Constructional element, building system and method of construction

Abstract

A constructional element ( 100 ), building system and method of construction is disclosed. The building system and method of construction utilise the constructional element ( 100 ). The construction element ( 100 ) is elongate and includes a hollow structural member ( 102 ) and cladding ( 104 ) formed about at least part of the structural member ( 102 ). Abutment means ( 107, 108 ) are formed in at least part of the cladding's ( 104 ) perimeter for mutual abutment and alignment with abutment means ( 107, 108 ) on an adjacent constructional element ( 100 ). At least one end ( 120, 122 ) of the structural member ( 102 ) protrudes from the cladding ( 104 ). A building system and method of construction are also disclosed, both of which utilise the constructional element ( 100 ).

1 . A constructional element including: 
 a structural member;    cladding formed about at least part of the structural member; and    abutment means formed in at least part of the cladding's perimeter for mutual abutment and alignment with abutment means on an adjacent constructional element.    
     
     
         2 . A constructional element according to  claim 1 , wherein the structural member is elongate and at least one end protrudes from the cladding.  
     
     
         3 . A constructional element according to  claim 1  or  2  wherein the structural member is hollow.  
     
     
         4 . A constructional element according to  claim 2  or  3  wherein said at least one end is adapted to seat in a channel of a C-section support element.  
     
     
         5 . A constructional element according to  claim 2  or  3  wherein said at least one end is adapted to seat and is fixable in an internal corner of an L-section support element.  
     
     
         6 . A constructional element according to any one of  claims 2  to  5  wherein the cladding is elongate and the abutment means are formed in opposing longitudinal edge portions of the cladding.  
     
     
         7 . A constructional element according to  claim 6  wherein the abutment means include a tongue and a groove formed in respective of said opposing edge portions.  
     
     
         8 . A constructional element according to  claim 6  wherein the abutment means include complementary step formations.  
     
     
         9 . A constructional element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the structural member is shaped rectangular in transverse cross section.  
     
     
         10 . A constructional element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the structural member is metallic, fibreglass, or carbon fibre.  
     
     
         11 . A constructional element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cladding includes cement, concrete, fibre cement, fibreglass, or cellulose.  
     
     
         12 . A constructional element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the structural member is one of a pair of structural members wherein the cladding is formed about both of said members.  
     
     
         13 . A method of panel construction including: 
 providing a plurality of constructional elements to form the panel, the constructional elements including: 
 a structural member;  
 cladding formed about at least part of the structural member; and  
 abutment means formed in at least part of the cladding's perimeter for mutual abutment and alignment with abutment means on an adjacent constructional element; and  
   mounting the constructional elements alongside one another such that the abutment means align, and adjacent construction elements together form the panel.    
     
     
         14 . A method of construction according to  claim 13  wherein the constructional elements are held in parallel relationship by two support elements at respective ends of the constructional elements.  
     
     
         15 . A building system including: 
 at least two spaced apart end supports; and    two or more constructional elements including: 
 a structural member;  
 cladding formed about at least part of the structural member; and  
 abutment means formed in at least part of the cladding's perimeter for mutual abutment and alignment with abutment means on an adjacent constructional element,  
   wherein first and second opposing ends of the constructional elements are engageable with respective end supports, and arrangeable in a vertical relationship to each other to form a wall portion.    
     
     
         16 . A building system according to  claim 15  wherein the end supports include a channel for receiving one of the first and second ends of the constructional elements.