[0001] The invention relates to a building structure according to the preamble of claim
1.
[0002] The invention lies in the field of connectors for structural mass timber, in particular
for mid- to high-rise buildings. Mass timber construction for mid- to high-rise buildings
is a relatively new and growing field. In this field, the standard structural concept
for buildings is the so-called "post-and-beam" structure. In this system, the vertical
loads (i.e. mainly gravitational loads from dead weight, snow, usage and others) are
supported by floors, which floors rest on horizontal beams, which horizontal beams
are supported by vertical posts.
[0003] A relatively new structural concept is the so-called "post-and-plate" or "point-supported"
timber system. In this concept, the vertical loads are supported by floor slabs, which
rest directly on posts. This second concept offers advantages over post-and-beam systems,
because the floor height or storey height, respectively, is smaller, due to the fact
that there are no beams. In addition, for small spans (which is the distance from
post to post), the total mass of timber needed for the building can be reduced.
[0004] An example of a point supported system is shown in
US2018371741 A1, in which a 6-armed structure is used for centring the floor slabs, whereas vertical
force transfer from the upper column to the lower column is via a central cylinder.
A related system is also described in European Technical Assessment ETA-19/0700 of
17.01.2020, where it is named "SPIDER Connector". Said ETA-19/0700 furthermore discloses
a system named "PILLAR connector", which also uses a central cylinder for vertical
force transfer from the upper column to the lower column.
[0005] Other connector structures for plate-like elements are disclosed in
CN113445636 A,
US2022275635 A1,
CN109083270A,
CN108086556A,
CN 107654009 A,
US2020024852 A1,
JP2018131751 A2,
US2019186121 A1,
US2017260750 A1,
US2015198188 A1,
CA2839486 A1,
EP2687645A1,
EP2687651 B1,
WO2011123873 A2,
JP2011163016 A2,
EP2196597 A1,
EP2075383A2,
DE19918797 A1,
CA2221951 A1,
DE4115239A1,
US4996804A,
DE3903770 A1,
US4930270 A and
FR2418319 A1.
[0006] WO23277706 A1 discloses a coupler for timber columns that includes a ratchet mechanism including
pawl wedges sliding on a tapered conical surface, wherein the ratchet mechanism allows
insertion of a connector rod whilst preventing withdrawal of the connector rod in
the opposite direction.
[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide a point-supported building structure
that provides particularly good performance whilst being particularly easy to manufacture
and/or install.
[0008] This object is achieved by a building structure according to claim 1. Dependent claims
refer to preferred embodiments of the invention.
[0009] The invention provides a building structure comprising
- a first floor slab comprising a first timber panel,
- a second floor slab comprising a second timber panel,
- a timber lower column, and
- a timber upper column, which is arranged above the lower column, and which is aligned
with the lower column,
characterized in that
- the first floor slab comprises a metal first clamping element, wherein the first clamping
element is attached to the first timber panel, and
- the second floor slab comprises a metal second clamping element, wherein the second
clamping element is attached to the second timber panel,
- wherein the first clamping element and the second clamping element are clamped between
the upper column and the lower column.
[0010] In other words, the upper column rests (directly or indirectly) on the floor slabs,
namely on the metal clamping elements thereof, which floor slabs, namely at their
respective metal clamping elements, rest (directly or indirectly) on the lower column.
Accordingly, the lower column bears the floor slabs, namely at their respective metal
clamping elements, whereas the floor slabs, namely at their respective metal clamping
elements, bear the upper column. This setup can provide particularly efficient load
transfer at particular ease, preferably in three dimensions:
- 1. Column to column: Vertical, in particular gravitational, load transfer from the
upper column to the lower column takes place via the floor slabs, namely via their
respective metal clamping elements. Due to the integration of this load transfer path
into the floor slabs, particularly easy assembly is possible. Since the load transfer
is via metal parts, particularly high loads can be transferred at little constructional
effort. Also, since the metal parts can be manufactured with comparatively low tolerance,
particularly homogenous load transfer can be achieved in particularly easy manner.
- 2. Floor slab to column: Vertical, in particular gravitational, load transfer from
the floor slabs into the lower column also takes place at the respective metal clamping
elements, which allows for a particularly easy layout and particularly easy assembly.
