Prefabricated building

Abstract

 A prefabricated multi-storied building is described, which if desired may be disassembled, with recovery of the components up to over 90%, which may be stowed with minimum space-requirements and then re-assembled within a much reduced time, and which due to the above and other characteristics is particularly suitable to solve emergency building problems. The building is of the framework construction type, constituted by metallic modules (P-TP-TS) of standard dimensions, which are repeated spatially with either square or rectangular grid-formations or meshes. The frames constituting the structural assembly of the building result from the assembling, by means of bolted type connections, of pillar modules (P) and of primary beams (TP) and secondary beams (TS) which are repeated horizontally and vertically and which constitute the main framework of said building.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a prefabricated building which is particularly suitable for solving emergency building problems resulting, for example, from cases of natural calamity. The building of the invention is characterized by the following features:
- it permits the construction of multi-purpose buildings to be used, according to the requirements, as houses, schools, hospitals, or as trade or social buildings;
- it permits the construction of multi-storied buildings, e.g. up to four storeys, so as to reduce the time and cost for urbanization;
- it permits housing standards having quality and duration which are comparable to those of permanent economical-popular housing, whereby it can be used even for long periods;
- it can be built up in a reduced period of time, e.g. within 20 to 60 days;
- it can use ground-anchoring systems requiring only normal leveling operations and disposable foundations of reduced dimensions;
- it uses prefabricated modules of such weight and volume as to be raised and transported by currently-used means;
- the modules and portions constituting the building can be recovered for successive use and require only minor restoration operations;
- said modules and components have a stowage volume not exceeding 20% of the total volume of the building that can be built up thereby.

[0002] The prefabricated modules pre-arranged for the formation of the building of the invention are obtained from cold-bent steel plate profiles and are connected by electrical spot-welding and, where required, by welding of thicker plates with addition of welding material. The pillar modules have a cross-like hollow section, while the primary and secondary beams have a double T section with a hollow portion only in the central region of the profile. The inner hollow portion of the pillars and main beams is airtight and these members are connected to each other sealingly so as to form conduits for delivering and recovering the thermally conditioned air into and from, respectively, the various internal rooms of the building, the conditioning station being installed on the covering roof of said building and being connected to the top ends of said pillars by means of flexible hoses or conduits of any suitable type. The longitudinal outer channels provided in the pillars and beams can be used to accommodate the water-supply, electrical or other installations. Said channels are then closed by conventional covering linings which, if required, may be removed for inspection and maintenance of said installations.

[0003] Further characteristics of the invention, and the advantages resulting therefrom, will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, shown as a non-limiting example in the Figures of the accompanying seventeen sheets of drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic top plan view of the supporting structure of the building according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows the structure of Figure 1, in sectional view on the line II-II;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the members constituting a knot of the base framework of the building;

Figures 4, 5 and 6 are perspective, side elevational and plan views, respectively, of one of the modules for connecting the structure to the foundation;

Figures 7 and 8 are sectional views on the lines VII-VII and VIII-VIII of Figure 5, respectively, of the module of Figures 4 and 5;

Figure 9 is a side elevational view of one of the primary framing beams of the building;

Figure 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the beam of Figure 9;

Figures 11 and 12 are top and bottom plan views, respectively, of the primary beam;

Figure 13 is a front elevational view of the primary beam;

Figures 14 and 15 are detail views of the primary beam on the sectional lines XIV-XIV and XV-XV of Figure 13;

Figures 16 and 17 are cross sectional views of the primary beam on the lines XVI-XVI and XVII-XVII, respectively, of Figure 10;

Figure 18 shows a further detail of the primary beam, in sectional view on the line XVIII-XVIII of Figure 17;

Figures 19 and 20 are a top plan view and a side elevational view, respectively, of a secondary beam according to the invention;

Figures 21 and 22 are sectional views on the lines XXI-XXI and XXII-XXII, respectively of Figure 20, showing details of the secondary beam;

Figure 23 is a perspective view of one of the pillars of the building;

Figures 24 and 25 are perspective views, respectively, of the lower and upper end portions, respectively, of the pillar;

Figures 26 and 27 are sectional views of two side, consecutive faces of the pillar;

Figure 20 shows the base of the pillar, in cross sectional view on the line XXVIII-XXVIII of Figure 26;

Figure 29 is a top plan view of the pillar;

Figure 30 is an intermediate sectional view of the pillar, taken on the line XXX-XXX of Figure 26;

Figure 31 shows an enlarged outer corner region of the intermediate section of the pillar of Figure 30;

Figure 32 is an enlarged sectional view on the line XXXII-XXXII of Figure 26, showing further enlarged details of the pillar base;

Figure 33 is a plan view of one of the panels for peripheral closure and flooring;

Figure 34 shows some constructional details of the panel of Figure 33, in sectional view on the lines XXXIV-XXXIV;

Figure 35 is a diagrammatic plan view showing the arrangement of the covering panels on the primary beams of the building;

Figures 36 and 37 are two sectional views on the lines XXXVI-XXXVI and XXXVII-XXXVII, respectively, showing as many details of the covering panels of Figure 35;

Figures 38 and 39 are top plan views of two different embodiments of the covering panel for the primary beams;

