Abstract: A structural support system with a means for capturing and channeling elements originating from an exterior surface is disclosed. More specifically, the support system not only creates a dry area under a deck but is also a load bearing component of the deck. The support system is multifunctional in that it alleviates the need for traditional joist-dependent construction methods while simultaneously providing an efficient and aesthetically pleasing structure for maintaining a useful, dry area under the deck. Advantageously, embodiments are scalable in that the system comprises a repeatable series of interlocking components operable to be customized to any foreseeable deck footprint or load bearing application.

Abstract: A load bearing structure including a first fixed net layer, a second fixed net layer and a non-linear structure in between. The first fixed net layer may include a first layer of flexible fabric and a fixing material that fixes the shape of the first layer of flexible fabric. The second fixed net layer may include a second layer of flexible fabric and a fixing material that fixes the shape of the second layer of flexible fabric. The non-linear reinforcing structure may be in communication with the first and second fixed net layers and may be configured to share with the first and second fixed net layers a load applied to the load bearing structure.

Abstract: A net layer (32) defines the shell (40) of a building, carried by any necessary supports. A hardening layer (34) is applied to fix the shape of the net layer (32) and to establish wall, roof, and floor. Optionally the shell is of sufficient strength to receive application of further layers in order to define an exoskeleton. Structures of roof sections include parallel-sided segments and converging-sided segments, with troughed or domed section shapes. Structures of walls include opposed shell sides (35), (78) and central filler layers (70), together defining an exoskeleton. Posts (72) can add additional structural capacities for supporting walls, roof and floor and can be formed integrally of net (32) and hardener (34).

Abstract: A net layer (32) defines the shell (40) of a building, carried by any necessary supports. A hardening layer (34) is applied to fix the shape of the net layer (32) and to establish wall, roof, and floor. Optionally the shell is of sufficient strength to receive application of further layers in order to define an exoskeleton. Structures of roof sections include parallel-sided segments and converging-sided segments, with troughed or domed section shapes. Structures of walls include opposed shell sides (35), (78) and central filler layers (70), together defining an exoskeleton. Posts (72) can add additional structural capacities for supporting walls, roof and floor and can be formed integrally of net (32) and hardener (34).

Abstract: This invention generally pertains to a composite building material comprising a lightweight core with a thin fiber cement facing on one side of the core and a second facing material on the other side. The fiber cement facing that is used on at least one of the faces of the building material is 3/16? or less, more preferably ?? or less. The green fiber cement facing is preferably formed by a slurry-dewatering process to form a sheet that is in a plastic, uncured, state prior to manufacture of the composite. The composite building material is assembled in an uncured state and then cured.

Abstract: A wall for making tanks includes two superimposed plates connected to each other at respective spaced apart connected points distributed on a surface of the plates, at least one of the two plates, between respective connecting zones, bulging outward, so that separation between the two plates increases in every radial direction with distance from each connected point to a maximum separation midway between neighboring connected points. The wall has a quilted appearance.

Abstract: A structural module comprises a rigid cell including two substantially parallel planar members, each of which defines an ordered array of circular apertures with a series of columns disposed substantially normally to the two parallel surfaces retaining the two members in a fixed spaced relationship from each other. Male interlocking means which are integral with the module project from two adjacent side edges of the module. Female interlocking means are defined the other two adjacent side edges. The modules can be secured together in side edge to side edge relation, in which relationship the male locking means from a first module engage in a female locking means of a second module.

Abstract: The power generator unit includes a container having an acoustically insulated inner wall. The inner wall has wall panels each provided with a number of spaced-apart vertical retention studs between which acoustic panels are installed. The retention studs have a cross-sectionally C-shaped main body from which laterally and outwardly extend wing flanges. The acoustic panels are retained against the wall panel by the wing flanges which overlap the side edge portions of the acoustic panels.

Abstract: A connection element formed of a strip of a corrugated sheet and including a plurality of bearing surfaces (3) spaced from each other and located in a common plane; at least one attachment opening (6, 7) formed in at least one bearing surface (3); a plurality of free-lying top surfaces (4) extending parallel to the bearing surfaces (3); free-lying legs (5) extending between respective bearing surfaces (3) and the top surfaces (4); and at least one through-opening (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) formed in at least one of free-lying top surfaces and legs.

Abstract: A stacked structure especially useful for storing water in the underground is formed of a plurality of skeleton members. Each skeleton member includes a plurality of skeleton parts extending in one direction and situated side by side in a lateral direction perpendicular to the one direction. Each skeleton part has one top portion, and two bottom portions extending from the top portion, wherein one bottom portion in one skeleton part is connected to one bottom portion in the adjacent skeleton part. Also, each skeleton part includes top recesses formed at the top portion to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval, and bottom recesses formed at the bottom portions to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. The skeleton members form upper and lower skeleton members to be vertically stacked together. The skeleton parts of the upper and lower skeleton members extend perpendicularly to each other.