[0001] The invention relates to a bearer element suitable for use in system building, especially
in house building, the element having a metal plate which is repeatedly creased between
two substantially parallel faces, and gutter-shaped metal profiles enclosing the creased
plate at opposite edges over their entire lengths.
[0002] Such a bearer element is known from the Dutch patent application 7713062. The known
bearer element is intended to be used as a girder, but the said application also indicates
that the element may be constructed as a self-supporting wall, in which case a flat
supporting-plate may have been mounted to one or both faces of the creased metal plate.
With this known element the gutter-shaped profiles run in a direction perpendicular
to the length direction of the creases, so that each profile keeps each of the creases
enclosed at one of their extremities. The gutter-shaped profiles have a cross-section
in an 'open-box'-shape: a bottom with two upright walls, which have inwards overhanging
edges having upright extremities. Between those upright extremities the creased metal
plate is located, so that the element is considerably thicker than the distance between
the parallel faces between which the metal plate is creased.
[0003] The great housing-shortage is due partly to the high cost of construction and partly
to the fact that existing houses cannot be divided anew in a simple manner in order
to make them suitable for more but smaller families. Furthermore it is not possible
with the present housing constructions to transplant houses at least for a great part
from a place with a surplus of housing to a place with a shortage of housing.
[0004] It is the object of the invention to procure a bearer element with which these disadvantages
of current building constructions are obviated, particularly a bearer element with
which, if available in a small number of sizes, a bearer can be constructed with a
small number of different auxiliary materials. It is also the object of the invention
to provide a bearer element suitable for more universal use than the support element
of the Dutch patent application referred to.
[0005] According to the invention this object is achieved with a bearer element of the kind
indicated in the opening paragraph characterized in that the metal profiles run in
the length direction of the creases and in that along the remaining edges of the creased
plate there are metal strips in both parallel faces which fix the distance between
the profiles.
[0006] The bearer element, having its profiles in the length direction of the creases, is
suitable for universal use, for it can be used as a wall element and as a floor element.
As a wall element the bearer element is used with the creases in vertical direction,
as a floor element it is used with the creases running from support to support. In
the creases various pipes and leads can be accommodated which may easily be lead through
to a second bearer element, as, because of the fact that the profiles run in the length
direction of the creases, the extremities of the creases are open. This is possible
when that second element is mounted as a wall element on a first wall element, and
also when that second element is connected as a floor element to a wall element.
[0007] The positioning of the metal profiles makes these perform a very important function:
they stiffen the edges of the extreme creases of the bearer element. This results
in several essential functions: they introduce support reactions into the creased
metal plate; they support trimming-joints near stairways; they offer the possibility
to realize or to demount easily and quickly couplings between elements which lie or
stand one beside another, and also between elements lying or standing in line and
level. They also serve as a member for the fixation of front studs and of stabilization
plates.
[0008] The metal strips, too, have various functions, i.e. fixation of the distance between
the metal profiles, thus guaranteeing the dimensional stability of the element;
stiffening of the element in directions transverse to the length direction of the
creases. Whereas the weight of the element is increased in only a slight measure,
the rigidity, and thereby the manoeuvrability, of the element is considerably increased
thanks to the sandwich structure obtained.
[0009] In a favourable embodiment the metal strips are fixed to the tops of the creases.
This gives the element a greater resistance to sliding forces.
[0010] The metal strips may be fixed to the extremities of the creases, along the edges
of the creased plate. However, it may be an advantage when they are placed at some
distance therefrom. It will appear that this leads to savings in material and facilitates
the mounting of pipes and leads.
[0011] In that case a distance between a strip and the extremities of the creases of 20
to 30 cm has, in general, proved to be favourable. In a special embodiment the metal
strips are placed in one parallel face at the extremities of the creases, in the other
parallel face at some distance therefrom. This embodiment is especially suitable for
use as a floor element, in which case the face having the strips at the extremities
of the creases is on the bottom side. Those strips then introduce the support reactions
into the element.
[0012] In another favourable embodiment the metal profiles are fixed to the extreme creases.
In a very favourable embodiment fixations have been realized on the bottom of the
gutter-shaped metal profiles as well as on a wall thereof. This results in a tube
of great rigidity. The fixations may be realized with usual means, amongst other things
with rivets, by soldering, by glueing or by welding, especially by resistance-welding.
