U.S. patent application number 15/711574 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-22 for structure and method of making the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is SKYRISE GLOBAL, LLC. Invention is credited to JEFFREY BERKOWITZ, Bernardo Fort-Brescia, Ronald Klemencic.
Application Number | 20180080222 15/711574 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61617482 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180080222 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BERKOWITZ; JEFFREY ; et
al. |
March 22, 2018 |
STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME
Abstract
A construction method, for erecting a structure that includes a
plurality of modules, includes: building an offset core; erecting
an upper module chosen from the plurality of modules; and erecting
additional modules chosen from the plurality of modules.
Inventors: |
BERKOWITZ; JEFFREY; (Miami,
FL) ; Fort-Brescia; Bernardo; (Miami, FL) ;
Klemencic; Ronald; (Seattle, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SKYRISE GLOBAL, LLC |
Coconut Grove |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61617482 |
Appl. No.: |
15/711574 |
Filed: |
September 21, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62397681 |
Sep 21, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/161 20130101;
E04B 2001/3588 20130101; E04B 1/20 20130101; E04B 1/343 20130101;
A63G 2031/002 20130101; A63G 21/04 20130101; B66B 9/00 20130101;
E04B 1/24 20130101; A63G 7/00 20130101; E04B 1/19 20130101; E04H
3/00 20130101; E04B 1/30 20130101; E04B 1/3511 20130101; E04B
1/3522 20130101; E04B 2103/02 20130101; E04B 1/34823 20130101; E04B
1/16 20130101; A63G 31/10 20130101; A63G 31/00 20130101; E04B
1/2403 20130101; E04B 2103/06 20130101; E04B 2001/2484
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/35 20060101
E04B001/35; E04B 1/348 20060101 E04B001/348; E04H 3/00 20060101
E04H003/00; A63G 31/10 20060101 A63G031/10; A63G 31/00 20060101
A63G031/00; A63G 7/00 20060101 A63G007/00 |
Claims
1. A construction method for erecting a structure that includes a
plurality of modules, the method comprising: building an offset
core; erecting an upper module chosen from the plurality of
modules; and erecting additional modules chosen from the plurality
of modules.
2. The construction method of claim 1 wherein erecting the upper
module chosen from the plurality of modules includes: slidably
coupling the upper module to the offset core.
3. The construction method of claim 2 wherein erecting additional
modules chosen from the plurality of modules includes: jacking the
upper module upward to a height sufficient to enable positioning a
lower module chosen from the plurality of modules beneath the upper
module,
4. The construction method of claim 3 wherein erecting additional
modules chosen from the plurality of modules further includes:
positioning the lower module beneath the upper module.
5. The construction method of claim 4 wherein erecting additional
modules chosen from the plurality of modules further includes:
slidably coupling the lower module to the offset core.
6. The construction method of claim 5 wherein erecting additional
modules chosen from the plurality of modules further includes:
coupling the lower module to the upper module, thus forming a
combined module.
7. The construction method of claim 6 wherein erecting additional
modules chosen from the plurality of modules includes: jacking the
combined module upward to a height sufficient to enable positioning
an additional module chosen from the plurality of modules beneath
the combined module.
8. The construction method of claim 7 wherein erecting additional
modules chosen from the plurality of modules further includes:
positioning the additional module beneath the combined module.
9. The construction method of claim 8 wherein erecting additional
modules chosen from the plurality of modules further includes:
slidably coupling the additional module to the offset core.
10. The construction method of claim 9 wherein erecting additional
modules chosen from the plurality of modules further includes:
coupling the additional module to the combined module.
11. The construction method of claim 1 wherein the upper module is
a top module of the structure.
12. The construction method of claim 11 wherein the additional
modules include a second module beneath the top module.
13. The construction method of claim 1 wherein the offset core is a
concrete offset core.
14. The construction method of claim 13 wherein building an offset
core includes: building a concrete offset core using a slip form
construction technique.
15. A construction method for erecting a structure that includes a
plurality of modules, the method comprising: building a concrete
offset core; erecting a top module chosen from the plurality of
modules, wherein erecting the top module chosen from the plurality
of modules includes: slidably coupling the top module to the offset
core; and erecting additional modules chosen from the plurality of
modules, wherein erecting additional modules chosen from the
plurality of modules includes: jacking the top module upward to a
height sufficient to enable positioning a second module chosen from
the plurality of modules beneath the top module.
