Abstract: A foundation system for a manufactured home utilizing a plurality of elongated footings extending transversely of the home and support blocks which may be pushed along the footings into proper position for attachment to the structural beams of the manufactured home.

Abstract: A caisson for use as a support structure in building construction. The caisson has an inner, metallic core and an outer portion surrounding the inner core. Both the inner core and the outer portion are cylindrical. Metallic straps or bands can be disposed peripherally, in spaced apart relation, around the inner core for anchoring it to the outer portion of the caisson. The inner, metallic core is usually steel and the outer portion is concrete or grout. A 22″ diameter caisson manufactured in accordance with this invention is capable of supporting more than 2,400 tons. A hollow, cylindrical, steel shell optionally surrounds the outer periphery of the outer portion of the caisson.

Abstract: A pile comprising a hollow steel bottom portion of convex polygonal cross-section having at least four substantially equal sides. This bottom portion is driven into the ground and is then filled with concrete.

Abstract: A method of forming an in-situ void system including the steps of determining an expansion potential of soil adjacent to a structure and forming an array of voids in an area adjacent to the structure so as to accommodate the expansion potential of the soil. The array of voids is formed by drilling an array of holes beneath the structure or around a perimeter of the structure. The holes are drilled to a depth of the expansion potential. A liquid can be introduced into the voids so as to swell the soil. The top of the array of voids is covered prior to laying the foundation over the array of voids.

Abstract: A pile includes a tapered bottom section of polygon-shaped steel tubing and a top cylindrical section of steel tubing spliced together with a transition ring to form a composite pile, which, after being driven, is filled with concrete.

Abstract: A mobile home and foundation system-and method. The method includes providing a plurality of elongated concrete slabs having a pair of beveled edge surfaces. The plurality of elongated concrete slabs are placed within elongated ditches formed in the ground and to which the mobile home is secured. A fastener assembly is secured to the concrete slabs and a constraint device is connected to the fastener assembly. The foundation system includes a plurality of elongated slabs having a beveled edge.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for lifting and leveling an existing building. At least a first non-cylindrical support section having a substantially rectangular shape and a second support section are coupled together by a fastening device that provides the apparatus with stability once the apparatus has been installed. A jack is used to raise the foundation of the existing building to a desired height. The apparatus is attached to the foundation of the building from underneath the building or from a location adjacent a side of the building. The non-cylindrical support section has low bearing and high friction characteristics. The low bearing characteristics enable the apparatus to be driven further into the earth than cylindrical pilings that are commonly used to lift and level existing buildings. The high friction characteristics assist in maintaining the stability of the apparatus once it has been installed.

Abstract: A flood barrier unit is provided for a flood barrier system. Each unit has three pillars attached to pillar footings implanted in the surrounding ground surface. For each pillar a concrete brace member footing is provided for the support of brace members compressively positioned between the pillar tops and the brace member footings. A turnbuckle connects two portions of each brace member, and when properly manipulated, will force the brace member ends into holes in the pillar footings and brace member footings. Barrier panels with tongue-and-groove top and bottom edges form a wall when attached to the pillars using a brace plate and bolts. A water-resistant vapor barrier, with a weighted bottom portion, is draped over the top of the barrier panels for fastening between the pillars and panels using a hook-and-loop fastener and the barrier panel bolts. Alternate embodiments include differing arrangements and numbers of the brace members.

Abstract: The support system for a premanufactured building includes a foundation platform (12) having cleat walls (50-53) that penetrate the ground. A support stand (14) and its vertical support shaft (30) function as a pier to support the joist (18) of the building. A diagonal stabilizing strut (16) is connected at its upper end to the same or to an adjacent joist, and at its lower end to the support stand, so that compression forces applied by the joist to the strut (16) move from one side of the vertical load axis (28) to the other side of the axis and engage the foundation platform, so that the ground adjacent the cleats (50-53) resists movement of the joist.

Abstract: A foundation system for a manufactured home utilizing a plurality of elongated footings extending transversely of the home and support blocks which may be pushed along the footings into proper position for attachment to the structural beams of the manufactured home.

Abstract: A frame clamp for an anchor strap assembly (10) for a manufactured home (70) having a frame member (74), such as an I-beam (75), and supported above ground (99), such as by piers (91). Anchor strap assembly (10) includes elongate anchor strap (30) connecting a ground anchor (20) to frame clamp (40). Ground anchor (20) includes head (22) fixed near ground (99) to the side of beam (75). Clamp (40) attaches top end (34) of strap (30) to beam (75) and comprises stationary jaw (42) and movable jaw (60) joined such that movable jaw (60) to which strap (30) is attached is pivotable about axis (58) perpendicular to the plane of strap (30) and such that movable jaw (60) is hinged such that tensioning strap (30) clamps beam (75) between jaws (42,61). Clamp (40) is easily attached and prevents strap breakage during home movement such as during an earthquake or storm.

