A prefabricated panel building system

Abstract

A prefabricated panel building system, including a plurality of wall panels adapted to be joined together; a structural frame defining the shape and configuration of a building; the frame having horizontal tracks wherein the panels are adapted to be slid against each other; each panel including specially adapted interlocking edge members having complementary profiles configured to interlock to form integrated stud or cross members, wherein the arrangement confers substantial rigidity and integrity. A method of building using the panels of the system.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates in particular but not exclusively to a versatile prefabricated panel building system incorporating wall panels having a roller track sliding means and an integrated stud assembly which confers substantial rigidity and integrity and which significantly reduces construction time by dispensing with traditional and prior art stud framing. The lightweight construction of the panels are such that they can also be prefabricated or manufactured on site in a portable or re-locatable factory or plant from raw and component materials thereby further reducing or eliminating time and transport costs.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The main disadvantage of prior art prefabricated wall building systems is that they require labor and time in which to erect traditional stud framing, to affix wall cladding panels, insert insulation material and then render, sand and paint the finished product. Furthermore, prior art composition boardroom wall...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]the interlocking edge members having complementary profiles wherein opposite edge members of abutting panels are joined to form integrated studs and / or cross members of the frame and wherein the arrangement confers substantial rigidity and integrity to a building constructed using the system.

[0041]Preferably, the complementary profiles of the edge members when interlocked together provide a water tight seal.

[0049]It is submitted that the invention has the following beneficial effects. Both right and left sides of upright panels are provided with recessed channels that are interlocked with the channel of an adjacent panel to create the integrated stud thereby eliminating the need for traditional stud framing. Similarly, reinforced edge members are installed at the top and bottom of the panel wherein a weight bearing joint is affected between one panel and another panel stacked on top of it. To substantially reduce onsite assembly time, the top and bottom edge members can include integrated roller track means whereby adjacent panels are able to be slid into position against and on top of each other. Furthermore, passages of edge members in alignment facilitate convenient and rapid installation of both water pipes and electric conduits in both horizontal and vertical directions. For this and other reasons, the edge members are also preferably in the order of being one to two times stronger than the edges of ordinary laminated board in terms of vertical load bearing, and horizontal wind shear resistance. It is submitted that a building of the subject system gives nothing away to a permanently and traditionally built house.

[0050]The present system and method solves shortcomings of constructing prior art composition board rooms and container houses by providing a novel and inventive method of splicing together panels. It provides a prefabricated structure having good thermal insulation properties with characteristics of fast installation and greatly improved architectural aesthetic appearance.

[0051]It is submitted that compared with existing stud separated wall systems, the invention is significantly advanced in its provision of rapidly and conveniently constructed buildings of equivalent structural integrity and most importantly, a low cost to performance advantage.

Problems solved by technology

The main disadvantage of prior art prefabricated wall building systems is that they require labor and time in which to erect traditional stud framing, to affix wall cladding panels, insert insulation material and then render, sand and paint the finished product.

Furthermore, prior art composition boardroom wallboard panels are not designed for convenient water and electricity installation.

While it is possible to install water pipes and electric conduits under the panel surface, this requires cutting into the surface and then having to restore and redecorate the panel post installation.

If this is not skillfully undertaken, the repair work will not only be unsightly, but may result in permanent damage to the structural integrity of the panel thereby degrading overall performance.

Most prior art wallboard panels have poor weight bearing capacity.

Upright walls constructed from these panels inevitably have poor wind shear load resistance.

This results in prior art wallboard panels having to be of a substantial construction which are not conducive to being prefabricated on site which is not only costly but is often also aesthetically less pleasing in appearance.

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