HK40081399A

HK40081399A - Method of construction

Info

Publication number: HK40081399A
Application number: HK62023069691.1A
Authority: HK
Inventors: 约翰·克莱门特·普雷斯顿
Original assignee: 约翰·克莱门特·普雷斯顿
Priority date: 2019-12-24
Filing date: 2020-12-23
Publication date: 2023-05-19

Description

Construction method

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to multi-storey structures having exterior facades and methods of constructing or assembling such structures and facades.

Background

It is known that facades of multi-storey structures make use of prefabricated modular elements which are fixed to the multi-storey structure after construction of the structure. In some forms, known methods of constructing multi-storey structures require safety barriers or scaffolding to allow prefabricated facade elements to be added to the floor of any storey of the structure to provide walls and, in some forms, windows of the structure. Known methods of building multi-storey structures may comprise the steps of: i) Building a scaffold or a peripheral screen; ii) building a support post extending upwardly from the ground or floor; iii) Building a template for an upper floor slab; iv) forming an upper floor slab; v) repeating the above steps until the structure reaches the desired height; vi) removing the scaffolding or perimeter screen; and vii) attaching the exterior facade to the structure. Alternatively, the known method may comprise constructing a safety barrier on any floor of the multi-floor structure and using a safety belt to prevent falls.

It will be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not form an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in australia or in any other country.

Disclosure of Invention

Broadly, a method of constructing a multi-storey structure is disclosed in which facades are installed prior to the installation of floor slabs. In this way, the method reverses the traditional method of first constructing the floor structure of a building and then attaching the facade to this floor structure. Furthermore, the internal structure can be effectively built out from the inside, the facade forming a safety barrier fence for the construction.

The construction process may follow an iterative approach in which a portion of a facade is installed, a floor is built, the facade is extended to then allow the next floor to be built, and so on.

This method may have the advantage of allowing the construction of multi-storey structures without the need for scaffolding or perimeter screens. This may save material costs in construction and also significantly improve both construction time. Since the facade precedes the construction of the floors of a multi-storey building to the extent that at least one subsequent floor is erected within the enclosure of the facade, a new construction process is provided which increases the speed of the construction of the floors, as there is no need to install separate safety barriers when installing the floors, whilst allowing construction workers and equipment to work within the building enclosure to erect the subsequent floor. Furthermore, the facade may provide integrated connectors to allow a quick connection of subsequent floor slabs to the facade.

In one aspect, a method of erecting a multi-storey structure having a facade arranged around at least a portion of the periphery of the multi-storey structure is disclosed, wherein during construction at least a portion of the facade is arranged to extend at least two floor levels beyond an upper working area of the structure and form at least a portion of a safety barrier for the working area, and wherein in erecting the multi-storey structure at least one further floor of the structure is erected above the upper working area, the or each further floor forming a respective subsequent upper working area of the structure, and wherein at least a portion of the facade is arranged to extend beyond an uppermost at least one floor level of the subsequent working area and form at least a portion of a safety barrier for the uppermost subsequent working area.

In some forms the or each other floor is formed such that the floor is connected to the facade.

In some forms, the elevation increases to extend beyond the height of at least two floors of the uppermost subsequent work area as it is formed, to enable at least one other floor of the structure to be erected, while providing a safety barrier for the construction.

In other aspects, a method of constructing a multi-storey building is disclosed, the method comprising: positioning a first facade assembly around at least a portion of a perimeter of a multi-storey building, the facade assembly comprising a facade structure of at least one storey height, the facade structure being positioned such that it extends upwardly beyond an upper working area of the building and forms part of a safety fence for the working area; positioning a second facade assembly so that it extends upwardly from the first facade assembly, the second facade assembly including a second facade structure; connecting a floor slab to at least one of the first and second facade elements such that the floor slab forms an uppermost floor slab to be erected above the upper working area.

In some forms other facade components are positioned to extend upwardly from the second facade component such that at least two story-level facades extend above the uppermost floor.

Furthermore, a facade assembly is disclosed, configured to be arranged during construction around at least a part of a perimeter of a multi-storey building and arranged to extend beyond an upper working area of the building and to form part of a safety fence for the working area, the facade assembly further being arranged to be connected to at least one other floor slab erected above the upper working area, the facade assembly comprising a facade structure arranged to be connected to at least one other facade assembly above the facade structure.

In some forms the facade elements include support systems that provide support to the facade structure prior to connecting other floor slabs to the facade elements.

