Building Foundation System and Related Methods

Abstract

A building foundation system comprising a plurality of stud assemblies or piles 6, each stud assembly comprising at least two vertically oriented elongated studs separated by stud spacers. At least on

Description

[002] Traditional building construction methods are heavily reliant on substantial quantities of concrete and hardcore materials to create the foundations for structures. This reliance is uniform across the board, applicable even for lighter structures made from materials such as timber, steel, or aluminum. The process of creating such concrete-based foundations is both expensive and time-consuming. It is also recognized as being overly engineered, particularly for lightweight structures, leading to an inefficient use of materials. This inefficiency extends to labour as well, requiring significant manpower and resources to execute, which inevitably drives up the overall construction costs.

[003] Furthermore, concrete, as a foundational material, presents significant environmental concerns. Its production is energy-intensive and contributes considerably to CO2 emissions. In a world that is increasingly concerned with sustainable and green technologies, the construction industry's continued reliance on concrete for building foundations represents a significant challenge.

[004] It is worth noting that these traditional construction methods also demand an extensive period for curing and drying of the concrete before the construction process can proceed. This translates to additional time, costs, and complexity in project management.

[005] Even with lighter structures, the current practice necessitates a full concrete base plane, which not only contributes to the high costs but also leads to unnecessary material use and wastage. Besides, adjusting the level of floors and walls during construction typically involves considerable effort, time, and cost, especially when the foundation is a solid concrete slab.

[006] Moreover, the traditional method does not naturally facilitate ventilation below the floor, which is often a requirement for building regulations. To incorporate such ventilation, additional measures, which may further complicate the construction process and increase costs, are required.

[007] In view of the problems and inefficiencies associated with traditional construction methods, particularly for lighter structures, there is a clear need for an improved building foundation system. The ideal solution would decrease the reliance on concrete, streamline the construction process, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability. It would also naturally allow for ventilation beneath the structure, align with building regulations, and enable easy adjustments to the levels of floors and walls.

[008] Therefore, there exists a need for an innovative construction system that can address these problems and deliver a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method for establishing building foundations.

[009] It is within this context that the present invention is provided. Summary

[010] The present invention discloses a Building Foundation System and Related Methods that provide a significant improvement over traditional construction methods for lighter building structures. The invention is designed to overcome the inefficiencies and environmental impact of traditional building methods that heavily rely on extensive amounts of concrete and hardcore for foundations. Instead, the invention employs a ground-fixed framework to support both walls and floors of a building, reducing the need for extensive concrete foundations. [Oil] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a ground-fixed framework which is supported by stud assemblies extending from the ground. These stud assemblies are set in small pockets of concrete within the ground. The framework includes an extruded profile that offers support for both walls and floors of the building.

[012] The extruded profile employed in the construction system is an elongated panel featuring a constant cross section. The profile possesses holes along its length to accommodate the top ends of the stud assemblies. This profile is securely fastened to the stud assemblies using bolts. The stud assemblies, in turn, are positioned in ground holes, which align with the building's walls' perimeter.

[013] The extruded profile features a unique cross section, having an upper support surface and a lower support surface that form a base for supporting wall elements and floor elements, respectively. These surfaces are flat and horizontal, each having a recessed groove in its middle portion to accommodate the top end of a stud of a stud assembly, secured by bolts. The upper and lower support surfaces are separated by a vertical divider. This design allows for fine adjustments to the levels of the floor and walls without interfering with their respective locations, providing a more precise and structurally sound building.

[014] In practice, the ground is first prepared by cutting a series of ground holes that align with the perimeter of the future building walls. The extruded profiles are then bolted to the stud assemblies, which are lowered into the ground holes, holding the extruded profiles above ground in a horizontal position. Concrete is subsequently poured into the ground holes to permanently fix the stud assemblies in place, in turn securing the profile into its intended position.

[015] The present invention significantly simplifies the foundation formation process, reduces the need for large quantities of hardcore and concrete, reduces labour and material costs, and provides a more sustainable solution. The system also naturally raises supported floor elements in a position suspended above the ground to allow for ventilation, meeting building regulations.

[016] The invention also includes a stud assembly comprising a pair of elongated rods of different lengths separated by a divider. This divider ensures the studs align with the first and second openings in the extruded profiles, to which they are bolted. The stud assemblies provide vertical support to the extruded profiles, thereby holding them in position above ground.

[017] It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc. shown in the drawings of this specification are intended to illustrate the features of the invention in a manner that is comprehensible to those skilled in this art. They are not intended to limit the scope of the invention Brief Description of the Drawings

[018] Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[019] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an extruded profile having an upper support surface and a lower support surface, both with respective openings for receiving the top of a stud from a stud assembly.

