Abstract: Fastening devices of this invention comprise a screw and a spacer element. The spacer element can be cylindrical in shape and includes a central opening extending between opposite axial surfaces. One or more grooves are disposed within and extend diametrically along at least one axial spacer surface. The groove is adapted to accommodate a wire section of a wire lath. The screw includes a head at one axial end positioned adjacent the spacer groove, and a tip at an opposite axial end for penetrating and engaging a surface of an adjacent structure. The head includes an enlarged diameter section that extends radially outwardly therefrom a sufficient distance to cover at least a portion of the groove when the mounting means is disposed within the central opening. The fastening device is used to attach a wire lath to another surface by placing a wire section of the wire lath within the spacer groove, and driving the mounting means into the other surface.

Abstract: A novel structural thermal framing and panel system for assembling finished or unfinished walls with multiple combinations for poured and nonpoured walls comprising of a permanent structural framing stud which can be adjusted to different wall thickness, a plurality of permanent forms, wherein the pluralities of permanent forms are interchangeable with various other permanent panel forms with or without defined spaces for receiving filler, and wherein the framing stud substantially conforms to a portion of the pluralities of panel forms and resists bending in the panel forms. The framing stud is the main structural element in the wall. A structural framing system in combination with insulated panel forms with various defined spaces for receiving filler, and wherein panels may not be prefinished to form a rigid substrate.

Abstract: A stucco wall structure for a building. The wall substrate is arranged for receipt of subsequent layers of surface material. The margin or periphery of the wall to be treated has a screed attached thereto. A sprayed-on coating of urethane is applied onto the wall substrate between the screeds to insure continuous bonding and adherency to the substrate. A first layer of polymer-based base coat and mesh covering is applied to the sprayed-on coating of urethane to provide anchoring and adhesion of a subsequent layer of stucco. An outer layer of stucco applied over the first layer of polymer-based base coat as a final coat thereon.

Abstract: Building element including of two parallel welded wire grid mats (1, 2), of straight web wires (7) which hold the wire grid mats at a predetermined distance apart and are joined at each end to the two wire grid mats, and of an insulating body (8) which is arranged between the wire grid mats and through which the web wires pass, wherein at least one of the wire grid mats is in the form of a grid reinforcement mat which possesses a minimum strength of the weld nodes which complies with the static requirements applicable to the building element, corresponding mechanical strength of the grid mat wires (3, 4) and also corresponding diameters and mutual spacings of the grid mat wires, and wherein the web wires are arranged in predetermined directions relative to the wire grid mats, and the insulating body is held at a predetermined distance from each of the wire grid mats.

Abstract: A reinforcing grid which advantageously includes fibers of both a first type and a second type is provided. The first type of fibers have a strength sufficient to reinforce the hardenable structural material, such as concrete, after hardening. The first type of fibers also have a higher resistance to degradation in the hardenable material than the second type of fibers. As such, the first type of fibers will continue to reinforce the hardened material in the event the fibers of the second type become corroded in the hardened material. Consequently, a less expensive type of fiber can be used as the second type of fiber and can corrode in the hardenable material without concern for the strength of the hardened structural product. According to one embodiment, the first type of fibers comprises carbon fibers and the second type of fibers comprises glass fibers.

Abstract: A plastering layer (2) of plastics material, having attached thereto a net reinforcing material (6) to be embedded in or underneath a plaster layer (12), in particular a plaster layer (12) on a thermal insulation (16) of a building wall (26), wherein said reinforcing material (6) is connected to said plastering fillet (2) by means of at least one plastics strand (8), with said reinforcing material (6) having been interposed between plastering fillet (2) and plastics strand (8) when the connection was made, and with a material-uniting connection being established between plastering fillet (2) and plastics strand (8).