- 3. Floor slab to floor slab: Due to the clamping mechanism, a rotation fixed bearing
can be provided, and/or axial loads can be transferred through the connector, providing
particularly good performance at particularly low effort.
[0011] Clamping of the first clamping element, the second clamping element and, if available,
additional clamping elements can be direct or indirect, i.e. via another member. The
another member might also include hardended mortar. In particular, mortar might be
placed and hardened at the clamping sites in order to compensate tolerances.
[0012] The panels of the respective floor slabs are timber slabs, i.e. they consist of timber.
It is particularly preferred that they consist of engineered timber (i.e. of a material
consisting of timber lamellas glued together). In particular, the panels can consist
of cross laminated timber.
[0013] The (upper and lower) columns are timber columns, i.e. they consist of timber. It
is particularly preferred that they consist of engineered timber (i.e. of a material
consisting of timber lamellas glued together). In particular, the timber columns can
consist of glulam.
[0014] The lower column and the upper column extend generally in the vertical direction
when the building structure is installed as intended. The upper column is arranged
above the lower column, i.e. the upper column is in a in a higher position than the
lower column, in particular with respect to the local field of gravity. The upper
column is aligned with the lower column. Accordingly, they at least partly overlap
in a vertically directed parallel projection.
[0015] The vertically and horizontal directions should, in particular, refer to the local
field of gravity.
[0016] The lower column is in particular arranged below the higher column, i.e. the lower
column is arranged closer to the local point of gravity than is the higher column.
[0017] Preferably, the timber panels are plates. Accordingly, the first timber panel has
two flat main surfaces, which are generally parallel to one another, and a lateral
surface that extends between the two main surfaces, and the second timber panel has
two flat main surfaces, which are generally parallel to one another, and a lateral
surface that extends between the two main surfaces.
[0018] Advantageously, the first clamping element is arranged in front of the lateral surface
of the first timber panel, and/or the second clamping element is arranged in front
of the lateral surface of the second timber panel. This can provide particularly effective
force transfer, in particular by avoiding undesired lever arms.
[0019] It is also advantageous that the first clamping element contacts the lateral surface
of the first timber panel, and the second clamping element contacts the lateral surface
of the second timber panel. This can also be advantageous in view of effective force
transfer, in particular by avoiding undesired lever arms.
[0020] Preferably, the first clamping element has a first structured panel contact surface
that contacts the lateral surface of the first timber panel and/or the second clamping
element has a second structured panel contact surface that contacts the lateral surface
of the second timber panel. Providing structured contact surfaces can be advantageous
in view of force transfer and can in particular provide particularly good shear transfer.
In particular, a structured surface may not be flat, but provided with, preferably
deterministic, patterns of generally high aspect ratio geometric features. The respective
panel contact surfaces can e.g. include a plurality of protruding spikes.
[0021] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first clamping element
is attached to the first timber panel at the lateral surface of the first timber panel,
preferably by at least one screw extending through the first clamping element into
the first timber panel, and the second clamping element is attached to the second
timber panel at the lateral surface of the second timber panel, preferably by at least
one screw extending through the second clamping element into the second timber panel.
Clamping element attachment at the respective lateral sides can further improve force
transfer. Optionally using at least one screw for this purpose can provide particularly
easy and efficient fastening. Moreover, it can provide pressure of the clamping elements
against the respective timber panel in particular easy manner, which can be advantageous
in view of shear force transfer (in particular in connection with a structured panel
contact surface).
[0022] Preferentially, the first clamping element is arranged in front of an edge region
of the lateral surface of the first timber panel, and/or the second clamping element
is arranged in front of an edge region of the lateral surface of the second timber
panel. This allows for particularly compact arrangement of the floor slabs, in particular
when more than two floor slabs are connected at a single connection point. Accordingly,
the lateral surface of the respective timber panel comprises (at least) two flat faces,
between which the respective edge region is located.
[0023] Advantageously, the first clamping element is wedge shaped so as to form an edge,
and/or the second clamping element is wedge shaped so as to form an edge. Accordingly,
the respective clamping elements taper with increasing distance from the respective
timber panel. This allows for particularly compact arrangement of the floor slabs,
in particular when more than two floor slabs are connected at a single connection
point.
