The present invention relates to the construction of buildings, particularly multi-storey buildings.

It is known to construct multi-story buildings from (a) vertical columns that are cast in situ, (b) horizontal beams that are cast in situ or precast off-site and positioned on-site, and (c) composite slab floors that include profiled decking sheets and reinforced concrete on the sheets.

The construction of such buildings typically involves a considerable number of steps with time delays between the steps which make building construction a complicated and lengthy process.

The applicant is aware of a number of proposals in the patent literature for methods of constructing multi-story buildings that include assembling a basic framework of a single story of the building from preformed members and then selectively pouring concrete in one or more separate pours to complete the construction of the story and thereafter repeating the method to construct successive stories of the building.

However, none of the proposals considered by the applicant are practical from a commercial and manufacturing viewpoint.

An object of the present invention is to simplify the construction of multi-story buildings.

In general terms, the present invention provides a method of constructing a multi-story building that includes assembling a basic framework of a single story of

the building from pre-formed members and then selectively pouring concrete in one or more separate pours to complete the construction of the story and thereafter repeating the method to construct successive stories of the building.

In any given situation, the selection of one or more concrete pours is a function of the extent to which the basic framework, which may be propped or un-propped, can support the weight of wet concrete.

The above-described method considerably simplifies the construction of multi-story buildings.

According to the present invention there is provided a method of constructing a multi-story building that includes forming a single story of the building by the steps of:

(a) connecting together a plurality of pre-formed framework members and forming a structural framework for supporting wet concrete in order to form at least a part of a single story of the building, the framework members defining formwork for receiving and retaining wet concrete, the framework members including (i) framework members for forming vertical columns and (ii) framework members for forming horizontal floor support beams; and

(b) pouring concrete in one or more pours onto the structural framework and completing construction of the vertical columns and horizontal beams of the single story of the building.

Preferably the framework members also include framework members for forming a floor of the single story.

The floor framework members may be included in the structural framework as part of step (a) of the method.

In that event, step (b) includes pouring concrete in one or more pours onto the structural framework and completing construction of the vertical columns and horizontal beams and forming the floor of the single story of the building.

Alternatively, the method may include, after step (a) and before step (b) , a further step of connecting floor framework members to the horizontal beams formed in step (a) , and thereafter carrying out step (b) and pouring concrete in one or more pours onto the structural framework and completing construction of the single story of the building.

Preferably the method includes repeating the above-described method steps of constructing the single story of the building to form multiple stories of the building.

Preferably, step (a) includes forming the framework so that it defines one or more than one continuous pathway for wet concrete to flow to fill the formwork defined by the framework members and form the single story.

The pre-formed members may be adapted to function as lost formwork members in the sense that the members do not contribute to the structural integrity of the building save for supporting wet concrete.

Alternatively, the pre-formed members may be formed to act with concrete and form a composite structure and contribute to the structural integrity of the

building. Consequently, the pre-£ormed members make it possible to increase the spacing between props (in situations in which props are required) and/or reduce the amount of reinforcement required.

Vertical column and horizontal beam framework members may be connected together by connecting horizontal beam framework members directly to upper ends of vertical column framework members.

Horizontal beam framework members may be connected to vertical column framework members by any suitable mechanical fastening means. Suitable mechanical fastening means include by way of example tex screws, powder actuated nailing systems, pneumatic nailing systems, bolts, rivets, and integral fastening.

Alternatively, the framework members may include framework members for connecting vertical column and horizontal beam framework members together.

The connection framework members may be in the form of members that can be connected to vertical column framework members and to horizontal beam framework members and are adapted to define transitions between horizontal beam framework members and vertical framework members that form flow paths for wet concrete to flow from horizontal beam framework members into vertical framework members.

Preferably the horizontal framework members and the connection framework members have complementary profiles to facilitate interconnection of the members.

The vertical column framework members may be hollow columns.

The vertical column framework members may be

square or round in transverse section.

The horizontal beam framework members may be provided to form primary beams or secondary beams.

The horizontal beam framework members may be formed from roll-formed steel strip.

The horizontal beam framework members may be pressed from steel strip.

The horizontal beam framework members may be assemblies of channel members and decking sheets, for example, assemblies that form formwork for ban beams.

Preferably the channel members and the decking sheets are made from steel.

The horizontal beam framework members may also be modified purlins.

The horizontal beam framework members may be of any suitable shape and construction to be positioned on the vertical column framework members (a) internally within the building, (b) at an edge of the building, or (c) at a corner of the building.

The horizontal beam framework members may be pre- cambered or otherwise pre-stressed.