Abstract: A profiled web for arrangement between the underside of floor tiles and an upper surface of a support plate. The profiled web is based on a rigid plastic film formed to have a parallel series of successive channels, each of the channels being defined by first and second edge portions and a trough portion therebetween. The series of channels are open alternately to the upper surface of the support plate as a first group of channels and to the underside of the floor tiles when in an installed position as a second group of channels. First trough portions of the channels open to the support plate are parallel, and form an upper surface of the web; second trough portions of the channels open to the tiles are parallel and form a lower surface of the web. The web is provided with a plurality of through-openings which produce a liquid- and gas-permeable connection between successive channels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a first gypsum-based composite article reinforced with glass fibers. This first article has a first member made of a hard gypsum, a second member made of a soft gypsum, and a mat made of the glass fibers. The mat is embedded in the article in a manner that the first and second members are bonded together by means of the mat. This first article is superior in resistance to external force acting thereon and to severe environmental conditions, even if the gypsum-based article is light in weight and thin in thickness. The invention further relates to a second gypsum-based composite article having a base plate, a glass fiber mat bonded to the base plate, and a gypsum layer formed on the glass fiber mat such that glass fibers of the glass fiber mat are embedded in the gypsum layer. This second article also has superior characteristics as those of the first article.

Abstract: A low-cost process for exterior wall insulation retrofit, or new wall construction by stacking layers of fabric tube filled with insulating material against a wall and covering them with mesh and stucco provides a durable structure with good insulating value.

Abstract: A method of making a multiple-layer article having a surface application material effectively bonded to an injection molded plastic member is provided along with a method for making same. At least a portion of an intermediary substratum is located inside a mold cavity during injection of a plastic injection material where the plastic injection material contacts and becomes partially absorbed into a first side of the intermediary substratum. The plastic member and the intermediary substratum are then removed from the mold cavity, and the surface application material is applied to a second side of the intermediary substratum where the surface application material becomes partially absorbed into the second side of the intermediary substratum.

Abstract: A reinforced stucco panel and straw insulator wall assembly includes a plurality of straw bales, a vertical column of rigid material, a layer of fabric, a plurality of screens, a footing section, a bond-beam form and a layer of reinforced mortar. The straw bales are stacked. The column includes concrete and a reinforcement rod. The concrete fills aligned vertical channels of the straw bales. The reinforcement rod is disposed in the channels and embedded by the concrete. The fabric of a substantially air-permeable material is attached to the stacked straw bales and disposed on vertical sides of the straw bales forming exterior and interior surfaces of the building employing the wall assembly. Each screen overlies and caps a top end of one of the straw bales and intersects the channels and defines an opening aligned with the channels and allows passage of the reinforcement rod.

Abstract: A self-sealing furring nail has a nail and a furring wad assembly. The furring wad assembly includes a plunger friction fit on the nail and a housing friction fit on a shaft of the plunger at one end of the housing, and at the other end of the housing there is a gap between the housing and the nail. The activating surface of the plunger is located within the housing, and the plunger's shaft extends from within the housing outside of the housing towards the nail head. The housing has a package of sealant material inside. The package has a sealant encased within a burstable bag. When the furring nail is driven through building paper into a frame of a building, the head of the nail contacts the plunger's shaft causing the plunger's activating surface to compress the bag of sealant. The bag bursts and the sealant passes through the gap between the nail and housing and seals the penetration hole between the nail and the building paper.

Abstract: An exterior insulation and finish system is produced for exterior construction having a primary weather proofing layer formed by a finish coat and a secondary seal is provided intermediate of the various layers of exterior insulation between a sheathing substrate and insulation board. The secondary seal layer also serves to adhesively secure the insulation board to the sheathing substrate.

Abstract: A composite reinforced roof is formed by applying to a roof deck a preformed membrane which has a tacky lower layer formed from rubberized asphalt. The second layer of the preformed membrane is a reinforcing mesh material embedded in the surface of the rubberized asphalt. This is applied to a roof deck and subsequently overcoated with a molten coating of rubberized asphalt. The self-adherent rubberized asphalt membrane prevents formation of bubbles and pinholes in the molten rubberized asphalt layer. This is particularly beneficial when the roof deck surface is lightweight structural concrete which releases gas when heated.

Abstract: A ceiling construction, especially for a large area shuttering construction for reinforced concrete ceilings, has a plurality of ceiling panels laterally abutting to each other. On a main plate of the ceiling panel, U-profiled shackles are arranged in a row and are aligned with each other. The U-profiled shackles have a web, two legs extending from the web to the main plate and having free ends, and flanges formed extending outwardly at a right angle from the free ends and being screwed to the main plate. Isolated longitudinal bars are fixed by a welding connection in the corners formed by the webs and legs of the U-profiled shackle. The isolated longitudinal bars are located away from the main plate. The ceiling construction is covered with concrete. During the construction and concrete operation, the isolated longitudinal bars serve to transmit forces of pressure. In the completed, solidified state, the bars serve to transmit tensile forces.

