AU653354B2 - Buoyant structure - Google Patents

Description

653354 COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

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Name of Applicants: Actual Inventors: Address for Service: Invention Title: DAVID MURRAY MOORE and HENDRIK CORNELIS DEN-OUDEN DAVID MURRAY MOORE and HENDRIK CORNELIS bEN-OUDEN H.R. HODGKINSON CO.

Patent Trade iark Attorneys 26A Alfred Street MILSONS POINT NSW 2061 BUOYANT STRUCTURE Details of Associated Provisional Applications: Nos: PK1743 dated 14 August 1990 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: This invention relates to buoyancy means for housing and the like and in particular relates to facilities to allow a house or similar building structure to rise with floodwaters when the surrounding ground is inundated, thereby remaining dry until the floodwaters recede.

Whilst the Invention may be equally applicable to any building structure or dwelling which is required to float above floodwaters to keep dry, for convenience the following description refers to the use of the invention in conjunction with an otherwise normal house structure.

However, it is understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Any reference to a house is meant to encompass any dwelling or other building structure where, by suitable .o modifications, the invention may also be applied. Other o .15 structures could conceivably include stockyards, carparks, f ee garages, sheds, workshops and the like.

Flooding is a significant problem in rural areas, particularly in those adjacent to rivers. Although Australia is a relatively dry country, there are many areas which are subject to periodic severe flooding under abnormal S weather conditions. Long dry spells of weather can be followed by periods of torrential rai:i which leads to the build-up of floodwaters in lower lying areas further downstream. Often the area that is flooded is not the area 25 that receives the inundation. Nevertheless the results of eo e the flood are disastrous.

Flooding wreaks havoc resulting in damaged property and personal suffering as well as loss of animals and livestock.

Houses must be evacuated and left to the damaging rising water. Valuables, furniture and other possessions are lost 3 and the water does untold damage as it enters the house. In fact much of the house may be underwater and hence waterlogged for days on end. Some areas of the house may never dry properly. Not only is debris and mud brought into the home, but rot ani fungal infection can set in causing serious problems long after t a rains and flood have gone.

Despite the considerable risk to property, many houses and other buildings in the past have not been constructed with any special consideration given to flooding. When dams and 1U levees have been unable to contain excess flooding, the results have been tragic, in terms of both the physical loss and the mental anguish resulting therefrom.

00 As recently as 1990, floods throughout Queensland, New South 00. Wales and Victoria have been disasters of national 15 consequence. Evacuated populations returning to their flood damaged properties remain under the threat of a repeated experience at some time in the future.

On the other hani, some housing in flood-prone areas, particularly where flooding is more frequent, is built on 2 0 piers in an effort to allow for rising floodwaters to wash underneath the house, thereby keeping the floor area and above, dry. However, it is not necessarily known at what height such local flooding will peak, and consequently it is necessary to build piers of the greatest possible height to 0000 accommodate the greatest expected inundation. This means that the higher the piers the more unstable the structure will become and the more costly it is to build.

It would therefore be extremely valuable to provide a system whereby a house could be built so that when it is dry, the house rests on firm ground, but upon flooding, the house rises or floats up with the advancing waters. It would be advantageous to design a housing system to prevent property damage under conditions of severe flood, by harnessing the power of the water itself.

The present invention has therefore been conceived out of the need to reduce damage from flooding, whilst maintaining the house or other building as a stable structure in its own right. At the very least, the invention provides an alternative to previously proposed systems.

oO~ According to the present invention, there is provided a floating house structure comprising a house of otherwise to conventional construction or other suitable building as herein defined, having buoyancy means associated therewith.

In the first unflooded situation, the house structure rests on conventional foundations and in a second flooded situation, the house structure is free to rise with the advancing floodwaters and to lower as the floodwaters recede, thereby keeping the house area dry. Restraining means are fees S.provided to prevent the house structure from moving laterally *see as it rises and lowers, thereby allowing it to return to rest on its foundations when flooding has c ised. The restraining means comprise a vertical cylindrical or tubular post set into the ground at a location adjacent to at least two suitable corners of the house structure, and wherein the house structure is adapted for reciprocation relative to each vertical post.

The total mass of the structure will of course determine the amount of buoyant material necessary to float the structure.

In this regard, it is thought preferable that lighter weight structural materials, having some inherent flexibility, be utilised rather than masonry construction. Preferably, housing structures would be of timber or steel frames 4a utilising walJ panels and external, waterproof cladding.

Similarly, lighter weight roofing materials such as 0 *0 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0000 00 0 0 00 0 00 0 0 0 0 00 0000 0 0000 0000 0* 0* 0 0 0 0 **00 0 0 00*0 00*0 0* 0 0e 00 00 0 00 00 0 corrugated iron or pressed metal would be preferred.

