Abstract: An adjustable lateral brace configured for bracing adjacent roof trusses, wall studs, or similar structural elements during construction of residential and light commercial structures. The brace comprises a horizontal member and a diagonal member connected by a living hinge. The brace is shipped to a construction site in a compact configuration in which the horizontal member and vertical member are substantially parallel. The living hinge is activated to dispose the horizontal member and diagonal member at an acute angle adjusted to the spacing of the members to be braced.

Abstract: An assembly for connecting a wooden sill plate to a concrete foundation slab. The assembly comprises a tapping drill bit and an anchor device. The tapping drill bit comprises a flute having a first flute section and a second flute section, the first flute section being longer and having a smaller diameter than the corresponding dimensions of the second flute section. The anchor device comprises a first anchor section and a second anchor section. The anchor device is structured such that the first anchor section is configured for embedment into the concrete foundation slab, and the second anchor section is configured for embedment in the wooden sill plate. The anchor device thereby delivers an advantageous distribution of shear forces that act on the wooden sill plate in relation to the concrete floor slab.

Abstract: A tension load transfer device having a base and a transfer member connected by two webs, all of which are connected to a flange. The flange comprises a bolt hole pattern for connecting the load transfer device to a vertical support of a structure. The base comprises an anchor hole for receiving a lower tie member, and the transfer member comprises a plurality of receiving holes for receiving the respective lower ends of a plurality of upper tie members.

Abstract: A load indicating washer, or tension washer, for visually indicating pre-determined magnitudes of tension force in a tension tie member. The tension washer comprises a body portion with a deformable, curved annular flange member depending from the body portion. When the tension washer is compressed against a flat bearing surface, the flange member deforms to produce a visual or color indication of the magnitude of load in the tie member.

Abstract: A load indicating washer, or tension washer, for visually indicating pre-determined magnitudes of tension force in a tension tie member. The tension washer comprises a body portion with a deformable, curved annular flange member depending from the body portion. When the tension washer is compressed against a flat bearing surface, the flange member deforms to produce a visual or color indication of the magnitude of load in the tie member.

Abstract: Masonry walls of buildings supported on concrete foundations are strengthened against destructive wind and seismic forces by spaced elongated members inserted inside the hollow masonry walls. The spaced elongated members are secured to the continuous masonry bond beam and the foundation. Tension means at the top of the masonry wall make the elongated members taut creating a continuous tension load path from bond beam to the foundation.