REINFORCED STRUCTURAL ELEMENT

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a reinforced structural element that can be used for the construction of building structures.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a reinforced structural element that can be used for the construction of building structures.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a reinforced structural element constituting a beam.

STATE OF THE ART

[0003] For the construction of frames and support structures for building use, the use of structural elements configured as a beam, for example with a double "T" section, is known, which can be obtained through a continuous casting hot rolling process.

[0004] A double "T" beam, as it is known, comprises a first and a second wing, which are spaced apart and parallel to each other and mutually connected through a central body called "core".

[0005] These portions have specific size ratios and in order to make beams with different dimensions it is necessary to carry out a complex tooling of the production line, which may involve the interruption of the production cycle whenever it is necessary to change the size of the product to be to form.

[0006] The international application published under number WO2019123388A1 concerns a lightweight structural element shaped as a double "T" beam with two wings spaced apart and parallel to each other, and a central body, the core, which extends between the first wing and the second wing, thereby connecting them.

[0007] This structural element, when used in combination with other elements in the construction of building structures, requires high mechanical strength and improved load bearing.

[0008] In this case, the points of the structural element that are most subject to mechanical stress are the wings and the connection points between the wings and the core of the beam.

[0009] Therefore, the lightweight structural element discussed in WO2019123388A1 could have very heavy load and strength limits, if used in the construction of building structures.

[0010] There is a need in the field to have a reinforced structural element, with an improved load bearing capacity, high mechanical strength, which can be used in the construction of building structures even with considerable span and which is particularly light in terms of kg/m, but with a high strength/weight ratio.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to improve the state of the art concerning the structural elements that can be used in the construction of building structures.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structural element that can be used in the construction of building structures capable of supporting loads higher than the solutions in accordance with the state of the art as well as providing a high mechanical resistance to stress.

[0013] A further object of the present invention is to provide a reinforced structural element of practical use and construction, in the context of a flexible use solution that facilitates the production of various formats, if desired with overall dimensions that are different from each other, according to specific needs of use.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structural element capable of replacing the C-shaped press-folded steel profiles currently used as covering beams or ceilings, providing the same characteristics of lightness and also being free from torsion problems occurring with C-shaped profiles.

[0015] According to an aspect of the present invention, a structural element is provided which can be used for the construction of a building structure according to claim 1.

[0016] The dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous forms of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the detailed description of preferred, non-exclusive embodiments of a structural element that can be used for the construction of a building structure illustrated by way of example, but not limitative, in the accompanying drawings in which:

• figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a structural element according to the present invention;
• figure 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a structural element of the present invention;
• figure 3 is a front or cross-sectional view on an enlarged scale of the structural element of figure 1.

[0018] In the accompanying drawings, identical parts or components are indicated by the same reference numbers.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0019] With reference to the attached figures, a structural element according to the present invention has been illustrated which can be used for the construction of a building structure, such as a ceiling, which element is indicated as a whole with the reference number 1.

[0020] The structural element 1 is basically configured as a double "T" beam.

[0021] The structural element can be obtained by profiling or press bending of a sheet strip, for example galvanized, with small thickness, if desired between 1 and 10 mm or better between 3 and 7 mm, which sheet is therefore obtained in a single piece. Moreover, the sheet strip has a first wing 2, a second wing 3 spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other, and a central body or core 4 which extends between the first wing 2 and the second wing 3, connecting them or in any case constituting a section of connection or continuation between wings 2, 3.

[0022] The central body 4 is preferably substantially orthogonal to the main extension dimension or width of the first wing 2 and of the second wing 3 and has a first surface 5 and a second surface 6 opposite each other.

[0023] The central body 4 essentially consists of an intermediate part of the sheet and is preferably flat.

[0024] This construction as a single body allows to optimize the timing necessary for the production of the structural element 1.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the structural element 1 can be made by bending a metal sheet, for example a metal strip, so as to configure the first wing 2, the second wing 3 and the central body 4.

[0026] By way of non-limiting example, the material of the sheet or strip can be steel with different strengths and thicknesses according to specific use requirements or even aluminum.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the structural element 1 can be made by means of a sheet or a strip or the like made of composite material.

