Abstract: A series of spaced-apart light gauge cold formed steel studs underlie an elongated light gauge cold formed steel channel or box. A series of joist supports are connected to the channel and a series of joists, formed of a light gauge cold formed steel, are connected to the joist supports and extend outwardly from the box. Decking is supported on the joist. Concrete is poured into the channel to form a reinforced header or beam, and concrete is also poured onto the decking to form a concrete floor. Together, the concrete floor and header form a monolithic concrete structure that enables the joist to be misaligned with studs.

Abstract: An underlayment for supplementing one or more physical properties of wall, ceiling, and floor construction components is used to in a wall, ceiling, or floor assembly that may be fabricated on site. The assembly includes: first and second wall, ceiling, or floor construction components which each have physical properties and an underlayment component which has at least one supplemental physical property for supplementing the physical properties of the first and second construction components. The construction components may or may not be secured together with the underlayment sandwiched between the second and first construction components to form a wall, ceiling, or floor assembly with the supplemental physical property or properties of the underlayment. The supplemental physical property or properties of the underlayment may include, but are not limited to, latent storage of thermal energy, sound transmission reduction, and/or burn through resistance.

Abstract: A building structure includes a base structure (10), a thermal barrier layer (20) and an external layer (30). The thermal barrier layer may be a three-dimensional matrix of filaments. The filaments may be irregularly looped and intermingled in a highly porous, three-dimensional structure with a large open space. The filaments form a thermal barrier by reducing the physical contact between the external layer and the base structure. The filament material is low in conductivity, so little heat transfer occurs between the external layer and the filaments.

Abstract: A composite floor panel includes a concrete floor deck having a side portion and an edge member secured to the side portion. The edge member is configured to be positioned in proximity to an adjacent edge member. The adjacent edge member is coupled to an adjacent concrete floor deck. The edge member is further configured to have a junction formed between the edge member and the adjacent edge member to define a channel. The edge member is further configured to have a binder material placed in the channel to form a joint between the concrete floor deck and the adjacent concrete floor deck.

Abstract: A composite floor panel includes a concrete floor deck having a side portion and an edge member secured to the side portion. The edge member is configured to be positioned in proximity to an adjacent edge member. The adjacent edge member is coupled to an adjacent concrete floor deck. The edge member is further configured to have a junction formed between the edge member and the adjacent edge member to define a channel. The edge member is further configured to have a binder material placed in the channel to form a joint between the concrete floor deck and the adjacent concrete floor deck.

Abstract: New and useful method of building a boiler frame significantly reduces the use of high load-lifting height crane and improves the operation efficiency despite bad weather. Multiple levels of steel supporting posts, which are established beforehand, are linked together with their top portion by beams and the 9th floor unit is fixed to the posts at an intermediate floor position temporarily. Suspension rods, which are suspended from lifting jacks, are then connected to the 8th floor unit and jacked up, while floor units made for lower than the 8th floor are connected on the ground to form a multi-floor unit. After connecting the multi-floor unit to the 9th floor unit the temporary fixation is released, the multi-floor unit is lifted up, and each floor unit is permanently fixed to the designated floor position repeatedly and respectively.

Abstract: This invention features a system for construction of a floor or roof slab. The system includes a starter mold configured to span a floor opening or a roof opening. The starter mold includes a first skin configured to form a diaphragm and a second skin attached to the first skin configured to reinforce the first skin.

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: This invention relates to a floor construction method and system, and more particularly to a method for producing shallow and ultra shallow steel floor systems.

Abstract: Floor covering comprising a plurality of unit panels (1) laid in a pattern, these panels being provided on their head sides (2, 3) and on their longitudinal sides (4, 5) with locking strips (6, 7) which engage with one another in the assembled position in which unit panels (1) are arranged adjacently within a covering, wherein grooves (19, 20) are provided in the head sides (2, 3) and wherein the grooves (19, 20) of two abutting head sides (2, 3) correspond and form a locking channel (21) intended to accommodate a head tongue (22, 22a-k). The head tongue (22) is preassembled in the groove (20) and projects beyond an end of the groove (20) that faces the longitudinal side (5) of the unit panel (1).

Abstract: A system of aligning a panel comprising a base shoe having two side walls and a concave base surface and a mounting pad having a substantially flat bottom surface and a convex top surface corresponding to the concave base surface of the base shoe. When the mounting pad is disposed beneath the concave base surface of the base shoe the system achieves vertical plumb. Each side wall of the base shoe may define at least one groove therein.