16. The construction method of claim 15 wherein erecting additional
modules chosen from the plurality of modules includes: positioning
the second module beneath the top module; and slidably coupling the
second module to the offset core.
17. The construction method of claim 16 wherein erecting additional
modules chosen from the plurality of modules includes: coupling the
second module to the top module, thus forming a combined module;
and jacking the combined module upward to a height sufficient to
enable positioning an additional module chosen from the plurality
of modules beneath the combined module.
18. The construction method of claim 17 wherein erecting additional
modules chosen from the plurality of modules further includes:
positioning the additional module beneath the combined module; and
slidably coupling the additional module to the offset core.
19. The construction method of claim 18 wherein erecting additional
modules chosen from the plurality of modules further includes:
coupling the additional module to the combined module.
20. The construction method of claim 15 wherein building a concrete
offset core includes: building a concrete offset core using a slip
form construction technique.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/397,681, filed on 21 Sep. 2016; the contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to structures and, more
particularly, to entertainment structures and methods of making the
same.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Throughout the years, the manner in which buildings and
structures have been constructed has greatly changed. For example,
prior to the use of structural steel within buildings/structures,
buildings/structures were constructed out of some form of stone,
which prevented such buildings/structures from achieving
substantial height, as the lower walls of the building/structure
would need to be prohibitively thick in order to bear the weight of
the upper portion of the building/structure.
[0004] However, as the design of buildings/structures changed and
advanced throughout the years, buildings/structures unimaginable at
one time are now highly achievable. For example, the use of
structural steel has allowed very tall building/structures to be
constructed, wherein the steel frame provides the needed strength
without the excessive weight of stone. Accordingly, tall
buildings/structures may be built without overburdening the
foundation and lower walls of the building/structure.
[0005] However, for pretty close the past 100 years,
buildings/structures have been built in substantially the same
fashion. Specifically, the foundation of the building is
constructed, upon which the structural steel framework is attached,
to which the floor plates and various exterior panels that form the
outside of the building are attached.
[0006] Unfortunately, the continued use of such traditional
building techniques often prevents the advancement of modern
building design.
SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE
Invention #9) Method of Jacking Modules (Top Down).
[0007] In one implementation, a construction method, for erecting a
structure that includes a plurality of modules, includes: building
an offset core; erecting an upper module chosen from the plurality
of modules; and erecting additional modules chosen from the
plurality of modules.
[0008] One or more of the following features may be included.
Erecting the upper module chosen from the plurality of modules may
include slidably coupling the upper module to the offset core.
Erecting additional modules chosen from the plurality of modules
may include jacking the upper module upward to a height sufficient
to enable positioning a lower module chosen from the plurality of
modules beneath the upper module. Erecting additional modules
chosen from the plurality of modules may further include
positioning the lower module beneath the upper module. Erecting
additional modules chosen from the plurality of modules may further
include slidably coupling the lower module to the offset core.
Erecting additional modules chosen from the plurality of modules
may further include coupling the lower module to the upper module,
thus forming a combined module. Erecting additional modules chosen
from the plurality of modules may include jacking the combined
module upward to a height sufficient to enable positioning an
additional module chosen from the plurality of modules beneath the
combined module. Erecting additional modules chosen from the
plurality of modules may further include positioning the additional
module beneath the combined module. Erecting additional modules
chosen from the plurality of modules may further include slidably
coupling the additional module to the offset core. Erecting
additional modules chosen from the plurality of modules may further
include coupling the additional module to the combined module. The
upper module may be a top module of the structure. The additional
modules may include a second module beneath the top module. The
offset core may be a concrete offset core. Building an offset core
may include building a concrete offset core using a slip form
construction technique.
[0009] In another implementation, a construction method, for
erecting a structure that includes a plurality of modules,
includes: building a concrete offset core; erecting a top module
chosen from the plurality of modules, wherein erecting the top
module chosen from the plurality of modules includes: slidably
coupling the top module to the offset core; and erecting additional
modules chosen from the plurality of modules. Erecting additional
modules chosen from the plurality of modules includes jacking the
top module upward to a height sufficient to enable positioning a
second module chosen from the plurality of modules beneath the top
module.