[0013] In cross-section the metal profiles can be substantially U-shaped. Their width may,
either externally or internally, correspond to the distance between two opposite metal
strips. In a very favourable embodiment the bottom of the substantially U-shaped profile
has an inwards directed crease. The advantage of this embodiment is the possibility
of inserting means into the crease to couple elements in their length direction without
thereby changing the external shape and dimensions of the elements.
[0014] In a special embodiment the metal profiles are provided at their ends with a cross-bulkhead
in order to offer an additional possibility of their being fastened when a bearer
is built up.
[0015] There is a large variety of patterns which are considered to be used for the creasing
of the metal plate.
[0016] The metal plate can be creased while forming corners having a very small radius of
curvature, so that the plate contains bends. The plate contains plane parts then which
are situated in the parallel faces of the elements. In a favourable embodiment the
plane parts of the creases between the parallel faces are provided with dimples. A
great mechanical strength can be realized if the creases have been shaped according
to a greater radius of curvature. As a rule the creases have a radius of curvature
amounting to at least 10 times the plate thickness, particularly 50 to 100 times the
plate thickness. In a section transverse to the creases, the plate is shaped then
according to a smoothly curved line. In many cases, in that cross section, pieces
of a straight line, if any, will occur only midway between both parallel faces of
the element.
[0017] The metal plate can be creased in such a way that each crease has the same shape
as its neighbouring creases. Preferably, however there are wider and narrower creases,
such creases occurring more particularly on each of both parallel faces.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment the wider creases are dimensioned in such a manner, that
they can contain a pipe having a socket diameter of 120 TIm.
[0019] Several metals are considered for use in the bearer element, such as steel and aluminium.
It has appeared that with steel plate having a thickness of 0.5 to 1 mm mechanical
strengths are realized which conform amply to the requirements. A bearer element having
a steel plate of 0.75 mn thickness, creased according to a suitable pattern, gives
a moment of resistance which is more than twice the required one when applied as a
floor element bridging 3.75 m. The material of the strips and the profiles is chosen
as a rule twice as thick as that of the plate material.
[0020] In house building it is known to use bearer elements of concrete to construct bearing
walls, the greater faces of which elements have recesses for the insertion of pipes
(De Dura DIP-methodiek, Handleiding bij het ontwerp, samengesteld door de SAR, Dura
en Van Hezik Partners, november 1979). These wall elements are constructed according
to the principles of the modular coordination, according to which it is possible to
insert pipes and leads (for gas, water, electricity, severage, flue gas, ventilation,
etc.) in zones of 20 cm in width, which zones are separated by zones of 10 cm in width.
[0021] The disadvantages of this known bearer element are that it is applicable for walls
only, that it is very heavy, involving high costs of transport and installing, and
heavy foundations. Furthermore special provisions must be made to make it possible
to couple the elements one to another.
[0022] The bearer element according to the invention has the advantage that it is possible
to build up the bearer (the bearing structure) of houses entirely with that bearer
element, without making use of supporting columns. Using the bearer element according
to the invention more than a skeleton is constructed: a bearing structure of walls
and floors, which structure is closed by means of non-bearing fronts.
[0023] Accordingly, the invention also relates to a bearer, particularly for livings, characterized
in that the bearer is built up with the bearer elements according to the invention,
in which wall elements are mounted with the creases vertically, the floor elements
with the creases running from support to support.
[0024] The bearer according to the invention has most essential advantages with regard to
other known bearers, which are shaped and constructed on the spot from raw materials.
[0025] Except for the accessories in a small variety, the bearer according to the invention
is composed of bearer elements which are of the same kind and are consequently prefabricated
in big numbers, which are in proportion to their dimensions extremely light and in
proportion to their weight extremely strong. On account of their slight weight they
are cheap in transport and easy to handle by two men. The bearer elements, and with
them the bearers, lend themselves exquisitely to being shaped according to the:- principles
of modular coordination, for which purpose in general a length of the corrugation
pattern amounting to 60 cm and a width of the element amounting to 120 cm are chosen,
although also a length of the corrugation pattern of 30 cm is applicable.
[0026] Furthermore the bearer according to the invention has the advantage that one and
the same bearer structure can, dependent on the requirements, be arranged at low costs
anew in housing units. Living units can be arranged within this bearer, largely almost
completely independent of the bearer, of the required system of pipes and leads, and
of the assembly kit. By "assembly kit" (set of detachable units) is meant herein the
entirety of walls separating living units and not belonging to the bearer, prepositioned
panels placed before walls that separate living units, lowered ceilings hanging from
the floor elements and floating floors placed on said elements. Moreover removal of
walls which also belong to the assembly kit and are not supporting, make it easy to
rearrange the space within a living unit anew, such rearrangement being made possible
too by the fact that the course of the pipes and leads can be changed by demounting
a prepositioned panel, a lowered ceiling part or floating floor part.
