Abstract: A reinforced stud-framed wall, including a bottom plate; first and second vertical studs; a member supported on the bottom plate, the member having a compression strength greater than a compression strength of the bottom plate; the first vertical stud having a bottom end supported on the member with a first contact area, whereby a load on the first contact area is spread over a first area on the bottom plate larger than the first contact area; and the second vertical stud having a bottom end supported on the member with a second contact area, whereby a load on the second contact area is spread over a second area on the bottom plate larger than the second contact area.

Abstract: A device for reinforcing, sealing, or damping a structural element in a motor vehicle including a support which has multiple cells, wherein each cell surrounds a cavity. Each cavity is at least partially delimited by walls in each direction, wherein each cell has an extension in length, height, and width between 5 mm and 100 mm. An outer surface of the support can be connected to the structural element by an adhesive.

Abstract: A modular paneled partition includes a first pane panel defining a first panel bottom edge, a first panel upper edge, and a first panel thickness; a second pane panel defining a second panel bottom edge, a second panel upper edge, and a second panel thickness; a wall bottom edge structure including a fixed profile and a movable profile supporting the first and second pane panels and engaged with the fixed profile along an adjustment direction, and means for adjusting position of the movable profile, the movable profile defining a first and a second outer longitudinal sides, and a third side between the first and second outer longitudinal sides. The movable profile has a first bottom channel accommodating the first panel bottom edge, and a second bottom channel accommodating the second panel bottom edge.

Abstract: A friction damper for attenuating vibrations of a structure. The friction damper includes a first connecting member configured to be attached to a first member of the structure, a second connecting member configured to be attached to a second member of the structure, a first slotted-bar interconnected between the first connecting member and the second connecting member, and a second slotted-bar interconnected between the first connecting member and the second connecting member. The first slotted-bar and the second-slotted bar are configured to allow horizontal and vertical movements of the first connecting member and the second connecting member relative to each other responsive to vibration of the structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are various structure surface configurations and related methods. An exemplary structure includes a facade that has grooved cavities that are configured in a manner that reflects summer (cooling season) insolation and absorbs winter (heating season) insolation. The effective absorptivities of the exemplary structure for various cavity reflectance characteristics, i.e., a wide range of diffuse and specular reflectance characteristics, are evaluated using a Monte Carlo model. The calculations in an illustrated embodiment are performed for the latitude of 41° N where both heating and cooling loads are significant. Embodiments of various structures are similarly within the scope of the disclosure for locations of different latitudes and longitudes.

Abstract: An improved panel system and installation process for maintaining panel contact on all four edges of its perimeter, while simultaneously maintaining full planar bearing suspension of the panel weight. A plurality of moldings are provided in varying combinations, and in particular for engaging each of the installed panels upon its outside edge corners, as opposed to by the panel ends, in order to provide engagement through a compressive force which does not pull the panel apart, rather acts to keep the panel together while under stress.

Abstract: An expansion bracket absorbs movement of a wall stud to prevent damage to a wall covering attached to the wall stud. The expansion bracket can include a main body having a main body flange, formed of a deformable material, and having a wall stud attachment end configured to attach to the wall stud via a wall stud attachment element. The main body can also have a furring attachment element configured to attach a furring to the main body. When the main body is attached to the wall stud and the furring, and the wall covering is attached to the furring via a wall covering attachment element, the main body flange is configured to absorb, via deformation, at least a portion of the movement of the wall stud due to heat-based expansion of the wall stud.

Abstract: A self-centering damper has an elongated damping body and at least one returning device. The elongated damping body has at least one first wing plate and a supporting element connected to and extending from the first wing plate. The at least one returning device is connected to the damping body and has two holding rib plates respectively connected to the end segments of the damping body, a supporting rib plate securely connected to the damping body between the holding rib plates and at least one pre-stressed stay wire extending through the supporting rib plate and connected the holding rib plates in a tension condition.

