Login| Sign Up| Help| Contact|

Patent Searching and Data


Title:
BUILDING STRUCTURAL ASSEMBLY SYSTEM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2017/044442
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A building structural assembly system including a building framework and a plurality of module structures fabricated off site and installed at the building site, the module structures including shuttle rail module structures.

Application Number:
PCT/US2016/050475
Publication Date:
March 16, 2017
Filing Date:
September 07, 2016
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
MAYO JOHN L (US)
International Classes:
E01B3/16; B61B5/02; E01B5/02; E01B9/26; E01B25/28; E01B29/02; E01B37/00; E04H6/08; E04H6/12; E04H6/42
Foreign References:
US20130096994A12013-04-18
US7845285B22010-12-07
US6257494B12001-07-10
US6062803A2000-05-16
US1120564A1914-12-08
US20110278366A12011-11-17
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
LAMPE, Thomas R. (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
The Invention Claimed let

1. A shuttle rail module structure for installation on the building framework of a multi-level parking garage at each of a plurality of levels of said multi-level parking garage, said shuttle rail module structure comprising:

a first structural steel Ibeam;

a second structural steel Ibeam spaced from and disposed parallel to said first structural steel Ibeam;

a plurality of parallel, double-ended, structural steel cross channels spaced from one another and extending between and orthogonal relative to said first and second structural steel Ibeams, the ends of said double-ended structural steel cross channels welded to said structural steel Ibeams;

a first shuttle rail spaced from and adjacent to said first structural steel Ibeam extending alongside said first structural steel Ibeam, said first shuttle rail welded to said structural steel cross channels; and a second shuttle rail spaced from said first shuttle rail spaced from and adjacent to said second structural steel Ibeam extending alongside said second structural steel Ibeam, said second shuttle rail welded to said structural steel cross channels, said first and second structural steel Ibeams and said first and second shuttle rails being parallel.

2. The shuttle rail module structure according to Claim 1 wherein each of said first and second shuttle rails includes a high strength steel tube having a steel bar welded thereto, projecting outwardly therefrom, and extending the full length thereof.

3. The shuttle rail module structure according to Claim 2 wherein said high strength steel tubes of said first and second shuttle rails have a rectangular cross- section.

4. The shuttle rail module structure according to Claim 1 additionally comprising cross bracing attached to and extending laterally between said first and second structural steel Ibeams and between adjacent double-ended structural steel cross channels.

5. The shuttle rail module structure according to Claim 1 attached to one or more shuttle module

structures of like construction during installation on the building framework whereby the attached shuttle module structures extend past a plurality of parking bay locations defined by said building framework.

6. The shuttle rail module structure according to Claim 1 wherein the structural steel Ibeams are W10X 5 steel Ibeams and wherein the cross channels are CIO channels.

7. The shuttle rail module structure according to Claim 4 wherein said lateral cross bracing comprises a plurality of attached HSS tubes .

8. A multi-level parking garage structure including a building framework and a plurality of module structures positioned on said framework at each of a plurality of levels of said multi-level parking garage, said module structures including shuttle rail module structures constructed off-site, transported to the location of said multi-level parking garage, and

installed on said building framework at positions next to parking bay locations defined by said building framework.

9. The multi-level parking garage structure according to Claim 8, wherein said shuttle rail module structures each comprise:

a first structural steel Ibeam

a second structural steel Ibeam spaced from and disposed parallel to said first structural steel Ibeam;

a plurality of parallel, double-ended, structural steel cross channels spaced from one another and extending between and orthogonal relative to said first and second structural steel Ibeams, the ends of said double-ended structural steel cross channels welded to said structural steel Ibeams; a first shuttle rail spaced from and adjacent to said first structural steel Ibeam extending alongside said first structural steel Ibeam, said first shuttle rail welded to said structural steel cross channels; and a second shuttle rail spaced from said first shuttle rail spaced from and adjacent to said second structural steel Ibeam extending alongside said second structural steel Ibeam, said second shuttle rail welded to said structural steel cross channels, said first and second structural steel Ibeams, and said first and second shuttle rails being parallel.

10. The multi-level parking garage structure according to Claim 9 wherein each of said first and second shuttle rails includes a high strength steel tube having a steel bar welded thereto, projecting outwardly therefrom, and extending the full length thereof.

11. The multi-level parking garage structure according to Claim 10 wherein said high strength steel tubes of said first and second shuttle rails have rectangular cross-sections .

12. The multi-level parking garage structure according to Claim 9 wherein said shuttle rail module structures each additionally comprise cross bracing attached to and extending laterally between said first and second structural steel Ibeams and between adjacent double-ended structural steel cross channels.

