Abstract: A roofing shake includes a first end and an opposite second end. The roofing shake has a tapered profile such that the second end is thicker than the first end. A bottom surface is configured to face a roofing structure when the roofing shake is installed on a roof and an opposite top surface. A first body portion is disposed proximate the first end. The top surface of the first body portion is configured to be at least partially covered by one or more other roofing shakes. A second body portion is disposed proximate the second end. One or more reinforcement members are embedded within the roofing shake and within the second body portion, the one or more reinforcement members positioned adjacent an outer perimeter edge of the second body portion.

Abstract: A device housing comprises a front panel, a back panel, and a support structure. The front panel further comprises at least one threaded interface position on an edge of the front panel. The back panel further comprises at least one securing interface positioned on an edge of the back panel. The support structure is configured to mount the front panel and the back panel. The support structure further comprises a slot configured to couple the threaded interface on the front panel and a securing to configured to couple the securing interface on the back panel.

Abstract: A fastening system for use with a modular panel assembly having at least two panels includes one or more securing apertures formed through a first panel and one or more engaging projections provided on a second panel, each one of the engaging projections being sized and positioned to be engageable with a corresponding one of the securing apertures on the first panel. Panels for use in forming a modular panel assembly, modular containers, and methods of constructing modular containers are provided.

Abstract: Building or structural panels may be joined, such as to form walls or floors. The panels may be connected in various orientations via one or more connectors. The connectors may mount to anchors associated with the panels. The panels may have outer skins located over an expanded core comprising a matrix of supporting elongate members and voids or openings, with the anchors located at edges of the panels.

Abstract: The modular flooring element (1) according to the invention comprises a panel element (2), two hooking brackets (404) arranged on a longitudinal side, two shallow recesses (44) arranged on the other longitudinal side, a hooking bracket (604) arranged on a transversal side and a shallow recess (64) arranged on the other transversal side. The brackets (404) couple with the shallow recesses (44) of another modular element, and similarly the brackets (604) couple with the shallow recesses (64), so as to block the flooring elements both longitudinally and transversally. The hooking brackets (404, 604) are provided with bearings for making the same brackets slide easier. The modular floor so provided can be assembled and dismantled quite quickly. Tongue and groove joints along the longitudinal and transversal edges render the assembled floor quite strong.

Abstract: A quick assembly and disassembly modular wall enclosure which comprises essentially a plurality of wall panel assemblies and interconnecting attachment hardware built into each of said wall panel assemblies. The attachment hardware is configured to interconnect the panel assemblies without the use of any additional, separately provided connecting elements and is further configured to enable erecting a surrounding wall structure that defines a fully surrounded interior space within.

Abstract: A device is provided for joining pre-cast concrete sections, the device including a cable loop, wherein the cable sections forming bent portions of the cable loop have sleeves for keeping the cable sections in a bent-over position. The sleeves are plastically deformable before bending and surround the bent portions of the cable sections, but the material of the sleeves is such that the sleeves break under return deformation.

Abstract: A building wall or roof is formed of tubular structural members arranged in parallel, planar, spaced-apart relation. Saddle-shaped structural members having strengthening portions are respectively mounted on the tubular members with a clearance space, and thermal and/or acoustical insulation is interposed in the clearance space between the strengthening portions and the tubular members. As compared to conventional tubular log structures, the resulting wall or roof is resistant to horizontal forces generated by the wind or earthquakes and is faster and easier to construct and, furthermore, considerably better performing in terms of thermal and acoustic insulation without having to increase its thickness on an otherwise proportionate basis.

Abstract: A device is provided for joining pre-cast concrete sections, the device including a cable loop, wherein the cable sections forming bent portions of the cable loop have elements for keeping the cable sections in a bent-over position, the elements are cable cores which lie within the cable sections of the cable loop and which are plastically deformable.

Abstract: Building or structural panels may be joined, such as to form walls or floors. The panels have edge anchors with mounts. The anchors may comprise elongate members defining a trough having spaced cross-pins. A connector is positioned between adjacent panels. The connector engages the mounts of the anchors, such by having the cross-pins slide into slots of the connector. The panels may have outer skins located over an expanded core comprising a matrix of supporting elongate members and voids or openings, with the anchors located slots formed in the edges of the panels.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall element comprises a wood-cement plate-like body, a reinforcement embedded in the body and one or more plate-bracket units with a connecting plate rigidly connected to one or more anchoring brackets embedded in the plate-like body and engaged to the reinforcement, in which the plate-like body together with a rear surface of the connecting plate facing inwards the plate-like body define an assembling seat with an access opening lateral to the connecting plate.