[0028] According to this embodiment, the composite material can preferably comprise fiber material of the type comprising at least reinforcing fibers associated or embedded in a matrix.

[0029] The structural element 1 comprises a first dimension or height H substantially defined by the main extension dimension of the central body 4, a second dimension or width W substantially defined by the main extension dimension of the wings 2, 3 and a third dimension or length L or longitudinal development, which is orthogonal to the other two dimensions.

[0030] On the other hand, the structural element 1 has a front or cross section substantially defined in the plane identified by the first H and the second W dimension, which extends or repeats or remains constant along the longitudinal extension of the element 1 (see figure 3), that is the extension of the element 1 along the third dimension or length L (see figures 1 and 2).

[0031] The structural element 1 is configured in such a way that the first wing 2 and the second wing 3 each have at least one first section 2a, 3a and at least one second section 2b, 3b overlapping or side by side.

[0032] The first section 2a, 3a and the second section 2b, 3b are preferably flat.

[0033] Preferably, in each wing 2, 3, the first and second section are approached or rested against each other, so that the area between them has a width of less than 5 mm, even more preferably less than 2 or 1 mm, if desired with the two sections abutting one against the other or rather folded one over the other. The first section 2a, 3a and the second section 2b, 3b are advantageously parallel and orthogonal to the central body 4.

[0034] Preferably, the first section 2a, 3a and the second section 2b, 3b of each wing 2, 3 are connected to each other by spot welding or also by other suitable continuous or discrete method, for example glue, screws, rivets, etcetera.

[0035] This connection allows to oppose, in addition to providing a solid connection between the sections 2a, 3a and 2b, 3b, phenomena of local instability of the sheet forming the profile and is useful for obtaining a wing 2, 3 of reduced thickness and consequently, a structural element 1 with a lower overall weight, while at the same time maintaining a high solidity and mechanical resistance to stresses.

[0036] If desired, both the first 2 and the second wing 3 also comprise a third section 2d, 3d of the sheet extending from the central body 4 and between the latter and a first end 2a1, 3a1 of the first section 2a, 3a, while the second section 2b, 3b extends from a second end 2a2, 3a2 of the first section 2a, 3a approaching the central body 4.

[0037] The third section 2d, 3d is substantially aligned with the second section 2b, 3b, so that each wing 2, 3 comprises in succession starting from a respective end of the central body 4, the third section 2d, 3d, the first section 2a, 3a and the second section 2b, 3b, between the first 2a, 3a and the third 2d, 3d section being provided a first connecting or continuation piece 2e, 3e, if desired curved, preferably substantially U-shaped, and between the first 2a, 3a and the second section 2b, 3b being provided a second connecting or continuation piece 2f, 3f, if desired curved, preferably substantially U-shaped.

[0038] Advantageously, the third section 2d, 3d has an extension equal to the second section 2b, 3b, while the first section 2a, 3a has an extension substantially equal to the sum of the second 2b, 3b and the third section 2d, 3d.

[0039] Even more advantageously, the second 2b, 3b and the third section 2d, 3d are superimposed or placed side by side with a respective first section 2a, 3a so that the area between them, i.e. between the second 2b, 3b and the third 2d, 3d, on the one hand, and the first section 2a, 3a, on the other hand, has a width less than 5 mm.

[0040] With such a structure, the width W of the structural element is defined by the width of the first section 2a, 3a or by the sum of the width of the second 2b, 3b and third section 2d, 3d.

[0041] The third section 2d, 3d is preferably flat.

[0042] Preferably, the third section 2d, 3d is advantageously orthogonal to the central body 4.

[0043] With reference to the attached figures, it can be observed that the structural element 1 is shaped like an IPE beam, in particular an IPE 270 beam, although it is understood that the same can in any case have further configurations, in which the proportions between the wings and the central body can be different, even if they fall within the same inventive concept of the present invention.

[0044] In the non-limiting embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 1, the central body 4 has an extension or height between about 200 and about 300 mm, for example about 270 mm.

[0045] If desired, the two wings 2, 3 have an extension or width between about 100 mm and about 150 mm, for example equal to about 135 mm.

