Construction module

Abstract

The invention relates to a construction module for building an architectural structure. It comprises: a reinforced concrete platform (12) having two longitudinal edges and two transverse edges, and a lower face having at least one recessed portion and a flat upper face delimited by four upper edges running along said transverse and longitudinal edges respectively; a plurality of connecting pieces anchored in said platform (12) and extending outward from said upper edges; and at least three wooden panels (14, 16; 18, 20) each comprising at least three glued layers and respectively erected on at least three of said four edges, said at least three panels being, on the one hand, joined together at a corner, and on the other hand, connected to the pieces of said plurality of connecting pieces to rigidly secure said at least three panels (14, 16; 18, 20) to said platform (12).Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Construction module

[0001] The present invention relates to a construction module for building an architectural structure.

[0002] It is known to implement construction modules for the construction of temporary buildings, generally for professional use, such as offices.

[0003] Indeed, some large-scale construction projects require the local accommodation, for a specified period, of a minimum administrative staff enabling the monitoring of the project.

[0004] The building modules are designed to be placed side-by-side and stacked on several levels. The floor and ceiling of these modules are formed from welded frames connected by four connecting posts. These connecting posts are clad with metal panels to form vertical walls. Thermal and acoustic insulation panels can be inserted into the floor and ceiling, and also applied against the panels.

[0005] Once the construction site is completed, the building modules can be easily dismantled and reassembled at a new site. Thus, thanks to these modules, it is possible to avoid the need for a permanent building, which is much more expensive, to temporarily install offices.

[0006] Reference may be made to document EP 1 564 337, which describes such a type of module.

[0007] However, the buildings thus constructed obviously do not offer all the comforts of a traditional, solid building. And it is inconceivable to implement such a module for residential buildings.

[0008] Nevertheless, it was conceived to produce individual dwellings from standard prefabricated concrete elements manufactured in a factory and then transported to the site.

[0009] Standard elements, and in particular walls, are produced at a relatively advantageous cost and they allow for the construction of relatively comfortable dwellings.

[0010] However, although the dwellings can be built relatively quickly compared to traditional constructions, the assembly and finishing tasks remain significant, and therefore, the costs are high.

[0011] Also, a problem which arises and which the present invention aims to solve is to produce comfortable housing structures at more advantageous costs and in reduced time.

[0012] In order to solve this problem, and according to a first object, a construction module for building an architectural structure is proposed. It comprises: a rectangular reinforced concrete platform having, on the one hand, two longitudinal edges and two transverse edges respectively opposed, and on the other hand, a face lower having at least one recessed portion and an opposite flat upper face delimited by four upper edges running respectively along said longitudinal and transverse edges; a plurality of connecting pieces anchored in said platform and extending in projection in the vicinity of said upper edges; and, at least three wooden panels each comprising at least three glued layers and respectively erected on at least three of said four edges, said at least three panels being, on the one hand joined together at a corner, and on the other hand connected to the pieces of said plurality of connecting pieces to rigidly secure said at least three panels to said platform, whereby said construction module is undeformable.

[0013] Thus, a feature of the invention lies in the use of transportable modules, which are manufactured industrially in a factory at advantageous costs, before being transported to the site for assembly to form housing structures. In other words, the building modules according to the invention are made in one piece with a reinforced concrete platform and at least three wooden panels connected to each other and erected on the platform. The vertical edges of a panel are, for example, pressed against the edge of a panel to which it is connected. They are then fixed face-to-face, as will be explained below.

[0014] The wooden panels are further connected to the platform by means of connecting pieces anchored in the platform, in a manner sufficiently rigid to allow the assembly to be transported without deformation.

[0015] The concrete platform is relatively lightweight thanks to its structure, yet it is rigid. Furthermore, the dimensions of the concrete platform are compatible with road transport. Its width does not exceed a limit of approximately 4 m, while its length is less than three times its width. For example, the length is less than 10 m. Consequently, the weight of a module is by design less than 25 tonnes and can easily be transported by road. For example, the module weighs 16 tonnes.

