System and method for a temporary protective structure for use in construction and demolition

A temporary protective structural system, comprising:

• a plurality of frame members including a plurality of first frame members and a plurality of second frame members, wherein each said frame member is a unitary frame element comprising a pair of opposing studs and integrated top plate connecting said pair of opposing studs at an upper integration point;
• a plurality of first noggings connecting a respective first stud of said pair of opposing studs of each said first frame member with a respective first stud of said pair of opposing studs of each said second frame member, and a plurality of second noggings connecting a respective second stud of said pair of opposing studs of each said first frame member with a respective second stud of said pair of opposing studs of each said second frame member, thereby defining at least one free-standing tunnel module;
• a plurality of ceiling joists connecting said top plate of each of said first frame members to a respective said top plate of each of said second frame members, thereby securing said at least one free-standing tunnel module;
• at least one vertical wall panel secured to an exterior wall area of said at least one free-standing tunnel module, thereby vertically enclosing said at least one free-standing tunnel module;
• at least one horizontal ceiling panel secured to an exterior ceiling area of said at least one free-standing tunnel module;
• and
• at least one horizontal floor panel positioned over an existing floor surface, wherein said at least one horizontal ceiling panel and said at least one horizontal floor panel horizontally enclose said at least one free-standing tunnel module.

A method of providing surface protection during at least construction and demolition, comprising:

• providing at least one horizontal floor panel;
• securing said at least one horizontal floor panel to an existing floor;
• providing a plurality of frame members including a plurality of first frame members and a plurality of second frame members, whereby said providing of said plurality of frame members further includes implementing a unitary frame construction comprising a pair of opposing studs and integrating a top plate connecting said pair of opposing studs at an upper integration point;
• providing a plurality of first and second noggings and configuring said plurality of first and second noggings such that said first noggings connect a respective first stud of said pair of opposing studs of each said first frame member with a respective first stud of said pair of opposing studs of each said second frame member, and said second noggings connect a respective second stud of said pair of opposing studs of each said first frame member with a respective second stud of said pair of opposing studs of each said second frame member, thereby defining at least one free-standing tunnel module;
• securing said at least one free-standing tunnel module by providing a plurality of ceiling joists, whereby said securing said at least one free-standing tunnel module further includes connecting said top plate of each of said first frame members to a respective said top plate of each of said second frame members, thereby securing said at least one free-standing tunnel module;
• enclosing said at least one free-standing tunnel module by providing at least one vertical wall panel and securing said at least one vertical wall panel to a wall area of said at least one free-standing tunnel module, thereby vertically enclosing said at least one free-standing tunnel module;
• and
• securing at least one horizontal ceiling panel to a ceiling area of said at least one free-standing tunnel module, wherein said at least one horizontal ceiling panel and said at least one horizontal floor panel horizontally enclose said at least one free-standing tunnel module.