Abstract: A sectional nog structure for fastening a covering element to a foamed plastic slab (5, 6, 35, 39, 49, 54) comprises at least one insert (2, 3), flush-insertable in the slab (5, 6, 35, 39, 49, 54) and associated with a tierod (4), having a base (10) accessible from the outside of the slab and constituting respective means for fastening to the slab (5, 6, 35, 39, 49, 54) the chosen covering element. Advantageously, this sectional nog structure allows to manufacture composite and modular construction elements, such as for example lost formworks and panels incorporating at least one foamed plastic slab and being able to support any covering element.

Abstract: A composite security screen and a method of producing such a screen. The screen has a sheet of metal mesh having bars and interstices between the bars and a plastics sheet material vacuum or pressure formed onto one side of the metal mesh such that the plastics material extends into the interstices of the metal mesh to form an inseparable composite security screen. The mesh may be an aluminium expanded mesh. The plastics material may be polycarbonate.

Abstract: A security barrier system which includes a security lath assembly having a layer of mesh material and a backing material attached thereto. The mesh material is of a gauge and configuration to provide a security barrier. The security barrier system includes application of plaster or stucco directly to the security lath assembly. A surface coating is applied to the plaster layer to prevent the formation and propagation of cracks through the surface. Also included in the barrier system is an uplift control mechanism and expansion and contraction elements which prevent a ceiling structure from being displaced and accommodates structural expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A system of prefabricated plaster relief forms are manufactured to be applied to prepared walls of a building, such as a home or other structure. The prefabricated forms are made of an open work lattice material formed into a channel shape having a top, two depending sides and outward directed flange portions. The lattice material is configured to receive and hold a cementitious material such as plaster. The top and the sides of the prefabricated forms are configured to present a protuberant contour projecting away from the flange sections and thereby outwardly from the prepared wall. The cross section and the ends of the prefabricated forms are shaped to align end-to-end with identically shaped forms. Alignment of a plurality of such forms in a longitudinal direction provides a continuous relief band along the wall of a structure. The prefabricated relief form flange sections are configured for attaching to the prepared walls by means of nails, screws or adhesive.

Abstract: A fire resistant wall or other building structure makes use of specially constructed panels secured to a metal stud framework. Each panel has a core constructed of gypsum, cement, perlite aggregate and powder, and a polyvinyl acetate catalyst. Glass fiber reinforcement is pressed into the core materials on both sides. After the panels are secured to the framework, a metal mesh lath is applied and covered with a cementious surface coating that can be smoothed and finished as desired.

Abstract: A building block, and a system and method for constructing a building envelope using a plurality of building blocks, roof panels, and trusses. Each building block may be pre-fabricated and stacked upon one another at the construction site. The blocks and roof system may be rigidly coupled together to form a building using a plurality of connecting lines placed through conduits within each building block. The connecting lines are tensioned to couple each building block to an adjacent block, foundation, and roof system of the building. Each building block includes a core which is preferably insulating, and has a pair of opposing surfaces. A plurality of cross struts are placed through the core with ends protruding from each surface. Conduit preferably attaches substantially perpendicular to each cross strut, and preferably substantially parallel to the core surfaces to retain a rigid structural panel formed about the conduit.

Abstract: A wall system includes one or more wall members, and a number of retaining devices fixed to columns or posts and engaged with the wall members for retaining the wall member in place. The wall member includes a number of beams each having a hollow interior, and a number of intermediate ribs formed between the beams so as to solidly couple the beams together. An outer layer of can be formed on the outer peripheral portion of the wall member and engaged with the openings of the intermediate ribs so as to form a smooth outer appearance.

Abstract: An improved steel and concrete floor system in which a corrugated steel deck is supported on shelves fixed to the sides of parallel spaced joists. Each joist has a top chord forming a shear connector to cause composite action to occur between the joist and a slab poured on the deck, in which the topchord is embedded. The deck acts as a form for pouring the slab, and is a permanent part of the composite floor system. The deck is fixed to the shelves either by spaced self-tapping screws or by spot welds. In the nonconcreted stage the deck and joists form a stable structure on which construction loads are safely supported.