[0010] One or more of the following features may be included.
Erecting additional modules chosen from the plurality of modules
may include positioning the second module beneath the top module;
and slidably coupling the second module to the offset core.
Erecting additional modules chosen from the plurality of modules
may include: coupling the second module to the top module, thus
forming a combined module; and jacking the combined module upward
to a height sufficient to enable positioning an additional module
chosen from the plurality of modules beneath the combined module.
Erecting additional modules chosen from the plurality of modules
further may include: positioning the additional module beneath the
combined module; and slidably coupling the additional module to the
offset core. Erecting additional modules chosen from the plurality
of modules may further include coupling the additional module to
the combined module. Building a concrete offset core may include
building a concrete offset core using a slip form construction
technique.
[0011] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in
the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features
and advantages will become apparent from the description, the
drawings, and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a structure;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a front view of the structure of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a right-side view of the structure of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a left-side view of the structure of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a back view of the structure of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of FIG.
1;
[0018] FIGS. 7A-7B are diagrammatic views of a first exemplary
entertainment ride incorporated into the structure of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIGS. 8A-8B are diagrammatic views of a second exemplary
entertainment ride incorporated into the structure of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIGS. 9A-9B are diagrammatic views of a third exemplary
entertainment ride incorporated into the structure of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of a fourth exemplary
entertainment ride incorporated into the structure of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIGS. 11A-11H are diagrammatic views of eight module
assembly that make up a portion of the structure of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 12 is another cross-sectional view of the structure of
FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 13 is another cross-sectional view of a the structure
of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method of constructing the
structure of FIG. 1; and
[0026] FIGS. 15A-15H are sequenced views of the construction of the
structure of FIG. 1.
[0027] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, there is shown various views of
structure 100. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of
structure 100, FIG. 2 is a front view of structure 100, FIG. 3 is a
right-side view of structure 100, FIG. 4 is a left-side view of
structure 100, and FIG. 5 is a back view of structure 100. Examples
of structure 100 may include but is not limited to a residential
building/structure, a office building/structure, a vertical
entertainment building/structure, a tower structure, and an
observation structure. Structure 100 may include offset core 102,
moment stabilizing structure 104 and plurality of floor plate
assemblies 106.
[0029] Offset core 102 may be a concrete offset core, wherein this
concrete offset core may be a slip-formed concrete offset core. As
is known in the art, slip forming (also known as continuous pouring
and/or continuous forming) is a construction method in which
concrete is poured into a continuously moving form.
[0030] Slip forming may be used for vertical structures (e.g.,
bridges, towers, buildings, dams), as well as for horizontal
structures (e.g., roadways). Slip forming may enable continuous,
non-interrupted, cast-in-place "flawless" (i.e. no joints) concrete
structures that may provide superior performance characteristics
when compared to piecewise construction using discrete form
elements.
[0031] Slip forming may rely on the quick-setting properties of
concrete and may require a balance between quick-setting capacity
and workability. For example, the concrete used may need to be
workable enough to be placed into the form and consolidated (via
vibration), yet quick-setting enough to emerge from the form with
strength. This strength may be needed because the freshly set
concrete must not only permit the form to "slip" by the concrete
without disturbing it, but also to support the pressure of the new
concrete as well as resist collapse caused by the vibration of the
compaction machinery.
[0032] When using slip forming on vertical structures, the concrete
form may be surrounded by a platform on which workers may stand.
Together, the concrete form and the working platform may be raised
by e.g., hydraulic jacks. Generally, the slipform may be raised at
a rate that permits the concrete to harden by the time it emerges
from the bottom of the form.
[0033] Moment stabilizing structure 104 may be constructed of
structural steel and may be configured to provide the appropriate
aesthetic value. For example, moment stabilizing structure 104 may
be constructed out of tubular structural steel sized in accordance
with the load that would be experienced by moment stabilizing
structure 104. In one particular implantation, portions of moment
stabilizing structure 104 may be up to 16' in diameter and may be
constructed of 3'' thick mild steel. To further enhance strength,
some or all of moment stabilizing structure 104 may be filed with
concrete.
