Abstract: A composite fastener, a belly nut, a tie system and/or a method reduce heat transfer through a building envelope. The composite fastener, the belly nut, the tie system and/or the method secure a wall to a backup structure. The composite fastener is constructed from a fiber reinforced polymer that has fibers embedded in a polymeric matrix. The composite fastener has a low thermal conductive value (k-value) and has non-corrosive properties. The belly nut has a fastening hole on a first side of the belly nut to attach the composite fastener to the belly nut. Further, the belly nut has a pathway to receive a leg of a pintle from a top surface of the belly nut to a bottom surface of the belly nut. The pathway is sized to allow for greater vertical adjustment eccentricity between the belly nut and the pintle without creating large horizontal deflections of the tie system.

Abstract: A non-top-supported column attachment bracket assembly is provided, that includes a generally W-shaped bracket to provide a strong connection between non-top supported wood fences and masonry walls such as concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls or cast in place (CIP) walls. The W-shape provides a matrix inside the hardening structure of the wall, while simultaneously engaging the horizontal reinforcing bar of the wall. The W-anchor further includes a cover plate disposed onto the bracket. The W-shaped bracket can be installed to the upper portion of the wall just prior to grouting or during grouting, where the bracket can be pressed onto the horizontal bar before the grout has hardened. After the hardening structure is cured, fencing posts are attached to a column connection portion of the W-anchor that extends from the top of the wall.

Abstract: A reusable concrete anchor strap includes a strap having a first end, a second end, a middle portion, and an intermediate portion. The first end and the second end are proximate a connector end and the middle portion forms a first loop member proximate an anchor end. The intermediate portion is a first segment between the first end and the middle portion and a second segment between the second end and the middle portion. A securement member secures and interconnects the first segment and the second segment to form a second loop member thereby allowing for reuse of the strap when the first loop member is disconnected to create a second anchor end proximate the second loop member. The first loop member and the second loop member are configured and arranged to engage at least one anchor member of a concrete structure.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel removable wallboard system. It includes a plurality of receiver strips [1] which are attached to framing members [8] of a structure to be paneled. Each receiver strip has a receiving channel [4]. Wall panels 7 are placed snugly between the receiver strips [1]. Trim units [2] are elongated strips having insertion strips [10] which are designed to fit into and be retained by receiving channels [4] of the receiver strips [1]. Since the trim units [2] are designed to have a low profile, and they cover the seams between the wall panels [7], there is no need for further finishing or caulking. Therefore, these wall panels [7] may be removed and replaced with minimal effort or cleanup. The system also includes easily installable, removable and replaceable base molding [16], crown molding [19], and chair rail molding [29]. These may be designed to create chase ways [18, 74] allowing hidden routing of electrical, utility cables, pipes and hoses.

Abstract: Characteristics of a multi-layer structure are detected, such as for detecting mechanical and/or corrosive damage of the multi-layer structure. In an example embodiment, an integrated in-situ sensor device senses characteristics of a multi-layer structure during operation thereof. The device includes a mechanical coupler and a sensor circuit. The mechanical coupler couples layers of the multi-layer structure together via an opening traversing the multi-layer structure. The sensor circuit inserts into the opening with the mechanical coupler, and induces an electrical response in a portion of the multi-layer structure adjacent the opening. This induced electrical response is indicative of characteristics of the multi-layer structure, and is sensed to provide a signal characterizing characteristics of the multi-layer structure.

Abstract: A building element includes a first and second panel each having an outer surface and an inner surface. There is more than one spacer positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the first panel and the inner surface of the second panel to form a cavity for receiving a structural component. Each end of each spacer has a first part of a two-part connector. Connector strap extending longitudinally along the outer surfaces of the first and second panels. The connector straps carry more than one second part of the two-part connectors that connects to the first part of the two part connector such that the connector strap attaches to the spacer.

