Field of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a structural element in a building comprising a
building section and a footing channel adapted to minimise or even prevent moisture
ingress into buildings and building parts.
Background of the invention
[0002] Traditionally, buildings are constructed so that approximately 150 mm of the footing
is above terrain to minimise or even prevent the ingress of moisture through the outer
walls by keeping the upper part of the footing dry and to avoid surface water is flowing
into the buildings during rainfall.
[0003] However, in order to ensure handicap-friendly buildings into which handicapped may
enter unhindered, a ramp is often used, as entrance doors with a threshold in same
level as the surrounding terrain will increase the risk of moisture ingress to the
building, as the transition from the footing to the outer wall is not moisture proof,
and as the outer wall may further comprise a moisture absorbent material. Furthermore,
entrance doors with a threshold in same level as the surrounding terrain will increase
the risk surface water flowing through the doors and into the buildings.
[0004] A moat can be arranged around the building. Surface water may flow to the moat where
it can soak into the ground via a perimeter drain. The moat may be covered by a bridge
like construction at the doors.
Description of the invention
[0005] It is an object of embodiments of the invention to provide an improved structural
element in a building comprising a building section and footing channel for minimising
the risk of moisture ingress to a building.
[0006] It is a further object of embodiments of the invention to provide an improved structural
element for buildings having their entrance doorway threshold at the same level as
the surrounding terrain.
[0007] It is an even further object of embodiments of the invention to provide an improved
footing channel for drainage of liquid around a building.
[0008] According to a first aspect, the invention provides a structural element in a building
comprising a building section, a base element, a console, and a cover, the base element
being two-sided and arranged with a first edge in a longitudinal direction along the
building section such that a first side forms a sidewall and a second side forms a
bottom of a channel, the console being attachable to the sidewall and the bottom and
having suspension means for supporting the cover.
[0009] The building section may be a footing or an outer wall of the building, whereby the
structural element may be used for draining of liquid, such as surface water. The
base element, the console, and the cover may form a footing channel, and liquid may
flow into the channel and away from the building. The liquid may flow along the length
of the channel and away from the building.
[0010] As an example, the building section may be used for draining along a footing or for
draining at a roof garden, a roof terrace, a balcony, etc. In case of perforations
of in the second side forming the bottom, the liquid may also be drained through these
perforations.
[0011] The two-sided base element may be formed substantially as an L-shaped element. It
should however be understood that the angle between the two sides may be different
from 90 degrees thereby providing a base element having two sides being angled relative
to each other at an angle being smaller or larger than 90 degrees. The two sides may
be of substantially the same size. However, in one embodiment the first side is larger
than the second side, and in an alternative embodiment the second side is larger than
the first side. As an example, the two sides may both be in the range of 15-30 centimetres,
whereas one side in an alternative embodiment may be in the range of 5-25 centimetres,
while the other one may be in the range of 15-30 centimetres. The size may depend
on the size of the building section. It should be understood, that the mentioned sizes
of the base element are given by example only. Other sized base element may also be
applicable.
[0012] The base element may be formed by folding of a sheet material made from metal, e.g.
from steel, aluminium, or zinc, or alloys hereof. As an alternative, the base element
may be moulded or extruded plastic or metal. A base element made from steel may be
coated to increase the resistance to corrosion. Dependent on the required lifetime
of the footing channel, the base element could be also be painted or left corroded.
[0013] The base element is adapted to be arranged along the building section, e.g. a footing,
so that the second side forms a bottom of a channel, and so that the first side forms
a sidewall of this channel. This may be achieved by arranging the base element at
the bottom adjacent to the footing. By arranging the base element along the footing,
drainage of liquid, such as surface water, may be achieved, as the liquid may flow
into the channel and away from the building.
[0014] The base element may be arranged so that the sidewall faces away from the building
section at a distance from this section, thereby providing an open channel along the
building section which may be a footing. The distance may be equal to or larger than
the width of the bottom as the bottom may be arranged in contact with the building
section or at a distance from the building section. By arranging the channel as an
open channel having a sidewall at a distance from the building section, ventilation
of the building section may be facilitated, whereby at least the upper part of the
building section may be dried.
