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 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 modular foundation system having a punch pad; pre-formed, ring-shaped modular foundation units; and an axial column and a pole that extend through the modular foundation units. The modular foundation system may be used to support any type of structure, such as a pole building type structure; or may be used to provide pier footings for any non-pole building type structure, such as a terrace and wall type structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting reinforcement bar comprises a support assembly including a first support and a second support. The first support has a ground-engaging portion. The second support is coupled to the first support so that the ground-engaging portion provides subjacent support for the second support. The second support is structured and dimensioned to support a reinforcement bar in a substantially upright position. A support member is coupled to the support assembly. The support member is provided for vertically supporting another reinforcement bar. A method for supporting reinforcement bar comprises the steps of providing a ditch having a bottom surface and apparatus for supporting reinforcement bar. The method next comprises the step of positioning apparatus for supporting reinforcement bar in the ditch with an end of apparatus protruding from the ditch and a ground-penetrating portion driven in the bottom surface of the ditch.

Abstract: An arrangement for anchoring a roof of a building so that it can resist wind forces captures each roof truss, or other roof framing member, under a wire rope passed through a sequence of eyebolts protruding above a top plate of one of the walls of. Each of the eyes is the upper portion of one of a plurality of rod assemblies, each of which is connected to a respective one of a plurality of anchors disposed beneath the wall. A turnbuckle connecting each rod assembly to a respective eyebolt is used to draw the eyebolt down against the top plate and hence apply tension to the wire rope. A connecting nut at the bottom of each rod assembly attaches the rod assembly to a threaded upper end of an anchor set in the foundation of the building. Thus, tightening the turnbuckles firmly ties down the roof to the foundation.

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: A holdown has a back with at least one first fastener opening in the back, a pair of mutually spaced side walls extending from the back and a seat extending from the side walls, the seat having mutually spaced, elongate, flat seat surface portions extending along and adjacent the side walls at substantially right angles to the plane of the back. A second fastener opening is formed in the seat midway between the side walls and the back, the side walls and the seat are being formed in one piece of sheet metal. A sheet metal clamp member having mutually-spaced, parallel opposite, flat edges, convex and concave major surfaces between the edges and a second fastener opening extending through the clamp member midway between the edges; is dimensioned for edge-to-edge surface seeking abutment of the edges with respective ones of the seat surface portions.

Abstract: A construction modification and associated method used in pre-stressed building structures is designed to enhance resistance to extreme high wind environments, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, and in earthquake prone regions is most useful for structures built of lightweight materials such as wood or aluminum but is also applicable to structures built of heavy materials such as brick, stone, concrete, reinforced concrete and steel. Modifications include increased spacing of the wall frame elements, namely wall studs or columns, symmetrical sheeting at both sides of the frame when wood is used to build wall panels or symmetrical building of walls inside the frame when heavy material as brick, concrete block, stone, cast concrete etc. are used to build panels, a new incorporated into structures is complement system of strings and balance beams and modification of the effective weight or gravity of the structure.

Abstract: The construction system can be achieved through the use of a novel prefabricated construction footing. The footing, can have a circular or rectangular top, and a circular base. The sides are downwardly tapered thereby forming a conical shape. If the shape is viewed as a cone or pyramid, then the top portion is truncated thereby forming a frustrum of a cone or pyramid. The top serves as a support surface for a post. The top surface can be curved thereby forming a dome like structure. The dimensions of the footing are such that the ratio of the surface area of the top to the bottom, is on the order of from about 1:1.3 to about 1:8.3. The top surface is substantially parallel to the bottom surface and the angle between the side surface and a line perpendicular to the top surface is at least about 20 degrees. That is, the footing is conical or pyramidal in shape, with a truncated top.

Abstract: A flag pole mounting base for mounting a flag pole thereto to permit pivoting of the flag pole between raised and lower positions. The flag pole mounting base includes a mounting base having a top face, an open bottom face, a spaced apart pair of end faces, and a spaced apart pair of side faces. The mounting base is designed for pivotally mounting to resting surface. The mounting base has a threaded bore therein with an opening in the top face of the mounting base. The threaded bore is designed for receiving a bottom end of a flag pole therein.