Abstract: A refractory system of the type having a refractory material attached to a wall by anchoring studs has a plurality of improved anchoring studs. These studs have grooves extending from the top toward the bottom of the stud and refractory material in at least some of the grooves. Preferably the grooves are parallel to one another and to a longitudinal centerline through the stud. The studs may have a smooth section on the side wall adjacent the bottom. The bottom may be conical. Spikes may be provided on the top of the stud.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a construction fastener configured to secure a utility box in a specified position within a wall. The construction fastener includes a front portion, a center portion, and an end portion. The end portion and center portion of the fastener are inserted through the utility box, with part of the end portion extending beyond the back surface of the utility box. The front portion thus rests across a front surface of the utility box. The end portion is secured against the back surface of the utility box and the position of the utility box within the wall is maintained.

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

Abstract: Top plate tie-down arrangements are used for securing the roof of a structure against uplift and overturning forces caused by high winds, earthquakes, and the like by anchoring the top plate of a wall to a foundation slab. An anchor bolt for use in a top plate tie-down arrangement has an internally threaded head for capturing the sill plate and holding it against the slab. The bolt also has a self-tapping thread on its bottom end that allows it to be threaded into a hole drilled through the sill plate and into the slab.

Abstract: An H-shaped clip is used to connect two pieces of building material such as plywood, roofing sheath, wafer board or other materials quickly, easily and securely. The H clip includes two tapered arms connected by a spacing bar, where each arm ends in a ski-shaped lead-in having a contoured face and a living hinge.

Abstract: A drywall joint construction and method consisting essentially of abutting drywall boards having a lengthwise crack therebetween and a joint finishing system formed within the crack to complete the drywall joint construction such that a flexible layer defines the joint's center-line surface. Where the drywall boards are non-tapered, the resulting crack therebetween may be filled with a flexible compound that also forms the flexible layer and flushes the joint finishing system with the drywall boards.

Abstract: The cable bracket mechanism is extendable between a cleat or clamp mounted to a building and a part of a bay or bow window that is remote from the building. The mechanism includes an elongated bracket having a a flange at one end extending about right angles to the main body and a reversely curved hook portion at the other end that is joined to the main body and is extended into a second bracket opening, a cable having one end connected to a building and at its opposite end to a stud extended through an aperture in the flange, the second bracket being mounted to the window, and a fastener threadable on the stud to bear against the flange for adjusting the tension in the cable.

Abstract: An arrangement for supporting a building wall, such as a foundation wall, against inward movement caused by shifting of adjacent soil or by hydrostatic forces or other forces acting on the exterior surface of the wall to push it inwardly. The support arrangement includes upper and lower jacking members that each engage respective upper and lower sections of a support beam that is placed vertically against the surface of the wall to be supported. Each jacking member includes a respective jackscrew that is rotatable for applying a wall holding or a wall restoring force to either or both of the upper and lower sections of the wall.

Abstract: An adhesive insert includes a first end and a second end, and comprises a threaded portion at the first end, the threaded portion having a circular cross-section. A securing portion is provided at the second end, the securing portion including an anti-rotation structure formed therein which resists rotation of the insert under cyclic loading by the building element. The anti-rotation structure may be a triobular cross-section formed in the securing portion. Other anti-rotation structures are provided.

Abstract: A fall arrest safety anchorage device, which can be mounted to a wide variety of rigid planar substrates by utilizing fasteners which pass through apertures in a mounting plate and into a substrate. Angularly extending from the mounting plate is a first positioning member, which projects away from the mounting area to a predetermined position where a second positioning member is attached. The second positioning member angularly extends from the first positioning member to another predetermined position where a safety equipment receiver is attached. Utilizing angles of varying degree at the points of attachment of the positioning members and varying the lengths of the positioning members, the safety equipment receiver can be positioned virtually anywhere.

Abstract: An apparatus for mutually stably connecting profiled elements, comprising inserts which are adapted for stably accommodating, each within a respective profiled element, units for anchoring to the contoured ends of the inserts which are directed toward the outside of each profiled element, and a tension member whose ends are associated with the units.

