Abstract: A tension connection for a building includes a first elongated tension member having proximal and distal ends, the first elongated tension member being anchored at its distal end, a second elongated tension member having proximal and distal ends, the second elongated tension member being anchored at its distal end, and the proximal ends of the first and second elongated tension members being disposed in close proximity and connected by a coupler, having a surrounding sleeve, the coupler being formed with a connection end and a take-up end, and a central bore wherein at least a portion of the central bore is formed as a substantially cylindrical inner surface and wherein at least a portion of the cylindrical inner surface is formed with a thread, the coupler also being formed with a first rotational member, having a distal end and a proximal end, the rotational member being received in the central bore of the surrounding sleeve and operatively connected to the surrounding sleeve, the first rotational member ha

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 blocks, one each affixed to a top and bottom flange of a beam. Each buckling restraint block includes one or more bores formed through a center of the block. The lateral bracing system further includes at least one yield link for each buckling restraint block. Each yield link includes a first end affixed to the column, and a second end fit through a bore in a buckling restraint block and affixed to an end of the buckling restraint block.

Abstract: A connector for attaching walls to beams or trusses that are offset from the wall and act as collectors in the lateral force resisting system. The main purpose of a drag strut connector is to connect a beam or truss to the top plate of a colinear bearing wall, thereby completing the load path and allowing loads to be transferred out of the roof or floor sheathing into the wall system where the shearwalls are. Such a beam or truss is referred to as a load “collector” or “drag strut”. The key to this connection is that it uses self-drilling screws to create a superior connection to that achieved with a similar connector and bolts.

Abstract: A moment resisting strap connection in a shear-resisting assembly for use in light frame building construction, particularly in shear walls, attached to a foundation. The improvement includes providing an elongated thin metal strap attached to a wood structural member such that the strap and wood structural member conjointly act compositely and transmit substantial shear and moment forces from the elongated structural member to the foundation. Further enhanced transfer of shear and moment forces from the wood structural member to the foundation is effected by providing sufficient fasteners such as screws between the strap, a holdown, and the wood structural member to stitch the elements together so as to stiffen them and thereby prevent bending of the end of the holdown.

Abstract: A moment resisting strap connection in a shear-resisting assembly for use in light frame building construction, particularly in shear walls, attached to a foundation. The improvement consists of providing an elongated thin metal strap attached to a wood structural member such that the strap and wood structural member conjointly act compositely and transmit substantial shear and moment forces from the elongated structural member to the foundation. Further enhanced transfer of shear and moment forces from the wood structural member to the foundation is effected by providing sufficient fasteners such as screws between the strap, a holdown, and the wood structural member to stitch the elements together so as to stiffen them and thereby prevent bending of the end of the holdown.

Abstract: Screw fasteners are used to connect multiple trusses in side-by-side relationship. The screw fasteners join truss wood members which are in edge to edge relationship with the screws being driven through the edge of each wood member. The screws may be knurled screws as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,850; lag screws, or standard screws. The connection may also join wood board members in edge-to-edge relationship when bending of the wood members is limited by a restraining structure.

Abstract: A hanger for connecting a held member to a holding member the hanger having a connection member for holding the held member, a back member which connects to the holding member and a unique connection flange which is used to strengthen the connection to the holding member. The connection flange can either wrap around or under the holding member, and in the preferred embodiment it wraps around the holding member to the side opposite the back member of the hanger. This allows each of the fasteners that connect the hanger to the holding member to be received by the hanger at two points, which better distributes the load throughout the holding member.