Abstract: A modular building construction and components thereof. A foundation for a building includes anchor bolts extending around its periphery. A metal lower track is installed over the anchor bolts and secured thereto with nuts and rod couplers. Elongated connector rods are threaded onto the upper ends of the couplers. Pre-manufactured modular wall panels, integrally molded with a metal stud along a first lateral edge and a complementary recess along a second lateral edge, are successively installed in the track. A first panel is installed with an open side of the stud surrounding the connector rod. The second, adjacent panel is installed with its second lateral edge facing the stud. The two panels are slid together to surround and enclose the connector rod. The process continues until the entire peripheral wall is formed. A metal upper track is laid over the upper ends of the wall panels with the connector rods extending therethrough.

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 precast wall panel has forms for flanges and a lintel embedded in place. Upon erection of the panel over a precast footing having an anchoring trough, this trough, the flanges and lintel may all be cast on-site, with appropriate reinforcing present within the core volumes that are filled with binder.

Abstract: A lateral force resisting system includes a rigid structural panel and holdowns. A foundation bolt placement template may be used to locate and support the foundation bolts during fabrication of the foundation and to further secure the frame foundation interface. The rigid structural panel may be a vertical truss or a rigid structural frame with a wooden panel covering one side and interconnecting the members of the rigid structural frame. The wooden panel may be made up of multiple panes to tailor the response of the panel to the lateral force load. The holdowns secure the rigid structural panel to the foundation bolts and may be either a folded strap and pin embodiment or self-tightening.

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 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: An interlocking corrugated fluted panel for use in constructing a foundation wall for a building where a plurality of the panels are attached to a presupported building member and the panels hang downwardly into a foundation support opening. At the bottom portion of each fluted panel, the flutes extending outwardly from the building are cut along a bend line and the bottom portion of the panel is bent inwardly approximately 90°, the bent portion forming an anchorage when concrete is placed around the bottom of the panels. At the lower edge of each panel a cut flute is bent into either an interlocking male or female shape.

Abstract: A structural system comprising a plurality of tie elements (3) defining the base perimeter of a house, load-bearing metal columns (5) mounted thereon, and a continuous inwardly-open recess extending along the full length of the elements and receiving horizontal reinforcements (18, 19) that form an unbroken chain around the edges of the base. Anchoring reinforcements (12) extend away from the foundation and curve through the elements and along said recess, and hooks (15) are hung from an inwardly projecting portion (14) in such a way that the curved ends of the hooks are located in said recess. The hooks, the horizontal reinforcements and the anchoring reinforcements are all intended to be embedded in concrete cast in the recess. The system is particularly useful for building earthquake-proof single-family dwellings.

Abstract: A method of forming a base structure assembly used in a wooden axial structure in wooden architectural construction includes the steps of forming a basic foundation, positioning a joint part having a supporting leg serving as an anchor bolt, fixing a each end of prepared base members, one after another, to base member joint portions which face each other, adjusting a level thereof, completing a base construction or a floor structure, and forming a basic concrete structure between the base foundation and the lower part of the base. Joint parts conducting the method includes pillar leg joint portions which is provided at the top end of a bar member wherein a pillar legs are inserted into, base member joint portions provided around said top end of said bar, a supporting leg provided at the lower part of said bar, and a level adjusting mechanism incorporated in the proper place of the bar.

Abstract: A plastic foundation system for quickly providing a structural foundation. The plastic foundation system includes plastic components having heating elements selectively embedded within for fusing abutting portions of adjacent components. The components include wall portions having a flange for insertion into the keyway of a base portion. The base portions can be segmented to provide adjustability to various angles. Heating elements are provided to fuse the segments of the adjustable base portion together. The base portion is also segmented with apertures to permit drainage through the base portion. In an alternate embodiment, connecting rods extend between adjacent wall portions.

Abstract: A tie-down strap frame connector (10) for use in a stabilizing foundation system for a manufactured home which comprises a frame including at least one flanged support beam. The tie-down strap frame connector comprises a clamp assembly (26) that includes a base plate (30) and at least one wedge plate (45), and a swivel plate (28) that includes a tie-down strap slot (54). The wedge plate, base plate, and swivel plate each can be pivotally connected to each other with a coupling member (52) such that the swivel plate can pivot about the base plate to avoid the creation of undue torsional stress concentrations within the tie-down strap.

Abstract: A prefabricated concrete wall form system which can be taken to a construction site, joined to other wall forms to form a wall, and filled with concrete. The wall form has an outer wall and an inner wall, each of which can be made from gypsum wall board, plywood sheathing, OSB sheathing, medium density overlay plywood, cement board, rigid foam board, exterior gypsum sheathing, steel siding, steel or aluminum sheet, or fiberglass panels. The outer and inner panels are braced by a series of horizontal, zigzag wires. Vertical wood strips having horizontal grooves corresponding to the wires are used to hold these wires in place. Electrical boxes, plumbing conduits, electrical conduits, doors, windows, and floor joist pockets are made by including a wood mold inside the wall mold, forming the desired hollow structure within the concrete.