[0024] The clamping elements are metal elements, i.e. they consist of metal. Preferably,
the first clamping element is a steel element and/or the second clamping element is
a steel element. Using steel can be particularly advantageous in view of availability
and performance. Alternatively, it is possible that the first clamping element is
an aluminium element and/or the second clamping element is an aluminium element.
[0025] It is particularly preferred that the first clamping element is a solid element,
more preferably a solid steel element and/or that the second clamping element is a
solid element, more preferably a solid steel element. Using solid elements (i.e. non-hollow
elements) can be further advantageous in view of performance.
[0026] In particular, the clamping elements can be monolithic. In other embodiments, at
least one of the first clamping element or the second clamping element could be a
non-monolithic element, which could e.g. consist of sub-elements, such as plates,
which are welded together.
[0027] It is particularly preferred that the first clamping element comprises a upper clamping
surface facing the upper column and a lower clamping surface facing the lower column,
wherein, preferably, at least one of the upper clamping surface and the lower clamping
surface of the first clamping element is structured, and/or that the second clamping
element comprises an upper clamping surface facing the upper column and a lower clamping
surface facing the lower column, wherein, preferably, at least one of the upper clamping
surface and the lower clamping surface of the second clamping element is structured.
Accordingly, each clamping element has two opposite clamping surfaces for direct or
indirect column contact. Preferably, at least one, preferably both, of these clamping
surfaces is structured. This can provide particularly good shear transfer and provide
a particularly stiff node, which can be advantageous in view of slab to slab load
transfer. A structured clamping surface might include a one-dimensionally undulated
contact surface or a two-dimensionally undulated contact surface.
[0028] Preferably, the first clamping element, at least partly, projects between the upper
column and the lower column. Accordingly, there is at least one vertical straight
line that includes both the upper column, the lower column and the first clamping
element. Accordingly, at least parts of the first clamping element, the upper column
and the lower column overlap in a vertically directed parallel projection. In other
words, at least parts of the first clamping element is horizontally aligned and non-offset
with both the upper column and the lower column. This can be advantageous in view
of force transfer and can provide a particularly compact design. Analogously, it is
preferred that the second clamping element, at least partly, projects between the
upper column and the lower column.
[0029] Advantageously, the building structure further comprises a metal upper clamping plate,
which contacts the upper column at an upper contact surface of the upper clamping
plate, and which contacts the first and second clamping elements on a lower contact
surface of the upper clamping plate. Contact between the first and second clamping
elements and the lower contact surface of the upper clamping plate can be direct contact,
but also indirect contact, e.g. via a lateral-force transmittal plate, like the one
described further below. Additionally, or alternatively, the building structure may
further comprise a metal lower clamping plate, which contacts the lower column at
a lower contact surface of the lower clamping plate, and which contacts the first
and second clamping elements on an upper contact surface of the lower clamping plate.
Accordingly, additional metal plates are provided between the timber columns and the
clamping element, which can be advantageous in view of force transfer. At least one
of the contact surfaces is preferably structured, wherein structure can for example
include one-dimensional undulations, two-dimensional undulations or spikes.
[0030] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the building structure
further comprises a tension rod, preferably a metal tension rod, more preferably a
steel tension rod, which is anchored both in the upper column and in the lower column.
This allows to transmit tension between the columns, which can further improve performance
and robustness.
[0031] Preferably, the tension rod is anchored in the lower column by means of a glued connection.
This can provide a particular easy-to manufacture prefabricated connection.
[0032] Advantageously, the tension rod is anchored in the upper column by means of a ratchet
mechanism. Such a ratchet mechanism allows insertion of a rod whilst preventing withdrawal
of rod in the opposite direction. The ratchet mechanism might include several types
of pawls, such as rotating pawls or pawl wedges sliding on a tapered surface. An example
of a ratchet mechanism including pawl wedges sliding on a tapered surface, which can
be used in the present embodiment, is described in
WO23277706 A1. The ratchet mechanism can be provided on the upper column and can be intended to
engage the tension rod. Alternatively, in can be provided on the tension rod and be
intended to engage an auxiliary rod that is anchored within the upper column.