[0016] It will also be noted that the boxes thus produced can be pre-equipped with a floor covering in the factory and many other elements enabling their connection, electrical, hydraulic or other.

[0017] Under these conditions, housing structures can be produced quickly on site by assembling a plurality of construction modules.

[0018] Advantageously, each layer has wood lamellae oriented along the same average direction parallel to said layer, and the lamellae of one of said at least three layers extend along a given direction, while the lamellae of the other two layers extend along the same direction substantially perpendicular to said given direction. The wood lamellae are oriented along the grain direction. Wood, in other words, is defined by the direction of the wood fibers. This direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the tree from which these strips originated. And the fibers provide the wood's mechanical strength.

[0019] In this way, by crossing at least three layers of slats oriented perpendicularly, wood panels with greater mechanical resistance are obtained than unidirectional slat panels.

[0020] The panels then associated with the reinforced concrete platform constitute a rigid assembly and is easily transportable without deformation.

[0021] Furthermore, each layer of slats is significantly thicker than 30 mm, resulting in a panel thickness of approximately 100 mm. This produces partitions that are not only rigid but also insulating, as will be explained below. For example, there is no need for internal insulation or even additional plasterboard. However, they can be covered externally with an insulating material such as mineral wool.

[0022] Furthermore, according to a particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the given direction of the slats of one of the at least three layers is substantially parallel to the platform. In other words, the slats of the other two layers are oriented perpendicular to the platform. Consequently, the mechanical strength of the panels is substantially greater in the vertical direction. This allows for better resistance to vertical compression, which is potentially due to the weight of the upper modules.

[0023] Preferably, one of the at least three layers is bonded between the other two layers. Thus, the wood panels offer homogeneous mechanical resistance.

[0024] Furthermore, at least one recessed portion of the lower surface is advantageously delimited by raised lower edges running along the longitudinal and transverse edges, respectively. In other words, the platform has an increased thickness along the transverse and longitudinal edges. These raised lower edges form a rim and thus delimit the lower surface.

[0025] Preferably, the lower raised edges include substantial reinforcement to increase their mechanical strength. Reinforcement is a combination of reinforcing steel and wire mesh embedded in the concrete.

[0026] Furthermore, said lower surface has two recessed portions that are symmetrical to each other with respect to a raised transverse median zone. The raised transverse median zone has, for example, a width and height substantially equal to those of the raised lower edges.

[0027] For example, the total thickness of the raised transverse median zone and of the The raised lower edges are approximately 200 mm thick, while the platform thickness at the recessed sections is around 70 mm. The width of the raised lower edges and the raised transverse median zone ranges from 350 mm to 400 mm. This results in a platform with a variable second moment of area, which is greater at the edges and center, thus providing better resistance to mechanical stresses.

[0028] In other words, we obtain a platform that is sufficiently mechanically resistant in the support areas, and which is relatively light so that it can be easily transported.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, each of said at least three panels has a vertex, and the at least three vertices of said at least three panels are connected together by a wooden wall extending substantially parallel to said platform. The vertices of said at least three panels together define the same plane, and the wooden wall is adapted to rest on the vertices parallel to this same plane.

[0030] The wooden wall is for example screwed vertically into the thickness of the panels.

[0031] Furthermore, the building module also includes an extended layer of insulation beneath the wooden wall. This layer of insulation acts as both thermal and acoustic insulation, thus contributing to the comfort of the module.

[0032] Moreover, the said at least three panels comprise a plurality of suspension members installed opposite the said platform. In this way, the module can easily be suspended by means of the suspension members so that it can be not only installed on the trailer of a transport truck, but also placed on top of another module as will be explained below.

[0033] Also, according to a particularly advantageous feature, at least one of said at least three panels has a first opening extending vertically to said platform. Such an opening allows for the installation of a door leading either to the outside of the module or into the opening of an adjacent module in order to allow movement from one module to another.

[0034] Furthermore, at least one of the three panels has a second opening located at a distance from the platform. Such an opening is designed to provide access to the outside of the module for the installation of a window. In certain specific circumstances, it may also provide access to the same opening in an adjacent module.

