Abstract: A building technique uses standard shipping containers as buttresses to support a truss system that may extend between the shipping containers to provide a roof. A sliding connector system attaches the trusses to the shipping containers to accommodate variations in separation of the shipping containers presenting a versatile framing system that is insensitive to site-related variations. The sliding connector system provides incremental predetermined fastening of the trusses to the shipping containers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a modular building structure. A plurality of structural truss modules are provided. Each one of the structural truss modules includes a spaced pair of elongated wood chords and a web connecting the elongated wood chords. The web including a plurality of metal support rods each having a pair of opposed threaded sections. The first of the pair of opposed threaded sections engaged to a first one of the elongated wood chords at an angle thereto. The second of the pair of opposed threaded sections engaged to the other one of the elongated wood chords at an angle thereto. The structural truss modules are cut to a predetermined length. A first member is connected between the spaced pairs of elongated wood chords. First ends of the plurality of structural truss modules are configured to connect to a ledger member.

Abstract: A column bracket assembly is provided. The column bracket assembly comprises a bottom base bracket and a top base bracket, each including a bracket body adapted to receive an end of support element (e.g. a wooden column) and a mounting bracket/plate pivotally coupled to the bracket body and adapted to be coupled to a structural element (e.g. a footing, pile, header, beam etc.). The column bracket assembly optionally includes mounting brackets for installing cross brace brackets and/or tension rods to the bracket bodies. A method of installing the column bracket assembly, and a method of repairing, resettling, shoring, and/or leveling a structure with the column bracket assembly are also provided, along with structures comprising the column bracket assembly.

Abstract: A formwork element of a ceiling formwork. The formwork element has a non-fully circumferentially closed, in particular U-shaped, frame onto which a formwork skin can be or is arranged. The frame preferably has at least a first leg, a second leg and a base strut in between. The base strut is preferably oriented at a right angle ±5° relative to the two legs. The legs are preferably each provided at their end regions opposite to the base strut with a fastening projection and/or a fastening recess. The formwork element can be suspended by a worker from below into a pillar head and is upwardly pivotable. It makes it possible to build around an obstacle in a simple manner while maintaining a grid-like imprint structure in the concrete surface to be created with the ceiling formwork.

Abstract: A structural truss module employs a fastener web to interconnect elongated wood chords. The web comprises a plurality of metal support rods. Each of the support rods has opposed threaded sections which are each threadably engaged to opposed chords preferably at an angle thereto. In one embodiment, a matrix of quasi-convergent adjacent pairs of support rods is employed. The structural truss modules may form part of a roof for a header or a structural wall.

Abstract: The curtain wall includes mullion profiles, transom profiles and one or more panels, where the mullion profiles extend vertically, where the transom profiles each are attached to two mullion profiles and extend horizontally, where the mullion profiles are provided with a groove on each side for receiving the side edge of a panel. The grooves have an access opening, where the access opening has a first fixed dimension or width in a horizontal direction, where the transom profiles have a second dimension in a horizontal direction and at right angles to the profile direction of the transom profiles, where the second dimension is larger than the first dimension, where the transom profiles have a third dimension in a non-horizontal direction at right angles to the profile direction, where the third dimension is smaller than the first dimension.

Abstract: A shade structure assembly includes at least one column member. A horizontal beam is secured at a top end of the column member. A first rail is secured to a first end and a second rail is secured to a second end of each horizontal beam. At least one truss assembly is secured to the rails. The truss assembly includes at least two truss members arranged in spaced parallel relation. Structural supports connect the truss members along two of the truss beams and panel supports connect the truss members along two of the truss beams. The panel supports mount a panel array. Each truss member may comprise a center truss portion and one or both of a first and second truss extension. Each truss member may be comprised of a universal center truss portion and one or both of a first and second truss extension.

