Abstract: A method for building an ice structure includes making a plurality of ice logs and attaching the ice logs together to form a support structure. The support structure may be two or more stories high and may be constructed by freezing the ice logs together.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of constructing a modular multi-storey building including: assembling first and second building modules in a vertical arrangement at an 5 installation location to form a multi-storey building structure, wherein temporary support members between the first and second building modules vertically support at least part of the second building module above the first building module; installing a permanent support structure 10 and connecting it to the first and second building modules to vertically support the second building module above the first building module; and removing the temporary support members.

Abstract: A pool, preferably a plunge pool, that can be prefabricated and on site installed in a short space of time is provided. The pool is integrally formed, resulting in a unitary pool shell having a floor, one or more sidewalls connected to the floor, a surface, such as a step or bench, extending from at least one of the sidewalls; and a peripheral wall extending from the surface to the floor.

Abstract: A concrete wall section manufactured with a weight that allows the user of the concrete wall section to transport manually the concrete wall section. Combinations of concrete wall sections can be used to replace traditional frames of a structure.

Abstract: A new design and rapid construction method for flush assembly of prefabricated steel beams and floor slabs is disclosed. The upper flange of prefabricated steel beams is “” shaped, which consists of horizontal flange, vertical flange and top flange. Both beam stiffeners and studs are set on the horizontal flange, in which the former can strengthen the bearing capacity of the beam and avoid its local deformation, and the latter can fix the floor slab; prefabricated studs and precast concrete inside the vertical flange in the factory are used to constrain the deformation of upper flange. There is no limitation with respect to the form of floor slab, which is connected with the prefabricated steel beam by hitching the prefabricated rebar ring of the floor slab to the welded studs of the upper flange of the prefabricated steel beam.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are pre-cast concrete wall structures, and processes for manufacturing and installing the same. Wall structure may be wall segments and may comprise a pre-cast concrete monolithic body including a ground-engaging footer and a vertical wall supported by the footer and extending upwardly from the footer. Methods of making wall segments may comprise the steps of providing an initial casting mold, pouring an initial portion of concrete, installing a final casting mold, pouring a final portion of concrete, allowing the initial and final portions of poured concrete to cure to a final hardened state, and removing the initial and final casting molds. Methods of installing wall segments may comprise the steps of excavating the construction site, grading a ground surface at the construction site, positioning a plurality of pre-cast concrete wall segments, interconnecting adjacent wall segments, and backfilling adjacent an exterior side of the foundation wall.

Abstract: A support framework (101) for building casings (200) using pultruded uprights, a building casing (200) and a building structure (300). Also described are a process for realizing and installation of the building structure (300), as well as manufacturing processes of the various components of the framework.

Abstract: A civil engineering work (1) comprising a front face (9), a facing (3) having a back surface (32) and a front surface (31) that is substantially the same as said front face (9) of the work, a fluid-tight covering (4) on the back surface, a fill (2) arranged behind said fluid-tight covering (4), and an anchoring device (6) ensuring a mechanical linkage between the facing (3) and the fill (2), with said facing (3) comprising a cavity (5) inside of which a portion of the fluid-tight covering (4) is arranged to form a recessed space into which is inserted an anchoring element (16) that is a part of said anchoring device (6), and a method for implementing such a work.

Abstract: System and method for reinforcing structures includes basalt textile (20) connected to surfaces of the structure (100) with fiber anchors (30). Textile spreads forces and increases ductility of structure. Textile may connect multiple structural elements together, including walls, floors, columns, beams, and roofs. Textile is covered with mortar (50) customized to match color and texture of structure by use of locally obtained grit, aggregate, or colorant. Basalt fiber textile is preferred to avoid degradation of textile from alkaline components of mortar (50).

