and roof frames during erection of the modular building according to the invention. To position for example a rectangular steel floor frame tightly against another rectangular steel floor frame, four threaded tubular elements that are provided in pairs in two wooden reinforcement beams can be used. Each one of the four threaded tubular elements is associated at one of its open sides with a threaded steel ring- shaped element, e.g. a lifting eye, that can be releasably coupled with a sling. In this way, the wooden reinforcement beams are equipped to enable the rectangular steel floor frames to be positioned tightly against each other. The same applies to the positioning of the rectangular steel roof frames. After positioning the rectangular steel floor frame, the lifting-eyes can be replaced by sealing elements to cover the through holes in the wooden reinforcement beams.

In an embodiment of the method for erecting a reusable modular building according to the invention, the method further comprises the steps of providing a predetermined number of at least one of adjustable and fixed shoring elements and arranging them to interconnect elongated steel profiles of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames and steel supporting pillars of the predetermined number of steel supporting pillars. In this way, the steel supporting pillars and the rectangular steel roof frames can be arranged perpendicular and level. Furthermore, a rigid self- supporting steel skeleton is obtained.

providing a predetermined number of incrementing frames and releasably coupling them to a predetermined number of the rectangular steel roof frames to provide the self-supporting steel skeleton with at least one pitched roof section;

providing each incrementing frame of the predetermined number of incrementing frames with a predetermined number of wooden reinforcement beams; and

providing a predetermined number of roof panels and releasably coupling each roof panel of the predetermined number of roof panels to at least one incrementing frame of the predetermined number of incrementing frames via at least one of the wooden reinforcement beams of the predetermined number of wooden reinforcement beams that is associated with the respective at least one incrementing frame. The incrementing frames that are provided with wooden reinforcement beams have a higher strength and load capacity. It is noted that instead of steel reinforcement beams, wooden reinforcement beams are applied in the rectangular steel floor and roof frames because this is advantageous with respect to for example mounting of roof panels and installation of air ducts of an air management system. The roof panels can comprise at least one of photovoltaic solar panels and solar collector panels of a solar water heater system. In an embodiment of the method for erecting a reusable modular building according to the invention, the method further comprises the steps of

providing a predetermined number of parts of a ceiling system, each of which parts being provided with a fourth predetermined hole pattern;

providing each elongated steel profile of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames with the fourth predetermined hole pattern, wherein the holes of the fourth predetermined hole pattern are configured and arranged to receive releasable coupling elements to releasably couple at least a first part of the

predetermined number of parts of the ceiling system to a first rectangular steel roof frame of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames. In this way, it is easier to releasably install ceiling systems in the reusable modular building according to the present invention than in for example aluminum based structures or container- based buildings known from the art.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of the invention by way of an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of a reusable modular building and a method for erecting it according to the invention. The embodiment of the reusable modular building and the method for erecting it are exemplary in nature only and not to be construed as limiting the scope of protection in any way. The person skilled in the art will realize that alternatives and equivalent embodiments of the reusable modular building and the method for erecting it according to the invention can be conceived and reduced to practice without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Reference will be made to the figures on the accompanying drawing sheets. The figures are schematic in nature and therefore not necessarily drawn to scale.

Furthermore, equal reference numerals denote equal or similar parts. On the attached drawing sheets,

figure 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a self-supporting steel skeleton that is provided with wooden reinforcement beams, a few wall panels, a roof panel and an eaves panel of a reusable modular building according to the present invention;

figure 2 shows a perspective view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of end parts of two releasably coupled elongated steel profiles of a rectangular steel floor frame of the self-supporting steel skeleton 2 shown in figure 1. Figure 2 also shows an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of an end part of a steel supporting pillar that is provided with four elongated steel protrusions;

figure 3A shows a top view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the elongated steel protrusions; figure 3B shows a first side view of the exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the elongated steel protrusions shown in figure 3A;

figure 3C shows a second side view of the exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the elongated steel protrusions shown in figure 3A;

· figure 4 shows a side view of a part of a steel support pillar combined with a cross-sectional view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a Z-shaped steel supporting profile that is releasably coupled with an elongated steel profile of a rectangular floor frame to receive and support a wall panel that is releasably clamped to the steel supporting pillar;

· figure 5 shows a top view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a releasable clamping mechanism according to the present invention that is releasably coupled with two steel supporting pillars to releasably clamp two wall panels to the two steel supporting pillars;

figure 6A shows a side view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of an elongated steel element that is provided with threaded sections at its free ends. Each of these threaded sections are releasably coupled with threaded tubular steel elements, one of which is coupled with a securing element that in use of the elongated steel element confines the elongated steel element to a through hole in which it is arranged;

· figure 6B shows a top view of the exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the elongated steel element shown in figure 6A;

figure 7 shows a perspective view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a part of a wooden reinforcement beam that is provided with through holes one of which is provided with the elongated steel element shown in figures 6A and 6B. A threaded steel ring-shaped element is associated with the elongated steel element that is associated with a sling such that the wooden reinforcement beam can be lifted.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a self-supporting steel skeleton 2 of a reusable modular building 1 according to the present invention. Although the self-supporting steel skeleton 2 shown in figure 1 has one storey, the skilled person will appreciate that it can also comprise two, three or more storeys.