Traditionally, houses of the type envisaged are constructed on foundations which are usually concrete, brick or steel piers which are set in the ground. Timber bearers are placed on top of the piers and timber floor joists are fixed across the bearers. The floor, walls and roof are constructed on top of the floor platform.

In addition to conventional construction, the floating house structure of the present invention requires the additioli of a.

1 "10 buoyancy means to enable elevation of the structure during at flooding. Preferably, such buoyancy means are in the form of pontoons which can be conveniently made to any suitable a a dimension. For example, pontoons could be approximately 8 metres long by 1.2 metres wide by 0.4 metres high.

The pontoons themselves may be constructed in any form, of any suitable materials which include, but are not limited to: 0* S• W(i) Polystyrene covered with a strong fibreglass skin.

cO S (ii) Heavy duty sealed plastic containers which are 2U air-filled.

j%, *eye (iii) Collapsible plastic containers which may be a *inflated on site, or (iv) suitably sealed heavy duty round or square cross section plastic tubing.

Each pontoon may be suitably affixed to the underside of the flooring structure and would preferably have a series of lugs on the topside thereof to allow it to be bolted to the underside of the timber bearers. The pontoons may be conveniently arranged between the traditional pier footings so as to extend across the width of the house. The house piers would be preferably dimensioned so as to allow the bottom side of the pontoons to remain suspended say 200 mm above ground level. This would facilitate ventilation and access to the sub-floor area.

S e se 10 According to one embodiment of the invention, the restraining means to prevent the house structure from moving laterally as it rises and falls, is preferably provided by a ring arrangement at or adjacent to each corner of the house which is free to slide up and down posts located adjacent to 55 each corner. For example, a 140 mm diameter steel post may be placed in concrete piers of approximately 900 mm diameter which extend for say 1.5 metres into the ground. Each post may rise to say 4 metres above ground level to allow for the :o greatest expected inundation. A 16 mm thick steel ring, 21) having an internal diameter of say 180 mm, may be placed over the post and fixed to the floor of the housing structure. The steel ring can be conveniently attached to the house by means of, for example, a 4 mm thick steel plate welded to it and bolted to the house.

S215 As the water level rises, the pontoons will act as floats and lift the house, thereby keeping the structure above the waterline. The rings will be able to slide up the steel posts preventing lateral displacement of the house. As the water recedes, the house will gradually settle back into 3U place on top of the foundation piers.

Alternatively, in a second embodiment, the restraining means to prevent the house structure from moving laterally as it rises and falls is provided by means of a piston type arrangement as follows. At each corner of the house a steel tube approximately 4 m long and with an internal diameter of approximately 150 mm is cast in a concrete pad 3.5 m deep and 800 mm in diameter. This tube is sealed at the bottom and projects 500 mm above ground level.

At each corner of the house a 4 mm thick steel plate is O bolted to the floor. This plate projects from the corner and a 4 m long steel tube with an external diameter of 140 e mm is welded to the underside of the plate. This tube fits 5955 within the tube cast in concrete, is lubricated with grease S and can move vertically as the house rises or falls, acting like a piston.

As the water level rises the pontoons will act as floats to lift the house, keeping the structure above the waterline.

The inner steel tubes, which are fixed to the house, will slide upwards out of the cast-in tubes to the extent of the rise in the level of the house, but sufficient tube length will remain in the cast-in tubes to prevent lateral movement.

se es In order to stabilise internal air pressures in the tubes, a o o S ventilating means, for example in the form of a cap, is placed on top of the inner tube. To prevent dirt entering the system, an internal, captive O-ring and grease pack is placed around the inside circumference of the top portion of the outer cast-in tubes.

The major advantage in providing this alternate piston-like arrangement is that long poles are not required beside the house. Long poles for instance, preclude the use of normal eaves, with which they would interfere.

The advantages of the foregoing are apparent in that no maintenance is required, nor does the system require any manual activation in the case of an emergency.

Even though all services to communities experiencing conditions of severe flooding are generally cut at central supply points by local council or emergency services, it DO would nevertheless be advantageous to provide on site

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o. facilities to interrupt or accommodate such services. For example, it would be advantageous to disconnect them safely S. or even allow their connection to be maintained by flexible/extendible means. Preferably therefor, the housing structure also provides either the facility to disconnect essential services automatically or flexible extendible connections thereto.

For example, when considering water supply a flexible or extendible connection could be easily incorporated. All drainage or sewerage outlets could be fitted with a sleeve and rubber seal to allow pipes from the house to slide upwards therein, thereby maintaining connection whilst moving upwards. Incoming power lines are generally 0S0O overground and hence do not present a problem as flexible connections can be utilised. Even if the power is underground, flexible connections with sufficient power line could be incorporated. Similar considerations would apply to gas supply or telephone lines.