13. The multi-level parking garage structure according to Claim 9 wherein a plurality of said shuttle module structures are attached together end to end and extend past a plurality of parking bay locations defined by said building framework.

14. The multi-level parking garage structure according to Claim 9 wherein the structural steel Ibeams are W10X45 seel Ibeams and wherein the cross channels are CIO channels.

15. The shuttle rail module structure according to Claim 12 wherein said lateral cross bracing comprises a plurality of attached HSS tubes.

16. A method of making a shuttle rail module structure prior to installation thereof on a building framework, the method comprising the steps of:

supporting the ends of a plurality of parallel, double-ended, cross channels at uniformly spaced

corresponding locations on two spaced elongated supports with the cross channels extending between the elongated supports;

maintaining the ends of the cross channels at said uniformly spaced corresponding locations;

positioning first and second structural steel Ibeams on the cross channels;

adjusting the positions of the first and second structural steel Ibeams relative to the cross channels while preventing movement of said cross channels so that the first and second structural steel Ibeams are parallel to one another;

applying lateral forces to said first and second structural steel Ibeams while on said cross channels and while movement of the cross channels is prevented to maintain the structural steel Ibeams

parallel, straight and true;

positioning two shuttle rails on said cross channels between said Ibeams;

adjusting the positions of said shuttle rails on said cross channels so that the two shuttle rails are parallel to said Ibeams and to one another and said shuttle rails engage said cross channels at predetermined locations on said cross channels;

maintaining said shuttle rails at said predetermined locations on said cross channels;

while maintaining said shuttle rails at said predetermined locations on said cross channels, welding said shuttle rails to said cross channels at said predetermined locations; and

either before or after the step of positioning the shuttle rails on said cross channels, welding said structural steel Ibeams to said cross channels.

17. The method according to Claim 16 wherein the step of applying forces to said cross channel

utilizes adjustable stops on said elongated supports to engage the ends of said cross channels.

18. The method according to Claim 16 including the additional step of attaching cross bracing to the Ibeams and cross channels.

19. The method according to Claim 16 wherein adjustable stops engaging the Ibeams are utilized during the step of applying lateral forces to said first and second Ibeams.

20. The method according to Claim 16 wherein said elongated supports are jig tables.

21. The method according to Claim 16 wherein said shuttle rails are fabricated prior to welding thereof to said cross channels by welding an elongated steel bar to an elongated high strength steel tube.

22. The method according to Claim 21 including the step of aligning the elongated steel tube prior to welding the elongated steel bar thereto.

23. The method according to Claim 22 wherein the step of aligning the elongated steel tube is carried out by utilizing a plurality of wedges and stops engaging the elongated steel tube.

24. The method according to Claim 22 including the step of aligning the steel bar on the elongated steel tube after alignment of the elongated steel tube and before welding the steel bar to the elongated steel tube.

25. The method according to Claim 24 wherein stop welds are used when welding the aligned steel bar to the aligned high strength steel tube.

26. The method according to Claim 25 wherein the high strength steel tube is premarked to show the stop welding locations prior to stop welding of the elongated high strength steel tube and elongated steel bar.

Description:
BUILDING STRUCTURAL ASSEMBLY SYSTEM TKfTHTJTC!AT, FTBLD

This invention relates to a building structural assembly system, more particularly a multi-story building in the form of a parking garage including an assemblage of module structures pre-fabricated off site and

installed at the building site, and a method employed in the construction of the structural modules and

installation at the building site.

BACKGROUND OP THE INVENTION

Multi-level (multi-story) parking garages are well known structures, some being independent buildings dedicated exclusively to that use. Conventionally, such structures are largely comprised of concrete, either precast or formed on site, the concrete structures including, for example, concrete structural wall panels, interior and exterior columns, structural floors, girders, wall panels, stairs and slabs.

Prior art parking garages of the type just described typically rely on use of a driver to park and retrieve the vehicles, although automated multi-story car parks are known.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention as disclosed herein relates to combinations of structural elements of a multi-level parking garage structure and modular

components thereof, as well as to method of assembly of the modular components and installation thereof.

The multi-level parking garage structure includes a building framework and plurality of module structures positioned on said framework at each of a plurality of levels of said multi-level parking garage, said module structures including shuttle rail module structures constructed off-site, transported to the location of said multi-level parking garage, and installed on said building framework at positions next to parking bay locations defined by said building framework.

The shuttle rail module structure includes a first structural steel Ibeam and a second structural steel Ibeam spaced from and disposed parallel to the first structural steel Ibeam.

A plurality of parallel, double-ended, structural steel cross channels are spaced from one another and extend between and are orthogonal relative to said first and second structural steel Ibeams. The ends of the double-ended structural steel cross channels are welded to the structural steel Ibeams .

