Beam structure suitable for supporting a floor or floor element, floor, construction assembly and method therefor

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a beam structure for supporting a floor or a floor element, a floor, a construction assembly and a method for constructing a construction assembly.
The beam structure comprises:
- an upper beam comprising a first contact surface for supporting a floor or a floor element;
- a lower beam in substantially parallel relationship to the upper beam and comprising a second contact surface for supporting a covering panel;
- a load bearing structure connected with the upper beam and the lower beam and providing a distance between said beams.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to beams for supporting a floor or floor element. Such beams are used in constructions, such as buildings.

[0002] Conventional beams for supporting floor elements are known for use in the construction of buildings, such as houses and offices. These beams can be pre-fabricated and are placed on supporting structures, such as a wall or a portal frame. A floor element is placed over at least two beams to form a floor.

[0003] A disadvantage of using conventional beams for construction of a floor is that it is not possible to install conduits after construction in the resulting floor comprising beams.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to overcome or reduce this disadvantage and to provide a beam which is effective and efficient.

[0005] This object is achieved with the beam structure for supporting a floor or floor element according to the present invention, the beam structure comprising:

• an upper beam comprising a first contact surface for supporting a floor or a floor element;
• a lower beam in substantially parallel relationship to the upper beam and comprising a second contact surface for supporting a covering panel;
• a load bearing structure connected with the upper beam and the lower beam and providing a distance between said beams.

[0006] To form a floor, at least two beam structures are provided on a support structure, such as a wall or portal frame. The beam structures are provided at a distance from each other, i.e. both the upper and lower beams of the at least two beam structures are spaced apart. A floor or floor element is suspended between the at least two upper beams. The first contact surface of the beam structure supports the floor or floor element. A covering panel is suspended between the at least two lower beams. The panel is supported by the second contact surface of the beam structure.

[0007] By arranging the lower beam at a distance from the upper beam, a space in which conduits can be fitted is created.

[0008] An even further advantage of the beam structure according to the present invention is that no suspending ceiling is required for installation of conduits and/or cables. Also air treatment units or other appliances can be fitted in the space provided in the floor.

[0009] Furthermore, conduits, cables, installations etc. can extend through the beams and connect different parts of a construction without requiring holes in a wall, thus ensuring that the strength of the construction is maintained.

[0010] The load bearing structure provides the distance between the upper beam and lower beam and increases the strength of the beam structure. For example, the load bearing structure comprises a truss or a lattice work.

[0011] Preferably, the load bearing structure comprises metal bars, for example steel or aluminium bars. By providing a metal load bearing structure, the beam structure has a large constructive strength. Preferably, the load bearing structure comprises a truss comprising a first and second metal beam with metal bars between the upper and lower beams, wherein each pair of successive bars forms a triangle with one of the metal beams. In other words, metal bars are constructed in a zig-zag pattern between the upper beam and lower beam.

[0012] A further advantage of the beam structure according to the present invention is that a floor can be constructed without pouring concrete.

[0013] Furthermore, the beam structure according to the invention can be detached. If a construction incorporating beam structures according to the invention is disassembled, the beam structures can be removed from the construction without destroying them. This allows re-using the beam structures in other constructions. This is economic and efficient since the typical lifetime of the beam structure is several hundreds of years, while the typical lifetime of buildings is 35 years.

[0014] Furthermore, since no concrete needs to be poured, less additional tools are required and the process of constructing a floor is less messy and requires less time to complete.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the upper and/or lower beams comprise wood and/or concrete.

[0016] For example, both beams comprise wood or both beams comprise concrete or one beam comprises wood and the other comprises concrete.

[0017] Preferably, both the upper beam and lower beam comprise wood and the load bearing structure comprises metal, such as steel or aluminium. By providing wooden beams and a metal load bearing structure, the beam structure is light-weight and has substantial structural strength.

[0018] Preferably, in view of fire safety, the thickness of the wooden beams is chosen depending on the burning rate of the wood. Typically a thickness of 5 - 8 cm is sufficient for fire safety considerations.

[0019] Preferably, when a beam structure comprises concrete, it also comprises reinforcing metal bars. By providing reinforced concrete, the beam structure is able to span a large distance.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper beam comprises a profile for receiving a floor or floor element having a mating coupling profile.

[0021] The floor or floor elements are accommodated in the profile of the upper beam, i.e. they can not move.

[0022] For example, the profile is a rabbet, a gutter, a ledge or a different recess.

[0023] Preferably, the profile is dimensioned such that the floor or floor element and the beam structure form a floor having an even surface.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lower beam comprises a profile for receiving a covering panel.

[0025] The covering panels are accommodated in the profile of the lower beam, i.e. they can not move.

