OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an expandable, removable and reusable modular high-rise
building made up of prefabricated elements, usable in construction, preferably, of
living spaces (homes, hotels, lodgings, residences, etc.).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Buildings with prefabricated elements are currently known, which normally resemble
traditional buildings, with erection of a structure that is fixed and immovable over
time with the only option of removal by demolition, on which the prefabricated elements
are in turn fixed, which are usually exterior envelope panels or inner partitions
(for example, including plasterboard partitions therein).
[0003] Although the introduction of prefabricated elements has streamlined the construction
process, for example, it is only necessary to see how the use of inner plasterboard
divisions has become almost universal, compared to the traditional brick construction
despite the higher cost thereof, the method of construction is still very similar
to the traditional one, since only some prefabricated elements are incorporated in
the process, causing, in addition, a stable (not removable) building.
[0004] Likewise, the creation of living spaces by means of prefabricated modules, for example
construction sheds, is known, but ultimately they are isolated elements of small size,
which cannot be considered buildings as such by themselves, but which have the advantage
of the ease of transport and reuse thereof and of the manufacture in factory, not
in situ, thereof.
[0005] The applicant is unaware of the possible existence of buildings, as such, made entirely
with prefabricated elements such as the one described in the present invention, having
their added and differential value from the current ones, in that they are modular,
expandable, removable and reusable anywhere else.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The expandable, removable and reusable modular high-rise building made up of prefabricated
elements of the invention comprises, in the most generic definition thereof:
- a modular structure, comprising pillars, beams, and quick-coupling nodes (i.e., having
detachable assembly means by snapping, without welding) for joining between the pillars
and the beams, and
- self-supporting modules (which in themselves have a supporting or structural configuration
suitable for bearing their own loads and loads of use, resting on the modular structure)
with dimensions greater than the span between the beams of the modular structure (at
least in one of the two main directions in plan view), for resting thereon.
[0007] In this way, after making an in-situ foundation from which the first sections of
the pillars start -which is the only non-removable portion of the structure- the rest
of the elements of the rigid orthogonal frame structure can be assembled. On the beams
of this modular structure, the finished prefabricated living modules will be placed,
and the roof, where appropriate, provided with photovoltaic panels if desired for
self-consumption of the building. The last phase corresponds to the connection of
installations through holes between modules and completion of holes in the facade.
[0008] Thus, an industrialised building is achieved, i.e., prefabricated in the factory,
with great cost savings and which also exhibits the following advantages:
- it is modular,
- it is expandable,
- it is removable, and
- it is reusable.
[0009] Factory manufacturing, both of the modules and of the supporting structure, enables
a reduction of execution times, a more exhaustive quality control and a reduction
in accidents, noise and waste compared to a traditional system. One of the most important
points is this reduction in manufacturing and assembly times, which entails a competitive
edge over the traditional system.
[0010] In addition, dry construction in the factory and with more efficient materials enables
more ecological homes to be built. On the roof of the building, as indicated, photovoltaic
installations can be arranged that reduce electricity costs, and given the features
of the invention and the ease of connection of the modules, the building is easily
expandable both in plan and in height, and in the same way, disassembly and reuse
in another location is feasible.
[0011] With the building of the invention, buildings of different uses can be created, such
as: houses, hotels, residences, etc.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012]
Figure 1 shows a view of the arrangement of beams of a base slab of a standard module
of the building of the invention.
Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the main elements of a standard module of the building
of the invention, and an enlarged detail of a vertical perimeter envelope.
Figure 3 shows a view of a modular building made according to the invention.
Figure 4 shows a view of a pillar meeting of the modular structure of the building
of the invention and an enlargement of an area thereof.
Figure 5 shows a view of an intermediate meeting of one beam with another, without
a pillar, of the modular structure of the building of the invention.
Figures 6, 7 and 8 show respective examples of inner distribution of modules of the
building of the invention.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The expandable, removable and reusable modular high-rise building (1) made up of
prefabricated elements (see fig 3) of the invention comprises:
- a modular structure (2), comprising pillars (3), beams (4), and quick coupling nodes
(5) for joining between the pillars (3) and the beams (4), and
- self-supporting modules (6) with dimensions greater than the span between beams (4)
of the modular structure (2) (at least in one of the two main directions in plan view),
for resting thereon.
[0014] It must be mentioned that the entire structure is calculated and the beams and pillars
can vary in dimension according to height.
[0015] In a very preferred embodiment of the modular structure (2), the quick coupling nodes
(5) comprise (see figs. 4 and 5):
- horizontal plates (50) protruding from each face of the pillars (3), or on opposite
faces of the beams (4), at heights corresponding to each floor level of the modular
structure (2), and provided with upper recesses or openings (51), and
- support wings (52) for supporting on said plates (50), protruding from the ends of
each beam (4), and provided with lower coupling protrusions (53) in the upper recesses
or openings (51) of the plates (50). This enables, by simply inserting and fitting
the lower protrusions (53) into the openings (51), the structure to be stiffened.
Seeking to enhance this effect, it is preferred that each node (5) comprises two protruding
horizontal plates (50) for each vertical face (30) of each pillar (3) or beam (4),
and two corresponding support wings (52) protruding from the end of each beam (4).
In this way, the wings (52) (and their protrusions) are in continuity with the actual
wings of the beams, solidly joining said wings to the plates and stiffening the structure
without the need for welding. In addition, screwed joints (54) are provided between
the plates (50) and the wings (52) to increase stiffness.
[0016] For its part, the preferred embodiment of each module (6) will comprise (see figs.
