Z-shaped Girts To Prevent Thermal Bridging

Abstract

An improved girt for building construction that provides structural stability and significantly reduces thermal bridging in facade and cladding wall assemblies. The girt is made of a reinforced, fire-resistant, thermoset resin that does not readily burn. The girt completely eliminates metal-to-metal connection points between internal building structures such as columns or posts and external wall panels, resulting in substantially reduced thermal bridging and U values.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.: 62/262,941, filed on Dec. 4, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a new z-shaped girt for building construction that significantly reduces thermal bridging in facade and cladding wall assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Residential and commercial buildings must be designed and constructed to be resistant to various environmental factors, including leakage, thermal bridging, condensation, air infiltration, decay, insects, mold, and fire.

Thermal bridging is the amount of heat transfer into, or out of, a building with respect to the external surroundings. Thermal bridging can occur through heat transfer through building materials with high thermal conductivity, or gaps or leaks in the building or the insulation. Thermal bridging also allows moisture into the building structure, resulting in poor indoor air quality problems, accelerated building deterioration, and ideal environments for mold growth.

A U value is the overall heat transfer coefficient that describes how well a building element conducts heat through one square meter of a structure divided by the difference in temperature across the structure. The U value measures the rate of heat transfer through a building element over a given area under given conditions. A smaller U value is better at reducing heat transfer in a structure and indicates higher levels of insulation.

Thermal bridging often occurs through highly thermal conductive steel building elements, such as girts. Building girts are stabilizing elements for primary building support structures, such as columns and posts. Girts also provide support to wall panels. Since girts are composed of highly thermal conductive steel for structural stability, they transfer heat internally from columns to external walls. Girts provide a continuous, metal path from the facade exterior through the insulated envelope and into interior steel studs resulting in thermal bridging and energy losses.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the disadvantages of conventional construction techniques through the development of highly thermally resistant z-shaped girts that attach to standard building framing. The girts of the present invention provides many benefits to the construction of buildings, including, but not limited to: providing high resistance to thermal bridging, vapor damage, building decay, mold growth, and frost damage. These benefits increase the energy efficiency and life of a building, and reduce the need for painting or maintenance. In addition, the girts are lightweight for transport and construction and compatible with existing plumbing, wiring, roofing, and exterior wall panels commonly used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The subject invention discloses an improved, thermally resistant girt, comprising: a unitary body that is substantially Z-shaped with a first substantially flat thermoset resin panel attached to a first end of a central substantially flat thermoset resin panel, which is attached on a second end to a second substantially flat thermoset resin panel, wherein the first end and second end are on opposite sides of the central panel, further wherein the first and second panels are substantially parallel with each other.

The subject invention also discloses a composite construction system comprising: a load bearing frame anchored on a concrete foundation; a plurality of girts, each girt comprising a unitary body that is substantially Z-shaped with a first substantially flat thermoset resin panel attached to a first end of a central substantially flat thermoset resin panel, which is attached on a second end to a second substantially flat thermoset resin panel, wherein the first end and second end are on opposite sides of the central panel, further wherein the first and second resin panels are substantially parallel with each other, wherein the plurality of girts are fastened to the load bearing frame along the first resin panel in a laterally extending direction, a plurality of wall panels, each comprising at least one lateral groove that is placed over the second resin panel and the central panel of the girts; at least one layer of urethane foam interposed between the load bearing frame and the plurality of girts, and wherein the plurality of girts substantially prevents thermal bridging between the load bearing frame and the plurality of wall panels.

The subject invention also discloses a building wall insulation assembly, the assembly comprising: a load bearing frame anchored on a concrete foundation; a plurality of girts, each girt comprising a unitary body that is substantially Z-shaped with a first substantially flat thermoset resin panel attached to a first end of a central substantially flat thermoset resin panel, which is attached on a second end to a second substantially flat thermoset resin panel, wherein the first end and second end are on opposite sides of the central panel, further wherein the first and second resin panels are substantially parallel with each other, wherein the plurality of girts are fastened to the load bearing frame along the first resin panel in a laterally extending direction, a plurality of wall panels, each comprising at least one lateral groove that is placed over the second resin panel and the central panel of the girts; at least one layer of urethane foam interposed between the load bearing frame and the plurality of girts, and wherein the plurality of girts substantially prevents thermal bridging between the load bearing frame and the plurality of wall panels.

