Modular building system and methods thereof

Abstract

A steel space-frame construction system includes at least a first stud, a second stud, a channel, a block, and a top cap or a second block. A first end of the first stud resides in the channel and is secured thereto. The block is secured to the first stud. A first end of the second stud resides in the channel, and the second stud is secured to the block and the channel. The block provides a predetermined fixed spacing between the first stud and the second stud. The top cap or a second block is secured to the first stud and the second stud at a second end thereof. The channel is repositioned so that the opposite sides of the first stud, second stud, block, channel, and top cap or second block may be secured together, thereby forming a space-frame.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to building, and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation to a modular building system including steel components that maybe configured quickly and easily into a structure.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Most residential homes are built using wood frames. Typically, wood boards in 2×4 or 2×6 configurations constitute residential frame construction. Using wood provides a contractor with several benefits. Most residential construction workers are trained to build house frames using wood. Therefore, using wood contributes to lower labor costs. Furthermore, wood is adaptable to any job site. For example, increasing or decreasing the number of 2×4's or 2×6's allows an increase or decrease in the strength of a particular frame. For these reasons, wood has become the accepted standard in residential frame construction because of its commonality and adaptability. Using wood in ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]In accordance with the present invention, a steel space-frame construction system is modular, thereby incorporating the advantages of wood based systems, while eliminating problems plaguing traditional steel space-frame construction. Furthermore, the system's modularity eliminates the need for different gauges of steel and, therefore, lowers the costs of any building project. Component modularity allows the meeting of strength and stability requirements through component configuration and not heavier steel. Specifically, the modular system allows for the stacking of multiple studs to increase strength. This stacking eliminates the need to use different gauges of steel when confronted with different strength requirements of a particular job. The system's modularity allows workers trained in wood framing to adapt very quickly to the steel construction of the present invention, which lowers the cost of labor.

[0008]The steel space-frame construction system includes studs, blocks, at least one channel, and, if necessary, at least one top cap. A first end of a first stud is placed in a channel and secured thereto. At least one block is secured to the first stud. A first end of a second stud placed in the channel, and the second stud is secured to the at least one block and channel. The at least one block provides a predetermined fixed spacing between the first stud and the second stud and further provides lateral stability while resisting distortion or racking when loaded axially. Additional studs and blocks are secured together until the end of the channel is reached. The studs are also secured to the channel. A top cap or other blocks are secured to the studs at a second end thereof. The channel is repositioned so that the opposite sides of the studs, blocks, channel, and top cap or other blocks may be secured together, thereby forming a space-frame.

[0009]A stud includes a first side, a second side, and a cross-member therebetween. The first side and the second side each include a recess adapted to receive at least one fastener therein such that the fastener does not protrude exterior to the recess. The first side and the second side further each terminate in a curved edge, thereby strengthening the stud.

Problems solved by technology

First, wood tends to be expensive.

Also, the character of wood makes it more susceptible to the elements.

Third, a large variability exists in the quality of wood boards which contributes to higher costs.

Finally, wood frames tend to be heavy and moving such frames can become highly cumbersome.

However, using steel in place of wood framing, often, has been cost prohibitive.

Finding residential construction workers trained in using steel is difficult.

In addition, the construction techniques used in steel space-frame construction are fundamentally different from those used in wood construction.

Having to train workers on how to use steel is a time consuming process.

Consequently, expenses saved on steel materials may be lost in labor costs.

Finally, various gauges of steel must be used to meet the structural strength requirements of a particular job site, which is time consuming and once again, contributes to increased labor costs.

Images