[0015] The console which is attachable to the sidewall and the bottom may be used to carry
the base element when arranging the base element along the building section, e.g.
a footing. Furthermore, the console has suspension means for supporting the cover,
when the footing channel is arranged. It should however be understood, that the console
and the cover may be formed in one piece. As the base element may be arranged in a
trench along the footing, the cover may be only visible part of the finished footing
channel.
[0016] In order to arrange a footing channel along the entire building section, such as
a footing of a building a number of base elements, consoles, and covers may be used.
The base elements and the covers may be of the same length. This may, however, not
always be the case. By providing the base element by a sheet material or extruded
or moulded with a relatively small thickness, the length of the base element may be
shortened at the construction site, e.g. by cutting a part of the base element away.
[0017] To facilitate drainage of e.g. surface water, the cover may comprise openings to
allow liquid to enter the footing channel. The cover may be substantially plane. The
cover may be formed as a grid, and may be made from e.g. hot-galvanised steel, cast
iron, stainless steel, weathering steel, or plastic. Alternatively, the cover may
be a flattened sheet material with perforations, an extruded aluminium element with
perforations, a tray with e.g. granite gravel, pea gravel, artificial grass, wood
chips, or similar. The type of cover may be different, e.g. at different sides of
the building, and may be selected to fit the overall design of the building.
[0018] In one embodiment, the cover comprises at least a first cover section and a second
cover section, the first and second cover sections being inclined relative to each
other, whereby the angle between the two cover sections is different from 0 degrees
and 180 degrees. The angle may be in the range of 110 to 175 degrees, such as 130
to 170 degrees. The upper edges of the cover may thus be arranged so that one extends
along the building section and so that the other one extends along the first side
of the base element.
[0019] The first and second cover sections may extend along the length of the covers, such
that both the first and second cover sections extend along the building section.
[0020] The cover may be arranged such that the first cover section is arranged closest to
the building section, whereas the second cover section is arranged further away from
the building section, but still along the length of the building section.
[0021] In one embodiment, openings in the cover allowing liquid to enter the footing channel
may only be formed in the second cover section, whereas the first cover section may
be without openings. By providing a first cover section without openings and arranging
it along the building section, liquid flowing along the building section may be minimised
or even avoided, as liquid may instead flow down along the inclined first cover section
toward the second cover section. Furthermore, splashing of liquid from the cover towards
the building section may be minimised or even avoided.
[0022] In an even further alternative embodiment, the cover is curve-shaped with upper edges
along the building section and along the first side of the base element.
[0023] The second side may have an open structure allowing drainage of a liquid through
the second side. This may be achieved by perforations in the second side. The perforations
may be uniformly distributed and be by of substantially the same size. However, differently
sized through holes may also be provided. Furthermore, the base element may be provided
with a non-uniformly distribution of perforations/through holes, as it may be an advantage
to provide more opening at areas which e.g. is foreseen to receive more surface water.
[0024] The base element may be an oblong element whereby it may be achieved that the work
associated with the construction of the footing channel may be reduced, as a single
base element may extend along a substantial part of the footing. However, to minimise
the workload associated with carrying the base elements into the correct position,
the base element may advantageously be of a manageable size, such as 1-3 metres.
[0025] The base element may be linear to fit the layout of a traditional building section,
such as a footing. However, to fit e.g. arc-shaped buildings, the base element may
also be arc-shaped. To fit buildings of other shapes, the base element may also be
formed with other shapes.
[0026] As the footing channel may be arranged around a corner of a building, the base element
may comprise a first and a second section being angled relative to each other. The
first and second sections may be angled at an arbitrary angle, where an angle of approximately
90 degrees may suffice at a majority of buildings.
[0027] The console may be releaseably fixed to the base element by concurrent fixing structures.
The base elements may be stacked at the construction site, and at least one console
may be attached, when the base element is to be positioned. Dependent on the length
of the console, it may be an advantage to use e.g. two consoles per base element when
carrying the base element.