[0035] Preferably, the construction module comprises four wooden panels joined together in pairs at a corner. They are advantageously connected at the corner by screwing, the edge of one panel on the edge of the other.

[0036] According to another object, a method for constructing an architectural structure is proposed comprising the following steps: a wall is constructed on the floor, plurality of support zones defining a horizontal plane; a plurality of construction modules as described above are provided; at least two first construction modules are installed against each other on the support zones of said plurality of support zones; and, at least one second construction module is installed on one or the other of said first construction modules.

[0037] In this way, one can build inexpensive architectural structures of any size by combining a plurality of modules according to the invention.

[0038] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of example but not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0039] [Fig-1] is a schematic perspective view of a construction module according to invention;

[0040] [Fig.2] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the object of [Fig.1] along plane II - II;

[0041] [Fig.3] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the object in [Fig.1] along plane III - III;

[0042] [Fig.4] is a schematic lower detail cross-sectional view of the object in [Fig.1] parallel to plan III - III or to plan II - II, according to a first mode of implementation;

[0043] [Fig.5] is a schematic lower detail cross-sectional view of the object in [Fig.1] according to a second embodiment;

[0044] [Fig.6] is a schematic detail cross-sectional view of the object of the [Fig.1] perpendicular dicular to plane III - III and to plane II - II;

[0045] [Fig.7] is a schematic upper detail cross-sectional view of the object in [Fig.1] parallel to plan III - III or to plan II - II according to a first method of implementation; and,

[0046] [Fig.8] is a schematic detail cross-sectional view of two construction modules cooperating together.

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a construction module 10 according to the invention and it comprises a rectangular reinforced concrete platform 12 supporting four wooden panels, two longitudinal panels opposed to each other 14, 16 and two transverse panels opposed 18, 20 extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal panels 14, 16.

[0048] It will be observed that, according to a certain method of implementation, only one longitudinal panel is erected on the concrete platform 12. The advantage thus provided will be explained below.

[0049] As illustrated in more detail in [Fig.2], the concrete platform 12 has two longitudinal edges opposite each other 22, 24, and two transverse edges opposite each other 26, 28 illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0050] Also, the concrete platform has a flat upper face 30 and an in- lesser 32 opposites.

[0051] The lower face 32, seen in [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2], has two recessed portions 34, 36 delimited by two opposing lower longitudinal raised borders 38, 40 running along the longitudinal edges 22, 24 respectively, and by two opposing lower transverse raised borders 42, 44 running along the transverse edges 26, 28 respectively. In addition, the two recessed portions 34, 36 are substantially symmetrical with respect to a raised transverse median zone 46. The median zone 46 has a height substantially equivalent to the height of the lower transverse borders 42, 44 and longitudinal borders 38, 40.

[0052] The concrete platform is reinforced with a rebar mesh both in its thinned part, at the recessed portions 34, 36, and in the lower edges 42, 44, 38, 40 and in the raised median area 45.

[0053] The concrete platform has a thickness of between 70 mm and 120 mm at the two recessed portions 34, 36, and a thickness of the middle zone 45 and the lower transverse 42, 44 and longitudinal 38, 40 edges of between 180 mm and 220 mm.

[0054] The concrete platform has, for example, a width not exceeding 4500 mm and a length not exceeding 12,000 mm.

[0055] In this way, a concrete platform is obtained exhibiting a high second moment of area, particularly in the vicinity of the median zone 45 and the lower transverse 42, 44 and longitudinal 38, 40 edges. Consequently, it is not very deformable, while being relatively lightweight.

[0056] When the platform has a length greater than 10,000 mm, two raised transverse zones are incorporated to divide the underside into three recessed sections. This maintains a sufficiently high second moment of area and, consequently, good mechanical resistance to deformation.

[0057] Also, the flat upper face 30 of the concrete platform 12 has two opposing transverse upper edges 46, 48 and two opposing longitudinal upper edges 50, 52 joining respectively the ends of the two transverse upper edges 46, 48.

