Prefabricated self-supporting panelled structure system

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention provides a construction system wherein a multiplicity of shaped panels having inclined flange portions extending from their respective sides are secured in adjoining, mutually relation, wherein the adjoined flange portions serve as the integral ribs for the structure.
In the case of a domed structure, the panels are shaped and progressively sized such that when joined together by their adjoining flange portions, the desired dome shape is achieved.
Panels of substantially rectangular and triangular form lend themselves to such forms of structure.
It will be understood that while structural rigidity is greatly facilitated by the form of the building or structure, use can be made of the present system to provide structures having planar surfaces formed by the assembly of a plurality of the panels.
Conversely, while economical use is made of planar sheeting material for the panels, curved or even spherically formed sheet or plate may be used for that purpose.
Certain embodiments of the present invention utilize panels in assembled relation, having the panel flanges located in the interior of the structure.
However, the reverse arrangement can also be used, wherein the geometry of the panels enable their assembly with the flanges located exteriorly of the structure.
Such an arrangement facilitates assembly of the structure, to ameliorate the labor-intensive assembly aspect of the system, and the exterior location of the ribs lends itself to the application and retention of foamed insulation and a sealing diaphragm over the structure exterior.
Structures in accordance with the system have readily met national and local building codes.
The arrangement of the adjoining panels facilitates the use of local reinforcement at the panel corner junctures.
Such reinforcement may be readily applied both internally and/or externally.
In addition to the provision of reinforcement at the panel junctures, further reinforcement may be provided by way of rib plates secured in a sandwiched relation between adjoining panel flanges