BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to floor structures in which space below the floor
is accessible, and more specifically to an accessible floor structure that is structurally
integrated with the associated building structure.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] The increase in the use of computers, communication devices, and other electronic
hardware has placed new demands on building designers. Users desire a large number
of outlets for access to electrical power and communication signals, and they need
the ability to change the location of such outlets on a regular, sometimes frequent
basis. Power and data outlets have been located in, or under, a floor, typically in
removable floor sections elevated above the original floor by supports. Two typical
types of elevated floors are the pedestal floor and the low-profile floor.
[0003] The pedestal access floor has pedestals that consist of metal rods with a base plate
at one end and a supporting plate on the other that supports removable horizontal
panels, thus forming a raised floor structure. The metal rods are height adjustable
and rest on a conventional solid floor deck. The solid floor deck may be made of wood,
concrete, or a combination of metal deck and a concrete topping slab. The rods are
arranged in a grid, typically square. The rods and plates support removable floor
sections. The height of the rods is typically about 30,45 to 45,72 cm (12 to 18 inches)
and can be adjusted to a desired height prior to installing the floor sections. Electrical
power and data cables are laid between the solid floor deck and the underside of the
floor sections. The cables penetrate the floor sections at a desired location to suit
the user's needs. The penetrations may consist only of openings for cables, or may
be junction boxes, similar to common electrical wall outlets. The penetrations may
accommodate power wires, or signal cables such as cable television, speaker wire,
computer networks, etc. In some designs, the space between the floor deck and the
elevated floor sections is configured to enable the distribution of conditioned air
through grilles and/or registers located in selected floor sections. A flooring system
of the type described above is disclosed in
U.S. Patent 3,396,501, issued to D.L. Tate on August 13, 1968.
[0004] There is a labor premium involved in having to locate and install the foregoing pedestal
system. The pedestals must be braced to meet seismic code, further increasing labor
and material costs. Moreover, the pedestals increase ceiling height requirements,
and ultimately the height of the building, especially if the building has many stories,
which increases the area of the exterior envelope, thereby increasing not only construction
costs but also operating costs due to heat loss. If the pedestal access floor is only
used in parts of a building, ramps or structural accommodations must be made for the
changes in floor elevation. As users re-route electrical cables below the access floor,
the pedestals may present an impediment in pulling cables to a new location. The access
floor also represents another step in the construction schedule. The acoustical properties
of this system are poor. The floor panels are usually relatively thin, and transmit
sound both horizontally and vertically.
[0005] A second type of elevated floor is a low-profile design, which may be roughly 6,35
to 10,16 cm (2 1/2 inches to 4 inches) high. This design does not use pedestals to
raise and support the floor sections, but rather relies on "feet" at the corners of
the sections to create the space above the solid floor deck and below the underside
of the panel. The panels, with low "feet," rest directly on the floor deck. This low-profile
design is less costly than the pedestal floor, but still impacts the cost of a traditionally
designed floor in a building because it requires the use of a solid floor deck. The
problem of elevation changes between the existing conventional floor and accessible
floor also remains. It may also increase the floor-to-floor height of a multi-story
building, albeit less than a traditional pedestal floor.
[0006] There are also disadvantages to the low-profile floor compared to the pedestal floor.
The space below the low-profile sections is not deep enough to be used to supply air.
The resulting floor is not as stable, in either the horizontal or vertical dimension,
as the pedestal access floor described above. Since the sections are not fastened
to the floor deck, they can move when cable is being pulled and re-routed. In general,
the smaller distance between the solid floor deck and the surface of the floor sections
decreases the flexibility of the low-profile floor. Both types require an underlying
solid floor deck for support, and to provide structural stability to the overall building
structure.
[0007] In addition, the acoustical characteristics of both common types of elevated floors
are typically very poor. They tend to transmit noise to a degree that makes them impractical
for use in many environments.
[0008] Another type of accessible floor is disclosed in
U.S. Patent 3,583,121, issued to D.L. Tate on June 8, 1971. This system includes two layers of bar joists laid one on top of the other at right
angles thereto. Panels laid over the upper layer may be configured to be removable,
to provide access to space underneath. One disadvantage of this system is the height
of the two layers of joists and the added height this imparts to a building. Additionally,
the joists must be laid at least as closely together as the width of the panels. The
resulting weight and depth of the system is too great to be practical except where
particularly heavy loads are imposed on the floor. Also, the joists have to be welded
at each intersection greatly increasing field labor costs.
[0009] US 2002/005022A1 describes a floor section according to the preamble of claim 1.
[0010] CH 392017A describes a floor frame using two superimposed layers of prefabricated joists.
[0011] WO 2004/092498A2 describes a floor system for a building. The system is designed to replace conventional
permanent structural floors and provides ready access to the underlying space.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0012] There is provided according to a first aspect a floor section comprising: a plurality
of grid members lying spaced-apart and parallel to a first horizontal axis, each of
the plurality of grid members including: first and second cold-formed steel beams
lying parallel to each other and coupled together, a plate lying in a horizontal plane
and extending over top surfaces of the first and second beams, a plurality of subfloor
rails lying parallel to a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis, each of the
plurality of subfloor rails being rigidly coupled to each of the plurality of grid
members, characterised by the plate having a plurality of threaded apertures configured
to receive respective fasteners to couple a plurality of floor panels to said plate,
such that the plurality of floor panels can be repeatedly removed and replaced, and
the floor section further comprising a plurality of cross members lying spaced-apart
and parallel to the second horizontal axis, each positioned to extend between two
adjacent ones of the plurality of grid members, top surfaces of each of the plurality
of cross member being coplanar with top surfaces of the plates of each of the plurality
of grid members.
[0013] There is provided according to a second aspect a method, comprising: at a fabrication
site, coupling pairs of cold-formed steel beams together in a side-by-side configuration
to form respective ones of a plurality of grid members; positioning each of the plurality
of grid members in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship, with top surfaces thereof
lying in a common plane; positioning each of a plurality of subfloor rails against
bottom surfaces of the plurality of grid members and lying perpendicular thereto;
rigidly coupling each of the plurality of subfloor rails to each of the plurality
of grid members to form a grid section; coupling each of a plurality of plates onto
the top surface of a respective one of the plurality of grid members, characterised
by: each of the plates having a plurality of threaded apertures configured to receive
respective fasteners of a plurality of floor panels, which can be repeatedly removed
and replaced; moving the grid section from the fabrication site, and wherein coupling
the plurality of plates onto the top surface of the plurality of grid members comprises
coupling one or more panels to the plurality of plates, thereby securing each of the
plurality of plates in a spaced-apart and parallel relationship and forming a plate
assembly, and positioning the plate assembly on top of the grid section with each
of the plates lying on the top surface of a respective one of the plurality of grid
members.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0014]
Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a section of the floor system not forming part
of the invention.
Figure 2 shows a detail of a structural support grid element of a floor system not
forming part of the invention.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of a portion of the floor
system of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional illustration of the floor system of Figure 3 taken along
line IV-IV.
Figure 5 is a plan view of a floor system not forming part of the invention.
Figure 6 is a plan view of a floor system not forming part of the invention.
Figure 7 is an isometric view of a floor system not forming part of the invention.
Figure 8 is an isometric view of a floor system not forming part of the invention.
Figure 9 is a partially exploded view of a flooring system not forming part of the
invention.
Figure 10 is a more detailed view of the system of Figure 9.
Figure 11 shows a detailed view of a feature of Figure 9.
Figure 12 is a cross sectional view of the portion of Figure 10 indicated at lines
XII-XII.
Figure 13 is a partial cut-away plan view of the system of Figure 9.
Figure 14 is a cross sectional view of the portion of Figure 9 indicated at lines
XIV-XIV.
Figure 15 is a cross sectional view of the portion of Figure 9 indicated at lines
XV-XV.
Figure 16 is an isometric view of a floor system not forming part of the invention.
Figure 17 is an isometric view of a floor system according to an embodiment falling
into the scope of the claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The structural elements of a building comprise the columns, girders, beams, trusses,
joists, braced frames, moment resistant frames, vertical and lateral resisting elements,
and other framing members that are designed to carry portions of the dead or live
load and lateral forces, and that are essential to the stability of the building.
The term
framing member is used in the specification and claims to refer to vertical and horizontal structural
elements that comprise portions of the frame of a building.
[0016] According to various embodiments, structurally integrated accessible floor systems
are provided. Such systems provide access to space beneath the floor surface, typically
by the use of removable panels. They are configured to be integrated with the structural
frame of a building in a manner similar to a conventional floor, and in some embodiments
serve to transmit lateral forces as well as acting as load bearing surfaces. They
differ significantly from conventional accessible floor systems in that they are not
configured to be supported by a solid floor deck, with or without pedestals. A prior
art accessible floor that is configured to be supported below by a separate floor
surface is not a
structurally integrated system, nor is it capable of integration with a building structure, as the term is
used herein.
[0017] According to a first embodiment not forming part of the invention, a structurally
integrated accessible floor system, hereinafter referred to as the floor system, is
designated generally as 100, and is shown isometrically in Figure 1.
[0018] Primary framing members 102 are provided, which are integral parts of metal frame
type buildings. Secondary framing members, such as joists 104 are connected to the
primary framing members 102, typically by welding or riveting, although fasteners
of various kinds, which are well known in the art, can be used. According to one embodiment
not forming part of the invention, a structural support grid 106 is then formed, bearing
on the secondary framing members 104. The grid 106 is configured to receive removable
floor panels 108 in the openings 110 formed by the grid 106.
[0019] The grid 106 is configured to span across the secondary framing members 104 such
that a plurality of floor panels 108 are supported by the grid between each secondary
framing member 104, without the need for support by a secondary framing member for
each floor panel 108. For example, the grid 106 is shown in Figure 1 spanning across
a distance D between two secondary framing members 104 while supporting the width
of three panels 108 in that same distance. This is in contrast to conventional removable
flooring systems, in which each removable panel is generally supported by a grid having
a leg, post, or pedestal at each corner of each panel.
[0020] The removable floor panels 108 are of a uniform size to allow interchangeability,
and they may be provided with terminals or hookups 112 for electrical power and communication
access, and with vents or registers 114 for ventilation.