The self-supporting steel skeleton 2 shown in figure 1 comprises eight rectangular steel floor frames 3 that each comprise four elongated steel profiles 4 that are releasably coupled to each other with releasable coupling elements such as steel nuts and bolts. However, the skilled person will appreciate that any suitable kind of releasable coupling elements can be used. The self-supporting steel skeleton 2 further comprises eight rectangular steel roof frames 6 that each comprise four elongated steel profiles 4 that are releasably coupled to each other with releasable coupling elements. Furthermore, the self-supporting steel skeleton 2 comprises twenty steel supporting pillars 7 that are releasably connected under right angles with the elongated steel profiles 4 of both the rectangular steel floor frames 3 and the rectangular steel roof frames 6 so as to releasably interconnect the rectangular steel floor and roof frames.

Each of the elongated steel profiles 4 of both the rectangular steel floor frames 3 and the rectangular steel roof frames 6 is provided with at least two tubular steel receiving members 8 that are arranged at opposite ends of each respective elongated steel profile 4. Each steel supporting pillar 7 is provided at its ends with at least one elongated steel protrusion 9 as will be discussed in more detail in relation to figure 2. The elongated steel protrusions 9 can be at least one of rod-shaped and tubular- shaped. The tubular steel receiving members 8 and the elongated steel protrusions 9 are configured to establish a releasable tight-fitting coupling upon insertion of the elongated steel protrusions 9 into the tubular steel receiving members 8.

Figure 2 provides a perspective view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of end parts of two elongated steel profiles 4 of a rectangular steel floor frame 3 of the self-supporting steel skeleton 2 shown in figure 1 . The two elongated steel profiles 4 are releasably coupled using steel nuts 37 and bolts 38. Each elongated steel profile 4 is provided with a tubular receiving member 8 that is welded to the elongated steel profile 4 such that the longitudinal centerline of the elongated steel profile 4 is at a right angle with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the tubular steel receiving member 8. By welding the tubular steel receiving members 8 at right angles with the elongated steel profiles 4, insertion of the elongated steel protrusions 9 of the steel supporting pillars 7 into the tubular steel receiving members 8 can be achieved more easily. As a result, the releasable tight-fitting couplings between the elongated steel protrusions 9 of the steel supporting pillar 7 and the tubular steel receiving members 8 of the elongated steel profiles 4 can be established more reliably. Consequently, both erecting and dismantling the self-supporting steel skeleton 2 of the reusable modular building 1 according to the invention can be done more efficiently and therefore at lower cost. For example, no huge cranes are required as the ridge of the roof is lower than for example the ridge of the roof of aluminum-based structures known in the art.

Figure 3A shows a top view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the elongated steel protrusions 9 that for example truss beams 34 as shown in figure 1 can be provided with. The tubular-shaped elongated steel protrusions 9 shown in figure 3A are welded to a supporting member that can be coupled to the truss beams. Figure 3B shows a first side view of the exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the elongated steel protrusions 9 shown in figure 3A. The elongated steel protrusions 9 are divided in two types having different heights. This is also apparent from figure 3C that shows a second side view of the exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the elongated steel protrusions shown in figure 3A. The skilled person will appreciate that different configurations of the elongated steel protrusions 9 can be envisaged.

The elongated steel profiles 4 of both the rectangular floor 3 and roof 6 frames are obtained from cold rolled steel plates that are provided with a first predetermined hole pattern 10. The holes 1 1 of the first predetermined hole pattern 10, which can be seen in figure 1 and in greater detail in figure 2, are preferably provided by laser cutting but any other suitable technique can be used as well. The skilled person will appreciate that the same applies to the holes of the second, third and fourth predetermined hole patterns, respectively. Furthermore, the skilled person will appreciate that eventually the steel parts of the reusable modular building according to the invention, e.g.

elongated steel profiles 4 and steel supporting pillars 7 will be galvanized.