Abstract: A concrete footing for the construction of a wall is created by the placement of a guide member with a series of very large holes, which is supported with adjustable threaded stake supports. This guide is situated along a location which will become the top surface of that footing, typically within the confines of a footing trench. Concrete is conventionally placed via a pump through the large holes thus filling the trench void up to the guide element underside. Adjacent guides are attached with plastic connectors which also fixture vertical reinforcing elements which disassemble to strip guides, typically immediately after concrete has been placed.

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 modular precast construction block system (10) with a wall subsystem (12) and a foundation subsystem (14). The wall subsystem (12) has a number of wall units (16) having cavities (40) and prestressed tension cables (58) cast therein. The wall units (16) are vertically stacked with alignment channels (42) in the top surface (28) of one wall unit (16) receiving the key portion in the bottom surface (30) of the wall unit (16) above, to form walls (26) with vertically aligned cavities (40). Threaded wall bars (24) and extension bars (74) are threaded through the cavities with a wall tensioning assembly (22) applying downward force on the wall units (16) and providing structural strength to the wall. The foundation subsystem (14) includes a variety of precast foundation members including T footing members (126), pier members (128), grade beam members (130), and column members (132).

Abstract: The building system employs precast corners (16) and elongated walls (12) with integral footings (14 and 18) to construct a foundation and basement. Precast first elongated wall sections (50) and corner sections (52) and floor slabs form a first level. Upper level wall sections (74), corner sections (76) and floor slabs (72) form an upper level. Gable sections (90), a ridge beam (92) and roof slabs (94) form a roof. The precast members all include a steel mesh reinforcement (102, 104 and 106). Sections are rigidly connected together at their ends (58 and 68) by connector assemblies (108 and 160) that are connected directly to the reinforcement (102). The sections are secured together by sheebolts (120) that extend vertically from a lower section into an upper section.

Abstract: The reinforcing brace frame is utilized in building walls as a complete system of protection against both the severe shear stress and uplifting encountered during tornados, hurricanes and earthquakes. The reinforcing brace frame includes two vertically-spaced horizontally extending frame members joined at their opposite ends to two horizontally-spaced vertically extending frame members, and a diagonal member rigidly connected to opposite ends of the horizontally extending frame members. The reinforcing brace frame can also include spaced vertical support members between the vertical frame members. The reinforcing brace frame is directly attached to a concrete foundation by shear bolts and hold down bolts. Consequently, the reinforcing brace frame provides increased resistance against simultaneous shear stress and uplifting, eliminating the need for plywood shear panels.

Abstract: A bolt positioning and retaining device possesses a base through which it is attached to a mud wall. The bolt positioning and retaining device also includes a stop, and may include one or more steps and corresponding step faces, each of which is capable of abutting an edge of a mud wall to enable accurate positioning of a bolt relative to that mud wall. The bolt positioning and retaining device also preferably includes a bolt retainer comprising a plurality of gripping flanges, which allow an anchor bolt to be quickly and easily inserted into the bolt retainer and which securely retain the bolt after insertion. The bolt retainer is located on an extension arm, which preferably extends outward from and at an angle to the plane of the base.

Abstract: A foundation structure for supporting a superstructure utilizing a first block and a second block, with a third block disposed between the first and second blocks. Each block includes a top, bottom, and sidewall portion, as well as an interlocking mechanism. At least one chase extends through each of the blocks. The chases are alignable with one another to permit use of an elongated member such as a rod or wire rope which passes through all of the blocks when they are placed in side-by-side orientation. The elongated members are tensioned, causing compression of the blocks into a foundation unit with a contiguous top surface. A superstructure is supported to the top surface of the foundation unit.

Abstract: A method for anchoring a specialized structural member having an internal cavity to a foundation to resist uplift forces imposed on the structural member. Structural members having interior cavities with external openings are anchored to foundations by way of an anchor member embedded in the foundation and received and enveloped by the internal cavity. The anchor member is connected to the structural member by a plurality of fasteners. The anchor member is formed to provide multiple point-to-point contact with the structural member.