[0027] As the bearer itself consists of disconnectable bearer elements, the bearer can be
dismantled and with the bearer elements a. new bearer can be built up elsewhere.
[0028] For mounting floor elements a metal mounting piece having a U-shaped cross-section
can be used in the bearer, in which mounting piece the legs of the U extend sidewards
squarely near their free extremities and in which the bottom of the U contains openings
which each continu in a leg of the U to at a distance from the relative sidewards
extending extremity thereof.
[0029] The mounting piece can be put onto wall elements arranged in a row, its legs extending
downwards and enclosing those elements. In that case it is favourable when the metal
strips are placed at' a distance from the edge of the creased plate of the elements,
so that those strips are not enclosed as weJl by the mounting piece and consequently
the mounting piece is slenderer. Of at least some of the wall elements cavities of
creases correspond then on the upper side as well as on one or both parallel faces
to openings in the mounting piece. Floor elements may thereupon be deposited on the
squarely sidewards extending extremities of the legs of the U, cavities between creases
in at least some of the floor elements corresponding either on the upper side, or
on the bottom side to openings in the mounting piece. As a consequence, pipes and
leads can be continued from wall elements into floor (ceiling) elements, but also
into wall elements mounted above the afore said wall elements. A similar mounting
piece can, when installed in a predetermined height on a foundation, be used for mounting
wall elements and floor elements of the lowest floor of the building.
[0030] However, it may be recommendable to install bearer elements of a short length on
the foundation and to install a mounting piece on them in order to mount on the mounting
piece the wall elements and floor elements of the lowest floor. A bearer of this embodiment
has the advantage that there is no need to create cavities in the foundation in order
to make it possible to deviate pipes and leads, leaving wall elements, below the lowest
floor of the building. When using such bearer elements of a small length (50 cm for
instance), it is possible to deviate pipes and leads from those short elements.
[0031] In a favourable embodiment the mounting piece is compiled of two Z-shaped parts,
which are coupled, except for the openings, in counterpart. The coupling can be realized
in various manners, for instance by means of a hinge or by means of a hook on one
part which grips into an opening in the other part. A mounting piece of this embodiment
has the advantage that it may be stacked in a more compact manner during transport
and, what is more, the manufacture of this mounting piece is easier.
[0032] In a modified embodiment the mounting piece has a face provided with protrusions
which can cooperate with creases of a bearer element. The protrusions may be present
at the outside of the legs of the U-shaped mounting piece, at the outside of the bottom
of the U, at the inside of the bottom of the U.
[0033] Protrusions at the outside of the bottom facilitate the accurate positioning of wall
elements when a bearer is erected. Additionally, they offer resistance to horizontal
sliding forces exerted on the wall elements. Protrusions at the inside of the bottom
of the U position the mounting piece with respect to the wall elements onto which
it is mounted and, moreover, theyoffer resistance to sliding forces in the length
direction of the mounting piece.
[0034] Protrusions at the outside of the legs of the U cooperate with wall elements. They
facilitate the accurate positioning of those elements and offer resistance to sliding
forces in the length direction of the mounting piece. In a very favourable embodiment
floor elements placed on that mounting piece rest on those protrusions with the concave
surface of creases, those protrusions at their contact face being shaped complementary
to the creases. In this embodiment support reactions are transmitted evenly.
[0035] The protrusions may cooperate with wider and/or, if present, with narrower creases.
Protrusions that cooperate with narrower creases may be preferred, as they do not
inhibit pipes and leads to be led through. Protrusions may be obtained by securing
shaped members to the mounting piece e.g. by welding or by forming them from the material
of the mounting piece itself e.g. as bulges or as stamped out tongues or lips.
[0036] It is to be noted that from the Architectural Record of January 1934 (p. 20) a house
having a bearer of creased metal plate is known, however, this bearer is not equipped
with couplable elements. The creased metal plate of the walls has a length which is
equal to the height of the house. On ceiling height L-shaped profiles are welded on
the spot to the walls, on which profiles a creased floor plate is deposited. Plane
metal plates are welded against wall plates and floor plates. A quick assembling using
standardized elements is not realized; the welded joints make rearrangement of the
space inside the support and repeated use of the material impossible.
