Abstract: A concrete dowel placement system and methods for making the same. The system allows for accurate and easy substantially-parallel or parallel placement of slip dowels within sections of concrete so that adjacent sections of concrete may be allowed to undergo thermal expansion and contraction while remaining in a common plane without cracking or faulting. The system includes a coupler and a sheath. The sheath is configured to be slidably extensible over the coupler and may be held to the coupler by friction. An outer surface of the sheath may be textured. Additionally, a method of constructing the concrete dowel placement system includes extruding material to form two tubes of different sizes. The tubes are then attached to each other, then material is extruded or injection molded to form a sheath. Alternatively, construction may include extruding material to form a tube, then removing some of the material from the tube in order to form a coupler.

Abstract: A connector and a method of manufacturing a connector are provided for joining a precast concrete structure and a support structure such as a floor joist. An attachment member of the connector is assembled in a manner that allows forces to be transferred through a protrusion and aperture connection, which reduces the forces transferred through welded joints. As a result, the attachment member requires less welding and saves time and costs when installing the connector. In some embodiments, a support is secured to a horizontal plate which increases the rigidity of the horizontal plate and the ability of the horizontal plate to transfer forces from a support structure to a precast concrete structure.

Abstract: A post socket includes a housing, a compressible sleeve within the housing, the sleeve being moveable between a first position in which the sleeve has a first internal width and a second position in which the sleeve has a second internal width, a linkage pivotably connected to the sleeve, and an actuator for actuating the linkage to move the sleeve from the first position to the second position to grip a post therein, the linkage including a linkage body connected to the actuator, the linkage further including at least one arm including a first end and a second end, the actuator being configured so that its actuation moves the linkage body to thereby move the first end and the second end of the at least one arm and thus move the sleeve from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: In various representative aspects, the present invention relates generally to a system and apparatuses for sealing a structural attachment to a flat or shingle roof. More specifically, the invention relates to providing the system for sealing structural attachments for solar panel mounts for rail guides. The invention utilizes an adhesive sealant to create a permanent watertight seal at any surface penetration. The system may be used for any structural attachment, fastener, mount, or other penetration that requires sealing. Typical building applications include roof penetrations and wall penetrations for cases such as roof vents, structural attachment, conduit or pipe penetrations, or electrical mounts to name a few.

Abstract: A reusable attaching apparatus includes (a) a reversible adhesive comprising a shape memory polymer and (b) a mounting structure bonded to the reversible adhesive. The shape memory polymer has a glass transition temperature (Tg) and comprises a deformable state at temperatures above the Tg and a rigid state at temperatures below the Tg.

Abstract: A beam to column joint connection structure of a building framework has a column assembly and a beam assembly. The column assembly includes a column, a pair of gusset plates on opposite sides of the column, and bearing elements. The beam assembly includes a beam having an end portion received between the gusset plates. The beam assembly has bearing elements. The bearing elements are positioned with respect to each other to prevent movement of the beam assembly relative to the column assembly by engagement of exterior bearing engagement surfaces of the bearing elements of the column assembly with exterior engagement bearing surfaces of the bearing elements of the beam assembly in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the beam. The beam-to-column joint connection does not require any bolts or welds connecting the beam assembly to the column assembly, resulting in an all bearing moment connection.

Abstract: A joint connection structure of a building framework includes a column assembly including a column and a pair of gusset plates connected to the column on opposite sides of the column and extending laterally outward from the column. A full-length beam assembly includes a full-length beam having upper and lower flanges and an end portion received between the gusset plates. A connecting member is operatively attached by welding to at least one of the flanges of the full-length beam. The connecting member is bolted to at least one of the gusset plates of the column assembly to connect the full-length beam assembly to the column assembly.

Abstract: A method for fastening cementitious components together or for fastening a cementitious component to a non-cementitious component to form a structure. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is a screw having a hollow shaft from which threads protrude and a tip comprising a plurality of drilling teeth or a plurality of thread members that surround said central space, each of said thread members forming a two-dimensional spiral. In use, the invention is operated by screwing it into the cementitious components and then injecting an adhesive into the void created by the screwing step.

Abstract: The invention comprises a foam insulating panel having an outer surface and a reinforcing member adhered to at least a portion of the outer surface of the foam insulating panel. An insulated concrete form and a method of using the insulated concrete form are also disclosed.