Abstract: A roofing tile including a tile body having an upper surface covered with a fire resistant coating including an acrylic or asphaltic adhesive, usually the former, containing a wire mesh and intermixed with fire retardant particles formed of a material or materials selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, ammonium phosphate and a light weight portland cement concrete, with decorative and heat resistant particles adhered to the upper surface of the adhesive, and desirably including a top layer of sodium silicate covering the last mentioned particles.

Abstract: A reinforcing structure useful in the formation of an energy absorbing composite suitable for use as a motor vehicle body panel which resists deformation upon absorbing impact loads by distribution of a deforming load to areas of the composite surrounding the area of impact. The composite has a plurality of particulate, reinforcing members in a polymer matrix and at least one undulating, reinforcing, sheet member as a reinforcing structure between the external walls of the composite. The load distributing, particulate, reinforcing members and the undulating, reinforcing, sheet member components are retained in a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin matrix. Preferably, the load distributing components include at least one undulating, reinforcing sheet which is formed on a molding means having a first and second series of intersecting parallel axes so as to form an undulating sheet having alternating troughs and crests.

Abstract: A composite panel product is provided which is intended to be applied as a multitude in building block manner to produce a thermally insulative covering assembly upon an existing wall of a building. The panel product is made of a rigid panel of closed cell polymer foam of rectangular perimeter having front and rear surfaces. The front surface has parallel upraised ridges. A stiff fabric is attached to the ridges, spanning the entire front surface and extending beyond two contiguous edges of the perimeter as spanning borders of uniform width. The spanning borders partially overlap and interlock adjacent panel products. A cementitious layer is applied to the fabric side of the assembly of panel product.

Abstract: The panel with thermoacoustic insulation characteristics comprises an insulating layer made of foamed plastic material which has a succession of corrugated portions which are joined by reduced thickness portions. Metallic nets are associated with the opposite faces of the corrugated portions of the insulating layer and are mutually connected by transverse elements which pass through the insulating layer.

Abstract: A protective lath for protection againt dirt and damage during wall plastering and against penetration of moisture at the joint to building components of different material, such as wood, plastics or metal, in particular to window and door frames or rafter ends, on which the plaster abuts; the protective lath is made of hard synthetic resin injected by an extruder into a continuous flow mold and carries a strip for adhering it to such a building component as well as a lateral protective tab which can be broken off by hand via a notch-type incision; a top part also made of hard synthetic resin is pressed onto a bottom part of the protective lath which carries said adhesive strip, with a reinforcing fabric, e.g. of synthetic resin coated silk glass, that extends as far as possible into the plaster layer, being interposed between said parts, and the free end of the top part being resiliently latched in an undercut nose piece of a side wall of the bottom part.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete building (10) is formed from a plurality of prefabricated modules (24) which may be assembled off site and then transported or shipped to the building construction site for installation and application of concrete (36). Each prefabricated module (24) includes a rectangular frame (40) having channel-shaped frame members 42, 44, 46, and 48 which form the ends and sides of the frame. An insulation layer 62 is mounted within the frame (40) in spaced relation to one side frame member (48). A channel-shaped concrete column form (72) is secured between the insulation layer (62) and the adjacent side frame member (48) to close the frame (40). A wire mesh layer (78) is secured to the outer surface of the frame (40) with an overhanging side portion (84). The prefabricated module (24) when shipped to a construction site receives reinforcing bars (30, 32) and concrete (36) is pneumatically applied for forming a reinforced concrete wall (16).

Abstract: A panel having high strength relative to its weight is made of rigid material and is formed with a plurality of open cells, each open at one side, and with a plurality of closed cells, each closed on all sides. Each of the open cells is surrounded on all its sides by a plurality of the closed cells, and each of the closed cells is surrounded on all its sides by a plurality of the open cells.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a nonsettling insulation structure comprising a central support member having a layer of insulative material adhered to each side of the central support member.

Abstract: A plurality of prefabricated flat panels consisting of a three-dimensional metal grating and a surface layer of foamed plastic material is applied and fixed to the existing facade taking care to place said layer of foamed plastic material against said facade. Plaster is then applied for complete covering of the uncovered part of the metal grating.

