Abstract: The invention relates to a closed vertical frame (25.1, 25.2) intended for the construction of a frame stanchion (20.1), preferably a supporting frame (21.1), particularly of a supporting frame tower (22.1), the vertical frame comprising at least two vertical supports (30.1, 30.2; 30.3, 30.4), which are disposed at a horizontal distance from each other, and comprising at least two horizontal arms (35.1, 35.2; 35.3, 35.4), which are disposed at a vertical distance from each other and each extend between the at least two vertical supports (30.1, 30.2; 30.3, 30.4) transversely to the vertical supports (30.1, 30.2; 30.3, 30.4). A first horizontal arm (35.1, 35.3) of the horizontal arms is welded on both ends to one of the vertical supports (30.1, 30.2; 30.3, 30.4) each in the region of the upper ends thereof, and a second horizontal arm (35.2, 35.4) of the horizontal arms is welded on both ends likewise to the two vertical supports (30.1, 30.2; 30.3, 30.4) in the region of the lower ends thereof.

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 structural truss (3) with crimp/clamp (18) wherein the truss (3) includes disposed U-shaped channel chords (2) and struts (1) interconnected to one another at alternately extending apices (6) wherein successive segments of the struts (1) have U-shapes and inverted U-shapes at their mid-sections and apices (6) at their respective ends. The truss member (3) also has vertical load-bearing strut sections (17) at the end of each manufactured length of truss (3) to support a cantilevered section of chord (10). The crimp/clamp (18) creates dimples (19), thereby securing the chords (2) to the struts (1).

Abstract: 1. A post frame bookshelf style steel reinforced building panel and the construction method thereof to form a building structure.

Abstract: A boot assembly for securing a bracing strap to a wall in a light steel frame building. The boot assembly includes an elongated channel-shaped strap connector and a stud connector. The stud connector is adapted such that a stud may be connected thereto. The strap connector includes a seat for receiving a base of the stud connector and a pair of stops. One or more stops is disposed on each of two end portions of the strap connector. Each stop includes a stop surface to abut a portion of the base and to prevent or limit fore-and-aft movement of the base relative to the strap connector. The strap connector is adapted to be secured with the stud connector and a track, included in the wall, to an underlying support. The strap connector includes a flange adapted such that an end portion of a bracing strap can be connected thereto.

Abstract: A joint structure for antiseismic reinforcement includes at least one structural member having a longitudinal axis and at least one antiseismic reinforcement member. Each antiseismic reinforcement member has a longitudinal axis located in a plane that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the structural member. The longitudinal axis of the antiseismic reinforcement member is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the structural member. A metal fitting connects each of the antiseismic reinforcement members to the structural member. The metal fitting is not fixed to the structural member. At least one constraining member is fixed to the structural member close to or abutting an edge portion of the metal fitting. The constraining member bears a force applied to the metal fitting in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the structural member.

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 rack truss for use in forming shelf-type storage racks which may be assembled at the site using bolts and/or which includes reinforcement at the lower level of the rack truss.

Abstract: A rack truss for use in forming shelf-type storage racks which may be assembled at the site using bolts and/or which includes reinforcement at the lower level of the rack truss.

Abstract: An apparatus for bracing a masonry wall that is bowing or has begun to buckle as a result of hydrostatic pressure and/or other forces as may occur with the foundation or basement wall of a building. The wall restraint system includes a vertically disposed beam, which is positioned against a vertical concrete masonry wall and secured in place by a bottom bracket and a top bracket. The beam reinforces the wall and prevents further bowing, buckling, or potentially collapsing of the wall. One end of the beam is secured to the floor by a bottom bracket. The bottom bracket preferably receives the lower end of the beam. The upper end of the beam is secured against the basement wall by a top bracket or offset connector, which in turn is secured to one of the overhead floor joists. The beam may be offset to avoid piping or the like.

Abstract: A truss bearing supports a web-type construction truss and has an elongated metal member that is secured along its length to the primary supporting chord of a truss. The truss bearing can include a pair of substantially parallel spaced-apart elongated wooden members sandwiching the metal member extending along and secured to the bottom of the primary chord, with the metal member adhesively secured to the primary chord through being adhesively secured to the pair of wooden members. An optional metal bearing plate can be substantially rigidly secured to the bottom surface of the elongated metal member near one or both ends of the truss, forming therewith a T-shaped cross-section, and can be welded to a supporting member of a larger structure using metal-to-metal connection. The bearing plate can have an angled extension affixed to the first diagonal truss member.

