Claims:We claim:

1. A dry-clad stone slab/panel supporting and mounting system for ventilated façade or wall covering of buildings/high-rises; said system comprising:

• a three-component subframe assembly for supporting and mounting a plurality of stone slabs/panels (S) in a plurality of rows on the ventilated façade or wall-covering (VF) of a building or high-rise (B);

• said three-component subframe assembly comprising:

- a plurality of pairs of bracket (Br) fixed by a respective anchor fasteners (F1) on said ventilated façade or wall-covering (VF);

- a plurality of profiled vertical mullions (VR) mounted between each of said bracket pairs (Br) by means of a plurality of fasteners (F2); and

- a plurality of profiled horizontal runners (HR) fixed between said vertical mullions (VR) by means of fasteners (F3), in one or more rows having a vertical spacing (D2) therebetween;

wherein said profiled runner (HR) is configured as an elongated section of width (W) and having a vertical member of height (H1) and thickness (T), and a flange portion of height (H2) and thickness (t) connected in parallel thereto by means of a cantilever portion of thickness (h1) reducing from vertical member end to flange end (h2) and joined substantially in the middle of said flange portion, and wherein at least one of the ends of said flange portion is inserted in a continuous groove (G) preconfigured in said stone slabs/panels (S) before mounting thereof on said subframe assembly with a predefined vertical (D1) and horizontal spacing (D2) therebetween for making a flat continuous ventilated façade or wall-covering (VF) of predefined size mounted on said building or high-rise (B).
2. Dry-clad stone slab/panel supporting and mounting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein all three components (Br, VR, HR) of said subframe assembly are extruded from aluminium alloy.

3. Dry-clad stone slab/panel supporting and mounting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said pairs of bracket (Br) are configured as L-brackets (Br1, Br2) having the arms of predefined lengths (L1, L2; L3, L4) and thicknesses (t3, t4; t5, t6).

4. Dry-clad stone slab/panel supporting and mounting system as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one of the arms of said L-brackets (Br1, Br2) comprises a slot (K1, K2) of predefined length (L5, L6) and width (W3, W4) for adjusting a predefined air-gap (AG) between said stone slabs/panels (S) and the ventilated façade or wall-covering (VF) of said building/high-rise (B).

5. Dry-clad stone slab/panel supporting and mounting system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the arms of said L-brackets (Br1, Br2) comprise a plurality of serrations (Sr) configured extending beyond said length (L5, L6) of slot (K1, K2) and configured across said width (W5, W6) of the arms of L-brackets (Br1, Br2).

6. Dry-clad stone slab/panel supporting and mounting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said profiled vertical mullion (VR) comprises a hollow rectangular box section of thickness (t2), said box section having a width (W2) and length (L); one of the width (W2) having an extension (Bs) of length (W3) and thickness (t1) on either side thereof and with at least one hole (P) thereon for tightening said fastener (F3) therethrough for fixing runners (HR) thereon.

7. Dry-clad stone slab/panel supporting and mounting system as claimed in claim 6, wherein said box section comprises a plurality of serrations (Sr) on the longer sides thereof and extending across the length of said mullion (VR).
8. Dry-clad stone slab/panel supporting and mounting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lengths of the arms of said bracket (Br) are in a ratio of 1:2.

9. Dry-clad stone slab/panel supporting and mounting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lengths of the arms of said bracket (Br) are in a ratio of 2:3.

10. Dry-clad stone slab/panel supporting and mounting system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the ratio of the lengths of said slot (K1, K2) and the arms of said bracket (Br) is between 1:4 to 1:2 for adjusting the air gap (AG) between said stone slabs/panels (S) and the ventilated façade or wall-covering (VF) of said building/high-rise (B).

Dated this 12th day of July 2021.

Digitally signed.

(SANJAY KESHARWANI)
APPLICANT’S PATENT AGENT
REGN. NO. IN/PA-2043. , Description:FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to fixing stone slabs or panels on the façades and wall covering of buildings. In particular, the present invention relates to a ventilated type façades and wall covering for protection from rainwater, wind and sound to keep the buildings dry, heat-insulated and sound-proof. More particularly, the present invention relates to dry-clad stone mounting and supporting system for ventilated facade/wall covering of buildings/high-rises.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Natural stone is the oldest building material known to the mankind. Stone structures have stood tall for ages and the use of dimensioned stones in the architecture has evolved over time. Stones resonate well with the nature. Stones have class and durability, which make them an exciting material to work on for civil engineers, architects, designers, and planners. However, in the current climate conditions, stone has been marginalized due to bad quality of stone selection and lack of design information, which causes inaccurately produced/dimensioned stones, poor quality of fixing and inadequate cost-planning thereof.

