Abstract: A laterally air permeable roof assembly having seals at perimetrical edges of the roof and at all penetrations of the roof assembly includes secondary air seals spaced from the perimetrical air seals and the protrusion air seals such that the secondary air seals are isolated from unstable areas of the roof. The unstable areas of the roof are areas which experience a high degree of expansion and contraction in different planes.

Abstract: A method of applying a roof membrane assembly to a roof deck. The method includes the steps of providing a roof membrane assembly including a first roof membrane and a second roof membrane. The first roof membrane has at least one longitudinally extending edge and the second roof membrane overlaps the first roof membrane and is bonded along at least one longitudinally extending edge of the first roof membrane to define a membrane flap having a longitudinally extending edge. The roof membrane assembly is then positioned upon the roof deck and at least one roof membrane fastening device is positioned over the first roof membrane and beneath the longitudinally extending membrane flap and secured through the first roof membrane and into the roof deck. The longitudinally extending edge of the membrane flap is then bonded to the first roof membrane.

Abstract: A connector used in forming a composite wall structure that includes two structural layers and an insulative layer. The connector secures the two structural layers together and is insulative so as to minimize the transfer of thermal energy across the insulating layer. The connector is inserted through the insulating layer during manufacturing of the wall structure. The connectors include reinforcement attaching structures for securing reinforcement material in a substantially fixed position before and during formation of the structural layers. The reinforcement attaching structures may be integrally formed on the connector or may be included on a bracket plate that is attached to the main shaft of the connector.

Abstract: A plate-shaped cambered attachment element (1) for attaching a constructional element (9) to a foundation (7) and having a central bore (2) for receiving an anchoring element (11), an abutment shoulder (4) spaced from the base (3) of the attachment element (1) and extending toward the base (3), and an edge region (5) which extends toward the plate edge (6) of the attachment element (1) and extends to a plane, extending perpendicular to the axis of the core (2), at a shallow angle (W).

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing highly insulating connector rods and highly insulating composite wall structures using such connector rods. The connector rods are highly insulating and are injection molded in a single step from an appropriate resinous material or moldable plastic. Discontinuous fibers may be impregnated within the resinous material or other moldable plastic. The single-step molding method yields connector rods having pointed ends for facilitating entry through an insulating layer and a first structural layer not yet cured, and also an enlarged head for receiving an impact from a hammer or mallet or for facilitating gripping by the installer. The enlarged head also provides an anchoring effect within a second structural layer upon curing. The connector rods are manufactured to include a ridge or flange to limit the depth of penetration by the connector rod when inserted into the insulating material when forming the composite wall structure.

Abstract: A slide-in building insulation system wherein a plurality of slide tracks are secured in spaced parallel relation to a plurality of secondary structural members which are extended longitudinally between oppositely situated primary structural members of the building roof structure and/or walls. An elongated suspension sheet, including a flexible fabric extended between thicker guide strips along each edge thereof, is slide-fit into place with the guide strips being received within and advanced through the slide tracks so that the suspension sheet covers the space between adjacent slide tracks. An edge suspension sheet covers the space between a primary structural member and an adjacent slide track, each edge suspension sheet having a guide strip along only one side edge thereof and an opposite side edge adapted to be secured to the primary structural member.

Abstract: In the large-area washer with an aperture for fastener means, there are engagement components on the surface in the fastening direction of the washer. The engagement components engage a cover strip that is to be fastened. The washer also has stiffeners in the form of beads. Unreinforced corner regions of the washer lie radially outside the stiffeners relative to the aperture and can be elastically resiliently bent about an imaginary line at an acute angle to two central axes of the washer. Engaging components may be formed in these corner regions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching roof membranes to roof decks. A bridge is placed on flaps created by overlapping portions of roofing material. The bridge is comprised of two end portions which engage the roofing material. A screw is preferably installed through the bridge and into the roof deck. When wind applies force to the roofing membrane, the bridge creates a fulcrum-like effect which helps secure the roof membrane to the roof deck.

Abstract: This invention deals with novel devices which are fasteners for roofing assemblies, especially multi-layered roof assemblies. In addition, there is embodied in this invention a device that is not only a fastener, but is also capable of detecting leaks in roofing systems.

Abstract: A roof includes a deck, an insulating layer over the deck and a base sheet comprising a laminate of aluminum and unwoven polyester overlaying the insulating layer such that the aluminum layer faces the insulating layer. The base sheet and insulating layer are fastened to the deck by a plurality of mechanical fasteners. A conventional built-up roof composite, which may include a plurality of alternating layers of a bituminous material and felt, is then formed over the base sheet.