Abstract: Tie beam formation apparatus includes parallel opposed sidewalls defining a channel constructed to receive concrete for the formation of a tie beam. The sidewalls are disposed to become a fixed part of the tie beam. The apparatus further includes mounting structure attached to the sidewalls for holding the sidewalls in the channel defining position. The mounting structure is designed to hold the sidewalls on an upper surface of a block wall and to engage the sidewalls with the block wall at regular intervals. The mounting structure is further designed to allow a flow of concrete into openings in the block wall at spaced apart regular intervals.

Abstract: A cast concrete wall panel is secured to a concrete foundation by an anchor system which includes a steel base plate embedded adjacent the bottom surface of the wall panel and welded to a tapered channel projecting upwardly adjacent the inner surface of the wall panel to define a cavity. Reinforcing bars have bottom ends welded to the base plate and project upwardly into the concrete wall panel, and a hole is formed in the base plate at the bottom of the cavity. The hole receives a self-tapping concrete anchor bolt which is driven into a hole drilled within the foundation at an acute angle less than twelve degrees and preferably about six degrees from vertical. The channel has a removable cap to prevent concrete from entering the cavity during casting of the wall panel and to provide a decorative inside cover for the cavity after installing the anchor bolt.

Abstract: A reinforced shrinkage compensating concrete slab has a major outer and inner faces defining a slab thickness and a centroid portion surrounded by a peripheral portion having outer peripheral edges defining a bulkhead length and width. A first plurality of reinforcing bars is embedded within the concrete slab on a plane which is substantially parallel to the major outer and inner faces. The first reinforcing bars extend in a first array having a first dimension defining a first on-centers-each-way orientation. A second plurality of reinforcing bars is embedded within the peripheral portion of the concrete slab in a second array which is a substantially intersecting and coplanar construction in relation to the first reinforcing bars. The second plurality of reinforcing bars are restricted to the peripheral portion and aligned with the expansive and shrinkage forces on a second dimension defining a second on-centers-each-way orientation so that the expansive and shrinkage forces are restrained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the construction of buildings as well as elements, structures and methods used in their construction. There is described a pre-fabricated formwork module (12) for a building portion. The module 12 includes two or more panels (14) each including a boundary portion (18) and one or more projecting structures (16). In the module (12) the panels are arranged such that their boundary portions (18) together define a first substantially continuous boundary for forming concrete and the projecting structures (18) project from the boundary into the concrete. The module (12) also include one or more reinforcing bars (30A) fixed, e.g. fixed to the projecting structures, in position relative to the boundary for transport and to reinforce the concrete.

Abstract: The present invention uses insulating concrete forms (ICF) in the construction of residential buildings. An entire wall panel is formed from polystyrene panels that may be cut by a hot wire machine. If necessary, hat channel shaped metal may be inserted into hat channel slots. Columns of polystyrene are removed so that concrete posts may be poured therein after the wall panel has been secured into place with rebar being located therein. Rebar and concrete also are formed along the top of the wall panel. Electrical and plumbing connection pathways are provided in the wall panel at the time of cutting with hot wire. Each wall panel is separately designed and cut by hot wire while still at the factory, but are all connected together to form an ICF residence. Openings are provided for doors and windows and are buck framed. Hat channels are inserted as necessary for strength and/or connection thereto.

Abstract: The invention comprises a foam insulating panel having an outer surface and a reinforcing member adhered to at least a portion of the outer surface of the foam insulating panel. An insulated concrete form and a method of using the insulated concrete form are also disclosed.

Abstract: A construction element for heat insulation between two construction parts, in particular between a building part and a protruding exterior part, is provided, and includes an insulating body (2) to be arranged between the two construction parts with reinforcement elements (4, 5, 6) that can cross it and that can be connected to the two construction parts, with at least shear force rods (6) being provided as reinforcement elements. The construction element is here adjusted for the installation in passively energy conserving houses such that the insulating body is provided with a protrusion (3), which includes open recesses (7) for the upper exit sections (6f) of the shear force rods (6) that extend out of the insulating body, and extend in the direction of the supporting building part to the area of the horizontally protruding shear force rod sections (6a) so that it laterally overlaps the bent shear force rod sections (6d) in their entirety.

