Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-storey modular building including at least a first and a second lightweight concrete-based prefabricated modules each having at least a beam, a column, and one horizontal structure selected from a ceiling or a floor at least partially attached to two or more of the beams and columns. A connection system includes at least one vertical alignment connector attached to a horizontal load-distributing plate positioned between the first and second lightweight concrete-based prefabricated modules for connecting the first and second lightweight concrete-based prefabricated modules, where a top portion thereof is positioned in a grout accepting cavity in the bottom end of the column of the second lightweight concrete-based prefabricated module and that in the top end of the column of the first lightweight concrete-based prefabricated module. In-situ grout embeds the vertical alignment connector in each grout accepting cavity.

Abstract: A system and method for securing a roof truss to a load bearing wall is disclosed. A strap is attached to a roof truss at one end and extended to the top of a load-bearing wall. A buckle is placed over the strap to pinch the strap between the vertical and horizontal arms of the buckle. The end of the strap is wrapped back toward the vertical side of the roof truss and a flat plate is placed to pinch the free end of the strap between the buckle and the flat plate. Screws are placed through holes in the flat plate and corresponding holes in the buckle to attach the system to the top of the load-bearing wall. The system and method of the invention provides both horizontal (lateral) resistance and uplift resistance, thus resisting horizontal (lateral) forces while at the same time providing uplift resistance.

Abstract: A fireproof covered structure for covering a penetration part formed in a fireproof beam of a wooden building to make the penetration part fireproof, wherein a tubular fireproof covering material is attached to the penetration part while covering an inner peripheral surface of the penetration part. The tubular fireproof covering material is formed by stacking a plurality of gypsum board pieces cut out from commercially available gypsum boards of thicknesses of 9.5 mm to 25.5 mm, in the thickness direction and unitarily connecting the gypsum board pieces. The tubular fireproof covering material is inserted into and attached to the penetration part such that a connecting portion That connects gypsum board pieces That are adjacent in the stacking direction is disposed at a boundary portion between a structural member and a covering member of the fireproof beam, or at a portion close to the boundary portion.

Abstract: The present application relates to a prefabricated concrete beam-column node and a construction method thereof. The construction method of the prefabricated concrete beam-column node includes: assembling node connectors, and mounting studs on each node connector; welding a circumferential reinforcing plate with a groove hole in the center to a middle-rear section of each node connector; mounting a longitudinal rebar on each circumferential reinforcing plate; pouring a concrete beam between two circumferential reinforcing plates; welding a hidden corbel to a side flange of each of structural columns; hoisting the concrete beam, and overlapping each node connector with the corresponding hidden corbel; welding each node connector to the corresponding structural column; and pouring the concrete beam between the circumferential reinforcing plates and the structural columns.

Abstract: Provided is a wind turbine, with at least one hollow construction including at least two longitudinal hollow elements each having a connection interface for connecting the elements either by a slip joint connection or by a flange connection especially a tower including at least two hollow tower elements, wherein at least one connector is guided through the slip joint or flange connection from an inner space to the outer of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A firewall includes wallboard arranged in three or more layers. The wallboard may include gypsum, fiber glass, and/or vermiculite. The firewall may be reinforced with fasteners, such as laminating screws, affixing the layers of wallboard to one another. The firewall may be incorporated into an area separation wall such that the area separation wall satisfies the standards of ASTM E119 or UL 263.

Abstract: Disclosed are various secure enclosures and associated composite construction methods. The described enclosures preferably utilize one or more prefabricated concrete walls that are mated to one or more metal panels. The panels include hollow ends that are secured to anchors formed within the prefabricated walls. This connection joins the concrete wall and the metal panel in a secure and tamper proof manner. The disclosed methods allow enclosures to be quickly constructed and easily configured depending upon the particular needs of the facility. The enclosures are cost effective, scalable, and easy to assemble.

Abstract: A stiff wall panel assembly includes a wall panel including a single, continuous, and unitary layer including a central portion having a plurality of central portion ribs spaced therealong, a first wall track engaged with the central portion and having a plurality of first ribs spaced therealong, and a second wall track engaged with the central portion and having a plurality of second ribs spaced therealong. Studs are engaged with the central portion, the first wall track, and the second wall track. Such studs have a plurality of third ribs each engaged with the central portion ribs, the first ribs, and the second ribs. The first ribs and the second ribs each are linearly interlocked as well as linearly and slidably interfitted within the third ribs of the studs. The first ribs and the second ribs each are parallel to the third ribs of the studs.

Abstract: A roof mounting system for the attachment of an article to a roof, the system comprising a plurality of PV modules each having at least one corner and a frame member, a flashing member having a top surface; an upstanding sleeve attached to the top surface of the flashing member; an elevated water seal having a borehole formed therethrough, the elevated water seal further comprising at least one screw for providing a waterproof seal between the article and the roof structure; and whereby the plurality of PV modules are interlocked in a way to provide a corner-to-corner coupling arrangement supported above the roof through the frame members of the plurality of PV modules.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a floor panel, comprising a laminate of a core layer, comprising a ceramic or mineral material and a binder a first pair of opposite edges, said first pair of opposite edges comprising complementary coupling parts allowing to mutually couple of plurality of floor panels to each other, a top layer, comprising a ceramic material or a natural stone, wherein the side of the core layer facing the top layer comprises a reinforcement layer, locally having a higher density than the density of the rest of the core layer.

