Abstract: An exhibit or display for tradeshows or the like having a plurality of support members and an axial connection assembly. The support members include opposing ends and a body portion, and further include an exterior channel and a central bore, the channel defining a flange portion and the bore being in communication with a retention feature. The axial connection assembly is configured to releasably couple an end of a first support member to an end of a second support member such that the two support members are axially aligned. The axial connection assembly includes a collar releasably coupled in the bore of each member, with each collar including at least one locator portion to interact with the retention feature, and a pin having a mid portion and two ends, the mid portion configured to be rotatably selectively restrained within the collar.

Abstract: This invention relates to a structural cementitious panel (SCP) panel able to resist lateral forces imposed by high wind and earthquake loads in regions where they are required by building codes. These panels may be used for shear walls, flooring or roofing or other locations where shear panels are used in residential or commercial construction. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder reinforced with glass fibers and containing lightweight filler particles. One or more reinforcement members, such as mesh or plate sheets, are bonded to at least one surface of the panel to provide a completed panel that can breathe and has weather resistant characteristics to be capable of sustaining exposure to the elements during construction, without damage.

Abstract: A roofing system including horizontal or sloped metal framing members, for example, C-joists, U-joists, open web joists, or other metal frame systems that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable SCP panel. The roofing system is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, termite resistant and is capable of resisting shear loads equal to or exceeding shear loads provided by plywood or oriented strand board panels. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres.

Abstract: A deck assembly module is disclosed. The deck assembly module can be installed into the steel frame of a steel framed building. The deck assembly module includes a cellular metal deck. In an embodiment, the cellular metal deck includes a bottom plate having a top major surface and a bottom major surface, an angled decking sheet, and fireproof insulation. The angled decking sheet is angled to form a repeating pattern of troughs and peaks, the angled decking is adjacent to the top major surface of the bottom plate, and the fireproof insulation is located in channels formed by the peaks of the angled decking sheet and the top surface of the bottom plate and the angled decking sheet. The deck assembly module may also include a concrete portion that includes a top major surface, referred to as a concrete deck.

Abstract: A foundation system includes metal framing members that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable cementitious panel. The foundation system is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, and termite resistant. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres.

Abstract: A system of structural elements for a pergola structure including vertical posts supporting a roof formed of carrying rails supported by the posts and cross rails supported by the carrying rails. Each post includes a post core element, a post shell enclosing the post core element, and a post shell adapter. Each carrying rail adapter mounts a carrying rail to a post and includes a post core interior adapter joined with a single or dual carrying rail retainer, and each rail connector mounts a cross rail to a carrying rail. The elements may further include shell extensions and beam filled rails comprising a rail shell and a reinforcing beam insert.

Abstract: The present invention relates to components and method for modular building system used as houses, home flat, buildings, offices, gazebos, and pavilion, and to assemble the modular building system fast, easy and simple. Specifically a modular building system of the present invention includes structural frames for post and beam of the building system, lock mechanism for connecting and keeping rigidly said structural frames, corner support for connecting the corner of said structural frames, and structural insulated panel for the purpose wall, roof and floor. The structural frame consists of atleast a groove and atleast pair of bevel surface. Further the lock mechanism includes a top shell, a bottom shell, a tension screw, atleast one pair of reed, atleast one pair of support pieces, and atleast one pair of fill pieces. And also a method for assembling said modular system is provided.

Abstract: As ambient conditions change around a truss structure, such as a wooden truss in an attic, webs of the truss are affected by changes of moisture and temperature in the air. As the end-grain of the webs expand and contract, a contraction and expansion management (CEM) joint minimizes unwanted expansion and contraction in the truss chord. An elastic layer such as an elastomer in the CEM joint absorbs expansion while plates around the CEM joint maintain rigidity of the chord, keeping it secure to the walls. As the moisture and temperature in the attic decrease, the end-grain of the truss returns to its original state.

Abstract: An insulating wall assembly, including a framework having opposite interior and exterior sides and including a plurality of vertical and horizontal support studs defining an inner spacing within the framework, a substantially rigid insulating panel mounted to the framework, and an insulating material extending in the inner spacing and juxtaposed to the rigid insulating panel. Each one of the vertical and horizontal support studs has an outer stud member having a thickness t1 and an inner stud member mounted inwardly to the outer stud member and having a thickness t2 thinner than the thickness t1. The substantially rigid insulating panel is supported peripherally by the inner stud members with the outer stud member circumscribing the rigid insulating panel.