Abstract: An apparatus for bracing a masonry wall that is bowing or has begun to buckle as a result of hydrostatic pressure and/or other forces as may occur with the foundation or basement wall of a building. The wall restraint system includes a vertically disposed beam, which is positioned against a vertical concrete masonry wall and secured in place by a bottom bracket and a top bracket. The beam reinforces the wall and prevents further bowing, buckling, or potentially collapsing of the wall. One end of the beam is secured to the floor by a bottom bracket. The bottom bracket preferably receives the lower end of the beam. The upper end of the beam is secured against the basement wall by a top bracket or offset connector, which in turn is secured to one of the overhead floor joists. The beam may be offset to avoid piping or the like.

Abstract: A solar trough frame for holding solar mirrors includes a plurality of chords. The frame includes a plurality of extruded profiles, including chords, chord sleeves, struts, strut end pieces and mirror support pieces, each chord sleeve having at least one chord sleeve fin, each chord sleeve positioned about one of the chords. The frame includes a plurality of struts, at least one of the struts having a strut end piece having at least one strut fin that connects with a chord sleeve fin to connect the plurality of chords. The frame includes a platform supported by the chords and struts on which the solar mirrors are disposed. A chord sleeve for connecting a chord of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a strut end piece extending from a strut of the solar frame. A strut end piece for connecting the strut of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a chord sleeve of the solar frame. A method for linking a strut of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a chord of the solar frame.

Abstract: A metal truss system comprising a pair of chord members of generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration is joined together by a web formed of a single continuous piece having a wave shape. The apexes of the web are adapted to be received in each chord. The legs of the chords have inwardly recessed portions to form a narrowed throat portion, which provides a stop against which the apex of the web abuts. The resulting positioning of the web apex presents a maximum surface area for welding the web to the chord member. This enables an optimum amount of welding, while minimizing the weakening of the metal being welded. The configuration of the chords and web permits rapid fabrication of the truss.

Abstract: The invention provides load-resisting segments (e.g., panels or frames for openings) for transmitting loads through a building structure. In the context of a wall, the load-resisting segments transmit shear loads downward to structural elements below the wall, such as to a building foundation. The load-resisting segments may comprise a truss configuration, i.e., an assembly of members forming a rigid framework. Each load-resisting segment can include web members and pairs of truss plates secured to sides of the segment to secure connections of the web members to each other and to other members. The wall segments can include beam-separation blocks that reduce truss plate failure by spacing apart the ends of two web members bearing against a chord or post to position the intersection point of the load paths of the web members with the load path of the chord or post.

Abstract: The invention provides load-resisting segments (e.g., panels or frames for openings) for transmitting loads through a building structure. In the context of a wall, the load-resisting segments transmit shear loads downward to structural elements below the wall, such as to a building foundation. The load-resisting segments may comprise a truss configuration, i.e., an assembly of members forming a rigid framework. Each load-resisting segment can include web members and pairs of truss plates secured to sides of the segment to secure connections of the web members to each other and to other members. The wall segments can include beam-separation blocks that reduce truss plate failure by spacing apart the ends of two web members bearing against a chord or post to position the intersection point of the load paths of the web members with the load path of the chord or post.

Abstract: A segmented end shape for an elongate, parallel-sided wooden web for a roof truss, suitable for use in the Turb-O-Web method of roof truss construction, is shaped as a series of three or more substantially straight facets to approximate a notional part circle, preferably a semicircle having an endpoint coinciding with an endmost point of said web. The end shape includes an irregular part polygon having an end point coinciding with the endpoint of the notional part circle, and wherein junctions between one or more adjacent facets of the polygon lie outside the notional part circle and a part of one or more facets lie inside the notional part circle.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method that can be easily applied to friction stir welding where the thickness of face plates at one welding portion is different from the thickness of face plates at another welding portion. Three shape members 10, 11, 12 having two butt joint portions are mounted on a jig 15. The face plate 14 of shape member 10 is thick and the face plate 14 of shape member 12 is thin. The protruded height of projection 18 is greater at portion B where surface plates 14 being welded are thin than the protruded height of projection A where surface plates 14 are thick. The depths for inserting rotary tools to shape members 10, 11, 12 for friction stir welding are the same. Friction stir welding is facilitated since the size and insertion depth of all the rotary tools being applied can be the same.

