DESCRIPTION

The present patent application for an industrial invention relates to an improved structure for the construction of a prefabricated building.

The relevant field is the sector of building structures, particularly of loadbearing structures of buildings made of aluminum or aluminum alloys.

For some time now the convenience of constructing buildings with aluminum structural elements, which enable all types of buildings to be constructed quickly and inexpensively, has become manifest.

The use of structural elements, such as load-bearing pillars and aluminum beams, allows for obtaining a lightweight and versatile structure. In addition, the use of aluminum improves the energy efficiency and also the safety of the building since aluminum is an earthquake-resistant material par excellence due to its solidity and flexibility.

One of the most popular solutions adopted to create the load-bearing structure of a building is to mount one or more tubular aluminum uprights on top of each other on the foundations of a building, said uprights being reinforced with internal cores, and being transversely connected to beams.

The connection between uprights and between uprights and beams is made by welding.

The welding made on the building site is extremely complex to carry out, and in addition, the stability of the structure also depends on the skill of the operator who is in charge of welding.

In fact, it should be noted that an inaccurate or unsuitable welding can compromise the entire stability of the building, making it extremely dangerous and unusable.

Similarly, it should be considered that the connection by welding is a definitive solution that does not allow for later interventions in the event of failure of the structure.

Finally, it should also be pointed out that the welded connections drastically penalize the strength of the elements in the areas that are proximal to the welding. In recent years, therefore, engineers, inventors and construction professionals have devoted themselves to develop new systems that allow aluminum structures with bolted connections to be realized. However, despite large investments and studies, these solutions are currently unsatisfactory, and therefore it is necessary to find new solutions that on the one hand facilitate the installation of the structure and on the other hand increase the structural stability of the structure.

It was precisely a reflection on the complexity and dangerousness of the aluminum structures according to the prior art that provided the impetus for conceiving the present invention.

As a matter of fact, the purpose of the present invention is to devise a new structure comprising modules defining the pillars of a building that are simple and quick to install on the building site, and that also allow a beam to be connected to said modules in an extremely quick and easy without the use of welding.

These purposes have been pursued by devising the structure according to the invention, which is in fact composed of modular modules for the construction of the pillars of a building, which are composed of a number of components that can be assembled quickly and easily, and which allow for providing a projecting portion that extends outside the pillar on which a beam can be easily connected by means of bolts.

These purposes are achieved in accordance with the invention with the features listed in the attached independent claim 1 .

Advantageous realizations appear from the dependent claims.

The modular structure for the construction of a building according to the invention is defined by claim 1 .

For the sake of clarity, the description of the structure according to the invention is continued with reference to the appended drawings, which are for illustrative and non-limiting purposes only, wherein:

Fig. 1 is an exploded axonometric view of a first embodiment of a module for the construction of a pillar of the structure according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is an axonometric view of the module of Fig. 1 in assembled condition;

Fig. 3 is a section of the module of Fig. 2 sectioned according to the horizontal plane Ill-Ill; Fig. 4 is a top view of a lower tubular element of the module shown in Fig.

1 ;

Fig. 5 is a top view of an upper tubular element of the module shown in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 6 is a top view of the connection means of the module shown in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 7 is an exploded axonometric view of a second embodiment of a module for the construction of a pillar of the structure according to the invention;

Fig. 8 is an axonometric view of the module of Fig. 7 in assembled condition;

Fig. 9 is a section of the module of Fig. 7 sectioned according to the plane VIII-VIII;

Fig. 10 is a top view of a lower tubular element of the module shown in Fig. 7;

Fig. 1 1 is a top view of an upper tubular element of the module shown in Fig. 7;

Fig. 12 is a top view of stiffening profiles that couple the lower tubular element of Fig. 10 and the upper tubular element of Fig. 1 1 ;

Fig. 13 is a top view of a connection means of the module shown in Fig. 7;

Figs. 14A, 14B and 14C are front views of three different types of beams that can be coupled with the connection means of the structure;

Figs. 15A, 15B, and 15C are cross-sectional views of the connection mode of the module of Fig. 1 with multiple beams;

Figs. 16A, 16B, and 16C are cross-sectional views of the connection mode of the module of Fig. 7 with multiple beams;

Fig. 17A is a top view of a base plate associated with the module of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 17B is a top view of the lower tubular element of the module of Fig. 1 attached to the base of Fig. 17A;

Fig. 18A is a top view of a base plate associated with the module of Fig. 7;

Fig. 18B is a top view of the profiles of the structural stiffening means of the module of Fig. 7 attached to the base of Fig. 18A; Fig. 18C is the same as Fig. 18B but with also the lower tubular element of the module of Fig. 7 arranged on the plate.