Abstract: Multiple layers of polymer foam form structural concrete into a desired planar shape that retains a foam panel when flat or upright. The polymer foam has a planar shape and an exterior surface with multiple channels into the panel. The channels are generally wider at the bottom and narrower towards the top, preferably a trapezoidal shape. In use, the panel is placed flat within a forming frame, exterior surface upwards. Then concrete is poured upon the exterior surface and into the channels. The trapezoidal shape of the channel prevents removal of the panel from the concrete. The concrete panel can then be used flat or upright as specified for a construction project.

Abstract: A concrete wall forming system including a plurality of mold units for forming a wall of concrete. The mold units include a bond beam form extending into the body lengthwise, defined by a first wall, a second wall, a bond beam form bottom, a first end and a second end where the first wall and second wall extend a depth defined by a portion of the distance from the top surface to the bottom surface and where the bond beam form does not touch the first side or the second side. First and second ledges extend lengthwise along the body from the first and second sides respectively to the first and second walls respectively of the bond beam form. The bond beam form bottom extends from the first wall to the second wall. At least two column forms extend from the bond beam form bottom to a bottom surface.

Abstract: A wall construction system includes a footer attached to a floor or footer; vertical reinforcing bars attached to the footer; horizontal reinforcing bars attached to vertical reinforcing bars at predetermined heights above the footer; blocks attached onto the footer, each layer including a row of blocks, each block including a pair of flat major surfaces and four contoured minor surfaces, and a plurality of longitudinal grooves parallel to the major surfaces and incorporated into the edges of the minor surfaces; a plurality of joining strips, the strips placed end to end and pressed into each longitudinal groove, with about half their width protruding from the longitudinal grooves; a plurality of lateral clips attached to pairs of joining strips across the top of the blocks, perpendicular to the longitudinal grooves; and a quantity of concrete in horizontal and vertical air gaps between adjacent blocks enveloping horizontal and vertical reinforcing bars.

Abstract: In a method for connecting a reinforcement or facing of hydraulic-setting material of cement mortar mixture or concrete mixture on a structural component, a multi-layer reinforcement mat is attached to a structural component. A smoothing cement of hydraulic-setting material is filled into outer fabric layers of the reinforcement mat. The smoothing cement is allowed to set to form a substitute formwork. Into the space between the substitute formwork and the structural component a flowable cement mortar mixture or concrete mixture is filled in.

Abstract: A spacer that attaches to wire grids used in laying concrete block or similar type block. A number of spacers are used to lay out a pattern in the block. The spacers have fingers that extend upward from the spacers. These fingers are used to align the blocks, above and below, to assure that each course remains level, plumb and square, with the courses of block remaining in proper alignment throughout the construction.

Abstract: A deck connector that may be cast into a structural concrete element for use in joining adjacent ones of the concrete elements to each other by the use of weld plates that are movably disposed within a weld plate housing forming an element of each of the deck connectors.

Abstract: In a roof system, a top coat of lightweight insulating concrete is anchored to an underlying base slurry coat of lightweight concrete and a metal, gypsum, tectum or concrete roof deck by installing anchoring devices at spaced intervals. The anchoring devices may be made of plastic, steel or aluminum and include a threaded shank extending upwardly from a base plate. The anchoring devices are installed by fastening the base plates to the underlying roof deck structure or by setting the base plates in the lightweight base concrete slurry coat so that the threaded shanks of the anchoring devices extend upwardly through holes in EPS board insulation and into the subsequently applied top coat of lightweight insulating concrete. The base plate and threaded shank effectively anchor the attachment of the lightweight insulating concrete top coat to the underlying base slurry coat and roof deck to enhance resistance to wind uplift forces.

