Load distribution system for inclined surfaces

Abstract

A system for the distribution and transmission of loads from elevated structures onto existing supporting surfaces, in particular inclined ones, comprising a plurality of bases (1), each base (1) comprising at least one distribution element (2), which is substantially flat and lies on a supporting surface, a distribution beam (4) having an axis X, said beam (4) being placed over said plurality of bases (1) and comprising, on the top thereof, at least one fixing point (41) adapted for coupling with an overlying elevated structure, a number of upper joining elements (6) equal to the number of distribution elements (2) with a first end coupled below to said beam (4), an axis (A) which is substantially perpendicular to the axis (X) of said beam (4) and a joining surface (6a), on a second end of said upper joining element (6) opposite said first end, a lower joining element (3) or a group of lower joining elements (3) for each upper joining element (6), each lower joining element (3) comprising a first end coupled above to said distribution element (2), a second end opposite said first end and a joining surface (3a) on said second end, said system being characterised in that said upper joining element (6) and said lower joining element (3) or group of lower joining elements (3) are coupled at said respective joining surfaces (3a, 6a), and in that it comprises means for the relative rotation of said axis (A) with respect to an axis perpendicular to the plane of said distribution element (2).

Description

[0001] LOAD DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FOR INCLINED SURFACES

[0002] The present invention relates to a load distribution system for the construction of prefabricated structures.

[0003] The description that follows will focus in particular on the use of the foundation system according to the invention in a modular car park structure with one or more elevated levels, but it is clearly evident that the same may also be used in modular systems for the construction of prefabricated structures of another type or intended for a different use.

[0004] It is well known that, since 1990, we have witnessed the appearance and gradual establishment on the market of different modular car park systems with one and later several elevated levels, conceived to be installed on top of existing asphalt paving, without the need for foundations of a traditional type.

[0005] The columns of this type of modular prefabricated structures are mounted on steel bases simply rested on the paving. The bases receive the concentrated loads of the columns and transmit to the underlying paving pressures which, for design purposes, must be verified on each occasion by applying the principles of geotechnics (and the reference standards) compatible with the load-bearing capacity of the paving in question. For ease of reference, this type of structure will be defined as “foundation-less” below in the present description.

[0006] The foundation-less car park is designed to be set up on a 5.0 x 5.0m structural grid. A 5.0 x 5.0m module can function both as an aisle C (5.0m-long portion of a 5.0m-wide aisle) and a parking place (two parking places with a size of 5.0 x 2.5m). With this structural mesh, shown in figure 1 , every column receives the loads, permanent and accidental, collected by 25m2of flooring in the case of the inside columns, 12.5m2for the perimeter columns, and 6.25 m2for the corner columns.

[0007] The structural mesh shown in the plan view in figure 1 envisages the use, at the nodes P, of a steel base and column system, shown by way of approximation in figure 2, wherein the steel base, suitably stiffened, has the function of distributing the load over the underlying paving.

[0008] The steel base must necessarily have limited dimensions (for example square with 0.6m sides or circular with a diameter of 0.65m), in order not to constitute a hindrance to the circulation of cars and pedestrians.

[0009] The structural mesh in figure 1 imposes difficulties on the driver when parking, due to the considerable number of columns present at the edge of the aisle.

[0010] Multi-level car parks having aisles and parking places of standard dimensions can in fact be more or less convenient to use depending on the number and position of the columns that may be present at the edge of the aisle, such columns being a hindrance to manoeuvres to get into / out of the parking place.

[0011] Structural meshes with columns positioned only at the far end of the parking places (called “clear span” and shown by way of approximation in the plan view in figure 3) are to be preferred from the viewpoint of convenience of use and in fact this type of structural mesh is rapidly replacing other types which envisage the presence of columns in proximity to the aisle.

[0012] The transition to the “clear-span” mesh, for a foundation-less car park system, is not devoid of problems: even using a mesh with columns spaced apart only by 2.5m, as shown in figure 3, the load on each column, and thus on the underlying base, increases by 50% compared to the system with columns also arranged on the edges of the aisle.

[0013] In fact, for a structure like the one represented in the plan view in figure 3, assuming a structural mesh of 16.0x2.5m, the central columns will be loaded with 40m2 of decking, versus the 25m2 of decking for the columns of the structural mesh in figure 1 .

