BUILDING ELEMENT COMPRISING PREFABRICATED PANELS

Abstract: The object of the invention is centred on prefabricated construc­ tion or partial prefabrication, of buildings, using basic panels (1, 2) which are placed in pairs in a parallel manner at a certain distance between the two, in order to form the external structure of a certain building or construction. The said panels are used individually to form the internal walls. Each of the panels is of the type comprised by a framework of rods (5) to form a rectangular hollow body. The two larger surfaces of the panel make up the basic framework thereof, and are joined to each other by means of further rods (3), which afford greater strength to the assembly. The hollow body is filled with an insulating material, such as expanded polystyrene.

Description: The object of the invention is centred on a prefabricated element, or partially prefabricated element, for buildings, using basic panels which are placed in pairs in a parallel manner at a certain distance between the two, in order to form the external structure of a certain building or construction. The said panels are used individually to form the internal walls. US Patent No. US-4 669 240 is known, which relates to reinforced prefabrication, specifically to walls panels and elevation of the same, which comprises a pair of molded concrete inner and outer panel elements, which are joined to each other by means of a steel wire providing a hole at the interior side. It is also known through this patent the placing of an insulating material between the panels, and the use of one internal latticework in each concrete panel and the joining by means of zig-zag truss elements. German Patent No 3 242 364, refers to prefabricated panels, joined to each other by means of a metallic wire structure, which provides a hole at the interior side between both panels which is properly refilled. The material used to refill said hole is a bituminous material even with insulating effect. Each of the panels is of the type comprised by a framework of rods to form a rectangular hollow body. The two larger surfaces of the panel make up the basic framework thereof, and are joined to each other by means of further rods, which afford greater strength to the assembly. The hollow body is filled with an insulating material, such as expanded polystyrene. Obviously, the outer surfaces of the internal insulating material lie within the latticework, which latter is located externally. First of all, foundation shoes are placed on a concrete base or cube fixed on the building site, which shoes are provided with a transversal projection which extends upwards at its upper end with two horizontal projections at either side thereof, and two further horizontal projections. Pairs of panels are placed on each of the upper projections of the concrete shoe, whereas on the lower projections, and on the inside thereof, are placed the beams which form the base of the building and, on the outside thereof, the outer concrete finishing of the building. The panels are placed in a parallel manner on the upper projections, the non-facing surfaces of the said panels having been previously coated with a layer of concrete to provide two smooth surfaces. During this operation, and prior to the laying of the concrete, special elements for lateral coupling of the panels, which shall be described in detail further on, are likewise provided on the said outer surfaces of the panels. The panels, with coupling elements already lodged within the concrete-coated surfaced, are arranged to form a horizontal framework over the shoe, each pair of panels being assembled with the aid of rods which maintain the parallel position between the two panels. The said rods are easily introduced through the insulating material of the panels. The central projection of the shoe in turn receives a metal bar, ribbed, for example, which extends upwards through the hollow centre of the panels. The number and arrangement of rods and bars depend on the general dimensions of the building. Once the assembly has reached a suitable height, with an appropriate number of panels, concrete is introduced into the hollow cavity between each pair of panels, and the mentioned elements for lateral coupling of the panels are tightened. At the same time concrete is introduced at the base of the shoe and at the coupling areas of the beams. Once a suitable height is reached, such as, for example, the height of one storey or floor, the foregoing is repeated along the external profile of the building to build a further storey. For this purpose, the beam of this new storey leans on one of the panels of the frame, specifically on the inner panels thereof, and further panels are placed thereon. The metal bars located in the hollow cavity between the panels end in handles for coupling to the handles of the metal bars located in the respective hollow areas of the upper storey. The beams of said upper storey are likewise filled with concrete as same is introduced between the panels. To form the corner closures of the building, the inner panels are cut away in order that the concrete may occupy such spaces. The compartments or inner surfaces are formed by single panels filled with layers of concrete, this being done at the factory, which are then coupled to the panels of the outer frame. Furthermore, the inner