Description:Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to foundation structures for buildings. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a foundation structure for a prefabricated building constructed from pre-cast concrete panels.
Background
[0002] Buildings, such as prefabricated shelters, provide enclosure for humans, animals, and goods, and protect them from the outside ambient environment, such as rain, snow, excessive heat, cold, sun exposure, and the like. Such buildings are typically constructed atop foundation structures laid on the ground. Several types of foundation structures are known to be laid to support the buildings. However, these foundation structures may generally be constructed using complex components and several special construction tools. Also, laying such foundation structures require skilled laborers, and are time and labor intensive.
[0003] Australian patent application no. 2014100669 discloses an adjustable platform for a structure. The adjustable platform includes a pair of generally horizontally aligned and spaced support piles. Each pile includes an attachment cap for attaching and anchoring the pile to a respective foundation, a load bearing support head, and a height adjuster providing adjustment of the displacement between the respective support head with respect to the respective attachment cap thereby providing relative vertical height adjustment. Also, the adjustable platform includes horizontal spreader beam that extends along a longitudinal beam axis between each pile and supported by the load bearing support heads. The horizontal spreader beam supports a pair of chassis rails corresponding to a building or structure.
Summary of the Invention
[0004] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a foundation structure for a building. The foundation structure includes a plurality of piles, one or more connectors, and one or more plinth beams. The piles are configured to be at least partially piled into ground. The one or more connectors are removably coupled to each pile of the plurality of piles. Each connector defines a coupling portion. The one or more plinth beams are removably coupled to the coupling portions of at least two connectors of the one or more connectors. Each plinth beam defines a mating portion engageable with an engagement portion of at least one pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel of the building to support the at least one pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel at an elevation above the ground.
[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a building. The building includes a roof structure, a plurality of walls for supporting the roof structure, a floor structure, and a foundation structure. Each wall of the plurality of walls includes a plurality of precast concrete wall panels. The floor structure includes at least one pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel that defines an engagement portion. The foundation structure includes a plurality of piles, one or more connectors, and one or more plinth beams. The piles are configured to be at least partially piled into ground. The one or more connectors are removably coupled to each pile of the plurality of piles. Each connector defines a coupling portion. The one or more plinth beams are removably coupled to the coupling portions of at least two connectors of the one or more connectors. Each plinth beam defines a mating portion engageable with an engagement portion of the at least one pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel of the building to support the at least one pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel at an elevation above the ground.
[0006] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for constructing a foundation structure for a building. The method includes piling a plurality of piles into ground. Also, the method includes coupling one or more connectors to each pile of the plurality of piles. Each connector defines a coupling portion. Further, the method includes coupling one or more plinth beams to the coupling portions of at least two connectors of the one or more connectors. Each plinth beam defines a mating portion engageable with an engagement portion of at least one pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel of the building to support the at least one pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel at an elevation above the ground.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a building, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 2A illustrates the building devoid of a roof structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2B illustrates two buildings disposed adjacent to one another to form an array of buildings, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a foundation structure supporting a floor structure of the building, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section view of FIG. 3 taken along a line A-A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the foundation structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0013] FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart illustrating a method for constructing a foundation structure for a building, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description
[0014] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numbers may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts, e.g., 1, 1`, 1``, 101 and 201 could refer to one or more comparable components used in the same and/or different depicted embodiments.
[0015] Referring to FIG. 1 an exemplary building 100 is disclosed. The building 100 may be configured to house persons, animals, goods, and the like. The building 100 may embody a prefabricated shelter 100`. In an exemplary embodiment, the prefabricated shelter 100` is a railway prefabricated shelter 100`` configured to house and protect electronic devices and/or equipment, such as power or control systems, from the outside ambient environment such as rain, snow, excessive heat, cold, sun exposure, and the like. In other embodiments, the building 100 may be any other type of prefabricated building, such as a house, school, store, or factory, or any type of residential structure or commercial structure or industrial structure.
[0016] The building 100 includes a roof structure 104, a plurality of walls 108, and a floor structure 112. The roof structure 104 includes one or more precast concrete roof panels 116. In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the roof structure 104 includes a first roof panel 120 and a second roof panel 124. Each of the first roof panel 120 and the second roof panel 124 includes a C-shaped structure with a first wall section 128 and a two second wall sections 132, 136 (please see exemplary markings for the first roof panel 120). The two second wall sections 132, 136 extend substantially perpendicularly from the first wall section 128. The first roof panel 120 and the second roof panel 124 are arranged planarly, such that the second wall section 136 of the first roof panel 120 abuts against the second wall section 132 of the second roof panel 124. In other embodiments, the first roof panel 120 and the second roof panel 124 may have any suitable structure known in the art.