In some forms, the support system is adjustable to allow angular adjustment of the facade structure relative to the upper work area.

In some forms, the facade is formed from a plurality of panels, and the panels form at least a portion of the safety barrier.

In some forms, the facade is formed as a frame. In some forms, the frame is formed from a plurality of frames connected together. In some forms the frame forms a portion of a facade panel. In other forms, the frames are formed as part of modules (having a more three-dimensional shape) that are interconnected together.

The advantages of using frame structures for facades are that they may have a higher strength to weight ratio than panels, they may be arranged to be simply connected together (using mechanical fasteners etc.), and they may support a variety of filler member materials and structures. For example, the filler member may be a window or door, or alternatively a barrier material. In addition, the frame may be used to support or carry other components, such as services, loading platforms, balconies, and the like.

In one form, the module is self-supporting. This has the advantage of enabling the facade to be constructed more quickly and the need for props or the like can be avoided.

In some forms, the facade assembly may incorporate temporary support members which are used when the floor is first installed and formed but which are removed after the floor is erected and therefore do not form part of the final building structure. In some cases, these temporary supports may enable the facade assembly to be self-supporting during installation.

Also disclosed is a method of constructing a multi-storey building, the method comprising: positioning a first facade assembly around at least a portion of a perimeter of a multi-storey building, the facade assembly being in the form of a module and comprising a facade structure of at least one storey height positioned such that it extends upwardly beyond an upper working area of the building and forms part of a safety fence for the working area;

in some forms, the modules of the facade assembly are self-supporting and arranged to be positioned side-by-side with other facade assembly modules and one on top of the other.

In some forms the facade panels or modules are arranged to be about the floor level of the building. Depending on the height, this may be about 3 to 4 meters, but in some cases this may be greater or less than this height depending on the design specifications of the building.

When the facade elements have a more modular structure, the depth of the modules can be set to different depths. In some forms, these depths are 300mm, 600mm, 1.2m, or 2.4m. In some forms, these modules may form part of the final floor structure of a building.

In some forms the floor of the building is arranged to be built up on the upper or lower edge of the panel or module. In some forms, the floor may straddle the joint between adjacent panels. In some forms, the facade assembly may comprise connectors to facilitate connection of the floor to the facade.

This approach may have the advantage of allowing multi-storey structures to be constructed without the need to build expensive scaffolding or perimeter screens. The method may also have the advantage of enhanced security. This is because the facade may act as a perimeter screen or scaffolding to prevent falling from the structure. This means that the facade or outer wall of the structure and the scaffolding can be substantially integral.

In some forms, the facade panels are composed of a material strong enough to act as a fall arrest device and a permanent facade including a window.

In some forms, the facade panels prevent personnel from falling from the structure during and after construction.

Drawings

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1A-1C depict a method of one embodiment of the present disclosure using components of one embodiment of the present disclosure;

2A-2C depict a method of one embodiment of the present disclosure using components of one embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 3A-3C depict a method of one embodiment of the present disclosure using components of one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 depicts an embodiment of modules arranged around the perimeter of a structure to form a facade of a multi-storey structure.

Fig. 5-7 depict embodiments of self-supporting modules having prefabricated floor sections.

Fig. 8 to 10 depict embodiments of self-supporting modules with reinforcing bars to be incorporated into the cast floor slab.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings, and defined in the claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present subject matter. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in the present disclosure.

A method of erecting a multi-storey structure having a facade disposed around at least a portion of a perimeter of the multi-storey structure is disclosed, wherein during construction at least a portion of the facade is disposed to extend beyond an upper work area of the structure and form at least a portion of a safety barrier for the work area. In some forms, the facade extends at least two floors above an upper work area of the structure.

The method can comprise the following steps: installing a facade assembly extending at least two floors above a floor most recently installed; then installing one floor or a plurality of floors; the other facade components are then installed such that the facade components are always at least one floor above the workspace on the uppermost floor. The facade assembly includes a permanent facade that serves as a scaffold or fall arrest device and provides a permanent building enclosure to be maintained on the structure.

A method of erecting a multi-storey structure having a facade arranged around at least a portion of the periphery of the multi-storey structure is disclosed, wherein during construction at least a portion of the facade is arranged to extend at least two floor levels beyond an upper working area of the structure and form at least a portion of a safety barrier for the working area, and wherein in erecting the multi-storey structure at least one further floor of the structure is erected above the upper working area, the or each further floor forming a respective subsequent upper working area of the structure, and wherein at least a portion of the facade is arranged to extend at least one floor level beyond an uppermost floor of the subsequent working area and form at least a portion of an uppermost safety barrier for the subsequent working area.

