Abstract: A tough, water-proof building system provides wall, ceiling, and floor structures, as well as accessories. The walls can be designed to have vertical and horizontal strengths sufficient to be used in place of concrete, as an engineered solution, both above grade and below-grade, including in severe weather conditions. Walls have inner and outer layers, and structurally reinforcing members extending, typically as a layer and/or stud, the full height of the wall, at spaced locations along the length of the wall. The spaces between the structurally reinforcing members are optionally filled with insulating foam. An optional reinforcing stud is attached to, or overlaid by, the inner layer, and extends inwardly into the building from what is otherwise the inner surface of the building panel/wall panel. A building floor can be supported from the load-bearing wall, at locations on the floor support members which are below the top of the load-bearing wall.

Abstract: A tough, water-proof building panel, made of fiber-reinforced polymer, is useful in making structural walls, ceilings, and floors of buildings. Upstanding such walls can have vertical and horizontal strengths sufficient to be used in place of concrete, as an engineered solution, both above grade and below-grade, including in severe weather conditions. Panels effectively have inner and outer layers, and structurally reinforcing members. Structurally-reinforcing members extend, typically as layer and/or stud, the full height of the wall panel, at spaced locations along the length of the panel. Spaces between the structurally reinforcing members are optionally filled with rigid thermally insulating foam. Optional reinforcing studs are attached to, or overlaid by, the inner layer, and extend inwardly into the building from what is otherwise the inner surface of the building panel. Panels can be made by e.g. assembling pre-fabricated blocks and/or webs, by evacuating a mold, and by pultrusion.

Abstract: A tough, water-proof building system, and methods of making the system elements and constructing buildings, which provides wall, ceiling, and floor structural panels and corresponding walls, ceilings, and floors. The walls can be designed to have vertical and horizontal strengths sufficient to be used in place of concrete, as an engineered solution, both above grade and below-grade, including in severe weather conditions, such that no concrete need be used except for floor slabs. Panels have inner and outer layers, and structurally reinforcing members. Structurally-reinforcing members extend, typically as a layer and/or stud, the full height of a wall, at spaced locations along the length of the wall. Spaces between the structurally reinforcing members are optionally filled with rigid foam. An optional reinforcing stud is attached to, or overlaid by, the inner layer, and extends inwardly into the building from what is otherwise the inner surface of the building panel.

Abstract: A shear wall construction and method for assembling the same is disclosed. A plywood sheet includes close laterally-spaced pairs of vertical studs or posts proximate each lateral end. A channel-defining member is fitted and fixed between the spaced studs. A tie member extends from the channel-defining member into a concrete foundation or other underlying building element. A track is also provided for sheathing a lower edge of the shear wall. Protrusions from the metal track aid in anchoring the shear wall to the concrete foundation.

Abstract: A method for forming a concrete wall structure is provided. The method includes providing a frame having a plurality of spaced-apart wall studs interconnecting opposing frame members within a casting bed. A plurality of blocks are positioned proximal the frame within the interior area of the casting bed. Concrete is poured and finished within the casting bed.

Abstract: A foundation for a building superstructure has a number of hollow foundation tubes laid horizontally on the ground and susceptible to degradation over time by contact with the ground. Each tube is protected by one or both of the following: (1) a reinforcement housed within the tube, shaped conformably to the interior of the tube, and resistant to degradation by contact with the ground; and (2) a membrane surrounding the tube, shaped conformably to the exterior of the tube, and resistant to degradation by contact with the ground. The tubes are arranged to form the footprint of a small building. In completing the building superstructure, other tubes, which need not have the same protection, are stacked on the foundation tubes. Degradation of the foundation tubes over time because of their contact with the ground is rendered inconsequential by the reinforcement or prevented by the membrane.

Abstract: A continuity system for a building is designed to compensate for the downward settling of building elements over time, which occurs due to the shrinkage of wooden building members. The continuity system comprises one or more hold-down assemblies each having a stud-connector secured to a generally vertical stud, a generally vertical rod inserted into an opening of the stud connector, a rod-gripping member in toothed engagement with the rod above the opening, and one or more positioning elements exerting a downward force on the rod-gripping member. The rod has a lower portion secured to a stable building element such as the building's foundation. The opening of the stud-connector defines a frustoconical bearing surface on the upper surface of a portion of the stud-connector, or on a gripper support element in some embodiments.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.