[0028] As the console supports the cover, a plurality of consoles may be used for each base
element, when the base element is in place along the footing. Thus, is may be an advantage
if the console is releaseably attached, thereby allowed the console(s) to be re-arranged
to facilitate support of the cover. Furthermore, a broken console may easily be replaced,
if releaseably attached.
[0029] The concurrent fixing structures may comprise a first structure forming part of the
base and extending in the longitudinal direction to enable fixing of the console at
different positions, and a second structure forming part of the console.
[0030] The first structure may extend continuously along the full length of the base element.
[0031] In one embodiment, the first structure comprises a track for receiving the second
structure. As an example, the first structure may be formed by folding an edge of
the base element along the longitudinal direction, thereby forming an enclosure for
the second structure. In one embodiment, the first structure may be formed by folding
two edges of the base element, i.e. at the bottom along the footing and at upper edge
of the sidewall, thereby allowing for fixing of the console at two positions.
[0032] Folding of the upper edge of the sidewall may further increase the strength of the
base element, thereby increasing the ability of withstand pressure from the surrounding
earth towards the sidewall.
[0033] The track may be open in at least one of the free ends of the base elements. This
may facilitate coupling of two neighbouring base elements, as the second structure
of the console may be simultaneously attached to two neighbouring base elements.
[0034] The second structure may form a bead which can be at least partly enclosed in the
track.
[0035] Before arranging the base element e.g. in a trench along the footing of a building,
the base element may be more elastically deformable than the console thereby enabling
attachment of the console by temporary deformation of a part of the base element,
whereby the elasticity enables partly enclosure of the second structure.
[0036] However, when the base element is positioned in the trench, the pressure from the
earth may fixate the base element and thereby provide a more rigid element. To ensure
a releaseably fixation of the console to the base element, the second structure of
the console may be elastically deformable so that the second structure may be received
in and at least partly enclosed in the first structure.
[0037] To facilitate positioning of the base element at a distance from the building section,
the console may comprise at least one projection arrangeable against the building
section. This may improve the use of the footing channel e.g. along an uneven footing.
Furthermore, drying of the footing may be improved, as liquid may also be drained
along the base element.
[0038] To facilitate the use of the footing channel along a door opening, the console may
further comprise a panel and at least one groove adapted to receive an edge portion
of the panel. The panel may be arranged to minimise the risk of moisture ingress to
the building parts, as the transition from the footing to the other building part
is not necessarily moisture proof. The groove may face upwards when the console is
positioned at the base element so that the edge portion can be arranged in the groove
from above the console, thereby facilitating mounting of the panel. To further facilitate
mounting of the panel and to facilitate positioning hereof, the groove may be elongated
and may extend substantially along the width of console so that the panel may be positioned
substantially along the footing channel.
[0039] A panel may be received in grooves of a plurality of consoles so as be supported
at more than one position.
[0040] The cover may fix the panel in the groove when the cover is supported by the suspension
means. This may be achieved by arranging the cover so that it covers a part the panel
when the panel is arranged in the groove. Thus, in one embodiment the panel may have
to be arranged in the groove(s) before positioning the cover at the console(s). In
this embodiment, removal of the panel from the groove(s) may be prevented by the cover,
when the cover is supported by the suspension means.
[0041] To facilitate fixing of the panel, the groove may exert a pressure on the edge portion.
This may e.g. be achieve by providing the groove with an opening of a size being smaller
than the edge portion, so that the two sides of the groove will have to be pressed
away from each other when arranging the edge portion in the groove, i.e. the groove
may be deformed by the edge portion. This deformation may result in a pressure on
the edge portion and may thus facilitate fixing of the panel.
