Modular Building System

Abstract

A modular building system is disclosed that is comprised of a plurality of habitable modules that are connected together along horizontal and vertical planes to form a high-rise building. The connections between adjacent modules along the horizontal and vertical planes are made through a specific set of connections L1 to L5, allowing for easy and quick installation of the modules that make up the building and ensuring the desired mechanical, thermal and acoustic performance.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention is encompassed in the field of building systems, and in particular, the present invention relates to modular building systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Modular construction arises as a result of the need for the civil construction sector to find increasingly industrialized building systems to reduce waste, be more economical and optimize the use and reuse of material resources, thus responding to a new paradigm in society and, consequently, a new paradigm for the civil construction sector: economy, sustainability and rapidity in construction.

[0003] This type of construction is characterized by standardized dimensions, repetition, and standardization of processes and materials, promoting construction efficiency from manufacturing to on-site assembly. The fact that modular construction is fully standardized and mechanized is important for minimizing the risk of construction errors. Modular construction is also characterized by creative flexibility, as various architectural configurations can be obtained through the various shapes that can be assigned to the blocks. In addition to its versatility, the ecological footprint of this type of solution is significantly reduced compared to traditional construction, as it allows for approximately 90% reduction in waste, reduced energy consumption, up to 90% reduction in vehicle movement, reduced noise pollution at construction sites, and a 50-70% reduction in construction time. All these factors contribute to increased cost-effectiveness. Commonly used materials are concrete, steel, wood, and plastics (aluminum, glass, polyurethane foam).

[0004] However, despite the fact that modular building systems offer many advantages, they require time-consuming and thorough work in the design and project, which is mostly done by hand, from the functional composition of the building to the selection of materials, performance calculations and optimization. The precast industry already has monolithic components that add multiple structural functions, but their application range is typically limited to technical passages. When it comes to the construction of buildings and dwellings, the use of prefabricated structures remains compared to traditional construction and is typically summarized in industrial buildings and single-storey dwellings, or dwellings with a maximum of two floors.

[0005] The present disclosure presents an improved solution relative to the state of the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is therefore a modular building system for highly industrialized buildings, with fast construction and high quality, at reduced costs and environmental impact. This solution therefore offers all the advantages associated with modularity to be applied to building construction, either in terms of flexibility in the configuration of occupational areas, be it apartment buildings with multiple topologies or areas for other types of purposes, or in terms of architecture related to the simple and fast installation of the modules that make up the building, ensuring the desired mechanical, thermal and acoustic performance.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the fundamental manner in which all these advantages are achieved concerns the structural connections between the building modules, which provide the necessary structural stability that also allows the construction of the building to be carried out along vertical planes (on multiple floors).

[0008] In this way, the disclosed system is composed of a plurality of habitable modules connected to one another along the horizontal and / or vertical planes of the building. According to the particularity of the described system, the connection between adjacent modules along the horizontal plane is made via L2 and L5 type connections. Furthermore, the connection between adjacent modules along the vertical plane, or between a module at a vertical level and the roof structure at the next vertical level, is made via L1 and L4 type connections.

[0009] In particular, the connection L2 is of the male-female joint type, with one module containing a male joint and the adjacent module containing a female joint.

[0010] The L5 connections are implemented via reinforcing bars installed along the horizontal plane, each interconnecting two adjacent modules.

[0011] The connection L1 is of the male-female joint type, where one module includes a male or female joint and the adjacent module or roof structure includes a complementary joint.

[0012] The L4 connections are implemented via reinforcing bars installed along the vertical planes, each interconnecting the module with an adjacent module or the roof structure.

[0013] The use of this type of structural connection allows the entire surfaces of adjacent modules to be in complete contact with each other, and in addition to this contact being completely isolated, it also ensures the structural connection and the resulting mechanical strength, thus ensuring the necessary structural stability that allows the construction of multi-story buildings.

[0014] Furthermore, it reduces the number of elements required to construct a building, which increases its advantages compared to traditional construction methods.

