Abstract: A joining device (8) for hybrid wind turbine towers (5) intended for the fixation of a metal portion (6) of a wind turbine tower (5) to a concrete portion (7) of said wind turbine (1) which comprises a metal body (9) having a generally tubular configuration that is suitable to be fixed to the metal portion (6) of the tower (5) which in use is adjacent to the concrete portion (7), and suitable for being at least partially embedded into said concrete portion (7), said metal body (9) being provided with a number of anchoring openings (11) adapted such that the material of the concrete portion (7) passes therethrough. A hybrid wind turbine tower (5) comprises such a joining device (8) provided between one metal portion (6) and one concrete portion (7).

Abstract: Construction systems and methods are described for building structures including homes that can withstand vibration and earth movement caused by earthquakes. The construction system uses about 8-inch corrugated round steel pipes to create floor framing, wall framing, and ceiling framing that is resistant to destruction caused by earth movement and vibrations. The floor framing and wall framing can be connected together at right angles and supported by a foundation that features wood pilings with concrete caps. The plurality of pipes of the floor framing, wall framing, and ceiling framing can be connected together by welding, screws, or other fasteners to assemble the structure. Finished floor, material, and ceiling materials can be fastened to the frames to complete the structure.

Abstract: An aluminum-foam structural housing unit that is storm-proof, self-contained, and built to withstand natural disaster conditions resulting from hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and fire, and then assist its inhabitants immediately thereafter when interruptions in public utility system service can be experienced. The combined use of aluminum alloy and foam as its building materials gives the unit its great strength, as well as the versatility needed to face natural disaster conditions while providing absolute resistance to heavy winds, flooding, earthquake and fire. Since the unit is buoyant, during flooding conditions it lifts from the ground and is guided by vertical poles to maintain a horizontal orientation. The unit also automatically disconnects from public utility systems as lifting occurs, and it then provides its inhabitants with self-contained sources of water, electrical energy, and sewage management. Thus, the unit is designed to adjust to the flow of nature, instead of working against it.

Abstract: A tough building system and buildings and associated accessories which make such structures more versatile. Support accessories can include a fiber-reinforced polymeric composite support bracket, adapted to be mounted to a top of a foundation wall, and to support an edge of a slab of concrete adjacent the top of the foundation wall, or to support brick fascia, or to support ends of floor joists adjacent an inner surface of said foundation wall. Support accessories can also include a load-bearing, and load distributing support pad, adapted to be used as an interface support/footer between an underlying natural base and an overlying constructed structure. The support pad has a plurality of fiber-reinforced polymeric layers, optionally stacked one on top of the other. The pad has a load bearing capacity of at least 1000 pounds per square foot. The support pad may be a pultruded product.

Abstract: Building components that interconnect with one another to form a building are disclosed. The building components can be arranged in an almost limitless number of combinations to construct differently-shaped buildings. Embodiments include foundation blocks with vertically extending floor supports that form an open space beneath the floor when the floor tiles are placed on the floor supports. Alternate embodiments include side foundation blocks with recesses that form connecting passageways between the floor chase and open chases formed in the walls. Still other embodiments include side foundation blocks with abutment portions that inhibit the floor tiles from moving horizontally outside the foundation.

Abstract: An underground earth retention strut construction method using a horizontal frame structure is disclosed, in which since a vertical member is formed after a horizontal frame structure is first installed and completed, it is possible to minimize any interference between the vertical member and the horizontal frame structure for thereby achieving an easier construction and enhancing a construction quality. The interval of the temporary vertical member is widened during an underground excavation work, so that the ground excavation work is easy. The improved horizontal frame structure of an architecture comprises a pair of straight members which are connected by at least one plate; and a “#”-shaped connection member which is connected at a portion in which the straight members cross with each other.

