Pre-fabricated building modules and method of installation
A pre-fabricated building module containing components of a typical multi-story housing project and a corresponding method of installation. Each module is configurable to provide one of a variety of room and dual-room layouts. The module's design allows for road transportation and installation by a tower crane typically found in most multi-story construction projects. Module embodiments are provided for enabling drop-in, stack-in, or slide-in installation in most buildings. Each module is preferably stackable with another module of the same type and configured to provide a predetermined amount of support for loads in the surrounding structure. Each module preferably provides all necessary mechanical and electrical components including their section of risers and ventilation shaft, as well as fixtures, fittings, appliances, cabinets, etc. except for the exterior cladding of perimeter walls which are designed for on-site installation. Each module preferably includes panelized interior cladding for built-in room items enabling sub-assembly prefabrication.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/525,250 filed Nov. 25, 2003.
FIELD OF INVENTIONThe present invention relates in general to modular building construction systems and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for pre-fabricated building modules for use in the construction of building structures.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTIONThe cost of construction of a typical multi-story housing project includes significant material and labor costs. The labor costs are increased by the need for the use of specialized workers of many trades on site. The time spent by these specialized workers and the specialization required is heightened by the need for construction to be done on site. Costs and specialization are enhanced by the need for on-site construction to be done in confined spaces. Typically, due to the confined spaces and location of the work site, on-site construction is not performed using the most current fabrication technologies. Thus, on-site construction does not present the most advantageous industrial environment.
On-site housing construction has the drawback of not taking full advantage of the benefit of economies of scale experienced by other industries operating in a modern automated factory setting. As a result, the inefficiencies inherent in on-site construction result in wasted time and effort thereby increasing the cost of construction. A need therefore exists for a building module that is pre-fabricated in the most advantageous industrial environment using the most modern fabrication technologies.
The bathrooms and kitchens are typically the most expensive components of a housing project because these rooms require more construction time due to the confined spaces and features of these rooms. What is also needed therefore is a pre-fabricated finished building modules and corresponding method of installation for reducing construction time, especially as compared with on-site construction.
Pre-fabricated building modules must be transported to the construction site for installation. Public regulations generally limit the dimensions of loads that can be transported via the public roads. A need therefore exists for a lightweight manufactured building module that can be transported on public roads. Building modules which are bulky can require specialized cranes or similar equipment for installation. A need therefore also exists for a lightweight manufactured building module that can be readily installed via a tower crane of the type typically used in most multi-story construction projects. Housing projects vary in their size and layout. A need therefore exists for building modules that are readily configurable off site into various preselected room components.
Many housing projects such as condominiums, hotels, apartments, etc. have multiple stories, each configured similarly. For example, a component such as a bathroom on one floor of the building is often located above and below an identical bathroom on another floor. Typically, each room of the project is constructed on site. A more efficient and less costly means is needed for construction of components of such buildings. A need therefore exists for pre-fabricated building modules and a corresponding method of installation for efficiently placing the modules in a suitable building. A need also exists for pre-fabricated stackable building modules (SBMs) and a corresponding method of installation that enables stacking of the pre-fabricated modules for efficiently placing the units in a suitable building.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention overcomes the drawbacks of known building modules and methods by providing lightweight pre-fabricated building modules containing components of a typical multi-story housing project. The modules are configurable for most components of a typical housing unit including the bathroom and kitchen, typically the most expensive components in a housing project. The building modules are configurable to provide other building components such as powder rooms, laundries, other specialized facilities, and floor-to-floor sections of completed stair and elevator shafts. The building module can be used in various applications such as, hotels, dormitories, barracks, hospitals, etc.
An advantage of the present invention is that is provides building modules for production in an industrial environment using modern fabrication technologies. The use of industrialized production has the benefit of providing large economies of cost of construction and in construction time when compared with on-situ conventional construction involving many trades working in rather confined spaces.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the building modules lightweight design allows for road transportation and installation by a tower crane of the type usually found in most multi-story construction projects.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the building modules are finished units. Typically each module contains the necessary mechanical and electrical components including their section of risers and ventilation shaft, as well as sanitary fixtures and fittings, appliances, cabinetwork, interior finishes, etc. One exception to complete pre-fabrication off site is that the perimeter walls outside cladding is to be installed in-situ in order to allow for the completion of the electrical installation of the adjacent rooms.
