The invention relates to the field of building construction and presents a new method and associated apparatuses for achieving post and beam construction in which the forms for the posts and beams are integral to the final building.
Since the dawn of civilization, humanity has sought to find better ways to construct shelter to best meet human needs. The present invention relates generally to building structure envelopes and more particularly to a novel, advanced and more comprehensive building system and method of making same to provide significant economic, environmental, and quality advantages over conventional building systems heretofore obtainable. It is desirable to provide better shelter to benefit all people and their environment utilizing the current age of information access and digital design process, virtual assembly, and communication to achieve an advanced shelter and method of making the same
It is desirable to advance the construction process to increase structural strength, elevate thermal performance, improve fire resistance, simplify production, reduce costs of construction and ownership, give water resistance, enhance safety against natural disasters, produce a healthier environment and provide sustainability.
A building envelope which significantly increases the level of these afore described attributes and uniquely delivers a comprehensive combination of all of the same would provide a substantial advance to the art of building.
In a first embodiment, a method of constructing a building on graded ground includes connecting a hollow post form to at least one wall panel, wherein both the at least one wall panel and the hollow post form are substantially vertical relative to the ground, and after connecting the hollow post form and the at least one wall panel, filling the hollow post form with a structural binder.
In a different embodiment, a method of constructing a building on graded ground includes erecting at least one wall panel extending substantially vertical in relation to the graded ground, attaching a hollow post form to the at least one wall panel and leaving an interior of the hollow post form accessible for filling the hollow post form, and assembling a ceiling extending perpendicularly from the at least one wall panel attached to the hollow post form. The ceiling defines a floor beam void extending across the ceiling perpendicularly to the hollow post form, and the ceiling, along with at least one wall panel, defines a tie beam void extending around a perimeter of the ceiling. The method includes filling the hollow post form, the floor beam void, and tie beam void with a structural binder.
In yet another embodiment, a method of constructing a building on graded ground includes erecting at least one wall panel extending substantially vertical in relation to the ground, attaching a hollow post form to one side of the at least one wall panel, placing an insulation panel adjacent to the inner wall panel to at least partially encompass the hollow post form, and attaching an outer wall panel to the hollow post form on a side opposite the inner wall panel. The panels are attached so that the hollow post form is accessible for filling with a structural binder. A fastener connects all of the panels by extending through all of the panels. Finally, the method incorporates filling the hollow post form with a structural binder.
The invention combines current technologies to merge components of advanced efficiency and intrinsic durability in the product system compared to prior envelope art.
The structure of such system is a reinforced, cast in place frame. One aspect is to place structural material in forms that stay in place and have a finish attached to deliver a finished product, not by removing forms and then going back to apply the finish, but to thereby simultaneously provide increased economy and durability. The system blends construction logic with current material and product manufacturing techniques to achieve a revolutionary building system.
In attributes, this system attains the benefits of an insulated concrete form (ICF) component system and includes like materials, but includes additional features, uses larger component modules, provides a post and beam structure, and incorporates other trades by design and is therefore more comprehensive than present ICF's. It embodies a great advance to an ICF.
While the configuration of this envelope remotely resembles some prior art precast wall systems, it is not a wall system. It is a post and beam system. Some current precast wall systems have vertical and lateral cast members as well as a monolithic diaphragm, but is only an unfinished wall system component and must be hauled and set with heavy equipment and connected as independent parts. Current tilt-up systems also fall in this category of configuration and erection.
Vertical cast in place wall systems have also been developed to attain increased efficiencies. Some examples are: The Laminar wall system, Hobbs, and TF Concrete Forming Systems. These wall systems illustrate some progress in vertical stay in place form efficiencies in the component market.
In isometric perspective, the cast in place structural frame of the invention uses the post and beam method of structural delivery, but the sequence is reversed. Finishes, insulation, utilities, and envelope first; poured in place, load bearing frame second. Traditionally, the frame has always come first, is normally constructed of wood or steel, and uses multiple steel lags, bolts, or wooden pegs, mortises and tenens for connections. The frame of the invention is cast monolithically after finishes are in place and minimizes mechanical connections and assembly, which also eliminates all hinge points which are typically the weak links in a structure.
To increase construction efficiency the product assembly incorporates structural insulated panels (SIPs) as the largest component by volume. These panels are placed in vertical layers to allow practical wiring and plumbing installments and then “sandwich” the core and structural frame plane with the starter panel and the final panel to complete the form. Prior art SIPs systems are only one layer of panels. Prior art ICFs have not previously used SIPs.
Inert setting material and binder, like concrete and cement have been in use for centuries. The intrinsic dynamic nature of these materials are used herein to connect a continuous and simultaneous post, beam, and panel composite envelope of high compressive strength with ductility cast in a standardized incremental configuration of panels, which is a novel use of these materials.