Abstract: A newel post anchoring device, for connecting a post to a concrete floor, wherein the post has a transverse bottom surface and the concrete floor has a floor surface. The newel post anchoring device includes a base having a top with a periphery, and a bottom load bearing surface, wherein the top of said base abuts the transverse bottom surface of the post, and the bottom load bearing surface abuts with the floor surface, thereby the base transmits the load of the post to the floor and also elevates the post above the floor to minimize deterioration of the post. The anchoring device further includes a threaded stud with a stud bottom end for securely embedding in the floor and a threaded stud top end dimensioned and adapted to engage with a threaded aperture defined in the top such that the base is screwed down over the threaded stud top end for bringing the load bearing surface of the base into surface engagement with the floor surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a channel-shaped connector 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 cataclysmic forces. A connector constructed in accordance with the present invention consists of a back member formed to interface with the fasteners for attaching the back member to the first building structural member, a first side member connected to the back member, a second side member connected to the back member, and first and second anchor receiving members. Both the first and second anchor receiving members extend laterally between the first and second side members, and both the first and second anchor receiving members are connected to the first and second side members.

Abstract: A noise abatement wall is assembled from a plurality of vertically-cast wall sections, and mounted either on a wall or a plurality of caissons, in a tongue and groove type assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a self-adjusting tie down includes a bolt extending into a foundation and a nut on that bolt which is supported by two shims, one of which can move relative to the other. A spring exerts substantially constant force on the movable shim, preventing gaps from forming between the nut and the shims underneath.

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 cataclysmic forces. 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 stud in a framed shear wall.

Abstract: A tie connector for joining a modular type building or the like to the ground. One version of the tie connector having a flat substantially rectangular with an elongated slot through one side and at least one opening at the other end. The elongated slot provides an attachment site for a hurricane type strap to be inserted and coupled to a buckle. The opposite end of the tie connectors are attached to horizontal support members typically around the perimeter of the modular building. Another version of the tie connector having two flaps that wrap around two sides of a vertical support member allowing a bolt to be inserted through and be affixed. A final version of the tie connector having a vertical flap bent in a relatively perpendicular fashion such that the flap can be mounted around a side of a vertical support member. The hurricane straps are then inserted through the elongated slots and secured to a ground anchor.

Abstract: A structure of base of column and a construction method for base of column formed by installing a lower end of column steel frame on a foundation formed under the ground. Plural column main reinforcing-bars, which have bottom bent portions and are incorporated in a foundation concrete at specified positions corresponding to a sectional shape of column, are protruded upward out of a top face of the foundation concrete and a lower end base plate of the column steel frame is combined to upper protruding portions of the column main reinforcing-bars. As combining measures, there are such measures that a tightening nuts are screwed onto male threaded portions provided on the protruding portions of the column main reinforcing-bars, or caulked portions are formed on the protruding portions of the column main reinforcing-bars.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a means of marking the placement of holes to be drilled within a foundational sill in a more accurate and time-effective manner. The apparatus includes a pre-measured sliding placement member which further comprises a slot cut to the precise width of a foundational sill to be positioned.

Abstract: A method and apparatus simplify the construction of a concrete panel to include openings through which rebar and concrete slurry extend in order to anchor the panel in a trench at a construction site to form a wall. The method and apparatus of the invention also reduce the likelihood that the panel will settle and damage the panel.

Abstract: A prefabricated, movable and reusable, semipermanent modular building structure is provided for attachment to a common hallway of an existing permanent building for expanding the size thereof. It is based on a plurality of foundation units arranged along the ground to define a contiguous perimeter of the structure and, optionally, interior support within the perimeter. Each foundation unit on the perimeter can have a decorative finish on one vertical face thereof. Every foundation unit includes a mechanism for leveling same relative to adjacent foundation units, and a fixture for the coupling of a tie-down thereto. At least one building unit rests atop the foundation units. A portion of each building unit located over any of the foundation units can be moved to provide access to the foundation unit's leveling mechanism and tie-down fixture. A tie-down device is used to couple the building unit to the tie-down fixture of a foundation unit.