Abstract: A depth-insensitive concrete fastener system is provided for securing roofing insulation materials to concrete roofing or decking. The concrete roofing or decking substructure is provided with a pre-drilled hole or bore having a predetermined diametrical extent. An anchor bolt fastener comprises a head portion, a pointed tip portion, and a shank portion interconnecting the head and tip portions. The shank portion has a first relatively smooth shank portion disposed adjacent to the head portion and extending toward the tip portion, and a second ribbed portion disposed adjacent to the tip portion and having an axial extent which is only a fractional portion of the entire axial extent of the fastener.

Abstract: A new roof panel mounting system for securing to an underlying roof support structure to preclude leaking. The inventive device includes a sheet of plywood secured to a support structure of a house. A sheet of insulation material is positionable on the sheet of plywood. A sheet of paneling is positionable on the sheet of insulation material. The sheet of paneling has a plurality of ridges extending upwardly therefrom. The sheet of paneling is coupled with respect to the sheet of plywood and the sheet of insulation material.

Abstract: A system for forming architectural concrete walls comprises a plurality of modular form units (32), each form unit comprising a generally rectangular support frame, a backing sheet (34, 36) and an overlying facing sheet (56; 58), each facing sheet having a facing surface defined by a plastic material, an elastic seal (68) along an edge of the form unit for positioning between adjacent form units for preventing water leakage, a minimal number of tie holes (26) extending through each form unit, a seal tube (74) assembly for positioning between the tie holes, and a tie rod (80) for each tie hole. An architectural concrete wall having minimal tie holes and surface cavities and a highly polished marble-like surface is formed of a concrete mix including diatomaceous earth to impart a grey marble color and appearance.

Abstract: A swiveling roofing washer for use with a roofing fastener has a plate. The plate defines a centrally positioned fastener opening. The plate further has a bottom surface for engagement to a roofing membrane, and an oppositely positioned top surface. The top surface has a swivel surface portion defining a convex surface adjacent and coaxial with the fastener opening. The swivel surface further defines a fastener head receiving channel adjacent the convex portion and coaxial with the fastener opening for engagement with the head portion of a roofing fastener.

Abstract: A bonding pad for securing a waterproof membrane to a roof deck without requiring any penetration of the membrane. The pad has a base member of EPDM with a thin bottom coating of a nonwoven polyester fabric. An EPDM tape having adhesive on both sides is secured to the top surface of the base member. A rigid attachment plate and fastener secure the base member and EPDM tape to the roof deck with the top layer of adhesive securing the membrane to the pad. Preferably the EPDM tape comprises two separated strips forming an air flow channel therebetween with the attachment plate being located with the channel. A primer coat is applied to the top layer of adhesive on the EPDM tape after an adhesive release paper is removed prior to securing the membrane to the bonding pad.

Abstract: A gripping element for attaching a roofing membrane to a roof includes a generally planar plate having a generally central opening and an oblong peripheral edge. The plate includes a top surface facing away from the roofing membrane, an upwardly projecting rib, and a plurality of gripping formations for preventing slippage of the roofing membrane relative to the plate. Preferably, the central opening is larger in diameter than the diameter of a corresponding shank portion of a threaded fastener so that the plate is permitted a specified amount of rocking when subjected to a membrane uplift force.

Abstract: A roof structure and method for reducing uplift on a roof resulting from a wind blowing over the roof at a rooftop wind speed. The roof has a membrane overlying a deck. An air permeable and resilient mat is installed over the membrane. The mat has openings of a size to reduce the wind velocity passing through it to the membrane while the openings being of a size that the mat is not lifted by a pressure differential therein reducing uplift on the membrane.

Abstract: A device for fastening an insulation element to a constructional component and including a large-surface head (1); a hollow shank (2) projecting from the head (1) and having an inner space which is freely accessible from an opening (15) provided in the head (1), for receiving a fastening member (3), and a lid supported on the head and pivotable about an articulation axis (16, 17) located outside of the opening (15), for closing the opening with the lid engaging, in its closed position, a projection extending from a head surface extending parallel to a cross-sectional surface of the hollow shank (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a roofing fastener, a roofing assembly including the roofing fastener, and a method of installing the roofing fastener into the roofing assembly. The roofing fastener includes a head and a shank integrally connected thereto. The shank and the thread thereon permits the roofing fastener to be self-tapping and threaded into a base substrate such as a concrete deck. Preferably, the roofing fastener includes a polygonal socket within nubbins thereon to squeeze about a drill bit. Also, ideally the head of the roofing fastener is round and has a diameter which is greater than the length of the shank. Ideally, the fastener is made of a low-moisture material which can absorb water from the surrounding substrate causing the fastener to swell and increase its holding power.

