Abstract: A drywall backing apparatus for metal studding consists of a two-limb backing member, with one limb extending orthogonal to the other to present a generally L-shaped form. The metal studding comprises a plurality of U-shaped studs, the flanges of which have overturned edges for engagement and registration with grooves in the backing member which bridges and is secured by fasteners to successive studs to provide suitable fixing for wall furniture.

Abstract: A self-sealing furring assembly includes a spacer and a sealing member abutting the spacer. In another aspect of the disclosure, a self-sealing furring assembly configured to be installed between plaster lath and a frame for a structure, includes building paper mounted on framing for the structure, a sealing member, and a fastening member supporting the sealing member, wherein the fastening member includes a head a and a shank and extends through the plaster lath, the sealing member, and the building paper into the framing so that the plaster lath is between the head of the fastening member and the sealing member, the sealing member being compressed to seal the hole formed by the shank of the fastening member in the building paper. A method for installing an exterior building material to a framing is disclosed.

Abstract: A connector device is provided for a curtain wall system of the type having structural members secured to the building framing to define frames to support glazing panels. The glazing panels each have a sash by which they are secured to the frames of structural members to form an outer wall portion of a building. The curtain wall system has connector devices securing one of the glazing panels to the frames of structural members. The connector device comprises a keeper secured to a frame, and a latch mechanism secured opposite the keeper on the sash. The latch mechanism has a latch bolt automatically displaceable to a locking position upon contact with the keeper. The keeper and the latch mechanism cooperate in the locking position to lock the glazing panel to the frame in a secured position. A method for installing the connector device is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structural element comprising of a rigid, hollow body having upper and lower, essentially parallel sides and interjacent side sections and configured in such a way that it can be positioned above a similarly configured structural element, and that it is locked to prevent movement orthogonally in relation to a subjacent, similarly configured structural element by such positioning, and that the structural element comprises one filling orifice (3) on the upper side of the structural element and one drain orifice (4) on the lower edge of one of the side sections of the structural element.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall panel has a top frame structure defining an upward-opening channel extending lengthwise along the upper edge of the panel. An elongate header member is normally disposed within this channel. The header member is vertically slidably supported on supports fixed to the top frame structure so that the header member, in a storage position, is retained in the space. When the panel has been swung upwardly so that the upper edge is aligned below a preinstalled ceiling track, then the header member is manually displaced upwardly until the header telescopes over the ceiling track. A fixed connection is then formed between the header and the ceiling track to provide lateral stability at the upper edge of the wall panel.

Abstract: A system of building modules that may readily be assembled into wall structures that, when filled with concrete forms an insulated, roughly-finished wall structure ready to receive both exterior and interior wall treatments. The building modules may readily be assembled by relatively untrained personnel and forms walls typically having an overall R-value in the range of approximately 30. The novel building modules eliminate the need for setting traditional concrete forms and of finishing a bare concrete wall. The modules are provided in various lengths, the lengths typically being multiples of 16 inches.

Abstract: A wall system includes a bracket assembly and at least one block member. The bracket assembly establishes a self-supporting wall frame. The at least one block member is supported on the self-supporting wall frame. The at least one block member includes an outer face, an inner face, and a top face extending between said outer face and said inner face. The top face locates the at least one block member on the self-supporting wall frame.

Abstract: A building wall or roof is formed of tubular structural members arranged in parallel, planar, spaced-apart relation. Saddle-shaped structural members having strengthening portions are respectively mounted on the tubular members with a clearance space, and thermal and/or acoustical insulation is interposed in the clearance space between the strengthening portions and the tubular members. As compared to conventional tubular log structures, the resulting wall or roof is resistant to horizontal forces generated by the wind or earthquakes and is faster and easier to construct and, furthermore, considerably better performing in terms of thermal and acoustic insulation without having to increase its thickness on an otherwise proportionate basis.

Abstract: Embodiments of a panel for use in building a tilt-wall building are disclosed, some of which comprise a plurality of structural studs, each comprising: a baseplate; an exterior-facing sidewall and an interior-facing sidewall connected by the baseplate; and a tab punched out of each of the sidewalls; an exterior concrete surface in which the tabs punched out of the exterior-facing sidewalls are embedded; and an interior concrete surface in which the tabs punched out of the interior-facing sidewalls are embedded; where the exterior and interior concrete surfaces are substantially planar surfaces that are substantially parallel to each other. Methods for forming tilt-wall panels are also disclosed.