[0021] For the sake of convenience and clarity, one type of power terminal 112 is shown
in Figure 1. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that a wide variety
of terminals may be used, including standard 110 volt sockets, coaxial cable terminals,
fiber optical connections, heavy duty power terminals, T2 connectors, etc. A user
may further choose to provide an opening in the panel to enable the passage of cable
without the use of a terminal.
[0022] By the same token, a wide variety of means to transmit air and gas may be used in
place of the vent 114, including compressed air hookups, vacuum lines, fans, directionally
adjustable vents, filters, emergency gas evacuation systems, compressed oxygen, CO
2, propane, nitrogen, etc.
[0023] Figure 1 also shows optional panels 116 attached to metal channels 118, which are
in turn affixed to the underside of the secondary framing members. These panels 116
are ideally constructed of material that resists fire, thus forming a fire block.
The panels 116 isolate one story of a building from the next, establishing fire protection,
which may be required by many building codes. The panels 116 attached to the underside
of the secondary framing members enclose the space between the secondary framing members.
This enclosed space may be employed as a plenum for HVAC. This can result in a financial
savings, because ductwork is reduced or eliminated. Partitions may be used within
this space to permit discreet sections of the floor system to pressurize for use as
a plenum.
[0024] Referring next to Figure 2, shown therein is a section of one embodiment, not forming
part of the invention, of the structural support grid 106. According to this embodiment,
not forming part of the invention, the structural support grid comprises L-shaped
rail members 202 affixed in back-to-back relationship to T-shaped joint nodes 200
to form supports for the removable floor panels. The nodes and rail members are standardized
to permit interchangeability.
[0025] It is to be understood that the rail members may have many different cross-sectional
shapes and node configurations. For example, some alternative cross-sectional shapes
include channel, "T", and square.
[0026] Figure 3 shows the floor system 100 in cross-section taken along lines III-III in
Figure 1. The removable floor panel 108 has a plurality of layers, including a top
layer 300, which is configured according to the requirements of the particular application
and may have a carpeted surface or a tile surface. Alternatively, the top surface
326 may be formed using chemically resistive materials for use in a lab or other caustic
environments. The top layer 300 and a bottom layer 306 are designed to provide structural
stiffness to the panel 108 and are configured according to the structural and weight
bearing requirements of the particular application. Fire retardant layers 304 may
also be structural and are composed of fire resistant materials such as gypsum, or
other appropriate material, and serve to inhibit the passage of fire from one side
of the panel 108 to the other. An insulation layer 302 provides thermal and acoustic
insulation, and may be slightly oversized to provide a friction fit in the grid.
[0027] It will be understood that the composition of the removable floor panels will vary
according to the requirements of a particular application and will in part be dictated
by the anticipated environment, the required load carrying capacity, the desired appearance,
the anticipated degree of noise control, local building and fire codes, and other
factors.
[0028] Although the removable floor panels 108 bear against the structural support grid
106, panel fasteners 310 may be used to positively attach the panels 108 to the structural
support grid 106. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the panel fasteners 310 comprise
threaded fasteners that pass from a lower surface of the structural support grid 106
into an opening in a lower surface of the removable panel 108 via an opening 311 in
the rail member 202 of the structural support grid 106. The opening 311 is oversized
in relation to the threaded fastener 310 to enable adjustment in the position of the
removable panel 108 relative to the structural support grid 106. The threads of the
threaded fastener 310 engage the removable panel and a hexagonal head of the fastener
310 bears against the lower surface 324 of the support grid 106, drawing the removable
panel tight against the structural support grid 106. Thus, in this embodiment, not
forming part of the invention, access to the panel fasteners 310 is from beneath the
structural support grid 106.
[0029] According to one embodiment, not forming part of the invention, the structural support
grid 106 is welded or otherwise rigidly fastened to the secondary framing members
104. According to another embodiment, not forming part of the invention, a leveling
unit 308 is provided to control a vertical distance 320 between the structural support
grid 106 and the secondary framing members 104. Figure 3 shows one of a plurality
of similar units that comprise the leveling system, which functions as described below.
[0030] As shown in figure 3, the leveling unit 308 includes a threaded rod 312 attached
to a support plate 314 that bears against or is welded to an upper surface 322 of
the secondary framing member 104. The threaded rod 312 passes through a lift plate
316 via an opening in the lift plate 316, with the lift plate 316 bearing upward against
the lower surface 324 of the structural support grid 106. The rod 312 is slideably
received in an opening 307 formed in the grid 106. A pair of jam nuts 318 on the threaded
rod supports the lift plate 316. The position of the jam nuts 318 on the threaded
rod determines the distance 320 between the upper surface 322 of the secondary framing
member 104 and the lower surface 324 of the structural support grid 106.
[0031] By adjusting each of the plurality of units of the leveling system, the bearing surface
326 of the floor system 100 can be leveled, even if the upper surfaces 322 of the
secondary framing members are not level.
[0032] In another embodiment not forming part of the invention, leveling devices that are
functionally similar to the leveling unit 308 described above may be employed between
an upper surface 120 (shown in figure 1) of the primary framing members 102 and the
part of the secondary framing members 104 that bears against the primary framing members.
By adjusting the vertical distance between the primary and secondary framing members,
the level of the structural support grid 106 can be controlled. Alternatively, shims
105 can be used to level the secondary framing members. Once leveled, the secondary
framing members 104, the shims, 105, and the primary framing members 102 can be welded
together to form a rigid connection.
[0033] Other methods of controlling the vertical distance (not shown) between the primary
and secondary framing members 102, 104, or between the structural support grid 106
and the secondary framing members 104 will be obvious to those skilled in the art.
These methods include the use of wedges, threaded devices that are accessed from above
the floor system, automatic or remotely adjustable devices, etc..
[0034] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a floor system 100, taken along line IV-IV,
and shows an alternative embodiment, not forming part of the invention, of the removable
panel 108. In this embodiment not forming part of the invention, a flexible gasket
400 is affixed to the top edge 412 of each panel 108, 109. The gaskets 400 of adjoining
panels 108, 109 press against each other, providing a seal between the removable panels
108, 109. The seal may be employed to prevent spills from leaking through the floor
system. In applications where spills of caustic or dangerous fluids might be anticipated,
the composition of the gasket 400 is chosen to be resistant to the particular classes
of substances in use. Multiple or interlocking gaskets may also be employed to provide
a more secure seal. Alternatively, a single gasket may be wedged between the adjoining
panels 108, 109 after they are installed on the structural support grid 106. The gasket
400 may also be used in applications where it is desirable to control the movement
of air or other gasses from one side of the floor system to the other.
[0035] Figure 4 also shows an alternative embodiment, not forming part of the invention,
of the panel fasteners. Here, the panel fastener 410 is accessed with a tool (not
shown) that is inserted from above the surface of the floor system into the center
of the joint node 200. The panel fastener 410 is rotated approximately 45°. Fastener
blades 408 rotate from positions in slots (not shown) in the joint node 200 into slots
in the corners of the removable panels 406, locking them in place.
[0036] Other locking devices and systems will be evident to those skilled in the art. Such
devices include those employing cam-type fasteners, devices that are accessible from
the surface of the removable floor panels, devices that latch automatically when the
removable floor panels are emplaced, etc.
[0037] Depending upon the height and local requirements, some buildings include devices
or methods of construction that provide earthquake resistance. In conventional construction
methods a solid floor deck functions as a diaphragm, which is resistant to dimensional
stresses. As will be discussed later, elements of a structurally integrated floor
system can, according to various embodiments, function as a diaphragm.
[0038] According to one embodiment, not forming part of the invention, and as illustrated
in Figure 5, the structural support grid 106 is attached orthogonally, relative to
the primary 102 and secondary 104 framing members. Diagonal stays 422 are employed
to brace and provide the requisite stability to the structure. The stays 422 are attached
directly to the columns 424 of a building and pass underneath the floor structure
420.
[0039] Figure 6 shows floor structure 440 according to an alternative embodiment not forming
part of the invention, in which the structural support grid 106 is oriented diagonally,
relative to the primary 102 and secondary 104 framing members. In this embodiment
not forming part of the invention, the structural support grid 106 itself forms the
diagonal bracing that reinforces the building structure.
[0040] In a further embodiment not forming part of the invention, as shown in Figure 7,
repositionable walls 452 are employed as part of the structurally integrated accessible
floor system 450. These repositionable walls can comprise floor to ceiling room dividers
that are assembled on site, as shown in Figure 7, or prefabricated and installed as
individual units, or alternatively they may be prefabricated cubicle dividers of the
type common in office environments. The repositionable walls 452 are affixed directly
to the structural support grid 104. Partial floor panels 108a may be cut to the necessary
size at the site, using conventional methods, or may be manufactured in common dimensions.
By affixing the walls 452 to the grid 106 and employing partial floor panels, acoustical
isolation is enhanced and the structural stability of the walls 452 is improved.
[0041] Electrical components in the walls 452, such as light switches, thermostats, power
connections etc, can be wired directly through the bottom of the walls via harnesses
(not shown) connected to cables and connectors underneath the floor panels 108. This
is a significant advantage, especially in the case of cubicle dividers, over the methods
currently in use, because conventional cubicle dividers must bring power into open
areas and may involve complex interconnections between the dividers, and power drops
from ceilings. Other methods include the use of wireless technology for switches and
controls. Such technology has the advantage that it doesn't require any wiring connections
in the walls.
[0042] Figure 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment 460 not forming part of the invention
in which structural support rails 462 are employed. The rails 462 span the secondary
framing members 104 and support the removable floor panels 108 on two sides. The floor
panels 108 of this embodiment are configured to have sufficient rigidity to span the
space between the structural support rails 462 without the additional support of cross
rails or bracing.
[0043] Another embodiment not forming part of the invention is described with reference
to Figures 9-15. A floor system 900 is shown in Figure 9 as part of a building structure.
The system 900 includes a prefabricated floor section 902 having a first plurality
of support rails 904. Each of the support rails 904 includes a pair of spaced-apart
angle members running the full length of the section 902. Cross-support rails 906
are positioned at regular intervals between the support rails 904, each adjacent pair
of support rails 904 and cross-support rails 906 forming an opening configured to
receive a removable floor panel 908 therein.
