Column assembly

DETAILED DESCRIPTION For the purpose of summarizing this invention, this invention comprises a column assembly having a plurality of floor-height columns which are erected vertically, one on top of the other, to define the floors of the building structure to be constructed.
The upper end of each column comprises a capital for supporting bearing beams which extend from one column assembly to an adjacent column assembly.
The bearing beams provide support for a precast slab floor or a cast-in-place floor.
A primary feature of the invention is the manner in which the columns of each column assembly are interconnected.
Specifically, each column comprises a plurality of reinforcement rods which are embedded in the column and extend outwardly from the ends thereof.
The rods are cut at precisely equal lengths to extend precisely equal distances from each end of the column.
Each rod is threaded in a precise manner with the thread beginning at the same orientation for each rod such that when the columns are stacked end-to-end, the rods are in perfect axial alignment with the thread of one rod continuously leading into the thread of the contiguous rod to which it is aligned.
The precise cutting and threading of the rods extending from the ends of the columns allow a threaded sleeve to be threaded onto the rods extending from the lower end of the upper column and, after stacking of the upper column end-to-end onto a lower column, the threaded sleeve may be threaded onto the axially aligned and contiguous rods extending from the lower column.
A rigid mechanical connection is therefore made between adjacent columns sufficient to support the columns vertically without additional shoring.
Most importantly, the preciseness of the length of the rods assures that a precisely, vertically aligned column assembly is achieved.
Leveling adjustment is therefore not necessary or minimized.
Another feature of the column assembly of the invention is the use as a capital at the upper end of a lower column for supporting bearing beams which straddle adjacent column assemblies so as to provide support for the laying of precast floor slabs or, alternatively, to provide support for pouring a cast-in-place floor