[0037] Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, in which
Figure 1 is a schematical front view of a first embodiment of a bearer element,
Figure 2 is the side view of the element represented in Fig. 1,
Figure 3 is the side view of a second embodiment.
Figure 4 is the side view of a third embodiment.
Figure 5 is the side view of a following embodiment.
Figure 6 is a perspective sketch of another embodiment.
Figure 7 is a perspective sketch of a mounting piece.
Figure 8 is a perspective sketch of mounting pieces in another embodiment.
Figure 9 is a schematical perspective sketch of an embodiment of a bearer according
to the invention.
Figure 10 shows a detail of Fig. 9, partially in exploded view.
[0038] In the figures 1 and 2 a metal plate 1 is repeatedly creased between the two substantially
parallel faces 2 and 3; the metal plate is enclosed over its entire length by gutter-shaped
metal profiles 4 at opposite edges. The profiles 4 run in the length direction of
the creases 9, 10, 11 and 12. Along the remaining edges 5 and 6 of the creased plate
1 there are metal strips 7 and 8 in both parallel faces 2 and 3; these metal strips
fix the distance between the profiles 4 by their being attached (indicated by stripes
13 and 14) to these profiles. At 14 also a connection of the profile 4 to the plate
1 is achieved.
[0039] Figure 1 shows that the strip 7 is present at the edge 5 of the plate 1, at the extremity
of the creases and the strip 8 at some distance from the edge 6 and at some distance
from the extremity of the creases 9, 10, 11 and 12. The creased plate 1 contains wider
creases 9 and 10, and narrower ones 11 and 12. The wider creases 9 as well as the
narrower ones 11 create cavities on the parallel face 2, just as the wider creases
10 and the narrower creases 12 do on the face 3. The tops of the wider creases are
fixed in this embodiment to the strips 7 and 8 (indicated by the stripes corresponding
to 13 and 14). Spotwelds are fixations which are appropriate and which can be made
quickly. The plate 1 is creased according to a pattern, which is repeated once in
this figure.
[0040] In the cavities formed by the creases, especially by the creases 9 and 10, pipes
and leads can be inserted.
[0041] The metal profiles are substantially U-shaped. Their external width corresponds to
the distance between two opposite metal strips 8. In the view of the metal plate represented
in figure 2, which corresponds to a section transverse to the length direction of
the creases, the plate 1 is smoothly curved. The radii of curvature are all much greater
than the thickness of the material.
[0042] In another embodiment strip 7 (Figure 1) is present at a distance from the edge 5
(a distance corresponding to the distance between strip 8 and edge 6) and the two
strips on the other parallel face (in figure 2) are fixed at the extremity of the
creases at the edge 5 and 6 respectively. In this embodiment the elements lends itself
especially as floor element, the parallel face 2 being directed downwards.
[0043] In the figures 3 up to and including 6 corresponding parts are indicated each time
by a reference numeral superior by 20 to those of the preceding figure. Furthermore
the reference numerals in figure 6 are superior by 80 to the numerals in figure 1.
[0044] In figure 3 the wider creases 29 and 30 and the narrower creases 31 and 32 are obtained
by kinking the plate 21 with a very small radius of curvature. This makes that the
creases run each for a substantial part in one of the parallel faces 22 and 23 and
that. also in between those faces there are straight line pieces in cross- sections.
[0045] Each of the creases is fixed with its top to one of the strips 22 and 23. The corrugation
pattern is, for the rest, equal to that in fig. 2, just as the pattern length.
[0046] The difference between the element of fig. 4 and that of fig. 3 is in the point that
in the plate 41 only creases of equal width are shaped. The pattern length is equal
to that in fig. 3.
[0047] In fig. 5 the plate 61 is also creased by kinking. The wider creases 69 all form
a cavity which is open to the parallel face 62, while the narrower creases 71 and
72 form cavities which are open to that same parallel face, resp. to the second parallel
face 63. The profiles 64, which are substantially U-shaped, have an internal width
which corresponds to the distance between the opposite strips 68.
[0048] The strips 68 are attached to the profiles 64 by welds 75. Joints 74 and 76 fix the
profiles to the creased plate 61. The pattern length of the plate 61 is half as great
as in the preceding figures. The pattern is repeated three times in this figure.
