PREFABRICATED MODULAR ELEMENTS FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS

Abstract: The invention, object of the present description, specificly concerns the field of industrial production and systemic use of small and large prefabricated modular elements, in civil and industrial building constructions for the composition of vertical, inclined, curved, bear­ ing, self-bearing, composite, antiseismic walls (B, C, D). It comprises a specific metal articulated device (E), mounted in an appropriate enclosing cavity provided in the pre­ fabricated elements in question, which device, in view of its automatic operation, provides the elements them­ selves, firstly, with particular features of quick and simple assembly and connection to a wall. Secondly, it provides the assembled walls with characteristics of homogeneity in structure, function and finishing, even as regards the component junctions, which are dry mounted and mechanically locked, together with the network of steel arms which are meshed together and cemented. Thirdly, the automatic mechanical and structural features provide the assembly with a wide flexibility of use, also in terms of compatibility, versatility of assembly, capability of being equipped and serviced.

Description: The present invention relates to particular configurations of prefabricated modular components of small or large size which are provided, within a vertical central cavity, with an articulated metal device enabling a swift and complete combination of bearing, self-bearing, simple, composite, vertical, inclined or curved, antiseismic walls. In particular the higher and lower terminal ends of this articulated device project from the openings of the enclosing cavity and have mechanical differentiated and complementary preformations capable of permitting an automatic positioning and dry connection of each component in its proper modular place of assembly, thus forming structurally and functionally homogeneous finished walls, also at the level of the junctions, which are dry-fastened by the reticulated assembly of the devices which are mechanically engaged during the assembly operations and cemented on site. In the continuous cavity of such walls, a simple or multiple metal mesh is produced in this manner, which provides them with a unique homogenity, even structural, with respect to specific reinforcements and other eventual adjacent structures. Before describing in detail the operation, the features and the objects of the invention, a short background of the state of the art is required on the subject of prefabrication and use of wall components. In spite of the large number of configurations made available by commercial production, the use of small and large modular components still shows aspects of skill which raise problems in operation, especially due to the various assembling and finishing methods required to provide the assembly, particularly at the junction level, with sufficient features to make it structurally monolithic, antiseismic, homogeneous in performance (insulation, coibentation, finishing), also in combination with other adjacent structures. Often, in order to eliminate possible residual discontinuities, especially at the junctions, an inner coating is made on the prefabricated walls, which does not solve in all cases the problem of "thermal bridges" to a sufficient extent. In FR-A-2442312 a hollow wall is described in which a linking bracket can be manually inserted to link the elements of the wall one to the other. The brackets are not connected one to the other, but simply a pair of brackets have a prefabricated element in common to which both brackets are separately connected. The resulting wall, however, has no antiseismic characteristics as the brackets do not form a continuous steel network structure. Moreover, the assembly of each element requires a manual work for fixing the brackets, so that there is no automatic provision for an automatic positioning in the assembly of the wall. The present invention will be illustrated in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: figures a, b, c, d, e on sheet 1 show the assembly of a modular component and the automatic engagement of the metal device; figure f on sheet 1 shows a mesh node of the network structure integrated by concrete; figure a on sheet 2 shows the reinforcement network structure in the wall with cemented mesh nodes and the "dry" assembled blocks; figure c on sheet 2 shows the network continuity also at a vertical expansion juncture; figure b, e, f on sheet 2 show different embodiments of blocks equipped with the metal device; figures a, b, c on sheet 3 show the continuity of wall and network at the floor and pillar level by means of half blocks equipped with the same metal device; figure d on sheet 3 is a building plane view and shows the continuity of a simple or double antiseismic network, also along the floor and pillar level; figure e on sheet 3 shows a mesh node in a half block in the presence of an expansion juncture; figure a on sheet 4 shows an insulated wall in a cross-section and plane view; figure b on sheet 4 shows an embodiment