Abstract: A fastening system for attaching cladding panels to a carrier panel and allowing for differential thermal expansion. The system fastens the two panels together at points in the direction perpendicular to the panel planes. A combination of different carrier panel hole sizes and slots fix the panels together at one point and allow the panels to expand and contract relative to each other while maintaining rectangular alignment. Wall panels and buildings constructed using the fastener are disclosed.

Abstract: Damping arrangement for low, medium and high-rise structures (1) using bidirectional damping means (5) such as visco-elastic Gensui damping devices, placed between two parallel elements of the structure (1), such as a core (2) and a perimeter column (3), or between two cores. Oscillatory or other flexural or shear deformations of the structure (1) are damped by damping axial movements between the two elements (2, 3), and simultaneously damping orthogonal movements between the two elements (2, 3). Outriggers (6, 7, 8) are used to enhance the axial damping moment, and the bidirectional damping means (5) may be installed in pairs, working in opposition to each other to damp dynamic shear or flexural forces in the orthogonal plane.

Abstract: A building includes a connection between an engineered wood load bearing element of the building such as a column, beam, or load bearing panel, and another load bearing element or a foundation of the building. At least one tendon ties the load bearing elements or the load bearing element and the foundation together. One or more energy dissipaters, replaceably connected between the load bearing element and/or the foundation, absorb energy when a loading event causes relative movement of the connection. The engineered wood element may be a laminated veneer lumber element, a parallel strand lumber element, or a glue laminated timber element, for example. Typically all of the load bearing elements of the building will be engineered wood elements. The building may be single or multi-storey. The building system enables lightweight low cost buildings, with energy dissipaters which may be replaced after extreme loading. The building may be prefabricated.

Abstract: In a system for stabilizing a wall, especially a masonry wall (10), movement away from the wall of a rigid member (30) is prevented by a thrust rod (70) that is anchored to joists associated with the wall. The thrust rod acts on an unsecured upper end (32) of the rigid member and is adjustably received in a thrust bracket (60) affixed directly or indirectly to the joists. A warning collar (80) placed on the upper end is retained in place by the thrust rod, which normally bears against the upper end through an aperture in the warning collar. If the upper end retreats away from the thrust rod towards the wall by more than a predetermined distance, the warning collar slides down the rigid member, triggering a signal means (90).

Abstract: An expansion joint system for bridging an expansion joint gap between two spaced-apart underlying stair structures. The expansion joint system includes a movable plate that is connected to a fixed plate through a hinge. The hinge connection permits the movable plate to move in response to thermal movements and seismic events that causes the width of the expansion joint to open to a greater width or close to a smaller width. Following the seismic or thermal event, the hinge connection automatically returns the movable plate to its original position.

Abstract: A cover assembly for bridging an opening located in an expansion joint between two spaced-apart structural members. The cover assembly includes a coverplate having a rigid plate member that is engaged with a resilient elastomeric cover. The cover assembly is affixed to the underlying structural members by base members. The proper positioning of the cover assembly within the expansion joint gap is maintained through a positioning assembly that is engaged with the coverplate and base members.

Abstract: Disclosed are various structure surface configurations and related methods. An exemplary structure includes a facade that has grooved cavities that are configured in a manner that reflects summer (cooling season) insolation and absorbs winter (heating season) insolation. The effective absorptivities of the exemplary structure for various cavity reflectance characteristics, i.e., a wide range of diffuse and specular reflectance characteristics, are evaluated using a Monte Carlo model. The calculations in an illustrated embodiment are performed for the latitude of 41° N where both heating and cooling loads are significant. Embodiments of various structures are similarly within the scope of the disclosure for locations of different latitudes and longitudes.

Abstract: Disclosed are various building facade surface configurations and related methods. An exemplary facade includes grooved cavities that are configured in a manner that reflects summer (cooling season) insolation and absorbs winter (heating season) insolation. The effective absorptivities of the exemplary facade for various cavity reflectance characteristics, i.e., a wide range of diffuse and specular reflectance characteristics, are evaluated using a Monte Carlo model. The calculations in an illustrated embodiment are performed for the latitude of 41° N where both heating and cooling loads are significant. Embodiments of facades and other structures are similarly within the scope of the disclosure for locations of different latitudes and longitudes.