With reference to the attached figures, a modular structure for the construction of a building is described.

Specifically, the modular structure adopts a plurality of modules (P1 , P2), each one of them being capable of defining a pillar of the building. The various modules (P1 , P2) are intended to be attached to a foundation of the building in an equispaced manner. The number and arrangement of the modules (P1 , P2) attached to the foundation is a function of the shape of the building to be constructed.

The modular structure also comprises a series of support beams (7) intended to be connected to the modules (P1 , P2) and on which a floor of the building is intended to be built.

The structure according to the invention is particularly characterized by the structural configuration of the modules (P1 , P2) that define the pillars of the building.

The appended figures illustrate in particular two embodiments of the modules (P1 , P2), namely a first embodiment of the module (P1 ) shown in Figs. 1 to 6, and a second embodiment of the module (P2) shown in Figs. 7 to 13.

With reference to Figs. 1 to 3 and Figs. 7 to 9, in both embodiments, the module (P1 and P2) comprises a lower tubular element (1 a, 1 b), having a longitudinal axis (Y1 ) and comprising an upper edge (1 1 ) and a lower edge (not shown in the attached figures) intended to be connected to a foundation of a building.

The module (P1 and P2) also comprises an upper tubular element (2a, 2b), having a longitudinal axis (Y2) and comprising a lower edge (21 ) abutting the upper edge (1 1 ) of the lower tubular element (1 a, 1 b).

The upper tubular element (2a, 2b) and the lower tubular element (1 a, 1 b) have the same dimensions in cross-section. Specifically, both the upper tubular element (2a, 2b) and the lower tubular element (1 a, 1 b) have a square crosssection and comprise four side walls (15, 25).

The module (P1 , P2) includes a centering assembly comprising guiding and centering means (4, 8) formed inside the upper tubular element (2a, 2b) and/or inside the lower tubular element (1 a, 1 b). In particular, in both the first embodiment of the invention and in the second embodiment of the invention, said centering assembly comprises first guiding and centering means (4) formed inside the upper tubular element (2a, 2b).

The module (P1 , P2) also comprises structural stiffening means (3) that are arranged inside the lower tubular element (1 a, 1 b) and inside the upper tubular element (2a, 2b) and that are coupled with the centering assembly.

An opening (A) or openings (A) is/are made on the lower edge (21 ) of the upper tubular element (2a, 2b) and/or the upper edge (1 1 ) of the lower tubular element (1 a, 1 b). The opening or the openings (A) extend longitudinally along a central axis of the respective side wall of the tubular element on which they are made.

Preferably, said opening (A) or openings (A) is/are obtained on the lower edge (21 ) of the upper tubular element (2a, 2b).

The module (P1 , P2) also comprises connection means (5, 6) that are coupled with the structural stiffening means (3) and are inserted into said opening (A) or openings (A).

The connection means (5, 6) comprise a projecting portion (51 , 61 ) that protrudes outside the two tubular elements (1 a, 2a; 1 b, 2b) when the module (P1 , P2) is assembled, and which is intended to be connected to a beam (7).

The connection means (5, 6) are attached to the structural stiffening means (3) by means of first bolted fixing means (F1 ) whereas the projecting portion (51 , 52) of said connection means (5, 6) is intended to be attached to the beam (7) by means of second bolted fixing means (F2).

The lower tubular member (1 a, 1 b), the upper tubular member (2a, 2b), the structural stiffening means (3), the connection means (5, 6) and the beam (7) or beams (7) are all made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

The structural stiffening means (3) comprise a profile (30) or a set of profiles (31 ) with rectilinear longitudinal wings (30a, 31 a) coupled with the first guiding and centering means (4).

Specifically, for each rectilinear longitudinal wing (30a, 31 a) of the profile (30) or set of profiles (31 ), said first guiding and centering means (4) comprise a longitudinal seat (40, 41 ) that is coupled with a rectilinear longitudinal wing (30a, 31 a) of the profile (30) or set of profiles (31 ). With reference now to Figs. 1 -6, the first embodiment of the module (P1 ) will be described in detail.

The module (P1 ) of the first embodiment allows for the construction of pillars suitable for withstanding both axial and flexural stresses.

In said first embodiment, the structural stiffening means (3) of the module (P1 ) comprise a single profile (30) having four rectilinear longitudinal wings (30a) arranged in cross-like configuration.

With reference to Fig. 1 and 4, preferably, the profile (30) of the structural stiffening means (3) and the lower tubular element (1 a) are made in one piece by extrusion and define a monolithic assembly (G).

The first centering and guiding means (4) of the module (P1 ) comprise four longitudinal seats (40) wherein one of said four rectilinear longitudinal wings (30a) of the profile (30) is arranged.