Stone has a versatile use in architecture, being the only building material that has multiple functions, e.g., as a structural member, finishing material as well aesthetic material. It is particularly important to design a stone-fixing system which is safe and easy in install and which demonstrates enhanced quality of stone-fixing and retains the natural properties of the stones.

Dry-clad stone walls were developed to protect structural walls and ceilings by keeping them dry. Dry-clad stones also imparts a high-level aesthetic characteristic and thus demonstrates undisputed advantages of heat insulation and sound proofing. The dry-clad stone mounting is done by mechanically securing stones without any adhesive for installation thereof.

The applicant specializes in designing stone-cladding systems as per the design/architectural requirements of different building structures and which are developed to execute such projects for diverse purposes.

The applicant’s project execution experience in such dry-clad stone fixing systems has enabled them to develop innovative stone-cladding systems, which are quite relevant to the modern building structures. There are different types of dry-clad stone slab or panel mounting and supporting systems developed by the applicant, which are briefly described below:

Linear stone slab or panel supporting and mounting system Undercut-anchor stone slab/panel supporting and mounting system Ventilated stone slab/panel supporting and mounting system
Holds stone slab/panel with continuous kerb on top and bottom thereof. Holds stone slab/panel with undercut-anchors on the rear side thereof. Holds stone slab/panel with continuous kerb on top and bottom thereof.
Little adjustment possible during fixing. Adjustable in all 3 directions during fixing. Adjustable in all 3 directions during fixing.
Useful for interiors and low-height walls. Useful for building interiors and exteriors. Useful for exteriors and high-walls.
Linear stone slab/panel fixing system used. Fixable both by linear & subframe fixing system. Uses only sub-frame fixing system.
Fixed cavity between stone and building wall/façade as per stone thickness. Variable cavity between stone and building wall or façade. Variable cavity between stone and wall between 80-150 mm or more.
Single-component system. 2-component system. 3-component system.
Anchors directly fixed on building profile. Directly fixed on wall/ wall-mounted subframe. Anchors fixed to wall-mounted brackets.
Horizontal groove filled with Aluminium profile. All grooves open. Horizontal groove filled with Aluminium profile.
Need skilled manpower for installation. Need skilled manpower for installation. Easy to install even by low-skill manpower.
Extruded Aluminium: 100% recyclable. Extruded Aluminium: 100% recyclable. Extruded Aluminium: 100% recyclable.

The stone panels or slabs mounted on the facade and wall covering of buildings/high-rises are subjected to a variety of loads and stresses. Accordingly, the structure for mounting these stone panels/slabs is exposed to varying wind loads and dead loads as well as noise/sound depending on stone panel/slab size used for dry-cladding.

Ventilated facade and wall covering were developed to protect such buildings against the combined action of rain and wind by counterbalancing the effects of water beating thereon and keeping it dry with high level aesthetic characteristics and advantages of heat insulation and soundproofing thereof.

In terms of thermal energy absorption, such ventilated facade and wall covering reduce the amount of heat absorbed in hot weather conditions by the buildings fitted with such ventilated facade, due to a partial reflection of solar radiation by such ventilated facade/wall-covering and because of the ventilated air-gap created by the application of insulating material, i. e. stone panels/slabs on the ventilated facade and/or wall covering of the buildings/high-rises directly exposed the prevailing weather conditions.

These ventilated facade and/or wall covering may also considerably reduce the air-conditioning costs. In addition, ventilated facade/wall covering also tend to an improved reflection of external noise/sound because of the specific construction consisting of layers of façade and air-gap and thus ensuring sufficient noise/sound absorption. This obviously depends on the properties of reflection, absorption and acoustic transmission of the materials used in these ventilated facade and/or wall covering, and their dimensions, thickness, positioning and the behaviour of the overall building structure.

The aforementioned numerous advantages and technological innovations in such ventilated facade/wall covering are leading to an increased recognition thereof in the world of contemporary architecture, which also facilitates a free interpretation of ventilated facade of the building in a modern and stylistic expression as well as answering the demanding project and performance requirements.