Figure 40 is a sectional view on the line XL-XL, showing a detail of the panels of Figures 38 and 39;

Figures 41 and 42 are longitudinal sectional views of the panels of Figures 38 and 39;

Figure 43 is a diagrammatic top plan view showing the arrangement of the flooring panels on the supporting framework of the building;

Figures 44, 45 and 46 are sectional views on the lines XLIV-XLIV, XLV-XLV and XLVI-XLVI, respectively, showing as many details of the arrangement of Figure 43;

Figure 47 is a top plan view showing the construction, after the assembling step, of the outer covering panels for the primary beams and pillars;

Figures 48 and 49 are sectional views on the lines XLVIII-XLVIII and XLIX-XLIX of Figure 47, respectively, showing as many details;

Figure 50 and 51 are an outer front elevational view and a top plan view, respectively, of the outer lining panel of the primary beams;

Figure 52 is a front elevational view of the outer lining panel for the pillars;

Figures 53 and 54 are sectional views on the lines LIII-LIII and LIV-LIV, respectively, showing as many constructional details of the panel of Figure 52;

Figure 55 is a plan view of the building after the assembling of the side covering panels for every storey of said building;

Figures 56 and 57 are sectional views on the lines LVI-LVI of Figure 55 and LVII-LVII of Figure 56.

[0004] The supporting structure of the building of the invention is of the frame type, constituted by metallic modules of standard dimensions which are repeated spatially with either ao square and/or rectangular grid formations or meshes. The frames constituting said structure comprise "pillar" and "beam" modules connected by high-strength bolts, and said frames are repeated both horizontally and vertically, constituting the main framework of the building. Said structure is not provided with windbracing members, such as stiffening plates, braces and the like, against the expected horizontal actions, so as to give said modules as far as possible the task of opposing said actions.

[0005] A similar principle has been utilized on designing the secondary structure constituted by the secondary beams, flooring and minor framework represented by the flooring panels. These elements are arranged in plan view according to a chess-type pattern; therefore, they distribute the vertical actions resulting from the foreseen permanent and accidental loads to the various structural elements in a sufficiently uniform manner.

[0006] The adopted constructional principle entails sufficiently distributed axial shearing and bending actions at the base of the pillars, which is an indispensable condition to design a base system which is characterized by an easy feasibleness and a considerable repeatability of the typical element, in association with a field of utilization (variability of the geotechnical conditions) which is extremely wide. The actions at the base of the pillars of the building according to the invention are constituted by the axial shearing and bending stresses received by the foundation elements from the spatial system of frames constituting the supporting framework of the building. The maximum value of the loads at the base of the pillars reaches, in case of four-storied buildings erected according to the invention, the value of about 62 tons at the most loaded pillar. This type of load can be transferred to a wide area of the ground by means of direct foundation systems, possibly integrated by improvements in the superficial strata of the laying planes for said foundations. The need is thus avoided of deep foundations which would be considerably burdensome as for working time and constructional complexity and which would require the use of particular machinery and skilled personnel.

[0007] As to the foundations of the direct type, we have examined some different types and we have selected those constituted by "isolated plinths" in that they comply with the specific problems of emergency buildings, such as rapidity of action, reduction of building time and cost, reduction of the foundation elements to be lost in case of successive utilization of the structure.

[0008] With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3, it will be noted that after the formation, if required, of a plinth-supporting bed, a metallic frusto-pyramidal mold C is disposed thereon, said mold having a square-shaped base and comprising side walls which can be separated from each other upon the removal step. On the side walls of the mold C, there are pivoted at 1 on the stiffened top portion, respective pairs of arms 2 which are parallel to each other and are arranged on imaginary planes perpendicular to said walls, said arms being provided at the other ends thereof with an idle roller 3 which is parallel to said pivotal axis 1. The ends of the shaft of each roller 3 are hingedly supported by respective regulatable tierods 4 having the same characteristics and pivoted at the opposite ends, at 5 to a lower stiffened portion of the same walls of the mold. On the rollers 3 duly positioned at the desired level, there are disposed the end portions of the primary beams TP which constitute the horizontal framework of the ground floor of the building and which by means of the tierods 4 may be perfectly positioned in their plano-altimetric condition, even before casting the plinths.

[0009] When not required for supporting a beam TP, the assembly 2-3-4 may be easily disactivated. Secured removably to the ends of the primary beams is a module N adapted to be fixed to the foundations. Under many respects, the module N is similar to the capital of the pillar module described below and its function is to connect the ground floor primary beams TP to each other and to constitute a bond for the lower end of each pillar module, while constituting a guidance and outlet for any conduits or installations possibly accommodated in the longitudinal channels of said pillars. The module N is shown in the Figures 3 to 8 and comprises an octagon-shaped base 6 to be arranged centrally on the top of the chamber of said mold C so that the latter is left partially open to permit the casting thereinto of the concrete for the formation or completion of the plinth. On the base plate 6 there are welded perpendicularly and arranged on the sides of an imaginary square centered perfectly on said base, double T-shaped identical plates 7 which are connected to each other at the bottom and top portions thereof and which are also connected together at the top side thereof by a cross-shaped plate 8 which leaves the corner regions of the parallelepipedal body formed by said plates 7 open. In Figures 5 and 6 it can be seen that on the contour of the plate 8, adjacent the side plates 7, there are provided terns of threaded holes 9 which are obtained by drilling said plate and by welding thereunder, co-axially with each hole, a respective nut of suitable characteristics. This procedure is also used for the other modules of the building, but for simplicity's sake it will not be described again.

