Precast construction method and apparatus for variable size elevated platform

Abstract

Elevated platforms of variable size are fabricated from pre-cast planar construction blocks. The platforms may be used to support pre-cast structures or prefabricated units. The platform comprises a plurality of support blocks which include haunches to support drop-in beams of variable length. The platforms are supported by pre-cast pedestal block foundation elements which may be installed on the surface, buried, or partially buried. The platforms may also be supported by pile cap blocks or nested assemblies of pile cap blocks which are grouted over conventional piles. The modular elements may include mechanical, electrical, and plumbing MEP ports for providing utilities through the platform or structure.

1 . A structural frame comprising
 a plurality of foundation elements;   a plurality of framing blocks supported by the foundation elements, each framing block comprising
 a substantially upright first edge chord, and 
 a second edge chord spaced apart from the first edge chord, 
   at least a portion of the framing blocks further comprising a haunch extending from an edge chord, at least a portion of the framing blocks having a first haunch extending from a first edge chord, and a second haunch from a second edge chord; and   a plurality of drop in beams, such that each drop-in beam is supported by a haunch on a first block and a haunch on a second block adjacent to the first block.   
   
   
       2 . The structural frame of  claim 1  wherein the frame is an elevated platform. 
   
   
       3 . The structural frame of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of framing blocks further comprise at least one mechanical, electrical, or plumbing access port. 
   
   
       4 . The structural frame of  claim 1  further comprising
 a member connecting a portion of the first edge chord to a portion of the second edge chord, the member having a concave upper surface, thereby creating a utility access area above the member.   
   
   
       5 . The structural frame of  claim 1  further comprising
 a modular skid block supported above the plurality of framing blocks, the modular skid block comprising
 a precast two-way grid of edge beams and cross beams. 
   
   
   
       6 . The structural frame of  claim 5  wherein
 the modular skid block cantilevers past the plurality of framing blocks.   
   
   
       7 . The structural frame of  claim 1  wherein the foundation elements further comprise
 a plurality of pedestal blocks, each pedestal block comprising
 a cross-shaped footing comprising
 a beam element, and 
 a pedestal element; and 
 
 a bearing seat. 
   
   
   
       8 . The structural frame of  claim 1  wherein at least a portion of the pedestal blocks further comprise
 a vertical extension.   
   
   
       9 . The structural frame of  claim 1  wherein at least a portion of the pedestal blocks further comprise
 flat bearing seats.   
   
   
       10 . The structural frame of  claim 1  wherein at least a portion of the pedestal blocks further comprise
 keyed bearing seats.   
   
   
       11 . The structural frame of  claim 1  wherein at least a portion of the pedestal blocks further comprise
 grouted reinforcing steel set around driven piles or drilled piers.   
   
   
       12 . The structural frame of  claim 1  wherein at least a portion of the pedestal blocks further comprise
 at least one connector sleeve.   
   
   
       13 . The structural frame of  claim 1  wherein at least a portion of the pedestal blocks further comprise
 at least one vertical sleeve, and   a threaded rod connector grouted in the sleeve.   
   
   
       14 . The structural frame of  claim 1  wherein the foundation elements further comprise
 a plurality of precast pile cap block modules,
 each cap block comprising at least one cap block module comprising
 an opening for receiving a pile member. 
 
   
   
   
       15 . The structural frame of  claim 14  further comprising
 a first pile cap block module comprising a plurality of cap block modules; and   a second pile cap block module comprising a plurality of cap block modules, such that the first pile cap block module and second pile cap block module are nested.   
   
   
       16 . The structural frame of  claim 14  further comprising
 a first pile cap block module;   a second pile cap block module; and   a threaded connector between the first pile cap block module and the second pile cap block module.   
   
   
       17 . The structural frame of  claim 1  wherein
 the plurality of drop in beams are arched beams.   
   
   
       18 . The structural frame of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of roof truss blocks. 
   
   
       19 . A method of constructing a variable-size structural frame, the method comprising
 installing a plurality of foundation elements;   providing a plurality of framing blocks, each framing block comprising a substantially upright first edge chord and a second edge chord spaced apart from the first edge chord, at least a portion of the framing blocks further comprising a haunch extending from an edge chord;   supporting the plurality of framing blocks on the foundation elements;   fabricating a plurality of drop in beams to desired lengths; and   placing the drop-in beams so that each beam is supported by a haunch on a first block and a haunch on a second block adjacent to the first block.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein installing a plurality of foundation elements further comprises
 providing a plurality of precast pile cap block modules, each cap block comprising at least one cap block module comprising an opening for receiving a pile member;   placing the plurality of precast pile cap block modules over a plurality of pile members; and   grouting the openings.