[0044] The prefabricated floor section 902 is configured to span secondary framing members
909 of the structure. Connectors 910 are affixed to an upper surface of the secondary
framing members 909 in a regularly spaced relationship, corresponding to the spacing
of the support rails 904 of the prefabricated section 902. The connectors 910 may
be affixed to the upper surface of the secondary framing member 909 by any appropriate
method, including welding, bolting, etc. Figure 10 shows each connector 910 as comprising
a pair of angle sections in a spaced-apart relationship. It will be understood that
the connector 910 may be formed from a single T-shaped member or some other structure
that provides the necessary spacing and support for the support rail 904. The spaced-apart
angle members 905 of each support rail 904 engage the connector 910 to provide positive
contact between the prefabricated section 902 and the secondary framing member 909.
Before being attached to the connectors, the vertical position of each support rail
can be adjusted so as to level the floor section 902 relative to the framing members
909. The support rails 904 are affixed to the connectors 910 by a known method such
as welding or bolting. Alternatively, some of the support rails 904 of the prefabricated
section 902 may be affixed to their respective connectors 910, while others of the
support rails 904 may be allowed to rest directly on the connector 910 without being
positively affixed thereto, or to extend over the framing members without making any
contact with the respective support rails 904. The connectors 910 may be preaffixed
to the secondary framing member 909 prior to erection of the structure. For example,
the secondary support member 909 may have the connectors 910 affixed thereto at a
fabricating plant prior to shipment to a construction site.
[0045] Spacers 922 are positioned and affixed between the spaced apart angle members 905
of each of the support rails 904. The spacers 922 maintain the spaced apart relationship
of the angle members 905 in the embodiment shown, the spacer is illustrated as a section
of square rod positioned between the angle members 905. Figures 10-12 show the spacers
922 having threaded holes passing therethrough, and positioned in locations corresponding
to the positions of the cross rails 906.
[0046] The prefabricated section 902 includes subfloor rails 912 affixed to the underside
of the prefabricated section 902 at right angles to the support rails 904. In the
embodiment, not forming part of the invention, shown in Figures 9-15, the subfloor
rails 912 comprise spaced-apart angle members 917 similar to those of the support
rails 904, with square spacers 915 affixed between the angle members 917. The subfloor
rails 912 run the entire width of the prefabricated section 902, and are positioned
such, that the subfloor rails 912 of adjoining prefabricated sections 902 meet in
an end-to-end configuration. Splice plates 914 affixed between subfloor rails 912
of adjoining sections 902 join the subfloor rails of adjoining sections 902 together.
By aligning and joining subfloor rails 912 of adjacent sections 902 together, correct
positioning and spacing of adjacent prefabricated sections 902 is assured. Secondary
cross rails 916 are positioned in a spaced apart relationship between adjacent sections
902 in positions corresponding to the cross rails 906 of the prefabricated floor sections
902 to provide support for removable floor panels 908 to be placed between adjacent
prefabricated panels 902.
[0047] Gaskets 924 of resilient or semi-resilient material are positioned between the floor
panels 908. The gaskets 924 may be configured to improve the sound dampening characteristics
of the floor system 900. The gaskets 924 may also be configured to provide a seal
between adjacent floor panels 908, configured to prevent the passage of liquids or
gasses therethrough. They may be formed from material that is heat or fire resistant,
to provide improved fire protection. In Figure 10, the gasket 924 may be seen to have
a modified T-shape in cross-section, with a lower portion sized and configured to
fit snugly between the spaced apart angle members 905 of the support rails 904, and
the cross rails 906. The gaskets further include flanges extending to the sides and
configured to receive the upper portions 911 of the floor panels 908 thereon. An upwardly
extending portion of the gasket 924 rises between two adjacent floor panels 908 to
terminate at a height approximately flush with an upper surface of the floor panels.
[0048] As disclosed in previous embodiments not forming part of the invention, the removable
floor panel 908 includes an upper portion 911 having dimensions that are greater than
a lower portion 913, such that, when a floor panel 908 is appropriately positioned
between support rails 904 on two sides and cross rails 906 on two sides, the lower
portion 913 of the floor panel 908 lies between the upright portions of the support
rails 904 and cross rails 906, while the upper portion 911 of the panel 908 extends
over the support rails 904 and cross rails 906. Typically, the floor panels 908 are
configured to rest on the flanges of the gaskets 924, with the upper surface of the
support and cross rails 904, 906 bearing the weight of the panels 908 and any load
thereon. Such an arrangement ensures a good seal between the panel 908 and the flange
924. The lower portion 913 of the panels may comprise insulation and fire retardant
material. The lower portion 913 of the floor panels 908 may be sized and configured
to have a very snug fit in the space between the rails 904, 906 to provide maximum
sound and temperature insulation and fire protection.
[0049] Other embodiments, not forming part of the invention, may include floor panels configured
to bear against lower portions of the support and cross rails, or may even be configured
to fit entirely between the support and cross rails, with no part of the panel extending
over the rails.
[0050] As shown in Figures 10 through 12, the floor panels 908 are affixed in position by
threaded fasteners 918 that engage threads in the opening 930 of the spacer 922 of
the support rails 904. The floor panel 908 includes a fastener recess 919 at each
corner thereof. The fastener recess 919 defines a shoulder 928, against which a head
of the threaded fastener 918 bears to maintain the floor panel 908 in position. A
fastener 918 is provided at each corner of the floor panel 908, and each fastener
918 bears against the shoulders 928 of four adjoining removable panels 908. A fastener
recess cap 920 is configured to fit in the fastener recesses 919 of four adjoining
floor panels 908, and to cover the respective fastener 918.
[0051] As shown in Figures 10, 14, and 15, the floor system 900 includes deck support rails
934, running generally parallel to the subfloor rails 912, and the secondary framing
member 909. The deck support rails 934 include threaded spacers 938, similar to the
spacers 922 of the support rails 904. Threaded rods 926 engage the threaded spacers
915 of the subfloor rails 912 at a first end and the threaded spacers 938 of the deck
support rails 934 at a second end, supporting the deck support rails 934 a selected
distance beneath the section 902. Decking 932, such as, for example, corrugated decking
of a type commonly used in commercial construction to support concrete flooring, is
placed between deck support rails 934 to form a continuous subfloor deck 933. The
deck 933 provides a barrier between floors, preventing passage of fluids and gasses,
as well as objects dropped from above. It can also be used for ducting or as part
of a plenum enclosure for HVAC.
[0052] Suspended ceilings, lighting fixtures, fire control sprinklers, and other utilities
for the space beneath the floor system 900 of Figures 9-15, such as for a lower story
of the structure, can be hung from or affixed to the corrugated decking 932 or to
the deck support rails 934. Fire resistant paneling such as gypsum board can also
be affixed to the underside of the corrugated decking 936 the deck support rails 934.
[0053] In manufacturing and assembling the floor system 900, much of the system can be prefabricated
and assembled prior to assembly in a structure. For example, the floor section 902
shown in Figure 9 is an 2,44 m by 2,44 m (8 foot by 8 foot) prefabricated section,
having 61 cm by 61 cm (2 foot by 2 foot) floor panels 908 installed therein. The prefabricated
floor section 902 may include temporary panels, which can be left in place until completion
of construction at which time the temporary panels 908 are replaced with finished
panels. Use of temporary floor panels prevents damage to the finished panels during
construction, and allows construction workers, painters, and finishers to work in
floored spaces without the requirement of providing protection for finished flooring.
When the temporary panels are removed, they can be reused in subsequent projects,
thus providing additional savings to the manufacturer or contractor.
[0054] In assembling such a floor system, the secondary framing members 909 are provided
with the connectors 910 pre-attached. Each section is lifted into place by a hoist
or crane, and lowered onto the connectors 910. Because of the configuration of the
connectors 910 and the support rails 904, the floor section 902 is provided with positive
positioning in the X-axis.
[0055] As shown in Figure 9, each connector 910 provides positioning for a support rail
904 from each of two adjoining panels 902 in an end-to-end configuration. By drawing
the support rails 904 of a section 902 tightly against the ends of the support rails
904 of a previously installed section 902, positive positioning in the Y-axis is assured.
After the section 902 is correctly positioned in the X- and Y-axes, the section is
leveled through the use of shims or jacks, to bring the section into correct position
in the Z-axis. When the section is correctly positioned in the Z-axis, the support
rails 904 of the section 902 are affixed to the connectors 910, to lock them permanently
in position. This may be achieved by any of several known methods, including welding
in place, the use of bolts or rivets passing through the support rails 904 and the
connectors 910, or any other acceptable method of attachment.
[0056] Next, splice plates 914 are affixed in position between subfloor rails 912 of adjoining
sections 902, secondary cross rails 916 are then positioned and affixed to adjoining
sections 902, and removable floor panels 908 are placed in the spaces created thereby,
between adjoining sections 902. Threaded fasteners 918 and fastener recess caps 920
are installed as necessary to secure the removable floor panels 908. From underneath
the floor panels 902, threaded rods 926 are affixed to the threaded spacers 915 of
the subfloor rails 912, and to the threaded spacers 938 of the deck support rails
934. Decking 932 is then laid between the deck support rails 934 to form the continuous
subfloor deck 933 and enclose a space under the floor system 900. The decking 932
can be affixed to the support rails 934 by any appropriate means, including adhesives,
rivets, welding, threaded fasteners, and snap-in connections.
[0057] Referring to Figure 15, a single-sided support rail 934a is coupled to a primary
framing member 935 of the building, by welding or some other acceptable means, and
serves to support a periphery of the decking 932 and couple the subfloor deck to the
framing member. With the subfloor deck 933 attached around its perimeter to the building
frame, the subfloor deck can be configured to function as a building diaphragm.
[0058] The total height H of the floor system 900 (see Figure 14) above the surface of the
secondary framing members is selected to be approximately equal to the height or thickness
of a conventional steel and concrete floor of the type commonly used in hi-rise construction.
In some cases a structure may include a combination of conventional flooring with
the structurally-integrated flooring according to the principles of the invention.