surfaces are coupled to each other by means of single panels which are likewise previously filled with layers of concrete. In all connections of the panel, a special epoxy adhesive for concrete is used. To assist in assembly, improve suitable contact between the panels, and achieve the superficial alignment of a certain building, the invention foresees the use of U-shaped angular profiles for inner and outer corners, and straight profiles for smooth surfaces. The said profiles are provided with holes at their base for fastening to the panels, and, whenever necessary, are additionally provided with lateral extensions, likewise provided with holes, for fastening of other auxiliary elements thereto. As has already been mentioned hereinbefore, the panel surfaces which were covered with concrete at the factory, are provided with elements for regulating contact and separation between the panels. These regulating elements consist of bodies having a hollow, cylindrical section with an inner thread, and on the end section with six projections in the shape of a star, which element is embedded in the concrete together with a bolt which is threaded thereto and projects from the concrete layer. The holes provided in the mentioned profiles in turn engage cylindrical elements having a peripheral flange which couples to the base of the said profiles. The cylindrical section of the said elements is substantially of the same height as the width of the U-shaped profile. Each of the said cylindrical elements is provided with two openings which are displaced from the geometrical centre thereof. One of the openings is circular in shape and allows the passage therethrough of the bolt from the panel, the other opening being hexagonal in section. A workman may act with a spanner on the bushings through the hexagonal apertures in order to fasten the panels together and, once this has been done, the said apertures allow the washer and nuts to be adjusted in order to maintain a constant distance between the two panels during hardening of the inner concrete. Each of the profiles is provided with two holes. The angular corner profiles are provided with extensions on which the said holes are located in order to engage two panels at an angle. The profiles may further serve as support for stays to maintain the structure of the building during hardening of the concrete, and may be of a greater length. All the mentioned details may be observed in the attached sheets of drawings, wherein the following are shown in an illustrative and non-limiting manner. Figure 1 shows an elevation view of the first stage of assembly in accordance with the invention. Figure 2 shows the second stage of the assembly. Figures 3, and 4 show different manners in which the panels are joined together, in accordance with the invention. Figure 6 shows the arrangement for assembly of the external profiles, in accordance with the invention. Figure 7 shows a cross section along line I-I of figure 6. Figures 8 through 12 show detailed views of assembly of the external profiles. Figures 13 and 14 show two views of the bushing of separation between the panels. Figures 15 and 16 show an elevation and plan view, respectively, of the element which is embedded in the panels for lateral coupling thereof. With reference to figure 1, it can be observed that panels 1 and 2 are arranged parallel to each other on shoe 4 . The external surfaces 16 and 15 of the said panels are coated, in the factory, with a layer of concrete with a thickness of, for example, 2.5 mm, and the wires of each panel (not referenced) as well as the insulating material contained therein, may be observed. Each pair of panels is separated by rods 3 which maintain the distance therebetween, the number and position thereof depending on the requirements and dimensions of the panels. The shoe 4 is placed on the lower cube 8 provided on the building site, and the base 7 of said shoe 4 in turn serves as a support for the beams 9 which engage the lower surface of building plates. Further beams 6 may be observed on the upper part of the drawings which beams correspond to a second storey of the building, and on the inner panels of the framework. Given the above framework of the building, and with reference to figure 2, the provision of a metal bar 10 on shoe 4 can be observed, the mass of concrete being introduced between the panels to keep the metal bar 10 in a central position. At the same time, concrete 12 is likewise provided on the sides of the shoe 4 and on beam 9 . The perimetral drainage system 11 is likewise shown in Figure 2. The on-site concrete 12 fills the elevated perimetral hollow, until it reaches the beam 6 of the first storey of the building, which, as can be seen, rests on the inner panel. To aid this arrangement, the panel of this storey is interrupted to house the end of the beam 6 . The metal bar 10 is interrupted by a handle to engage the next circular shaft as the building progresses. A polystyrene plate 13 and the lower floor 14 which completes the assembly may likewise be observed in figure 2. The various stages for coupling between panels are shown in figures 3, and 4. In figure 3, for example, an inner corner corresponding to the coupling of two panels 1 is cut away to form the corner, wherein the concrete 12 fills the space cut away and the outer corner. Figure 4 shows the coupling