[0033] Preferably, the first clamping element and the second clamping element surround the
tension rod, which allows for a particular compact design.
[0034] The tension rod is preferentially at least partly threaded, which can facilitate
engagement. Preferably, the building structure further comprises a hold-down nut,
which is screwed onto the metal tension rod so as to tension the first and second
clamping elements against the lower column. The hold-down nut can act directly against
the clamping elements so as to tension them against the lower column. Preferably,
however, the hold-down acts indirectly, in particular via the upper clamping plate,
against the clamping elements so as to tension them against the lower column. Providing
a hold-down nut can provide a pre-installation configuration, in which the floor slabs
are secured before the upper column is installed, in a particular easy manner. Additionally
or alternatively, it can ensure that clamping is upheld even when rotational movement
occurs, thereby ensuring particular satisfactory performance in various load situations.
Preferably, the hold-down nut and the ratchet mechanism can be integrated into a single
component.
[0035] The building structure comprises at least a first a first floor slab and a second
floor slab. Optionally, the building structure might also comprise a third floor slab
and/or a fourth floor slab. Preferentially, the building structure comprises:
- a third floor slab comprising a third timber panel,
- a fourth floor slab comprising a fourth timber panel,
- wherein the third floor slab comprises a metal third clamping element, wherein the
third clamping element is attached to the third timber panel,
- wherein the fourth floor slab comprises a metal fourth clamping element, wherein the
fourth clamping element is attached to the fourth timber panel, and
- wherein the third clamping element and the fourth clamping element are clamped between
the upper column and the lower column.
[0036] If a second floor slab, a third floor slab and/or a fourth floor slab is present,
these are preferably deigned in analogy to the first floor slab. In order to avoid
repetition, only the first floor slab (and/or the second floor slab) is described
in some passages of the present text. The remaining floor slabs can preferably be
provided in analogy to the first floor slab, but also differently.
[0037] The following advantages can be achieved with the described structure:
- Particularly low cost and material use (connector and timber), in particular since
the vertical load transfer is integrated in the floor slabs and does not require additional
elements.
- Particularly large span between posts, preferably by achieving moment load transfer
between neighbouring floor slabs.
- Particularly high level of pre-fabrication: all connectors and screws can potentially
be preinstalled offsite to the timber members. Ideally, no screw is to be set on site.
- Particularly easy installation: In particular, it can be provided that the construction
workers will only be working from the so-called "live-deck minus 1", meaning just
below the live deck which is being installed.
- Particularly low crane times: Cranes should simply drop the floor plates into place
- The system can compensate for usual production and job-site tolerances in a particularly
easy manner.
[0038] The invention is explained in greater detail below with reference to preferred exemplary
embodiments, which are depicted schematically in the accompanying drawings. Individual
features of the exemplary embodiments presented below can be implemented either individually
or in any combination within the scope of the present invention.
Figures 1 to 5 show successive steps during the installation of a building structure.
Figure 6 is an exploded view of the building structure resulting from the sequence
of figures 1 to 5.
Figure 7 is a front view, figure 8 is a sectional view A-A according to figure 7,
figure 9 is a top view, figure 10 a bottom view, and figure 11 is a rear view of a
clamping element.
Figure 12 shows a detail view of an upper clamping plate.
Figure 13 shows a detail view of a lower clamping plate.
Figure 14 shows a structured surface with two-dimensional undulations.
Figure 15 shows a structured surface with one-dimensional undulations including at
least one cutting tooth.
Figures 16 and 17 show an alternative embodiment of a building structure.
[0039] Figures 1 to 5 show successive steps during the installation of a building structure.
In a first step, a timber column, which intended to be the lower column 10 of the
structure, is supplied. A metal lower clamping plate 15 is attached to a face of the
lower column 10, which face is intended to be an upper face of the lower column 10.
A tension rod 50, particularly consisting of steel, is anchored within the lower column
10, so that the tension rod 50 protrudes from the lower column 10 through the lower
clamping plate 15. Attaching the clamping plate 15 and/or the tension rod is 50 preferably
done off-site, before shipment of the lower clamping plate 15 to the construction
site. The lower column 10 is brought into a vertical position, with the clamping plate
15 and the tension rod 50 located on top of the lower column. The resulting configuration
is shown in figure 1.
