AU608319B2 - Building construction system and method - Google Patents

Description

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608319 This document contains the amendments made under Section 49 and is correct for printing.

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA 44., 460 ,c, 4 04 *r 4 8*4 0 4 4* 44 4 444 4 The Patents Act 1952-1969 Name of Applicant: DOMUS QUADROTEC PTY. LTD.

Address of Applicant: Elms, Love Partners, Public Accountants, Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Heads, Queensland 4567 Actual Inventor: Address for Service: 41 44 44) 4 4 44 44L 4I 0I 4 44 4 44 44 4 44*a 4 GABRIEL POOLE G.R. CULLEN COMPANY PATENT TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS DALGETY HOUSE 79 EAGLE STREET BRISBANE QLD 4000

AUSTRALIA

4 44 4 4H COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR THE INVENTION ENTITLED: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD The following statement is a full description of the invention including the best method of performing it known to us: i -2- The invention relates to a building construction system and method for the construction of subframes or base frames for structures. In particular, the invention relates to a building construction and method for the construction of subframes or base frames for houses, factories and other buildings for erection on sloping, elevated or otherwise inaccessible blocks of land.

In one known construction method employed for the S construction of base frames for houses and other buildings a 0 00 concrete slab was poured and used as a support or foundation 0t c.

for building framework. In another technique, trenches conforming to the location of external and internal walls of a building were dug and a foundation was set in the trenches S upon which building framework was then erected. Such methods were only suitable for use where the site was relatively level. In addition, the production of the foundation was C c~ particularly labour intensive.

The advent of building kits comprising a plurality S of prefabricated components have made it possible for home handymen or persons having limited building experience to construct buildings. However, the initial setting or laying of the foundation was still a task necessary before the building kit could be employed. Such kits were found to be relatively inexpensive. They were not suitable for constructing houses on sites having relatively difficult or 3 undulating terrain. For such sites the services of experienced builders were necessary to carry out a satisfactory installation and this negated the basic purpose of kit homes.

Stumps or poles were used to support building frames where the site terrain was difficult or had a slope which was unsuitable for slab or trench type foundations.

Such construction techniques did not readily lend themselves to kit form and usually required specialised building skills.

It is an object of the present invention to provide l a building construction and method which at least minimises S:some of the disadvantages referred to above.

According to one aspect, the invention provides a t* e o° construction system for supporting buildings and like structures from a ground surface comprising at least one support post arranged vertically in use, and at least one support arm adjustably secured to said support post and in 0 use, extending outwardly and upwardly from said support post, 0 the degree of extension of said support arm from said support 4 2C 0 post being adjustable, said support arm having a free end which in use extends above an upper end of the said support post and which is capable of supporting floor beams to *0 provide a support for flooring on a building or like structure.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of constructing a building or like

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4 structure including: settinc; supports posts of desired lengths into footings in the ground and arranging the posts in a plurality of groups; securing four support arms to upper ends of each said posts, whereby each said arm extends outwardly and Ij| n upfer end 0af upwardly fromA said post at 90 degree intervals around the post, the degree of extension of each arm being adjustable; St positioning and securing bracing assemblies to 1b extend vertically between adjacent posts of a group and horizontally between all posts of a group; and, securing longitudinally and transversely extending floor beams to free ends of the arms to provide support for flooring of a building or the like.

The posts may be of any desired length and the posts of a group need not all be the same length. Preferably the groups into which the posts are arranged define square or rectangle patterns when viewed in plan. The groups may include two, four or other numbers of posts but preferably there are an even number in each group.

Each post is adapted for receiving the arms and brace assemblies. For this purpose, the arms have mountings.

The mountings for receiving the brace assemblies may comprise apertures at suitable locations in the posts or mounting flanges extending outwardly from the posts. Where 7+J

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-L *II 5 mounting flanges are present these may be apertured to enable the brace assemblies to be secured thereto.

The mountings for receiving the arms preferably enable the degree to which the arms extend therefrom to be adjusted. In one embodiment threaded studs project outwardly from adjacent an end of the post. Preferably four such studs are formed as a cross shaped unit and secured to an end of the posts. The arms may be positioned relative to the studs *oo o' o by lock nuts or collars.

The system may include beams which extend 0 horizontally between adjacent posts and are secured to them.

o The posts are adapted to have the beams secured to them and a for this reason mountings in the form of apertures may be provided on the posts.