Abstract: A recoverable gabion is disclosed. The gabion comprises opposed side walls connected together at spaced intervals by a plurality of partition walls such that spaces between neighbouring pairs of partition walls define, together with the side walls, individual compartments of the gabion, adjacent side and partition walls being connected to one another by pivotal connections wherein at least one partition wail comprises at least three partition wall elements, a first partition wall element being pivotally connected to a first side wall and a second partition wall element being connected to a second side wall, and the partition wall comprising at least a third partition wall element between said first and second partition wall elements acting as a spacer element therebetween to extend the width of the gabion compartment and being releasably connected to the first and second partition wall elements.

Abstract: This invention provides double-skin tubular structural members having fiber-reinforced polymer outer tubes, steel or otherwise generally metallic inner tubes and generally a bound aggregate such as concrete in between the tubes.

Abstract: System and method for making a wall structure which diverts moisture from an opening. The wall structure has a structural member with a horizontal opening. A moisture diverter is secured to the structural member above the opening, the moisture diverter having a first end and a second end and a length, with the diverter length greater than the horizontal opening distance and the first end positioned relatively higher than the second end. The moisture diverter is laterally positioned at least partially over the horizontal opening. The moisture diverter has a first planar portion and a second planar portion attached to the first planar portion, forming an acute angle. A moisture barrier is secured to the structural member, at least in part, within a volume defined by the first planar portion and the second planar portion. A facade member is secured to the structural member distal of the moisture barrier.

Abstract: A method and system for installing shakes on a building comprising a ledger board and a shake jig for assisting with installation of shakes. The shake jig comprising a base member supporting an adjustable member with a releasably fastener facilitating releaseable retention of the adjustable member in a desired relative position with respect to the base member. The base member has a shake shelf for abutting against a surface of a shake to prevent further insertion of the base member, between an installed topmost shake and an at least partially overlapped shake, and facilitate desired alignment of the shake jig with respect to the installed topmost shake. The adjustable member has a ledger shelf for engaging with the ledger board and retaining the ledger board in a desired horizontal orientation with respect to the shake shelf and assisting with installation of shakes.

Abstract: A method of constructing a building façade comprising, casting at least one plate member; coupling at least one load member to the plate member; aligning a first façade assembly levelly prior to attachment to the substrate; aligning a second and third façade assembly horizontally adjacent and vertically adjacent the first façade assembly, respectively, by interface with the first façade assembly, and repeating the steps of aligning additional façade assemblies to form a facade.

Abstract: A lightweight interior sidewall and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The lightweight interior sidewall is formed by a plurality of adjacent slabs. A method for fabricating the slabs includes forming a concrete block made of cement, fine sand, bamboo-shaped short fibers and a lightweight aggregate material, cutting the block to form multiple slabs, and grinding a central region of two sides of each slab to form a longitudinal groove therein. The method for fabricating the lightweight interior sidewall includes disposing multiple slabs adjacent to each other, securing each slab between a reverse U-shaped clamp on the ceiling and a support element on the floor, and filling a cement mortar into the longitudinal grooves to bind the slabs together. The lightweight and robust sidewall can be thereby formed in an efficient manner.

Abstract: Construct a wall assembly by: (a) providing a support structure with spaced apart structural members; (b) affixing a thermally insulating layer of polymeric foam boards to the structural members, the foam boards achieving a Class A rating according to ASTM E-84; (c) covering seams between polymeric foam boards with a sealing tape; (d) affixing a plurality of fasteners through the thermally insulating layer to structural members with the fasteners extending beyond the outside surface of the thermally insulating layer; (e) attaching a façade selected from metal panel, metal-composite-metal panels, fiber reinforced cementitious siding veneer and materials having a thickness of at least 1.9 centimeters (0.

Abstract: A joint connecting a sandwich panel to a foundation comprising, a sandwich panel having a core and two outer layers separated from one another by the core, an anchor in the foundation, a U-shape member having two side walls and a bottom wall extending between the sidewalls, the bottom wall defining a opening that is aligned with the anchor in the foundation and a securing member insertable through the opening in the bottom wall of the U-shape member and engaged to the anchor to secure the U-shape member to the anchor, wherein the U-shape member is connected to the outer layers of the sandwich panel by bonding material between the outer layers of the sandwich panel and the side walls of the U-shape member.