The subject invention also discloses a composite construction system comprising: a load bearing frame anchored on a concrete foundation; a plurality of non-metal girts, each girt comprising a unitary body that is substantially Z-shaped with a first substantially flat thermoset resin panel attached to a first end of a central substantially flat thermoset resin panel, which is attached on a second end to a second substantially flat thermoset resin panel, wherein the first end and second end are on opposite sides of the central panel, further wherein the first and second resin panels are substantially parallel with each other, wherein the plurality of girts are fastened to the load bearing frame along the first resin panel in a laterally extending direction, a plurality of wall panels, each comprising at least one lateral groove that is placed over the second resin panel and the central panel of the girts; at least one layer of urethane foam interposed between the load bearing frame and the plurality of girts, and wherein the plurality of girts eliminates any metal to metal contact between the load bearing frame and the plurality of wall panels.

The subject invention also discloses a building wall insulation assembly, the assembly comprising: a load bearing frame anchored on a concrete foundation; a plurality of non-metal girts, each girt comprising a unitary body that is substantially Z-shaped with a first substantially flat thermoset resin panel attached to a first end of a central substantially flat thermoset resin panel, which is attached on a second end to a second substantially flat thermoset resin panel, wherein the first end and second end are on opposite sides of the central panel, further wherein the first and second resin panels are substantially parallel with each other, wherein the plurality of girts are fastened to the load bearing frame along the first resin panel in a laterally extending direction, a plurality of wall panels, each comprising at least one lateral groove that is placed over the second resin panel and the central panel of the girts; at least one layer of urethane foam interposed between the load bearing frame and the plurality of girts, and wherein the plurality of girts eliminates any metal to metal contact between the load bearing frame and the plurality of wall panels.

The subject invention also discloses a building wall insulation assembly, the assembly comprising: a plurality of substantially flat non-load-bearing building wall panels comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surfaces comprise at least two traversing slots that are substantially parallel to each other, wherein each traversing slot contains an internal groove for receiving an elongated girt, each girt comprising a unitary body that is substantially Z-shaped with a first substantially flat thermoset resin panel attached to a first end of a central substantially flat thermoset resin panel, which is attached on a second end to a second substantially flat thermoset resin panel, wherein the first end and second end are on opposite sides of the central panel, further wherein the first and second resin panels are substantially parallel with each other, wherein the second resin panel of each girt is placed within the internal groove of the traversing slots of the wall panels; a load bearing frame anchored on a concrete foundation, wherein the girts are fastened to the load bearing frame along the first resin panel in a laterally extending direction; at least one layer of urethane foam interposed between the load bearing frame and the girts, and wherein the girts eliminate any metal to metal connection points between the load bearing frame and the plurality of wall panels.

The subject invention also discloses a building wall insulation assembly, the assembly comprising: a plurality of substantially flat non-load-bearing building wall panels comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surfaces comprise at least two traversing slots that are substantially parallel to each other, wherein each traversing slot contains an internal groove for receiving an elongated girt, each girt comprising a unitary body that is substantially Z-shaped with a first substantially flat thermoset resin panel attached to a first end of a central substantially flat thermoset resin panel, which is attached on a second end to a second substantially flat thermoset resin panel, wherein the first end and second end are on opposite sides of the central panel, further wherein the first and second resin panels are substantially parallel with each other, wherein the second resin panel of each girt is placed within the internal groove of the traversing slots of the wall panels; a load bearing frame anchored on a concrete foundation, wherein the girts are fastened to the load bearing frame along the first resin panel in a laterally extending direction; at least one layer of urethane foam interposed between the load bearing frame and the girts, and wherein the girts substantially prevent thermal bridging between the load bearing frame and the plurality of wall panels.