Because the heights are substantially equal, there is no requirement for ramps or
height adjustment at transitions from one flooring to the other.
[0059] While the embodiment not forming part of the invention described with reference to
Figures 9-15 is shown having particular selected dimensions, the dimensions of the
sections 902, the spacing of the rails 904, 906, 912, 916, and 934, the dimensions
of the panels 908, and other dimensions and parameters of the system are selectable
according to the requirements of a given application, or preferences of the user.
[0060] Turning now to Figure 16, a structurally integrated accessible floor system 800 is
illustrated, according to another embodiment not forming part of the invention. Axes
X, Y, and Z are labeled to simplify description of the illustrated embodiment not
forming part of the invention, but such designations are not to be construed as limiting
the scope of the claims. The system 800 comprises a plurality of grid members 802
lying parallel to the Y-axis and extending between primary framing members 804 of
a building. Subfloor rails 806 extend transverse to the grid members 802 and are affixed
to bottom surfaces of the grid members 802 to form rigid grid sections 808. Connectors
810 are affixed, typically by welds or bolts, at intervals to upper surfaces of the
primary framing members 804. First ends 812 of at least two of the grid members 802
of each grid section 808 are received in corresponding connectors 810 on a first of
the primary framing members 804 and second ends 814 of the at least two grid members
802 of each grid section 808 are received in corresponding connectors 810 on a second
of the primary framing members 804. Each connector 810 is configured to receive a
first end 812 of a grid member 802 of one grid section 808 and a second end 814 of
a grid member 802 of an adjacent grid section 808.
[0061] Floor panels 816 are positioned to extend between adjacent grid members 802 and to
abut with each other so as to form a continuous floor surface. Apertures 818 are provided
in each corner of each panel 816, and corresponding apertures 820 are provided in
the upper surfaces of the grid members 802. Fasteners 822 are provided and configured
to traverse the apertures 818 of the panels 816 and to engage the corresponding apertures
820 of the grid members 802 to securely attach each panel to the rigid grid section
808.
[0062] A subfloor deck 830 extends beneath the grid section 808, and comprises hanging fasteners
824, deck support rails 826, and decking material 828. The hanging fasteners 824 are
coupled to respective grid members 802 and hang below the grid section 808. The deck
support rails 826 are coupled to the hanging fasteners 824 and are thereby supported
below the grid section 808, and the decking 828 is in turn supported by the deck support
rails 826 and forms the surface of the subfloor deck 830.
[0063] According to an embodiment not forming part of the invention, the grid sections 808
of a building, including grid members 802 and subfloor rails 806, are prefabricated
and then installed in the building during construction. The connectors 810 are attached
to the primary framing members 804, either prior to delivery of the steel to the building
site, or during assembly. The grid sections 808 are lowered onto the framing members
804 until the ends of the grid members 802 engage the connectors 810. The connectors
810 are configured to limit movement of the grid members 802 in the X-axis while permitting
movement in the Z-axis. During installation, each grid section 808 is adjusted vertically
until it is substantially level, then welded or otherwise affixed to the respective
connectors 810 so that the grid section is rigidly held in a level position. As shown
in Figure 16, the grid section 808 is configured to have sufficient strength and rigidity
that fewer than all of the grid members 802 need be coupled to the primary framing
members 804 by connectors 810. In embodiments, not forming part of the invention,
where this is the case, the ends 812, 814 of the grid members that are not so coupled
are be spaced above the framing members. When a grid section 808 is installed adjacent
to another in the Y-axis, with a framing member 804 between, each connector 810 is
coupled to a first end 812 of a grid member 802 of one of the sections and to a second
end 814 of a grid member of the adjacent section, thereby coupling the respective
grid sections 808 to the framing member 804 and to each other. The ends 812, 814 of
the grid members 802 that are not received by connectors 810 are joined to each other
by appropriate means, such as, for example, butt-welds, gusset plates, etc.
[0064] As grid sections 808 are installed adjacent to each other in the X-axis, ends of
the respective subfloor rails 806 are positioned very close to, or touching each other.
After a grid section 808 is attached to framing members 804, ends of subfloor rails
806 of adjacent grid sections 808 are welded or otherwise rigidly coupled to each
other. According to an embodiment not forming part of the invention, subfloor rail
connectors 832 are slid over the ends of each of the subfloor rails 806 of an installed
section 808 before installing a grid section 808 that lies adjacent. The adjacent
grid section 808 is then installed as described above, which results in the respective
subfloor rails 806 of the adjacent grid sections lying with their ends actually or
nearly touching. The subfloor rail connectors 832 are then slid back halfway across
the joint between rails 806 and welded in place to rigidly couple the two sections
808 together. Where a grid section 808 is positioned adjacent to a framing member
that lies parallel to the Y-axis, the corresponding ends of the subfloor rails 806
can be coupled to that framing member, by any appropriate means.
[0065] Grid sections 808 that are rigidly coupled together and to primary framing members
to become components of a rigid floor grid that is structurally integrated with the
associated building, and that is able, not only to support vertical loads, but also
to transmit lateral forces, and thus can function as a diaphragm of the building.
[0066] After the grid sections 808 of a floor are installed, the hanging fasteners 812,
deck support rails 826, and subfloor decking 828 are installed. The hanging fasteners
812 can be coupled to the grid members 802 by any appropriate means. For example,
threaded nuts can be welded to the undersides of grid members 802 and the hanging
fasteners 812 provided with threads to engage the nuts. Likewise, the deck support
rails 826 can be coupled to the hanging fasteners 812 by any appropriate means. Once
the deck support rails 826 are in place, the decking 828 is laid across the deck support
rails and fastened down by any appropriate means, which can include, for example,
welds, adhesives, and mechanical fasteners. The spacing of the hanging fasteners 812
and deck support rails 826 is much greater than the dimensions of the individual floor
panels 816, resulting in a subfloor surface that is largely unobstructed by structural
elements. In the embodiment of Figure 16, not forming part of the invention, only
one hanging fastener is coupled to each grid section 808. This is in contrast to typical
pedestal-type accessible floor systems in which a pedestal is positioned at each corner
of each floor panel. The subfloor deck 830 is preferably sized to extend beneath the
entire floor, and can be coupled around its perimeter to framing members of the building,
in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 15, in order to function as a building
diaphragm.
[0067] Panels 816 are installed, with fasteners 822 traversing apertures 818 in the panels
and engaging corresponding apertures 820 in the grid members 802. As described in
more detail with respect to other embodiments not forming part of the invention, the
panels 816 can be configured to accommodate any specific requirements, including air
registers, electrical connectors, etc. Additionally, gaskets can be provided for sound
and vibration dampening. Such gaskets can be separate components or integrated with
each panel 816, as shown, for example, in Figure 4.
[0068] In the embodiment not forming part of the invention shown in Figure 16, the grid
members 802 and subfloor rails 806 are lengths of rectangular steel tubing, and the
panels 816 are configured to be coupled to the upper surfaces of the grid members
and to contact each other to form a continuous floor surface. Accordingly, the panels
816 are sized, at least in one dimension, to be about equal to the center-to-center
spacing of the grid members 802. According to other embodiments not forming part of
the invention, the panels 816 are sized and shaped to fit partially or completely
between the grid members 802. Additionally, as previously described and illustrated,
the grid members can include flanges extending from and running along each grid member
to support a lower surface of the floor panels.
[0069] In the embodiment shown in Figure 16 not forming part of the invention, the primary
framing members 804 of the building lie parallel to the X-axis on 2,44 meter (eight-foot)
centers. Each floor section 808 is 2,44 meter (eight feet) on a side, comprising four
2,44 meter (eight-foot) grid members 802 and two 2,44 meter (eight-foot) subfloor
rails 806. The grid members 802 extend parallel to the Y-axis between adjacent primary
framing members 804 on 61 cm (two-foot) centers. The subfloor rails 806 lie parallel
to the X-axis and are centered along the X-axis across the four grid members and are
coupled thereto in positions, on the Y-axis, such that when the floor section 808
is correctly positioned, each subfloor rail lies parallel to and about 30 cm (one
foot) from a center of one of the primary framing members 804. The floor panels 816
are typically 61 cm (two feet) on a side, and have sufficient stiffness and strength
to span the distance between adjacent grid members 802 while supporting the maximum
rated load for a given building floor.
[0070] According to various embodiments not forming part of the invention, the dimensions,
load-bearing capacity, and spacing of the individual components of a grid section
808, as well as the overall dimensions of the floor sections, are selected to meet
the requirements of the intended application. Such considerations are within the abilities
of one of ordinary skill in the art. The maximum dimensions of the floor sections
are preferably selected to permit the floor sections to be assembled offsite and transported
to the building site. For example, the U.S. Department of Transportation currently
imposes a width limit of 2,60 m (102 inches) and a length of 14,63 m (48 feet) to
semi-trailers on interstate highways, although wider or longer loads can be hauled
with special permits. A grid section having dimensions of 2,44 m (244 cm) (eight feet
(96 inches)) on a side fits comfortably on a 2,60 m (102 inch) flatbed semi-trailer,
with six sections fitting lengthwise. Four 2,44 m by 3,66 m (8 foot by 12 foot) sections
would also fit in the same space. A primary consideration in selecting the length
of the sections is installation, inasmuch as each section is lifted into place by
crane, and longer sections will require more elaborate lifting harnesses and require
more time per unit to move into place. Of course, in jurisdictions where trailer size
limits vary, the dimensions of grid sections transported by trailer can also be varied
accordingly. Furthermore, where grid sections are transported by other means, such
as, for example, by water or rail, the dimensions of the grid sections can be selected
to make economic use of such transportation.
[0071] The length of the hanging fasteners 824 is chosen so as to support the subfloor deck
830 in a selected position relative to the primary framing members 804. According
to one embodiment not forming part of the invention, the subfloor deck 830 is positioned
below the primary framing members 804 a distance sufficient to permit passage of utilities
such as cables, pipes, and ducts that may be required to extend beneath the framing
members. According to other embodiments, not forming part of the invention, the subfloor
deck 830 is positioned close against the bottom surfaces of the primary framing members
804, or between the primary framing members. In these examples, the utilities are
configured to extend over the framing members 804 below the panels 816 and between
the grid members 802.