Abstract: A sustainable energy saving wall utilizing recyclable materials is disclosed for use in construction where the wall provides natural light to the interior of the structure while also providing support without the need for further load bearing structure.

Abstract: A straight joint and method for connecting two adjacent construction elements, such as sandwich panels, so as to reduce or minimize thermal bridging across the elements. The sandwich panels each have a core, an outer layer, a cavity defined by a portion of the core, and a pathway through the outer layer to the cavity. The panels are erected such that the panel cores are in contact with one another. Bonding material is injected into the cavity through the pathway to seal the joint and maintain the panels in fixed relation to one another.

Abstract: A slat wall assembly comprising a first slat, an attachment assembly, and a second slat. The first slat includes a body and a lower flange. The body includes an upper edge and a lower edge. The lower flange emanates from the lower edge of the body. The attachment assembly is associable with the lower flange of the first slat and facilitates attachment of the first slat to an existing wall. The second slat includes a body and an upper flange. The body includes an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper flange emanates from the upper edge of the body. The upper flange is configured to be insertable into the lower flange of the first slat and retainable therein.

Abstract: A device for concealing a space between an object and a planar surface includes a first interlocking strip and a second interlocking strip engageable with the first interlocking strip. The first and second interlocking strips move relative to each other such that they span the space between the object and the planar-surface. The first and second interlocking strips are movable linearly, angularly, and vertically to achieve concealment of the space between the object and the planar surface.

Abstract: A starter element for stackable inter-engaging bricks, blocks and stones for building mortarless walls is disclosed. The starter element comprises an horizontally extending strip having a first portion customized to be adjustably attached to a structure, a second portion having an upper part with an interlock element projecting upwardly therefrom to be in engagement with the mortise interlock element of the brick and a third portion sloping downwardly from the interlock element to be in at least partial contact with an inside surface of the brick. The starter element can also comprise means adapted to allow the drainage of water and the passage of air behind the wall.

Abstract: A wall system includes a stud member, a bracket assembly mounted to the stud member, and at least one block member supported by the bracket assembly. An adhesive is applied at least between the stud member and the at least one block member. The stud member and the at least one block member establish a composite wall unit.

Abstract: A cast wall system comprising at least two modular units, each having a front surface, a back surface, and opposing edge surfaces. A first edge surface (e.g., an upper edge surface) of one modular unit is positioned adjacent to a second edge surface (e.g., a lower edge surface) of another modular unit. A compression system (e.g., a threaded rod under tension) and coupled to elongated beams) provides a force to compress the first edge surface of the one modular unit toward the second edge surface of the other modular unit, and a hardened backing (e.g., concrete) is positioned on the back surface of the at least two modular units. Preferably, the first and second edge surfaces are ground in order to improve the surface contact between those two edge surfaces. When producing the cast wall, the hardened backing is preferably poured onto the back of the modular units.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to a wall system comprising a building wall with an insulating layer, said building wall being the facade wall of a building or an inner wall, said insulating layer comprising insulation panels each insulation panel having first and second substantially parallel major surfaces. The second major surface is facing the building wall, and the insulation panel has at least three, preferably four, minor surfaces, where a slit is made in a minor surface and extending substantially parallel with the major surfaces. The insulation panel is positioned between at least two profiles, each profile having a base portion substantially parallel with and in contact with a part of one minor edge surface of the insulation panel and a flange portion substantially parallel with the major surfaces of the insulation panel and extending into said slit in the minor surface of the insulation panel.

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

Abstract: A timber frame structure for a building, comprising elongate base members extending along lines of respective walls of the building, corner posts extending upwardly from the base members at intersections of respective walls, elongate head members extending between the corner posts at upper end parts thereof; and a plurality of wall panels extending between the head and base members to provide walls for the structure.

Abstract: A system and method for forming wall structures onsite without the need for prefabricated wall elements are provided. The wall structures can be constructed with the use of only a framing crew, without the need for other types of construction specialists. Further, the wall structures can be assembled very quickly. The wall structure includes a wood frame, with styrofoam interior, and concrete blown onto the outer surface thereof.

Abstract: Rolled T-beams of the kind used in suspended ceilings, act as vertical stiffeners in a wall liner for a back wall. The vertical stiffeners, reinforced from the back wall, keep the sheets of wallboard that form the wall liner vertically aligned and together. The weight of the wallboard liner is borne directly by the floor under the liner, without support by columns or studs.