[0049] In figure 6 the pattern of the creased plate 81 is equal to that of figure 2. The
substantially U-shaped metal profiles 84 have in the middle of the U an inwards directed
crease 97, in which means for coupling the elements one to another can be inserted.
The same purposes have the recesses 98 in the profiles 84. The metal strips 87 and
88 are all placed near but at a distance from the edges 85 resp. 86 of the creased
plate 81.
[0050] Welded joints have been made between the tops of the creases 89-92 and the strips
87 and 88 (joints which are indicated by horizontal stripes), but there are also welded
joints (indicated by vertical stripes) between the extreme creases 99, 100 and the
basis, as well as a leg of a respective profile 84. As a result, the extreme creases
99 and 100 together with the respective profile 84 constitute a shaft which gives
the element a substantial stiffening.
[0051] Both profiles 84 have a cross bulkhead 101 at their two extremities. This bulkhead
consolidates the profile, but, what is more, it offers possibilities to couple the
element to other parts.
[0052] The mounting piece represented in Fig. 7 has a U-shaped cross-section, with the legs
111 and 112 of the U extending squarely outwards near their free extremities. The
outstanding extremities 113 and 114 constitute a supporting surface for floor elements.
In the bottom of the U there are openings (115, 116), which each continue themselves
into a leg to at some distance from the outwards extending extremities 114 respectively
113. The mounting piece can be positioned on an upright bearer element, in such a
manner that the legs 111 and 112 each extend along a respective parallel face of that
element. With otherwise equal dimensions of a bearer element, the width of the U may
be smaller if the strips of the bearer element are placed at some distance from the
edges of the element and if the assembling piece does not enclose these strips too.
[0053] A dotted line indicates in figure 7 the pattern of a creased plate of bearer elements
mounted below or on the mounting piece. If a bearer element as represented in fig.
6 is mounted upside down, below or on the assembling piece on the left in Fig. 7,
the cavities formed by the creases 89 and 90 correspond to the openings 115 respectively
116. Pipes and leads within those cavities can. then be led through in a vertical
direction. A bearer element as represented in fig. 6 which is deposited in fig. 7
(on the left side) on the outwards extending extremity 114 corresponds either with
its wider creases 89 or with its wider creases 90 with the openings 115. The cavities
formed by those creases may be on the upper side or on the bottom side of the element.
Vertical pipes and leads can be lead then through the openings 115 in a horizontal
direction. The strips 87 and 88, at a distance from the edges 85 and 86 (see fig.
6), facilitate that. The length of the mounting piece represented is 3.5 times the
width of the bearer element of fig. 6.
[0054] On its outer face the bottom 110 of the U has protrusions 117 in the form of discs
welded thereto, which can cooperate with narrower creases of a wall element placed
on top of the mounting piece.
[0055] The leg 112 has a number of protrusions 118 in the form of stamped out lips and a
number of protrusions 119 in the form of stamped out tongues. They are destined to
cooperate with narrower creases of a floor element placed on the outwards extending
extremity 114. At the upper side they have a shape which is complementary to the concave
surface of the narrower creases.
[0056] Figure 8 represents two mounting pieces 120 and 130 placed abutting each other, each
of the two mounting pieces consisting of two Z-shaped parts 121 and 122, respectively
131 and 132. The parts of a mounting piece can be coupled directly one to the other.
The advantages of using two Z-shaped parts constituting together a mounting piece
are that the parts have a low weight and are readily piled up, which results in a
smaller total volume on transport.
[0057] In case the mounting piece 120 is, as for its length, equal to the mounting piece
of figure 7, one element will, when the elements of fig. 6 are used for creating a
closed wall below or on the mounting piece, be installed half below or on the mounting
piece 120, and half below respectively on the mounting piece 130 and, by being coupled
to those mounting pieces, couple those mounting pieces to each other.
[0058] The bearer represented in figure 9 is built up with bearer elements as represented
in fig. 6, as wall elements 150 and also as floor elements 151, 152 and 153
'of various lengths. These elements are represented in the figure in a schematical
manner. Mounting pieces 154 as shown in figure 7 are used for mounting floor elements
151-153 to wall elements 150. A similar mounting piece 155 has been positioned on
the foundation 156 of concrete and coupled with the lowest wall elements 150.