[0046] The sheet then comprises at least one free section or edge 2c, 3c extending from one end of one or both of the second sections 2b, 3b, which free section or edge 2c, 3c is substantially parallel and approached to at least one portion 4c of the first and/or of the second surface 5, 6 of the central body 4.

[0047] The free section or edge 2c, 3c is in fact folded over a portion of the first and/or second surface 5, 6 of the central body 4.

[0048] The free section or edge 2c, 3c is connected to the at least one portion of the first and/or second surface 5, 6 of the central body 4 by means of suitable connection means, for example by welding, one or more self-tapping screws and/or one or more rivets.

[0049] Preferably, the free section or edge 2c, 3c is orthogonal to the second section 2b, 3b from which it extends. The purpose is to stiffen the sections 2b and 3b in order to avoid local instability phenomena in these sections of the profile and to make the width completely effective and not to be partialized in the static calculation phase.

[0050] Advantageously, the free section or edge 2c, 3c does not have through openings and the same applies to the respective constraint portion 4c of the central body 4.

[0051] More specifically, the free section or edge 2c, 3c can have an extension or height between about 5 mm and about 15 mm, if desired equal to or greater than about 10 mm.

[0052] Moreover, the connection means are preferably applied uniformly along the entire longitudinal extension of the structural element. If a weld is provided as a connection means, then it is preferably applied continuously in the direction of the length or longitudinal extension of the structural element 1.

[0053] Alternatively, the connection means can also be applied discontinuously, if desired by points or areas. Preferably, however, the connection means involve or are applied for a good part, at least 70%, 80% of the length of the structural element 1.

[0054] According to the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the figures, the structural element or rather the respective metal has each of the two wings 2, 3 which comprises, in sequence, starting from a respective end 4a, 4b of the central body or core 4:

• a third section 2d, 3d which extends away from a longitudinal symmetry plane of the structural element 1,
• the first connecting or continuation piece 2e, 3e,
• the first section 2a, 3a, which extends approaching the longitudinal symmetry plane of the structural element 1 and, once this plane is intersected, then it extends away from it and from the first section 2e, 3e,
• the second connecting or continuation piece 2f, 3f,
• the second section 2b, 3b which extends approaching the longitudinal symmetry plane of the structural element 1, and then
• the free section or edge 2c, 3c connected, for example welded or constrained by screws or other to a portion 4c of the central body or core 4 proximal to a respective end 4a, 4b.

[0055] The longitudinal symmetry plane of the structural element 1 is defined by the height H and length L of the latter and the central body or core 4 preferably lies in it.

[0056] The two free sections or edges 2c, 3c thus constitute the free ends of the sheet which, following bending or appropriate shaping of the sheet, are close to or abutting with a respective portion 4c of the central body or core 4 at a respective end 4a, 4b of the latter.

[0057] Naturally, the passage from the central body 4 to each wing 2, 3 or from one section to the other of one of these is obtained by means of a respective bending of the sheet.

[0058] The expedient concerning the presence of the free section or edge 2c, 3c allows to reinforce the connection points between the central body 4 and the respective wings 2, 3 and therefore to obtain a structural element 1 that is overall more resistant and suitable for supporting a payload greater than the structural elements proposed in the state of the art.

[0059] By payload we mean the maximum variable load that the structural element can withstand without breaking.

[0060] The central body 4, which can have different lengths L according to specific needs, can advantageously delimit a through opening 8 or a plurality of through openings 8 along its longitudinal extension.

[0061] By way of example, the through openings 8 can be made along the sheet or the strip prior to the step of folding or forming the same, thereby simplifying its construction.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the structural element 1 comprises at least one aligned row of through openings 8 extending along the central body 4, for example in a central position.

[0063] According to a further version of the present invention, not illustrated in the attached figures, the structural element 1 can comprise two or more rows of through openings 8 which extend along the central body 4.

[0064] The through opening 8 or each of the through openings 8 is delimited along its entire perimeter by a raised edge 9 which extends from one side of the central body 4, outside the first surface 5 or the second surface 6 and results resting on it.

[0065] The raised edge 9 is folded on itself acting as a stiffening element for the portion of the central body 4 at the through opening 8.

[0066] According to a version of the present invention, the raised edge 9 of all the through openings 8 to be found along the central body 4 can protrude from the same side of the central body 4 itself, i.e. from the first surface 5 or from the second surface 6.