Abstract: A rail assembly for maintaining trays for temporary storage. The rail assembly features a plurality of support members and a plurality of post attachment members. The plurality of support members include a plurality of raised edges and a plurality of shelf members, each of the plurality of shelf members extend from a corresponding raised edge of the plurality of raised edges. The plurality of post attachment members extend outwardly from the plurality of support members. Each of the plurality of post attachment members includes a first connection arm configured for attachment to a first side of a vertical post and a second connection arm configured for attachment to a second side of the vertical post.

Abstract: A reinforced beam system comprises at least one pair of angularly spaced, corner-connected beams configured with two oppositely oriented triangular closed head portions, and a web interposed between head portions; a plurality of reinforcement elements forcibly contacting an interior wall of the corresponding head portion; and for each pair, at least one angled connector. A first leg of the angled connector abuts the flange of a second head portion of the first beam and is connected to a first reinforcement element inserted within the second head portion of the first beam, and a second leg of the angled connector abuts the flange of a first head portion of the second beam and is connected to a second reinforcement element inserted within both the first head portion of the second beam and a first head portion of the first beam. A beam system in one embodiment is devoid of reinforcement elements.

Abstract: A structural support beam for use in buildings, bridges, mechanical frames and the like to resist bending due to gravitational and external forces comprising a top substantially flat flange disposed in fixed spaced relationship relative to a bottom substantially concave flange by an interconnecting web and a lower stabilizing brace disposed to engage the opposite end portions of the bottom substantially concave flange and the opposite end portions of the interconnecting web to reinforce the interconnection therebetween.

Abstract: A light-weight metal framing member includes a metal stud and reinforcement plate(s), and method to produce a light-weight metal framing member may include forming a pair of channel members each having a respective major face having a respective first edge, and reinforcing such with one or more reinforcement plates, preferably at opposed ends thereof. Each member includes first and second flanges extending along the respective major face. A wire matrix includes a pair of wires each having apexes alternatively physically attached to the pair of channel members. The wire matrix forms longitudinal passages to support utility lines and position the lines away from the pair of channel members. The apexes are secured to flanges of the pair of channel members to strengthen the stud and reduce weight.

Abstract: A structural support beam for use in buildings, bridges, mechanical frames and the like to resist bending due to gravitational and external forces comprising a top substantially flat flange disposed in fixed spaced relationship relative to a bottom substantially concave flange by an interconnecting web and a lower stabilizing brace disposed to engage the opposite end portions of the bottom substantially concave flange and the opposite end portions of the interconnecting web to reinforce the interconnection therebetween.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to building trades where precise spacing between structural members ensures support via use of a plurality of elongate spacers. The spacers include at least one intermediate transit tacking member and a pair of nail- or screw-receiving apertures on opposing ends of thereof. One of the opposing ends serves as a pivoting end and the opposite end includes one or more relatively shorter member near the aperture formed therein. These member(s) can be driven into an adjacent trust or other support member while a final precise position is determined. To determine the final precise position to affix a given spacer one or more indicia is provided. Such indicia can include end edges, one or more cut-out features and/or one or more cut-out features and/or numbered or lettered (or other symbols) indicating the relative spacing from one end of the elongate spacer to the other.

Abstract: A structural component interconnect assembly includes a first component adapted for interconnection with a second component. A connection component is adapted for securing the first component and the second component together in a secured interconnection. The connection component includes at least two flanges spaced from each other by a first distance. The first component includes a mating surface having at least two slots formed therein and spaced one from another by the first distance. The second component includes a first surface and a second surface spaced one from the other by a distance on the order of the first distance. Engagement of the at least two flanges, via the at least two slots, with the first surface and the second surface secures the first component to the second component.

Abstract: Retainers are described that comprise at least one center body component comprising a plurality of center body troughs, and at least one compatible component comprising a plurality of compatible troughs, wherein at least part of the plurality of the compatible troughs couple with at least part of the plurality of center body troughs. In addition, thermal displacement devices are described that incorporate at least one retainers and at least one additional component, wherein the at least one retainer is coupled at least in part to the at least one additional component through a contact area or a substrate, surface or combination thereof, wherein the at least one retainer is coupled with the substrate, surface or combination thereof through a contact area.