Abstract: The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, including but not limited to intumescent material. The fire-retardant material can be attached to the tracks such that the fire-retardant material expands and seals gaps and/or areas between the tracks and wall components such as ceilings, floors, and drywall.

Abstract: A structural building component includes a pultruded member adapted to be used as a structural frame member of a building.

Abstract: A foldable truss having a pair of side frames hinged together by a foldable arm allowing the truss to be collapsed to a smaller width while maintaining the truss length as a constant.

Abstract: A protective shelter is disclosed. The shelter may be sized to protect an existing, unhardened structure, and its contents. Or, the shelter may be sized to protect an individual or other objects of similar size. In either case, the shelter provides protection from blasts from explosive shells, rockets, and the like. The shelter has a support frame that supports a blast cover that is positioned above the object or objects to be protected. A burster screen is positioned above the blast cover and may be supported by the support frame. The burster screen serves to detonate incoming ordinance before the ordinance reaches the protected object or objects. The blast cover is strong enough to withstand the resulting shock from the detonated ordinance, and thus prevents damage to the protected object or objects located below the protective shelter. This invention may be used to retrofit existing, unhardened structures in areas where additional protection is needed.

Abstract: A self-bailing, antimicrobial frame construction is disclosed. A lower track including a pair of vertical sections and a gabled center section is connected to a plurality of studs. The studs are connected to an upper track having a pair of vertical sections and a gabled center section. The lower and upper tracks and the studs can be made from recycled metal that is roll-formed into shape and coated with an antimicrobial coating. A closed-cell foam pad can be placed under the lower track to insulate sound and vibration. The lower track can include several perforations at a low point in the lower track to allow moisture to escape the frame.

Abstract: A grating system provides enhanced see through characteristics and typically includes longitudinal deep bars, axial crossbars, axial filler bars between the crossbars and longitudinal joining bars which join the crossbars and filler bars to one another. The deep bars are part of a first subassembly and the other bars are part of a second subassembly which may be lowered to join the two subassemblies to one another. The crossbars and filler bars are typically seated on the deep bars. The joining bars are typically above and aligned with the deep bars. The upper surfaces of the crossbars and filler bars are usually substantially flush with one another. The grating system is configured to support vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Abstract: A construction set for allowing a user to construct a variety of different structures comprising a plurality of Type A beams, a plurality of Type B beams, a plurality of base columns, a plurality of intermediate columns, a plurality of base plates attached to the base columns, and a plurality of deck pieces for laying atop the beams to create a floor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bracket for use in a metal stud wall having internal bridging members for tying the metal studs and bridging members together. The bracket is an L shaped bracket having a leg for overlying the bridging member joined to an upright for overlying the metal stud. The outside corners of the leg and upright of the L shaped bracket are truncated so that the bracket may be inserted within the channel of a metal stud and rotated to the proper position for attaching to the bridging member and metal stud.

Abstract: A framework system for buildings and other structures having a plurality of structural columns each having a wall structure of generally circular cross-sectional configuration defining an internal chamber and having a number of pairs of elongate external undercut grooves extending the length of the column and defining internal elongate grooves also extending the length of the column. Structural framework members extend between adjacent ones of the structural columns and define opposed ends. Gripper members are mounted to the ends of each of the structural framework members and each have a pair of spaced hook-like lateral retainer flanges disposed in retaining engagement within the elongate external undercut grooves. A structural member extends the length of the internal chamber and has radially oriented structural flanges each being received within one of the internal elongate grooves.

