Abstract: The present invention relates to new useful improvements in monolithic building construction that will reduce significantly the cost of it and will simplify the entire process and provide an outstanding quality. The innovation of the present invention is the idea to use a conventional material (drywall, backboard, brick, precast decorative stone, ceramic tile, etc), which usually is being applied to already build monolithic concrete structure, to assemble a form in which the concrete will be poured to raise the structure itself.

Abstract: A demountable wall system includes similarly configured channel segments having a hat-shaped center, a pair of center flanges, and L-shaped outer ends with fastener portions formed therein. A rigid stud having an I-shaped plan configuration is formed from a pair of the channel segments interconnected in a back-to-back relationship, wherein adjacent end flanges form outer stud faces against which wall panels are supported, and adjacent fastener portions form connector channels in which the wall panels are detachably retained. A header/footer track is formed from a channel segment connected with a flat base strip, and is attached to the opposite ends of the stud by stud extenders to define a frame on which the wall panels are supported.

Abstract: A structure and a method for producing the structure wherein the structure comprises a framework of purlins supported by clips and plates and upright cylindrical members to form a structure of a fence, wall or a structure and the method comprises supporting the purlins between cylindrical members by the use of clips and plates to produce a structure which may include a slanted or peaked roof and may include windows and doors.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method of placing a concrete structure in a generally horizontal position. The method includes building the concrete structure in an essentially vertical position, the concrete structure being defined by a first end. The concrete structure is pivotably supported at a support location proximate the first end while the concrete structure is in the essentially vertical position. The concrete structure is then pivoted about the support location to move the concrete structure from the essentially vertical position to the generally horizontal position.

Abstract: In a method for making a house, a foundation plate (1) consisting of a lightweight concrete is cast directly; on a drained and leveled substratum such that it extends a distance (a) outside the external walls of the house. Grooves (2) are milled in the foundation plate (1) where prefabricated wall elements (5-8) later are to be erected, where the bottom of the grooves is exactly horizontal and at the correct level. Next, prefabricated wall elements (58) are placed into the respective grooves (2) and glued to each other and to the foundation in the grooves. The wall elements have a height which is about 45 cm larger than the inner roof height of the house in order to facilitate the casting of a sub-floor of lightweight concrete inside the house once pipes and conduits for sanitary and electrical installations have been laid, and after parts of the walls (5-8) which have been cut out to provide openings (3, 4) for doors and windows, have been placed on the foundation plate (1).

Abstract: A method of constructing a building or building appurtenance, optionally without structural use of concrete except for floor slabs. The method contemplates excavating a hole to establish a natural base on which the structure is to be constructed, establishing layout locations where upright walls or other supports of the structure are to be erected, establishing a fabricated footer, optionally a fiber-reinforced polymeric footer, along the laid-out locations of the supports, placing pre-fabricated load-bearing fiber-reinforced polymeric building panels or other supports on the fabricated footer, and connecting the pre-fabricated wall panels or other supports to each other according to the structure plan thereby developing load-bearing walls or other supports, and erecting overlying structure on the load-bearing walls or other supports.

Abstract: A log is provided that has a pair of oppositely directed faces, one of the faces having a pair of tongues separated by a channel and the other face having a pair of grooves separated by a ridge. The tongues, grooves, ridge and channel respectively are dimensioned so as to inter-engage when logs are placed one on top of another. The base of the channel is spaced from the end face of the ridge to accommodate a pair of seals that are maintained laterally spaced apart in the channel so as to define an air space therebetween. A thermal break is thus provided between the seals in the channel to inhibit conduction of heat through the seal.

Abstract: A tough, water-proof building system, and methods of making the system elements and constructing buildings, which provides wall, ceiling, and floor structural panels and corresponding walls, ceilings, and floors,. The walls can be designed to have vertical and horizontal strengths sufficient to be used in place of concrete, as an engineered solution, both above grade and below-grade, including in severe weather conditions, such that no concrete need be used except for floor slabs. Panels have inner and outer layers, and structurally reinforcing members. Structurally-reinforcing members extend, typically as a layer and/or stud, the full height of a wall, at spaced locations along the length of the wall. Spaces between the structurally reinforcing members are optionally filled with rigid foam. An optional reinforcing stud is attached to, or overlaid by, the inner layer, and extends inwardly into the building from what is otherwise the inner surface of the building panel.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for framing openings for doors, windows, store fronts, air conditioning units and other purposes, in walls formed of cast-in-place concrete. The devices include a jamb member having attached first and second inner flanges with angled guide surfaces for guiding placement of a wall forming system in alignment and engagement therewith and for anchoring the jamb member following hardening of the poured concrete. A method includes use of the disclosed jamb member to frame an opening in a building wall.