[0010] Within the parallelepipedal body of the module N, which slotted in the intermediate portion of the corner regions, as indicated at 10 in Figures 3-4-5, there is fixed a brace 15 having the same height and having a cross-shape in plan view, constituted by welded plates. In Figures 5-7-8 it can be seen that in the corner regions of the module N there are also fixed horizontally and at different levels, plates 11 and 12 provided with holes in line with the openings of the top plate 8, to be used for the passage of possible conduits or circuits (see below). In Figures 5 and 8 it can be seen that at the centre of the bottom plate 6 there is provided a hole 13 to be used to temporarily store in the central hollow portion of the module N the screws for mutually connecting the modules of the building, said hole being closed by a removable cover 14. In the bottom plate 6 there are provided, in a symmetrically distributed and centered arrangement, holes having secured thereto the ends of small tubes 16 which open at the bottom of said plate 6 and which through the slotted regions 10 may be connected to a pump for injecting into the mold the top finishing material for the concrete casting after the curing thereof. Suitable tierods 17 for connection to the casting and reinforcement of the plinth, are secured pair by pair in corresponding holes which are formed at the centre of the overhanging portions of the plate 6, said portions being stiffened by a suitable number of properly distributed gussets or ribs 18 (Figures 3-4-5-8). In Figures 5-7-8 it will be seen that horizontal rows of threaded holes 19 are provided in the upper and lower regions, respectively, of each side wall of the module N, and that at the ends of the lower row of holes there are provided a pair of mushroom-shaped pegs 20 which are perpendicular to said walls and of identical dimensions, which are used as temporary supporting and anchoring elements between primary beams and modules N (Figures 3-4-5-8).

[0011] In Figure 2, L indicates the formed plinths stripped of the mold C.

[0012] With reference to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 9 to 18, a primary beam (TP) will be now described. Primary beams may be constructed in two different lengths, for example, 5 metres and 2.5 metres. Said beam is made of cold-bent plates of different thickness which are connected to each other by spot-welding 21, the welded spots being suitably distributed as indicated in Figures 11 and 12. The values of the shearing stress transmitted by said welded spots have been calculated as a function of the experimental resistance values and by establishing a suitable pitch also in view of a possible undulated buckling of said plates when subjected to compressive stress. The beam has a box-shaped section in the central portion 22 thereof and is provided, at the top and bottom sides, with longitudinal, identical, equally-protruding wings 23 which are co-planar with the respective top and bottom walls of the same beam. The wings 23 terminate in parts 123 which are parallel to the sides of the box-like portion 22 so as to form therewith, all over their length, C-shaped channels 24 (Figure 16). The particular double T shape of the beam TP permits said beam to take up very well the torsional stresses thanks to the presence of the box-like portion 22 and to take up as well the bending and shearing stresses thanks to the presence of the double wings 23-123. The central box-like portion 22 of the beam TP is airtight. This condition is obtained by coating longitudinally the outer corner regions of the wings 23-123 with continuous beads 25 of silicone or other suitable material. The heads of the beam TP are provided with flange plates 26 which have a double T shape in front view (see Figures 3 and 13) so as to cover (close) the box-like portion 22 and to join the wings 23-123 for stiffening purposes. The region of the head plates that covers the box-like portion of the beam is provided with a slot 27 where through the necessary communication is obtained between said portion 22 and the corresponding hollow portion of the pillar modules, as further explained below. Said head plates 26 protrude to a suitable extent from the top side of the beam and are connected thereto by small stiffening gussets or ribs 28. Figures 9-13 and 14 show that at the ends of the beam TP there are provided stiffening gussets or ribs 29 that connect the lower wings 23 to the adjacent side protrusions of the plates 26, while small cross-plates 30 connect the upper wings 23-123 to the outer side of the box 22. Figures 9 and 17 show that within the beam TP there are fixed, at symmetrically distributed zones, tubular cross members 64. Moreover, Figures 10 and 15 show that the head plates 26 are connected to the upper wall of the box 22, opposite the outer gussets 28, by L-shaped stiffening channels 31. Opposite said stiffening members there are provided longer, shell-shaped ribs 32 which are sealingly fixed to said head plates 26, sidewalls of the box 22 and bottom wall thereof, said bottom wall being slotted at 33 to permit the positioning of the connecting screws through a part of the holes 34 formed in the lower side of the plates 26. Similar holes 35 are provided at the upper protruding and ribbed side of the plates 26 to receive the stem of the screws for connecting the beam either to the module N or to the pillar module (see below). The heads of the beams TP, as stated above, comprise ribbed, continuously welded regions. In view of the extremely indeterminate static strains transmitted by said continuous weldings, the static ascertainment refers to experimental behavior situations tested in a laboratory with practical loads, and the like.

