[0001] This invention relates to a brick flexible plate as apparent brick building element
with permanent formwork, applicable to building pavements, walls and roofs, preferably
having a sinuous development and more particularly to dome-shaped roofs of reinforced
masonry with their intrados finished with apparent bricks.
[0002] This invention also relates to a method for building with the said plate of dome-shaped
roof made of reinforced masonry with its intrados finished, that is to say for building
dome-shaped roofs of the kind formed by a plurality of bricks arranged in a panel
as a network leaving gaps between them for the bidirectional passage of stiffening
reinforcements and with the said intrados finished with apparent bricks.
Background of the invention
[0003] Since very long ago masonry dome-shaped roofs are known. However, the said roofs
demand significant thicknesses to achieve a sufficient bending strength for covering
large spans or to support important solicitations such as overloads, wind or earthquakes,
having been outweighed by reinforced concrete which allows thinner roofs. More recently,
the use of steel reinforcement has been introduced between the joints of the said
masonry with which a significant increase of their flexotensile and compressive strength
is achieved which allows them to overweigh many limitations which relegated them to
the functions of mere enclosure. In reinforced ceramic masonries, the ceramic parts
act as concrete or mortar formwork as well as mechanically active elements, showing
in addition an attractive finish of apparent brick which does not require any further
treatment. This means taking best profit of the materials and saving workforce.
[0004] The major contribution to this technique was from the Uruguayan engineer Eladio Dieste,
who in the forties started building laminar roofs made of ceramic masonry (brick panels
or flooring blocks) arranged in a network defining a lengthwise and crosswise continuity
of the joints in which the reinforced bars are housed as a network, thereafter filling
the said joints with concrete or mortar with which, in addition the assembly is covered
forming a thin compressing layer. With this technique the bricks are not mere weigh
easing elements but their contribute to the roof strength, very thin roofs can be
thus made using laminar geometries such as folded, having a catenary direction line
or a double curve. Over one million square meters built in Uruguay, Argentina and
Brazil back up the effectiveness of this method, with which up to 50 meter spans have
been achieved.
[0005] More recently, the Spanish architect Carlos Clemente, participating jointly with
Dieste, used that technique in several works at the Corredor del Henares, Madrid,
Spain.
[0006] The main drawback the use of this technique shows is of economic nature because for
building the said dome-shaped roofs it is essential to use arch falseworks and formworks
which have a high cost of material and workforce in addition they are specific to
each roof therefore they cannot be newly used for roofs having different characteristics.
[0007] In the state of the art prefabricated panels made of reinforced masonry are also
known. However, they have difficulties for easily covering spans over 3.20 metres
because of their flat geometry. In addition, they do not show a definitive internal
finish therefore it is necessary to spend additional money for they intrados surface
treatment.
[0008] Therefore, this invention has the object of overcoming those drawbacks providing
a prebabricated element and abuilding process associated allowing an industrial manufacturing
step in the work which prevents the use of falseworks and formworks when building
dome-shaped roofs, providing at same time a definitive finish of their intrados and
achieving with it a huge decrease of the costs and times for manufacturing and building
the said roofs.
Short exposure of the invention
[0009] The first part of this object is achieved by providing a brick flexible plate which
can be prefabricated which depending on the building element of apparent brick with
permanent formwork is applicable for building pavements, walls and roofs having a
sinuous development and namely for building dome-shaped roofs of reinforced masonry
with their intrados finished with apparent bricks. The said brick flexible plate consists
in a flexible laminar support, provided with a plurality of holes sufficient for concrete
or mortar passing through on which a plurality of bricks are fastened arranged in
a panel forming a network leaving between each other aligned gaps. The said laminar
support has available stiffening and fastening elements , such as angular profiles
fastened on first opposite end edges of the said laminar support. Along the said gaps
aligned between the bricks are arranged in the direction perpendicular to the said
stiffening and fastening elements a plurality of first reinforcing bars which are
linked by means of separators at least to a series of points of the said laminar support
and fastened by their ends to the said stiffening and fastening elements.
[0010] Above elements constitute the bottom of the brick flexible plate of this invention
the said plate can be handle for example with a crane, being supported via the said
stiffening and fastening elements to be bent either by its own weigh or by means of
some device, immobilized and locked at a definitive place ending thereafter its building
processes in the said definitive place.