of figure a, sheet 4, filled with concrete reinforced by the network; figure c on sheet 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the metal device with the metal plate replaced by a double mesh system; figure d on sheet 4 shows an orthogonal rod arrangement with the embodiment of figure c, sheet 4; figures a, b, c, d, e, f, g on sheet 5 show in a cross-section view, plane view and detailed view respectively, a wall made of large modular panels equipped with a diagonal network integrated with a horizontal reinforcement; figures a, b, c on sheet 6 show the operation of filling in part or completely the wall cavities at the moment of the casting of the floors; figures d, e, f, g, h on sheet 6 show the different embodiments of weave of the reinforcement, all with same operation of the engagement device; and figures a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, l, on sheet 7 show possible applications of the wall in different building work and civil engineering. In order to solve the above mentioned problems technologically, in the factory, and to provide the production of components with characteristics which better meet the present building requirements, also in terms of quality, flexibility and convenience, the present invention relates to novel configurations of modular prefabricated elements or blocks having, in their housing cavity, a particular articulated metal device of steel rod reinforcement. Such components can be divided, from the configuration point of view, into small cellular elements, large components, panels, special elements for inclined or curved walls, forms, special pieces, and so on. It is also possible to integrate with the device of the invention existing types of hollow components; these, however, must be, adapted or modified purposely. The basic material of the components, in connection with the requirements of the deisgn, can be brick, concrete, eventually lightened, cellular cement, composite, extruded, formed, wooden, fibercement panels and the like. The junction of the components, dry-assembled, have to ensure the tightness of the finished wall to the required partial or total filling by cement of their cavity by means of battening, padding, or suitable sealing. Dependent on the type of prefabricated building and the specific requirements, the device can be formed by simple or multiple pairs or pair systems of flexible, reticulated steel arms or bars diagonally or orthogonally placed, according to a symmetrical arrangement within a seat in the component, the vertical inner cavity of which has to be continuous, even from element to element after the assembly, along the directions of the elemental metal mesh node of network structure formed within the cavity. The cavity can also be obtained by spacing out the outer wall from the inner wall by partitions or transversal struts, the shape, number, placement and characteristics of which have to provide the proper housing and operating seat of the above mentioned device which, when thus mounted, has to be engaged in its upper part to said struts by the pair, or the symmetrical reticulated system, of arms and in its lower part by action of a pre-stressed devarication of its elements, and has only to adhere elasticly to the appropriate struts or transversal guides, or other equivalent assembling means. The struts are indicated in the accompanying drawings with the numeral 4. At the connecting joints of the devices, moreover, the struts have to form, together with the adjacent walls, the required seat to contain the cement for the connections, indicated with numeral 5 in the accompanying drawings. The arms of the device, indicated with numeral 3, are each provided at the lower end, in symmetric opposition one to the other, with a mechanical preformation for the engagement (hook, tooth, cam), indicated with numeral 1. Additionally, the same arms are provided, at their upper end, with a complementary mechanical preformation (slot, bar, notch), indicated in the drawings with numeral 2, for the engagement with the above mentioned hooks. The above mentioned single or multiple connecting preformations can also be realized as slots or bars, which can be provided with slotted guiding lugs, made of V or U shaped steel plates engaged to the upper end of the joint pertaining to each single or multiple pair of arms, if in a diagonal weave. In general, all the different configurations and methods of assembly concerning the components, the metal devices and the various modes of use, are to be considered in the following as non-restrictive examples of the present invention, the basic and characteristic principles of which can be construed from the context of the present description and claims, and moreover from the logical and practical coordination thereof with any illustrated or described element. Object of the present invention is therefore an antiseismic wall formed by dry assembly of prefabricated modular components and containing an articulated network structure of steel rod reinforcement in which each modular component comprises a hollow block of a pressure resistant building material having