Abstract: A prefabricated building includes a pre-cast concrete chain wall foundation having upper and lower walls with a height and a thickness, the ratio of wall height to wall thickness being equal to or greater than 3 to 1 and the wall height is at least three (3) feet; and a prefabricated building positioned upon the precast concrete chain wall foundation, wherein the prefabricated building has walls that rest upon the upper surface of the pre-cast concrete chain wall foundation.

Abstract: A building foundation is provided. The building foundation includes a footing and a foundation wall supported by the footing. The foundation wall has a plurality of cells arranged to define a set of aligned cell cavities. The plurality of cells are arranged to define a top row of cells. At least some of the cells of the top row of cells have a cross-sectional shape that is the same as at least some of the cells of a lower row of cells of the foundation wall. A sill anchor is at least partially located in the set of aligned cell cavities of the foundation wall. Grout is disposed in the set of aligned cell cavities between the sill anchor and the footing. The sill anchor is configured for attachment to a sill.

Abstract: A shear wall construction and method for assembling the same is disclosed. A plywood sheet includes close laterally-spaced pairs of vertical studs or posts proximate each lateral end. A channel-defining member is fitted and fixed between the spaced studs. A tie member extends from the channel-defining member into a concrete foundation or other underlying building element. A track is also provided for sheathing a lower edge of the shear wall. Protrusions from the metal track aid in anchoring the shear wall to the concrete foundation.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method of constructing walls or fence systems from panels. More particularly, the invention relates to constructing such walls or fence systems wherein a back face of one panel connects to a back face of another panel and further wherein the front faces of the panels have a desirable texture and further wherein a concrete footing of the wall or fence system is poured after courses of panels have been stacked one upon the other.

Abstract: An anchor bolt assembly is provided for connecting a sill to a foundation. The anchor bolt assembly includes an anchor bolt having a threaded end and another end that extends into the foundation. A corrosion resistant bushing extends around a portion of the anchor bolt for isolating the anchor bolt from a treated sill and providing an impervious barrier around a portion of the anchor bolt so as to prevent the anchor bolt from becoming corroded due to the treated nature of the seal.

Abstract: An intrusion-prevention enclosure comprising a plurality of modular panels, which can be mutually associated in an orderly and predefined manner so as to provide a barrier structure, comprising a plurality of elastically deformable U-shaped connectors, which can be associated with at least one pair of adjacent uprights of at least two converging panels, in order to arrange the panels mutually adjacent and lock them stably and detachably.

Abstract: An improvement for building perimeter-wall foundations is created by attaching galvanized-steel corrugated panels to an in-place structure. The freely hanging bottom edges of the panels, which have continuous deformation specific to the enhancement of bearing and anchorage within concrete, are cast in-situ with footing concrete, so becoming a cast-in-place perimeter-wall foundation, capable of residential-scale bearing and shear loadings. A load bearing pier support is included for load bearing supporting large or multi-unit modular structures.

Abstract: An insulated concrete form holder is provided for holding insulated concrete forms that form the first course of a wall so that the first course of insulated concrete forms are formed integrally with the foundation of a building. The form holder has a support surface for supporting the form holder in a foundation form and a form support surface for contacting the bottom of the insulated concrete form and supporting the insulated concrete form thereon. The form support surface is positionable between the top and the bottom of the foundation form, said form support surface is spaced from the top of the foundation form a distance less than the height of the insulated concrete form so that the top of the insulated concrete form is positionable above the top of the foundation form. The form holder includes form support upright portions extending upwardly from the form support surface for contacting the sides of the insulated concrete form and restraining lateral movement of the insulated concrete form.