[0017] The walls 108 supports the roof structure 104. In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, the walls 108 includes a first wall 140, a second wall 144, a third wall 148, and a fourth wall 152. Each of the first wall 140, the second wall 144, the third wall 148, and the fourth wall 152 includes and/or is constructed by assembling a plurality of precast concrete wall panels 156, which are vertically freestanding structures, each extending in a vertically upward direction from the floor structure 112, as shown. The precast concrete wall panels 156 are pre-stressed panels.
[0018] The first wall 140 is now discussed. The first wall 140 may include one or more precast concrete wall panels 160. In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, the first wall 140 includes a first wall panel 164 and a second wall panel 168. Each of the first wall panel 164 and the second wall panel 168 includes a C-shaped structure with a first wall section 172 and a two second wall sections 176, 180. The two second wall sections 176, 180 may be disposed spaced apart from each other defining a gap 178. Also, the two second wall sections 176, 180 extend substantially perpendicularly from the first wall section 172. In other embodiments, the first wall panel 164 and the second wall panel 168 may have any suitable structure known in the art.
[0019] The first wall panel 164 and the second wall panel 168 are arranged such that the second wall section 180 of the first wall panel 164 abuts against the second wall section 176 of the second wall panel 168. Once abutted against each other, the second wall section 180 of the first wall panel 164 and the second wall section 176 of the second wall panel 168 may be fastened to each other. It may be appreciated that structure of the third wall 148 is similar to the structure of the first wall 140, and hence will not be discussed.
[0020] The second wall 144 is now discussed. The second wall 144 may include one or more precast concrete wall panels 184. In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, the second wall 144 includes a third wall panel 188 and a fourth wall panel 192. Each of the third wall panel 188 and the fourth wall panel 192 includes a C-shaped structure with a third wall section 196 and a two fourth wall sections 200, 204. The two fourth wall sections 200, 204 may be disposed spaced apart from each other defining a gap 208. Also, the two fourth wall sections 200, 204 extend substantially perpendicularly from the third wall section 196. In other embodiments, the third wall panel 188 and the fourth wall panel 192 may have any suitable structure known in the art.
[0021] The third wall panel 188 and the fourth wall panel 192 are arranged such that the fourth wall section 204 of the third wall panel 188 may be disposed within the gap 208 of the fourth wall panel 192, and the fourth wall section 200 of the fourth wall panel 192 may be in turn disposed within the gap 208 of the third wall panel 188. Once abutted against each other, the fourth wall section 204 of the third wall panel 188 and the fourth wall section 200 of the fourth wall panel 192 may be fastened to each other. It may be appreciated that structure of the fourth wall 152 is similar to the structure of the second wall 144, and hence will not be discussed.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 2A, an assembly of the first wall 140, the second wall 144, the third wall 148, and the fourth wall 152 is now discussed. As exemplarily shown, the second wall panel 168 of the first wall 140 is engaged with the third wall panel 188 of the second wall 144 to couple the first wall 140 with the second wall 144. The second wall panel 168 is engaged with the third wall panel 188 such that the fourth wall section 200 of the third wall panel 188 is disposed within the gap 178 defined at the second wall panel 168. Next, the fourth wall section 200 of the third wall panel 188 may be fastened to the second wall section 180 of the second wall panel 168 (of the first wall 140) (e.g., via one or more fasteners) to couple the first wall 140 with the second wall 144.
[0023] Similarly, the fourth wall section 204 of the fourth wall panel 192 (of the second wall 144) is disposed within the gap 178 defined at the second wall panel 168 of the third wall 148 to couple the second wall 144 with the third wall 148. Next, the fourth wall section 204 of the fourth wall panel 192 may be fastened to the second wall section 180 of the second wall panel 168 (of the third wall 148) (e.g., via one or more fasteners) to couple the second wall 144 with the third wall 148.
