Modular Structures
The present invention relates generally to a building or shelter system 10 comprising a series of structures or modular frames 12A to 12F being arranged generally parallel to and laterally spaced from one another and interconnected with roof sheeting 14. The modular frames such as 12A are each in their erected condition in the form of a roof truss each including a plurality of constructional modules or truss modules or panels such as 16A and 16B. The truss modules or panels such as 16A are each shaped in the form of a trapezium including upper and lower substantially parallel chord members 18 and 20, respectively, which are interconnected at opposite ends with web members 22 and 24. the structure or module frame 12A includes conditioning elements arranged to cooperate with the constructional modules or truss panels such as 16A and 16B to form the module frame 12A. The conditioning elements include tendons which locate within the hollow section of the upper and/or lower chord member 18 or 20 of adjacent and abutting truss panels such as 16A and 16B. The conditioning elements or lower tendon such as 28 is deployed or stressed/tensioned to facilitate cooperative movement of the truss panels 16A and 16B and as such erection of the modular frame 12A.
The present invention relates broadly to a constructional module and a structure including a plurality of constructional modules. The invention further relates generally to a method of construction and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to a method of building construction including roof truss construction.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONBuildings that can be deployed quickly and efficiently are commonly required for example in military use. Such temporary structures are typically used in establishing a base camp and include buildings for accommodation, workshops, control facilities, amenities and as equipment stores. Further, some buildings are required to have large clear spans in the order of 20 m or more to house for example major equipment such as aircraft, and vehicles. As the structures often are located in remote areas and need to be assembled in hostile conditions, there is a continuing need to provide such redeployable structures that can be erected and disassembled more effectively.
Improvements in material technology and construction methodology have allowed large redeployable structures to be transported and erected. Newer technologies such as air-supported structures have evolved but require mechanical equipment, pumps, fuel etc to maintain and are understood not to be well regarded for expeditionary type roles. For larger structures suitable for heavy machinery, aircraft and the like, tent-like solutions do not scale particularly well.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a constructional module being adapted to engage one or more other corresponding constructional modules to form a structure, said module being of a predetermined configuration and adapted to cooperate with one or more conditioning elements wherein the structure is configurable depending on the relative positioning of the modules and/or deployment of the conditioning elements.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a structure comprising:
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- a plurality of constructional modules being of a predetermined configuration; and
- one or more conditioning elements being arranged to cooperate with the constructional modules wherein adjacent of said modules engage one another to form the structure which is configurable depending on the relative positioning of the modules and/or deployment of the conditioning elements.
Preferably the constructional module is of a composite construction. More preferably the composite constructional module is fabricated from a fibre composite material such as a particulate filled resin material with high strengths fibre reinforcement, or a polyester resin based material. Alternately the constructional module is formed from a polymeric material and may, for example, be pultruded.
Preferably the constructional module is shaped in the form of a trapezium including upper and lower substantially parallel chord members being interconnected at opposite ends with respective web members. More preferably each of the constructional modules is of a substantially identical shape. Even more preferably the chord and web members are formed as hollow section members, for example square hollow section (SHS) members. Still more preferably the trapezium-shaped constructional module includes a pair of diagonal web members arranged to add rigidity to the module.
Preferably the conditioning elements are each in the form of tendons wherein deployment of said elements is effected by stressing of the tendons. More preferably the tendons are designed to locate within the hollow section of the lower and/or upper chord member, and stressing of the tendons involves pre-stressing or post tensioning of the tendons and the corresponding chord member. Even more preferably the lower chord only includes one or more of the tendons. Alternately, and to provide additional rigidity to the structure, both the upper and the lower chord members include said tendons which for example suit the structure to higher load applications such as typhoonic/cyclonic wind.