Abstract: A user-configurable construction system is provided. This system includes: a substantially planar base; a plurality of vertical support members each having a bottom portion and a top portion, wherein the bottom portion of each vertical support member is adapted to engage a portion of the base; a plurality of transverse support members attachable to and mountable between the top portions of the vertical support members; and a plurality of substantially flat display panels each having top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion of each display panel is adapted to be mountable within or attachable to a transverse support member, and wherein the bottom portion of each display panel is adapted to engage a portion of the base.

Abstract: A tough building system and buildings and associated accessories which make such structures more versatile. Support accessories can include a fiber-reinforced polymeric composite support bracket, adapted to be mounted to a top of a foundation wall, and to support an edge of a slab of concrete adjacent the top of the foundation wall, or to support brick fascia, or to support ends of floor joists adjacent an inner surface of said foundation wall. Support accessories can also include a load-bearing, and load distributing support pad, adapted to be used as an interface support/footer between an underlying natural base and an overlying constructed structure. The support pad has a plurality of fiber-reinforced polymeric layers, optionally stacked one on top of the other. The pad has a load bearing capacity of at least 1000 pounds per square foot. The support pad may be a pultruded product.

Abstract: A pre-cast panel has forms mounted thereon for forming post-like flanges and a footing. Upon erection of an array of panels, the flanges and footing may all be cast on-site, with appropriate reinforcing/coupling means present within the form core volumes, by filling such forms with binder material such as concrete. Optionally, an upper beam may also be formed in a similar manner, the pre-cast panel being provided with an upper beam form which is attached to the wall portion of the panel and interconnected to the previously described forms.

Abstract: A prefabricated foundation is provided using a plurality of concrete panels that are cast at a factory location to a predetermined uniform form and size. These panels are of a generally rectangular shape and are positioned end to end forming a wall-like structure around the entire perimeter of a prefabricated structure. The lower surface of the panels are then supported by a plurality of precast posts that correspond in position and number to the joints between the plurality of panels. The joint between two abutting precast panels is sealed to provide a weather tight fit between the exterior and interior of the panels. The upper edge of the precast panels are locked in position keeping them from moving in either an inward or outward manner thereby providing a stable platform upon which a prefabricated structure can be placed.

Abstract: A metal half wall is provided, with the wall including a lower track, an upper track and a series of spaced apart studs extending between the two tracks. A connector is disposed adjacent each stud for connecting the stud to the lower track and to a support structure lying underneath the lower track. Each connector includes an elongated member having opposite end portions. One end portion includes a turned end plate that extends generally perpendicular with respect to the elongated member. In the half wall, a connector is disposed directly adjacent a respective stud. So disposed, the elongated member extends upwardly next to an adjacent stud and the end plate extends over the lower track. A series of fasteners are connected between the elongated member and the adjacent stud, and between the end plate and the underlying lower track and support structure.

Abstract: One embodiment of a Perimeter foundation panel with a leveler (FIG. 7B) for the use in constructing a foundation wall assembled in plurality to affix a building structure to land. The panels erect on manufactured levelers, which create a freestanding foundation (FIG. 1) wall that adjust vertically before encasement. Formed from a single sheet of material (FIG. 3); cut in a pattern that comprise a top rail (1), bottom rail (2), top rim (5), bottom rim (6), a right tab (3) a left tab (4) and a flat smooth face (7). After fabrication vertical Z braces (14) are rigidly affixed in plurality with-in the cavity of the panel. C brace (16) installing at the inside of tab (3, or 4) of adjoining panel. Constructed within a footer void (24) and cast in-situ.

Abstract: Elevated platforms of variable size are fabricated from pre-cast planar construction blocks. The platforms may be used to support pre-cast structures or prefabricated units. The platform comprises a plurality of support blocks which include haunches to support drop-in beams of variable length. The platforms are supported by pre-cast pedestal block foundation elements which may be installed on the surface, buried, or partially buried. The platforms may also be supported by pile cap blocks or nested assemblies of pile cap blocks which are grouted over conventional piles. The modular elements may include mechanical, electrical, and plumbing MEP ports for providing utilities through the platform or structure.