Abstract: An embodiment of the system for forming a movable slab foundation as comprised by the present invention has a slab foundation, at least one substantially vertical support member, at least one support surface, and at least one support sleeve. The at least one supports sleeve surrounds the at least one support member and is encased within the slab foundation and is capable of movement axially along the axis of the at least one support member. The at least one vertical support member is capable of rotation relative to the at least one support sleeve to restrict the movement of the at least one support sleeve downward relative to the at least one vertical support member, thereby maintaining the height of the at least one support sleeve and the slab foundation relative to the at least one support surface.

Abstract: A post assembly (20) for a hollow post. (12) includes an elongated support (14), preferably a standard pipe, at least one fixture (10), and, optionally, a mount (100). The fixture (10) includes a fitting (22) having a bore (28) for receiving the elongated support (14), and a web (24) that extends from the fitting (22) to support a plurality of friction plates (26) adapted to engage the inner walls of the hollow post (12). When employed, the mount (100) allows for adjustment of the vertical alignment of the elongated support (14). The elongated support (14) is attached to a bracket (102) which is positioned over a base (104) having a plurality of members (106) extending upward through holes in the bracket. Movement of adjustment members (112) positioned between the base (104) and bracket (102) allow for adjustment of the angle of the elongated support (14). A method of installation using the fixture and mounts of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A foundation system for supporting a manufactured building having a support beam, comprising a ground pan having a planar surface received on a ground surface and a thermally insulative member disposed on the ground pan, which cooperatively define in situ a proximate thermally isolated ground column, with a foundation support connected to the ground pan and to the support beam, the thermally insulative member restricts communication of heat from the proximate thermally isolated ground column below the ground pan for resisting frost heaving. A method of resisting frost heave of a foundation is disclosed.

Abstract: A tower foundation (10) comprises a base slab (11), a plurality of pillar slabs (12), and a crown stab (13). The base slab (11), pillar slabs (12) and crown slab (13) are all retained in position by six steel guide rods (18) that extend upwardly from the base slab (11). The six guide rods (18) have externally threaded ends configured to receive internally threaded mounting bolts (20). The guide rods are arranged in a generally triangular pattern. The pillar slabs are rectangular with their sides being undercut or sloping outwardly from the bottom surface to the top surface, i.e., the sidewalls diverge outwardly as they extend upwardly. The outwardly sloping sidewalls aid in preventing the foundation from tilting over time.

Abstract: A modular assembly capable of converting from a shipping container configuration into a building unit, and from a building unit into a shipping container configuration. From the shipping container configuration, a plurality of frame panels and unit panels moveably connected to a frame of the modular assembly are selectively positioned to form the floors, walls, and ceilings of the building unit configuration thereby forming a living and/or commercial structure complete with electrical, water and sewage connections. The assembly may include an automated erection system, which may include a system of electric motors, gears, pulleys, cables, automated mechanical arms and electronic controls, located within the container structure of the modular assembly, and which interact with a plurality of frame panels and unit panels to deploy and retract the plurality of frame panels and unit panels for constructing the shipping container configuration and building unit configuration.

Abstract: A foundation for enabling anchoring of a wind turbine tower thereto by means of replaceable through-bolts includes a foundation sole with a set of through-holes for accommodating the through-bolts, wherein the through-holes extend from an upper surface to a lower surface of the foundation sole; a workspace arranged beneath the foundation sole for enabling access to lower ends the through-bolts when arranged in the through-holes; and a passage allowing access to the workspace from a location outside an area of the foundation sole to be covered by the tower. A method for providing such a foundation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A prefabricated storm shelters that can be easily repositioned and assembled while providing safe, secure shelter before, during and after a catastrophic event are described, as well as a method to mfr. them.

Abstract: A concrete foundation is described which is adapted to be embedded in the ground for supporting a pole thereon. The foundation is comprised of a vertically disposed central section having upper and lower ends with a base section embracing the lower end of the central section and being wedged thereagainst to anchor the central section in the ground. If additional weight is needed, one or more base sections may be stacked on top of the lowermost base section.

