Abstract: A shearwall is disclosed for use in lightweight or other constructions to transmit lateral shear forces and dissipate energy on the construction. In examples, the shearwall includes a central panel formed of wood, and side plates formed of steel. The side plates may be affixed at lower corners of first and second opposed surfaces of the central panel. Each side plate may include a fastening plate for affixing the side plate to the central panel, and a restraint plate which fits within a reduced area section of the central panel between the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: A glued-in-rod wooden structure includes a prepared hole for sealing voids which may be open to the prepared hole. In one example, the prepared hole is filled with an expanding foam which at least partially fills and seals the voids open to the prepared hole. Thereafter, the prepared hole may be enlarged by drilling to its final diameter for receiving the rod. Any voids in the enlarged hole remain sealed by the expanding foam.

Abstract: Position indicator tools systems and methods for use with an elongated adapter are disclosed. Tools are configurable to engage the distal end of the elongated adapter include a first member wherein the first member has a distal end and two projection elements positioned in a plane and a channel between the projection elements further wherein at least one of the first members has a notch at a distal end on a channel-facing side, a positioning member formed integrally with the first member wherein the positioning member has a linear marker on a first side, an angled marker on a second side, and a rocker positioned between the angled marker and the channel.

Abstract: A pinned base connector affixing a structural member to a foundation at one or more levels of a construction. The pinned base connector includes a baseplate affixed to the foundation. A column support plate is affixed to the baseplate via a pivot block. The pivot block is affixed to the baseplate to allow rotation of the pivot block relative to the baseplate about a first axis. The column support plate is affixed to the pivot block to allow rotation of the column support plate relative to the pivot block about a second axis orthogonal to the first. A column or other structural member may then be affixed to a surface of the column support plate.

Abstract: A moment frame is disclosed for a sloped roof construction. The moment frame includes a lateral bracing system having a high initial stiffness and including yield links capable of effectively dissipating energy generated within the lateral bracing system under lateral loads.

Abstract: A structural beam and deck assembly containing portions of beam members interconnected by a deck assembly. Beam members have horizontal top and bottom flange elements interconnected by one or more vertical web member. The top flange of the beam members is serrated such that a series of serrations protrude horizontally in at least one direction from a top of the one or more vertical web member or are cut-out from the flange of a rolled shape. Adjacent beam and deck assemblies are installed such that attachment of one portion of a beam member to another results in the completed cross section of the beam member. In one embodiment, the serrated top flange and at least a portion of the web member are intended to be encased by a horizontal concrete slab. The slab material is capable of encasing all exposed surfaces of and curing around each serration to transfer horizontal shear forces between the serrated top flange and the slab material such that the beam members and slab behave compositely.

Abstract: A member-to-member planar connection bracket that includes multiple repeated fuse element configurations that each provide a pre-determined inelastic load-carrying capacity and a reliable inelastic deformation capacity upon development of one or more inelastic hinge locations within the fuse elements. The fuse configurations are interconnected in series such that the total deformation accommodated between first end of the bracket and second end of the bracket is the sum of deformations accommodated by the individual fuse configurations. Multiple brackets are configured in laminar configurations and interconnected to create a connection assembly that provides increased strength or increased deformation capacity as compared to an individual bracket. The connection assembly is used to connect a first structural member and second structural member.

Abstract: A lateral bracing system having high initial stiffness and including yield links capable of effectively dissipating stresses generated within the lateral bracing system under lateral loads.

Abstract: Methods for using installation tools are disclosed. Fastener installation tools engage the distal end of an elongated. Two projection elements positioned in a plane on the installation tool and a channel between the projection elements further are positionable to provide a marker for a user during use to achieve an optimal installation location.

Abstract: Fastener installation systems, devices and methods for driving fasteners, including fasteners, into a surface are disclosed. The fastener installation systems include an adapter operable to engage a chuck on a power tool on a first end and a fastener delivery attachment on an opposing end.

Abstract: A lateral bracing system is disclosed for affixing a column to a beam in a construction. The lateral bracing system includes a pair of buckling restraint plates, one each affixed to a top and bottom flange of a beam. The lateral bracing system further includes at least one yield plate for each buckling restraint plate. Each yield plate includes a first end affixed to the column, and a second end affixed to the beam.

Abstract: A pinned base connector affixing a structural member to a foundation at one or more levels of a construction. The pinned base connector includes a baseplate affixed to the foundation. A column support plate is affixed to the baseplate via a pivot block. The pivot block is affixed to the baseplate to allow rotation of the pivot block relative to the baseplate about a first axis. The column support plate is affixed to the pivot block to allow rotation of the column support plate relative to the pivot block about a second axis orthogonal to the first. A column or other structural member may then be affixed to a surface of the column support plate.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methods used in construction to secure one component, such as a header, to another component, such as a joist, while controlling spacing. Fasteners are used with a removable sleeve member having longitudinal ribs to secure the fastening assembly and prevent movement. An installation guide is provided that facilitates both flush and offset installation.

Abstract: A connection utilizing a joist hanger to hang a joist or beam from a wood structural support member such as a top plate or header in cooperation with a first plurality of fasteners such as screws or nails and one or more substantially vertical fire-resistant panels such as drywall.

Abstract: A connector referred to herein as a knife plate, and the structural connections formed using the knife plate. The knife plate may have a first portion configured to affix to a first structural member, such as a vertical column. The knife plate may have a second portion configured to fit within a slot formed in a second structural member, such as a horizontal beam. The second structural member may be pinned to the knife plate using one or more dowels fit through the second structural member and the knife plate.

Abstract: A one-piece structural fuse assembly is disclosed that is formed from a single piece of structural steel such as a beam. In embodiments, a first flange of the beam may form the fuse base, and a portion of the web of the beam may form the fuse plate. Additionally, a buckling restraint plate of the structural fuse assembly may be formed from a second flange of the beam, and the spacers of the structural fuse assembly may be formed from a portion of the web unused by the fuse plate. In examples, all of the components cut from the single piece of the beam are used in a single structural fuse assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing non-load bearing interior walls in a wood frame structure in a manner that allows for vertical deflection of the frame includes a plurality of sleeved fastener assemblies, each having a threaded fastener extending through a shorter outer sleeve with an enlarged diameter head. The fasteners hold interior non-load bearing walls in place through a predrilled hole in the top plates of the walls, while being capable of accommodating limited vertical movement caused by vertical deflection of the building frame during construction and beyond.

Abstract: A nut main body has a slanted hole with a smaller inner end portion having a plurality of stepped portions of differing height. This gives the slanted hole a differing depth relative to a large-diameter end portion of the slanted hole at a plurality of locations about a circumference of the slanted hole. A plurality of nut segments are slidable within the slanted hole and come into contact with at least one of the stepped portions. The nut segments have screw threads at an inner wall surface. A washer is provided at a large-diameter side of the plurality of nut segments. A bias spring is attached within the nut main body so as to urge the plurality of nut segments towards the small-diameter side of the nut main body with the washer therebetween. A stopper piece holds the bias spring within the nut main body.