[0072] When a row of floor panels 816 extending parallel to the Y-axis between two adjacent
grid members 802 are removed, a large opening of about 0,61 m by about 1,83 m (two
feet by about six feet) is exposed, defined by two grid members 802 on the sides and
by two subfloor rails 806 on the ends. This affords a significantly larger working
space than the typical 61 cm by 61 cm (two feet by two feet) fruit available with
prior art accessible floor systems. Additionally, the space between the grid members
802 and the subfloor deck 830, and between the primary framing members 804, is completely
unobstructed. It is therefore far simpler, in comparison to traditional accessible
floor systems, to service and move materials in the subfloor space. In examples where
utilities extend over the primary framing members 804, the subfloor rails 806 can
be spaced further from the framing members to provide additional working space near
the framing members.
[0073] Turning now to Figure 17, a portion of a structurally integrated floor system 500
is shown, according to an embodiment of the invention. The floor system 500 includes
a plurality of grid sections 504 coupled to each other and to framing members 502
of the building, with a plurality of removable floor panels 512 positioned on the
grid sections to form a continuous floor surface. Each grid section 504 includes a
plurality of grid members 506 lying spaced-apart and parallel to a first axis, and
a pair of subfloor rails 508 lying parallel to a second axis, rigidly coupled to lower
surfaces of the grid members and holding them in position relative to each other.
Cross members 510 are coupled by clips 528 to extend between adjacent pairs of grid
members 506 at evenly spaced intervals.
[0074] Each grid member 506 comprises a pair of beams 514 coupled together with spacers
516 between them to maintain a gap 518, and a plate 520 is coupled to an upper surface
of the grid member. The beams 514 are, preferably, cold-formed steel, and are made
from heavy gauge sheet metal. The plate 520 is steel and has a thickness, preferably,
of about 3,28 mm to 6,35 mm (1/8 inch to 1/4 inch). Each of a first plurality of holes
522 in the plate 520 receives a respective sheet metal screw to attach the plate to
the beams 514. Each of a second plurality of holes 524 in the plate 520 is threaded
to receive a fastener, via a respective hole 526 in a floor panel 512, to couple the
floor panels 512 to the grid member 506, permitting repeated removal and replacement
of the floor panels. Mounting apertures 540 are provided at each end of the grid members
506, traversing both beams 514 of each grid member.
[0075] The beams 514 are shown as having a "C" profile, which is a commonly available profile.
However, any profile having the necessary structural characteristics for a given application
can be employed. The selection of the appropriate profile is a design consideration
that depends on factors such as required load bearing capacity, spanning distance,
appearance, compatibility with other building systems, availability, etc., and is
within the abilities of one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0076] In addition to providing a thickness of steel in which threaded apertures 524 are
provided to receive the fasteners by which the floor panels 512 are removably coupled
to the grid members 506, plates 520 serve to distribute loads to prevent or minimize
deformation of the beams 514 that might result from heavy and concentrated point loads
on the floor surface. According to one embodiment in which such load distribution
is not required, the plates 520 are omitted, and thread inserts such as are known
in the art are affixed to the top surfaces of the beams 514 to receive the floor panel
fasteners.
[0077] Each subfloor rail 508 comprises a pair of angle members 532 that are coupled together
in a spaced-apart relationship. The grid members 506 are rigidly coupled to the subfloor
rails 508 by any of a number of acceptable methods, including screws, bolts, welds,
adhesive, etc. The subfloor rails 508 of adjacent pairs of grid sections 504 abut
end-to-end, and are coupled by connector plates 534 that are received between the
angle members 532 of the subfloor rails 508 and extend from one subfloor rail to an
abutting subfloor rail.
[0078] Connectors 536, each having a plurality of mounting slots 538, are coupled to the
upper surface of the framing members 502. They are preferably welded to the framing
members, but can be attached by any appropriate method of attachment. The connectors
536 are configured to be received in the gap 518 between the beams 514 of respective
grid members 506 during installation of the grid sections 504. The grid members 506
are coupled to the connectors by bolts that extend through the mounting apertures
540 of each grid member 506 and the corresponding mounting slots 538 of the respective
connectors 536. Before the bolts are tightened, the elevation of the grid members
can be adjusted to level the grid section 504.
[0079] Floor panels 512 are mounted to the grid section via threaded fasteners that extend
through apertures 526 and engage the threaded holes 524 in the plate 520. Gaskets
530, having, for example, an inverted "T" shape, lie along top surfaces of the grid
members 506 and cross members 510, and receive edges of the floor panels thereon,
with a portion extending into spaces between adjacent pairs of floor panels.
[0080] The cross members 510 serve primarily to provide a sealing surface for the gaskets
530, and so are coupled to the grid members 506 at a height that places a top surface
of each cross member flush with top surfaces of the plates 520. This provides coplanar
surfaces of the cross members 510 and grid members 506 on which the gaskets 530 can
be positioned so that the gaskets can provide an adequate seal between the floor panels
and the top of the grid section. The cross members 510 are shown as being made from
short pieces of cold-formed steel having the same profile as the beams 514 of the
grid members 506. While this arrangement may provide some economic advantages to the
manufacturer, it is not essential. Provided the cross members 510 present planar upper
surfaces to receive the gaskets 530, they can have any shape and be formed of any
material that otherwise meet the strength and rigidity requirements of a given application,
and can be omitted entirely in some embodiments.
[0081] In the embodiment shown in Figure 17, the floor panels 512 are about 61 cm by 61
cm (two feet by two feet), and the grid section 504 is about 2,44 m (eight feet) in
the x dimension by about 3,66 m (twelve feet) in the y dimension, which is a convenient
size to be transported by standard flatbed semi-trailer, although the scope of the
invention is not limited to these dimensions. Selecting appropriate dimensions for
floor panels, grid sections, and other components is a matter of design choice for
a given application. A number of factors may influence the selection, including freight
costs and dimension constraints, material supply, weight, preferred units of measure,
compatibility with other systems in a building, local codes, etc.
[0082] While not shown in Figure 17, the floor 500 can be provided with a subfloor deck
as described with reference to other embodiments. Hanging fasteners for the subfloor
deck can be coupled to grid members 506 or to the subfloor rails 532. As with other
disclosed embodiments, a complete floor structure formed by a number of grid sections
can be configured to act as a diaphragm of the building structure into which it is
integrated. Likewise, a subfloor deck can also be configured to function as a diaphragm.
[0083] According to an embodiment, a fixture is provided that is configured to receive components
of a grid section 504 and hold them in their correct relative positions so that an
assembler can engage appropriate fasteners to couple the elements, for preassembly
of the grid sections, prior to transporting them to a building site to be installed
in a building. The assembly fixture is preferably positioned at a height that is convenient
to assemblers working on a grid section, and may be configured to be adjustable in
height to accommodate different stages of the assembly. The assembly fixture includes
fixture beams that are rigidly held in a parallel and spaced-apart relationship at
a distance that corresponds to the spacing of the framing members of the building
in which the grid sections 504 are to be installed. Upper surfaces of the fixture
beams lie in a common plane, within appropriate tolerances for the given application.
Assembly connectors are provided that are coupled to the upper surfaces of the fixture
beams, which are spaced in correspondence with the spacing of the connectors 536 to
which the finished grid section 504 will be coupled when installed in the building.
Supports are also provided that are configured to receive the subfloor rails 508 and
to hold them in the appropriate position to be attached to the grid members 506.
[0084] During assembly, the beams 514 of the grid members 506 are positioned on the assembly
fixture and temporarily coupled to the assembly connectors. Preferably, marks or stops
are provide on the assembly fixture so that assemblers can correctly position the
beams 514 without separately measuring the relative position of each beam. The subfloor
rails 508 are also positioned on the assembly fixture. The assembly fixture can also
be provided with clamps or supports arranged to hold the beams 514 and rails 508 in
5 position during assembly. With at least the major components held in position by
the assembly fixture, an assembler fastens them together to form a grid section 504.
In some cases, smaller components, such as the spacers 516, for example, can be positioned
by hand during assembly, especially where precise positioning is not essential. In
other cases, such as with the cross members 510, in which the positioning is more
critical, sub-fixtures can be provided to assist in positioning and attaching the
elements. For example, according to an embodiment, once an assembler has coupled together
the grid members 506 and subfloor rails 508 of a grid section 504, a sub-fixture configured
to hang between a pair of grid members 506 is positioned. The sub-fixture is provided
with one or more slots sized to receive cross members 510 and hold them correctly
positioned relative to the grid members, so they can be easily attached. The sub-fixture
is also provided with stops or marks that are positioned for alignment with the ends
of the grid members 506, and other stops that are positioned for alignment with previously
attached cross members 510 so that the cross members of a grid section 504 can be
accurately positioned and attached without requiring measurement by the assembler.
[0085] In the embodiment of Figure 17, the subfloor rails 508 are disclosed as each comprising
a pair of angle members 532 coupled together in a spaced-apart relationship. Subfloor
rails 508 can be positioned on the assembly fixture as preassembled subassemblies
that are subsequently attached to the grid members 506. Alternatively, the assembly
fixture can be configured to receive and hold each angle member 532 so that the angle
members can be coupled together to form the subfloor rails 508 during the same process
in which the subfloor rails are coupled to the grid members 506. Likewise, other components
can be positioned as preassembled subassemblies or can be assembled on the assembly
fixture while the grid section 504 is assembled.
[0086] The components of the grid section 504 can be largely assembled with self-drilling
sheet metal screws such as are well known in the art, although any appropriate fastener
or process can be employed to couple the components, including rivets, screws, nuts
and bolts, welds or spot welds, adhesives, etc.
[0087] According to one embodiment, the plates 520 are affixed to the respective grid members
506 by only two or three fasteners. Then, once the grid section is integrated into
the structure of a building with other grid sections, installers can loosen the two
or three screws holding the plates to the grid members before attaching all of the
floor panels 512 to the plates 520 via the threaded apertures 524. With the screws
loosened, the lateral positions of each of the plates 520 of each grid section 504
can be adjusted slightly, in order to make small corrections so that all of the floor
panels will fit properly. Once a sufficient number of the floor panels are firmly
attached, the installer can retighten the loosened screws and place additional screws
in the remaining apertures 522 to securely attach the plates 520 to the beams 514.