The holes 1 1 of the first predetermined hole pattern 10 are configured and arranged to receive releasable coupling elements to releasably couple adjacently arranged rectangular steel floor frames 3 and adjacently arranged rectangular steel roof frames 6. The diameter of the holes 1 1 and the dimensions of the elongated steel profiles 4 can be chosen depending on for example type of elongated profile, i.e. floor profile, roof profile, required strength and load capacity. The elongated steel profiles 4 can also be reinforced locally by providing steel reinforcement elements 36, one of which is shown as a rib or flange in figure 2. In this way, the local strength and load capacity of the rectangular steel floor or roof frames in which the reinforced elongated steel profiles are applied is also enhanced.

The releasable coupling elements that are receivable in the holes 1 1 can for example be steel nuts 37 and bolts 38. However, the skilled person will appreciate that any suitable releasable coupling elements can be used. As releasable coupling elements are used, there is no need to weld the respective rectangular steel floor frames 3 to one another or the rectangular steel roof frames 6 to one another. In this way, the self-supporting steel skeleton 2 can be erected much faster and with less cost. In addition, the reusability of the elongated steel profiles 4 is considerably enhanced. It is noted that the rectangular floor frames 3 and the rectangular roof frames 6 are provided in left, center and right versions.

Figure 1 shows that the exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the self- supporting steel skeleton 2 comprises two truss beams 34 for providing the required stability and load capacity of the self-supporting steel skeleton 2. Figure 1 also shows that shoring elements 35 are provided that are arranged to interconnect elongated steel profiles 4 of the rectangular steel roof frames 6 and the steel supporting pillars 7. In this way, the steel supporting pillars 7 and the rectangular steel roof frames 6 can be arranged perpendicular and level. Furthermore, a rigid self-supporting steel skeleton 2 is obtained. The shoring elements 35 shown in figure 1 have an adjustable length. The skilled person will appreciate that shoring elements having a fixed length can also be used. However, the use of shoring elements 35 having an adjustable length enables an even more convenient way of erecting the self-supporting steel skeleton 2 of the modular building 1 using the method according to the present invention.

In order to provide wall panels 13 to the self-supporting steel skeleton 2 as shown in figure 1 , a steel supporting structure is provided that is arranged to enclose the periphery of the releasably coupled adjacently arranged rectangular steel floor frames 3. The steel supporting structure comprises Z-shaped steel supporting profiles 12. Figure 4 shows a side view of a part of a steel support pillar 7 combined with a cross-sectional view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a Z-shaped steel supporting profile 12 that is releasably coupled with an elongated steel profile 4 of a rectangular floor frame 3. The Z-shaped steel supporting profile 12 is arranged to receive and support a wall panel 13 that is releasably clamped to the steel supporting pillar 7. Each of the steel supporting profiles 12 is also provided with the first predetermined hole pattern 10 to releasably couple each of the steel supporting profiles 12 with elongated steel profiles 4 of the rectangular steel floor frames 3 that have a free side that faces away from the interior of the self-supporting steel skeleton 2. In this way, the steel supporting structure provides a slit in which wall panels 13 can at least partially be received. Furthermore, the steel supporting structure supports the wall panels 13 received in the slit. The skilled person will appreciate that the wall panels 13 can be a glass panel or can comprise one of a window and a door.

The steel supporting pillar 7 partially shown in figures 2 and 4, is provided with a second predetermined hole pattern 17. The holes 18 of the second predetermined hole pattern 17 are configured and arranged to receive releasable clamping mechanisms 19 that are used to releasably clamp wall panels 13 to the steel supporting pillars 7. The releasable clamping mechanism 19 is only partially visible in figure 4 and will be discussed in greater detail in relation to figure 5. As shown in figure 4, wall panel 13 is supported by the steel supporting structure 12 and is releasably clamped to the self- supporting steel skeleton 2. In this way, the wall panels 13 do not have a load-bearing function. Due to the fact that the steel skeleton 2 is self-supporting it is possible to design the interior free space of the reusable modular building 1 as required by the specific use of the reusable modular building 1. For example, if the reusable modular building is used as a kitchen or restaurant facility, a large interior free space is desired.

The steel supporting profiles 12 are provided with a third predetermined hole pattern (not shown). The holes of the third predetermined hole pattern are configured and arranged to drain rainwater.

Figure 5 shows a top view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a releasable clamping mechanism 19 according to the present invention that is releasably coupled with two steel supporting pillars 7 to releasably clamp two wall panels 13 to the two steel supporting pillars.

As shown in figure 5, the releasable clamping mechanism 19 is arranged between two wall panels 13 to releasably clamp the two wall panels to a side of the steel supporting pillars 7 that faces away from the interior of the self-supporting steel skeleton 2. The skilled person will appreciate that by arranging the wall panels 13 outside of the steel supporting pillars, the formation of cold bridges can be prevented. As a result, this arrangement of the wall panels 13 significantly improves the thermal isolation of the modular building 1 according to the invention. The skilled person will also appreciate that according to another embodiment of the releasable clamping mechanism 19 it is possible to releasably clamp for example four wall panels 13 to the two steel supporting pillars 7.