Abstract: A wall used in conjunction with a pre-existing wall to create an improved aesthetic appearance, and eliminate the chances of mold, or mildew growing on a wall. A method for installing a wall having an existing wall, installing at least one support beam substantially vertical on the interior side of the existing wall. Installing at least one top support channel substantially horizontal along a top portion of the interior side of the existing wall. Installing at least one bottom support channel substantially horizontal along a bottom portion of the interior side of the existing wall. Connecting at least one panel to at least one of the support beams, the top support channels, and bottom support channels. Inserting a flexible material of the panels into the intermediate support channels and the corner support channels.

Abstract: A bamboo framework used to transfer load and attach face panels for a building. The framework consists of spaced bamboo culms, flexible inner rings that wrap around the bamboo culms, middle connectors to attach face panels, end connectors to attach face panels and transfer load from framework to support structures, and three types of additional metal connectors to strengthen the framework.

Abstract: A draining apparatus and method for use in the construction of buildings having a stucco interior. The apparatus has a drain section and a screen coupled thereto. The drain section consists of a series of channels formed by a plurality of knobs, which in one embodiment may be formed into a plurality of aligned columns. The apparatus is coupled to a building foundation, at a level where it can facilitate positive drainage of water that has migrated downward through the stucco.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method of placing a concrete structure in a generally horizontal position. The method includes building the concrete structure in an essentially vertical position, the concrete structure being defined by a first end. The concrete structure is pivotably supported at a support location proximate the first end while the concrete structure is in the essentially vertical position. The concrete structure is then pivoted about the support location to move the concrete structure from the essentially vertical position to the generally horizontal position.

Abstract: A structural reinforcing layer made from wire, a structural reinforcing composite layer made from wire, and the resulting load bearing structures made from or retrofitted with wire reinforced plastics and cements. Said layers and structures made from monofilament metallic or pre-cured composite materials twisted into multi-strand wire geometry optimized to mechanically shear load into rigid thermoplastic, thermoset, metallic or cementious resin systems. Wire geometry, count, size and strength/stiffness can be varied in combination with resin type, sheet structure, permeability and orientation to create layers intended for use in composite and cement based structures as originally molded reinforcement or retrofitted structural upgrades.

Abstract: The present invention comprises 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 said 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: 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: A stud panel and method of making a stud panel where interior sheathing may be a temporary piece of transparent plastic or a permanent panel of sheet rock so as to retain insulation in place and minimize scarfing. The stud panel may include studs having through holes extending in a length direction of the stud panel such that insulation in adjacent inner regions separated by such studs interlock with each other and contribute to a structural integrity of the stud panel. The stud panel may include a space between inner studs and one of the exterior and interior sheathing so as to provide a thermal and sound break between the exterior and inner sheathing so as to minimize heat, air and sound transfer between the exterior and interior sheathing.

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

Abstract: A precast panel for building reinforced concrete walls has a metal liner that forms a front surface of the panel. A concrete mass is disposed behind the liner. The panel has reinforcement structure within the concrete mass that can be used to provide continuity of reinforcement between adjacent panels. Edges on the concrete mass are recessed, facilitating the connection of a splice end on a reinforcing bar with a splice end on an adjacent panel. The liner, reinforcement structure, and concrete mass form a composite steel-concrete structure.

Abstract: In a system for making walls, at least two pairs of connector plates are provided, each including receptacle for receiving an end of a structural member. At least one spacer plate is located between and rotatably coupled to successively positioned connector plates. To form a wall, a pair of connector plates is coupled via the retaining means, one to each of a pair of generally opposing ends defined by structural members. The connector plates are rotatably movable relative to the spacer plates thereby allowing the structural members to be oriented relative to one another so as to form a surface having desired contours.

Abstract: A forming panel is provided which includes at least one and preferably a number of elongated channels each having inwardly projecting ribs which permit threadable attachment of hardward components such as bolts, externally threaded rings, collars and the like directly to the channel along an infinite number of locations. The channels may be parallel to one another, perpendicular to one another, or both. The forming panel may be used with other forming panels and are configured to receive therethrough anchoring members such as anchor bolts and tie rods which pass into the gap between opposed forming walls where concrete is poured. The forming panels may be used as cap forms whereby after the concrete is cured, forming panels below the cap form may be replaced and reattached above the cap form.