[0058] And on the upper transverse edges 46, 48 rest respectively, the two opposite transverse panels 20, 18, while on the upper longitudinal edges 50, 52 rest respectively, the two opposite longitudinal panels 14, 16.

[0059] Also, the panels extend vertically from the concrete platform 12 to a peak 53, referenced in [Fig. 1], over a height H of, for example, between 2500 mm and 3200 mm. The height H is advantageously 2760 mm.

[0060] Reference will be made to [Fig.4] and [Fig.5] illustrating two different modes of connection between the concrete platform 12 and the wooden panels.

[0061] We find on [Fig.4] partially, the concrete platform 12 and one of the upper transverse edges 46 on which one of the transverse panels 20 rests.

[0062] It will be observed that the wood panel 20 has three laminated layers, an outer layer 54, an inner layer 56 and an intermediate layer 58 located between the two outer layers 54 and inner layer 56.

[0063] Each layer is made of wood strips or planks, for example spruce, oriented in the same direction and approximately 33 mm thick. In other words, the wood fibers of a single layer are oriented in the same direction. As for the outer layer 54, its strips, and consequently its fibers, are oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the upper face 30 of the platform 12. The same is true for the strips of the inner layer 56. In contrast, the strips of the intermediate layer 58 are oriented perpendicular to those of the other two layers 54 and 56.

[0064] Furthermore, the three layers 54, 58, 56 are bonded together using a phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde-based adhesive. In other words, the three layers 54, 58, 56 form a single rigid piece approximately 100 mm thick. And each of the wood panels 14, 16, 18, 20 is formed from a single piece.

[0065] By implementing two layers 54, 56 whose strands are oriented in a vertical direction, the mechanical resistance of the panel in this same direction is increased. This increased mechanical resistance is advantageous both in compression, when the modules are superimposed, and in tension, when the modules are suspended, as will be explained below.

[0066] Thus, on [Fig.4], the wooden panel 20 rests on the upper transverse edge 46 at a distance from the transverse edge 26.

[0067] Prior to the implementation of the wooden panel 20, and during the construction of the concrete platform 12, anchor plates 60 are partially embedded in the still soft concrete, at a distance from the transverse edge 26.

[0068] The anchor plates 60 have an anchor portion 62 onto which portions of rebar 64 are welded perpendicularly, and opposite a fixing portion 66 which extends outward from the upper transverse edge 46. In other words, the anchor plates 60 are firmly anchored in the concrete when the latter is “set”.

[0069] Next, the wooden panel 20 is supported on the upper transverse edge 46 against the fixing portion 66 of the anchor plates 60. The fixing portion 66 has holes through which the first screws 68 through the wood panel 20. These screws 68 have a length greater than or equal to 70 mm in order to be able to pass through at least the outer layer 54 and the intermediate layer 58 of the panel 20.

[0070] A plurality of anchor plates is sealed in the platform 12. The anchor plates thus protrude from the upper edges 46, 48, 50, 52, from one to the other so as to be able to receive support for the two transverse panels 20, 18 and the two longitudinal panels 14, 16 to which they are connected.

[0071] According to another embodiment, shown in [Fig. 5], in which functionally identical elements to those of the object in [Fig. 4] have the same reference numeral marked with a prime sign: "'", the anchor plate 60', the concrete platform 12', and the wooden panel 20' are also present. The anchor plate 60' has an anchor portion 62' inclined relative to the fixing portion 66', which extends perpendicularly to the upper face 30' and projects from the upper transverse edge 46'. The anchor portion 62' has a T-shaped flange 64' allowing for secure anchoring in the lower raised transverse edge 42'. Moreover, thanks to the inclination of the anchoring part 62', the T-wing 64' extends into the heart of the lower transverse edge 42', which further improves the pull-out resistance of the anchoring plate 60'.

[0072] The fixing portion 66' receives in the same way first screws 68', screwed by force into the wood panel'.

[0073] In addition, the two longitudinal panels 14, 16 as shown in [Fig.1], are connected respectively at a corner to the two transverse panels 18, 20.

