Patent Description:
The invention relates to a multi-storey building of prefabricated elements comprising a number of pillars distributed over the surface of the building and pillar panels supported by the pillars, and stability arrangements between at least part of the pillars for receiving horizontal loads on the building.

Such buildings constructed of prefabricated elements may consist, for example, of offices, schools, hospitals, industrial buildings and the like, but also houses can be realized in this way. A well-known from practice for the Nutz-Zweckbau, the so-called CD <NUM> system, is an example of a building system, with the appropriate and solid way buildings can be built. Especially in view of buildings that are considered temporary, such as schools in recently developed neighborhoods, it is an advantage that such a building can be demounted, or re-used for a different purpose by redesigning a layout thereof. Also in view of recycling and reduction of carbon dioxide reuse is important.

In such a building, when more than two storeys are used, one or more cores are formed in the building as a stability precaution. A cores may consist of a number of pillars in the middle of the building, connected, for example, in a rectangle or in a double U-shape by concrete hoops. In these cores, for example, a staircase, an elevator or a vertical pipe feedthrough can be arranged.

Further on the pillars or likewise supporting elements floors or ceilings are provided, typically made of concrete, which may be prestressed or not, and may be reinforced or not. The ceiling or floor elements can be positioned on supports, but typically require a connecting element in at least one, and typically all, corners. The prior art connecting elements, such as those of CD20, may typically suffice for lighter floors and ceilings, but are found not robust enough for heavier floors and ceilings.

The invention is based on the object to further develop such a building and to provide a building according to the invention, in which such stability precautions are realized that a very high degree of freedom of design in the spatial distribution of the floors is effected. Details of this invention can be found in Dutch Patent <CIT>.

Prior art connecting elements are however to some extend difficult to produce, especially in case of thicker and heavier floor or ceiling elements. Also government requirements, such as European requirements, have become more stringent and therefore connecting elements need to be further improved.

Incidentally the following prior art is referred to. <CIT> recites a construction element for the construction of buildings with at least one panel which is horizontal in the position of use and is provided with a reinforcement, and with support elements provided in the corner regions of the panel and extending transversely to the panel plane, the reinforcement being constructed as a space support structure and at least the partial region of the reinforcement 1n facing the upper side of the panel in the position of use being embedded in an upper embedding region extending over the panel plane, characterised in that the reinforcement has edge ribs extending along the panel edges and intersecting diagonal ribs. <CIT> recites a connecting part for connecting components, which is non-detachably connected to one of the components to be connected and can be detachably connected to at least one further component, with webs provided between a head plate and a foot plate and extending transversely thereto, between which there is at least one through-opening extending between opposite sides of the head and foot plate, characterised in that the webs have a stiffening cross-sectional shape. They are not suitable for introducing the forces from a slender prefabricated slab floor with smaller point-shaped supports, etc. <CIT> recites a vertical stack of roof of floor panels is located via the junctions between vertical pillars used at the corners of each panel. The lower concrete pillar is fitted on its top end by an anchor plate containing four anchor rods that cast into the pillar. A similar anchor plate is used on the bottom end of the next highest concrete pillar. The system can be used in the construction of multi-storey buildings. This principle no longer complies with the current requirements and regulations, according to NEN ISO EN-<NUM>.

The present invention relates to an improved connection element which overcomes one or more of the above disadvantages, without jeopardizing functionality and advantages.

The present invention relates in a first aspect to an improved connection element for connecting a floor element to a vertical support element, a horizontal floor/ceiling element comprising in at least one corner thereof said connecting element, and typically also radial and tangential oriented force absorbers, and a multi-storey building comprising said detachable connecting element and/or said detachable floor/ceiling element, and detachable vertical supporting elements. The invention provides a modular system which can be detachably mounted. The system complies with government regulations, such as S235 of ISO/Eurocode. Also thicker, and heavier, floor and ceiling elements can now be supported and attached in a safe and stable manner. In addition production is easier and a yield of production is increased. Production typically involves making the present connecting element, providing a casing and placing the present connecting elements in corners thereof, and adding concrete. Optionally reinforcement may be provided, and floor and ceiling panels may be pre-stressed. The present floor or ceiling elements can be supported on a corner thereof in a point-like manner. As a consequence the present modular system can be applied in more and in a larger variety of applications, such as houses, hotels, apartments, schools, and so on. The present multi-storey building, such as a <NUM>-<NUM> storey building, can be mounted and constructed by using prefabricated elements under all weather conditions. Possible inserts can be filled with cementitious material in order to improve stability of a building.