After the flood recedes, the house will return to rest on the piers, guided into position in the first mentioned embodiment by means of the rings around the steel posts. In the alternative embodiment, the house will return to rest on the piers, guided by the inner tubes which will slide back into the cast-in tubes. Where rubbish and silt have collected under the pontoons, this may be removed by any convenient means, such as sweeping out or hosing. Any services and supplies which have been disconnected will need to be reconnected, whilst those of the flexible or extendible type will require no reconnection.

It is envisaged that a garage or carport attached to the 14 house can be made similarly buoyant using the pontoon system 0:#o of the above invention. A fixed ramp to allow vehicle access when the garage or carport is resting on its *0 "15 foundations may be provided.

The advantages of a buoyant house structure according to the invention may be summarised as follows: o oo S 1. There will be no damage to house or contents and therefor the financial advantage of avoiding flood damage to property will be obvious. Furthermore, the emotional trauma caused by flooding, which is incalculable, will be avoided.

*0.S 0*000 2. Many existing timber buildings may be conveniently

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elevated for installation of the flotation system according to the invention.

3. Flood damage insurance, which is generally unavailable, would become possible at reasonable premium rates for housing systems incorporating the invention.

4. Extensive use of cheap, flood-prone land for housing could be made.

The system can be adapted for livestock survival by the use of fenced platforms onto which stock could be mustered upon the threat of flooding. Stock could be fed during an emergency period by boat-carried supplies.

6. Until flood inundation occurs the system remains dormant and requires no maintenance. Additionally, 0 there is no need for manual activation in emergency .conditions.

°ooo S. S7. There is a minimal additional construction cost for e' either housing or other structures.

8. The use of pontoons attached to the underside of the floor will increase the insulation factor, particularly

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6SS*4 o with regard to heat loss through the floor in winter.

Se S S. 9. In rural areas, vehicles and farm machinery unable to ge be driven away because of flood isolation could be protected in floating garage, carport or shed 20 structures, thereby reducing loss, replacement etc.

*:so An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of illustration only, with reference to the accompanying figures of which FIG. 1 shows a cross-section through a house constructed according to one embodiment of the present invention, the house resting on its foundations, 11 FIG. 2 shows a detail of the house according to Fig. 1 raised by floodwaters, FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, the cross-section being at right angles to that illustrated therein, FIG. 4 is a plan view of the house according to Figs.

1-3, C *0 0 *0 FIG. 5 is a detail of a corner post and ring arrangement "9 .utilised in the embodiment illustrated in Figs.

1-4, 0 FIG. 6 is a detail of a house according to a second embodiment utilising a piston-like arrangement, raised by floodwaters, and FIG. 7 is a detail of the ventilation cap and seal for J.35 the piston-like arrangement of the second S' embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6.

Referring generally to Figures 1-5 there is provided a conventional lightweight house structure 11. The structure 6 consists generally of floor area 12, walls 13 and roof 14.

2J) The floor rests on joists 15 which in turn rest on bearers 16. Bearers 16 are supported by piers 17 set in the ground.

Between piers 17, pontoons 18 are conveniently affixed to bearers 16 by any convenient means. Steps 19 are conveniently provided adjacent to the entrance way 20 to facilitate entry into the house when in its normal resting position as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3.

Steel posts 21 are set in concrete piers 22 adjacent to each corner of the house 11. Attached to each such corner is a steel plate 23 (the detail of which is shown in Fig. conveniently bolted to, for example, the floor 12 by means of bolts through holes 24. The free end of the plate 23 is provided with a steel ring 25 for sliding engagement over pole 21.

During flooding, the house 11 is able to rise as illustrated in Fig. 2, the house 11 being restrained from lateral 0 movement by means of rings 25 over corresponding poles 21, which also facilitate return of the house 11 its original position on foundation piers 17 after the floodwaters have 0" labated.

S An alternate embodiment utilising a piston type arrangement instead of rings and poles is illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7, where generally the same components as in the first embodiment are referenced with the same numerals. Steel S"'r tubes 30 are cast in concrete pads 22 adjacent to each corner of the house 11. Steel inner tubes 31 are fitted within the cast-in tubes 30 and fixed to steel plates 33 which are conveniently bolted to the floor 12 of the house.

During flooding, the house 11 is able to rise as illustrated ee•• in Fig. 6, but is restrained from lateral movement by the inner tubes 31 which slide within the cast-in tubes S This piston-like arrangement also facilitates return of the house 11 to its original position on foundation piers 17 after the floodwaters have abated.