[0013] Figures 13 and 14 show that the horizontal lower side of the head plates 26 is provided with two symmetrically-disposed slits 36 which partly extend to the adjacent portion of the wings 23 and which are so disposed and sized as to interengage with the pegs 20 provided at the sides of said modules N and the capital of the pillar modules to be described below. This type of friction coupling permits, during the assembling of the building of the invention, to position the primary beams TP with no necessity to apply the respective connecting screws at once. It is thus possible to "tack", storey by storey, all the sub-structural system and thereafter to apply and tighten the screws according to a functional scheme, preferably by means of a dynamometric wrench. A resilient washer (spring washer) should be arranged under the head of each screw to prevent the bolt from loosening. Since the present regulations impose the electrical continuity between the sub-components, said resilient washers shall be of the tab washer type with external toothing so that during the tightening of a bolt said toothing will remove any paint from the underlying area, thus ensuring a metal-to metal contact. In order to ensure the grounding of the entire building, it will suffice to connect the lower portion of some pillars P of the lowest storey to the grounding net. Upon the dismantling of the building, said friction coupling between said slits and pegs permits to completely remove the bolts from a primary beam before the latter is anchored to a lifting crane, thus ensuring the maximum operational security for the personnel effecting the dismantling.

[0014] With reference to Figures 9-10-12-16, it will be seen that both sidewalls and bottom wall of the box-like portion of the primary beam are provided with a suitable number of symmetrically and centrally disposed sets of holes 37-38 of suitable dimensions which may be equipped with air nozzles for either delivering and recovering the thermally conditioned air being circulated in the primary beams TP (see below). If not required, said holes may be closed by means of covers 39 adapted to be fixed by means of screws.

[0015] With reference to Figures 9-10-11-12-17-18, it will be noted that the primary beams are provided on their sides, at regions which are reinforced by the internal cross members 64, with small brackets 40 having a chair-shape in front view and provided with slots 41 and holes 42 for supporting and fastening the reduced end portions, provided with threaded holes 43-44 (Figures 19-20-22), of the secondary beams TS whose upper surface shall be co-planar with respect to said primary beams TP. The secondary beams, though of limited section, are constructed of the same length, by the same technics and with the same outline as the primary beams and, therefore, they comprise a box-shaped central portion 45 and lower and upper projecting wings 46 with bent edges 146. The electric resistance welding spots of the profiles constituting the beam TS are indicated at 47. The sidewalls of the secondary beams are also provided with longitudinal channels 98 for accommodating conduits and installations. To permit any conduit, wiring or the like to pass across the secondary beams, the latter are provided at symmetrically disposed regions (Figures 19-20-22) with transversal openings obtained by maching opposite holes in the sides of the box-shaped portion 45 and by welding a tubular body 48 at the edges thereof.

[0016] With reference to Figures 23 to 32, a pillar module P will be now described. These modules, similarly to the preceding ones, are also constituted by profiles made of cold-bent steel plate of suitable thickness which are welded to each other by electrical resistance spot-welding, the spots 49 being suitably distributed. It appears from Figure 30 that the pillar has a regular cross-shaped section and has an airtight construction whereby the thermally conditioned air can be circulated therein. Figure 31 shows how suitable silicone beads 50 are laid down at the internal corner areas of the cross-shaped section of the pillar to achieve said airtight condition. Figure 30 shows also that said pillars are provided with small protruding ribbed wings 51 with suitably distributed holes along their length. The outer corner channels 52 of the pillar may accommodate the rain downpipes or other conduits and/or circuits. The pillar is provided therein with discreet connections arranged intermediately and at the ends thereof and which do not alter the continuity of the cross-shaped internal section of said pillar.

[0017] The head of the pillar has a configuration which is substantially similar to that of said module N and which is integrated, as to structural continuity and planarity, in the body of said pillar. The capital of the pillar differs from said module N under the following respects. Figure 25 shows that the top cover of the capital leaves the cross-shaped section of the pillar body exposed, and that said cover, therefore, is of composite construction with plates 53-54 welded with added welding material. Threaded holes 9 permit the pillars to be connected to each other.

[0018] Figure 25 also shows that the sidewalls of the capital are provided in an intermediate position with slots 55 having such shape and positioning as to be perfectly matching with the slots 27 provided in the head flanges of the primary beams TP (see Figure 13), so as to achieve the necessary connection between the box-shaped portion of said beams and the hollow cross-shaped portion of the pillar. A sealing gasket, e.g. a silicone-based gasket, is interposed between the mating beam/pillar surfaces. If said connection between these two portions is not required, a suitably prepared barrage diaphragm (not shown because easily conceivable and feasible by those skilled in the art) is interposed in the connection area.

[0019] With reference to Figures 24-26-27-28, it will be noted that the lower end of the pillar P has affixed thereto flange plates 56-57 with threaded holes 58 to be used for securing the pillar to the capital of an underlying pillar or to an underlying module N. Adjacent the plates which are provided with said holes, and in order to reach the latter, the sidewalls of the pillar are provided with small openings 59, and box-like bodies 60 are welded on the inner sides of said openings and in registry therewith, also for the purpose of stiffening that area (Figures 24-32).

[0020] The thus-formed pillar module has a reduced weight and has a high moment of inertia. Thanks to the high stiffness of the head zone or capital, the connection with the primary beams permits to achieve a transmission of loads with kinematic continuity characteristics, as ascertained during experimental tests, whereby the frame formed by said elements may be considered as having nearly rigid knots.