Abstract: An attachment plate is used to attach insulation panels to building substrates using internal combustion cordless nail setting tools loaded with collating strips for feeding and holding nails in the tool magazine. The attachment plate has a washer and an annular chamber at a first end. A wall of the annular chamber is defined by a band of fingers. The interior of the attachment plate has a recess. The attachment plate second end has flexible tabs. The attachment plate is placed on a pilot and against a flange of a tool adapter. The attachment plate is pushed into the insulation panel such that the tool muzzle bends the fingers and passes through the same. When the tool is fired, a nail and nail collating ring are forced into and captured within the recess. The tabs bend against the substrate if the insulation panel is of less than nominal thickness.

Abstract: Roofing system is presented comprising a built-up roof(BUR) assembly or modified roof membrane assembly (MRM) which is adhered to gypsum, concrete or composite sheets or panels which have been loose-laid over a roof substrate. This allows the BUR or MRM assemblies to conduct heat to or receive heat from the thermal mass of the loose laid mass-weighted sheets immediately below the BUR or MRM assemblies. The gypsum panels, preformed concrete panels, poured-in-place concrete or composite mass-weighted construction panels which are placed between the BUR or MRM assemblies and the roof substrate causes more gradual changes in temperature between the roof assembly and the roof substrate.

Abstract: A self-contained composite roofing batten bar has a layer of adhesive material secured to the bottom or undersurface portion of a roofing batten bar or strip. The adhesive material is tacky or sticky at room temperature and preferably comprises a butyl rubber composition. In view of the inherent tackiness or stickiness of the butyl rubber adhesive composition, one surface of the adhesive material layer is inherently adhered to the bottom or undersurface portion of the roofing batten bar or strip, and the other lower or undersurface portion of the adhesive layer is covered by a releasable paper backing strip. When it is desired to use the composite batten bar in order to secure, for example, a roofing membrane to underlying roofing structure, the releasably paper backing strip is simply removed thereby exposing the lower or undersurface portion of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A circular thin metal or thermoplastic disc stress plate has an annular stiffening rim and groove and a central opening. Three equilateral and symmetrically oriented elongated nail-like members depend from the plate at the rib and groove inclined in diverging relation relative to a vertical axis normal to and central the plate on a conical surface of revolution. The members extend radially beyond the perimeter of the stress plate projected onto the members forming an annular attachment region to a cementitious substrate significantly greater than the area subtended by the stress plate. Two or more than three members may be used in the alternative. The nail-like members have conical tips which may be any shape and blunt. The members preferably are circular cylinder steel, may be other transverse sectional shapes, and are driven individually or simultaneously into the substrate either through holes in the plate or penetrate the plate material by a power operated nail driving tool.

Abstract: An attachment plate is used to attach insulation panels to building substrates using internal combustion cordless nail setting tools loaded with collating strips for feeding and holding nails in the tool magazine. The attachment plate has a washer and an annular chamber at a first end. A wall of the annular chamber is defined by a band of fingers. The interior of the attachment plate has a recess. The attachment plate second end has flexible tabs. The attachment plate is placed on a pilot and against a flange of a tool adapter. The attachment plate is pushed into the insulation panel such that the tool muzzle bends the fingers and passes through the same. When the tool is fired, a nail and nail collating ring are forced into and captured within the recess. The tabs bend against the substrate if the insulation panel is of less than nominal thickness.

Abstract: Highly insulating and substantially pointed connector rods used in making highly insulative composite wall structures. At least a substantial portion of the connector rod is injection molded in a single step from an appropriate resinous material or moldable plastic. The connector rod has a first substantially pointed end in a penetrating segment for facilitating entry through an insulating layer and for making abutting contact with a form sidewall when manufacturing a composite wall structure using a cast-in-place method. The opposite end, or trailing segment, also includes a substantially pointed end that makes abutting contact with another form sidewall. A middle or mesial segment resides within the insulating layer, which is sandwiched between two structural layers of a hardenable material, such as concrete. A first ridge or flange at the intersection between the mesial and trailing segments limits the depth of penetration of the connector rod when inserted through the insulating material.

