Bus shelter

Abstract

A method of constructing and installing a shelter 20, e.g. a bus shelter for public use. The method comprises preparing a ground G surface for receiving a foundation pad 24. Locating the pad such that

Description

Technical Field

[001] The present disclosure relates to a shelter and method for installing same, particularly a bus shelter or like structure with a low carbon footprint construction and installation method. Background

[002] Shelters in public spaces, where people are able to wait for the arrival of public transport, are well known. Shelters provide: (i) safety, e.g. a well-lit and safe waiting area for passengers; (ii) a place for tired passengers to sit, and (iii) a designated area to stand in, leaving the footpath clear for passing pedestrians, etc.

[003] Such constructions, e.g. commonly termed "bus shelters," are currently made of carbon intensive materials such as aluminium, mild steel, glass, and plastics. Even the recent use of recycled and more efficiently produced traditional materials does not necessarily reduce the carbon footprint considerably because a major component of construction is concrete which is known to be carbon intensive. Traditional foundations require time-consuming in-situ operations with large volumes of concrete, representing around 25% of the carbon footprint and between four to twelve hours of work for excavation, ground preparation and levelling, concrete pouring and curing, traffic management, reinstatement work, etc.

[004] Figure 1 illustrates a common form of bus shelter where it will be apparent that a particularly deep excavation (e.g. at least 400mm) is required to bury concrete foundations for the shelter itself. Such an excavation in an urban environment may require investigation and permissions from various utilities and authorities, e.g. to ensure that it will not damage existing buried infrastructure such as water, electricity, gas and / or data lines. A large volume of concrete is poured at each excavation to form the plurality of concrete support blocks. Summary

[005] The present disclosure outlines a different methodology for shelter construction and, in turn, seeks to address issues observed in the prior art. The disclosure herein provides a low carbon shelter for public use, as a pre-fabricated product.

[006] According to a first aspect, a method of installing and / or constructing a shelter is outlined according to claim 1. Subsidiary features are outlined in the dependent claims.

[007] The new approach to bus shelter construction, i.e. with generally above ground or very shallow foundations described herein, is a radical change to the field of public shelter construction and will minimize on-site operations and groundwork, decreasing installation time, cost and environmental footprint.

[008] A shelter installed according to the method provides improvements to the public transport experience, thereby encouraging greater bus use and associated benefits, for example: • Resultant shelter is an ultra-low carbon structure, e.g. made of engineered timber and low carbon precast concrete components; • Pre-assembled components and above ground foundations minimize in-situ operations, reducing time, cost, carbon footprint and disruption to bus services and bus users; • Less probability of having issues with shallow infrastructure services (e.g. buried cables, pipes, etc) that are present in a high number of city locations; • Long lasting performance (e.g. 50 years with minimal maintenance) and complete reusability since all components may be modular and could be installed / removed / reused easily.

[009] According to the concept described herein, it is expected be able to achieve an approximately 70% carbon emission reduction compared to an equivalent traditional bus shelter structure and installation methodology.

[0010] In a further aspect, according to claim 7, a shelter is provided as a prefabricated product (or in a limited number of component parts to be assembled on site) for use with the installation method. Subsidiary features are outlined in the claims dependent from claim 7.

[0011] The components of the shelter structure may be made of low carbon bio based materials (e.g. engineering timber components such as Glulam® and cross laminate timber, CLT, low carbon precast concrete, e.g. using ground granulated blast furnace slag, low carbon glass) and minimize in-situ operations required due to the different approach using above ground foundations and a structure delivered with its main components pre-assembled. The shelter as a whole comprises at least one foundation pad that is no more than 100mm thick, and preferably in the range 70-90mm, e.g. 80mm. A pre-cast or otherwise fabricated seat or above ground-base is configured to provide a substantial mass for stabilising a canopy structure attached thereto. The seat generally comprises a substantial portion of the weight of the shelter (i.e. the roof and gantry components, but not including pads), e.g. between 40-70% of the weight of the shelter. The combined seat and pads form a substantively above ground foundation for the shelter.

[0012] The above ground foundation concept enables minimal disruption on site, e.g. in a preferred form, reducing excavation and groundwork depth to about 80mm and reducing the excavation ground volume to approximately 0.1-0.2 m3 (representing a 90% excavation volume reduction), using levelling pads (e.g. precast concrete or something of similar mass / density such as cut stone) and seats produced in a factory and delivered to a site in a finished state. It is acknowledged that the components of the shelter, e.g. seat, roof / canopy and supporting gantries, need to be designed to provide a more efficient and better distributed mass above ground, to ensure structural stability and compliance with relevant regulatory standards.

