Abstract: A refractory anchor for lining a thermal vessel including (a) a mounting element positioned in the center of the refractory anchor that is adapted for mounting the refractory anchor to the thermal vessel; (b) two three-anchor fin arrangements that are each directly connected to the mounting element by a first anchor fin positioned in each three-anchor fin arrangement, wherein each three-anchor fin arrangement is positioned on opposite sides of the mounting element relative to one another such that the first anchor fins of each three-anchor fin arrangement are angled (?) relative to one another; and (c) optionally a reinforcement fin connected to and extending away from one of the three-anchor fin arrangements.

Abstract: An anchoring system for anchoring curtainwall units may include an anchor base structure to be attached to the floor slab, a vertical anchor structure and a horizontal anchor structure. The vertical anchor structure may be connected to a lower portion of the upper row curtainwall unit and bear a load of the upper row curtainwall unit on the anchor base structure, thereby fixing a distance between the floor slab and the lower portion of the upper row curtainwall unit while allowing horizontal motion. The horizontal anchor structure may be configured to be connected to an upper portion of the lower row curtainwall unit, and to use the anchor base structure to secure the upper portion of the lower row curtainwall unit against horizontal motion while allowing vertical motion.

Abstract: A connection sleeve for a cast-in-place anchor. The cast-in-place anchor including a suspension plate having a threaded opening. The cast-in-place anchor also including an externally threaded rod with a head. The threaded rod threadably connected to the suspension plate so that the rod and plate are perpendicular. A sleeve between the rod and plate allows the rod to be securely connected to the plate by simply urging the rod axially toward and into the sleeve to securely lock with and engage with the plate. The assembly resulting in an X shaped cast-in-place anchor assembly.

Abstract: A refractory anchor for lining a thermal vessel including (a) a mounting element positioned in the center of the refractory anchor that is adapted for mounting the refractory anchor to the thermal vessel; (b) two three-anchor fin arrangements that are each directly connected to the mounting element by a first anchor fin positioned in each three-anchor fin arrangement, wherein each three-anchor fin arrangement is positioned on opposite sides of the mounting element relative to one another such that the first anchor fins of each three-anchor fin arrangement are angled (a) relative to one another; and (c) optionally a reinforcement fin connected to and extending away from one of the three-anchor fin arrangements.

Abstract: A separable integrated type vibration isolator includes: divided vibration isolator units comprising casings having accommodation spaces formed open on tops thereof and reinforced concrete comprising reinforcing bars arranged in the accommodation spaces and the connection spaces and concrete cast in the accommodation spaces; casing connection parts for connecting the casings of the divided vibration isolator units to each other; reinforcing bar connection parts for connecting the reinforcing bars exposed to the connection spaces of the neighboring divided vibration isolator units to each other; and fillers adapted to be cast in the connection spaces where the plurality of divided vibration isolator units is connected to form reinforced concrete.

Abstract: Façade structure and/or wall structure for a building including tiles (1) and a support structure (2), in which the tiles (1) are received oriented in each case in a vertical plane. The support structure (2) has vertical tension elements (3), to which bearing bodies (4) are attached axially fixed. The vertical tension elements (3) are allocated to the tiles (1) in such a way that at least one of the vertical tension elements (3) allocated to a tile in each case passes through two holding elements (5) of the tile (1), namely a first holding element (5), which is arranged in a lower area of the tile, and a second holding element (5), which is arranged in an upper area of the tile (1). To mount the tiles on the vertical tension elements (3) it is provided that the bearing bodies (4) attached to the vertical tension elements cooperate with the holding elements (5).

Abstract: A support assembly for mounting masonry veneer to supporting wall structure has a first shelf angle, a second shelf angle, and a first shelf angle mounting bracket. Each shelf angle mounting bracket has an upwardly extending back that mounts to the supporting wall structure, and a web extending forwardly away from the wall structure. The web has at least a first shelf angle mounting seats formed in a lower region thereof that hangs downwardly of a vertical load shear transfer connection. A brace is mounted to the bracket. The brace underhangs the cantilevered supporting structure, and provides a moment reaction. The brace has a non-intrusive interface with the supporting structure. That interface may be in compression and the brace may act as a strut. The brace may be thermally isolated from the bracket. The brace may fit within the space envelope of a stud wall.