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.

Abstract: The invention proposes a wooden lattice girder 1 for construction comprising an upper chord 4 and a lower chord 5, connected to each other by struts 2, having tenons 7 each at the ends thereof, wherein the tenons 7 at one end each of the struts 2 are glued into mortises 9 on the upper chord 4, running in the longitudinal direction of the upper chord 4, and the tenons 7 at the other end of the struts 2 are glued into mortises 9 on the lower chord 5, running in the longitudinal direction of the lower chord 5. The lateral surfaces 12 of a respective mortise 9 running in the longitudinal direction thereof encompass an acute angle and the surfaces 10 of the tenon 7 glued to said lateral surfaces 12 of said mortise 9 encompass a corresponding acute angle.

Abstract: One or more diagonal brace beam sections (26) extend between a pair of connectors (32). One of the connectors is placed inside of a first stud (14) that opens towards a closed side of the next stud (14) the second connector member (32) abuts against the web of the second stud (14). The connectors (32) are connected to the studs (14) by screw fasteners or some other suitable form of fasteners. The several diagonal brace beam sections (26) form an internal brace beam for the wall that extends from an upper corner at one end of the wall downwardly to a lower corner at the opposite end of the wall.

Abstract: An enhancing mechanism to be placed primarily below the neutral axis of a girder is presented. The movement and deflection of the girder causes the enhancing mechanism to alter the bending moment distribution of the girder. The mechanism is configured so that when combined with the girder, the overall dimensions of the combined system is not much bigger than the dimensions of the girder alone. A tension member may be incorporated into the lower boundary of the enhancing mechanism, and connections are used to attach the mechanism to the girder below the neutral axis. The girder and the enhancing mechanism may be made of the same material or different materials. The compression forces developed in the long diagonal members of the enhancing mechanism become a reaction at the girder end points. A direct connection of the long diagonal members to support points load shear directly to the end supports.

Abstract: The disclosed device is directed towards a truss comprising an upper T-shaped chord. A lower T-shaped chord is coupled to said upper chord. A plurality of web members are coupled to said T-shaped chords. An extension section is coupled to said upper T-shaped chord and said lower T-shaped chord approximate the web. Said extension section is configured to by adjustable by trimming.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design, development and implementation of a building system using connected structural panels to form walls, floor slabs, stairs and other minor elements in buildings; characterised in that it is made up of a frame defined by peripheral trusses, wherein each truss consists of a metal structure based on two parallel rods tangentially joined to a zigzag rod by the corresponding peaks and troughs thereof; a plurality of vertical trusses thus formed are distributed equidistantly or not at a predetermined distance, acting as structural elements, and a plurality of horizontal and/or diagonal transversal rods are fastened to both the front and back sides distributed equidistantly or not at a predetermined distance as reinforcement elements to stiffen the panel, the assembly defining a hollow three-dimensional box; a tightened metal framework is joined to both the front and back sides as a means of support for the mortar that is applied to the front and back sides as a covering to

Abstract: A metal roof truss assembly is provided comprising a plurality of elongated structural members, including a top chord, a bottom chord, and a web member. Each structural member comprises a planar base and planar legs extending from the longitudinal edges of the base. The base and the legs define an open longitudinal channel. A flange integral with the longitudinal edges of each leg has a planar first portion extending outwardly from the legs and a planar second portion extending from the longitudinal edges of the first portion of the flanges. The end of a first structural member is inserted into the channel defined by the legs and the base of a second structural member. The inserted end of the first structural member has no flanges for a length equal to at least the depth to which the first structural member is received in the channel of the second structural member so that the outer surface of the legs of the first structural member are adjacent the inner surface of the legs of the second structural member.

Abstract: A joint between wood pieces, as of timber, laminated timber, LVL, plywood etc., where one or more bars (2, 3), as the diagonal of a truss, is connected the side of other bar (1), as the side of the truss chord whereby in the produced joint all said bars are connected to each other by a finger joint. From chord (1) wood is cut either so that asymmetrically from the one side less is cut than from the other side or so that from the middle less is cut than from the ends.

