Multiple panel column and methods

Abstract

A support column and method for making a support column, the support column having a plurality of panels arranged side by side. The panels each have a core of insulative material and outer laminate layers laminated to the core. The panels are adhered to one another.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to constructing buildings, and more particularly, to a support column formed from a plurality of adjacent panels having insulative cores and outer laminate layers and methods of making support columns.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]There is an increasing demand for lower-cost buildings such as houses, warehouses and offices. The demand for lower cost buildings is particularly strong in developing countries where economic resources may be limited and natural resources and raw materials may be scarce. For example, in areas of the Middle East or Africa, conventional building materials such as cement, brick, wood or steel may not be readily available or, if available, may be very expensive or low quality. In other areas of the world, poverty may make it too costly for people to build houses or other buildings with conventional materials.[0003]The demand for lower-cost housing also is high in areas afflicted by war or ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to an alternative to conventional construction materials and techniques. The invention provides a method for constructing buildings using composite sandwich panels. These panels offer a greater strength-to-weight ratio than traditional materials, and are generally as strong as traditional materials but are lighter in weight. They can be used for both insulated and non-insulated structures, and are resistant to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and fires. Compared to conventional buildings, those constructed from sandwich panels are more durable, require less maintenance, and may cost less to own and operate. The insulative core of the sandwich panels also reduces the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling the building, making it more energy efficient.

Problems solved by technology

The demand for lower cost buildings is particularly strong in developing countries where economic resources may be limited and natural resources and raw materials may be scarce.

For example, in areas of the Middle East or Africa, conventional building materials such as cement, brick, wood or steel may not be readily available or, if available, may be very expensive or low quality.

In other areas of the world, poverty may make it too costly for people to build houses or other buildings with conventional materials.

These devastating events often lead to widespread destruction of large numbers of buildings and houses, especially when they occur in densely populated regions.

The rebuilding of areas affected by these events can cause substantial strain on the supply chain for raw materials, making them difficult or even impossible to obtain.

Furthermore, natural disasters often recur and affect the same areas.

If a destroyed building is rebuilt using the same conventional materials, it stands to reason that the building may be destroyed or damaged again during a similar event.

Prefabricated buildings, however, are made from conventional materials that may be scarce or expensive to obtain.

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