Each longitudinal seat extends from an inner face of one of the four walls (25) of the upper tubular element (2a).

Referring to Figs. 1 and 5, preferably, the four longitudinal seats (40) join each other at the longitudinal axis (Y2) of the upper tubular element (2a, 2b) and form a single longitudinal channel (44) with a cross-shaped cross-section in which the profile (30) of the structural stiffening means (3) is inserted exactly.

More precisely, the four longitudinal seats (40) that join together to form the single longitudinal channel (44) in the shape of a cross are defined by four L- shaped profiles (46) made in one piece by extrusion with the upper tubular element (2a).

The opening (A) or each opening (A), if the openings are more than one, is aligned with one of the four longitudinal seats (40). Each longitudinal seat (40) originates just above the corresponding opening and then terminates at the top of the upper tubular element (2a).

Referring to Fig. 6, in the module (P1 ), the connection means (5) comprise a Y-shaped fork comprising:

- two adjacent and parallel portions (52), between which a rectilinear longitudinal wing (30a) of the profile (30) is inserted; and

- a connection portion (50) that connects the two adjacent portions (52) and is arranged in the opening (A).

The projecting portion (51 ) is integral with said connection portion (50) and extends in an opposite direction relative to the two adjacent portions (52). In the module (P1 ) of the first embodiment, the first bolted fixing means (F1 ) are threaded into holes drilled on the adjacent portions (52) and on the profile

(30).

On the other hand, the second bolted fixing means (F2), which are shown in Figs. 15A, 15B and 15C, are intended to be threaded into holes drilled on the projecting portion (51 ) and into holes of the beam (7).

With reference to Figs. 7-13, the second embodiment of the module (P2) will be described.

With reference to Figs. 7 and 12, in said embodiment, the structural stiffening means (3) of the module (P2) comprise a set of four L-shaped profiles

(31 ), each one comprising two rectilinear longitudinal wings (31 a) orthogonal to each other.

The four profiles (31 ) are arranged in such away as to define a longitudinal channel (C) with a cross-section in the shape of a cross and comprising four cavities (CO) intercommunicating with each other.

With reference to Fig. 11 , in such a case the first guiding and coupling means (4) of the module (P2) comprise eight longitudinal seats (41 ), each one of them being suitable for accommodating one of said rectilinear longitudinal wings (31 a) of the four profiles (31 ). Specifically, two longitudinal seats (41 ) are made side by side on each side wall.

In such an embodiment, each opening (A) is obtained between the two longitudinal seats (41 ) in adjacent position so that said opening is aligned with one of the cavities (CO) of the longitudinal channel (C) defined by the four profiles (31 ).

Referring to Fig. 13, the connection means (5, 6) include a cross-shaped profile (6) inserted into the longitudinal channel (C) and comprising four partitions

(60) orthogonal to each other.

In such a case, the projecting portion (61 ) of the connection means (5, 6) consists of an extension of one of said partitions (60).

Referring to Fig. 9, the first bolted fixing means (F1 ) are threaded into holes drilled on the four profiles (31 ) and on the cross-shaped profile (6).

On the other hand, the second bolted fixing means (F2), which are shown in Figs. 16A, 16B and 16C, are threaded into holes drilled on the projecting portion

(61 ) and into holes of the beam (7). With reference to Fig. 10, the centering and guiding assembly of the module (P2) also includes second centering and guiding means (8) that are formed inside the lower tubular member (1 b) and are identical to the first centering and guiding means (4) formed inside the upper tubular member (2b) in such a way to be coupled with said structural stiffening means (3).

Therefore, in such a case, the structural stiffening means (3) are not made in one piece with the lower tubular element (1 b) but are made in separate pieces that can be coupled together.

With reference to Figs. 14A, 14B and 14C, three different types of beams (7) that can be connected to the projecting portion (51 , 61 ) of the connection means (5, 6) are shown, viewed in cross-section.

Specifically, each beam (7) consists of a profile made by extrusion having a "pi" or "omega" section comprising:

- two parallel wings (71 ) between which the projecting portion (51 , 61 ) of the connection means (5, 6) is arranged; holes are drilled on the parallel wings (71 ) for the insertion of said second bolted fixing means; and

- an upper transverse wing (72) joining the two parallel wings (71 ) and surmounting the projecting portion (51 , 61 ) of the connection means (5, 6).

With reference to Figs. 15A, 15B and 15C, the module (P1 ) of the first embodiment is shown in cross-section and is attached to two beams (7) in Fig. 15A, three beams (7) in Fig. 15B and four beams (7) in Fig. 15C, respectively.