Abstract: An upper framed portion of a building structure may be anchored to a lower masonry wall by using a conventional concrete anchor and an anchor retainer. The anchor retainer may have a body portion longer than the width of the wall and both upper and lower reference surfaces. An anchor retainer assembly is temporarily formed by inserting the anchor through a throughhole in the retainer body so that the threaded upper portion of the anchor extends above the upper reference surface of the retainer by a first selected height, so as to leave enough of the threaded end exposed above the retainer for at least one nut to be securely attached to the anchor. No unthreaded portion of the anchor extends above the lower reference surface by more than a second amount that is generally selected to be equal to the actual thickness of the framing member, so as to ensure that no substantial unthreaded portion of the anchor can extend above that member.

Abstract: A block has a finished surface that provides an attractive appearance. The block is relatively large in size, allowing the quick construction of a wall, such as a retaining wall, using the block. The block includes one or more lift and alignment devices in the block that allow the block to be lifted using a suitable lifting apparatus, such as a crane, forklift, backhoe, etc. The block includes one or more recessed portions in the bottom surface of the block positioned to receive the protruding lift and alignment device of a previously-laid block underneath, thereby helping to align the block with the previously-laid block. The block includes one or more voids that extend from the top surface to the bottom surface of the block, and that align with each other when the blocks are stacked into a wall, thereby allowing fill material to be placed in the voids to strengthen the wall. The preferred embodiments also include a wall system with various different blocks that may be used to build a wall.

Abstract: This is an improved method of building with fibrous material though other materials can be substituted. A binding secures fibrous material to form a wall assembly (10). Wall surfacing (20) can be included in the binding and forming process, reducing the labor required to apply it. Other building features and components can also be included in the binding and forming process such as electrical wiring, furring strips, windows, doors and structural reinforcing. This method vastly reduces the difficulties encountered when installing these components. The versatility of the method also allows for attributes such as flat wall surfaces and variable wall thicknesses, which are difficult to achieve using baled fiber.

Abstract: A retainer and methods for retaining a spacer bar within an opening in a web of a metal stud. In one embodiment, the retainer includes a cover plate that has a plurality of resilient snap members for retaining engagement with the web of the metal stud when the cover plate is pressed into the web opening. The cover plate may have a notch that is configured to nestingly receive a portion of the spacer bar therein. Other embodiments may include retainer tabs for retaining and/or applying a biasing force to the spacer bar.

Abstract: A hold-down for securing first and second support members in a portion of a building to an anchoring device extending from another portion of the building. The hold-down may include a first flange having securement apertures therethrough configured to receive fasteners adapted to secure the first flange to the first support member. A second flange may have securement apertures configured to receive fasteners adapted to secure the second flange to the second support member. A base may connect the first and second flanges and have an aperture sized and positioned to receive the anchoring device therethrough. The first and second flanges may be configured to be loaded substantially exclusively in tension by the anchoring device.

Abstract: A high-ductility material or a high-ductility covering material is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of a member, such as a column, of a structure so as to confine expansion of apparent volume accompanying rupture of the member, to thereby control rupture of the member. The high-ductility material is a fibrous or rubber sheet material. The high-ductility material is disposed in such a manner as to surround the member. Alternatively, the high-ductility material is spirally wound or rolled on the member.

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: In order to reinforce a cylindrical pipeline, in particular an underground water supply pipeline, prestressing reinforcements are placed and tensioned around it. In a zone where the pipeline has a radial projection, for example providing a manhole for access to the inside of the pipeline, the prestressing reinforcements are deflected to bypass the radial projection so that the reinforcements, located in the same layer on a side of the pipeline opposite the side having the projection, are distributed in a plurality of layers on this side having the protuberance.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method of placing a concrete structure in a generally horizontal position. The method includes building the concrete structure in an essentially vertical position, the concrete structure being defined by a first end. The concrete structure is pivotably supported at a support location proximate the first end while the concrete structure is in the essentially vertical position. The concrete structure is then pivoted about the support location to move the concrete structure from the essentially vertical position to the generally horizontal position.

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: A method, apparatus and system for constructing a building. A foundation is provided, upon which is disposed one or more first-floor columns, each having a lower end, an upper end and an upper surface. One or more second-floor columns, each having a lower end, an upper end, a lower surface and an upper surface on one or more of the first-floor columns, are disposed on the top of the first-floor columns so that the lower surface of one or more of the second-floor columns abuts, and is supported by, the upper surface of one or more of the first-floor columns.

