Abstract: Provided are apparatus and method(s) for forming one or more shear key(s) between embedded concrete retaining wall(s) and concrete floor slab(s), kits for forming such shear key(s) and underground structures such as embedded concrete wall(s) and slab(s) comprising a shear key. In particular, the invention relates to a shear key former apparatus comprising: a box having an enclosable, internal volume, the box comprising a base and at least one, and preferably four, side wall(s), the side wall(s) terminating in a rim; rearwardly of the rim in two opposing portions of the side wall(s), at least one pair of opposing apertures, each pair of apertures defining an entrance and exit in each respective side wall portion for a rigid member to be accommodated extending across the internal volume between the entrance and the exit; a closure panel configured to be received into the rim to enclose the internal volume.

Abstract: Class-A fire-protected mass timber building components, including cross-laminated timber (CLT), glue laminated timber (GLT) and nail-laminated timber (NLT), wherein multiple layers of Class-A fire-protection are provided to the multiple timber lamination layers so as to provided defend the CLT building components against fire, ground movement and high wind loads. Methods, systems and networks are provided for producing and managing the quality of such Class-A fire-protected mass timber building components.

Abstract: A cloud-based system network for verifying and documenting prefabricating Class-A fire-protected wood-framed buildings produced from a prefabricated Class-A fire-protected wood-framed building factory system supporting multiple production lines for producing Class-A fire-protected wood-framed components including wall panels, floor panels, stair panels, floor trusses, and roof trusses for use in constructing custom and pre-specified prefabricated Class-A fire-protected wood-framed buildings.

Abstract: A cloud-based system for verifying and documenting Class-A fire-protection treatment of a wood-framed building using on-site spraying of a clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid. The system includes (i) a data center with web, application and database servers for supporting a web-based site for hosting images of certificates stamped on spray-treated wood surfaces, and other certification documents, and (ii) mobile smart-phones used to capture digital photographs and video recording of spray-treated wood-framed building sections during the on-site fire-protection spray process, and upload the captured digital images to the data center, for each spray treatment project, so that insurance companies, builders, and other stakeholders can review such on-site spray completion certifications during the building construction phase of the wood-framed building.

Abstract: A method of and system for designing and constructing high-density multi-story wood-framed buildings, and Class-A fire-protected building components, and methods and factories for producing the same in an economical manner. An on-job-site method is provided for treating wood-framed buildings so that such wood-framed buildings demonstrate Class-A fire-protection and improved defense against total fire destruction.

Abstract: A modular datacenter facility is constructed with a set of building modules of different types of functionality to form an entire datacenter facility having a standardized pre-approved architectural design and layout. All instances of a particular type of building module will have approximately a same floor plan and architectural design. An initial set of building modules can be built upon a parcel of land, and then as needs of space and additional capacity of the modular datacenter facility increase, then at a future point in time additional building modules of the different types can be rapidly added to the initial set of building modules. The building modules of the different types use one or more connecting corridors architected into at least a first type of building module and corresponding aligned doorways between both building modules to interconnect two building modules adjacent and abutted to each other.

Abstract: A system for constructing building consisting of connected T-beams for walls and roof. To create the T shape the system uses blocks of rigid insulation as forming, which are embedded in the poured-in-place concrete. These blocks serve to insulate the structure. The final structure is a monolithic box where the foundation, (101, 102), and (103) is the lower face, walls are the vertical faces of the box, attached to the foundation by dowels (104) to the walls reinforcement part (105) and the roof (118, 119, 120), and (121) is the top. This results in a sturdy structure with integrated high insulation (111) and (122) in walls and roof. Metal nailers (123) with the polystyrene foam strips (124) can be embedded in the ends of the T-beam stems. These nailers ease the insertion of screws to wall and ceiling interiors, allowing the building interior to be finished with gypsum board or paneling.