The subject invention also discloses a method of constructing a wall, the method comprising the steps of: a) erecting and anchoring a load-bearing frame defining front and rear faces of the wall on a foundation; b) placing a plurality of girts exterior to the load bearing frame, wherein each girt comprises a unitary body that is substantially Z-shaped with a first substantially flat thermoset resin panel attached to a first end of a central substantially flat thermoset resin panel, which is attached on a second end to a second substantially flat thermoset resin panel, wherein the first end and second end are on opposite sides of the central panel, further wherein the first and second resin panels are substantially parallel with each other; c) fastening the plurality of girts laterally on the exterior of the load bearing frame along the first resin panel of each girt; d) placing a plurality of wall panels over the plurality of girts, each wall panel comprising at least one lateral groove that is placed over the second resin panel and the central panel of the girts; e) injecting at least one layer of urethane foam between the load bearing frame and the plurality of girts, wherein the plurality of girts eliminates any metal to metal connection points between the load bearing frame and the plurality of wall panels; f) applying an exterior finish to the exterior of the wall panels; and g) applying an interior finish to the interior of the load-bearing frame.

The subject invention also discloses a method of constructing a wall, the method comprising the steps of: a) erecting and anchoring a load-bearing frame defining front and rear faces of the wall on a foundation; b) placing a plurality of girts exterior to the load bearing frame, wherein each girt comprises a unitary body that is substantially Z-shaped with a first substantially flat thermoset resin panel attached to a first end of a central substantially flat thermoset resin panel, which is attached on a second end to a second substantially flat thermoset resin panel, wherein the first end and second end are on opposite sides of the central panel, further wherein the first and second resin panels are substantially parallel with each other; c) fastening the plurality of girts laterally on the exterior of the load bearing frame along the first resin panel of each girt; d) placing a plurality of wall panels over the plurality of girts, each wall panel comprising at least one lateral groove that is placed over the second resin panel and the central panel of the girts; e) injecting at least one layer of urethane foam between the load bearing frame and the plurality of girts, wherein the plurality of girts substantially prevents any thermal bridging between the load bearing frame and the plurality of wall panels; f) applying an exterior finish to the exterior of the wall panels; and g) applying an interior finish to the interior of the load-bearing frame.

In embodiments of the subject invention, the girts are substantially fire-resistant.

In other embodiments of the subject invention, the girts improve the U value of the wall assembly by at least 60 percent.

In further embodiments of the subject invention, the girts improve the U value of the wall assembly by at least 75 percent.

In additional embodiments of the subject invention, the first and second panels are each substantially perpendicular to the central panel.

In other embodiments of the subject invention, the second end of the central panel is attached to the second panel at a downward angle of 3 to 5 degrees relatively to the first end attachment of the central panel to the first panel.

In further embodiments of the subject invention, the girts comprise depths of 64 to 101 millimeters.

In additional embodiments of the subject invention, the girts comprise heights of 78 to 83 millimeters.

In embodiments of the subject invention, the girts comprise thicknesses of 3 to 5 millimeters.

In further embodiments of the subject invention, the first and second panels each comprise a length of 40 millimeters.

In additional embodiments of the subject invention, the girts withstand up to 500 pounds of tension force before failure.

In further embodiments of the subject invention, the girts withstand up to 9000 pounds of compression force before failure.

The subject invention also discloses an improved, thermally resistant sheeting rail, comprising: a unitary body that is substantially Z-shaped with a first substantially flat thermoset resin panel attached to a first end of a central substantially flat thermoset resin panel, which is attached on a second end to a second substantially flat thermoset resin panel, wherein the first end and second end are on opposite sides of the central panel, further wherein the first and second panels are substantially parallel with each other.

The subject invention also discloses a composite construction system comprising: a load bearing frame anchored on a concrete foundation; a plurality of sheeting rails, each sheeting rail comprising a unitary body that is substantially Z-shaped with a first substantially flat thermoset resin panel attached to a first end of a central substantially flat thermoset resin panel, which is attached on a second end to a second substantially flat thermoset resin panel, wherein the first end and second end are on opposite sides of the central panel, further wherein the first and second resin panels are substantially parallel with each other, wherein the plurality of sheeting rails are fastened to the load bearing frame along the first resin panel in a laterally extending direction, a plurality of wall panels, each comprising at least one lateral groove that is placed over the second resin panel and the central panel of the sheeting rails; at least one layer of urethane foam interposed between the load bearing frame and the plurality of sheeting rails, and wherein the plurality of sheeting rails substantially prevents thermal bridging between the load bearing frame and the plurality of wall panels.

