Abstract: The present invention relates to a prefabricated infilled panel-frame structure capable of accommodating seismic-loading and seismic energy dissipation, and a construction method thereof, including a frame body, a prefabricated infilled panel group, a panel connector, and a disc spring assembly. During an earthquake, the present invention slides to dissipate energy only after the maximum starting sliding force is exceeded, thus providing the structure with a relatively high lateral stiffness prior to sliding. After an earthquake, the disc spring assembly of the present invention may provide a certain restoring force due to being compressed so as to reduce the residual displacement. Further, the present invention achieves the bidirectional deformation cooperation of the prefabricated infilled panel under earthquakes, so that the infilled panel may still achieve the function of seismic energy dissipation under the coupling action of in-plane and out-of-plane loads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable friction energy dissipation prefabricated seismic-damping partition wall-frame structure and a construction method therefor. The variable friction energy dissipation prefabricated seismic-damping partition wall-frame structure includes a peripheral frame, prefabricated seismic-damping partition wall panels, rubber pads, a friction seismic-damping layer, horizontal force transfer members and a steel angle restraining members. The sliding friction of the partition wall can be significantly improved with increase of an inter-story drift, so that the partition wall has a larger hysteretic area and a higher energy dissipation capacity and can provide the structure with a relatively high additional damping ratio, so as to alleviate a seismic action. In addition, integral damage control of the partition wall can be better achieved, and the energy dissipation capacity of the partition wall under bidirectional seismic actions can be guaranteed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides skirt panel systems for a post-frame building, comprising: one or more precast skirt panels, each of the precast skirt panels having an outer surface to be oriented away from the interior of the post-frame building, an inner surface to be oriented towards the interior of the post-frame building, a top, a bottom, and two opposing ends, each of the precast skirt panels configured for attachment to at least one post of the post-frame building, and each of the precast skirt panels configured for abutting each other end-to-end to form a skirt wall on the post-frame building; and an attachment apparatus for attaching the one or more precast skirt panels to the at least one post. The present disclosure also provides methods for constructing a post-frame building using such systems.

Abstract: A modular structure includes a sill and a plurality of interlocking panels. The interlocking panels are attached to one another to form a panel assembly having a first end and a second end. The first end of the panel assembly is attached to a first side of the sill, and the second end of the panel assembly is attached to a second, opposing side of the sill.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an exterior wall for tilt-up construction comprising: (a) a fascia wythe; (b) a structural wythe; (c) a layer of insulating material disposed between the fascia wythe and the structural wythe; and (d) a thermal break in contact with at least the structural wythe, the thermal break comprising an elongate body comprising one or more non-wooden thermal insulating materials, a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first contacting surface, and a second contacting surface opposite the first contacting surface, the first contacting surface and the second contacting surface extending between the first surface and the second surface. The structural wythe contacts at least a portion of the second contacting surface.

Abstract: Modular building methods and systems using lightweight foam modular panels which are based on fractal geometry. Each panel includes one or more channels formed through the foam body, where the channels are centered between adjacent fractal modules of the overall modular panel. The channels are configured to receive splines (e.g., dimensional lumber) therein. The entire system is based on dimensional lumber sizing. The rectangular panels include a pre-cut slot extending through one face, to the channel, while a score line is formed in the opposite face, aligned with the pre-cut slot of the opposite face. The panels may be easily and quickly cut with a box knife to reduce the number of fractal modules in a given panel, to provide a smaller panel still based on such fractal geometry. Such a cut is made along the score line, where the foam is no more than 2 inches thick.

Abstract: A building construction system for creating a building structure upon a foundation slab having a top surface. An inner and outer rail are secured to the foundation slab. Walls are created upon the foundation slab including interior panels and exterior panels that are secured to the inner and outer rails respectively, and corner assemblies secured to both the inner and outer rails that together define a vertical interior space therebetween. The interior and exterior panels include standard, window, and door panels that together define a vertical interior space within the walls that is partially or fully filled with a structural fill such as concrete. Ceiling joists extend upon and are supported by the interior and exterior panels, to support ceiling panels. Rafter assemblies extend upon and are supported by the ceiling joists to support roofing panels.

Abstract: A granular material storage container and associated method. The storage container includes a foundation, a peripheral wall supported on the foundation, a plurality of vertical stiffeners attached to the peripheral wall, and a horizontal connector connecting the peripheral wall to the foundation. The horizontal connector extends between at least a pair of vertical stiffeners and operates for load transfer from the peripheral wall to the foundation during single pass sweeping.

