Abstract: A column cage may comprise a plurality of column grids. The column grids may be formed with a plurality of longitudinal rebars. Also, the column grid may have a plurality of transverse rebars attached atop the plurality of longitudinal rebars. The transverse rebars may be attached to the longitudinal rebars. Four vertically extending rebars may be charged through the plurality of column grids at the four corners of column grids. The column grid may be held firmly to the vertically extending charged rebars with wire ties. Additionally, adjacent column cages may be connected to each other with a swedged on coupler.

Abstract: An energy dissipating connector for coupling first and second rebar members together has a housing for receiving ends of the first and second rebar members, and a viscoelastic material disposed within the housing and interconnecting at least one of the rebar members with the housing. The viscoelastic material facilitates longitudinal movement of the first and second rebar members relative to one another in response to longitudinal tension and compression forces applied to the first and second rebar members.

Abstract: An energy dissipating connector for coupling first and second structural members together has a first attachment member attachable to a first rebar member of the first structural member and a second attachment member attachable to a second rebar member of the second structural member such that the second attachment member is slidably connectable to the first attachment member whereby sliding of the second attachment member relative to the first attachment member permits relative motion of the first and second structural members and dissipates energy tending to cause such motion. The second attachment member is preferably slidably moveable relative to the first attachment member by approximately 1/4 inch in either direction and the second attachment member preferably moves relative to the first attachment member in response to force of at least 90,000 pounds. The first and second attachment members are preferably attachable to the first and second rebar portions via screw threads.

Abstract: A generally rectangular wire grid of welded construction is utilized to define and maintain the positioning of rebar charged therethrough during the formation of structural column and girder cages. Pre-positioned ties guide the rebar through the grid. The pre-positioned ties are then tightened such that the rebar is held firmly in place at the close tolerance positions defined by the prefabricated grid. A plurality of such grids are assembled into expandable bundles such that they may be expanded in an accordion-like fashion about rebar charged therethrough, resulting in properly spaced grids for defining and maintaining the position of the rebar. Additional rebar members may then be charged therethrough to complete the construction of a column or girder cage. The modular reinforcement cages of the present invention thus eliminate piecemeal engineering requirements by providing modular building concepts in which a unique rebar bundle pattern facilitates improved containment.

Abstract: An energy dissipating connector for coupling first and second structural members together has a first attachment member attachable to a first rebar member of the first structural member and a second attachment member attachable to a second rebar member of the second structural member such that the second attachment member is slidably connectable to the first attachment member whereby sliding of the second attachment member relative to the first attachment member permits relative motion of the first and second structural members and dissipates energy tending to cause such motion. The second attachment member is preferably slidably moveable relative to the first attachment member by approximately 1/4 inch in either direction and the second attachment member preferably moves relative to the first attachment member in response to force of at least 90,000 pounds. The first and second attachment members are preferably attachable to the first and second rebar portions via screw threads.

Abstract: In a poured concrete or masonry structure having reinforcing bars, an improvement is provided whereby a series of parallel, steel reinforcing frames are positioned at right angles to the reinforcing bars. Each frame comprises a prefabricated weldment of mutually parallel longitudinal rods and mutually parallel transverse rods forming a network of rectangular openings. The frame acts as a reinforcing perimeter in contact with the reinforcing bars to absorb shear forces and resist buckling. In the case of a poured concrete wall structure, the ends of the transverse rods may be bent upwardly into hooks for improved weld strength and for hanging further reinforcing materials. The invention improves the ductility of structures such as walls, columns and beams thereby providing an improvement in resistance to dynamic loads. Larger preassembled reinforcing frames may be lifted into place thereby reducing construction costs.

Abstract: A prefabricated building module can be essentially completed before transporting to the erection site. Thin walls, along with structural floor and ceiling, are fabricated on a plane aligned with the floor, and interconnected with hinges. After complete finishing of interior surfaces, such as wallpapering and carpeting, the ceiling and both walls are hinged into their final positions, along with temporary external strong-back forms as strong-backs. Internal soft-faced bracing sections are erected to support both walls before removal of the external strong-back forms. This bracing allows the completed module to be transported and craned to the upper floors of a multi-story building. The unit is light enough to allow knocked-down furniture to be carried inside.The module includes external welded wire fabric or reinforcement bars that will serve to tie adjacent units together, when concrete is poured between them to form a common wall.

Abstract: A prefabricated building cubicle has a portion of the floor recessed to receive an interior bathroom module, which is also prefabricated, and contains plumbing lines and complete fixtures. The building cubicle has plumbing and electrical lines on one wall adapted to connect to the interior module when installed in the floor recess.The bathroom module can be disconnected and rolled through an openable area in one wall of the cubicle, such as that created by removal of a pair of sliding balcony doors. A new module can then be installed, such as a kitchen module or another bathroom, facilitating upgrading or conversion of hotel rooms to a condominium.

Abstract: A simplified box-like building is constructed one room at a time. Concrete slabs are used for walls, floor and ceiling, and are poured in a horizontal position, stacked vertically with bond-breaking layers between them to allow separation. After the foundation and stub wall are partially cured, the ceiling slab is poured with wedge-shaped edges clearing stub walls by approximately one inch. Tiltable wall slabs are then poured on top of the ceiling slab, each connected by hinges to its own stub wall. An accelerated light weight low-slump concrete is normally used, and makes possible a rapid nearly continuous pouring sequence.Erection of the building is also rapid. The light weight walls are tilted up by hand, pivoting about their base hinges. While they are temporarily held in position, the wall edge dowel reinforcement is bent out and single-side corner forms are positioned or expanded metal is attached to the dowels.