Edge beam for building panel

Abstract

An edge beam construction including two vertical perforated rolled shapes with webs inverted toward the center of the beam, and a bottom track having a flange disposed in a vertical position against bottom lips of the vertical rolled shapes. The three basic components of the edge beam are positioned so as to provide access for press joining tools. A building module manufacturing method utilizes the light gauge steel rolled shapes that permit industrialized, automated manufacture of floor, roof and wall panels for modular housing and commercial structures with integrated mechanical and electrical systems and rigid framing for road transport without trailers. The module manufacturing method includes a novel method of constructing and positioning a gable.

1 . An edge beam for a building panel, comprising:
 a bottom track formed of steel and having flanges disposed in a vertical position and a web interconnecting the flanges; and   a pair of vertical perforated members formed of steel, each of said perforated members having a vertical web projecting in a direction toward the center of the beam, top and bottom flanges interconnected by said vertical web, and a lip projecting from a longitudinal edge of said bottom flange,   wherein the vertical perforated members function as compression and tension members,   wherein the vertical perforated members and the bottom track are arranged so as to provide access for press joining tools to automatically press-join the bottom flanges of the compression members directly to the web of the bottom track at precise locations and intervals to develop a required shear loading resistance to bending moments of the beam.   
   
   
       2 . The edge beam as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the bottom track and the vertical perforated members define a U-shaped beam having an open top to permit the insertion of mechanical and utility distribution. 
   
   
       3 . The edge beam as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the U-shaped beam provides an integrated structural frame system for transport of modules, and an integral longitudinal structure for receiving axles and wheel assemblies during shipping. 
   
   
       4 . The edge beam as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the edge beam has variable crane lifting points. 
   
   
       5 . The edge beam as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the edge beam provides access for bolting and or mechanically splicing the modules together. 
   
   
       6 . The edge beam as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the perforations in the vertical perforated members are shaped to allow distribution of mechanical transfer services within and between modules composing a modular structure. 
   
   
       7 . The edge beam as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the vertical perforated members are shaped so as to permit foamed insulation to permeate the perforations and isolate the steel web members form an interior surface of exterior and marriage wall sheathing material, thereby creating a thermal break and insulating the structure.