NZ742847B2 - Connection system - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments generally relate to connection systems and construction methods involving connections between column elements, as well as structures and structural elements including such column elements and the column elements themselves. Some embodiments relate to a column element 100, comprising: a hollow column 200, an elongate tendon 300 configured to be placed within the hollow column 200, a locator 400, a tendon coupler 500 and a bearing plate 600. The tendon and tendon coupler are configured to engage with other similar column elements to connect vertically adjacent column elements. This allows ready connection between structural elements during construction, for example, a structural element such as a wall panel may comprise the described column elements and be connected to other similar wall panels via the column elements which provide the connections between the wall panels as well as contributing structural integrity to the wall panels and supporting structural loads.

Claims (20)

CLAIMS :

1. A column element, comprising: a hollow column having first and second ends and defining one or more side walls at least partially surrounding a hollow cavity; an elongate tendon at least partially disposed in the cavity, the tendon having a first male threaded end and a second male threaded end; a locator at or near the first end of the hollow column configured to substantially align the first end of the tendon with a central axis of the hollow column; a tendon coupler coupled to the tendon, the tendon coupler defining: a first female threaded portion threadedly engaged with at least part of the first male threaded end of the tendon up to a restriction, such that rotation of the tendon coupler causes rotation of the tendon; a second female threaded portion coaxial with the first female threaded portion and configured to receive and threadedly engage the second male threaded end of a tendon of another similar column element; and a keyed surface configured to engage a complimentary surface of a tool to assist in rotating the tendon coupler and tendon; and a bearing plate at or near the first end of the hollow column configured to transfer axial forces between the tendon coupler and the hollow column, wherein the tendon coupler and the first end of the tendon are disposed at or near the first end of the hollow column and the second end of the tendon is disposed at or near the second end of the hollow column, and wherein the bearing plate is arranged between the tendon coupler and the hollow column, with the tendon passing through a tendon aperture defined in the bearing plate.

2. A column element according to claim 1, wherein the tendon coupler further defines a tapered surface configured to be at least partially received in the hollow column of another similar column element and assist in locating and aligning adjacent column elements.

3. A column element according to claim 2, wherein the tapered surface of the tendon coupler is at least partially conical.

4. A column element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the keyed surface of the tendon coupler is at least partially defined by a hexagonal prism.

5. A column element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an opening of the second female threaded portion of the coupler is surrounded by a chamfered edge to assist in locating the second male threaded end of a tendon of another similar column element relative to the second female threaded portion.

6. A column element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the male threaded ends of the tendon are separated by a non-threaded portion of the tendon.

7. A column element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising one or more mounting plates attached to the hollow column and configured to allow the hollow column to be fixed to another structural element.

8. A column element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a connection plate at or near the first end of the hollow column to assist in connecting horizontally adjacent column elements, the connection plate comprising two connection rods extending substantially perpendicularly away from a surface of the connection plate, wherein the connection rods are configured to be received in corresponding apertures of a connection plate coupler to connect respective connection plates of horizontally adjacent column elements.

9. A column element according to claim 8, wherein the connection plate comprises the bearing plate.

10. A column element according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the bearing plate comprises the locator.

11. A structural element comprising one or more column elements according to any one of claims 1 to 10 fixed to another part of the structural element.

12. A structural element according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the or each column element is fixed to another part of the structural element by one or more selected from: mechanical fasteners, adhesive bonding or welding.

13. A structural element according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the structural element comprises a wall panel.

14. A structural element according to claim 13, wherein the hollow column of the or each column element is arranged along a height of the wall panel to assist in connecting vertically adjacent wall panels.

15. A structural element according to any one of claims 13 or 14, when dependent on claim 8, wherein the connection rods are threaded and configured to receive nuts after insertion through the apertures of the connection plate coupler to restrict the connection rods from being removed from the connection plate coupler.

16. A structural element according to any one of claims 13 to 15, when dependent on claim 8, wherein the connection plate is fixed to the wall panel by a number of mechanical fasteners extending through respective fastener apertures defined in the connection plate.

17. A construction process comprising: positioning a first structural element according to any one of claims 11 to 16 on a base; rotating the or each tendon coupler of the first structural element to screw the second male threaded end of the or each tendon into one or more female threaded portions in or on the base; positioning a second structural element according to any one of claims 11 to 16 above the first structural element, such that the or each hollow column and tendon of the second structural element is aligned with the or each hollow column and tendon of the first structural element; and rotating the or each tendon coupler of the second structural element to screw the second male threaded end of the or each tendon of the second structural element into the second female threaded portion of the or each tendon coupler of the first structural element.

18. A construction process according to claim 17, further comprising: subsequently positioning one or more further structural elements according to any one of claims 11 to 16 above the previous structural element, such that the or each hollow column and tendon of the or each further structural element is aligned with the or each hollow column and tendon of the previous structural element; and rotating the or each tendon coupler of the or each further structural element to screw the second male threaded end of the or each tendon of the or each further structural element into the second female threaded portion of the or each tendon coupler of the previous structural element.

19. A structure formed according to the construction process of claim 17 or 18.

20. A structure comprising any one or more of: a column element according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and a structural element according to any one of claims 11 to 16.