Abstract: A joint connection structure of a building framework includes a column assembly including a column and a pair of gusset plates connected to the column on opposite sides of the column and extending laterally outward from the column. A full-length beam assembly includes a full-length beam having upper and lower flanges and an end portion received between the gusset plates. A connecting member is operatively attached by welding to at least one of the flanges of the full-length beam. The connecting member is bolted to at least one of the gusset plates of the column assembly to connect the full-length beam assembly to the column assembly.

Abstract: A method for the installation of a lifting loop in a fresh hollow core slab, said hollow core slab having its top surface broken for an opening substantially in line with a neck between the cavities, and said method comprises placing in the obtained opening a lifting loop-forming part set to bear against the hollow core slab's pre-stressing strands, the lifting loop-forming part's end sections being placed under the hollow core slab's pre-stressing strands by providing either a permanent or temporary deformation in the lifting loop-forming part. The invention relates also to an apparatus for implementing such a method, as well as to a lifting loop-forming part compatible with the method.

Abstract: A high-strength panel anchoring system for use in a cavity wall. A wall anchor is fixedly attached to an inner wythe. The wall anchor includes a set of pronged legs for insertion through insulation and securement against the inner wythe and a plate connecting the set of pronged legs and maintaining the legs at substantially right angles from the plate. The plate has an aperture to receive a fastener. A U-shaped separator is adjacent the wall anchor. A split veneer tie is adjacent the separator and opposite the wall anchor. The veneer tie includes a backplate having an aperture to receive a fastener and an insertion portion having a cavity end contiguous with the backplate and set at a substantially right angle thereto. The insertion portion has an insertion end having two legs set at opposite substantially right angles for interconnection with a plurality of panels forming an outer wythe.

Abstract: A tie system is provided for use with a wall form for a cementitious backup wall and for use with a wall tie to connect between the cementitious backup wall and a veneer. The tie system includes a backup wall connector and a form connector. The form connector is connectable to the form and secures the backup wall connector in position as the wall form is filled. The connector may have heat transfer reducing perforations. The connector may have an outwardly positioned flange to which external wall members may be attached. The connector may have multiple gap-setting features.

Abstract: A holder for a concrete anchor to be embedded in concrete, comprises base portion; a first sleeve portion vertically disposed above the base portion; post portions including vertical openings, the post portions including respective top edges for providing a shoulder to engage the nail heads when the nails are installed in the vertical openings. A concrete anchor assembly for being embedded in concrete, the assembly including the holder; and an anchor body held by the holder, the anchor body including a rod portion and a head portion.

Abstract: An anchor for embedment in a concrete slab to provide for the lifting of the slab comprises first and second elongate plates adapted to be arranged in facing relationship for form a composite anchor. Each of the first and second plates has a distal end and a proximate end and at one hole between the distal and proximate ends. The proximate end of each plate has a flange bent outwardly of the outer planer face thereof. The distal end of each plate has laterally projecting feet that are bent laterally of a planar face. The side edges of each of the plates have converging side edges that extend downwardly to the feet.

Abstract: A holder for a concrete anchor comprises a body including a base portion for attachment to a concrete forming surface. The body includes a projection portion extending vertically from the base portion. A coupling is attached to the projection portion at one end of the coupling. The opposite end of the coupling is for threading into an anchor body.

Abstract: An anchor bolt locator is provided that is inexpensively manufactured on automatic die-press machines from sheet steel and a structural nut that does not require any welding, while also being easy to use and install with current, commonly-used building practices and anchor designs. The anchor bolt locator is made from a galvanized sheet metal chair and a structural nut attached to the chair by way of a friction fit.

Abstract: A decorative assembly and a kit for creating a plurality of decorative assemblies including at least one foundation piece, at least one fanciful element and at least one connector to couple the fanciful element to the foundation piece.

Abstract: The invention comprises a foam insulating panel having an outer surface and a reinforcing member adhered to at least a portion of the outer surface of the foam insulating panel. An insulated concrete form and a method of using the insulated concrete form are also disclosed.