A first shuttle rail is spaced from and

adjacent to the first structural steel Ibeam extending alongside the first structural steel Ibeam. The first shuttle rail is welded to said structural steel cross channels .

A second shuttle rail spaced from the first shuttle rail is spaced from and adjacent to the second structural steel Ibeam, extending alongside said second structural steel Ibeam. The second shuttle rail is welded to the structural steel cross channels. The first and second structural steel Ibeams and said first and second shuttle rails are parallel.

The invention also encompasses a method of making a shuttle rail module structure prior to

Installation thereof on a building framework.

The method includes the step of supporting the ends of a plurality of parallel, double-ended, cross channels at uniformly spaced corresponding locations on two spaced elongated supports with the cross channels extending between the elongated supports.

The ends of the cross channels are maintained at the uniformly spaced corresponding locations.

First and second structural steel Ibeams are then positioned on the cross channels . The positions of the first and second

structural steel Ibeams are adjusted relative to the cross channels while movement of said cross channels is prevented so that the first and second structural steel Ibeams are parallel to one another.

Lateral forces are applied to the first and second structural steel Ibeams while on the cross channels and while movement of the cross channels is prevented to maintain the structural steel Ibeams parallel, straight and true.

Two shuttle rails are positioned on said cross channels between the Ibeams.

The positions of the shuttle rails on the cross channels are adjusted so that the two shuttle rails are parallel to the Ibeams and to one another and the shuttle rails engage the cross channels at predetermined

locations on the cross channels. The shuttle rails are maintained at the predetermined locations on the cross channels .

While maintaining the shuttle rails at the predetermined locations on the cross channels, shuttle rails are welded to the cross channels at the

predetermined locations .

Either before or after the step of positioning the shuttle rails on the cross channels, the structural steel Ibeams are welded to the cross channels.

The completed multi-story parking garage structure incorporating framework and features of the present invention would be adapted for automatic parking and formed of structural steel modules constructed off site and secured together at the building site. The framework when completed defines parking bay locations and accommodates shuttle rail module structures of the present invention.

The assembled parking garage will be stable and strong, as well as lighter and less expensive than conventional concrete multi-story garages, allowing for use of a foundation far less extensive and expensive than traditional foundations. Offsite fabrication of modular components also provides operating efficiencies and lower cost as compared with total fabrication at building sites.

Other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a

representative partial portion of the building framework of a multi-level parking garage having shuttle rail module structures of the present invention attached thereto;

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating six shuttle rail module structures

constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention with associated framework and

foundation components;

Figs. 3 - 5 are perspective views illustrating placement of cross channels and Ibeams at sequential initial stages of fabrication of a shuttle rail module structure in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

Figs. 6 and 7 are enlarged, partial sectional perspective views showing placement of Ibeam ends

relative to a cross channel and adjustable stops on supports;

Figs. 8 -11 are enlarged, partial perspective views illustrating consecutive stages in the fabrication of a shuttle rail in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

Figs. 12 and 13 are perspective views illustrating sequential stages in the placement and positioning of shuttle rails relative to the support channels and Ibeams; Fig. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a fabrication aid that may be employed to maintain the shuttle rail module structure components aligned during fabrication;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the fabrication aid;

Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 13, but also illustrating a plurality of fabrication aids preparatory to engagement with Ibeams of the shuttle rail module structure;

Fig. 17 illustrates the fabrication aids engaging the Ibeams,-

Fig. 18 is a view similar to Fig. 17, but illustrating a second embodiment of the invention in which cross bracing is utilized in the shuttle rail module structure; and

Fig. 19 is a top plan view of the second embodiment .

MODES POR CARRYING OPT THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, Fig. l shows a multi-level garage structure including a building framework 10 and a plurality of shuttle rail module structures 12 constructed in accordance with the

teachings of the present invention mounted on the framework and located at a plurality of levels thereof. The illustrated building framework 10 is only a

representative portion of the framework of a completed multi-level parking garage structure.

The framework comprises, as is conventional, a plurality of attached columns and beams. In the

arrangement illustrated, support columns of the structure extend upwardly from an equal number of concrete

foundation structures 1 .

In the arrangement illustrated, and with additional reference to Fig. 2, the upstanding columns are identified by reference numeral 16 and representative beams between two of the columns are designated by reference numeral 18. Three levels of the building framework portion shown in Fig. 1 accommodate a plurality of shuttle rail module structures 12.

The building framework 10 defines a plurality of parking bay locations, the actual completed garage parking bays not being shown, the garage being in unfinished form. Parking bay structures per se are well known structures. In the illustrated arrangement two shuttle rail module structures are disposed end to end and are installed on the building framework at positions next to a plurality of parking bay locations.