Abstract: Outdoor structure kits according to various embodiments are adapted to construct one or more outdoor structures, such as a pavilion. The outdoor structure kits may include a plurality of modular truss sub-assemblies that are adapted to be assembled into trusses. In particular embodiments, the kits are adapted to allow users to install pre-assembled roof panels on the assembled trusses by fitting tabs that extend from the bottoms of the roof panels into recesses defined in the respective top surfaces of the trusses. In particular embodiments, the kits may include a plurality of posts and a plurality of reinforced truss members (which may be made of a reinforced plastic material) that may be assembled to create the structure's floor and/or ceiling frames. In certain embodiments, the kits may include a plurality of roof sub-panels that may be assembled to form a larger roof panel with shingles that overlap the edges of the subpanels.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the inventive subject matter is directed to modular subunit based on a has a frame having three equal length structural segments joined at each end to form a triangular shape, and wherein the structural segments form a bounded section. The bounded section may be a load bearing structure. The bounded section may include three trapezoidal elements arranged to form a triangle. The bounded section may include one of the following: SIP, flooring system, a ceiling system, a roofing system, glass, drop panels, empty. A modular unit may be formed having two of the triangular frames separated by a perpendicular column at each corner to form a normal right pentahedral shape; and wherein the triangular frame further comprising three equal length structural segments joined at each end forming a triangular shape; wherein the structural segments form a bounded section.

Abstract: A modular building system is disclosed. The modular building includes a plurality of pre-fabricated joints having open-ended hollow arms extending orthoganally along at least two directional axes, as defined by a 3-dimensional rectangular coordinate system. The system further includes a plurality of pre-fabricated beams detachably insertable into the open-ends of the hollow arms of the joints and connectors removeably securing the beams in the hollow arms of the joints. The joints and beams are assembled to build a variety of modular grid-frame structures in accordance with pre-determined assembly plans.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of building a building having a plurality of levels using. The building includes a plurality of building unit assemblies (2) wherein each building unit assembly is structurally self supporting and has at least one sidewall (4), a floor (8) and a roof (10), the method including the steps of: lifting the building unit assemblies (2) into position in the building so that each level of the building includes a predetermined number of units (2); connecting adjacent units (2) to one another in each level; and connecting units (2) in one level to corresponding units in at least one adjacent level that is vertically above or below the one level. In one form the building unit assembly (2) includes a building unit including two sidewalls (4) and (6) floor (8) and roof (10) with structural frame segments (16, 18, 20, 22) attached thereto.

Abstract: The teachings are generally directed to a construction system that includes a three-dimensional, load-bearing cell that can be modular, releasably connectable with other construction components, reinforced with bracing for higher strength, and exceed industry size limits, for use in a building or non-building structure. The load-bearing cell can be constructed on-site and can have a dimension that exceeds size standards set for transporting construction materials to a construction site as compared to pre-fabricated cellular structures. These construction cells are a novel, technical contribution for at least the reason that they overcome the technical industry size limitations that add cost and complexity to construction. The teachings provide (i) an ability to save on the complexities and amounts of materials, equipment, and labor needed in a construction project, (ii) a reduction in costs, and (iii) a novel, simplified, and bid-winning approach to the art of construction.

Abstract: Apparatus/systems and methods are disclosed for facilitating installation of conduit systems through construction openings. Exemplary embodiments enable one to form, maintain, and controllably block the openings and incorporate the apparatus/systems into the finished construction. Exemplary apparatus/systems disclosed include (i) a structural member that includes one or more side walls defining an opening, one or more base flaps, and one or more top flaps, and (ii) at least one cover to controllably block said opening. Exemplary methods disclosed include (i) installing said apparatus/system that includes (1) securing the structural member relative to a deck, and (2) introducing cement/concrete relative to structural member covering the base flaps and fixing the structural member with respect to the deck, and (ii) installing a conduit system through an apparatus/system-defined opening that includes encasing the cover(s) together with the installed conduit system.

Abstract: A method for securing a building to a foundation provides hold-down units that perform double-duty by acting as a compressive load on a floor immediately therebelow due to the force of a seat or base portion thereof. Meanwhile, a flange portion of each hold-down device extends upward to fasten to the upright members in an upper floor applying tension thereto. Thus, an anchoring rod extending through multiple floors of the shear walls may reduce the number of total hold-down devices by an amount approaching half that otherwise required. Likewise, the number of more expensive, automatic, take-up devices used is reduced by approximately half.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a novel moment resisting connection system, for use, but not limited to, with a pony-truss bridge system. The connection system comprises multi-hollow sections that can be, but are not limited to, extruded aluminum and a joint or node connector that can be casted, milled, forged or made by any other means.

