Modular Structures

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a building or shelter system 10 comprising a series of structures or modular frames 12 A to 12 F being arranged generally parallel to and laterally spaced from one another and interconnected with roof sheeting 14. The modular frames such as 12 A are each in their erected condition in the form of a roof truss each including a plurality of constructional modules or truss modules or panels such as 16 A and 16 B. The truss modules or panels such as 16 A are each shaped in the form of a trapezium including upper and lower substantially parallel chord members 18 and 20, respectively, which are interconnected at opposite ends with web members 22 and 24. the structure or module frame 12 A includes conditioning elements arranged to cooperate with the constructional modules or truss panels such as 16 A and 16 B to form the module frame 12 A. The conditioning elements include tendons which locate within the hollow section of the upper and/or lower chord member 18 or 20 of adjacent and abutting truss panels such as 16 A and 16 B. The conditioning elements or lower tendon such as 28 is deployed or stressed/tensioned to facilitate cooperative movement of the truss panels 16 A and 16 B and as such erection of the modular frame 12 A.

1 . A structure comprising: 
 a plurality of constructional modules being of a predetermined configuration;    one or more conditioning elements being arranged to cooperate with the constructional modules wherein adjacent of said modules engage one another to form the structure; and    one or more packer elements being adapted to locate between adjacent of the constructional modules to effect reconfiguration of the structure.    
   
   
       2 . A structure as defined in  claim 1  wherein the conditioning elements include an upper tendon and a lower tendon being arranged to cooperate with an upper chord member and a lower chord member, respectively, of each of the constructional modules.  
   
   
       3 . A structure as defined in  claim 2  wherein the respective tendons are designed to locate within a hollow section of the lower and upper chord members and stressing of the tendons involves pre-stressing or post tensioning of the tendons and the corresponding chord member.  
   
   
       4 . A structure as defined in  claim 2  wherein the constructional module is shaped in the form of a trapezium including the upper and lower chord members being substantially parallel and interconnected at opposite ends with respective web members.  
   
   
       5 . A structure as defined in  claim 4  wherein each of the constructional modules is of a substantially identical shape.  
   
   
       6 . A structure as defined in either of claims  4  or  5  wherein the chord and web members are formed as hollow section members.  
   
   
       7 . A structure as defined in  claim 6  wherein the hollow section members are square hollow section (SHS) members.  
   
   
       8 . A structure as defined in  claim 4  wherein the trapezium-shaped constructional module includes a pair of diagonal web members arranged to add rigidity to the module.  
   
   
       9 . A structure as defined in  claim 1  wherein the constructional module includes interlocking means being arranged to provide interlocking of the adjacent modules.  
   
   
       10 . A structure as defined in  claim 9  wherein the interlocking means includes an integral spigot being adapted to engage a hole of an adjacent module, or vice versa, and designed to permit pivotal movement between adjacent of said modules.  
   
   
       11 . A structure as defined in  claim 10  wherein the spigot or hole allows a hinged action between said adjacent modules.  
   
   
       12 . A constructional module or a structure as defined in either of claims  10  or  11  wherein the spigot and/or hole together with the surrounding portion of the constructional module is reinforced.  
   
   
       13 . A structure as defined in  claim 1  wherein the constructional modules are of a composite construction.  
   
   
       14 . A structure as defined in  claim 13  wherein the composite constructional modules are fabricated from a fibre composite material.  
   
   
       15 . A structure as defined in  claim 14  wherein the fibre composite material is a particulate filled resin material with high strengths fibre reinforcement, or a polyester resin based material.  
   
   
       16 . A constructional module or a structure as defined in  claim 1  wherein the constructional module is formed from a polymeric material.  
   
   
       17 . A constructional module or a structure as defined in  claim 16  wherein the polymeric material is pultruded.  
   
   
       18 . A structure as defined in  claim 1  wherein each of the constructional modules is a truss module.  
   
   
       19 . A structure as defined in  claim 1  wherein the structure is a building structure.  
   
   
       20 . A structure as defined in  claim 19  wherein the building structure is a roof truss clad with elongate and transversely oriented sheeting.  
   
   
       21 . A structure as defined in  claim 20  wherein the sheeting is of a channel section and fabricated of a rigid material.  
   
   
       22 . A structure as defined in  claim 20  wherein the cladding is made from a fabric.  
   
   
       23 . A structure as defined in  claim 1  wherein the structure is redeployable.  
   
   
       24 . A method of construction, said method including the steps of: 
 providing a plurality of constructional modules each being of a predetermined configuration, one or more conditioning elements being arranged to cooperate with said modules, and one or more packer elements being adapted to locate between adjacent of the constructional modules;    locating the modules adjacent one another and positioning the conditioning elements to permit engagement of said adjacent modules;    deploying the conditioning elements wherein the modules are together configured to form a structure, the packer elements being arranged to effect reconfiguration of the structure.    
   
   
       25 . A method as defined in  claim 24  wherein the reconfiguration step is effected prior to deployment of the conditioning elements.  
   
   
       26 . A method as defined in either of claims  24  or  25  wherein the conditioning elements are each in the form of tendons and the step of deploying the conditioning elements involves stressing of the tendons.  
   
   
       27 . A method as defined in  claim 26  wherein stressing of the tendons involves pre-stressing or post tensioning of the tendons which effects deployment of the structure.  
   
   
       28 . A method as defined in  claim 26  wherein the structure is a roof truss and stressing of the tendons provides erection of the roof truss.  
   
   
       29 . A method as defined in  claim 27  wherein the structure is a roof truss and stressing of the tendons provides erection of the roof truss.