[0011] If it is considered necessary for its final use, the brick flexible plate in addition
comprises a plurality of second reinforcing bars arranged in the said gaps aligned
between bricks in the direction parallel to the said stiffening and fastening elements,
crossing themselves with the first reinforcing bars between these later and the flexible
plate and with their ends protruding from related second opposite end edges of the
plate perpendicular to the said first opposite end edges. Typically, the said protruding
ends are hook-like curved.
[0012] Depending on the use to which it is designed or of the variation of the building
method selected which will be stated below, the brick flexible plate in addition comprises
means for obturating the said aligned gaps between the bricks sufficient for retaining
the concrete or mortar discharged or projected on the face corresponding to the laminar
support thereof.
[0013] The second part of the object of this invention is achieved providing a process for
building dome-shaped roofs with reinforced masonry with their intrados finished, of
the kind formed by a plurality of bricks arranged on a panel forming network leaving
gaps between each other for the bidirectional passage of stiffening frames and with
the said finish of the intrados of apparent bricks.
[0014] The said process comprises first a series of steps from (a) to (c) which are directed
to making a brick flexible plate as it was disclosed above, according to this invention.
The order in which the said the said steps are carried out is makes no difference
the plurality of bricks can be fastened first on the laminar support and thereafter
the stiffening and fastening elements can be fastened as well as the reinforcing bars
or vice versa. Thereafter following steps are carried out;
(d) hanging the said brick flexible plate by the said stiffening and fastening elements
with the apparent panel face at the lower part leaving that it freely adopts, by its
own weigh, a shape of a cross section in inverted arch having a catenary direction
line, working at pure pulling;
(e) fastening a preselected span and deflection for the said inverted arch of catenary
direction line linking to each other both stiffening and fastening elements of the
first opposite end edges of the said brick flexible plate by means of stiffening bars
having a predetermined length;
(f) inverting the position of the brick flexible plate keeping the said link by means
of the said stiffening bars leaving it to freely adopt by its own weigh a dome-shaped
configuration having an arcuate cross section with catenary direction line, of span
and deflection same as those fixed by step (e) but operating under pure compression
and placing the brick flexible plate thus arranged at its definitive place.
(g) coating the brick flexible plate by its higher part with concrete or mortar having
care that the said concrete or mortar passes through the said plurality of holes of
the laminar support and fills the said gaps aligned between bricks embedding the said
first reinforcing bars and that in addition it forms a layer having a predetermined
thickness above the said laminar support; and
(h) withdrawing, once the concrete is set, the said stiffening bars with which the
said dome-shaped of reinforced masonry is formed, with an arcuate cross section having
a catenary direction line and with its intrados finished, with apparent bricks, without
any further treatment is required.
[0015] The result will be a laminar roof in which the said laminar support will remain built
acting as a punch shearing resisting frame and contributing to lengthwise and crosswise
bending strength of the said roof, as well to the bricks which would act as compression
strength elements. The thickness of the layer of concrete or mortar and therefore
the total thickness of the roof will be minimized because of its high strength which
provides the arcuate bending having a catenary direction line.
[0016] For forming a longer dome-shaped surface, during the step (f) of the process of the
invention, two or more of the said brick flexible plates are placed at their definitive
place consecutively end-to-end. In addition, it has been provided a mechanical continuity
along the whole dome-shaped surface by virtue of which once it is finished it acts
as a large edge beam, that is to say, capable to be selfsupported, for example, only
supported by its ends or with an overhanging portion. The said mechanical continuity
is provided by a plurality of second reinforcing bars arranged in a direction parallel
to that of the stiffening and fastening elements of the laminar supports of the brick
flexible plates. The said second reinforcing bars can be, as it was explained before,
built in each brick flexible plate prior to their placing at the definitive place
or they can be added, for example, to each or to several of the brick flexible plates
as they are placed, or they can be added to the whole of the brick flexible plates
when they already are at their definitive place , end-to-end, or matching any of the
said methods. It is obvious that when the said second reinforced bars do not extend
along the whole dome-shaped surface, it is necessary to provide that they have protruding
ends which overlap the second reinforcing bars of the adjacent brick flexible plates
and the mechanical linking between them before proceeding to their embedment with
the concrete or mortar.