Abstract: An inhabitable space frame (100) can define and support inhabitable living space within, around and projecting from the exterior of the perimeter of the space frame (100). The space frame (100) includes a vector matrix of strut members (105) that defines a plurality of interconnected basic tetrahedral modules (110) and, optionally, a plurality of prime octahedral modules (115). At least a part of each prime octahedral module (115) in the plurality of prime octahedral modules (115) is adjacent to at least two of the basic tetrahedral modules (110). Use of one or more right triangular faces, or planes, within a repeating geometry of a vector matrix enables an interior of the space frame (100) to be inhabitable, with horizontal floors and vertical walls aligned with associated strut members (105).

Abstract: Metal profiles used as top and bottom tracks with legs spaced apart a width to accommodate wall stud framing and resilient channel attached to at least one side of the stud framing One of the profile legs having a minimum of one return flange aiding in holding studs in place during construction and assembly life cycle. Intumescent material attached to a portion of at least one of the legs located proximate to the overhead (ceiling) structure or floor structure.

Abstract: A synchronously deployable tetrahedral truss beam with orthogonally-hinged diagonals, having uniquely-connected transverse members and folding chordal members, where a plurality of bays can extend and retract in a coordinated manner without need for a deployment canister mechanism or other assembling means. The triangular cross-section truss can be adapted to deploy pre-attached panels or nodally-attached payload components. These triangular beams can be mounted side-by-side with a common chord to create a synchronously deployable trapezoidal cross-section beam or space-frame. Both the triangular and trapezoidal configurations can be adapted to deploy with a prescribed curvature of the longitudinal axis, and form perimeter trusses which can be post-tensioned for maximum structural performance.

Abstract: A lattice tower (1) is provided comprising generally upright leg elements that are arranged in plan view at the corners of a polygon with horizontal struts and diagonal braces interconnecting the leg elements. The lattice tower has a first arrangement of basic leg elements (2), basic horizontal struts (3) and basic diagonal braces (4) providing a first and basic predetermined load carrying capacity of the tower. Selected basic leg elements and/or basic horizontal struts and/or basic diagonal braces are provided with attachment formations whereby additional leg elements (10) and/or additional horizontal struts (7) and/or additional diagonal braces (8) may be secured to the basic leg elements and/or basic horizontal struts and/or basic diagonal braces to provide an increased predetermined load carrying capacity of the lattice tower.

Abstract: A fastener assembly comprises a first cylindrical member disposed within a second cylindrical member. One of the first and second cylindrical members is movable relative to the other in a first direction. The other one of the first and second cylindrical members is locked relative to the one in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A spring is operably attached to the first and second cylindrical members to urge one of the first and second cylindrical members in the first direction. A removable member is operably associated with the first and second cylindrical members to prevent one of the first and second cylindrical members from moving in the first direction prior to removing the removable member. The removable member is configured to be pulled out to allow one of the first and second cylindrical members to move in the first direction.

Abstract: A quick assembled house comprises a frame including a plurality of side walls and a roof, characterized in that: the side walls and the roof are formed of a number of first and second planks, wherein each of the first and second planks includes an engaging groove fixed on one side thereof and a locking tenon secured on the other side thereof, wherein the locking tenon includes two downwardly-tilted fastening arms extending outward from a top portion thereof, wherein the fastening arms of the locking tenon of the first plank is inserted to the engaging groove of the second plank so as to connect the first and second planks together.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a box-shaped structure of inter-related structural components. The structural components are combined to create a single three dimensional component the shape of a rectangular prism. The structure is formed by creating a pair of exterior walls from horizontal members and a series of laterally spaced vertical members that are coupled to the horizontal members by truss plates. The structure also includes a series of laterally spaced rectangular ribs that are coupled to the exterior walls by additional truss plates. The ribs and the walls are further coupled by use of wood sheeting along the top of the structure to form the resultant assembly. The entire assembly is connected together with a series of bolt and steel angle connectors, allowing the entire module to act monolithically.

Abstract: A system for constructing wood framed homes reduces the materials and labor costs for home construction while improving the thermal efficiency of the home. Conventional home design, layout and appearance are maintained.