Abstract: The instant system is a panel made of several layers that is a highly decorative, fire resistant, water resistant, sound proof, R valued insulated, light weight, and energy efficient panel. Such layers include: glass fiber reinforced concrete, glass fiber reinforced concrete with alkaline resistant fibers, alkaline resistant hurricane tested scrim mesh, a solar powered radiant tubing, a fire resistant foam that contains a steel reinforcement, and an epoxy adhesive.

Abstract: A wall panel system includes a base track and a plurality of interlocking wall panels. Each wall panel includes a continuous and unitarily formed first panel member and a continuous and unitarily formed second panel member. Each panel member includes a first face portion, an edge portion, and a plurality of connection members. The first and second panel members are interconnected by the plurality of connection member on the first panel member engaging the plurality of connection members on the second panel member.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a column shoe for securing steel concrete columns to a base. The column shoe includes a bolt housing, which includes a base-plate provided with a bolt hole, and an upper structure which is connected to the baseplate and to which at least one attachment unit is connected for securing the column shoe and the steel concrete column together. The bolt housing is fabricated by casting such that the upper structure and the baseplate form a single-piece casting. A hole is formed in the bolt housing for the attachment unit. The hole is substantially coaxial with the bolt hole of the baseplate.

Abstract: A mounting base is formed from a metal foundation, height adjustment bolts for adjusting the height dimension of the foundation, support bolts inserted into support bolt insertion holes, a metal cover installed on the foundation, and mortar filling the space between the foundation and the upper surface of a concrete slab. In the base, the first fixed ends of the bolts are inserted into insertion holes formed in a metal plate and are fixed to the metal plate with nuts, and the second fixed ends of the bolts are fixed to a steel beam with nuts. The portion of the first fixed ends of the bolts which extends between the metal plate and the top surface of the concrete floor is integrated with the mortar filling the space, and the metal cover covers the opening at the top of a metal tube of the foundation.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a wall is disclosed. In some embodiments, the wall comprises blocks having internal couplers configured for use with rods which can be inserted through and which are configured to securely lock blocks together. In some embodiments, the rods which are inserted into internal couplers may be threaded or have another locking features such that the blocks in a wall can be securely fastened together.

Abstract: A system for constructing a residential or commercial structure and/or retrofitting an existing structure provides a series of construction components employed that cooperate with standard construction materials to enhance the building structural integrity when subjected to destructive wind forces, torsion forces, and seismic forces, such as those commonly associated with hurricanes and tornados. The resultant strength of the structure is increased beyond what the standard construction materials were capable of on their own. The components further cooperate with standard construction materials to provide a unitized system of structural integrity. The components further cooperate with a secondary water sealing ability to minimize and/or prevent influent water damage to the structure in the event that the primary sealing system is compromised.

Abstract: An improved mechanically secured block building system generally for concrete masonry structures comprising a masonry block unit with a height and width essentially one-half the length of the unit, with multiple cavities through the block and with a recessed channel; an anchor bar with a plurality of threaded and non-threaded apertures in a special configuration to match the cavities in the block unit and able to lay in the recessed channel of the block; and a fastener wherein the mechanical secured block building system can be assembled in unique ways due to a cube effect of the masonry block to construct multiple width walls, grade beams, and horizontal decks. An alternative embodiment includes the preferred mechanical secured block building system further comprised of (d) a footer block and (e) a footer plate.

Abstract: A modular building system uses a perimeter bond beam and prefabricated wall panels to form an exterior curtain wall. The wall panels are captured within, and may move vertically inside a channel formed in the bond beam. The wall panels are quickly erected by inserting an upper edge of each panel into the channel and swinging the panel onto the foundation where it is claimed in place on the foundation.

Abstract: A foundation wall includes a frame having a front side and a back side. The frame further includes a plurality of vertical stud members having a first end and a second end, a top beam attached to the first end of the plurality of vertical stud members, and a bottom beam attached to the second end of the plurality of vertical stud members to define a plurality of cavities between adjoining vertical stud members. Rigid insulation is adapted for positioning in the plurality of cavities to become a load-bearing part of the frame. One or more structural sheets is affixed to the front side of the frame and to the back side of the frame. A waterproof bond is formed along an interface between edges of the one or more structural sheets and a periphery around the front side and the back side of the frame.