[0021] Figures 33 and 34 show one of the panels Z to be used for constituting the floor and lateral closure. Said panel is of the sandwich type and comprises parallel plates 61 and 62 of highly compressed laminar material, secured to a substantially U-shaped frame 63, for example, made of polyvinyl material. The concave portion of the frame 63 is facing outwards and is provided intermediately with an integral longitudinal continuous bead 163 having a substantially C-shaped outline and having matingly joined therein a seal 65 of the lamellar type. Polyuretanic material 66 of density not lower than 35 Kg/mc is injected under pressure into the box-shaped element 61-62-63. Such a panel has, for example, a thickness of approximately 7 cm and the plates 61-62 have a thickness, for example, of 3 and 5 mm, respectively. The latter plate, which is suitably treated against wear, is always facing upwards of towards the interior of the building with which the panel Z is associated.

[0022] With reference to Figures 35 to 42, it will be seen that said panels Z are used for covering the upper face of the primary beams TP. Said panels may have a length which is half the length of a primary beam of longer dimension, or they may have the same length. In the former instance, the panel Z1 is constructed as shown in the Figures 38 and 41 and has an upper plate 62 protruding with a portion 162 of suitable length from one of the shorter sides of said panel.

[0023] In the latter instance, the panel Z2 is constructed as shown in the Figures 39 and 42 and has an upper plate 62 protruding with portions 162 of identical suitable length from both shorter sides of the same panel. Said protruding portions 162 of the plate 62 are intended to overlap the end portions of the primary beam which are provided with the stiffening gussets or ribs 28 as from Figures 9 and 10.

[0024] Figures 38-39-40 show that the lower plate 61 of the panels Z1 and Z2 is provided, along its longer sides, with a suitable number of suitably distributed holes 67 adapted to accommodate nuts 68 which are used together with screws 69 (Figures 36-37) whereby respective metal straps 70 to be used for the purpose specified below may be overhangingly secured on the upper wings 23 of the primary beam. According to a further embodiment, the nuts 68 or other threaded means may be previously disposed and fixed inside the panels Z1-Z2. The straps 70, in turn, are provided on the portion protruding from the panels Z1-Z2, with a suitable number of suitably distributed holes 71.

[0025] As shown in the detail view of Figure 37, on the side of the frame of the panels Z1 or Z2, that is facing towards the interior of the building there is fixed an H-shaped profile 72 which together with the protruding portion of the strap 70 constitutes a support and structural continuity member for the flooring panels Z which will be installed after said panels Z1 and/or Z2, as shown in Figures 43 and 44. Further profiles 72, preferably, are also disposed at the longitudinal sides of the flooring panels Z, by fastening to one of each pair of opposite sides of said panels (see Figure 45). Figure 46 shows how the abutting shorter sides of the panels Z may not be, however, provided with the connecting profile 72. The connection between the horizontal panels Z1-Z2-Z is completed by arranging a finishing packing 73 between the facing abutting sides of the upper plates 62 of said panels (see Figures 44-45-46).

[0026] After installing the floor covering (Figure 43), a prefabricated module 74 is installed to be used as a bathroom, said module being already provided with the sanitary equipment and the required water and electrical installations. Said module is not described here in detail as it is of a substantially know type.

[0027] With reference to Figures 47-48-50-51, the panels S for lining the primary beams TP on the side facing outwards of the building will now be described. From said Figures, it appears that the panels S are formed by a box-shaped body 75 which is made prevalently of pre-painted plate and which - only on the surface facing the beam - may be provided with an insert 76 of multi-layer material recovered from the scraps of said panels Z-Z1-Z2. Polyuretanic material of suitable density 77 is injected into the body of the panel S. These panels, similarly to the panels used for the pillars, to be discussed below, have insulation purposes and building facade-finishing purposes thanks to the pre-painted plate of the body thereof. The panels S cover the channel 24 formed in the outer side of the beam TP, thus concealing the possible contents therein.

[0028] The panels S are of such dimensions as to be co-extensive with the beam TP throughout the length thereof and terminate in reduced end portions indicated at 78 in Figures 50-51, adapted to be covered partly by the lining panels for the pillars (see below). Figure 48 shows that the panels S have such a height as to cover the beam TP and protrude suitably downwards thereunder by a length provided with drip-remover 79, and to cover as well the thickness of the upper lining panel Z1 or Z2 for the primary beam TP, which is partly overlapped by a continuous wing 80 integral with the steel plate body of the panel S, said wing having the same length as said panel and terminating in a rim 81 directed upwards and outwards.

[0029] Figure 48 also shows that the panel S is formed, in the face directed towards the beam TP, with a longitudinal channel 82 wherein at least the upper side is planar and horizontal so as to rest intimately on the portion of strap 70 protruding overhangingly from the top of the beam TP, said planar side of the channel being provided with protruding pins 83 in such number and arrangement as to engage the holes 71 in said portion of the strap 70 (Figures 39, 40), whereby the panel S is firmly anchored thereto. On the face directed towards the beam TP, the panel S is also provided with integral or inserted metal tangs 84 directed downwards, terminating in an inclined receiving portion 184 and designed for interengagement with the bent up edge 123 of the lower wing of the beam TP.