Fig. 7 shows the detail of the inner steel tube 31 fitted in cast-in tube 30 with an O-ring seal 34 provided around the inner circumference of the topmost portion of tube Affixed to the top of inner steel tube 31 is a vented cap for pressure adjustment within the tubes 30, 31 upon extension thereof.

From the foregoing it will be readily apparent that numerous modifications and variations can be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention. It will be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiment illustrated herein is 10 intended or should be inferred.

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Claims (15)

1. A floating house structure comprising a house or other suitable building or the like, having buoyancy means associated therewith, wherein during a first unflooded situation, the house structure rests on conventional foundations and during a second flooded situation, the house structure is free to rise with advancing floodwaters and to lower as the floodwaters recede, thereby keeping the house area dry; there being provided a vertical cylindrical or tubular post set into the !ground at a location adjacent to at least two suitable corners of the house structure to restrain lateral movement thereof as it rises and lowers, said house structure being adapted for reciprocation relative to each said post, thereby allowing the house structure to return to rest on its foundations when flooding has ceased. *so

2. A floating house structure according to claim 1, in which the house or other suitable building is constructed from light weight structural materials, having some inherent flexibility. 0

3. A floating house structure according to claim 2, wherein the housing structure comprises timber or steel frames, wall panels and external, waterproof cladding.

4. A floating house structure according to claim 3, comprisinq a roof or light weight roofing materials such as coraL ted iron or pressed metal. A floating house structure according to any one of the previous claims wherein the buoyancy means are in the form of pontoons of a suitable dimension.

6. A floating house structure according to claim 5, wherein the pontoons are constructed from amongst the following: polystyrene covered with a fibreglass skin, heavy duty sealed plastic containers which are air-filled, collapsible plastic containers which are inflated on site or suitably sealed heavy duty round or square cross section plastic tubing.

7. A floating house structure according to either claim or 6, wherein the house comprises a flooring structure and each pontoon is suitably affixed to the underside of said floor structure. go A floating house structlzze according to claim 7, wherein each pontoon has a series of lugs on the topside thereof S• to allow it to be bolted to the underside of the flooring structure.

9. A floating house structure according to claim 8, wherein 0*55 the pontoons are arranged between traditional pier footings and extend across the width of the house. ooo S

10. A floating house structure according to either claim 8 or 9, wherein tle house piers of the conventional foundation are dimensioned so as to allow the bottom of the pontoons to remain suspended at least 200 mm above ground level.

11. A floating house structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical reciprocation of the house structure as it rises and falls, is provided by a ring arrangement affixed to the house structure at or adjacent to said vertical posts adjacent to at least two suitable corners of the house, which is free to slide up and down said posts.

12. A floating house structure according to claim 11, wherein the posts are steel and are affixed in concrete piers and each ring arrangement, comprises a steel ring which is fixed to the floor of the housing structure by any suitable means and which is placed over the corresponding post.

13. A floating house structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the vertical reciprocation of the house structure as it rises and falls is provid;, by means of a piston type arrangement associated with said vertical posts located adjacent to at least two suitable corners of the house.

14. A floating house structure according to claim 13, A wherein each piston-like arrangement comprises a said vertical post in the form of a hollow steel tube cast in a concrete footing in the ground adjacent the suitable i" corner of the house, and a second steel tube, which fits within the tube cast in concrete for sliding engagement e oand reciprocation therein, the second tube being affixed e. ~to each corresponding corner of the house, so that it can move vertically with the house as it rises or falls, O°• the two steel tubes cooperating to act like a piston. A floating house structure according to claim 14, wherein a cap having ventilating means is placed on top of the second inner tube in order to stabilise internal air pressures in the tubes.

16. A floating house structure according to either claim 14 or 15, wherein a captive O-ring and grease pack is provided around the inside circumference of the top portion of the outer cast-in tube to prevent dirt entering the piston-like arrangement. RA 4 0z~

17. A floating house structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing structure is also provided with either means to facilitate automatic disconnection from essential services (such as power, water, telephone and sewerage) or essential services which are themselves connected to the house by means of flexible extendible connections.

18. A floating house structure substantially as described herein in conjunction with the either Figures 1 to 5 or Figures 6 to 7. :S ,DATED this 28th day of June 1994. oo DAVID MURRAY MOORE and HENDRIK CORNELIS DEN-OUDEN BY: n or s Attorneys for the Applicants S S ABSTRACT A floating house structure is provided with suitable buoyancy means, whereby the structure may rest on conventional foundations during dry periods and is free to rise with advancing floodwaters and to lower as the floodwaters recede. The house structure is also provided with restraining means to prevent it from moving laterally I as it rises and lowers, thereby allowing the house structure to return to rest on its foundations when flooding has 0* 0. ceased. *°u°f