Abstract: An expansion joint curb assembly includes one or more pre-formed component structures fabricated from a non-corrosive, durable material. Each of the component structures include an anchoring flange for attachment to the roof structure, an upper flange defining a mounting base for attachment of various roofing components, such as expansion joint covers thereto, and an intermediate portion between the anchoring flange and the upper flange. The intermediate portion is provided with vent holes for venting gasses and moisture which accumulate within the roof structure, thereby reducing the likelihood of premature roof failure.

Abstract: A seismic expansion joint cover includes a bridge panel having one end supported for movement in the y-axis direction and against movement in the x-axis direction relative to a floor A on one side of a motion-absorbing gap and supported at the other end for movement in the x-axis direction and against movement in the y-axis direction relative to a floor B. A recess in floor B receives a portion of the bridge panel in all positions of the bridge panel relative to floor B. A recess cover plate covers the recess, is supported at one end in sliding relation on the bridge panel in all positions of the bridge panel relative to floor B and is joined at the other end to an end member of the recess frame remote from the gap. A resiliently collapsible/extensible honeycomb panel received in the recess in floor B supports the portion of the recess cover plate that spans the recess between the end of the bridge panel and the end member of the recess frame.

Abstract: Counter pressure methods and apparatus for protecting roofs are described, which ensure that indoor air pressure remains negative, that is lower than ambient outdoor pressure during severe windstorms, thus counteracting and thereby reducing the uplift force on the roof surface of a building. In accordance with different embodiments of the invention, one-way valves are provided in openings in the building envelope, such as window openings, or installed over the vents into the roof space so that indoor air flows freely out of the building to a lee zone through the one-way valves while the high air pressure on the windward sides can cause little inward flow because the one-way valves quickly blow closed under wind pressure. According to a further embodiment a Venturi-tube is mounted vertically through or alongside the roof so that its open top forms its own low pressure suction area to draw air from either or both the indoors or the roof space to the same effect.

Abstract: A flood gate is provided which includes a frame defining a fluid passageway therethrough, a door pivotally mounted in the frame for movement between a plurality of open positions to permit flow of fluid therethrough, and at least one latching mechanism for holding the door in the closed position. The latching mechanism can sense a fluid force acting on the door and can release the door when the fluid force meets a preset level. In addition, the latching mechanism can reset the door to the closed position when the fluid force acting on the door drops below the preset level. The door can include a ventilation opening, an automatic louver assembly for controlling air flow through the ventilation opening and a screen covering the ventilation opening. The automatic louver assembly can contain at least one louver, a temperature sensitive actuating device and a member connecting the louver to the temperature sensitive actuating device and can open and close in response to ambient temperatures.

Abstract: In a structure for attaching a pillar garnish according to the present invention, the structure includes: a reference attaching portion; a plurality of first movable attaching portions provided on a door side in a widthwise direction of the pillar garnish; and a plurality of second movable attaching portions provided on an widthwise outer side away from the door. Each of the first movable attaching portions allows only the thermal expansion and contraction of the pillar garnish in its longitudinal direction, while each of the second movable attaching portions allows the thermal expansion and contraction of the pillar garnish in its widthwise and longitudinal directions. In addition, since the arrangement provided is such that, at the second movable attaching portions, the pillar garnish is attached in such a manner as to urge the pillar garnish toward a widthwise reference position.

Abstract: A seismic expansion joint cover includes a bridge panel having one end supported for movement in the y-axis direction and against movement in the x-axis direction relative to a floor A on one side of a motion-absorbing gap and supported at the other end for movement in the x-axis direction and against movement in the y-axis direction relative to a floor B. A recess in floor B receives a portion of the bridge panel in all positions of the bridge panel relative to floor B. A recess cover plate covers the recess, is supported at one end in sliding relation on the bridge panel in all positions of the bridge panel relative to floor B and is joined at the other end to an end member of the recess frame remote from the gap. A resiliently collapsible/extensible honeycomb panel received in the recess in floor B supports the portion of the recess cover plate that spans the recess between the end of the bridge panel and the end member of the recess frame.