Abstract: A concrete form includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall positioned in parallel and spaced relation to each other, where the first sidewall has a first passage extending therethrough, with a first insert received in the first passage of the first sidewall. The form also includes a first cross tie having opposed first and second ends, where the first sidewall is removably secured to the first end of the first cross tie and the second sidewall is secured to the second end of the first cross tie. A first fastener extends through the first passage and engages the first insert and the first end of the first cross tie to removably secure the first sidewall to the first cross tie. The second sidewall may be removably or non-removably secured to the first cross tie.

Abstract: A sprayed-in-place framed wall is disclosed, comprised of a cementitious face and backing layers and a polyurethane foam insulation layer that bonds the cementitious layers to a separate wall frame. Stationary walls are constructed by spraying the materials against one-sided, vertical wall forms positioned around an erected, exterior wall frame. The cementitious materials are restrained by stays. The wall forms may have indentations to enable the resulting wall face to have protrusions such as moulding, bands, quoins and cornices, which may be a different color that the surrounding flat wall face.

Abstract: Provided are a textile-reinforced concrete structure using a textile grid fixing device and a construction method therefor. A textile grid is precisely disposed at a predetermined position between a mold and a main reinforcing bar using a textile grid fixing device so as to be prevented from being moved by a pouring pressure when concrete is poured, and thus a textile-reinforced concrete structure can be precisely constructed. The textile grid fixing device is fixed to one side of the mold, and the textile-reinforced concrete structure is constructed using the textile grid fixing device such that fine cracks are suppressed from being generated on a surface of concrete. Further, a surface of a concrete structure is protected from an external environment when the textile-reinforced concrete structure is constructed so that a covering thickness of concrete can be reduced, and thus, the textile-reinforced concrete structure can be economically constructed.

Abstract: A modular insulated wall system for attaching to a wall having a plurality of insulated wall panels. Each panel has a top-side surface and a substantially parallel bottom-side surface. The top-side surface and bottom-side surface each are complementary stepped and substantially parallel in a first direction. The panels have a front surface and a substantially parallel back surface. The wall system also has a plurality of substantially parallel z-girts. The z-girts are engaged with the stepped surfaces of the plurality of panels. The wall system also has a plurality of substantially parallel support members in a second direction. The support members affixed to the z-girts and abutting the back surface of the panels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mounting system for a panel, comprising: a clip, a sub-frame, a spacer and a resilient washer, wherein the clip and sub-frame are secured by a screw going through a round hole of the clip, the wing and a hole of the sub-frame. The mounting clip has the following characteristics: reducing the number of clips because clips may be used for both horizontal and vertical mountings of the ceramic panel; the clips are not exposed; the resilient contact between the clips and panels; panels are not vulnerable to come off; the clips can satisfy the separate mounting and removal for panels.

Abstract: A columbarium system is disclosed, including niche cabinets, braces, brackets, face plates, and face plate security assemblies. The niche cabinets are stackable in columns and rows to form a columbarium. The braces fit between front lip segments of adjacent niche cabinets. The brackets comprise bracket arms and face plate knobs. Bracket arms extend into braces, and face plate knobs support face plate corners. Face plates cover front sides of each niche cabinet. Face plates are supported and positioned by the face plate knobs, and face plates are secured in place by face plate security assemblies.

Abstract: A modular system for continuously insulating exterior walls of a structure and cladding the structure walls provides thermally isolated MFI-brackets secured to a structural wall supporting thermally isolated vertical or horizontal rails supporting exterior cladding. Thermal insulation is positionally retained against the structure wall interior of the exterior cladding by the MFI-brackets and a pressure equalized moisture controlling rain screen is maintained between the interior surface of the exterior cladding and an exterior facing surface of the insulation.

Abstract: An anchor channel is provided, including a channel element that has a plurality of identical fastening points and a plurality of identical anchor elements that are attached to the fastening points on the channel element. It is provided that an additional element is attached to at least one of the fastening points, said additional element differing from the identical anchor elements.

