Prefabricated concrete building module and a method for the production thereof

Abstract

A prefabricated concrete building module comprises two pre-cast concrete end panels interconnected and interlinked to a pre-cast bridging panel providing a utility channel at at least one corner thereof, the channel aligning with a reinforcement formation on each side edge of each end panel.

1 . A prefabricated concrete building module comprising at least two pre-cast reinforced concrete end panels, the reinforcement of the panels extending beyond the limits of the panels, a further pre-cast reinforced concrete bridging panel interconnecting said two end panels, the reinforcements of the end panels and the bridging panel being interlinked, and the bridging panel being rebated at at least one location to provide a channel registering with a part of at least one of the end panels to create a continuous guide adapted for the passage in use of utility supplies. 
     
     
         2 . A prefabricated concrete building module according to  claim 1  wherein the bridging panel is rebated as in a right-sided notch having two sides extending through the thickness of the bridging panel orthogonally to the plane thereof. 
     
     
         3 . A prefabricated concrete building module according to  claim 1  wherein the bridging panel is rebated at a corner. 
     
     
         4 . A prefabricated concrete building module according to  claim 1  wherein the bridging panel is rebated at each corner. 
     
     
         5 . A prefabricated concrete building module according to  claim 1  wherein the bridging panel is bonded to the two end panels by concrete and by the interlinking of their respective reinforcements. 
     
     
         6 . A prefabricated concrete building module according to  claim 1  wherein each one of the bridging and the two end panels has a smooth finishing surface facing internally of the channel module. 
     
     
         7 . A method for the production of the prefabricated concrete building module of the first aspect, including the steps of:
 pre-casting at least two reinforced concrete end panels with their reinforcement extending beyond the concrete along each of two longitudinal parallel margins thereof;   placing the end panels in a jig providing a generally horizontal mould of generally rectilinear open-ended trough form, with the panels disposed vertically at each end of the mould and temporarily fixed to the jig, the upper end of each panel constituting a part of the base of the trough at each end thereof;   securing a former at each open end of the trough in registration with the panels to close the mould, the formers being shaped to generate in use a rebate at each corner of the nascent pre-cast bridging panel;   placing a reinforcement structure in the mould;   linking the reinforcement structure to the reinforcement of the prefabricated panels;   providing anchor lifting points within the mould;   casting concrete into the mould to cover the reinforcement structure to produce a reinforced bridging panel; and   allowing the concrete to set thereby to provide a prefabricated concrete building module rebated at each corner to provide a channel.   
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 7  wherein the reinforcement of the prefabricated end panels extends beyond the concrete edges in the form of loops. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 8  wherein the loops of the reinforcement substantially align with the rebates at the corners of the pre-cast concrete bridging panel to give an elongated guide from the upper surface of the panel for the full length of the prefabricated end panels. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 7  wherein the prefabricated end panels are manufactured in horizontal moulds to provide smooth surfaces. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 7  wherein the prefabricated end panels are manufactured in horizontal moulds suitably dimensioned and masked to give a customized finishing. 
     
     
         12 . A mould according to  claim 11  wherein the finishing is a window opening. 
     
     
         13 . A mould according to  claim 11  wherein the finishing is a portal. 
     
     
         14 . A prefabricated concrete building module produced in accordance with  claim 7 . 
     
     
         15 . A building structure comprising a plurality of prefabricated concrete building modules according to  claim 1 .