The releasable clamping mechanism 19, in the exemplary, non-limiting embodiment shown in figure 5, comprises a steel supporting plate 20 that is provided with a first steel nut 21 . The steel supporting plate 20 is connected with the two steel supporting pillars 7 such that the first steel nut 21 faces towards the two wall panels 13 that are releasably clamped to the steel supporting pillars. The releasable clamping mechanism 19 further comprises a steel threaded rod 22 that has a predetermined length that is determined by the thickness of the two wall panels 13 that are releasably clamped to the steel supporting pillars 7. A first end part of the steel threaded rod 22 is releasably connected with the first steel nut 21 of the steel supporting plate 20. A first resilient sealing member 23 is arranged in abutting contact with the two wall panels 13 and two releasable coupling elements that are used to releasably couple the steel supporting plate 20 to the steel supporting pillars 7.

The releasable clamping mechanism 19 further comprises a steel retaining plate 24 that is provided with a hole that is configured and arranged to receive the steel threaded rod 22. The releasable clamping mechanism 19 also comprises a second resilient sealing member 25 that is arranged in abutting contact with both the steel retaining plate 24 and the two wall panels 13. The releasable clamping mechanism 19 furthermore comprises a second steel nut 26 that is releasably connected with the steel threaded rod 22 and arranged in abutting contact with the steel retaining plate 24 so as to keep the steel retaining plate 24 in abutting contact with the two wall panels 13 via the second resilient sealing member 25 to releasably clamp the two wall panels 13 against the steel supporting pillars 7. In this way, a very simple and robust releasable clamping mechanism 19 is provided that enables the reusable modular building 1 according to the invention to be assembled and disassembled very efficiently.

The releasable clamping mechanism 19 also comprises a first elongated cover element 27 that is releasably connected with the steel retaining plate 24 via a snap connection. The first elongated cover element 27 prevents the releasable clamping mechanism 19 from being accessible from the outside. Furthermore, the first elongated cover element 27 prevents the releasable clamping mechanism 19 to be subjected to pollution from the environment in which the reusable modular building 1 according to the invention is used. The first elongated cover element 27 also provides an aesthetic finish for the exterior of the reusable modular building 1 .

In another embodiment of the releasable clamping mechanism 19, the second steel nut 26 and the steel retaining plate 24 can be connected to each other so as to form one integrated component.

In a further embodiment of the releasable clamping mechanism 19, at least a first spacer element can be connected with the steel threaded rod 22 and arranged between two adjacent wall panels 13 to keep them at a predefined distance with respect to each other. In this way, it is very easy to keep two adjacent wall panels 13 that need to be installed at the correct predefined distance with respect to each other. After installation of the wall panels 13, the at least first spacer element can either be left on the steel threaded rod 22 or be removed from it.

Figure 1 shows that the rectangular steel floor frames 3 are provided with wooden reinforcement beams 28 that are arranged at right angles with respect to oppositely arranged elongated steel profiles 4 of the respective rectangular steel floor frames 3. The rectangular steel floor frames 3 that are provided with wooden reinforcement beams 28 have a higher strength and load capacity. Although the same applies to the rectangular steel roof frames 6, the skilled person will appreciate that for the sake of clarity the wooden reinforcement beams are not shown in figure 1. It is noted that instead of steel reinforcement beams, wooden reinforcement beams 28 are applied in the rectangular steel floor and roof frames because this is advantageous with respect to for example mounting of installation modules inside the reusable modular building 1 and positioning of the rectangular steel floor 3 and roof 6 frames during erection of the modular building according to the invention. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a part of a wooden reinforcement beam 28 that is provided with two through holes 29. One through hole 29 is provided with an elongated steel element 30 that will be discussed in greater detail in relation to figures 6A and 6B.

Figure 6A shows a side view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of an elongated steel element 30 that is provided with threaded sections at its free ends. Each of these threaded sections is releasably coupled with a threaded tubular steel element 41 , 42. Threaded tubular steel element 41 is coupled with a securing element 33 that, in use, confines the elongated steel element 30 to a through hole 29 in which it is arranged. This is shown in figure 7. The other threaded steel tubular element 42 can be associated with a threaded steel ring-shaped element 31 . Figure 7 shows that the threaded steel ring-shaped element 31 is a lifting eye that is associated with a sling that is arranged such that the wooden reinforcement beam 28 can be lifted for example to position a rectangular steel floor frame tightly against another rectangular steel floor frame. After positioning the rectangular steel floor frame, the lifting-eye shown in figure 7 can be replaced by a sealing element to cover the through hole 29 in the wooden reinforcement beam 28.

