Abstract: A wall construction system includes a footer attached to a floor or footer; vertical reinforcing bars attached to the footer; horizontal reinforcing bars attached to vertical reinforcing bars at predetermined heights above the footer; blocks attached onto the footer, each layer including a row of blocks, each block including a pair of flat major surfaces and four contoured minor surfaces, and a plurality of longitudinal grooves parallel to the major surfaces and incorporated into the edges of the minor surfaces; a plurality of joining strips, the strips placed end to end and pressed into each longitudinal groove, with about half their width protruding from the longitudinal grooves; a plurality of lateral clips attached to pairs of joining strips across the top of the blocks, perpendicular to the longitudinal grooves; and a quantity of concrete in horizontal and vertical air gaps between adjacent blocks enveloping horizontal and vertical reinforcing bars.

Abstract: A continuity system for a building is designed to compensate for the downward settling of building elements over time, which occurs due to the shrinkage of wooden building members. The continuity system comprises one or more hold-down assemblies each having a stud-connector secured to a generally vertical stud, a generally vertical rod inserted into an opening of the stud connector, a rod-gripping member in toothed engagement with the rod above the opening, and one or more positioning elements exerting a downward force on the rod-gripping member. The rod has a lower portion secured to a stable building element such as the building's foundation. The opening of the stud-connector defines a frustoconical bearing surface on the upper surface of a portion of the stud-connector, or on a gripper support element in some embodiments.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes that include a detectable warning tile having a top side with a plurality of protuberances forming a pattern or array and a second tile member disposed perpendicular to an edge of the detectable warning tile. The bottom side of both the detectable warning tile and the second tile member have at least one anchoring member embedded within a concavity in the bottom side, making the tile and tile member especially durable on platform edges.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foundation-unit structure of a structural object such as a retaining wall installed fixedly on a foundation ground, in which the foundation ground is formed therein with a concavity, a sliding resistive element is placed within the concavity, and at least the front surface side of the sliding resistive element is filled with a grain-sized material so as to form a layer thereof, and an internal frictional angle of the grain-sized material forming the grain-sized material layer is equal to or greater than that of a grain-sized material comprising the ground and supporting the grain-sized material layer, and the grain-sized material layer exerts a reaction force (passive) via the sliding resistive element so as to reinforce a sliding resistance of the structural object mounted on the grain-sized material layer. In this way, a retaining wall excellent in a sliding preventive function is provided.

Abstract: Various building components and building construction techniques are disclosed. One embodiment comprises a joist end bearing condition wherein a joist rim is supported on a support structure adjacent to a bearing wall and attached thereto. Joists are attached to the joist rim and noncombustible board may be supported on the joists to form a floor surface. Other embodiments include metal joist rims that also function as headers for walls and headers for window and door openings in walls. Various methods of constructing walls from prefabricated panels formed from cold-formed steel components are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a raised floor assembly efficiently connecting a pre-fabricated shear wall to a foundation in applications other than slab-on-grade. The raised floor assembly includes an engineered wood material block machined to accept a connecting rod therethrough. The raised floor assembly also includes a connecting rod that is configured to attach at one end to a pre-fabricated shear wall and is coupled at the other end to an anchor bolt. Additionally, a transfer plate may be positioned between the pre-fabricated shear wall and the top of the engineered wood material block. The transfer plate provides a bearing surface for the pre-fabricated shear wall and helps maintain connecting rod alignment. A transfer plate may also be provided underneath the engineered wood material block and above the foundation. Additionally, a variety of spacers may be provided between the bottom of the engineered wood material block and the foundation.

Abstract: A structural member for a reinforced stud wall including a tie rod connected to a foundation of the wall. The structural member comprises a longitudinal hollow member having top and bottom walls; and first and second web flanges connecting the top and bottom walls, the web flanges extending along a longitudinal axis of the hollow member. An opening through the top and bottom walls to allow the tie rod to extend therethrough, the opening being disposed between the web flanges.

Abstract: A shear brace assembly is provided which laterally braces wall lines within a structure, such as a house or other residential construction, while also providing vertical and out-of-plane load carrying capacity. The assembly consists of one or more wood-based panel(s) which are rigidly connected to concrete, masonry or wood support material directly below or above the shear brace assembly bearing surface. The term “wood-based” should be interpreted to mean that the panel may be constructed from a natural wood, or partially or wholly from an engineered wood, such as Timberstrand®, Parallam®, or the like. Ductile anchorage assemblies are used below, and in some applications, above the individual panels.