Abstract: A building structure provided with lateral walls comprising a thermoplastic polymer, which comprises: a plurality of vertical walls which are arranged on a plurality of levels, each of which walls comprises at least one first substantially continuous central panel made of a thermoplastic polymer and a pair of layers of cement plaster which are arranged on the opposite sides of the corresponding first central panel and form the opposite faces of the corresponding vertical wall, and a metallic structure for connecting at least the vertical walls of each one of the levels of the building structure.

Abstract: A floor support for a grain bin floor made from a sheet of galvanized steel having a top surface, a bottom surface and flat ends. The floor support has a plurality of flanges and notches disposed within the top surface and a plurality of openings disposed through the sheet of galvanized steel. Positioned between each opening is a first bend. Positioned on either side of selected first bends is a second bend thereby forming a z-shaped floor support.

Abstract: A building is provided with integrated natural systems that reduce dependency on external resources to operate and maintain the building. A source of electricity is provided through an extensive set of solar panels that may be incorporated on louvers mounted to the exterior of the building. The building has a double insulative layer to include an outer airtight membrane or cover, and an internal building structure that defines habitable space within the structure. Rainwater may be collected and stored within a subsurface well. The space between the internal structure and outer membrane may support the growth of vegetation in a greenhouse environment. A flow of temperature regulated air is provided through the structure by a set of underground pipes in which the air is circulated through a central core of the building, into the habitable space, and then outward into the greenhouse space.

Abstract: A system of mounting an array of decking material including a sub frame and a support grid including a plurality of boards mounted on top of the sub frame. A plurality of pavers may be laid on top of the grid system, with each paver held to the grid system by a plurality of clips. Each clip attached to the support grid and engaging a groove formed along an outer edge of the paver, the clips not extending to or above a top surface of the pavers.

Abstract: An anti-fatigue flooring system includes at least one anti-fatigue area adjacent a work station in a room. The anti-fatigue area includes an anti-fatigue member of a resilient foam material and transition members located about the anti-fatigue member. Flooring extends over the anti-fatigue member and the transition members so that the anti-fatigue member and the transition members are located between the flooring and the subfloor. The transition members transition the flooring from the top of the anti-fatigue member down to the subfloor located about the transition members. The flooring is preferably secured to the top of the anti-fatigue member, the top of the transition members, and the subfloor about the anti-fatigue area.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composite foam material that is alkaline and heat resistance. The composite foam material comprises a foam layer that having a film layer attached thereto and in which at least one of the film or foam layers includes a carbon free radical scavenger agent that is dispersed therein. The carbon free radical scavengers neutralize free radicals that are generated in the polymeric material (e.g., film or foam layer) and help prevent the degradation of the foam composite material. In particular, foam composite materials in accordance with the present invention can be used in underlayment applications in which exposure to heat can degrade the underlayment. As a result, the durability and useful life of the composite sheet material can be extended. In some embodiments of the present invention provides a floor underlayment material that overcomes many of the problems discussed above.

Abstract: A latticing drop panel structure includes a plurality of columns (100 or 101) or walls, and a connecting member (210) including a concrete drop panel (219) having a cross-section area larger than that of the column (100 or 101) or the wall, wherein the connecting member (210) having four unit rods 212, surrounded around the drop panel (219) in a latticing form, wherein the unit rods (212) are parallel with the respective sides of the column and cross at the same level, whereby sagging displacement of the slab is reduced due to the existence of the drop panel.