Abstract: A blockout mold is mountable on an anchor bolt to enable a recess to be formed around the anchor bolt when concrete is poured, and is easily stripped from the recess after the concrete has set. The blockout mold has a body and a neck portion with an elongate bore therethrough to receive the shank of the anchor bolt. Pairs of vertically spaced slots in the neck portion enable a releasable clip to selectively secure the neck portion to the shank; while the body has a sleeve of compressible material to enable the blockout mold to be stripped from the recess.

Abstract: A saddle connector, having an inverted channel, engages a bulb of a beam in the grid of a suspended ceiling. The channel has hardened teeth staggered along the opposing walls of the channel. The teeth are forced into the bulb of the beam, one at a time, by the full force exerted by hand operated pliers.

Abstract: An angled bracket having first and second opposing, generally planar sections is positioned so that protrusions extending from the first planar section engage a portion of roof sheathing and the second planar section is positioned against a rafter. Mechanical fasteners may secure the second planar section to the rafter. Adhesive is disposed through fill apertures in the first planar section until a layer of adhesive is formed between the bracket and the sheathing. A second angular section may extend from the opposite side of the bracket, enabling the bracket to sandwich the rafter. Gussets may be used to brace the first and second planar sections. Indicator apertures allow a user to ensure the layer of adhesive substantially covers the first planar section.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a substructure for aligning a building cover structure for an insulated wall (1), wherein said wall (1) is provided with a layer of insulation material (2), which is mounted to the wall (1) by a plurality of elongated insulation mounting members (3) and cover support profiles (4), which are mounted on the mounting members (2), comprises adjustment means for adjusting the distance between the mounting members (3) and the cover support profiles (4), wherein said adjustment means comprises two or more assembly brackets (5) mounted on at least one side of the cover support profile (4), and wherein each assembly bracket (5) comprises a cover support profile receiving first end (5A) and a distal second end (5B) adapted for penetration into the insulation material (2) on one or both sides of the insulation mounting member (3) and that the bracket is provided with apertures (11, 12) between said first and second ends (5A, 5B) receiving associated fasteners for securing the assembly brac

Abstract: An anchor assembly for use in joining together a masonry wall structure and a supporting back wall structure wherein the back wall structure is preferably formed using insulated concrete form (ICF) blocks each having a pair of opposed ICF panels associated therewith, the anchor assembly including an anchor member and a tie member. The anchor member includes an anchor portion adapted to penetrate one of the ICF panels and having at least one opening associated therewith so as to lie between the opposed ICF panels when attached thereto for allowing poured concrete to flow therethrough, and an attachment portion having a tab member positioned and located to overlay an ICF panel flange member when the anchor member is inserted within the ICF panel, the tab member being attachable to the ICF panel flange member.

Abstract: An insulating construction panel having a top end, a bottom end, a first end, a second end, a front side and a rear side, the panel for constructing a single or multi-cavity concrete form. The panel includes regularly spaced coplanar passages extending through the panel from the top end toward the bottom end and at least one angular passage perpendicularly intersecting each coplanar passage at the top end and bottom end of the panel and extending toward and through at least a portion of the back end of the panel.

Abstract: A yielding rod to counteract seismic activity having a generally cylindrical shape with a narrow portion having a reduced cross-sectional diameter relative to the remaining portions of the yielding rod. The narrow portion spans a length that is approximately 8 times its diameter to approximately 16 times its diameter. A transition area connects the narrow portion of the rod to the remainder of the rod. The transition area spans a length of approximately 0.25 inch to approximately 1.5 inch and has a preferred slope of 30 degrees or less relative to a longitudinal axis of the rod.

Abstract: An angled bracket having first and second opposing, generally planar sections is positioned so that protrusions extending from the first planar section engage a portion of roof sheathing and the second planar section is positioned against a rafter. Mechanical fasteners may secure the second planar section to the rafter. Adhesive is disposed through fill apertures in the first planar section until a layer of adhesive is formed between the bracket and the sheathing. A second angular section may extend from the opposite side of the bracket, enabling the bracket to sandwich the rafter. Gussets may be used to brace the first and second planar sections. Indicator apertures allow a user to ensure the layer of adhesive substantially covers the first planar section.

