METHOD FOR INSTALLING A STRUCTURAL SPACE, E.G. A SHIP CABIN

Abstract: Method for installing a space module, e.g. a ship cabin, on a base (7), with the module comprising at least one space module (1), wall panels (2), and a ceiling element. The space module (1) in accordance with the invention is installed as a prefabricated unit while the walls and the ceiling are preferably assembled using wall panel elements (2) and ceiling elements, respectively, and all elements are transported to the construction site on transferrable installation carriers (8) onto an installation base (7). In accordance with the invention, the manufacturing of the elements and the fabrication of the framework are combined into a simultaneous operation thus minimizing the total time span of the construction projects.

Description: Method for installing a structural space, e.g. a ship cabin The present invention relates to the method for assembling a structural space, e.g. a ship cabin, from elements in accordance with the preamble of claim 1. Methods for assembling these kind of spaces have previously been based, for instance, using the following implementations: The most frequently used method is to construct the spaces at site from "discrete" construction material, which requires the construction of the framework, insulation, surface finish, fixtures, and equipping, to be handled as separate work phases. Another currently popular method is to use prefabricated space modules that.are limited as to their maximum size or equipping. Spaces not compatible with the prefabricated element technology are fabricated at site using the aforemen¬ tioned methods. Drawbacks of the at-site constructed spaces include the long construction times, need for an abundance of manpower, comparatively high work effort required for the coordination of material functions and different work phases, susceptibility to disturbances, need for precaution with regard to weather conditions, and low profitability of work (due to low percentage of series production phases). The use of prefabricated space modules is limited, for instance, by the need of special vehicles for transfer, awkward possibilities for horizontal transfers at construction site, lack of storage space, incompatibility with different building conditions, and large volume requirements in transport. The aim of the invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art technology and to provide a new method for installing a structural space, e.g. a ship cabin. The invention is based on the following. ideas. An essential feature in it is to create the structural spaces by utilizing space and panel elements. More specifically, the method in accordance with the invention is characterized by what is stated in the characterizing part of claim 1. The invention offers, for instance,' the following benefits: Framework construction phases (e.g. in a ship) can be finished prior to installing the interior spaces, the interiors can be fabricated as complete work phases at the final phase of the construction phase, - assembly operations are fast, assembly is possible in confined spaces, installation and transport equipment involves no special technology, and fabrication and framework construction phases of elements can be combined to minimize the total time span of the project. In the following, the invention will be examined in more detail by means of the exemplifying embodiments in accordance with the attached drawings. Figures 1...4 show in a phase by phase sequential order the method in accordance with the invention applied to the installation of a ship cabin. A wet space module 1 and flat panel elements 2...5 together with ceiling elements 6 are delivered to the construction site on installation carriers 8, which are equipped with casters 9 for the horizontal transfer. The empty carriers 8 are returned to the factory for reloading. The wet space module is transferred into a marked location, aligned to the design level of elevation and affixed on a base 7 with screws or welding. The interior wall panels 2...5 are transferred into their marked locations, attached to each other by the corners and to the wet space module 1 with screws and fixed to the base 7, The ceiling elements 6 (Figure 4) are mounted and affixed separately with screws to the ceiling trims of the separately affixed wall panels 2...5. The ceiling and the floor of the wet space module 1 are factory, preassembled. The electrical conduits of the interior wall panels 2...5 are jointed, cabled, and connected to junction boxes 10. Ventilation ducts 12 as well as the fresh water and sewage armatures 11 are attached to the main plumbing for full operating capability. The space consisting of the interior wall panels 2...5 is equipped and furnished in a standard manner of- prior art according to a separate work description.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A method for a space module, e.g. a ship cabin, on a base (7), comprising - at least one space module (1), e.g. a wet space module, interior wall panels (2...5), and - a ceiling element (6), c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that - the space module (1) is mounted at the construction site as a prefabricated unit, - the wall panels and the ceiling are preferably assembled using wall panel elements (2...5), and from ceiling elements (6) by local assembly, and - all elements (1...6) are transported to the construction site on transferable installation carriers (8) onto a base (7) . 2. A method in accordance with claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that installation carriers are carriers (8) equipped with freely rotating casters (9), applicable for horizontal transfer.

Inventors: REMANDER ANTTI, REMANDER, ANTTI
Applicants: RAKENNUSVALMISTE OY
Application year: 1986
Main classification: B63B29
IPC codes: B63B29