[0040] As shown in figures 2 and 3, a first floor slab 30', a second floor slab 30", a third
floor slab 30'", and a fourth floor slab 30ʺʺ are then provided. The first floor slab
30' includes a first timber panel 31'. The first floor slab 30' further includes a
first clamping element 40', consisting of steel, which is attached to the first timber
panel 31'. In analogy, the second floor slab 30" comprises a second timber panel 31"
and a second clamping element 40", consisting of steel, which is attached to the second
timber panel 31", and the third floor slab 30‴ comprises a third timber panel 31‴
and a third clamping element 40'", consisting of steel, which is attached to the third
timber panel 31‴, and the fourth floor slab 30ʺʺ comprises a fourth timber panel 31""
and a fourth clamping element 40ʺʺ, consisting of steel, which is attached to the
fourth timber panel 31ʺʺ.
[0041] The floor slabs 30', 30", 30'", 30"" are positioned so that the respective clamping
elements 40', 40", 40‴, 40ʺʺ rest on the lower clamping plate 15 and therefore, indirectly,
on the lower column 10. The resulting configuration is shown in figure 3. As shown
in particular in figure 6, protruding centring pins 99 can be provided on the lower
clamping plate 15, which can secure the floor slabs 30', 30", 30'", 30"" in this phase
by engaging the respective clamping elements 40', 40", 40‴, 40ʺʺ.
[0042] An upper clamping plate 25 is then placed on the respective clamping elements 40',
40", 40'", 40"". The upper clamping plate 25 is provided with a hole that receives
the tension rod 50 as the upper clamping plate 25 is placed on the respective clamping
elements 40', 40", 40'", 40"", so that the tension rod 50 passes through the upper
clamping plate 25 and projects therefrom. A hold-down nut 59 is then screwingly placed
on the tension rod 50 and tightened thereon, whilst acting against the upper clamping
plate 25, thereby clamping the clamping elements 40', 40", 40'", 40"" between the
upper clamping plate 25 on one side and the lower clamping plate 15 and the lower
column 10 on the other side. The resulting configuration is shown in figure 4.
[0043] An upper column 20 is then provided and placed (in aligned relationship with the
lower column 10) on the upper clamping plate 25. The upper column 20 then rests, via
the upper clamping plate 25, on the clamping elements 40', 40", 40'", 40"". Accordingly,
the clamping elements 40', 40", 40'", 40"" are thus clamped between the lower column
10 and the upper column 20. In order to compensate tolerances, hardened mortar might
be provided adjacent to at least one of the clamping elements 40', 40", 40'", 40"".
[0044] The upper column 20 has an opening that receives the tension rod 50 as the upper
column 20 is positioned on the upper clamping plate 25. A ratchet mechanism 90 (shown
schematically in figure 5 only), might be provided on the tension rod 50 or/and in
the upper column 20 to anchor the tension rod 50 within the upper column 20 for transferring
tensile loads between the tension rod 50 and the upper column 20.
[0045] The resulting building structure is shown in figure 5, and, in exploded view, in
figure 6.
[0046] In the following text, the floor slabs 30', 30", 30'", 30ʺʺ are described in greater
detail. In this connection, it is noted that the second floor slab 30", the third
floor slab 30'", and the fourth floor slab 30ʺʺ are realized in analogy to the first
floor slab 30', i.e. the design and the materials are analogous. Therefore, and for
the sake of brevity, the following explanations refer to the first floor slab 30'
only. However, unless indicated otherwise, features mentioned in connection with the
first floor slab 30' can apply to the remaining flow slabs 30", 30'", 30ʺʺ in analogous
manner.
[0047] The first timber panel 31' of the first floor slab 30' is generally plate-shaped
and has two flat main surfaces (which are the upper and lower surfaces in figures
2 to 6), which main surfaces are generally parallel to one another. The first timber
panel 31' moreover has a lateral surface that extends between the two main surfaces.
The first clamping element 40' is located in front of the lateral surface of the first
timber panel 31', namely in front of an edge region of the lateral surface of the
first timber panel 31', and it is connected to the first timber panel 31' on the lateral
surface of the first timber panel 31', namely by means of screws 88' that extend through
the first clamping element 40' into the first timber panel 31' at the lateral surface
of the first timber panel 31'.
