Abstract: The present invention provides a column-and-beam join structure which absorbs energy caused by a large earthquake or the like by split tees surely yielding at a prescribed value, does not cause other members to fracture, and thus makes it possible to replace only the split tees which have become unusable, and, more specifically, a column-and-beam join structure constructed by attaching and connecting, using bolts 9, the ends 8a of both the upper and lower flanges 8 of a steel beam (H-shaped steel beam) 7 between the webs 6 of a pair of upper and lower split tees 4 the flanges 5 of which are connected to a steel column 1 using bolts 3. The upper limit of the yield stress of the steel material used for the split tees 4 is defined to be not more than twice the lower limit thereof.

Abstract: A method is described for joining the end of a first timber I-beam to the side of a second similar timber I-beam in wherein the end of the web of the first I-beam is fitted between the two side cheeks of a rigid channel member which is secured to the web by means of through fastenings such as bolts. The bridging section of the channel member has at least one stud protruding therefrom in line with the web of the I-beam to which it is secured, for securing to the web of the second transverse I-beam. A hole is formed in the web of the second I-beam through which the or each stud can pass, and the two beams are joined by fitting a closure member to the protruding end of the stud. The stud may be smooth and the closure member in the form of a push-fit washer, or may have a series of annular ridges over which the closure can be forced until it is trapped between the web and one of the ridges or more preferably the stud is threaded and the closure is a nut, typically a so-called lock nut.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a plurality of joists. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include a joist rim having a web and first and second rim legs extending substantially perpendicularly from the web. The apparatus may also include a plurality of joist attachment tabs integrally formed in the web. Each of the joist attachment tabs may extend from the web at an angle relative to the web and form a corresponding opening in the web. The apparatus may include at least two reinforcing ribs between at least two adjacent openings. In another embodiment the apparatus may include joist locator tabs not attached to the joists.

Abstract: A blocking anchor (20) allows connection of each end of an engineered or dimensional lumber bridge between first and second parallel joists. Each blocking anchor includes a saddle (22), which cradles the end of the bridge, and a pair of fastening flanges, which allow attachment to the side of the joist. The saddle is formed by a base (30), from which first and second legs (40), (50) extend. The saddle is sized to fit over the end of dimensional lumber or engineered beams. The first and second fastening flanges (60), (70) extend from opposed sides of the base, perpendicular to the legs. Fastener holes defined in each leg and in the fastening flanges allow the use of screws, possibly nails, or other fasteners to attach the legs to the bridge and the fastening flanges to the joist.

Abstract: A device and method for mounting an exterior cantilevered beam to a building holds the exterior cantilevered beam away from the building and provides superior waterproofing. In some embodiments, a strap member is used to spread loading forces onto interior building support members that are arranged perpendicular to an exterior wall of the building. In other embodiments of the invention, mounting members that include necks extending through exterior walls and away from the walls are used to mount an exterior cantilevered beam to the building, and to keep the exterior beam supported away from the exterior wall.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved weight bearing elements and methods relating to same. Some such elements are contemplated as having a web, and a chord connected to the web, the chord perimeter having a cross-sectional shape of a closed multi-sided figure having at least 5 sides, at least two of which are substantially parallel to the web. Some members may have chords which have a pentagonal cross sectional shape, and/or may include load transferring members or end-caps. Other elements may comprise a stiffened rim band having die cut tabs and stiffening ribs. Some such elements comprise pairs of die cut tabs positioned along the length of the member at intervals which are a fraction of the distance used in standard joist positioning. Other elements comprise one or more pairs of die cut tabs positioned directly opposite each other such that one tab is adjacent the top of the rim band while the corresponding tab is adjacent the bottom of the rim band.

Abstract: A joist support system and apparatus. The system may include a joist rim that has at least one attachment tab integrally formed therein to facilitate attachment of a joist to the joist rim. Reinforcing ribs are preferably provided adjacent the attachment tabs for providing desired structural integrity to the attachment tab connection. The system may also include a C-shaped joist that has a plurality of oval-shaped openings therein to enable components such as ducts, wires, piping, etc. to pass therethrough. The joists may also be provided with a plurality of mounting holes that are adapted to accommodate wire retainer members for supporting insulation between respective joists. The system may also include preformed blocking members that are sized to extend between adjacent joists and be attached thereto to provide lateral support to the joists.