With reference to Figs. 16A, 16B and 16C, the module (P2) of the second embodiment is shown in cross-section and is attached to two beams (7) in Fig. 16A, three beams (7) in Fig. 16B and four beams (7) in Fig. 16C, respectively.

The following is a description of how a framework of a prefabricated building is obtained with the structure according to the invention.

First of all, a foundation of the building is made. The foundation consists of a ribbed slab of reinforced concrete mix with ribs. The ribs identify the structural mesh of the building. Then, a steel plate (T), which is shown in Figs. 17A and 18A, is anchored by means of anchor bolts in the points where each module defining a pillar is to be placed, and centering means (91 ; 92a, 92b) for the modules (P1 , P2) are welded on said plate (T). The centering means (91 ; 92a, 92b) are of different types according to the module (P1 or P2) that is to be coupled with said centering means. Referring to Fig. 17A, the centering means (91 ) associated with the module (P1) of the first type comprise four L-shaped corner pieces (91 ) welded to the plate (T) and arranged in such a way as to define a square structure with slots (910) between the adjacent L-shaped corner pieces (91 ).

Referring to Fig. 18A, the centering means (92a; 92b) associated with the module (P2) of the second type include:

- four L-shaped corner pieces (92a) welded to the plate (T) and arranged in such a way as to define a square structure; and

- a cross profile (92b) welded to the center of the plate (T).

The steel plates (T) are all equispaced with each other so that the modules (P1 , P2) which define the pillars of the building are similarly equispaced with each other.

Then, the corresponding module (P1 , P2) is mounted for each plate (T).

The following operations are performed in order to mount the module (P1 ) of the first embodiment on the steel plate (T):

- arrange the lower tubular element (1 a) on top of the plate (T) so that said lower tubular element (1 a) surrounds the four L-shaped corner pieces (91 ) whereas the four rectilinear longitudinal wings (30a) of the profile (30) of the structural stiffening means (3) are inserted into the slots (910);

- attach the lower tubular element (1 a) to the four L-shaped corner pieces (91 ) by means of blind head bolts (B1 ) that allow tightening by operating only from the outside of the lower tubular element (1 a); the fixing of the lower tubular element (1 a) to the four corner pieces is shown in Fig. 17B;

- connect a Y-shaped fork or multiple Y-shaped forks of the connection means (5) to the profile (30) of the structural stiffening means (3) via the first bolted fixing means (F1 ); and

- insert the upper tubular element (2a) on the outside of the profile (30) until the lower edge (21 ) abuts the upper edge (11 ) of the lower tubular element (1 a).

So, the assembled module (P1 ) has one, two, three or four projecting portions (51 ) of the connection means (5) that protrude outward from the two tubular elements and to each of which a beam (7) is then fixed by means of the second bolted fixing means (F2), as shown in Figs. 15A, 15B and 15C.

The following operations are performed in order to mount the module (P2) of the second embodiment: - arrange the profiles (31 ) of the structural stiffening means (3) on top of the plate and around the cross-shaped profile (92b);

- fix each profile (31 ) of the structural stiffening means (3) to the crossshaped profile (92b) by means of bolts (B2);

- insert the lower tubular element externally to the profiles (31 ) until said lower tubular element is arranged over the plate (T) so as to surround the four L- shaped corner pieces (92a);

- insert the cross-shaped profile (6) into the longitudinal channel (C) defined by the profiles (31 ) of the structural stiffening means (3); the projecting portion (61 ) extends from at least one partition (60) of the cross-shaped profile (6)

- connect the cross-shaped profile (6) to the profiles (31 ) of the structural stiffening means (3) via the first bolted fixing means (F1 );

- insert the upper tubular element (2b) on the outside of the profile (31 ) until the lower edge (21 ) abuts the upper edge (11 ) of the lower tubular element (1 b).

So, once assembled, the module (P2) has one, two, three or four projecting portions (61 ) of the connection means (5, 6) that extends/extend outside the module (P2) and to each of which a beam (7) is then attached by means of the second bolted fixing means (F2), as shown in Figs. 16A, 16B and 16C.

As a result of the above description, it now becomes apparent how the present invention solves the problems that impair the aluminum structures that are currently available on the market.

In fact, the modules (P1 and P2), which are made of the different components mentioned above, are extremely fast and simple to assemble, and moreover, they have projecting portions that extend outside the modules (P1 and P2) and on which the beams (7) can be easily connected by bolts or bolted fixing means.

Finally, it is worth noting that the structure according to the invention, which comprises the modules (P1 and P2) and the beams (7) connected to each other, is extremely safe and reliable.

Numerous variations and modifications of detail may be made to the present embodiment of the invention, which are within the scope of a technician of the field, and which in any case fall within the scope of the invention, as expressed by the appended claims.