Abstract: An alignment brace for multi-level insulated concrete form walls that utilizes a cured base level wall for anchoring the brace that will be used to brace and align a succeeding wall level comprising, a bracing beam having first and second sections that are pivotally interconnected at a pivot point, an elongated adjustment beam disposed in spaced relation from the bracing beam and co-planar therewith where the adjustment beam is pivotally interconnected to the bracing beam at the pivot point and where the adjustment beam carries at its distal ends a jack screw assembly for expanding or contracting the spacing between the distal ends of the adjustment beam and the bracing beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor drainage assembly for inhibiting water from passing from one floor of a building to an other floor of the building. The one floor is disposed above the other floor. The one floor includes a stairwell threshold. The building has a stairwell connecting the one floor to the other floor. The one floor is in communication with the stairwell via the stairwell threshold. The floor drainage assembly includes a stairwell drain and a stairwell trough. The stairwell trough extends along the stairwell threshold. The stairwell trough is in fluid communication with the stairwell drain, whereby water from the one floor that enters the stairwell threshold is at least partially captured by the stairwell trough and directed to the stairwell drain. The assembly inhibits the water from damaging the other floor thereby.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for providing edge protection for timber kit erections is provided in which fixing brackets (103, 105) are attached to a floor cassette (71) or to the top of a wall panel (67), into which a guard assembly (121) is inserted. When edge protection is no longer required the guard assembly is subsequently removed, for example by use of a sling and shackle. Typically, the edge protection is put in place before the floor cassette is lifted into position on the timber kit erection. Vertical members, horizontal members, and fixing brackets for the same are also provided. In addition, an edge locating apparatus, and a corresponding method for locating an upper section of timber kit onto a lower section of timber kit, is provided having a sloping portion to guide the upper section onto lower section.

Abstract: A bracket system is disclosed for allowing conventional trim to be removably connected to a wall or ceiling or both while allowing the bracket system to be concealed behind the trim. The bracket system includes a wall bracket that is attached to the wall or ceiling or both and a trim bracket that is attached to conventional trim. The wall bracket and trim bracket interlock with each other and are held together in secure but removable mating contact. The wall bracket and trim bracket can be pulled apart or pushed together to allow for removal and reinstallation of trim without mechanical modification or destruction of any components. A preferred embodiment of the bracket system includes an insert bracket that is placed inside and concealed within the wall bracket. The insert bracket helps to retain cabling within the wall bracket when the trim bracket is removed or to keep cabling running along the bracket system separated.

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

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention provide a slab roof for interlocked mortarless masonry wall systems. In a method of providing a mortarless construction system, a wall foundation including foundation tendon rods is constructed and a first set of mechanical fastening is attached to the foundation tendon rods. A first set of tendon rods is attached to the first set of mechanical fastening. A wall structure is created by vertically stacking a plurality of wall units onto the threaded tendon rods and affixing the wall units using the mechanical fastening.

Abstract: An adhesive composition for adhesively bonding floor coverings to a variety of substrates. The composition includes 0.2 to 10 weight percent of a plurality of irregularly shaped spacer particles of size 0.5 mm to 10 mm; 10 to 50 weight percent of a moisture curable polymer system; and 40 to 90 weight percent of additives for modifying physical properties of the composition. The adhesive has a composition such that, when cured, results in an elastomeric film of uniform thickness that exhibits controlled moisture vapor transmission and sound abatement properties. A floor structure and a method for constructing the floor structure using the adhesive composition are also provided.

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

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to panel systems, including panel systems that provide one or more tensioned panel portions.

Abstract: A method of installing distribution systems such as needed piping, ductwork, electrical wiring, and other systems in a new construction having a structural ceiling and floor, comprises the steps of: providing a frame module of main and cross frame members; assembling the modules on site directly below the final placement position; installing ductwork, piping, electrical wiring, and other distribution systems in the modules; fabricating and attaching upper wall portions to the modules; lifting modules with attached upper wall portions towards the structural ceiling; attaching support columns to the structural ceiling and floor; and mounting the modules onto the support columns, such that the support columns support the modules .

Abstract: Tab cutting apparatus designed to assist in floor leveling, the tab cutting apparatus including a base designed for movement along the surface of a floor. A framework is affixed to the base and supports a vertically movable portion above the base. The framework and vertically movable portion include height control apparatus capable of moving the movable portion vertically relative to the framework. Height sensing apparatus is affixed to the movable portion. A cutting element is affixed to the movable portion and positioned at a fixed distance below the height sensing apparatus. The cutting element is designed to cut an upright ribbon or rod portion of a leveling tab.

Abstract: A flooring installation tool includes a base having a bottom surface configured to engage a top surface of a flooring material, and a shoe having a connection portion and a vertical surface engaging portion. The connection portion is movably connected to a gear housing supported by the base, and the vertical surface engaging portion is configured to engage a vertical surface of the flooring material. An adjuster is configured to selectively hold the shoe relative to the base in a first position or in a second position that is different from the first position.