Abstract: A connector 20 for quickly and easily connecting an anchor strap 50 having an upper end 52 and a lower end 56 to a sidewall bracket 73 of a manufactured home 70; the sidewall bracket 70 having an elongate horizonal slot 77. Connector 20 includes a central portion 22 including means 44 for connecting strap 50. An attachment portion 30, including a neck 31 and a head 34, is adapted to be maneuverable for easy attachment to slot 77. Attached connector 20 is pivotable about an axis substantially perpendicular to an attached tensioned strap 50. A connector assembly 10 includes strap 50 already attached to connector 20. The method of using connector assembly 10 includes attaching strap 50 to an anchor 80.

Abstract: A multi-story apartment or condominium building complex includes one or more vehicle parking levels above or below grade and one or more dwelling unit levels vertically stacked above the vehicle parking levels. At least one of the parking levels includes private garages for at least selected ones of the dwelling units and occupants of the selected dwelling units may move between their garage and their dwelling unit through an interior corridor at the parking level and an elevator extending directly to the individual dwelling units on each level. The elevators may serve one, two or several dwelling units on each dwelling unit level. A service corridor is provided on each dwelling unit level which may be accessed by a service elevator or spaced apart stairways to provide secondary access between each dwelling unit level and street level.

Abstract: A storm shelter kit is provided including several enclosure wall panels; wall panel interconnection structures for joining the enclosure wall panels together to define an enclosure having side and top enclosure wall portions; and several soil retaining panels for placement around the enclosure for supporting soil placed around and at least partially covering the enclosure wall panels. The storm shelter kit includes at least one set of the soil retaining panels of progressively decreasing height, for placement in series in progressively increasing distances from the enclosure and for receiving soil between the enclosure and the soil retaining panels and between the soil retaining panels, to define a mound of soil of selectable shape surrounding the enclosure and at least partially covering the wall panels. The wall panels preferably are formed of corrugated steel.

Abstract: A protective shelter for installation above and in the ground including a superstructure style frame, a composite wall structure for absorbing energy from missile impacts, and a tub encased in a foundation. The invention also discloses a method for constructing a protective shelter including a tub form and a superstructure which includes utilizing the availability of the tub form to provide a downward force such that the superstructure is not floated out of the excavation when the encasement is poured and removing the downward force after the concrete encasement has reached initial set stage. A further disclosure of the invention includes an energy absorbing compound wall structure for dissipating, transferring, and converting to potential energy the kinetic energy of a missile impact.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for leveling and supporting a slab foundation on a column of piling sections. A vertical hole is bored through the slab foundation and an anchoring cylinder is inserted in the hole. An adhesive is used to adhere the outer surface of the anchoring cylinder to a portion of the foundation. The cylinder has a plurality of downward-facing load shoulders which are engaged by upward-facing shoulders of a reacting member positioned across and above the hole. Piling sections are inserted into the anchoring cylinder and forced into the earth with a driving device that reacts against the reacting member. The anchoring cylinder is then supported on the piling sections to maintain the desired level of the foundation.

Abstract: A wall and roof structure primarily for buildings that are partly under ground. In the roof structure, sheets of steel are placed in an upward concave position supported by beams and columns with compression members positioned between the beams. In the walls, a similar arrangement is used with sheets of steel in a concave outward position supported between the columns. This provides a free span suspension design with no columns or bearing walls needed inside the basic structure.

Abstract: A precast and transportable mobile home foundation system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for securing a mobile home to the ground by utilizing a plurality of elongated concrete slabs that are placed within elongated ditches formed in the ground and to which the mobile home is secured.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and supporting a foundation of a structure under tension and compression relative to a pier anchored into the ground. The apparatus comprises a support member connected to the foundation by a plate and a V-shaped brace. A rod passes through the support member and is connected to the pier. Two fasteners threadably engage the rod above and below the support member, respectively, so that the central support member remains slidable along the rod between the first and second fasteners. A lift bracket is removably connected to the support member and a jack is inserted between the rod and the lift bracket. The jack is operated to exert a force between the rod and the lift bracket so that the support member slides along the rod between the first and second anchors as the foundation is lifted. The first and second anchors are then tightened against the support member so that it is held firmly in place relative to the rod to support the foundation under tension and compression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to building structures that are floatable so that damage is reduced in the event of a flood. A sealed floor structure is described such that the entire superstructure can float under the influence of flood waters. The floor structure is supported above grade upon corbels and thence by a series of columns disposed around the perimeter of the building. The perimeter columns generally lie outside the superstructure envelope and continue up to or beyond the eaves level of the structure. As the building floats vertically these columns, via a sleeve mechanism, act to limit any horizontal movement of the structure. Mechanisms incorporated within the columns and floor structure limit the upward travel of the structure under the influence of flood waters.