Abstract: A structural wall panel includes an elongated shared structural framing member and one or more elongated intermediate structural framing members. An elongated top track is connected to a top end of each of the framing members. An inner sheet of suitable sheet material is secured to the framing members so as to form an inner face of the structural wall panel, while an outer sheet of suitable sheet material is secured to the framing members so as to form an outer face of the structural wall panel opposite the inner face. The elongated top track and inner and outer sheets are aligned on the framing members so as to form a male receiver at one lateral side of the panel and a female receiving structure along the opposite lateral side of the panel.

Abstract: Structural columns are fastened to one another vertically. Wall panels may be fastened to the structural columns so that load is transferred through the structural columns rather than vertically between the wall panels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a truss, having an upper and lower chord member each extending in generally the same longitudinal direction and in spaced apart relation. The truss also includes a plurality of web members each with a first and second end, the web members including a crimped portion at the first and second end with openings disposed therein, wherein the first and second ends and openings of adjacent web members overlap. A lower chord fastening system extends through the lower chord and through the overlapping openings in the first ends of adjacent web members. An upper chord fastening system extends through the upper chord and through the overlapping openings in the second ends of two adjacent web members, wherein a plurality of lower and upper chord fastening systems are utilized across the entire length of the truss.

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, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.

Abstract: A method of constructing a building includes fastening a first structural truss panel to a first structural column. A second structural column is fastened vertically to the first structural column. A second structural truss panel is fastened to the second structural column so that the second structural truss panel is vertically above the first structural truss panel, so that a clearance is defined between the first and second structural truss panels, and so that loads on the structural truss panels are transferred from the first and second structural truss panels to the first and second structural columns and then vertically between the first and second columns. Other construction methods, structural panels, and building sections are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of making a dual panel composite truss having a pair of spaced apart prestressed concrete panels. The process includes assembling a truss frame, which includes connecting a plurality of steel posts and bent rod truss members and reinforcing rods and lifting and placing the assembled truss frame in a panel form for pouring a first prestressed concrete panel on one side of the truss frame. The truss frame with the first concrete panel is then stripped, lifted and placed on a turntable and turned to place the other side of the truss frame in the panel form for pouring a second concrete panel, to form a dual panel composite truss having parallel spaced prestressed concrete panels.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a computer-aided design (CAD) application configured for generating interactive truss objects in a CAD model. In one embodiment, a truss creation tool allows the user to select a truss family and the endpoints of the truss. Based on these selections, the truss creation tool generates a layout and structural members of a truss. The truss may be maintained as an interactive object within the CAD model. Thus, a user may edit the truss object, resulting in the regeneration of the truss layout and the regeneration of the structural elements of the truss.

Abstract: An implementation of a truss configuration disclosed herein includes a plurality of trusses, each including a top chord, a bottom chord, a plurality of exterior braces, and a plurality of interior braces, wherein length of each of the plurality of exterior braces is substantially similar and wherein the angle between each of the exterior braces and the top chord is substantially similar. Furthermore, length of each of the plurality of interior braces is substantially similar and wherein the angle between each of the alternate interior braces and the top chord is substantially similar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a truss, having an upper and lower chord member each extending in generally the same longitudinal direction and in spaced apart relation. The truss also includes a plurality of web members each with a first and second end, the web members including a crimped portion at the first and second end with openings disposed therein, wherein the first and second ends and openings of adjacent web members overlap. A lower chord fastening system extends through the lower chord and through the overlapping openings in the first ends of adjacent web members. An upper chord fastening system extends through the upper chord and through the overlapping openings in the second ends of two adjacent web members, wherein a plurality of lower and upper chord fastening systems are utilized across the entire length of the truss.