[0013] In other words, it is a consideration of the invention that a pre-fabricated shelter or components thereof, such as the seat, should have significant mass so it will not have to rely on anchoring to a deep and massive / heavy concrete base. This can be achieved by casting / manufacture of the seat in a solid and correspondingly heavy / dense material which can serve as the main centre of mass.

[0014] Utilisation of at least one thick (e.g. 50-100mm, preferably 80mm) elongate pad, arranged laterally to the shelter / seat, is useful for overcoming the overturning effect, which may occur where a gust of wind could otherwise push over a shelter. The precast pads should be properly connected to the seats and / or wooden / concrete gantries. As mentioned, once the levelling pads are in place as a first step of installation into shallow groundwork (or upon suitably prepared ground), the heavy concrete seats or equivalent base (e.g. around 1000kg each) are connected thereto and a timber / concrete over structure, already pre-assembled, can be installed quickly with a crane.

[0015] All timber and / or concrete gantries may be directly bolted to the concrete seats and / or levelling pads.

[0016] It will be apparent from the foregoing that the essential components of the shelter are the foundation / levelling pads and seats, duly connected to the bus shelter canopy and its support structures (e.g. of timber). These contribute to the structural integrity, minimizing the groundwork and distributing the mass in a novel way, i.e. above ground, to speed up the installation process. Substantive preparation / construction can be performed off-site in a controlled / efficient factory environment. Brief Description of Drawings

[0017] Illustrative embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates an overview of a typical bus shelter design, as known in the art; Figure 2 illustrates a cross-section side view of a shelter made and installed on a ground surface according to the invention; Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the assembled components of a shelter made according to the invention; Figure 4 illustrates a pictorial perspective view of a ground preparation step of the method of the invention; Figure 5 illustrates a close up pictorial perspective view of component assembly for a shelter according to the invention; Figure 6 illustrates a pictorial perspective view of component assembly for a shelter according to the invention; and Figure 7 illustrates a pictorial perspective view of a completed installation of a shelter according to the invention. Detailed Description

[0018] The following description presents exemplary embodiments and, together with the drawings, serves to explain principles of the invention. However, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise details of the embodiments or exact adherence with all component features and / or method steps, since variations will be apparent to a skilled person and are deemed also to be covered by the description. Terms for components used herein should be given a broad interpretation that also encompasses equivalent functions and features.

[0019] In some cases, several alternative terms (synonyms) for structural features have been provided but such terms are not intended to be exhaustive. For the avoidance of doubt, any terms separated by the " / " symbol generally refer to alternative "or" expressions where the terms can be used interchangeably. Descriptive terms should also be given the broadest possible interpretation; e.g. the term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of" such that interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. Any directional terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "up", "down", "sideways", "upper" and "lower" are used for convenience of explanation usually with reference to the form shown in illustrations and are not intended to be ultimately limiting if an equivalent function can be achieved with an alternative dimension and / or direction. All directional terms are relative to each other.

[0020] The description herein refers to embodiments with particular combinations of steps or features, however, it is envisaged that further combinations and crosscombinations of compatible steps or features between embodiments will be possible. Indeed, isolated features may function independently as an invention from other features and not necessarily require implementation as a complete combination.

[0021] As alluded to in the background section above, Figure 1 illustrates a prior art form of bus shelter 10 where it will be apparent that a particularly deep excavation (e.g. at least 400mm in depth and an excavated volume of 1-2 m3) is required to accommodate each of a plurality of concrete blocks 11 at a ground contacting lower end of the shelter, e.g. vertical posts 12 of a roof supporting frame. Such an excavation in an urban environment may require investigation and permissions from various utilities and authorities, to ensure that it will not conflict with existing buried infrastructure such as water, electricity, gas and / or data lines.

[0022] A relatively large volume of concrete is required to form the below ground concrete blocks 11. Paving (not shown) may be laid flush with or covering the foundation blocks 11 up to a level indicated by dotted line P. Paving stones sit on a prepared ground surface (not shown), e.g. which has been excavated to create a mould to form concrete blocks 11. Relatively lightweight seats 13 may be fixed to the frame formed by posts 12 and related cross-beams 14. It is often common for one or more billboards 15 to be included on a wall of the shelter, for timetable information and / or advertising messages.