[0015] Furthermore, it allows for the standardization and centralization of the majority of building elements, helping to make better use of molds in both quantity and quality, as well as reducing labor impacting all stages of work, increasing profitability and simplifying both the prefabrication and construction processes.

[0016] Furthermore, reducing the number of elements required to construct a building contributes to obtaining a structure with good dynamic behavior. In this particular case, using this type of connection between modules ensures that the reduction in the number of elements does not lead to a decrease in the flexibility of the solutions that can be constructed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 shows an embodiment of a habitable module according to the invention, where the reference symbols represent: 1 - L1 type connection; 2 - L2 type connection; 3 - L3 type connection; 4 - L4 type connection; 5 - L5 type connection; 6 - habitable module; 9 - block for connecting common infrastructure; 10 - watertight connection box. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows another embodiment of a habitable module according to the invention, which can be combined with the module shown in figure 1. The reference symbols represent: 1 - L1 type connection; 2 - L2 type connection; 3 - L3 type connection; 4 - L4 type connection; 5 - L5 type connection; 6 - habitable module. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a system showing connections between multiple habitable modules (6) in both horizontal and vertical planes. [Figure 4] It represents an L1 type connection, the reference symbols being: 1 - L1 type connection; 7 - structural reinforcement; 8 - reinforcing element. [Figure 5] Represents an L2 type connection, the reference symbols are: 2 - L2 type connection; 7 - structural reinforcement; 8 - reinforcement element. [Figure 6]Represents an L3 type connection, the reference symbols are: 3 - L3 type connection; 3.1 - threaded rod; 3.2 - metal plate; 3.3 - tightening nut; 6 - habitable module; 7 - structural reinforcement; 8 - reinforcement element. [Figure 7] Represents an L4 type connection, the reference symbols being: 4 - L4 type connection; 6 - habitable module; 7 - structural reinforcement; 8 - reinforcement element. [Figure 8] Represents an L5 type connection, the reference symbols are: 5 - L5 type connection; 6 - habitable module;

[0018] Detailed Description The more general and advantageous aspects of the present invention are described in the Summary of the Invention, which are detailed below in accordance with other advantageous and / or preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] The disclosed modular building system includes a plurality of habitable modules that are connected to one another along horizontal and vertical planes to form a multi-story building. Throughout this disclosure, "habitable module" is intended to refer to an area that can be occupied for residential purposes, such as an apartment building, or for the performance and establishment of services of various nature, such as shops or warehouses.

[0020] The connections between adjacent modules along the horizontal plane are made via L2 and L5 type connectors. Next, the connections between adjacent modules along the vertical plane are made via L1 and L4 type connectors. As for the vertical plane, the building is finished off by a roof structure. This structure can be of any type known from the state of the art, in addition to incorporating connectors L1 and L4 for connecting the habitable modules directly below.

[0021] In one embodiment of the system, the male joints of connectors L1 and L2 have a height ranging from 1 cm to 40 cm and a minimum length of 3 cm. The joint length is at most the same as the wall length. Obviously, the corresponding female joints will be complementary, preferably with no gap between the contact surfaces of the two joints, to ensure a proper female connection. Specifically, if the male joint is 40 cm high and 3 cm long, the female joint must be at least 40 cm deep and at least 3 cm long. In another embodiment of the system, the male joints are defined by edges that form an angular arrangement ranging from 0° to 180°. In fact, the same effect can be achieved by varying the angle between adjacent edges at all edges of the male joint: for example, in one embodiment, two edges may be perpendicular to each other at a 90° angle. In another embodiment, one edge has an angular arrangement of 100° and the other has an angular arrangement of 80°.

[0022] In another embodiment of the system, the length of the reinforcing bar at connection L4 is such that 2 / 3 of its length is inserted into the bottom of the habitable module and 1 / 3 is inserted into the top of the module, hi another embodiment, the length of the reinforcing bar is at least 30 cm.

[0023] In another embodiment of the system, the reinforcing bars of connection L5 have a minimum diameter of 0.6 cm and a minimum length of 10 cm. In another embodiment, the reinforcing bars may be iron bars or Dywidag type bars, which may have round, square, rectangular or other cross sections, as long as the cross-sectional steel area used is equivalent.