Abstract: An assembly and process to allow for stud walls to be erected prior to the concrete slab being placed and also used for tenant demising walls before the concrete slab is placed. The Easy Wall Track includes a light gauge channel with a leave in place metal keyway attached to the under side for vertical support. There are metal brackets that support this assembly with a smooth rod or rebar driven in the ground. This allows for the concrete slab to be poured at a later date with almost no formwork needing to be placed. This saves money on material, labor and time on the schedule for the retail development company. The Easy Wall Track is versatile in meeting the needs of retail and commercial construction. With walls being able to be erected proir to the placement of the concrete slab would avert delays related to the concrete work.

Abstract: The present application discloses curb components that represent various shapes of glass blocks to be used in the construction of a curb for a glass block wall, along with a system and method for laying out the curb components. The curb components can be fitted together to lay out the positioning of glass blocks, such that a user can lay out potential designs for glass block walls prior to constructing the glass block wall. Connection mechanisms are used, which enable a variety of joint sizes, as well as angled joints to be formed.

Abstract: A permanent form building assembly includes one or more GRC forms having a one or more open cavities and a reinforcement structure. The GRC forms are designed and configured for a predetermined application. The reinforcement structure is inserted within the open cavities of the GRC forms prior to filling with concrete.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for securing a building foundation form disposed on a moisture barrier membrane. The method includes the steps of positioning one end of a concrete form stake in a mating structure of a plug, penetrating the moisture barrier membrane with a tip end the plug, and forming a seal between a flange extending around a periphery of the plug and the moisture barrier membrane.

Abstract: A shear wall construction and method for assembling the same is disclosed. A plywood sheet includes close laterally-spaced pairs of vertical studs or posts proximate each lateral end. A channel-defining member is fitted and fixed between the spaced studs. A tie member extends from the channel-defining member into a concrete foundation or other underlying building element. A track is also provided for sheathing a lower edge of the shear wall. Protrusions from the metal track aid in anchoring the shear wall to the concrete foundation.

Abstract: A method for using tilt-up panels with chamfered sides, extensions below the panels ad receptacles for removable eyelets approximately ? of the way up the panel. Inserts may be used between the panels to hold epoxy or other materials. The inserts may include a T-shaped form that obviates the need for caulking between the outside portions of the panels.

Abstract: A two-piece bracket adapted to resist forces in both tension and compression. The tension/compression bracket is formed from stamped, plate steel and is preassembled by clinching or with structural adhesives. The tension/compression bracket provides a range of adjustability of attachment to allow for a limited range of placement of other components that attach to the tension/compression bracket. In one embodiment, the tension/compression bracket includes a resilient resistance to tension forces. The resilient resistance is provided by a high spring constant coil spring. The resilient resistance provides a limited degree of movement under tension. The limited degree of movement is chosen by component selection to be non-damaging.

Abstract: A hold-down for securing first and second support members in a portion of a building to an anchoring device extending from another portion of the building. The hold-down may include a first flange having securement apertures therethrough configured to receive fasteners adapted to secure the first flange to the first support member. A second flange may have securement apertures configured to receive fasteners adapted to secure the second flange to the second support member. A base may connect the first and second flanges and have an aperture sized and positioned to receive the anchoring device therethrough. The first and second flanges may be configured to be loaded substantially exclusively in tension by the anchoring device.

Abstract: A self-supporting shearwall structure in the form of an “H,” an “I,” or a “C” is disclosed. The shearwall structure provides vertical and lateral support to the framework of a multi-story building sufficient to support the roof, other exterior and/or interior walls, and intermediate floor loads of the building, as well as the wind load of the building. In the preferred embodiment, the wall structure is made primarily of reinforced concrete, preferably comprising pre-cast concrete panels. The panels are placed end to end on their edge on the first (or lowest) floor of the building and joined to the building's foundation and to at least one other horizontally adjoining panel. The structure is made higher by adding an additional row of panels horizontally aligned at vertical support points and placed on their edge on top of the row of panels that has already been formed such that each subsequent row of panels is supported on and grouted to the prior row.