Abstract: A structure anti-torsion device includes a structural column. The structural column is positioned between adjacent studs of a structural stud wall construction and oriented vertically between the studs. A structural column lower end is fastened to a lower base plate which rests on a wall construction bottom plate. A pair of anchor bolts secured to a foundation extends through the bottom plate and the lower base plate and are fastened to the lower base plate. A structural column upper end is bolted using first and second bolts to an upper base plate. The first and second bolts cooperate through the upper base plate to connect the upper base plate to a double top plate of the wall construction such that the double top plate is connected by the upper base plate, the structural column, and the lower base plate to the foundation.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting framing components of a building structure to a foundation wall includes a connector having a generally L-shaped cross-section. The connector is configured to be secured to the foundation wall. The connector has a joist shelf configured to support one or more floor joists and a ledge configured to support one or more wall sheathing panels.

Abstract: A composite, prefabricated panel for building construction. A panel includes a central core having a first face and a second face. The central core includes structural framing members assembled to define at least one opening. A substantially rigid insulation is disposed in the at least one opening of the structural framing members. A settable cement, which may be, for example, phosphate ceramic, is provided on each of the first face of the central core and the second face of the central core to form a first face of the panel and a second face of the panel. The insulation may define a plurality of passages, each with phosphate ceramic extending through the passage between and being monolithic with the phosphate ceramic on the first face of the central core and the phosphate ceramic on the second face of the central core. A building system with such panels is provided.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a column shoe for securing steel concrete columns to a base. The column shoe includes a bolt housing, which includes a baseplate provided with a bolt hole, and an upper structure which is connected to the baseplate and to which at least one attachment unit is connected for securing the column shoe and the steel concrete column together. The bolt housing is fabricated by casting such that the upper structure and the baseplate form a single-piece casting. A hole is formed in the bolt housing for the attachment unit. The upper structure of the bolt housing comprises a sleeve structure which is formed integrally with the upper structure and on which the hole for the attachment unit is formed, and the upper structure includes a wall structure by which the sleeve structure is connected with the baseplate.

Abstract: A building construction has a foundation, walls and a roof structure, the walls being wrapped by a reinforcement fabric, with the reinforcement fabric being connected to the foundation and the roof structure to tie the roof structure to the foundation for increased resistance to natural disasters. The connection of the reinforcement fabric to the roof structure includes a top rail having a connector plate attached to the roof structure and having an upwardly oriented opening, and a wrapping member about which the reinforcement fabric can be wrapped, the wrapping member having a geometry corresponding with the geometry of the upwardly oriented opening in such a manner that the wrapping member is prevented from rotating in the opening.

Abstract: Computerized online engineering tool system for specifying the various components of a holdown system that assemble a run comprising a tie rod in a frame wall structure from the foundation up through the walls to the top floor, and bearing members and tension devices securing the tie rod to the wall. The system comprises a server; a database of drawing elements and hardware component parts; a program operably associated with the server and the database with the steps of i) allowing a user to login into the server; ii) allowing the user to select options for the run; iii) providing the user a data input and calculated data page for the load at each framing level and rod size sufficient to handle the load; and allowing the user to download a shop or installation drawing of the run generated using the drawing elements and hardware component parts from the database.

Abstract: A Fully Integrated Structural Building System has a pair of pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors. The pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors are adapted to contact each other on one parallel side edge to form peripheral edges and a central joining edge. A part of a building is coupled to a pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floor. The building is constructed with a primary structural frame and a secondary structural frame separated by a rigid foam spacer. The spacer is a Class I non-combustible closed-cell foam. The building is strong, energy efficient, non-combustible and easily transported from the factory to the building site. The building is Green and constructed only with renewable and recyclable materials.

Abstract: A system for constructing a residential or commercial structure and/or retrofitting an existing structure provides a series of construction components employed that cooperate with standard construction materials to enhance the building structural integrity when subjected to destructive wind forces such as those commonly associated with hurricanes and tornados. The resultant strength of the structure is increased beyond what the standard construction materials were capable of on their own. The enhanced components further cooperate with standard construction materials to provide a secondary water sealing ability such that the typical veneer coverings of siding and/or shingles, which are typically required to provide a primary sealing system from water influent to the structure, are relegated to the role of cosmetics for the structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are a floating wall bracket and a method for constructing a floating wall using floating wall brackets. A floating wall bracket may have bracket walls designed to hold a vertical member with at least one fastening tab disposed perpendicular to said bracket walls, at least one attachment means to attach the at least one fastening tab to a base plate member, and at least one friction means that provides enough friction to hold the weight of the vertical member, but not so much friction that it will stop the vertical member from moving within the bracket once a floating wall assembly is incorporated into a building/structure. The bracket may also have at least one guide/lateral support flange disposed parallel to the bracket walls and sized/places to guide installation of the floating wall brackets and to provide lateral support to the vertical members of the floating wall assembly.