Abstract: A building structure having a plurality of frame assemblies joined together to form an internal frame structure for a building. Each of the frame assemblies includes a truss, a pair of vertical wall members and a floor joist. The truss is attached to respective top ends the vertical wall members at each end of the truss with interlocking joints in which the truss and vertical wall members are in substantially the same plane. Each vertical wall member is attached to the floor joist with interlocking joints. Each interlocking joint has a puzzle-piece configuration. Cross-members interconnect the frame assemblies in a spaced-apart manner. A floor panel is attached to the floor joists and exterior wall panels are attached to an exterior of the internal frame structure.

Abstract: A fire resistant wall includes a frame assembly utilizing tubular steel studs having at least one opening at the bottom and at the top, a stratum of fire resistant material disposed in the inter-stud space, and a trim assembly structured to protect the gaps between adjacent panels. The openings in the studs allow hot fluid within the studs to be exhausted in a remote location and cool fluid to be drawn in from another remote location. The stratum of fire resistant material disposed in the inter-stud space resists heat and flames contacting the lateral sides of the studs when the inner stratum of the firewall collapses, or when gaps appear between adjacent inner stratum panels. The trim assembly preferably includes a metal bar with a concave back surface disposed over the gap between adjacent panels and an intumescent caulk disposed at least partially within the gap. An intumescent caulk expands when exposed to heat and fills the gap between inner stratum panels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wall system which has a solid wood construction on both an inner and outer side with an insulation cavity between, and to an improved building construction utilising the wall system. A plurality of boards is arranged in an interior stack of boards and an exterior stack of boards on a base platform. The interior and exterior stacks of boards are spaced apart by vertical members. The vertical members are spaced apart at spaced locations along the wall. The vertical members have a spanning portion; the interior and exterior stacks of boards are spaced apart by the width of the spanning portion. The vertical members extend across the height of a plurality of boards of each stack of boards.

Abstract: A method of fabrication of furniture by affixing a plurality of rods of similar length forming a frame comprising a plurality of tetrahedra and pentahedra with the frame having at least one planar surface for attachment thereto of a covering.

Abstract: A grating system provides enhanced see through characteristics and typically includes longitudinal deep bars, axial crossbars, axial filler bars between the crossbars and longitudinal joining bars which join the crossbars and filler bars to one another. The deep bars are part of a first subassembly and the other bars are part of a second subassembly which may be lowered to join the two subassemblies to one another. The crossbars and filler bars are seated on the deep bars with the crossbars typically within upwardly opening notches formed in the deep bars. The joining bars are typically above and aligned with the deep bars. The upper surfaces of the crossbars and filler bars are usually substantially flush with one another. The grating system is configured to support vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Abstract: A base frame for a parking lot roof equipped with photovoltaic modules is proposed, wherein two mirror-symmetrically constructed halves are provided, with each half having an inner arc constructed of three inner struts and an outer arc constructed of three outer struts, which are connected with each other by cross struts. The structure is light-weight and can be easily manufactured.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a framing member for use in a steel framed flooring structure. The framing member has a U-shaped rectangular cross section with two parallel spaced apart flanges and a central web bridging the flanges and connected to one edge of each of the flanges. The central web has an extension on each end thereof, the extension extending beyond the flanges a distance of at least half the width of the flange.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a sectional rail system which is constructed with the known outer rails with U-shaped cross-section and intermediate rails with C-shaped cross-section, and which is peculiar in that each of the retention means of the outer rail includes at least one stop pin which is disposed close to the inner side of the screw web of an outer rail, preferably two stop pins disposed opposite each other close to the inner side of the screw webs of the outer rail, where each stop pin furthermore is provided with a support flange for supporting an end part of the reinforcement web of the intermediate rail. The fastening means of the outer rail may thus include one, two or more stop pins, and one or more resilient lock pins. Hereby may be achieved provision of a tool-free assembly method for the sectional rail system and that by screwing on plate covering close to the edge part of the intermediate rail, it is avoided that the screw web and the associated reinforcement web “capsize”.

Abstract: A pergola system employs tap-lock pin (56) that readily attaches to a beam (82). The beam is encapsulated, preferably by vinyl extrusions, which allow horizontal strips to easily engage opposing end of the tap-lock pin (56). Clips (78) with protruding tap-locks (72) are secured to a substrate, allowing horizontal strips with ledges (96) to be engaged with the protruding tap-locks (72) to provide an easily installed pergola shade structure. A shroud (102) or coupler (62) allows expansion so that a plurality of pergola kits can be assembled together and so that a homeowner or do-it-yourselfer can install, alter, or retrofit the pergola(s) with minimal effort and direction.