[0034] Each of plurality of floor plate assemblies 106 may include
a first edge and a second edge. For example, floor plate assembly
108 within plurality of floor plate assemblies 106 is shown to
include first edge 110 and second edge 112; floor plate assembly
114 within plurality of floor plate assemblies 106 is shown to
include first edge 116 and second edge 118; and floor plate
assembly 120 within plurality of floor plate assemblies 106 is
shown to include first edge 122 and second edge 124.
[0035] The first edge (e.g., first edges 110, 116, 122) of
plurality of floor plate assemblies 106 may be essentially opposite
to the second edge (e.g., second edges 112, 118, 124) of plurality
of floor plate assemblies 106.
[0036] The first edge (e.g., first edges 110, 116, 122) of each of
plurality of floor plate assemblies 106 may be configured to be
coupled to offset core 102 and the second edge (e.g., second edges
112, 118, 124) of each of plurality of floor plate assemblies 106
may be configured to be coupled to moment stabilizing structure
104. For example, the first edge (e.g., first edges 110, 116, 122)
of each of plurality of floor plate assemblies 106 may be e.g.,
bolted to and/or welded to e.g., one or more embedded steel plates
included within/cast into offset core 102. Further, the second edge
(e.g., second edges 112, 118, 124) of each of plurality of floor
plate assemblies 106 may be bolted to and/or welded to e.g., moment
stabilizing structure 104.
[0037] Moment stabilizing structure 104 may include truss assembly
126 and floor tying assembly 128, wherein truss assembly 126 may
includes at least one essentially diagonal brace assembly (e.g.,
essentially diagonal brace assembly 130).
[0038] Floor tying assembly 128 may be configured to index
plurality of floor plate assemblies 106 with respect to each other
(e.g., thus providing the appropriate spacing between floor plate
assemblies 108, 114, 120). Additionally, floor tying assembly 128
may be configured to transfer the load (e.g., load 132) of
plurality of floor plate assemblies 106 to truss assembly 126.
Specifically, load 132 may be transferred through essentially
diagonal brace assembly 130 to grade/foundation/footing 134.
[0039] Offset core 102 may be positioned proximate the periphery
136 of structure 100. For example, offset core 102 is shown to form
the back wall of structure 100, wherein (and as discussed above)
the first edge (e.g., first edges 110, 116, 122) of each of
plurality of floor plate assemblies 106 may be configured to be
coupled to offset core 102. Accordingly, plurality of floor plate
assemblies 106 may be off center with respect to centerline 138 of
offset core 106, resulting in the creation of moment 140 about the
base of offset core 102. Accordingly and through the use of truss
assembly 126 (and essentially diagonal brace assembly 130), moment
140 may be effectively cancelled.
[0040] At least one of plurality of floor plate assemblies 106
positioned toward the top of structure 100 may be larger than at
least one of plurality of floor plate assemblies 106 positioned
toward the bottom of structure 100. For example, floor plate
assembly 108 is shown to be larger (in the y-axis) than floor plate
assembly 114; wherein floor plate assembly 114 is shown to be
larger (in the y-axis) than floor plate assembly 120.
[0041] Accordingly and through the use of a system that employs
offset core 102 and moment stabilizing structure 104, structures
(e.g., structure 100) may be created that have widths and/or depths
that are larger than the footprint of the structure itself. Further
and through the use of a system that employs offset core 102 and
moment stabilizing structure 104 (to effectively cancel moment
140), structures (e.g., structure 100) may be constructed that are
asymmetrical in nature, as the various floor plate assemblies
(e.g., floor plate assembly 108, 114, 120) need not be centered
about offset core, as any moment about the base of offset core 104
may be effectively cancelled by moment stabilizing structure 104
(generally) and truss assembly 126 and/or essentially diagonal
brace assembly 130 (specifically).
[0042] A canopy assembly (e.g., canopy assembly 142) may be coupled
to moment stabilizing structure 104 and may be configured to form
an atrium (e.g., atrium 144) proximate the entryway (e.g., entryway
146) of structure 100. In certain configuration, canopy assembly
142 may be purely aesthetic in nature. In other configurations,
canopy assembly 142 may be constructed from various different
materials (e.g., metal, wood, plastic and/or glass) and may be
configured to shield visitors of structure 100 from rain, snow,
wind and/or sunshine.