Abstract: An engineered wall system for use above or below ground constituted of zinc-borate treated timber strand studs with sheets of structural fiberglass reinforced plastic and rigid foam insulation. The invention is particularly suitable as an alternative to other materials and methods commonly used to construct foundations for residential structures. This wall system exhibits great strength, durability, as well as improved resistance to mold, insects, water and fire.

Abstract: A method for supporting manufactured home structures by preventing their deterioration and devaluation through the installation of a robust foundation system. The foundation system comprises of a concrete footing, long lasting wall panels and roof panels made from steel and cellular concrete. The manufactured home can be modified to accommodate the said installation. The wall panel is attached to both the manufactured home and foundation footing below the manufactured home to provide foundational supports for the manufactured walls of the manufactured home. Roofing panels can then be installed to the top of the manufactured home and newly installed wall panels for further protection. The benefits of this method allows the owner of the newly retrofitted or installed manufactured home to claim their home as real property instead of personal property thus allowing them qualify for long term mortgages.

Abstract: A curtain wall anchor system is provided. The curtain wall anchor system has an anchor assembly comprising an anchor for attaching a curtain wall assembly to a building structure. The anchor system further comprises an enclosure for the anchor, wherein the enclosure defines an area adjacent the anchor. The enclosure also has a removable portion for allowing access to the anchor.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a log cabin structure using logs with multi-beveled interlocking notches located at the end of each log. The interlocking notches serve to form a tight locking connection at the cornering of the structure where the logs overlap one another. The interlocking notches are composed substantially of heartwood, which serves to reduce settlement and maintain a tight connection over time. The measurements for the interlocking notches are a function of the dimensions of the logs used. The log cabin structure may further employ anti-settling blocks which are disposed between the logs of the structure. In the preferred embodiment, the anti-settling blocks are positioned in aligned recesses which are present in the logs that compose the structure. Accordingly, the presence of the interlocking-notch cornering system and the anti-settling blocks combine to minimize the negative effects of settling on the structure while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking-up slack in a building hold-down system. The apparatus may include a base having a tubular shape, a slide having a tubular shape and a threadless interior surface, a locking member, and a biasing member. The slide may be sized and positioned to translate within the base. The locking member may be positioned between the base and the slide to permit translation of the base with respect to the slide to cause expansion and resist translation of the base with respect to the slide to cause contraction. The biasing member may urge translation of the base with respect to the slide in the direction causing expansion.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.

Abstract: A sealing cover for a fastening device (26) for a spaced attachment of an object (5) to a constructional component includes a base plate (12) having a through-opening (13) for an anchoring element (27) of the fastening device (26) and at least one inlet opening (17), and a first circumferential web (14) projecting from the base plate (12) and forming therewith a receiving space (16) for receiving, at least partially, a spacing element (28) of the fastening device.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a novel method for preparing a finished foundation comprising an embedded wall structural element comprising the steps of (i) preparing a building site to receive the finished foundation; (ii) providing a first foundation element and securing at least one wall structural elements to the first foundation element; and (iii) providing a second foundation element to secure at least a portion of the at least one wall structural elements to the finished foundation. Structures prepared using the methods disclosed herein provide for wall structural elements, and therefore, the finished wall and the structure as a whole, of increased strength and resistance to forces encountered during extreme conditions.

Abstract: A building foundation is provided. The building foundation includes a footing and a foundation wall supported by the footing. The foundation wall has a plurality of cells arranged to define a set of aligned cell cavities. The plurality of cells are arranged to define a top row of cells. At least some of the cells of the top row of cells have a cross-sectional shape that is the same as at least some of the cells of a lower row of cells of the foundation wall. A sill anchor is at least partially located in the set of aligned cell cavities of the foundation wall. Grout is disposed in the set of aligned cell cavities between the sill anchor and the footing. The sill anchor is configured for attachment to a sill.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture, storage and final assembly of self-erecting structures constructed from a plurality of materials and or articles, some or all of which may be flexible and some or all may be impregnated with a curable polymer compound. The structure is folded to reduce its volume and stored in a vacuum sealed package to further reduce its volume and to prevent the impregnated curable polymer compound from curing until such time as curing is desired. When the structure is removed from the vacuum sealed packaging, it returns to its original geometry through the elastomeric memory properties of the materials used to construct the shelter. Once the shelter is removed from the vacuum sealed packaging, curing of the curable polymer compound is naturally or artificially initiated.