[0023] Figure 2 illustrates a first embodiment of shelter construction and installation methodology according to the invention. The shelter 20 is primarily comprised of frame elements 21 supporting a canopy 22 over a seat 23, each affixed to a pad 24 accommodated by a shallow excavation X in a ground surface G. Paving stones P may cover the pad 24 and excavated ground G, or pad 24 may itself form a paving stone-like finish that sits on the ground surface abutted against adjacent paving stones.

[0024] It will be apparent that excavation X and the corresponding thickness of pad 24 is relatively shallow. "Relatively shallow" is intentionally ambiguous because the inventive concept relates to the decision to avoid deep excavations. A skilled person will understand "shallow" in the context of shelter foundations as known in the art and appreciate the "above ground foundation" nature of the invention. In practice, "shallow" may be 50-100mm, preferably 70-90mm, most preferably 80mm. Such an excavation is sure to be less deep than any buried utilities, such as pipes and cables, and results in an excavated ground volume of approximately 0.1-0.2 m3, which represents a 90% excavation volume reduction compared to traditional bus shelters, e.g., the prior art form of a bus shelter 10 illustrated in Figure 1.

[0025] In the illustrated form, both seat 23 and frame elements / gantry 21 may be bolted by fastening elements 25 to the level pad 24, which may be a prefabricated slab of concrete or functionally similar material such as cut stone. While pad 24 serves as a level base structure with a certain inherent mass, the main weight of the shelter as a whole, according to the illustrated embodiment, resides in seat 23 which may be cast as a solid block with a horizontal platform for a user to sit upon and a back portion to rest against. The cast surface of seat 23 may be adorned with a softer / warmer material such as wood, fabric or (recycled) plastic.

[0026] According to the illustrated form, the shelter 20 is adequately anchored relative to a ground surface G and configured to withstand any foreseeable forces applied externally. At worst, shelter 20 may slide across the ground G if paving is disrupted.

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective overview of the shelter 20 components generally described in relation to Figure 2, e.g. comprising a support frame 21, roof 22, seat 23 and pad 24; but where the ground and paving is omitted. In this form there are a plurality of pads 24 arranged transversely to the general orientation of the shelter 20. Pads 24 are arranged transversely so as to assist in stability and preventing overturning. According to an embodiment, each pad 24 is separated by a distance at least as wide as the pad itself. In this way, pads 24 take up less than half of the area of the excavation or prepared ground for paving.

[0028] It is noteworthy that frame 21 and roof 22 may be constructed from timber or other renewable materials, including a lattice-like rear wall that provides aesthetic qualities. Lighting and billboard 26 type features may be provided in the normal way. Of course, alternative constructions of the canopy and it's supporting elements are possible, such as cast concrete or geopolymer roof and gantries.

[0029] Figure 4 shows a first step of preparation for installation according to one embodiment. In the example, paving stones P are removed and / or a ground excavation is performed to create a shallow recess X at ground level, upon / into which a series of pads 24 may be levelly located to provide a platform / surface ready for fixture of at least one component of a shelter 20 according to Figures 2 and 3. Optionally, bolt holes 27 are provided in each pad 24 through which fastenings 25 may be threaded for securing the pad 24 to a corresponding component of the shelter, such as a supporting element 21 and / or seat 23.

[0030] In one form of a second step (not illustrated), a seat 23 may be hoisted into place upon and spanning across two or more pads 24. In this way, weight from the seat 23 further compacts the ground beneath pad 24 and secures them in place by gravity. A seat 23 is bolted into place by use of fastenings 25 through holes 27, or additional holes formed in the pad 24 (not shown). It is noteworthy that it may be feasible to form seat 23 and one or more pads 24 as a unitary piece or multiple pieces.

[0031] Figure 5 illustrates a close-up view of a receiving structure formed in or adjacent to seat 23, namely a dovetail slot / groove 28 for receiving an upstanding frame piece 21. This represents a third step of assembling a canopy over the seat 23. Bolts 29 may pass laterally through openings formed in the receiving structure in order to secure frame piece 21, e.g. a gantry, in place in its upright position.