[020] FIG. 2 provides an isometric view of a stud assembly, featuring two studs separated by spacers that position the studs at a specified distance from each other to align with the openings in the extruded profile.

[021] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the stud assembly from FIG. 2, coupled to the extruded profile from FIG. 1. The top ends of the studs are each secured to the extruded profile via bolts through the openings of the respective support surfaces.

[022] FIG. 4 presents an isometric view of a section of prepared ground featuring a series of ground holes cut out in alignment with the expected outline of the walls of a building structure.

[023] FIG. 5 displays an isometric view of the ground holes from FIG. 4, each featuring a stud assembly and an elongated extruded profile secured across the top via bolts. This figure demonstrates the initial positioning of the stud assemblies in the ground holes and the attachment to the extruded profile.

[024] FIG. 6 provides a cross-sectional view of a portion of the assembled system. This figure shows the studs secured within a ground hole by concrete, with the extruded profile secured to the top of the studs. The figure also presents a floor piece and a wall piece of a building structure resting on the corresponding support surfaces of the extruded profile.

[025] FIG. 7 provides a zoomed-out cross-sectional view of the system in its assembled state. This figure shows a whole building structure with a mirrored arrangement of studs and extruded profile supporting opposite wall elements and ends of a floor element.

[026] Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures and the detailed description to indicate like elements. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that the above figures are examples and that other architectures, modes of operation, orders of operation, and elements / functions can be provided and implemented without departing from the characteristics and features of the invention, as set forth in the claims. Detailed Description and Preferred Embodiment

[027] The following is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments to illustrate the principles of the invention. The embodiments are provided to illustrate aspects of the invention, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalent; it is limited only by the claims.

[028] Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the invention is not unnecessarily obscured. DEFINITIONS:

[029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[030] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[031] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[032] It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[034] The terms "first," "second," and the like are used herein to describe various features or elements, but these features or elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature or element from another feature or element. Thus, a first feature or element discussed below could be termed a second feature or element, and similarly, a second feature or element discussed below could be termed a first feature or element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[035] Referring now in more detail to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 represents a cross-section view of the extruded profile (1). 5 This extruded profile (1) includes a pair of supporting surfaces, an upper support surface (2) and a lower support surface (3), each having an opening, first opening (4) and second opening (5), respectively. These openings are arranged at different heights along the extruded profile (1). Each opening is designed to accommodate the top end of a stud (6) from a stud assembly (15). The lower support surface (3) is configured to bear the weight of a floor element (12) of a structure, while the upper support surface (2) is configured to support a wall element (13) of the same structure.

[036] FIG. 2 represents an isometric view of a stud assembly (15). This assembly is composed of two elongated threaded studs (6) separated by stud spacers (7). These spacers (7) maintain a distance between the two studs (6) that matches the positioning of the first and second openings (4 and 5, respectively) in the extruded profile (1).

[037] The threads of the studs facilitate the direct connection between the studs and the extruded profile (1) using upper bolts (9) and lower bolts (8).

[038] In FIG. 3, a cross-section view shows how the studs (6) of the assembly (15) from FIG. 2 are coupled to the extruded profile (1) from FIG. 1. The top ends of the studs (6) are each secured to a respective opening (4,5) in the extruded profile (1) via bolts. The top of the first stud reaches the upper support surface (2) and is secured to the first opening (4), while the top of the second stud aligns with the lower support surface (3) and is secured within the second opening (5).

[039] In FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of the extruded profile (1) and the stud assembly (15) also illustrates how the upper bolts (9) and lower bolts (8) secure the threaded studs (6) to the openings (4,5) in the extruded profile (1).

[040] To facilitate the implementation of this system, the ground is initially prepared by cutting a series of ground holes that align with the perimeter of the planned building walls. Each ground hole is designed to accommodate a vertical stud assembly.

[041] The holes are configured to follow the perimeter of the intended building shape, i.e. a rectangular shape for a rectangular building, an l-shape for an l-shaped building, and so on.

[042] In some embodiments, the openings may be closed at the top, with a hole machined to facilitate insertion of the bolt (9. This would improve the strength and structural integrity of the installation.

[043] FIG. 4 presents an isometric view of a section of prepared ground (11) with a specific arrangement of ground holes (10). These holes are cut out in two parallel lines, aligning with the expected outline of the walls of the building structure intended to be erected on the site.

[044] In FIG. 5, an isometric view showcases one of the lines of ground holes (10) from FIG. 4. Each hole is occupied by a respective stud assembly (15), and an elongated extruded profile (1) is secured horizontally across the tops of the stud assemblies via bolts coupling the top ends of the studs (6) to the first and second openings (4,5) in the profile (1). Each stud's top end is coupled to its corresponding opening (4,5) with a bolt, with the upper bolt (9) securing the stud to the first opening (4) and the lower bolt (8) securing it to the second opening (5). The pairs of openings (4,5) are arranged at regular intervals along the length of the extruded profile (1) to maintain a stable, level base for the forthcoming building structure.