Therefore, there is an existing need of an improved ventilated type of façade and/or wall covering system for the mounting and supporting of the dry-clad stone slabs or panels on buildings/high-rises, which is simple and lightweight to be installed even by less-skilled persons and which ingeniously overcomes the disadvantages associated with the existing dry-clad stone fixing systems for ventilated facade or wall covering directly exposed to varying wind loads and dead loads as well as noise/sound.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects of the present invention - satisfied by at least one embodiment of the present invention - are as follows:

An object of the present invention is to provide a simple dry-clad stone slab or panel mounting and supporting system suitable for ventilated facade and wall covering of modern buildings or high-rises.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight dry-clad stone slab or panel mounting and supporting system suitable for ventilated facade and wall covering of modern buildings or high-rises.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an easy to install dry-clad stone slab/panel mounting and supporting system suitable for ventilated facade and wall covering of modern buildings or high-rises.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a dry-clad stone slab/panel mounting and supporting system to ensure positive locking of stone panels on the ventilated facade and/or wall covering of buildings/high-rises.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a dry-clad stone slab/panel mounting and supporting system which can be used both for the newly constructed buildings as well as renovated buildings.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a dry-clad stone slab/panel mounting and supporting system which protects the ventilated facade/wall-covering of buildings/high-rises from water and wind forces and imparts heat-insulation and soundproofing of buildings equipped therewith.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, when read with the accompanying figures of drawing, which are however not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The ventilated facade and wall-covering have a complex, multi-layer structural configuration to enable "dry-clad" installation of the building façade and/or wall covering elements, such as stone slabs. Such ventilation is much more effective when applied to the entire building façade/wall-covering. Therefore, the air-gap between the building structure and façade/wall-covering mounted thereon by the innovative stone slab mounting system, which should be precisely dimensioned for perfect intake and discharge of air for ventilation.
This innovative stone slab mounting system (LAIO) for dry-cladding of ventilated facade/wall-covering is implemented by using slabs of natural stone fixed by means of horizontal runner (simply referred to as ‘runners’ in the remaining description) sections to a vertical mullion (simply referred to as ‘mullion’ in the remaining description) of the aluminum subframe assembly bracketed to the supporting wall of the building structure. This dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting system for ventilated facade and wall covering of buildings/high-rises consists of natural stone slabs of predefined size and thickness securely mounted and supported by Aluminium subframe assembly anchored to the building’s supporting wall, and which comprise/s:

(i) Anchor fasteners (F) mechanically fixed in the holes previously made in the walls of the building, e.g. RCC fasteners or Brick Fasteners depending upon the back support, or Chemical fasteners for unusual loading conditions for making the anchorage system;

(ii) Brackets (Br) of Aluminium to hold the subframe assembly in line, level, plumb by bolting to anchorage system and to hold runners (VR);

(iii) Mullion (VR) of Aluminium for supporting and holding cantilevers for the loads transmission from the subframe assembly to the supporting wall through brackets (Br) and anchor fasteners (F);

(iv) Runners (HR) of Aluminium bolted to the mullions (VR) for secure mounting of the natural stone slabs thereon; and

(v) Grooved stone slabs of predefined size & thickness fixed to runners (HR).

The aforesaid ventilated dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting system is a completely mechanically secured system, and thus does not require any adhesive application for the installation thereof on the buildings.
• The system functions by mounting, securing and supporting of stone slabs out on the backside thereof.

• The system is articulated by means of the predefined anchor fasteners, and by separating natural stone slabs using mullion and runners.

• The joints between the natural stone slabs are always open.

• This dry-clad system is applicable to brickwork, concrete or metallic structures of the buildings, both for new constructions and renovations.

For brick wall, the anchor fasteners shall be as per Hilti specifications, which carries out the relevant pull-out tests at site to check for the strength of the substrate (supporting wall). The assembly of the dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting (LAIO) system is carried out by our specialized authorized personnel. The type and conditions of support for defining the type/number of anchor fasteners is verified before the installation of the system. Water-tightness and impermeability is considered while executing singular points like ledges, lintels, jambs, covers etc. beforehand, as well as the method of correct removal of water to avoid any accumulation thereof. The recommendations of the natural stone panel/slabs supplier shall be followed for the safe handling thereof by using protective gloves therefor.

Bracket placement and distribution is carried out by aligning them vertically, separated by the edges of the dry-clad stone slabs. The flatness of the extruded aluminium post union is guaranteed with the objective ensuring a good planimetry of this dry-clad system.