Abstract: A continuity tie is provided for connecting a prefabricated shearwall to a structural member above the prefabricated shearwall. In the preferred embodiment, the continuity tie is a steel tube with aligned openings for receiving a threaded rod therethrough. The tube is welded to the shearwall. A pair of tubes are preferably attached. Nuts attach the threaded rod to the tube. The threaded rod attaches to a structural member above the tube.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a wall is disclosed. In some embodiments, the wall comprises blocks having internal couplers configured for use with rods which can be inserted through and which are configured to securely lock blocks together. In some embodiments, the rods which are inserted into internal couplers may be threaded or have another locking features such that the blocks in a wall can be securely fastened together.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reinforcing a concrete slab or balcony are disclosed. The systems and methods may include cutting a groove in a portion of the concrete slab and inserting a rod into the groove. The groove may then be filled with a resin. The rod may optionally be secured by other or additional methods. The integrity of the concrete slab or balcony may then be strengthened by the inclusion of the rod in the slab.

Abstract: A take-up fastener is disclosed for fastening a level in a frame construction to the level below so as to resist upward forces generated by wind and other sources on the framed construction. The take-up fastener in general includes a take-up plate, or washer, fastened to a portion of the upper level and a take-up screw fit through the take-up plate and fastened to the adjacent level below. Once the take-up fastener is fully assembled, the take-up plate includes a pair of tabs which are capable of engaging threads on a take-up screw in a way that allows one-way motion of the take-up screw relative to the take-up plate. In particular, the take-up plate can move downward relative to the take-up screw, for example on constricting of the wooden members to which the take-up plate is affixed. However, the engagement between the take-up plate and take-up screw prevents movement of the take-up plate upward with respect to the take-up screw, for example upon an upward load due to wind or other external force.

Abstract: A structural reinforcing panel system for reinforcing a structure against lateral or shear and uplift loads. The system includes a structural reinforcing panel which is installed between the studs in a wall of the structure. The panel is connected to the foundation of the structure and the sill or header. Two or more panels may be connected together at a corner, within a wall, ceiling or floor. The roof rafters of the structure may be attached to a top plate bracket mounted to the sill plate, which may also be connected to one or more structural reinforcing panels, provides uplift load support for the structure. For structures built on piers, a pier mount bracket provides a linkage to one or more structural reinforcing panels.

Abstract: A wall is provided with a plurality of stud frames disposed in at least one row, an outer layer, an inner layer, and an insulation layer. The stud frames are coupled between the outer layer and the inner layer. The stud frames are provided with a front stud, a back stud, a top plate, a bottom plate and at least one support member. The support members are coupled with the front stud and the back stud. The front stud and the back stud are disposed vertically. The broad sides of the front stud are parallel with the broad sides of the back stud. The top plate and the bottom plate are disposed horizontally. The top member is coupled with a top end of the front stud and a top end of the back stud. The bottom plate is coupled between the front stud and the back stud.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a block building system for building a wall structure that includes a plurality of pre-formed blocks configured to be stacked vertically upon one another to form the wall structure. Each block has at least one frustum-shaped protrusion on a top surface of the block, a horizontal channel formed in a bottom surface of the block, and at least one aperture extending vertically through an interior of the block. The system also has at least one base track, a plurality of T-shaped reinforcement members configured to engage with and extend upwardly from the track, a plurality of extension members that interlock with and extend T-shaped reinforcement members, and securing members. One or more courses of blocks can be vertically stacked over the base track by passing the T-shaped reinforcement members and/or extension members through the apertures formed in the blocks, thereby forming the wall structure.