Abstract: The invention comprises a composition comprising hyaloclastite having a volume-based mean particle size of less than or equal to 40 ?m. The invention also comprises a cementitious material comprising a hydraulic cement and hyaloclastite, wherein the hyaloclastite has a volume-based mean particle size of less than or equal to approximately 40 ?m. The invention further comprises a cementitious-based material comprising aggregate, a cementitious material comprising a hydraulic cement and hyaloclastite, wherein the hyaloclastite has a volume-based mean particle size of less than or equal to approximately 40 ?m and water sufficient to hydrate the cementitious material. A method of using the composition of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel wall construction systems and materials for residential and commercial construction that incorporate grooved lightweight building material units (e.g., blocks, panels, and the like), a plurality of connection devices, a track system, and (injected) polyurethane structural foam. The wall construction system comprises building material units married to a building frame with a plurality of connection devices (e.g., clip fasteners) slidingly retained in a track system that is attached to the building's structural (e.g., load-bearing) framing. The building material units are joined to each other with a suitable binding agent. The cavity between the frame and the building material units is injected with an insulating structural polyurethane foam. The exterior of the wall is finished with a waterproof applied finish such as cementitious stucco. The interior of the wall is amenable to standard finish options.

Abstract: A connector for coupling a veneer panel to a back-up comprises a support member comprising a mounting flange adapted for securing the support member to said back-up wall, and first and second support member side walls extending outwardly from the mounting flange. The first and second support member side walls define at least one generally horizontal slot when the support member is secured to the back-up wall. The connector further comprises a veneer connector configured for non-rotational sliding receipt in the generally horizontal slot and adapted to support a generally horizontal edge of said veneer panel when the veneer connector is received in the generally horizontal slot and when the support member is secured to the back-up wall.

Abstract: A construction component provides structural reinforcement of structures built therewith, by embedding an internal support structure within a substrate component such as a cast concrete block during fabrication of the construction component. The embedded internal support structure can include interface plates that are structurally coupled to the internal support structure and are made accessible outside of the substrate to permit the internal support structures of the individual construction components to be mechanically tied together in constructing a structure therewith. The internal support structure can be triangular, and can be coupled together using threaded bolts, rivets or welds. The substrate block is formed with vertical channels to provide access to the interface plates of components being coupled during construction.

Abstract: A system and method to attach an object to a support structure. The system includes a mounting plate attached to an elastic membrane. The elastic membrane includes a lower surface having a first and a second surface area. The first surface area extends peripherally along at least a portion of the lower surface and bonded to the support structure. The second surface area is at least partially enclosed within the first surface area and separable from the support structure. The system further includes a riser adapted to couple to the mounting plate and the object.

Abstract: An interlocking web for use in insulated concrete form construction configured to engage with a like interlocking web to prevent horizontal and vertical relative movement between webs, the web including a pair of pillars adapted to be embedded within foam insulation panels, each pillar having a male connector at a first end and a female connector at a second end, the male and female connectors having complementary shapes to engage with respective female and male connectors of like vertically-aligned interlocking webs and a pair of bridges interconnecting the pillars.

Abstract: A brick bracket which is installed in a recess provided by removal of brick of a brick veneer in order to be attached to studs of a framework of the building without contacting the bricks. The brick bracket has a front wall which extends outwardly and covers the brick facing and carries carriage bolts to which a ledger can be affixed such that the ledger is able to support an attached structure so that the brick bracket will not apply any force to the bricks of the brick facing.

Abstract: A spacer for an anchor includes a base having first and second sides. The first side is adapted for engagement with an anchor. At least two spikes extend from the second end of the base. An opening is provided within the base.

Abstract: Improved concrete form insert assemblies (20) are provided for use in the construction of thermally insulated poured concrete sandwich wall structures (22). The insert assemblies (20) include a central sheet (32) of insulative material such as synthetic resin foam, which is preferably encapsulated by a sheath (78) to enhance the structural integrity of the sheet (32). A pair of reinforcing bar assemblies (46, 48) preferably made up of welded-together horizontal and vertical bars (50, 52) are respectively positioned adjacent the side surfaces (34, 36) of the sheet (32). The bar assemblies (46, 48) are secured to sheet (32) by means of connector elements (54) extending through the sheet (32) and presenting oppositely outwardly extending, apertured segments (56, 58).

Abstract: A system for constructing building consisting of connected T-beams for walls and roof. To create the T shape the system uses blocks of rigid insulation as forming, which are embedded in the poured-in-place concrete. These blocks serve to insulate the structure. The final structure is a monolithic box where the foundation, (101, 102), and (103) is the lower face, walls are the vertical faces of the box, attached to the foundation by dowels (104) to the walls reinforcement part (105) and the roof (118, 119, 120), and (121) is the top. This results in a sturdy structure with integrated high insulation (111) and (122) in walls and roof. Metal nailers (123) with the polystyrene foam strips (124) can be embedded in the ends of the T-beam stems. These nailers ease the insertion of screws to wall and ceiling interiors, allowing the building interior to be finished with gypsum board or paneling.

Abstract: A modular steel-framed construction mold apparatus comprised of a plurality of contiguous foundation, cavity wall and roof deck void spaces defined and formed by assemblies of interlocking encasement panels and connectors integrally attached to a structural steel grillage for accepting, containing, and shaping wet concrete fill, a method for forming, casting, and encasing monolithic composite concrete and steel buildings and structures in situ using said mold apparatus, and a permanently encased monolithic composite concrete and steel structure constructed by employing the foregoing modular mold apparatus and method of concrete construction. The structural steel grillage supports the encasement assemblies before and during the casting process, becoming fully embedded within the cast concrete, and provides tensile strength complementing the compressive strength of concrete fill.

Abstract: A structural support system includes one or more generally vertically extending columns of curable material wherein each column defines an outer column periphery. A base of curable material is preferably monolithically formed with the column on its lower portion. In one embodiment, the base may have an outer periphery that increases or varies along the base and wherein a foundation of curable material is formed over at least a portion of the base whereby the column, the base, and the foundation are mechanically locked together to resist lateral, torsional, and/or upwardly directed vertical forces.

Abstract: A symmetrical load transfer device for use in insulated concrete wall panels. The symmetrical shape allows for forces induced in manufacturing, transportation, installation and nature to transfer through the device equally to both concrete wythes of the wall panel. The load transfer device is preferably made of a thermoplastic or thermoset resin matrix incorporating continuous filaments, such as glass rovings. The low thermal conductivity of the matrix of filaments and resins greatly reduce thermal bridging of the insulation layer while maintaining structural integrity of the wall panel.

Abstract: An expansion joint system for a wall is provided herein wherein a first concrete wall component is substantially separated from a second concrete wall component via a rigid plate such that contraction of the first concrete wall component does not create significant stresses in the first or second concrete wall component so as to create cracks in the first or second concrete wall component. Moreover, a compressible material may be disposed between the rigid plate and/or the first and/or second concrete wall component such that expansion of the first concrete wall component compresses the compressible material instead of imposing significant stresses on the first or second concrete wall component so as to be likely to form cracks in the first or second concrete wall component.

Abstract: An automated storage system for storing large quantities of samples in trays includes a storage compartment, a tray shuttle compartment abutting the storage compartment on one side and a plurality of independent modules on the other side. The modules perform processing of samples that are retrieved from the storage compartment by a tray shuttle, including extraction of selected samples from retrieved source trays and transfer of the selected samples into a separate, destination tray that can be further processed or removed from the system for use. The independent operation of the modules permits handling and processing to be performed simultaneously by different modules while the tray shuttle accesses additional samples within the storage compartment. In one embodiment, a vertical carousel is used to vertically align a desired tray with the tray shuttle, while the tray shuttle operates within a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A tie system and method for forming a wall from a hardenable pourable building material. In one embodiment, the tie system includes multiple ties configured to be directly interconnected into a vertically extending tie stack such that multiple tie stacks can be positioned over a footing in a spaced apart arrangement. The multiple tie stacks are configured to extend substantially perpendicular between substantially parallel panel structures. Each tie stack includes a base tie and one or more wall ties, each of which directly attach to each other in a vertically stacked arrangement.

Abstract: A structural element for the construction of any type of buildings, comprising a first “C”-shaped element with equidistant cavities at least on one of its faces and a second element in the shape of a continuous strip with equidistant angular folds, whereby once both structural elements are assembled to each other, the angular folds of the metallic strip are projected through the cavities of the “C”-shaped structural element.

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 structural system includes a plurality of pre-cast structural elements. Each of the elements includes an interior layer, and an exterior layer cast of a cementitious material, an insulating layer lies between the interior layer and the exterior layer. The pre-cast structural elements are stacked adjacent one another to form a wall. A respective cushion is placed between adjacent structural elements. The cushions create airspaces such that there is no direct surface contact between adjacent structural elements. Poured grout sleeves tie one structural element to another creating a structural composite. Grout from the sleeves form bearing pads between adjacent elements and allow for load transfer within the structural composite. The exterior layers of the structural elements can be provided with simulative exterior surfaces, for example, with exterior surfaces simulating the appearance of structural logs.

Abstract: A corrugated board is secured to the inner wall of a cavity wall construction to establish a defined spacing between the inner and outer walls and prevent excess mortar from bridging to the inner wall. The corrugated board has a series of spaced channels, furrows or grooves into which an anchor projects into the studs of the inner wall to secure the outer wall. The corrugated board is installed prior to the construction of the outer wall and establishes a minimum spacing or gap between the walls based upon the thickness of the board. The outer wall is constructed immediately adjacent to the outer face of the corrugated board. The grooves or channels of the corrugated board create a chamber for vapor and air circulation. The board eliminates bridging by the mortar and provides an air conduit to exhaust even the minimal amounts of vapor that will occur in the cavity.

Abstract: A system includes a back up wall and a veneer wall spaced from the back up wall. An anchor shaft has a first end secured to the back up wall, and a second free end of the shaft projects into a space between the back up wall and the veneer wall. A wing nut has a central barrel disposed on the shaft proximate the free end. The wing nut is spaced apart from a surface of the back up wall. A first generally planar side wing extends laterally from the central barrel of the wing nut. A second generally planar side wing extends laterally from the central barrel. The first side wing includes a first opening for receipt of a first wire tie leg, and the second side wing includes a second opening for receipt of a second wire tie leg. The wing nut is independently rotatable relative to the shaft to angularly orient the wings and thus the openings as desired.

Abstract: An expansion joint system for a wall is provided herein wherein a first concrete wall component is substantially separated from a second concrete wall component via a rigid plate such that contraction of the first concrete wall component does not create significant stresses in the first or second concrete wall component so as to create cracks in the first or second concrete wall component. Moreover, a compressible material may be disposed between the rigid plate and/or the first and/or second concrete wall component such that expansion of the first concrete wall component compresses the compressible material instead of imposing significant stresses on the first or second concrete wall component so as to be likely to form cracks in the first or second concrete wall component.

Abstract: The present invention is a scratch board for laying on a sub-floor to form a foundation for floor tiles. The scratch board consists of a rectangular flat board made of cement and has opposite first and second surfaces. The board has a metal screen extending throughout the board parallel between the first and second surfaces and a mesh screen extending throughout the board and imbedded in the first surface. The scratch board is used to construct a tile floor by first covering the sub-floor with a plurality of the boards and securing them to the sub-floor with a staples. A tile adhesive is then spread overtop of the boards and the tiles are then laid onto the adhesive. The boards themselves are manufactured by first placing the mesh screen and then the metal screen into a rectangular form. Wet cement is then poured into the rectangular form and then leveled to form one of the surfaces. The cement is left to cure before removing the finished board from the form.

Abstract: A tie system is provided for use with a wall form for a cementitious backup wall and for use with a wall tie to connect between the cementitious backup wall and a veneer. The tie system includes a backup wall connector and a form connector. The form connector is connectable to the form and secures the backup wall connector in position as the wall form is filled.

Abstract: A protective structure for protecting buildings, bridges, roads and other areas from explosive devices such as car bombs and the like comprises: (a) a mesh structure having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface defines an annular space; (b) a plurality of structural steel cables in contact with the mesh structure; (c) a composite fill material which resides within the annular space of the mesh structure and within the mesh structure; (d) at least one reinforcement member which resides within the composite fill material; and (e) a composite face material which resides upon the outer surface of the mesh structure. The mesh structure may be made up of, for example, steel wire.

Abstract: A system for making a structural connection includes a structural member, a plurality of strips for engaging the structural member and securing devices for securing the strips to a building structure that supports the structural member. The method of making the structural connection includes the steps of providing the structural member, inserting a segment of the structural member into the hollow of a building structure, and securing the structural member to the building structure with two or more strips.

Abstract: A plurality of solid core concrete blocks used in forming a retaining wall. The retaining wall can be used in building construction, road construction, landscaping, hillside erosion control, gardens, and like applications. Also, the retaining wall can be a straight wall, an angled wall or a curved wall depending on the application. Each of the blocks includes a vertical front face and rear face, a horizontal top and bottom and a vertical first side and second side. The first side includes a first ear and two sides of an angular first notch next to the first ear. One side of the first notch is parallel to a length of the front and rear faces and forms a side of the first ear. A second side of the first notch is disposed inwardly into the block and at an angle of 10 to 45 degrees from a horizontal line perpendicular to a length of the front and rear faces.

Abstract: A flashing and weep apparatus allows for simple installation and accurate placement windows and doors in cavity wall construction. In a first embodiment, the flashing and weep apparatus is a two-panel extrusion that has a flashing panel that acts as a non-porous support for the masonry veneer. This embodiment also includes a second panel which is joined at a generally right angle to the first panel to be juxtaposed against the outer face of the inner wall in the cavity wall construction. Weep channels are formed between the two panels and allow for the drainage and dissipation of water and other moisture in the cavity wall system. In a second embodiment, membrane is initially attached to and draped along the lower portion of the inner wall immediately above the sill or lintel. The membrane extends across the cavity spacing between the walls to underlie the masonry components forming the outer veneer.

Abstract: Elements of laminar bodies (1) made of metal or other material are disclosed, so shaped as to be inserted into straight undercut notches (3) made on plates and/or tiles (2). The laminar bodies (1) have such a sufficient length to protrude from straight undercut notches (3) and so shaped as to allow to be joined to each other or with another interposed body (9) through bolts (8) or the like or by means of joints, welding and the like, so as to form a single body (21) adapted to be anchored strongly to the plate and/or tile (2) allowing said plate to be safely and simply fixed to the structures supporting the facing (10).

Abstract: Wall system employing lightweight precast concrete wall panels. The precast wall panels include a concrete slab and a plurality of spaced-apart elongated generally parallel bent sheet metal channels that are partially embedded in the slab. Each wall panel can be coupled to a support wall by extending self-tapping screws through metallic wall framing members and the channels at locations where the framing members and channels cross.

Abstract: A reinforced-concrete column contains reinforcing cage and inserts made monolithic with concrete mix and comprises the upper bearing and lower foundation parts. The method of construction of the column includes operations of manufacture of the column reinforcing cage with inserts, placement of concrete in the non-removable casing in the project position in single- or multi-slit pit with the column making monolithic. The column reinforcing cage is loaded vertically into the pit, centered vertically, and the upper part is fixed from horizontal displacements, the lower foundation part of the column and the inner part of the non-removable casing with the closed-type casing in the upper bearing part of the column are made monolithic with concrete from down to top. After making monolithic, the soil base is widened and cemented via the process pipeline placed inside the reinforcing cage; the space between the non-removable casing and the pit walls in the upper bearing part is filled with granular material.

Abstract: A system for making a structural connection includes a structural member, a plurality for strips, for engaging the structural member, and securing devices for securing the strips to a building structure that supports the structural member. The method of making the structural connection includes the steps of providing the structural member, inserting a segment of the structural member into the hollow of a building structure, and securing the structural member to the building structure with two or more strips.

Abstract: An isolation pocket form includes a wall assembled from wall segments having reinforcing ribs. The form is secured to a floor with clips having projections which engage holes in the periphery of the form. A removable closure seats on an interior ledge of the form, the ledge being situated so that the top of the closure is flush with the top of the form. The closure is reinforced by a two-dimensional array of reinforcing ribs to give it strength and rigidity.

Abstract: A connecting device for joining a wall to a building frame, or for joining walls, comprises a hook member. The frame can comprise steel beams, or also comprise a truss having an open web, and a slide rail attached to the truss' chords in a generally plumb orientation. Embodiments of the hook member substantially encircle one or more slide rails and thereby retain the rails. Other embodiments fit within a channel attached to solid steel webs, or concrete frames. The device's other end is positioned over a course of masonry units, and when embedded in mortar, the cells of the masonry units do not require grouting. Other connecting device embodiments comprise an anchor member securely joined to the member, the connecting device providing multiple points of attachment with the masonry, or multiple members joined to the anchor member. The connecting device can be used for new construction, and in renovations using currently existing steel and concrete frames.

Abstract: A nuclear steam supply containment system employing prefabricated component supports that are surrounded by steel concrete forms and anchored to the floor liner of a nuclear containment. The prefabricated component supports extend through the concrete forms and a reinforce concrete slab cap to a support elevation for the component. A second inner steel concrete form can be employed to form an annular concrete channel through which the supports extend. The center of the inner form can be filled with a sand-like substance, radiation absorber material or concrete grout.