Abstract: A base shoe that uses a simple internal clamp system that makes initial installation and removal a very simple process. This system eliminates the need for grout and costly wedge systems. Stainless setscrews are mounted in one of the vertical legs of the base shoe and spaced at some interval. The stainless setscrews exert force on a stainless steel and neoprene compression plate, which exerts force on the glass panel. The opposite side of the glass panel then seats against a neoprene compression pad/setting block. This system allows for very easy glass installation, makes minor glass adjustments very simple, and allows for glass removal with a turn or two of the setscrews. Another important feature of this design is that the end users can insert temporary panels, such as wood, that can be installed as a temporary railing while the jobsite is waiting for the glass panels.

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: The invention relates to an inner heat insulating and inner sound insulating structure of an HRSG duct wall in which a turbine combustion high temperature and high velocity gas whose temperature is approx. 650° C. and velocity is 30 meters per second (m/s) flows, wherein heat insulating members are filled between the inner plate at the gas flow side and the outer plate at the atmospheric side, an intermediate member is disposed at a middle portion between the inner plate and the outer plate, spacing between the inner plate and the intermediate member is retained by stud bolts while spacing between the outer plate and the intermediate member is retained by stud bolts, and the stud bolt and the outer plate are tightened via a vibration deadening washer.

Abstract: A structural insulated panel includes a structural chase or cavity to accommodate connection of the panel to an anchoring device embedded in a foundation or load bearing footing. An embodiment of the panel also includes an opening through an outer panel member providing physical and visual access to the connection within the structural chase. Another embodiment provides for an insulated structural chase also capable of accommodating an anchoring device and connecting member.

Abstract: A wall construction air barrier system includes a foundation structure and a frame structure positioned on top of the foundation structure. The frame structure has an exterior surface and the frame structure includes a sill plate. At least one exterior sheathing is attached to the frame structure. The exterior sheathing has an interior surface. A continuous sealing gasket has a lateral portion positioned between the sill plate and the foundation structure and an extension portion positioned between the exterior surface of the frame structure and the interior surface of the exterior sheathing.

Abstract: Masonry walls of buildings supported on concrete foundations are strengthened against destructive wind and seismic forces by spaced elongated members inserted inside the hollow masonry walls. The spaced elongated members are secured to the continuous masonry bond beam and the foundation. Tension means at the top of the masonry wall make the elongated members taut creating a continuous tension load path from bond beam to the foundation.

Abstract: Presented is a modular building unit that includes a top end with a top surface, a bottom end with a bottom surface; a first plate assembly embedded in the top end, and a second plate assembly embedded in the bottom end. The first plate assembly includes a first plate with a threaded hole, a plurality of anchoring rods coupled to the first plate and embedded in the top end, and a threaded rod mated with the threaded hole. One end of the threaded rod is embedded in the top end and the other end extends out of the top end. The second plate assembly includes a second plate with an unthreaded hole, and a plurality of anchoring rods coupled to the second plate and embedded in the bottom end.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a connection, having an anchored, elongated tension member, a fastening member attached to the elongated tension member, a resisting member that receives the elongated tension member and an expansion device that receives the elongated tension member there through. The expansion device is formed with a sleeve. First and second bearing members are received in the central aperture of the surrounding sleeve A torsion spring connects the first and second bearing members and is located within the surrounding sleeve. The torsion spring biases the first and second members in opposite rotational directions.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a connection, having an anchored, elongated tension member, a fastening member attached to the elongated tension member, a resisting member that receives the elongated tension member and an expansion device that receives the elongated tension member there through and is compressively loaded between the fastening member and the resisting member by operation of the fastening member on the elongated tension member. The expansion device is formed with a sleeve. First and second bearing members are received in the central aperture of the surrounding sleeve and operatively connected to the surrounding sleeve. At least one of the bearing members is threadably connected to the sleeve. This bearing member can rotate in relation to the surrounding sleeve.

Abstract: A base connection is provided for supporting a concrete wall panel on an underlying support structure. The base connection comprises a generally vertical mounting plate, a wall plate, a pair of slips, and a cover plate secured to and extending upwardly from the support structure. The mounting plate includes one or more generally vertically-elongated slots. The wall plate is embedded within the concrete wall panel toward a lower end defined by the concrete wall panel. The cover plate is located outwardly of the mounting plate. An inner slip plate is located between the mounting plate and the wall plate, and an outer slip plate is located between the cover plate and the mounting plate. Threaded connectors extend interconnect the cover plate and the embedded wall plate, extending through openings in the slip plates and through one of the generally vertically aligned slots in the mounting plate.