[0014] Given that the dimensions of the base are fixed at about 0.6m per side in the case of a square base and a diameter of 0.65m in the case of a circular base, it is not possible to construct a “clear-span” foundation-less car park with a standard structural mesh similar to the one in figure 3 using a column and base system such as the one schematically shown in figure 2.

[0015] Thus, in the specific sector, there exists a need for a load distribution system capable of reducing the contact pressure between the base and the underlying ground / floor in such a way as to bring the pressure within the limits of the load-bearing capacity of the ground / floor.

[0016] This need is satisfied by the system according to the present invention, which offers, moreover, further advantages that will become clear below.

[0017] These and other results are obtained according to the present invention by proposing a structural configuration that allows the load bearing upon a column to be transmited onto two or more supporting bases on the ground, in as uniform a manner as possible.

[0018] In fact, if it were possible to use two bases rather than only one under any of the columns of the structural mesh in figure 3, one would have a load for each base equal to 40 / 2 = 20m2, thus less than the load bearing upon the bases used in the structure in figure 1 , and therefore acceptable.

[0019] Furthermore, if it were possible to use three bases rather than only one under any of the columns of the structural mesh in figure 3, one would have a load for each base equal to 40 / 3 = 13.3m2, equal to about 50% of the load bearing upon the bases used in the structure in figure 1 . In the event that three bases can be used under the columns of the structure in figure 3, that foundation-less structure could thus be used in situations of poorer quality ground / paving where not even the system in figure 1 can be used.

[0020] In the latter case, increasing the number of bases for a given column would enable not only an improvement in the convenience of use, but also the possibility of using the resulting structure in a larger number of concrete cases.

[0021] Increasing the number of bases under a given column can also offer another type of advantage.

[0022] It should be considered, in fact, that any type of structure, thus also the ones schematically represented in figure 1 and in figure 3, must be able to withstand the horizontal actions imposed by wind and / or earthquakes.

[0023] Considering the braced span in figure 4, the maximum resistance that can be posed with this span to the horizontal slippage induced by a force F is equal to R, which is proportional to P (R = kP). Let us assume by way of example that k = 0.5. Let us further assume, again by way of example, that F is a seismic force, and thus also proportional to the weight of the structure.

[0024] Assuming that the braced span in figure 5 braces a portion of structure equal to n spans, and that F / P is equal to 0.1 , we will have F = 0.1 nP. The R=F equivalence will thus become 0.5P=0.1 nP, from which it follows that n = 5. Therefore, it will be sufficient to brace a span every 5. In the event of a high seismic action, for example F / P=0.25 we would have n=2, i.e. it would be necessary to brace one span every two. Considering the structural mesh in figure 3, we would obtain a structure with braces every two parking places (5.0m), which would be less convenient than the structure previously taken into consideration (n=5), which had a brace every 5 parking places.

[0025] If it were possible to use three standard bases for a single column, that column could bear up to 80m2 of structure (80 / 3 = 26.6 ~25).

[0026] In such a case it would be possible to use the configuration in figure 6, where the braces are present with a pitch of 7.5m / 12.5m / 7.5m / 12.5m, or 3Z5 / 3 / 5 parking places, therefore half the number compared to the configuration previously taken into consideration.

[0027] The aim of the present invention is thus to provide a load distribution system that makes it possible to overcome the limits of the systems according to the prior art and to obtain the previously described technical results.

[0028] A further aim of the invention is that said system can be achieved with substantially low costs, both as regards the production costs and as regards the operating costs.

[0029] Yet another aim of the invention is to propose a system that is simple, safe, and reliable.