[0017] The process according to the invention contemplates the obturation of the said gaps
aligned between bricks prior to step (g), with the aim of retaining the concrete discharged
on the laminar support of the brick flexible plate. In an example of embodiment of
the invention, the said obturation is achieved by the ribs of the edges of the bricks
adjacent to its apparent panel, the said ribs can remain very close to or contacting
each other defining between them and the laminar support the said gaps aligned between
bricks in which are located the first and if fit, also the second reinforcing bars.
In another example of embodiment, the said obturation comprises the application at
any moment between steps (c) and (g) of a flexible substantially impervious wall stretch,
such as a plastic material plate, fastened detachable on the face of the apparent
panel of the brick flexible plate or plates. In this case, step (h) will include the
operation of withdrawing the said flexible stretch of wall. Alternatively, the obturation
of the said gaps between bricks would also be feasible by applying an elastic filler
between step (e) and (g) the said filler remaining built in the intrados of the finished
dome-shaped roof.
[0018] In the process of the invention, steps (a) to (c) are typically carried out in a
step of industrial manufacturing for producing the said brick flexible plate, while
steps (d) to (h) are carried out at the works. The application of the said flexible
stretch of wall therefore can be carried out either during the prefabrication step
or during the job at the works, in which case, the said application can be either
carried out on each brick flexible plate before placing it at its definitive place
or on the whole dome-shaped surface once in its place.
[0019] The production of the said brick flexible plate in an industrial mass prefabrication
process allows as well the use of elements such as bricks and/or laminar supports
specifically designed for that application as the use of elements currently available
on the market. Although the said brick flexible plates can be produced in a large
range of sizes, the more common sizes, bearing in mind the circumstances of carriage
and handling, are ranging from about 6 to 12 metres in the direction perpendicular
to the stiffening and fastening elements and about 1 to 2 metres in the direction
parallel to them. With the larger sizes with a single dome it would be possible to
cover for example about 10 m spans having unlimited lengths by consecutively juxtaposing
elements joined end to end and with a few supporting posts or matching supporting
posts and boarding joists.
[0020] For best understanding the invention a detailed description of some examples of preferred
embodiment thereof are given below with reference to the drawing appended.
Short description of the drawings
[0021] Fig. 1 is a plan view of a laminar support for a brick flexible laminar plate according
to this invention, on which stiffening and fastening elements and first reinforcing
bars are fastened.
[0022] Fig. 2 is plan view including an enlarged detail of the laminar support of Fig. 1
on which a plurality of bricks has been fastened.
[0023] Fig. 3 is a view in cross section through the line III-III of Fig. 2 including an
enlarged detail.
[0024] Fig. 4 is a part view of a brick flexible plate same as the one of Fig. 1 but incorporating
a plurality of second reinforcing bars.
[0025] Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail of a cross sectional view through the line V-V of Fig.
4 showing in addition the placement of a flexible stretch of wall.
[0026] Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail of a cross sectional view of a variation of embodiment
of a brick flexible plate according to the invention.
[0027] Fig. 7 to 11 are front views respectively illustrating steps (d) to (h) of the method
for building dome-shaped roofs according to the invention starting from the use of
a brick flexible plate same as the one of Fig. 4, Fig. 10 including an enlarged detail
in cross section thereof.
[0028] Fig. 12 is an enlarged detail of a cross sectional view of a variation of embodiment
of a brick flexible plate according to the invention.
[0029] Fig. 13 and 14 show schematic views in perspective of two variations in the arrangement
of the second reinforcing bars on a dome-shaped surface formed by several brick flexible
plates according to the invention, configured, located and end to end according the
the method of the invention.
Detailed description of the examples of preferred embodiments
[0030] Referring first to Fig. 1 to 3, they show in general a brick flexible plate 1 comprising
a flexible laminar support 2 provided with a plurality of bricks holes 2a for the
passage of concrete or mortar on which a plurality of bricks 3 are fastened, arranged
in a panel forming a network, leaving aligned gaps 4 between them. Stiffening and
fastening elements 5 are fastened on first opposite end edges 2b of the said laminar
support 2, while a plurality of first reinforced bars 6 are arranged along the said
gaps 4 aligned between bricks, in the direction perpendicular to the said stiffening
and fastening elements 5, the said first reinforcing bars 6 being linked at least
to a series of points 2d of the said laminar support 2 and fastened by its ends 6a
to the said stiffening and fastening elements 5.