The present connection element for connecting a floor element to a vertical support element comprises a bottom plate <NUM>, a top plate <NUM>, two L-shaped side plates <NUM>,<NUM>, which are also referred to as steel angles, each individually connecting the bottom plate with the top plate, at least one opening <NUM> for receiving a location fixator from the vertical support element, wherein the opening is provided in a centre of the top plate, or wherein the opening is provided in a corner of the connection element, at least one anchor attached to the bottom <NUM> or top plate <NUM>, characterized in the area of the bottom plate <NUM> is <NUM>-<NUM>% larger than the area of the top plate <NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>% larger. As a consequence of the different sized bottom and top plate, opening <NUM> is typically provided eccentric in the bottom plate. L-shaped side plates may also be formed of two plates, attached to one and another in a L-shape. In addition side plate <NUM> may also relate to a hollow shaped beam structure. By providing said connection element the above advantages, and further advantages as indicated throughout the description, are obtained and the drawbacks of the prior art are overcome. In particular more anchors can be provided to the bottom plate.

Contrary to the prior art, a different principle is applied in the present invention. In an example a connection with a larger heavier base plate is used to create a point-shaped support with an angle line and a top plate to which the bent or straight anchors of B500B steel are welded in accordance with NEN EN ISO <NUM>-<NUM>. As a result, the transverse forces are largely absorbed by the bottom plate and the tensile forces are absorbed by the anchors in the knot with the welded anchors on the bottom plate and top corner lines. With a transverse force calculation and collapse analysis it has been shown that the forces and stresses in the concrete comply safely with NEN ISO EN-<NUM> (Eurocode <NUM>), even with larger spanning, solid, and thicker floor plates.

In a second aspect the present invention relates to a horizontal floor/ceiling element comprising in at least one corner thereof the present connecting element. The floor/ceiling element typically comprises <NUM>-<NUM> tangential force absorbers, and <NUM>-<NUM> radial force absorbers. Further these elements are typically reinforced, such as reinforce concrete.

In a third aspect the present invention relates to a multi-storey building comprising a detachable connecting element according to the invention and/or a detachable floor or ceiling element according to the invention, and detachable vertical supporting elements, wherein the vertical support element comprises at least one pin adapted to the opening <NUM> of the connecting element.

Thereby the present invention provides a solution to one or more of the above mentioned problems.

Advantages of the present description are detailed throughout the description. References to the figures are not limiting, and are only intended to guide the person skilled in the art through details of the present invention.

