Abstract: The invention provides load-resisting segments (e.g., panels or frames for openings) for transmitting loads through a building structure. In the context of a wall, the load-resisting segments transmit shear loads downward to structural elements below the wall, such as to a building foundation. The load-resisting segments may comprise a truss configuration, i.e., an assembly of members forming a rigid framework. Each load-resisting segment can include web members and pairs of truss plates secured to sides of the segment to secure connections of the web members to each other and to other members. The wall segments can include beam-separation blocks that reduce truss plate failure by spacing apart the ends of two web members bearing against a chord or post to position the intersection point of the load paths of the web members with the load path of the chord or post.

Abstract: The invention provides load-resisting segments (e.g., panels or frames for openings) for transmitting loads through a building structure. In the context of a wall, the load-resisting segments transmit shear loads downward to structural elements below the wall, such as to a building foundation. The load-resisting segments may comprise a truss configuration, i.e., an assembly of members forming a rigid framework. Each load-resisting segment can include web members and pairs of truss plates secured to sides of the segment to secure connections of the web members to each other and to other members. The wall segments can include beam-separation blocks that reduce truss plate failure by spacing apart the ends of two web members bearing against a chord or post to position the intersection point of the load paths of the web members with the load path of the chord or post.

Abstract: A hold down connector is provided for securing together multiple building members. The hold down connector resists movement of the building members when connected to an elongated tie member. In one embodiment, the hold down connector includes a transverse portion connected to first and second elongated legs with at least one aperture at elongated connections between the transverse portion and the first leg and between the transverse portion and second leg. In another embodiment, the hold down connector includes a transverse portion connected to first and second elongated legs with the transverse portion partially supported by transverse extensions of the first and second legs. A hold down connector in accordance with embodiments results in increased load bearing properties, construction from thicker materials, and easy installation.

Abstract: The invention provides load-resisting segments (e.g., panels or frames for openings) for transmitting loads through a building structure. In the context of a wall, the load-resisting segments transmit shear loads downward to structural elements below the wall, such as to a building foundation. The load-resisting segments may comprise a truss configuration, i.e., an assembly of members forming a rigid framework. Each load-resisting segment can include web members and pairs of truss plates secured to sides of the segment to secure connections of the web members to each other and to other members. The wall segments can include beam-separation blocks that reduce truss plate failure by spacing apart the ends of two web members bearing against a chord or post to position the intersection point of the load paths of the web members with the load path of the chord or post.

Abstract: A continuity system for a building is designed to compensate for the downward settling of building elements over time, which occurs due to the shrinkage of wooden building members. The continuity system comprises one or more hold-down assemblies each having a stud-connector secured to a generally vertical stud, a generally vertical rod inserted into an opening of the stud connector, a rod-gripping member in toothed engagement with the rod above the opening, and one or more positioning elements exerting a downward force on the rod-gripping member. The rod has a lower portion secured to a stable building element such as the building's foundation. The opening of the stud-connector defines a frustoconical bearing surface on the upper surface of a portion of the stud-connector, or on a gripper support element in some embodiments.

Abstract: The invention provides load-resisting segments (e.g., panels or frames for openings) for transmitting loads through a building structure. In the context of a wall, the load-resisting segments transmit shear loads downward to structural elements below the wall, such as to a building foundation. The load-resisting segments may comprise a truss configuration, i.e., an assembly of members forming a rigid framework. Each load-resisting segment can include web members and pairs of truss plates secured to sides of the segment to secure connections of the web members to each other and to other members. The wall segments can include beam-separation blocks that reduce truss plate failure by spacing apart the ends of two web members bearing against a chord or post to position the intersection point of the load paths of the web members with the load path of the chord or post.

Abstract: A hold down connector is provided for securing together multiple building members. The hold down connector resists movement of the building members when connected to an elongated tie member. In one embodiment, the hold down connector includes a transverse portion connected to first and second elongated legs with at least one aperture at elongated connections between the transverse portion and the first leg and between the transverse portion and second leg. In another embodiment, the hold down connector includes a transverse portion connected to first and second elongated legs with the transverse portion partially supported by transverse extensions of the first and second legs. A hold down connector in accordance with embodiments results in increased load bearing properties, construction from thicker materials, and easy installation.

Abstract: The invention provides load-resisting segments (e.g., panels or frames for openings) for transmitting loads through a building structure. In the context of a wall, the load-resisting segments transmit shear loads downward to structural elements below the wall, such as to a building foundation. The load-resisting segments may comprise a truss configuration, i.e., an assembly of members forming a rigid framework. Each load-resisting segment can include web members and pairs of truss plates secured to sides of the segment to secure connections of the web members to each other and to other members. The wall segments can include beam-separation blocks that reduce truss plate failure by spacing apart the ends of two web members bearing against a chord or post to position the intersection point of the load paths of the web members with the load path of the chord or post.

Abstract: The invention provides load-resisting segments (e.g., panels or frames for openings) for transmitting loads through a building structure. In the context of a wall, the load-resisting segments transmit shear loads downward to structural elements below the wall, such as to a building foundation. The load-resisting segments may comprise a truss configuration, i.e., an assembly of members forming a rigid framework. Each load-resisting segment can include web members and pairs of truss plates secured to sides of the segment to secure connections of the web members to each other and to other members. The wall segments can include beam-separation blocks that reduce truss plate failure by spacing apart the ends of two web members bearing against a chord or post to position the intersection point of the load paths of the web members with the load path of the chord or post.

Abstract: The invention provides load-resisting segments (e.g., panels or frames for openings) for transmitting loads through a building structure. In the context of a wall, the load-resisting segments transmit shear loads downward to structural elements below the wall, such as to a building foundation. The load-resisting segments may comprise a truss configuration, i.e., an assembly of members forming a rigid framework. Each load-resisting segment can include web members and pairs of truss plates secured to sides of the segment to secure connections of the web members to each other and to other members. The wall segments can include beam-separation blocks that reduce truss plate failure by spacing apart the ends of two web members bearing against a chord or post to position the intersection point of the load paths of the web members with the load path of the chord or post.

Abstract: A manually adjustable structural load transferring device and system for providing tension and compression force transfer between a plurality of spaced building structural members. A pair of load transfer members are each provided with a threaded first end and a second end, the threaded first end of one of the pair of members having threads of opposite pitch to those of the first end of the other one. A coupler member has first and second threaded ends engaged with the threaded first ends of the pair of load transfer members so that the length of the assembly can be adjusted by relative rotation between the coupler member and the load transfer members. An end connection device is attached to the second end of each of the load transfer members, the end connection device including a plurality of fastener apertures and a plurality of bolt apertures for securing the base plate to a building structural member. Several embodiments of end connection devices are disclosed.