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a truss span. One embodiment includes at least three chords in a generally parallel orientation with respect to each other, where adjacent chords provide a face of the truss span. The truss span includes a web that connects two adjacent parallel chords that corresponds to at least two faces to provide the truss span with at least two webbed faces, and further includes first and second structural end brackets that connect two adjacent parallel chords to provide the truss span with at least one open face. An open face area is provided between the first and second structural end brackets. The truss span has a tapered profile such that another identical truss span is capable of nesting within the open face area between the first and second structural end brackets. Other aspects are provided herein.

Abstract: A light gage shear panels used in multistory building construction where it is desirable to have the load bearing walls of successive floors stacked directly on top of each other and structurally connected thereto. Methods of on-site building construction using prefabricated shear panels are disclosed.

Abstract: A three dimensional joint is formed by coupling (joining) a first structural member and a second structural member. This involves first aligning a first structural member to a second structural member. The first structural member has a channel with which to receive a portion of the second structural member. Certain embodiments may place corrosively inert materials within the mating surfaces to prevent or inhibit corrosion or oxidation. Once aligned, the first structural member and second structural member may be friction stir welded at the channel to plasticize the material adjacent to the channel of both the first structural member and the second structural member to form a friction stir weld joint. Embodiments may then coat the plasticized surfaces of the FSW joint with cold sprayed materials to inhibit corrosion. Should a crack occur within either the plasticized or non-plasticized materials, cold sprayed material may be deposited within and on the crack to retard or arrest the growth of the crack.

Abstract: The present invention provides a truss system that can quickly and easily be field-assembled, through the interconnection of modular panels to form flat and box structural trusses. This system is intended for use across a broad spectrum of applications within the construction and home-improvement industries. At the heart of the invention is the panel composed of a metal tube or equivalent frame solidly connected at all four corners and a one piece structural web where triangular and/or arched geometric patterns are cut, stamped, or formed from sheet metal or equivalent material. The geometric patterns are often disguised within decorative patterns. The web is solidly anchored to the interior face of the frame on all sides. The assembled panel serves as a truss bay. When two or more panels are connected together in the same plane, or in multiple planes for box configurations, a structural truss is formed.

Abstract: A framed shear wall has a pair of crossed tension straps passing through the studs that make up the shear wall. The straps are preferably rods and are preferably attached to upstanding plates installed at the corners of the wall. Each of two straps is preferably attached to an opposite side of the upstanding plate such that the straps do not interfere with each other where the straps cross. The straps preferably include threaded ends and the upstanding plates preferably have threaded receptacles sized to accept the threaded ends of the straps such that the straps can be tensioned before and/or after installation. In one embodiment, the upstanding plates are bolted through a bottom surface of the wall into a threaded anchor plate at floor level, and the threaded anchor plate is attached to a top of a wall on a floor below.

Abstract: A precast, prestressed concrete truss which spans between exterior columns and forms an interior or exterior load bearing wall of a building. The truss includes top and bottom chords interconnected by at least one web member. Prestressed reinforcing members in the top and bottom chords apply a compressive stress in the chords. The top and bottom chords are configured to support concrete planks that form a floor and/or a ceiling of a building in which the truss is used. When used as an interior load bearing wall, the truss can include at least one opening that forms, for example, a corridor passage large enough for a person to walk through the opening. When used as an exterior load bearing wall, the truss can include at least one window opening.

Abstract: A metal building includes a joist system having upper and lower longitudinally extending chords, the upper and lower chords being substantially parallel, and a plurality of web members interposed between the parallel chords. Each of the chords includes an upper chord segment, opposed parallel side walls, inwardly extending lower chord segments, the lower chord segments being parallel to the upper chord segment, and a pair of flanges extending downwardly from the innermost edges of lower chord segments, the flanges defining a longitudinally extending continuous web receiving aperture traversing the length of the chord, the upper chord segment, lower chord segment, parallel side walls and flanges, the web receiving apertures of the upper and lower chords being positioned in opposed relationship.