Abstract: A wall construction process including the steps of: providing a retaining mold for retaining a concrete slurry; installing reinforcing rods; at least partially filling the retaining mold with a concrete slurry mixture; allowing sufficient time for the concrete slurry mixture to solidify into a footing; constructing a reinforcing screen vertically oriented with respect to the footing; providing a plurality of spacers; placing the plurality of spacers to the reinforcing screen; providing a plurality of sheets of a foam insulating material having a first and second substantially planar surface; positioning one of the first and second surfaces against the spacers; providing a plurality of sheets of sheet-form lathe; positioning the plurality of sheets of sheet-form lathe against the remaining first and second surfaces of the foam insulation that are not against the spacers, providing a plurality of fasteners; fastening the plurality of sheets of sheet-form lathe, the plurality of sheets of foam insulation materia

Abstract: A brick wall is constructed on spaced piers (11). The bottom courses (13, 14) of bricks in the brick wall are of opposed channel section and form a longitudinal bore therebetween. Steel reinforcing is located in the bore before it is filled with grout to form a composite brick bond beam spanning between adjacent piers (11). The bond beam provides a support for successive courses of bricks (19) laid thereon. The brick wall can be used as cladding for an existing wall (10). The bricks in the upper courses (19) may be of narrower width than those used to form the composite brick bond beams. The courses (19) may be secured to the external panels (21) of the existing wall by wall ties (20). Single skin walls may also be constructed according to this method.

Abstract: A reconstituted wood block modular building system utilized to build at least a wall that includes a concrete slap, a plurality of anchor bolts, a plurality of vertically-oriented steel rods, a plurality of threaded sleeves, a plurality of reconstituted wood blocks, a plurality of elongated, slender, and rectangular-parallelepiped-shaped horizontal alignment keys, a plurality of elongated, slender, and rectangular-parallelepiped-shaped vertical alignment keys, and an adhesive. The plurality of reconstituted wood blocks are positioned horizontally side by side and are stacked vertically without being staggered.

Abstract: An improved stabilizing system for a poured concrete wall utilizing interlocking foam blocks disposed on a foundation. The improved stabilizing system comprises a plurality of reinforcement members. The first ends of the reinforcement members are secured within the foundation to extend in a vertical orientation through internal cavities within the plurality of courses of the interlocking foam blocks. A plurality of retainers are disposed on the upper surface of the interlocking foam blocks. A plurality of binders secure the plurality of retainers to the plurality of reinforcement members for stabilizing the wall during the process of pouring a concrete material within the internal cavities of the interlocking foam blocks.

Abstract: A concrete crack control system is provided. The system comprises a vane or angle projecting from a wall, such as a pedestal or column or other wall surfaces against which a concrete floor or slab is poured. After the concrete has set to firm consistency, a saw cut is provided of a substantial depth in line with the projecting vane. The exposed saw cut may be filled with conventional filler, such as grout or the like. Any tendency of the floor to crack upon aging will be along the line of the vane and saw cut, thereby preventing crack damage to the floor.

Abstract: A reusable anchor bolt template (10) and method for suspending an anchor bolt (56) into a concrete material (53) and adapted to be fastened to a single form element (54) at a top end and a bottom end of the form element (54). The preferred embodiment (10) of a reusable anchor bolt template is comprised of a form plate (11) that engages and rests upon the top portion of the form element (54). Adjustably attached to the form plate (11) is a securing strap (12) for engaging the bottom end of the form element (54), thereby securing the template (10) to the form element (54). Attached to the form plate (11) is a means for suspending an anchor bolt (56) into poured concrete (53), preferably comprising a first and second primary support elements (18, 19) attached in cantilever fashion to the form plate (11). In the preferred embodiment (10), two parallel secondary support members (27, 28) are adjustably attached at each end to the first and second primary support members (18, 19).

Abstract: In order to provide a pre-assembled, relocatable building structure which can be transported by road from one site to another, a metal skeleton which is formed of 6.times.2 inch rectangular cross-section hollow steel tubing, is welded together and provided with horizontally extending anchor brackets at the bottom of each vertically extending column member. These anchor pads allow the building to be lowered onto foundations in which anchor bolts are imbedded, and bolted in place. The foundations are formed so as to take the form of continuous elongate blocks which break the passage of wind which tends to flow sideways under the housing structure. A shallow crawl space can formed between the foundation blocks to facilitate service connections. To prevent winds from tearing off side and roof panels of roof and wall structures secured to the skeleton, metal brackets are used to enclose or encapsulate the edges of the panels in a manner which prevents the direct contact with the wind.