[0074] The method of connecting one of the longitudinal panels 16 with one of the transverse panels 20 can be seen in [Fig.6], a cross-sectional view along the plane VI - VI shown in [Fig.1].

[0075] Thus, the longitudinal panel 16 has an edge 70 that rests flat against an inner edge 72 of the transverse panel 20. In addition, second screws 74 are screwed forcefully through the outer edge 76 of the transverse panel 20, and into the thickness of the intermediate layer 58 of the longitudinal panel 16. The screws 74 are screwed in step by step, from the platform 12 to the top 53 of the panels, and into the four corners of the construction module 10.

[0076] The construction module 10 thus produced, as shown in [Fig. 1], is then rigid. In other words, it can be transported without deformation.

[0077] In addition, it is covered with a rectangular panel of thin wooden slats 78, connected to the vertices 53 of the opposing transverse panels 18, 20 and the longitudinal panels 14, 16. In [Fig. 3], below the panel of thin slats 78, transverse joists 80 appear, regularly spaced from one another, and between which a layer of insulation 82 is spread. This layer of insulation 82 can by for example, it could be glass wool.

[0078] Furthermore, a fabric 84 is advantageously spread under the insulating layer 82. The fabric 84 is, for example, a vapor barrier film.

[0079] Also, preferably, the opposite transverse panels 18, 20 and the longitudinal panels 14, 16 are respectively covered with a layer of another insulation 86 made for example of mineral wool.

[0080] The construction module 10 is entirely manufactured industrially in a factory so that it can then be transported to the construction site, preferably by road. Such industrialization makes it possible to standardize materials and tasks and thus produce construction modules 10 at very advantageous costs.

[0081] Moreover, the construction modules 10 are relatively light, preferably less than 20 t. Consequently, they are easily transportable.

[0082] To do this, and according to a first embodiment, as shown in [Fig.7], and on which we find the top 53 of the transverse panel 20, a metal suspension fitting 88 is mounted against the external face of the panel 20. The metal fitting 88 comprises, on the one hand, an L-shaped part 90 having two perpendicular wings, a first large wing 92 and a first small wing 94, and on the other hand, two parallel reinforcing ribs spaced apart from each other 96, 98 connecting the two wings 92, 94.

[0083] The metal fitting 88 is applied against the outer surface of the transverse panel 20 so that the first small return wing 94 extends along the top 53, while the large wing 92 is applied against the outer surface of the panel 20. The large wing 92 is then secured to the panel 20 by means of a plurality of third screws 100.

[0084] In addition, the small wing in return 94, is pierced with an orifice inside which is engaged the threaded rod 102 of a lifting ring 104. The threaded rod 102 is then engaged in a nut located under the small wing 94 and between the two ribs 96, 98.

[0085] The implementation of at least four metal fittings 88 at each of the corners of the module 10 allows the module to be lifted by means of four separate chains, not shown, connected to each of the lifting rings and on the opposite side, to a crane device.

[0086] Thus, thanks to the connection of the four wooden panels 14, 16, 18, 20 with the concrete platform 12, the latter can then be suspended without risk of detaching from the wooden panels 14, 16, 18, 20.

[0087] Moreover, the assembly is sufficiently rigid so as not to deform, not only during the loading of the modules 10 onto a transport vehicle, but also during the transport itself and finally during the in situ implementation.

[0088] Specifically, the modules 10 are arranged on site. They can be juxtaposed to form a construction with a plurality of compartments.

[0089] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the modules have a free longitudinal edge without a longitudinal wall. Therefore, the modules are juxtaposed so that the free longitudinal edges are adjacent to form an enclosed space with a surface area equivalent to that of the two modules.

[0090] The modules are also superimposable as illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0091] Thus, the module 10, partially shown in [Fig. 7], after being adjusted on site, will receive a second module, to which it will be connected. To do this, the lifting ring 104 is removed, while the metal fittings 88 are retained, in order to connect the two superimposed modules.