Abstract: A metal panelized wall system having a plurality of generally parallel vertical wall studs with an opening formed in each one. A top horizontal member is connected to a top end of each of the vertical wall studs and a bottom horizontal member is connected to a bottom end of each of the vertical wall studs. Extending from the bottom horizontal member to the top horizontal member is at least one diagonal member. The diagonal member extends through the openings formed in the vertical wall studs such that loads from the vertical wall studs are not transferred to the diagonal member.

Abstract: A joint having an improved rigidity realized by a shortened inter-joint distance and suitable for use in a truss structure is provided. A connection part is formed on the end of a pipe member to be used as a chord member. The connection part of the pipe for connecting with a parent plate for assembly of the truss structure is comprised of a tubular section formed by constrained pattern pressing of the pipe, and a flat section which is formed integral with and in close proximity to the tubular section.

Abstract: Truss assemblies of this invention comprise elongate chord elements having opposed first and second axial ends. Brace elements are used to orient and connect together the chord elements in a desired spatial orientation and have a plate structure. The brace elements comprise chord receiving openings disposed therethrough that are sized to accommodate placement of a respective chord element therein, and that are positioned to provide the desired spatial orientation between the chord elements. The chord element receiving openings and define a portion of the brace element that surrounds the chord element disposed within the opening. A connector is rotatably attached to an end of the chord elements to facilitate attaching the truss assemblies together for the purpose of forming a desired truss system.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a wooden beam includes arranging first and second elongated members parallel to one another and at a predetermined distance from one another, arranging the at least two crosspieces on the first and second elongated members, arranging third and fourth elongated members respectively opposite the first and second elongated members and on the at least two crosspieces, gluing, with a flexible glue, contact zones, whereby the first elongated member, the second elongated member, the third elongated member, the fourth elongated member, and the at least two crosspieces form an assembly, and pressing the assembly in order to crush layers of the flexible glue, wherein elastic joints are formed in each assembly zone after the pressing and after the flexible glue are dry, and wherein the elastic joints allow for a relative movement. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The present invention is a truss system constructed of rigid members and cables. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid members are used drill piping. Two inclined upper members are joined together at an angle to form a truss peak junction. A vertical member connects to and supports the lower end of each inclined upper member. The bottom of each vertical member sits in a collar attached to the top of a foundation member located in the ground. A tensioning member is perpendicularly attached to each inclined upper member near the midpoint of the inclined member. For each inclined upper member, a cable attaches to the inclined upper member near the truss peak, runs through a penetration in the tensioning member, and attaches to the lower end of the inclined member. Finally, a cable with first and second ends has its first and second ends secured so as to apply tension that opposes spreading of the lower ends of the inclined upper members.

Abstract: Open frames are disclosed by which structural support is provided, each frame comprising an array of slender members formed into a plurality of zig zag frame elements defining apexes, where the slender members of different zig zag frame elements integrally intersect each other at non-midpoint locations. A linear member bridges between and is integrated with some or all of the asymmetrical points of intersection, in some embodiments. The apexes so formed may comprise two slender members in some cases and four in others.

Abstract: A metal building includes a joist system having upper and lower longitudinally extending chords, the upper and lower chords being substantially parallel, and a plurality of web members interposed between the parallel chords. Each of the chords includes an upper chord segment, opposed parallel side walls, inwardly extending lower chord segments, the lower chord segments being parallel to the upper chord segment, and a pair of flanges extending downwardly from the innermost edges of lower chord segments, the flanges defining a longitudinally extending continuous web receiving aperture traversing the length of the chord, the upper chord segment, lower chord segment, parallel side walls and flanges, the web receiving apertures of the upper and lower chords being positioned in opposed relationship.

Abstract: A support truss for a messaging sign comprising an elevated box truss which extends over a roadway and which has its opposite ends secured to upstanding supports. The box truss is comprised of a plurality of box truss sections secured to one another in an end-to-end relationship with at least one of the box truss sections adapted to have one or more messaging signs mounted therein. The messaging signs are horizontally slidably adjustably mounted on the box truss section so that the box truss section can accommodate signs having various thicknesses. The box truss in which the messaging sign is mounted is designed so that the face of the sign is unobstructed to permit motorists to readily observe the messages on the sign. A walkway is provided within the truss rearwardly of the messaging sign.