Abstract: A hollow pile suitable for being sunk substantially vertically into the soil by screw-sinking, said hollow pile being characterized in that it has: at least one helical fin (2) having a flattened shape and a small pitch suitable for causing the pile to be sunk by a few centimeters per turn, when said pile is caused to move in rotation, the helical fin (2) finding itself united mechanically with and in thermal contact with the outside wall of the pile (1); and internal partitioning (3) defining an axial compartment (11) and an outer compartment (12) that communicate with each other at the bottom (13) of the pile; said hollow pile being characterized in that: the helical fin (2) is in direct thermal contact with the outer compartment (12) through the thickness of wall of the pile (1); and the outer compartment (12) has a flow section (S2) that is significantly smaller than the flow section (S1) of the axial compartment (11).

Abstract: Spot footing designed especially for securing a precast concrete or timber column to a foundation and/or for extending such a column, said spot footing comprising a base plate (3) provided with a mounting hole (7), and a substantially cylindrical, rigid protective casing consisting of a top plate (2) and a side wall part (4, 6) having an opening (5), an anchor bar being secured to said top plate (2). The spot footing comprises two or more anchor bars (1) secured to the top plate (2) and specifically so disposed in the top plate that the anchor bars are located substantially around the hole (7) of the base plate (3).

Abstract: A form system is provided for forming a structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like, such as a concrete column or footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The system includes a support system, including a wire support member and an associated base foam ring having an offset center hole corresponding to the centerline of the concrete footing, which is placed at the bottom of the earthen hole. A lower vertical form system, including multiple interlocking pieces, is assembled and joined at one end to an offset disk member. The disk member of the lower vertical form system is then placed onto the base foam ring in abutting engagement. The form system is then plumbed and positioned, e.g., in relation to one or more layout strings. Once the form system is in the correct position, the earthen hole is backfilled, e.g., with dirt or other material, thus holding the properly positioned form system in place. The lower vertical form system is then cut to grade.

Abstract: The roof block is highly versatile in its applications, and includes recess-forming structure that segregates and cradles a multiplicity of transversely extending conduits and other elongate members; channel-forming and passage-defining structure that facilitates the assembly and stable support of threaded rods for the attachment of accessories; structure for securing, and facilitating affixation of, hold-down means for supported members; and elements that facilitate the unified, compact assembly of a multiplicity of like blocks. The roof block is of lightweight and strong construction, is convenient to use, and is practical and economical to manufacture in bulk.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a pole support base for the installation of a road-side pole. A mounting head assembly is provided. Support legs extend from the bottom surface of the mounting head assembly and support the mounting head assembly at a predetermined height that can be selectively adjusted. Pole mounts are provided on the top surface of the mounting head assembly that enable the base of a pole to be bolted to the mounting head assembly. A hole is excavated in the place where the pole is to be erected. The mounting head assembly is placed into the hole. The legs support the mounting head assembly within the hole and enable the mounting head assembly to be adjusted for height and levelness. The hole is then filled with poured concrete until at least the legs are submersed.

Abstract: An impact absorbing pole 5 is disclosed. The pole is formed as a one-piece unit that includes an outer wall 7 and a hollow interior 9 and has a base section 11 for locating the pole below the ground and a pole section 13 for extending upwardly above the ground. The pole is formed so that, in use, the pole can deform above and below ground level when the pole is installed in the ground and is contacted by a vehicle.