[0088] According to another embodiment, the plates 520 are laid on the upper surfaces of
the grid members 506 and the floor panels 512 are laid over the plates and fastened
thereto. The assembly of plates and floor panels is then attached to the grid section
504 by a few screws, e.g., one screw in each corner of the grid assembly, which is
sufficient to hold the plates and floor panels in place while being transported to
the building site. After the grid section 504 is attached to the framing members 502,
the screws holding the plates to the grid section are loosened or removed, and floor
panels 512 that bridge between adjacent grid sections are fastened to the pates 520
of the respective sections. Any minor position adjustments necessary to bring all
the floor panels 512 into correct alignment are made, after which each of the plates
520 is securely fastened to the respective grid member 506.
[0089] According to a further embodiment, one or two large panels are fastened, instead
of the floor panels 512, to the plates 520 during initial assembly of the grid sections
504. Each of the large panels is provided with a plurality of holes in positions that
correspond to respective ones of the holes 526 in the floor panels 512 and the threaded
holes 524 in the plates 520, so that when the large panels are fastened to the plates,
the plates are held in the correct positions relative to each other. The large panels
are also provided with oversized holes in positions that correspond to the holes 522
in the plates, which are provided for fastening the plates to the grid members 506.
After the large panels are attached to the plates 520, the assembly of panels and
plates is positioned on the grid section 504 and temporarily attached with a small
number of screws, as previously described.
[0090] During final assembly of the floor sections 504 to form the floor system 500 in the
building, additional floor panels 512 or temporary panels are attached as described
above to bridge between the sections, and final position adjustments are made. The
plates 520 are then securely attached to the grid members 506 via the oversized holes
in the large panels. By providing the oversized holes in the large panels, the plates
520 can be fully secured to the grid members 506 without the necessity of removing
panels to access the holes 522 in the plates to place fasteners. The large panels
can be removed and returned to the fabricators for use on additional grid sections,
or they can remain in place during finish work on the building to provide a surface
on which construction workers can stand and move around, and that does not require
special protection from common construction site hazards, such as spills or dropped
objects. When the building interior is largely finished, the large panels can be removed
and reused, and replaced with floor panels 512.
[0091] The connectors 536 can be coupled to the framing members 502 at the building site,
or prior to transporting the framing members to the site. According to an embodiment,
a positioning fixture is provided that includes slots sized and located to receive
connectors 536 at the correct spacing. The fixture is temporarily placed over a framing
member 502. An operator places connectors 536 in each of the slots, then moves along
the framing member and welds each connector to the framing member. The fixture is
then removed from the framing member 502, leaving the connectors 536 correctly positioned
and attached. If the connectors 536 are to be installed after the framing members
of a building are assembled, the fixture can also be provided with an element that
aligns with or is coupled to a previously attached connector 536 on another framing
member, in order to ensure that when the grid sections are installed, they will fit
and interconnect correctly.
[0092] The grid sections 504 of the floor system 500 are transported to a building site
as preassembled units.
[0093] As discussed elsewhere with regard to various examples and embodiments, preassembly
of the grid sections provides some important benefits. Additionally, embodiments that
employ cold-formed steel components, as described, for example, with reference to
Figure 17, provide additional advantages and benefits. These benefits include high
strength to weight ratios, fast assembly, and reduced manufacturing and transportation
costs. Finally, because of the forming processes employed, cold-formed components
can be made to much closer tolerances with respect to their dimensions. Traditional
steel I-beams and other framing members that are formed in a foundry at very high
temperature can deform as they cool, resulting in final dimensions that cannot be
held to very close tolerances without additional working and expense. In contrast,
cold-formed framing members can be formed to very high dimensional tolerances, meaning
that there is less rejection or rework of components during assembly of the grid sections
and during installation of the grid sections into a building structure.
[0094] In a conventional building, a typical prior art elevated floor system is installed
on top of an existing floor. The elevated floor occupies a space above the floor,
and is not part of the building structure. The accessible vertical space provided
by such an elevated floor is that space between the panels that form the surface of
the elevated floor and the upper surface of the solid floor deck. In the structurally
integrated accessible floor system of the embodiments of the invention described herein,
the solid floor deck is not needed. The removable panels provide access to the space
beneath the grid and between the individual secondary framing members. In prior floor
structures, this space is inaccessible and wasted. Because the structural support
grid of the present invention spans the secondary framing members, the space beneath
is unobstructed, providing simplified access for pulling cables and laying conduit,
ducting, and pipe.
[0095] Building codes in most jurisdictions require that building structures have some degree
of resistance or tolerance to earthquake motions, the degree of which may depend on
the dimensions of the building and the risk of seismic activity in the particular
region. Building structures resist the lateral forces of an earthquake - as well as
those exerted by high winds on building faces - by transmitting the lateral forces
from upper stories to the ground. The structural elements for transmission of such
forces define a building's "load path," and include vertical and horizontal elements
that are rigidly coupled together. Vertical elements can include, for example, shear
walls, moment frames, and braced frames. Horizontal elements can include one or more
diaphragms and the foundation of a building. A diaphragm is a structure that transmits
and distributes lateral loads from vertical elements above it in the building to elements
below, where the loads are eventually transmitted to the ground via the building foundation.
Typically, the floors of a building are engineered to function as diaphragms, while
the vertical-load bearing framing members are assembled so as to form moment frames
and braced frames to transmit the lateral forces downward toward the foundation. The
structural principles described above are very well known in the art.
[0096] Structural engineers use the terms
rigid, semi-rigid, and
flexible to classify the behavior of a diaphragm. In particular, the terms refer to the degree
to which a diaphragm will deflect out of the horizontal plane in response to a lateral
force,
relative to the vertical deflection of the vertical elements in response to the same force. Thus, a diaphragm having a given degree of stiffness
can be classified as rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible, depending on the stiffness of
the vertical elements to which it is attached. However, such considerations are beyond
the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, where these terms are used in the
disclosure and claims, unless used to modify the term
diaphragm, they are not to be construed as referring to the particular classification of a structurally
integrated floor or portion thereof, even though a physical embodiment of that floor
may be configured to function as a diaphragm, and if so will certainly be subject
to such classification.
[0097] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term
rigid is to be construed as referring to the stiffness of the element indicated, and if
used with reference to a coupling or connection, it refers to the stiffness of the
coupled elements relative to the stiffness of the coupling. For example, if two elements
are described as being rigidly coupled together, the joint at which they are coupled
is no more flexible than the material of the elements. A weld can be considered a
rigid coupling because relative movement of elements that are welded is substantially
limited by the flexibility of the elements, and can only be exceeded by removing or
destroying the weld. This is in contrast to a
flexible coupling, in which the joint is more flexible than the elements coupled, permitting
some degree of relative movement beyond what would be possible if the elements and
joint were all formed in a single piece.
[0098] Prior art pedestal based accessible floor systems cannot function as diaphragms for
several reasons. First, they are not generally connected to the structure of the building
in a way that allows them to receive or transmit lateral forces. Second, their grid
elements are not typically coupled rigidly to each other, but instead are clipped
or slotted in some fashion to each other and the supporting pedestals. This permits
relatively simple on-site assembly, and gives them the flexibility necessary to be
adjusted and leveled at each pedestal, but because of the lack of rigid connection,
does not provide a reliable load path to transmit forces. Finally, because they are
intended to be supported by a rigid floor deck that itself acts as a diaphragm, they
are not engineered with such a function in mind.
[0099] As noted above with respect to the secondary framing members 104 of Figure 1 and
the connectors 910 of Figure 9 and 810 of Figure 16, the floor system of many of the
examples can be rigidly coupled to framing members of the building, and can thus provide
the load path necessary to transmit lateral forces to and from the floor system, which
thus acts as a diaphragm for the building. In some examples, where the floor panels
are configured to be fastened to the support grid, the installed floor panels enhance
the lateral strength of the floor system and contribute to the diaphragm function
of the system.
[0100] According to other embodiments, in which the floor system is provided with a subfloor
deck, such as that described above with reference to the examples in Figures 10 and
14-16, for example, the subfloor deck can also be configured to function as a diaphragm.
[0101] The costs of a structurally integrated floor system according to the principles disclosed
herein are significantly mitigated by several factors. A conventional structural floor
is not required, and the floor system is essentially the same height as a conventional
structural floor, obviating the need for ramps in areas where conventional floors
adjoin the floor system. The floor is installed during building construction, saving
the added labor of installing an elevated floor after completion of the building.
Especially where the floor is installed as prefabricated sections, installation time
and labor is less than that of a conventional floor of a building. Additionally, assembly
of the sections is done in a factory environment, which is easier and faster than
on-site assembly, and permits higher quality control, which in turn results in more
accurate and consistent spacing of the components, and less reworking. Because the
floor system does not add height per story to the final building structure, there
is a savings in building materials, and a savings in operating costs over those of
a building with the same number of stories using accessible floors according to the
prior art. Where building codes impose height limits on new construction, it may be
possible to build more stories within the limits because of the reduction of height
per story. Also, because the space under the floor system is substantially unencumbered
by pedestals, feet, or other support devices, the floor system has improved flexibility
and changeability. Pulling cable, laying conduit and pipe, and installing ducting
are all simplified. The labor costs and down time costs are reduced during changeovers.
This floor system also allows the incorporation of, and relocation of, egress lighting
in the floor system, as a part of the gasket systems, or the vertices of the panels,
for example. The gaskets can also be provided with perforations to allow the passage
of gas through the gaskets.
[0102] An additional cost savings over conventional construction methods is realized by
the reduction in structural weight provided by the implementation of an embodiment
of the invention. Flooring manufactured according to the principles of the invention
can have a per square meter (square foot) weight of less than half that of conventional
high-rise flooring. Such a weight savings can exceed 9 to 13,6 kg per square meter
(20 to 30 pounds per square foot), without reducing the weight bearing capacity of
the floor. This savings translates to a reduction in the costs of bringing construction
materials to a construction site, the costs of assembling a structure, the mass and
cost of materials required to support a structure, and finally, affords the architect
structural options that were heretofore unavailable due to the weight of the structure.