Steel has been used to reinforce concrete for decades, but not by cold forming light gauge into perforated forms to connect panels and engage the material to deliver the necessary tensile reinforcement as in the present invention. Traditional steel rebar can also be engineered as the reinforcement, but additional shoring for the wet pour would be required. These steel forms deliver inherent bearing capacity independent of the concrete, while rebar does not, so the resulting structural composite delivers an increased multiple of strength and placement advantages that avoid possible blow-outs and deflections. Other structural materials can be substituted for these forms such as fiber reinforced plastic (FRP).
The concept of modular production techniques and incremental design to gain efficiency and control quality is not new to the construction industry. Modular components are the key to industrializing construction. This new system of incremental design standards and sequence is based but not limited to industry product modules of forty-eight and ninety-six inches for width. It incorporates digital design, controlled environment, schedule independent manufacturing, and no waste production to optimize the benefit. The depth (thickness) of the modular panels and structural forms can vary to accommodate any engineering requirements for loads or spans, and also any designs for other finishes, chases and insulations. Panel and frame form configurations are not limited in scope of dimensions or materials, therefore there are no limitations to the scope of architectural designs or the benefit of virtual assembly line philosophy.
Foam is the insulator most used in thermally and energy efficient, tight air envelopes. ICFs, SIPs and many conventional prior art methods incorporate foam in their systems. There are many types of foam which can be used in an envelope. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is the highest value foam and is the primary choice for the envelope system of the invention, but other insulation board types could be used.
The third or final layer of the system floor or roof is concrete. Concrete is also an option for the final layer on the walls. The floor is poured and the wall is sprayed concrete, also known as shotcrete or gunite, or the wall can be another panel. Sprayed concrete has been around for decades and used for retaining walls, swimming pools, tunnels and structural building walls. One aspect of the invention calls for the use of sprayed concrete as a monolithic box frame to a cast post and beam structure simultaneously delivering a finish.
The monolithic, panelized, site cast, inert envelope, of molded, perfectly fitted by casting, solidly connected structure delivers a rigid, resistant, strong, stable, impervious, durable building shell of substantially increased performance using a practical method. Most conventional envelope systems use numerous, nails, hangers, ledgers, lags, screws, nuts, bolts, braces, wraps, wood and other organic materials. The conventional systems do not have ideal characteristics, e.g., they can crack, hinge and disassemble, collapse, burn, rot and mold due to natural forces and elements.
Thus, the novel combination described which encompass materials, products, techniques, new technologies and experiences will deliver an advanced and substantial improvement for the envelope in the age old need for buildings and shelter.
A general object of the present invention is to provide a novel structural building envelope and method for making same to enable a substantial improvement in sustainability by increasing durability, affordability, availability and efficiency, with the aforementioned envelope.
A more particular object of the present invention is to provide a more efficient, insulated, concrete structure to achieve great strength and durability for buildings and a method of making same that employs a novel sequence of layered panel construction, beginning with a “starter” wall panel for the vertical and “starter” ceiling panels for the lateral with optional interior finish attached. This layer can be panelized unfinished, panelized with finish attached or sprayed with mechanical apparatus.
The second layer, or “core” panel, designates the plane for the structural frame. A foam core panel fills the space between the post and beam frame members and provides a place for the mechanicals, wiring, and plumbing and also in line support for the concrete forms.
The third and final panel layer blankets the core and frame layer to mechanically sandwich the entire assembly and complete the form to cast the concrete. A third layer option is to spray concrete (shotcrete) as the third layer and create a monolithic box frame. This method can be more economical and the resulting concrete box frame delivers extreme strength and rigidity, but requires specialized equipment and labor.
The frame form uses custom steel channels to connect the panels, form the posts and beams and engage the concrete to provide necessary tensile reinforcement and structural load capacity for the wet live load pour. These channels are manufactured from light gauge sheet metal pre-punched or laser cut, and shaped of specified gauge, using a mechanical brake or custom die roll form to shape a “W” channel with an inverted mid channel “hat.” The holes fall in the hat to engage the concrete. Both the gauge (weight), dimensions, and configurations of these form/channels can vary or rebar can be added to deliver any engineered requirements for loads and spans. There are no limitations to this product and system.
The frame form can also include fiber reinforced plastics or carbon fibers to provide these just mentioned components. The FRP advantages are no need to produce single line contiguous shapes thereby reducing the number of component items and labor. FRP is lighter and easier to cut and drill. Shapes are custom designed to accomplish desired requirements. The material cost of steel is lower. The labor, convenience and safety of FRP is advantageous.
The resulting frame is configured on an X, Y, and Z axis and is preferably designed in modules of forty-eight inches or ninety-six inches (other dimensions are optional) to maximize the production efficiency and avoid waste. The X, Y, and Z beam corners are connected at the form intersections with original light gauge steel clips and screws, designed for said purpose, to tie the forms together and deliver permanent tensile and ductile strength.