Abstract: A circular concrete cap foundation poured in-situ within a perimeter forming corrugated metal pipe set atop or within an excavated pit and enclosing a series of circumferentially spaced pile anchors. The circular concrete cap foundation supports sets of inner and outer circumferentially spaced tower anchor bolts having their lower ends anchored to an embedded anchor ring and their upper ends projecting vertically and upwardly out the top of the circular foundation to engage the base flange of a supported tower. The pile anchors are formed with perimeter corrugated metal pipes set deep in subsurface soils with cementitious material surrounding and partially bonding to a centralized steel bolt or tendon which extends through the cap foundation. The tower anchor bolts and the pile anchor bolts are both partially encased in a PVC sleeve so that the bolts can be post-tensioned. The pile anchors are in tension only and serve to pull the cap foundation down to compress the underlying ground soils.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor pier support and, in particular, to a pier support which allows for in-situ height adjustment of a floor frame mounted thereabove. In particular, the pier support includes a base adapted to be fixed to said surface, a connection member including a first and a second attachment means, the first attachment means used to fix the connection member to a frame element, and the second attachment means being connectable to the base in a configuration which facilitates height adjustment of the frame relative to the base. The pier support of the present invention provides for a strong, robust support for floor frames and is advantageous in that the height of the frame can be easily adjusted at regular intervals post-construction, for maintenance purposes, or for height re-adjustment where for example the ground has subsided over time.

Abstract: A tower and wind turbine supporting structure which at least partially envelops the tower. The tower is of uniform cross sectional configuration throughout and has a plurality of outriggers. The outriggers are connected with the tower after the wind turbines and their supporting structure have been positioned at the base of the tower, raised to their point of attachment and secured in place. Individual foundation members for each vertical tower member and for each outrigger are in the form of micro piles and may include a plurality of micro piles and a manifold for maintaining upper end portions thereof in desired positions. Another aspect of the method of the invention involves providing a tower of uniform cross section, positioning wind turbines and their supporting structures sequentially at the base of the tower, raising them and mounting them on the tower sequentially, and thereafter providing a plurality of outriggers and their foundations and attaching them to the tower.

Abstract: A system of blocks is configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a columnar structure. Each block has four faces and all four faces may generally have the same dimensions. The width of the blocks may generally be about twice their height. The faces of the block also may contain a slot to add an aesthetic appearance to the column. The blocks have certain constructions features that mate with specially constructed brackets in attaching a fence panel to the completed column. The blocks have interlocking elements or projections that permit positive connection between courses of blocks. Projections of one block extend into the core another block. Adjacent blocks can be rotated 90 degrees relative to each other about a vertical axis of each block with each course. The blocks can be used to construct a column that is easy to install and structurally sound.

Abstract: A ground anchor and method for anchoring a building to the ground. The ground anchor has a base member having a core and an outer layer connected to the core. The ground anchor also has a support member having two outer layers separated from one another by a core, the support member having a top surface and a bottom surface. A bonding material connects the bottom surface of the support member to the outer surface of the base member. Bonding material also connects the top surface of the support member to a building element. The ground anchor is buried in the ground at the construction site and connected to the building to anchor the building to the ground.

Abstract: A framing assembly system for steel building that substantially reduces assembly time while maintaining excellent strength and mechanical integrity and has vastly improved resistance to uplift forces. Foundation assemblies or anchor structures are first precisely located before concrete is poured to form the foundation, encasing the anchor structures within the foundation. Columns may then be attached to the anchor structures without the need for readjusting the location of the columns. The rest of the building framework is subsequently attached to the columns. The resulting structure is highly resistant to uplift forces and seismic effects while being much faster and simpler to assemble than previous structures. Cracking of the concrete foundation prior to the complete curing of the concrete is also reduced.

Abstract: A load supporting device, and method for supporting a building in fixed relation relative to the surface of the earth is disclosed and which includes a base member which rests on a supporting surface; and an arm member mounted on the base member and which extends laterally outwardly relative thereto, and wherein the load is supported on each of the base member and the arm member, and further a method for employing the present load supporting device for supporting a building.