The floor framework members may be formed from steel sheets, such as roll-formed steel strip, preferably profiled roll-formed steel strip, or pressed from steel strip.

Preferably any one or more of the vertical column, horizontal beam, and floor framework members are

formed from steel.

Preferably the steel is heavy gauge steel.

The term "heavy gauge" steel is understood to mean steel having a thickness of at least 1 mm.

Preferably the steel is in the range of 2-3.5 mm thickness.

The method may include a step of propping the structural framework.

Preferably the method includes a step of positioning service passages for providing building services as described herein in the vertical column framework members before step (b) of pouring concrete into the members.

The term "building services" is understood herein to include by way of example any one or more of water, electricity, air conditioning, and communications.

Preferably the method includes a step of positioning small diameter columns that define air conditioning passages within the vertical column framework members before step (b) of pouring concrete into the annular spaces between the air conditioning columns and the vertical framework members.

The method may include a step of positioning reinforcement members in relation to the structural framework before pouring concrete onto the structural framework.

The reinforcement members may include mesh and/or bars and/or cables and/or any other suitable reinforcement

members .

The reinforcement members may be connected directly to the structural framework or otherwise supported in relation to the framework.

The reinforcement members may be tensioned prior to pouring concrete in step (b) and released from tension after the concrete sets.

The reinforcement members may also be post tensioned.

According to the present invention there is provided a multi-story building constructed using the above-described method.

According to the present invention there is provided framework members as described herein for constructing a multi-story building.

The present invention is described further by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a structural framework for supporting wet concrete in order to form a part of a single story of a multi-story building in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of three embodiments of vertical column framework members in accordance with the present invention,

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a horizontal beam framework member in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 4 is a top plan view of embodiments of a section of an embodiment of a structural framework in accordance with the present invention that illustrates an arrangement of embodiments of a vertical column framework member, a connection framework member, and the horizontal framework member shown in Figure 3, all in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a part of the arrangement shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a horizontal beam framework member in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the horizontal beam framework member shown in Figure 6 connected directly to a vertical column framework member in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an arrangement of an embodiment of a floor framework member positioned on the horizontal beam framework member shown in Figure 6 in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of an arrangement of two floor framework member shown in Figure 8 positioned on the horizontal beam framework member shown in Figure 6 in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a reinforcement member positioned in relation to the horizontal beam framework member shown in Figure 6 in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 11 is perspective views of two embodiments

of floor framework member in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 1 is a somewhat schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a structural framework for supporting wet concrete in order to form at least a part of a floor of a multi-story building in accordance with the present invention. The floor layout is one example only of an infinite number of possible floor layouts.

The structural framework is an assembly of framework members that are connected together to define continuous formwork for receiving and retaining wet concrete. The framework members are made from steel, typically heavy gauge steel having a thickness of 1-3.5 mm, away from the building site and are transported to the site and are assembled into the framework shown in Figure 1. The framework members are roll-formed or pressed or otherwise formed into required profiles. The framework members are suitable to be connected together by standard mechanical fastening means used in the building industry.

The framework members include:

(a) framework members 3 for forming vertical columns,

(b) framework members 5 for forming horizontal primary and secondary floor support beams, and

(c) framework members 7 for forming the floor of the single floor.

Figure 2 illustrates three embodiments of vertical column framework members 3. The members 3 are in the form of square and round steel tubes that have hollow cores for concrete. The outer surfaces of the members 3

may be smooth or textured (for example, with a spiral rib as shown on the right hand member in the Figure) as required in any given situation. The hollow cores are convenient passageways for distributing building services, such as water, electricity, air conditioning and communications, to the building. The hollow cores are also convenient passageways for running pre-tensioning cables for the building.

The members 3 may be formed as lost formwork or as components of a composite structure that includes the members 3 and concrete, preferably reinforced concrete.

The horizontal beam framework members 5 may be formed to be connected directly to the vertical column formwork members 3. Examples of horizontal beam formwork members 5 in this category are shown in Figures 6 to 10.

Alternatively, the horizontal beam formwork members 5 may be formed for indirect connection to the vertical column formwork members 3, in which case the framework members include connection framework members that interconnect the horizontal and vertical framework members 3, 5 together and form transitions between the members. Examples of a horizontal beam framework member 5 and a connection framework member 21 in this category are shown in Figures 3 to 6.

With reference to Figure 3, the horizontal beam framework member 5 shown in the figure is in the form of a sheet of roll-formed steel strip that has a lengthwise extending central raised section 11 that forms a rib that improves the rigidity of the member and up-turned sides 13 that contain wet concrete within the member.