Mullions are placed separated by a distance equal to or < 1.5 m and perfectly aligned and secured to the cantilevers by using fixed and elongated holes (slots K1, K2, K3) for ensuring the correct movement of the subframe assembly and to achieve good planimetry thereof.
Subsequently, the runner is placed from the lower end of the ventilated facade by means of the nuts and bolts. Finally, natural stone slabs are placed on the runners for making the flange of the runner into the stone grooves. Successive placement of the stone slabs on the runners between the corresponding mullions is done by using cables and the stone slabs are perfectly stabilized.

Installation at the site:

The dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting (LAIO) system functions through the stone slabs supported on the runner and by securing the grooved edges thereof in the stone slabs with the joints therebetween always kept open. The vertical joint is maintained between 2-15 mm and the horizontal joint is maintained between 6-12 mm. The expanding joints of the building shall always be matched with a vertical joint of this dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting (LAIO) system by means of a double mullion serrated profile.

Aluminium is a preferred material for this dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting (LAIO) system configured in accordance with the present invention, which has the following major advantages:

• Durability ? Flexibility
• Lightweight ? High corrosion resistance
• Insulation properties ? Recyclability
• Thermal efficiency ? Extrudability in different sections
• Optimum strength achieved in pre-engineered profiles.

A preferred material specification is Aluminium Alloy 6063 T6 which has ultimate tensile strength of at least 190 MPa (28,000 psi) and yield strength of at least 160 MPa (23,000 psi). It exhibits an elongation of 8% or more in thicknesses of 3.15 mm (0.124 inch) or less. It exhibits an elongation of 10% for thicker sections.
The material composition of Aluminium Alloy 6063 T6 (by weight) used for this product is as given below:

• Silicon minimum 0.3 %, maximum 0.7 %
• Iron no minimum, maximum 0.6 %
• Copper, Chromium, Manganese, Titanium and Zinc 0 to 0.10 %
• Magnesium minimum 0.4 %, maximum 0.9 %
• Other elements not more than 0.4 %
• Remainder Aluminium.

KEY FEATURES OF DRY-CLAD STONE SLAB/PANEL MOUNTING AND SUPPORTING (LAIO) SYSTEM

1) Ensures positive locking of stones on building façade/wall-covering.

2) Protect the building façade/wall-covering from rainwater, wind forces and improve the soundproofing of the building.

3) Directly mountable on the building façade/wall-covering even by unskilled/low-skilled personnel with ease.

4) Uses extruded Aluminium profile, which is durable, flexible, lightweight and offers higher strength and resistance to corrosion.

5) Provides higher heat-insulation, soundproofing and aesthetically superior façade/wall-covering in modern building and high-rises.

6) Completely recyclable configuration offers an environmentally friendly product because of every component/material being re-usable.

7) Allows the use of recycled Aluminum, instead of just virgin Aluminum.

8) Requires no synthetic/epoxy filling between the stone joints, thus makes it low-cost, unharmful to the natural properties of stones.

9) Easy, safe, and fast to install being a mechanical fixed system as compared to wet-fixing systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a dry-clad stone slab/panel supporting and mounting system for ventilated façade or wall covering of buildings/high-rises; the system comprising:

• a three-component subframe assembly for supporting and mounting a plurality of stone slabs/panels in a plurality of rows on the ventilated façade or wall-covering of a building or high-rise;

• the three-component subframe assembly comprising:

- a plurality of pairs of bracket fixed by a respective anchor fasteners on the ventilated façade or wall-covering;

- a plurality of profiled vertical mullions mounted between each of the bracket pairs by means of a plurality of fasteners; and

- a plurality of profiled horizontal runners fixed between the vertical mullions by means of fasteners, in one or more rows having a vertical spacing therebetween;

wherein the profiled runner is configured as an elongated section of width and having a vertical member of height and thickness, and a flange portion of height and thickness connected in parallel thereto by means of a cantilever portion of thickness reducing from vertical member end to flange end and joined substantially in the middle of the flange portion, and wherein at least one of the ends of the flange portion is inserted in a continuous groove preconfigured in the stone slabs/panels before mounting thereof on the subframe assembly with a predefined vertical and horizontal spacing therebetween for making a flat continuous ventilated façade or wall-covering of predefined size mounted on the building or high-rise.
Typically, all three components of the subframe assembly are extruded from aluminium alloy.

Typically, each of the pairs of bracket are configured as L-brackets having the arms of predefined lengths and thicknesses.

Typically, at least one of the arms of the L-brackets comprises a slot of predefined length and width for adjusting a predefined air-gap between the stone slabs/panels and the ventilated façade or wall-covering of the building/high-rise.

Typically, the arms of the L-brackets comprise a plurality of serrations (Sr) configured extending beyond the length of the slot and configured across the width of the arms of the L-brackets.