[0043] As is standard in the construction trades, offset core 102
may be configured to house various systems and subsystems.
Referring also to FIG. 6, there is shown a cross-sectional view of
structure 100, wherein examples of such systems and subsystems may
include but are not limited to one or more elevator assemblies
(e.g., elevator assemblies 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214,
216), one or more ventilation assemblies (e.g., ventilation
assembly 218), one or more stair assemblies (e.g., stair assemblies
220, 222, 224), one or more plumbing systems (e.g., standpipes 226)
and one or more electrical systems (e.g., electrical systems
228).
[0044] As discussed above, an example of structure 100 may include
but is not limited to a vertical entertainment building/structure
and, when configured in such a manner, structure 100 may be
configured to include entertainment rides that may each be
multi-story entertainment rides (e.g., entertainment rides that
span at least two of plurality of floor plate assemblies 106). As
will be discussed below in greater detail, examples of such
entertainment rides may include but are not limited to: a)
moveable, observation pod entertainment ride 250 (see FIGS. 7A-7B)
positioned outside of structure 100; b) tethered, freefall
entertainment ride 300 (see FIG. 8A-8B) positioned within structure
100; c) track-based, freefall entertainment ride 350 (see FIG.
9A-9B) positioned outside of structure 100; and transparent,
observation platform entertainment ride 400 (see FIG. 10)
positioned outside of structure 100.
[0045] Referring also to FIG. 7A-7B, moveable, observation pod
entertainment ride 250 positioned outside of structure 100 may
include track assembly 252 and at least one observation pod (e.g.,
observation pods 254, 256, 258, 260, 262, 264) configured to
contain one or more riders (e.g., rider 266) and configured to be
moveable along track assembly 252. Moveable, observation pod
entertainment ride 250 may be positioned proximate an outside
portion (e.g., outside portion 268) of offset core 102. Observation
pods 254, 256, 258, 260, 262, 264 may be configured to auto-level
so that they remain level while moving along track assembly
252.
[0046] Referring also to FIGS. 8A-8B, tethered, freefall
entertainment ride 300 positioned within structure 100 may include
bungee assembly 302 coupled on a first end to an upper portion of
structure 100, wherein bungee assembly 302 may be configured to be
releasably coupled on a second end to a rider (e.g., rider 304).
Tethered, freefall entertainment ride 300 may be positioned between
offset core 102 and moment stabilizing structure 104. Accordingly
and when using tethered, freefall entertainment ride 300, rider 304
may travel up to a higher portion of structure 100 (via offset core
102) and may be attached to bungee assembly 302 (typically via a
body harness worn by rider 304). Tethered, freefall entertainment
ride 300 may include one or more control cables and/or guide cables
(not shown), thus maintaining rider 304 in the center of the space
formed between offset core 102 and moment stabilizing structure
104. Rider 304 may then freefall from this higher portion of
structure 100 downward between offset core 102 and moment
stabilizing structure 104 until bungee assembly 302 slows and
eventually stops the descent of rider 304 at a distance
sufficiently above grade to ensure proper and safe operation of
tethered, freefall entertainment ride 300.
[0047] Referring also to FIGS. 9A-9B, track-based, freefall
entertainment ride 350 positioned outside of structure 100 may
include an essentially vertical track assembly 352 and vehicle
assembly 354 configured to contain one or more riders (not shown)
and configured to be moveable along essentially vertical track
assembly 352. Track-based, freefall entertainment ride 350 may be
positioned proximate an outside portion (e g., outside portion 268)
of offset core 102. Accordingly and when using track-based,
freefall entertainment ride 350, a rider (not shown) may enter (and
be secured within) vehicle assembly 354. Vehicle assembly 354 may
then be lifted (via one or more cables, not shown) to a higher
portion of structure 100. Vehicle assembly 354 may then freefall
from this higher portion of structure 100 downward along vertical
track assembly 352 until vehicle assembly 354 slows and eventually
stops its descent toward the bottom of vertical track assembly 352
via one or more magnet assemblies (not shown) positioned proximate
a lower portion of vertical track assembly 352.