Abstract: There is described a prefabricated module comprising a three-dimensional armature formed by welded wires, and flat elements from light and/or heat-insulating material, retained on either side of the armature to form at least one continuous panel. One and the same module may be used either for bearing structures extending vertically, or for bearing structures extending horizontally, and having retaining means for the armatures.

Abstract: A construction panel with improved physical properties is disclosed. This panel is comprised of a wire-mesh framework, an insulating core disposed within the framework, and means for disposing the insulating core within the framework and connecting the core to the framework. The wire-mesh framework is a closed, four-sided structure with a front side, a back side, a left side, a right side, a first alignment guide, and a second alignment guide. Cross-tie separators pass through the insulating core and are attached to the wire mesh framework at spaced points.

Abstract: A reinforcing frame work for covering structural steel bars of a reinforced concrete structure to be constructed is disclosed herein. The frame work comprises a plurality of frame units connected together and disposed along said structural steel bars, each of said frame units comprising a plurality of spacers extending in the transverse direction of said concrete structure and at least one guide steel bar extending in the longitudinal direction of said concrete structure and having said spacers secured thereto in laterally spaced relationship along the length of the guide steel bar.

Abstract: A building construction element such as insulative siding is disclosed having an outer skin with an inner surface on which a plurality of individual, spaced-apart, arcuate-shaped projections are cut or gouged from the inner surface by a cutting tool means. A low density polymetric foam material is disposed over the inner surface so as to completely surround each arcuate projection to thereby securely lock the skin to the foam material after it sets.

Abstract: A window construction is disclosed wherein a unitary vinyl seal 36, corresponding in shape to the window sash 20 and frame 18, is employed to seal the translucent panes 28, 30, 31, etc., in position. Double-backed adhesive foam tape strips 38, 40, 42, 44, 45, 46, etc., serve to sealingly bond vinyl seal 36, 36a, and 66 to the translucent panes, the associated sash 20 and frame 18 structure. Replacement of broken panes involves cutting around the periphery of the broken pane (FIGS. 6 and 7), removing the cut segment, installing a replacement pane and sealing it in position. The same segment of vinyl seal 36 removed, or a new seal 66 cut or formed to the same dimensions as the segment cut away, is employed to seal the replacement pane 28a in position. Sealing of the new seal (FIG. 7) is accomplished by an essentially triangular strip of adhesive foam tape 68 having adhesive on all surfaces thereof. Similar replacement seals can also be formed from the embodiments illustrated in FIGS.

Abstract: A rigid, light-weight, thermoplastic bubble insulation form for cast in situ concrete slabs includes hemispherical void spaces for reduction of concrete volume and thermal insulation characteristics. An upper hemispheric surface provides an integral seating arrangement for wire mesh reinforcement. An under-surface of the form includes spacer nodules for facilitating drainage. The bubble relief form is water impervious for controlling curing of the concrete and further is supplied in modular units adapted for trimming and overlapping spliced connections.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reinforcing mat for use in the production of a ferro-cement structure. The mat comprises outer layers of spaced rods or wires having further layers of wire mesh therebetween. The rods or wires of the outer layers are welded together at their crossing points to secure the further layers therebetween.

Abstract: A fastener and a nosepiece for use in attaching lath to a support. The fastener includes a screw and a spacing element, in which the spacing element is adapted to threadingly penetrate the lath and abut the support. The lath is retained between the spacing element and the head of the screw and is thereby held away from the support in order to allow plaster to properly extrude through openings in the lath. The nosepiece is attachable to a driving tool and has rigid prongs which reach through openings in the lath. Travel of a bit on the driving tool is limited so that automatic disengagement occurs to prevent over-driving of the screw. The prongs ensure that the lath is held a predetermined distance from the support.

Abstract: A building exterior wall having an exterior surface of a concrete-stucco formed in place over panels which have a polystyrene bead board core and thin concrete facings reinforced with a fiberglass open-weave mesh.