[0026] For example, the profile is a rabbet, a ledge or rails.

[0027] Preferably, both the lower and upper beams comprise a profile.

[0028] Alternatively, the lower beam comprises a profile for receiving a floor or floor element and the upper beam comprises a profile which allows receiving covering panels.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the load bearing structure is adhered to the upper and/or the lower beam.

[0030] An adhesive, such as glue or concrete, attaches the load bearing structure to the upper and/or lower beams.

[0031] Preferably, a beam structure comprising a wooden upper and lower beams comprises a load bearing structure which is adhered to said beams. Preferably, the load bearing structure is positioned in recesses in the wooden lower and upper beams and adhered to the beams.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the load bearing structure is formed by reinforcing metal bars extending from the upper and/or lower beams.

[0033] When the upper beam and/or lower beam comprise reinforcing metal bars, the load bearing structure and the reinforcing metal bars can be integrated into a unitary metal frame. A part of this frame will reside in the upper and/or lower beams, forming the reinforcement, and another part of this frame will form the load bearing structure. By providing the load bearing structure and the reinforcing metal bars as a single component, the production process is efficient. Furthermore, this provides additional strength to the beam, while requiring less material.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the beam structure comprises a hoisting eye.

[0035] By providing a hoisting eye, the beam structure can be lifted conveniently. Furthermore, the beam structure can be positioned accurately. Preferably, the hoisting eye is provided in the space between the upper beam and lower beam. The hoisting eye can remain attached to the beam structure, since it will be hidden from view when covering panels and a floor or floor elements are provided. When the construction is dismantled, the hoisting eye can be used again for lifting the beam structure.

[0036] The features of the described embodiments according to the present invention can be combined as desired.

[0037] The invention further relates to a floor.

[0038] The same effects and advantages apply in respect to such a floor as those described with respect to the beam structure.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the floor comprises:

• at least two beam structures as described above;
• at least one floor or floor element provided on the upper beams of the at least two beam structures; and
• at least one covering panel positioned between the lower beams of the at least two beam structures.

[0040] Preferably, the beam structure forms even surfaces with the covering panel and the floor or floor element.

[0041] Preferably, the covering panels comprise a fire proof material, such as gypsum. This improves safety. The gypsum panels can be combined with beam structures comprising wooden upper and lower beams and with beam structures comprising concrete upper and lower beams.

[0042] Preferably, a floor is provided comprising more than one floor element, wherein the floor elements are coupled with each other. For example, the coupling is realised using a nut and a bolt or a weld. This provides stability to the floor.

[0043] For example, a metal profile is provided at the sides of each floor element. The profiles of two adjacent floor elements are welded together. Alternatively, the profiles are coupled using a bolt and a nut. This ensures the diaphragm action of the resulting floor, which ensures that loads are distributed. This provides structural strength to the constructed floor.

[0044] The invention further relates to a construction assembly comprising a beam structure and/or a floor as described above. The construction may be a building, such as a bungalow, office, shop or house. For example, also a double-layered highway is possible.

[0045] Such an assembly provides the same effects and advantages apply as those described in respect to the beam structure and the floor.

[0046] A further advantage of the construction assembly according to the present invention is that the construction can be decomposed in its elements, such as the beam structures and floor elements. After deconstruction, a new construction can be built using the same elements, allowing a so-called cradle to cradle approach. Furthermore, construction and deconstruction/demounting the assembly requires relatively little time. Also, minimum storage area for building materials is required on the construction site.

[0047] The invention further relates to a method for constructing a construction assembly, such as a building, for which the same effects and advantages apply as those described above for the beam, the floor and the construction assembly.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method comprises the steps of:

• positioning at least two beam structures as described above on a support structure;
• positioning at least one floor or floor element on the upper beams of the at least two beam structures; and
• positioning at least one covering panel between the lower beams of the at least two beam structures.

[0049] Preferably, the beam structures are positioned at a distance from each other.

[0050] For example, a bungalow may be constructed using the method according to the present invention. A plurality of beam structures is placed between two supporting walls. The walls support the beam structures, for instance by providing on two opposite sides of the upper beams a contact surface which rests on a supporting surface of a wall, i.e. the beam structure is suspended between two walls. Floor elements are placed between each pair of neighbouring beam structures. The upper beams have profiles which mates with corresponding profiles of the floor elements. This produces an even floor. At this point in the construction, the underside of the floor is open, which allows access to the space between the lower and upper beams. Any conduits which need to be installed are accommodated in this space. The openings are subsequently covered by covering panels. If access to the conduits is desired, the covering panels can be removed easily.