Abstract: An anchor system for a structure which experiences periodic buoyancy situations. The anchor system has a member connected at one end to a foundation and the other end to the buoyant structure. The member restricts movement of the buoyant structure in the transverse and longitudinal directions. The system allows the buoyant structure to move vertically between an upper and lower limit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus for installing a post mount. In one embodiment, a method for securing a post mount to a support surface includes assembling the post mount, where the post mount includes: a support pipe having a first end and a second end, a first support block coupled to the first end of the support pipe, and a second support block coupled to the second end of the support pipe. At least one fastener is then inserted through the first support block and through the support surface.

Abstract: An aluminum-foam structural housing unit that is storm-proof, self-contained, and built to withstand natural disaster conditions resulting from hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and fire, and then assist its inhabitants immediately thereafter when interruptions in public utility system service can be experienced. The combined use of aluminum alloy and foam as its building materials gives the unit its great strength, as well as the versatility needed to face natural disaster conditions while providing absolute resistance to heavy winds, flooding, earthquake and fire. Since the unit is buoyant, during flooding conditions it lifts from the ground and is guided by vertical poles to maintain a horizontal orientation. The unit also automatically disconnects from public utility systems as lifting occurs, and it then provides its inhabitants with self-contained sources of water, electrical energy, and sewage management. Thus, the unit is designed to adjust to the flow of nature, instead of working against it.

Abstract: A method of construction using sheet piling sections that includes the steps of: (a) installing a sheet piling wall in the ground to enclose a first area and a second area; (b) excavating a plurality of holes in the first area; (c) excavating the second area; (d) installing a plurality of first area structural supports; (e) leveling the first area; (f) forming a first floor in the first area; (g) excavating the first area to form a first area chamber; (h) leveling the bottom surface of the first area chamber; (i) forming a first area chamber floor; (j) repeating steps (g) through (i); (k) installing a plurality of second area structural supports; (l) forming a bottom floor in the excavated second area; (m) forming a ceiling above the bottom floor to form a second area chamber; and (n) repeating step (m) until a plurality of second area chambers are formed.

Abstract: A multistory apartment building complex may comprise vertically stacked modules and includes one or more vehicle parking levels grade and one or more dwelling unit levels vertically stacked above the vehicle parking levels. At least one of the parking levels includes private garages for at least selected ones of the dwelling units and occupants of the selected dwelling units may move between their own garage and their dwelling unit via an elevator extending directly to the individual dwelling units on each level. The elevators may also serve plural dwelling units on each dwelling unit level. A service corridor is provided on selected dwelling unit levels which may be accessed by a service elevator or spaced apart stairways to provide secondary access between each dwelling unit on each dwelling unit level and street level. Each dwelling unit may include a small service room having a lockable door between the service room and the dwelling unit and a door opening to the service corridor.

Abstract: Legs are anchored to a mobile building and preferably also to the ground, concrete, or other supporting surface, so that the building cannot be blown or shaken off of the legs, the legs preferably cannot slide/skid along the ground, and the legs preferably cannot twist or collapse. Each leg may be hinged and/or clamped to a girder of the building. A leg upper portion is an open, generally triangular, box-like case, which resists deformation, tilting, and twisting, and which includes an abutment plate for abutting against and supporting the girder. A leg stem is slidable in the upper portion, wherein upper and lower locking members such as threaded nuts lock the leg stem in place relative to the upper portion to make the leg a single, rigid unit. A foot, having a multiple-direction pivot connection, may be fixed to the ground or to a block or other supporting surface.

Abstract: A tubular utility pole for supporting a load, adapted for direct burial of a preselected end thereof in a soil material. The pole includes a body having a substantially constant cross-section substantially along a length thereof. The body includes a steel tube with holes therein to permit attachment of the load to the body.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for constructing a multi-story building is disclosed. The method may include slip forming a building core with support member casings deposited within the building core. The method may include providing support pedestals around the building core to support roof structural members, coupling roof structural members, and lifting the roof structure to a first elevation from a top of the building core. The method may include supporting support members with the support member casings, and supporting the roof structure at the first elevation with the support members. The method may include coupling a plurality of floor structural members on the support pedestals. The method may include lifting the floor structure to a second elevation from the top of the building core. The method may include supporting the floor structure at the second elevation with other support members.