The support arms may be provided in two separate types a heavy duty one and a light duty one. The major t 1 distinction between the two being the gauge of material employed in manufacture and the location at which it is employed in the system. The heavy duty arms are preferably employed at cantilever locations in the system whilst the light duty arms are used at non-cantilevered locations or where at least the free ends of two arms meet. The free ends of the arms meet in use.

The free ends of the arms are preferably provided with mounting plates to which one or more floor beams may be 6 secured. The plates are preferably apertured to achieve such a mounting of floor beams.

A plurality of floor beams of varying design may be employed in the system of the invention. The beams are held in place by being secured to the mounting plates at the free ends of the support arms. Some of the beams may extend around the periphery of the resultant structure while others may extend longitudinally or transversely. If desired, in "B I select locations on the structure floor beams may be arranged a Q« in close proximity and in parallel with one another to provide added strength where necessary. If desired floor beams may be secured to each other by fasteners as well as to the support arms. Such mutual securement may be at abutting ends of beams or at locations intermediate ends or where one beam abuts another at an intermediate location.

To assist in the mounting of beams to ends of the o arms separate mounting or bridging plates may be employed.

Where plates at the end of support arms are apertured the bridging plates may be correspondingly apertured and interposed between the arms and the beams are secured to the arms the bridging plate is held captive between them.

In one embodiment the separate mounting plates are adjustably received directly by support posts whereby the height at which the plate extends over the end of the post may be varied to suit. In this embodiment the separate

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7 mounting plates may have a downwardly extending threaded stud receivable by an end of the post. By relative rotation of the post and stud adjustment is made possible. The plate may be locked in place by a locking collar ring or nut. The posts to which the separate plates may be secured preferably do not have support arms mounted thereto and are typically located at the periphery of the resultant structure or where one or more arms projecting from another post terminate.

tilt 4 The method step of setting support posts into O. footings preferably includes selecting the length of the too 9 posts. The posts may be provided in varying lengths or alternatively trimmed in length to suit.

*44446 The step of securing arms to the posts preferably includes adjusting the distance to which the free ends of the arms project from the upper end of the post. Where the posts have threaded projections extending therefrom for receiving the arms, the arms may be selectively positioned along the length of the threaded projection and then locked in place.

Brace assemblies may be positioned to extend between opposed sides of a rectangle or square formed by a group of four posts.

The step of securing floor beams may be proceeded by the positioning of mounting plates between the free ends of the arms and the beams. These mounting plates may be adjustably located relative to support posts whereby the 8height of the mounting plates may be varied prior to securing of the floor beams.

Once a desired layout of floor beams has been secured to the arms flooring or other components to complete the structure may then be positioned and secured. in place.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 is a view of a support post; Figure 2 is a view of the post of figure 1 rotated through 90 degrees; a o Figure 3 is a view o.f an alternative support post; Figure 4 is a view of the post of figure 3 rotated through 90 degrees; "1 Figure 5 is a view of a main support brace assembly; 4 "6 a. 66 Figure 5a is a detailed sectional view of the assembly taken along line V-V of figure Figure 6 is a view of part of a minor brace assembly Figure 6a shows an alternative end piece for part of the assembly of figure 6; Figure 7 is a view of a support arm; Figure 8 is a view of an alternative support arm; Figure 9 is a plan view of a base plate element;

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1)- 9 Figure 9a is an elevational view of the element of figure 9; Figure 10 is a plan view of an alternative base plate element; Figure 10a is an elevational view of the element of figure Figure 11 shows an inter-post beam element; Figure 12 shows a plate termination for an end of a support arm; Qa Figure 13 shows an alternative plate termination