[0051] Preferably, the beams and further elements have standardized dimensions. This simplifies reusing the elements and allows for a quick and accurate calculation of costs. Furthermore, this makes it relatively easy to add new elements to an existing construction. The design of a construction assembly to be constructed can be done using software for so-called virtual building. The software comprises virtual copies of the standardized elements, which can be combined to design a construction assembly according to the invention. Quick overviews of the costs and required material amounts are provided by the software.

[0052] All the features of the preferred embodiments as described above can be combined as desired.

[0053] Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings.

Figures 1A-B show side views in cross-section of a floor comprising floor elements according to a first embodiment.

Figures 2A-B show side views in cross-section of a floor comprising floor elements according to a second embodiment.

[0054] Floor 300 comprises beam structures 302, placed at a distance from each other (figures 1A-B). The beam structures 302 comprise a lower concrete slab 304 and an upper concrete slab 306, distanced apart by truss 308 comprising metal bars 309, 310 and reinforcement metal bars 318, 320, 328, 330.

[0055] The upper slabs comprise a recess 316 for receiving a concrete floor element 319 having a mating profile. The lower slabs 304 comprise a profile 312 for receiving a panel 311. The panel 311 can be removed to access the space between the lower 304 and upper 306 slab. Optionally, an insulation layer 314 can be placed below panel 311 and attached thereto.

[0056] The floor elements are coupled using metal profiles 336. These are coupled by metal coupling plates to form floor 300.

[0057] To provide a floor 300, at least two beam structures are positioned on wall 332. The upper beam 306 of the beam structures rest on rabbet 334 of wall 332. Floor elements are provided in recesses 316 of upper beams 306. Conduits and the like are fitted in the space between lower beams 304 and floor elements 319. The openings are closed with covering panels 311. In case additional conduits, cables or the like need to be accommodated, the covering panels 311 can be removed to provide access to the space between lower beams 304 and floor elements 319.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, beam structures comprising a wooden upper beam 402 and a wooden lower beam 404 are provided (figures 2A and 2B). The upper and lower beams 402, 404 are spaced apart by metal truss 406. The truss 406 comprises metal beams 422, 424 and metal bars 408, 410. The truss is attached to the lower and upper beam by glueing it in recesses 416.

[0059] A floor 414 is positioned on top of upper beams 402. Lower beams 404 support covering panels 412. These panels 412 can be removed easily to obtain access to the space between the lower and upper beams.

[0060] The floor 400 is supported by inner leaf 418. The upper beams 402 rest on inner leaf 418. A plate 416 is positioned in between the cavity wall leaf 418 and the upper beam 402. A skirting 420 is positioned on floor 414.

[0061] To provide a floor 400, at least two beam structures are provided on inner leaf 418. A floor 414 is positioned on top of upper beams 402. Conduits and such are fitted in the space between lower beams 404 and floor 414. The opening is closed by placing covering panels 412. In case additional conduits, cables or the like need to be fitted, the covering panels 412 can be removed to provide access to the space between lower beams 404 and floor 414.

[0062] The present invention is by no means limited to the above described embodiments thereof. Many modification can be envisaged. For example, instead of gypsum, wooden or plastic covering panels can be used.

Claims

1. Beam structure for supporting a floor or a floor element, comprising:

- an upper beam comprising a first contact surface for supporting a floor or a floor element;

- a lower beam in substantially parallel relationship to the upper beam and comprising a second contact surface for supporting a covering panel;

- a load bearing structure connected with the upper beam and the lower beam and providing a distance between said beams.

2. Beam structure according to claim 1, wherein the upper beam and/or lower beam comprises wood and/or concrete.

3. Beam structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper beam comprises a profile for receiving a floor or floor element having a mating coupling profile.

4. Beam structure according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the lower beam comprises a profile for receiving a covering panel.

5. Beam structure according to one or more of the claims 1-4, wherein the load bearing structure is adhered to the upper beam and/or lower beam.

6. Beam structure according to one or more of the claims 1-5, wherein the load bearing structure is formed by reinforcing metal bars extending from the upper beam and/or lower beam.

7. Beam structure according to one or more of the claims 1-6, wherein the beam structure comprises a hoisting eye.

8. Floor, comprising:

- at least two beam structures according to one or more of the claims 1-7;

- at least one floor or floor element provided on the upper beams of the at least two beam structures; and

- at least one covering panel positioned between the lower beams of the at least two beam structures.

9. Construction assembly comprising a beam structure according to one or more of the claims 1-7 and/or a floor according to claim 8.

10. Method for constructing a construction assembly, comprising the steps of:

- positioning at least two beam structures according to one or more of the claims 1-7 on a support structure;

- positioning at least one floor or floor element on the upper beams of the at least two beam structures; and

- positioning at least one covering panel between the lower beams of the at least two beam structures.

Drawing