Abstract: A tapered truss is provided. In one embodiment, the truss has a pair of base members configured to be attached to a top surface of a vertical support member. The truss may further have an upper pair of truss members and a lower pair of truss members. Each upper truss member each forms an acute angle with a respective base member and each lower truss member forms an obtuse angle from the respective base member such that the lower truss member is not parallel to the upper truss member. The truss may additionally include a ceiling joist member connected to each of the lower truss members. In one embodiment, the ceiling joist member is substantially parallel to the pair of base members.

Abstract: Structural assemblies for constructing bridges and other structures. A structural assembly may comprise an elongated member defining an internal space. The structural assembly may also comprise a plurality of framing members connected to the elongated member at a plurality of pin connection nodes, each pin connection node comprising a pin interconnecting the elongated member, a first one of the framing members, and a second one of the framing members, the pin having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, at least one of the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the pin being located in the internal space of the elongated member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a truss, having an upper and lower chord member each extending in generally the same longitudinal direction and in spaced apart relation. The truss also includes a plurality of web members each with a first and second end, the web members including a crimped portion at the first and second end with openings, wherein the first and second ends and openings of adjacent web members overlap. A lower chord fastening system extends through the lower chord and through the overlapping openings in the first ends of adjacent web members. An upper chord fastening system extends through the upper chord and through the overlapping openings in the second ends of two adjacent web members. The upper and lower chord fastening system further includes a saddle member extending over the web-chord junction and secured to the chords to provide additional strength to select connections at opposing ends of the truss.

Abstract: The present invention provides a joining structure of a roof truss using thin light-gauge shaped steel. In a joining structure for joining a subsidiary roof with a main roof, a valley bracket formed by bending a thin steel sheet is inserted and disposed in the longitudinal valley direction of a joining member for joining a rafter forming the subsidiary roof with a truss or a rafter forming the main roof. In a joining structure in which a roof truss upper chord member or a rafter intersects a wall on the upper surface of the wall, a bracket formed by bending a thin steel sheet is disposed at the intersection of these members and fixes the roof truss upper chord member or the rafter to the wall.

Abstract: A reinforced triangular truss column having two vertical pipe reinforcing columns added to the three rods of the truss column is provided. Also provided is a method of reinforcing triangular truss columns comprising adding two vertical pipe reinforcing columns to a triangular truss column.

Abstract: Structural columns are fastened to one another vertically. Wall panels may be fastened to the structural columns so that load is transferred through the structural columns rather than vertically between the wall panels.

Abstract: A structural connection between the upper outer edges of multiple structural members with one or more elongate connectors that span from edge to edge between pairs of structural members.

Abstract: A tubular beam for construction of temporary structures preferably includes a rectangular tube, a first end plate and a second end plate. A plurality of tube access openings are formed through each side of the rectangular tube. A fastener hole pattern is formed around each tube access opening. The first and second end plates are attached to each end of the rectangular tube. A plate access opening is formed through the first and second end plates. The fastener hole pattern is formed around the plate access opening. Two or more adjacent tubular beams may be assembled to each other in “I,” “L,” “T” or “double T” configurations by inserting a plurality of threaded fasteners through the fastener holes in each adjacent tubular beam. The plurality of threaded fasteners are secured with a plurality of nuts. A fastening plate may also be used to join two adjacent tubular beams.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise apparatuses and methods of manufacturing and installing reinforced concrete structures. The reinforced concrete structures utilize trusses and rebar to form a support structure. A screed guide bar is removeably coupled to the support structure. Concrete is supplied to the support structure, and screeding occurs to form the reinforced concrete structure from the support structure (e.g., rebar mats and trusses) and concrete. The use of trusses and the screed guide bar allow for the formation of a reinforced concrete structure without the need for using spacers and standees to position the mats, or performing position checks to determine the position of the concrete during screeding. The screed bar guide allows workers to quickly form the desired surface of the reinforced concrete structure, remove the screed bar, and fill any void left by the screed bar, as necessary.