vertical opposed peripheral walls and inner transversal struts with positioning seats to secure said reinforcement in a fixed position in said block, characterized in that: each modular component (B, C, D, E) comprises, positioned therein, at least one set formed of a. an angularly deflected metal plate with the angular vertex thereof directed downwardly provided with slots and guide configurations disposed symmetrically to said vertex of the plate, and b. a pair of steel rods secured to the plate at the vertex thereof and diverging symmetrically downwardly therefrom substantially in a plane perpendicular to the flexure line of said deflected plate, said steel rods having at their lower end a spring hook configuration, and each elemental mesh node of the network reinforcement comprises said metal plate and a pair of steel rods, with said spring hook configurations (1) engaged in a retaining relationship in a respective slot (2) of the plate and with said rods diverging upwardly symmetrically from said plate, so that, upon assembling of an overlying modular component on an underlying modular component by sliding of the spring hook configuration of the rod of the overlying component on the guide configuration in the plate of the underlying component, said rod is elastically deformed under the aiding action of the weight, and the hook configuration is elastically engaged into said slot in the plate, with formation of an irreversible elemental mesh node of said network reinforcement structure and automatic positioning of the overlying component on the underlying component with slightly elastic pre-tension of the reinforcement and with no use of any mortar at the junction between the components. The present invention consequently is hereinafter described by practical, functional, and methodological embodiments concerning first a specific configuration and then, in an extensive manner, other configurations. 1) Small components A particular standard configuration is considered which concerns small, concrete, cellular, modular components, in the continuous vertical cavity of which the present device is mounted. This device is formed by a pair of articulated steel rods in a diagonal symmetrical arrangement with respect to the central vertical axis of each component. The accompanying sheets of drawings (I), (II°) and (III°) illustrate said configuration of components, in which the devices have opposed toothed lower ends and converging upper ends, engaged with a V-shaped metal plate provided with upper pairs of flexible channel lugs, bevelled in the direction of a respective internal engagement slot. The two arms, forceably and elasticly divaricated on assembly, can be further elasticly divaricated to a maximum angular opening as allowed by the housing seat. Once mounted forceably, but with ease, onto the component, the device shall have a plate engaged and in any case integral with the enclosing support and arms with flexible lower portions. The hook or teeth will project beyond the lower cavity by a fixed extent of overlay with respect to the complementary engaging devices, which in a similar way project into the wall from the upper cavity. The enclosing cavity of the components according to the invention will thus form the functional seat of the device and, once assembled, the mould and tight container for the concrete which will partially or totally fill the cavity of the assembly of wall components in accordance with the structural weave of the frame, which in this case is diagonal. The assembly of the wall components is by offset levels. Figure (a) on sheet (I) shows the initial assemcomponent (E) with respect to a wall (B, C, D). During the succeeding steps of wall assembly, the engagement of the device in question is made automatic by the progressive further approach of the component to the wall, sheet (I), figure (b), precisely from the beginning of the simultaneous elastic contact of the terminal ends of the connecting devices of the opposed components. With reference to the figures of sheets (I° and II°) the operation steps characterizing the automatic assembly of the present devices are carried out as herein below described: first step, positioning; second step, activation of the connection configurations; third step, mechanical engagement and dry fixing of the junctions of the assembled component (E, B, C, D). First step Component (E) simultaneously meets, with its pair of protruding hooks, the opposed guiding lugs protruding from the devices of the wall components (B, C), so that the component is self-positioned, with respect to the properly bevelled and inclined lugs, into its proper offset position with the aid of its own weight. In this step the component (E) is at a distance (d′) from the base and none of its hooks, in the position (f′) can be inserted directly into the opposed slots (2, 2′) by reason of the respective side shifts (s′) determined by the intentionally insufficient divarication of the arms. Second step The base of the component (E) continues its vertical approach to the base (B, C), while its spring arms are spread apart in view of the engagement