[0042] In one embodiment, the panel forms a first horizontal face and a second horizontal
face, where the horizontal faces are on opposite sides of a vertical face. The first
horizontal face may form an extension of the cover, and the second horizontal face
may be located horizontally below a part of the cover. The first and second horizontal
faces may be located at different heights such that the first horizontal face are
substantially at the same level as the upper surface of the cover, thus enabling a
stepless entrance to the building e.g. to allow entry by a wheel-chair. As the second
horizontal face may be located below a part of the cover, the cover enables fixing
of the panel. The second horizontal face may form part of the edge portion of the
panel.
[0043] The second horizontal face may be formed as an extension to the vertical face along
the full length of the panel, so that the second horizontal face extends continuously
along the edge portion of the panel. This may e.g. be achieved by forming the panel
in one piece of a piece of sheet material which may be folded thereby forming the
panel.
[0044] In an alternative embodiment, the second horizontal face may extend discontinuously
along the edge portion of the panel, e.g. by providing the second horizontal face
by a plurality of fixing elements protruding from the vertical face. Thus, the plurality
of fixing elements may be located below a part of the cover, when the cover is supported
by the suspension means, thereby enabling fixing of the panel by the cover.
[0045] The panel may be made from a cutable anti-corrosive material, such as aluminium or
plastic. Other materials may however also be used. By anti-corrosive should be understood,
that the material itself may be anti-corrosive, or that the panel is coated or painted
or in other ways treated to avoid corrosion of the panel.
[0046] When providing the panel of a cutable material, sizing of the panel at the construction
site is facilitated, as the panel may be cut to fit the size of a door opening or
entrance during mounting of the footing channel.
[0047] In one embodiment, the panel may be made of a material which itself is not anti-corrosive.
Subsequently, the material may have been coated with a component which ensures coating
of an end part of the panel if the panel has to be cut to fit it to the size of the
entrance, as the coating may extend over the cutting line during cutting of the panel.
[0048] The console may comprise a first attachment structure enabling attachment of the
cover to the console. The first attachment structure may as an example by a threaded
hole adapted to receive a screw through the cover. Other attachment structures may
also be used.
[0049] The console may comprise a second attachment structure enabling attachment of an
end element. The end element may e.g. be attached to a console to close the footing
channel at one end of the channel. In one embodiment, the second attachment structure
comprises through holes in the end element through which corresponding protrusions
may extend.
[0050] To facilitate cleaning of the footing channel, the console and the base element may
contact each other at at least one contact point, so that the console and the base
element does not contact each other adjacent to said at least one contact point. Due
to the areas where the console and the base element are not in contact with each other,
the channel may be hosed and thereby cleaned. In case of only one contact point, this
point may e.g. be positioned approximately in middle of the console, or at one of
the sides, e.g. towards the footing or towards the sidewall of the base element, i.e.
in the transition between the sidewall and the bottom. In case of two contact points,
they may be positioned in two of the three example point mentioned for a console and
a base element with only one contact point.
[0051] According to a second aspect, the invention provides a footing channel comprising
a base element, a console, and a cover, the base element being two-sided and arrangeable
with a first edge in a longitudinal direction along a footing such that a first side
forms a sidewall and a second side forms a bottom of a channel, the console being
attachable to the sidewall and the bottom and having suspension means for supporting
the cover.
[0052] It should be understood, that a skilled person would readily recognise that any feature
described in combination with the first aspect of the invention could also be combined
with the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.
[0053] According to a third aspect, the invention provides method for drainage along a building
section, the method comprising the following steps: providing a base element being
two-sided, providing a console, and providing a cover; arranging a first edge of the
base element in a longitudinal direction along the building section such that a first
side forms a sidewall and a second side forms a bottom of a channel; attaching the
console to the sidewall and the bottom; and arranging the cover at the console at
suspension means.
[0054] It should be understood, that the method for drainage along a building section may
be used in connection with the structural element according to the above-described
first aspect of the invention and may be used in connection with the footing channel
according to the above-described second aspect. Thus, the features of the first and
second aspects of the invention may be applicable in relation to the method for drainage
according to the third aspect of the invention.