Abstract: For establishing a more modern and environmental, inexpensive building, there is disclosed a prefabricated, self-supporting construction element (6) intended chiefly for apartment buildings, where a number of construction elements (6) are placed at the side of one another and on top of one another, and comprising at least two substantially parallel-extending walls (26), where the external side surface (14) is profiled with protruding ribs (16) which, in combination with corresponding external side surfaces (14) of corresponding construction elements (6) along the external side surfaces (14), form a plurality of channels (60) respectively intended for in-situ casting with a (flowing), hardening material (concrete) for the formation of a supporting construction in the form of columns (94) and beams for supporting a plurality of construction elements (6) placed on top of one another, and for the leading of supply pipes and cables to the building, which is characteristic in that the external side surfaces (14) co

Abstract: A precast wall system and a method for constructing a high-rise building using the precast wall system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of interconnected precast panels. Each precast panel has a top end plate, a bottom end plate, a plurality of vertical bars disposed between and attached to the end plates and a cementitious material encasing the vertical bars and defining a plurality of sides of the respective panel. A first group of the interconnected precast panels are arranged vertically on a second group of the interconnected precast panels and the top end plate of each panel corresponding the first group is connected to the bottom end plate of a respective one of the panels corresponding to the second group. Methods for horizontally and vertically connecting the precast panels to each other are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sound rated floor system for inhibiting sound transmission between floors. The system includes a corrugated steel deck; a first layer of cementitious material or board or sheet applied over the corrugated steel deck; a sound insulation mat or board applied over the first layer; a second layer of cementitious material applied over the sound insulation mat or board. The floor system has an IIC rating of at least 25 and the corrugated steel deck provides at least 50 percent of the ultimate load carrying capacity under static and impact loading of the floor system with a floor deflection of at most 1/360 of the floor span.

Abstract: Large span buildings without ordinary beams and columns are formed of vertical load-bearing composite wall-panels and composite floors, both including two concrete layers interconnected by steel strip webs. The stiff horizontal plane formed of assembled roof/ceiling units, supported by wall-panels, connected to both gables restrains transversal movement of longitudinally arranged wall-panels attached tops, bracing them simultaneously against sideway forces and lessening their buckling lengths. Floors, if any applied, being rigidly connected to the vertical panels additionally improve stability of the global structure. The structure, being braced in that way, behaves as a rigid box made of slender panels.

Abstract: A permanent columnar multi-floored open air housing structure comprising, in each floor, a plurality of enclosures, each of said enclosures used to house a manufactured home, wherein the manufactured home is in compliance with HUD standards defined in 24 CFR Part 3280. The housing structure additionally comprises a plurality of columns which provide the structural support for each of the floors as well as define the space of each enclosure. Safety walls are provided in between the columns along the perimeter of each floor, while privacy walls are provided in between the columns that separate adjacent enclosures. The heights of the privacy walls and safety walls are selected so that they may perform their desired function while still providing the natural light, ventilation and other benefits of an open air structure.

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 method for constructing a high rise building having a core and a residence space around the core, the method including (a) installing a steel-frame pillar on a shaft portion of the core; (b) connecting a girder to the steel-frame pillar, the girder includes an anchor-connecting member to which a steel-frame beam is connected, a portion of the anchor-connecting member being buried in a core wall; (a) assembling the steel-frame beam on the anchor-connecting member; (d) arranging reinforcing bars in a deck plate or a slab type mold installed on the steel-frame beam, and in the core wall; and (e) applying a slab concrete and a core concrete simultaneously or in this order. The quality of the core and slab structure is improved, while providing the construction safety and saving the construction costs.

Abstract: A multistory concrete building formed entirely of poured in place concrete tunnels and method of making same. The structure is constructed so that the substructure can be used as a parking garage and the superstructure as residential space. The unique use of concrete tunnels in both the substructure and superstructure combines the benefits of column and plate construction with concrete tunnel construction while eliminating the need for a traditional transfer deck between the superstructure and substructure. In one embodiment, the parking structure is constructed from tunnel walls of alternating lengths such that the drive aisle in certain walls can be extended so as to allow additional parking spaces to be formed in the planes of those walls.