[0103] Advantages of the use of a sub floor space as a plenum for HVAC have been known previously.
However, because of the inaccessibility of that space in conventionally constructed
buildings, or the cost of conventional removable flooring systems, the associated
effort and expense of employing sub floor spaces as plenums have outweighed the benefits,
in most cases. With the implementation of the principles of the invention, the costs
are much reduced. Sub floor spaces can be easily partitioned such that large areas
of a floor have pressurized, conditioned air, to be accessed as desired. Accordingly,
ventilation can be inexpensively modified to suit varying needs and preferences, simply
by exchanging floor panels with panels having the desired configuration. By the same
token, return plenums having negative pressure can also be configured inexpensively.
The need for expensive air ducting and channeling can thereby be significantly reduced
or eliminated.
[0104] The abstract of the present disclosure is provided as a brief outline of some of
the principles of the invention according to one embodiment, and is not intended as
a complete or definitive description of any embodiment thereof, nor should it be relied
upon to define terms used in the specification or claims. The abstract does not limit
the scope of the claims.
[0105] Terms that refer to relative position or orientation, such as
top, bottom, upper, lower, horizontal, vertical, etc., are used with reference to elements as they would be situated when correctly
positioned in a completed structure, according to their function.
[0106] References to ordinal axes in the drawings and specification, i.e., X-axis, Y-axis,
and Z-axis, are to assist in clearly describing the embodiments, and do not limit
the claims. Generic references to axes in the claims, e.g., first and second axes,
do not necessarily correspond to particular ones of the ordinal axes, unless specifically
recited as such.
[0107] Ordinal numbers, e.g.,
first, second, third, etc., are used in the specification and claims for the purpose of clearly distinguishing
between elements or features thereof. Unless explicitly stated, the use of such numbers
does not suggest any other relationship, e.g., order of operation or relative position
of such elements. Furthermore, ordinal numbers used in the claims have no specific
correspondence to those used in the specification that refer to elements of disclosed
embodiments on which those claims may read.
[0108] Elements of the various embodiments described above can be combined, and further
modifications can be made, to provide further embodiments without departing from the
scope of the claims.
[0109] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed
description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed
to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, but
should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope
of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the invention is not
limited except as by the appended claims.
1. Bodenabschnitt (504), umfassend:
eine Vielzahl von Gitterelementen (506), die beabstandet voneinander und parallel
zu einer ersten horizontalen Achse liegen, wobei jedes der Vielzahl von Gitterelementen
(506) Folgendes umfasst:
erste und zweite kaltgeformte Stahlträger (514), die parallel zueinander liegen und
miteinander verbunden sind;
eine Platte (520), die in einer horizontalen Ebene liegt und sich über die Oberseiten
des ersten und zweiten Trägers (514) erstreckt;
eine Vielzahl von Unterbodenschienen (508), die parallel zu einer zweiten horizontalen
Achse senkrecht zur ersten horizontalen Achse liegen, wobei jede der Vielzahl von
Unterbodenschienen (508) starr mit jedem der Vielzahl von Gitterelementen (506) verbunden
ist;
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass:
die Platte (520) eine Vielzahl von Gewindeöffnungen (522, 524) aufweist, die dazu
eingerichtet sind, entsprechende Befestigungselemente aufzunehmen, um eine Vielzahl
von Bodenplatten mit der Platte (520) zu verbinden, sodass die Vielzahl von Bodenplatten
wiederholt entfernt und ausgewechselt werden kann; und
der Bodenabschnitt (504) ferner eine Vielzahl von Querträgern (510) umfasst, die beabstandet
und parallel zur zweiten horizontalen Achse liegen, wobei jeder so positioniert ist,
dass er sich zwischen zwei benachbarten der Vielzahl von Gitterträgern (506) erstreckt,
wobei die Oberseite jedes der Vielzahl von Querträgern (510) mit der Oberseite der
Platten jedes der Vielzahl von Gitterträgern (506) fluchtet.
2. Bodenabschnitt (504) nach Anspruch 1, umfassend eine Vielzahl von Verbindungselementen
(536), die jeweils dazu eingerichtet sind, mit aneinanderstoßenden Enden von Unterbodenschienen
(508) benachbarter Bodenabschnitte (504) verbunden zu werden, um die benachbarten
Bodenabschnitte (504) als Bestandteile eines strukturintegrierten Bodens (500) eines
Gebäudes zusammenzufügen.
3. Bodenabschnitt (504) nach Anspruch 1, umfassend eine Vielzahl von Verbindern (536),
die jeweils dazu eingerichtet sind, mit aneinanderstoßenden Enden von Gitterelementen
(506) benachbarter Bodenabschnitte (504) verbunden zu werden, um die benachbarten
Bodenabschnitte (504) als Bestandteile eines strukturintegrierten Bodens (500) eines
Gebäudes zusammenzufügen.
4. Bodenabschnitt (504) nach Anspruch 3, wobei jeder der Verbinder (536) dazu eingerichtet
ist, mit einer Oberseite eines Rahmenelements (502) des Gebäudes verbunden zu werden,
um die angrenzenden Bodenabschnitte (504) mit dem Rahmenelement (502) des Gebäudes
zusammenzufügen, wobei jeder der Vielzahl von Verbindern (536) derart eingerichtet
ist, dass die aneinanderstoßenden Enden der damit verbundenen Gitterelemente (506)
separat in vertikaler Richtung relativ zum jeweiligen Verbinder (536) verstellbar
sind.
5. Bodenabschnitt (504) nach Anspruch 1, umfassend eine Vielzahl von entfernbaren Bodenplatten
(512), wobei jede Bodenplatte (512) so bemessen und eingerichtet ist, dass sie sich
zwischen den Oberseiten benachbarter Paare der Vielzahl von Gitterelementen (506)
erstreckt und eine Vielzahl von Öffnungen (526) aufweist, die so positioniert sind,
dass, wenn die jeweilige Platte (512) korrekt über einem benachbarten Paar der Vielzahl
von Gitterelementen (506) positioniert ist, ein Befestigungselement, das jede der
Öffnungen durchläuft, in eine entsprechende der Vielzahl von Gewindeöffnungen (524)
der Platten (520) des benachbarten Paares von Gitterelementen (506) eingreifen kann.
6. Verfahren, umfassend:
in einer Fertigungsstätte Verbinden von Paaren von kaltgeformten Stahlträgern (514)
in einer nebeneinander liegenden Anordnung, um jeweils eines aus einer Vielzahl von
Gitterelementen (506) zu bilden;
Positionieren jedes der Vielzahl von Gitterelementen (506) in einer parallelen beabstandeten
Beziehung, wobei die Oberseiten derselben in einer gemeinsamen Ebene liegen;
Positionieren jeder einer Vielzahl von Unterbodenschienen (508) gegen Bodenseiten
der Vielzahl von Gitterelementen (506) und senkrecht dazu Liegen;
festes Verbinden jeder der Vielzahl von Unterbodenschienen (508) mit jedem der Vielzahl
von Gitterelementen (506), um einen Gitterabschnitt (504) zu bilden;
Verbinden jeder einer Vielzahl von Platten (520) auf der Oberseite eines entsprechenden
der Vielzahl von Gitterelementen (506);
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass:
jede der Platten (520) eine Vielzahl von Gewindeöffnungen (522, 524) aufweist, die
dazu eingerichtet sind, entsprechende Befestigungselemente einer Vielzahl von Bodenplatten
(512) aufzunehmen, die wiederholt entfernt und ausgewechselt werden können;
Bewegen des Gitterabschnitts (504) von der Fertigungsstätte; und
wobei das Verbinden der Vielzahl von Platten (520) auf der Oberseite der Vielzahl
von Gitterelementen (506) das Verbinden einer oder mehrerer Platten mit der Vielzahl
von Platten (520) umfasst, wodurch jede der Vielzahl von Platten (520) in einer beabstandeten
und parallelen Beziehung befestigt und eine Plattenanordnung gebildet wird, und das
Positionieren der Plattenanordnung auf der Oberseite des Gitterabschnitts (504) umfasst,
wobei jede der Platten (520) auf der Oberseite eines entsprechenden der Vielzahl von
Gitterelementen (506) liegt.
7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 6, umfassend das Positionieren jedes einer Vielzahl von Querträgern
(510), um sich zwischen zwei der Vielzahl von Gitterelementen (506) zu erstrecken,
wobei die jeweilige Oberseite in der gemeinsamen Ebene liegt, und das feste Verbinden
jedes der Vielzahl von Querträgern (510) mit den beiden der Vielzahl von Gitterelementen
(506).
8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 6, umfassend:
Verbinden des Gitterabschnitts (504) mit Rahmenelementen (502) eines Gebäudes, angrenzend
an einen zusätzlichen Gitterabschnitt (504);
wobei die Plattenanordnung zumindest teilweise vom Gitterabschnitt (504) abgekoppelt
wird und mindestens eine zusätzliche Platte mit der Plattenanordnung und dem zusätzlichen
Gitterabschnitt (504) verbunden wird, wodurch die Plattenanordnung relativ zum zusätzlichen
Gitterabschnitt (504) in Position gehalten wird; und
wobei die Plattenanordnung in Position relativ zum zusätzlichen Gitterabschnitt (504)
befestigt wird und jede der Vielzahl von Platten (520) auf der Oberseite eines entsprechenden
der Vielzahl von Gitterelementen (506) verbunden wird.
9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8, wobei das Bewegen des Gitterabschnitts (504) das Transportieren
des Gitterabschnitts (504) zu einer Baustelle eines Gebäudes umfasst.
10. Strukturintegriertes Bodensystem, umfassend eine Vielzahl von Bodenabschnitten (504)
nach Anspruch 1, die mit Rahmenelementen (502) eines Gebäudes verbunden sind.
11. Strukturintegriertes Bodensystem nach Anspruch 10, umfassend eine Vielzahl von Verbindungselementen,
die jeweils mit aneinanderstoßenden Enden von Unterbodenschienen (508) benachbarter
Bodenabschnitte (504) verbunden sind, um die benachbarten Bodenabschnitte (504) als
Bestandteile des strukturintegrierten Bodensystems zusammenzufügen.