Preferably the constructional module includes interlocking means being arranged to provide interlocking of the adjacent modules. More preferably the interlocking means includes an integral spigot being adapted to engage a hole of an adjacent module, or vice versa, and designed to permit pivotal movement between adjacent of said modules on deployment of the conditioning elements. Even more preferably the spigot or hole allows a hinged action between said adjacent modules. Still more preferably the spigot and/or hole together with the surrounding portion of the constructional module is reinforced. Alternatively the interlocking means at top chord level includes a pivotal or hinged connector such as a clevis/pin type arrangement.
Preferably the structure also comprises packer elements being designed to locate between adjacent of the constructional modules to effect reconfiguration of the structure.
Preferably the structure is a building structure, and in particular a roof truss. More preferably each of the constructional modules is a truss module.
Preferably the roof truss is clad with elongate and transversely oriented sheeting. More preferably the sheeting is of a channel section and fabricated of a rigid material including a plastic such as PVC or ABS, or metallic material. Alternately the cladding is made from a fabric such as canvas.
Preferably the structure is redeployable.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of construction, said method including the steps of:
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- providing a plurality of constructional modules each being of a predetermined configuration, and one or more conditioning elements being arranged to cooperate with said modules;
- locating the modules adjacent one another and positioning the conditioning elements to permit engagement of said adjacent modules; and
- deploying the conditioning elements wherein the modules are together configured to form a structure.
Preferably the conditioning elements are each in the form of tendons and the step of deploying the conditioning elements involves stressing of the tendons. More preferably this involves pre-stressing or post tensioning of the tendons which effects deployment of the structure. Even more preferably the structure is a roof truss and stressing of the tendons provides erection of the roof truss.
Preferably the method of construction also involves the ability to, if required, reconfigure the structure by placement of packer elements between adjacent of the constructional modules. More preferably this reconfiguration step is effected prior to deployment of the conditioning elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSIn order to achieve a better understanding of the nature of the present invention a preferred embodiment of a constructional module and a corresponding structure including a plurality of constructional modules together with a method of construction will now be described in some detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
As best shown in
As shown in
The composite material from which the constructional modules of this embodiment are formed is a particulate filled resin (PFR) material which permits the truss panels to be cast or moulded. This provides a lightweight and robust material which is relatively easy to manufacture and the PFR has a reduced amount of expensive high strength fibres such as kevlar and carbon fibre but rather relies upon a low cost filler to provide robustness, placement and protection to the fibres somewhat analogous to reinforced concrete where the higher strength steel reinforcement is positioned and protected by the concrete filler.
An alternate technique is for the truss panels such as 16A or other constructional modules to be “pultruded” from a composite material. In this alternate example the module is fabricated from separate sections, each pultruded from a composite material and fixed together.
As shown in
The structure or modular frame 12A of this example also includes conditioning elements arranged to cooperate with the constructional modules or truss panels such as 16A and 16B to form the modular frame 12A. In this case the conditioning elements include tendons which locate within the hollow section of the upper and/or lower chord member 18 or 20 of adjacent and abutting truss panels such as 16A and 16B. This is best illustrated in
The adjacent constructional modules or truss panels 16A and 16B each include interlocking means arranged to provide interlocking of the panels 16A and 16B when in this example they are in abutting engagement. The interlocking means in this construction of the constructional modules includes a protrusion or integral spigot such as 30A and 30B located at adjacent ends of the upper and lower chord members 18 and 20, respectively.
An opposite end of each of the upper and lower chord members 18 and 20 includes a respective hole 32A and 32B which interlocks with the spigots of the adjacent constructional module or truss panel (see
As best shown in
As shown in
The roof structure 10 is particularly well suited to applications where it can be redeployed. These applications include but are not limited to deployable hangars for the various military forces and ideally are suited to roof structures having spans of up to around 35 metres but more often around 15 metres. Redeployable and modular roof structures such as those described in the preceding paragraphs are well suited to these applications where deployment considerations are transportation, relatively fast set up and disassembly. The general steps involved in constructing the roof structure 10 of the preceding example are as follows:
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- 1. as best shown in
FIG. 5A , the constructional modules or truss elements such as 12A are located alongside one another in a collapsed or flat condition together with the conditioning means or lower tendon 28 threaded through lower chord members such as 20A and 20B; - 2. as further shown in
FIG. 5A , the roof structure 10 includes an adjustable support module such as 48A and 50A located at respective opposing ends of the modular frame 12A with one of the support panels such as 48A being anchored; - 3. as best shown in
FIG. 5B , the conditioning means or tendon 28 is deployed or tensioned wherein the constructional modules or in this example trapezium-shaped truss panels are hinged relative to one another whereupon the modular frame 12A is progressively raised whilst the other adjustable support panel 50A slides inwardly toward the anchored support panel 48A; and - 4. as best shown in
FIG. 5C , the modular frame or truss structure 12A is progressively moving to its erected condition with the adjacent constructional modules or truss panels such as 16A and 16B of this example abutting one another whereupon the floating support panel 50A is anchored.