[0024] It may be appreciated that the coupling between the third wall 148 and the fourth wall 152 may be similar to the coupling between the first wall 140 and the second wall 144, and the coupling between the first wall 140 and the fourth wall 152 may be similar to the coupling between the second wall 144 and the third wall 148. In this manner, the outer walls of the building 100 are formed and connected to each other. Also, one of the first wall 140, the second wall 144, the third wall 148, and the fourth wall 152 may include one or more openings (not shown), such as for mounting a door 212 or a window (not shown) of the building 100.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 3, the floor structure 112 is now discussed. The floor structure 112 includes at least one pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel 216. In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the floor structure 112 includes two pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel 216 – a first base panel 220 and a second base panel 224. Each of the first base panel 220 and the second base panel 224 includes a C-shaped structure with a fifth wall section 228 and a two sixth wall sections 232, 236. The fifth wall section 228 is a flat body 228`. The two sixth wall sections 232, 236 may be protruded portions disposed spaced apart from each other. Also, the two sixth wall sections 232, 236 extend substantially perpendicularly and outwardly from the fifth wall section 228 (or the flat body 228`). Further, each of the two sixth wall sections 232, 236 defines an engagement portion 240 (shown in detail, in FIG. 4). The first base panel 220 and the second base panel 224 may be arranged adjacent to each other such that the sixth wall section 236 of the first base panel 220 abuts against the sixth wall section 232 of the second base panel 224. In other embodiments, the first base panel 220 and the second base panel 224 may have any suitable structure known in the art.
[0026] Further, the floor structure 112 may include one or more retention blocks 244. Each retention block 244 may be a pre-cast pre-stressed concrete block. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the floor structure 112 includes two retention blocks 244, i.e., – a first retention block 244` and a second retention block 244``. Each of the first retention block 244` and a second retention block 244`` has an L-shaped structure with a first portion 248 and a second portion 252. When constructing the building 100, the first retention block 244` may be disposed adjacent to the first base panel 220 in a manner such that the second portion 252 of the first retention block 244` abuts against the sixth wall section 232 of the first base panel 220, and the second retention block 244`` may be disposed adjacent to the second base panel 224 in a manner such that the second portion 252 of the second retention block 244`` abuts against the sixth wall section 236 of the second base panel 224.
[0027] Referring to the FIGS. 4 and 5, a foundation structure 260 for the building 100 is discussed. The foundation structure 260 is configured to support the building 100 above the ground 264. For example, the foundation structure 260 is configured to support the roof structure 104, the walls 108, and the floor structure 112 of the building 100 at an elevation above the ground 264.
[0028] The foundation structure 260 includes a plurality of piles 268, one or more connectors 272, and one or more plinth beams 276. Each pile 268 is a precast pile fabricated using reinforced cement concrete. Each pile 268 may include elongate strut defining a top portion 280 and a bottom portion 284 (as shown in FIG. 4). Each pile 268 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, as viewed when each pile 268 is dissected by a plane perpendicular to the elongation of the pile 268. For example, the pile 268 may have a closed cross-sectional shape, such as a circular cross-sectional shape, a square cross-sectional shape, an oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape, a hexagonal cross-sectional shape, or any irregular cross-sectional shape. In the present embodiment, the pile 268 has a circular cross-sectional shape. In another example, the pile 268 may have an open cross-sectional shape, to define one or more of a C-channel, I-beam, or an angular shape. In the present embodiment, the piles 268 are linear piles, each defining a linear longitudinal axis ‘X1’ and a length ‘L1’ along the longitudinal axis ‘X1’. In other embodiments, the piles 268 may be curved piles, each defining an arcuate longitudinal axis. It may be appreciated that the remaining piles of the plurality of piles 268 are similar in construction and configuration, and hence will not be discussed.
[0029] The piles 268 are configured to be at least partially piled into the ground 264. The term “partially piled” refers to mounting of each pile 268 on the ground 264 such that the top portion 280 of the pile 268 is located at a desired elevation above the ground 264 and the bottom portion 284 of the pile 268 is located under the ground 264. In the present embodiment, the piles 268 are mounted upright with respect to the ground 264. In other embodiment, the piles 268 may be mounted at an inclination with respect to the ground 264.
[0030] Each pile 268 is piled at its corresponding reference location selected from an array of reference locations 270 marked on the ground 264. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS.1 to 5, the array of reference locations 270 includes nine reference locations 270` located spaced apart from each other to define a three-by-three array of reference locations 270. In other embodiments, the array of reference locations 270 may include higher or lower numbers of the reference locations.