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 method of constructing a concrete module having several interconnected walls and defining a portion of a building includes the steps of forming two pitch walls, each pitch wall having a wall upper end angled to match the pitch of the building roof to define an upper peak having a beam receiving notch, having a shorter lateral end and a longer lateral end, and a wall lower end [and an angled upper end], and having a notch at the intersection of the lower lateral end and the angled wall upper end; forming a linking wall having two linking wall lateral ends substantially matching the height of the pitch wall shorter lateral ends; providing a floor form platform having a horizontal platform surface and an upright floor form rail defining a side of the floor form; placing the two pitch walls and the linking wall on a floor form platform; pouring uncured concrete into the floor form; permitting the concrete within the floor form to cure and define a module floor jointed to the pitch walls and the linking wall; co

Abstract: A precast, prestressed concrete truss which spans between exterior columns and forms an interior or exterior load bearing wall of a building. The truss includes top and bottom chords interconnected by at least one web member. Prestressed reinforcing members in the top and bottom chords apply a compressive stress in the chords. The top and bottom chords are configured to support concrete planks that form a floor and/or a ceiling of a building in which the truss is used. When used as an interior load bearing wall, the truss can include at least one opening that forms, for example, a corridor passage large enough for a person to walk through the opening. When used as an exterior load bearing wall, the truss can include at least one window opening.

Abstract: A concrete form panel has a plurality of studs. A first and second panel are fastened to the studs to define concrete receiving cavities between the first panel and the second panel. A fastening strip attaches the panels to the stud and is vertically oriented. In addition, a netting may span the studs. An opening extending from panel to panel may create a concrete-to-concrete interface between concrete in the form panel and a concrete footing. A column may be formed in this fashion. Moreover, ports, such as windows and door, may be provided in wall assembly. The assembly may be attached by a truss anchor to a truss for a roof.

Abstract: A fastener includes a plurality of elongate, threaded studs which are connected to a common anchor portion for securing a frame member to a foundation. Attached to the anchor portion is a receiving element adapted to receive a positioner. The studs, anchor and receiving element are a one-piece integral assembly constructed of steel or high tensile strength steel. In addition, the fastener is adapted to receive a template and positioner for stability during the pouring and curing of the foundation.

Abstract: A system and method of constructing multi-story buildings having poured-in-place concrete floors for the upper floors, wherein a set of lower posts is erected, the lower posts having horizontal upper plates on their upper ends each with a centrally disposed aperture. Decking is supported by horizontal beams and defines a form to receive the concrete. The upper plates are masked and concrete is poured and screeded using the upper plates as screed guides, such that the upper surface of the concrete is generally flush with the upper surface of the upper plates. After removal of the masking, a set of upper posts having lower plates with centrally disposed pins are mounted atop the lower posts with the pins inserted into the apertures. The lower plates and upper plates are then welded to joint the lower and upper posts. The cycle is repeated for additional floors.

Abstract: A modular building structure comprises a service corridor (2) to which are connected separate cabin modulates (1) that form accommodation or offices etc. The service module contains apparatus for the supply and distribution of mains services such as water, electricity, waste disposal and air conditioning to the building modules. The modules are connected to the corridor and to said mains supply services. Each of the cabin modules is free-standing, pre-fitted for its intended use. Adjacent modules are interconnected by a flexible grommet (26) that extends between aligned apertures in each module.