Abstract: A post-construction composite anchor bolt is provided having great resistance to a bending moment, even when the reinforcement covering margin is small, and reduces the transformation force caused by the bending moment acting on the joining point between the connecting part and the second anchor bolt, even if the size of the anchor bolt is increased. A post construction anchor bolt in the concrete frame comprising: a first anchor bolt installed projecting outside of a concrete frame; and a second anchor bolt which is eccentrically positioned to the axis of said first anchor bolt and is installed embedded in the concrete frame, and a connecting part which links said first anchor bolt and said second anchor bolt, and is installed embedded in the concrete frame together with said second anchor bolt.

Abstract: A structural connector for connecting first and second structural members has a substantially planar first flange and an embossment in the first flange, and the embossment in the first flange is formed with first and second sections, the first section generally extending uniformly to a first level above the top surface of the substantially planar first flange, that is different from a level to which the second section generally uniformly extends, the first and second sections being joined to each other at a distinct transition portion where the embossment sharply descends from the level of the first section to the level of the second section. The structural connector can be made with a bend that forms a first member adjacent the first flange and the embossment can extend through the bend into the first member.

Abstract: A construction board with an integrated fastening means for mounting the construction board (1) on a construction material (17), such as a stud of wood or metal. The fastening means has a cage (2) arranged into the construction board (1) and a screw arranged into the cage (2). The screw is telescopic and has two parts (3, 4) with the same pitch of the threads. The screw might occupy two positions, one is a dismounted position, into which the first part (4) is telescopically received into the second part (3) when the screw is not extended, and the other position is a mounted position when the screw is extended.

Abstract: A sprue dowel has a radially projecting embeddable portion (12) and an attachment portion (21) formed as a hollow cylindrical shaft (24) provided with a plurality of spaced from each other, furrowed retaining projections (26, 27) formed on an outer circumference of the shaft and extending parallel to a longitudinal axis (25) of the sprue dowel (11).

Abstract: A device for installing carpet or other similar flooring material includes a base which is attached or mounted to a floor or other surface on which carpet is to be laid. The base incorporates a number of gripping members that are formed from the base and provide a secure manner in which carpet is held in place by the installation device. The device may be configured to accommodate a wide range of carpet textures and thicknesses, as well as the use of carpet padding.

Abstract: A connection between a metal column, in particular a vertical I-beam, and an underlying structural member, in particular a ferroconcrete foundation, using a connector that is fastened to the metal column using both bolts and screws.

Abstract: Moisture resistant foundation footing form sections constructed from corrugated plastic are disclosed. Supports for holding sections of reinforcing bar, and connecting the side walls of the form sections are included. The form sections can be secured in position with stakes, and leveling devices for leveling the form once it is secured in position are disclosed. The form sections disclosed herein can be reused, but they do not attract insects and therefore they do not have to be removed from finished foundation footings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for attaching a deck to a building. The apparatus and method disclose a deck bracket with an L shaped bracket, a solid bar, preferably threaded at both ends, and a sheath which would surround a support member of the building. The solid bar could be of various lengths, depending upon the structure to which it will be attached. The L shaped bracket has a support piece fixedly attached to the back side of its long, vertical side, and has a threaded bore through the support piece and L shaped bracket, with which to accept one of the threaded ends of the solid bar. The short, horizontal side of the L shaped bracket would hold one or more of the deck rim joists or deck supporting beams.

Abstract: An anchorage system for structural reinforcement of surface bonded reinforcing sheet, plate or shell made of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) or steel or other metallic or non-metallic materials is disclosed. The anchorage system comprises an anchor tube or solid rod with a circular outer surface and a lock-down means provided along the longitudinal axis of the tube or rod. The lock-down means can be either an anchor bolt mounted through the center of the anchor tube or rod or an anchor strap pressed against the circular surface of the tube or rod into the members to be reinforced. The FRP reinforcing sheet, plate or shell is bonded to the surface of the structural member, and optionally, the supporting member, and passes underneath the outer circular surface of the tube or rod. The tube or rod is held securely by the lock-down means which, in turn, compresses and holds in place the FRP sheet against the surface of the structural member.