Typically, the profiled vertical mullion comprises a hollow rectangular box section of thickness, the box section having a width and length; one of the width having an extension of length and thickness on either side thereof and with at least one hole thereon for tightening the fastener therethrough for fixing the runners thereon.

Typically, the box section comprises a plurality of serrations on the longer sides thereof and extending across the length of the mullion.

Typically, the lengths of the arms of the bracket are in a ratio of 1:2.

Typically, the lengths of the arms of the bracket are in a ratio of 2:3.

Typically, the ratio of the lengths of the slot and arms of the bracket is between 1:4 to 1:2 for adjusting the air gap between the stone slabs/panels and the ventilated façade or wall-covering of the building/high-rise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The present invention will be briefly described in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows perspective view of the dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting system configured in accordance with the present invention and fixed through the 3-component subframe assembly thereof on the façade or wall-covering of a building or high-rise.

Figure 2 shows the first major component, i.e. runner of the dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting system of Figure 1. The stone slabs are supported on one or more rows of such runners.

Figure 3 shows the second major component, i.e. mullion of the dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting system of Figure 1. The runners of Figure 2 are fixed between two or more such mullions by means of nut-bolts. This mullion has a box portion with serrations on two faces thereof. One side of this box portion has a base.

Figure 4a the third major component, the first type of bracket for the dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting system of Figure 1.

Figure 4b the third major component, the bracket of Figure 4a when viewed in the direction of side A and showing the serrations and the slot therein.

Figure 4c the third major component, the bracket of Figure 4a when viewed in the direction of side B and showing the serrations and the slot therein.

Figure 5a the third major component, i.e. the second type of bracket for the dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting system of Figure 1.

Figure 5b the third major component, the bracket of Figure 5a when viewed in the direction of side C and showing the serrations and the slot therein.

Figure 5c the third major component, the bracket of Figure 5a when viewed in the direction of side D and showing the serrations and slot therein.

Figure 6 shows a typical anchor fastener for fixing the mullion of Figure 3 on the façade or wall-covering of a building or high-rise.

Figure 7a shows a sectional side view of the dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting system of Figure 1 for fixing in the stone panels/slabs on the wall by means of a 3-component sub-frame.

Figure 7b shows a top view of the dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting system of Figure 1 for fixing in the stone panels/slabs on the wall by means of a 3-component sub-frame.

Figure 8a shows a top view of the first plan of air-gap adjustment by using the dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting system of Figure 1 with the first type of bracket shown in Figure 4a.

Figure 8b shows a top view of the second plan of air-gap adjustment by using the dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting system of Figure 1 with the second type of bracket shown in Figure 5a and used in its first orientation.

Figure 8c shows a top view of the third plan of air-gap adjustment by using the dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting system of Figure 1 with the second type of bracket shown in Figure 5a and used in its second orientation.

Figure 9 shows a typical ventilated grid obtained made of the -clad stone slabs mounting and supporting system fixed through the 3-component subframe assembly on the façade or wall-covering of a building or high-rise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following, the dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting system fitted on the ventilated facade and wall covering of buildings/high-rises configured in accordance with the present invention will be described in more details with reference to the accompanying drawings without limiting the scope and ambit of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the dry-clad stone slab or panel mounting and supporting system configured in accordance with the present invention and fixed through the 3-component subframe assembly thereof on the ventilated façade or wall-covering VF of a building or high-rise. The sub-frame includes 3 major components, i.e. a pair of L-shaped bracket Br fixed on the façade or wall covering of the building or high-rise by standard anchor fasteners F1, a vertical member or mullion VR mounted between a pair of brackets Br by fasteners F2, and a horizontal member or runner HR for mounting and supporting the stone slabs S. The runner HR is fixed on the mullion VR by at least a pair of nut-bolts F3. The mullion VR can be positioned a specific distance from the façade/wall covering to maintain a predefined air gap AG (Figs. 7a-7b) from the stone slabs.

Figure 2 shows the first major component, i.e. runner HR of the dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting system of Figure 1. It includes a vertical member of height H1 and thickness T, which is connected to a cantilever portion at the lower end thereof. This cantilever portion has a thickness varying from h1 at the vertical member end to a reduced thickness h2 at the flange portion end. A thin flange of height H2 and thickness t parallel to the vertical member is formed at the other end of cantilever portion. The width W1 of the cantilever portion is selected depending on the thickness of the stone slabs S to be mounted thereon. The stone slabs S having a longitudinal continuous groove G formed on either edges thereof are placed on the upper flange of runner HR to for secured mounting thereof on the subframe assembly. Similarly, the stone slabs S of a lower row (if any) are supported by inserting the lower flange of runner HR therein for secured mounting thereof. Several rows of such runners HR can be mounted with the flanges thereof facing the façade/wall covering buildings/high-rises to make a ventilated façade thereof.

