Abstract: An air-permeable composite fabric is provided. The composite fabric has an inner fabric layer, an outer fabric layer, and an intermediate vapor barrier. The vapor barrier is selected from adhesive material and an adhesive/membrane combination designed so the composite fabric has a level of air permeability to allow air flow between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer and a variable level of water vapor diffusion resistance that decreases as air speed impinging on the composite fabric increases.

Abstract: An air-permeable composite fabric is provided. The composite fabric has an inner fabric layer, an outer fabric layer, and an intermediate vapor barrier. The vapor barrier is selected from adhesive material and an adhesive/membrane combination designed so the composite fabric has a level of air permeability to allow air flow between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer and a variable level of water vapor diffusion resistance that decreases as air speed impinging on the composite fabric increases.

Abstract: An improved structural system for supporting a building includes prefabricated light weight steel framed bearing wall panels supporting hollow core concrete slabs which are joined with grout. The invention presents improved devices for attaching exterior finishing to exterior bearing walls without requiting a studded non-bearing exterior wall, improved attachment devices for connecting upper level and lower level bearing walls, improved design of bearing walls to eliminate the need for bearing plates between studs and tracks, and an improved splice member for aligning reinforcing bars. The exterior finish mounting device includes a deck stud channel which is mounted to a reinforcing bar by a channel clip and secured in grout by a gusset plate with a hole in it. The exterior finish is attached to the stud channel by screws which are also secured in the grout. Flat metal straps welded to the tops of double studs eliminate the previously used threaded members with angled bearings, nuts and washers.

Abstract: An improved structural system for supporting a building includes prefabricated light weight steel framed bearing wall panels supporting hollow core concrete slabs which are joined with grout. The invention presents improved devices for attaching exterior finishing to exterior bearing walls without requiring a studded non-bearing exterior wall, improved attachment devices for connecting upper level and lower level bearing walls, improved design of beating walls to eliminate the need for bearing plates between studs and tracks, and an improved splice member for aligning reinforcing bars. The exterior finish mounting device includes a deck stud channel which is mounted to a reinforcing bar by a channel clip and secured in grout by a gusset plate with a hole in it. The exterior finish is attached to the stud channel by screws which are also secured in the grout. Flat metal straps welded to the tops of double studs eliminate the previously used threaded members with angled bearings, nuts and washers.

Abstract: A structural support system for a building is formed from preferably prefabricated, light weight steel framed, bearing wall panels and precast, hollow core concrete floor slabs that are positively interlocked by, for example, splice plates, provided at the top of the bearing wall panels, reinforcing bars and grout, which fills the joints between adjacent slabs to form a unitary structure. A method of making such a supporting system also is disclosed.

Abstract: A structural support system for a building is formed from preferably prefabricated, light weight steel framed, bearing wall panels and precast, hollow core concrete floor slabs that are positively interlocked by, for example, splice plates, provided at the top of the bearing wall panels, reinforcing bars and grout, which fills the joints between adjacent slabs to form a unitary structure. A method of making such a supporting system also is disclosed.

Abstract: A structural support system for a building is formed from preferably prefabricated, light weight steel framed, bearing wall panels and precast, hollow core concrete floor slabs that are positively interlocked by, for example, splice plates, provided at the top of the bearing wall panels, reinforcing bars and grout, which fills the joints between adjacent slabs to form a unitary structure.