of their hooks with the guiding lugs of the opposed devices, the arms being symmetrically and forceably deflected to the near engagement slots (2, 2′). Consequently, while the difference in level of the component (E) with respect to the wall (B, C) tends to be reduced (from d′ to 0), the shift which separates the hooks from the respective slots (from s′ to 0) tends to be reduced simultaneously. An intermediate point in this step is illustrated on sheet (I°) where the component (E), having arrived a height (d″) with respect to the base, has its arms symmetrically divaricated into position (f″), under an increased elastic stress (e″) because of the respective hooks shifted in opposite directions towards the respective engagement slots (2, 2′), from which they are separated by a shorter shift (s″) respectively. It is in this elastic step that the double connection device of the component (E) is automatically activated with respect to the antagonist terminals of the wall components (B, C). The elastic resistance to stretching of the steel arms is overcome by the component's own weight and if necessary by an additional induced pressure. Third step The component (E) has reached its setting plane (B, C) and the edge (D) of the wall (height d=0), in its precise offset position, while its hooks, forceably stretched by the entire shift (s=0), simultaneously and elasticly spring out into the slots (2, 2′) in the position (f‴), thus realizing the irreversible mechanical engagement with the wall assembly (B, C, D), eventually forced into their seat by percussion. To obtain a consistent locking action of the device on the junctions, it is required that the two arms, springing back after their engagement, still have an angular extent of stretching greater than that of initial assembly. In other words, the angle of the two arms in position (f‴) has to be greater than the angle of the two arms in position (f′). In this manner, the effect of the residual elastic stretching state (e‴) of the arms of the engaged devices, besides making the engagement dynamics irreversable, by dividing itself into various forces which symmetrically interact on the involved elements, produces therein conditions of elastic locking, prestress in the mesh of the devices, and final symmetrical self-positioning. Figure (e) on sheet (I°) shows how the engagement of a component in the wall is carried out even in the case of geometrical inaccuracy of the respective component or device. To this end the shape of each abutment of hooks is not at a right angle, but suitably curved. Fourth step (A) Self-bearing walls. In the construction of walls having restricted structural functions or being hollow, after the assembly of any course of elements, some operations are required in preparation for the successive course, comprising a filling with cement mortar of small, central, upper half-pockets in the assembled elements (A, B, C, D), each of which is formed by the metal V-shaped plate of the device and by the enclosing seat itself. Such cementation points are indicated in the accompanying drawings with numeral (5). The amount of mortar used to this purpose will be somewhat larger than the volume of the respective seats, so that, compressed by two opposed half-covers of the successively overlaid components (third step), it takes the shape and the volume formed by the plates and the adjacent walls of the lower elements and by the half covers of the upper elements. The examples on sheets (I°), figure (f) and (II°), figure (a) clearly show the type of reinforcement in the enclosed mortar, formed by the particular vertical bends of the hooks. After the enclosed mortar has hardened (fourth step), the connections of the above described third step are definitely welded. Moreover, by effect of the inserts and abutments indicated in (R) on figure (f) on sheet (I°), or other equivalent anchoring and clamping means, the mortar itself plays a binding role by its solidified wedged mass which irreversibly engages and locks the assembled elements, also taking advantage of the dynamic action of the mortar shrinkage during hardening. This step of course is carried out before, at the same time as, and immediately after, the above described third step. The presence of the mortar in the connecting pockets does not hinder the normal procedure of the assembly and activation steps as described. Neither dies the mortar interfere with the characteristics of the junctions of the dry assembled components, the edges of which will be eventually closed and sealed with fluid cement binder. In certain circumstances the mortar might not be required, provided that a previous verification is made. Fourth step (B) Bearing walls In the construction of entire or partial structural walls (partitions, bearing panels, and the like), an insertion has first to be provided, within the continuous cavities of the walls in construction, of all the metal reinforcements required by the static calculations and, secondly, the complete filling of these cavities has to be effected by means of stratified castings of fluid cement concrete. After hardening, the cement concrete