Figure 6B shows a top view of the exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the elongated steel element 30 shown in figure 6A.

Figure 1 shows that the self-supporting steel skeleton 2 is provided with incrementing frames 39 that are releasably coupled to the rectangular steel roof frames 6 to provide the self-supporting steel skeleton 2 with a pitched roof. The skilled person will appreciate that other roof configurations can be envisaged, for example a combination of a pitched roof section and a flat roof section. It is noted that the incrementing frames 39 are provided in left and right versions.

The incrementing frames 39 are provided with wooden reinforcement beams 28. The incrementing frames that are provided with wooden reinforcement beams have a higher strength and load capacity. It is noted that instead of steel reinforcement beams, wooden reinforcement beams 28 are applied in the incrementing frames because this is advantageous with respect to for example mounting of roof panels and installation of air ducts of an air management system.

Figure 1 also shows a roof panel 40 that is releasably coupled to an incrementing frame 39 via the wooden reinforcement beams 28 that are associated with the respective incrementing frame 39. The skilled person will appreciate that the roof panels 40 can comprise at least one of for example photovoltaic solar panels and solar collector panels of a solar water heater system. Figure 1 furthermore shows a steel eaves frame 14 that is arranged to enclose the periphery of the releasably coupled adjacently arranged rectangular steel roof frames 6. The steel eaves frame 14 comprises steel eaves profiles 15 each of which is arranged to support at least a first eaves panel 16. Each of the steel eaves profiles 15 is also provided with the first predetermined hole pattern 10 to releasably couple each of the steel eaves profiles 15 with elongated steel profiles 4 of the rectangular steel roof frames 6 that have a free side that faces away from the interior of the self-supporting steel skeleton 2. In this way, an edge of the roof is achieved that provides the impression as if it were freely floating with respect to the reusable modular building. The skilled person will appreciate that facilities comprising at least one of a gutter and a lighting system can be provided behind the eaves panels 16.

In the foregoing description of the drawings, the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications/additions and/or changes/substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of protection of the invention as summarized in the attached claims.

In particular, combinations of specific features of various aspects of the invention may be made. An aspect of the invention may be further advantageously enhanced by adding a feature that was described in relation to another aspect of the invention.

It is to be understood that the invention is limited by the annexed claims and its technical equivalents only. In this document and in its claims, the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations are used in their non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, without excluding items not specifically mentioned. In addition, reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements. The indefinite article "a" or "an" thus usually means "at least one".

Claims

1 . A reusable modular building (1 ) that in use comprises a self-supporting steel skeleton (2) comprising

a predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames (3) that each comprise elongated steel profiles (4) that are releasably coupled to each other with releasable coupling elements (5);

a predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames (6) that each comprise elongated steel profiles that are releasably coupled to each other with releasable coupling elements;

a predetermined number of steel supporting pillars (7) that are releasably connected under right angles with the elongated steel profiles of both the

predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames so as to releasably interconnect said predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and said predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames;

wherein each elongated steel profile of both the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and the predetermined number of the rectangular steel roof frames is provided with at least two tubular steel receiving members (8) that are arranged at opposite ends of each respective elongated steel profile and wherein each steel supporting pillar of the predetermined number of steel supporting pillars is provided at its ends with at least one elongated steel protrusion (9), wherein each of said tubular steel receiving members and each of said elongated steel protrusions are configured to establish a releasable tight-fitting coupling upon insertion of said elongated steel protrusion into said tubular steel receiving member.

2. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein each elongated steel profile (4) of both the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames (3) and the predetermined number of the rectangular steel roof frames (6) has a longitudinal centerline that is at a right angle with respect to the longitudinal centerline of each tubular steel receiving member (8) it is associated with.

3. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each elongated steel profile (4) of both the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames (3) and the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames (6) is provided with a first predetermined hole pattern (10), wherein the holes (1 1 ) of the first predetermined hole pattern are configured and arranged to receive releasable coupling elements to releasably couple adjacently arranged rectangular steel floor frames of the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and adjacently arranged rectangular steel roof frames of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames, respectively.

4. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein a steel supporting structure is provided that is arranged to enclose the periphery of the releasably coupled adjacently arranged rectangular steel floor frames (3) of the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames, the steel supporting structure comprising steel supporting profiles (12) each of which has a Z-shape and is arranged to receive and support at least a first wall panel (13) of a predetermined number of wall panels, wherein each of the steel supporting profiles is also provided with the first predetermined hole pattern to releasably couple each of the steel supporting profiles with elongated steel profiles (4) of the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames (3) that have a free side that faces away from the interior of the self-supporting steel skeleton (2).

5. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a steel eaves frame (14) is provided that is arranged to enclose the periphery of the releasably coupled adjacently arranged rectangular steel roof frames (6) of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames, the steel eaves frame comprising steel eaves profiles (15) each of which is arranged to support at least a first eaves panel (16) of a predetermined number of eaves panels, wherein each of the steel eaves profiles is also provided with the first predetermined hole pattern (10) to releasably couple each of the steel eaves profiles with elongated steel profiles of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames that have a free side that faces away from the interior of the self-supporting steel skeleton (2).

6. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each steel supporting pillar (7) of the predetermined number of steel supporting pillars is provided with a second predetermined hole pattern (17), wherein the holes (18) of the second predetermined hole pattern are configured and arranged to receive releasable clamping mechanisms (19) of a predetermined number of releasable clamping mechanisms to releasably clamp the predetermined number of wall panels (13) to the steel supporting pillars.

7. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to claim 6, wherein each releasable clamping mechanism (19) is arranged between at least two wall panels (13) of the predetermined number of wall panels to releasably clamp the at least two wall panels to a side of at least one steel supporting pillar (7) that faces away from the interior of the self-supporting steel skeleton (2).

8. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein each releasable clamping mechanism (19) comprises

a steel supporting plate (20) provided with a first steel nut (21 ), the steel supporting plate being connected with at least one steel supporting pillar (7) such that the first steel nut faces towards the at least two wall panels (13) to be releasably clamped;

a steel threaded rod (22) having a predetermined length that is determined by the thickness of the at least two wall panels (13) that are to be releasably clamped, wherein in use of the releasable clamping mechanism, a first end part of the steel threaded rod is releasably connected with the first steel nut (21 ) of the steel supporting plate;

at least a first resilient sealing member (23) that, in use of the releasable clamping mechanism, is arranged in abutting contact with at least one of the at least two wall panels (13) to be releasably clamped;

a steel retaining plate (24) that is provided with a hole that, in use of the releasable clamping mechanism, is configured and arranged to receive the steel threaded rod (22);

at least a second resilient sealing member (25) that in use of the releasable clamping mechanism is arranged in abutting contact with both the steel retaining plate (24) and at least one of the at least two wall panels (13) to be releasably clamped; a second steel nut (26) that in use of the releasable clamping mechanism is releasably connected with the steel threaded rod (22) and arranged to be in abutting contact with the steel retaining plate (24) so as to keep the steel retaining plate in abutting contact with the at least two wall panels via the at least second resilient sealing member to releasably clamp the at least two wall panels against the steel supporting pillars.

9. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to claim 8, wherein each releasable clamping mechanism (19) comprises at least a first spacer element that, in use of the releasable clamping mechanism, is connected with the steel threaded rod (22) and arranged between two adjacent wall panels to keep them at a predefined distance with respect to each other.

10. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein each releasable clamping mechanism (19) comprises at least a first elongated cover element (27) that, in use of the releasable clamping mechanism, is releasably connected with the steel retaining plate (24) via a snap connection.

1 1. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to any one of the claims 8-10, wherein the second steel nut (26) and the steel retaining plate (24) are connected to each other so as to form one integrated component.

12. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to any one of the claims 5-1 1 , wherein the steel supporting profiles (12) are provided with a third predetermined hole pattern, wherein the holes of the third predetermined hole pattern are configured and arranged to drain rainwater.

13. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular steel receiving members (8) are welded to the elongated steel profiles (4).

14. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one steel elongated protrusion (9) is at least one of rod- shaped and tubular-shaped.

15. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one rectangular steel floor frame (3) of the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and/or at least one rectangular steel roof frame (6) of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames is provided with a predetermined number of wooden reinforcement beams (28), wherein each wooden reinforcement beam of the predetermined number of wooden reinforcement beams is arranged at right angles with respect to oppositely arranged elongated steel profiles (4) of the respective at least one rectangular steel floor frame (3) and/or the at least one rectangular steel roof frame (6).

16. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to claim 15, wherein at least one wooden reinforcement beam (28) of the predetermined number of wooden

reinforcement beams is provided with a predetermined number of through holes (29) wherein at least two through holes of the predetermined number of through holes are each provided with an elongated steel element (30), each of the elongated steel elements being provided with threaded sections at its free ends, each of the threaded sections being releasably coupled with a threaded tubular steel element (41 , 42), one threaded tubular steel element (41 ) is coupled with a securing element (33) that, in use of the elongated steel element, is arranged to confine the elongated steel element to the respective through hole (29) of the respective wooden reinforcement beam (28) in which it is arranged, the other threaded steel tubular element (42), in use of the elongated steel element, is associated with at least one of a threaded steel ring-shaped element (31 ) and a sealing element.

17. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one elongated steel profile (4) of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames is a truss beam (34).

18. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a predetermined number of shoring elements (35) is provided that, in use of the reusable modular building, are arranged to interconnect elongated steel profiles (4) of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames (6) and steel supporting pillars (7) of the predetermined number of steel supporting pillars.

19. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to claim 18, wherein the shoring elements (35) have an adjustable length.

20. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated steel profiles (4) of at least one of the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames (3) and the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames (6) are provided with steel reinforcement elements (36).

21. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the releasable coupling elements (5) are steel nuts (37) and bolts (38).

22. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the self-supporting steel skeleton (2) comprises at least one storey.

23. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a predetermined number of incrementing frames (39) is provided that in use of the reusable modular building are releasably coupled to a predetermined number of the rectangular steel roof frames (6) to provide the self-supporting steel skeleton with at least one pitched roof section.

24. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to claim 23, wherein each incrementing frame (39) of the predetermined number of incrementing frames is provided with a predetermined number of wooden reinforcement beams (28).

25. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to claim 24, wherein a predetermined number of roof panels (40) is provided and wherein each roof panel of the predetermined number of roof panels is releasably coupled to at least one incrementing frame (39) of the predetermined number of incrementing frames via at least one of the wooden reinforcement beams (28) of the predetermined number of wooden reinforcement beams that is associated with the respective at least one incrementing frame.

26. The reusable modular building (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a predetermined number of parts of a ceiling system is provided, each of which parts is provided with a fourth predetermined hole pattern that is also provided to each elongated steel profile (4) of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames (6), wherein the holes of the fourth predetermined hole pattern are configured and arranged to receive releasable coupling elements to releasably couple at least a first part of the predetermined number of parts of the ceiling system to a first rectangular steel roof frame of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames.

27. A method for erecting a reusable modular building (1 ) according to any one of the claims 1 -26 that in use comprises a self-supporting steel skeleton (2), the method comprising the steps of

providing a predetermined number of elongated steel profiles (4) that are provided with at least two tubular steel receiving members (8) that are arranged at opposite ends of each respective elongated steel profile and releasably coupling the elongated steel profiles to each other with releasable coupling elements (5) to form a predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames (3);

providing a predetermined number of elongated steel profiles (4) that are provided with at least two tubular steel receiving members (8) that are arranged at opposite ends of each respective elongated steel profile and releasably coupling the elongated steel profiles to each other with releasable coupling elements (5) to form a predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames (6);

providing a predetermined number of steel supporting pillars (7) each of which is provided at its ends with at least one elongated steel protrusion (9) and releasably connecting the steel supporting pillars under right angles with the elongated steel profiles of both the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames so as to releasably interconnect said predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and said predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames, wherein each of said tubular steel receiving members (8) and each of said elongated steel protrusions (9) are configured to establish a releasable tight-fitting coupling upon inserting the elongated steel protrusion into the tubular steel receiving member.

28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising the step of releasably coupling adjacently arranged rectangular steel floor frames (3) of the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and adjacently arranged rectangular steel roof frames (6) of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames, respectively using releasable coupling elements (5), wherein each elongated steel profile of both the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames is provided with a first predetermined hole pattern (10), wherein the holes (1 1 ) of the first predetermined hole pattern are configured and arranged to receive the releasable coupling elements (5).

29. The method according to claim 28, further comprising the steps of providing Z-shaped steel supporting profiles (12) that are provided with the first predetermined hole pattern (10);

releasably coupling each of the Z-shaped steel supporting profiles using releasable coupling elements with elongated steel profiles of the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames that have a free side that faces away from the interior of the self-supporting steel skeleton (2) to provide a steel supporting structure that encloses the periphery of the releasably coupled adjacently arranged rectangular steel floor frames of the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames;

providing a predetermined number of wall panels (13), wherein each of the Z- shaped steel supporting profiles (12) receives and supports at least a first wall panel of the predetermined number of wall panels.

30. The method according to claim 28 or 29, further comprising the steps of providing steel eaves profiles (15) that are provided with the first predetermined hole pattern (10);

releasably coupling each of the steel eaves profiles using releasable coupling elements with elongated steel profiles (4) of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames (6) that have a free side that faces away from the interior of the self- supporting steel skeleton (2) to provide a steel eaves frame that encloses the periphery of the releasably coupled adjacently arranged rectangular steel roof frames of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames;

providing a predetermined number of eaves panels (16), wherein each of the steel eaves profiles supports at least a first eaves panel of the predetermined number of eaves panels.