[0048] The first clamping element 40' has a structured panel contact surface 84' that directly
contacts the first timber panel 31', namely the lateral surface of the first timber
panel 31'. In the shown embodiment, the structured panel contact surface 84' has a
surface structure including a plurality of pins. The screws 88' press the structured
panel contact surface 84' onto the first timber panel 31', thereby providing a shear
load transfer path.
[0049] The first clamping element 40' is a steel element. It is wedge shaped so as to form
an edge of the first floor slab 30'. In particular, the first clamping element 40'
tapers with increasing distance from the first timber panel 31'.
[0050] The first clamping element 40' comprises an upper clamping surface 82', which in
intended use faces the upper column 20 and the upper clamping plate 25, and which
is intended for engaging the upper clamping plate 25. The first clamping element 40'
furthermore comprises a lower clamping surface 81', which in intended use faces the
lower column 10 and the lower clamping plate 15, and which is intended to engage the
lower clamping plate 15. Both the upper clamping surface 82' and the lower clamping
surface 81' are structured. Possible structures might include two dimensional undulations,
such as shown in figure 14, or one-dimensional undulations, optionally including at
least one cutting tooth, as shown in figure 15.
[0051] Figure 12 shows an embodiment of a lower clamping plate 15. The lower clamping plate
15 has an upper contact surface 16 intended for contacting, preferably for directly
contacting, the clamping elements 40', 40", 40'", 40"". The upper contact surface
16 is structured. Possible structures might include two dimensional undulations, such
as shown in figure 14, or one-dimensional undulations, optionally including at least
one cutting tooth, as shown in figure 15.
[0052] Figure 13 shows an embodiment of an upper clamping plate 25. The upper clamping plate
25 has a lower contact surface 26 intended for contacting, preferably for directly
contacting (alternatively for indirectly contacting, see embodiment of figures 16
and 17), the clamping elements 40', 40", 40'", 40"". The lower contact surface 26
is structured. Possible structures might include two dimensional undulations, such
as shown in figure 14, or one-dimensional undulations, optionally including at least
one cutting tooth, as shown in figure 15.
[0053] Figures 16 and 17 show an alternative embodiment of a building structure. The embodiment
of figures 16 and 17 and the previous embodiment share a common basic concept. Therefore,
in the following, focus will be on the differentiating features, whereas reference
is made to the description above for the remaining features. Unless indicated otherwise,
the description above applies mutatis mutandis to the embodiment of figures 16 and
17.
[0054] In particular, the embodiment of figures 16 and 17 differs from the previous embodiment
in that the first floor slab 30' includes an additional lateral-force transmittal
plate 39', which is fixed, preferably screwingly fixed, to the first timber panel
31', namely to the upper main surface thereof. This lateral-force transmittal plate
39' protrudes between the clamping element 40' and the upper clamping plate 25, and
is in direct contact with both the clamping element 40' and the upper clamping plate
25. The clamping element 40' is again clamped between the upper column 20 and the
lower column 10, namely via the additional lateral force transmittal plate 39', i.e.
the lateral force transmittal plate 39' is included in the vertical clamping force
path. Once again, the remaining floor slabs 30", 30‴, 30ʺʺ, if applicable, can be
configured and arranged in analogy to the first floor slab 30'.
1. Building structure comprising
- a first floor slab (30') comprising a first timber panel (31'),
- a second floor slab (30") comprising a second timber panel (31"),
- a timber lower column (10), and
- a timber upper column (20), which is arranged above the lower column (10), and which
is aligned with the lower column (10),
characterized in that
- the first floor slab (30') comprises a metal first clamping element (40'), wherein
the first clamping element (40') is attached to the first timber panel (31'), and
- the second floor slab (30") comprises a metal second clamping element (40"), wherein
the second clamping element (40") is attached to the second timber panel (31"),
- wherein the first clamping element (40') and the second clamping element (40") are
clamped between the upper column (20) and the lower column (10).