[0030] Therefore, a specific aim of the present invention is a system for the distribution and transmission of loads from elevated structures onto existing supporting surfaces, in particular inclined ones, comprising a plurality of bases, each base comprising at least one distribution element, which is substantially flat and lies on a supporting surface, a distribution beam having an axis X, said beam being placed over said plurality of bases and comprising, on the top thereof, at least one fixing point adapted for coupling with an overlying elevation structure, a number of upper joining elements equal to the number of distribution elements with a first end coupled below to said beam, an axis A that is substantially perpendicular to the axis X of said beam and a joining surface, on a second end of said upper joining element opposite said first end, a lower joining element or a group of lower joining elements for each upper joining element, each lower joining element comprising a first end coupled above to said distribution element, a second end opposite said first end and a joining surface on said second end, said system being characterised in that said upper joining element and said lower joining element or group of lower joining elements are coupled at said respective joining surfaces, and in that it comprises means for the relative rotation of said axis A with respect to an axis perpendicular to the plane of said distribution element.

[0031] In particular, according to the present invention, said system can comprise at least one retaining element, which laterally encloses said lower joining element or said group of lower joining elements and said upper joining element.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the present invention, said joining surface of said lower joining element can be concave and said joining surface of said upper joining element can be convex.

[0033] Moreover, according to the present invention, said joining surface of said upper joining element can be concave and said joining surface of said lower joining element can be convex.

[0034] In particular, according to the present invention, said retaining element can be a tube that is not solidly joined to said lower joining element and / or to said upper joining element.

[0035] Furthermore, according to the present invention, said system can comprise a spacer element coupled to said beam or to said distribution element.

[0036] Again according to the present invention, said spacer element can be threaded and adapted to be coupled to a threaded lateral surface of said upper joining element or of said lower joining element.

[0037] Moreover, according to the present invention, said group of lower joining elements can comprise at least four lower joining elements coupled to four respective spacer elements, wherein each spacer element is a threaded bolt fixed to said distribution element, each lower joining element is a nut adapted to be screwed onto said threaded bolt, each retaining element is a receptacle and each upper joining element is a plate comprising a through hole for each threaded bolt.

[0038] In particular, according to the present invention, said receptacle can comprise self-levelling mortar.

[0039] Furthermore, according to the present invention, said system can comprise at least four locking elements coupled to said spacer elements and positioned above said plate.

[0040] Moreover, according to the present invention, said distribution element can be a circular or square plate. Preferably, according to the present invention, said plate can have a thickness that decreases moving away from the centre.

[0041] In particular, according to the present invention, the receptacle can comprise at least one sliding wall.

[0042] Again according to the present invention, said plate can comprise at least one V-shaped opening.

[0043] Moreover, according to the present invention, said plate can be coupled to said beam by means of a support.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the present invention, said distribution element can be configured as a load distribution and transmission system of the previously defined type, wherein said beam of said distribution element has an axis X’ perpendicular to the axis X of said beam of said load distribution and transmission system.

[0045] The present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting illustration, according to preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures in the appended drawings, in which:

[0046] - figures 1-4 show construction diagrams of modular car parks according to the prior art;

[0047] - figures 5-6 show diagrams of modular car parks according to the present invention,

[0048] - figures 7a-7c show a first embodiment of the load distribution and transmission system according to the present invention,

[0049] - figure 8 shows a second embodiment of the load distribution and transmission system according to the present invention,

[0050] - figures 9a-9b show a third embodiment of the load distribution and transmission system according to the present invention,

[0051] - figures 10a-10c show a fourth embodiment of the load distribution and transmission system according to the present invention,

[0052] - figures 11a-11c show a fifth embodiment of the load distribution and transmission system according to the present invention,

[0053] - figures 12 and 14 show a sixth embodiment of the load distribution and transmission system according to the present invention,

[0054] - figure 13 shows an exploded view of the base and base support or upper joining element of the load transmission system in figure 12, - figures 15 and 17 show a seventh embodiment of the load distribution and transmission system according to the present invention,

[0055] - figure 16 shows an exploded view of the base and the base support or upper joining element of the load transmission system in figure 15,

[0056] - figure 18 shows an eighth embodiment of the load distribution and transmission system according to the present invention,

[0057] - figure 19 shows an exploded view of the base and base support or upper joining element of the load transmission system in figure 18, and

[0058] - figure 20 shows a ninth embodiment of the load distribution and transmission system according to the present invention.

[0059] According to the present invention, a system for the distribution and transmission of loads from elevated structures to supporting surfaces, which are in any case inclined, comprises a plurality of bases 1.