[0031] The said stiffening and fastening elements 5 are, in an example of preferred embodiment,
profiles of steel welded to the said first opposite end edges 2b of the said laminar
support 2, the profiles of which typically comprise
elements which can be hooked by a crane, such as holes 5a or welded rings.
[0032] It has to be pointed out that the said link of the said first reinforcing bars 6
with points 2d of the laminar support 2 is carried out by means of separators 12,
as shown in Fig. 5, 6 and 12, so that they remain arranged in the said gaps 4 aligned
between bricks, at a distance from the laminar support 2 and without protruding from
the apparent panel 3c of bricks 3.These separators 12 facilitates that in the event
the said brick flexible plate is used for building a dome-shaped roof, as it will
be explained below, the said reinforcing bars remain in a position as close as possible
to the intrados, favouring to work pulling.
[0033] By juxtaposing several of the said brick flexible plates 1 joined end to end for
example a longer dome-shaped surface 40 can be formed in which case it is necessary
to establish a mechanical continuity between all the brick flexible plates 1 which
compose it lengthwise the dome. For this, for example, each brick flexible plate 1
in addition includes a plurality of second reinforced bars 7 arranged in the said
gaps 4 aligned between bricks in the direction parallel to the said stiffening and
fastening elements 5, crossing the first reinforcement bars 6 between them and the
flexible plate and with its ends 7a protruding by corresponding second opposite end
edges 2c of the plate perpendicular to the said first opposite end edges 2b. The said
protruding ends 7a of the said second reinforcing bar 7 are hook-shaped curved and
can be mechanically linked to the second reinforcing bars 7 of adjacent brick flexible
plates 1.
[0034] The brick flexible plate 1 according to the invention in addition comprises, in some
examples of preferred embodiment, obturating means of the said gaps 4 aligned between
bricks. The purpose of the said obturating means is that they result sufficient for
retaining a concrete or mortar discharged or projected on the face corresponding to
the laminar support 2 of the brick flexible plate 1.
[0035] In one of the said examples of embodiment, the said obturating means are formed at
least in part by ribs of edges 3b of the bricks 3 adjacent to their apparent panel
3c, the said ribs 3a can remain close to or contacting each other, delimiting between
them and the laminar support 2 the said gaps 4 aligned between bricks where the first
ones are housed and, if fit, also the second reinforcing bars 6, 7.
[0036] In another example of embodiment, the said obturating means are constituted by a
flexible substantially impervious wall stretch 8, such as a plastic material plate,
adhered detachable on the face of the apparent panel 1a of the brick flexible plate
1. The said wall stretch is withdrawn for providing the work final finish.
[0037] The bricks 3 forming the brick flexible plate 1 of this invention can be of different
types such as uncored bricks, cored bricks or flooring block type and they are made
of different materials such as ceramic and the like, cement, fibre cement or synthetic
materials. Fastening the said bricks 3 on the laminar support 2 is carried out by
means of a cement-glue 9 or a similar adhesive or by means of mechanical fastening
such as socketing an elastic pincer type plug, the said pincers, in an example of
particular embodiment are integral with the laminar support. When, for fastening the
bricks the said cement glue 9 or similar adhesive is used, the further bending the
laminar support is going to sustain has to be taken into account for which the adhesive
is applied embracing only part of the brick width as it is illustrated in Fig. 5,
preferably its central third part.
[0038] As for the said laminar support 2, it can also be carried out in different ways.
In an example of preferred embodiment, the laminar support 2 is a panel which has
a plurality of notches pierced in it oriented and thereafter pulled until the said
notches remain open, material which is commercially available and which is currently
called drawn panel. The said drawn panel will be typically arranged with the said
notches oriented in the direction parallel to the said stiffening and fastening elements
5, in order to provide a higher flexibility in that direction perpendicular to it.
The said drawn panel will be typically arranged with the said notches oriented in
the direction parallel to the said stiffening and fastening elements 5 in order to
provide a higher flexibility in that direction and a significant stuffiness to the
perpendicular direction thereof. The said drawn panel, once embedded in concrete or
mortar and once this later is set, will provide a great grip surface with the said
concrete or mortar, while it will act as frame of the building element involved.
[0039] Other possible materials for that laminar support 2 are a rib mesh of the electrowelded
type or a braided rib mesh.
[0040] On the other hand, the said first and second reinforcing bars 6, 7 are preferably
corrugated steel bars of those currently used in the building industry.
