Patent Description:
Methods are known which allow the creation of prefabricated structures where the connections between the load-bearing elements can transfer moments. However, these methods become inefficient and very expensive when both vertical and horizontal elements are joined in the nodes. Furthermore, they do not allow an easy vertical insertion of wall elements. Document <CIT> discloses the features of the preamble of claim <NUM>.

In this context, the technical task underpinning the present invention is to provide a prefabricated building structure which obviates the drawbacks of the prior art as described above.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a prefabricated building structure which allows to optimise the speed and efficiency of the service while minimising the risk of errors. The stated technical task and specified objects are substantially achieved by a prefabricated building structure comprising the technical features set forth in one or more of the appended claims.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative, and hence non-limiting, description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a prefabricated building structure as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:.

In the appended drawings, reference number <NUM> indicates a prefabricated building structure. Suitably, it is a prefabricated building structure in concrete. Such a building structure therefore defines a building. It is of the prefabricated type and therefore the assembly of previously-made structural elements occurs on site.

Such a building structure <NUM> comprises a first and a second pillar <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and the second pillar <NUM>, <NUM> are reciprocally stacked. They have a preponderant longitudinal extension direction. The first and the second pillar <NUM>, <NUM> extend preponderantly vertically. They are also stacked vertically.

An upper end <NUM> of the first pillar <NUM> is located at a lower end <NUM> of the second pillar <NUM>. Suitably the upper end <NUM> and the lower end <NUM> are facing each other. Suitably the upper end <NUM> of the first pillar <NUM> and the lower end <NUM> of the second pillar <NUM> are in reciprocal contact. The first pillar <NUM> is below the second pillar <NUM>.

The structure <NUM> comprises a beam <NUM> extending substantially horizontally and has a first end <NUM> located at said upper end <NUM> and said lower end <NUM>. Suitably, the first pillar <NUM> and/or the second pillar <NUM> and/or the beam <NUM> is/are made of concrete.

The structure <NUM> comprises reciprocal fixing means <NUM> for reciprocally fixing the first pillar <NUM>, the second pillar <NUM> and the beam <NUM> (see for example <FIG> and <FIG>). The reciprocal fixing means <NUM> can be at least partly incorporated in the first pillar <NUM>, in the second pillar <NUM>, in the beam <NUM>.

Thereby, the first pillar <NUM>, the second pillar <NUM> and the beam <NUM> define a junction area defining a node. Suitably, several beams can lie on the same node (such beams are typically transverse, in particular orthogonal to one another; suitably they lie on the same horizontal plane). The first and the second pillar <NUM>, <NUM> can therefore be in common between several incident vertical walls. The node is therefore a three-dimensional node. Suitably the node defines a hyperstatic joint.

The reciprocal fixing means <NUM> comprises projecting means <NUM> and corresponding housing means <NUM> in which the projecting means <NUM> fits defining a joint (see for example <FIG> and <FIG>). Suitably, the projecting means <NUM> and the housing means <NUM> are suitably counter-shaped. There can be a minimum clearance (for example a few millimetres) to facilitate insertion.

The projecting means <NUM> and the housing means <NUM> define male-female connections both between the first pillar <NUM> and the beam <NUM> and between the second pillar <NUM> and the beam <NUM>.

Suitably, the projecting means <NUM> is obtained on both the first pillar <NUM> and on the second pillar <NUM>. It fits in corresponding housing means <NUM> obtained on the beam <NUM>.

Alternatively, the projecting means <NUM> (solution not shown) is obtained on the beam <NUM> while the housing means <NUM> is obtained on both the first and on the second pillar <NUM>, <NUM>.

In a further solution not illustrated, the projecting means <NUM> is obtained partly on the beam <NUM> and partly on the first pillar <NUM> while the housing means <NUM> is obtained partly on the beam <NUM> and partly on the second pillar <NUM>.

In a further solution not illustrated, the projecting means <NUM> is obtained partly on the beam <NUM> and partly on the second pillar <NUM> while the housing means <NUM> is obtained partly on the beam <NUM> and partly on the first pillar <NUM>.

As exemplified in the accompanying figures, the projecting means <NUM> comprises:.

The first and the second protrusion <NUM>, <NUM> project transversally with respect to the preponderant longitudinal extension direction <NUM>. In particular the first and the second protrusion <NUM>, <NUM> project horizontally. They can define flaps.

The housing means <NUM> comprises at a first end <NUM> of the beam <NUM> a slot <NUM>. The first and the second protrusion <NUM>, <NUM> at least partially fit in the slot <NUM> at the first end <NUM>.

In an alternative solution not shown, the first and the second protrusion <NUM>, <NUM> could fit in different slots of the beam <NUM>.

In the preferred solution, the first pillar <NUM> comprises:.

As exemplified in <FIG>, the first element <NUM> is an angle profile comprising:.

