Abstract: Precast wall systems and methods for constructing a high-rise building using the precast wall system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of interconnected precast panels, each having a top end plate, a bottom end plate, a plurality of vertical bars disposed between the end plates and a cementitious material encasing the vertical bars and defining a plurality of sides of the respective panel. A first of the precast panels has a first column member half defining a right side of the first panel, a second of the precast panels has a second column member half defining a left side of the second panel such that, when the right side of the first precast panel and the left side of the second precast panel are disposed horizontally adjacent to each other, the first column member half and the second column member half collectively form a column member.

Abstract: A prefabricated modular composite structural panel comprising a composite structural floor system. The structural panel comprises timber panels rigidly connected to steel stiffening elements aligned in the direction of span between supporting elements. By assembling multiple prefabricated panels in a modular array and adding concrete, a composite concrete floor system can be created which is adaptable to any building geometry. The timber panel acts in composite with the steel stiffening elements to function as formwork in the temporary condition with minimal or no shoring. In the permanent condition, the steel stiffening element is used to reinforce the concrete slab, and the timber panel can act in composite with the concrete slab to meet strength and serviceability requirements where permitted by code. Methods for connecting steel to timber components as well as methods for connecting panels to supporting beams are also disclosed.

Abstract: A machine learning tool for structures to (1) design structures, (2) verify construction and (3) assess damage due to deterioration, change of properties or a destructive event. The tool comprises various pre-trained machine learning models and post-processing algorithms. The tool includes a user interface that allows users to upload their data, analyze it through one or more pre-trained machine learning models and post-process the machine learning results in various ways. The tool displays the results and allows users to export them in various formats.

Abstract: Precast wall systems and methods for constructing a high-rise building using the precast wall system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of interconnected precast panels, each having a top end plate, a bottom end plate, a plurality of vertical bars disposed between the end plates and a cementitious material encasing the vertical bars and defining a plurality of sides of the respective panel. A first of the precast panels has a first column member half defining a right side of the first panel, a second of the precast panels has a second column member half defining a left side of the second panel such that, when the right side of the first precast panel and the left side of the second precast panel are disposed horizontally adjacent to each other, the first column member half and the second column member half collectively form a column member.

Abstract: A machine learning tool for structures to (1) design structures, (2) verify construction and (3) assess damage due to deterioration, change of properties or a destructive event. The tool comprises various pre-trained machine learning models and post-processing algorithms. The tool includes a user interface that allows users to upload their data, analyze it through one or more pre-trained machine learning models and post-process the machine learning results in various ways. The tool displays the results and allows users to export them in various formats.

Abstract: Precast wall systems and methods for constructing a high-rise building using the precast wall system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of interconnected precast panels, each having a top end plate, a bottom end plate, a plurality of vertical bars disposed between the end plates and a cementitious material encasing the vertical bars and defining a plurality of sides of the respective panel. A first of the precast panels has a first column member half defining a right side of the first panel, a second of the precast panels has a second column member half defining a left side of the second panel such that, when the right side of the first precast panel and the left side of the second precast panel are disposed horizontally adjacent to each other, the first column member half and the second column member half collectively form a column member.

Abstract: A tubular building enclosure system with thermally-broken glass modules having evacuated air spaces assembled in rows and/or columns to form a structurally self-supporting, thermally insulating, and solar energy collecting facade.

Abstract: A tubular building enclosure system with thermally-broken modules having evacuated air spaces assembled in rows and/or columns to form a structurally self-supporting, thermally insulating, and solar energy collecting facade.

Abstract: A tubular building enclosure system for unitized assembly in rows and columns to form a structurally self-supporting, thermally insulating, and solar energy collecting facade.

Abstract: Precast wall systems and methods for constructing a high-rise building using the precast wall system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of interconnected precast panels, each having a top end plate, a bottom end plate, a plurality of vertical bars disposed between the end plates and a cementitious material encasing the vertical bars and defining a plurality of sides of the respective panel. A first of the precast panels has a first column member half defining a right side of the first panel, a second of the precast panels has a second column member half defining a left side of the second panel such that, when the right side of the first precast panel and the left side of the second precast panel are disposed horizontally adjacent to each other, the first column member half and the second column member half collectively form a column member.

Abstract: An emission estimation program configured to calculate the amount of carbon generated during the life span of a structure by displaying a graphical user interface which is configured to gather structural information pertaining of the structure, receiving structural information pertaining to the size, types of material used in the structure and structural aspects of the structure, generating an estimated amount of carbon generated from the use of each type of material to construct the structure and the labor used to construct the structure based on the structural information, the types, and amounts of material and labor required to repair the structure after a destructive event occurs based on a calculated probability and magnitude of a destructive event occurring, generating and displaying an estimated amount of carbon emitted as a result of the materials used and the labor required to repair the structure after the destructive event occurs.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, and program for high performance design of a project. A goal of the project to meet at least one sustainability criterion is first received. A design strategy is then associated with the goal of the project in accordance with the at least one sustainability criterion. The design strategy is created based on a common design approach. A design task is further associated with the design strategy at each phase of the project in accordance with the at least one sustainability criterion. The design task is created to implement the design strategy. A goal metric for the at least one sustainability criterion at each phase of the project is then dynamically calculated based on information of the project from a database. Eventually, progress of meeting the at least one sustainability criterion is dynamically updated based on the calculated goal metric.