A method of constructing a multi-storey building is disclosed, the method comprising: positioning a first facade assembly around at least a portion of a perimeter of a multi-storey building, the facade assembly comprising a facade structure of at least one storey height, the facade structure being positioned such that it extends upwardly beyond an upper working area of the building and forms part of a safety fence for the working area; positioning a second facade assembly so that it extends upwardly from the first facade assembly, the second facade assembly including a second facade structure; the floor is connected to at least the first facade assembly so that the floor forms the uppermost floor which is erected above the upper working area.

In some forms the method further comprises positioning other facade components extending upwardly from the second facade component such that at least two floor level facades extend above the uppermost floor.

In some forms the facade assembly further comprises a support structure.

In some forms the method includes adjusting an angle of the facade structure relative to the floor using the support structure of the respective facade element. In some forms the method includes removing at least a portion of the support structure from the building.

In some forms the assembly includes a support system which provides support to the facade structure prior to connecting other floor slabs to the facade assembly.

In some forms, the support structure is removable from the facade structure.

In some forms the support structure comprises an upright section and a foot arranged, in use, to extend inwardly into the building.

In some forms, the feet form an extension of a floor of the building.

In some forms, the support system includes at least one brace extending between the foot and the upright section.

In some forms, the brace is extendable to change the angle of the upright relative to the floor.

In some forms the facade structure and support system of the facade assembly is provided as a module.

In some forms, the facade structure includes a facade connector configured to connect the facade structure to other facade components.

In some forms, the facade assembly is formed from a plurality of panels, and the panels form at least a portion of the safety barrier.

In some forms the facade elements comprise one or more connection areas for connection to one or more floor slabs. In some forms, the floor wraps around the connection area when the floor is formed.

In some forms of building the structure, at least part of the facade assembly is constructed before the uppermost floor so that the facade extends above the level of the next floor to be built to form a safety barrier for the next floor.

The method allows workers to work safely on the upper work area without the need for separate fall barriers or scaffolding. The facade assembly is designed such that during construction at least a portion of a facade panel forming the facade extends over any work area to prevent falling from the work area.

In some forms, the upper floor connecting member includes hooks or bars or other formed connections extending from the interior face of the facade assembly.

In some forms, the upper floor connecting member is welded to the facade assembly.

In some forms, the upper floor connecting member is bolted to the facade assembly.

In some forms the method further comprises attaching bottom edges of the plurality of second layer facade components to top edges of the plurality of facade panel components.

In some forms, the riser panels are positioned adjacent to one another.

In some forms, the facade panels are comprised of structural steel. In some forms, the facade panels include vents. In some forms, the facade panels are in the form of slats, grids, or perforated steel. In some forms, the facade panels are decorative.

In some forms the facade panel includes a structural frame and an exterior face engaged with the structural frame. In some forms, the exterior face is waterproof. In some forms, the facade panel further comprises an interior face engaged with the structural frame. In some forms the insulating material is located between the outer face and the inner face. In some forms the facade panels comprise windows or glass.

In some forms, the facade assembly is formed as a modular frame structure having an inner frame and an outer frame. In some forms, the facade structures are formed on an outer frame. In some forms, the facade structure is formed on an inner frame and an outer frame is arranged as an exterior feature of the building.

In some forms, the facade panels may be solid composite panels.

In some forms, the facade panels or modules are composed of aluminum, glass, a combination of aluminum and glass, aluminum, composite materials, concrete, steel and glass, or any other construction material. In some forms, the facade panels or panels may be load bearing. In some forms, when the panel is load bearing, it is composed of concrete, structural steel, or other load bearing material.

In some forms, the panels are configured to act as permanent facades for fall arrest systems and structures.

Referring now to fig. 1, a method of constructing a multi-storey building, such as a multi-storey car park, apartment building or high-rise structure, the structure having a facade, is disclosed. In the form shown, the multi-storey building may be a parking structure.

As shown in fig. 1A, the facade element 10 is in the process of being installed above a previously installed facade element 11 such that the facade element 10 and facade element 11 combine to form a two-storey facade element erected to extend upwardly from an upper floor 17. When the facade assembly 10 is installed, the facade 100 of the entire structure extends two floors above the uppermost floor.

