Connector

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a connector (15) for connecting volumetric modules (1) of a modular building system. In an embodiment, the connector comprises: a first plate (17) that defines a first plate aperture (21): a second plate (19) that defines a second plate aperture. and a resilient core (23) that defines a resilient core aperture: wherein the first plate aperture (21), the second plate aperture and the resilient core aperture are arranged so that the respective apertures align when the resilient core (23) is sandwiched between the first (17) and second (19) plates to thereby provide a channel through the first and second plates (17. 19) and the resilient core (23), said channel being sized to accommodate a fixing (43) so that a structural member of a first volumetric module abutted against said first plate (17) can be connected by means of said fixing (43) to a structural member of a second volumetric module abutted against the second plate (19).

1 - 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . A connector for connecting volumetric modules of a modular building system, the connector comprising:
 a first plate that defines a first plate aperture;   a second plate that defines a second plate aperture; and   a resilient core that defines a resilient core aperture,   wherein the first plate aperture, the second plate aperture and the resilient core aperture are arranged so that the respective apertures align when the resilient core is sandwiched between the first and second plates to thereby provide a channel through the first and second plates and the resilient core, said channel being sized to accommodate a fixing so that a structural member of a first volumetric module abutted against said first plate can be connected by means of said fixing to a structural member of a second volumetric module abutted against the second plate.   
     
     
         23 . A connector according to  claim 22 , wherein the resilient core is capable of resiliently deforming when a building in which the connector is used to couple adjacent volumetric modules together is exposed to external forces during a meteorological or geological event. 
     
     
         24 . A connector according to  claim 22 , wherein the resilient core has a similar lateral cross-sectional shape to those of the first and second plates. 
     
     
         25 . A connector according to  claim 24 , wherein the resilient core is generally square in lateral cross-section. 
     
     
         26 . A connector according to  claim 23 , wherein the resilient core is generally circular in lateral cross-section. 
     
     
         27 . A connector according to  claim 26 , wherein the circular resilient core has a diameter that is approximately equal to a length of a side of the first or second plates. 
     
     
         28 . A connector according to  claim 22 , wherein the resilient core is laminar. 
     
     
         29 . A connector according to  claim 28 , wherein the laminar resilient core comprises alternating layers of resilient elastomer, such as rubber, and reinforcing metal shims, for example of steel. 
     
     
         30 . A connector according to  claim 28 , wherein the resilient core comprises a laminated elastomeric bearing including one or more rubber layers reinforced with steel shims. 
     
     
         31 . A connector according to  claim 22 , wherein at least one of the first and/or second plates comprises a plurality of lugs projecting from the plate in a direction away from the resilient core, the lugs being configured to mate with co-operating recesses formed in a structural member of a volumetric module against which the plate abuts in use. 
     
     
         32 . A connector according to  claim 22 , wherein the first and second plates and the resilient core each define a plurality of apertures, the plurality of first plate apertures aligning with the plurality of resilient core apertures and the plurality of second plate apertures to thereby provide a plurality of channels through the connector that are each sized to accommodate a fixing. 
     
     
         33 . A connector according to  claim 32 , wherein the first and second plates and the resilient core each define a pair of apertures, the first plate apertures aligning with the resilient core apertures and the second plate apertures to form a pair of channels that are each sized to accommodate a fixing, the connector being configured to be suitable for coupling a first pair of adjacent volumetric modules to a second pair of volumetric modules stacked on the first pair. 
     
     
         34 . A connector according to  claim 32 , wherein the first and second plates and the resilient core each define four apertures arranged at corners of a square, the first plate apertures aligning with the resilient core apertures and the second plate apertures to form four channels that are each sized to accommodate a fixing, the connector being configured to be suitable for coupling a first set of four adjacent volumetric modules to a second set of four volumetric modules stacked on the first set. 
     
     
         35 . A connector according to  claim 22 , wherein the fixing between the first and second volumetric modules is configured to be capable of enduring repeated load-unload cycles during extreme weather events or earthquakes with limited permanent deformation. 
     
     
         36 . A connector according to  claim 22 , wherein the fixing between the first and second volumetric modules is capable of self-centring upon repeated load-unload cycles during extreme weather events or earthquakes. 
     
     
         37 . A connector according to  claim 22 , wherein the fixing is of a shape-memory alloy, for example austenitic shape-memory alloys such as Nickel-Titanium. 
     
     
         38 . A connector for connecting volumetric modules of a modular building system, the connector comprising:
 a first plate that defines a first plate aperture;   a second plate that defines a second plate aperture;   a resilient core that defines a resilient core aperture; and   a fixing including a bolt and a nut, at least said bolt being of a shape-memory alloy such as an austenitic shape-memory alloy, for example Nickel-Titanium,   wherein the first plate aperture, the second plate aperture and the resilient core aperture are arranged so that the respective apertures align when the resilient core is sandwiched between the first and second plates to thereby provide a channel through the first and second plates and the resilient core, said channel being sized to accommodate said fixing so that a structural member of a first volumetric module abutted against said first plate can be connected by means of said fixing to a structural member of a second volumetric module abutted against the second plate.   
     
     
         39 . A building comprising a plurality of volumetric modules stacked on top of one another, wherein the building comprises a connector that comprises:
 a first plate that defines a first plate aperture;   a second plate that defines a second plate aperture; and   a resilient core that defines a resilient core aperture,   wherein the first plate aperture, the second plate aperture and the resilient core aperture are arranged so that the respective apertures align when the resilient core is sandwiched between the first and second plates to thereby provide a channel through the first and second plates and the resilient core, said channel being sized to accommodate a fixing so that a structural member of a first volumetric module abutted against said first plate can be connected by means of said fixing to a structural member of a second volumetric module abutted against the second plate;   wherein said connector is arranged so that said first plate abuts against a corner fitting of a first volumetric module and said second plate abuts against a corner fitting of a second volumetric module stacked upon the first, the first and second volumetric modules being coupled together by means of said fixing extending through the channel in the connector, said fixing being capable of being tightened to clamp the first plate against the corner fitting of the first volumetric module and the second plate against the corner fitting of the second volumetric module to thereby couple the first and second volumetric modules together.   
     
     
         40 . A building according to  claim 39 , wherein the fixing between the first and second volumetric modules is releasable. 
     
     
         41 . A building according to  claim 39 , wherein the volumetric modules have a square or rectangular footprint and comprise lower and upper sets of structural members that each include four corner fittings interconnected by beams, the lower and upper sets of structural members being coupled together by columns extending between aligned corner fittings of each set.