Modular Building Structure With Removable Beam Connections for Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prefabricated modular structures for buildings are difficult to disassemble, leading to high waste generation and environmental impact, and the structural components are not easily reusable, failing to meet the needs of a circular economy.
Innovation Solution
A modular structure with removable beams and pillars, integrated with a concrete topping, featuring lattice bodies and casings that allow separation, and a connection system protected by removable covers, enabling easy disassembly and reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a concrete topping is cast to make the floor integral and continuous with the beams, then structural strength and continuity are improved, but disassembly difficulty increases and component reusability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The beam is divided into a lattice body portion (embedded in concrete) and external portions (extending beyond the concrete topping). The external portions remain accessible and separable from the floor, allowing disassembly while maintaining structural integrity during use. This segmentation enables the beam to function as both a structural element embedded in concrete and a removable component for disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice body acts as an intermediary between the concrete topping and the external portions of the beam. It provides structural connection and load transfer while allowing the external portions to be separated from the floor. The lattice body embedded in the concrete maintains structural continuity, while the external portions enable disassembly.
2Productivity
If prefabricated modular structures are used for building construction, then construction speed and efficiency are improved, but disassembly and component reuse become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The beam is designed with removable connection features (external portions with connection means) that allow the structure to transition from a fixed state during construction and use to a disassemblable state for reuse. This dynamic design enables the same components to serve multiple lifecycle stages, reducing waste while maintaining construction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam design allows for selective recovery of valuable components. The external portions and connection means can be removed and reused in new structures, while only the concrete topping requires disposal. This selective recovery approach minimizes waste generation while maintaining the benefits of prefabricated construction.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the beam is completely embedded in concrete for structural continuity, then structural integrity is improved, but component separability and reusability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The beam is segmented into a lattice body portion (embedded in concrete for structural continuity) and external portions (extending beyond the concrete for separability). This segmentation allows the beam to simultaneously achieve structural continuity through the embedded lattice body and component reusability through the accessible external portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam extends in multiple dimensions relative to the concrete topping. The lattice body is embedded in the horizontal plane for structural continuity, while the external portions extend vertically or laterally beyond the concrete surface, creating accessibility for disassembly from a different spatial dimension.
Data Source
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AI summary
Modular structure (10) for the construction of buildings which comprises at least one module (11) formed by four vertical pillars (12) to which there are connected four horizontal beams (13) on which a floor (15) rests, a concrete topping (16) which drowns said floor (15) and said beams (13).