between a perimetral frame and an internal panel. Both sides 15 and 16 of the internal panel 17 are likewise coated in the factory. With respect to figure 6, and with reference to the perimetral frame which is partially shown, external corner profiles 20 , internal corner profile 22 and profile 21 should be noted, same being arranged near each pair of panels in order to ensure coupling therebetween. The cross-sections along lines I-I of figure 6 are represented in figure 7 and show element 27 which is embedded in the mass of concrete 15 provided in the factory. Such elements (27) are arranged near the sides of panels 2 , such that profiles 20 , 21 and 22 on being arranged on every two panels, such as, for example, 36 and 37 of figure 6, lie above elements 27 . The said elements 27 and bolts 26 project from each panel, and profiles 20 , 21 and 22 are placed thereon, whilst bushings 25 are arranged in the holes 33 thereof (figures 13 and 14). Upon receiving bushings 25 in holes 33 , the profiles placed over every two panels, and the bushings allow bolts 26 to cross same through circular holes 30 thereof. In this respect, figures 13 and 14 likewise show the two holes of bushing 25 , which are displaced with respect to the centre. Bushing 25 fits tightly within the holes 33 of the profiles 20 , 21 and 22 such that the blind hexagonal holes 29 may be acted upon in order to bring closer panels 36 and 37 of figure 6, before definitive tightening of threaded bolt 26 . Profiles 20 , 21 and 25 may be provided with extensions or plates, such as 35 and 23 with openings for receiving auxiliary elements connected to stays which are fixed to the base, in order to hold the complete assembly. Finally, figures 15 and 16 show element 27 embedded in the panels, and wherein the cylindrical portion 31 and rear projections 32 thereof, may be observed. The essential advantages afforded by the invention over traditional techniques are obvious; for the cost thereof is considerably lower than that of conventional constructions, both as a result of the materials used and of the quickness in assembly. In turn, insulation is total from both the outside and the inside of the building, for both surfaces have insulating properties. A greater soundproofing is likewise obtained, this being important for good habitability.

Claims: A building element consisting of a pair of prefabricated panels (1,2) held at distance from one another and connected together by means of bars (3), the empty space between being suitable for filling with concrete, characterised in that each prefabricated panel (1 and 2) is made of a layer of concrete (15,16) put against a layer of insulating material, whereby the connection between the layer of concrete and the insulating material of each panel (1 and 2) is obtained by means of a separate latticework of metal rods (5) partly embedded within the said layers of concrete and insulating material, the panels (1,2) being placed so that the layers of insulating material face each other. BUILDING ELEMENT COMPRISING PREFABRICATED PANELS, as in claim 1, characterised in that each panel carries, wholly encased in the concrete layer originally provided ex works, the means for closely fitting a panel to the next, these elements (27) comprising an internally threaded cylindrical portion (31) and projecting from a base having further portions, preferably six in number, the cylindrical portion being accessible from the outside through an opening in each panel, such elements being disposed close to the sides of each panel. BUILDING ELEMENT COMPRISING PREFABRICATED PANELS, as in claim 1, characterized in that angular profiles (20), (21) and (22) are arranged between each two panels, said profiles being provided with holes (33) occupied by special closure elements (25), provided with two holes (29 and 30), one hole (30) being used for the bolts which engage the embedded elements, and the other hole (29) being hexagonal, said holes being offset with respect to the centre of the closure element. BUILDING ELEMENT COMPRISING PREFABRICATED PANELS, as in claim 1, characterized in that the angular profiles (20), (21) and (22) can be straight or otherwise so as to fit any intersection between panels. BUILDING ELEMENT COMPRISING PREFABRICATED PANELS, as in claim 1, characterized in that the means for vertical coupling of the panels, are comprised on the one hand by the actual weight thereof, and on the other, by vertical metal bars (10), which lean on perimetral shoes (4), which metal, bars extend through the hollow centre between the panels and end in handles which engage the handles of further bars for constituting additional storeys. BUILDING ELEMENT COMPRISING PREFABRICATED PANELS, as in claim 1, characterized in that the lower portion of the shoes (4) support the ends of a system of prefabricated beams (9) whose upper portion is flush with the base thereof, upon which the panels (15) and (16) are arranged. BUILDING ELEMENT COMPRISING PREFABRICATED PANELS, as in claims 1 and 6, characterized in that a system of prefabricated beams (6) similar to that of the base (9), penetrating the surface through openings provided in the panels, is provided for intermediate floors.

Inventors: MARTINEZ BAENA, JUAN ANTONIO
Applicants: MARTINEZ BAENA, JUAN ANTONIO
Application year: 1988
Main classification: E04B1
IPC codes: E04B5, E04B1, E04B2