[0031] The connector 272 is now discussed. The connector 272 is configured to be removably coupled to each pile 268 of the plurality of piles 268. The connector 272 includes a body 288. In the present embodiment, the body 288 is a metallic body 288`. The body 288 defines a coupling portion 292 and a receptacle portion 296. The coupling portion 292 may include a mouth 300 extending along an axis ‘X2’ transverse to the length ‘L’ of the pile 268. In the present embodiment, the mouth 300 includes a C-shaped structure having a first portion 304 and two second portions 308, 312. The two second portions 308, 312 extend substantially perpendicularly from the first portion 304, and are disposed spaced apart from each other to define the mouth 300. The mouth 300 is configured to receive the one or more plinth beams 276. As shown in FIG. 4, the mouth 300 receives one plinth beam 276.
[0032] The receptacle portion 296 extends away from the coupling portion 292 in a direction transverse to the axis ‘X2’. The receptacle portion 296 includes a hollow body 296` configured to receive and fit over and around the top portion 280 of the pile 268. For that, the receptacle portion 296 may have a shape complimentary to the shape of the top portion of the pile 268. In the present embodiment, the receptacle portion 296 is snap-fitted on the top portion 280 of the pile 268. Once fitted over and around the top portion 280 of the pile 268, the connector 272 may be coupled to the pile 268, e.g., via one or more fasteners (not shown). It may be appreciated that the other connectors of the one or more connectors 272 have construction and configuration similar to the connector 272, and hence will not be discussed.
[0033] The plinth beam 276 is now discussed. The plinth beam 276 is configured to be removably coupled to the coupling portions 292 (or the mouth 300) of the at least two connectors 272 of the one or more connectors 272. As an example, the plinth beam 276 may be received within the coupling portions 292 (or the mouths 300) of three connectors 272 coupled to their corresponding three piles 268.
[0034] The plinth beam 276 is a precast pre-stressed plinth beam. The plinth beam 276 may be fabricated using reinforced cement concrete. The plinth beam 276 includes a body 316 defining a length ‘L2’. The body 316 may have a cuboidal structure that defines a first longitudinal end 320, a second longitudinal end 324 opposite to the first longitudinal end 320, and an outer surface 328 extending between the first longitudinal end 320 and the second longitudinal end 324.
[0035] Also, the body 316 defines a mating portion 332. The mating portion 332 may be defined by one or more slots 334. Each slot 334 may extend from the outer surface 328 into the body 316. As an example, each slot 334 may define a base section 336 and two upright sections 340, 344. The base section 336 may be a flat section. Each of the two upright sections 340, 344 may extend away from the outer surface 328 so as to extend inward into the body 316. The base section 336 may extend between the two upright sections 340, 344 to impart a C-shaped profile to the slot 334. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the one or more slot 334 includes a slot 334` that extend between the first longitudinal end 320 and the second longitudinal end 324 along the length ‘L2’ of the plinth beam 276.
[0036] The mating portion 332 (or the slot 334) may be configured to be engaged with the engagement portion 240 of the least one pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel 216 (i.e., the first base panel 220 and the second base panel 224) to support the least one pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel 216 at an elevation above the ground 264. It may be appreciated that the other plinth beams have construction and configuration similar to the plinth beam 276, and hence will not be discussed.
Industrial Applicability
[0037] Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary method for constructing a foundation structure for a building, i.e., the foundation structure 260 for the building 100, is discussed. The method is discussed by way of a flowchart 600 that illustrates exemplary stages (i.e., from 604 to 612) associated with the method. The method is also discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 4, and 5.
[0038] During installation of the building 100, the foundation structure 260 for the building 100 is desired to be laid out over the ground 264. For that, initially, multiple reference locations 270` may be marked on the ground 264 in a manner to form the array of reference locations 270. In the present embodiment, nine reference locations 270` are marked on the ground to form the three-by-three array of reference locations 270.
[0039] Once the reference locations 270` are marked on the ground 264, the piles are positioned on their corresponding reference locations 270`. Subsequently, the piles 268 are at least partially piled into the ground 264 (STEP 604). The piles 268 are piled into the ground 264 such that their corresponding top portions 280 are located at same elevation above the ground 264. In an example, the piles 268 are piled into the ground 264 by using one or more known drilling techniques.
[0040] Subsequent to the piling of the piles 268 into the ground 264, the one or more connectors 272 are coupled to each pile 268 (STEP 608). In the present embodiment, only one connector 272 of the one or more connectors 272 is coupled to the top portion 280 of each pile 268. For that, the receptacle portion 296 of each connector 272 is fitted over and around the top portion 280 of the pile 268 to which the connector 272 is to be coupled (as shown in FIG. 4). Next, the receptacle portion 296 may be fastened to the top portion of the corresponding pile 268, for example, via one or more fasteners (not shown).