Abstract: Disclosed are a floating wall bracket and a method for constructing a floating wall using floating wall brackets. A floating wall bracket may have bracket walls designed to hold a vertical member with at least one fastening tab disposed perpendicular to said bracket walls, at least one attachment means to attach the at least one fastening tab to a base plate member, and at least one friction means that provides enough friction to hold the weight of the vertical member, but not so much friction that it will stop the vertical member from moving within the bracket once a floating wall assembly is incorporated into a building/structure. The bracket may also have at least one guide/lateral support flange disposed parallel to the bracket walls and sized/places to guide installation of the floating wall brackets and to provide lateral support to the vertical members of the floating wall assembly.

Abstract: A yielding fuse device is provided for use in association with a brace member in a bracing assembly for a structural frame. The device includes arms or elements that yield flexurally when a bracing member moves in an axial direction, with the bracing assembly under either tension or compression loading conditions. The device of the present invention is particularly useful as a mass customized cast device. The device is well suited for seismic bracing applications.

Abstract: A thermal joint having a cold side angle joint; a warm side angle joint; a plurality of bond holes, wherein a liquid curable flooring material bonds through each bond hole; a plurality of rod holes in the warm side thermal wall each holding a rod; a plurality of tube holes in the cold side thermal wall each having a tube; a plurality of leveler holes in each base for containing an adjustable leveler; a tie bar engaging each tube and each rod; a heater conduit longitudinally positioned on the warm side for transferring heat to the warm side, wherein the thermal joint simultaneously allows the rods to slide in the tubes as the cured solid flooring material expands and contracts due to temperature changes and simultaneously prevents vertical deflection as heavy equipment is transported across the cured solid flooring material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lath furring strip having a height not exceeding 0.365 inches which has improved waterproofing capabilities by incorporating the lath furring strip into other architectural structures such as reveals, expansion joints, and window flange, coverings. By integrating these structures with a lath furring strip having water proofing features, there is increased water proofing of the entire architectural structure. One of more moisture barriers can easily be applied to the wall or furring strips that prevents seepage of moisture from the stucco on the lath to a wall or framing.

Abstract: An eco-friendly energy integrated building comprises a building frame, doors and windows, a roof and guard rails. A concrete reinforced layer is poured on the roof, a farm soil layer is arranged on the concrete reinforced layer, farm crops are planted on the farm soil layer, a power generation system is arranged on the concrete reinforced layer, and a solar energy device is arranged on the guard rails.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is an article, the article comprising: a material, which adjusts at least one surface property in response to a climate condition to affect energy exchange between the exterior and the interior of the article. Another embodiment provides a structure, comprising: a building facade envelope, comprising a material: wherein the envelope adjusts at least one surface property in response to a climate condition, to affect energy exchange between the exterior and the interior of the envelope.

Abstract: A window assembly includes a pane of material through which light is passable and a plurality of thermobimetal elements positioned adjacent the pane. The elements each assume a first shape at a first temperature and a second shape at a second temperature. The elements reflect more light away from the pane when in the second shape than the first shape.

Abstract: A panel system includes elongated panels coupled together at a seam portion with respective interlocking portions at corresponding vertical ends to provide a substantially planar surface. In siding panel systems, joined siding panels are provided in vertically arranged rows that further couple together along adjacent horizontal edges of the respective rows of siding panels.

Abstract: Disclosed are various building facade surface configurations and related methods. An exemplary facade includes grooved cavities that are configured in a manner that reflects summer (cooling season) insolation and absorbs winter (heating season) insolation. The effective absorptivities of the exemplary facade for various cavity reflectance characteristics, i.e., a wide range of diffuse and specular reflectance characteristics, are evaluated using a Monte Carlo model. The calculations in an illustrated embodiment are performed for the latitude of 41° N where both heating and cooling loads are significant. Embodiments of facades and other structures are similarly within the scope of the disclosure for locations of different latitudes and longitudes.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a movement control screed that is structured for installation between first and second masonry coatings applied adjacent to a building wall. The movement control screed is structured as a control joint for absorbing movement between the first and second masonry coatings and also as a weep screed for accommodating drainage of water from behind the masonry coatings. The movement control screed comprises first and second flanges provided on opposite sides of first and second ribs.