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for a support arm; rr" Figure 14 shows a floor beam; Figure 14a is a side view of the beam of figure 14; Figure 15 shows another floor beam; Figures 15a and 15b are side and end views respectively of the beam of figure Figure 16 shows another floor beam; Figures 16a and 16b are side and end views Lt respectively of the beam of figure 16; Figure 17 is a view of another floor beam; Figure 17a is a side view of the beam of figure 17; Figure 18 is a view of another floor beam; Figure 18a is a side view of the beam of figure 18; Figure 19 is a view of yet another floor beam; Figures 19a and 19b are side and end views i 10 respectively of the beam of figure 19; Figure 20 is a view of another floor beam; Figures 20a, 20b and 20c are side and end views of the beam of figure Figure 21 is a view of another floor beam; Figures 21a, 21b and 21c are side and end views of the beam of figure 21; Figure 22 is another view of a floor beam; Figures 22a and 22b are side and end views of the beam of figure 22; 9 Figure 23 is a view of another floor beam; C A t Figures 23a and 23b are side and end views of the C t 4 f beam of figure 23; Figure 24 is a view of another floor beam; Figures 24a and 24b are side and end views of the beam of figure 24; Figures 25 is a schematic plan view of a support pole layout; Figure 26 is a schematic plan view of the layout of figure 25 with support arms shown; Figure 27 is a schematic plan view of the layout of figure 26 showing floor beams; Figure 28 is a schematic plan view of another support pole layout; Figure 29 is a schematic plan view of the figure 28 11 layout but showing the support arms; Figure 30 is a schematic plan view of the figure 28 layout but with floor beams shown; Figure 31 is yet another support post layout schematic plan view; Figure 32 is a schematic plan view of the figure 31 layout but showing the support arms; Figure 33 is a schematic plan view of the figure 31 0 O layout but showing floor beams; Figure 34 is a schematic plan view of a floor beam Se layout alternative to figure 33; Figure 35 is a schematic plan view of a floor beam layout alternative to that of figure 33; Figure 36 is an alternative floor beam layout; and, 0 90 Figure 37 is a perspective view of part of a 0 60 0 0 0 structure in accordance with an embodiment of the system of the invention.

In Figures 1 to 4 two types of support posts 1, la are shown. The posts have four outwardly and upwardly extending screw threaded projections 102 which, as shown in the drawings, are arranged at 90 degree intervals around a top end of the post 1 or la. The top end of the posts have U shaped cutouts (not shown) for receiving the screw threaded projections which are provided as an integral crucifix member and then the end of the post is capped off by an end cap 103.

-12- Posts 1 have two outwardly projecting flanges 104 and 105.

Flange 104 is located adjacent the upper end of the post and is triangular in shape. An aperture 106 is provided in flange 104. Flange 105 is substantially rectangular in shape and is located adjacent a lower end of the post. Flange 105 also has an aperture 107. As indicated in. these figures the posts may be of varying lengths and are fabricated from a hollow square sectioned material. The post is provided with t rf t tt t diagonally opposed apertures formed at edges or corners 4 ti lIO thereof. Only one of these apertures 108 is visible in t I figures 1 and 2. The second of these diagonally opposed apertures is located on a different level or height of the post relative to aperture 108. Post 1 has further apertures 109 on opposed side faces thereof and as well as apertures 110 also on opposed side faces of the post. Adjacent the plate 105 post 1 has opposed apertures 111 in opposite faces thereof.

Posts 1 and la are identical except that one has flanges 104 and 105 and the other does not have such flanges.

With reference to figures 5 and 5a there is shown a major brace assembly 4. This assembly consists of disc shaped joining members 121 to which a continuous brace member 122 and two half brace members 123 may be secured. As shown in the figure the free ends of the brace members are secured to plates 104 and 105 of support posts. In use support posts r- 13 like those shown in figures 1 to 4 would be arranged vertically extending at locations defining either corners of a square or rectangle. The squares or rectangles may also have posts located at positions intermediate the corners thereof. Thus, as shown in figure 5 the brace assembly 4 would extend vertically between two spaced posts to which plates 104 and 105 are secured.

Figure 6 shows a part of a minor brace assembly The assembly 5 shows a cross sectional view of a post 1 or la Q through which brace member 126 extends at an angle through S the offset apertures formed in edges of the posts 1 or la.

One of these apertures is indicated by the numeral 108 in figures 1 and 2 of the drawings. The free end of member 126 has an abutment 127 secured to it to ensure that the member 126 cannot be drawn through and free of the post. The other free end of the member 126 is secured by way of fastener 128 E to an anchor member. In use four members like that indicated by numeral 126 would extend at right angles or at some other angle to one another from anchor member 129 and the ends of members 126 remote from the anchor member 129 would be secured in the fashion shown to four spaced locations on support posts. Thus, a complete minor brace assembly 5 may extend in a vertical plane and between two adjacent posts with two of the free ends of members 126 being secured adjacent upper ends of the posts and the other two free ends p-I- _r 14 of members 126 being secured to lower ends of the posts.