[0041] Once the connectors 272 are coupled to their corresponding piles 268, each plinth beam 276 of the one or more plinth beams 276 is coupled to the coupling portions 292 (or the mouths 300) of the at least two connectors 272 (STEP 612). In the present embodiment, each plinth beam 276 is received within the coupling portions 292 (or the mouths 300) of the three connectors 272 coupled to three consecutive piles 268 arranged adjacent to each other in a spaced relation. The plinth beam 276 is received within the coupling portions 292 (or the mouths 300) of the three connectors 272 in such a manner that the mating portion 332 (or the slot 334) of the plinth beam 276 is located away from the first portions 304 of the corresponding coupling portions 292 (of the three connectors 272) to receive the engagement portion 240 of the at least one pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel 216. In a similar manner, the remaining two plinth beams 276 of the total of three plinth beams 276 may be coupled to the coupling portions 292 (or the mouths 300) of the remaining connectors 272 of the total of nine connectors 272. The piles 268, the connectors 272, and the plinth beams 276, coupled to each other in the above discussed manner, form the foundation structure 260 for the building 100.
[0042] Once the foundation structure 260 for the building 100 is laid, the pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panels 216 (i.e., the first base panel 220 and the second base panel 224) are mounted to the foundation structure 260 (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4). In the present embodiment, each pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel 216 is mounted on the two adjacent plinth beams 276 of the foundation structure 260. For instance, the engagement portions 240 of each of the precast pre-stressed concrete base panels 216 are coupled to the mating portions 332 of the two adjacent plinth beams 276 to which the precast pre-stressed concrete base panel 216 is to be coupled.
[0043] In some embodiments, the retention blocks 244 may also be mounted to the foundation structure 260. For example, the retention block 244` may be disposed adjacent to the sixth wall section 232 of the first base panel 220 and within the mating portion 332 of the corresponding plinth beam 276, and the retention block 244`` may be disposed adjacent to the sixth wall section 236 of the second base panel 224 and within the mating portion 332 of the corresponding plinth beam 276. Together, the pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panels 216 (i.e., the first base panel 220 and the second base panel 224) and the retention blocks 244, when mounted to the foundation structure 260, may define the floor structure 112 of the building 100. In other embodiments, the retention blocks 244 may be replaced by molten concrete material.
[0044] Once the floor structure 112 is laid on top of the foundation structure 260, the first wall 140, the second wall 144, the third wall 148, and the fourth wall 152 may be coupled to the floor structure 112 and to each other as discussed above. Further, the roof structure 104 may be placed atop the first wall 140, the second wall 144, the third wall 148, and the fourth wall 152. For example, each roof panel 116 (the first roof panel 120 and the second roof panel 124) may be placed and assembled over the first wall 140, the second wall 144, the third wall 148, and the fourth wall 152.
[0045] In some embodiments, an array of buildings, such as the building 100, may be installed adjacent to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, another foundation structure 260` (having configuration and structure similar to the foundation structure 260) may be installed adjacent to the foundation structure 260 in a manner such that at least one engagement portion 240` of concrete base panel 216` of another foundation structure 260’ is correspondingly received within the mating portion 332 of the adjacent plinth beam 276 of the foundation structure 260.
[0046] The foundation structure 260 supports the building 100 at the desired elevation above the ground 264 to protect the humans, animals, or goods enclosed within the building 100 from the harsh ambient conditions, such as rainwater, floods, and the like. The foundation structure 260 is constructed by using simple and easy to manufacture components, i.e., the piles 268, the connectors 272, and the plinth beams 276, that may be quickly assembled and/or disassembled onsite even by low or moderately skilled labors and technicians. For example, the piles 268, the connectors 272, and the plinth beams 276 can be easily shipped, for example, via mobile containers, to the installation site of the building 100. Accordingly, the foundation structure 260 may facilitate construction of the building 100 even in remote regions, such as near railway tracks, forests, riverside, etc. Furthermore, the foundation structure 260 may facilitate easy installation of the buildings, such as the building 100, at any type of terrain and in any type of soil.
[0047] Unless explicitly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not exclude the use of plural such components, structures, or operations or their equivalents. The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” or the term “one or more,” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B” or one or more of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Similarly, as used herein, the word "or" refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase "A, B, or C" refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as any of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or multiple of any item such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc.