Abstract: Compressive force transmitting connection element for connecting a first cast structural component part to a second cast structural component part having an insulation body for thermal separation of the first and second cast structural component parts situated above and below the compressive force transmitting connection element. This insulation body being limited on the top and bottom by two support surfaces. At least one compression element penetrating the insulation body from the first to the second support surface. Transmitting transverse force elements have at least one transverse force transmitting element which continuously runs through the compressive force transmitting connection element in direction from the first support surface to the second support surface, the at least one compression element encloses the at least one transverse force transmitting element over at least part of the circumference thereof.

Abstract: A method of securing a bolt to a concrete structure without the necessity of turning the bolt during the installation process. A first set of hardware is provided for use during the forming and casting phases of creating the concrete structure. The first set of hardware is used to embed a bolt retainer in the finished cast concrete with a passage leading from the bolt retainer to the exterior of the cast concrete. A bolt is then placed in this passage and a portion of the bolt is driven through the bolt retainer to secure it.

Abstract: A decorative accessory unit, a decorative accessory assemblage, a kit for a personal accessory craft project and a method for creating a personal accessory are described. A plurality of decorative units having at least two linking ends protruding therefrom are provided along with a plurality of connector elements for coupling the linking ends of two decorative units together.

Abstract: A tie system is provided for use with a wall form for a cementitious backup wall and for use with a wall tie to connect between the cementitious backup wall and a veneer. The tie system includes a backup wall connector and a form connector. The form connector is connectable to the form and secures the backup wall connector in position as the wall form is filled.

Abstract: A hidden edge connector includes a connector body which includes a base guider for biasing against a rear surface of a frame, an edge guider for biasing against a surrounding surface of a frame opening, and a panel guider which is extended from the base guider and is perpendicular to the edge guider. The connector body is adapted for mounting to the frame at the frame opening thereof to keep a front surface of the frame in a clean and obstructing free manner, such that the connector body is adapted for guiding the panel being mounted within the frame opening in a hidden manner when a rear surface of the panel is biased against the panel guider to align with the rear surface of said frame so as to substantially align the front surface of the panel with a front surface of the frame.

Abstract: A support bracket is provided for fastening to a concrete molding form. The bracket has a first and second distal end connected by a middle portion. The distal ends are generally in a first plane and the middle portion extends from a side of each distal end at an obtuse angle relative to that plane. The distal ends are releasably fastened to the form during use of the bracket, with the middle portion extending to be embedded in the concrete. After removal of the form, one or both of the distal ends are bent away from the concrete during use, with pipes being inserted through the openings in the distal ends. The support bracket may incorporate an internally-threaded and generally tubular structure attached to the middle portion of the support bracket, with one end of the tubular structure embedded in the concrete during use and the other end exposed at the plane of the concrete surface for useful access to the internal threads.

Abstract: The lightweight concrete panel is comprised of a thin concrete slab, a standard steel stud frame, optional insulation strips to increase its thermal performance for exterior wall applications, and specially engineered blind rivets or screws that connect the thin concrete slab to the metal frame. The specially engineered blind rivet has a protruding and shaped head that acts as an anchor when embedded in the hardened concrete slab and has an optional elastic cover in its embedded head to allow slight movement of the concrete slab. The engineered screw with an elastic cover can also be used as the connecting device that allow slight movement of the concrete slab.

Abstract: Disclosed are a concrete dowel placement devices and a method of utilizing the same. A metallic stud is driven, screwed, or otherwise attached to a form. The stud may be a unitary structure, or may be a hollow tube with conventional fastening means such as nails and screws extending through and holding the hollow tube to the form. A cover having an interior compartment substantially equal in diameter to the stud is slid ably placed thereon, and a first enclosed area is developed with a plurality of forms. Concrete is poured into the first enclosed area, and upon curing, the form and the stud are removed, leaving the cover embedded in the concrete. A metallic dowel is inserted into the cover, and a second enclosed area is developed with like configured forms. The metallic dowel extends into the second enclosed area.

Abstract: A roof panel structure having a purlin comprising a truss, the truss having a substantially horizontally disposed top surface. A nailer board is attached to the top surface, and a first subpurlin is attached to the nailer board and is extends at least partly along the top surface such that the first subpurlin is arranged to be supported by the top surface. The nailer board is arranged vertically on the top surface.