Abstract: The invention provides a multiple dwelling house in which although its standard floors are constructed to have the same structural floor height, the ceiling heights of individual dwelling units positioned above and below each flat slab can be set to differ from each other so that the multiple dwelling house has ceiling heights capable of meeting a variety of needs of users. The multiple dwelling house includes standard floors constructed to have the same structural floor height dimension, intermediate slabs each of which is made of a flat slab and is disposed between each of adjacent upper and lower floors, and slabs each of which is made of a beam slab and forms a ceiling face of the upper floor and a floor face of the lower floor. One unit made of the adjacent upper and lower floors is constructed in a sequentially repeated manner to make dwelling-unit spaces different in ceiling height between the adjacent upper and lower floors.

Abstract: Site cast or pre-cast columns aligned and braced by pre-cast pre-stressed floor beams are used to erect a concrete skeleton structure for a building. The ends of the horizontal beams are imbedded in the columns at floor levels to stabilize and complete the skeleton. The horizontal beams are pre-stressed and are cast with passages that permit insertion of continuous reinforcing tendons into a network throughout each floor level. The tendons are subsequently post-tensioned so to tie the beams together and to the columns to reinforce the skeleton. Slab drop-forms starting at the roof and progressing floor-by-floor downward allow monolithic post-tensioned floor slabs to be cast to tie the skeleton into a unitary structure. The beams are usually integrated (buried) into each monolithic floor slab, keyed, doweled and bonded with bonding agent at cold joints to become a part of the slab structure.

Abstract: A plumbing system and method for plumbing a control joint in a masonry wall. The plumbing system comprises: a bracket mountable to an interior wall surface, wherein the bracket includes an extension having a guiding system; and a vertically oriented plumb rod that can be engaged through the guiding system and placed within the control joint as the masonry wall is erected.

Abstract: The present invention is provided for considerably shortening the construction time of a building that is applied to nuclear power plants. When constructing the building, megablocks having a height that extends to a plurality of floors are produced, and together with combining those megablocks, concrete is poured inside them to form a wall member composed of a megawall structure of steel plate reinforced concrete construction. Alternatively, in addition to the wall megablocks, floor megablocks for forming the floor member of the building are used, and together with combining those megablocks, concrete is poured inside or above them to form a structural member (wall member and floor member) composed of a megawall structure of steel plate reinforced concrete construction.

Abstract: A building structure suitable as a two-unit building module which may be incorporated into a variety of multi-storey commercial or residential buildings. The structure includes two vertically stacked units which each define a respective self-contained space. As a module, the building structure extends downward from a planar ceiling surface which forms the ceiling of an uppermost unit to a planar lower floor surface of the second lower other unit. Together, the pair of stacked units has an overall height equal to two and one-half to three full storeys, and a height selected between twenty-three and thirty-six feet, depending upon the respective building structure (7.5-12 feet). The building module is bordered on each lateral side by load-bearing support pillars or sidewalls which extend the height of the building. An interior dividing bearing wall is positioned within each of the units between the load-bearing sidewalls, and which divide each unit into primary and secondary living areas or spaces.

Abstract: A building structure suitable as a two-unit building module which may be incorporated into a variety of multi-storey commercial or residential buildings. The structure includes two vertically stacked units which each define a respective self-contained space. As a module, the building structure extends downward from a planar ceiling surface which forms the ceiling of an uppermost unit to a planar lower floor surface of the second lower other unit. Together, the pair of stacked units has an overall height equal to two and one-half to three full storeys, and a height selected between twenty-three and thirty-six feet, depending upon the respective building structure (7.5-12 feet). The building module is bordered on each lateral side by load-bearing support pillars or sidewalls which extend the height of the building. An interior dividing bearing wall is positioned within each of the units between the load-bearing sidewalls, and which divide each unit into primary and secondary living areas or spaces.

Abstract: A multi-story apartment or condominium building complex includes one or more vehicle parking levels above or below 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 garage and their dwelling unit through an interior corridor at the parking level and an elevator extending directly to the individual dwelling units on each level. The elevators may serve one, two or several dwelling units on each dwelling unit level. A service corridor is provided on each dwelling unit level which may be accessed by a service elevator or spaced apart stairways to provide secondary access between each dwelling unit level and street level.