Figure 4 illustrates four connection framework members 21 that are connected (a) together, (b) to the

vertical column framework member 3 around the perimeter of the members 3, and (c) four horizontal beam framework members 5 that separately support the members 5. One connection framework member 21 is shown in Figure 5.

With particular reference to Figure 5, as is indicated above, the connection framework member 21 is a transition between the horizontal beam framework member 5 and the vertical column framework member 3, whereby wet concrete can flow from the horizontal beam framework member 5 into the vertical column framework member 5.

In the constructed building the concrete/connection member structures form load transfer members that transfer load from horizontal beams to vertical columns of the building.

Specifically, an inner end 23 of the member 21 has a circular shape to conform to the circular shape of the vertical column framework member 3. In addition, an outer end, generally identified by the numeral 25, has a profile that is complementary to the profile of the horizontal beam framework member 5 so that the member 5 can be positioned to overlie the member 21 at the outer end thereof. In addition, the member 21 includes upturned side wings 41 that, in use, channel wet concrete flow into the vertical column framework member 3.

The connection framework member 21 may be connected to the vertical column framework member 3 by any suitable mechanical or other suitable means. Similarly, the horizontal beam framework member 5 may be connected to the connection framework member 21 by any suitable mechanical or other suitable means. Suitable mechanical means include, by way of example, powder actuated nailing systems.

Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of a horizontal beam framework member 5. The member 5 is in the form of a ban beam constructed from parallel C-shaped channel members 15 that are arranged to face each other and form the sides of the beam and a sheet 17 (or sheets 17) of profiled roll-formed steel strip that interconnects the channel members 15 and forms a lower wall of the beam. The roll-formed strip is positioned so that the pans and the ribs of the strip extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of the beam. The roll-formed strip may also be positioned so that the pans and the ribs extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beam.

As is indicated above, the horizontal beam framework member 5 shown in Figure 6 is formed to be connected directly to a vertical column framework member 3. The direct connection is illustrated in Figure 7, wherein at one end of the beam the lower flanges 27 of the channel members 15 that form the sides of the beam are mechanically fastened to the square vertical column framework member 3 shown in the Figure.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate two assemblies of floor framework members 7 on the horizontal beam framework member 5 shown in Figure 6.

In the arrangement shown in Figure 8 the floor framework members 7 are in the form of sheets of profiled roll-formed steel strip and are connected to the upper flange 29 of the channel member 15 that forms the left- hand side of the beam as viewed in the Figure and extend outwardly from the beam.

In the arrangement shown in Figure 9 the floor framework members 7 are also in the form of roll-formed steel strip and are connected to the upper flanges 29 of the channel member 15 that form the left-hand side and the

right-hand side of the beam as viewed in the Figure and extend outwardly from the beam.

Figure 10 illustrates that the structural framework may include concrete reinforcement, such as in the form of one or more reinforcing bar 31 positioned in relation to the horizontal beam framework member 5, as shown in Figure 6.

The reinforcing bar 31 shown in Figure 10 is one example only of a wide range of types and shapes of reinforcement that may be used as part of the structural framework. For example, the reinforcement may be in the form of reinforcing bar of other shapes or may be a different type of reinforcement altogether, such as reinforcing mesh and cables. By way of particular example, the reinforcement may be in the form of cables that are pre-tensioned prior to pouring concrete and are released from tension after the concrete sets. The reinforcement may also be post tensioned. The reinforcement may also be used in relation to any one of the structural formwork members and therefore is not confined to use in relation to the horizontal beam framework member 5. The reinforcement may be positioned in relation to the structural framework members so that it is not connected directly to the members, as shown in Figure 6, or connected directly to the members, for example by welding.

The sheets of profiled roll-formed steel strip that form floor framework members 7 are shown schematically in Figures 1 and 6-10. Figure 11 illustrates two embodiments of suitable sheets in more detail. The sheets are standard sheets that are roll- formed with parallel ribs and pans and side edge formations.

After the structural framework shown in Figure 1 is formed from combinations of the above-described framework members 3, 5, 7, 21 and/or other embodiments of the formwork members, and suitable propping (if any) is put in place, concrete is poured in one or more than one pour onto the structural framework and flows into and fills the formwork defined by the framework members and forms a single story of the building. Thereafter, the above-described method is repeated to form the successive floors of the building.

It can readily be appreciated from the above that there is considerable flexibility in the range of different framework members and the combinations of the framework members that can be assembled together to form structural frameworks for forming floors of buildings.

Each of the framework members is a simple construction that can be manufactured off-site and transported to site and handled on-site without difficulty to assemble a structural framework.

The straightforward nature of the assembly of the structural framework applies even in situations in which propping of sections of the framework is required.

Many modifications may be made to the embodiments of the present invention described above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.