[0024] In another embodiment of the system, the connections between adjacent modules along the horizontal plane are supplemented with L3 type connections in addition to L2 and L5 type connections. The purpose of using this type of complementary connection is to prevent differential deformation between the slabs forming the support platform of each module and the vertical and horizontal transmission of movements between them. In particular, for that purpose, each L3 connection is implemented by at least two threaded rods, one installed on each module and adapted to fasten a metal plate resting in the contact zone between the two modules.

[0025] In one embodiment of the system, the threaded rods are at least 2 cm long and the metal plates are at least 0.5 mm thick. The design must accommodate vertical and horizontal stresses in various directions resulting from the design of the structure. The metal plates are secured to the contact zones between the modules using tightening nuts attached to each threaded rod.

[0026] In another embodiment of the system, all connections between modules are supplemented with a binder, such as cement, to seal each connection, i.e., fill any existing gaps.

[0027] In different embodiments of the system, the number of connections between modules along the horizontal and vertical planes is variable. The number of connections L1 to L5 considered for vertical and horizontal coupling of module combinations depends on the geometry of the building and therefore on the dimensions to be implemented. It is also important to mention that for the same building, it is possible to consider modules with a higher number of connections and a lower load capacity, or modules with a lower number of connections and a higher load capacity.

[0028] In another embodiment of the system, each habitable module includes a parallelepiped support platform arranged in a horizontal plane and at least two perimeter walls arranged in vertical planes. In one embodiment, each perimeter wall is installed at one end of the platform. The dimensions of both the platform and the walls vary depending on the configuration of each project. The same applies to the wall thickness, which, by way of example, can vary between 10 cm and 30 cm for a five-story building. Typically, the support platform and walls are made of reinforced concrete, but other materials capable of transmitting equivalent forces in the same shape are also contemplated. The assembly between these components may have various configurations, given the flexibility that the system, particularly the set of connections L1 to L5, can achieve. For example, the support platform may be a slab on which floors are installed, or alternatively, a ceiling to which the perimeter walls are fixed, using connections L1 and L4 in both cases. This building system is configured to allow for the containment or inclusion of perimeter or interior walls, as well as the containment or inclusion of doors or windows in either the perimeter or interior walls, or to contain or inclusion sections of the support platform, ensuring the structural stability of the building. This is also achieved using a set of connectors L1 to L5, which are used to connect the modules and ensure the correct distribution of forces between them.By using the right combination of vertical and lateral connections and connecting modules, buildings can be constructed with different housing typologies, several storeys high depending on the dimensions, for residential, service and other uses.

[0029] In another embodiment of the system, the support platform includes L2 and L5 type connections recessed therein for connecting between the support platforms of adjacent modules along a horizontal plane, and L1 and L4 type connections for installation of a perimeter wall, and the perimeter wall includes L1 and L4 type connections recessed at its bottom and top for attachment to the support platform, depending on whether the platform is the floor or ceiling of the habitable module, respectively, and L1 and L4 type connections recessed at its top for connection to the support platform of an adjacent module or roof structure, or recessed at its bottom for connection to the support platform of an adjacent module.

[0030] In another embodiment of the system, the L3 connections are installed on the support platforms of two adjacent modules.

[0031] In another embodiment of the system, the support platform and perimeter wall include internal structural reinforcement. The structural reinforcement is supplemented by reinforcing elements in the areas where the L1, L2, L4, and L5 connectors are embedded, as well as in the area where the L3 connector is installed. The reinforcing elements are implemented using steel rods with diameter cross-sections ranging from 0.6 cm to 2.5 cm. The reinforcing elements are used to absorb both vertical and horizontal loads resulting from the design of the structure.

[0032] In another embodiment of the system, each module includes blocks for connecting the modules that compose it with the building's common infrastructure, which may relate to water, sewerage, electricity, communication networks, etc., the dimensions of which vary depending on the dimensions of each module.