Abstract: Floor panels (1b, 1c) are shown which are provided with a mechanical locking system comprising a tongue with rocker arms that allows locking by a vertical turning motion.

Abstract: A connection apparatus for connecting an earthen formation to a concrete facing of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure. The connection apparatus may include a soil reinforcing element configured to be coupled to a facing anchor having a pair of longitudinally extending portions connected by a transverse member, wherein the soil reinforcing element may be inserted into an opening created by the pair of longitudinally extending portions, seated near or adjacent to the transverse member, and be secured therein by means of a clasp. The connection apparatus allows the soil reinforcing element to swivel in at least one horizontal plane, thus being capable of avoiding obstructions in the MSE mass.

Abstract: A molded panel is provided, which includes a body and a plurality of supporting members. The body includes a generally planar top surface and a bottom surface. The supporting members extend from the bottom surface of the body to define a support structure. The support structure includes a top surface adjacent to the bottom surface of the body, a generally planar bottom surface and at least one edge extending therebetween. The support structure also includes at least one channel extending along a central x-axis of the support structure, and at least one additional channel intersecting the at least one central channel and extending along a y-axis of the support. The y-axis is generally perpendicular to the x-axis. A connection system for the molded panel, systems including the molded panel, and methods related to the molded panel are also described.

Abstract: A coupling beam, and method for constructing multi-story buildings. A coupling beam design using multiple rebar groups is provided for use in coupled shear walls in multi-story buildings. First and second sets of a first rebar group have first ends extending into adjacent sheer walls, and second ends within the coupling beam. First and second sets of a second rebar group have first ends extending into adjacent sheer walls, and second ends within the coupling beam. The first and second sets of the first group of rebar, and third and fourth sets within a second group of rebar, are provided in a configuration that ends at or near the middle of the coupling beam, providing an open or partial-X configuration of reinforcing steel. Such coupling beams may also include transverse reinforcement, such as stirrups, hoops, or cross-ties, to restrain the concrete and to provide a confined beam structure, as well as vertical reinforcement elements.

Abstract: A concealed mounting system for columbarium shutters and the like. The mounting system includes a top clip and bottom hangers secured to a back side of the shutter. Vertically spaced upper and lower tracks are disposed behind the shutter at its upper end and a lower end. Each track includes a forwardly extending channel and a downwardly extending channel. A locking screw is received within apertures disposed substantially perpendicular to the forwardly extending channel. A nut threadably receives the locking screw and is disposed in the forwardly extending channel, whereby upon rotation of the nut, the locking screw is caused to move vertically with respect to a bottom edge of the upper track for engagement and disengagement with the top clip. The bottom hangers are operably supported by the lower track.

Abstract: A device is provided for joining pre-cast concrete sections, the device including a cable loop, wherein the cable sections forming bent portions of the cable loop have elements for keeping the cable sections in a bent-over position, the elements are cable cores which lie within the cable sections of the cable loop and which are plastically deformable.

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 high impact, moisture resistant, wall panel system and methods for mounting a high impact, moisture resistant wall panel to an existing structure are disclosed herein. A high impact, moisture resistant wall panel includes an inert substrate composed of a high density inorganic material, wherein the substrate is dimensionally stable, a laminate composed of a substantially rigid polymeric material, and an adhesive for engaging the laminate to the substrate.

Abstract: A wall panel system includes a mounting bracket with a longitudinally extending first channel and a longitudinally extending second channel, and a wall panel with a perpendicular flange around its periphery. The wall panel is attached to the mounting bracket by a clip attached to the wall panel adjacent the flange, the clip having an engaging element with a first portion and a second portion. The clip is secured to the mounting bracket by either the first portion of the engaging element mating with the second channel, or the second portion mating with the first channel. The first portion of the engaging element and the second channel each include a protrusion, the interaction of the protrusions causing the first portion to snap into the second channel.

Abstract: A modular wall panel system to facilitate modular home construction in remote locations. Each wall panel includes two complementary wall members secured in their relative positions via a panel slide lock. Each wall member is composed of layers of lightweight, thermal resistant insulation. The insulant layers are separated by reflective layers designed to attract and retain solar energy.

Abstract: A deck connector that may be cast into a structural concrete element for use in joining adjacent ones of the concrete elements to each other by the use of weld plates that are movably disposed within a weld plate housing forming an element of each of the deck connectors.