[0060] Making reference to figures 7a-7c, according to a first embodiment of the invention, said system comprises two bases 1. In particular, each base 1 comprises a distribution element 2 and a base housing or lower joining element 3 fixed to said distribution element 2.

[0061] In particular, each distribution element 2 is a circular steel plate.

[0062] Furthermore, again making reference to figures 7a-7c, each base housing or lower joining element 3 is a steel cylinder welded perpendicularly onto the upper surface of said distribution element 2.

[0063] Preferably, the upper surface or joining surface 3a of said lower joining element 3 is shaped according to a concave surface.

[0064] Furthermore, said system comprises a distribution beam 4 placed over said bases 1. Preferably, said beam 4 is a double T beam. Making reference to the embodiment shown in figures 7a-7c, said beam 4 is aligned with said bases 1.

[0065] Again making reference to figures 7a-7c, said system comprises two base supports or upper joining elements 6, fixed to the lower surface of said beam 4. In particular, each base support or upper joining element 6 is a cylindrical element with a smaller diameter than said lower joining element 3. Furthermore, the lower surface or joining surface 6a of said upper joining element 6 is a convex surface that rests upon the concave joining surface 3a of the corresponding lower joining element 3.

[0066] The resting of the convex surface of the upper joining element 6 on the concave surface of the respective lower joining element 3 enables the rotation of the upper joining element 6 relative to the lower joining element 3 on any vertical plane passing through the axis A of the upper joining element. This rotation ability allows each base 1 to rest upon the ground for any plane defined by the ground / floor in the point where the base rests. This rotation ability will thus enable the correct resting of the base 1 on the ground and the vertically of the core of the beam 4.

[0067] Furthermore, said base 1 comprises a retaining element 7, having an inner diameter that is just slightly larger than the diameter of said lower joining element 3.

[0068] In particular, said retaining element 7 laterally surrounds both said lower joining element 3 and said upper joining element 6, thus preventing the mutual lateral shifting thereof. Making reference to the embodiment shown in figures 7a- 7c, said retaining element 7 is a passing tube.

[0069] Making reference to figure 8, in a second embodiment, the upper surface or joining surface 3a of the lower joining element 3 is convex, and the lower surface or joining surface 6a of the upper joining element 6 is concave.

[0070] In particular, in the embodiments shown in figures 7a-7c and 8 it is not possible to bring the longitudinal axis of the beam 4 into a flat condition when the supporting surface of the bases 1 is not horizontal in the direction of the longitudinal axis X of the beam 4. In the event of non-horizontality of the supporting surface of the bases 1 in the direction of the longitudinal axis X of the beam 4, these embodiments will allow the use of two bases 1 at most.

[0071] Figures 9a and 9b show two alternative embodiments of the solutions represented in figures 7a-7c and 8, wherein the retaining element 7 is solidly joined to said upper joining element 6 or to said lower joining element 3.

[0072] In the embodiment shown in figures 10a-10c, said lower joining element 3 is a threaded joint. In particular, said system comprises a spacer element 8 adapted to vertically adjust the connection between said distribution element 2 and said lower joining element 3, whilst said upper joining element 6 remains fixed relative to the beam 4.

[0073] In the embodiment shown in figures 11a-11c, by contrast, said spacer element 8 enables an adjustment in the height of the connection between the beam 4 and the upper joining element 6, whilst the lower joining element 3 remains fixed relative to the distribution element 2.

[0074] The embodiments shown in figures 10a-10c and 11a-11c enable the longitudinal axis to be aligned with a horizontal axis parallel to the axis X of the beam 4 even if the ground is not horizontal according to that direction. These embodiments also allow the use of more than two supporting bases 1 under a given distribution beam 4.

[0075] In the embodiment shown in figures 12-17, said system 1 comprises a group of lower joining elements 3. In particular, said group of lower joining elements 3 comprises at least four lower joining elements 3 coupled to four respective spacer elements 8.

[0076] Making reference to the embodiment shown in figures 12 and 13, each lower joining element 3 is a nut and each spacer element 8 is a threaded bolt, preferably an anchor bolt. In particular, each nut is adapted to be screwed onto a respective threaded bolt in order to set the supporting surface for the upper joining element 6. Furthermore, each spacer 8 is solidly fixed to said distribution element 2.