[0041] As it was said above, an object of this invention consists in providing a process
for building dome-shaped roofs using one or more brick flexible plates 1 as above
disclosed. The said dome-shaped roofs are on the reinforced masonry kind with their
intrados finished with apparent bricks.
[0042] The process according to this invention comprises first, steps (a) to (c) consisting
in producing a brick flexible plate 1 as above disclosed therefore the description
is not repeated here. Below and referring to Fig. 7 to 11, steps (d) and (h) are explained
in which the building proper of the said dome-shaped roof is disclosed using the brick
flexible plate 1 of steps (a) to (c) which in this example includes in addition a
flexible wall stretch 8 acting for obturating the gaps aligned 4 between bricks.
[0043] Fig. 7 illustrates the step (d) consisting in hanging the said brick flexible plate
1 by the said stiffening and fastening elements 5, with the apparent panel face 1a
at the lower part, leaving that it freely adopt , by its own weigh, a cross section
configuration in inverted arch having a catenary direction line, working with pure
pulling. This operation is typically carried out by means of a crane (not shown),
for which holes 5a or welded rings are arranged on the said stiffening and fastening
elements 5 which can be hooked by the said crane. In Fig. 7 to 9 the lift power exerted
by the cables of the crane has been represented by means of arrows S and the weigh
of the brick flexible plate 1 by means of the arrow P.
[0044] Fig. 8 illustrates following step (e) consisting in establishing a preestablished
span L and deflection F for the said inverted arch having a catenary direction line
linking to each other both stiffening and fastening elements 5 of the first edges
1b of opposite ends of the said brick flexible plate 1 by means of stiffening bars
10 having a predetermined length. In this position, the said stiffening bars 10 sustain
compressive stresses represented by arrows C in this Fig. 8 while the brick flexible
plate is submitted to pulling stresses, represented by means of arrows T, which confer
it the said cross sectional configuration inverted arch having a catenary direction
line.
[0045] Fig. 9 illustrates following step (f) consisting in inverting the brick flexible
plate 1 position keeping the said link by means the said stiffening bars 10. In this
position the stresses are inverted so that the said bars 10 are submitted to pulling
stresses, represented by means of the arrows T while the brick flexible plate is submitted
to pure compression stresses, represented by the arrows C, which confer them a dome-shaped
configuration having a cross section in arch having a catenary direction line, a span
L and deflection F same as those set at step (e) but operating under pure compression.
The brick flexible plate 1 so arranged is placed on its definitive place, for example,
supported on pillars 50.
[0046] Fig. 10 illustrates following step (g) consisting in coating the brick flexible plate
1 on its higher part with concrete or mortar caring that the said concrete or mortar
passes through the said plurality of holes 2a (see enlarged detail) of the laminar
support 2 and fills the said gaps 4 aligned between the bricks embedding the said
first reinforcing bars 6 and forming in addition a layer 11 having a predetermined
thickness over the said laminar support 2. At this step the presence of the flexible
stretch of wall 8 is justified as a means for obturating the gaps 4 aligned between
the bricks, retaining the concrete or mortar.
[0047] Last, Fig. 11 illustrates following step (h) consisting in withdrawing, once the
concrete is set, the said stiffening bars 10 and, in this case, the flexible stretch
of wall 8 with which the said dome-shaped roof of reinforced masonry remains formed
having a cross section in arch of a catenary direction line and with its intrados
finished, with apparent brick, without any further treatment is required.
[0048] The process according to this invention provided that, at step (f) two or more brick
flexible plates 1 are placed at their definitive place, consecutively joined end to
end, for forming a longer dome-shaped surface 40. In this case, it is necessary, as
stated above, to establish a mechanical continuity between them which can be achieved
in different ways.
[0049] In an example of embodiment, illustrated in Fig. 13, between steps (f) and (g) the
step (g
1) is included consisting in arranging a plurality of second reinforced bars 17 in
the said gaps 4 aligned between bricks in the direction parallel to the said stiffening
and fastening elements 5, crossing themselves with the first reinforced bars 6 between
these later and the flexible plate, each second reinforcing bar 17 extending along
all the brick flexible plates 1 joined end to end, so that the said second reinforced
bars 17 establish a mechanical continuity along the whole dome-shaped surface 40 therefore,
once it is finished, it behaves as a large edge beam.
