Abstract An improved building system for structural uses which employs high strength tubular elements to reduce the size, weight and extent of the structure required. The present invention utilizes tubular structural members with hollow cores filled with suitable hydraulic fluid and arranged to translate and distribute a sizeable portion of otherwise axial and lateral loads into an axial pre-stress in the thin walled tubular members which are arranged as steel columns or acts also as vertical bars in composite concrete columns or as secondary support (tension) or cross brace members. The primary columns of the building are tubular hollow members which are placed in tension through circumferential stress by means of a hydraulic system. The secondary floor support members suspended from the primary column support one or more floors by hydraulic means. Pressure equilibrium of the fluid within the column is achieved between the tubular primary and secondary support elements of the building. Other structural elements such as cross-bracing, are coupled to the hydraulic system and are used to restrain the column end conditions of the slender tubular columns. The present invention provides an improved means for constructing pressurized columns by utilizing an energized column with circulating fluid under pressure. Means are also provided in the present invention for eliminating the problem of fluid leakage within the hydraulic support members. The building system of the present invention also provides means for improving cable rod and long span structures for low rise buildings absorbing lateral and vertical shocks and displacements at the base of the support columns of conventional and hydraulic structures due to earthquakes.
A structure comprising: support columns extending upwardly from column foundations; a piston at the lower end of each of said support columns; load bearing members connected to and supported by said support columns; said column foundations comprising means at the lower end of said piston supporting said column on a volume of liquid; means in combination with said piston to allow passage of liquid past said piston if said column support is displaced vertically; means laterally supporting said column in said body of liquid; and means in combination with said lateral support means to allow passage of liquid if said lateral support is displaced horizontally.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
A structure comprising: support columns extending upwardly from column foundations; a piston at the lower end of each of said support columns; load bearing members connected to and supported by said support columns; said column foundations comprising means at the lower end of said piston supporting said column on a volume of liquid; means in combination with said piston to allow passage of liquid past said piston if said column support is displaced vertically; means laterally supporting said column in said body of liquid; and means in combination with said lateral support means to allow passage of liquid if said lateral support is displaced horizontally.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which said piston support includes a pressure loaded accumulator; said piston being supported within a cylinder upon a body of liquid; and said accumulator being so constructed and arranged as to allow passage of liquid into and from said cylinder if said cylinder is vertically displaced.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said lateral support includes a series of circumferentially spaced vanes affixed to said column; said vanes being positioned within a closed liquid filled annulus; said vanes including means to allow movement of said vanes within said annulus if said foundation is laterally displaced.