1 and 2):
- a base slab (60) comprising lower longitudinal beams (61) (straight and/or pitched)
joined by lower transversal beams (62) and the corresponding concrete compression
layer,
- upper longitudinal beams (64) joined by upper transversal beams (65),
- pillars (66) that are joined to the lower longitudinal beams (61) and the upper longitudinal
beams (64), and
- perimeter (67a, 67b) and upper (68) envelopes;
- in the perimeter envelopes (67a, 67b) of which there are holes (69a, 69b) made for
passage, illumination and ventilation. This configuration is easy to manufacture to
scale, replicating the arrangement of the upper and lower longitudinal beams and with
good supporting strength. The perimeter (67a, 67b) and upper (68) envelopes will be
made with several layers with insulation and drywall. The use of sandwich panel is
preferred due to the lightness, ease of assembly, good finish and ease of cutting
and handling thereof, and excellent insulation qualities. In particular, it is preferred
that the perimeter (67a, 67b) and upper (68) envelopes comprise one or more layers
(7) of sandwich panels fixed to intermediate profiles (8a) joined to the beams (61,
62, 64, 65) and/or pillars (66) of the module to facilitate assembly and offer a double
enveloping layer.
[0017] The arrangement of the illumination and ventilation holes (69a) in the smaller perimeter
envelopes (67a) is preferred (see figs. 6 and 7), since in this way the modules can
be placed parallel with these holes facing the outside, and it is also possible to
arrange intermediate holes (69b) in the larger perimeter envelopes (67b) for passage
(communication between adjacent modules or for exterior access).
[0018] The arrangement in the modules (6) of at least one intermediate narrowing (8) for
the passage of the vertical elements of the structure and utility ducts for installations
is also preferred.
[0019] The most common living arrangement for the aforementioned arrangement of holes will
comprise arranging the bathroom, storage and/or installation rooms in the centre of
the module (6), and the living spaces at the ends (so they have more natural light,
cross ventilation, privacy and views are achieved). In addition, a terrace can be
arranged at one or both ends of the modules.
[0020] Having sufficiently described the nature of the invention, it is indicated that the
description of it and of the preferred embodiment thereof should be interpreted in
a non-limiting manner, and that it encompasses all the possible variant embodiments
that may be deduced from the contents of the present specification and the claims.
1. An expandable, removable and reusable modular high-rise building (1), made up of prefabricated
elements;
characterised in that it comprises:
- A modular structure (2), comprising pillars (3), beams (4), and quick coupling nodes
(5) for joining between the pillars (3) and the beams (4), and
- Self-supporting modules (6) with dimensions greater than the span between beams
(4) of the modular structure (2).
2. The expandable, removable and reusable modular high-rise building (1), made up of
prefabricated elements according to claim 1,
wherein the quick coupling nodes (5) comprise:
- horizontal plates (50) protruding from each face of the pillars (3), or on opposite
faces of the beams (4), at heights corresponding to each floor level of the modular
structure (2), and provided with upper recesses or openings (51), and
- support wings (52) for supporting on said plates (50), protruding from the ends
of each beam (4), and provided with lower coupling protrusions (53) in the upper recesses
or openings (51) of the plates (50).
3. The expandable, removable and reusable modular high-rise building (1), made up of
prefabricated elements according to claim 2, wherein each node (5) comprises two horizontal plates (50) protruding from each vertical
face (30) of each pillar (3) or beam (4), and two corresponding support wings (52)
protruding from the end of each beam (4).
4. The expandable, removable and reusable modular high-rise building (1), made up of
prefabricated elements according to any of claims 2 or 3, wherein screwed joints (54) are arranged between the plates (50) and the wings (52).
5. The expandable, removable and reusable modular high-rise building (1), made up of
prefabricated elements according to any of the preceding claims,
wherein each module (6) comprises:
- a base slab (60) comprising lower longitudinal beams (61) joined by lower transversal
beams (62) and the corresponding compression layer,
- upper longitudinal beams (64) joined by upper transversal beams (65),
- pillars (66) that are joined to the lower longitudinal beams (61) and the upper
longitudinal beams (64), and
- perimeter (67a, 67b) and upper (68) envelopes;
- in the perimeter envelopes (67a, 67b) of which there are holes (69a, 69b) made for
passage, illumination and ventilation.
6. The expandable, removable and reusable modular high-rise building (1), made up of
prefabricated elements according to claim 5, wherein the perimeter (67a, 67b) and upper (68) envelopes are made of sandwich panel.
7. The expandable, removable and reusable modular high-rise building (1), made up of
prefabricated elements according to claim 6, wherein the perimeter (67a, 67b) and upper (68) envelopes comprise one or more layers (7)
of sandwich panels fixed to intermediate profiles (8a) joined to the beams (61, 65)
of the module.
8. The expandable, removable and reusable modular high-rise building (1), made up of
prefabricated elements according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the smaller perimeter envelopes (67a) comprise illumination and ventilation holes
(69a).
9. The expandable, removable and reusable modular high-rise building (1), made up of
prefabricated elements according to claim 8, wherein the larger perimeter envelopes (67b) comprise intermediate holes (69b) for passage.
10. The expandable, removable and reusable modular high-rise building (1), made up of
prefabricated elements according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the modules (6) comprise, at least, an intermediate narrowing (8) for the passage
of the vertical elements of the structure and utility ducts for installations.
11. The expandable, removable and reusable modular high-rise building (1), made up of
prefabricated elements according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bathroom, storage and/or installation rooms are arranged in the centre of the
module (6), and the living spaces are arranged at the ends.
12. The expandable, removable and reusable modular high-rise building (1), made up of
prefabricated elements according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises a terrace at one or both ends.