[0050] Fig. 14 illustrates another variation of the process in which between steps (f) and
(g) the step (f
1) is included for: arranging, in addition, a plurality of second reinforcing bars
7 in the said gaps 4 aligned between bricks in the direction parallel to the said
stiffening and fastening elements 5, crossing themselves with the first reinforcing
bars 6 between these later and the flexible plate, each second reinforcing bar 7 extending
along at least a brick flexible plate 1 and with its ends 7a protruding by corresponding
second edges 2c of opposite ends perpendicular to the said first edges 2b of opposite
ends; and (f
2) linking the said ends 7a of the second reinforced bars 7 protruding from a brick
flexible plate 1 to related second reinforcing bars 7 of its brick flexible plate
1 adjacent joined end to end so that a mechanical continuity of the said second reinforcing
bars 7 is established along the whole dome-shaped surface 40 by virtue of which once
it is finished, ti behaves as a large edge beam.
[0051] Same illustration of Fig. 14 is valid for another variation of the process which
is only different from the former in that the step (f1) is called here step (cl) and
is carried out between the steps (c) and (d) instead of steps (f) and (g). That is
to say, that the said plurality of second reinforcing bars 7 is directly included
in the brick flexible plate 1, as it was exposed before with reference to Fig. 4,
prior to the beginning of the dome-shaped roof building with it.
[0052] An obturation of the gaps 4 aligned between the bricks prior to step (g) also forms
part of the process of the invention and it can be achieved, for example, by applying
at any moment between steps (c) and (g) the said flexible stretch of wall 8 or by
means of the said ribs (3a) of the edges (3b) of the bricks (3) above disclosed with
reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 12 shows a detailed view in enlarged cross section of a
portion of building element carried out by means of a brick flexible plate as that
of Fig. 6. Referring to Fig. 12, the ribs 3a of the edges 3b of the bricks 3, adjacent
to their apparent panel 3c, are very close to each other, defining between them and
the laminar support 2 the said gaps 4 aligned between bricks. The concrete or mortar
discharged on the extrados, that is to say, on the laminar support 2 penetrated through
the holes 2a thereof filling the said gaps 4 aligned between bricks and embedding
the first and second reinforced bars 6, 7, being retained by the said ribs 3a.
[0053] The process according to this invention is characterized in addition in that steps
(a) to (c) can be carried out in an industrial prefabricated step for producing the
said brick flexible plate 1, while the steps (d) to (h) are carried out in masonry.
[0054] It must be pointed out that above disclosed examples are provided only for illustration
purpose, therefore in no case they must be interpreted as limitative, a man of the
art being capable of introducing a number of variations without being beyond the scope
of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.
1. Brick flexible plate acting as building element of apparent brick with permanent formwork
applicable to building pavements, walls and roofs, having a sinuous development and
more particularly to dome-shaped roofs of reinforced masonry with their intrados finished
with apparent bricks, the said brick flexible plate (1) being
characterized in that it comprises:
a flexible laminar support (2), provided with a plurality of holes (2a) for concrete
or mortar passing through them on which a plurality of bricks (3) are fastened arranged
in a panel forming a network leaving between each other aligned gaps (4);
stiffening and fastening elements (5), fastened on first opposite end edges (2b) of
the said laminar support (2);
a plurality of first reinforcing bars (6) arranged along the said gaps (4) aligned
between bricks, in the direction perpendicular to the said stiffening and fastening
elements (5), the said first reinforcing bars (6) being linked at least to a series
of points (2d) of the said laminar support (2) and fastened by its ends (6a) to the
said stiffening and fastening elements (5).
2. Plate, according to claim 1 characterized in that the said link of the said first reinforcing bars (6) to the laminar support (2) is
carried out by means of separators (7) so that they remain arranged in the said gaps
4 aligned between bricks, at a distance from the laminar support (2) and without protruding
from the apparent panel (3c) of bricks (3).
3. Plate, according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises in addition a plurality of second reinforced bars (7) arranged in the
said gaps (4) aligned in the direction parallel to the said stiffening and fastening
elements (5), crossing themselves with the first reinforcing bars (6) between these
later and the flexible plate and with their ends (7a) protruding from related second
opposite end edges (2c) of the plate perpendicular to the said first opposite end
edges (2b).
4. Plate according to claim 3, characterized in that the said ends (7a) protruding from the said second reinforcing bars (7) are hook-like
curved.
