Modular Concrete Building Assembly with Stiffened Roof Panels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for constructing modular buildings, particularly those using prefabricated concrete panels, face challenges in ensuring precise assembly and compatibility of wall panels, frames, and trusses, often requiring non-concrete roofs or flat concrete roofs, which can be limiting in design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A method for assembling modular concrete buildings that involves a foundation, support members, floor panels, wall panels, and roof panels, where support columns and beams are securely fastened to the foundation, and panels are strategically placed and secured using various connection mechanisms, allowing for a more flexible and robust structural configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wood frame houses are constructed with prefabricated wall panels, frames, and trusses, then assembly is simplified, but extreme precision is required to ensure pieces fit together properly
Solution Approach 1:
The building is divided into modular segments (walls, floors, roofs) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows for standardized connection interfaces that reduce the precision requirements during assembly while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection elements and interface components serve as intermediaries between the modular building components. These intermediaries absorb dimensional variations and tolerances, allowing components to be assembled with less precision while still achieving proper fit and structural connection.
2Strength
If precast concrete panels are used for modular buildings, then structural integrity is improved, but roof design options are limited to flat concrete or non-concrete roofs
Solution Approach 1:
The roof system is segmented into separate modular units that can be configured in different arrangements. This allows concrete roof panels to be combined with other materials and structures to create varied roof designs including pitched, curved, and multi-level configurations while maintaining the structural benefits of concrete.
Solution Approach 2:
The roof system uses composite construction combining concrete panels with other materials such as metal decking, insulation layers, and roofing membranes. This composite approach maintains the structural integrity provided by concrete while enabling diverse roof designs and configurations that would not be possible with concrete alone.
3Productivity
If modular building components are assembled on-site, then construction time is reduced, but assembly complexity and connection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Connection elements, mounting hardware, and interface components are pre-installed on modular building components during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that components are ready for immediate assembly on-site, reducing the complexity of field operations and enabling faster construction while maintaining precise connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular concrete building is made of a plurality of precast concrete panels which may be assembled to provide a building. The panel sections include lower frame panels or support members, wall panels, floor panels, and roof panels. The building may be assembled by securing the floor panels to the support members, securing the wall panels to the floor panels, and securing the roof panels to the wall panels and to adjacent roof panels. The roof panels are made of precast concrete and include stiffening ribs.