Figure 3 shows the second major component, i.e. mullion of the dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting system of Figure 1. The runners HR of Figure 2 are fixed between two or more such mullions VR by means of nut-bolts F3 (Figure 1). This mullion VR has a box portion of length L, width W2 and thickness t2. The box section also has serrations Sr on two long outer faces thereof for engagement thereof with the brackets Br (Figure 1) on either side thereof. This enables a secured locking of the mullion VR by fasteners F2 (Figure 1) at any position selected as per the required air-gap AG (Figure 7a) to be maintained. One side of this box portion has a base plate Bs of width W1 and thickness t1 and having at least a pair of perforations P for tightening of the runner HR therethrough by nut-bolts F3 for subsequent mounting and securing of stone slabs thereon.

Figure 4a the third major component, the first type of bracket Br1 for the dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting system of Figure 1. It preferably includes a shorter leg of length L1 and thickness t3 and a longer leg L2 and thickness t4. In an exemplary embodiment, the bracket Br1 has the thickness of 5 mm and leg-lengths of 100 mm and 75 mm respectively. Both legs have serrations Sr with a respective slot K1. The serrations Sr with the slot K1 on one of the legs are used for fixing the bracket on the façade or wall covering by a respective anchor fastener F1 (Figure 1). The serrations Sr with slot K1 on the other leg are used for fixing the bracket Br1 together with the mullion VR (Figure 3) by tightening another fastener F2 therethrough. This slot K1 facilitates to maintain the required air-gap AG (Figure 7a) by suitably sliding the mullion VR along the slot K1 and then tightening the fastener F2 thereafter.
Figure 4b the bracket Br1 of Figure 4a when viewed in the direction of side A and showing the serrations Sr and the slot K1 made therein.

Figure 4c the bracket Br1 of Figure 4a when viewed in the direction of side B and showing the serrations Sr and the slot K1 therein.

Figure 5a the third major component, i.e. the second type of bracket Br2 for the dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting system of Figure 1. It also preferably includes a shorter leg of length L3 and thickness t5 and a longer leg L4 and thickness t6. In an exemplary embodiment, the bracket Br2 has the thickness of 6 mm and leg-lengths of 75 mm and 50 mm respectively. Similar to bracket Br1, the legs of bracket Br2 have serrations Sr with slots K2. The serrations Sr with slot K2 on one of the legs are used for fixing the bracket Br2 on the façade or wall covering by an anchor fastener F1 (Figure 1). The serrations Sr with slot K2 on the other leg are used for fixing the bracket Br2 together with the mullion VR (Figure 3) by tightening another fastener F2 therethrough. This slot K2 also helps in maintaining the air-gap AG (Figure 7a) by suitably sliding the mullion VR along the slot K2 and then tightening the fastener F2 thereafter.

Figure 5b the bracket Br2 of Figure 5a when viewed in the direction of side C and showing the serrations Sr and the slot K2 therein.

Figure 5c the bracket Br2 of Figure 5a when viewed in the direction of side D and showing the serrations Sr and slot K2 therein.

Figure 6 shows a typical anchor fastener F1 for fixing brackets Br of Figure 1 on the façade or wall-covering of a building or high-rise.

Figure 7a shows an enlarged sectional side view of the dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting system of Figure 1 for fixing in the stone panels/slabs S on the façade or wall covering W of the building/high-rise by means of a 3-component sub-frame (Figure 1). Here, two rows of stone slabs S are shown with the grooves G thereof engaged with upper and lower flanges of one row of the runner HR. Similarly, a predetermined number of rows of stone slabs S can be mounted on the 3-component subframe assembly of the dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting system.

Figure 7b shows a top view of the dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting system discussed with respect to Figure 7a above and fixed with a stone panel/slab S on the façade/wall covering W by means of a 3-component sub-frame mounted thereon by a pair of fasteners F1.

Figure 8a shows a top view of the first plan for mounting the stone slabs S on the façade/wall covering W of the building/high-rise by using the first type of bracket Br1 (Figure 4a) of the dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting system configured in accordance with the present invention. Here, serrations Sr on the longer leg (e.g. 100 mm length) are engaged with serrations Sr on mullion VR by adjusting a first targeted air-gap AG (Figure 7a).