[0030] With reference to Figures 47-49-52-53-54, the panels R for covering the outer faces of the pillar modules P will be now described. Said panels have a box-shaped body 85 entirely made of previously painted plate with polyuretanic resin 86 injected thereinto under pressure. The panels R have a width which is equal to or suitably larger than that of the pillar module P, so as to partly overlap each other at their edges when applied on the corner pillars and so as to ensure in any case the required structural continuity with the side covering or closing panels Z (see below) and with the outer lining panels Z1-Z2 for the primary beams. The height of the panels R is substantially the same as that of a pillar P and the lower and upper sides of said panels are of reduced dimensions as indicated at 87 and 88 in Figure 53 so that the upper side of one of said panels may be coupled with the lower side of the panel thereabove to form a connection of the labyrinth type, with upward directed surfaces which prevent the passage of rain. The connection between the panels R, preferably, is effected at the base of the capital of each pillar, as shown in Figure 49, to avoid overlapping with the connection between the pillars. Figures 49-52-53-54 show that the panels are provided on the face directed towards the pillar, at the upper and intermediate portions, with pairs of hooks 89 directed downwards and designed to interengage with suitable cross members 90 (Figure 49) secured in the corner channels 52 of the pillar P. On the same inside face, the panel R is also provided, in the lower portion thereof, with a pair of symmetrically-disposed recesses 91 which are closed, flush with said face, by respective plates formed with slots 92 of differentiated width whereby said plates may be anchored by means of a guillotine movement to the pegs 20 provided at the lower end of each face of the capital of a pillar.

[0031] With reference to Figures 55-56 and 57, the outer covering of the building will be described below. To carry out this operation the type Z panels discussed above in connection with the flooring will be used, said panels being disposed vertically with their longer dimension, in end-to-end, side-by-side arrangement, with possible arrangement therebetween of the connection joint 72 at the vertical sides thereof (Figure 57). These panels rest with their ends on the wing 80 of the panel S for lining the primary beam TP and the channelled profile of their lower sides mates the upright and inclined rim 81 of said wing. The upper portion of the panel Z rests against the lower portion of the panel S, which protrudes below the beam TP, and is restrained thereagainst by a strip 93 which is secured, for example, on the undersurface of said beam TP. It is apparent from Figure 56 that the primary beams TP are insulated perfectly from the environment.

[0032] Depending upon the use of the building, the surfaces of the modules TP-P-TS facing the interior of said building, may also be lined with suitable finishing panels which are not discussed here in that they are easily realized by those skilled in the art. Said modules of the building, if required, may be prepared with suitable holes for mounting said finishing elements.

[0033] In this description we have omitted the details concerning the realization of the building covering (roof) and of the upper connection of the pillars (or some of the pillars) to the thermal conditioning installation, in that they are easily conceived and carried into effect by those skilled in the art.

[0034] Finally, it is to be understood that the description is referred to a preferred embodiment of the invention, and that many changes and modifications, especially of constructional nature, may be made thereto without departing from the basic principle of the invention, as disclosed above, as shown and as claimed hereinafter.

[0035] In the following claims, the reference numerals in parentheses are only intended to facilitate the understanding of said claims and, therefore, they shall not be interpreted as limiting the scope of protection of said claims.

Claims

1 - A prefabricated building, particularly adapted to solve emergency building problems resulting, for example, from cases of calamity, said building being of the framework type constituted by pillar and beam metallic modules of standard dimensions, connected to each other by means of bolts of very high strength and which are repeated horizontally and vertically with either square or rectangular grid formations or meshes, characterized in that at least the pillars (P) and primary framework beams (TP) of said modules are used as portions of the thermal conditioning system for the rooms of said building, and for this purpose they are of hollow construction and airtight features and they comprise, at the zones of mutual connection, flanges with sealing gaskets and with openings (27-55) that register with each other to ensure the communication between the hollow sections of said modules, the primary beams (TP) being provided, at least laterally and preferably also in the lower wall, with openings (37-38) having mounted thereon air nozzles for either delivering and recirculating the air into and from said rooms, the pillars being connected at the top thereof through flexible hoses or the like to a thermal conditioning station installed on the covering (roof) of the building according to the invention.

2 - A building according to claim 1, characterized in that the modules constituting the supporting framework of said building, are made of cold-bent steel plate profiles, united by suitably-distributed spot-welding and where required by welding with added material and with reinforcement plates.

3 - A building according to cliam 1, characterized in that the pillar module (P) has an entirely hollow cross-shaped section, while the primary beams (TP) and secondary beams (TS) have a double T section and the hollow portion is limited to the central part, all the above with a view of providing said modules with longitudinal outer channels intended to receive water-supply installations, electrical circuits and/or the like, said channels being designed to be closed by suitable covers which, if desired, may be removed for maintenance and inspection of said installations.

4 - A building according to claim 1, wherein the airtight condition from the environment of the hollow section of the pillar modules (P) and primary beam modules (TP) is ensured by applying suitable packings (50-25), for example, beads of silicone or other suitable material.

5 - A building according to claim 1, wherein all the nuts which are required for mutually connecting the modules of the same building are welded at the holes of some of said modules, so as to simplify the connection of said modules, which utilizes, preferably, spring washers of the type with external toothing (tab washers) adapted to remove the paint from said modules to ensure a metal continuity at the connection zones, all the above in order to obtain the grounding of the entire framework by only grounding the base portion of a few pillar modules.