Abstract: An anchor system for attaching a series of structural members to a wall comprises an elongate horizontal track and a plurality of anchor plates. The horizontal track has a pair of spaced apart sidewalls defining therebetween an upwardly facing channel with a restricted opening. The anchor plates each include an enlarged head portion, nailing plate and a relatively narrow strap extending between the head portion and the nailing plate. The head portion is sized to fit within the channel and engage the sidewalls to retain the anchor plates at selected longitudinal positions. The strap is sized to pass between the sidewalls to position the nailing plate normal to the track for attaching a structural member thereto.

Abstract: Presented is an anchor bolt placement and protection device to facilitate setting of anchor bolts in concrete to facilitate placement of a mud sill. It is important that the anchor bolts that secure a mud sill to a foundation be properly spaced from the outside edge of the foundation. In one embodiment there is provided a device having a tubular projection open at one end to receive the threaded end of an anchor bolt. Projecting integrally from the bottom open end of the tubular projection are two lateral projections. One is adapted to place an anchor bolt when a 2×4 mud sill is used. The second projection positions the anchor bolt at the proper distance to receive a 2×6 mud sill. A second embodiment is provided with a single lateral projection extending perpendicularly from the open bottom end of the tubular projection. The top surface of the lateral extension is provided with cross-ribs and indicia that indicate the proper placement of either a 2×4 or 2×6 mud sill.

Abstract: A cover for a concrete construction has a pair of anchor-engaging members extending from a disk-shaped body. The anchor-engaging members include fins which are configured to engage an anchor formed into a recess of a concrete block or wall to cover the recess. The cover is easily installed to the anchor by positioning the cover over the recess and urging the anchor-engaging member into engagement with the anchor.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to install an anchor bolt while securing the pull-out strength of the anchor bolt even when the anchor bolt installation position encounters a reinforcement in concrete. An anchor bolt according to the present invention includes a first anchor bolt 2 having an embedded portion shorter than a reinforcement covering margin, a second anchor bolt 7 having an axis at a position deflected from an axis of the first anchor bolt 2, and a coupling member 5 integrally fixing the first anchor bolt 2 and the second anchor bolt 7. Further, in an installing method of an anchor bolt according to the present invention, when a first anchor hole bored at the anchor bolt installation position encounters a reinforcement, a second anchor hole is bored at a position in a direction other than the arrangement direction of the encountered reinforcement, to thereby install the anchor bolt according to the present invention.

Abstract: Anchor 10 for reinforcing a structure against displacement forces and a method of installation includes drilling a borehole 50 in an anchor medium 110 adjacent the structure A length of roving 21 composed of filaments 24 is doubled and pushed into borehole 50 with free end 23 of roving 21 protruding. Backfill grout 41 or resin 42 is pumped or poured into bore hole 50 to embed roving 21 Filaments 24 of free end 23 are spread apart and attached to the structure by adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hollow post anchoring device. The anchoring device includes a mounting plate for mounting onto a base and equipped with upwardly extending legs designed to mate onto the internal cornered recession of the hollow post. The legs include inwardly bent indentations which when biased outwardly with a biasing plate will wedge the legs firmly against the cornered recesses and anchor the hollow post onto a suitable base, such as a porch.

Abstract: A support block for supporting objects on a roof. The support block is a moulded elastomeric block of pyramidal shape with a substantially hollow core. The support block can be used as is or in a system whereby a galvanized steel channel is secured to the top wall of the block accommodating the mating of a variety of clamps.

Abstract: A bracket connects a structural member to a structural element to stabilize the structural member against movement. The bracket includes connector portions for connecting the bracket to tensioned stabilizing cables or other structural stabilizing elements and one or more bearing elements which bear against the structural member to prevent relative rotational movement between the bracket and the structural member.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for anchoring materials in or to concrete. The methods preferably comprise delivering to the concrete or masonry, the material to be anchored to the concrete or masonry or both an anchor composition comprising alkylacrylate ester monomer and a copolymer of alkylacrylate ester and methacrylic acid monomers, and free-radical catalyst.

Abstract: A cross tie bracket that is attachable to a rod and a building structural element. The cross tie bracket has a generally cylindrical body sized to receive the rod and a gusset disposed between the body and a base. The base has a series of apertures formed therein for inserting fasteners through the base into the building structural element, temporarily securing the cross tie bracket to the building structural element with screws, and for providing alignment of a temporary drill guide with the base. A first and second end plate are disposed adjacent to each respective end of the cylindrical body. Each of the end plates has a rod aperture sized to receive the rod. Accordingly, by inserting and securing the rod to the end plates, it is possible to attach the rod to the building structural element.