The facade assembly 10 is installed as a module and comprises a facade structure 12 (in the form of a steel panel) and a lower horizontal section 13. The facade assembly further comprises a support structure 15 comprising supports and brackets to support and align the facade assembly.

The facade assembly 10 further comprises a connector 16. In the form shown, the connector is in the form of a reinforcing bar extending outwardly from the lower horizontal section 13.

The upper working area 17 is located on the uppermost floor. The facade elements extend two floors above the working area 17.

As shown in fig. 1B, once the module 10 is installed, a further floor 18 is built above the upper working area 17 and the further floor 18 is connected to the facade assembly at connector 16. Other temporary supports 22 may be further included when constructing the floor. In the form shown, the connector extends at the connection between the facade module 10 and the previously installed facade module 11. When constructing the upper floor 18, the connectors 16 in the form of reinforcing bars are wrapped and cast in concrete. As also shown in fig. 1B, the support 15 is temporary in some forms and may be removed.

As shown in fig. 1C, once a new uppermost floor is constructed, the other facade elements 21 are positioned above the facade elements 10 so that the facade 20 maintains two floor levels above the uppermost floor.

Once the subsequent floor is erected, the temporary supports forming part of the facade assembly on the lower floor may be removed, leaving the final facade panel 12 and horizontal section 13 forming part of the respective floor.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the crash barrier 19 and the wheel brake 20 may be incorporated into a facade assembly.

The facade elements as shown are arranged to be approximately the floor level of the building. Depending on the height, this may be about 3 to 4 meters, but in some cases this may be greater or less than the height depending on the design specifications of the building.

When the facade elements have a more modular structure as shown in the figures, the depth of the modules may be set to different depths. In some forms, these depths are 300mm, 600mm, 1.2m, or 2.4m.

In some forms, these modules may form part of the final floor structure of a building. In the case of fig. 1a to 1C, the facade elements are arranged with a depth of about 1.2m.

The frame assemblies 10, 11 may be provided on site as an integrated unit and lifted into position as a single unit. Although temporary support members for the frame members are required whilst the frame members extend above the upper work area, once the floor is installed, these temporary supports can be removed to leave the facades, floor and other fixtures with the structure.

The multi-storey structure 10 comprises a plurality of facade panels 12 forming the facades 13 of the multi-storey structure. The floor 14 of the multi-storey structure is contained within the facade 13. The facade panel 12 comprises a panel engagement section 15 configured to allow the facade panel 12 to engage with facade panels above or below in the facade 13. The facade panel 12 further comprises a floor connection section 17 adapted to connect or join the floor 14 with the facade panel 12.

Figure 1 illustrates one method of construction of a multi-storey car park or other structure including a collision barrier. Alternative embodiments are available.

Referring now to fig. 2, an embodiment of a method of constructing a multi-story structure having facades is shown. The multi-story structure may include a school, apartment, office, shopping mall, hospital, parking lot, high-rise building, or any type of structure. The method includes installing the facade elements such that the facade panels of the facade elements extend two floors upwards above the uppermost floor before work is performed on the uppermost floor.

As shown in fig. 2A, the facade element 10 is mounted above a previously installed facade element 11 such that the elements 10 and 11 combine to form two floor facade elements erected to extend upwardly from an upper floor 17. The facade assembly 10 comprises a facade panel 12 and a lower horizontal section 13. The facade assembly further comprises a support structure 15 comprising supports and brackets to support and align the facade assembly. The facade structure 12 may be formed with a support frame 24 and an outer filling structure forming the exterior of the structure and which may be glass or the like.

The facade elements as shown in fig. 2 are arranged to be approximately the floor level of the building. Depending on the height, this may be about 3 to 4 meters, but in some cases this may be greater or less than the height depending on the design specifications of the building.

In some forms, these modules may form part of the final floor structure of a building. In the case of fig. 2A to 2C, the facade elements are arranged with a depth of about 600 m.

The upper working area 17 is located on the uppermost floor. The facade assembly extends two floors above the working area 17 and forms a safety barrier for workers in the construction site.

As shown in fig. 2B, an upper floor 18 is built above the upper working area 17 and connected with the facade elements at connectors. In the form shown, the connector extends at the connection between the facade module 10 and the previously installed facade module 11. When constructing the upper floor 18, the connectors 16 in the form of reinforcing bars are wrapped and cast in concrete. As also shown in fig. 2B, the support 15 is temporary in some forms and may be removed.