6 - A building according to claim 1, wherein the modules of the primary beams (TP) are provided at the ends thereof with head plates or flanges (26) which sealingly close the central box-shaped portion (22) of said modules, which are provided with an opening (27) for connecting said portion with the hollow section of the pillar and which comprise lateral extensions for connection to the wings (23) of said module, said flanges protruding from the top portion of the beam with an extension which is connected to said beam by means of stiffening gussets or ribs (28) and which is provided with a row of holes (35) for connecting the beam to the pillar module, while the other row of holes (34) is provided at the lower side of said plate.

7 - A building according to claim 6, characterized in that at said row of connection holes (34) provided at the lower side of the head flanges (26) of the primary beams (TP), the lower wall of said beams is provided with slots (32-33) to permit the access for insertion of the fastening screws into those of said holes that are at the hollow portion (22) of said beams.

8 - A building according to claim 6, wherein the primary beam (TP) is provided, within the hollow portion (22), with symmetrically-distributed stiffening internal profiles (64), said beam being provided in registry with said profiles with suitable supports (40) formed with slots and holes (41-42) for fastening thereto, by means of bolts, the suitably reduced and shaped ends of the secondary beams (TS) which are arranged perpendicularly between each parallel pair of primary beams constituting a frame of said building.

9 - A building according to claim 8, wherein the secondary beams (TS) have a chess-like arrangement to sufficiently uniformly distribute between the various structural elements the vertical actions due to the expected permanent and accidental loads.

10 - A building according to claim 1, wherein the wings (23) of the primary beams (TP), as well as those of the secondary beams (TS), are provided with bent edges (123) to give said beams a higher mechanical strength, and due to said edges the opposite outer channels (24-48) of said beams have a C-shaped outline.

11 - A building according to claim 1, wherein the secondary beams (TS) are open-ended and each end is of suitably reduced dimensions to be inserted into the side channels (24) of the primary supporting beams, to be fixed on the purposely-made supports (40) and so that the top faces of said beams are co-planar with each other.

12 - A building according to claim 11, wherein the secondary beams (TS) are provide transversely in the box-shaped portion (45), with a suitable number of reinforced through-openings (48) which are distributed symmetrically along said beams and to be used for permitting conduits, circuits, etc. to cross over said beams.

13 - A building according to claim 1, wherein the head portion or capital of the pillar module (P) is surrounded by a band of metal plate of increased thickness, of square section, which intimately circumscribes the cross-like section of said pillar at the zone to be connected to the main beam, said capital being provided laterally, in each face, with two parallel and horizontal rows of threaded holes (19) wherein the bolts for fastening the primary beams may be screwed, and being also provided with at least one opening (55) for communication with the corresponding head opening (27) in the primary beam.

14 - A building according to claim 13, wherein the capital of the pillar module is provided laterally, on each face, with at least one pair of mushroom-shaped pins (20) which are aligned horizontally and may be used for fit-in coupling with corresponding slits (36) provided in the lower side of the head flange (26) of the primary beam (TP), all for the purpose of permitting something like a "friction tacking" of the beam/pillar modules and, thereafter, securing them by applying the screws by means of dynamometric wrenches.

15 - A building according to claim 13, wherein the capital of the pillar module is provided, intermediately of the corner regions, with openings (10) to be used as outlets, or inlets, or branch openings for the installations arranged in the outer corner channels (52) of said module.

16 - A building according to claim 13, wherein the capital of the pillar module (P) is provided on the top face thereof with co-planar plates (53-54) wh.ich do not alter the channelled section of said module, which are included in the square outline of said capital and which are provided partly with the threaded holes (9) required for mutually connecting said modules.

17 - A building according to cliam 13, wherein the base of the pillar module (P) is provided with co-planar plates (56-57) which do not alter the channelled section of said module and which are provided partly with holes (58) for receiving the screws for mutually connecting the pillars, the sidewalls of said module being provided beside said holes with openings (59) surrounded by stiffening plates (60), for the purpose of reaching said holes (58).

18 - A building according to cliam 1, characterized in that the primary beams of the ground floor of said building are connected to modules (N) for connection to the foundation, said modules having substantially the same shape as the head or capital of the pillar module (P) with the exception that their cross-shaped section is closed at the top by a cross-shaped plate (8), they are not provided with the side openings (55) for communicating with the box portion (22) of the primary beams, and they are provided at the bottom with a base (6) protruding from the perimeter of said module and comprising portions reinforced by ribs (18) and provided with holes for fastening with the tierods (17) permitting the connection to the foundation (L).

19 - A building according to claim 18, wherein said modules (N) permitting the connection to the foundation are provided in their baseplate (6) with a central hole (13) surrounded by threaded holes permitting said hole (13) to be closed by a cover (14) with screws, all the above for the purpose of temporarily storing within the central zone of the hollow cross-shaped section of the module, some of the screws which are required for the connection of the various modules constituting the building of the invention.

20 - A building according to claim 18, wherein said modules (N) permitting the connection to the foundation are provided in their baseplate (6) with small through-holes located at the corner regions of said module and connected to respective tubes (16) which when required are coupled to a pump for the purpose of injecting under said module a fluid material for finishing the foundation (L).