Suitably the first and the second element <NUM>, <NUM> (or the first and the second protrusion <NUM>, <NUM>) are not reciprocally in contact in the slot <NUM>. They contact at least opposite surfaces of the slot <NUM>. Between the first and the second element <NUM>, <NUM> (or the first and the second protrusion <NUM>, <NUM>) there are interposed end plates <NUM> of the first and the second pillar <NUM>, <NUM> which extend transversally to the preponderant extension direction <NUM>.

Advantageously, the first protrusion <NUM> protrudes with respect to the first support <NUM> along a direction transverse (preferably orthogonal) to the direction <NUM> of greater extension of the first pillar <NUM>.

The structure <NUM> also comprises threaded connecting means <NUM> which connects the first element <NUM> (or in any case the first protrusion <NUM>) and the first support <NUM>. The solution of <FIG> are schematically represented in <FIG>. In the solution of <FIG>, the means <NUM> is not displayed as it is hidden, but it is vertical screws which connect the first plate element <NUM> with the first pillar <NUM>.

The first support <NUM> advantageously comprises at least one threaded housing forming part of the means <NUM>; the first element <NUM> suitably comprises a through hole. The threaded connecting means <NUM> comprises at least a first screw <NUM> (advantageously a plurality of screws) which connects the first element <NUM> (and thus the first protrusion <NUM>) to the first support <NUM>. In this regard, preferably the first screw <NUM> transits in said through hole and comprises a threaded body which fits in said threaded housing. Suitably, the threaded connecting means <NUM> comprises a plurality of screws which transit in corresponding through holes of the first element <NUM> and fit in corresponding threaded housings of the first support <NUM>.

Suitably what has been described with reference to the structure of the first pillar <NUM> can also be repeated for the second pillar <NUM>.

Suitably the second pillar <NUM> comprises:.

As exemplified in <FIG>, the second element <NUM> is a head plate of the second support <NUM> (thus of the second pillar <NUM>). Such a plate is horizontal. The second protrusion <NUM> is an edge of the plate.

In the solution in which several incident beams lie on the first and on the second pillar <NUM>, <NUM> which lie on the same horizontal plane, the head plate (corresponding to the first element <NUM>) of the first support <NUM> and the head plate (corresponding to the second element <NUM>) of the second support <NUM> fit in both the slot <NUM> of the beam <NUM>, but also in at least one other slot obtained on another of said incident beams (suitably each incident beam has its own slot in which the aforementioned head plates fit). Different peripheral edges of said head plates fit in the different slots. For example, such plates could be quadrilateral/polygonal and a first side of the quadrilateral fits in the slot <NUM> and a second side fits in a slot of another beam.

As exemplified in <FIG> the second element <NUM> is an angle profile comprising:.

Advantageously, the slot <NUM> has a preponderant extension direction. Suitably, the slot <NUM> extends horizontally. Suitably, the slot <NUM> extends in width orthogonally to said preponderant longitudinal direction.

The first and the second protrusion <NUM>, <NUM> are superposed one on the other and are joined in the width of the slot <NUM>. In a particular embodiment (see for example <FIG>) the thickness of the first protrusion <NUM> added to the thickness of the second protrusion <NUM> is equal to the width of the slot <NUM>.

Suitably the slot <NUM> accommodates only a peripheral flap of both the first and the second protrusion <NUM>, <NUM>.

Suitably, the beam <NUM> comprises an end plate <NUM> in which the slot <NUM> is obtained. The plate <NUM> is located in the first end <NUM>.

The beam <NUM> (in particular the plate <NUM>) comprises a plurality of holes <NUM>; the structure <NUM> advantageously comprises threaded joining means <NUM> which crosses said holes <NUM> and inserts in threaded counter-shapings made in the first and the second pillar <NUM>, <NUM>. The joining means <NUM> comprises a plurality of threaded elements which insert in the corresponding holes <NUM> and in the corresponding threaded counter-shapings. Preferably the threaded joining means <NUM> is stressed by pure traction. There are thus no shear loads. Suitably, in the solution of <FIG>, the means <NUM> and the means <NUM> coincide. In the solution of <FIG>, they are instead distinct.

As exemplified in <FIG>, the structure <NUM> comprises enveloping means <NUM> which compresses said first pillar <NUM>. It suitably exerts a post compression by winding. Thereby, the post-compression load can also be applied to the reciprocal fixing means <NUM>. Suitably, the enveloping means <NUM> compresses the first pillar <NUM> along the longitudinal extension direction. The enveloping means <NUM> overlaps two opposite ends of the first pillar <NUM>. Suitably, the enveloping means <NUM> can comprise a first enveloping <NUM> which transits in two bases and two opposite lateral flanks of the first pillar <NUM>. The enveloping means <NUM> can comprise a second enveloping which affects the two bases and two further lateral flanks (distinct from the two mentioned just above) of the first pillar <NUM>.