As shown in fig. 2C, once a new uppermost floor is constructed, the other facade elements 21 are positioned above the facade elements 10 so that the facade 20 maintains two floor levels above the uppermost floor.

Referring now to fig. 3, an additional embodiment of a method of constructing a multi-story structure having facades is shown. The multi-story structure may include a school, apartment, office, shopping mall, hospital, parking lot, high-rise building, or any type of structure. The method includes installing the facade elements such that the facade panels of the facade elements extend two floors upwards above the uppermost floor before work is performed on the uppermost floor.

As shown in fig. 3A, the facade elements 10 are of modular form and are mounted above a previously installed facade element 11 such that the facade elements 10 and facade elements 11 in combination form two floor facade elements erected to extend upwardly from an upper floor 17. The facade assembly 10 comprises a facade panel 12 and a lower horizontal section 13. The facade assembly further comprises a support structure 15 comprising supports and brackets to support and align the facade assembly.

The facade assembly 10 further comprises a connector 16. In the form shown, the connectors are in the form of reinforcing bars extending outwardly from the lower horizontal section 13.

As shown in fig. 3B, an upper floor 18 is built above the upper working area 17 and connected with the facade elements at connectors. In the form shown, the connector extends at the connection between the facade module 10 and the previously installed facade module 11. When constructing the upper floor 18, the connectors 16 in the form of reinforcing bars are wrapped and cast in concrete. As also shown in fig. 2B, the support 15 is temporary in some forms and may be removed.

As shown in figure 3C, once a new uppermost floor is constructed, the other facade elements 21 are located above the facade elements 10 so that the facade 20 maintains two floor levels above the uppermost floor.

The arrangement shown in fig. 3A to 3C is similar to that of fig. 2A to 2C. The main difference is that the facade elements are wider and about 1.2m in width.

According to this design, one or more other facade elements may be erected on an existing installed facade element, if desired, such that the facade extends more than two floors above any floor. Since facades are arranged such that workers assembling the building interior structure and floors provide a safety barrier, one floor height is considered sufficient to ensure sufficient safety. However, additional floor heights are met within the disclosed method if desired. Since the extended facade height needs to accommodate wind loads etc., additional support structures may be required and the strength of the facade structure increased if it is desired to extend the facade further.

The multi-storey structure of the present disclosure may be constructed by positioning the lowermost layer comprising a plurality of facade elements around the lower or ground floor of the structure. The lowermost riser panel may be located at or above a ground level on a first floor of the structure, or intermediate the ground and the first floor. The upper layer of the facade component is positioned above the lower layer of the facade component. The floor connecting section 17 is located on the interior face of the facade module. Once the upper floor facade elements are positioned, formwork and support columns or the like for the floor are placed in. The floor is then built, constructed or cast around the floor connecting sections so that the floor and facade assembly are joined. The worker may then position the next facade assembly so that the facade of the structure still extends two floors above the uppermost floor. This process continues until the structure reaches the desired number of floors.

It can be seen that throughout the process the facade is positioned and extends upwards at least two floors before the upper floors are built. This allows the facade to act as a fall arrest screen and allows the upper work area to be safely positioned on the uppermost floor. Once the project is completed, the facade remains an exterior wall or facade of the structure.

The floor may be supported by a structure. In some forms, the floor may be supported by a facade panel. In this form, the panel is load bearing and is composed of a material that can bear weight. In the alternative, the floor may be supported by individual steel columns or concrete columns.

The floor may be composed of any floor material. In some forms, the floor is formed from precast concrete. In other forms, the floor slab comprises a steel form with concrete cast thereon. In some forms, the floor slab comprises reinforced concrete. In some forms, the floor slab includes structural steel and a decorative slab. In some forms, the floor comprises structural wood, and in some forms, the floor is composed of a composite material.

In some forms, the panels of the present disclosure may include a panel frame as part of a permanent facade of a building with a replaceable web of filler material. For example, the frame may include a removable filler panel, which may be replaced with glass or other material. In other forms, the panels may comprise frame and wall material that will act as a permanent facade of the building, and interior protective material that can be removed once constructed. For example, the panel may include a glass exterior and a sheet or polymer interior removable material.