Abstract: A telescoping post shore having an outer tube; a plurality of slots disposed longitudinally along the outer tube; an inner tube; at least one tongue member affixed to the inner tube and projecting from the inner tube, the at least one tongue member configured to be received by the plurality of slots; wherein the inner tube and at least one tongue member are dimensioned to slide within the outer tube and the inner tube and at least one tongue member can be rotated within the outer tube to engage the at least one tongue member with at least one of the plurality of slots.

Abstract: An improved shelter of the type having a front wall, a back wall, two opposing side walls, a bottom and a top defining a substantially rectangular box with an opening defined in the top, a flat lid adapted to cover the opening, a roller means for alternately rolling the lid to expose or close the open top, the improvement comprising: substantially, the entire top of the box defining an opening; the lid adapted to be substantially flush with the surrounding ground level in a closed position; and a roller means for allowing the lid to slide above the ground level, exposing more than half of the top when in an open position. The shelter alternatively including stairs rotatably affixed to the front wall and a stair support means releaseably supporting the stair in position to be used as a stepping entrance into the shelter, whereby the stair can be rotated against the front wall when not in use or rotated and fixed in place by the stair support means to serve as a stepping surface.

Abstract: The installation of a foundation at a selected location enables a superstructure to be installed and supported in a desired attitude such as a vertical attitude at the foundation. An installation template is placed at the selected location and support sites on the installation template can be adjusted so that the installation template will support the foundation subassembly in a manner such that the superstructure can be supported in said desired attitude. The foundation subassembly is placed onto the installation template using a lifting subassembly that is secured to the foundation subassembly. The foundation subassembly is fixed in place by concrete or the like into which the foundation assembly is inserted. The superstructure can then be secured to the foundation subassembly. The superstructure and the foundation assembly can be elongated lengthwise relative to their lateral dimensions, and the superstructure can comprise a post adapted to hold a panel for deflecting road noise.

Abstract: A basement wall and floor system includes a plurality of connected horizontally and vertically disposed panels. Each panel includes a metal C-channel defining an end thereof. Another metal C-channel defines an opposite end. A plurality of metal studs extend between the C-channels and fit between inside and outside flanges of the C-channels. A metal deck including an outwardly disposed facade and an inwardly disposed face is connected to the studs. Insulation is disposed on the facade side of the metal deck. A waterproofing material is disposed on the insulation.

Abstract: A wall system suitable for use in applications such as a fence or a wall of a building which comprises posts and panels which are interconnected or interengaged so that the wall may comprise a series of inline panels or corners formed by two panels and a single post, the interconnection or interengagement of the panels being effected without use of mechanical fasteners, glue, welding, or similar modes of attachment.

Abstract: A building construction kit comprises a plurality of ground beams (10), for example of concrete, positionable and securable relative to one another to form a rigid foundation frame, a plurality of storey-height external wall panels (30) supportable on and securable to the beams of the foundation frame to form an external building shell and a plurality of floor units (70) which can be supported on and secured to the beams (10) or to the panels (30) to form a floor at, respectively, ground level or an upper level. Each external wall panel (30) comprises a galvanised steel frame (31) with a weatherproof cladding (35), for example of glass-reinforced concrete, at an intended outer side of the panel so that the shell formed by the panels provides a sturdy structure which is weatherproof without the need for a further weather-resistant finish.

Abstract: A height adjustable jack piling assembly has a piling with a top and a bottom. A hinge axis is disposed on the top and a bearing plate is disposed at the bottom. A height adjustment mechanism extends upwardly from the bearing plate and through the piling to raise the piling, and the corresponding hinge axis, by operating the height adjustment mechanism from the top. The method includes placing a jack piling assembly and second lower piling, each having a hinge axis, into the earth and operating the height adjustment mechanism of the jack piling assembly to align the hinge axes.