[0077] Furthermore, in said embodiments, said upper joining element 6 is a plate comprising a through hole for each threaded bolt.

[0078] Moreover, in said embodiments, said retaining element 7 is a receptacle, preferably made of metal, solidly fixed to said distribution element 2.

[0079] In particular, said receptacle can be filled with self-levelling mortar, which makes it possible to obtain a horizontal supporting surface for the upper joining element 6, irrespective of how the distribution element 2 lies resting on the ground, as well as, by choosing the appropriate height of the mortar column inside the two receptacles of two bases, to horizontally align the longitudinal axis of the beam 4, thus making possible, in this alternative embodiment, all the adjustments allowed by the embodiments shown in figures 10a-1 Oc and 11 a-11 c.

[0080] Figure 13 shows a detail of the embodiment presented in figure 12.

[0081] In particular, said system comprises a support 62. Preferably, said support 62 is a cut-off section of a double T beam fixed stably to the beam 4.

[0082] Furthermore, said plate 6 will end up resting on the mortar inside the receptacle. Said plate comprises a V-shaped opening 61 adapted to enable the casting of the mortar inside the receptacle at a moment following the assembly of the various elements. Figure 14 shown a complete column group, including bracing elements and a protection element with a high-visibility finish of the distribution system and column group.

[0083] Making reference to figures 15-17, a seventh embodiment of the system of the present invention comprises three bases 1 .

[0084] Making reference to figures 18 and 19, the distribution elements 2’ are configured as a load distribution and transmission system of the type shown in the embodiments in figures 7a-7c. In particular, the beam 4’ of said distribution elements 2’ has an axis X’ substantially perpendicular to the axis X of said beam 4 of said load distribution and transmission system. In this embodiment, the system comprises three distribution elements 2’ and three upper elements 6 and lower elements 3 as per the embodiment shown in figures 12-17.

[0085] In addition, said system can comprise a lower level comprising a plurality of distribution systems as per one of the embodiments illustrated in figures 7a to 11 c surmounted by an upper level comprising a plurality of distribution systems constructed according to the solution in figures 12 to 17.

[0086] Making reference to figure 19, said distribution element 2’ comprises a distribution element 2”, which is substantially flat and lies on a supporting surface. Furthermore, said distribution element 2’ comprises a distribution beam 4’ having an axis X’, an upper joining element 6’ and a lower joining element 3’. Moreover, said distribution element 2’ comprises a retaining element 7. Again making reference to the embodiment shown in figure 19, said system comprises a lower joining element 3 screwed onto a respective spacer element or threaded bolt 8. Furthermore, said system comprises an upper joining element 6 or plate and a retaining element 7 or receptacle. Finally, said system comprises a support 62 adapted to couple said beam 4 to said plate 6.

[0087] In the embodiment shown in figure 20, each receptacle comprises a sliding wall or door 71 to allow the nuts to be manoeuvred inside the receptacle in order to introduce height adjustments when the distribution system is already assembled.

[0088] Furthermore, said system can comprise at least four locking elements 31 adapted to prevent said plate from overturning. Said locking elements can be nuts coupled to said spacer elements 8 and positioned above said plate 6.

[0089] The systems shown in figures 10-20 allow the various bases to be loaded selectively while work is in progress. Let us imagine, for example, using the system with three bases in figure 15 and casting the floor slab of the raised storey with only the two lateral bases placed under load (standby nuts for the central base not in contact with the upper joining element 6). In this manner, one will ensure that the whole load induced by the concrete casting will bear upon the two lateral bases. When casting is completed, the central base will also be put into service and will thus begin to receive the loads only from that moment on (permanent non-structural loads, accidental loads).

[0090] In particular, in said system one or more columns discharge onto the distribution beam 4. Furthermore, one or more bracing elements are connected on said distribution beam 4. Moreover, one or more bracing elements can be connected to the beam 4.

[0091] Furthermore, the distribution system according to the present invention is used to transmit and distribute, over the supporting surface, the loads of the column located in proximity to the aisle of a car park structure or car park for vans with one or more storeys.

[0092] Moreover, the distribution system, according to the present invention, is used to transmit and distribute, over the supporting surface, the loads of the column located in proximity to the far end of the parking place of a multi-storey car park structure.