Abstract: A wall either wholly or partially made from a shear-resisting assembly that has a shear transfer device, or plate, disposed between the bottom strut and the underlying foundation. The shear transfer device joins the two anchor bolts, eliminating intermediate foundation bolts by transferring lateral shear loads to the anchor bolts in combination with the bottom strut.

Abstract: An improved panelized construction system for providing a wall formation for attaching to a foundation wall including a plurality of block forming units adaptable for being both vertically and horizontally arranged to form the wall formation, the opposed side wall portions of each unit including cooperatively engageable portions for fixedly attaching the units in side-by-side horizontal relationship. The present methods for attaching the assembled wall formation to at least a portion of a foundation wall includes providing a plurality of adjustment mechanisms for enabling the wall formation to be leveled and aligned with adjacent wall formations or other structures independent of any foundation misalignments, and providing a plurality of foundation cavities adjacent the upper edge portion of the foundation wall for receiving corresponding foot members associated with the wall formation for encapsulation in a cement slurry.

Abstract: A masonry coupling system for use in commercial and residential construction is described. In one aspect, the invention includes an anchor channel mounted on a structure. The masonry coupling system further includes a key that interfaces the masonry veneer and interlocks with an anchor channel mounted on a structure.

Abstract: A wall system or structure includes a lintel supported wall and footings for locating the lintel above ground. Tensioning rods extend upwardly from each footing for directly engaging an end of the wall and for securing a post to the footing, which post includes a slot for engaging the vertical edge of the wall. A plate resting on each footing may be used to support an end of the lintel above ground. Tensioning rods extend vertically from within the lintel upwardly into the wall.

Abstract: A construction block system that includes a block with slanted edges that coact with contiguous blacks to define spaces or grooves for receiving cementitious substances. Cooperatively aligned channels in the upper and lower edges coact with longitudinally extending walls perpendicularly mounted to a base assembly. An adjustable mechanism provides for leveling of the base assembly to ensure proper installation of the lowermost row of blocks. Subsequently rows are aligned and leveled with a leveling tool assembly that is also partially received within the cooperative channels.

Abstract: A partition system includes an internally-open partition frame having permanent and removable frame members forming multiple vertical and horizontal wireways, with both lay-in and feed-through wire routing. Utility support brackets are attachable for good wire management. The partition frame supports a wide variety of customizable and functional surface components, including a markerboard wall surface, a slatwall, a colored/covered wall surface, a wall surface including utility outlets, a transparent window. The partition frame includes continuous horizontal and vertical rows of slots that flexibly and adjustably support furniture accessories, such as a worksurface, at selected heights and locations along the partition system. Covers are provided that maintain a very high-quality appearance with uniform lines and gaps. Some covers include adjustable edge-mounted light seals for eliminating light leaks and unsightly areas.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a force-resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy across a discontinuous structural element of a structure. The device includes at least one active element, the active element having defined force versus deflection properties and able to transmit force and dissipate and absorb energy, one end of the active element configured to be connected to a structure, and at least one frame element disposed about a discontinuous structural element, wherein the frame is configured to be connected to a second end of the active element, wherein the active element and the frame element configured to resist forces applied to the structure by transmitting forces across the discontinuous structural element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of constructing a foundation substructure and a building involving pouring concrete between resilient sheets of insulating material, preferably polystyrene, so as to form a complete concrete shell.

Abstract: A wall system or structure includes a lintel supported wall and footings for locating the lintel above ground. Tensioning rods extend upwardly from each footing for directly engaging an end of the wall or for securing a post to the footing, which post includes a slot for engaging the vertical edge of the wall. A plate resting on each footing may be used to support an end of the lintel above ground. Tensioning rods extend vertically from within the lintel upwardly into the wall.

Abstract: A wall anchoring system is used to secure a stud wall to a foundation of a building. An anchor has an open bottom for receiving a connector which threadably receives an anchor bolt and an open top that is covered by a removable seal tab, the seal tab having a depth gauge to control the level of anchor bolt insertion. A clip is attached to the anchor and is used to secure the device to a concrete block header prior to foundation pour. Once the foundation is poured, the seal tab is removed, either by being detached along a frangible connection or by being punctured in order to expose the open top of the anchor. A securement bolt is passed through the base plate of the stud wall and is received within the anchor.

