Integrated access floor system

Abstract

A prefabricated integrated access deck panel includes a bottom flange, one or more structural webs, and an optional top flange. The bottom flange acts as a ceiling soffit, and may include radiant tubing for heating or cooling. The top flange, when present, acts as the floor surface and also supports components of the access floor system. Alternatively, only support rails are used to secure the removable and reconfigurable access floor panels. The webs includes apertures to allow the passage of air and components of the building's electrical, communication, water, and mechanical systems. Individual deck panels may either be directly interconnected to each other or joined by a common beam to form a diaphragm. Alternative embodiments are disclosed including different deck panel connection and support arrangements, different numbers and configurations for the webs and flanges, and single and dual plenum constructions.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]Pursuant to the provisions of 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e), Applicants claim the priority of their U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 211,758, filed Aug. 29, 2015.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The invention relates generally to structural floor systems employed in the construction of reinforced concrete, precast concrete, and structural steel buildings. More specifically, the invention pertains to a structural floor system comprising a precast concrete deck integrating a mechanical plenum with an access floor having free air movement capabilities.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]A building structure in its most basic form is a series of structural elements designed and arranged to support vertical loads. Vertical loads, such as the weight of the building and the items and occupants in the building, are any forces acting on the building that are the direct result of gravity. Vertical loads are transferred through flo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is about a prefabricated deck panel that can be used to create an access floor system for buildings. The deck panel has a bottom flange that acts as a ceiling soffit and can be customized to accommodate lighting or architectural features. The deck panel also has structural webs that allow air and components of the building's electrical, communication, water, and mechanical systems to pass through. The deck panels can be directly connected to each other or joined by an interior structural beam to form a diaphragm. Exterior structural beams support the deck panels at the periphery of the building. The patent also describes different embodiments and arrangements for the deck panels, including different numbers and configurations for the structural webs and flanges, and single and dual plenum constructions. The invention simplifies the process of creating an access floor system for buildings and allows for easy reconfiguration and repurposing of components.

Problems solved by technology

Historically, pretopped diaphragm construction methods have been limited to buildings not located within a region having high seismic activity.

This system does not integrate access flooring into the top slab of the composite truss.

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