Joint of parallel sandwich panels

Abstract

A number of multi-panel wall segments are connected together in a parallel orientation with bonding material to form a double wall segment. The connections between the multi-panel wall segments are bridged at a joint between the segments. In one embodiment, the connections between the multi-panel wall segments are bridged by a reinforcement member that extends on both sides of the connection between the sandwich panels of the multi-panel wall segments. In another embodiment, the joint is bridged an offset between the connections of the sandwich panels multi-panel wall segments to form a discontinuous joint. The bridged joint increases the rigidity and stiffness of the wall and also transfers loads between the multi-panel wall segments.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to constructing buildings, and more particularly, a joint and method of bridging a joint between a number of multi-panel wall segments.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART[0002]There is an increasing global demand for lower cost buildings such as houses, warehouses and office space. The demand for lower cost buildings is particularly strong in developing countries where economic resources may be limited and natural resources and raw materials may be scarce. For example, in areas of the Middle East or Africa, conventional building materials such as cement, brick, wood or steel may not be readily available or, if available, may be very expensive. In other areas of the world, poverty may make it too costly for people to build houses or other buildings with conventional materials.[0003]The demand for lower cost housing also is high in areas afflicted by war or natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornados, floods,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The present invention provides an alternative to conventional construction materials and techniques. Buildings, such as houses, commercial buildings, warehouses, or other structures can be constructed by composite sandwich panels (also referred to as “sandwich panels” or “composite panels” or “panels”), which have an insulative core and one or more outer layers. The buildings can be constructed by gluing several sandwich panels together, and usually traditional fasteners, such as screws, rivets, nails, etc., are not needed for such connections. Generally, composite sandwich panels offer a greater strength-to-weight ratio than traditional materials that are used by the building industry. The composite sandwich panels are generally as strong as, or stronger than, traditional materials including wood-based and steel-based structural insulation panels, while being lighter in weight. Because they weigh less than traditional building materials, the handling and transport of composite sandwich panels is generally less expensive. The composite sandwich panels also can be used to produce light-weight structures, such as floating houses, mobile homes, or travel trailers, etc.

[0006]Sandwich panels generally are more elastic or flexible than conventional materials such as wood, concrete, steel or brick and, therefore, monolithic (e.g., unitary or single unit structure) buildings made from sandwich panels generally are more durable than buildings made from conventional materials. For example, sandwich panels also may be non-flammable, waterproof, very strong and durable, and in some cases able to resist hurricane-force winds (up to 300 Kph (kilometers per hour) or more). The sandwich panels also may be resistant to the detrimental effects of algae, fungicides, water, and osmosis. As a result, buildings constructed from sandwich panels may be better able to withstand earthquakes, floods, tornados, hurricanes, fires and other natural disasters than buildings constructed from conventional materials.

[0007]Sandwich panel structures may be less expensive to build than structures built from conventional materials because of reduced material costs and alternative construction techniques. The ownership and maintenance costs for sandwich panel structures also may be less over the long term because sandwich panel structures may last longer and degrade at a slower rate than buildings made from conventional materials. Structures built from sandwich panels therefore may require less maintenance and upkeep than structures built from conventional building materials, which may reduce the overall ownership costs for end users.

[0008]The insulative core of the sandwich panels also may reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and / or cool the building, which may reduce the overall costs to operate the building. The insulative core also may reduce or eliminate the need for additional insulation in the building, as may be necessary to insulate structures built from conventional building materials. Sandwich panel structures therefore may be less expensive to build and operate than buildings constructed from conventional building materials.

[0009]A number of construction elements, e.g., one or more composite sandwich panels can be connected together, for example, to erect walls, to build ceilings or roofs, or to divide the interior of the building into one or more rooms, etc. As described in more detail below, a number of sandwich panels can be connected together to form a multi-panel wall segment. A number of multi-panel wall segments can be connected together in a parallel orientation with bonding material to form a double wall segment (e.g., a wall segment that is two panels thick). The connections between the multi-panel wall segments are bridged at a joint between the segments. In one embodiment, the connections between the multi-panel wall segments are bridged by a reinforcement member that extends on both sides of the connection between the sandwich panels of the multi-panel wall segments. In another embodiment, the joint is bridged by an offset between the connections of the sandwich panels multi-panel wall segments to form a discontinuous joint. The bridge may provide a reinforcement, strengthening etc., function, and the bridged joint increases the rigidity and stiffness of the wall and also transfers loads between the multi-panel wall segments. The double wall segment may be used, for example, to support an upper portion or second level of a building or to strengthen the walls of the building, etc.

Problems solved by technology

The demand for lower cost buildings is particularly strong in developing countries where economic resources may be limited and natural resources and raw materials may be scarce.

For example, in areas of the Middle East or Africa, conventional building materials such as cement, brick, wood or steel may not be readily available or, if available, may be very expensive.

In other areas of the world, poverty may make it too costly for people to build houses or other buildings with conventional materials.

These devastating events often lead to widespread destruction of large numbers of buildings and houses, especially when they occur in densely populated regions.

The rebuilding of areas affected by these events can cause substantial strain on the supply chain for raw materials, making them difficult or even impossible to obtain.

Furthermore, natural disasters often recur and affect the same areas.

If a destroyed building is rebuilt using the same conventional materials, it stands to reason that the building may be destroyed or damaged again during a similar event.

Prefabricated buildings, however, are made from conventional materials that may be scarce or expensive to obtain.

Structures built from sandwich panels therefore may require less maintenance and upkeep than structures built from conventional building materials, which may reduce the overall ownership costs for end users.

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