Abstract: “L”-shaped brackets for connecting floor joists of houses to a structural band board and deck ledger board so that the deck ledger board will be supported by the weight-bearing floor joists of the houses. The brackets are “L”-shaped, having one short leg, one long leg, and at least one triangular brace connecting the legs. Each leg contains a plurality of holes for the passage of through bolts. The short legs abut the band board and the through bolts pass through the short legs of the brackets, the band board, and the ledger board. The long legs abut the weight-bearing joists and the through bolts pass through the long leg of one of the backet, one of the weight-bearing joists, and the long leg of one of the brackets on the opposing side of the weight-bearing joist.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a bracket (1) which in a preferred embodiment is formed of a single strip of sheet metal comprising an affixture portion or a flat wall frame affixture portion (2) and an anchoring portion or a flat base affixture portion (3) having temporary spacing means in the form of four outwardly protruding teeth (4) projecting from a lower face of the base affixture portion (3). The wall frame affixture portion (2) is secured via affixture fasteners (7) to a structural member of a wall frame in the form of a wall stud (8). The base of affixture portion (3) is secured against the upper surface of a building element or a concrete floor slab (6). In assembly, the teeth (4) provide a temporary gap between the lower face (13) of the base fixture portion (3) and the upper surface of the base or concrete floor slab (6). The bracket (1) is secured to the concrete slab (6) via a bolt or shank (9) pre-anchored to the base (6).

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

Abstract: A roofing truss (3) has an end plate (10) for engagement against a flange (1a) of a supporting I-beam (1). To aid assembly of the truss and I-beam and to locate the same after assembly the upper end of the plate (10) carries on the surface to face the I-beam a bifurcated guide means (11, 12) arranged to extend over the upper portions of the flange (1a) and to engage on either side of a central web (1b) of the I-beam (1).

Abstract: A joist hanger includes a thin, flat base whose back side defines a surface area sufficient to cover a rearwardly-tapered through-hole formed in an interior panel of a modular wall preform. The joist hanger includes at least one anchor member on the back side of the base. Each anchor member extends rearwardly from the base into the through-hole to a depth greater the nominal thickness of the first panel. Each anchor member defines an angled deflecting surface such that, with the joist hanger's base secured to the panel so as to cover the through-hole, and with the anchor members extending into and through the through-hole, wall material poured into the preform will be urged by the deflecting surfaces toward the back side of the joist hanger, into the through-hole and around the anchor members, whereby the presence of voids behind the joist hanger is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A connector having a concave seat member for connecting a first building structural member to a second building structural member in conjunction with fasteners and an anchor member to resist forces on buildings imposed by earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and other similar cataclysms.A connector constructed in accordance with the present invention consists of a concave seat member, formed with an opening for receiving an anchor member therethrough to attach the connector to a second building structural member such as a foundation, a first side member connected to the concave seat member, a second side member connected to the concave seat member, and a back member connected to the first and second side members. The back member attaches with fasteners to a first building structural member such as a stud in a framed shear wall. The back member can consist of two back plates each integrally connected to a side member.

Abstract: A floor squeak and pop eliminator. The apparatus includes a two-flanged angle bracket to which is adhered a compressible shim or block. The bracket is fastened to the floor joist in the proximity of the floor noise source, with the compressible shim in contact with the underside of the floor. Screws are turned upward through the bracket and the compressible shim and into the floor, compressing the shim and drawing the floor down to the joist and securing the floor to the shim to eliminate the squeak.

Abstract: An adjustable hanging bracket having an elongated spine with a longitudinal axis. The spine has a first portion and a second portion. First and second opposed ears extend from the first portion of the spine in a direction transverse to the axis. Each of the ears have distal ends. First and second opposed flanges extend from the spine in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis and are adjacent to the first and second ears. The first and second flanges form an arcuate taper towards the second portion of the spine. A first and a second seat tab extend longitudinally from the second portion of the spine in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis and forman acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the spine. Each of the seat tabs have distal ends. The flanges define a plurality of fastener openings. The openings are aligned about a plurality of vertically spaced axes.