Brief description of the drawings
[0055] Embodiments of the invention will not be further described with reference to the
drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates a base element, a console, and a cover of a footing channel,
Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a console,
Fig. 3 is a cross-section of an embodiment of footing channel,
Figs. 4a and 4b illustrate a footing channel with an end element,
Figs. 5a and 5b illustrate an alternative embodiment of a footing channel at a corner
of a building,
Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate a footing channel,
Fig. 8a illustrates an alternative embodiment of a footing channel comprising a cover
with a first and a second cover section,
Fig. 8b schematically illustrates the angle between the first and second cover sections,
Fig. 9 illustrates a footing channel with a cutaway section,
Fig. 10 illustrates a schematic cross-section of an embodiment of a panel,
Fig. 11 illustrates a footing channel with a panel as schematically illustrated in
Fig. 10, and
Figs. 12a and 12b illustrate different embodiments of a cover.
Detailed description of the drawings
[0056] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while
indicating embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since
various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
[0057] Fig. 1 illustrates an unassembled footing channel 1 comprising a base element 2,
a console 3, and a cover 4. The base element 2 is two-sided and arrangeable with a
first edge 5 in a longitudinal direction (indicated by the arrow 6) along a building
section (not shown) such that a first side 7 forms a sidewall and a second side 8
forms a bottom of a channel. The console 3 is attachable to the sidewall 7 and the
bottom 8 and has suspension means 9 for supporting the cover 4.
[0058] The two-sided base element 2 is formed substantially as an L-shaped element. In the
illustrated embodiment, the two sides are of substantially the same size. The base
element 2 is formed by folding of at sheet material made from metal.
[0059] In Fig. 1 only one console 3 is shown. However, a plurality of consoles 3 may be
used to support the cover 4. Furthermore, to arrange a footing channel 1 along the
entire footing of a building a number of base elements 2, consoles 3, and covers 4
may be used. The base elements 2 and the covers 4 may be of the same length as in
the illustrated embodiment.
[0060] To facilitate drainage of e.g. surface water, the cover 4 may comprise openings 10
to allow liquid to enter the footing channel. The cover illustrated in Fig. 1 is formed
as a grid made from hot-galvanised steel.
[0061] The second side 8 has an open structure allowing drainage of a liquid through this
side. The open structure is achieved by perforations 11. The perforations are substantially
uniformly distributed of substantially the same size.
[0062] Fig. 2 illustrates a console 3 in greater detail.
[0063] The console 3 can be releaseably fixed to the base element 2 by concurrent fixing
structures 12, 13, 14, 15. The concurrent fixing structures comprise a first structure
12, 13 forming part of the base element 2 and a second structure 14, 15 forming part
of the console 3. The first structure 12, 13 extends in the longitudinal direction
to enable fixing of the console 3 at different positions. The first structure 12,
13 extends continuously along the full length of the base element 2.
[0064] The first structure 12, 13 comprises a track for receiving the second structure 14,
15. As illustrated, the first structure 12, 13 is formed by folding two edges of the
base element 2 along the longitudinal direction, thereby forming an enclosure for
the second structure 14, 15. As illustrated in the cross-section in Fig. 3, the section
structure 14, 15 is partly received in and partly enclosed in the tracks 12, 13. The
second structure 14, 15 forms a bead which can be at least partly enclosed in the
tracks 12, 13.
[0065] The second structure 14, 15 is elastically deformable so that the second structure
14, 15 can be received in and at least partly enclosed in the first structure 12,
13 by bending the second structure 14, 15 relative to the main part of the console
3, thereby ensuring a releaseably fixation of the console 3 to the base element 2.
[0066] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the tracks 12, 13 are open in the free end 16 of the base
element 2 to facilitate coupling of two neighbouring base elements 2, as the second
structure 14, 15 of the console 3 can simultaneously be attached to two neighbouring
base element 2 (see Fig. 6a).
[0067] The console 3 comprises two projections 17 (see Fig. 3) arrangeable against the building
section, e.g. a footing (not shown) to facilitate positioning of the base element
2 at a distance from the footing. This may improve the use of the footing channel
1 along an uneven footing, as tolerances can be taken by these projections 17. Furthermore,
drying of the footing can be improved, as liquid may also be drained along the base
element 2 and not only through the openings 11 arranged in the bottom 8.