Abstract: The present invention uses insulating concrete forms (ICF) in the construction of residential buildings. An entire wall panel is formed from polystyrene panels that may be cut by a hot wire machine. If necessary, hat channel shaped metal may be inserted into hat channel slots. Columns of polystyrene are removed so that concrete posts may be poured therein after the wall panel has been secured into place with rebar being located therein. Rebar and concrete also are formed along the top of the wall panel. Electrical and plumbing connection pathways are provided in the wall panel at the time of cutting with hot wire. Each wall panel is separately designed and cut by hot wire while still at the factory, but are all connected together to form an ICF residence. Openings are provided for doors and windows and are buck framed. Hat channels are inserted as necessary for strength and/or connection thereto.

Abstract: A system and method of constructing a composite floor system having increased shear transfer between a slab and support members of the system is described. The composite floor system may include any combination of the following elements: a support member, a reinforcing member, a transfer member, a decking material, a fastener, and/or a slab. The transfer member may be connected to the support member.

Abstract: A material (1) for installation over a plurality of regularly spaced joists (12) to insulate a floor structure (10), the material (1) having a plurality of spaced apart sets of linearly arranged holes (3) extending across the width of the material (1), the holes (3) intended to overly the joists so that once the material (1) is in place, flooring material (90) can be adhered to the joists (12) through the holes (3), each set of linearly arranged holes (3) allowing access to 50 to 98 percent of the length of the joist (12) overlain by the set of holes (3).

Abstract: A bracket assembly is disclosed for facilitating the installation of a concrete wall on a concrete footing, as well as a method of forming the concrete wall. The bracket assembly includes a base member having an upper surface and a lower surface, and first and second upwardly extending flanges. A first aperture is formed through the base member and a sealant is positioned in the cavity. A retainer and shock absorber assembly is secured to the upper surface and an aperture is formed therethrough which is coaxially aligned with the first aperture. A fastener having a shank with a pointed end is inserted through the aperture such that the pointed end is initially encased in the sealant. The fastener is inseparable from the bracket assembly and is capable of being driven into the concrete footing.

Abstract: A tool for guiding the fastening of building material to structural components is provided. The tool may include a longitudinal member, a lateral member and a positioning tab that, when properly positioned over the building material, provide stable guidance as to the proper placement of building material fasteners. The tool may include measurement markings and a level for added utility.

Abstract: A method and device for supporting a structure above a fixed surface. The device can include a support pedestal whose height is adjustable through a range of heights without a substantial gap in the obtainable heights.

Abstract: An insulated roof deck or wall system which can be used in installing roofs and wall is set forth. The system includes a plurality of metal purlins (10), a plurality of outer panels (2), a plurality of thermal insulation blocks (4), cleats (14), fasteners (12), a first insulation layer (6) and a second insulation layer (7). The metal purlins (10) can form a parallel array of purlins. The outer panels (2) can be attached to the metal purlins (10) in the parallel array. The thermal insulation blocks (4) can be disposed between the metal purlin (10) and the outer panel (2). The cleat (14) can be disposed between the thermal insulation blocks (4) and the outer panel (2) and has a protrusion which is capable of securing the thermal insulation block (4) and inhibits lateral movement between the thermal insulation block (4) and the cleat (14). The first and second insulation layers can be placed on either side of the thermal insulation blocks.

Abstract: A rectangular ceiling tile to be supported in an exposed type suspended grid system of perpendicularly crossed girders of inverted T-profile. The tile includes a core containing fiber material with two opposite first edges, each forming a recess, and two opposite second edges each forming a recess. The tile forms a projecting, peripheral rim on a lower face of the tile. At least two edge support clips are provided. Each clip has one or more limbs that are inserted into or under a transverse edge surface of the core.

Abstract: There is proposed a preferably transportable (mobile) and/or re-usable production facility, as is quick and easy to erect virtually at any location in this world. This production facility virtually comprises a tent structure, wherein the roof of the facility is held by at least one carrier (support) and at the same time at least one device for raising or lowering or moving goods or parts thereof, for example crane structures, is also provided on the carrier itself. Such a crane structure can be of a variable configuration and facilitate in particular the production of goods which are heavy and/or which for assembly can no longer be raised or moved by human strength. A production facility is also provided having a central hall with connecting locations for receiving production modules. The production modules may include substantially all tools and devices for assembling or producing goods within the production facility.