Abstract: A truss which is premanufactured and shipped to a job site for the construction of supper-insulated buildings walls has a two-by-four stud which is joined to a two-by-two stud positioned in spaced parallel relation to the first stud to form a twelve inch wide insulation cavity. The two-by-two stud is spaced from the two-by-four stud by spacers and is rigidly supported by diagonal cross braces. The braces and spacers are joined to the two-by-four stud by truss plates. A foundation, is especially designed to accommodate the wall truss members. The truss has a sill extension 81/2 inches wide formed of two-by-twos. The extension extends downwardly from the truss structure to provide an insulation face across the front of a step in the foundation. The wall trusses may be manufactured with the same equipment as utilized in the construction of floor and rafter trusses formed of dimensional two-by-fours.

Abstract: A protective cover for concrete reinforcement bars includes an elongated cylindrical collar for securing the protective cover to an exposed end of a concrete reinforcing bar, a cap which is perpendicularly attached to the collar by reinforcing ribs, and a metal seat arranged between the collar and the cap and having slots for permitting direct attachment of the reinforcing ribs from the collar to the cap.

Abstract: A construction hanger for supporting a joist, rafter or the like to a support beam, in which the hanger is provided with a holddown tab for insuring proper seating of the joist to the hanger during the installation process. The invention also relates to a method of making such a hanger.

Abstract: A rafter-to-support-member connection apparatus includes a single-piece, substantially two-dimensional blank which includes a longitudinal portion and a transverse portion projecting transversely from the longitudinal portion. The longitudinal portion includes a first end region and a second end region. The transverse portion includes transverse connection apertures. A plurality of indicia are located at predetermined crease line locations on the longitudinal portion. The transverse portion and the first end region and the second end region of the longitudinal portion are adapted to be bent with respect to each other along predetermined locations on the transverse portion and the longitudinal portion to form a three-dimensional structure. In one embodiment, the rafter-to-support-member connection apparatus provides an adjustable fascia rafter connection apparatus to connect a wood or metal fascia to the plumb end of a structural metal rafter.

Abstract: Metal wall framing sections comprising top, bottom and stud members each formed of sheet metal, the stud members having tongues at the upper and lower ends thereof extending through transverse slots in the top and bottom members, all the tongues except one at the top being bent over on the top member, that one tongue being unbent and extending upwardly from the top member for securement thereto of roof structure, e.g. a roof truss.

Abstract: A protective cover for concrete reinforcement bars includes an elongated cylindrical collar for securing the protective cover to an exposed end of a concrete reinforcing bar, a cap which is perpendicularly attached to the collar by reinforcing ribs, and a metal seat arranged between the collar and the cap and having slots for permitting direct attachment of the reinforcing ribs from the collar to the cap.

Abstract: A suspended deck system using prefabricated deck block modules incorporates a prefabricated suspended platform. The platform comprises joist members within a frame, the joists being spaced in accordance with the size of the deck blocks, and having lateral cross braces suspended therebetween to complete the block support arrangement. Cross brace brackets are provided by means of which the cross braces are suspended from, and nailed to the platform joists, each bracket having an upstanding spacer member with an inturned toe, to serve as a corner locator for the respective deck block. The brackets may also incorporate upstanding prongs that penetrate and secure the deck blocks when located to the spacer members, and hammered down in impaled relation onto the prongs. The brackets also are provided with internal nailing guide chutes, for positioning and seating the securing nails when driven home, to anchor both bracket and cross brace to the flank of the joist.

Abstract: A joist hanger includes a U-shaped body having a forward end and a rearward end. A plurality of nailing apertures are formed in the forward ends of legs of the U-shaped joist hanger for receiving nails therethrough to secure a joist thereto. A pair of support apertures are formed in the rearward ends of the legs through which conventional reinforcing bars are journaled in horizontal orientation. A slot extending forwardly from the rearward edge of the base of the U-shaped hanger will receive a vertically oriented reinforcing bar therein. A locating aperture is formed in each of the legs of the hanger and has a rod extending therethrough so as to contact the exterior face of a foam panel wall through which the joist hanger extends so as to locate the rearward end of the joist hanger at an appropriate position between foam panel wall forms.

