Prefabricated Building Frame with Tensioning Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prefabricated facade systems face limitations in achieving a balance between structural stiffness and weight, with large modules being sensitive to external forces and often requiring additional stiffening materials that increase weight, and they struggle to integrate thermal insulation without compromising stiffness or load capacity.
Innovation Solution
A frame for prefabricated elements featuring a plurality of support structures connected by tensioning cables, which increases stiffness without significant weight increase, and allows for the integration of thermally insulating panels between levels to enhance insulation capabilities without affecting structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large modules are used for prefabricated facades, then construction speed and productivity improve, but structural stiffness and resistance to external forces deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple discrete components (beams, columns, bracing elements) that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site. This segmentation allows for optimized manufacturing of individual elements while maintaining overall structural integrity through standardized connection nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame utilizes composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties - steel for high-strength structural elements, concrete for mass and stability, and engineered wood or aluminum for lighter components. This composite approach achieves high stiffness-to-weight ratios necessary for large modular units.
2Strength
If additional stiffening materials are added to large modules, then structural stiffness improves, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Stiffening and reinforcement are applied locally only where structurally necessary - at connection nodes, at the corners of modules, and at points of high stress concentration. The majority of the module surface area remains lightweight without excessive reinforcement, optimizing the strength-to-weight ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
Critical stiffening elements and connection details are pre-designed and pre-assembled during off-site manufacturing before module completion. This preliminary action ensures optimal structural performance is achieved with minimal additional weight during on-site assembly.
3Temperature
If thermal insulation layers are integrated into prefabricated elements, then thermal insulation performance improves, but structural stiffness and load capacity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulation layer is nested within the structural assembly - positioned between the outer cladding and the structural frame, or integrated within hollow core elements of the prefabricated units. This nesting allows thermal insulation to be incorporated without adding external volume or compromising structural load-bearing paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall and panel assemblies use composite construction with structural layers (steel, concrete, or engineered wood) combined with thermal insulation layers (rigid foam boards, mineral wool, or aerogel). The composite structure maintains load capacity through the structural layers while the insulation layers provide thermal performance without bearing loads.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides prefabricated elements that are both lightweight and stiff, capable of withstanding external forces while maintaining thermal insulation, thus avoiding the need for additional stiffening materials and ensuring efficient load capacity.
Implementation Method 1
The support structures are tensioned by means of a plurality of cables having two ends secured to distinct connecting members. When pre-tensioned, the plurality of cables brings the different components of the frame together, making it work as a tensile structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a frame (11) for a prefabricated element (1) for a building, comprising: - a plurality of support structures (12) configured to support a relative panel of the prefabricated element, wherein each support structure (12) consists of a plurality of main beams (120) connected together, and wherein each support structure (12) is arranged on a respective level of at least two levels which are parallel and spaced apart from each other in a thickness direction (X-X), at least one pair of homologous support structures (12) including two support structures arranged on distinct levels and facing each other in the thickness direction (X-X), - a plurality of connecting members (4), each connecting member (4) connecting two homologous support structures (12) together, and - a plurality of tensioning cables (5), each cable (5) being arranged between two distinct levels and having two ends (50) secured to two distinct connecting members (4).