- 1. as best shown in
This mode of construction enables the modular frame to move from its collapsed condition to its erected condition largely as a function of the geometry of the constructional modules and their mode of connection in conjunction with the conditioning means or in this example the tendons such as 28. The trapezium-shaped truss panels such as 16A and 16B have a shorter lower chord member 20 than the upper chord member 18, and the outer web members 22 and 24 taper toward one another so that each constructional module or truss panel such as 18A has mutually inclined outer side bearing surfaces. It will be appreciated that the respective outer bearing surfaces of the truss panels such as 16A and 16B in the collapsed condition are spaced apart except at their upper portion whereas on erection of the modular frame such as 12A the bearing surfaces are substantially in abutment with one another. However, as will be appreciated from
Without wanting to be limited by shapes and/or dimension, the following table provides sizes for the roof trusses of
Now that a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in some detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that at least the preferred embodiment of the constructional module/structure and method of construction have at least the following advantages:
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- 1. The constructional modules are relatively compact and lightweight and as such lend themselves to redeployable structures;
- 2. The structure being of a modular design can be erected with relative ease requiring minimal tools and trade skills;
- 3. The structure is reconfigurable by varying the relative positions of the constructional modules, using a different number of modules, and/or varying the deployment of the conditioning elements;
- 4. The structure can be adapted for differing conditions and for example include additional conditioning elements in the form of tendons arranged along the upper chord of for example the truss frame;
- 5. The structure can be assembled at ground level and then erected using the conditioning elements which for example are tensioned, and as such this method of deployment minimises safety requirements for working at heights;
- 6. The structure and associated building system provides a relatively large clear span roofing system;
- 7. The structure and constructional modules have a minimum number of loose components but rather include “captive” components which avoid loss in adverse conditions;
- 8. The constructional modules of the structure permit compact storage and transportation, for example the modules may be fully containerised in standard freight containers transported by air, road, rail or sea; and
- 9. The structure is formed largely from components which are identical and as such there are a minimum number of components to handle and inventorize, and it is easier and more manageable to have spares.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. For example, the constructional modules may be shaped differently to the trapezium-shaped truss panels of the described embodiment. The panels need not be limited to a composite construction but for example they extend to other preferably lightweight materials such as aluminium alloy, or alternatively steel. Similarly, the roof cladding may be constructed of any suitable material although high pressure thermoformed (HPT) plastics such as PVC are preferred. The building structure may in military applications include passive or active means to reduce the radar signature of the redeployable structure and any contained equipment. Ideally, the shelter system materials will provide a minimised radar signature and it is expected that special coverings may be able to actively shield the internal equipment. Otherwise, it is preferable that the structure or in the described embodiment redeployable building system includes environmental conditioning systems (heating/cooling) and ventilation, is capable of chemical agent decontamination using standard procedures when erected, can provide blackout capability, and/or provides camouflage capability. The structure need not be limited to the roof truss described but may for example extend to bridges and other structures.
All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope of the present invention, the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description.
Claims
1. A structure comprising:
- a plurality of constructional modules being of a predetermined configuration;
- one or more conditioning elements being arranged to cooperate with the constructional modules wherein adjacent of said modules engage one another to form the structure; and
- one or more packer elements being adapted to locate between adjacent of the constructional modules to effect reconfiguration of the structure.