Abstract: A semi-butterfly connecting clamp and a building steel framework joint structure are mainly used for connection of a building steel framework. The connecting clamp includes a bearing plate, two L-shaped self-locking blocks, and two clamp wings provided at two ends of the bearing plate, respectively. Each of the clamp wings is integrally formed by a pre-tightening plate and a self-locking fastening plate. A groove is provided at an end of the self-locking fastening plate near the bearing plate. A wedge-shaped piece, having an inclined upper surface and a locking bolt hole, is placed on the self-locking fastening plate at a position near the groove. The retaining distance of the connecting clamp can be conveniently adjusted according to the size of the retained vertical column, and it can weaken the destruction action of the applied outside force on the building steel framework when the outside force acts on the connecting clamp.

Abstract: An underground earth retention strut construction method using a horizontal frame structure is disclosed, in which since a vertical member is formed after a horizontal frame structure is first installed and completed, it is possible to minimize any interference between the vertical member and the horizontal frame structure for thereby achieving an easier construction and enhancing a construction quality. The interval of the temporary vertical member is widened during an underground excavation work, so that the ground excavation work is easy. The improved horizontal frame structure of an architecture comprises a pair of straight members which are connected by at least one plate; and a “#”-shaped connection member which is connected at a portion in which the straight members cross with each other.

Abstract: Sufficient yield strength is achieved against tensile, compressive and shearing forces working on steel frame columns and steel frame girders by using simply configured connective fittings to reduce costs and construction periods. For this purpose, a connective structure of highly rigid steel frame columns and steel frame girders formed by connecting steel frame columns and steel frame girders each having a web part and flange parts with connective fittings is provided. Each of the connective fittings has a bottom plate part and, on a surface of the bottom plate part, side plate parts which rise at a substantially right angle to the bottom plate part and have inserting areas extending farther than a tip of the bottom plate part in the state of rising at the substantially right angle.

Abstract: Construction elements and methods of using and making them in a structurally strong manner are disclosed. The construction element and the method of making it may be in the form of an elongated beam, a post or other. The element may include a generally tubular open frame formed of a series of conjoined octahedral sections constructed and arranged in a side by side manner joined together by conjoined pairs of tetrahedral sections disposed intermediate the octahedral sections. Each pair of octahedral sections may be constructed and arranged such that they are conjoined together by a common member, also common with the intermediate tetrahedral sections. The method may include forming an upright structure, using at least one large construction element having a plurality of octahedral and tetrahedral sections, and positioning at least one small construction element within an opening within the sections of the large construction element and affixing thereto.

Abstract: A foundation system includes metal framing members that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable cementitious panel. The foundation system is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, and termite resistant. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres.

Abstract: A lateral force resisting system according to the present disclosure includes a metal lateral force resisting panel and holdowns. A foundation bolt placement template may be used to locate and support the foundation bolts during fabrication of the foundation and to further secure the frame foundation interface. The metal lateral force resisting panel may be formed from a single piece of material and may include a plurality of ductility apertures forming lateral force resisting elements to enable the panel to flex without catastrophic failure. In a hybrid configuration, a wooden structural frame may be combined with the metal structural panel. The structural panel may be subdivided into multiple panes using ductility apertures to tailor the response of the panel to the lateral force load. The holdowns secure the rigid structural panel to the foundation bolts and may be either a folded strap and pin configuration or self-tightening.

Abstract: A supporting structure for an open-space photovoltaic system with several ground supports arranged in at least two mutually parallel rows oriented in essentially North-South direction and installed vertically in the ground, with beams supported on free ends of the ground supports located at the same location along a row, and with module rails attached to the beams for attachment of fastening means for photovoltaic modules. The module rails are secured on or between two corresponding adjacent beams in essentially North-South direction. The free ends of the ground supports are positioned at the same height above terrain ground, so that the beams and the module rails extend essentially plane-parallel to the terrain ground. This arrangement reduces material consumption, and only a small surface area of the supporting structure is effectively exposed to wind gusts. Each row of ground supports includes ground supports with both rigid and flexible flexural characteristics.