Abstract: A damping system including a first set of plates having one end thereof attached to a first vertically extending structural element, a second set of plates having one end thereof attached to a second vertically extending structural element spaced in a horizontal direction from the first vertically extending structural element, and arranged such that the first set of plates has a second end portion extending towards and overlapping with a second end portion of the second set of plates at an overlapping region, and further including an energy dissipating material provided in the overlapping region for connecting the first set of plates and the second set of plates.

Abstract: A building structure is provided that includes a floor structure and a series of studs extending vertically adjacent the floor structure. A clip is provided. The clip is connected to the floor structure and projects outwardly therefrom and includes a stud retainer for engaging and retaining a flange of a stud. The stud retainer includes a channel through which the flange of the stud extends. The stud retainer is connected to the flange of the stud in such a manner that the stud can move vertically in the channel.

Abstract: A temperature compensating outdoor wall padding apparatus in one embodiment incorporates a stretch fabric into the edges of a vinyl cover to provide a tension on the vinyl cover minimizing the possibility of wrinkling of the vinyl cover due to a change in temperature. In another embodiment, the temperature compensating outdoor wall padding apparatus may employ a resilient cover, stretchable in 4 directions and pre-tensioned to provide tension on the resilient cover minimizing the possibility of wrinkling of the resilient cover due to a change in temperature. Methods for forming the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Thermally responsive walls can be formed of wall panels made from different materials and having staggered conduits with respect to each other when coupled together (e.g., pancaked or layered) to form a wall at one temperature. The staggered conduits in the different wall panels are configured such that they become aligned at a second temperature due to differences in expansion coefficients. The wall panels can be designed using a computing system that processes an algorithm that accounts for various parameters, such as the different thermal expansion coefficients.

Abstract: A panel system includes elongated panels coupled together at a seam portion with respective interlocking portions at corresponding vertical ends to provide a substantially planar surface. In siding panel systems, joined siding panels are provided in vertically arranged rows that further couple together along adjacent horizontal edges of the respective rows of siding panels.

Abstract: Membrane body (1) comprising at least one pair of panels (10, 11) connected together in an adhesive manner and for each pair of said panels (10, 11), at least one flexible sheath (15) arranged stably according to a set pattern to resist membrane stress acting on the panels (10, 11); each sheath (15) housing a respective tie rod (16), connected to the panels (10, 11) in an end position in a set manner in such a way as to be suitable for resisting normal stress to free the panels (10, 11) from the respective membrane stress, thereby maintaining the—group of the panels (10, 11) flexible and maintaining the corresponding production method.

Abstract: A pin-fuse frame used in a frame assembly that may be subject to extreme seismic loading. The pin-fuse frame includes of columns, beams, plate assemblies that extend between columns and beams, and may included a diagonal brace. The plate assemblies are fixed to the columns and attached to the beams and brace via pin joints. A joint includes a pin connection through outer connection plates connected to a column and inner connection plates connected to a beam. Connecting rods positioned about the pin maintain a coefficient of friction until exposed to extreme seismic activity, at which time the joint accommodates a slippage of at least one of the inner and outer connection plates relative to each other rotationally about the pin. The diagonal brace is separated into two segments connected together with connection plates. These connection plates accommodate a slippage of the segments relative to each other.

Abstract: A building, comprises at least a first wall including a plurality of first members each having a fixed length and a plurality of second members each having a variable length, the first members and the second members being coupled in a lattice structure. The second members are configured to lengthen or shorten in response to structural strain or pressure caused by thermal cycling of the building.