Abstract: A display article comprising one of a magnetic and magnet attractive material disposed such that the material defines an area, a substrate for the material, the substrate optionally being permeable to a pushpin, the material allowing a magnet or magnet attractive material to be secured thereto, the material be integrally secured to the substrate so as to form a composite article whereby an item to be displayed can be secured to the composite article by a magnet or magnet attractive material and optionally by a pushpin. The composite article is suitable for use as a display surface, allowing securement of articles to be displayed by a magnet or optionally by pushpin. The composite article may be used as wallpaper or a wall covering, for example.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of techniques for connecting construction elements suitable for use in the construction of buildings, in the sector of civil engineering. The connection system (1) connects a first construction element (2) to a second construction element (3) and comprises at least one retaining element (1a) integral with the first construction element (2) and an anchoring device (1b) connecting the retaining element (1a) to the second construction element (3); the anchoring device (1b) comprises two wings (4) and a middle part (5), which connects the two wings (4) and is placed in contact with the retaining element (1a); the intrados of the two wings (4) lies on a same plane; the axes of the two wings (4) provide an angle therebetween with the vertex pointing the first construction element (2); each of the two wings (4) is connected to the second construction element (3).

Abstract: A connection made with a multi-purpose connector that can act as a holdown or tension tie and transfer tension, uplift, or lateral load, between a minimum nominal 2×4? wood framing member and a ½? diameter anchor. The anchor may be tied to a concrete foundation, another connector of the same type, a wood framing member, or other supporting members.

Abstract: A foundation wall includes a frame having a front side and a back side. The frame further includes a plurality of vertical stud members having a first end and a second end, a top beam attached to the first end of the plurality of vertical stud members, and a bottom beam attached to the second end of the plurality of vertical stud members to define a plurality of cavities between adjoining vertical stud members. Rigid insulation is adapted for positioning in the plurality of cavities to become a load-bearing part of the frame. One or more structural sheets is affixed to the front side of the frame and to the back side of the frame. A waterproof bond is formed along an interface between edges of the one or more structural sheets and a periphery around the front side and the back side of the frame.

Abstract: A cast concrete wall panel is secured to a concrete foundation by an anchor system which includes a steel base plate embedded adjacent the bottom surface of the wall panel and welded to a tapered channel projecting upwardly adjacent the inner surface of the wall panel to define a cavity. Reinforcing bars have bottom ends welded to the base plate and project upwardly into the concrete wall panel, and a hole is formed in the base plate at the bottom of the cavity. The hole receives a self-tapping concrete anchor bolt which is driven into a hole drilled within the foundation at an acute angle less than twelve degrees and preferably about six degrees from vertical. The channel has a removable cap to prevent concrete from entering the cavity during casting of the wall panel and to provide a decorative inside cover for the cavity after installing the anchor bolt.

Abstract: A building comprises foundation; a first stud wall; a second stud wall; the second stud wall is disposed above the second first stud wall; a tie rod operably attached to the foundation and extending within the first and second stud walls; a first nut connecting the tie rod to the second stud wall; a first spring urging the first nut and the tie rod upwardly; a second nut connecting the tie rod to one of the first stud wall and the second stud wall, the second nut being disposed below the first nut; a second spring urging the second nut and the tie rod upwardly; the first spring is configured to carry a load at least substantially equal to the weight of a portion of a length of the tie rod disposed between the first nut and the second nut; and the second spring is configured to carry a load disposed below the second nut, the portion extending to where the tie rod is attached to the foundation.

Abstract: A shelter is capable of withstanding extreme winds. The shelter comprises a concrete foundation mechanically coupled to a lower continuous track by an anchor bolt. The lower continuous track is mechanically coupled to load bearing studs and second load bearing studs. The load bearing studs and second load bearing studs are mechanically coupled to an upper continuous track. The arrangement of studs secured between two tracks provides additional stability against variable wind loads that normally damage buildings. The load bearing studs are arranged with second load bearing studs to create walls, where the walls are covered by a first exterior layer and a second exterior layer. The first exterior layer plates provide protection against live force loads and the second external layer provides protection against vibration. The upper continuous track is mechanically coupled to roofing.

Abstract: A securing cap, for use in fixing a wall with a floor or ceiling mounting, is snap fit within the space between the wall and a floor or ceiling mounting thereby fixing each component in position. The securing cap, in conjunction with other such caps, holds a wall assembly in a desired position in a building or shed where wall panels are positioned relative to each other to form a wall. The securing cap also serves to prevent the accumulation of dust and debris within the space formed by the wall and the floor or ceiling mountings.

