Modular buildings

Abstract

A building module has an open-ended box structure and comprises a plurality of interconnected coaxial module segments. Each segment is moulded as an open-ended box structure from a composite material. The segments are held together by elongate tie bars that form part of a lifting frame and extend substantially along the length of the module. The lifting frame comprises end frames that are embedded in end segments of the modules and that are connected to each other by the tie bars. The modules structure.

1 . A building module having an open-ended box structure with top, bottom and opposed side walls and comprising a plurality of interconnected coaxial module segments each being moulded as an open-ended box structure from a composite material, at least one of the segments having a strengthening beam spanning the opposed side walls.  
     
     
         2 . A building module according to  claim 1 , wherein the beam is connected to one or other of the top or bottom walls.  
     
     
         3 . A building module according to  claim 2 , wherein the strengthening beam is connected to the bottom wall and supports a floor structure.  
     
     
         4 . A building module according to  claim 2  of  3 , wherein there is provided a strengthening beam that is connected to the top wall and that supports a ceiling structure.  
     
     
         5 . A building module according to any one of  claims 1  to  4 , wherein the beam or beams is (are) integrally moulded with the segment.  
     
     
         6 . A building module according to  claim 4  or  5  wherein the beam of each segment has ports to allow passage of service conduits below the module floor or above the module ceiling.  
     
     
         7 . A building module according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the segments has an integral frame by which the module may be lifted.  
     
     
         8 . A building module according to  claim 7 , wherein said at least one segment is moulded around the frame.  
     
     
         9 . A building module according to  claim 7  or  8 , wherein at least two of the segments have a lifting frame and the frames are interconnected by a plurality of elongate support members.  
     
     
         10 . A building module according to  claim 9 , wherein the elongate support elements are connected to the segments via part of the lifting frames.  
     
     
         11 . A building module according to  claim 9  or  10 , wherein at least some of said elongate support members are disposed above a ceiling of the module.  
     
     
         12 . A building module according to  claim 9 ,  10  or  11 , wherein at least some of said elongate support members are disposed below a floor of the module.  
     
     
         13 . A building module according to any one of  claims 7  to  11 , wherein end segments of the module have integral lifting frames.  
     
     
         14 . A building module according to  claim 13 , wherein a mid-module segment also has an integral frame.  
     
     
         15 . A building module according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises a pair of spaced substantially vertical posts interconnected by upper and lower cross-members.  
     
     
         16 . A building module according to  claim 15 , wherein the posts are connected to the cross-members by means of corner plate members.  
     
     
         17 . A building module according to  claim 16 , wherein the corner plate members comprise first and second connector portions disposed substantially at a right angle to each other.  
     
     
         18 . A building module according to  claim 17 , wherein the first and second connector portions are joined by an intermediate arcuate portion in which part of the post is received.  
     
     
         19 . A building module according to any one of  claims 15  to  18 , wherein the posts have adjustable feet for altering the height of the module relative to the ground.  
     
     
         20 . A building module according to any one of  claims 15  to  19 , wherein an upper end of the post is fitted with a lifting attachment by which the module may be lifted.  
     
     
         21 . A building module according to any one of  claims 15  to  19 , wherein an upper end of the post is fitted with an inter-module connector for interconnecting vertically adjacent modules.  
     
     
         22 . A building module according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the side walls of the module has ports that allow passage of service conduits.  
     
     
         23 . A building module according to  claim 22  wherein the ports are spaced at regular intervals along the length of the module.  
     
     
         24 . A building module according to any preceding claim, wherein the segments are of a unitary construction.  
     
     
         25 . A building module according to any preceding claim, wherein side and/or end walls of the module have at least one channel in which is received a resiliently flexible material.  
     
     
         26 . A building module according to any preceding claim wherein at least one of the segments has a reinforcing mesh material disposed in at least one of its walls.  
     
     
         27 . A building module according to any preceding claim, wherein the segments are bonded together.  
     
     
         28 . A building module according to any preceding claim wherein the segments are connected to one another by a tongue and groove formation.  
     
     
         29 . A building module according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the segments at the end of the module is fitted with an end wall.  
     
     
         30 . A building module according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one side wall of at least one segment has an interior conduit for services.  
     
     
         31 . A building module according to  claim 30 , wherein said interior conduit is formed during moulding of the segment.  
     
     
         32 . A building structure comprising a plurality of interconnected building modules as defined in any one of the preceding claims.  
     
     
         33 . A building structure comprising a plurality of interconnected open-ended box structure building modules, wherein there is provided a resiliently deformable material sandwiched between adjacent walls of at least two modules.  
     
     
         34 . A building structure according to  claim 33 , wherein the walls of at least one module have channels into which a strip of said material is received.