Abstract: A panel for use in assembling a radiation, microbial, acoustically, and ballistically shielded space within a building or other personal space. The panel is comprised of an ionizing radiation shielding material layer, a non-ionizing radiation shielding layer, an anti microbial treated layer, a bulletproof layer and an acoustical shielding layer. A method for using said panels to create a radiation, microbial, acoustic, and ballistic shielded space.

Abstract: A sill plate adapted to support drywall above a floor surface to prevent the formation of mold in the drywall. The sill plate has a base section and a first wall associated with the base section. A first shelf is associated with the first wall. The first shelf is adapted to support drywall. The sill plate may also include a second wall associated with the base section where the second wall is opposed from the first wall. The second wall may include a second shelf associated with the second wall. Each of the first shelf and second shelf may extend along a plane parallel to a plane passing through the base section. Drywall may rest on the first shelf prior to being affixed to vertical studs extending from the sill plate.

Abstract: A forming system is provided for retaining a conformable material. The conformable material is, in one embodiment, concrete. The forming system includes one or more forming members, some comprising at least two panels connected in spaced relation so as to define a substantially linear passageway adapted to retain a first supply of concrete. In other embodiments, the forming member may comprise one or more panels forming various configurations so as to define substantially non-linear passageways or an end forming member to retain a conformable or settable material such as concrete which hardens in place. Each of at least two panels of the forming member further preferably comprises at least one interconnectable end defining an interconnectable element. The at least one interconnectable end, in some embodiments, forms an interengageable slot with the interconnectable element adapted to be interconnectable with at least one other structure.

Abstract: A column forming apparatus wherein concrete is poured into a cavity of the apparatus to form a column for a wall. Embodiments include forming the column both off-site and on-site. Other embodiments include forming a columnless wall. In one embodiment of a column molding apparatus, first and second forming pieces and first and second blocking members can be used to form a column of predetermined shape with the blocking members leaving indentations in the formed column.

Abstract: A cavity wall spacer, building structure, and method are disclosed. The cavity wall spacer determines a separation of building elements of two leaves of a wall. The cavity wall spacer comprises: a support body; and a plurality of spaced projections upstanding from the support body and operable to extend across a cavity between the leaves, each projection having a recessed channel operable to inhibit transfer of moisture from one end of each projection to another. The recessed channel prevents the passage of moisture along the length of the projection to prevent moisture from traveling between the two leaves of the wall, and reduces the amount of moisture which drips into the cavity. The recessed channel has no external obstructions and thus allows significantly improved stacking density. The projections are less prone to any damage since there are no external protrusions.

Abstract: A block wall or fence and methods for constructing a block wall or fence with a footing framework encased in concrete to form a footing support structure wherein the blocks of the wall or fence may be laid without first constructing the footing support framework or first enclosing the footing framework in concrete. Additionally, vertical reinforcing members located in vertical columnar cavities within blocks of the wall and/or horizontal reinforcing members located in horizontal channels within blocks of the wall form a reinforcing framework; wherein some or all of the blocks of the wall or fence may be laid before encasing the reinforcing framework and/or the footing support framework in concrete.

Abstract: A partition panel for dividing a room in an office comprises a pair of decoration panels each having a plurality of engagement holes, a rectangular frame between the pair of decoration panels, and an engagement member having a plurality of hooks. The hooks engage in the engagement holes of the decoration panel. The engagement member is fixed to the frame. Another partition panel comprises a rectangular frame having a vertical rod, a plurality of panels on the rectangular frame, and an engagement member having a plurality of hooks and screw holes. The engagement member is fixed to the vertical rod of the frame with screws. The partition panel can be assembled easily.

Abstract: According to the invention, a curtain wall system for a building is disclosed. The curtain wall system may include an interior vertical member, an external vertical member, and a wall panel. The interior vertical member may be coupled with a floor of the building. The external vertical member may be coupled with the interior vertical member. The wall panel may be supported by the floor of the building and disposed between the interior vertical member and the external vertical member.

Abstract: In a method of making insulated concrete tilt-up panels, an insulating material such as polystyrene is formed into a desired shape corresponding to the panel shape. Attachment grooves are formed across the surface of the insulating material. Preferably, the attachment grooves have a substantially triangular cross-section. The insulating material is laid groove-side-up in a concrete form and wet concrete is poured into the form. The concrete fills the grooves, attaching the insulation to the concrete panel. When the concrete is cured, the panel may be stood up and set in place so that the insulating material forms the exterior surface of the panel. A finishing material may be applied to the exterior surface of the panel. A panel set for use in constructing low-income residential housing includes four concrete tilt-up panels. The insulating material and concrete forms may be prepared in the quantity desired for the entire construction project and transported to a casting area at the construction site.