[0068] As also illustrated in Fig. 3, the console 3 comprises a groove 18 adapted to receive
an edge portion of a panel 19 to facilitate the use of the footing channel 1 along
a door opening in order facilitate entry into the building by wheel-chair. The panel
19 may further avoid moisture ingress into adjacent building parts.
[0069] The console 3 comprises a first attachment structure 20 in the form of a threaded
hole 20 (see Fig. 2) enabling attachment of the cover 4 to the console 3. A screw
may be mounted through the cover 4 and into the threaded hole 20.
[0070] To facilitate cleaning of the footing channel 1, the console 3 and the base element
2 contact each other at two contact points 21, so that the console 3 and the base
element 2 do not contact each other between said contact points 21. Due to the area
22 where the console 3 and the base element 2 are not in contact with each other,
the channel 1 may be hosed and thereby cleaned.
[0071] As illustrated in Figs. 4a and 4b, the console 3 comprises a second attachment structure
23 enabling attachment of an end element 24 which closes the footing channel 1 at
one end. In the present embodiment, the second attachment structure 23 comprises four
through holes in the end element 24 through which protrusions extend.
[0072] In Fig. 4a, the footing channel 1 is illustrated without the cover 4, and in Fig.
4b the cover 4 is arranged at a plurality of consoles 3.
[0073] Figs. 5a and 5b are illustrations of a footing channel 1 which is arranged around
a corner 25 of a building. The footing channel 1 comprises two oblong base elements
2 and a base element 2' comprising a first and a second section 2a, 2b being angled
relative to each other.
[0074] In Fig. 5a, the footing channel 1 is illustrated without the cover 4, and in Fig.
5b a cover 4 is arranged at a plurality of consoles 3.
[0075] Fig. 6 illustrates a footing channel 1 comprising a base element 2, a console 3,
and a cover 4. The console 3 is positioned so that it extends out from the base element
2 to enable coupling of the base element 2 to a neighbouring base element 2.
[0076] Fig. 7 illustrates a footing channel 1 having an edge portion of a panel 19 received
in the groove 18 to facilitate the use of the footing channel 1 along a door opening.
[0077] Fig. 8a illustrates an alternative embodiment of a footing channel 1 comprising a
cover 4 with a first cover section 4A and a second cover section 4B, the first and
second cover sections 4A, 4B being inclined relative to each other to form a cover
comprising two plane surface being inclined relative to each other. Openings 10 are
only formed in the second cover section 4B.
[0078] Fig. 8b schematically illustrates the angle A between the first and second cover
sections 4A, 4B, which angle in the illustrated embodiment is approximately 150 degrees.
[0079] Fig. 9 illustrates a footing channel 1 with a cutaway section. When liquid is drained
through the openings 11 in the bottom 8, the liquid is drained into a layer 26 of
gravel from where it flows into a filter layer 27 and further into the drain 28.
[0080] Fig. 10 illustrates a schematic cross-section of panel 19 to be arranged in the groove
18 (see Fig. 3 and 7) of the console 3. The groove 18 is adapted to receive an edge
portion 19a of the panel 19. The panel 19 may be arranged to minimise the risk of
moisture ingress to the building parts, and to facilitate entry into the building
by wheel-chairs.
[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, the panel 19 forms a first horizontal face 29 and
a second horizontal face 30, the horizontal faces being on opposite sides of a vertical
face 31. The first horizontal face 29 forms an extension of 4 the cover (see Fig.
11), and the second horizontal face 30 is to be located horizontally below a part
of the cover 4, when the panel 19 is arranged in the groove 18 (see Fig. 11). The
first and second horizontal faces 29, 30 are located at different heights such that
the first horizontal face 29 are substantially at the same level as the upper surface
of the cover 4, and such that the cover 4 enables fixing of the panel 19. The second
horizontal face 30 forms part of the edge portion 19a of the panel.