Abstract: The invention features a beam hanger for use in combination with a precast foundation wall unit. The beam hanger allows for the mass production of identical foundation wall units, since it can be placed at regular intervals along the foundation length. The beam hanger eliminates the requirement for precast beam pockets that prevent identical, mass production wall units.

Abstract: A single-piece, nonwelded multiple truss metal hanger connector is presented for connecting first and second supported wood members to a supporting wood member. One of the supported members is oriented at 90.degree. with respect to the supporting member and the other supported member is oriented at a skewed angle. The connector has a flat seat for receiving the supported members and a pair of side flanges which extend perpendicularly upward from opposite side edges of the seat to form a U-shaped structure. A pair of end flanges extend perpendicularly from the rear edges of the side flanges. A pair of flange extensions extend outwardly from the forward edges of the side flanges at skewed angles. This construction permits either one of the supported members to be received by the hanger connector and oriented at 90.degree.

Abstract: A building structure comprises first and second truss members having cross-members extending therebetween. Each truss member has a generally I-shaped cross-section, of generally constant cross-sectional dimensions, defining elongate longitudinal channels. The longitudinal channels are sized to appropriately receive and retain ends of cross-members extending between the truss members. Supports mounted in the longitudinal channels form receiving pockets which are engaged by the cross-members. A plurality of truss members, formed as parallel arches, may be utilized to form a load-bearing framing structure of a completed building, which may be enclosed by wall coverings such as panelling, siding, plywood or the like. The absence of load-bearing sidewalls permit doors, windows, deck units or the like to be easily introduced into sidewalls.

Abstract: A glued-block hanger is intended to support a wooden I-beam joist on a support. A block is secured to the web of the I-beam joist at an end thereof intermediate the top and bottom chords. A bore is formed in the block and end, and extend therethrough at a predetermined position. The hanger includes a top tab and an end plate, wherein the end plate extends the height of the hanger. The top tab is constructed to extend over the top of a support. A pair of opposed flanges extend outward from the end plate and are spaced apart to snugly receive the web of the joist, with the block secured thereto, therein. Each of the flanges includes an opening therein. When the opening is aligned with the bore, the top tab of the hanger is in alignment with the top chord of the joist. A connector extends through the bore and the openings to fasten the joist to the hanger.

Abstract: A prefabricated transportable building module comprising a metal floor frame having a reinforced concrete floor provided within the perimeter thereof, four upstanding vertical posts secured at each corner of the floor structure and a roof structure including a transverse beam extending between and secured to the pair of vertical columns at each end of the building module and further including a plurality of spaced-apart and parallel open web trusses extending between and secured at each end thereof to the pair of transverse beams.

Abstract: A building construction employing precast concrete slabs and prefabricated steel joists. The concrete slabs include generally parallel core channels extending vertically through the slabs from the lower edge of the slabs to the upper edge of the slabs between the outer and the inner faces of the slabs.

Abstract: A truss and beam assembly and a truss hanger and connector for use with wooden trusses and beams is disclosed. The truss hanger is used for attaching a truss assembly to a beam extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the truss.

Abstract: A truss assembly of floor or roof trusses and connector hangers are disclosed for attaching respective ends of a truss to a beam extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the truss. The hanger includes a connecting plate having a plurality of teeth struck out from the plate so as to extend perpendicular from the connecting plate with the strap and the connecting plate being mutually perpendicular. The strap has a plurality of apertures adapted for receiving nails or like fasteners and extends the entire length of the outside edge of the connecting plate to which the strap is joined and projects past the connecting plate to provide a surface for securing the strap to the wooden beam. The strap is rectangular in shape and bent to a generally U shape so as to define three sections.

Abstract: A building construction system that permits the erection of a modular-skeleton structure type building in a very short time utilizing relatively unskilled labor. The construction of vertical metal profile posts which extend from the foundation to the horizontal roof girders in a single unit of uniform cross-section. The roof girders are attached by means of slotted tension bolts. The one-piece vertical profile posts have a cross-section which is essentially the combination of a T-section and an U-section. In the lower part of the building, basement wall elements extend into the vertical profile posts with their angled legs on the inside of the building. In this position, they are secured by a bracing tube.