performs all the functions previously assigned only to the partial cementation of the connecting junctions (fourth step A), as well as the more properly static functions of unification and structuration of the inner metal mesh (third step) of specific reinforcements, into a single interacting and continuous, bearing, antiseismic, functionally homogenous assembly of the components, as illustrated in the accompanying sheet (III°), figure (b). It can be understood that the wall junctions, characterized by the dry contact of continuous junctions, will be sealed or closed by means of sealings, so as to avoid a bleeding of the mortar during casting of the fillings. Fourth step (C) Prefabricated walls The operative method described in the preceding fourth step (A) enables, moreover, the prefabrication of large, light, modular panels or entire finished walls. After hardening of the mortar, these can be assembled on site following the same procedure as described for assembling small modular components, still using the protruding connecting devices, as illustrated on sheets (VI°), figure (g), and (VII°). The general structure (fourth step (B)) will be realized on site by integrating of the metal reinforcements, welding, and total or partial filling of the cavities in the assembled walls by fluid cement concrete. Fourth step (D) Composite walls Figure (b) on sheet (III°) illustrates that, by carrying out, successively, first the above described fourth step (A) and then the fourth step (B), it is possible to reduce the cement concrete filling to the more stressed areas of the walls only. Methods, special pieces, configurations, finishing . It is possible to systematically manufacture, in a single operation, perimetral walls, partitions and floors by using appropriate configurations of modular elements and taking the maximum advantage of the continuity afforded by the metal meshes of the assembled devices. Such continuity can also be realized in correspondence with corners, frame fixtures, expansion joints, such as illustrated on sheets (II° and III°). At the posing level of the floors, particular modular components can be used, allowing the formation of girders and resting planes of floor panels and allowing the connecting devices to be seated at the same time (sheet III°, figure c). In this manner, by taking advantage of the immediate bearing capability of the dry assembled walls (fourth step A), after the required provisional works having been carried out and the required reinforcements placed, the casting of cement concrete is carried out in one operation for the floors, the girders, and the filling of cavities in the underlaying walls (fourth step B), and also in the intermediate partitions, with the aid of particular devices, to obtain mesh continuity of the wall connecting devices (sheet III°, figure a). Sheet (IV°), figure (a) illustrates some of the possible configurations of small sized modular components. Figures (a, b) illustrate the feasibility of very light components which are externally finished, formed of layered insulating composites of an easily variable width and also suitable for forming provisional walls. Figure (c) shows the practicability of equipping the modular elements with simplified connecting devices by the use of transversal elements for hook engagement (integral trusses) in lieu of the V shaped plates with guide lugs. As shown in figure c, sheet 4, a pair of parallel transversal trusses 2 are secured in a fixed position in the block and a pair of parallel lower steel rods 3 are disposed on said trusses 2 in engagement therewith and diverging symmetrically downwardly therefrom, substantially in a plane perpendicular to the trusses 2. Two pairs of parallel upper steel rods 3' have at the lower end thereof a spring hook configuration being engaged in a retaining relationship with the trusses 2 and said upper rods 3' in each pair diverge upwardly symmetrically from the trusses 2. The trusses 2, the lower steel rods 3 and the upper steel rods 3' form the elemental mesh node of the articulated metal network of the wall. Figure (d) illustrates the possibility of further modifications, even in the case of devices having an orthogonal weave. 2) Large components The large modular wall components, provided with the device of the invention in their vertical cavity, are characterized by the fact that such devices are formed by a plurality of pairs, or systems, of diagonal pr vertical reticulated arms, the functional features of which remain in any case unchanged. The separating trusses or brackets forming the functional and housing seat of the invention device can be engaged to the respective side walls or to the outer wall only. In the first case the inner wall is open along the junctions or cut to permit, after assembly and before the required cement casting, access to the inner cavity of the wall components for placing the required unifying reinforcements, sealing, welding, and side connections at the vertical junctions at the level of the joints of the metal mesh, reliefs, insertion of utilities and the like. In the second case this operational access can be made