Abstract: A concrete anchor. The concrete anchor can be embedded within a concrete member to enhance lifting of the concrete member. The concrete anchor of the present invention can include a bar having a top, bottom and first and second sides, at least one attachment aperture, at least one reinforcement bar aperture, and at least one passthrough aperture. The concrete anchor can further include a projection positioned adjacent the second side of the bar. The projection can include an upwardly projecting top face, a downwardly projecting bottom face, a forwardly projecting front face and a rearwardly projecting rear face.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming cast members. Steps are provided in the cast member by sliding mounting flanges of hollow plastic step inserts into slots provided in the inner mold shell. The cast material is then poured into the mold. Once the cast material has set, the cast member is withdrawn from the mold assembly. The step insert mounting flanges are broken away, leaving hollow step inserts into which manhole steps are force-fittingly mounted. The inserts are provided with integral cover tabs which cover larger slots provided to facilitate insertion of the step inserts, preventing leakage of the cast material into the mold assembly. Integral cover tabs are similarly provided on enforcement ring support members mounted in a similar fashion to insertion slots provided on one of the mold members to cover larger width slot portions to prevent seepage of cast material. Similar seals are provided by cylindrical-shaped inserts for use in wetcast and drycast fabrication methods.

Abstract: The concrete insert may be positioned in concrete structures for attachment rods or other structural fasteners. A shaft may have a head to form a projecting edge at a first end and a hole at a second end. There may be slots formed in an external surface of the shaft oriented parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis. The external surface may have multiple retaining flats positioned intermediate the slots and approximately parallel to the slots. The retaining flats may not extend to the second end. A plate groove may be circumferentially formed in the external surface intermediate the first end and the second end. A plate may have an aperture that may be the form of a lateral cross section of the shaft, and may have projections to engage the slots or the flats. A spring may be placed on the shaft between the head and the plate.

Abstract: A piping clamp for holding a pipe to a concrete form. The piping clamp includes a base having a vertical standoff and a spring clamp extending horizontally from the base. The vertical standoff prevents the spring clamp from contacting the top surface of a poured concrete structure, thus allowing workers to trowel the concrete's surface without interfering with the clamp. In addition, a web portion of the spring clamp acts as a horizontal standoff and precludes a clamped piping run from coming into contact with the concrete form. The base may include a plurality of staggered fastener openings facilitating adjustment of the piping clamp during installation. In use, the spring clamp removably secures a piping run to a concrete form until the concrete form is removed. During removal, the spring clamp allows the piping run and the concrete form to be easily separated without disturbing the piping run.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting structure which is arranged at two abutting structural panels (1, 2) so that said structural panels are connected with each other, comprising two pairs of clamping plates, with one of said pairs of clamping plates being fixed to one structural panel (1), and the other pair of clamping plates being fixed to the other structural panel (2). The two pairs of clamping plates abut against each other with one of their clamping plates (3, 4), and the two abutting clamping plates (3, 4) are provided with mutually aligned, undercut longitudinal slots (5) which receive a connecting plate (6) connecting the abutting two clamping plates (3, 4) with each other and being fixed to the two clamping plates (3, 4) by means of fasteners (7) which extend through said connecting plate (6). Thus, a mounting structure is provided whose manufacture is relatively easy and cost-efficient.

Abstract: A windowpane is supported in a gasket by a support member so that a space for allowing the windowpane to shift therein is ensured between an end surface of the windowpane and a surface in a channel of the gasket facing the end surface, the gasket having the channel for receiving a peripheral edge of the windowpane, and the support member being removable from the gasket. The windowpane can be easily removed from a body panel by removing the support member and shifting the windowpane into the space.