Abstract: A wall, particularly a wall of a containment for a nuclear plant, a pool or a cavern, includes a bearing wall. A sealing element is disposed on at least one surface of the bearing wall and covers the bearing wall. A protective wall covers the sealing element. The protective wall is frictionally connected to the bearing wall. The protective wall may be formed of a plurality of parts. The frictional connection may be made by anchors as well as by prestressing or by adhesive bonding.

Abstract: An insulated wall includes first and second spaced apart layers of concrete having a layer of insulating material sandwiched therebetween. Extending through the insulative layer are a plurality of spike connectors having their opposite ends protruding into the two concrete layers and having their central portions extending through the insulating material. One of the opposite ends of the spike connectors is pointed so as to permit it to be punched through the insulative layer. The opposite ends of the spikes each include a holding surface facing at least partially toward the central insulative layer and holding the concrete layers against movement away from the insulative layer. C-shaped connectors may also be used in a similar fashion with hook ends hooked over elongated cables extending within the two concrete layers so as to tie them together.

Abstract: A device for attaching insulation material (13) of different thicknesses to a base material, such as a structural member, is formed of a receptacle (1) to be fastened to the base material and a pressure component (4) to be secured in a positively locked manner to the receptacle. The pressure component (4) includes a shaft (3) and a head (2) extending laterally outwardly from the shaft. An axially extending slot (9) in the shaft (3) serves for easier compression of the device and permits inward radial deformation of the shaft (3). The pressure component (4) is finally fixed to the receptacle (1) by a stud-shaped expanding element (8) driven in a central throughbore (7) in the shaft for preventing radial deformation of the shaft (3).

Abstract: A mezzanine floor includes a corrugated metal base with tongue and groove panels secured thereto, wherein the panels have been finished with a number of steps to achieve a combination of desired features, including durability, cleanability, water resistance and non-skid characteristics. The finishing steps include coating and curing a polyester acrylic layer, followed by coating and semi-curing at least one more layer of acrylic with no polyester. Then, a final layer of acrylic is coated and all of the layers are cured via electron beam and then ultraviolet radiation. The viscosity of the acrylic is varied during the successive coatings, and this produces the textured finish necessary for non-skid characteristics. The tongue and groove configuration is offset to enhance stability at the joints between adjacent panels.

Abstract: A depth-insensitive concrete fastener system is provided for securing roofing insulation materials to concrete roofing or decking. The concrete roofing or decking substructure is provided with a pre-drilled hole or bore having a predetermined diametrical extent. An anchor bolt fastener comprises a head portion, a pointed tip portion, and a shank portion interconnecting the head and tip portions. The shank portion has a first relatively smooth shank portion disposed adjacent to the head portion and extending toward the tip portion, and a second ribbed portion disposed adjacent to the tip portion and having an axial extent which is only a fractional portion of the entire axial extent of the fastener.

Abstract: A device for securing insulation material (7) to a base material (8) includes a receptacle (1) fixable to the base material and a large area head (2) arranged to abut against the insulation material with flexible elastic retaining strips (3, 4) extending from the receptacle to the head. Each strip has a sawtooth-like profiled surface (5, 6). The head (2) has through aperture (9, 10) for receiving the strips (3, 4) with locking members in the through aperture with profiled surfaces similar to the profiled surfaces on the strips arranged to provide an interlock between the head (2) and the retaining strips (3, 4).

Abstract: A washer, for use with a fastener for attaching a slab of insulation and a covering mesh to a substrate, has fingers which automatically partially block its entry aperture when the fastener is tightened so that a finish applied over the washer does not fill the cavity of the washer. This reduces the conduction of heat through the insulation by way of the finish material and the fastener. It also provides an undercut surface for improved adhesion of the finish material to the washer.

Abstract: An attachment plate is used to attach insulation panels to building substrates using internal combustion cordless nail setting tools loaded with collating strips for feeding and holding nails in the tool magazine. The attachment plate has a washer and an annular chamber at a first end. A wall of the annular chamber is defined by a band of fingers. The interior of the attachment plate has a recess. The attachment plate second end has flexible tabs. The attachment plate is placed on a pilot and against a flange of a tool adapter. The attachment plate is pushed into the insulation panel such that the tool muzzle bends the fingers and passes through the same. When the tool is fired, a nail and nail collating ring are forced into and captured within the recess. The tabs bend against the substrate if the insulation panel is of less than nominal thickness.