Still another advantage of the present invention is that the use of panelized interior cladding, which includes built-in items such as medicine cabinets, paper holders, etc., allows for sub-assembly fabrication and contracting, as well as simplifying maintenance and future renovation.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the building modules can be designed in many varied designs, combinations, and configurations, e.g., dual-bathroom, dual kitchen, bathroom-kitchen combination to suit most building conditions.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the building modules are compatible with different types of construction such as wood frame, light gauge steel, hot rolled steel, pour-in-place concrete, pre-stressed concrete, etc.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for integration within stackable modules of overhead air conditioning equipment.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides various methods of installing the building modules of a given design layout in order to conform to different building conditions, such as a “stack-in”, “drop-in” and “slide-in” installation types.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides the ability to structural connect the concrete floor topping of the module with the adjacent floor's (or roofs) concrete structural floor (or roof) by means of steel dowels inserted at the perimeter of the module floor. Thus, the module has the advantage of allowing for a continuous floor diaphragm so as to aid in resisting lateral loads, e.g., seismic and wind.
Broadly stated, the present invention provides a stackable prefabricated building module for forming one or more rooms of a multi-story building located at a first location and configured for stacking with other stackable prefabricated building modules, said module comprising a floor frame for supporting a floor assembly; a ceiling frame for supporting a ceiling assembly, wherein stacking of said module with one of said other modules forms a ceiling cavity between a ceiling assembly of said module and the floor assembly of said other module, said ceiling cavity providing space for housing ventilation ducting and utility equipment therewithin; a plurality of columns extending vertically from below said floor frame to above said ceiling frame, one of said columns located at each corner of said module, each of said columns extending below said floor assembly for providing a leg for connecting to an adjacent level of said building beneath said module, wherein said columns support the weight of a predetermined number of stacked modules as a function of the size and number of said columns; a plurality of floor edge connectors, each of said floor edge connectors for coupling said floor assembly to an adjacent portion of the same floor level of said building; and a plurality of column connectors, each of said column connectors installed at the top of a corresponding column for connection to a leg of one of said other modules positioned adjacent to and above said module.
According to another embodiment, broadly stated, the present invention provides a prefabricated building module for forming one or more rooms of a building located at a first location and configured to be slidable into an opening of said building for installation, said module comprising a floor frame for supporting a floor assembly; a ceiling frame for supporting a ceiling assembly; a plurality of columns extending vertically from below said floor frame to above said ceiling frame, one of said columns located at each corner of said module; a plurality of floor edge connectors, each of said floor edge connectors for coupling said floor assembly to an adjacent portion of the same floor level of said building; and a plurality of column connectors, each of said column connectors installed at the top of a corresponding column; wherein said module enables connection to the risers of said building used for coupling utilities to each said module.
According to another embodiment, broadly stated, the present invention provides a method of installation of a prefabricated stackable building module into a building at a first location, said module having a vertical shaft section for providing ventilation and for enclosing a vertical section of a plurality of risers, comprising the steps of fabricating said module at a second location a distance away from said first location; transporting said module to said first location; inserting said module from a top of said building into a cavity in said building via a crane; and operatively connecting said shaft section to a shaft section of one or more adjacent stackable modules; each said shaft section including a seal such that said shaft sections of adjoining building modules are automatically sealed during installation of said module.
According to another embodiment, broadly stated, the present invention provides a method of installation of a prefabricated building module into a building at a first location comprising the steps of fabricating said module at a second location a distance away from said first location; transporting said module to said first location; sliding said building module into an opening of said building; and coupling said module to a plurality of risers housed within a shaft of said building for connecting said module to utilities and ventilation systems therein.