31. The method according to claim 29, further comprising the step of providing releasable clamping mechanisms (19) of a predetermined number of releasable clamping mechanisms to releasably clamp the predetermined number of wall panels (13) to the steel supporting pillars (7) each of which is provided with a second predetermined hole pattern (17), wherein the holes (18) of the second predetermined hole pattern are configured and arranged to receive the releasable clamping mechanisms.

32. The method according to claim 31 , further comprising the step of arranging each releasable clamping mechanism (19) between at least two wall panels (13) of the predetermined number of wall panels to releasably clamp the at least two wall panels to a side of at least one steel supporting pillar (7) that faces away from the interior of the self-supporting steel skeleton (2).

33. The method according to claim 31 or 32, wherein assembling each releasable clamping mechanism (19) comprises the steps of

providing a steel supporting plate (20) that is provided with a first steel nut (21 ) and connecting the steel supporting plate with at least one steel supporting pillar such that the first steel nut faces towards the at least two wall panels (13) to be releasably clamped;

providing a steel threaded rod (22) having a predetermined length that is determined by the thickness of the at least two wall panels (13) that are to be releasably clamped;

releasably connecting a first end part of the steel threaded rod (22) with the first steel nut (21 ) of the steel supporting plate (20);

providing at least a first resilient sealing member (23) and arranging it in abutting contact with at least one of the at least two wall panels (13) to be releasably clamped; providing a steel retaining plate (24) that is provided with a hole;

inserting the steel threaded rod (22) into the hole to arrange the steel retaining plate on the threaded rod;

providing at least a second resilient sealing member (25) and arranging it in abutting contact with both the steel retaining plate (24) and at least one of the at least two wall panels (13) to be releasably clamped;

providing a second steel nut (26) and releasably connecting it with the steel threaded rod (22) and arranging it to be in abutting contact with the steel retaining plate (24) so as to keep the steel retaining plate in abutting contact with the at least two wall panels (13) via the at least second resilient sealing member (25) to releasably clamp the at least two wall panels against the steel supporting pillars.

34. The method according to claim 33, further comprising the steps of providing at least a first spacer element and connecting it with the steel threaded rod of at least one of the releasable clamping mechanisms (19);

arranging the at least first spacer element between two adjacent wall panels (13) to keep them at a predefined distance with respect to each other.

35. The method according to claim 33 or 34, further comprising the steps of providing at least a first elongated cover element (27) and releasably connecting it with the steel retaining plate (24) of at least one of the releasable clamping mechanisms (19) via a snap connection.

36. The method according to any one of the claims 27-35, further comprising the steps of

providing at least one rectangular steel floor frame (3) of the predetermined number of rectangular steel floor frames and/or at least one rectangular steel roof frame (6) of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames with a predetermined number of wooden reinforcement beams (28);

providing at least one wooden reinforcement beam of the predetermined number of wooden reinforcement beams with a predetermined number of through holes (29); providing at least two through holes of the predetermined number of through holes each with an elongated steel element (30), each of the elongated steel elements being provided with threaded sections at its free ends, each of the threaded sections being releasably coupled with a threaded tubular steel element (41 , 42), one of the threaded tubular steel elements (41 ) is coupled with a securing element (33);

arranging the securing element (33) to confine the elongated steel element to the respective through hole (29) of the respective wooden reinforcement beam (28) in which it is arranged;

associating the other threaded steel tubular element (42) with at least one of a threaded steel ring-shaped element (31 ) and a sealing element.

37. The method according to any one of the claims 27-36, further comprising the steps of providing a predetermined number of at least one of adjustable and fixed shoring elements (35) and arranging them to interconnect elongated steel profiles (4) of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames (6) and steel supporting pillars (7) of the predetermined number of steel supporting pillars.

38. The method according to any one of the claims 27-37, further comprising the steps of

providing a predetermined number of incrementing frames (39) and releasably coupling them to a predetermined number of the rectangular steel roof frames (6) to provide the self-supporting steel skeleton (2) with at least one pitched roof section; providing each incrementing frame (39) of the predetermined number of incrementing frames with a predetermined number of wooden reinforcement beams (28); and

providing a predetermined number of roof panels (40) and releasably coupling each roof panel of the predetermined number of roof panels to at least one

incrementing frame (39) of the predetermined number of incrementing frames via at least one of the wooden reinforcement beams (28) of the predetermined number of wooden reinforcement beams that is associated with the respective at least one incrementing frame.

39. The method according to any one of the claims 27-38, further comprising the steps of

providing each elongated steel profile (4) of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames (6) with the fourth predetermined hole pattern, wherein the holes of the fourth predetermined hole pattern are configured and arranged to receive releasable coupling elements to releasably couple at least a first part of the predetermined number of parts of the ceiling system to a first rectangular steel roof frame of the predetermined number of rectangular steel roof frames.