Figure 8b shows a top view of the second plan for mounting the stone slabs S on the façade/wall covering W of the building/high-rise by using the second type of bracket Br2 (Figure 5a) of the dry-clad stone slab mounting configured in accordance with the present invention. Here, the serrations Sr on the longer leg (e.g. 75 mm length) are engaged with the serrations Sr on the mullion VR by adjusting a second targeted air-gap AG (Figure 7a) by using the bracket Br2 in its first orientation.

Figure 8c shows a top view of the third plan for mounting the stone slabs S on the façade/wall covering W of the building/high-rise by using the second type of bracket Br2 (Figure 5a) of the dry-clad stone slab mounting configured in accordance with the present invention. Here, the serrations Sr on the shorter leg (e.g. 50 mm length) are engaged with the serrations Sr on the mullion VR by adjusting a third targeted air-gap AG (Figure 7a) by using the bracket Br2 in its second orientation.

Figure 9 shows a typical ventilated grid obtained by mounting the stone slabs by means of the dry-clad mounting and supporting system fixed through the 3-component subframe assembly on the façade or wall-covering of a building or high-rise. This grid-pattern includes placement of stone slabs S of predefined size (e.g. 1200 mm x 900 mm) and thickness (40 mm) on the runners HR with a predefined spacing of D1 in predefined number of rows and mounted between the mullions VR fixed between the bracket Br pairs also with a spacing of D2.

ASSEMBLY OF DRY-CLAD STONE SLAB MOUNTING:

For this purpose, first the bracket Br (Br1 / Br2 / Br3) is selected according to the required air-gap for ventilated façade/wall covering of building/high-rise.
• Initially, the pairs of these brackets Br are fixed by fasteners F1 on the façade or wall covering W in a predefined grid-pattern thereof (Figure 9) for placement and fixing of mullions VR therebetween at a defined spacing.
• Secondly, the respective mullions VR are placed between each pair of brackets Br and tightened with a predefined air-gap AG by engaging the corresponding serrations Sr of the brackets Br and mullion VR and tightening of fasteners F2 therebetween.
• Thirdly, the first row of runner (HR) is tightened on the base plates Bs of the respective mullions VR by means of nut-bolts F3 for fixing them together.
• Finally, stone slabs S with the lower grooves G thereof inserted on the thin flanges of the runner to securely support the stone slabs S therein.
• On completion of fixing of one row of stone slabs S, another row of 3-component subframe assembly is fixed on the façade/wall covering W with the vertical spacing according to the required ventilated grid-pattern.
This way, the predefined ventilated façade/wall covering of a suitable grid pattern is obtained on the building/high-rise, which provides an aesthetic.

The final configuration of a typical façade or wall covering of a building/high-rise is finalized by considering the wind loads, dead loads and live loads exerted thereon during different seasons during the year.

In particular, the aluminum extruded sections are used for making the 3-component subframe assembly of this dry-clad stone slabs mounting and supporting system.

This process involves calculations of the optimum profiles therefor by considering the density, modulus of elasticity, minimum tensile strength, tensile yield strength, limiting bending stress, limiting axial compressive and tensile stresses, and limiting shear stress.

The size of the stone, i.e. the length, width and thickness as well as weight thereof are also accounted for in these calculations. These include the wind loads on subframe assembly, its runner HR, mullion VR and bracket Br of the dry-clad stone slabs mounting and supporting system configured in accordance with the present invention mounted thereon.

These calculations also involve loading of the subframe assembly of the dry-clad stone slabs mounting and supporting system for supporting the stone slabs S by obtaining the maximum designed wind pressure and the permissible deflections therein by considering the wind loads and stone size, e.g. height, width, and thickness thereof. This process also involves calculating the maximum dead load of the dry-cladding of stones by considering the stone density and dead load thereon. The calculation are done for a predefined grid-pattern of the stone slabs S to be mounted on a building/high-rise:
The following are the details of the materials used for customizing the dry-clad stone slabs mounting and supporting system configured in accordance with the present invention.

