Structural Element for the Construction of Log Type Houses

Abstract

The present invention provides a structural element for the construction of log type houses. The structural element comprises structural portions, preferably made of aluminum, and insulating material. The insulation coefficient of the structural element may be adapted to the local climate. Furthermore, the structural element is less sensible to temperature and humidity variations than wood, preventing possible cracks to appear between adjacent structural elements.

1 . A structural element for the construction of log like houses or the like, said element comprising:
 a) a shell made of a rigid material; and   b) insulating material disposed within said shell.   
     
     
         2 . A structural element as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said shell comprises:
 a) an L-shaped top surface;   b) an L-shaped bottom surface;   c) a first portion extending between said top surface and said bottom surface;   d) a second portion extending between said top surface and said bottom surface.   
     
     
         3 . A structural element as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising internal reinforcing portions. 
     
     
         4 . The structural element as claimed in  claim 3 , further comprising a vertical portion extending between said top surface and said bottom surface. 
     
     
         5 . The structural element as claimed in  claim 3 , further comprising at least a horizontal portion extending in said structural element. 
     
     
         6 . The structural element as claimed in  claim 3 , further comprising a third portion and a fourth portion extending from said bottom surface and said top surface, the upward extremities of said third portion and said fourth portion being perpendicular to said top surface. 
     
     
         7 . The structural element as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising strips of wood fixed on said shell. 
     
     
         8 . The structural element as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a clapboard portion that is unitary with said structural element. 
     
     
         9 . The structural element as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising clapboard made of wood. 
     
     
         10 . The structural element as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said first portion and said second portion are perpendicular to said top surface. 
     
     
         11 . The structural element as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein adjacent extremities of said top surface and said first portion are rounded and tangential to each other. 
     
     
         12 . The structural element as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein adjacent extremities of said top surface and said second portion are rounded and tangential to each other. 
     
     
         13 . The structural element as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said structural element further comprises at least one transversal notch, said transversal notch having the shape of an inverted ‘V’. 
     
     
         14 . The structural element as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein said structural element further comprises sealing means to seal said at least one notch. 
     
     
         15 . The structural element as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising means to prevent thermal bridges. 
     
     
         16 . The structural element as claimed in  claim 15 , further comprising at least one elongated part made from a non-conductive material, said at least one elongated part being fixed to said structural element. 
     
     
         17 . The structural element as claimed in  claim 16 , further comprising at least one receiving elongated part made that have a shape complementary to the shape of said elongated part, said at least one receiving elongated part being fixed to said structural element and to said elongated part. 
     
     
         18 . The structural element as claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising an end cap having a complementary shape to the shape of the cross-section of said structural element. 
     
     
         19 . The structural element as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said shell is made from metal. 
     
     
         20 . The structural element as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said shell is made from aluminum. 
     
     
         21 . The structural element as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said insulating material is insulating expandable foam.