[0059] In the foundation 156 recesses must be made in order to make it possible to deflect
pipes and leads inserted in a wall element 150 via a mounting piece 155 below a floor
element 151 or 152. For this reason the construction represented on the right in the
figure, where bearer elements 158 of a small length are placed on a foundation which
is situated somewhat deeper, is advantageous. If their corrugation pattern corresponds
to that of the wall elements 150 standing above them, pipes and leads coming from
those wall elements can be led, via the mounting piece 159, into the bearer elements
158 and from there be deflected below the floor elements 151 without it being necessary
to make recesses in the foundation 157.
[0060] Between wall elements 150 situated on a row, similar elements 160 are installed for
creating a partition wall between two living units. The difference in length of the
elements 150 and 160 is equal to the height of the mounting piece 154, in order to
make it possible to remove the elements 160 in case the bearer has to be divided anew.
[0061] The floor elements 153 and other floor elements which do not link with a bearer element
150 (a wall element with a bearing function) can be removed in order to make it possible
to move a stairway or to close or to form a stairway.
[0062] In the length direction of the floor elements 151 and 153 similar wall elements can
be installed for a fuller subdivision of the bearer into living units. The bearer
is closed with fronts.
[0063] The room within a living unit can be divided by means of panels. The living units
can be completed with prepositioned panels, lowered ceilings and floating floors.
[0064] In fig. 10 the wall elements 150 and the floor elements 151 and 152 are bearer elements
as represented in fig. 6. They are mounted by means of a mounting piece 154 as shown
in figure 7. The bearer elements 150 are coupled by a tie 161, the bearer elements
151 and 152 by a tie 162.
[0065] From figure 10 one can see that the profiles 84 of the bearer elements 150-152 run
alongside the front face of the bearer, so that they are usable to fix the front thereto.
[0066] Pipes and leads, such as sewer-pipes, can be led from the wider crease 89 in bearer
element 152 through the opening 115 in the mounting piece 154, into a corresponding
crease in bearer element 150, below bearer element 152.
Example
[0067] A bearer element had the shape as indicated in Figure 6. The creased plate was made
of a steel plate having a thickness of 0.75 mm. The wider creases had a depth of 15
cm and, on half depth, a width of 15 cm. They were located within zones of 20 cm width,
separated by zones of 10 cm width. The creased plate was encased in steel profiles
having a thickness of 1.5 mm and fixed to metal strips of the same thickness and a
width of 5 cm. The dimensions of the bearer element were:
[0068]

1. A bearer element suitable for use in system building, especially in house building,
the element having a metal plate which is repeatedly creased between two substantially
parallel faces, and gutter-shaped metal profiles enclosing the creased plate at opposite
edges over their total length, characterized in that the metal profiles run in the
length direction of the creases and in that along the remaining edges of the creased
plate, there are metal strips in both parallel faces which fix the distance between
the profiles.
2. A bearer element as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that the metal gutter-shaped
profiles are fixed to extreme creases.
3. A bearer element as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the metal strips
are secured to the tops of creases.
4. A bearer element as claimed in Claim 2, characterized in that the extreme creases
are secured to the bottom as well as to a wall of the gutter-shaped profiles.
5. A bearer element as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the gutter-shaped
profiles are substantially U-shaped in cross-section.
6. A bearer element as claimed in Claim 5, characterized in that the bottom of the
U has an inwardly directed crease.
7. A bearer element as claimed in anyone of the preceding Claims, characterized in
that the metal plate, in section transverse to the creases, is smoothly curved.
8. A bearer element as claimed in anyone of the preceding Claims, characterized in
that the metal plate has narrower and wider creases in both parallel faces.
9. A bearer element as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that the metal plate is
creased according to a pattern having a length of n x 30 cm, in which n = 1 or 2.
10. A bearer element as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that at least two of
the metal strips are positioned at a distance from the edges of the creased plate.
11. A bearer, especially for housing units, constructed of bearer elements as claimed
in one or more of the preceding Claims, in which wall elements are mounted having
the creases running vertically and floor elements having the creases running from
support to support.
12. A metal mounting piece suitable for use in a bearer as claimed in Claim 15, characterized
by a U-shaped cross-section, the legs of the U extending outwards squarely near their
free extremities, and in which the bottom of the U has openings which each continue
in a leg of the U to at a distance from the relative sidewards extending extremity
thereof.
13. A metal mounting piece as claimed in Claim 12, characterized by being compiled
of two Z-shaped and coupled parts.
14. A metal mounting piece as claimed in Claim 12 or 13, characterized in that a face
is provided with protrusions which can cooperate with creases of a bearer element.