Abstract: A block has a finished surface that provides an attractive appearance. The block is relatively large in size, allowing the quick construction of a wall, such as a retaining wall, using the block. The block includes one or more lift and alignment devices in the block that allow the block to be lifted using a suitable lifting apparatus, such as a crane, forklift, backhoe, etc. The block includes one or more recessed portions in the bottom surface of the block positioned to receive the protruding lift and alignment device of a previously-laid block underneath, thereby helping to align the block with the previously-laid block. The block includes one or more voids that extend from the top surface to the bottom surface of the block, and that align with each other when the blocks are stacked into a wall, thereby allowing fill material to be placed in the voids to strengthen the wall. The preferred embodiments also include a wall system with various different blocks that may be used to build a wall.

Abstract: The present invention comprises 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 said 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: A jointing compound or plaster for construction elements, particularly paper-faced plasterboards. This plaster includes, in percentages by weight with respect to the total weight of plaster 50 to 85% of a mineral filler; 1 to 20% of an organic binder dispersible in an aqueous phase; 1 to 15% of a silicate-based agent other than the mineral filler; 0.2 to 5% of a hydrophobic agent which is a silicone derivative; 0.05 to 5% of polyvinyl alcohol; and water to make up to 100%. A method of producing a work such as a partition, a wall covering ox a ceiling is also disclosed.

Abstract: A number of wall panel apparatuses are disclosed. In one embodiment the wall panel apparatus includes a rectangular frame, two oppositely disposed metal tiles, each tile having a number of attachment and mounting clips whereby mounting of the tiles to opposite sides of the rectangular frame is easily accomplished by locating mounting clips attached to the lower edge portions of the tiles to a bottom frame member and pivoting the upper portion of the tiles so that the attachment clips which are resilient snap into place. A glass wall panel apparatus includes the same rectangular frame, however, top and bottom channels cover the top and bottom frame members of the rectangular frame, each of the channels having hook portions for engaging the top and bottom edges of the glass panes. Also included are side shroud channels and tensioning screws to adjust the channels in relation to the glass panes.

Abstract: Fabricate an insulated building structure by applying a compressible polymeric insulating (CPI) foam over sheathing material such that a portion of the CPI becomes compressed between a window frame and/or door frame or jamb.

Abstract: A method for successive concrete of high vertical walls by using a climbing shuttering system having a support structure on which various concrete shuttering elements are loaded hanging downwards. The top supporting carrier and the climbing shuttering system can be supported on completed wall sections. There is at least one lifting device that brings about a relative movement between the too supporting carrier and a lower support carrier of the climbing shuttering system. The shuttering elements can be positioned in a substantially even surface to form a shuttering and at the same time the top supporting carrier can be positioned on the shuttering elements placing them respectively against the walls.

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 the architectural drawing, blueprint, or CAD (computer aided design). The automated layout system then generates a full banner for denoting the precise location of building elements such as studs, doors, windows, etc., for a structure under construction.

Abstract: An improved, lightweight, portable, and self-contained concrete form for fabricating tilt-up concrete walls is provided. The form includes a frame made from metal frame members joined at their ends with the frame members forming the sides of the frame. The frame members may be channel shaped with their channels facing inwardly. A reinforcing mat comprising an array of crisscrossed rebars is disposed within the frame and is held in place with a plurality of brackets on the ends of at least some of the rebars and welded to respective frame members. The rebar mat is sized to be positioned in the mid portion of the frame and the brackets on the ends of the rebars are slid outwardly into and attached to the frame members by spot welding. The brackets are then spot welded to the ends of their rebars to form a rigid, lightweight concrete frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is a kit for building a wall. It includes a first log having a substantially cylindrical surface and at least one axially-extending groove formed in the substantially cylindrical surface, a second long and an elongated chink. The first log, the elongated chink, and the second log are collectively adapted for mutual contact such that both the first log and an axially-extending protruding surface of the first elongated chink abut the second log to form a first chamber bounded in part by the first log, the first elongated chink, and the second log.

Abstract: A main structure that can be constructed using either solid steel assembly (32) or reinforced concrete assembly (33) acts as the main structural component for new and remodel construction. The main structure whether it uses reinforced concrete assembly (33) or steel assembly is comprised of cells of equilateral size and each cell has a passage between inner and outer wall created using this method of construction. The inner wall uses the passages to secure accompanying structures and systems to a wall that use this structural system. The outer wall uses the passages to secure retaining assembly (34) to the structure. Retaining assembly (34) holds a strata of soil to the wall and creates plateaus along face of outer wall. The plateaus created by securing retaining assembly (34) to main assembly's (32) or (33) give vegetation a place to be planted and secured to a wall that incorporate the construction method of this invention.