Fig. 4-10 disclose a method of constructing a multi-storey structure, wherein facades may be provided in the form of modules 950 or incorporated as part of the modules 950. The modules may be arranged to extend around the perimeter of the structure to form a facade of the multi-storey structure 900, and in some embodiments also form part of the floor space of the structure.

In one form shown, module 950 includes a floor section 953 and a plurality of walls extending from the floor section. In the form shown in fig. 4-10, the module 950 has a rectangular parallelepiped profile. In other forms, the module may be shaped as a polygonal profile having more than four sides, such as an octagonal profile. In another other example, arranging the modules of octagonal profiles in a side-by-side relationship can provide an exterior profile, such as a curvature-like profile, for the multi-floor structure 900. In this way, the shape that is expected to be provided to the module may be dictated by the building design of the particular multi-story structure. In some forms, the barrier structures of the facade (e.g., windows, doors, and/or walls) may be provided on the outer walls of the module or may be provided on the inner walls, such that the structure 500 may have an outer frame, balcony, or the like.

A feature of the modules is that they provide additional properties to the facade compared to a facade made only of barrier structures. Thus, the module may have improved load bearing performance, may be more stable, and/or may provide additional functional requirements (e.g., for noise control, heating/cooling, and/or service). The multiple walls in the self-supporting module also provide lateral stability to the module. This lateral stability allows the module to be self-supporting, or at least require less temporary support on the planar riser member. In some forms, the modules are substantially self-supporting, wherein additional support may be provided to the adjacent multi-story structure 900 by, for example, ties, struts, and the like. In this form, tie rods may be temporarily provided to assist in supporting the modules during construction of the multi-storey structure. An advantage of this form of module is that fewer connectors are required than in a separately arranged facade panel (i.e. a panel that is not pre-fabricated into a module).

In some other forms, the modules 950 are configured to be self-contained without being mounted to the adjacent multi-story structure 900 by, for example, tie rods. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for temporary bracing of the building blocks, thus simplifying the construction process. Consistent with the previous embodiments, the facade modules may be installed such that they extend at least two floors above the existing work area (floor of the building), then subsequent floors are installed, and further floors of the facade modules are installed to maintain the facade extension of the at least two floors. This allows for more efficient construction techniques.

Module 950 can carry structural loads over a wider surface than a single facade panel. Advantageously, this provides improved stability to the module during construction of the multi-storey structure.

In some forms, the walls of the module and floor 953 define an interior space that can support various functions. Referring to fig. 4, the self-supporting modules are configured as balcony modules 950a, closed balcony modules 950b and modules 950c without balcony.

As shown in fig. 4, any arrangement of self-supporting modules may be provided in a multi-story structure. For example, a module for a balcony may be arranged adjacent to a module for a closed balcony. The arrangement of the modules may be selected according to the particular architectural design of the structure.

In some forms, module 950 may be used to provide shielding for a multi-floor structure. For example, by providing insulating means, the inner space defined by the modules may be used to shield the multi-storey structure from heat. It is further contemplated that the module may shield light entering the multi-story structure. Alternatively, the modules may be configured to facilitate the penetration of light into a multi-story structure for, for example, natural lighting.

In some other forms, the module may be used to support services such as ventilation, air conditioning, electrical cables, water pipes, sewers or drains, and the like. Adjacent modules may be configured to provide access between the modules. For example, doorways may be provided between adjacent modules. In another example, adjacent modules are not separated by walls to provide uninterrupted channels between modules.

The self-supporting modules may be assembled side-by-side or top-down around the structure 900. As shown in fig. 4, the modules 950 are disposed in place on the multi-story structure 900 by, for example, a crane. In addition, the module 950 may be transported by truck to a worksite of a multi-story structure. Advantageously, in the pre-assembled and self-supporting arrangement, the module can be transported by both a truck and a crane. This helps to improve the efficiency of construction of a multi-storey building. Furthermore, the modules may be installed in a single (floor) level unit or in multiple level units, as desired.

Referring now to fig. 5-10, in some forms module 950 includes a floor portion 953 and a plurality of walls extending from the floor portion. In the form shown in figures 5 to 7 the floor sections are pre-formed composite floors incorporating reinforcing bars (rebars). In the form shown in figures 8 to 10, the floor section 953 includes reinforcing bars (rebars) 959 configured to be incorporated into the poured floor. In some forms, the floor sections may include permanent forms, while in other forms removable forms may be utilized. When floor portion 953 is poured, rebar 959 is coupled between floor portion 953 of module 950 and floor 914 of structure 900.