Abstract: A kit for forming a hollow block assembly to be used to construct a wall, the kit consisting of two face panels and a plurality of fasteners, each face panel comprising a plurality of spaced apart flanges extending perpendicularly from and attached to each panel so that a hollow block structure is assembled when the flanges of the face panels are connected together, directly or indirectly, by the fasteners.

Abstract: A load bearing building panel (10) is composed of light weight concrete and reinforcing within the panel body (11) adjacent to the first and second major faces (12, 13). The reinforcing (18, 19) extends in a horizontal direction for most of the width of the panel and in a vertical direction for most of the height. In addition, the reinforcing extends about apertures near the upper and lower faces (16, 17). The apertures a suitable for fasteners to extend there through. A load bearing column is disclosed with top and bottom portions engageable with a structure they are resting upon. A triangular cross-section tubular member extends between and is attached to the top and bottom portions.

Abstract: Wall made of concrete or similar materials built from an unfold formwork integrated in the wall and including two formwork walls (8,8?,10) placed face to face and connected by connecting elements (1) articulated to the formwork walls by stiffeners (2) attached to the formwork walls. The interval between these formwork walls after being unfolded is filled with a filler (7) such as concrete. At least one of the formwork walls includes a casing (11,12) of concrete, mortar or similar, surcharged in relation to the stiffeners (2) and to the articulated connecting elements (1). This casing (11,12) is placed outside and/or inside the formwork wall, the stiffeners (2) and the articulated connecting elements (1) and the formwork wall 8 when it is coated forming an inner reinforcement of the wall submerged in the wall and covered by said casing. The use of separated stiffeners, which must be inserted before pouring the concrete, is thus avoided or highly reduced.

Abstract: A system and method for securing an insulated concrete wall form to a bracing structure such as a scaffolding frame to keep the form straight and plumb during construction. The system uses anchoring and tensioning members, which may be formed as pieces separate or integrally as a single piece to hold the bracing structure against insulated panels of the insulated concrete wall form. Openings may be cut through the insulated panels to provide a pathway for the tensioning member. The anchoring member is positioned against an inner face of the insulated panel. A portion of the anchoring member or the tensioning member extends into the wall form concrete receiving space to fix the system in place once the concrete sets. The tensioning member may be disposed through one of the openings, around the bracing structure and through the other opening and around the anchor member to maintain the tension. Alternatively, the tensioning member may be disposed through an interface between upper and lower wall form blocks.

Abstract: An insultated wall system comprises a plurarity of foldable blocks, each having two panels of rigid insulated foam, multiple inserts embedded in the panels, and ties between pairs of inserts. Each insert has one or more connectors, each with an end hole that swivelably receives the end leg of a tie in a manner that enables the block to fold. Each connector further has a top opening that releaseably captures the middle leg of the tie and rigidly locks the block against folding. The connectors are double-ended, and the inserts are invertible in the panels. Corner and T-walls are made by simple cuts in the standard blocks. Plates and ties are used to hold together the blocks of a main wall and an intersecting T-wall. The connectors of a panel may contact either the connectors of the other panel, or the other panel itself, when the block is folded.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite action system and a method for fabricating the same to meet OSHA safety requirements and allow for welding off the work site. An improved structural system achieves the desired composite behavior by providing one or more structural members, plates coupled with the structural members, transverse reinforcing members passing through apertures in the plates, and additional reinforcing members positioned parallel and transverse to the structural members to provide an interlocking composite action between the structural members, reinforcing members, and concrete.

Abstract: A vertical reinforcement for masonry wall comprising a void reinforcement within a vertical housing within the wall placed through vertical access grooves. The grooves may be opened on the unexposed face of the masonry wall and served for the accurate positioning of the longitudinal reinforcement within the full width of the wall. In addition to the longitudinal reinforcement, the system also includes fixed or moveable transverse connectors or spacers which supplement the reinforcement; lateral or end anchorages to secure the reinforcement and by way of suitable supports, the wall itself; and supplementary elements which may be retention anchors, plum and leveling lines and support sections set for the overhanging masonry base.