Abstract: A method for applying render to a substrate, said method including the steps of: securing a layer of confining mesh having a three-dimensional open cellular structure to the substrate; applying a base layer of cementitious material over the confining mesh; and screening the base layer to a depth at least substantially level with an outer surface of the confining mesh. Preferably, the method includes the further step of: applying a layer of reinforcing mesh over the base layer; and applying a top coat of cementitious material over the reinforcing mesh.

Abstract: An elongate form tie extender aids insertion of form ties in form panel structures for thinner concrete walls. The extender passes through form tie holes and has fastening structure at one end to interconnect a form tie. For use a first form panel is established in forming position and form ties are fastened therein extending toward a second panel established in a temporary position spaced to allow a workman to move between the panels. Form tie extenders are interconnected on form ties in the first panel with one end in paired cooperating form tie holes in the second panel. The second panel is moved to forming position adjacent the first panel with form ties extending between the panels. The form tie extenders are removed and the form ties fastened on the second panel.

Abstract: A method of building a structure includes the step of mounting a number of support posts on a substrate in a spaced apart, substantially upright orientation, so that at least one floor area is bounded by the support posts. An upper support means is mounted on operatively upper end portions of the support posts. At least one panel is positioned between consecutive support posts. The panels are fixed in position between the support posts. The method includes the step of arranging the support posts and the upper support means so that substantially all load bearing functions are performed by the support posts and upper support means. A structure erected in accordance with said method is also claimed.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite panel with a facade comprising a planar arrangement of thin discrete facers on a body of structural backing material. The method comprises the steps of providing a horizontal casting bed, providing a plurality of facers each with chamfers at corners between side-rear and end-rear walls, arranging the facers in abutting relationship atop the casting bed and in a selected pattern in a face down planar configuration so that the chamfers on the facers open upwardly and define narrow elongated sealant channels at joints between contiguous facers. Depositing a sealant in the channels and pouring concrete as a structural backing material atop the facers, the rear surfaces of the facers and the concrete adhering to form a composite panel.

Abstract: In a structure for installing a viscous vibration-damping wall 1, the viscous vibration-damping wall 1 is constructed such that a housing 16 with its upper end open is formed by uprightly setting a pair of steel-made side plates 15 on a base plate 8 and by disposing a pair of flange plates 11 on both sides of the pair of side plates, an intermediate plate 13 is inserted in the housing 16, and a viscous material or a viscoelastic material is placed in its gap portion. In order to install the viscous vibration-damping wall 1, a flange of a lower-floor girder 3 is provided with base-plate connecting portions and a pair of flange connecting plates 7, and the base plate 8 and the flange plates 11 are connected thereto, and the intermediate plate 13 is directly connected to a gusset plate 12 fixed to a flange of an upper-floor girder 4. Consequently, the dispersion of the stress is rationalized, and the reduction of constituent members is attained.

Abstract: A ledger mould assembly is suitable for use with a wall form assembly of the type comprising a pair of spaced-apart parallel foam panels defining therebetween a cavity for the setting of a flowable material for building an insulated wall. The ledger mould is used to receive a hardening flowable material and integrally forming a ledger to the wall. The ledger mould assembly comprises an elongated mould made of foam having a planar front face spanning from top to bottom, a tapered bottom edge and at least one flared recess in the front face, opening outwardly and upwardly from bottom to top. Mounting means are provided for horizontally mounting the mould against either one of the foam panels with the bottom down and the planar front face of the ledger mould in contact with the planar outside face of the foam panel. This set-up allows flowable hardening material to be poured from the top of the mould into the flared recesses to form a ledger once it has hardened.

Abstract: An improved, lightweight, portable, and self-contained concrete form for fabricating tilt-up concrete walls is provided. The form includes a frame made from metal frame members joined at their ends with the frame members forming the sides of the frame. The frame members may be channel shaped with their channels facing inwardly. A reinforcing mat comprising an array of crisscrossed rebars is disposed within the frame and is held in place with a plurality of brackets on the ends of at least some of the rebars and welded to respective frame members. The rebar mat is sized to be positioned in the mid portion of the frame and the brackets on the ends of the rebars are slid outwardly into and attached to the frame members by spot welding. The brackets are then spot welded to the ends of their rebars to form a rigid, lightweight concrete frame.

Abstract: A versa-track structure and wall/floor joist assembly and method is provided which consists of an elongated versa-track member comprising a planar web and a first and second legs in perpendicular alignment defining generally a C-shape or J-shape in cross section. A plurality of horizontally elongated openings are spaced lengthwise on the planar web between the first and second ends of the versa-track and receive perpendicularly related vertical stud members or horizontal floor joist members in forming a wall or floor assembly.