Abstract: A fence post anchor comprising a lower portion, first and second supporting arms, and first and second main arms, made out of a single piece of material. The supporting arms wrap around the front face of a metal fence post and ensure that the anchor will bend above the supporting arms rather than at the base. The supporting arms can lie side by side in the same vertical plane or overlap and lock together with tabs and cut-outs or form a notch. The main arms can be flat or rounded at their top edge and can include folded flanges that tuck behind the front face of the fence post. The first and second main arms spread outward and provide resistance if the fence post is subject to upward pressure. A fence post anchor comprising first and second front arms and first and second rear supporting members with outwardly extending flanges.

Abstract: By attaching a formed steel plate in the shape of a tapered arrowhead with fins at each of the four corners, to the base of a post it is possible to ram a post with a integral foot that will secure it in the ground and for that post or pole to resist both upward and rotational pressure.

Abstract: A pier cap for a disposition atop a pier of support for a structure, such as a manufactured home generally comprises a rectangular body having a generally flat planar textured top and support webs including a peripheral, downward extending wall and a plurality of internal webs and an open interior in the body between the webs. The webs are designed to be supported by the upper surface of a concrete block having vertical cells. Coupling projections, connected to the body and rising above the top, couple with the webs of a stacked cap to prevent sliding. The pier caps can be arranged in stacked layers of multiple caps.

Abstract: A pole anchor footing system for effectively supporting a post structure within a ground surface. The pole anchor footing system includes a resilient body having a neck portion and a base portion, and an elongate member extending into the body from an upper end of the body. The body is securely positionable within a ground surface. The neck portion receives a coupler that mechanically connects a post to the body. The base portion has an upwardly tapered structure with the lower end having a broad structure. A plurality of engaging members may extend outwardly from the body for providing additional gripping while positioned within the ground surface.

Abstract: A support assembly for receiving and maintaining one or more sections of an above-ground structure at a substantially upright position includes a base member having a protrusion connected thereto and extending upwardly therefrom in a substantially vertical direction. The support assembly further includes a plurality of ancillary members having top and bottom end portions defining engaging and receiving portions respectively. One of the ancillary members is positionable onto the base member and receives another ancillary member thereon. The assembly also includes a top member with a top end portion that has a slot formed therein and for receiving a section of an above-ground structure so that same can be maintained at a secure position.

Abstract: A piling for use in building construction having an upper and a lower piling connected at a hinge. The hinge has a first and a second axis. The hinged connection allows an entire wall to be framed at ground level leaving one end of each upper piling connected to the lower piling, by a first pin on the first axis, and the upper end of each upper piling tilted onto the ground. A variety of framing pieces are used to connect the upper pilings together to frame a wall. Once framing of a wall is complete, the wall is hoisted into an upright position, about the first pins, bringing the entire hinge together. A second pin is inserted along the second axis in each of the hinges to secure the upper pilings in an upright position.

Abstract: A building construction system and method which includes an attachment or fastener device and a tool element for applying the device to a lower reinforcing rod. The reinforcing rod is part of a building section which includes a wood or lumber section and a lower concrete layer. The attachment device is utilized to securely retain a lumber section to a lower concrete area. The overall design is such that construction and labor time is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A building foundation anchoring and interface system for receiving supporting the base of an upright structural column. This system and interface includes an open-topped bucket-well structure which is embedded in a foundation, and which is sized so as to permit the received base of an inserted column to be adjusted laterally, in a multidirectional sense, vertically angularly, and axially rotationally, and with substantial clearance, so as to enable easy correct positioning of a column. Poured into the bucket-well structure after the same has received the base of a column is an appropriate fluid-flowable, hardenable, bulk anchoring material, such as conventional building grout material. An opening may be provided in the wall of the base of a column so that such flowable material flows into the interior of a column, as well as into the space between the outside of the column's base and the inside of the receiving bucket-well.