[0048] Referring also to FIG. 10, transparent, observation platform
entertainment ride 400 positioned outside of structure 100 may
include transparent walkway assembly 402 positioned away from
offset core 102. Transparent, observation platform entertainment
ride 400 may be positioned proximate an outside portion (e.g.,
outside portion 268) of offset core 102 and may allow riders (e.g.,
rider 404) to walk along transparent walkway assembly 402 and
experience the sensation of floating.
[0049] Referring also to FIGS. 11A-11H, structure 100 may include a
plurality of modules that are basically subcomponents that are
assembled to form structure 100. For this particular example,
structure 100 is shown to be formed from eight discrete
modules.
[0050] FIG. 11A illustrates an example of first module 450 (i.e.,
the highest or top module) of structure 100; wherein first module
450 may be referred to as the "Rooftop Module".
[0051] FIG. 11B illustrates an example of second module 452 (i.e.,
the module below module 450) of structure 100; wherein second
module 452 may be referred to as the "VIP Module".
[0052] FIG. 11C illustrates an example of third module 454 (i.e.,
the module below module 452) of structure 100; wherein third module
454 may be referred to as the "Theater Module".
[0053] FIG. 11D illustrates an example of fourth module 456 (i.e.,
the module below module 454) of structure 100; wherein fourth
module 456 may be referred to as the "Structural Module #1".
[0054] FIG. 11E illustrates an example of fifth module 458 (i.e.,
the module below module 456) of structure 100; wherein fifth module
458 may be referred to as the "Structural Module #2".
[0055] FIG. 11F illustrates an example of sixth module 460 (i.e.,
the module below module 458) of structure 100; wherein fifth module
458 may be referred to as the "Structural Module #3".
[0056] FIG. 11G illustrates an example of seventh module 462 (i.e.,
the module below module 460) of structure 100; wherein seventh
module 462 may be referred to as the "Structural Module #4".
[0057] FIG. 11H illustrates an example of eighth module 464 (i.e.,
the lowest or bottom module) of structure 100; wherein eighth
module 464 may be referred to as the "Structural Module #5".
[0058] While FIGS. 11A-11H show modules 450, 452, 454, 456, 458,
460, 462, 464 being coupled to offset core 102, this is for
illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be a limitation
of this disclosure. Specifically and as discussed above, offset
core 102 may be unitary in nature, in that offset core 102 may be
constructed using slip forming or continuous pouring technique.
Accordingly, offset core 102 may first be constructed and then
modules 450, 452, 454, 456, 458, 460, 462, 464 may be erected with
respect to offset core 102.
[0059] One or more of the plurality of modules (e.g., modules 450,
452, 454, 456, 458, 460, 462, 464) may include one or more floor
plate assemblies (e.g., plurality of floor plate assemblies 106).
For example, module 450 (FIG. 11A), module 452 (FIG. 11B), and
module 454 (FIG. 11C) are each shown to include one or more floor
plate assemblies.
[0060] Referring also to FIG. 12, there is shown a generic
cross-sectional view of structure 100, wherein each of the
plurality of modules (e.g., modules 450, 452, 454, 456, 458, 460,
462, 464) may be configured to slidable engage one or more
essentially-vertical track assemblies (e.g., essentially-vertical
track assemblies 500, 502) included within offset core 102, thus
allowing for Z-axis movement (i.e., inward and outward movement
with respect to the page) of the plurality of modules (e.g.,
modules 450, 452, 454, 456, 458, 460, 462, 464) during the
construction process of structure 100. Essentially-vertical track
assemblies 500, 502 may be embedded into offset core 102 and may be
configured to run from the top of offset core 102 (i.e., the area
proximate module 450 as shown in FIG. 11A) to the bottom of offset
core 102 (i.e., the area proximate module 464 as shown in FIG.
11H).