Abstract: A system for anchoring a cover plate over an interface formed between substantially coplanar substrates includes a sleeve capable of being anchored in a first substrate; a spring located in the sleeve; a bolt located in communication with the spring; and a nut threaded onto the bolt. A head of the bolt is located in the sleeve, and an end of the bolt opposite the head of the bolt extends out of the sleeve to receive the nut. The nut is threaded onto the bolt over the cover plate located on the first substrate such that the cover plate extends over the interface formed between the first and second substrates when they are positioned to be substantially coplanar.

Abstract: A roof truss is provided comprising a bottom chord, a first top chord, and a second top chord forming a triangle with an apex at a distance A above the bottom chord. At least a web member is disposed between the top chords and the bottom chord such that, in a first state of operation, the at least a web member is capable of transmitting at least one of a tension force and a compression force between the top chords and the bottom chord. The roof truss further comprises at least an expandable interface for expandable interfacing at least one of the at least a web member with one of the chords for enabling, in a second state of operation, expansion of the distance A to an extent that uplift of the bottom chord is substantially reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a plurality of wall members together to define a wall. The apparatus includes a base portion having a stud extending upwardly therefrom, the base portion configured to engage a surface of a first wall member. The apparatus also includes a first securing member sized and shaped to engage with a surface of a second wall member stacked above the first wall member. The apparatus also includes a first coupling member configured to extend through a bore in the first and second wall members. The first coupling member has an elongate rod member having an upper end and a lower end, and a coupler on the lower end of the rod member, the coupler being sized and shaped to receive the stud member therein. The upper end of the rod member is configured to be coupled to the first securing member for biasing the first and second wall members together to inhibit the formation of undesired spaces therebetween.

Abstract: A connector assembly for accurately projecting fasteners for connecting two building members together while permitting limited relative motion between the members. The assembly includes a plate having one or more longitudinal slots. The plate is secured to or a part of one of the building members. The plate is connected to the other building member by fasteners projected through breakaway washers formed in the slots. The breakaway washers each have an opening for guiding the fastener and centering the fastener on the slot. Centering the fastener on the slot prevents inadvertent clamping of the plate and the other building member together so that limited relative motion is permitted.

Abstract: Membrane body (1) comprising at least one pair of panels (10, 11) connected together in an adhesive manner and for each pair of said panels (10, 11), at least one flexible sheath (15) arranged stably according to a set pattern to resist membrane stress acting on the panels (10, 11); each sheath (15) housing a respective tie rod (16), connected to the panels (10, 11) in an end position in a set manner in such a way as to be suitable for resisting normal stress to free the panels (10, 11) from the respective membrane stress, thereby maintaining the group of the panels (10, 11) flexible and maintaining the corresponding production method.

Abstract: An assembly for straightening a basement's wall, the basement having a floor and being covered by joists which are spaced from each other on center distances to define interstitial cavities and are arranged a perpendicular array or a parallel array, the assembly having mounting plate; joist mounting fasteners attaching the oblongated mounting plate to joists, the fasteners, upon the perpendicular joist array, positioning the mounting plate within an interstitial cavity, and the fasteners, upon the parallel array, bridging the mounting plate across an interstitial cavity; a rigid beam having upper and lower ends; a jack screw for driving the rigid beam's upper end toward the basement's wall; and an anchor bracket for resisting movement of the rigid beam's lower end away from the basement's wall.

Abstract: A roof truss is provided comprising a bottom chord, a first top chord, and a second top chord forming a triangle with an apex at a distance A above the bottom chord. At least a web member is disposed between the top chords and the bottom chord such that, in a first state of operation, the at least a web member is capable of transmitting at least one of a tension force and a compression force between the top chords and the bottom chord. The roof truss further comprises at least an expandable interface for expandable interfacing at least one of the at least a web member with one of the chords for enabling, in a second state of operation, expansion of the distance A to an extent that uplift of the bottom chord is substantially reduced.

Abstract: Lateral motion devices are used in conjunction with relatively rigid shear assemblies to further dissipate shear forces on frame construction buildings. In one embodiment, the lateral motion device is interposed between the shear assembly and the upper portion of the wall to permit relative motion therebetween and to absorb and dissipate a portion of the energy associated with shear force through spring-like behavior and deformation. In one embodiment, the energy dissipation is achieved by a plurality of corrugation structures, where the top of the corrugation is attached to the upper portion of the wall and the bottom of the corrugation is attached to an interconnecting assembly that is securely attached to the foundation.