Abstract: An upright cylindrical pier foundation is constructed of cementitious material. The lower end of the foundation has a plate or circumferential ring fully embedded therein and long circumferentially spaced rods or bolts have their lower ends anchored relative to the ring. The upper ends of the long rods project up outwardly of the top of the foundation. The rods are shielded over substantially their entire length against bonding with the cementitious material to allow the rods, when heavily tensioned, to stretch within the cementitious material. A heavy flange, which may comprise the base flange of a tubular tower, is positioned downwardly upon the upper end of the foundation with the upper ends of the bolts projecting through holes provided therefor in the base flange.

Abstract: A prestressed concrete pole is internally mounted to a pre-existing foundation and may be vertically aligned or leveled with the foundation. The pole has an internal cavity in its base which includes an internal baseplate disposed above the bottom of the pole. The baseplate axially compresses the pole in combination with prestressing cables. An adjusting plate is attached to the baseplate and includes holes for accepting anchor bolts extending vertically from the foundation. An access window is provided between the baseplate and adjusting plate to enable an installer to adjust fasteners on the anchor bolts below the plates. By adjusting the upper and lower fasteners on the anchor bolts, the pole can be leveled.

Abstract: A fastening device comprises a connecting member 8 and a body 1, an object to be secured typically being attached to the connecting member, and the body being installed, at a fixed location 25. To secure the object, an end 11 of the connecting member 8 must be inserted through an opening 6 in the body 1 for engagement with a retaining means after the retaining means has been temporarily moved away from its operative position. An actuating means 13, which may be hidden, is used for release of the object, and may require some skill for operation. Installation of the body 1 is described in relation to one embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A connector for securing a structural member to a concrete foundation. The connector is embedded in a concrete foundation and fasteners attach the connector to the structural member to be anchored. A connector constructed in accordance with the present invention consists of a foot section having a proximal portion, a distal portion, substantially planar lateral side portions and curled lateral side edges, the curled side edges being curled away from the planar lateral side portions along a substantial portion of the length of the foot section to aid the flow of uncured concrete around the foot section of the connector.

Abstract: A flat plate is used to cover a mounting hole in a masonry wall face and is held in place by a set of wire hooks. The hooks are able to slide into holes in the plate and catch onto the interior surface of the wall in order to hold a clearance hole in the plate concentrically with respect to the mounting hole. An anchor bolt is supported at the center of the mounting hole by the clearance hole in the plate while grout is poured into the masonry blocks thereby assuring that the bolt is positioned properly in accordance with building code.

Abstract: A masonry fence system incorporates piers (1) placed at predetermined intervals along a desired fence line. Rigid foundation members (5) extend at grade level (8) between the piers (1) and are supported thereby while supporting courses of masonry block; vertically extending tensioning rods (15) are attached to the foundation members. The post tensioning rods (15) extend upwardly through voids in successive courses of masonry block and terminate in the next to top course of block. A plate (20) and nut (22) are utilized to permit the post tensioning of the rods to transmit compressive forces to the courses of masonry block below. The foundation members (5) may be formed in situ by using bond beam techniques, or may be preformed in predetermined lengths to be transported to the fence site and placed at grade level in contact with the piers (1) at the start of construction.

Abstract: A reinforced building structure having a multiplicity of steel reinforcement rods for reinforcing the wall and the roof of a building and a method for constructing reinforced building structures so they may withstand strong winds. The method involves installing vertical tie rods to bolts anchored in the foundation of the building structure. The rods tie the horizontal beams, such as ceiling joists of the building structure, to the anchor bolts through nuts and washers secured to the removed end of the anchored tie rod.