Abstract: There are provided panel assemblies (2) for forming building structures. A panel assembly (2) comprises a panel (3) and a first connector means for forming part of a connector assembly (1) for connecting the panel (3) to a body (5). Said connector assembly (1) comprises said first connector means, a second connector means, one or more securement members (30) and optionally a link member (200) . The connector means are arranged such that in use they can be positioned in a connecting configuration in which a channel is defined. The channel having an opening on a facing side of the panel (3) for receiving securement members (30) which can be located to restrict relative movement of the panel (3) and body (5) . Also provided are kits for forming building structures, building structures and methods of assembling structures.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved shear wall structural panel assembly that is able to resist gravity loads and lateral forces imposed by wind and earthquake loads. The panel comprises a substantially rectangular frame assembly that is constructed from a plurality of vertical frame members dispensed between and perpendicular to two horizontal frame members. There is a water barrier that is approximately the size of the frame assembly that is fixedly attached to and covering one side of the frame assembly. A reinforcement layer covers and is attached to the water barrier. Four outer frame members are fixedly attached to the perimeter of the frame assembly holding the aforementioned water barrier and reinforcement layer securely in place. A cementitious layer is adjacent to, covering and bonded to said reinforcement layer.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a nozzle assembly configured to extrude material through an outlet; and a controllable robotic arm coupled to the nozzle assembly, the robotic arm having at one end a gripper configured to pick up an element and deposit the element at a desired position relative to the extruded material. The element may be one of: a reinforcement member for a structure being constructed; a segment of a plumbing pipe; an electric network component; and a tile.

Abstract: A method for building a wall out of lime and hemp, prefabricated blocks made of hemp and lime for the use of the method and a device for molding such prefabricated blocks.

Abstract: An apparatus for shimming out a wall comprises a furring strip including an adhesive suitable for adhering to a wall component on at least a portion of at least one side of the furring strip. The furring strip comprises a thickness of between about one-eighth of an inch and about one and one-half of an inch. The furring strip comprises a width of between about three-quarters of an inch and about one and one-half of an inch. The furring strip comprises a length of between about three feet and about eight feet.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to structure layout and marking during construction. More particularly, the present invention relates to an automated layout system that acquires data directly from an architectural design, and generates a banner for denoting the precise location of building elements such as studs, doors, windows, etc., for a structure under construction.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a lightweight metal framing member having a central web and two parallel spaced apart side walls extending upwardly from the sides of the web. The framing member has at least one longitudinally oriented rib extending the length of the web of the framing member to aid in reducing shrinkage and twisting of the framing member when non-symmetrical reinforcing structures are found in the framing member.

Abstract: A modular fire barrier and method for use. The fire barrier includes numerous modules that are oriented horizontally, made up of a frame and numerous fire-resistant panels. By making the frame from tubular-shaped members, the barrier enjoys increased load-bearing ability under high temperature conditions that may compromise less robust frames. By arranging the modules to be substantially in a horizontal orientation, the frames provide sufficient support to the panels, thereby avoiding the need for additional support, such as from girts.

Abstract: There is provided a building formwork module (12) for use in a modular formwork system (10). The module (12) comprises a first face (14) and a second face (16) that are connected by a web (20). The faces (14, 16) and web (2) define two channels (22, 24) that extend along the longitudinal length of the module (12). The channels (22, 24) are able to accommodate wall forming material such that the wall forming material is able to solidify therein. The web (12) in the module (14) provides the module (12) with a rigidity that maintains a relatively flat outer surface on at least the first side (14) of the module (12) against what would be the pressure applied by wall forming material as it solidifies within the two channels (22, 24).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for visual inspection across a barrier such as a fire door. In one embodiment of the present invention, a first movable partition is disposed adjacent, and laterally spaced from, a second movable partition. A first vision panel is disposed in the first partition and a second vision panel is disposed in the second partition in substantial alignment with the first vision panel. The position of the first vision panel is substantially constrained with respect to the position of the second vision panel along a first longitudinal direction. The first vision panel and the second vision panel are enabled to exhibit a desired amount of lateral displacement relative to each other.