Abstract: Highly insulating connectors used in making highly insulative composite wall structures. At least a substantial portion of the connector is injection molded in a single step from an appropriate resinous material or moldable plastic. The connector has a substantially pointed end in a penetrating segment for facilitating penetration of the connector through an insulating layer and a yet unhardened structural material, such as concrete, that will harden into a first structural layer. The opposite end, or gripping segment, includes arcuate wings for facilitating gripping of the connector during placement in the insulating layer and first unhardened structural layer, and also for anchoring the connectors upon hardening of a second structural layer. A middle or mesial segment resides within the insulating layer, which is sandwiched between the first and second structural layer.

Abstract: The roof system is formed of a corrugated sheet of material anchored to a roof beam, a mineral board anchored to the peaks of the corrugated sheet having a moisture barrier, at least one layer of insulating material interposed between the mineral board and the corrugated sheet, and standing seam metal roof panels anchored to the mineral board. A staggered anchoring system is provided which eliminates thermal shorts from the outside of the roof to the inside roof beams.

Abstract: A roof structure and method for reducing uplift on a roof resulting from a wind blowing over the roof at a rooftop wind speed. The roof has a membrane overlying a deck. An air permeable and resilient mat is installed over the membrane. The mat has openings of a size to reduce the wind velocity passing through it to the membrane while the openings being of a size that the mat is not lifted by a pressure differential therein reducing uplift on the membrane.

Abstract: A roof cladding system includes flexible, waterproof, plastics material sheet and feature strips each comprising a base strip and an interchangeable cap. Caps having different profiles may be used to provide different ornamentation. The base strip is flexible to the sheet and has upturned elongate lips acting as latches for downwardly projecting in-turned flanges of the cap.

Abstract: A protective seam plate retains a flexible membrane of a roofing system in place without tearing the flexible membrane during high winds. The protective seam plate comprises a seam plate having a web with a periphery and top and bottom surfaces. A protective ring surrounds the seam plate web periphery and overlies the web top and bottom surfaces around and adjacent the web periphery. The protective ring has a smooth continuous surface that is contacted by the flexible membrane when the flexible membrane lifts off the roof during high winds. The protective seam plate may be manufactured by heat shrinking a tube of heat shrinkable material surrounding the periphery of the seam plate web. Alternately, the protective ring may be an L-shaped ring that is assembled to the seam plate by bending a leg over the web top surface. The protective seam plate may also be fabricated by bending a flange that is integral with the seam plate web such that the flange partially overlies the web top surface.

Abstract: A wall construction using metal studs upon which wallboard is adhered and wood trim can be applied with a barbed finish nail that has a plurality of barbs along its shank that are flexible to retract axially along the shank as the nail is driven, and expand to catch material and hold the nail in place, wherein the nail further has a low profile head that reduces the amount of finish work required to the applied wood trim.

Abstract: A fastening device for anchoring a sealing strip on a roof includes an elongated fastener which penetrates both a holder and the sealing strip and has a drill tip at a lower end thereof extending into the roof substructure. An opposite upper end of the fastener has an enlarged upper end engaged in an opening in the holder to press the holder against and anchor the sealing strip on the roof. A cover having a recessed underside for receiving the holder and a central hole with a slit-like depression for receiving a catch-shaped projection extending upwardly from the head of the fastener is rotated to drive the fastener and the holder into position on the sealing strip while at the same time covering the opening in the holder to prevent entry of rainwater and the like. As the cover engages the sealing strip, the cover eventually disengages the fastener so that only the cover rotates.

Abstract: A wood sill reinforcing plate for use with anchor bolts embedded in a concrete foundation and extending upward and a wood sill having openings which receive the outwardly extending anchor bolts. A plate member having an opening extending through the plate member and with the opening having a dimension slightly larger than the diameter of the anchor bolt. A plurality of gripper prongs integral with the plate member and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plate member for embedding the gripper prongs into the wood sill to lock the plate member around the anchor bolt with the anchor bolt extending through the opening in the plate member.

Abstract: A nail and a method using the nail for securing two materials together spaced by an interposed resilient material. The nail has a shaft having a first end and a second end. The nail has a head extending radially around the shaft at the first end. The second end of the shaft has a point. A sleeve has generally a cylindrical shape and a pair of ends. The sleeve has a cylindrical center portion and a pair of frusto-conical tapered portions. Each of the frusto-conical tapered portions extends from the center portion to one of the ends forming a cutting edge. The sleeve surrounds the shaft and has a length in excess of the thickness of the resilient material and less than the length of the shaft. The method comprises the steps of laying the first material against the second material spaced by the resilient material, driving the nail through the first material, the resilient material and into the second material with the point of the shaft piercing the resilient material and the second material.