Abstract: Wall system employing lightweight precast concrete wall panels. The precast wall panels include a concrete slab and a plurality of spaced-apart elongated generally parallel bent sheet metal channels that are partially embedded in the slab. Each wall panel can be coupled to a support wall by extending self-tapping screws through metallic wall framing members and the channels at locations where the framing members and channels cross.

Abstract: A masonry reinforcing tie is formed of a pair of spaced apart, parallel elongate elements joined by a series of lateral crossmembers welded or otherwise affixed across the elongate members. The elongate elements and crossmembers are preferably formed of heavy metal wire or rod. The elongate members each include a series of spaced apart joint spacing elements formed integrally therewith, with the spacing elements having a height equal to the standard mortar joint thickness between vertically adjacent courses of block or brick. The spacing elements may be any suitable shape, e.g., V, U, square, etc. as desired, and may be laterally aligned with one another, staggered, and/or evenly or unevenly spaced along the elongate elements as desired. The spacers may be formed during manufacture of the tie by passing the tie through a roller die, stamping the spacers along the elongate elements, etc.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete slab 10 comprising concrete 11 reinforced by parallel, spaced planar truss members 12 fabricated of rebar rod materials, each comprising a sinusoidal wave-like strut 23 with an upper chord member 21 welded thereto at the maxima apexes 24 thereof and a lower chord member 22 welded thereto at the minima apexes 25 thereof, a plurality of spaced rebar braces 14 extending the width of the slab and welded to the truss members 12 in perpendicular relation thereto, a plurality of plastic pipes 16 extending through the concrete 11, each with its ends opening at the edges of the slab 10 for reducing its weight and/or accommodating utilitarian articles, such as electrical wiring and the like therethrough, and a plurality of steel adapters 30A, 30B fixed at the edges of the slab by welding to the rebar components thereof and serving to facilitate lifting of the slab when necessary and for connecting the slab to other slabs or structures.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding in the proper position and location reinforcing steel in the center of a grouted concrete masonry unit cell. A means for safely and easily positioning rebar in in masonry walls.

Abstract: An insulating construction form consisting of a pair of spaced apart panels and a plurality of ties is applied to the building of structural walls. The tie members include pairs of resilient retainer arms, which define a series of adjacent receptacles. A reinforcing bar is typically inserted into the receptacles and its displacement therefrom is inhibited by abutment surfaces. Markings are positioned on each panel to guide the attachment of a cladding. In one aspect, the construction form serves for the formation of a corner, wherein a vertical rod is positioned for the attachment of the cladding. In another aspect, the panels includ a plurality of openings made at the time of manufacture.

Abstract: An improved joint edge assembly, of the type used in the construction of concrete slabs, is disclosed. The assembly comprises a longitudinal joint rail, preferably of steel, which is supported off the ground by temporary formwork. The joint rail is secured to the formwork by mounting brackets. The joint rail comprises first and second joint edge members that are connected to each other by connectors with self-release elements. A plurality of studs extends downward and outward from each of the joint edge members into the concrete slabs provide a positive mechanical connection between the slab and the joint rail. As the concrete shrinks during hardening, the self-release elements of the connectors allow the joint to freely open. The joint edge assembly thus provides a self-releasing expandable joint between adjacent slab sections, and protects the edges of the adjacent slab sections from damage. A dowel aligner may also be integrated into the assembly, to allow proper positioning of dowels within the slab.

Abstract: A composite construction panel having a thin panel of concrete material and a reinforcing grid of sheet metal studs with embedment portions which are actually embedded into the concrete panel, each of the studs having a web, main web openings through the web, a right angular flange formed on a free edge of the web, an embedment angled flange portion formed along the opposite edge of the web, an edge strip formed on the angled flange at an angle thereto; and, spaced apart angled flange openings formed in the angled flange for flow of concrete therethrough. An alternate form of stud has a triangular tube structure along one edge of the web. Another form of stud has a discontinuous webs defining spaces between them. In one embodiment two concrete panels may be secured to the studs in spaced relation to create a hollow structure.