Abstract: An anchoring system for cavity walls is disclosed. The system includes a stud-type wall anchor and a wire formative veneer tie. The stud has a driver head, a dual-diameter barrel, and a driven tip. A flange at the juncture of the two barrels houses an interior seal; and a flange under the driver head, an exterior seal. The smaller diameter barrel is coextensive with the drywall installation; and the length of the larger diameter barrel, with the rigid insulation. The interior seal seals the insertion point into the drywall installation; and the exterior seal, the opening of the anchor-receiving channel. The interior seal and the larger barrel of the anchor fill the anchor-receiving channel and stabilize the wall anchor. Also, the wall anchor is clamped in place by the seals. The stud-type anchor operates with a variety of veneer ties for different applications.

Abstract: A load bearing building panel (10) is composed of light weight concrete and reinforcing within the panel body (11) adjacent to the first and second major faces (12, 13). The reinforcing (18, 19) extends in a horizontal direction for most of the width of the panel and in a vertical direction for most of the height. In addition, the reinforcing extends about apertures near the upper and lower faces (16, 17). The apertures a suitable for fasteners to extend there through. A load bearing column is disclosed with top and bottom portions engageable with a structure they are resting upon. A triangular cross-section tubular member extends between and is attached to the top and bottom portions.

Abstract: A wall assembly includes at least two panel elements which are configured for contiguous placement adjacent to one another. Each of the panel elements defines a hollow internal passageway. The panels are configured to permit a contiguous placement whereby the respective passageways of the panels are brought into registration with one another. A connection element is positioned within one of the passageways. The connection element is accessible through a slot defined within the sidewall of the panel wherein the connection element resides. The connection element is slidable whereby it may be displaced partially into the second panel element. The connection element is thereafter actuatable whereby its lateral dimension is increased to form a pressure fit union with the interior sidewalls of the two passageways. In its spatially expanded configuration, the connection element provides a means of interconnecting the two panel elements together.

Abstract: A wall is constructed from precast concrete blocks stacked in tiers in which adjacent blocks are secured together to increase the strength of the wall. Anchors are embedded in the tops of at least some of the blocks. The ends of the blocks have vertical grooves which form a vertical opening when the ends of two blocks abut. The blocks in the tiers are offset so that the openings between blocks in one tier are positioned above the anchors on the blocks on the adjacent lower tier. The blocks in each tier are secured together by a tensioned cable extending through aligned passages in the blocks. Locking members are placed in the openings to secure the ends of the abutting blocks to an anchor in an adjacent lower block.

Abstract: A panel connector system is provided and includes a plurality of panels and panel connectors. Each panel includes panel sidewall extensions, lips extending from the sidewall extensions, and cross-walls. The sidewall extensions, lips, and cross-walls define outwardly opening edge channels. The panel connectors include a base and a member extending generally transversely from the base. The base includes a base plate and a contact element. The arm portion includes a generally longitudinal slot, a ledge or protruding portion and a spring portion. A male seating surface extends from the ledge and a female seating surface is present on the spring portion. The clip base plate is fastened to the panel cross-wall and one of the lips is disposed in the clip slot when the clip is attached within the edge channel.

Abstract: A primary connector useful for attaching a pre-cast element to a structure includes a receiver member and an attachment member. The receiver member includes a base plate and an acceptor disposed in substantially normal relation to the base plate. The attachment member is a separate plate having a front surface and a back surface with a plurality of anchors extending outwardly from the back surface and a plurality of keyhole slots formed through the plate with each of the slots be accessible from the plate's front surface so that the attachment member may be joined to the receiver member.

Abstract: A prefabricated room module (1) is provided for use in the construction of a modular building. The room module comprises a floor slab (2) of generally rectangular shape in plan, and load bearing walls (3,4) formed at adjacent sides of the slab and mutually adjoining at a common corner (5). The module has no ceiling slab opposite the floor slab (2) and an open face opposite one of the load bearing walls (4) which constitutes a party wall. Opposite another of the load bearing walls (3) the module may be open or include a further wall (7) which can have an access opening (10) therein for providing service access to a kitchen or bathroom pod (9) installed in a corner of the module. Edges of the floor slab (2) have projecting tongues (11) and fastening means for engaging complementary recesses and fastening means respectively of an adjacent module. The module may have a ceiling slab instead of a floor slab (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wall block for use in a segmental retaining wall system. The wall block comprises an interior face for forming an interior surface of a segmental retaining wall, an exterior face for forming an exterior surface of the segmental retaining wall, first and second sides that extend from the exterior face to the interior face, and a top surface and a bottom surface. Further provided in the wall block is a channel defined by a front wall, a rear wall, and an arcuate bottom surface. The channel extends across one of the faces and surfaces.