Abstract: A parabolic trough solar collector system has a parabolic reflector used with an independently supported collector tube. The parabolic reflector has a reflective surface formed on a reflective surface support structure, supported by a circular support beam. This assembly rests on a plurality of support and drive rollers supported by a roller support arm, supported by a roller support column. The parabolic reflector assembly rotates against the rollers along a single axis to maintain a focus line of the parabolic reflector surface at the same location as the center of the circle described by the outer edge of the circular support beam. Located at this same focus line is the independently supported collector tube not attached to the parabolic trough reflector. The collector tube is supported on pipe roller hangers, which in turn are supported by a wire catenary system connected to support towers which straddle the parabolic reflector.

Abstract: A unitary steel joist includes a generally vertical web, a generally horizontal bottom flange, a generally horizontal top flange, a bottom wing, a bottom web portion, a top wing and a top web portion. The generally horizontal bottom flange extends outwardly on each side of the web. The bottom flange is made of two pieces of steel. The generally horizontal top flange extends outwardly on each side of the web. The top flange is made of two pieces of steel. The bottom wing extends outwardly from the web. The bottom web portion extends between the bottom flange and bottom wing. The top wing extends outwardly from the web. The top web portion extends between the top flange and the top wing. The unitary steel joist is made from a unitary piece of steel.

Abstract: A modular wall panel have a wall face, a top cap, a bottom pan and two side framing studs at the perimeter sides extending vertically from the bottom pan to the top cap are all constructed integrally. The side framing studs also define a surface for at attaching finishing strips that extend from the base pan to the top cap. A foundation wall is constructed from a plurality of modular wall panels. The wall panels may also have interior vertical reinforcing studs with surfaces for attaching finishing strips at regular intervals. The panels may include a support column for a cross wall beam or for a support beam over a door frame opening.

Abstract: Truss structures assembled from modules comprising one hinge link, four spacer links and four apex joinders, one at each end or each hinge link. The second hinge link to complete a tetrahedron is missing from the module, and is provided by the hinge link of a next in line module so as to provide a series of joined tetrahedrons. When the strut is assembled, the apex joinders enable the strut to be formed into a wide variety of shapes.

Abstract: A hollow flange channel beam has a planar web with a pair of narrow rectangular cross-section flanges extending along opposite sides of said web and extending perpendicular to a face of said web in the same direction. The section capacity is optimized when Wf=(0.3)Db, Wf=(3.0)Df and WF=(30)t.

Abstract: A metal stud including first and second metal panels defining first and second flat surfaces with longitudinal edges each turned inwardly away from the flat surfaces. The first and second panels are positioned in parallel spaced apart relationship with the first flat surface and the second flat surface being outwardly directed relative to each other. An angular metal coupling element includes a continuous length of metal material periodically bent in opposite directions. The coupling element is positioned between the first and second panels and bent to periodically and alternately contact the first and second panels at contact points. The coupling element is fixed to the first and second panels at the contact points by spot welding or the like.

Abstract: A wooden joist comprises wooden top chord and bottom chords. Wooden boards are adhesively connected to the chords to form an I-joist section along a portion of the wooden joist. Wooden webs may be adhesively connected to the chords to form an open-joist section along another portion of the wooden joist. A bearing extension is defined by the wooden top chord extending beyond an end of the wooden joist Metal webs are in alignment on opposed sides of the wooden joist. Each metal web comprises a top connector end fixed to the bearing extension, a bottom connector end fixed to the bottom chord, and a structural arm between the connector ends. The metal webs are solely provided in an end region along the wooden joist, whereby the wooden joist is adapted to be in a top-chord bearing relation with a beam.

Abstract: A frame assembly for supporting a wall panel includes a stud having an end portion. The stud is configured to engage and support the wall panel. The frame assembly also includes a track member having a generally U-shaped cross-section defined by a base and two sidewalls. The track member defines a longitudinal axis. The frame assembly further includes an engagement member coupled to the base of the track member and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. The engagement member defines a slot that receives the end portion of the stud to support the stud.