Abstract: A high strength insulated building structure. The building structure uses a rigid foam building panels having kerfs on each side. The kerfs on the rigid foam building panels are complementary in shape to pre-cured jacketed concrete posts. The pre-cured jacketed posts have a mounting attachment foot adapted for mounting on a substructure, and the building panels are securely and sealingly mounted between adjacent, substructure secured, jacketed concrete posts. The jacketed concrete posts are also provided with top attachment members which are secured to beams which run horizontally above the rigid building panels. The building panels are also provided with furring strips recessed to be flush with their interior and exterior surface, for permitting fasteners to be used for fastening other structural components thereto, such as gypsum board on the interior and siding on the exterior. The building structure provides a high strength, highly insulating structure with quick building time in the field.

Abstract: The building system employs precast corners (16) and elongated walls (12) with integral footings (14 and 18) to construct a foundation and basement. Precast first elongated wall sections (50) and corner sections (52) and floor slabs form a first level. Upper level wall sections (74), corner sections (76) and floor slabs (72) form an upper level. Gable sections (90), a ridge beam (92) and roof slabs (94) form a roof. The precast members all include a steel mesh reinforcement (102, 104 and 106). Sections are rigidly connected together at their ends (58 and 68) by connector assemblies (108 and 160) that are connected directly to the reinforcement (102). The sections are secured together by sheebolts (120) that extend vertically from a lower section into an upper section.

Abstract: A pier platform and cleat assembly (28) for supporting a pier (14) upon which a manufactured home (12) is supported. A substantially planar platform (30) is placed upon the ground surface and the pier is supported upon the platform. One or more cleats (40) hold the platform against the ground surface and prevent the platform from shifting in position. The cleats can be attached by U-bolts (50) to the platform after the platform is placed into position and the cleats are detachable from the platform.

Abstract: A lightweight, prefabricated building structure is assembled from panels having positive attachment means for attaching each of the panels to a suitable foundation. Each of the panels has friction lock means for interlocking one to another. Roof panels are provided which are joinable to the edge on the upper surface of the panels by the same type of friction lock means. Panels consisting of polyurethane can be easily shipped to a building site and erected with a minimum of cost and manual labor.

Abstract: A post device, which is yieldable when hit by a vehicle, comprises a post with a base having at least three spaced-apart fixtures fixedly attached thereto, and a foundation with a fixing device supporting at least three spaced-apart rods, which are arranged to cooperate with the fixtures, thereby securing the post to the foundation. The fixtures are arranged on the outside of the base and embrace the associated rods and are each provided with a through opening or slot which is oriented substantially in the longitudinal direction of the post. Stop devices each engage an associated rod and an upper portion of an associated fixture.

Abstract: A spider for a railroad crossing signal foundation has plastic lined tubular channels extending through it with conical entry sections. In assembling a foundation, upright guide rods are guided into the channels by the entry sections without dislodging the plastic liners. In producing the spider, concrete is poured into a mold about tubular plastic liners so as to form entry sections and channels and to fix the plastic liners in the concrete to line the channels.

Abstract: The present invention is a fireproof and hurricane proof building having a concrete floor, a plurality of special wall assemblies, and a special roof assembly. Each special wall assembly comprises a reinforced cinder block wall, foam, stucco, fireproof coatings, steel studs, and fire retardant gypsum plaster. The special roof assembly comprises steel trusses, steel joists, metal sheets, and fireproof tiles. The windows and doors are fireproof and hurricane proof. The special wall assemblies, special roof assembly, and concrete floor are interconnected to form an air tight, fireproof and hurricane proof enclosure.

Abstract: A one piece foundation-to-frame member connection for retrofit attachment of a wood building frame member such as a sill plate to a foundation. The connection is particularly useful where the mudsill plate was not initially anchored to the foundation by threaded anchor bolts or other metal connectors or the original anchoring installation was insufficient to give the necessary anchorage to resist uplift of the frame from the foundation by earthquake, high winds, floods or tidal activity. A uniquely S-shaped configured connector having roughly the shape of the front panel of a horse drawn sleigh is preferably attached to the sill plate by lag screws and to the foundation with threaded bolts inserted into epoxy filled drilled holes. All attachments are from the inside of the foundation at a generally horizontal or at a slight angle where the inside face of the foundation is slanted.