5. Plate, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises in addition means for obturating the said gaps (4) aligned between bricks,
sufficient for retaining a concrete or mortar discharged or projected on the face
corresponding to the laminar support (2) thereof.
6. Plate, according to claim 5, characterized in that the said obturating means are formed, at least in part , by ribs (3a) of the edges
(3b) of the bricks (3) adjacent to its apparent panel (3c), the said ribs (3a) can
remain very close to or contacting each other delimiting between them and the laminar
support (2) the said gaps (4) aligned between bricks.
7. Plate, according to claim 5, characterized in that the said obturating means are constituted by a flexible substantially impervious
wall stretch (8), such as a plastic material plate, adhered detachable on the face
of the apparent panel (1a) of the brick flexible plate (1).
8. Plate, according to claim 1, characterized in that the said stiffening and fastening elements (5) are profiles of steel welded to the
said first end edges (2b) opposite to the said laminar support (2).
9. Plate, according to claim 8, characterized in that the said profiles comprise elements which can be hooked by a crane, such as holes
(5a) or welded rings.
10. Plate, according to claim 1, characterized in that fastening the said bricks (3) on the laminar support (2) is carried out by means
of a cement-glue (9) or a similar adhesive.
11. Plate, according to claim 1, characterized in that the said bricks (3) are uncored bricks (3).
12. Plate, according to claim 1, characterized in that the said bricks (3) are cored bricks.
13. Plate according to claim 1, characterized in that the said bricks (3) are flooring block type bricks.
14. Plate, according to claim 1, characterized in that the said laminar support (2) is a panel which has a plurality of notches pierced
in it oriented and thereafter pulled until the said notches remain open, as a drawn
panel arranged with the said notches oriented in the direction parallel to the said
stiffening and fastening elements (5).
15. Plate, according to claim 1, characterized in that the said laminar support (2) is a rib mesh of the electrowelded type.
16. Plate according to claim 1, characterized in that the said laminar support (2) is a rib mesh of the braided type.
17. Plate, according to claim 1, characterized in that the said laminar support (2) is a plate of plastic material provided with a plurality
of openings, with a sufficiently low coefficient of elongation.
18. Plate according to claim 1, characterized in that the said first and second reinforcing bars (6,7) are corrugated steel bars.
19. Dome-shaped roof built using at least a brick flexible plate (1) according to any
of preceding claims.
20. Process for building dome-shaped roofs of reinforced masonry with its intrados finished
of the kind formed by a plurality of bricks (3) arranged in a panel forming a network
leaving gaps (4) between them for the bidirectional passage of stiffening reinforcements
and with the said intrados finished with apparent bricks, the said process being
characterized in that it comprises, nor necessarily in this order, the steps of:
(a) fastening the said plurality of bricks (3) arranged in a panel, forming a network,
leaving between them gaps (4) aligned on a flexible laminar support (2) provided with
a plurality of holes (2a) allowing the passage of concrete or mortar through them;
(b) stiffening first edges (2b) of opposite ends of the said laminar support (2) by
fastening them to corresponding stiffening and fastening elements (5);
(c) arranging a plurality of first reinforced bars (6) along the said gaps (4) aligned
between bricks, in the direction perpendicular to the said stiffening and fastening
elements (5) linking the said first reinforcing arms (6) at least to a series of points
(2d) of the said laminar support (2) and fastening their ends (6a) to the said stiffening
and fastening elements (5),
so that a brick flexible plate (1) formed by the said laminar support (2), the said
plurality of bricks (3) adhered to it is obtained, the said stiffening and fastening
elements (5) fastened on first edges (2b) of opposite ends of the laminar support
(2) and the said first reinforced bars (6) arranged along the said gaps (4) aligned
between bricks, linked to the laminar support (2) and fastened by its ends (6a) to
the stiffening and fastening elements (5); and
(d) hanging the said brick flexible plate (1) by the said stiffening and fastening
elements (5) with the apparent panel face (1a) at the lower part leaving that it freely
adopts, by its own weigh, a shape of a cross section in inverted arch having a catenary
direction line, working at pure pulling;
(e) fastening a preselected span and deflection for the said inverted arch of catenary
direction line linking to each other both stiffening and fastening elements (1b) of
the first opposite end edges of the said brick flexible plate (1) by means of stiffening
bars (10) having a predetermined length;
(f) inverting the position of the brick flexible plate (1) keeping the said link by
means of the said stiffening bars (10) leaving it to freely adopt by its own weigh
a dome-shaped configuration having an arcuate cross section with catenary direction
line, of span and deflection same as those established at step (e) but operating under
pure compression and placing the brick flexible plate (1) thus arranged at its definitive
place.
