Abstract: Ties and related methods for making insulating composite wall structures including first and second structural layers comprising a hardenable material and an insulating layer having a high thermal resistance disposed between the structural layers. The insulating layer is formed from a plurality of insulating sheets, where the sheets are sandwiched between the structural layers of the wall. During wall construction, the tie is configured to be advanced into the first structural layer before it has hardened, with the tie fitting between adjacent sheets of insulation. No pre-drilling of holes through the sheets, or screwing or pressing of the ties through the actual sheets is required. Each tie includes generally planar features to accommodate such placement, with a penetrating segment, an impact segment, and a mesial segment therebetween. At least the penetrating and mesial segments are generally planar in shape, as they are advanced into such a gap between insulation sheets.

Abstract: Ties and related methods for making insulating composite wall structures including first and second structural layers comprising a hardenable material and an insulating layer having a high thermal resistance disposed between the structural layers. The insulating layer is formed from a plurality of insulating sheets, where the sheets are sandwiched between the structural layers of the wall. During wall construction, the tie is configured to be advanced into the first structural layer before it has hardened, with the tie fitting between adjacent sheets of insulation. No pre-drilling of holes through the sheets, or screwing or pressing of the ties through the actual sheets is required. Each tie includes generally planar features to accommodate such placement, with a penetrating segment, an impact segment, and a mesial segment therebetween. At least the penetrating and mesial segments are generally planar in shape, as they are advanced into such a gap between insulation sheets.

Abstract: Ties, and related methods, for use in making insulating composite wall structures including first and second structural layers comprising a hardenable material and an insulating layer having a high thermal resistance disposed between the structural layers. The tie includes features that allow it to readily be either axially pushed through the insulating layer (e.g., by hand), or screwed through the insulating layer, (e.g., using a powered tool such as a drill). Thus, a tie of a single configuration is provided which is suitable for both methods of installation. The tie may include discontinuous helical ribs including limited prominence so as to not interfere with the ability to axially push the tie into the insulating layer by hand, yet, the ribs are prominent enough to catch the insulating layer as the tie is drilled in, helping it to “screw” into the insulating layer.

Abstract: Ties, and related methods, for use in making insulating composite wall structures including first and second structural layers comprising a hardenable material and an insulating layer having a high thermal resistance disposed between the structural layers. The tie includes features that allow it to readily be either axially pushed through the insulating layer (e.g., by hand), or screwed through the insulating layer, (e.g., using a powered tool such as a drill). Thus, a tie of a single configuration is provided which is suitable for both methods of installation. The tie may include discontinuous helical ribs including limited prominence so as to not interfere with the ability to axially push the tie into the insulating layer by hand, yet, the ribs are prominent enough to catch the insulating layer as the tie is drilled in, helping it to “screw” into the insulating layer.