The subject invention also discloses a building wall insulation assembly, the assembly comprising: a load bearing frame anchored on a concrete foundation; a plurality of sheeting rails, each sheeting rail comprising a unitary body that is substantially Z-shaped with a first substantially flat thermoset resin panel attached to a first end of a central substantially flat thermoset resin panel, which is attached on a second end to a second substantially flat thermoset resin panel, wherein the first end and second end are on opposite sides of the central panel, further wherein the first and second resin panels are substantially parallel with each other, wherein the plurality of sheeting rails are fastened to the load bearing frame along the first resin panel in a laterally extending direction, a plurality of wall panels, each comprising at least one lateral groove that is placed over the second resin panel and the central panel of the sheeting rails; at least one layer of urethane foam interposed between the load bearing frame and the plurality of sheeting rails, and wherein the plurality of sheeting rails substantially prevents thermal bridging between the load bearing frame and the plurality of wall panels.

The subject invention also discloses a composite construction system comprising: a load bearing frame anchored on a concrete foundation; a plurality of non-metal sheeting rails, each sheeting rail comprising a unitary body that is substantially Z-shaped with a first substantially flat thermoset resin panel attached to a first end of a central substantially flat thermoset resin panel, which is attached on a second end to a second substantially flat thermoset resin panel, wherein the first end and second end are on opposite sides of the central panel, further wherein the first and second resin panels are substantially parallel with each other, wherein the plurality of sheeting rails are fastened to the load bearing frame along the first resin panel in a laterally extending direction, a plurality of wall panels, each comprising at least one lateral groove that is placed over the second resin panel and the central panel of the sheeting rails; at least one layer of urethane foam interposed between the load bearing frame and the plurality of sheeting rails, and wherein the plurality of sheeting rails eliminates any metal to metal contact between the load bearing frame and the plurality of wall panels.

The subject invention also discloses a building wall insulation assembly, the assembly comprising: a load bearing frame anchored on a concrete foundation; a plurality of non-metal sheeting rails, each sheeting rail comprising a unitary body that is substantially Z-shaped with a first substantially flat thermoset resin panel attached to a first end of a central substantially flat thermoset resin panel, which is attached on a second end to a second substantially flat thermoset resin panel, wherein the first end and second end are on opposite sides of the central panel, further wherein the first and second resin panels are substantially parallel with each other, wherein the plurality of sheeting rails are fastened to the load bearing frame along the first resin panel in a laterally extending direction, a plurality of wall panels, each comprising at least one lateral groove that is placed over the second resin panel and the central panel of the sheeting rails; at least one layer of urethane foam interposed between the load bearing frame and the plurality of sheeting rails, and wherein the plurality of sheeting rails eliminates any metal to metal contact between the load bearing frame and the plurality of wall panels.

The subject invention also discloses a building wall insulation assembly, the assembly comprising: a plurality of substantially flat non-load-bearing building wall panels comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surfaces comprise at least two traversing slots that are substantially parallel to each other, wherein each traversing slot contains an internal groove for receiving an elongated sheeting rail, each sheeting rail comprising a unitary body that is substantially Z-shaped with a first substantially flat thermoset resin panel attached to a first end of a central substantially flat thermoset resin panel, which is attached on a second end to a second substantially flat thermoset resin panel, wherein the first end and second end are on opposite sides of the central panel, further wherein the first and second resin panels are substantially parallel with each other, wherein the second resin panel of each sheeting rail is placed within the internal groove of the traversing slots of the wall panels; a load bearing frame anchored on a concrete foundation, wherein the sheeting rails are fastened to the load bearing frame along the first resin panel in a laterally extending direction; at least one layer of urethane foam interposed between the load bearing frame and the sheeting rails, and wherein the sheeting rails eliminate any metal to metal connection points between the load bearing frame and the plurality of wall panels.

The subject invention also discloses a building wall insulation assembly, the assembly comprising: a plurality of substantially flat non-load-bearing building wall panels comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surfaces comprise at least two traversing slots that are substantially parallel to each other, wherein each traversing slot contains an internal groove for receiving an elongated sheeting rail, each sheeting rail comprising a unitary body that is substantially Z-shaped with a first substantially flat thermoset resin panel attached to a first end of a central substantially flat thermoset resin panel, which is attached on a second end to a second substantially flat thermoset resin panel, wherein the first end and second end are on opposite sides of the central panel, further wherein the first and second resin panels are substantially parallel with each other, wherein the second resin panel of each sheeting rail is placed within the internal groove of the traversing slots of the wall panels; a load bearing frame anchored on a concrete foundation, wherein the sheeting rails are fastened to the load bearing frame along the first resin panel in a laterally extending direction; at least one layer of urethane foam interposed between the load bearing frame and the sheeting rails, and wherein the sheeting rails substantially prevent thermal bridging between the load bearing frame and the plurality of wall panels.