Abstract: A truss assembly and truss hanger for use with trusses is disclosed. A truss hanger in accordance with the invention comprises a bracket having a first leg with first and second ends, the first leg having a side which is adapted to engage the width of a beam, a base disposed in a first plane having first and second ends, the first end of the base being attached to the first end of the leg at approximately a 90.degree. angle, the base being adapted to engage the top of the beam and a second leg disposed in a second plane which is parallel to the first plane and is attached to the second end of the base at an approximate 90.degree. angle, the second leg being adapted to engage a second side of the beam across its width; and an attachment member having upper and lower connecting plates disposed at opposite ends of an intermediate member, said attachment member being joined to the first leg to form a substantially 90.degree.

Abstract: A housing module which is formed as a box-beam structure, and has sufficient rigidity and strength so that it can be used to span distances of relatively great length. The housing unit is able to be prefabricated and can be readily transported without the need for additional support or stiffening members to prevent damage from excess flexure. Further, the unit can be simply put in place on site without any additional stiffening or strengthing members. In addition, the units can be stacked one over the other, thus greatly increasing their flexibility to the architect.

Abstract: A roof supporting structure and method of erecting such structure, the structure comprising a series of spaced apart rafters lying in parallel relation with a series of V-truss units extending between the rafters in parallel relation at spaced apart intervals to define rows of V-truss units supported at their opposite ends on the rafters, the V-truss units in a given row lying in alternating relation with respect to the V-truss units in the next adjacent row, the ends of the V-truss units in one row being interconnected with the adjoining ends of the V-truss units in the next adjacent row so that horizontal forces will be transmitted jointly by the V-truss units in adjacent rows. Modified V-truss units may be provided at the ends of alternate rows to further enhance the horizontal load supporting capability of the structure, the modified V-truss units additionally serving to mount the wall panels of a building utilizing the roof supporting structure.

Abstract: A joist hanger (10) includes a U-shaped seat portion (16) composed of a flat seat base (18) and a pair of seat sidewalls (20) extending upwardly in spaced parallel relationship therefrom to thereby receive the end portion of an I-beam joist (12). Elongate, substantially straight retaining prongs (30) extend downwardly and nominally inwardly from sidewalls (20) to terminate at a pointed tip (52) spaced slightly above joist lower chord (32). Prongs (30) deflect out of the way of lower chord (32) as joist (12) is lowered into seat portion (16) and then resume their nominal diagonal orientation once lower chord (32) has passed by, to overlap chord (32) and thus prevent upward movement of joist (12).

Abstract: The invention provides a composite metal and wood joist, a joist assembly, and a floor panel incorporating two or more of such joist assemblies connected by plywood floor panels. Each composite joist member consists of a metal channel having a plurality of nailable stiffening members disposed along its length, preferably one at each end and the others spaced uniformly along its length. A joist assembly consists of two spaced parallel joists, the assembly having a plurality of stiffening assemblies along its length, each stiffening assembly consisting of two adjacent stiffening members connected by a cross member.

Abstract: A roof truss is made of unitized wooden frame elements comprising a pair of centrally interconnected upper chords which are joined near their outer ends by a horizontal lower chord which is discontinuous near each end thereof. Vertical risers interconnect the lower chord on both sides of each discontinuity with the upper chord to form post-receiving pockets near each end of the lower chord. These pockets are preferably backed up by a prenailed gusset on one side of the truss. This roof truss is combined at the building site with a lower section comprising a floor truss having a vertical wall-forming stud at each end thereof to provide a unitized truss frame.

Abstract: Side panels, terminating with inwardly directed flanges extend from the vertical edges of an upright main panel to form a generally channel shaped unit. The lower edge of each side panel is spaced above the lower edges of the main panel and the flanges to receive a conventional sill. A bearing plate extends inwardly from the lower edge of each side panel to rest upon the top of the sill. The upper edges of the side panels and the flanges terminate below the upper edge of the main panel to form a ledge for supporting a conventional beam. A recess, formed in the upper corner of the main panel, accommodates the beam and has a beam attachment plate extending therefrom.