Abstract: A foundation column is provided far supporting an associated housing structure relative to an associated foundation base. The foundation column includes a vertical elongate main body member, a substantially flat cap plate member disposed on the upper end of the main body member, and a pair of spaced apart wall members carried by the cap plate member on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis defined by the main body member. The pair of wall members are selectively movable relative to the cap plate member to receive associated housing structures of various sizes in the space formed between the pair of wall members. Two such foundation columns are combined together with a pair of lateral attachment members to form a corner anchor system. The first and second foundation columns are connected to the first and second lateral attachment members using first and second diagonal strut members, respectively.

Abstract: A universal block made of concrete designed to be used with different size posts and beams. The pier block is a conical, six-sided structure and includes two concentrically aligned, post-receiving voids designed to receive the ends of a (4×4) or (6×6) inch post. The (6×6) inch void is positioned above the (4×4) inch void. Formed horizontally on the top surface of the pier block are two transversely aligned beam-receiving slots. Each beam-receiving slot includes a narrow and a wide slot longitudinally aligned. The wide slot is positioned above the narrow slot. A vertically aligned drain hole is formed through the pier block from the bottom surface of the (4×4) inch void to the bottom of the pier block, which allows water to drain from the post-receiving voids.

Abstract: A steel framed building which includes prefabricated steel frames, unique pier posts, POLYSTYRENE panels, and an assembly method which in combination provides an expedited overall time frame of 21 days from start to finish.

Abstract: A deck construction including a plurality of supports for anchoring deck construction elements to a building site. The supports include a body (which may be an integrally molded concrete pier) having upper and lower portions. The upper portion includes at least one slot for seating a horizontally oriented construction member. The slot includes a center socket portion having four extended corners for seating the bottom end of a vertically oriented construction member. The slot and center socket are defined by connecting wall portions which may be integral to the body or may be of plastic or metal and suitable secured to the body. In some cases, two mutually perpendicular slots are provided.

Abstract: A building foundation is formed by a plurality of pre-cast concrete elements. Each of the pre-cast elements has a length corresponding to the length of a corresponding side or leg of the foundation perimeter. The foundation includes a plurality of pre-cast concrete footing pads that are dispersed along the perimeter and specifically at the corners of the foundation. The pre-cast foundation elements rest on the footing pads and are contiguously arranged to complete the foundation. A bonding agent can be introduced into the joints between adjacent foundation elements to seal the joint. Alternatively, or in addition, mechanical fasteners can be used to interconnect adjacent panels. Certain ones of the pre-cast foundation elements define an integral brick ledge, with varying configurations to ensure continuity of the brick ledge around the corners of the foundation. In a method of the invention, a trench around the perimeter is dug and the pre-cast concrete elements laid in place with a crane.

Abstract: A pile consisting of a tapered bottom section of polygon-shaped steel tubing and a top cylindrical section of steel tubing spliced together to form a composite pile, which, after being driven, is filled with concrete.

Abstract: A method for securing a mobile home and foundation system. The method includes providing a plurality of elongated concrete slabs having a pair of beveled edge surfaces. The plurality of elongated concrete slabs are placed within elongated ditches formed in the ground and to which the mobile home is secured. A fastener assembly is secured to the concretes slabs and a constraint device is connected to the fastener assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for anchoring or affixing a manufactured home to the land it is located on in a permanent or substantially permanent manner. A foundation for the manufactured home is provided by excavating a plurality of parallel trenches in a spaced relation to one another. Precast longitudinal footers are disposed in the trenches. The footers include anchoring receptacles to receive a complimentary anchoring member. Soil is backfilled around the footers to partially bury them, and then the support frame of a manufactured home is secured to the footers using an anchorage assembly with an adjustable tensioner. Support blocks are disposed between the footers and the support frame to maintain the manufactured home at a desired height above the footers or the ground.