According to the teachings of the present invention, the shuttle rail module structures 12 are constructed off-site, transported to the location of the multi-level parking garage, and installed on the building framework at positions next to parking bay locations defined by the building framework. The numbers and lengths of the shuttle rail module structures may vary and extend alongside any suitable number of parking bays of the multi-level parking garage. Typically, parking bays would be lined up on both sides of the shuttle rail module structures.

Fig. 13 shows an assembled shuttle rail module structure 12. The depiction is not to scale. Shuttle rail module structure 12 Includes two structural steel Ibeams 20 and 22 which are suitably, for example, W10X45 steel Ibeams.

The Ibeams are parallel and coextensive.

The Ibeams 20, 22 are supported by and attached to a plurality of parallel, double-ended, structural steel cross channels 24 (suitably CIO channels) spaced from one another and extending between and orthogonal relative to the Ibeams 20, 22. The ends of the cross channels 24 are welded to the Ibeams.

The shuttle rail module structure 12 also includes shuttle rails 26, 28. Shuttle rail 26 is spaced from and adjacent to structural steel Ibeam 20 and extends alongside thereof. The shuttle rail 26 is welded to the cross channels 24.

Shuttle rail 28 is spaced from shuttle rail 26 adjacent to the structural steel Ibeam 22 and extends alongside Ibeam 22. The shuttle rail 28 is welded to the cross channels 24. The Ibeams 20, 22 and the shuttle rails 26, 28 are parallel.

Figs. 3 - 7 illustrate sequential initial stages of the assembly of a shuttle rail module structure 12 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates two spaced elongated

supports 30, suitably jig tables, employed during the fabricating process. Cross channels 24 are positioned on the elongated supports 30. The ends of the cross channels engage the supports 30 and the cross channels extend across the space between the supports . The ends of the cross channels are supported at preselected uniformly spaced corresponding locations on the elongated supports. Suitable stops, such as angle members 32 (see Figs. 6 and 7) , are utilized to maintain the channels on the

elongated supports and maintain them at the selected locations .

Fig. 4 illustrates positioning of the Ibeams 20, 22 on the cross channels 24. Fig. 5 shows the Ibeams in contact with the cross channels. The positions of the structural steel beams relative to the cross channels are adjusted while preventing movement of the cross channels so that the Ibeams are parallel to one another.

Attached to the elongated supports and extending upwardly therefrom are adjustable stops 34 which engage sides of the Ibeams as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. Hydraulic rams (not shown) or any other suitable positioning structure may be employed to position the Ibeams against the adjustable stops, the latter applying lateral stop forces to the steel Ibeams while on the cross channels and while movement of the cross channels is prevented to maintain the structural steel Ibeams parallel, straight and true. Fig. 6 shows an adjustable stop 34 engaging Ibeam 20 and Fig. 7 shows an adjustable stop 34 engaging Ibeam 22 at opposite ends of a cross channel 34.

Once the Ibeams are in place on the cross channels and are parallel, straight and true, the Ibeams and cross members are welded together. Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate welds at the junctures of the two rails and the opposite ends of the same cross channel.

Fig. 12 shows the shuttle rails 26 in the process of being positioned on the cross channels after the Ibeams are in place. The shuttle rails are

previously each formed by combining and attaching

together a high strength steel tube 36 and a steel bar 38. Fig. 8 shows tube 36 being moved toward spaced stops 40, 42 projecting upwardly from support 30. These stops are disposed along the length of the tube. Fig. 9 shows a wedge 44 being positioned to urge the tube into

engagement with the stops to keep it fixed, straight and true.

Fig. 10 shows a steel bar being positioned on top of the tube and positioned against stop 42 which is an adjustable stop to maintain the bar straight and properly positioned on the tube.

The high strength steel tube has a generally rectangular cross section with a flat upper surface to which the bar is skip welded. See Fig. 11.

The high strength steel tube is pre-marked (for example by a story stick) to show skip welding locations prior to skip welding of the elongated high strength steel tube and the elongated steel bar as shown in Fig. 11.

Rather than use hydraulic rams, wedges and the like to maintain alignment of the shuttle rail module structure, supplemental structures useful as fabrication aids may be attached. For example, Figs. 14 and 15 show a structural steel bracket 50 which may be fabricated and attached to the Ibeams as shown in Figs. 16 and 17.

Figs. 18 and 19 show an alternative embodiment shuttle rail module structure 60 which has the same structural elements employed in the first embodiment and additionally utilizes cross bracing attached to and extending laterally between the Ibeams and adjacent double-ended structural steel cross channels 24. The bracing suitably comprises a plurality of attached high strength steel tubes 62.