In both forms shown in fig. 5-10, rebar may be configured to extend from floor portion 953 as a connector 920 for connecting floor portion 953 to structure 900. The connectors may be configured and positioned such that after positioning the module 950 on the structure 900, the floor 914 may be poured to incorporate the connectors as a reinforcement of the floor.

Referring to fig. 5-10, the walls extending from floor portion 953 of module 950 may take the form of inner walls 957, outer walls 951, and side walls 956. The inner and outer walls are spaced apart from each other in a direction away from the structure 900. Side walls 956 connect inner wall 957 and outer wall 951.

In some forms, and as best shown in fig. 7 and 10, the self-supporting module 950 may include additional wall portions 952 to additionally connect between the inner and outer walls. In some other forms, and as best shown in fig. 5, 6 and 8, 9, the outer wall 951, inner wall 957, and side walls 956 may also include an upper frame member 911.

In some forms, the wall is paneled and may have an outer face 947 and an inner face 949 with a cavity therebetween, which may contain an insulating material. The exterior face is typically an outward facing panel, which may be waterproof, and may be composed of a non-combustible cladding, a cement panel or cement panel, aluminum, or any other structural material used for building facades. The interior face is typically an interior facing panel, i.e., a panel facing the interior space of the module and may comprise a gypsum panel or an alternative interior facade material.

The walls of the module 950 may include openings 929, which may take the form of window, door, or shutter panels that extend through the exterior and interior faces of the exterior, interior, or side walls.

Referring to fig. 5 and 8, in some forms the self-supporting module 950 is a balcony module 950a, wherein the module includes a balcony or other platform. The balcony module includes an inner wall 957 and an outer wall 951 spaced apart by side walls 956. The outer wall may include an upper wall member 911 and a lower barrier 918 positioned around a lower portion of the outer wall and adjacent to a floor portion 953. In some forms, the lower barrier may be a fence extending between the sidewalls 956. The inner wall of the balcony module 950a may include an opening 929 in the form of a door or window.

Referring to fig. 6 and 9, in some forms the self-supporting module 950 is a closed balcony module 950b. The main difference between the closed balcony module 950b and the balcony module 950a is the addition of a fixed window 929 extending between the lower barrier 918 and the upper wall member 911 for closing the balcony module. In the form shown in fig. 6 and 9, the side walls 956 of the closed balcony may also comprise fixed windows 929 extending between the floor portions 953 and the upper wall members 911.

Referring now to fig. 7 and 10, in some forms self-supporting module 950 is substantially closed such that it does not include a balcony. The main difference between self-supporting module 950c and balcony modules 950a and 950b is that the self-supporting module is enclosed by outer and side walls and does not include an inner wall. Module 950c is open on one side to abut the multi-story structure to provide access to the module.

In the form shown in fig. 7 and 10, a further wall portion 952 extends from the outer wall towards the upper wall member 911 extending between the side walls 956. This other wall portion serves to subdivide the module and may provide further lateral stability to the module.

The facade modules disclosed above may be made of solid panel structures or may be formed as skeletal frames (typically with steel or metal load bearing members, with filler members as required).

Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A method of erecting a multi-storey structure having a facade disposed around at least a portion of the perimeter of the multi-storey structure, wherein during construction at least a portion of the facade is arranged to extend at least two floor levels beyond an upper working area of the structure and form at least a portion of a safety barrier for the working area, and wherein, in erecting the multi-storey structure, at least one further floor of the structure is erected above the upper working area, the or each further floor forming a respective subsequent upper working area of the structure, and wherein at least a portion of the facade is arranged to extend at least one floor level uppermost beyond the subsequent working area and form at least a portion of a safety barrier for the uppermost subsequent working area.

2. A method of erecting a multi-storey structure according to claim 1 wherein the or each other floor is formed so that the floor is connected to the facade.

3. A method of erecting a multi-storey structure according to claim 1 or 2 wherein once the uppermost subsequent work area is formed, the elevation is increased to extend beyond the uppermost subsequent work area by the height of at least two storey floors to enable at least one other floor of the structure to be erected whilst providing a safety barrier for the construction.

4. A method of erecting a multi-storey structure according to any preceding claim wherein the facade is formed from a plurality of connected facade modules.

5. A method of erecting a multi-storey structure according to claim 4 wherein the facades are formed as a frame.

6. A method of erecting a multi-storey structure according to claim 5 wherein the facade is formed from a plurality of connected facade modules, the facade modules being in the form of modules and each module including a frame which in use forms part of the facade frame.