[045] Once the assemblies have been accurately leveled, concrete can then be poured into the ground holes to permanently fix the stud assemblies in place. This action secures the profile in its intended position.

[046] FIG. 6 provides a cross-section view of a portion of the building foundation system in its assembled state. A pair of studs (6) from a stud assembly (15) is secured vertically within a ground hole (10) by concrete. An extruded profile (1) is then bolted to the top of the studs (6) at the openings of the upper and lower support surfaces (2,3). As shown, the upper and lower bolts (9,8) firmly secure the threaded studs (6) within the respective openings (4,5) of the extruded profile (1). A floor piece or floor element (12) of the building structure is shown resting on the lower support surface (3), and a vertical wall or wall element (13) is depicted resting on the upper support surface (2) of the extruded profile (1).

[047] The spacers (7) of the stud assemblies have a dual function of holding the studs (6) at the correct distance from one another, while also anchoring the assemblies firmly into the concrete, since they span the gap between the studs (6) horizontally.

[048] Finally, FIG. 7 displays a zoomed-out cross-section view of the portion depicted in FIG. 6, showing the entire building structure. The stud assembly (15) is shown with two threaded studs (6). These threads facilitate the direct connection between the studs and the extruded profile (1) using upper bolts (9) and lower bolts (8).

[049] The extruded profile (1) could in some embodiments be formed of several profiles, together forming one complete profile.

[050] The Building Foundation System and Related Methods disclosed herein offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional building methods for forming the foundations in lighter building structures made of materials like timber, steel, or aluminum. The present invention provides an innovative construction system that not only improves construction processes but also contributes to the sustainability of the industry.

[051] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[052] The disclosed embodiments are illustrative, not restrictive. While specific configurations of the building foundation system have been described in a specific manner referring to the illustrated embodiments, it is understood that the present invention can be applied to a wide variety of solutions which fit within the scope and spirit of the claims. There are many alternative ways of implementing the invention.

[053] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A building foundation system comprising:a plurality of stud assemblies, each stud assembly comprising at least two vertically oriented elongated studs separated by stud spacers; andat least one extruded profile element having an upper support surface and a lower support surface separated by a vertical divider, said upper support surface and lower support surface each having a recessed groove with an opening for accommodating a top end of a stud, wherein said extruded profile is configured to be secured to the stud assemblies; and wherein said extruded profile is held in a level horizontal position above the ground by the plurality of stud assemblies.

2. The building foundation system of claim 1, wherein said elongated studs of each stud assembly have varying lengths to match the depth of the ground holes.

3. The building foundation system of claim 1, wherein said stud spacers are designed to keep the studs of each stud assembly at a set horizontal distance, so as to align with the recessed grooves of the extruded profile.

4. The building foundation system of claim 1, wherein the upper support surface of the extruded profile is designed to support wall elements of a building structure and the lower support surface is designed to support floor elements of a building structure.

5. The building foundation system of claim 1, wherein the stud assemblies are secured to the extruded profile using bolts, thereby enabling the extruded profile to be held above the ground.

6. The building foundation system of claim 1, wherein the cross section of the extruded profile is selected to provide a desired elevation to the levels of the floor and walls.

7. The building foundation system of claim 1, wherein the stud assemblies are sized to raise supported floor elements in a position suspended above the ground to allow for ventilation.

8. The building foundation system of claim 1, wherein said stud spacers are configured as horizontal bars, and are thereby also configured to serve to act as brace elements,providing anchors to the concrete to ensure the stud assemblies remain rooted to the ground holes.

9. The building foundation system of claim 1, wherein said studs of each assembly are formed to match the depth of the ground hole they are to be inserted into while providing a level base of support for the extruded profile and supported wall and floor elements.

10. The building foundation system of claim 1, wherein said extruded profile is formed by extrusion.

11. The building foundation system of claim 10, wherein the extruded profile is extruded in one of Aluminium, Pultrusion and rolled steel profiles.

12. A method of forming a building foundation system, the method comprising:preparing the ground by cutting a series of ground holes that align with the perimeter of where the building walls will be;placing a stud assembly vertically into each ground hole;securing the extruded profiles to the top ends of the stud assemblies using bolts;levelling the extruded profiles; andpouring concrete into the ground holes to permanently fix the stud assemblies in place, which in turn secures the profile into its intended position as a base for a building structure.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the stud assemblies include two studs separated by stud spacers and are arranged to align with the recessed grooves of the extruded profiles.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein said stud spacers also serve to act as brace elements, providing anchoring to the stud assemblies submerged in concrete.

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