21 - A building according to claim 1, characterized in that, during the erection thereof, the end portions of the primary beams rest on idle rollers (3) provided on pairs of arms (2) with respective nut-and-screw regulatable tierods (4) which are pivoted on the four side-walls of a frusto-pyramidal square-based mold (C) which rests on a possible improved laying plane of the foundation-supporting superficial stratum and wherein concrete is injected after positioning therein a suitable framework for stiffening and for connection to the module (N) which enables the connection to the pillars, so as to constitute a foundation of the isolated-plinths type, the arrangement being such that after a plinth has cured, said mold can be removed and stored with minimum space requirements.

22 - A building according to claim 1, characterized in that on completion of the assembling of the supporting framework for said building, with a succession of steps optionally different from that disclosed below, the following is carried out:
- the application, on the upper face and outer side face of the primary beams (TP), of respective panels (Z1-Z2 and S) for thermal insulation, for aesthetical finishing and for closing the outer channels (24) of said beams;
- the application, on the outer face(s) of the pillars (P), of panels (R) for thermal insulation, for aesthetical finishing and for closing the outer channels (52) of said pillars;
- the application of the floor coverings, constituted by suitable insulated and self-supporting panels (Z);
- the application of the side coverings constituted by insulated and self-supporting panels, preferably equal to those (Z) which are used for flooring and, where necessary, by suitable window modules;
- the execution of the various internal finishings in the supporting framework, the possible false ceiling and the necessary partitions.

23 - A building according to claim 22, wherein the panels for the floors (Z), for the walls (Z) and for the top lining of the primary beams (Z1-Z2), comprise parallel plates (61-62) of multi-layer material, of suitable thickness, and a peripheral frame (63) of C-shaped cross section whose concave portion is directed outwards and which is provided on the outer side with an intermediate rib (163) accommodating a seal (65) of laminated type, a polyuretanic or other suitable material (66) for acoustic and thermal insulation being injected under pressure into said box-like element.

24 - A building according to claim 22, wherein the panels (Z1-Z2) for the top lining of the primary beams are characterized in that the top plate thereof (62) protrudes by a suitable extent (162) from the shorter sides of said panels for the purpose of overlapping the end ribs (28) provided on said primary beams (TP).

25 - A building according to claim 22, wherein the panels (Z1-Z2) for the top lining of the primary beams (TP) are pre-arranged for connection at the bottom, at their longer sides and by means of bolts, to corresponding holes provided in the wings (23) of said beams, and inserted between said panels and the beams are metal straps (70) protruding overhangingly by a suitable extent from the longer sides of said panels and provided with holes (71) to be used for affixing the outer side covering panels (S) for said primary beams.

26 - A building according to claim 22, wherein the outer side covering panels (S) for said primary beams (TP) and the outer side covering panels for the pillars (P) comprise a sheath of pre-painted plate, are provided possibly, on the inner face thereof, with multi-layer inserts recovered from the machining of the floor and wall panels and are filled therein with thermo-acoustic insulation material (77).

27 - A building according to claims 22, 25 and 26, wherein the panels (S) for the side lining of the primary beams (TP) protrude from the lower end of said beam by a suitable extent having a drip-remover formation (79), and said panels are provided, on the side facing the beam:
- with a longitudinal channel (82) whose upper side is provided with depending pins (83) in such a number and positioning as to penetrate the holes (71) formed in the strap (70) overhangingly secured to the primary beam;
- with hooks (84) adapted to fasten with the bent up edge (123) of the outer lower wing of the primary beam;
- with an upper continuous wing (80) which is, preferably, integral with the sheathing of said panel, which overlaps the panel or panels (Z1-Z2) for top lining of the primary beam and terminating in a rim (81) directed upwards and outwards.

28 - A building according to claims 22 and 26, wherein the panels (R) for the outer lining of the pillars (P) comprise horizontal sides having a broken outline (87-88) so as to mutually connect with partial overlapping and labyrinth effect to prevent any seepage of rain into the connection area, said panels being provided, on the face thereof directed towards the pillars:
- with upper and intermediate hooks (89) which interengage with cross members (90) suitably arranged in the longitudinal channels (52) of said pillars;
- with lower slot-like seats (91-92) of differentiated width, which interengage with the pairs of pegs (20) provided laterally on the capitals of the pillars.

29 - A building according to claim 22, wherein the panels (S) for the outer side lining of the primary beams (TP) terminate in a reduced end portion (78) whereby said panels may be partly covered by the panels (R) for the outer lining of the pillars which for this purpose protrude laterally from said pillars by a conveniently shaped extension of suitable width.

30 - A building according to claim 22, wherein the panels (Z) for the outer side covering engage, with the inside channel in the frame of their lower side, the bent up rim (81) provided on the upper wing of the panels for the outer lining of the primary beams (TP), while said panels rest with their upper side against the protruding lower portion of the panels (S) for lining the primary beams, and they are held thereagainst by a strip (93) secured to the lower face of the primary beams.

31 - A building according to claim 22, wherein the panels (Z) for flooring and outer side covering are and may be respectively connected to each other at their longer sides, by means of double T profiles removably secured in the channels of the frame (63) of said panels.

Drawing