The enveloping means <NUM> can pass between the plate of the first element <NUM> and the first support <NUM>.

The enveloping means <NUM> advantageously comprises a fibre-resin structure. In particular, it is a band. In the preferred solution the fibre is a glass fibre or a carbon fibre or a basalt fibre. Suitably, it is inert to corrosion and chemical attacks so that the durability of the elements is greatly increased.

The resin, for example, can be a polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy, polyurethane resin.

Suitably, the structure <NUM> can comprise enveloping means <NUM> which compresses the second pillar <NUM> (preferably along a preponderant extension direction). Suitably, the structure <NUM> can comprise enveloping means <NUM> which compresses the beam <NUM> (preferably along a preponderant extension of the beam <NUM>).

Suitably, the first pillar <NUM>, the second pillar <NUM> and the horizontal beam <NUM> are dry-connected without welds on site. They are also connected without having to make use of welds on site.

Suitably, the structure <NUM> comprises a wall <NUM> which lies in the plane identified by the first pillar <NUM> and by the beam <NUM>. Such a wall <NUM> is suitably vertical. In particular, it is made of concrete. The wall <NUM> advantageously occludes (at least in part, preferably all) the space interposed between the first pillar <NUM> and the beam <NUM>.

Suitably, the first pillar <NUM> has a lateral flank comprising parallel lateral flanks <NUM> which extend longitudinally along the preponderant direction <NUM> to house a portion of the wall <NUM>. Suitably, the first pillar <NUM> has a quadrilateral shape and at each vertex of the quadrilateral it has longitudinal sides <NUM> which define four channels <NUM>, one per flank. Suitably, the four channels <NUM> are intended to house at least one portion of a corresponding wall.

Suitably, the building structure <NUM> is modular. In particular, it comprises a plurality of pillars, beams, walls assembled together. Advantageously, what has been described with reference to the first pillar <NUM> can advantageously also be repeated for the second pillar <NUM>. Suitably the first pillar <NUM> is identical to the second pillar <NUM>.

Further subject matter of the present invention is a method for the assembly of a building structure <NUM> having one or more of the characteristics described previously. In particular, the method comprises the steps of:.

Suitably, the building structure <NUM> can be completed in the desired geometry, exploiting the modularity of the elements.

Suitably in the solution of <FIG> the method comprises the step of inserting the first and the second protrusion <NUM>, <NUM> in the slot <NUM>, introducing two corresponding angle profiles comprising respectively the first and the second protrusion <NUM>, <NUM> in cavities <NUM> which are between the first and the second pillar <NUM>, <NUM> and the beam <NUM> already in position.

The present invention achieves important advantages.

Firstly, the nodes thus defined allow the transfer of very high specific moments without having to resort to connection casts or welds on site.

Furthermore, the production of prefabricated elements (pillars, beams) is facilitated, as they are free from protrusions which require specific moulds. The vertical loads supported by the horizontal beams can be transferred as compression and shear on the pillars. There are no shear loads on the screws.

The structure <NUM> can be incorporated with the post-compression and thereby the post-compression load is also applied to the fixing elements.

Claim 1:
A prefabricated building structure, comprising:
- a first and a second pillar (<NUM>, <NUM>) reciprocally stacked and having a preponderant longitudinal extension direction (<NUM>);
an upper end (<NUM>) of the first pillar (<NUM>) being located at a lower end (<NUM>) of the second pillar (<NUM>);
- a beam (<NUM>) extending substantially horizontally and having a first end (<NUM>) located at said upper end (<NUM>) and said lower end (<NUM>);
- reciprocal fixing means (<NUM>) for reciprocally fixing the first pillar (<NUM>), the second pillar (<NUM>) and the beam (<NUM>); said reciprocal fixing means (<NUM>) being able to be at least partly incorporated in the first pillar (<NUM>), in the second pillar (<NUM>), in the beam (<NUM>);
the reciprocal fixing means (<NUM>) comprising projecting means (<NUM>) and corresponding housing means (<NUM>) in which the projecting means (<NUM>) fits defining a joint;
said projecting means (<NUM>) and said housing means (<NUM>) defining male-female connections both between the first pillar (<NUM>) and the beam (<NUM>) and between the second pillar (<NUM>) and the beam (<NUM>);
characterised in that:
- the structure comprises enveloping means (<NUM>) which compresses the first pillar (<NUM>) along the preponderant longitudinal extension direction (<NUM>); the enveloping means (<NUM>) exerting a post compression by winding; the enveloping means (<NUM>) comprising a fibre-resin structure;
- the first pillar (<NUM>), the second pillar (<NUM>) and the horizontal beam (<NUM>) are dry-connected without welds and without connection casts.