Thus, each post has two members 126 secured to it. In another alternative, where four posts are arranged at corners of a square or rectangle the minor brace assembly 5 may be arranged in a horizontal plane with a respective free end of each brace member 126 being secured relative to an upper end of a respective post. In this way the minor brace assembly would brace four adjacent posts and extend between those four a..o posts. In figure 6a a plate termination 127a for member 126

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0 rather than abutment 127 is shown. This termination enables assembly 5 to be secured to plates 104, 105 if desired.

oa Members 126 may be of varying length to suit circumstances.

Figures 7 and 8 show the manner in which support arms 8 or 9 are secured to posts 1 or la. Arm 9 is intended 151 to be a light duty arm whereas arm 8 is a heavy duty one.

Arm 8 has an aperture at the end adjacent the post about S which a captive fastener such as a nut 132 is secured by welding or the like. Threaded projection 102 receives the arm 8 or 9. The arm is screw threaded onto the projection 102. A lock nut 133 is located on the projection 102 and once the arms are properly positioned, lock nut 133 is tightened to hold the arm in place. The free end of arm 8 has a mounting plate 11 secured to it. The free end extends a short distance within the interior of the arm 8 which is made of a larger gauge of material than arm 9. A sleeve 141 7 fits over the free end and is secured thereto and it is this sleeve which is then secured relative to the major part of the arm 8. This may be achieved by welds placed at locations 142. Plate 11 has the configuration shown in figure 13 of the drawings. The arm of figure 7 is one which may be used where the floor being supported includes a cantilevered section.

Arm 9 of figure 8 has a mounting plate 10 at its i f t free end. This plate may have the configuration shown in 1\ figure 12 of the drawings. Arms like that of figure 8 may be employed to support flooring components at the periphery of a

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t. structure or at a location intermediate the structure being built.

1 With reference to figure 12, the mounting plate shows in broken outline 144 the orientation and location of an end of arm 9. The plate 10 has a plurality of apertures 145 to which floor beams or other structural members may be secured.

The mounting plate 11 of figure 13 shows in dotted outline 146 the location and orientation of attachment of a free end of 'arm 8. The opposite side of the plate, in use, would support cantilevered components of the floor of the structure. Apertures 147 enable floor beams and other structural components to be secured to the mounting plate 11.

Figures 14 and 14a illustrate a typical floor beam i 16 construction of a beam 45 which would be located at a cantilevered location of the resultant floor and to which a plate 11 would be secured. In use, the two spaced pairs of apertures 147 would be employed to receive fasteners which project into apertures 149 of two longitudinally abutting beams 45. The apertures 147 arranged in a group of four on plate 11 would receive fasteners which would pass into transversely extending floor beam members 49 like those t indicated in figures 18 and 18a. Beams 49 locate in U shaped t f recess formed between extension 150 and end of beam 45. A fastener passing through extensi.on 150 and beam 49 is used.

Arrows A in figure 13 indicate the direction of extension of two longitudinally abutting members 45 when secured to the plate 11 of figure 13. Each of the apertures 149 has an 1 5 associated captive fastener secured adjacent to it relative to which a bolt or the like may be attached after passing through plate 11. The four holes 147 arranged in a group of four are adapted to receive fasteners which may pass into beam members like those illustrated in figures 17 and 17a or 18 and 18a. Two members of figure 17 and 17a may be arranged extending parallel to one another along a direction indicated by the arrow B. That is, those beam members extend transversely to the others which are secured to plate 11.

The beam members of figures 17 and 17a have apertures 151 with captive fasteners or nut which enable to beam members to 1> 17 be secured to the plate 11.

A plate 43 like that illustrated in figure 10 of the drawings is mounted between the plate 11 and floor beam members which meet at right angles. This is achieved by fasteners extending through apertures 155 and 156 in the plate 43 and into the beam members.The plate 43 has an upstanding projections 157 formed with two apertures 161.

This projection extends between two adjacent members 49 and f is bolted thereto by fasteners extending through apertures 'ip 162 in order to secu.'e two parallel members 49 to each other and to upstanding projection 157.