According to another embodiment, broadly stated, the present invention provides a method for storage and transport of a prefabricated building module, said module to be installed in a building at a first location comprising the steps of providing at least one upper connecting steel plate for lifting said module during fabrication at a second location; attaching wood members to each said plate; installing a temporary roof cover supported by said wood members; installing tubular steel legs extending from the bottom of said module at each corner; attaching wood sleepers via threaded rods at the bottom of said tubular steel legs so that said module is suitable for transportation; and after fabrication, with said temporary roof cover in place, wrapping said module with a tear-resistance waterproof protective membrane secured by wood strips at the bottom of the module.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe foregoing aspects and the attendant advantages of the present invention will become more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The dual bathroom module 10 includes a common vertical shaft 4 formed by fire rated walls 105.
For stackable building modules 10, the present invention integrates accessible ventilation shafts containing floor to floor sections of risers, as shown in
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The smaller dimension of the module is generally limited for transport by road regulations, typically 10 feet for unescorted transport and 12 feet for escorted ones. The module length is generally limited to the length of the truck bed, typically 40 feet. Other restraints may exist for specific construction sites. The building modules of the present invention can be transported using standard size shipping containers. In this case, the module overall dimensions are to be limited to 88″ in width and in height, with a maximum length of 230″ for 20 feet long containers and 460″ for 40 feet containers. When using shipping containers, the legs and connector plates are attached at the destination point, as well as the completion of the installation of overhead air conditioning equipment. In the case of container transport, the clear floor the ceiling height within the module is to be 7′-0″, which is acceptable for such small spaces and by the US building codes. For example; a 40 feet container can be used to transport two sets of dual bathrooms or dual kitchens or two sets of kitchen/bathroom modules, or a combination of two of those types. The total weight of an exemplary pair of such modules is about 24,000 pound, which is below the 45,000 pound capacity of the typical 40 feet container.
The building modules can also be produced in a wide variety of design layouts and combinations to suit most building conditions. A variety of installation methods are provided for a given design layout in order to conform to different building conditions, such as a “stack-in”, “drop-in” and “slide-in” installation types of modules, as will now be described in further detail.
For the various module configuration described above there are three installation types of building modules. A given module according to the present invention is adaptable to the different methods of installation by relatively simple modifications. A first installation type of building module is a “stack-in” building module. A stack of this first type of building modules is self-supporting as well as able to support a certain amount of tributary floor loads from the surrounding structure. This type of modules is intended to be installed concurrently with the surrounding structure.
A second installation type building module (and corresponding method) is a “drop-in” building module. A stack of this type is self-supporting, but is not intended to carry loads from the surrounding structures. As its name implies, this second type of module is intended for installation through floor openings within an existing building being remodeled or converted into housing, or a new structure being completed.
The different module configurations e.g., dual-bathroom, according to the present invention are useable in a non-stackable configuration for single family homes and other similar types of small buildings. A third installation type of building module (and corresponding method) is a “slide-in” building module. This type of module is a simplified version of those described in the first two types. Typically, modules of this third type lack mechanical/electrical risers and the integrated vertical shafts since the modules are intended for random locations within a building structure where stacking is not a requirement. These modules require to be individually supported at each floor. As their name implies, their installation is by sliding over a given floor until reaching their intended location. A floor cavity or opening is required, as well as connection to field-installed mechanical/electrical risers and ventilation ducts or shafts. Similar to the “drop-in” type, the “slide-in” modules are suitable for installation in existing buildings being renovated or new structures in the process of being completed.
The design of the module of the present invention allows the floor of the module to be level with the adjacent floor areas. This is an important comfort feature as well as conforming to U.S. and international regulations regarding access for the disabled. This is achieved by lowering the module ceiling with respect to the adjacent floor structure and lowering the module to module stack connection at a level below the adjacent floor levels. This allows clearance for the module floor depth and also for the installation of air conditioning equipment in the resulting cavity. The design of the building modules of the present invention also complies with applicable U.S. and International building codes with regards to structural, mechanical, electrical, fire-protection, sound insulation, etc.