The product can be ordered and delivered as a package to simplify the process for the consumer and maximize efficiency by eliminating takeoffs, cutting and waste.
The only required fasteners for the assembly of all the aforementioned parts and pieces are merely small diameter, self tapping screws, to connect the stay-in-place forms, bracing and shoring, to pour the easily placed, high strength, continuous, reinforced, cast concrete, binder and connector.
This accomplishes a convenient, simple, easy, economical, advanced and streamlined building envelope. Such an unprecedented compendium of construction art is heretofore not used in prior and present building art systems.
The purpose of the description of the invention herein described is detailed and exact as to the specifications of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to enable those skilled in construction art to practice the invention. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume alternate variations and step sequences, components, processes and dimensions. The embodiments herein described are not to be considered as limiting the invention.
Referring to
The system of constructing a building according to the disclosure herein includes connecting a hollow post form (14) to at least one wall panel (1), wherein both the at least one wall panel (1) and the hollow post form (14) are substantially vertical relative to the ground, and after connecting the hollow post form and the at least one wall panel, filling the hollow post form (14) with a structural binder such as concrete (12). The step of connecting a hollow post form to at least one wall panel includes connecting the hollow post form to an inner wall panel (1) for facing inside the building prior to filling the hollow post form. After connecting the inner wall panel, the next step may include placing an insulation panel (2) adjacent to the inner wall panel (1) and the hollow post form (14) prior to filling the hollow post form. The insulation panel may be assembled from component portions of the insulation panel (i.e., the middle, or insulation, panel (2) may be formed in pre-shaped sections or as one single piece). The step of connecting at least one wall panel may further include connecting an outer wall panel (3) for facing outside the building, to the hollow post form (14) prior to filling the hollow post form (14). The step of connecting a hollow post form to the at least one wall panel may include connecting a first channel section half (5) to the inner wall panel (1) and connecting a second channel section half (15) to the first channel section half (5). In other words, the hollow post form may be made of separable portions, namely two channel section halves (5, 15) that fit together and are held by fastening screws. In one non-limiting embodiment, prior to filling the hollow post form, the method further encompasses connecting an inner ceiling panel (25) to the at least one wall panel (1) connected to the hollow post form (14), wherein the inner ceiling panel (25) extends substantially horizontal relative to the graded ground.
Next, the ceiling is prepared for pouring a floor beam (24) by placing a channel section (30) onto the inner ceiling panel (25) such that the floor beam channel section (30) is substantially perpendicular to the hollow post form (14). Embedding reinforcement c-channel structures (26) into the inner ceiling panel (25) prior to positioning the floor beam channel section (30) adds structural integrity to the overall ceiling. Afterwards, the method includes placing a middle ceiling panel (28) onto the reinforcement channels (26) and the inner ceiling panel (25) and placing a final ceiling panel (29) onto the middle ceiling panel (28). The floor beam channel section (30), the middle ceiling panel (28), and the final ceiling panel (29) are so dimensioned as to define a floor beam void running through the ceiling structure. Finally, the method includes filling the hollow post form (14) and the floor beam void with a structural binder such as, but not limited to concrete (12).
In another non-limiting embodiment, the method of building a structure includes erecting at least one wall panel (1) extending substantially vertical in relation to the graded ground, attaching a hollow post form (14) to the at least one wall panel (1) and leaving an interior of the hollow post form accessible for filling the hollow post form. Next, the method includes assembling a ceiling extending perpendicularly from the at least one wall panel attached to the hollow post form, wherein the ceiling defines a floor beam void extending across the ceiling perpendicularly to the hollow post form. Furthermore, the ceiling along with at least one wall panel defines a tie beam void extending around a perimeter of the ceiling. Typically, but not exclusively, the floor beam void is formed by a bottom ceiling channel (30) surrounded vertically by a middle ceiling panel (28) and a final ceiling panel (29) defining the boundaries of the floor beam void. Without limiting the invention to any one embodiment, the tie beam void surrounding the perimeter of the ceiling is formed by the ceiling structure in conjunction with an outer wall panel (3). After placing all of the panels, hollow post forms, and beam voids in place, the last step includes filling the hollow post form, the floor beam void, and tie beam void with a structural binder. The structural binder may be concrete or equivalent.
The method disclosed herein includes the step of inserting screws (50) into an upper surface of the ceiling structure such that the screw heads remain elevated relative to the ceiling even after installation.
From the foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent that many modifications may be made therein. It will be understood that these embodiments of the invention are an exemplification of the invention only and that the invention is not limited thereto.
This patent application claims priority to and incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/590,866 filed on Jan. 26, 2012 naming the same inventor.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61590866 | Jan 2012 | US |