Abstract: A fixed construction (10) comprises rigid piles (12) and a monolithic concrete floor slab resting (14) on the piles. The floor slab comprises straight zones connecting in two directions, ie. lengthwise and broadwise, the shortest distance between the areas of the floor slab above the piles. The floor slab (14) is reinforced by a combination of: (a) fibres (22) distributed over the volume of the floor slab (14); and (b) steel bars (16, 16′) located in those straight zones. This construction reduces considerably the amount of reinforcement steel, increases the bearing capacity and enables to reduce the time for making such a construction.

Abstract: Side struts (68) are positioned on ground anchors (40, 42) at intervals along the lower side edges of a manufactured home (10). The side struts spread the “footprint” of support from the ground to the manufactured home, so as to decrease the likelihood of tilting, the manufactured home in response to wind and other lateral forces.

Abstract: A precast wall panel has forms for flanges and a lintel embedded in place. Upon erection of the panel over a precast footing having an anchoring trough, this trough, the flanges and lintel may all be cast on-site, with appropriate reinforcing present within the core volumes that are filled with binder.

Abstract: An anchoring system for a manufactured home and a method of anchoring a manufactured home utilizing longitudinal central and exterior slabs, strap anchors embedded in the slabs, and straps connecting the home to the slabs, where the straps extend from the central slab to an exterior I-beam underneath the home and from the exterior slab to an interior I-beam on each end of home, and where frame straps extend from the home to anchors in the exterior slabs and longitudinally spaced interior straps extend from the exterior slabs to the interior I-beams.

Abstract: A structure support pier is used to support a mobile home or other similar structure. The pier has a base with a first flange and an optional second flange extending upwardly from the top surface of the base. A support pad is positioned on the top surface of the base. A shell member is positioned on the top surface of the base such that the outer periphery of the bottom of the shell member abuts the inner surface of the first flange. A support member, which may be a honeycomb structure, a plurality of tubular members, or other similar structure, has a first end resting on the support pad and a second end abutting the lower surface of the top of the shell member either directly or via a second support pad. The support member may be positioned within appropriate slits or depressions located on the support pads.

Abstract: A integrated scheduling method for installing modified precast building columns, first floor grade slab and supporting beams prior to site excavation, and to use these components, together with specialized shoring panels and/or modified exterior wall panels, which are installed simultaneously with the excavation, and together with underground floor structures and beams, as a shoring system during excavation. The shoring or wall panels are forced downwardly to support the excavation sides as excavation proceeds downwards, avoiding the necessity of a conventional shoring system.

Abstract: This is a hinge base construction for light poles which provides a non-corrosive hinge connection between the pole and the fixed base member. The connection includes non-corrosive elements to preserve the pivotal relationship between the stationary base and the pole mounting member.

Abstract: A prefabricated foundation panel for being supported on a footing to support the perimeter floor sill of a mobile home is disclosed. The panel has a generally rectangularly shaped frame including generally elongate, parallel and spaced, metallic top and bottom members as well as a plurality of spaced metallic cross members which are rigidly affixed to the top and bottom members. The outermost cross members of the frame are positioned so that they are flush with the ends of the top and bottom members. The top, bottom and cross members collectively define a plurality of spaces extending through the frame from an outer side thereof to an inner side thereof. A decorative aggregate coated facing is also provided for the panel which is attached to the outer side of the frame and which covers the plurality of spaces. A method of installing the panels around the lower periphery of a mobile home to enclose the lower periphery is also disclosed.

Abstract: A column and panel concrete fence includes two or more columns, each of which comprises two portions which are separated from one another along one or more planes that are essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column. The columns are placed upon footings, as also are the ends of concrete panels which run between successive columns. Preferably, the panels are composed of two or more panel units which are mirror images of one another.

Abstract: A clamped support system for a structure comprising a plurality of support piers in a predetermined array, supporting the structure; and at least two rigid reinforcing pads sandwiched about an elastomer layer, the plurality of support piers extending through the reinforcing pads and the elastomer layer.

Abstract: A lifting assembly for raising and supporting the foundation of a structure made of a bracket that secures to the base of the building foundation, a pier driven into the ground to a layer bedrock, a pier support secured to the bracket through which the pier extends, two shafts which secure a pier plate and a hydraulic plate to the pier support, the pier plate rests on the top end of the pier, a hydraulic jack is placed on top of the pier plate, the hydraulic plate is rigidly secured to the shafts whereby when the hydraulic jack is activated, the hydraulic jack held in a fixed position by the hydraulic plate forces the pier plate down driving the pier into the ground.