Material: Aluminium alloy 6063, T6 [as per IS:8118-1-1991] used for extruded undercut anchor system: [1 N/mm2 = 1 MPa]

Density : 27.1 kN/m3
Modulus of Elasticity : 70000 N/mm2
Minimum Tensile Strength : 185 N/mm2
Tensile Yield Strength : 160 N/mm2
Limiting Bending Stress : 160 N/mm2
Limiting Axial Compression Stress / : 175 N/mm2
Limiting Shear Stress : 95 N/mm2
Material factor ?m : 1.2
Stone Data:
Stone height : 900 mm Stone width : 1200 mm Stone thickness : 40 mm
Stone weight :115 kg/m

It is imperative to obtain the most-recent technical data for the stones to be used (preferably the results from the stone samples of the same bed/quarry within the last two years). In particular, the flexural strength and the resistance of the system components to the lateral loads are documented. In addition, the information about the probable lateral loads are also calculated by using the methods and factors specified in the relevant Standard BS EN 1991-1-4.

The stone thickness selected for use is determined by (a) structural calculation or performance testing to establish the stone properties (particularly the flexural strength and the breaking load at dowel); or (b) in accordance with Annex A if it is agreed that (a) is not appropriate.
Assumptions for the calculations:

- Natural stone slabs withstands the wind forces (pressure/suction) and transmit them through the subframe assembly to the supporting anchor fasteners, which in turn withstand these forces.

- Similarly, natural stone slabs securing elements, subframe assembly and anchor fasteners withstand the stresses produced by wind along with own weight.

- The horizontal forces (due to the pressure and suction of wind) are withstood jointly by the mullion and runner serrations.

- The span of the natural stone slabs is equal to or less than 1/150 of the distance between the securing points. The span of mullion and runners is equal to or less than 1/150 of the distance between the securing points.

- For stone slabs above 30 mm thickness, the vertical joints between runners match the mullions. Here, the weight of natural stone slabs is transmitted to the mullions at their points of union with the runners to transmit pre-calculated forces.

- When the vertical joints do not match the mullion profiles (for runners less than 30 mm thick), the runner is checked to confirm whether it is capable of transmitting the forces acting thereon (the weight of the stone slab and the forces due to wind) to the mullion.

- The behavior of the mullions and cantilevers is checked for the torsional forces due to the heavy loads placed thereon.

- The bending, cutting, and impact resistance values of the natural stone slabs are also verified.

Physical characteristics of the stone to be checked:

- Density of stone
- Coefficient of expansion

- Absorption coefficient of stone

- Flexural strength of stone

- Modulus of rapture

- Tolerance in thickness

It is recommended that this dry-clad stone slab mounting and supporting (LAIO) system is used with mechanical anchor fasteners by Hilti. All anchors shall be of Stainless Steel.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE

The dry-clad stone slab/panel supporting and mounting system for ventilated façade or wall covering of buildings/high-rises configured according to the present invention has the following advantages:

• Provides full safety from fall-down of stone panels/slabs from walls.

• Offers proportional and uniform load-distribution.

• Uses both recyclable and virgin friendly extruded aluminium sections, thus environmentally friendly.

• Requires no synthetic/epoxy filling between the stone joints, thus making dry-cladding of stone slabs/panels easy.

• Adjustable air-gap helps in targeted ventilation between the façade/walls of building/high-rise and stones.

• Prevents stone discoloration over longer durations.

• Offers high-level of aesthetic characteristics as well as heat insulation and soundproofing of building/high-rises.

• Applicable for new construction and renovations of buildings/high-rises.

• Significant reduction in air-conditioning load due to reflection of heat by the predefined air gap provided between the building façade/walls and stone slabs/panels.

• Imparts “chimney effect” due to efficient, natural ventilations by air-gap.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.

Although, the embodiments presented in this disclosure have been described in terms of its preferred embodiments, the skilled person in the art would readily recognize that these embodiments can be applied with modifications possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention as described in this specification by making innumerable changes, variations, modifications, alterations and/or integrations in terms of materials and method used to configure, manufacture and assemble various constituents, components, subassemblies and assemblies, in terms of their size, shapes, orientations and interrelationships without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

The numerical values given of various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher or lower than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.
Throughout this specification, the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, shall be understood to imply including a described element, integer or method step, or group of elements, integers or method steps, however, does not imply excluding any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or method steps.

The use of the expression “a”, “at least” or “at least one” shall imply using one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as used in the embodiment of the disclosure in order to achieve one or more of the intended objects or results of the present invention.

The description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description.

In the description, relative terms such as “lower”, “upper”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “above”, “below”, “up”, “down”, “top”, and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g. “horizontally”, “inwardly”, “outwardly”; “downwardly”, “upwardly” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion.

These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the corresponding apparatus or device be constructed or operated in a particular orientation.

Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected”, refer to a relationship, wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.