before a later mounting on the brackets, on site, of the complete inner walls. See the embodiment of configuration on sheet (VI°), figure (a). Consequently, large prefabricated elements provided with the device of the invention can substantially be considered similar in function to the small components above described, which, as illustrated in fourth step (C) (prefabricated walls), can in fact compose finished, equipped panels, already prepared to be placed onto the wall, in view of their similar multiple system of elementary devices, see figure (g) sheet (VI°). Sheet (V°), figure (b), similarly to.the configurations illustrated in sheet (I°) figure (a), shows, in a vertical cross-section along a longitudinal axis, the internal structure of a wall made of large panels, (B, C, D) with a panel (E) in the assembling step with respect thereto. These panels are provided with a device having a double system of crossed diagonal arms, the weave and the upper terminals of which (provided with V or U shaped plates) are engaged to the brackets of the support, and the toothed lower terminals of which can be bent under force starting from the second last bracket or truss, by such stretching angle as allowed by the last lower bracket, to which they are elasticly adhering, figure (c). The steps of self-positioning, activation and simultaneous engagement of the lower terminals of the device on the component (E) with respect to the upper terminals of the wall devices, are thus carried out following the same procedure as described in the embodiment concerning the small component (E) (see sheet I° and following). The only non-functional differences involve the size and weight of the component and the fact that the device thereof comprises a reticulated system of a plurality of arm pairs, rather than one arm pair. Consequently, referring to the component (E) on sheet (V°), the self-positioning thereof - first step - the activation of its connecting devices - second step - and the engagement - third step - are carried out for each opposed lower and upper terminal, and for the symmetric system on the whole, according to the example illustrated with reference to the small components. Fourth step, self-bearing walls . Once having carried out the third assembly step of the component onto the wall, sheet (V°), figure (a), comprising a simultaneous mechanical engagement of the multiple pairs of lower terminals of the device on the panel (E) to the complementary terminals protruding from the continuous cavity of the underlying wall, immediately effecting the side connections of the reticulated mesh in correspondance with the vertical junctions, and effecting the other inner and outer completing and finishing works, it is possible to mount directly onto each horizontal course of assembled and fittingly reinforced elements, first the floor and then another course of elements, necessarily connecting their inner metal mesh, formed by the engaged assembly of their devices, with the metal reinforcements of adjacent structures, by using the suitable provisional devices and carrying out, in one single operation, both the final casting of the floors and the casting for the cementation of the horizontal course of engagement joints of the devices in question. Sheet (VI°) figures (a, b) shows how the procedure can be repeated for successive levels. Fourth step - B - Bearing walls . In the case of prefabricated structural elements (bearing or partially bearing), once the first three assembly steps of each large component have been carried out to the completion of the perimeter and structural partition of a level, it is possible to go on with the floor and then with another course of components, in order to effect in one single operation both the cement casting for the completion of the floors and that for filling the underlying assembled walls, at all times adopting suitable provisional measures of reinforcement, support, making the side connections of the pannels, ensuring the unification and the connection of the different metal reinforcements with the metal mesh of the devices of the assembled components, and finally equipping the continuous cavity of the walls with the required utilities (sheet VI°, figures a, c). Methods, configurations of large panels, special pieces . In the preceding description of the assembly steps of large components equipped with the device of the invention, the unique capability has already been put into evidence of producing, in one single operation, the vertical closures, the separations, the inner partitions and also the floors of each level of a building, not only at the composition level, but also at the level of structure, utilities, finishing and coibentation (fourth step and fourth "B"). The above illustrated sheet (V°) shows in details in a plane and cross section view, the possibility of producing large heterogeneous and composite, finished and coibented, hollow panels, the particular lightness of which is due to their inner metal reinforcement, formed by the double reticulated weave of the device used (transportation, assembly, self-bearing). The drawings also show the possibility of equipping in prefabrication the panel junctions (separation, expansion, connection to other elements) with the pre-arrangement for self-sealing and plastic separation, maintaining the continuity of the mesh connection all the way. Modifications in the configurations are possible with respect to the above illustrated example of configuration, to the purpose of making use of its special characteristics of operation, performance, structure, function, geometry, in all cases using devices substantially and conceptually conforming to the above illustrated basic features of the invention. To an exemplificative and non-restrictive purpose, sheet (VI°) shows some of such modifications. Figure (a) shows in a cross-section view the possibility of producing composite, or otherwise structured, light panels of considerable length, the inner wall of which, light and insulated, eventually divided into sub-modular elements, has been fixed onto the brackets of the device (4) purposely pre-fitted, only successively, on site, after having equipped at best the continuous cavity of the walls. Figure (d) shows further the possibility of integrally connecting to the mesh of the engaged devices the fixtures of the frames, by preformations for the sealing and coibentation of such junctions. Figure (h) illustrates the feasibility of large panels with the devices in an orthogonal weave. Figure (g) shows the interesting possibility of producing in prefabrication, as previously described, large finished panels or complete walls, by using the small modular elements previously described and using, for their assembly into a wall, the set of their small devices forming a still composable frame. Figure (e) illustrates a type of element for sealing the expansion joints. Extension of the invention, particular aspects, area of application . The small and large modular prefabricated elements provided with the above described device, shall have been approved by the competent authority as regards characteristics, performance, limits, mode of use, on the basis of calculations, certificates of fitness, official laboratory tests and verifications, and the like. Should the arms of the metal mesh formed internally to the wall cavity not be completely embedded in the cement castings (partial filling, cementation of the joints only, and the like), they should be appropriately made rust-proof and treated with anticondensing plastic coatings. The same is true for the metal brackets supporting the devices. By using the prefabricated modular components according to the present invention, having a suitable shape, size and configuration, it is possible to quickly compose inclined walls, retaining and supporting walls, arches, partial vaults, tunnels, dams, definitive moulds, vertical and horizontal channels, even of a circular cross-section, arches, including segmental arches. Sheet (VII°) illustrates, in an exemplificative and non-restrictive manner, some possible applications of the invention to different types of building construction. Figure (e) on sheet (VII°) also illustrates the assembling system of large components for a quick construction of buildings, characterized overall by the fact that the various elements of the composition are continuously connected by the metal mesh of the respective engaged devices.

Claims: An antiseismic wall formed by dry assembly of prefabricated modular components and containing an articulated network structure of steel rod reinforcement in which each modular component comprises a hollow block of a pressure resistant building material having vertical opposed peripheral walls and inner transversal struts with positioning seats to secure said reinforcement in a fixed position in said block, characterized in that: each modular component (B, C, D, E) comprises, positioned therein, at least one set formed of a. an angularly deflected metal plate with the angular vertex thereof directed downwardly provided with slots (2) and guide configurations disposed symmetrically to said vertex of the plate, and b. a pair of steel rods (3) secured to the plate at the vertex thereof and diverging symmetrically downwardly therefrom substantially in a plane perpendicular to the flexure line of said deflected plate, said steel rods having at their lower end a spring hook configuration (1), and each elemental mesh node of the network reinforcement comprises said metal plate and a pair of steel rods, with said spring hook configurations (1) engaged in a retaining relationship in a respective slot (2) of the plate and with said rods diverging upwardly symmetrically from said plate, so that, upon assembling of an overlying modular component (E) on an underlying modular component (B) by sliding of the spring hook configuration (1) of the rod of the overlying component on the guide configuration in the plate of the underlying component, said rod is elastically deformed under the aiding action of the weight, and the hook configuration is elastically engaged into said slot (2) in the plate, with formation of an irreversible elemental mesh node of said network reinforcement structure and automatic positioning