[0082] The illustrated panel 19 is formed in one piece by folding a piece of sheet material.
[0083] Fig. 11 illustrates a footing channel 1 with a panel 19 as schematically illustrated
in Fig. 10. The panel 19 is arranged in a groove 18 of the console 3. The cover 4
fixes the panel 19 in the groove, as the cover 4 is arranged so that it covers a part
the panel 19. This further ensures that removal of the panel 19 from the groove 18
is prevented by the cover 4. In the present embodiment, the cover 4 is formed as a
grating made from hot-galvanised steel, which grating 4 comprises a leg 4C to support
the cover 4 and adapted to fix the panel 19 in the groove 18.
[0084] Figs. 12a and 12b illustrate different embodiments of a cover 4. The cover 4' illustrated
in Fig. 12a is formed as a tray 32 in which granite gravel 33 is arranged. The tray
32 comprises through holes in the lower part to allow liquid to flow through the tray
and into the footing channel (not shown). The cover 4" illustrated in Fig. 12b is
curve-shaped with upper edges 34 to be arranged along the building section and along
the first side of the base element, respectively. The square-shaped openings 10 allow
liquid to flow into the footing channel (not shown).
[0085] The invention may e.g. be covered by the following embodiments:
Embodiment 1. A structural element in a building comprising a building section, a
base element, a console, and a cover, the base element being two-sided and arranged
with a first edge in a longitudinal direction along the building section such that
a first side forms a sidewall and a second side forms a bottom of a channel, the console
being attachable to the sidewall and the bottom and having suspension means for supporting
the cover.
Embodiment 2. A structural element according to embodiment 1, wherein the second side
has an open structure allowing drainage of a liquid through the second side.
Embodiment 3. A structural element according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the base
element is an oblong element.
Embodiment 4. A structural element according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the base
element comprises a first and a second section being angled relative to each other.
Embodiment 5. A structural element according to any of the preceding embodiments,
wherein the console is releaseably fixed to the base element by concurrent fixing
structures.
Embodiment 6. A structural element according to embodiment 5, wherein the concurrent
fixing structures comprise a first structure forming part of the base and extending
in the longitudinal direction to enable fixing of the console at different positions,
and a second structure forming part of the console.
Embodiment 7. A structural element according to embodiment 6, wherein the first structure
comprises a track for receiving the second structure.
Embodiment 8. A structural element according to embodiment 7, wherein the second structure
forms a bead which can be at least partly enclosed in the track.
Embodiment 9. A structural element according to any of the preceding embodiments,
wherein the console comprises at least one projection arrangeable against the footing.
Embodiment 10. A structural element according any of the preceding embodiments, further
comprising a panel and wherein the console comprises at least one groove adapted to
receive an edge portion of the panel.
Embodiment 11. A structural element according to embodiment 10, wherein the cover
fixes the panel in the groove when the cover is supported by the suspension means.
Embodiment 12. A structural element according to embodiment 11, wherein removal of
the panel from the groove is prevented by the cover, when the cover is supported by
the suspension means.
Embodiment 13. A structural element according to any of embodiments 10-12, wherein
the groove exerts a pressure on the edge portion.
Embodiment 14. A structural element according to any of embodiments 10-13, wherein
the panel forms a first horizontal face and a second horizontal face, the horizontal
faces being on opposite sides of a vertical face, the first horizontal face forming
an extension of the cover, and the second horizontal face being located horizontally
below a part of the cover.
Embodiment 15. A structural element according to embodiment 14, wherein the second
horizontal face extends continuously along the edge portion of the panel.
Embodiment 16. A structural element according to embodiment 14, wherein the second
horizontal face extends discontinuously along the edge portion of the panel.
Embodiment 17. A structural element according to any of embodiments 10-16, wherein
the panel is made from a cutable anti-corrosive material.
Embodiment 18. A structural element according to any of the preceding embodiments,
wherein the console comprises a first attachment structure enabling attachment of
the cover to the console.