Abstract: A wooden joist is described. The joist comprises a wooden top chord, a wooden bottom chord, and a main section comprising at least one of wooden boards and wooden webs adhesively connected to the wooden top chord and to the wooden bottom chord to form at least one of an I-joist subsection and an open-joist subsection along the main section of the wooden joist. An end configuration at one end of the main section comprises a wooden post extending generally perpendicularly between the wooden top chord and the wooden bottom chord and is adjacent to the main section. A wooden diagonal web extends diagonally from the wooden top chord to the wooden bottom chord. A first set of metal plates is in alignment on opposed sides of the wooden joist to connect the wooden top chord to the diagonal web. A second set of metal plates is in alignment on opposed sides of the wooden joist to connect the diagonal web and the post to the bottom chord.

Abstract: A tapered truss is provided. In one embodiment, the truss has a pair of base members configured to be attached to a top surface of a vertical support member. The truss may further have an upper pair of truss members and a lower pair of truss members. Each upper truss member each forms an acute angle with a respective base member and each lower truss member forms an obtuse angle from the respective base member such that the lower truss member is not parallel to the upper truss member. The truss may additionally include a ceiling joist member connected to each of the lower truss members. In one embodiment, the ceiling joist member is substantially parallel to the pair of base members.

Abstract: Load bearing and non-load bearing frames for walls, roofs and floors are prefabricated according to a predetermined building plan and made to disengage and collapse to a compact and intact frame, where, as with a wall frame, studs are resting against one another and the upper and lower tracks are in close approximation to each other, separated only by said resting studs. Said frames for walls, roofs and floors can be readily be transported to a construction site, where the collapsed frames are expanded, engaged, stabilized and permanently plumbed and braced.

Abstract: A joist assembly kit according to various embodiments comprises: (A) a first joist comprising: (1) a first casing; (2) a tenon that is disposed adjacent an end portion of the first casing; and (3) a first reinforcing member that extends: (a) longitudinally within the interior of both the casing and the tenon, (b) out of the tenon's interior, and (c) adjacent an end surface of the tenon; and (B) a second joist that comprises: (1) a second casing; and (2) a second reinforcing member that extends longitudinally within an the second casing's interior. In particular embodiments: (1) the second casing defines a mortise; (2) the tenon is adapted so that when the tenon is inserted into the second joist's mortise, the tenon matingly engages the second joist about a perimeter of the mortise. The joists may be attached together by fastening their respective reinforcing members together with a suitable fastener.

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: A roofing system includes a plurality of roofing panel assemblies. Each roofing panel assembly includes a base having a substantially planar surface, a plurality of I-joists having an upper flange and a lower flange, wherein the base is attached to the lower flanges of the plurality of I-joists, and a cap having a substantially planar surface, wherein the cap is attached to the upper flanges of the plurality of I-joists. The plurality of I-joists includes a first edge most I-joist and a second edge most I-joist. A first edge of the cap is attached to the upper flange of the first edge most I-joist such that a portion of the upper flange of the first edge most I-joist is not covered by the cap. A second edge of the cap extends beyond an edge of the second edge most I-joist for a distance less than a width of the upper flange of the second edge most I-joist.

Abstract: A deck assembly uses plurality of joists preferably formed from metal located side by side and each having a web portion and a deck portion integrally formed with the web portion. The deck portion extends laterally from the web portion and the joists are spaced from one another such that the deck portions from a continuous deck surface with the joists being connected to one another.

Abstract: A method of constructing a grain bin floor support system having a plurality of interconnected support members. The support members are constructed from a monolithic sheet of structural metal stamped and formed having upper and lower horizontal rails spanning across and integrally connected by a plurality of transverse support columns. The rails include a longitudinally extending center segment and a stabilizing portion adjacent each end thereof. The stabilizing portions are configured to be folded out in opposite directions forming a non-planar self-supporting structure.

Abstract: A joist comprised of at least one cold-formed steel elongated chord member; a cold-formed steel web having a plurality of web members and means for securing said web to said chord member. A plurality of joists are generally for use in a support system for a platform or a deck in the construction of floors and roofs. The support system is of particular use in a composite floor and roof systems.