of the overlying component on the underlying component with slightly elastic pre-tension of the reinforcement and with no use of any mortar at the junction between the components. A wall as claimed in claim 1, in which each of said nodes is integrated by an amount of cement mortar (5) sufficient to embed the node therein. A wall as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which said modular component is a small block to be assembled manually in a staggered arrangement comprising an upper central seat and two lower side seats to position said reinforcement therein. A wall as claimed in claim 3, in which said reinforcement comprises a pair of steel rods (3) secured in a symmetrical angulated relationship on said upper central seat and said lower side seats of said block and secured at the upper end of the rod, said angularly deflected metal plate. A wall as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 3, in which said reinforcement comprises an integral steel rod having an upper angulated configuration at the mid point thereof engaged with said upper central seat in said block and said angularly deflected metal plate is provided with symmetrical central openings in which said angulated configuration of the rod is secured. A wall as claimed in claim 1, in which said component is a prefabricated panel equipped with a network reinforcement structure comprising a plurality of said elemental mesh nodes arranged in a row of upper and lower edge thereof with the lower steel rods of the lower row protruding from the lower edge of the panel and the upper row of the angularly deflected steel plates placed at the upper edge of the panel, so that a pair of said panels can be engaged by joining the lower edge of one panel to the upper edge of another panel, those forming a row of complete mesh nodes therebetween. A wall as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, in which said modular component is of a material selected from tile, cement, concrete, lightened cement concrete, cellular cement, composite or extruded or molded synthetic resin, wood, fiber filled cement. A wall as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, in which the inner cavities of the hollow individual components are in a continuous relationship along the vertical direction. A wall as claimed in claim 9, in which said cavities are selectively provided with an additional rod reinforcement and with cast concrete to form a column structure embedded in the wall. A wall as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, in which said wall is made structurally continuous with the frame structure of a building, by making said network reinforcement structure continuous to the steel reinforcement structure of a floor of a building. A wall as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, in which said network reinforcement structure is formed with diagonal shaped meshes (figure b, sheet 5). A wall as claimed in anyone of claims 1 and 6 to 11, in which said network reinforcement structure is formed with orthogonal shaped meshes (figure h, sheet 6). An antiseismic wall formed by dry assembly of prefabricated modular components and containing an articulated network structure of steel rod reinforcement in which each modular component comprises a hollow block of a pressure resistant building material having vertical opposed peripheral walls and inner transversal struts with positioning seats to secure said reinforcement in a fixed position in said block, characterized in that: each modular component comprises, positione therein, at least one set formed of a. a pair of parallel transversal trusses (2) (figure C, sheet 4) secured in a fixed position in said block, and b. a pair of parallel lower steel rods (3) (figure C, sheet 4) disposed on said trusses (2) in engagement therewith and diverging symmetrically downwardly therefrom, substantially in a plane perpendicular to said trusses, said steel rods having at their lower end a spring hook configuration (1) (figure C, sheet 4), and each elemental mesh node of the network reinforcement comprises said pair of trusses (2) and said pair of steel rods (3') with said spring hook configurations (1) engaged in a retaining relationship with said trusses (2) and with said rods diverging upwardly symmetrically from said trusses, so that upon assembling of an overlying modular component on an underlying modular component by sliding of the spring hook configuration (1) of the pair of rods of the overlying component on one truss of the underlying component, said rods are elastically deformed under the aiding action of the weight, and the hook configuration is elastically engaged with said truss with formation of an irreversible elemental mesh node of said network reinforcement structure and automatic positioning of the overlying component on the underlying component with slightly elastic pre-tension of the reinforcement and with no use of any mortar at the junction between the components.

Inventors: COLONNA, CARLO, COLONNA, PAOLA
Applicants: COLONNA, CARLO, COLONNA, PAOLA
Application year: 1988
Main classification: E04B2
IPC codes: E04B2