Abstract: An anchoring assembly part for a wind turbine tower, which part is in a ring- or ring segment shape and prefabricated from a concrete material, and which has at least one projecting reinforcement element for the connection with a lower tower portion made of a concrete material, and at least one bore for receiving an anchor bolt for the detachable connection with an upper tower portion made of steel, an anchor sleeve with an internal thread for screwing in the anchor bolt being arranged in said bore.

Abstract: The present invention provides a backing metal fixture which is excellent in constructability and stability with fixing an external wall, and an external wall constructing structure using the backing metal fixture. A backing metal fixture used for fixing an external wall to a skeleton via a securing metal fitting and a heat insulating material placed on a front surface of the skeleton, comprising: a butting flat plate portion to be butted against a rear surface of the securing metal fitting having an opening in the center area to allow a fixing member to go through, and a first leg unit and a second leg unit erected rearward from the butting flat plate portion, wherein the second leg unit is erected from a position closer to the opening than the first leg unit.

Abstract: A device for connecting beams and pillars or similar structural elements, particularly for prefabricated concrete structural elements, comprising a bracket, which forms, when installed, by means of its upper face, a support for the beam, and a first connection for connecting to the pillar the end of the bracket that is designed to be directed toward the pillar, the device further comprising a second connection for connecting a region of the bracket, spaced from the end directed toward the pillar, to a region of the pillar located above the bracket and arranged on the side of the pillar that lies opposite with respect to the side that bears the bracket.

Abstract: A method of assembling molded forms of expanded closed cell polystyrene to receive poured concrete for foundations and walls for buildings, including a laid course of forms molded of expanded polystyrene having vertical spaces in the forms and a plastic or metal strip With claws attached to the plastic or metal strip, and the strip is placed in a groove channel in the form and the strip extending into a groove in next abutting form of expanded polystyrene, and the strip width extending into a groove in the next laid course of expanded polystyrene forms and reinforcing bars placed vertically in vertical spaces in the forms of expanded polystyrene, and the reinforcing bars placed vertically in the vertical spaces and held in position by an aperture guide wire having a bias cut on leg end of the aperture guide wire and spanner wires extending across from side to side of the forms of expanded polystyrene, and the spanner wires having bias cut leg ends to stab into the top edges of the forms of expanded polystyren

Abstract: Connection plates for constructing buildings are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a connection plate includes a generally planar insert member and a support member. Insert member has a first side configured for receipt in a slot defined by a structural member and a second side configured for receipt in a slot defined by another structural member. First and second sides collectively define inner and outer edges. Support member is coupled to first and second sides is generally perpendicular to insert member in two directions. Either (1) a portion of inner edge corresponding to first side is angled relative to a portion of inner edge corresponding to second side and support member is coupled to inner edge; or (2) a portion of outer edge corresponding to first side is angled relative to a portion of outer edge corresponding to second side and support member is coupled to outer edge.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a substructure for aligning a building cover structure for an insulated wall (1), wherein said wall (1) is provided with a layer of insulation material (2), which is mounted to the wall (1) by a plurality of elongated insulation mounting members (3) and cover support profiles (4), which are mounted on the mounting members (2), comprises adjustment means for adjusting the distance between the mounting members (3) and the cover support profiles (4), wherein said adjustment means comprises two or more assembly brackets (5) mounted on at least one side of the cover support profile (4), and wherein each assembly bracket (5) comprises a cover support profile receiving first end (5A) and a distal second end (5B) adapted for penetration into the insulation material (2) on one or both sides of the insulation mounting member (3) and that the bracket is provided with apertures (11, 12) between said first and second ends (5A, 5B) receiving associated fasteners for securing the assembly brac

Abstract: A fastening assembly (11) for fastening a mounting part (6) to a constructional component (7) and including a fastening element (12) having a shaft (14) extending along a longitudinal axis (13), a holding portion (15) projecting radially at a first end of the shaft, and an anchoring portion (16) provided at the opposite, second, free end of the shaft for anchoring in the constructional component (7), and a shear force transmission element (21) provided on the fastening element (12) between the holding portion (15) and the anchoring portion (16) in the set state of the fastening assembly in the through-opening (8) of the mounting part (6), with the shear force transmission element (21) having, in a mounted state thereof, an axial length (L) that is smaller than its initial axial length and that is reduced from its initial axial length (H) by the holding portion (15) of the fastening element (12).