The subject invention also discloses a method of constructing a wall, the method comprising the steps of: a) erecting and anchoring a load-bearing frame defining front and rear faces of the wall on a foundation; b) placing a plurality of sheeting rails exterior to the load bearing frame, wherein each sheeting rail comprises a unitary body that is substantially Z-shaped with a first substantially flat thermoset resin panel attached to a first end of a central substantially flat thermoset resin panel, which is attached on a second end to a second substantially flat thermoset resin panel, wherein the first end and second end are on opposite sides of the central panel, further wherein the first and second resin panels are substantially parallel with each other; c) fastening the plurality of sheeting rails laterally on the exterior of the load bearing frame along the first resin panel of each sheeting rail; d) placing a plurality of wall panels over the plurality of sheeting rails, each wall panel comprising at least one lateral groove that is placed over the second resin panel and the central panel of the sheeting rails; e) injecting at least one layer of urethane foam between the load bearing frame and the plurality of sheeting rails, wherein the plurality of sheeting rails eliminates any metal to metal connection points between the load bearing frame and the plurality of wall panels; f) applying an exterior finish to the exterior of the wall panels; and g) applying an interior finish to the interior of the load-bearing frame.

The subject invention also discloses a method of constructing a wall, the method comprising the steps of: a) erecting and anchoring a load-bearing frame defining front and rear faces of the wall on a foundation; b) placing a plurality of sheeting rails exterior to the load bearing frame, wherein each sheeting rail comprises a unitary body that is substantially Z-shaped with a first substantially flat thermoset resin panel attached to a first end of a central substantially flat thermoset resin panel, which is attached on a second end to a second substantially flat thermoset resin panel, wherein the first end and second end are on opposite sides of the central panel, further wherein the first and second resin panels are substantially parallel with each other; c) fastening the plurality of sheeting rails laterally on the exterior of the load bearing frame along the first resin panel of each sheeting rail; d) placing a plurality of wall panels over the plurality of sheeting rails, each wall panel comprising at least one lateral groove that is placed over the second resin panel and the central panel of the sheeting rails; e) injecting at least one layer of urethane foam between the load bearing frame and the plurality of sheeting rails, wherein the plurality of sheeting rails substantially prevents any thermal bridging between the load bearing frame and the plurality of wall panels; f) applying an exterior finish to the exterior of the wall panels; and g) applying an interior finish to the interior of the load-bearing frame.

In embodiments of the subject invention, the sheeting rails are substantially fire-resistant.

In other embodiments of the subject invention, the sheeting rails improve the U value of the wall assembly by at least 60 percent.

In further embodiments of the subject invention, the sheeting rails improve the U value of the wall assembly by at least 75 percent.

In additional embodiments of the subject invention, the first and second panels are each substantially perpendicular to the central panel.

In other embodiments of the subject invention, the second end of the central panel is attached to the second panel at a downward angle of 3 to 5 degrees relatively to the first end attachment of the central panel to the first panel.

In further embodiments of the subject invention, the sheeting rails comprise depths of 64 to 101 millimeters.

In additional embodiments of the subject invention, the sheeting rails comprise heights of 78 to 83 millimeters.

In embodiments of the subject invention, the sheeting rails comprise thicknesses of 3 to 5 millimeters.

In further embodiments of the subject invention, the first and second panels each comprise a length of 40 millimeters.

In additional embodiments of the subject invention, the sheeting rails withstand up to 500 pounds of tension force before failure.

In further embodiments of the subject invention, the sheeting rails withstand up to 9000 pounds of compression force before failure.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of an improved girt, which description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 Illustrates an isometric view of an improved z-shaped girt composed of low thermal conductive materials.

FIG. 2 Illustrates a side view of the improved z-shaped girt.

FIG. 3 Illustrates another side view of the improved z-shaped girt with an elongated central panel.