[0032] Figure 6 illustrates a fourth step in installation, where a roof 22 is assembled onto and attached to span between gantry elements 21 to complete the substantive shelter appearance. It is noteworthy that the illustrated shelters of the drawings are not necessarily aesthetically consistent and embody several different design options. However, all exemplify the common inventive concept of pre-fabricated shelter components that may be affixed to pads in or on a shallow excavation / prepared ground surface; that is, without penetrating deeply into the ground which may require specialised excavation equipment and can potentially damage buried utilities.

[0033] The mostly assembled shelter of Figure 6 still shows an open prepared ground / excavated area X proximate pads 24.

[0034] Figure 7 illustrates a final step of installation, where paving stones P are shown in place to serve as a floor of the shelter 20. As previously noted, the floor finish may require paving (e.g. paving stones, or a layer of poured concrete or asphalt) to cover pads 24 or, in any event, in a way that renders the floor as a level surface. Pads 24 may serve as surface level paving stones around which other paving is cut to fit.

[0035] It will be apparent from the foregoing that various approaches to execution may be possible. For example, the shelter is generally described as being assembled in-situ from several parts, e.g. pads, a seat, frame and roof; all of which are generally intended to have been pre-fabricated in a factory. However, it is possible to supply the shelter to a site in any state of assembly, including fully assembled according to Figure 3; e.g. delivered by truck and hoisted into place by suitable means. In some forms, a paved or covered floor may not be desirable, i.e. instead utilising a grass or dirt floor, where the pads / foundations are visible as paving stones.

[0036] In summary, the present disclosure outlines an invention comprised of both an installation methodology and a shelter of prefabricated parts. In its installed form, the shelter comprises parallel foundation pads located upon or just below (e.g. in a shallow excavation) a ground surface. A heavy bench seat is configured for fastening to at least one of the foundation pads, while frame elements / gantry in turn support a roof at one end while being fastened at the other end to either at least one of the foundation pads or the seat. The seat preferably comprises a substantial proportion of the weight of the shelter so that it, in combination with the foundation pads, provide stability to the shelter without the need for a deep excavation and pouring of concrete foundations.

Claims

1. A method of constructing a shelter, comprising the steps of:preparing a ground surface for receiving, in a level manner, at least one preformed foundation pad of up to 100mm depth,locating the at least one preformed foundation pad such that it rests upon the ground surface or extends below the ground surface by only a shallow distance; andanchoring a shelter upon the at least one precast foundation pad, wherein the at least one preformed foundation pad has a length at least spanning between a front and rear of the shelter.

2. The method of claim 1, including providing a floor surface to the shelter that is at least flush with or covers the at least one precast foundation pad.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the floor surface is comprised of paving stones, poured concrete, asphalt, particulate material or any combination thereof.

4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the step of assembling the shelter, performed in situ or at an earlier time, comprises:locating a preformed seat upon and affixing it to the at least one preformed foundation pad, or wherein the preformed seat is already integral with the at least one preformed foundation pad;locating at least one frame element relative to the preformed seat and / or at least one foundation pad and affixing it thereto;affixing a roof to the at least one frame element.

5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the shallow distance is an excavation no deeper than 100mm.

6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein there are a plurality of preformed26 03 25foundation pads, being elongate pads, laid out apart and in parallel, with a distance between each greater than a width thereof.

7. A shelter or kit of parts for use in the installation method of claim 1, comprising: the at least one preformed foundation pad of up to 100mm depth, configured for location upon the ground surface or extending below the ground surface by a shallow distance;a preformed seat configured for connection to or integral with the at least one preformed foundation pad;at least one frame element configured for anchoring to the at least one preformed foundation pad and / or the seat; anda roof configured for connection with the at least one frame element.

8. The shelter of claim 7, wherein the preformed seat comprises a substantial proportion of the weight of the shelter, excluding the at least one preformed foundation pad.

9. The shelter of claim 8, wherein the preformed seat is a bench formed as an elongate block, unitary or assembled thereinto, from dense material.

10. The shelter of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the at least one frame element and / or roof is formed from one or more materials selected from: timber, geopolymer, concrete.

11. The shelter of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein there are a plurality of preformed foundation pads, being elongate pads arranged transverse to an orientation of the preformed seat, disposed in parallel to each other and spaced apart at a distance greater than a width thereof.

12. The shelter of any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the preformed seat comprises receiving features for receiving the at least one frame element, for fasteningthereto.

13. The shelter of any one of claims 7 to 12, comprising fastening elements for affixing the at least one preformed foundation pad to the preformed seat and / or the at least one frame element.26 03 25

Images