Abstract: An anchor for connecting a concrete layer of a floor to a cellulosic layer of the floor, the cellulosic layer comprising a plurality of cellulosic members joined together in a side-by-side arrangement, the anchor including a first portion to extend between two adjacent cellulosic members of the cellulosic layer into the concrete layer of the floor. The first portion includes attachment structure to attach the first portion to one of the two adjacent cellulosic members of the cellulosic layer to attach the anchor to the cellulosic layer. An upper edge margin of the first portion is disposed within the concrete layer when the first portion is attached to the cellulosic layer. A second portion extends from the upper edge margin in a first direction that is transverse to the first portion. The second portion is spaced apart from the cellulosic layer and embedded within the concrete layer of the floor to attach the anchor to the concrete layer.

Abstract: A vertical joint system for substrates is formed with joints and which engaged by relative motion in a direction perpendicular to major surfaces and of the substrate. The joints are configured to enable relative rotation of up to 3 degrees while maintaining engagement of the joints. The joints and are further configured to form two locking planes one on each of the inner and outer most sides of the joint. Engagement about the locking planes is provided by transverse outward extending surfaces. At least one surface in each pair of engaging surfaces is smoothly curved. The joints and can be further arranged to provide a third locking plane parallel to and between the locking planes. The joints are disengaged by combination of a downward rotation of one joint relative the other then application of a downward force.

Abstract: Pulling eyes are provided with integrated wiring systems suitable for installing conductors or cables. The pulling eyes may include body portions that define interior cavities that are sized to snugly engage outside portions of the conductors or cables. The body portions are sized to be deformably crimped onto the outside portions of the conductors or cables. The pulling eyes may also include head portions joined to the body portions, with the head portions defining apertures for receiving a strength member for installing the conductors or cables. These apertures place the interior cavities in communication with the exteriors of the pulling eyes.

Abstract: A fire-resistant partition wall includes wall studs and first and second walls each including gypsum boards with vertical and lateral joints. The wall studs are on the back side of the vertical joints. A joint base member is provided at the lateral joints. The gypsum boards, the joint base member, and the wall studs are not screwed with a common screw, and (a) the gypsum boards are screwed to only the wall studs and are not screwed to the joint base member, and the joint base member is fixed to the lateral joint position by being inserted between the gypsum boards and the wall studs, or (b) the gypsum boards are screwed to the wall studs and to the joint base member with different screws, and the joint base member is fixed to the lateral joint position by being inserted between the gypsum boards and the wall studs.

Abstract: A lightweight, interlocking, freestanding, reconfigurable, all-weather wall system for use in law enforcement, emergency services, and military training. The wall system may comprise a plurality of wall panels and a plurality of panel interlocking connectors capable of temporarily connecting two or more wall panels. The modular wall system may be capable of being assembled and disassembled without the use of tools.

Abstract: A roof mounting system for the attachment of an article to a roof, the system comprising a plurality of PV modules each having at least one corner and a frame member, a flashing member having a top surface; an upstanding sleeve attached to the top surface of the flashing member; an elevated water seal having a borehole formed therethrough, the elevated water seal further comprising at least one screw for providing a waterproof seal between the article and the roof structure; and whereby the plurality of PV modules are interlocked in a way to provide a corner-to-corner coupling arrangement supported above the roof through the frame members of the plurality of PV modules.

Abstract: The present invention is an assembly-type brick set. More specifically, the present invention is an assembly-type brick set which not only maximizes structural rigidity and fastening performance but is also able to, by excluding use of brittle bonding agent such as concrete mortar, prevent damage and collapse of a wall even in cases of severe shaking, such as during earthquakes.

Abstract: A microbial inhibiting system for angled asphalt roofs. The system includes copper-based strips along the ridge of the roof, wherein the proximal edges of the copper-based strips are operatively associated between a ridge vent and a portion of the upper roof. A distal end of the copper-based strips may provide windshear bends to keep the whole system in place during high winds. Once installed onto an asphalt roof, the present invention is adapted so that rainwater is directed over the copper-base members of the system, causing a chemical reaction therewith, wherein the resulting chemical will wash away along the roofing membrane, removing any mold, algae, and moss as the chemically infused rainwater rolls down the roof.

Abstract: An extendable arm includes first and second rigid members forming a cross unit. Each rigid member includes one end portion including one of end coupling shafts, the other end portion including the other end coupling shaft, and a middle portion including a middle coupling shaft. The one end portion of each rigid member includes a bottom-side outer side surface that surface-contacts a base surface when the extendable arm in an extended state is placed thereon. The other end portion of each rigid member includes a top-side outer side surface extending parallel to the bottom-side outer side surface of each rigid member. The middle portion of each rigid member includes a middle strip region passing through a middle coupling shaft and perpendicular to the bottom-side outer side surface and the top-side outer side surface.

Abstract: A modular precast concrete structure system to form a modular precast concrete structure as a portion of a subsurface storage basin is provided, the system including a concrete slab having a first edge and opposite second edge, and a first concrete side wall having an outer surface extending from the first edge substantially perpendicularly to the concrete slab, and a second concrete side wall having an outer surface extending from the second edge substantially perpendicularly to the concrete slab, the outer surfaces of the first and second concrete side walls being configured to be substantially parallel, each of the first and second side walls being configured with canted inner surfaces such that the first and second side walls taper in thickness away from the slab, and a plurality of footings each configured with a footing groove along an upper surface thereof, the footing grooves configured to receive a bottom edge of at least one of the first and second side walls therein.