Abstract: A joint apparatus for joining two objects together with end faces in face-to-face engagement includes first and second flat elongate plates for attachment to faces of the respective objects adjacent the end face. Each plate has a first side edge for facing the first side edge of the other plate when secured to the respective object, and the first side edges each have a series of alternating tongues and recesses positioned for alignment with the recesses and tongues of the other plate, respectively. The plates are positioned on the respective objects such that the tongues project out from the end face of the object and engage in the recesses of the other plate when the end faces are abutted, in a zipper-like fashion. The plates may be temporarily clamped together while the tongues are secured to the face of the opposing object, thereby forming the joint.

Abstract: A modular display panel and edge latching system therefor which employs concealed movable latching mechanism that can be actuated between adjacent panels set up, for example, on a floor to lock the panels into vertical alignment and against any tendency of floor unevenness to cause adjacent panels to become misaligned vertically. The components in the latching mechanism which create vertical position locking are actuated by the insertion of actuators typically carried as downward projections on other panels which rest on top of directly floor supported, underlying panels.

Abstract: A device for joining two concrete members together, such as concrete tunnel or shaft lining segments (1, 2) includes at least one elastic female member (6) anchored in one of the segments and at least one elastic male member (7) anchored in the other of the segment to be joined. The female members (6) are provided with recesses (6A) to receive heads (7A) of the male members (7), each female member (6) being slotted at 6B to receive a respective web (7B) of the male members (7) and is undercut at 6C to receive the head (7A). At least one of the male and female members has a sloping engagement face (8, 9) to provide wedging action by acting to draw the head of the male member further into the female member as the web of the male member is moved along the slot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for use in conjunction with concrete construction that incorporates steel reinforcing bar formwork. In particular, the invention relates to a clamp that includes a plate having a plurality of gripping positions for clamping a first reinforcing bar against the plate and a recessed channel positioned on the plate between the gripping positions so that when a second reinforcing bar is aligned in the channel and the first reinforcing bar is clamped at the gripping position, the gripping positions will hold the first reinforcing bar and will also hold the first reinforcing bar in an overlying fashion against the second reinforcing bar in the channel.

Abstract: A horizontal joint between upper and lower building panels, as well as a building wall including such a horizontal joint, in which a liquid diverting arrangement includes a gutter with first and second ends and at least one aperture disposed between these ends. Also contemplated are a method and apparatus for forming at least two building panels, in which the panels have different reveal dimensions, and a method and apparatus for forming a building panel in which a first reveal portion is registered while a second reveal portion has been formed at a preselected distance therefrom. Further contemplated are a method and kit for customizably assembling a building wall, in which panels having different thickness dimensions can be interchangeably connected with one another, as well as a method and kit for customizably assembling a building wall, in which on or more decorative profile panels and one or more structural building wall panels can be interchangeably connected with one another.

Abstract: A prefabricated building system for constructing a building structure. The prefabricated building system includes a plurality of panels each comprising an outer shell substantially surrounding an inner core. The outer shell comprises a concrete material. The inner core comprises a mixture of a concrete material and particulate foamed polystyrene. A pair of reinforcing meshes are embedded in the outer core so that the inner core is interposed between the reinforcing meshes. Each reinforcing mesh has a plurality of wires arranged in a grid-like fashion forming a plurality of generally square spaces therebetween.

Abstract: A portable floor system (20) including individual floor sections (22, 24) joined by interlocking tongue elements (40) and receiver elements (50, 70). Each floor section (22, 24) is substantially planar and rectangular, and includes tongue elements on two sides and receiver elements on two sides. The tongue elements (40) have an upwardly-turned portion (44) which engages a downwardly projecting inner member (58, 78) of the receiver elements (50, 70). The receiver elements include a first embodiment (50) having an opening (56) which can be entered by a tongue element from the side of the panel, and a second embodiment (70) having an opening (76) which can be entered by a tongue element from either the side or the bottom of the panel. The portable floor system further includes edge sections (26, 28) which create a smooth transition from the portable floor sections to the permanent floor surface.