The present invention relates in a first aspect to
a connecting element according to claim <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element the bottom plate <NUM> may be <NUM>-<NUM>% thicker than the top plate <NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>% thicker.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element the bottom plate may comprise <NUM>-<NUM> anchors 11a-e, and wherein the top plate may comprise <NUM>-<NUM> anchors 12a-c, wherein each anchor <NUM>,<NUM> may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to a side plate <NUM>. Also the anchors extend substantially parallel to the other side of plate <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element at least one first anchor <NUM>,<NUM> may extend in a first direction, and at least one second anchor <NUM>,<NUM> may extend in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element at least one anchor <NUM>,<NUM> may comprise a curved section <NUM>, such that the anchor may extend more inwardly, wherein the curved section is attached to a side plate <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element the bottom plate may comprise two recesses 21a,b, wherein each recess has a surface area of <NUM>-<NUM>% of the bottom plate area, such as <NUM>-<NUM>% thereof, and wherein the recesses may be provided at a corner section opposite and parallel to side plates <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element at least one side of plate <NUM> may comprise a side opening <NUM>,<NUM> for filling the connection element, such as with cementitious material. The opening is preferably provided near the top plate.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element the at least one anchor <NUM>,<NUM> may be welded to the respective bottom or top plate to withstand a pressure of > <NUM> N/mm<NUM>, such as > <NUM> N/mm<NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element a weld of the anchor to bottom/top plate may have a thickness of <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>, and/or wherein a weld may be made from a NiCr metal, preferably wherein the weld is a MIG/TIG weld.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element may have a total height of <NUM>-<NUM>, preferably <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element a bottom plate may have a thickness of <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element a top plate may have a thickness of <NUM>-<NUM> such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element a bottom plate may have a surface area of <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>, preferably <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element a top plate may have a surface area of <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element a bottom plate may extend <NUM>-<NUM> outwardly, such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element a bottom plate may be substantially square.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element a top plate may be substantially square.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element a top plate may extend <NUM>-<NUM> outwardly, such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element at least one side plate <NUM> comprises at least one hole <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element at least one side plate <NUM> may have a thickness of <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element at least one side plate <NUM> may have a width <NUM>-<NUM>% larger than a width of a bottom or top plate, preferably <NUM>-<NUM>% larger, such as <NUM>-<NUM>% larger.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element a side plate may be attached to a bottom and/or top plate by a weld at at least one side thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element a side plate/bottom c. top plate weld may have a thickness of <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element a side plate/bottom c. top plate weld may have a length of <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element each anchor individually may have a cross section of <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element each anchor individually may have a length of <NUM>-<NUM>, preferably <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element each anchor individually may be made from steel, such as Fe500B HWL, or Bst500.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element each anchor individually may comprise ribs, such as <NUM>-<NUM> thick ribs, preferably <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element each anchor individually may be attached to a bottom or top plate respectively at a distance of <NUM>-<NUM> from a side, such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element each anchor individually may be attached to a bottom or top plate respectively by two welds at either side thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element each anchor/plate weld may extend <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element each anchor/plate weld may have a thickness of <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element a curved anchor may extend <NUM>-<NUM> inwardly, such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element plates <NUM>-<NUM> are made from steel, such as FE <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element plates <NUM>-<NUM> may be welded together.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element openings <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> each individually may have a cross section of <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element openings <NUM> may be provided in a bottom and top plate.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element a space in between bottom and top plate openings may be void of material.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element a weld, each individually, may be a MIG/TIG weld.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting element a weld, each individually, may be over-dimensioned, typically <NUM>-<NUM>% over-dimensioned, such that these can be stressed with <NUM>-<NUM>% of a maximum allowable steel stress. Also in view thereof the bottom plate and welds have increased in size.

In an exemplary embodiment the present floor or ceiling may have <NUM>-<NUM> connecting elements, such as in rectangular shape, a trapezoid shape, a triangular shape, a hexangular shape, a circular shape, an ellipsoidal shape, and combinations thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present building the vertical support element may be selected from a column and a wall segment. Therewith the present floor or ceiling elements can both be supported by a column and a wall, whatever is applicable.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present building each vertical support can received <NUM>-<NUM> connecting elements.

Various exemplary embodiments of the present connecting element are detailed below.

The invention is further detailed by the accompanying figures and examples, which are exemplary and explanatory of nature and are not limiting the scope of the invention. To the person skilled in the art it may be clear that many variants, being obvious or not, may be conceivable falling within the scope of protection, defined by the present claims.

<FIG> show an example of the present connection element.

<FIG> shows an example of the present connection element. The figure has been detailed throughout the description.

<FIG> shows outside view of the present connection element of <FIG>.

The figure has been detailed throughout the description.

Tables <NUM> and <NUM> are examples of strength calculations. It shows that for relatively large floor plates the present connecting element can withstand sufficient forces. Typically per mm anchor about <NUM> kN force can be absorbed. The welds used are typically over-dimensioned by a factor, such as a factor ><NUM>, and typically > <NUM>.

In the floor plate itself, in addition to the present connection element, typically two tangential force absorbers and <NUM>-<NUM> radial force absorbers, with a length of <NUM>-<NUM>, and a thickness of <NUM>-<NUM>, are provided, in every corner thereof. An area covered by the present anchors and force absorbers typically largely overlaps. The floor, including the present connection elements, can withstand large forces, as indicated in the tables.

Claim 1:
Connection element (<NUM>) for detachable mounting a floor element to a vertical support element, wherein the connecting element comprises
a bottom plate (<NUM>),
a top plate (<NUM>),
a first L-shaped side plate (<NUM>) connecting the bottom plate with the top plate,
at least one opening (<NUM>) for receiving a location fixator from the vertical support element,
a second L-shaped side plate (<NUM>) connecting the bottom plate with the top plate and substantially enclosing opening (<NUM>),
characterized in that
at least one anchor is attached to the bottom (<NUM>) or top plate (<NUM>) and in that
the area of the bottom plate (<NUM>) is <NUM>-<NUM>% larger than the area of the top plate (<NUM>).