FIG. 4 Illustrates another side view of the improved z-shaped girt with various potential sizes.

FIG. 5 Illustrates another side view of the improved z-shaped girt with various potential sizes.

FIG. 6 Illustrates an isometric view of an improved z-shaped girt between an internal building support structure and an external wall panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

While several variations of the present invention have been illustrated by way of example in particular embodiments, it is apparent that further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scope of the present invention, or the inventive concept thereof. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and are inclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as set forth.

The subject invention, illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, discloses a lightweight z-shaped girt 1 for use in residential and commercial building construction that provides stability and low thermal conductivity. The girt 1 is composed of a reinforced, fire-resistant, thermoset resin that does not readily burn. The girt 1 completely eliminates metal-to-metal connection points between internal building structures such as columns or posts and external wall panels, resulting in substantially reduced thermal bridging and U values. The girt 1 has substantial creep resistance under building load, making it an ideal material for use in structural and facade thermal break connections. The girt 1 may improve the U value of wall assemblies by 60 to 80%.

The girt 1 is composed of three substantially flat thermoset resin panels 2, 3, 4. The first 2 and second 3 external panels are substantially parallel with each other and connected on either side of a central panel 4. The first and second panels 2, 3 may be substantially perpendicular with the central panel 4 or attached at an angle of 85 degrees. The girts 1 are light weight, making them easy to transport from manufacturers to construction sites. In addition, the weight of the girts makes them easy to lift for on-site installation on existing walls with minimal training to installation staff. The girts 1 can also be cut to any length for flexible construction needs.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, in embodiments of the subject invention, the girt 1 may have a total depth of sixty-four millimeters 10, seventy-six millimeters 11, or one hundred one millimeters 12. The girt 1 may have a total height of seventy-nine millimeters 13, eighty millimeters 14, or eighty-three millimeters 15. The first and second panels 2, 3 may each be forty millimeters 16 in height and five millimeters 17 in thickness. The outer radius 5 and the inner radius 6 between the central panel 4 and the first and second panels 2, 3 may each be two and one half millimeters 18. The downward angle 19 of the central panel 4 between the outer radius 7 and the inner radius 8 may be five degrees.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, in another embodiment of the subject invention, the girt 1 may have a total depth of seventy-six point three millimeters 20. The girt 1 may have a total height of seventy-eight millimeters 21. The first and second panels 2, 3 may each be forty millimeters 16 in height and three millimeters 22 in thickness. The outer radius 9 and the inner radius 10 between the central panel 4 and the first and second panels 2, 3 may each be one and one half millimeters 23. The downward angle 24 of the central panel 4 between the outer radius 11 and the inner radius 12 may be three degrees.

The pullout strength of the girt 1 was tested using an MTS 880 test machine to apply a tension force to the head of a No. 12 SDS imbedded into ¼ inch thick girt. The tension load was applied at 0.05 inches per minute until failure was achieved at 600 lbs. of force.

The tension and compression of the girt 1 was tested to assess the performance as a wall attachment connector. The load rate for both tension and compression was 0.05 inches per minute and was applied until failure occurred. Each 4 inch deep profile had 1½ inches flanges and was ¼ inch thick. The length of the girt was 7¾ inches long. When in tension, to simulate an in-place condition where the flange would be screw attached, the load to one flange was applied eccentric at one-half the flange width. The girt achieved failure at 500 Lbs. force. For compression loading, the entire flange was loaded to simulate the in-place condition. Failure occurred by bending of the web at 9000 lbs. force

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the girts 1 are attached to a load-bearing framing 13 and anchored on a conventional concrete foundation 14, and external wall paneling 15. The girts 1 would be attached to the framing 7 using construction nails, bolts, screws, or clips. Any cavities or space between the girts 1 may be injected with polyurethane foam insulation, or another adhesive sealant, to glue the framing and the walls together and to provide further insulation. In embodiments of the subject invention, the polyurethane foam may be waterproof, vapor-proof and non-toxic with high thermal resistance. In further embodiments of the subject invention, the adhesive-sealant is an incombustible adhesive. In another embodiment of the subject invention, the adhesive sealant is wind resistant, frost resistant and/or water resistant. In another embodiment of the subject invention, the adhesive-sealant provides heat and/or sound insulation.