2. Building structure according to claim 1,
characterized in that
- the first timber panel (31') has two flat main surfaces, which are generally parallel
to one another, and a lateral surface that extends between the two main surfaces,
and
- the second timber panel (31") has two flat main surfaces, which are generally parallel
to one another, and a lateral surface that extends between the two main surfaces,
- wherein the first clamping element (40') is arranged in front of the lateral surface
of the first timber panel (31'), and
- wherein the second clamping element (40") is arranged in front of the lateral surface
of the second timber panel (31").
3. Building structure according to claim 2,
characterized in that
the first clamping element (40') has a first structured panel contact surface (84')
that contacts the lateral surface of the first timber panel (31'), and
the second clamping element (40") has a second structured panel contact surface that
contacts the lateral surface of the second timber panel (31").
4. Building structure according to any of claims 2 or 3,
characterized in that
the first clamping element (40') is attached to the first timber panel (31') at the
lateral surface of the first timber panel (31'), namely by at least one screw (88')
extending through the first clamping element (40') into the first timber panel (31'),
and
the second clamping element (40") is attached to the second timber panel (31") at
the lateral surface of the second timber panel (31"), namely by at least one screw
extending through the second clamping element (40") into the second timber panel (31").
5. Building structure according to any of claims 2 to 4,
characterized in that
the first clamping element (40') is arranged in front of an edge region of the lateral
surface of the first timber panel (31'), and
the second clamping element (40") is arranged in front of an edge region of the lateral
surface of the second timber panel (31").
6. Building structure according to any of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the first clamping element (40') is wedge shaped so as to form an edge, and
the second clamping element (40") is wedge shaped so as to form an edge.
7. Building structure according to any of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the first clamping element (40') is a steel element, and
the second clamping element (40") is a steel element.
8. Building structure according to any of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the first clamping element (40') comprises an upper clamping surface (82') facing
the upper column (20) and a lower clamping surface (81') facing the lower column (10),
wherein at least one of the upper clamping surface (82') and the lower clamping surface
(81') of the first clamping element (40') is structured, and
the second clamping element (40") comprises an upper clamping surface facing the upper
column (20) and a lower clamping surface facing the lower column (10), wherein at
least one of the upper clamping surface and the lower clamping surface of the second
clamping element (40") is structured.
9. Building structure according to any of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
- the first clamping element (40'), at least partly, projects between the upper column
(20) and the lower column (10), and
- the second clamping element (40"), at least partly, projects between the upper column
(20) and the lower column (10).
10. Building structure according to any of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
- it further comprises a metal upper clamping plate (25), which contacts the upper
column (20) on an upper contact surface of the upper clamping plate (25), and which
contacts the first and second clamping elements (40', 40") at a lower contact surface
(26) of upper clamping plate (25), and
- it further comprises a metal lower clamping plate (15), which contacts the lower
column (10) on a lower contact surface of the lower clamping plate (15), and which
contacts the first and second clamping elements (40', 40") at an upper contact surface
(16) of the lower clamping plate (15).
11. Building structure according to any of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
it further comprises a metal tension rod (50), which is anchored both in the upper
column (20) and in the lower column (10).
12. Building structure according to claim 11,
characterized in that
- the tension rod (50) is anchored in the lower column (10) by means of a glued connection,
and
- the tension rod (50) is anchored in the upper column (20) by means of a ratchet
mechanism (90).
13. Building structure according to any of claims 11 or 12,
characterized in that
the first clamping element (40') and the second clamping element (40") surround the
tension rod (50).
14. Building structure according to any of claims 11 to 13,
characterized in that
it further comprises a hold-down nut (59), which is screwed onto the tension rod (50)
so as to tension the first and second clamping elements (40', 40") against the lower
column (10).
15. Building structure according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising
- a third floor slab (30‴) comprising a third timber panel (31‴)
- a fourth floor slab (30ʺʺ) comprising a fourth timber panel (31ʺʺ),
- wherein the third floor slab (30‴) comprises a metal third clamping element (40‴),
wherein the third clamping element (40‴) is attached to the third timber panel (31‴),
- wherein the fourth floor slab (30ʺʺ) comprises a metal fourth clamping element (40ʺʺ),
wherein the fourth clamping element (40"") is attached to the fourth timber panel
(31""), and
- wherein the third clamping element (40‴") and the fourth clamping element (40"")
are clamped between the upper column (20) and the lower column (10).