A plate 11 like that shown in figure 13 forms an end to the arm of figure 7. The arms of figure 8 have plates secured to them. Where these arms terminate other than at Fi* a periphery of a structure four such plates 10 would terminate in close proximity to form a square. These plates may then be secured to floor beams such as the beams 46, 47, 48 of figures 15, 15a, 16, 16a and 17, 17a. A plate 44 of figure 9 is interposed between the beams and the four plates 10 which locate in this fashion. Apertures 171 in the four arms of the plate have fasteners extending -through them to enable plates 10 to be secured to the beams and with the plate 44 sandwiched between them. Plate 44 has an upstanding flange 172. This flange is received between two parallel extending beams 46 and 47 for example. Fasteners may extend 18 through apertures 173 in the beam 46 and 47 through slots 174 in the upstanding flange 172 of plate 44 and in this way the beams and the plate 44 may be held together and agai.ast plates Where the arms 9 terminate at a periphery of the structure rather than within the periphery of the structure the ends of two such arms will terminate adjacent one another and not at a location where a cantilevered beam would exist.

t t I At such a location the plates 10 would be secured with bolts SrO extending into beams 46 of figure 15 and 48 of figure 7.

Thus, beams 46 would extend along the periphery of the 4.9.9: structure whilst beam 48 would extend transversely of the structure. A plate 43 is interposed between the plates and the beam 46 and 48 or where beams 52, 46 and 48 intersect ti for example and sandwiched between them. Upstanding portion 157 of the plate 43 would extend between the two parallel beams 47 for example and be secured to them by a fastener passing through apertures 183 in the beam 47 and apertures tto 161 in upstanding portion 157.

The purpose and location of the remaining floor beams illustrated in various ones of the figures will be described later.

With reference to figure 25 of the drawings typical layout of four groups of four posts 1 is shown. Between each upper end of each post 1 of each group beams 3 like that of 19 figure 11 may extend. A minor brace assembly 5 is arranged horizontally extending between upper ends of each of the posts 1. A major brace assembly 4 is shown located between the other opposed sides of each group of four posts 1 and is located in a vertical plane.

From figure 26 the arrangement and location of arms 8 and 9 which extend upwardly and outwardly from ends of posts 1 can be seen. In addition, in this figure it can be seen that some of arms 8 are terminated in plates 11 whilst S1Q, others of the arms are terminated in plates I1 t ,Figure 27 shows a typical floor beam layout which may be employed with the arrangement of arms 8 and 9 resulting from that shown in figure 26. The numerals 46, 47, S 48 and 52 are indicative of floor beams like those shown in figures 15, 16, 17 and 21 respectively. The location of posts 1 are indicated by the small crosses appearing in the t t figure. Typically, plates 43 would be used at locations like those indicated by the letter D whilst plates 44 would io* typically be used at locations like those indicated by the letter C. This view shows a typical floor beam layout for an arrangement of posts indicated in figure 25. The floor plan is such that a central opening E results as shown in figure 27.

Figure 28 shows an alternative layout of posts 1 to that shown in figure 25. In this arrangement, three groups 20 20 of four posts 1 are arranged in an L shaped configuration.

As indicated in figure 28 minor brace assemblies 5 are arranged extending between each post of each group whilst major brace assemblies 4 are arranged vertically extending between opposed sides of each group of four posts. Once again, beams 3 like that shown in figure 11 are arranged extending between upper ends of each post in each group.

Beams 3 are horizontally oriented.

The arrangement of arms 8 and 9 resulting from a post configuration shown in figure 28 is evident from figure 29. As is shown in the figure some of these posts are terminated in plates 10 whilst others are terminated in plates 11.

The floor beam configuration illustrated in figure *I6 4 9 30 may result from the arm layout of figure 29. Posts 1 are S, indicated in figure 30 by small crosses. The floor beam layout of figure 30 includes beams 46, 47, 48 and 52. Plates 43 are typically located at the junction between beams 46, 48 994* and 52 at the periphery of the layout and also at the junction between two beams 46 and beam 48 also at the periphery. In addition, a similar plate 43 may be located at the junction between two beams 46 and beam 47 as well as at the junction between two beams 52 and two parallel beams 46.

Where a plate 43 is located at a junction between two beams 52 and two parallel beams 46, the upstanding portion 157 n 21 would be located between the two parallel beams 46. Plates 44 would be located at the typical locations indicated in the figure.

Figure 31 shows yet another layout of posts 1 which may be employed whilst figure 32 shows the resultant configuration or arms which would be used with the post configuration of figure 31. As is shown in figure 32 the arms located at cantilevered positions at the periphery of the structure would be arms like that shown in figure 7.

Light duty arms 9 may be employed at other locations.