Abstract: A vee joint having a first flange hingedly connected to a second flange at an angle. A trough is formed between the first flange and the second flange and is used to retain joint filler within a joint interval in a concrete floor slab. The flanges are movable to facilitate the placement and retention of the vee joint within various sized joints in concrete slab flooring. When the vee joint is placed within a joint interval, the flanges may be spaced varying distances apart to accommodate joint filler therebetween and to intimately engage with the confronting walls of the floor slab to avoid bypass of joint fill material.

Abstract: A plastic vehicle body attachment system for a motor vehicle. The attachment system includes a metal support, a plastic panel having an aperture, and a fastener. The fastener is disposed in the aperture and detachably couples the plastic panel to the metal support. The fastener is smaller than the aperture by an amount that varies in relation to the distance between the fastener and a fixed point on the composite panel such that the size of the aperture increases as the distance between the fastener and the fixed point increases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a concrete construction that comprises a concrete slab and a ductile strip adjacent the slab. The ductile strip comprises an engineered cementitious composite of cementitious material and reinforcing fibers with the ductile strip being directly bonded to the slab. The present invention also relates to a method of making or repairing a concrete construction, the method comprises providing a ductile strip adjacent a concrete slab, wherein the ductile strip is made of an engineered cementitious composite comprising cementitious material and hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic reinforcing fibers. The present invention further relates to a roadbed or building floors suitable for vehicular traffic, the roadbed comprises a plurality of slabs and ductile strips comprising an engineered cementitious composite of cementitious material and reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: A fire-resistant wall (2) has a window consisting of a fire window (1). The fire window (1) is a monolithic or laminated pane of prestressed glass with the properties of a safety glass. At its end faces (4), it is immediately contiguous with the face of the reveal (3) of the adjacent construction wall part, with the formation of a narrow joint. It is supported by supporting arms (15), via fasteners (7) which are introduced into holes (6) in the pane (1). The fasteners (7) are provided with articulations (11, 12) which follow the bowing of the pane (1) in the event of a fire.

Abstract: A building includes a coupling apparatus providing an interface between a drywall and an exterior curtain wall mullion. The coupling apparatus includes a first member in contact with a first face of the exterior curtain wall mullion and a second member in contact with a second face of the exterior curtain wall mullion. The first and second members are joined by an elastic or spring element and pivotally coupled to a bracket attached to the drywall. Insulating material may be placed between the first and second members to provide sound insulation. The coupling apparatus permits inward and outward movement of the exterior curtain wall with respect to the drywall during windy conditions and side to side movement of the exterior curtain wall with respect to the drywall during earthquake conditions.

Abstract: Lateral motion devices are used in conjunction with shear assemblies to further dissipate shear forces on buildings. In one embodiment, the lateral motion device is interposed between the shear assembly and the upper portion of the wall to permit relative motion therebetween and to absorb and dissipate a portion of the shear forces through expansion and/or compression of spring members. In another embodiment, the lateral motion device is interposed between the foundation and the bottom of the shear assembly and in yet another embodiment, the lateral motion device is embedded in the foundation so as to be interposed between the anchor bolt and the foundation. The shear assembly can be either a panel assembly or an A-frame assembly.

Abstract: A roof construction for a vehicle is provided with a thermoplastic resin roof panel and a roof section of a body frame structure. The roof section has a wall inwardly of its periphery and a support flange extending from a lower end of the wall toward the periphery. The roof panel has an attachment flange on the support flange and held thereto by fasteners (or connectors). The roof construction can suppress inward displacement of the attachment flange caused due to deformation of the roof panel due to a considerable change in temperature.

Abstract: A standing seam roof assembly having adjacent roof panels supported by underlying support structure in overlapping edge relationship to form a standing seam between adjacent roof panels, a first roof panel having a female sidelap portion forming male insertion cavities and a second roof panel having a male sidelap portion inserted into the male insertion cavities to form the standing seam assembly. The male sidelap portion has a tang member that lockingly engages a retaining groove of the female sidelap portion. The standing seam assembly prevents unfurling of the first and second roof panels by forming multiple force couples that resist forces due to uplift of the first and second panels. Mastic is placed between portions of the female and male sidelap portions to form a weathertight seal.