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

Abstract: A precast, prestressed concrete truss which spans between exterior columns and forms an interior or exterior load bearing wall of a building. The truss includes top and bottom chords interconnected by at least one web member. Prestressed reinforcing members in the top and bottom chords apply a compressive stress in the chords. The top and bottom chords are configured to support concrete planks that form a floor and/or a ceiling of a building in which the truss is used. When used as an interior load bearing wall, the truss can include at least one opening that forms, for example, a corridor passage large enough for a person to walk through the opening. When used as an exterior load bearing wall, the truss can include at least one window opening.

Abstract: A molded plastic truss work includes an upper grid and a lower grid, with a plurality of interconnecting members interconnecting the grids. The upper grid includes longitudinal members and transverse members that extend between and interconnect the longitudinal members. The lower grid includes longitudinal members and transverse members extending between and interconnecting the longitudinal members. The longitudinal members in the lower grid are positioned such that each of the longitudinal members in the lower grid is not directly below any of the longitudinal members in the upper grid. The transverse members in the lower grid are positioned such that each of the transverse members in the lower grid is not directly below any of the transverse members in the upper grid. The plurality of interconnecting members extend between the upper and lower grids, and include a plurality of vertical members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connection having a plurality of parallel structural members. The structural members are bridged by strap member, preferably light gauge steel. The end of the strap member is held in place by an overlapping strap holder. Fasteners hold the strap holder and the strap to the underlying structural member, with at least one passing through only the strap holder into the first side of the the first structural member.

Abstract: A wall structure adapted to be fabricated in sections or modules and comprises an upper member, a lower member, a plurality of studs interconnected between the upper and lower members with respective studs including openings therein, and at least one diagonal brace member extending through the openings within the studs and interconnected between opposed corners of the wall structure. Because the internal brace extends generally centrally through the plane of the wall, the wall structure is designed to carry loads concentrically from the point of applied loads to a foundation or other termination point.

Abstract: A novel prefabricated shearwall is disclosed with improved structural characteristics in terms of its ability to 1) transfer lateral loads to the foundation, 2) resist bending moments normally arising in conventional shearwalls between hold-down hardware and end posts or vertical framing members, 3) effectively diffuse stresses known to result in nail fatigue, and 4) reduce slippage between the bottom of the end posts and base in response to cyclic loadings. These superior properties result partly from its geometry in lower, or shear force transfer region, accompanied by thrust block/anchor rod assemblies to provide stiffness and strength over the lower portion of the end posts. Furthermore, specialized wrap-around connector plates that cover a portion of the bottom surface of these end posts also contribute to the enhanced prefabricated shearwall design.

Abstract: An extruded metal structural component has a hollow generally rectangular section with the sides of the rectangular section adapted to interlock and engage with other structural components of the same cross section. The generally rectangular section includes on one side a shallow “U” shaped channel and the opposite side includes a projecting portion for mating receipt in the “U” shaped channel of a second structural component. The structural component includes a downwardly extending securing flange for engaging and securing connecting members when two such structural components form the top and bottom chord of a structural beam.

Abstract: Off-site factory built structure employs a chassis including two interior longitudinal beam members joined at their ends to a perimeter structure. A floor system is integrated within the chassis perimeter. A ledger member is fixed to the inner surface of each longitudinal perimeter member so that a top surface lies in a plane coincident with top surfaces of the interior longitudinal beams. Lateral members are coupled to the tops of the interior longitudinal beams and to the top of the ledger members. The lateral members include secondary stiffening members such as C-channel members, metal Z-channel members, or other metal members of similar structural capacity, spaced apart from each other by a maximum distance S, related to the width of the floor system W, by the equation: S 12?½W.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prestressed composite truss girder and construction method of the same. The prestressed composite truss girder of the present invention comprises a concrete bottom plate having structure of composite truss; a lower-chord member being composed of prestressed concrete wherein prestress is induced to resist against the elongation strength generated when composing and not composing and to reduce the droop occurred at the state of composition and having perpendicular and horizontal cross-section of certain shape and certain length; web members wherein vertical chords and diagnal chords composed of rolled steel to upper plate of said lower-chord member; and upper-chord member combined with said web members along the longitudinal direction of said lower-chord member to resist against the compressive force generated before said concrete bottom plate being composed.