Locations for plates 10 and 11 are also illustrated.

t Figure 33 shows a typical floor beam layout resulting from the arm configuration of figure 32 and the numerals relate to the type of beams employed to achieve that t configuration. Two typical locations for plates 43 and 44 have been shown for the sake of clarity.

Figures 34, 35 and 36 illustrate further typical floor beam configurations which may be achieved with the 4 invention. The arrangement of figure 34 is similar in many respects to that shown in figure 33 except that cantilevered portions extend beyond the periphery of the layout beyond the location of beams As shown in figure 35 cantilevered portions need not extend completely along opposcI edges of the layout as shown in figure 34 but rather need only extend along portions I-r 22 of the periphery of the layout and past beams 45 located to the bottom right of that figure.

An eye shaped floor beam layout is achieved in figure 36.

The various floor beams illustrated in the figures 14 to 24b have numerous apertures formed in them. Apertures to which plates 10 and 11 are secured are provided with captive fasteners typically indicated by the numeral 149.

S Additional apertures are provided to enable upstanding rt P.1 portions 157 and 170 of plates 43 and 44 respectively to be secured to desired ones of the beams. Further apertures are provided in the beams to enable the securement of upstanding wall members not shown or described in this application. The tli floor beams 51 and 52 shown in figures 20 and 21 of the drawings have a bevelled edge. The bevelled edges are apertured and as is shown in figure 33 for example two such beams 52 may be secured together at a corner of the floor beam layout. Some of the apertures provided in the various beams enable an abutting end of another beam to be secured part way along the length of a related beam. Such a possibility is illustrated in figure 36 where beams 45 and 71 for example meet.

The system of the invention is ideally suited for the construction of structures on sloping sites with a minimum amount of excavation and footing work being 23 necessary. Thus, there is a minimum disturbance to surrounding vegetation and soils. To commence the building of a structure using the system of the invention posts are first set in a footing at desired locations. Then progressively other components of the system are attached to the posts until the desired floor beam layout has been achieved. The remainder of the structure may then be erected.

The system of the invention employs lightweight easily handled components and this results in speedy construction. The floor beams themselves comprise standard C tt sections with specific aperture locations and where necessary welded end plates. These beams are all designed in a fashion which ensures the whole floor is accurately bolted together to precise dimensions and in the case of flat site construction, squared before final leveling is carried out.

All In the case of flat or slightly sloping sites the length of the post can be precisely adjusted before final pouring of the footings is executed. In the case of steeply sloping sites the length of the posts and arms are selected to achieve a desired floor plan which may be one level or multi-levelled and a variety of floor layouts and shapes with or without courtyards can be achieved as shown in figure 26 whilst others terminate at plates 140.

A shown in figure 27 the crosses are indicative of

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I-;I ,,i 24 the position of posts 1. The various numerals appearing in that figure are representative of the various types of floor beams employed at locations around the structure and secured to the ends of arms 8 or 9 in the manner previously discussed. Either a plate 44 or 43 is positioned between the free ends of the arms and the floor beams to which they are secured depending upon the location. For example, a :locations C where four arms meet have a plate 44 mounted o0 thereto, locations D have a plate 43 mounted thereto.

.0Figure 37 illustrates part of a structure in oo 0 Soo accordance with an embodiment of the system of the invention.

The structure of this figure has a group of four vertical posts 1 set in respective footings F. A major brace assembly :0o 4 extends in a vertical plane between adjacent posts whilst a minor brace assembly 5 extends in a horizontal plane :o-O between upper ends of the four posts 1 as shown. Inter post beams 3 are fastened to extend between adjacent posts 1 and between upper ends thereof.

Each post 1 has four arms 8 or 9 secured thereto to extend outwardly and upwardly therefrom. As illustrated arms 8 (heavy duty arms) are employed at cantilevered locations on the structure whilst arms 9 (light duty arms) are employed at non-cantilevered locations. In the illustrated embodiments floor beams 46, 48, 52 are secured to extend between the arms 8, 9 and flooring 200 then secured to

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those beams. The plates 10, 11 as well as support plates 43, 44 have been omitted for the sake of clarity.

of to Q~ 0# 0~ o to 0~ 0 o 000 0 *0 0 9 900 0 0*0000 0 0 o tO 0 0 o to ft 0 0 4 0400 .94 0 0* 0

Claims (29)