Abstract: There is an anchor for securing a working line (54) to a structure. The anchor includes a sole plate (2) with an attachment (19) for the working line (54). There is at least one friction plate (5) and a connector strap (4). In use of the anchor the sole plate (2) and friction plate (5) are located against respective opposite sides of a rafter (3) of the structure and are linked together by the strap (4) in a manner such that the working line load on the sole plate (2) generates a clamping force between the sole plate (2) and the friction plate (5). This force resists movement of the anchor by gripping only the outside of the rafter (3).

Abstract: A method for casting hollow core concrete panels includes the use of raft connectors to hold a plurality of spaced foam billets in place during the manufacture to create panel or plank with spaced foam-filled cores. The panels include billets that form longitudinal voids that allows utilities to be run through the lengths of the concrete panels.

Abstract: A wall mounting system includes an interlocking mesh backing element mounting to a substrate, such as foam insulation. The backing element has pointed corner portions that are pushed into the substrate and retain the backing element. A wall covering layer such as drywall overlays the substrate and the mesh backing element. A fixture having has bolts, screws or other attachment members extending through the wall covering layer and the mesh backing element. The system has several backing element styles, including planar elements, inner right angle elements and outer right angle elements.

Abstract: A clamp having a clamp base that is attachable to a flat or sloped roof. A clamp top is releasably attachable to the clamp base. The clamp top includes a pedestal that is snap-fittingly engaged to the clamp base. The pedestal is made in two parts that are interconnected by an interconnecting wall that is releasably engaged by a locking member that forms a part of the clamp base. The header of a solar collector is confined in a space defined by the clamp base and clamp top. In a barrel tile application, a plurality of feet are attached to the bottom of the clamp base. At least one foot abuts the tile on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the tile. The bottom of each foot is contoured to match the convex surface of the tile. No feet are needed where the roof covering is flat.

Abstract: An anchoring bracket is adapted for applying an anchoring force to a mount having a support stud depending from a force-distributing pad including a contact surface defined by a perimeter and adapted for supporting engagement with a support surface and an anchoring-force bearing surface opposite the contact surface. The bracket has an anchoring-force-exerting surface adapted for force-exerting engagement with the anchoring-force bearing surface of the mount and further includes at least one elongated shank which, when the bracket is oriented for anchoring, extends outside the mount-pad perimeter. Depending from at least one shank is a heel adapted for force-exerting engagement with the support surface outside the mount-pad perimeter. Situated between the anchoring-force-exerting surface and the heel is an anchoring-force application region of the shank.

Abstract: Construction systems and methods for anchoring a structural member of a building to a base member of a building including one or more anchoring devices, each anchoring device having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of each anchoring device is fixedly attached to the structural member and the second portion of each anchoring device is fixedly attached to the base member. Each anchoring device preferably including a fiber composite material.

Abstract: A connection, and a method of forming a connection, that adhesively fixes and bonds a fastening element or anchor in bore hole, particularly in a soft substrate or substrate with an interior cavity or void where the anchor is to be set in vertical wall or set upwardly into a ceiling. To make the connection, an accessory is used that has the form of a sleeve having a closed or partially blocked insertion end and an open anchor receiving end and apertures running along its length. The accessory helps to ensure that the anchor is surrounded with mortar or adhesive, and the mortar or adhesive contacts the wall of the bore. The cylindrical wall of the sleeve has apertures along its length. The sleeve can be formed with larger apertures formed near the anchor receiving end of the sleeve and smaller apertures formed near the insertion end of the sleeve. The sleeve is formed by inserting an open-ended cylindrical mesh tube into a frame that holds the tube along its length at a select location.

Abstract: A fastener system for securing a grating to an underlying structural support member when the grating experiences extremely high wave pressures. The fastening system includes elongated generally L-shaped connectors for fastening the longitudinal edges of grating sheets to structural members and plate fasteners in a wave zone area of the platform. The plate fasteners have a top plate for mounting on an upper surface of the grating sheets, a bottom plate for attaching to the structural members in a laterally extending direction for supporting the grating sheet and bolt assemblies for clamping the top and bottom plates together in order to secure the grating sheets to the structural members. A combination of the elongated L-shaped connectors and the plate fasteners provide fastening support for the gratings sheets so as to resist vertical and horizontal wave pressures when secured to the supporting members.