Abstract: A flood gate for use in a foundation crawl space and the like comprises a frame having side walls defining a fluid passageway therethrough, a door pivotally mounted in the frame for bidirectional rotation between two open positions and a closed position therebetween to permit tidal water flow therethrough, and at least one catching assembly for holding the door in the closed position against a minimum level of pressure of the tidal water flow. Tidal flood waters exceeding the minimum pressure level are automatically vented through the crawl space and the like reducing a risk of structural damage from the tidal flood waters. The flood gate can further comprise a door having a ventilation opening, an automatic louver assembly for controlling air flow through the opening, and a screen covering the opening. The automatic louver assembly opens and closes responsive to ambient temperature.

Abstract: A plastic panel assembly for use in a vehicle is provided including a sheet metal frame constructed and arranged to be coupled to a vehicle and a plastic panel mounted to the sheet metal frame. The plastic panel includes a plurality of pin members extending from a surface thereof and the frame includes a plurality of openings therethrough such that one pin member is disposed through an associated opening. Fastening structure is constructed and arranged with respect to the pin members to retain the plastic panel to the frame so that the panel is prevented from moving relative to the frame in a direction of extension of the pin members while the panel is permitted to move relative to the frame in a direction transverse to the direction of extension of the pin members, upon thermal expansion of the panel.

Abstract: This invention concerns a sound proof hangar for airplanes with a wide entrance (3) for aircraft (7). To provide a sound barrier at the open side, the entrance opening is limited, at least on one side, by a series of deflecting surfaces (10), the inner edges of which are directed, in horizontal section, towards the hangar interior and the external edges of which are directed laterally. The deflecting surfaces (10) can be moved between a closed position which partly or completely closes the entrance opening (3) and a position which opens the entrance opening (3).

Abstract: The blocking assembly includes one or more pre-formed component structures fabricated from a non-corrosive, durable material, each of the component structures including an anchoring flange for attachment to the roof structure, an upper flange defining a mounting base for attachment of various roofing components, materials and/or equipment thereto, and an intermediate portion between the anchoring flange and the upper flange creating depth therebetween to accommodate insulation or lightweight concrete. The intermediate portion is provided with vent holes for venting gases and moisture which accumulate within the roof structure, thereby reducing the likelihood of premature roof failure.

Abstract: An elongated C-shaped structural member for cooperation with the inner wall or partition and ceiling of a structure to confine a fire and prevent its spreading, the C-shaped structural member having an intumescent thermal gasket positioned on its outer vertical web face, and parallel extending flanges on its opposing web face, the upper extending flange having a plurality of finger members formed on its surface, the finger members displaceable to a plane vertical to the upper flange member for extension into the troughs of the underside of the ceiling, the C-shaped structural member secured to the ceiling by the upper flange member such that the intumescent thermal gasket is juxtaposed adjacent the upper outer surface of the interior wall or partition, the C-shaped structural member, upstanding finger members and the troughs associated therewith being encapsulated with a fire retardant cementious composition.

Abstract: A movement limiting device of a bridge bearing is provided in which the horizontal strength in the longitudinal direction and the perpendicular direction of a bridge when limitation in movement is cancelled can be suitably separately set. A rubber bearing 64 is interposed between an upper shoe plate 60 and a lower shoe plate 62. The upper shoe plate 60 has a notch 72 formed in a side thereof. A side block 80 has two projections 82, 84, which are formed integrally with the side block 80 to project upwardly. The side block 80 has a plurality of bolt through holes 86, which are formed therein on both end sides of the projections 82 and 84, and another bolt through hole 86, which is also formed in a concave portion 83 between the projections 82 and 84. Bolts 78 fix the side block to the lower shoe plate 62.

Abstract: A system and method is described by which the structural integrity of a building or other structure can be increased and made more resistant to earthquake damage. A structural member may be incorporated into a building structure. At least a portion of the structural member is made of a material that undergoes a shape or phase transformation in response to energy applied. This member can alter the natural frequency of the building structure from a first natural frequency to a second natural frequency when the material undergoes the transformation to make destructive resonance less likely to occur.