[0092] Thus, as illustrated in [Fig.8], the metal fitting 88, freed from its lifting ring, is then equipped with an L-shaped piece 106. The L-shaped piece 106 has a second small wing 108, of a width substantially identical to that of the first small wing 94 and a second large wing 110. And the second small wing 108 is applied against the first small wing 94 so that the second large wing 110 is antisymmetric to the first large wing 92.

[0093] Also, the second small wing 108 is drilled to receive a bolt 112 which also engages in the hole in the first small wing 94 and which receives a nut. The L-shaped piece 106 is thus secured to the metal fitting 88.

[0094] The concrete platform 12 of the upper module then rests on the tops 53 of the wooden panels 14, 16, 18, 20 of the lower module, while the large wing 110 of the L-shaped piece 106 is applied against the transverse edge 26 of the platform 12.

[0095] A peg 114 and then engaged through the second large wing 110 in the thickness of the edge 42 of the platform 12.

[0096] The three other metal fittings are similarly equipped with an L-shaped piece. And the large wings of the L-shaped pieces are similarly pegged into the thickness of the other edges 38, 40 and 44 of the platform 12.

[0097] Thus, at least four L-shaped pieces 106 are connected, in the four corners of the module 10, to the metal fittings 88, and allow the concrete platform 12 of the upper construction module to be connected to the lower module.

Claims

Demands

1. Construction module for building an architectural structure, characterized in that it comprises: - a rectangular reinforced concrete platform (12) having on the one hand, two longitudinal edges (22, 24) and two transverse edges (26, 28) respectively opposed, and on the other hand, a lower face (32) having two recessed portions (34, 36) symmetrical to each other with respect to a transverse median raised area (45) and an opposite flat upper face (30) delimited by four upper edges (46, 48; 50, 52) running along said transverse (26, 28) and longitudinal (22, 24) edges respectively; - a plurality of connecting pieces (60) anchored in said platform (12) and extending in projection in the vicinity of said upper edges (46, 48; 50, 52); and, - at least three wooden panels (14, 16;18, 20) each comprising at least three laminated layers (54, 56, 58) and respectively erected on at least three of said four edges (46, 48; 50, 52), said at least three panels being, on the one hand, joined together at a corner, and on the other hand connected to the pieces of said plurality of connecting pieces (60) to rigidly secure said at least three panels (14, 16; 18, 20) to said platform (12), whereby said construction module (10) is undeformable.;

2. Construction module according to claim 1, characterized in that each layer (54, 56, 58) has wood slats oriented along the same average direction parallel to said layer, and in that the slats of one (58) of said at least three layers extend along a given direction, while the slats of the other two layers (54, 56) extend along the same direction substantially perpendicular to said given direction.

3. Construction module according to claim 2, characterized in that said given direction of said slats of said one (58) of said at least three layers is substantially parallel to said platform.

4. Construction module according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said one (58) of said at least three layers is laminated between said two other layers (54, 56).

5. Construction module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said at least one hollow portion (34, 36) of said lower surface (32) is delimited by lower raised borders (38, 40, 42, 44) running along said longitudinal (22, 24) and transverse (26, 28) borders respectively.

6. Construction module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each of said at least three panels (14, 16; 18, 20) has a vertex (53), and in that the at least three vertices of said at least three panels are connected together by a wooden wall (78) extending substantially parallel to said platform (12).

7. Construction module according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises an insulation layer (82) extended under said wooden wall (78).

8. Construction module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said at least three panels (14, 16; 18, 20) comprise a plurality of suspension members (88, 104) installed opposite said platform (12).

9. Construction module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one of said at least three panels (14, 16; 18, 20) has a first bay extending vertically to said platform (12).

10. Construction module according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one of said at least three panels (14, 16; 18, 20) has a second bay located at a distance from said platform (12).

11. Construction module according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises four wooden panels (14, 16; 18, 20) joined together in pairs at a corner.

12. Method of constructing an architectural structure characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - a plurality of support zones defining a horizontal plane are arranged on a floor wall; - a plurality of construction modules (10) are provided according to any one of claims 1 to 11; - at least two first construction modules are installed against each other on the support zones of said plurality of support zones; and, - at least a second construction module is installed on one or the other of said first construction modules.

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