GB807567A - Construction of roofs - Google Patents

Abstract

807,567. Roofs. VIERA, L. I., and FRAVEGA, L. A. J. M. June 27, 1956 [June 28, 1955], No. 19945/56. Class 20(4) A method of constructing a roof which comprises anchoring each end of a plurality of cables to a supporting member so as to extend said cables over the roof area spaced apart from one another, placing blocks on said cables to substantially cover the roof area, grouting said blocks, said blocks having a separation between them, and allowing the grout to set, and after the grout has set adjusting the tension in said cables to apply a compressive force on said grouted blocks. As shown, Fig. 2, the radial cables 2 of a steel framework, also comprising a number of wire rings 4, are suspended between a central member 3 and the upper rim 5 of a circular wall 1, the framework being designed to support blocks 10 which are located in the spaces between the cables and rings, a binding material, e.g. mortar, being grouted into the spaces between the blocks. After the grout has set, nuts 6, on the threaded outer ends of the cables, are tightened against a plate 8 and a rim 9 which extend around the rim 5 of the wall 1, the cables thus, being tensioned to apply a compressive force to the blocks 10. Small moulds, not shown, may be temporarily erected beneath the spaces between the blocks, in order to prevent chipping of the grout. The whole roof may be covered by a thin layer of concrete. In the case of quadrangular roofs the central member 3 may be omitted. In a modification the central member 3, Fig. 2, is supported by a central column, not shown. An alternative method of tensioning the cables 2 comprises applying weights to the blocks, after they have been placed on the framework, and then grouting the blocks in. When the grout has set the weights are uniformly removed. If it is desired to improve the thermic, or acoustic, qualities of the structure a sub-ceiling can be suspended from the cables 2 to provide a flat, or bell-shaped soffit surface.