[0067] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, some through openings 8 may have the respective raised edge 9 which protrudes from the first surface 5 while other through openings 8 may have the respective raised edge 9 which protrudes from the second surface 6.

[0068] However, it is understood that further embodiments are possible in which the raised edge 9 can protrude alternately from the first surface 5 or from the second surface 6 at least every two or more through openings 8 in succession along the central body 4 or according to a distribution any, alternating or non-alternating, according to specific needs of use, without any limitation.

[0069] Preferably, the through openings 8 can be circular or elliptical shaped.

[0070] The through openings 8 allow the passage of cables and utilities through the central body 4 of the structural element 1.

[0071] In this regard, it can be observed that the raised edge 9 at each of the through openings 8 facilitates the sliding of a cable or a utility through the central body 4, preventing unwanted jamming from occurring due to the presence of an edge pointy or sharp.

[0072] As an alternative to what has been described above, the structural element may not have through openings 8 (see in particular figure 1).

[0073] With a structural element 1 it is possible, thanks to the presence of at least one free section or edge 2c, 3c, to increase the bearable payload with respect to a similar structural element of the state of the art.

[0074] Furthermore, the connection of the first section 2a, 3a with the second section 2b, 3b by spot welding allows to obtain a very compact structural element 1.

[0075] Therefore, it has been seen that the present invention fully achieves the proposed objects.

[0076] The thus conceived structural element 1 is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept.

Claims

1. Structural element (1) usable for the construction of a building structure, said structural element including a sheet in a single piece comprising a central body (4), a first wing (2) and a second wing (3) substantially parallel and spaced apart from each other and connected by means of said central body (4), said first and said second wing (2, 3) each comprising at least one first section (2a, 3a) and at least one second section (2b, 3b) superimposed or side by side, said central body (4) having a first surface (5) and a second surface (6) opposite to one another, said structural element being characterized in that said sheet comprises at least one free section or edge (2c, 3c) extending from one end of at least one second section (2b, 3b), said free section or edge (2c, 3c) being substantially parallel and next to at least one portion (4c) of said first and/or second surface (5, 6) of said central body (4), and in that said free section or edge (2c, 3c) is connected by connection means to said at least one portion (4c) of said first and/or second surface (5, 6) of said central body (4).

2. Structural element according to claim 1, wherein said connection means comprise welding, one or more self-tapping screws and/or one or more rivets.

3. Structural element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said free section or edge (2c, 3c) has an extension comprised between about 5 mm and about 15 mm.

4. Structural element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said central body (4) has an extension between about 200 mm and about 300 mm.

5. Structural element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said wings (2, 3) have an extension between about 100 mm and about 150 mm.

6. Structural element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one first section (2a, 3a) and said at least one second section (2b, 3b) of each wing (2, 3) are connected by spot welding.

7. Structural element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first (2a, 3a) and said second (2b, 3b) section in each wing (2, 3) are placed side by side, so that the area between them has a width less than 5 mm.

8. Structural element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second wing (2, 3) each comprise a third section (2d, 3d) of said sheet extending from said central body (4) and between the latter and a first end (2a1, 3a1) of said first section (2a, 3a), while said second section (2b, 3b) extends from a second end (2a2, 3a2) of said first section (2a, 3a) approaching said body central (4), said third section being substantially aligned with said second section (2b, 3b), so that each wing (2, 3) comprises in succession, starting from a respective end of said central body (4), said third section (2d, 3d), said first section (2a, 3a) and said second section (2b, 3b), a first connecting or continuation piece (2e, 3e) being provided between said first (2a, 3a) and said third (2d, 3d) section, and a second connecting or continuation piece (2f, 3f) being provided between said first (2a, 3a) and said second (2b, 3b) section.

9. Structural element according to claim 8, wherein said third section (2d, 3d) has an extension equal to said second section (2b, 3b), while said first section (2a, 3a) has an extension substantially equal to the sum of said second (2b, 3b) and of said third (2d, 3d) section.

10. Structural element according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said second (2b, 3b) and said third (2d, 3d) section are superimposed or placed side by side with a respective first section (2a, 3a) so that the area between them has a width less than 5 mm.

Drawing