Having disclosed exemplary embodiments, modifications and variations may be made to the disclosed embodiments while remaining within the scope of the invention as described by the following claims.
Claims
1. A stackable prefabricated building module for forming one or more rooms of a multi-story building located at a first location and configured for stacking with other stackable prefabricated building modules, said module comprising:
- a floor frame for supporting a floor assembly;
- a ceiling frame for supporting a ceiling assembly, wherein stacking of said module with one of said other modules forms a ceiling cavity between a ceiling assembly of said module and the floor assembly of said other module, said ceiling cavity providing space for housing ventilation ducting and utility equipment therewithin;
- a plurality of columns extending vertically from below said floor frame to above said ceiling frame, one of said columns located at each corner of said module, each of said columns extending below said floor assembly for providing a leg for connecting to an adjacent level of said building beneath said module, wherein said columns support the weight of a predetermined number of stacked modules as a function of the size and number of said columns;
- a plurality of floor edge connectors, each of said floor edge connectors for coupling said floor assembly to an adjacent portion of the same floor level of said building; and
- a plurality of column connectors, each of said column connectors installed at the top of a corresponding column for connection to a leg of one of said other modules positioned adjacent to and above said module.
2. The module of claim 1, further comprising a vertical shaft section for providing ventilation and for enclosing a vertical section of a plurality of risers used for coupling utilities to each said module, said shaft section including a seal to seal said shaft section to the shaft sections of any adjoining building modules above and below said module.
3. The module of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of metal stud insert panels for framing perimeter wall spaces between said columns.
4. The module of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of beams coupling said columns to said ceiling frame and floor frame.
5. The module of claim 1, wherein said module is comprised of tubular light gauge steel members.
6. The module of claim 1, wherein said adjacent portion is comprised of wood.
7. The module of claim 1, wherein said adjacent portion is comprised of steel.
8. The module of claim 1, wherein each of said column connectors includes one or more plates welded at the top of each column and having one or more holes therein, said module further comprising one or more high strength bolts, each said bolt for fastening the plates of each said column to the adjacent leg of another said module positioned adjacent to and above said module.
9. The module of claim 8, wherein said holes further provide lifting points during installation of said module at said first location.
10. The module of claim 8, wherein each said plate enables the further coupling of said each said column via welding to the adjacent leg of another said module positioned adjacent to and above said module.
11. The module of claim 1, wherein said column connector comprises one or more plates welded at the top of each column, each said plate for enabling the coupling of said each said column via welding to the adjacent leg of another said module positioned adjacent to and above said module.
12. The module of claim 1, further comprising an air conditioning unit located in said ceiling cavity and a ceiling access panel for enabling access to said air conditioning unit.
13. The module of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of casters disposed to said legs for facilitating movement of said module during fabrication.
14. The module of claim 1, wherein said floor assembly includes a concrete topping disposed on a steel deck supported by steel joists.
15. The module of claim 14, wherein a coiled steel bar insert is embedded into said concrete topping for enabling attachment of threaded steel bar dowels at the perimeter of said floor assembly of said module, to enable said concrete floor topping to be structurally connected to the concrete structural floor of an adjacent level of said building so as to provide further resistance to lateral loads.
16. The module of claim 1, wherein said module is the lowest module of said stack and for installation on the lowest floor of said building, said module forming a foundation cavity for accommodating said floor assembly and its attachment to a foundation of said building, the legs of said module sized to be welded to a base steel plate anchored into a base foundation of said building when said module is installed at said first location.
17. The module of claim 1, further comprising bent steel plate hangers welded to said floor frame of said module for providing support for an adjacent floor assembly.
18. The module of claim 1, further comprising a threaded bar coupled to an end of said leg to enable leveling with adjacent levels.
19. The module of claim 1, wherein perimeter walls are formed on said module, said perimeter walls having an exterior surface and a cladding thereon.
20. The module of claim 15, further comprising diagonal steel bracing member positioned between said columns at said perimeter walls for providing increased resistance to lateral loads.