Abstract: A building panel formed with a framework of metal channels has a pressed fiberglass panel attached to one surface. A metal mesh over the fiberglass is secured to the framework by screws which pass through the mesh and fiberglass and into the channels. A layer of a mixture of portland cement, expanded polystyrene beads, and water is applied over the metal mesh and a fiberglass mesh is embedded in the layer mear its outer surface. A coating is applied to the layer, the coating being a mixture of portland cement, aggregate, and water.

Abstract: A constructional unit applicable to a wall comprising a board including two layers of insulating material joined in face-to-face relation providing an inner and outer surface for the board. The outer surface of the board is provided with V-shaped recesses extending in spaced relation in rows at right angles to one another to intersect and form a waffle pattern with elevated portions of truncated pyramidal shape distributed within the intersecting recesses. A wire net is attached to the outer surface of the board at the elevated portions. Plaster or other mortar is applied to the outer surface of the board to become anchored therewith due to the provision of the elevated portions which oppose movement of the plaster relative to the board to minimize cracking of the plaster after it has hardened in place.

Abstract: Each square fibrous insulation board has a scrim adhered to an outer side thereof and extending beyond two opposite edges thereof to provide a pair of opposite scrim flaps. The boards are oriented alternately at ninety degrees to each other on a wall to be insulated, whereby every horizontal joint and every vertical joint between adjacent boards is covered by a scrim flap. A cementitious coating is applied over the boards and scrim.

Abstract: An exterior insulation system for walls including a fibrous insulation board having a scrim adhered thereto on an outer side and having shiplap-type vertical edges, and cementitious material applied over the scrim.

Abstract: This invention relates to a wall construction for a log building constructed of a plurality of logs arranged generally parallel one above another. The upper side of each log includes a longitudinally extending, generally vertical abutment surface located between the inner and outer sides of the log and a longitudinally extending inclined surface portion adjoining the abutment surface and sloping downwardly therefrom toward and adjoining the outer side of the log. Respective longitudinally extending filler panels are located between the upper side of each log and the lower side of the next higher log, with the filler panels being positioned against the vertically extending abutment surface on the upper side of the log for filling any longitudinal spaces between adjacent logs.

Abstract: A low cost, structurally superior bridge and fabrication method are described which take maximum advantage of the compressive strength of concrete, and the tensile strength of steel, to give a bridge structure having the lowest allowable depth-to-span ratio and good dead load/live load ratios, as well as minimum deflection under impacting, moving concentrated loads. The bridge is most preferably shop cast in sections which include lowermost, substantially planar structural metallic plates (e.g., 5/16" thick self-rusting steel) of length and width dimensions substantially equal to that of the sections; a separate layer of concrete is then composited to each plate, preferably by means of upstanding studs secured to the plate and embedded within the concrete. Monolithic bridge sections are thus formed which can be transported to the bridge site, erected and connected, typically by welding the respective section plates together at regular intervals.

Abstract: A wall structure for enclosing a building frame comprises a wire mesh, panels of insulation, and reinforcing nailer-stringers. The mesh is secured to the outside of the frame and an insulating layer comprising, alternately, insulating panels and nailer-stringers is secured to the frame outside the wire mesh. Some of the insulating panels are vertically sectioned to accommodate electrical wires between the sections. The sections are pressed together to secure and conceal the wires. The inside surface of the wall structure is finished by applying a layer of plaster which adheres to and is reinforced by the wire mesh.

Abstract: A method of forming a panel structure useful in building construction and the like includes the steps of heating a heat expandable plastic in a separable mold having a cavity with the configuration of the resultant panel to form a panel core and adhering thin reinforcing strips to the front and back surfaces of the core. Control over the dimensions and configuration of the panel is obtained by adhering the strips to the core in the mold while applying heat thereto whereby core shrinkage is minimized. The strips may be adhered to the core during initial heating of the plastic material to form the core or may be adhered to the core in the mold subsequent to core formation.

Abstract: A structural and insulating panel for fabricating walls of buildings. A series of panels are interconnected into a wall at the job site and are thereafter filled with insulation by spraying liquid insulating material onto the panel-formed walls. The panels include meshes forming lateral surfaces, zig-zag wires joining the meshes together and webs and backings acting to contain the flow of liquid insulation as it is sprayed onto the walls. Conventional wall covering materials are applied over the hardened insulation, the lattice members acting as a lath. The processes of fabricating the panel and forming a wall with such panels are described.