Abstract: A masonry reinforcement system includes a number of tensioning rods extending from the top to the bottom of a masonry wall structure in spaced columns. In each column, several rod segments are interconnected at each floor diaphragm using a double conical connector assembly. In portions of the wall structure where rod columns cannot be placed, such as window regions, spring tensioning assemblies are installed using a similar double conical connector assembly. Each type of connector assembly is embedded in a pocket formed in the masonry wall structure using a hardenable grout. After installation, the rods are post-tensioned to provide a compressive axial load to the masonry wall structure. The spring tensioner assemblies are tensioned prior to applying the grout to the void in the wall.

Abstract: A stud guard for metal wall studs protects wiring and plumbing passing through the stud from being pierced by a sheet rock screw or nail during sheet rock installation or from a screw, nail or other type of hazard after sheet rock installation. The stud guard is a generally flat plate member that has a length and a smaller width and that is made from at least 18 gauge stainless steel. The back surface of the stud guard has an adhesive layer thereon for fixed attachment of the plate member to the stud.

Abstract: An above ground shelter that provides protection against dangerous events including micro-bursts, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and personal attack. The shelter is a low profile standalone structure that consists of top, bottom, and side walls and an access door. The shelter is specifically designed for installation in the crawl space below mobile homes, to be entered through an access hatch interior to the mobile home. The shelter is also designed to serve as an entry platform to mobile homes, and as such is configurable with steps, railings, canopies, and handicap access ramps. The shelter's exterior geometric shape was specifically developed to provide optimal deflection of air-born debris, and to provide aerodynamic down force in high velocity winds. In addition, the shelter geometry allows transport and installation by existing commercial equipment. The shelter is of sufficient weight that, in combination with down force aero loads, does not require mandatory attachment to the ground.

Abstract: One-sided, insulated formwork used in the construction of walls from pourable building material, such as concrete, including an insulating panel connectable to a removable panel by a connecting structure, which may include a permanent reinforcement embedded in the insulating panel. The connecting structure may have a tie removably attachable to the reinforcement, or the reinforcement and tie may constitute a monolithic structure. The tie may be asymmetric in shape to facilitate distribution of loads across the insulating panel, detachment of the removable panel, and enhance the structural integrity of the finished wall.

Abstract: A sealing plate for use with a building, the building having an inner wall structure, an air impermeable sheet material for covering the inner wall structure and defining an air impermeable barrier, an insulation material on top of the sheet material and an outer wall structure outside of the insulation material uses a wall tie mounted on the inner wall structure and to attached to the outer wall structure for support. The wall tie has a first plate portion which is vertically mounted on the inner wall structure, a second plate portion connected to the first plate portion and extending therefrom inserted vertically through a slit on the sheet material, through a second slit on the insulation material, the second portion has at least one hole in which a suitable mount means is inserted and attached to the outer wall structure connecting the inner wall structure and the outer wall structure.

Abstract: A system and method for securing an insulated concrete wall form to an existing support/bracing structure such as a strongback for keeping the form straight and plumb during construction. The attachment system uses a flexible member, such as a tensioning plastic strap, to hold the strongback against insulated panels of the insulated concrete wall form. Openings are cut through the insulated panels to provide a pathway for the strap. A horizontal anchoring bar is positioned in the insulated concrete wall form to secure the strap. The strap is threaded through one of the openings, wrapped around the anchoring bar and then threaded out through the other opening. The strap is wrapped around a strongback and the ends of the strap are secured using a crimp connector. A wedge may also be inserted between the strongback and the strap and pressed downwardly to adjust the tension of the strap and align the insulated concrete wall form against the strongback.

