Interchangeable Parts Building

The primary support module is structural beams that lock into one another like puzzle pieces, secured with thick pins. These beams are placed abundantly, so that the building does not collapse when one needs replacing. To replace a beam, bring in a temporary expanding-beam piece that begins less long than a regular beam. The expanding-beam employs a strong electric pump to hydraulically lengthen the beam until it takes the weight off the one that needs replacing. Remove the pins on the old one and replace. Then take out the expanding-beam.

The secondary support module is sub-structure beam sets that support floors between main-structure beams. These lighter sub-beam blocks hook into the main-structure beams. Electrical, plumbing, and other infrastructure attaches to channels and guides incorporated into these sub-beam blocks, which can also be used as walls for strength, plumbing, or electrical needs. The electrical and plumbing systems must have a connector piece between each sub-structure slab so that the slab can be replaced without breaking a pipe or tearing wiring. Light fixtures hang down from the upstairs floor substructure.

Thin plastic slabs lined with rubber seals attach (again with hooks and channels) to main supports and secondary supports to make walls and a floor. Transparent polymer slabs of similar construction are also available, tailored physical properties optional (sound-proof, part-color, elastic, shatter-proof). Some wall modules come with door and indoor-window fittings.

Elevator column slabs, staircase blocks, escalator installment modules, and hanging-catwalks are also available. Shock-mount systems for underground complexes intended to withstand nuclear fusion weaponry detonated one mile away are also available as main-support beams with a heavy spring section and accordion-like sub-support beams.

To open a window, you might just remove it. To clean the floor or a wall, you could hose it down. Say the building gets to be 100 years old and starts to smell a little. Remove panels individually for cleaning. Severely worn panels could be melted and reconstituted. Structural damage is no problem. Change the layout of the building once in a while to keep older employees on their toes. If the whole structure needs moving or scrapping, all the parts are reusable.