Once the framing 7 and girts 1 have been set, any windows, doors, electrical wiring and plumbing systems of the building structure may be installed. In embodiments of the subject invention, the external wall paneling 16 may be made of metal, plastic, wood or glass. In a further embodiment of the subject invention, the external wall paneling 17 may have a finished coat applied (not shown). This coating may be unlimited in colors and textures for a variety of appearances.

In embodiments of the subject invention, the load bearing framing is made out of at least one of a group of materials consisting of solid wood, timber materials, engineered wood products, wood composite materials, steel and aluminum.

In embodiments of the subject invention, the term “substantially” is defined as at least close to (and can include) a given value or state, as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, the term “substantially” refers to ranges within 10%, preferably within 5%, more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.1% of the given value or state being specified.

In embodiments of the subject invention, the term “relatively” is defined as a comparison of a property, or the proportion of a property between two components.

Claims

1. A composite construction system comprising: a load bearing frame anchored on a concrete foundation; a plurality of non-metal girts, each girt comprising a unitary body that is substantially Z-shaped with a first substantially flat thermoset resin panel attached to a first end of a central substantially flat thermoset resin panel, which is attached on a second end to a second substantially flat thermoset resin panel, wherein the first end and second end are on opposite sides of the central panel, further wherein the first and second resin panels are substantially parallel with each other, wherein the plurality of girts are fastened to the load bearing frame along the first resin panel in a laterally extending direction, a plurality of wall panels, each comprising at least one lateral groove that is placed over the second resin panel and the central panel of the girts; at least one layer of urethane foam interposed between the load bearing frame and the plurality of girts, and wherein the plurality of girts eliminates any metal to metal contact between the load bearing frame and the plurality of wall panels.

2. The girt of claim 1, wherein the girt is substantially fire-resistant.

3. The girt of claim 1, wherein the girt improves the U value of a wall assembly by at least 60 percent.

4. The girt of claim 1, wherein the girt improves the U value of a wall assembly by at least 75 percent.

5. The girt of claim 1, wherein the first and second panels are each substantially perpendicular to the central panel.

6. The girt of claim 1, wherein the second end of the central panel is attached to the second panel at a downward angle of 3 to 5 degrees relatively to the first end attachment of the central panel to the first panel.

7. The girt of claim 1, wherein the girt comprises a depth of 64 to 101 millimeters.

8. The girt of claim 1, wherein the girt comprises a height of 78 to 83 millimeters.

9. The girt of claim 1, wherein the girt comprises a thickness of 3 to 5 millimeters.

10. The girt of claim 1, wherein the first and second panels each comprise a length of 40 millimeters.

11. The girt of claim 1, wherein the girt withstands up to 500 pounds of tension force before failure.

12. The girt of claim 1, wherein the girt withstands up to 9000 pounds of compression force before failure.

13. A composite construction system comprising: a load bearing frame anchored on a concrete foundation; a plurality of girts, each girt comprising a unitary body that is substantially Z-shaped with a first substantially flat thermoset resin panel attached to a first end of a central substantially flat thermoset resin panel, which is attached on a second end to a second substantially flat thermoset resin panel, wherein the first end and second end are on opposite sides of the central panel, further wherein the first and second resin panels are substantially parallel with each other, wherein the plurality of girts are fastened to the load bearing frame along the first resin panel in a laterally extending direction, a plurality of wall panels, each comprising at least one lateral groove that is placed over the second resin panel and the central panel of the girts; at least one layer of urethane foam interposed between the load bearing frame and the plurality of girts, and wherein the plurality of girts substantially prevents thermal bridging between the load bearing frame and the plurality of wall panels.

14. The girt of claim 13, wherein the girt improves the U value of a wall assembly by at least 60 percent.

15. The girt of claim 13, wherein the girt improves the U value of a wall assembly by at least 75 percent.

16. The girt of claim 13, wherein the first and second panels are each substantially perpendicular to the central panel.

17. The girt of claim 13, wherein the second end of the central panel is attached to the second panel at a downward angle of 3 to 5 degrees relatively to the first end attachment of the central panel to the first panel.

18. The girt of claim 13, wherein the girt withstands up to 500 pounds of tension force before failure.

19. The girt of claim 13, wherein the girt withstands up to 9000 pounds of compression force before failure.