Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
A method of constructing a plural storey building, the method comprising: a. taking a plurality of prefabricated transportable room elements each comprising a floor panel structure and at least one vertical load-bearing structure extending upwardly of the floor panel structure and each having bracing means releasably connected thereto, the room element and the bracing means each having buttressing surfaces, b. stacking the room elements one upon another on a foundation with the bracing means of the room elements vertically aligned, c. connecting the bracing means of the lowermost room element to the foundation and the bracing means of the plurality of room elements to one another, d. ensuring that the buttressing surfaces of each room element and its associated bracing means are in co-operating engagement so that horizontal loads on the room element will be transmitted to the bracing means, and e. disconnecting each bracing means from its associated room element so as to permit relative vertical movement between the room element and the bracing means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
166 words
A method of constructing a plural storey building, the method comprising: a. taking a plurality of prefabricated transportable room elements each comprising a floor panel structure and at least one vertical load-bearing structure extending upwardly of the floor panel structure and each having bracing means releasably connected thereto, the room element and the bracing means each having buttressing surfaces, b. stacking the room elements one upon another on a foundation with the bracing means of the room elements vertically aligned, c. connecting the bracing means of the lowermost room element to the foundation and the bracing means of the plurality of room elements to one another, d. ensuring that the buttressing surfaces of each room element and its associated bracing means are in co-operating engagement so that horizontal loads on the room element will be transmitted to the bracing means, and e. disconnecting each bracing means from its associated room element so as to permit relative vertical movement between the room element and the bracing means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein each bracing means is at least partially disconnected from its associated room element before, during or after placing the room element in stacked position so that the room element and bracing means can be independently aligned with an adjacent stacked room element and bracing means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the buttressing surfaces of each room element are provided by buttress shoes which are adjustable in buttressing direction and which comprises adjusting said buttress shoes so that the buttressing surfaces thereof are in co-operating engagement with the buttressing surfaces of the associated bracing means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 3, which comprises permanently fixing said buttress shoes in adjusted position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 4, which comprises welding said buttress shoes in adjusted position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method according to claim 4, wherein the bracing means of each room element is releasably connected to the buttress shoes of that room element and wherein the bracing means is disconnected from said buttress shoes when the buttress shoes are permanently fixed in adjusted position.