Abstract: Highly insulating connector rods used in making highly insulative composite wall structures are disclosed. The high R-value connector is injection molded in a single step from an appropriate resinous material or moldable plastic. Discontinuous fibers may be impregnated within the resinous material or other plastic. The connector rod has a pointed end for facilitating entry through an insulating layer and a first structural layer and an enlarged head for receiving an impact from a hammer or mallet. The enlarged head also provides an anchoring effect within a second structural layer. A ridge or flange helps to orient the connector rod when inserted into the insulating material and also helps to prevent the collapse of the second structural layer toward the first structural layer.

Abstract: A nail for securing two materials together spaced by an interposed resilient material. The nail has a shaft having a first end and a second end. The nail has a head extending radially around the shaft at the first end. The second end of the shaft has a point. A sleeve has generally a cylindrical shape and a pair of ends. The sleeve has a cylindrical center portion and a pair of frusto-conical tapered portions. Each of the frusto-conical tapered portions extends from the center portion to one of the ends forming a cutting edge. The sleeve surrounds the shaft and has a length in excess of the thickness of the resilient material and less than the length of the shaft.

Abstract: A method for reducing penetration of a liquid through flexible nonwoven, preferably film-fibril, sheets that have been pierced by one or more fastening elements. The method comprises discontinuously coating a hydrophobic foam in strips onto one side of a nonwoven film-fibril sheet to form a composite structure. The composite structure, preferably the foam side, is positioned against the outside surface of the framing structure of a building such that the foam strips align with the studs of the building. The facing material is then secured by one or more fastening elements through the composite structure. The nonwoven sheets with foam strips provide resistance to air infiltration and liquid penetration between the interior of the building and the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A composite roof covering securement element is comprised of an elongated rubber membrane onto which a plastic batten strip is adhesively bonded. The membrane and strip have a range of flexibility which permitts the same to be rolled into a coil for manual prepositioning on a roof and then unrolled to lie flat upon the roof for attachment along the perimeter. When installed the composite element resists shear loads and securely retains the overlying roof covering in place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to concrete structures and methods for making walls and the like from precast concrete structures. Certain embodiments include an outer wall, and inner wall, and define a region between the walls into which reinforcing concrete may be added.

Abstract: A waterproof cover having special utility for a flat or low-slope roof for a building. The roof includes a structural part comprising beams, joists, rafters, etc., as well as a substrate in the form of plywood panels, metal decking, etc. A waterproof cover is secured over the substrate. The cover is formed by placing a plurality of waterproof sheets loosely over the structural substrate, and connecting the abutting edges of adjacent sheets to one another, much like an old-fashion quilt is assembled. The preferred sheets constitute lightweight, thin but relatively stiff sheets of resin-impregnated fiberglass having a thickness of about 0.065 inch; and the joints between adjacent sheets are formed in situ by a mixture of fiberglass fibers and cured resin. The plurality of sheets are joined to one another (along their abutting edges) to form one giant waterproof cover.

Abstract: To make precast concrete sandwich panels, a first concrete slab is formed having embedded in it one end of connectors which extend from it's surface in two directions with the path between the two containing only thermally insulative material, a layer insulative material is positioned adjacent to a central portion of said connectors to form a solid layer and a second layer of concrete is cast so as to receive the upper ends of said connectors. The connectors provide resistance to shear in at least two directions and include insulative high tensile strength members extending in more than one direction between the concrete slabs.

Abstract: A roof and wall panel tiedown bracket and method of securing roof and wall panels with one surface of the panels positioned against a supporting rafter and wall stud, respectively. The tiedown bracket is preferably made from a single folded sheet metal pattern and includes an elongated main body having first and second flat generally coextensive panels connected edge to edge orthogonally one to another. The first plate is sized in length equal to a width of a rafter or wall stud. One end of the second plate extends beyond that of the first plate a distance equal to a thickness of the roof or wall panels and continues therefrom to define two flat securing plates which extend orthogonally in either direction from the second plate. When the bracket is properly positioned, the securing plates are attached as by nailing against the other surface of the panels and the first plate is connected as by nailing to one side of the rafter or wall stud.