[0093] In particular, the loading of the distribution element 2 by filling the receptacle or tensioning the screw element takes place, for the different distribution elements, at different times from the application of the loads.

[0094] The present invention has been described by way of non-limiting illustration according to the preferred embodiments thereof, but it is to be understood that variations and / or modifications can be introduced by the person skilled in the art without going outside the relevant scope of protection, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1) A system for the distribution and transmission of loads from elevated structures onto existing supporting surfaces, in particular inclined ones, comprising a plurality of bases (1), each base (1) comprising at least one distribution element (2, 2’, 2”) that is substantially flat and lies on a supporting surface, a distribution beam (4, 4’) having an axis (X, X’), said beam (4) being placed over said plurality of bases (1) and comprising, on the top thereof, at least one fixing point (41) adapted for coupling with an overlying elevated structure, a number of upper joining elements (6) equal to the number of distribution elements (2, 2’, 2”) with a first end coupled below to said beam (4), an axis (A) substantially perpendicular to the axis (X) of said beam (4) and a joining surface (6a), on a second end of said upper joining element (6) opposite said first end, a lower joining element (3) or a group of lower joining elements (3) for each upper joining element (6), each lower joining element (3) comprising a first end coupled above to said distribution element (2, 2’, 2”), a second end opposite said first end and a joining surface (3a) on said second end, said system being characterised in that said upper joining element (6) and said lower joining element (3) or group of lower joining elements (3) are coupled at said respective joining surfaces (3a, 6a), and in that it comprises means for the relative rotation of said axis (A) with respect to an axis perpendicular to the plane of said distribution element (2, 2’, 2”).2) The load distribution and transmission system according to the preceding claim, characterised in that it comprises at least one retaining element (7), which laterally encloses said lower joining element (3) or said group of lower joining elements (3) and / or said upper joining element (6).3) The load distribution and transmission system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said joining surface (3a) of said lower joining element (3) is concave and said joining surface (6a) of said upper joining element (6) is convex.4) The load distribution and transmission system according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that said joining surface (6a) of said upper joining element (6) is concave and said joining surface (3a) of said lower joining element (3) is convex.5) The load distribution and transmission system according to any one ofthe preceding claims, characterised in that said retaining element (7) is a tube which is not solidly joined to said lower joining element (3) and / or to said upper joining element (6).6) The load distribution and transmission system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a spacer element (8) coupled to said beam (4) or to said distribution element (2, 2”).7) The load distribution and transmission system according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said spacer element (8) is threaded and is adapted to be coupled to a threaded lateral surface of said upper joining element (6) or of said lower joining element (3).8) The load distribution and transmission system according to claim 6 when it depends on claim 2, wherein said group of lower joining elements (3) comprises at least four lower joining elements (3) coupled to four respective spacer elements (8), wherein each spacer element (8) is a threaded bolt fixed to said distribution element (2, 2’, 2”), each lower joining element (3) is a nut adapted to be screwed onto said threaded bolt, each retaining element (7) is a receptacle and each upper joining element (6) is a plate comprising a through hole for each threaded bolt.9) The load distribution and transmission system according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said receptacle comprises self-levelling mortar.10) The load distribution and transmission system according to one of claims 8-9, characterised in that it comprises at least four locking elements (31) coupled to said spacer elements (8) and positioned above said plate (6).11) The load distribution and transmission system according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein said receptacle comprises at least one sliding wall (71).12) The load distribution and transmission system according to any one of claims 8-11 , wherein said plate comprises at least one V-shaped opening (61).13) The load distribution and transmission system according to any one of claims 8-12, characterised in that said plate (6) is coupled to said beam (4) by means of a support (62).14) The load distribution and transmission system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said distribution element (2, 2”) is a circular or square plate.15) The load distribution and transmission system according to the preceding claim, wherein said plate has a thickness that decreases moving awayfrom the centre.16) The load distribution and transmission system, according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein said distribution element (2’) is configured as a load distribution and transmission system according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein said beam (4’) of said distribution element (2’) has an axis (X’) perpendicular to the axis (X) of said beam (4) of said load distribution and transmission system.

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