Abstract: A temperature compensating outdoor wall padding apparatus in one embodiment incorporates a stretch fabric into the edges of a vinyl cover to provide a tension on the vinyl cover minimizing the possibility of wrinkling of the vinyl cover due to a change in temperature. In another embodiment, the temperature compensating outdoor wall padding apparatus may employ a resilient cover, stretchable in 4 directions and pre-tensioned to provide tension on the resilient cover minimizing the possibility of wrinkling of the resilient cover due to a change in temperature. Methods for forming the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to ring furnaces of which at least one of the inner partitions is formed by a plurality of bricks made of refractory material including at least a first brick and a second brick placed above or below a third brick and separated from one another by a space of width J, in which the first brick has at least one recess on its assembly face opposite the third brick, the third brick has at least one projection on its assembly face facing the first brick, wherein the projection is inserted into the recess, the dimension E of said recess in the longitudinal direction of the partition is greater than the dimension B of said first projection in the same direction, and said recess is positioned at a determined distance Se from the end face adjacent to said space.

Abstract: A one-piece or multiple-piece shaped profile assembly that is used for bridging a construction element joint (2), namely expansion joints or displacement joints between two construction elements (3.1; 3.2). This assembly is shaped as a stiff joint bridge with two vertical mirror-image shaped profiles (5, 6) facing each other at both joint edges that are connected together by means of a shaped bridging profile (7) extending across the construction element joint (2). At least one of the vertical profile pieces (5, 6) is adjustable with respect to the opposing construction element to compensate for the relative displacement between the construction elements (3.1; 3.2). The vertical profile pieces (5, 6) and shaped bridging profile (7) comprise a hard polymer foam that is coated with an armoring mortar layer as an adhesive base for an additional coating layer (11).

Abstract: A new configuration damper, for interconnecting two elements of a structure that undergo relative movements and deformations, that increase the level of damping when the overall structure is subjected to a loading condition is disclosed. The new configuration damper aides in controlling displacements, velocities and accelerations under dynamic loading in structural systems.

Abstract: A system for attaching a siding panel to a wall uses tubular fastener guide pins supported in spaced relationship by a fastener guide strip. The guide pins extend from the guide strip and through elongate slots in the securement flange of the siding panel. The spacing of the guide pins corresponds to the spacing of centers of elongate slots in the siding panel such that fasteners driven through the tubular guide pins are evenly spaced and allow the panel to slide relative to the guide pins. A layer of insulating foam may be positioned behind the siding panel and with pins sized to extend through the siding panel and foam.

Abstract: In a rear-window roller blind for motor vehicles in which a rear half of a back-seat shelf, which is located between the rear window and the pull-out slot for the rear-window roller blind, is used as a support element for the roller blind. The back-seat shelf half is made either from a wood material or is a plastic molded part. Through alternative arrangements, it is ensured that the temperature expansion and contraction of the components of the roller blind and its support are accommodated.

Abstract: A tension connection for a building includes a first tension member, the first tension member being anchored at its distal end, a second tension member being anchored at its distal end; the first and second tension members being disposed in close proximity and connected by a coupler having a surrounding sleeve and a central bore with a thread, the coupler also being formed with a first rotational member being received in the central bore of the surrounding sleeve and operatively connected to the surrounding sleeve; the first rotational member is connected to the surrounding sleeve, such that the rotational member can rotate in relation to the surrounding sleeve. A torsion spring connects the first rotational member and the surrounding sleeve; the torsion spring biasing the first rotational member and the surrounding sleeve in opposite rotational directions such that the first rotational member can be drawn into the surrounding sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting underwater turbines that includes a mechanism for correcting tilt error, including both the amount and direction of error, associated with the installation of underwater turbines onto anchoring or mounting structures so that the yaw axis of the mounted turbines will be as close as possible to a desired angle, preferably vertical.