Patent ID: 6920728

Claim:
A method for constructing a building having upright columns and slabs transversely spanning and supported by the columns, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing column forms bounding spaces for the columns; b) arranging pre-cast beams so as to span the distance between adjacent forms at a predetermined level of the columns, the beams forming a transverse grid of spaced beams, the ends of each beam intruding into the space bounded by a form; c) pouring concrete into the forms to form columns that envelop the beam ends; d) providing elongated reinforcing elements that extend (1) within the beams along the length of the beams and (2) between the beam ends within the forms, the reinforcing elements being unbonded to the beams and to the concrete in the formed columns, whereby the reinforcing elements can move within the beams and the columns during a post-tensioning operation; e) arranging slab forms transversely between the beams and the columns at the predetermined level of the columns; and f) pouring concrete into the slab forms to form the slab.