2. A structure as defined in claim 1 wherein the conditioning elements include an upper tendon and a lower tendon being arranged to cooperate with an upper chord member and a lower chord member, respectively, of each of the constructional modules.
3. A structure as defined in claim 2 wherein the respective tendons are designed to locate within a hollow section of the lower and upper chord members and stressing of the tendons involves pre-stressing or post tensioning of the tendons and the corresponding chord member.
4. A structure as defined in claim 2 wherein the constructional module is shaped in the form of a trapezium including the upper and lower chord members being substantially parallel and interconnected at opposite ends with respective web members.
5. A structure as defined in claim 4 wherein each of the constructional modules is of a substantially identical shape.
6. A structure as defined in either of claims 4 or 5 wherein the chord and web members are formed as hollow section members.
7. A structure as defined in claim 6 wherein the hollow section members are square hollow section (SHS) members.
8. A structure as defined in claim 4 wherein the trapezium-shaped constructional module includes a pair of diagonal web members arranged to add rigidity to the module.
9. A structure as defined in claim 1 wherein the constructional module includes interlocking means being arranged to provide interlocking of the adjacent modules.
10. A structure as defined in claim 9 wherein the interlocking means includes an integral spigot being adapted to engage a hole of an adjacent module, or vice versa, and designed to permit pivotal movement between adjacent of said modules.
11. A structure as defined in claim 10 wherein the spigot or hole allows a hinged action between said adjacent modules.
12. A constructional module or a structure as defined in either of claims 10 or 11 wherein the spigot and/or hole together with the surrounding portion of the constructional module is reinforced.
13. A structure as defined in claim 1 wherein the constructional modules are of a composite construction.
14. A structure as defined in claim 13 wherein the composite constructional modules are fabricated from a fibre composite material.
15. A structure as defined in claim 14 wherein the fibre composite material is a particulate filled resin material with high strengths fibre reinforcement, or a polyester resin based material.
16. A constructional module or a structure as defined in claim 1 wherein the constructional module is formed from a polymeric material.
17. A constructional module or a structure as defined in claim 16 wherein the polymeric material is pultruded.
18. A structure as defined in claim 1 wherein each of the constructional modules is a truss module.
19. A structure as defined in claim 1 wherein the structure is a building structure.
20. A structure as defined in claim 19 wherein the building structure is a roof truss clad with elongate and transversely oriented sheeting.
21. A structure as defined in claim 20 wherein the sheeting is of a channel section and fabricated of a rigid material.
22. A structure as defined in claim 20 wherein the cladding is made from a fabric.
23. A structure as defined in claim 1 wherein the structure is redeployable.
24. A method of construction, said method including the steps of:
- providing a plurality of constructional modules each being of a predetermined configuration, one or more conditioning elements being arranged to cooperate with said modules, and one or more packer elements being adapted to locate between adjacent of the constructional modules;
- locating the modules adjacent one another and positioning the conditioning elements to permit engagement of said adjacent modules;
- deploying the conditioning elements wherein the modules are together configured to form a structure, the packer elements being arranged to effect reconfiguration of the structure.
25. A method as defined in claim 24 wherein the reconfiguration step is effected prior to deployment of the conditioning elements.
26. A method as defined in either of claims 24 or 25 wherein the conditioning elements are each in the form of tendons and the step of deploying the conditioning elements involves stressing of the tendons.
27. A method as defined in claim 26 wherein stressing of the tendons involves pre-stressing or post tensioning of the tendons which effects deployment of the structure.
28. A method as defined in claim 26 wherein the structure is a roof truss and stressing of the tendons provides erection of the roof truss.
29. A method as defined in claim 27 wherein the structure is a roof truss and stressing of the tendons provides erection of the roof truss.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 30, 2005
Publication Date: Dec 20, 2007
Inventor: Peter Key (Manly)
Application Number: 10/594,717
International Classification: E04B 1/32 (20060101);