Abstract: An insulated load bearing building wall structure comprising a plurality of spaced-apart stud members, each stud member comprising an exterior bar member, an interior bar member, and a plurality of wall ties connected there between. Interstitial blocks comprising a generally self-supporting insulating material are disposed between adjacent pairs of stud members. A surface coating material is disposed along the exterior and interior faces of the wall structure and in contact with the interstitial blocks. The wall ties each comprise a composite material that is resistant to heat transfer, thereby reducing the amount of heat transferred between the interior and exterior surfaces of the wall structure.

Abstract: This building panel consists of lightweight panel for external or internal closures of latticework support structures, which is constituted by slabs of air-setting resistant material. The slabs are reinforced in the facade panels for external closures and unreinforced for the dividing panels for internal closures. They are provided with a patterned surface on the visible face and are smooth or shaped at the edges. The visible face is formed by a thin layer of molded synthetic resin or fine mortar paste. When the layer is molded synthetic resin and is disposed as a shell for the panel, it comprises over the whole of the inner surface thereof an internal synthetic resin layer, the entire free surface of which is covered with a solid bulk material, the components of which firmly partially anchored in said internal layer and afford a substantial free surface for anchorage of the air-setting material forming the resistant body poured thereover.

Abstract: A foundation protection system for the exterior surface of a foundation wall has a membrane of plastic material on the exterior surface of the foundation wall, the membrane having a marginal edge portion, and a support strip extending along the entire marginal edge portion of the membrane. The membrane and the securement member have interengaged projecting and recessed portions, with fasteners penetrating through the support strip and the membrane into the foundation wall and thereby securing the support strip and the membrane to the foundation wall. The support strip may have a flexible flange in sealing contact with the foundation wall upwardly beyond the marginal edge portion of the membrane along the entire length of the marginal edge portion of the membrane. A slot-shaped recess extends along the support strip for temporarily holding nails or screws during installation.

Abstract: A shear wall construction and method for assembling the same is disclosed. A plywood sheet includes close laterally-spaced pairs of vertical studs or posts proximate each lateral end. A channel-defining member is fitted and fixed between the spaced studs. A tie member extends from the channel-defining member into a concrete foundation or other underlying building element. A track is also provided for sheathing a lower edge of the shear wall. Protrusions from the metal track aid in anchoring the shear wall to the concrete foundation.

Abstract: Systems and methods of internally bracing straw bales during construction of a straw bale wall using ladder structures that eliminate the need for external bracing and form a permanent part of the wall's internal structure.

Abstract: A decorative wall is disclosed which hides residential equipment. The decorative wall comprises a wall having a mounting mechanism which removably erects the wall on a surface, the wall having a flat surface indicia or images imprinted thereon.

Abstract: A method for moving a wall from a first position to a second position and anchoring the wall in the second position, according to which a portion of an elongated assembly is placed through an opening in the wall. An auger is provided on one end portion of the assembly and torque is applied to the assembly to cause the auger to penetrate the ground, and a nut is advanced along the assembly to engage the wall and force the wall from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An outdoor privacy wall that includes at least one self supporting panel mounted on multiple, spaced apart footings disposed in the ground. The panel features a rectangular shape and has opposing faces bounded by parallel upper and lower edges and a pair of parallel side edges connecting the upper and lower edges. At least one of the opposing faces includes a recessed region. A thick peripheral portion surrounds the recessed region and longitudinal reinforcing elements extend longitudinally through the thick peripheral region. A vertically oriented mold assembly is used to manufacture the panels.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated building foundation form assembly is installed beneath a pre-existing temporarily supported structure in its final position, and a footing dug below the line of the lowest building timber. A rigid sheet form element is positioned along the upper and outside perimeter side portion of the lowest building timber. The brackets are positioned over the lowest timber and against the sheeting at specified intervals and held in place with connectors. Adjustable supports are attached to the brackets and connectors attach brackets to sheeting. J-bolts along with structural steel are installed. A rigid sheet form element is laterally positioned along the inside perimeter of the inner side of the brackets and held with connectors, which completes the suspended enclosure.