21. The module of claim 16, wherein said diagonal steel bracing is about the same thickness as said columns such that said bracing is concealed and fire-protected by said perimeter wall cladding.
22. The module of claim 1, wherein said module is fabricated at a second location and is adapted to be handled and transported on a vehicle on a public road for transporting said module from said second location to said first location.
23. The module of claim 2, wherein each shaft section includes an access door for enabling connection to said risers and a grating to enable air flow.
24. The module of claim 1, wherein said building is a preexisting building having one or more other stacked modules and said module is installed at said first location by stacking said module with said other stacked modules in said building, said module providing a predetermined amount of support for loads of the surrounding structure of said building.
25. The module of claim 1, wherein said module is inserted from a top of said building and does not support for the loads of the surrounding structure of said building.
26. A prefabricated building module for forming one or more rooms of a building located at a first location and configured to be slidable into an opening of said building for installation, said module comprising:
- a floor frame for supporting a floor assembly;
- a ceiling frame for supporting a ceiling assembly;
- a plurality of columns extending vertically from below said floor frame to above said ceiling frame, one of said columns located at each corner of said module;
- a plurality of floor edge connectors, each of said floor edge connectors for coupling said floor assembly to an adjacent portion of the same floor level of said building; and
- a plurality of column connectors, each of said column connectors installed at the top of a corresponding column;
- wherein said module enables connection to the risers of said building used for coupling utilities to each said module.
27. The module of claim 26, wherein said module is attached to said building via a plurality of steel angles.
28. A method for storage and transport of a prefabricated building module, said module to be installed in a building at a first location comprising the steps of:
- providing at least one upper connecting steel plate for lifting said module during fabrication at a second location;
- attaching wood members to each said plate;
- installing a temporary roof cover supported by said wood members;
- installing tubular steel legs extending from the bottom of said module at each corner;
- attaching wood sleepers via threaded rods at the bottom of said tubular steel legs so that said module is suitable for transportation; and
- after fabrication, with said temporary roof cover in place, wrapping said module with a tear-resistance waterproof protective membrane secured by wood strips at the bottom of the module.
29. The method of claim 28, further comprising the steps of removing said membrane, said wood strips, and said temporary roof cover before installation of said module in said building; and
- removing said wood sleepers once said module is lifted by a crane for permanent installation in said building.
30. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of attaching a plurality of casters to said tubular steel legs to facilitate movement of said module during fabrication, said casters being removed prior to transport of said module.
31. The method of claim 28, wherein said legs and said at least one upper connecting steel plate are attached to said module at said first location.
32. A method of installation of a prefabricated building module into a building at a first location comprising the steps of:
- fabricating said module at a second location a distance away from said first location; transporting said module to said first location;
- sliding said building module into an opening of said building; and
- coupling said module to a plurality of risers housed within a shaft of said building for connecting said module to utilities and ventilation systems therein.
33. A method of installation of a prefabricated stackable building module into a building at a first location, said module having a vertical shaft section for providing ventilation and for enclosing a vertical section of a plurality of risers, comprising the steps of:
- fabricating said module at a second location a distance away from said first location;
- transporting said module to said first location;
- inserting said module from a top of said building into a cavity in said building via a crane; and
- operatively connecting said shaft section to a shaft section of one or more adjacent stackable modules; each said shaft section including a seal such that said shaft sections of adjoining building modules are automatically sealed during installation of said module.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein said inserting step comprises stacking said module onto a stack of one or more other prefabricated stackable building modules via a crane; said module providing a predetermined amount of support for loads of the surrounding structure of said building, and further comprising the step of connecting said module to said building such that said module provides a predetermined amount of support for loads in the surrounding structure of said building.
35. The module of claim 1, further comprising panelized interior cladding for built-in room items enabling sub-assembly fabrication thereof.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 24, 2004
Publication Date: May 26, 2005
Inventor: Jorge Quesada (San Francisco, CA)
Application Number: 10/997,200