Abstract: An emission estimation apparatus running a program configured to perform a method of calculating the amount of carbon generated during the life span of a structure by displaying a graphical user interface stored in the memory of the apparatus which is configured to gather structural information pertaining of the structure, receiving structural information from the graphical user interface into the memory of the apparatus which includes information pertaining to the size, types of material used in the structure and structural aspects of the structure, generating an estimated amount of carbon generated from the use of each type of material to construct the structure and the labor used to construct the structure based on the structural information received by the processor, estimating, by the processor, the types and amounts of material and labor required to repair the structure after a destructive event occurs based on a calculated probability and magnitude of a destructive event occurring, generating an estima

Abstract: A tidal barrier is provided that may be selectively deployed in response to tidal changes. The tidal barrier includes a net having a tensile, membrane with an upper edge and a lower edge. The lower edge has a plurality of anchor points for affixing the lower edge to a seabed below a body of water. The tidal barrier further includes a bladder affixed to the upper edge and having a valve for selectively inflating and deflating the bladder. The bladder has a sufficient volume to cause the upper edge of the membrane to rise to a surface of the body of water when the volume is inflated with a gas. A pump is disposed in proximity to the tensile membrane and is in fluid communication with the valve of the bladder. The pump has a controller for selectively prompting the pump to inflate and deflate the bladder with the gas.

Abstract: A pin-fuse frame used in a frame assembly that may be subject to extreme seismic loading. The pin-fuse frame includes of columns, beams, plate assemblies that extend between columns and beams, and may included a diagonal brace. The plate assemblies are fixed to the columns and attached to the beams and brace via pin joints. A joint includes a pin connection through outer connection plates connected to a column and inner connection plates connected to a beam. Connecting rods positioned about the pin maintain a coefficient of friction until exposed to extreme seismic activity, at which time the joint accommodates a slippage of at least one of the inner and outer connection plates relative to each other rotationally about the pin. The diagonal brace is separated into two segments connected together with connection plates. These connection plates accommodate a slippage of the segments relative to each other.

Abstract: A tidal barrier is provided that may be selectively deployed in response to tidal changes. The tidal barrier includes a net having a tensile, membrane with an upper edge and a lower edge. The lower edge has a plurality of anchor points for affixing the lower edge to a seabed below a body of water. The tidal barrier further includes a bladder affixed to the upper edge and having a valve for selectively inflating and deflating the bladder. The bladder has a sufficient volume to cause the upper edge of the membrane to rise to a surface of the body of water when the volume is inflated with a gas. A pump is disposed in proximity to the tensile membrane and is in fluid communication with the valve of the bladder. The pump has a controller for selectively prompting the pump to inflate and deflate the bladder with the gas.

Abstract: An environmentally sustainable form-inclusion system that can be utilized in reinforced concrete structures. A goal of this invention is to provide structural systems that achieve the highest level of environmental sustainability by minimizing the structure's carbon footprint and embodied energy. This engineered form-inclusion system uses materials that might otherwise become waste in landfills. The system is designed to significantly reduce raw materials, labor for placement, and transportation of material for building construction. Materials used in this engineered system, that might otherwise be placed in landfills, include but are not limited to plastic bottles, bags, waste Styrofoam, packing materials, rubber tires, and other similar waste materials, preferably compressed or assembled into controlled shapes. The shapes of these forms can be spherical, square, rectangular, cylindrical, or any other, and are specifically engineered to provide form inclusions to significantly reduce the material (e.g.

Abstract: A tidal barrier is provided that may be selectively deployed in response to tidal changes. The tidal barrier includes a net having a tensile membrane with an upper edge and a lower edge. The lower edge has a plurality of anchor points for affixing the lower edge to a seabed below a body of water. The tidal barrier further includes a bladder affixed to the upper edge and having a valve for selectively inflating and deflating the bladder. The bladder has a sufficient volume to cause the upper edge of the membrane to rise to a surface of the body of water when the volume is inflated with a gas. A pump is disposed in proximity to the tensile membrane and is in fluid communication with the valve of the bladder. The pump has a controller for selectively prompting the pump to inflate and deflate the bladder with the gas.

Abstract: A precast wall system and a method for constructing a high-rise building using the precast wall system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of interconnected precast panels. Each precast panel has a top end plate, a bottom end plate, a plurality of vertical bars disposed between and attached to the end plates and a cementitious material encasing the vertical bars and defining a plurality of sides of the respective panel. A first group of the interconnected precast panels are arranged vertically on a second group of the interconnected precast panels and the top end plate of each panel corresponding the first group is connected to the bottom end plate of a respective one of the panels corresponding to the second group. Methods for horizontally and vertically connecting the precast panels to each other are also disclosed.

Abstract: Precast wall systems and methods for constructing a high-rise building using the precast wall system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of interconnected precast panels, each having a top end plate, a bottom end plate, a plurality of vertical bars disposed between the end plates and a cementitious material encasing the vertical bars and defining a plurality of sides of the respective panel. A first of the precast panels has a first column member half defining a right side of the first panel, a second of the precast panels has a second column member half defining a left side of the second panel such that, when the right side of the first precast panel and the left side of the second precast panel are disposed horizontally adjacent to each other, the first column member half and the second column member half collectively form a column member.