(g) coating the brick flexible plate (1) by its higher part with concrete or mortar
having care that the said concrete or mortar passes through the said plurality of
holes (2a) of the laminar support (2) and fills the said gaps (4) aligned between
bricks embedding the said first reinforcing bars (6) and that in addition it forms
a layer (11) having a predetermined thickness above the said laminar support (2);
and
(h) withdrawing, once the concrete is set, the said stiffening bars (10) with which
the said dome-shaped of reinforced masonry is formed, with an arcuate cross section
having a catenary direction line and with its intrados finished, with apparent bricks,
without any further treatment is required.
21. Process according to claim 20, characterized in that step (f) comprises placing at its definitive place two or more of the said brick
flexible plates (1) consecutively joined end to end for forming a longer dome-shaped
surface (40).
22. Process, according to claim 21,
characterized in that between steps (f) and (g) is included the step:
(g1) arranging a plurality of second reinforced bars (17) in the said gaps (4) aligned
between bricks in the direction parallel to the said stiffening and fastening elements
(5), crossing themselves with the first reinforced bars (6) between these later and
the flexible plate, each second reinforcing bar (17) extending along all the brick
flexible plates (1) joined end to end,
so that the said second reinforced bars (17) establish a mechanical continuity along
the whole dome-shaped surface (40) therefore, once it is finished, it behaves as a
large edge beam.
23. Process, according to claim 21,
characterized in that between the steps (f) and (g) are included the steps:
(f1) arranging, in addition, a plurality of second reinforcing bars (7) in the said gaps
(4) aligned between bricks in the direction parallel to the said stiffening and fastening
elements (5), crossing themselves with the first reinforcing bars (6) between these
later and the flexible plate, each second reinforcing bar (7) extending along at least
a brick flexible plate (1) and with its ends (7a) protruding by corresponding second
edges (2c) of opposite ends perpendicular to the said first edges (2b) of opposite
ends; and
(f2) linking the said protruding ends (7a) of the second reinforced bars (7) of a brick
flexible plate (1) to related second reinforcing bars (7) of its brick flexible plate
(1) adjacent joined end to end,
so that a mechanical continuity of the said second reinforcing bars (7) is established
along the whole dome-shaped surface (40) by virtue of which once it is finished, it
behaves as a large edge beam.
24. Process, according to claim 21,
characterized in that between steps (c) and (d) is included the step:
(c1) arranging, in addition, a plurality of second reinforcing bars (7) in the said gaps
(4) aligned between bricks in the direction parallel to the said stiffening and fastening
elements (5), crossing themselves with the first reinforcing bars (6) between these
later and the flexible plate, and with their ends (7a) protruding by corresponding
second opposite end edges (2c) of the brick flexible plate (1) perpendicular to the
said first opposite end edges (2b),
while between steps (f) and (g) is included the step of:
(f2) linking the said protruding ends (7a) of the second reinforced bars (7) of each
brick flexible plate (1) to related second reinforcing bars (7) of its brick flexible
plate (1) adjacent joined end to end,
so that a mechanical continuity of the said second reinforcing bars (7) is established
along the whole dome-shaped surface (40) by virtue of which once it is finished, it
behaves as a large edge beam.
25. Process according to claim 20, characterized in that it includes an obturation of the said gaps (4) aligned between bricks prior to step
(g).
26. Process according to claim 25, characterized in that the said obturation is achieved by ribs (3a) of edges (3b) of the bricks (3) adjacent
to their apparent panel (3c) the said ribs can remain close to or contacting each
other, defining between them and the laminar support (2) the said gaps (4) aligned
between the bricks.
27. Process according to claim 25 characterized in that the said obturation comprises the application at any moment between the steps (c)
and (g) of a flexible substantially impervious wall stretch (8), such as a plastic
material plate, fastened detachable on the face of the apparent panel (1a) of the
brick flexible plate or plates (1).
28. Process according to any of the claims 19 to 27, characterized in that steps (a) to (c) are carried out in a step of industrial prefabrication for producing
the said brick flexible plate (1) while steps (h) to (c) are carried out at the works.