[0048] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the foundation structure, building, and/or method of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the foundation structure, building, and/or method disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalent.

List of Elements:

FOUNDATION STRUCTURE FOR BUILDING

100 building
100` prefabricated shelter
100`` railway prefabricated shelter
104 roof structure
116 roof panels
120 first roof panel
124 second roof panel
128 first wall section
132 second wall section
136 second wall section
108 walls
140 first wall
144 second wall
148 third wall
152 fourth wall
156 precast concrete wall panel
160 precast concrete wall panel
164 first wall panel
168 second wall panel
172 first wall section
176 second wall section
180 second wall section
178 gap
184 precast concrete wall panel
188 third wall panel
192 fourth wall panel
196 third wall section
200 fourth wall section
204 fourth wall section
208 gap
112 floor structure
112` floor structure
216 concrete base panel
216` concrete base panel
220 first base panel
224 second base panel
228 fifth wall section
232 sixth wall section
236 sixth wall section
240 engagement portion
244 retention blocks
244` first retention block
244`` second retention block
248 first portion
252 second portion
260 foundation structure
260` another foundation structure
264 ground
268 piles
280 top portion
284 bottom portion
270 reference locations
272 connectors
276 plinth beam
288 connector body
292 coupling portion
300 mouth
304 first portion
308 second portion
312 second portion
296 receptacle portion
316 plinth beam body
320 first longitudinal end
324 second longitudinal end
332 mating portion
334 slot
336 base section
340 upright section
344 upright section , Claims:1. A foundation structure for a building, the foundation structure comprising:
a plurality of piles configured to be at least partially piled into ground;
one or more connectors removably coupled to each pile of the plurality of piles, each connector defining a coupling portion; and
one or more plinth beams removably coupled to the coupling portions of at least two connectors of the one or more connectors, each plinth beam defining a mating portion engageable with an engagement portion of at least one pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel of the building to support the at least one pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel at an elevation above the ground.
2. The foundation structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling portion defines a mouth extending along an axis transverse to a length of the pile to receive the one or more plinth beams.
3. The foundation structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein each plinth beam of the one or more plinth beams includes a body defining an outer surface, the mating portion being defined by one or more slots extending from the outer surface into the body.
4. The foundation structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel includes a flat body, the engagement portion being defined by one or more protruded portions extending outwardly from the flat body.
5. The foundation structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein each pile of the plurality of piles defines a top portion located above the ground when the pile is at least partially piled into the ground, and wherein each connector of the one or more connectors defines a receptacle portion extending away from the coupling portion to receive and fit over and around the top portion of the pile.
6. The foundation structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein each pile of the plurality of piles is a precast pile fabricated using reinforced cement concrete, and wherein each plinth beam of the one or more plinth beams is a precast pre-stressed plinth beam.
7. A building, comprising:
a roof structure;
a plurality of walls for supporting the roof structure, each wall including a plurality of precast concrete wall panels;
a floor structure including at least one pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel defining an engagement portion; and
a foundation structure including:
a plurality of piles configured to be at least partially piled into ground;
one or more connectors removably coupled to each pile of the plurality of piles, each connector defining a coupling portion; and
one or more plinth beams removably coupled to the coupling portions of at least two connectors of the one or more connectors, each plinth beam defining a mating portion engageable with the engagement portion of at the least one pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel of the building to support the at least one pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel at an elevation above the ground.
8. The building as claimed in claim 7, wherein each plinth beam of the one or more plinth beams includes a body defining an outer surface, the mating portion being defined by one or more slots extending from the outer surface into the body, and
wherein the at least one pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel includes a flat body, the engagement portion being defined by one or more protruded portions extending outwardly from the flat body.
9. A method for constructing a foundation structure for a building, the method comprising:
piling a plurality of piles into ground;
coupling one or more connectors to each pile of the plurality of piles, each connector defining a coupling portion;
coupling one or more plinth beams to the coupling portions of at least two connectors of the one or more connectors, each plinth beam defining a mating portion engageable with an engagement portion of at least one pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel of the building to support the at least one pre-cast pre-stressed concrete base panel at an elevation above the ground.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9 comprising:
marking an array of reference locations on the ground, each reference location of the array of reference location indicates a position for piling a corresponding pile of the plurality of piles into the ground.