Precast structure and method of construction

Abstract

Precast structures are formed of precast walls fitted between precast posts extending from cast in place footings, prior to the pouring of a slab. During pouring of the slab, anchors may tie together the panels, posts and slab. Precast concrete, tension fabric or traditional roofing members may be added to form a post and beam construction that spans large open areas providing for flexible manufacturing, storage, hangar, office, schools, institutional, or residential interior design features, due to the structural integrity and cost advantages of structures produced using this method of precast construction.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 169,585 filed Apr. 15, 2009, the disclosure of which application is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The field relates to construction methods using precast concrete elements.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Precast panels and posts are known for highway sound barriers and the like. These systems use posts projecting upwards from cement footings as frames for precast panels that are erected between the posts.[0004]U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,549 discloses a known anchoring system. These anchoring systems are costly in both materials and labor costs and do not always prevent structural damage caused by natural disasters.[0005]U.K. Pat. Appl. GB 2,423,533 discloses a process for making a slab for a conservatory. The slab is cast in place and is then fixed to structural members of the conservatory.[0006]U.S. Pat. No. 6,385,933 discloses a met...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]A precast structure produced by one example of the method has improved structural rigidity and damage tolerance compared to known construction methods. Surprisingly, the improvement in structural rigidity and damage tolerance with the casting of the slab after erection of the walls reduces costs, labor and construction delays of known methods of construction that require the slab to be cast prior to erecting walls and the roof. By inserting isolating and / or expansion barriers between panels and posts or between panels and the slab, vibrations may be isolated and thermal expansion may be addressed.

[0011]By tying together the posts, panels, slab, and roofing elements, an integrated structural framework is formed that has exceptional rigidity and damage tolerance from earth quakes, storms and blasts.

[0012]Surprisingly, the new construction method requires no temporary bracing, pour back strips and the like as required by known construction methods, resulting in a reduction of costs of materials and labor.

Problems solved by technology

These anchoring systems are costly in both materials and labor costs and do not always prevent structural damage caused by natural disasters.

Images