Abstract: A reinforcing bar support or hanger for use in a masonry block wall incorporates a pair of supporting arms for contacting the surface of a supporting block and includes vertically extending hanger members terminating in a rebar cradle for receiving and supporting a rebar to be positioned within the wall. The support arms have a transverse length less than the transverse thickness of the masonry wall and the vertical thickness of the support arms is equal to or less than the thickness of the mortar joints between successive courses of the wall. The hanger may include longitudinally extending ridges for assisting in the transverse positioning of the hanger within the masonry block.

Abstract: A double tie includes a pair of upper and lower straps connected in parallel relationship by a pair of vertical plates attached to the outward ends of the straps. The plates are oriented orthogonally relative to the straps to form a general "T" shape. A pair of stop straps are mounted on the plates intermediate the upper and lower straps, and projecting towards one another. The stop straps have orthogonal heads spaced inwardly from the plates a distance to retain a form panel between the head and plate. Each upper and lower strap has a hinge formed at each end, the hinges at each end of the upper and lower straps being coaxial and parallel to the plates, such that the upper and lower straps may be pivoted from a position generally orthogonal to the plates, to a position generally parallel to the plates.

Abstract: A structural element for thermal insulation between two concrete structural components. An insulating body having metal reinforcing rods extending therethrough is to be attached to the concrete structural members with the rods extending within each member along either side of the insulating body. The rods running diagonally through the insulating body and extending along upper and lower edges of the insulating body so as to lie within upper and lower portions of the concrete structural members. Fire protection plates may be attached along upper and lower surfaces of the insulating body.

Abstract: Adjacent reinforced, preformed wall panels are joined to one another by a wet-knit joint. The confronting edges of the wall panels are formed to have an undulating pattern of alternating convex, concave segments having ends of reinforcement bars extending from the concave segments. The reinforcement bar ends are connected to an arrangement of elongate bars and a zig-zag reinforcement bar, that knits the wall panels together. The wet-knit joint is completed by the introduction of concrete, or other pourable material, that, when cured, creates a strong connection between the wall panels.

Abstract: A method of construction of a multi-storey building which comprises precasting side slab walls (3) with a plurality of cavities (6). The pre-casting includes incorporating shaped lengths of steel bars (8,9) so that one or more lengths pass through each cavity (6). Tie elements (20, 30, 40 or 50) inter-engage with the bar (9) and are secured to the slab floor slab (4) by a concrete or other topping (5), which together form the floor unit (2). The ties can be secured to the bar by a pin (11) once the tie is engaged with or about the bar (9), but may perform this function without a pin. The ties can be one of a number of embodiments.

Abstract: A concrete-filled steel bearing earthquake resistant wall which has combined resistance to shearing forces exerted in the surface plane thereof has connecting members (1), a pair of surface steel plates (2 and 2') arranged in parallel spaced relationship to each other and secured by the connecting members (1) so that the space between these surface steel plates is filled with the wall unit concrete (7), and wall unit periphery binding steel reinforcements (8) constructed from inverted U-shaped steel bars or similar material and arranged along the peripheral part of the wall unit at predetermined intervals so as to be embedded in the concrete (7). Slippage preventing members (6) are arranged in a staggered arrangement on the aforementioned surface steel plates (2 and 2').

Abstract: A prefabricated lintel having two spaced apart parallel upstanding legs extending along the length of the lintel and having laterally aligned holes defined therethrough and spaced therealong. The lintel further has a flat lower surface and an upper surface defining flat, horizontal shoulders positioned along outer edges of the lintel on opposite sides of the upstanding legs and extending the length of the lintel. The lintel is placed to span a doorway and a course of blocks is laid on the flat shoulders, with a second course laid on the first course and a rebar positioned on the upper surface. A plurality of wire stirrups, each defining a rebar receiving loop, are engaged over the rebar and extend through openings in the two courses with end portions of the stirrups engaged in each of the holes defined in the upstanding legs of the lintel. The block openings are filled with grout.