Abstract: Timber connectors in the form of initially flat plates each having a portion containing a plurality of apertures with at least one tooth or barb or a series of teeth struck from the plate and turned inwardly from the bounding edge of each aperture, and a portion devoid of teeth but containing a row or rows of spaced aligned holes for fastening means in the form of a preferred type of nails or other suitable fastener as desired. The aforesaid aligned holes provide lines of weakness whereby part of the connector can be bent on the job site for engagement with a main supporting timber. The connectors can be supplied on the ends of timbers by a power press at the plant pressing the teeth into a timber, and shipped to the job site in strapped bundles as lumber is usually shipped.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for connecting horizontal beams to vertical surfaces of supporting structures. Two slidingly interconnecting elements are affixed, respectively, to a vertical surface of supporting structure, and an end of a horizontal beam and then positioned for positive stable coupling. The joint created by the elements is filled with grouting to substantially prevent movement of one element relative to the other element.

Abstract: A prefabricated building construction composed of a plurality of columns and beams adapted to be interconnected to one another to form a rigid load-bearing structural frame and a plurality of inexpensive lightweight non-load-bearing panels spanning the frame components, and each panel being generally of slab form and having a top, bottom and side faces bounding an inside and outside main generally planar face, and said panels comprising a main portion of molded waste material and a resinous binder forming a polymer and the minor portion of open cell material in spaced parallel cylindrical shafts embedded within the main portion of molded waste material with the shafts extending from the top surface to the bottom surface and one of said shafts being adjacent each of the side surfaces, said frame components being substantially concealed within the panels defining waterproof seams wherein the frame components serve as waterproof panel connectors, each frame component along one of the seams comprising a portion e

Abstract: A new building structural system is described that employs unique elements to interconnect standard structural members in a simple, economical and effective manner. These unique interconnecting elements interconnct a girder and a span member of a building structure, the span member being either a joist or a truss. They consists of two interlocking pieces or elements, one connected to the end of the span member and the other to the side face of the girder member. These unique elements incorporate shaped involutions, webs and reinforcing members that interlock as one element seats down upon the other to interconnect the members in a rugged, rigid fashion. The resulting building structure provides both a flexibility of design and a simplicity of assembly that is remarkable.

Abstract: In "flying forms" having a plurality of trusses -- usually two -- with a plurality of beams placed across the trusses and a deck placed on the beams, an extension leg for the truss is provided so that the working height of the truss may be nearly twice its flying height. The extension leg replaces a truss upright, and mounts using the same bolting arrangement therefor. The leg comprises inner and outer legs, where the outer leg is secured to the top and bottom chords of the truss, and the inner leg is telescopically engaged within the outer leg. The shape of the inner leg is such as to accommodate the bolts which secure the outer leg to the truss chords. Holes are formed in the inner and outer legs with predetermined spacings, and pairs of pins are used to lock the inner leg in any desired position with respect to the outer leg at substantially the desired height.

Abstract: The wood building construction is comprised of a panelized wall and/or floor construction which does not require any masonry foundation whatsoever. The vertically extending wall panels are connected to the floor panels in such a manner as to transmit forces acting on the perimeter wall to the floor system and are connected to each other in such a manner as to define a post construction having beam sockets for multiple floor and roof levels. Each vertically extending wall panel for a multi-level construction can extend continuously from the gravel support bed to the roof line to present an unbroken vertical line. The wall panels are constructed and arranged so that each joint is covered by trim and all openings are pretrimmed to allow in situ installation of doors and windows with a minimum of labor.

Abstract: A framing assembly which braces the back of the panel with metal strips attached to the sides of adjacent framing members after they are attached to the panel, to permit secure bracing regardless of warping present in the framing members.

Abstract: In a wall structure comprising parallel sole and head members and vertical stud members a wiring channel of C cross-section is fastened to the structure and constitutes a raceway for electrical wiring. The open face of the channel is closed by the sheet applied to the corresponding face of the wall member to permit the use of ordinary unarmored cable therein. A bridging channel is used to convey the cable between two walls abutting at right angles to prevent sharp bends in the cable.