Abstract: A framing assembly system for steel building that substantially reduces assembly time while maintaining excellent strength and mechanical integrity and has vastly improved resistance to uplift forces. Foundation assemblies or anchor structures are first precisely located before concrete is poured to form the foundation, encasing the anchor structures within the foundation. Columns may then be attached to the anchor structures without the need for readjusting the location of the columns. The rest of the building framework is subsequently attached to the columns. The resulting structure is highly resistant to uplift forces and seismic effects while being much faster and simpler to assemble than previous structures. Cracking of the concrete foundation prior to the complete curing of the concrete is also reduced.

Abstract: A fastener is disclosed having a an extension portion configured to be inserted into a first construction material such as foam, and having a stirrup portion configured to retain portion of a second construction material, such as rebar at a distance from the first construction material. A third construction material such as concrete can then be inserted (poured) in contact with the first construction material and surrounding the second construction material such that the second construction material is not directly in contact with the first construction material.

Abstract: An expansion wedge anchor for insertion in a hole delimited by a wall comprises an expander member and an expansion member. The expander member is provided at a leading end of the expansion member. The expander member includes a flaring end, the expansion member being expandable at a trailing end thereof and being adapted to engage the wall of the hole when the expander member is positioned in the hole. Upon longitudinal withdrawal of the expander member from the hole, the expander member displaces longitudinally relative to the expansion member with the flaring end thereof gradually causing the trailing end of the expansion member to expand, whereby a trailing edge of the expansion member engages the wall of the hole. The trailing end is adapted, when expanded by the flaring member, to extend at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of said expander member.

Abstract: An anchor bolt assembly is provided for connecting a sill to a foundation. The anchor bolt assembly includes an anchor bolt having a threaded end and another end that extends into the foundation. A corrosion resistant bushing extends around a portion of the anchor bolt for isolating the anchor bolt from a treated sill and providing an impervious barrier around a portion of the anchor bolt so as to prevent the anchor bolt from becoming corroded due to the treated nature of the seal.

Abstract: A device is used for securely locating, positioning and holding the anchor bolt/threaded rod, or similar components during concrete pouring. The device mainly has a base, extension arm, and a snapper. The base consists of a stop and a step face in which both of them can be placed along the edge of the form in order to properly locate anchor bolt's distance from concrete form. The base also consists of apertures to secure the position of the device on the selected points of the form by installing screws or nails. An extension arm is built with an upward angle to the base to let concrete finisher to finish the concrete easily underneath the anchor bolt and the device. The snapper is used to retain different sizes of anchor bolt/threaded rod range in diameter by a gripping mechanism for quick install and de-installation. The snapper device has pins or teeth located on the area having direct connection with anchor bolts or threaded rod for securing anchor bolt, or other item that inserted into the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a backing metal fixture which is excellent in constructability and stability with fixing an external wall, and an external wall constructing structure using the backing metal fixture. A backing metal fixture used for fixing an external wall to a skeleton via a securing metal fitting and a heat insulating material placed on a front surface of the skeleton, comprising: a butting flat plate portion to be butted against a rear surface of the securing metal fitting having an opening in the center area to allow a fixing member to go through, and a first leg unit and a second leg unit erected rearward from the butting flat plate portion, wherein the second leg unit is erected from a position closer to the opening than the first leg unit.

Abstract: An anchor bolt positioning and restraining apparatus eliminates use of the conventional J-shaped anchor bolt and replaces it with a straight-line anchor rod. The apparatus includes a support plate having an anchor bolt attachment means attached thereto, a pair of opposed, identical, upstanding positioning and restraining arms attached to lateral ends of the support plate and a straight-line anchor bolt that is secured to the attachment means after the foundation wall is constructed. The positioning and restraining arms invariably position anchor bar at exactly the same location within an interior core of the cinder block such that the anchor bar will consistently project above the sill plate on its centerline, while projecting at a consistent height and at a consistent ninety degree angle with respect to the top surface of the sill plate so that an anchoring nut and washer combination can be properly attached to the projecting end of the anchor bar when tying the building framing to the foundation wall.