Abstract: A concrete footing and wall system for increasing the efficiency in forming concrete foundations for building structures. The concrete footing and wall system includes a first preformed wall, a second preformed wall connected to the first preformed wall, and a lower reservoir formed within the lower portions of the walls for receiving a volume of concrete. The walls are distally spaced apart and receive a volume of concrete along with the reservoir being filled. The reservoir is preferably comprised of a flexible material such as plastic or textile. The walls are supported a finite distance in a level manner above a ground surface by the usage of a plurality of support members. The reservoir has a pair of end openings which allows the concrete to merge and bond with adjacent walls and reservoirs.

Abstract: A shear wall construction and method for assembling the same is disclosed. A plywood sheet includes close laterally-spaced pairs of vertical studs or posts proximate each lateral end. A channel-defining member is fitted and fixed between the spaced studs. A tie member extends from the channel-defining member into a concrete foundation or other underlying building element. A track is also provided for sheathing a lower edge of the shear wall. Protrusions from the metal track aid in anchoring the shear wall to the concrete foundation.

Abstract: A two-piece bracket adapted to resist forces in both tension and compression. The tension/compression bracket is formed from stamped, plate steel and is preassembled by clinching. The tension/compression bracket provides a range of adjustability of attachment to allow for a limited range of placement of other components that attach to the tension/compression bracket. In one embodiment, the tension/compression bracket includes a resilient resistance to tension forces. The resilient resistance is provided by a high spring constant coil spring. The resilient resistance provides a limited degree of movement under tension. The limited degree of movement is chosen by component selection to be non-damaging.

Abstract: The present application describes methods and apparatus for installing a load bearing pile 1 which is installed in the line of a perimeter wall, in particular to a perimeter wall consisting of a series of diaphragm wall panels.

Abstract: A shear panel assembly including a shear panel in combination with a shear panel hold-down. The shear panel includes a frame and a panel diaphragm including a peripheral edge. The frame includes an upper horizontal frame member pivotally interconnecting the upper ends of first and second upright frame members. A lower horizontal is connected at the lower ends of the first and second upright frame members. The peripheral edge of the panel diaphragm is secured to an inner periphery of the frame within the depth of the frame. The shear panel system includes a hold-down having a base and at least one upright frame member engagement tab pivotally connected to and extending from the base for attachment to an upright frame member.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for improving the connection between a building panel and a foundation. The improved connection is made possible by a unique form assembly that includes a trough assembly and a novel means for adequately supporting the trough assembly while the concrete is poured. The trough assembly creates a trough, which is an elongated hollow notch at the top of the foundation that resembles the shape of the trough assembly. Thus, the trough assembly is designed such that its width is approximately equal to the width of the building panel. The trough assembly also includes an angle iron affixed to the top of its sides. The trough assembly provides the building panel an elongated hollow groove having angle irons on each side. The prefabricated panel is therefor affixed to the angle irons. Placing the prefabricated panel in the foundation in such a manner and affixing it to the angle irons provides the panel with improved lateral and horizontal support.

Abstract: A plurality of precast ground bearing foundation pads are provided at spaced-apart locations. Precast wall sections span between and bear upon the pads, each pad having a groove in its upper surface for receiving and holding a base of the wall section. Separate foundation holes may be excavated for each pad, the holes are backfilled to fix the pads in position.

Abstract: A concrete footing and wall system for increasing the efficiency in forming concrete foundations for building structures. The concrete footing and wall system includes a first preformed wall, a second preformed wall connected to the first preformed wall, and a lower reservoir formed within the lower portions of the walls for receiving a volume of concrete. The walls are distally spaced apart and receive a volume of concrete along with the reservoir being filled. The reservoir is preferably comprised of a flexible material such as plastic or textile. The walls are supported a finite distance in a level manner above a ground surface by the usage of a plurality of support members. The reservoir has a pair of end openings which allows the concrete to merge and bond with adjacent walls and reservoirs.

Abstract: A highly economical basement wall providing strength and comfort comparable to conventional basement wall structures includes a metal sill, a plurality of spaced apart metal wall studs, a metal decking secured to the plurality of metal wall studs, and a metal reinforcing stud welded to the plurality of metal wall studs. Each of the reinforcing studs is also welded to the sill and extends upwardly from the sill to a height of about 25% or less of the height of the metal wall studs.