1- 26 THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. A construction system for supportinc buildings and like structures from a ground surface comprising at least one support post arranged vertically in use, and at least one support atri adjustably secured to said support post and in use, extending outwardly and upwardly from said support post, the degree of extension of said support arm from said support post being adjustable, said support arm having a free end which in use extends above an upper end of the said support post and which is capable of supporting floor beams to provide a support for flooring on a building or like t t structure. I 1T 1

2. The system as claimed in claim 1 including a plurality of said support posts arranged vertical in use and in groups, a plurality of support arms secured to and in use extending outwardly and upwardly from each said post and spaced about said post, brace assemblies extending in "t vertical and horizontal planes between the posts of each group, and a plurality of floor beams secured to free ends of the arms and extending horizontally, transversely, and longitudinally to provide a support for flooring of a building or the like.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, comprising four said support arms space at 90' intervals around a respective support post.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the posts are of the same or different length. The system of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the 2 26 (a) posts are of the same or different length. The system of any of claims 1 to 4, wharein the I, S t I S S a IS a S S 1 0 IS *5 o a a a a a I 4 S .i a. 445$ a a a. a sa a a a a a.

5, a a t I'S. S,1I 27 posts are arranged in groups of two, four or more posts.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the posts are arranged in groups of four and define square or rectanular patterns when viewed in plan.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein some of said posts are provided with apertured mounting flanges relative to which said vertically extending brace assemblies are secured.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7 including apertures formed in at least two adjacent said posts adjacent upper end thereof relative to which a substantially Sa. horizontal inter-post beam is secured. 0

9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each said post includes mountings relative to which said arms are secured.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein said arm mountings comprise threaded studs projecting outwardly from an end of said post whereby a respective arm may be adjustably fixed to a respective said stud.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein four said studs project outwardly and upwardly from said post and at a free end thereof.

12. The system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said arms consist of heavy duty and light duty arms, said heavy duty arms being manufactured from material having a greater transverse cross sectional area than the light duty 74 0I7' 28 arms.

13. The system of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each said arm has a mounting plate at its free end.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein said mounting plate is provided with at least two groups of apertures to facilitate the connection of floor beams.

The system of claim 14, wherein said mounting plate is square and has two groups of said apertures.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein said mounting plate is rectangular and has three groups of said apertures.

17. The system of any one of claims 13 to 16 including an apertured base support plate adapted to locate relative to adjacent free ends and mouting plates of a plurality of said arms whereby said base support is interposed between said adjacent free ends and floor beams to facilitate the S0t l interconnection of the floor beams and said adjacent free ends of said plurality of arms.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein said base support is substantially triangular in shape and has an upstanding I apertured projection, said apertures in said base support being formed at corners of the triangular shape and in said projection.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein said base support is cross shaped when viewed in plan and has a centrally located upstanding projection.

Th system of claim 19, wherein said base support is formed by two members arranged at right angles to one another and said apertures are formed adjacent ends of the two members and in said upstanding projection for facilitating the connection thereto of floor beams.

21. The constructions system of any one of claims 1 to including floor beams fixed to free ends of the arms and arranged extending transversely and longitudinally of the structure in a grid like pattern relative to which a flooring may be mounted.

22. A structure employing the construction system as Sclaimed in any one of the preceding claims.

23. A structure employing the construction system rrtr¢e substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

24. A method of constructing a building or like structure including: 0o setting supports posts of desired lengths into 44 footings in the ground and arranging the posts in a plurality of groups; cor securing four support arms to upper ends of each said posts, whereby each said arm extends outwardly and upwardly fromA said post at 90 degree intervals around the post, the degree of extension of each arm being adjustabl;. positioning and securing bracing assemblies to extend vertically between adjacent posts of a group and horizontally between all posts of a group; and, securing longitudinally and' transversely extending floor beams to free ends of the arms to provide support for flooring of a building or the like.

The method of claim 24 including secured inter post beams between upper ends of the posts.

26. The method of claim 14 or 25 including interposing support plates between free ends of the arms and said floor beams.

27. The method of any one of claims 24 to 26, including fixing flooring and walls to the floor boams.

28. The method of any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein o the extent to which the arms project form the posts is a o adjustable and the steps of securing the arms to the posts involves adjustment of the extent of projection of the arms from the posts.

29. A method of substantially as herein described with o0 reference to the drawings. DATED this thirtieth day of July

1990. DOMUS QUADROTEC PTY LTD a J r By their Patent Attorneys CULLEN CO -ilkA *j RA ~A~T O;