Abstract: A sheetmetal mud-sill anchor for anchoring a sill plate to a concrete foundation having an embedded leg and a pair of laterally spaced arms connected to the upper end of the leg extending away from the embedded leg. The arms are adapted for bending around a sill member and have fastener openings for connecting the anchor to the sill member.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved wall for resisting lateral forces imposed on a building that incorporates the wall. Specifically, this invention relates to a wall in a light-frame building having within it a sub-component specifically designed to resist lateral forces imposed on the building such as those caused by an earthquake or by wind loading. The wall is formed with a bottom plate that rests on the underlying structural component of the building. A plurality of vertically-disposed studs connect to the bottom plate, and a top plate is supported by and connects to the vertically-disposed studs. A shear-resisting assembly connects to the top plate and the underlying structural component. The shear-resisting assembly has top and bottom struts and first and second chords and a planar shear resisting element connected thereto.

Abstract: Tie beam formation apparatus includes parallel opposed sidewalls defining a channel constructed to receive concrete for the formation of a tie beam. The sidewalls are disposed to become a fixed part of the tie beam. The apparatus further includes mounting structure attached to the sidewalls for holding the sidewalls in the channel defining position. The mounting structure is designed to hold the sidewalls on an upper surface of a block wall and to engage the sidewalls with the block wall at regular intervals. The mounting structure is further designed to allow a flow of concrete into openings in the block wall at spaced apart regular intervals.

Abstract: A cast concrete wall panel is secured to a concrete foundation by an anchor system which includes a steel base plate embedded adjacent the bottom surface of the wall panel and welded to a tapered channel projecting upwardly adjacent the inner surface of the wall panel to define a cavity. Reinforcing bars have bottom ends welded to the base plate and project upwardly into the concrete wall panel, and a hole is formed in the base plate at the bottom of the cavity. The hole receives a self-tapping concrete anchor bolt which is driven into a hole drilled within the foundation at an acute angle less than twelve degrees and preferably about six degrees from vertical. The channel has a removable cap to prevent concrete from entering the cavity during casting of the wall panel and to provide a decorative inside cover for the cavity after installing the anchor bolt.

Abstract: A structure anti-torsion device includes a structural column. The structural column is positioned between adjacent studs of a structural stud wall construction and oriented vertically between the studs. A structural column lower end is fastened to a lower base plate which rests on a wall construction bottom plate. A pair of anchor bolts secured to a foundation extends through the bottom plate and the lower base plate and are fastened to the lower base plate. A structural column upper end is bolted using first and second bolts to an upper base plate. The first and second bolts cooperate through the upper base plate to connect the upper base plate to a double top plate of the wall construction such that the double top plate is connected by the upper base plate, the structural column, and the lower base plate to the foundation.

Abstract: A system for constructing a residential or commercial structure and/or retrofitting an existing structure provides a series of construction components employed that cooperate with standard construction materials to enhance the building structural integrity when subjected to destructive wind forces such as those commonly associated with hurricanes and tornados. The resultant strength of the structure is increased beyond what the standard construction materials were capable of on their own. The enhanced components further cooperate with standard construction materials to provide a secondary water sealing ability such that the typical veneer coverings of siding and/or shingles, which are typically required to provide a primary sealing system from water influent to the structure, are relegated to the role of cosmetics for the structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved wall for resisting lateral forces imposed on a building that incorporates the wall. Specifically, this invention relates to a wall in a light-frame building having within it a sub-component specifically designed to resist lateral forces imposed on the building such as those caused by an earthquake or by wind loading. The wall is formed with a bottom plate that rests on the underlying structural component of the building. A plurality of vertically-disposed studs connect to the bottom plate, and a top plate is supported by and connects to the vertically-disposed studs. A shear-resisting assembly connects to the top plate and the underlying structural component. The shear-resisting assembly has top and bottom struts and first and second chords and a planar shear resisting element connected thereto.

Abstract: A connector for a wall structure wherein the connector connects to and reinforces a stud within the wall structure, or in some cases, the connector actually functions as a stud. The connector includes an elongated web and a pair of flanges that project from the web. About the lower portion of the connector there is provided a series of tabs that extend from the web and the two flanges and are turned so as to overlap and form a transfer structure that extends between the flanges about the lower end of the connector. In use, the connector can be connected to respective studs in a wall structure and at the same time anchor to an underlying structure such as a floor. In other cases, the connector itself can be utilized in the wall structure as a stud.

Abstract: A computerized online engineering tool system for specifying the various components of a holdown system that assemble a run comprising a tie rod extending inside a frame wall structure from the foundation up through the walls to the top floor, and bearing members and tension devices securing the tie rod to the wall.