12. Strukturintegriertes Bodensystem nach Anspruch 10, umfassend eine Vielzahl von Verbindern,
die jeweils mit einer Oberseite eines Rahmenelements des Gebäudes und mit aneinanderstoßenden
Enden von Gitterelementen (506) benachbarter Bodenabschnitte (504) verbunden sind,
um die benachbarten Bodenabschnitte (504) als Bestandteile des strukturintegrierten
Bodensystems zusammenzufügen.
13. Strukturintegriertes Bodensystem nach Anspruch 12, wobei jeder der Vielzahl von Verbindern
so eingerichtet ist, dass die aneinanderstoßenden Enden der damit verbundenen Gitterelemente
(506) separat in vertikaler Richtung relativ zum jeweiligen Verbinder verstellbar
sind.
14. Bodenabschnitt nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Platten (520) jedes der Vielzahl von Gitterelementen
(506) am ersten und zweiten Träger (514) des jeweiligen Gitterelements (506) durch
eine Vielzahl von Befestigungsmitteln befestigt sind, wobei die Befestigungsmittel
gelöst werden können, während eine seitliche Position der Platten eingestellt wird.
15. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9, wobei das Verbinden jeder der Vielzahl von Platten auf
der Oberseite des jeweiligen einer Vielzahl von Gitterelementen umfasst:
Befestigen der Vielzahl von Platten am jeweiligen Gitterelement mittels einer Vielzahl
von Befestigungsmitteln; und
Lösen der Vielzahl von Befestigungselementen, während eine seitliche Position der
Platten eingestellt wird.
1. Section de plancher (504), comprenant:
une pluralité d'éléments de grille (506) disposés à distance les uns des autres et
parallèles à un premier axe horizontal, chacun de la pluralité d'éléments de grille
(506) comprenant:
des première et seconde poutres d'acier (514) formées à froid, parallèles l'une à
l'autre et couplées entre elles;
une plaque (520) située dans un plan horizontal et s'étendant sur les surfaces supérieures
des première et seconde poutres (514);
une pluralité de rails de séparation (508) s'étendant parallèlement à un second axe
horizontal, perpendiculaire au premier axe horizontal, chacun de la pluralité de rails
de séparation (508) étant couplé rigidement à chacun de la pluralité d'éléments de
grille (506);
caractérisée en ce que:
la plaque (520) ayant une pluralité d'ouvertures filetées (522, 524) configurées pour
recevoir des éléments de fixation correspondants pour coupler une pluralité de panneaux
de plancher à ladite plaque (520), de sorte que la pluralité de panneaux de plancher
peut être enlevée et remplacée à plusieurs reprises; et
la section de plancher (504) comprenant en outre une pluralité de traverses (510)
espacées et parallèles au second axe horizontal, chacune étant positionnée pour s'étendre
entre deux traverses adjacentes de la pluralité de traverses (506), les surfaces supérieures
de chacune de la pluralité de traverses (510) étant coplanaires avec les surfaces
supérieures des plaques de chacun de la pluralité d'éléments de grille (506).
2. Section de plancher (504) selon la revendication 1, comprenant une pluralité d'éléments
connecteurs (536), chacun étant configuré pour être couplé à des extrémités contiguës
de rails de séparation (508) de sections de plancher adjacentes (504) pour relier
les sections de plancher adjacentes (504) ensemble en tant que parties constitutives
d'un plancher à structure intégrée (500) d'un bâtiment.
3. Section de plancher (504) selon la revendication 1, comprenant une pluralité de connecteurs
(536), chacun étant configuré pour être couplé à des extrémités contiguës d'éléments
de grille (506) de sections de plancher adjacentes (504) pour relier les sections
de plancher adjacentes (504) ensemble en tant que parties constitutives d'un plancher
à structure intégrée (500) d'un bâtiment.
4. Section de plancher (504) selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle chacun des connecteurs
(536) est configuré pour être couplé à une surface supérieure d'un élément d'ossature
(502) du bâtiment pour relier les sections de plancher adjacentes (504) à l'élément
d'ossature (502) du bâtiment, chacun de la pluralité de connecteurs (536) étant configuré
de sorte que les extrémités contiguës des éléments de grille (506) qui sont couplées
à celui-ci peuvent être ajustées séparément dans une direction verticale par rapport
au connecteur (536) correspondant.
5. Section de plancher (504) selon la revendication 1, comprenant une pluralité de panneaux
de plancher (512) amovibles, chaque panneau de plancher (512) étant dimensionné et
configuré pour s'étendre entre des surfaces supérieures de paires adjacentes de la
pluralité d'éléments de grille (506) et ayant une pluralité d'ouvertures (526) disposées
de telle sorte que, lorsque le panneau (512) correspondant est correctement positionné
sur une paire adjacente de la pluralité d'éléments de grille (506), une fixation traversant
chacune des ouvertures peut venir en prise avec une ouverture correspondante parmi
la pluralité d'ouvertures filetées (524) des plaques (520) de la paire adjacente d'éléments
de grille (506).
6. Procédé consistant à:
sur un site de fabrication, coupler des paires de poutres d'acier (514) formées à
froid ensemble dans une configuration côte à côte pour former des éléments correspondants
parmi une pluralité d'éléments de grille (506) ;
positionner chacun de la pluralité d'éléments de grille (506) dans une relation parallèle,
espacée les uns des autres, les surfaces supérieures de ceux-ci étant situées dans
un plan commun;
positionner chacun d'une pluralité de rails de séparation (508) contre les surfaces
inférieures de la pluralité d'éléments de grille (506) et de manière à être perpendiculaires
à ceux-ci;
coupler rigidement chacun de la pluralité de rails de séparation (508) à chacun de
la pluralité d'éléments de grille (506) pour former une section de grille (504) ;
coupler chacune d'une pluralité de plaques (520) sur la surface supérieure d'un élément
correspondant de la pluralité d'éléments de grille (506);
caractérisé en ce que:
chacune des plaques (520) ayant une pluralité d'ouvertures filetées (522, 524) configurées
pour recevoir des éléments de fixation correspondants d'une pluralité de panneaux
de plancher (512), qui peuvent être enlevés et remplacés à plusieurs reprises;
déplacer la section de grille (504) du site de fabrication; et
dans lequel le couplage de la pluralité de plaques (520) sur la surface supérieure
de la pluralité d'éléments de grille (506) comprend le couplage d'un ou plusieurs
panneaux à la pluralité de plaques (520), fixant ainsi chacune de la pluralité de
plaques (520) dans une relation espacée et parallèle et formant un ensemble plaque,
et positionnant l'ensemble de plaque sur la section de grille (504), chacune des plaques
(520) reposant sur la surface supérieure d'un élément correspondant parmi la pluralité
d'éléments de grille (506) .
7. Procédé selon la revendication 6, comprenant le positionnement de chacune d'une pluralité
d'éléments transversaux (510) pour s'étendre entre deux de la pluralité d'éléments
de grille (506), la surface supérieure respective étant située dans le plan commun,
et le couplage rigide de chacune de la pluralité d'éléments transversaux (510) aux
deux éléments de la pluralité d'éléments de grille (506).
8. Procédé selon la revendication 6, comprenant les étapes consistant à:
coupler la section de grille (504) aux éléments d'ossature (502) d'un bâtiment, à
proximité d'une section de grille supplémentaire (504);
avec l'ensemble de plaque au moins partiellement découplé de la section de grille
(504), coupler au moins un panneau supplémentaire à l'ensemble de plaque et à la section
de grille supplémentaire (504), fixant ainsi l'ensemble de plaque en position par
rapport à la section de grille supplémentaire (504); et
avec l'ensemble de plaque fixé en position par rapport à la section de grille supplémentaire
(504), coupler chacune de la pluralité de plaques (520) sur la surface supérieure
d'un élément correspondant parmi la pluralité d'éléments de grille (506).
9. Procédé selon la revendication 8, dans lequel le déplacement de la section de grille
(504) comprend le transport de la section de grille (504) vers un chantier de construction
d'un bâtiment.
10. Système de plancher à structure intégrée comprenant une pluralité de sections de plancher
(504) selon la revendication 1 couplées aux éléments d'ossature (502) d'un bâtiment.
11. Système de plancher à structure intégrée selon la revendication 10, comprenant une
pluralité d'éléments connecteurs, chacun étant couplé à des extrémités contiguës de
rails de séparation (508) de sections de plancher adjacentes (504) pour relier les
sections de plancher adjacentes (504) ensemble en tant que parties constitutives du
système de plancher à structure intégrée.
12. Système de plancher à structure intégrée selon la revendication 10, comprenant une
pluralité de connecteurs, chacun couplé à une surface supérieure d'un élément d'ossature
du bâtiment, et à des extrémités contiguës d'éléments de grille (506) de sections
de plancher adjacentes (504), pour relier les sections de plancher adjacentes (504)
ensemble en tant que parties constitutives du système de plancher à structure intégrée.
13. Système de plancher à structure intégrée selon la revendication 12, dans lequel chacun
de la pluralité de connecteurs est configuré de telle sorte que les extrémités contiguës
des éléments de grille (506) qui sont couplées à celui-ci peuvent être ajustées séparément
dans une direction verticale, par rapport au connecteur correspondant.
14. Section de plancher selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle les plaques (520) de chacun
de la pluralité d'éléments de grille (506) sont fixées aux première et seconde poutres
(514) de l'élément de grille (506) correspondant par une pluralité d'éléments de fixation,
dans laquelle lesdits éléments de fixation sont susceptibles d'être desserrés lorsqu'une
position latérale desdites plaques est ajustée.
15. Procédé selon la revendication 9, dans lequel ledit couplage de chacune de la pluralité
de plaques sur la surface supérieure de l'élément correspondant d'une pluralité d'éléments
de grille consiste à:
fixer ladite pluralité de plaques audit élément de grille correspondant au moyen d'une
pluralité d'éléments de fixation; et
desserrer ladite pluralité d'éléments de fixation pendant qu'une position latérale
desdites plaques est ajustée.