Abstract: A mold for the foundation of a building is constructed through the use of a plurality of forms. The forms having first and second connectors providing connection of the forms to create the mold when the connectors are aligned. One of the plurality of forms having a bend allowing the form to various angles. The mold may form a variety of shapes, such as squares and circles. The forms are connected together by a releasable locking mechanism that passes through openings located in the connectors on the form when the connectors are aligned. The release locking mechanism connects the forms and provides stability to the mold to resist the pressure exerted when the foundation is formed.

Abstract: An arrangement for supporting a building wall, such as a foundation wall, against inward movement caused by shifting of adjacent soil or by hydrostatic forces or other forces acting on the exterior surface of the wall to push it inwardly. The support arrangement includes upper and lower jacking members that each engage respective upper and lower sections of a support beam that is placed vertically against the surface of the wall to be supported. Each jacking member includes a respective jackscrew that is rotatable for applying a wall holding or a wall restoring force to either or both of the upper and lower sections of the wall.

Abstract: A modular building comprising: a foundation floor having secured therein a plurality of anchor elements; a plurality of wall-retaining track elements adapted to engage wall panels of the building, the track elements being securable to the foundation floor so as to define the position of at least the load bearing walls of the building; wall panels locatable with respect to the track elements, each panel including at least one channel or duct formed therein parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof and at least one channel or duct formed therein disposed perpendicularly to and laterally of the longitudinal axis; and a plurality of securing members adapted to pass through and locatable within said channels or ducts, the securing members being anchored at each end thereof so as to maintain the panels in fixed relationship to one another.

Abstract: A building foundation includes a molded structure being formed from a first substance and a second substance formed within the molded structure. The second substance displaces a predetermined volume of the first substance and is lighter than the first substance. The building foundation also includes a device for coupling the molded structure to a movable building in a factory. The building foundation is further adapted to be transported to a building site.

Abstract: A multi-media workstation having a master rail system for permitting horizontal adjustment of the various components of the workstation. The workstation generally includes a console having a work surface and a master rail system for supporting various audiovisual equipment. The master rail system includes a rail extrusion connecting at least two frames and having a longitudinal slot formed in at least one of its surfaces. The various components of the workstation each include a finger engaged in the longitudinal slot of the rail extrusion, wherein the component is able to be horizontally translated along a length of the rail extrusion.

Abstract: A masonry block includes a set of block members each having opposing end faces, an outer face and an inner face opposite of the outer face, a top face and a slot that includes a first portion at least partially coextensive with the top face and a second portion transverse to the first portion which is at least partially coextensive with the opposing end faces of the set of block members. The set of block members are supported on a self-supporting wall frame.

Abstract: A system, apparatuses and methods for anchoring are provided. The system includes two-stage drill bit and a method of anchoring into a two-stage hole drilled by the drill bit. The apparatus of the instant invention includes a two-stage drill bit for drilling a pilot hole for a common nail into a material such as concrete, stone, masonry or cementuous or other materials. The method of the instant invention includes the steps of drilling a first hole within a material to which an object is to be anchored, drilling a second hole concentric with the first hole, and placing an anchor within the holes.

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

Abstract: Concrete block arrangements are described. The block arrangements are adapted to be interfit, without modification, with at least one, and typically two, additional adjacent concrete blocks in a wall course, with mortarless head joints between the concrete block and the additional concrete block(s). Both stretcher block and corner block versions of the concrete block are described. Also described are: methods of use and assembly; and, resulting wall units.

Abstract: A system provides a continuous load path from a top wall plate of a building to a foundation of the building. A wire rope is disposed between the top plate of the building and the foundation of the building. A first attachment is coupled to the foundation to connect a lower end of the wire rope to the foundation. A second attachment is coupled to the top plate to connect an upper end of the wire rope to the top plate of the building.

Abstract: A connection in wood frame construction such as in frame walls of homes, wood framed apartment buildings and light wood framed commercial buildings. Specifically, the disclosure describes a pair of connectors for joining wall studs to a base plate and to a top plate for framing a wall. The two connectors used in the connection are identical and include an edge member for connection to the edge faces of the stud and the base or top plates, and a face member for engaging the lower face of the base plate or the upper face of the top plate. The face member is joined to the edge member and projects at a right angle thereto. The face member serves the dual purposes of locating the connected at the ends of the studs and of resisting tension forces.