7. A method of constructing a multi-storey building, the method comprising:

positioning a first facade assembly around at least a portion of a perimeter of a multi-storey building, the facade assembly comprising at least one storey height facade structure positioned such that it extends upwardly beyond an upper working area of the building and forms part of a safety fence for the working area;

positioning a second facade component such that it extends upwardly from the first facade component, the second facade component comprising a second facade structure;

connecting a floor slab to at least the first facade assembly such that the floor slab forms an uppermost floor slab, the uppermost floor slab being erected above the upper working area.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising positioning other facade components extending upwardly from the second facade component such that at least two story-level facades extend above the uppermost floor.

9. The method of any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the facade assembly further comprises a support structure.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising adjusting an angle of the facade structure relative to the floor using the support structure of the respective facade assembly.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10, further comprising removing at least a portion of the support structure from the building.

12. A method of constructing a multi-storey building, the method comprising:

positioning a first facade assembly around at least a portion of a perimeter of a multi-storey building, the facade assembly being in the form of a module and comprising a facade structure of at least one storey height, the facade structure being positioned such that it extends upwardly beyond an upper working area of the building and forms part of a safety fence for the working area.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the modules of the facade assembly are self-supporting and arranged to be positioned side-by-side with other facade assembly modules and on top of one another.

14. A method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the module is substantially rectangular parallelepiped.

15. A method according to any one of claims 4 to 14 wherein the facade assembly has a base forming part of a floor of the building.

16. A facade assembly configured to be disposed around at least a portion of a perimeter of a multi-storey building during construction and arranged to extend beyond an upper work area of the building and to form part of a safety fence for the work area, the facade assembly further being arranged to be connected to at least one further floor slab, the at least one further floor slab being erected above the upper work area, the facade assembly comprising a facade structure arranged to be connected to at least one further facade assembly, the at least one further facade assembly being positioned above the facade structure.

17. A facade assembly according to claim 16, further comprising a support system to provide support for the facade structure prior to connecting the further floor to the facade assembly.

18. A fagade assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein the support system is adjustable to allow angular adjustment of the fagade structure relative to the upper work area.

19. A fagade assembly as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein the support system is removable from the fagade structure.

20. A fagade assembly as claimed in any of claims 16 to 19, wherein the support system comprises an upright section and feet arranged to extend inwardly into the building in use.

21. A fagade assembly as claimed in claim 20, wherein the feet form an extension of a floor of the building.

22. A fagade assembly as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein the support system comprises at least one bracket extending between the foot and the upright section.

23. A fagade assembly as claimed in claim 22, wherein the bracket is extendable to change the angle of the upright relative to the floor.

24. A fagade assembly as claimed in any of claims 16 to 23, wherein the fagade structure and support system of the fagade assembly are provided as modules.

25. A fagade assembly as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 24, wherein the fagade structure comprises a fagade connector configured to connect the fagade structure to the other fagade assembly.

26. A fagade assembly as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 25, wherein the fagade structure is in the form of a self-supporting module.

27. A facade configured to be disposed around at least a portion of a perimeter of a multi-storey structure, wherein, during construction, at least a portion of the facade is disposed to extend at least two floor levels beyond an upper working area of the structure and form at least a portion of a safety barrier for the working area and a subsequent working area of at least one other floor slab erected above the upper working area.

28. The facade according to claim 27, wherein the facade is formed from a plurality of connected facade components.

29. The facade of claim 27, wherein the facade is formed as a frame.

30. A facade as claimed in claim 29, wherein the facade is formed from a plurality of connected facade modules, each module comprising a frame which, in use, forms part of the respective inner and outer frames.

31. A facade frame for constructing a structure having a facade, the frame comprising: an inner frame; an outer frame spaced apart from the inner frame and connected to the inner frame; a facade panel of an exterior facade secured to one of the inner frame or the outer frame.

32. A facade frame according to claim 31, wherein the facade panels comprise windows or walls.

33. A modular building system for constructing a multi-storey structure, the system comprising a modular unit having an outer face wall portion and at least one of a second wall portion and a floor portion.

34. A building constructed using the method of any one of claims 1 to 15.

35. A building using the facade construction of any one of claims 16 to 26.

36. A building constructed using the frame of claim 31 or 32.

37. A building constructed using the modular units of claim 33.