Embodiment 19. A structural element according to any of the preceding embodiments,
wherein the console comprises a second attachment structure enabling attachment of
an end element.
Embodiment 20. A structural element according to any of the preceding embodiments,
wherein the console and the base element contact each other at at least one contact
point, and wherein the console and the base element do not contact each other adjacent
to said at least one contact point.
Embodiment 21. A structural element according to any of the preceding embodiments,
wherein the cover comprises openings to allow liquid to pass through.
Embodiment 22. A structural element according to any of the preceding embodiments,
wherein the cover comprises at least a first cover section and a second cover section,
the first and second cover section being inclined relative to each other.
Embodiment 23. A structural element according to any of the preceding embodiments,
wherein the building section is a footing or an outer wall of the building.
Embodiment 24. A footing channel comprising a base element, a console, and a cover,
the base element being two-sided and arrangeable with a first edge in a longitudinal
direction along a footing such that a first side forms a sidewall and a second side
forms a bottom of a channel, the console being attachable to the sidewall and the
bottom and having suspension means for supporting the cover.
Embodiment 25. A method for drainage along a building section, the method comprising
the following steps:
- providing a base element being two-sided;
- providing a console; and
- providing a cover;
- arranging a first edge of the base element in a longitudinal direction along the building
section such that a first side forms a sidewall and a second side forms a bottom of
a channel;
- attaching the console to the sidewall and the bottom; and
- arranging the cover at the console at suspension means.
1. A structural element in a building comprising a building section, a base element,
a console, a cover, and a panel, the base element being two-sided and arranged with
a first edge in a longitudinal direction along the building section such that a first
side forms a sidewall and a second side forms a bottom of a channel, the console being
attachable to the sidewall and the bottom and having suspension means for supporting
the cover, wherein the console comprises at least one groove adapted to receive an
edge portion of the panel.
2. A structural element according to claim 1, wherein the cover fixes the panel in the
groove when the cover is supported by the suspension means.
3. A structural element according to claim 2, wherein removal of the panel from the groove
is prevented by the cover, when the cover is supported by the suspension means.
4. A structural element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the groove
exerts a pressure on the edge portion.
5. A structural element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the panel forms
a first horizontal face and a second horizontal face, the horizontal faces being on
opposite sides of a vertical face, the first horizontal face forming an extension
of the cover, and the second horizontal face being located horizontally below a part
of the cover.
6. A structural element according to claim 5, wherein the second horizontal face extends
continuously along the edge portion of the panel.
7. A structural element according to claim 5, wherein the second horizontal face extends
discontinuously along the edge portion of the panel.
8. A structural element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the panel is
made from a cutable anti-corrosive material.
9. A structural element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second
side has an open structure allowing drainage of a liquid through the second side.
10. A structural element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base element
comprises a first and a second section being angled relative to each other.
11. A structural element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the console
is releaseably fixed to the base element by concurrent fixing structures.
12. A structural element according to claim 11, wherein the concurrent fixing structures
comprise a first structure forming part of the base and extending in the longitudinal
direction to enable fixing of the console at different positions, and a second structure
forming part of the console.
13. A structural element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover comprises
at least a first cover section and a second cover section, the first and second cover
section being inclined relative to each other.
14. A footing channel comprising a base element, a console, a cover, and a panel, the
base element being two-sided and arrangeable with a first edge in a longitudinal direction
along a footing such that a first side forms a sidewall and a second side forms a
bottom of a channel, the console being attachable to the sidewall and the bottom and
having suspension means for supporting the cover, wherein the console comprises at
least one groove adapted to receive an edge portion of the panel.
15. A method for drainage along a building section, the method comprising the following
steps:
- providing a base element being two-sided;
- providing a console comprising at least one groove;
- providing a cover; and
- providing a panel;
- arranging a first edge of the base element in a longitudinal direction along the
building section such that a first side forms a sidewall and a second side forms a
bottom of a channel;
- attaching the console to the sidewall and the bottom;
- arranging the panel so that an edge portion of the panel is received in the groove;
and
- arranging the cover at the console at suspension means.