[0061] Referring also to FIG. 13, essentially-vertical track
assemblies 500, 502 may include one or more t-shaped assemblies
(e.g., t-shaped assemblies 550). The plurality of modules (e.g.,
modules 450, 452, 454, 456, 458, 460, 462, 464) may each include
one or more t-shaped portions (e.g., t-shaped portions 552) for
slidably engaging the one or more t-shaped assemblies (e.g.,
t-shaped assemblies 550) included within the one or more
essentially-vertical track assemblies (e.g., essentially-vertical
track assemblies 500, 502). Accordingly, the combination of the one
or more t-shaped assemblies (e.g., t-shaped assemblies 550)
included within the one or more essentially-vertical track
assemblies (e.g., essentially-vertical track assemblies 500, 502)
and the one or more t-shaped portions (e.g., t-shaped portions 552)
included within the plurality of modules (e.g., modules 450, 452,
454, 456, 458, 460, 462, 464) may be configured to allow Z-axis
movement (i.e., inward and outward movement with respect to the
page) of the plurality of modules (e.g., modules 450, 452, 454,
456, 458, 460, 462, 464) during the construction process of
structure 100, while preventing X-axis movement (i.e., left and
right movement with respect to the page) and Y-axis movement (i.e.,
up and down movement with respect to the page) of the plurality of
modules (e.g., modules 450, 452, 454, 456, 458, 460, 462, 464)
during the construction of structure 100.
[0062] Referring also to FIGS. 14 and 15A-15H, there is shown
construction method 500 for erecting structure 100 that includes
the above-described plurality of modules (e.g., modules 450, 452,
454, 456, 458, 460, 462, 464). Method 500 may include building 502
offset core 102; erecting 504 an upper module (e.g., module 450)
chosen from the plurality of modules (e.g., modules 450, 452, 454,
456, 458, 460, 462, 464) and erecting 506 additional modules (e.g.,
module 452, then module 454, then module 456, then module 458, then
module 460, then module 462, then module 464) chosen from the
plurality of modules (e.g., modules 450, 452, 454, 456, 458, 460,
462, 464).
[0063] When building 502 offset core 102, construction method 500
may build 508 a concrete offset core (e.g., offset core 102) using
a slip form construction technique (as described above).
[0064] When erecting 504 the upper module (e.g., module 450) chosen
from the plurality of modules (e.g., modules 450, 452, 454, 456,
458, 460, 462, 464), construction method 500 may slidably couple
510 the upper module (e.g., module 450) to offset core 102 (as
shown in FIG. 15A).
[0065] When erecting 506 additional modules (e.g., module 452, then
module 454, then module 456, then module 458, then module 460, then
module 462, then module 464) chosen from the plurality of modules
(e.g., modules 450, 452, 454, 456, 458, 460, 462, 464),
construction method 500 may: jack 512 the upper module (e.g.,
module 450) upward to a height sufficient to enable positioning a
lower module (e.g., modules 452) chosen from the plurality of
modules (e.g., modules 450, 452, 454, 456, 458, 460, 462, 464)
beneath the upper module (e.g., module 450), as shown in FIG. 15B;
position 514 the lower module (e.g., module 452) beneath the upper
module (e.g., module 450), as shown in FIG. 15B; slidably couple
516 the lower module (e.g., module 452) to offset core 102, as
shown in FIG. 15C; and couple 518 the lower module (e.g., module
452) to the upper module (e.g., module 450), thus forming combined
module 550, as shown in FIG. 15C.
[0066] When erecting 506 additional modules (e.g., module 452, then
module 454, then module 456, then module 458, then module 460, then
module 462, then module 464) chosen from the plurality of modules
(e.g., modules 450, 452, 454, 456, 458, 460, 462, 464),
construction method 500 may also: jack 520 combined module 550
upward to a height sufficient to enable positioning an additional
module (e.g., module 454) chosen from the plurality of modules
(e.g., modules 450, 452, 454, 456, 458, 460, 462, 464) beneath
combined module 550, as shown in FIG. 15C; position 522 the
additional module (e.g., module 454) beneath combined module 550,
as shown in FIG. 15D; slidably couple 524 the additional module
(e.g., module 454) to offset core 102, as shown in FIG. 15D; and
couple 526 the additional module (e.g., module 454) to combined
module 550, as shown in FIG. 15D. The above-described construction
method may be repeated (as shown in FIGS. 15E-15H) until the
construction of structure 100 is complete.
General:
[0067] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0068] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and
equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the
claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or
act for performing the function in combination with other claimed
elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present
disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and
description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the
disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without
departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The
embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the
principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to
enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the
disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as
are suited to the particular use contemplated.
[0069] A number of implementations have been described. Having thus
described the disclosure of the present application in detail and
by reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that
modifications and variations are possible without departing from
the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *