Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure includes a curtain wall panel having an inner core material sandwiched between two outer walls and at least one elastic member inserted into at least one channel formed by the inner core material. In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a curtain wall system including a plurality of adjacent panels of the present disclosure and at least one joining member configured to be received within a recess formed by the at least one elastic member of at least two of the plurality of adjacent panels. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for assembling a curtain wall system of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A method covers at least a portion of a surface of an existing structure with a repair structure. The method comprises: providing a standoff, the standoff elongated in a longitudinal direction and operable from an open configuration to a closed configuration; while the standoff is in the open configuration, mounting the standoff to the existing structure, such that the standoff projects outwardly away from the surface of the existing structure; closing the standoff to the closed configuration, the closing of the standoff forming a standoff connector; and coupling a cladding panel to the standoff by engaging the panel with the standoff connector at a location spaced outwardly apart from the surface of the existing structure by a void.

Abstract: An approved dynamic construction is used for effectively thermally insulating and sealing of a safing slot between a floor of a building and an exterior wall construction, wherein the exterior wall construction includes a curtain wall configuration defined by an interior wall glass surface including one or more aluminum framing members, wherein the vision glass extends to the finished floor level below. The dynamic, thermally insulating and sealing system includes a first element for receiving the insulating elements and positioned in the zero spandrel area of a glass curtain wall construction including only vision glass to maintain thermally insulating and sealing of the safing slot during exposure to fire and heat as well as movement in order to maintain a complete seal extending across the safing slot.

Abstract: A foundation system for supporting a structure thereon comprising: a plurality of blocks, each block having at least three sides; at least two recesses formed in the at least three sides of each block; a plurality of connecting plates having a first end configured to be secured within a recess of a first block and a second end configured to be secured within a recess of an adjacent block such that the connecting plate extends between recesses of adjacent blocks to secure adjacent blocks together to form a foundation grid of said blocks; and enclosure panels mountable to said blocks along an edge thereof so as to form an enclosure about a perimeter of the foundation grid.

Abstract: A set including a first panel, a second panel and a mechanical locking device for locking the first panel to the second panel, wherein the first panel includes a first edge surface and a first panel surface, the second panel includes a second edge surface and a second panel surface, the first edge surface is facing the second panel surface in a locked position of the first and the second panel, the mechanical locking device includes an edge groove at the second edge surface, a flexible tongue positioned in the edge groove, a rod-shaped element at the first edge surface and an insertion groove at the second panel surface extending from the second panel surface to the edge groove, the rod-shaped element is configured to be inserted into the insertion groove and the rod-shaped element includes a recess.

Abstract: An illustrative example method of making a concrete expansion joint insert includes establishing an insert body having two ends, two longitudinal edges between the ends, and two side surfaces between the longitudinal edges and the ends. A sealant is secured to one of the longitudinal edges so that the insert and the sealant can be simultaneously inserted into an expansion joints.

Abstract: An expansion joint system for supporting and distributing transfer loads and for splicing adjacent systems together. The system includes an elongated core and at least three longitudinal load-transfer members with hollow cylindrical profiles within the elongated core and terminating at each face of the elongated core. The system may include splicing members sized to transition fit into each of the longitudinal load-transfer members to provide an interlocking body to join adjacent expansion joint systems.

Abstract: Wall systems and buildings having such wall systems are disclosed. Such wall systems include parametric mullions each of which is constructed from a plurality of interconnecting components so that the wall systems may be disposed much closer to the building frame than conventional wall systems. Such wall systems may include panels disposed to form convex or concave facades. Such wall systems may also include decorative features superimposed over one or more panels or extending outward from the facade surface. The parametric mullions may be formed into trusses which may be used as part of a wall system or independently of such wall systems.

Abstract: A method of batch-casting high-fluidity high performance concrete and low-fluidity high performance concrete, wherein the method is capable of batch-casting high-fluidity high performance concrete for forming a girder portion of a bridge and low-fluidity high performance concrete for forming a deck plate portion of the bridge by using a concrete casting apparatus. Accordingly, the construction cost can be reduced and the construction period can be shortened. In addition, because a cold joint does not occur, durability can be improved, and thus the life of the bridge can be increased.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an article of manufacture that increases the efficiency of forming a building material having a keyed joint with a waterstop imbedded within the building material. The article allows the easy formation of a keyed joint between formed solid slabs (typically concrete) with a waterstop properly imbedded between the slabs.

Abstract: The invention discloses a wooden floor with high utilization, a connection assembly, and a connection structure of a wooden floor with high utilization and a connection assembly. The wooden floor with high utilization includes a floor body. The floor body defines a first groove on one side surface thereof in a horizontal direction. The floor body defines a second groove on the other side surface thereof in the horizontal direction. The first groove and/or the second groove define a notch. The floor body of the present invention is merely required to define grooves on two sides thereof, and is not necessary to provide a protruding male buckle, as long as the first groove or the second groove is connected with a male buckle of the connection assembly, so that wood can be saved, thus increasing a utilization rate of the wood. The wood saved by a single piece of wood floor is limited, but many a little makes a mickle.

Abstract: A modular floor platform includes a floor made of a plurality of individual composite floor panels interconnected by tongue and groove joints. The individual composite floor panels have a foam core and a rigid cover over the foam core. A frame attaches the floor panels together along a perimeter of the floor. Legs beneath the frame and upwardly support the floor.

Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element in a locking groove which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically. A panel system including a plurality of rectangular panels with long and short edges which are mechanically connectable to each other along at least one pair of adjacent edges, said panels each being provided with a tongue and groove formed in one piece with the panels for mechanically locking together said adjacent edges at right angles to the principal plane of the panels, thereby forming a vertical mechanical connection between the panels, said panels being provided with a first locking element at one first edge formed in one piece with the panel and a locking groove at an opposite second edge, the locking groove being open towards a rear side or a front side of the panel.

Abstract: A flooring assembly includes a base for supporting at least one flooring element. A pin is secured to the base and extends from the upper surface of the base. The pin has a body portion adjacent to the base and a head portion extending upwardly from the body portion. The head portion has a lower head surface. A recess is formed in a flooring element. A collar is positioned adjacent to the recess. The collar has an inner diameter that is less than a diameter of the recess. The collar has an upper collar surface configured to engage the lower head surface to limit a vertical motion of the flooring element with respect to the base when a central vertical axis of the pin is laterally offset from a central vertical axis of the recess. In some embodiments, petals secured in the recess are used instead of a collar.

Abstract: An expansion joint sealing system for bridging and sealing a gap located between two spaced-apart structural deck members. The expansion joint sealing system includes an elastomeric seal member and a substantially rigid plate member. The elastomeric seal member is fixedly attached to an underlying structural deck member and is able to expand and contract in the longitudinal direction in relation to the traffic direction across the expansion joint. The rigid plate is not fastened to the elastomeric seal member with mechanical fasteners or other fastening means, but is slidingly engaged with the elastomeric seal member through an elongated guide member. As the rigid plate member is not fastened to the elastomeric seal member, it is able to move along a guide member in a direction that is transverse to the direction of traffic across the expansion joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a building element in plate shape, in particular a floor covering panel, which, apart from a mineral carrier plate or a carrier plate of WPC, comprises an upper side wear layer as well as preferably a lower side levelling layer, as well as to a floor covering formed by using such building elements, and to a method for the arrangement thereof, wherein the side faces thereof comprise a non-locking profile for forming special joints for receiving a material for forming a connection element.

Abstract: An insert assembly inserted in a gap region provided in a panel to fill the gap region, the insert assembly including a body unit covering the gap region not to be exposed to the outside, an insert unit extended from the body unit and inserted in the gap region, and a hook unit extended a preset distance from the insert unit toward the body unit, the hook unit comprising one end connected to the insert unit and the other end provided as a free end, wherein the body unit, the insert unit and the hook unit are integrally formed with each other as one body.

Abstract: Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system on long and short edges allowing installation with vertical snap folding that could be accomplished automatically without tools and where the short edge locking system has a tongue made in one piece with the panel. The floor panels may have a first and a second connector at the long edges that are configured to obtain a minimum of friction facilitating a displacement, by a spring back force from the bending of a short edge locking strip, of a new panel in a horizontal direction along the long edge during the vertical snap folding action.

Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element in a locking groove which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically. A panel system including a plurality of rectangular panels with long and short edges which are mechanically connectable to each other along at least one pair of adjacent edges, said panels each being provided with a tongue and groove formed in one piece with the panels for mechanically locking together said adjacent edges at right angles to the principal plane of the panels, thereby forming a vertical mechanical connection between the panels, said panels being provided with a first locking element at one first edge formed in one piece with the panel and a locking groove at an opposite second edge, the locking groove being open towards a rear side or a front side of the panel.

Abstract: A flooring system includes a plurality of individual flooring pieces, such as floor panels, each having a wear surface, an opposing mounting surface and a retention groove disposed within the mounting surface. A floor panel connector used to interconnect at least two of the floor panels has a base, at least one mast extending from an upper surface of the base and a pair of flexible arms. Each flexible arm extends transversely from opposing sides of the at least one mast and has an extending end. Contacting portions extending from a lower surface of the base are configured to engage the support surface and create a spacing between each flexible arm and the support surface to permit each flexible arm to elastically deflect toward the support surface when pressure is exerted on a floor panel. This deflection enables the extending end of each flexible arm to engage the retention groove of a corresponding floor panel.

Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element in a locking groove which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically.

Abstract: Gypsum panels, sheathing systems, and methods of making and using the same are provided. A gypsum panel includes a gypsum core associated with a first fiberglass mat having a continuous barrier coating, the coating penetrating a portion of the first fiberglass mat opposite the gypsum core, wherein gypsum penetrates a remaining fibrous portion of the first fiberglass mat such that voids in the first fiberglass mat are substantially eliminated. A building sheathing system includes at least two gypsum panels and a seaming component to provide a seam at an interface between the gypsum panels.

Abstract: Novel joint devices and systems are disclosed. In one aspect, a joint member for an exterior floor covering can include a body portion, at least one tongue portion extending from the body portion, and at least one opening extending through the body portion. The opening can be configured to pass a liquid directly from an upper surface of the exterior floor covering through the body portion of the joint member.

Abstract: A flooring system includes a plurality of individual flooring pieces, such as floor panels, each having a wear surface, an opposing mounting surface and a retention groove disposed within the mounting surface. A floor panel connector used to interconnect at least two of the floor panels has a base, at least one mast extending from an upper surface of the base and a pair of flexible arms. Each flexible arm extends transversely from opposing sides of the at least one mast and has an extending end. Contacting portions extending from a lower surface of the base are configured to engage the support surface and create a spacing between each flexible arm and the support surface to permit each flexible arm to elastically deflect toward the support surface when pressure is exerted on a floor panel. This deflection enables the extending end of each flexible arm to engage the retention groove of a corresponding floor panel.

Abstract: A connecting joint between two panels of a glazed wall is intended to cooperate with a face of each panel and includes: at least one support having a first external face and a second external face; a first fastener arranged on the first external face of the support; a second fastener arranged on the second external face of the support. The right-angle separation force of the first fastener, measured on a glass panel with a mobile-jaw tensile testing machine with a 100 mm/min displacement speed of the mobile jaw, lies between 3 and 20 N/cm, while the right-angle separation force of the second fastener, measured on a glass panel with a mobile-jaw tensile testing machine with a 100 mm/min displacement speed of the mobile jaw, is greater than or equal to 30 N/cm.

Abstract: A method of preparing a reinforcing structure for use in manufacture a pultruded part where the reinforcing structure is pulled through a pultrusion die in a continuous longitudinal pull direction. The method includes arranging a plurality of first reinforcing fibers in a transverse direction and attaching a permeable transport web of staple fibers to the first reinforcing fibers such that the portion of the first reinforcing fibers oriented in the direction transverse comprises at least 30% of a volume of materials comprising the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: A method of assembling a wall from prefabricated wall parts, wherein edge surfaces of two wall parts are placed against each other leaving a gap there between, and wherein first and second sealing members are included in the gap to each act between said edge surfaces of the wall parts, which sealing members extend in a longitudinal direction of said edge surfaces and are spaced apart in a transverse direction of said edge surfaces to define a cavity there between, and wherein said cavity is filled with a solidifying liquid, such that the solidifying liquid acts on a cavity facing surface of each sealing member and presses the sealing member into engagement with at least one of the edge surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling joints in precast concrete structures includes a core that has exceptionally low creep and conforms to ASTM D 1752 made of controlled particle size composites of recycled cellular rubber and plastic materials in the form of a rectangular slab. Holes are drilled through a central area and countersink recesses are formed around the holes. An outer coating of a thermoplastic polyurethane/polyurea elastomer system of a thickness of 0.075 inch covers the slab and countersink recesses. The coated core is abrasion and UV resistant while having the creep characteristics needed to make a dam expansion joint filler.

Abstract: A flooring system includes polymeric modular floor tiles and at least one polymeric expansion joint. The modular floor tiles are affixed to each other, and to first and second expansion bodies of the expansion joint, by mating first and second connectors. The first and second expansion bodies each have interdigitated fingers and channels that extend underneath the expansion body web. The fingers of one expansion body slide in and out of the channels in the other, accommodating the thermal expansion and contraction of the modular floor tiles proximately or remotely joined to the expansion joint.

Abstract: A flooring system and a divider for use therewith which transitions between a first and second flooring surface. The divider includes first and second members that snap-fittingly engage each other. A protrusion with a curved terminal end extends from the first member is received in a recess in the second member. The protrusion enables the first member to pivot relative to the second member. A second protrusion extends outwardly from the first member and into a second recess in the second member. A pair of arms extends outwardly in opposite directions from a central base region on the first member and beyond the sides of the second member. In one embodiment, the arms are of the same length and are disposed generally at right angles to the protrusions. In another embodiment a leg extends downwardly from a longer one of the arms to provide extra support to that arm.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and components for the construction and disassembly of raised panel assemblies. These systems, methods, and components may include a flow-limiting structure that is configured to define at least one boundary of a channel that includes at least a portion of a gap between adjacent raised panels and is configured to receive a sealant material. The flow-limiting structure may limit a flow of the sealant material therepast, thereby decreasing an overall volume of sealant material needed for construction of the raised panel assembly and/or limiting undesired adhesion of the raised panels to other structures. These systems, methods, and components also may include an elongate disassembly aid that is configured to sever at least a portion of the sealant material from between adjacent raised panels upon removal from the raised panel assembly, such as to decrease a time needed for disassembly and/or repair of the raised panel assembly.

Abstract: Replacement Expansion Joint for Cement is an expansion joint for use with concrete. The preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes an arrow shaped plastic expansion joint with two holes bored inside the expansion joint. To use the preferred embodiment of Replacement Expansion Joint For Cement, an individual would remove deteriorating wooden expansion joints located in grooves between concrete slabs. The length of the wooden expansion joints would be measured to permit the user to purchase and install the proper length of replacement expansion joint. The user would then insert the expansion joint of the present invention with the arrow side facing toward the ground into the groove from the wooden expansion joint. The newly installed expansion joint would be much more resistant to the weather elements than the wooden expansion joints.

Abstract: Damping arrangement for low, medium and high-rise structures (1) using bidirectional damping means (5) such as visco-elastic Gensui damping devices, placed between two parallel elements of the structure (1), such as a core (2) and a perimeter column (3), or between two cores. Oscillatory or other flexural or shear deformations of the structure (1) are damped by damping axial movements between the two elements (2, 3), and simultaneously damping orthogonal movements between the two elements (2, 3). Outriggers (6, 7, 8) are used to enhance the axial damping moment, and the bidirectional damping means (5) may be installed in pairs, working in opposition to each other to damp dynamic shear or flexural forces in the orthogonal plane.

Abstract: Fire-barriers systems, including pre-assembled intersecting and straight-line fire-barriers having either all male-, all female-, or both types of coupling ends eliminate on-site cutting and construction of barriers required for intersection-spaces and provide easy, rapid, and safe one-step, drop-in installation and coupling. All male/female ended fire-barriers are constructed as single-piece units. All adjacent laid-flat layers are continuously connected having no gaps or folds. Straight-line and L-shaped barriers are certified according to the criteria mandated by both the ASTM E 1399-97 (Reapproved 2005), Standard Test Method for Cyclic Movement and Measuring the Minimum and Maximum Joint Widths of Architectural Joint Systems and the UL 2079 Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems Test for air leakage (Revised and relocated as 1.14 Mar. 10, 2006).

Abstract: A floor tile expansion joint accommodates differential thermal expansion or contraction of modular floor tiles used in flooring applications. One or more rows of floor tile expansion joints may be connected to modular floor tiles for various floor tile applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a leakage proof member for buildings, particularly to a compressive stress water stopper, which functions as or substitutes a water stop strip in a concrete deformation joint. The compressive stress water stopper may be pre-installed before casting concrete or installed after concrete is cast. The compressive stress water stopper has an upper plate, a fork-shaped rubber plate, a tapered rubber plate and a lower plate whose screw holes are alternately inserted by a plurality of fastening bolts A and B which are fastened by fastening nuts, respectively. The stress and the adhering property of the bicomponent polysulfide rubber securely attach the fork-shaped sheets of the fork-shaped rubber plate to the concrete surfaces at the two sides of the deformation joint and seal the screw holes and the clearances in the concrete.

Abstract: An expansion joint system for bridging a gap that is located between spaced-apart structural members. The expansion joint system may be utilized, for example, in roadway, bridge and tunnel constructions where gaps are formed between spaced-apart, adjacent concrete sections. The expansion joint system includes flexible moment connections for connecting vehicle load bearing members to the support member. In certain embodiments, the expansion joint system includes flexible moment connections and friction springs. The expansion joint system may be utilized where it is desirable to absorb loads applied to the expansion joint systems, and to accommodate movements that occur in the vicinity of the expansion joint gap in response to temperature changes, seismic cycling and deflections caused by vehicular loads.

Abstract: Described is an expansion joint (1) for building works comprising: a first and a second fastening flap (2, 3) rigidly connectable to corresponding structural elements (4, 5) and elongated in a longitudinal direction; an elastic connector (7) connected to the fastening flaps (2, 3) and interposed there for filling a space (6) between the structural elements (4, 5), and for allowing a relative movement of them; at least one profile (8) hooked to one of the fastening flaps (2, 3) from the side opposite the elastic connector (7), the profile (8) forming a channel elongated in the longitudinal direction; at least one illuminating element (9) positioned inside the channel.

Abstract: Compressive force transmitting connection element for connecting a first cast structural component part to a second cast structural component part having an insulation body for thermal separation of the first and second cast structural component parts situated above and below the compressive force transmitting connection element. This insulation body being limited on the top and bottom by two support surfaces. At least one compression element penetrating the insulation body from the first to the second support surface. Transmitting transverse force elements have at least one transverse force transmitting element which continuously runs through the compressive force transmitting connection element in direction from the first support surface to the second support surface, the at least one compression element encloses the at least one transverse force transmitting element over at least part of the circumference thereof.

Abstract: A fire barrier operable to be placed within a gap formed between two surfaces. The fire barrier may generally include a first intumescent section, a first foam section coupled with the first intumescent section, and a second intumescent section coupled with the first foam section generally opposite the first intumescent section. In some embodiments, the fire barrier may include a plurality of intumescent sections and a plurality of foam sections with each foam section being positioned between at least two of the intumescent sections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for barrier cable anchorage in a concrete formwork such that individual anchors are positioned relative to each other and to the formwork. A galvanized plate is provided with series of holes spaced from a reference point at the plate edge, and a registered assembly of individual anchors are provided in the holes. Female threaded plate caps are secured within the holes for frontal engagement, and a PSR stud is secured to each plate cap on the back side. The assembly is frontally set against the formwork with the reference point spaced from an external datum. The formwork is cured and barrier cables are affixed to the plate caps through the plate by threaded engagement with a barrel anchor and wedge. After tensioning, each cable is anchored to the formwork in desired relative proximity to one another and to the external datum.

Abstract: A fire barrier operable to be placed within a gap formed between two surfaces. The fire barrier may generally include a first intumescent section, a first foam section coupled with the first intumescent section, and a second intumescent section coupled with the first foam section generally opposite the first intumescent section. In some embodiments, the fire barrier may include a plurality of intumescent sections and a plurality of foam sections with each foam section being positioned between at least two of the intumescent sections.

Abstract: Force transmitting connection for connecting first and second cast structural component parts having an insulation body for thermal separation of the cast structural component parts limited by two support surfaces. The first support surface faces the first cast structural component part and the second support surface faces the second cast structural component part. A compression element penetrates the insulation body from the first to the second support surface. An element for transmitting transverse force has at least one transverse force transmitting element that runs through the compressive force transmitting connection element from the first to the second support surface. The at least one compression element is connected to the at least one transverse force transmitting element and at least one pressure distributing element is formed at one end face of the compression element.

Abstract: A force transmitting connection element having an insulation body limited by two oppositely located support surfaces which are at a distance corresponding to a height H of the force transmitting connection. A first support surface faces a first cast structural component part and has a length L1 and a width B1. A second support surface limiting the insulation body faces a second cast structural component part and has a length L2 and a width B2. A longitudinal center axis runs through a center of the insulation body. A element penetrates the insulation body. An element for transmitting transverse force projects beyond the compressive force transmitting connection element in direction of the first cast structural component part and a ratio between transmissible compressive force and transmissible transverse force is between 1.5:1 and 15:1 and a distance LK is less than (B1+B2)/6.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a movement control screed that is structured for installation between first and second masonry coatings applied adjacent to a building wall. The movement control screed is structured as a control joint for absorbing movement between the first and second masonry coatings and also as a weep screed for accommodating drainage of water from behind the masonry coatings. The movement control screed comprises first and second flanges provided on opposite sides of first and second ribs.

Abstract: A backer rod adapted for forming a fire-resistant seal within a construction joint. The backer rod may include an elongated tube defining a total assembly volume and a hollow interior, and a core disposed within the hollow interior. The tube is formed of a combustible foam plastic which disintegrates when exposed to fire. The core material is expandable when exposed to fire, such that the core has an intumescent expansion factor sufficient to expand to a volume beyond the total assembly volume. The backer rod may be press fit into a void between two surfaces to a depth. A sealant layer may be formed within the void. When exposed to fire on a side opposite the sealant layer, the external shell disintegrates, the core expands within the void in a direction away from the sealant layer, and a fire-resistant barrier is formed within the void between the surfaces.

Abstract: A connector strip is mechanically pressed into a slot formed in a concrete wall. The connector strip has a distal end with resilient, deformable legs that engage the walls of the slot—when the strip is pressed into the slot the legs deform from a resting position and press against the walls of the slot, preventing the strip from being pulled out of engagement in the slot. The proximal end of the connector strip is defined by transverse retaining arms that retain insulation board against the concrete, and which serve as a surface into which siding and sheetrock may be anchored with nails or screws.

Abstract: Concrete casting elements for forming an expansion joint in concrete including: a pair of expansion joint members each having a gasket mounting formation to which a gasket may be mounted in operative interposition between the expansion joint members for sealing the joint; a flange extending from a remaining portion along one side of the expansion joint member and retainer mounting means formed onto or into said remaining portion for mounting one or more retainer elements to protrude from the opposite side of the expansion joint member from the flange; the flanges of each one of the expansion joint members being formed to engage one with the other; the flange of one joint member at least partly overlying the flange of the other to provide an expansion joint upper face and such that the remaining portions may be spaced from one another when the flanges are so engaged; the flange of the other expansion joint including a lip formed to be substantially coplanar with the expansion joint upper face; and the flanges

Abstract: A structural mounting insert for sealing between and/or adhering to surfaces of members is described. The insert includes a base member and activatable material about the base material.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and components for the construction and disassembly of raised panel assemblies. These systems, methods, and components may include a flow-limiting structure that is configured to define at least one boundary of a channel that includes at least a portion of a gap between adjacent raised panels and is configured to receive a sealant material. The flow-limiting structure may limit a flow of the sealant material therepast, thereby decreasing an overall volume of sealant material needed for construction of the raised panel assembly and/or limiting undesired adhesion of the raised panels to other structures. These systems, methods, and components also may include an elongate disassembly aid that is configured to sever at least a portion of the sealant material from between adjacent raised panels upon removal from the raised panel assembly, such as to decrease a time needed for disassembly and/or repair of the raised panel assembly.