[0033] In another embodiment of the system, each module further includes at least one waterproof junction box for accommodating pipes from adjacent modules. Typically, the box is made of PVC, metal, or other materials. This box is used to link the building's infrastructure connections, and can be used in particular to accommodate electrical and / or communication installations separated from hydraulic installations. The dimensions of this box vary depending on the dimensions of each module.

[0034] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments described herein, as many variations are possible while remaining within the scope of the present invention.

[0035] Of course, the preferred embodiments set out above may be combined in different possible forms herein avoiding all repetition of such combinations.

Claims

1. 1. A modular building system for a building comprising a plurality of habitable modules connected to one another along horizontal and / or vertical planes of said building, said system comprising: - said connections between adjacent modules along a horizontal plane are implemented via type L2 and type L5 connections; and - characterized in that said connections between adjacent modules along a vertical plane or between a module at a vertical level and the roof structure at the next vertical level above are implemented via type L1 and type L4 connections; wherein said connection portion L2 is a male-female joint type, wherein one module includes a male joint and said adjacent module includes a female joint; The connecting portions L5 are implemented via reinforcing bars installed along the horizontal plane, each interconnecting two adjacent modules; the connection L1 is of the male-female joint type, where one module includes a male or female joint and the adjacent module or the roof structure includes a complementary joint; the connections L4 are implemented via reinforcing bars installed along the vertical surfaces, each interconnecting a module with the adjacent module or the roof structure; A modular building system, wherein said connections between adjacent modules along a horizontal plane are complemented by L3 type connections, wherein each connection L3 is implemented by at least two threaded rods, one installed on each module, and adapted to fix a metal plate resting on the contact zone between said two modules.

2. 2. The modular building system according to claim 1, wherein the length of the threaded rod is at least 2 cm and the thickness of the metal plate is at least 0.5 mm, and wherein the fixing of the metal plate to the contact zone between the modules is performed using a tightening nut coupled to each threaded rod.

3. 3. Modular building system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the male joints of the connections L1 and L2 have a height of between 1 cm and 40 cm and a minimum length of 3 cm.

4. 4. The modular building system of claim 1, wherein the length of the reinforcing rod of the connection L4 is such that 2 / 3 of its length is inserted into the bottom of the habitable module and 1 / 3 of its length is inserted into the top of the module, and the length of the reinforcing rod is at least 30 cm.

5. 5. A modular building system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reinforcing bars of the connections L5 have a minimum diameter of 0.6 cm and a minimum length of 10 cm, and wherein the reinforcing bars are iron bars or Dywidag type bars.

6. 6. A modular building system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein all the connections between modules include a binder to seal each of the connections.

7. A modular building system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the number of said connections between modules along said horizontal and vertical planes is variable.

8. 8. The modular building system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the habitable module is constituted by a parallelepiped support platform arranged in a horizontal plane and at least two perimeter walls mounted on said support platform, optionally each perimeter wall being mounted at one end of said support platform.

9. said support platform including said type L2 and L5 connections recessed therein for connection between adjacent modules along said horizontal plane, and said type L1 and L4 connections for installation of said perimeter wall; and said peripheral wall includes said type L1 and L4 connections recessed at its lower and / or upper ends for attachment to said support platform; and L1 and L4 type connections are recessed at the top end to connect to said support platform or roof structure of an adjacent module, or recessed at the bottom end to connect to an adjacent module; 9. The modular building system of claim 8, wherein the L3 connections are installed on the support platforms of two adjacent modules.

10. 10. The modular building system of claim 9, wherein the support platform and the perimeter wall include internal structural reinforcement, which is complemented with reinforcing elements in the areas where the L1, L2, L4 and L5 connections are embedded and where the L3 connection is located, and which are implemented using steel rods with a diameter cross-section that varies between 0.6 cm and 2.5 cm.

11. A modular building system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the support platforms and perimeter walls of the modules are variable in size and thickness, and are made of concrete.

12. Modular building system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein each module comprises blocks for connecting a common infrastructure of the building, said common infrastructure relating to water, sewerage, electricity or communication networks.

13. A modular building system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each module further comprises at least one waterproof junction box.

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