Abstract: In a method of floor construction in a machinery preceding conveyance area of a building, such as a nuclear power plant, a floor of the building is divided into two work zones, floor and outer wall construction is performed in one of the work zones of the divided work zones of the floor as building work, preceding carry-in articles is installed in sequence as electric/mechanic equipment installing working, and partition wall construction which is building work is performed. In the other work zone, construction work of the floor and outer walls is performed as building working during the electric/mechanic equipment installing working in the aforementioned one of the divided work zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sound rated floor system for inhibiting sound transmission between floors. The system includes a corrugated steel deck; a first layer of cementitious material or board or sheet applied over the corrugated steel deck; a sound insulation mat or board applied over the first layer; a second layer of cementitious material applied over the sound insulation mat or board. The floor system has an IIC rating of at least 25 and the corrugated steel deck provides at least 50 percent of the ultimate load carrying capacity under static and impact loading of the floor system with a floor deflection of at most 1/360 of the floor span.

Abstract: A method and system for covering industrial wood plank or wood block floors that can be installed quickly without creating a hazardous environment or hazardous wastes and without the necessity of removing installed equipment. Sand is swept over the wood to fill voids and cracks. Next metal lath is stapled to the wood. A first layer of epoxy is poured onto the metal lath. After this is dry, a second coat of finish epoxy, possibly colored as desired, can be installed on the first epoxy layer. When this dries, the job is done and operations can be restarted. The epoxy material used can be self-leveling for ease of application and the final floor is approximately level. In a particular embodiment, a layer of plastic can be placed over the floor before the lath is installed, and in another embodiment, the second layer of epoxy can be omitted.

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

Abstract: A method of assembling resilient floorboards is disclosed that includes the step of bending an edge of a floorboard during the assembling. The bending reduces the force required for connection of the edge to another edge of a juxtaposed floorboard.

Abstract: An embodiment of the system for forming a movable slab foundation as comprised by the present invention has a slab foundation, at least one support surface, at least one lifting member, at least one support sleeve, and an engagement device carried by the at least one support sleeve. The at least one support sleeve is encased within the slab foundation and its lower end is positioned in abutting contact with the at least one support surface. The at least one lifting member is inserted through the at least one support sleeve. The at least one support sleeve and the slab foundation are moved upward axially along the length of the at least one lifting member. The engagement device is engaged with the at least one lifting member, thereby securing the slab foundation and the at least one support sleeve at a desired height.

Abstract: An underlayment system is provided that includes a plurality of bosses that emanate form a common base member. The bosses and bases preferably include an opening therethrough that will allow for subsequent layers of adhesive to interact and bond to each other. The bosses are also spaced in such a way to help secure a wire snugly therebetween.

Abstract: A height adjustment mechanism adjusts the height between first and second walls of a building panel. The walls are typically formed from poured concrete. The mechanism includes a tubular base with an interior threaded surface and extending arms for embedding the base within the first wall when cured. A cap is removable from the base upon curing of the first wall material to expose the base interior threaded surface. A cylindrical torpedo screw is translatable vertically upon rotation of the torpedo screw about its longitudinal axis within the base. The torpedo screw distal end is immersible within the second wall material before curing. In operation, removal of the cap from the base exposes the torpedo screw proximal end such that rotation of the torpedo screw at its proximal end adjusts vertical orientation of the first wall with respect to the second wall.

Abstract: A floor system for a building includes prefabricated grid sections attached to framing members of the building and a plurality of panels mounted to the grid to form a structurally integrated floor. The panels are removable to provide access to space below the floor that would otherwise be inaccessible in a conventional floor. A subfloor deck below the floor separates one building story from another and encloses the space between the floor and the deck, which can be used for temporary and permanent installations including, for example, pipes for water, laboratory gases, and compressed air, and power, telephone, and data cables; and as a plenum for HVAC. Either or both of the floor and the subfloor deck can be attached to the building frame to function as a diaphragm. The floor system replaces conventional permanent structural floors and raised accessible flooring systems.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a system and method for constructing support structures in buildings or other projects, which can support molds for use when pouring reinforced concrete slabs. The disclosed structures can accommodate more than one molds stacked vertically one over the other, and can remain in place to define walls or other separators in the completed structure. In one embodiment, the disclosed structure is a wall panel including a frame and vertical support members. The wall panel includes features allowing the vertical stacking of multiple wall panels. A temporary bracing system is further disclosed for use when stabilizing multiple stacked panels until construction of the surrounding floor or ceiling slabs has been completed.

Abstract: A system for constructing building consisting of connected T-beams for walls and roof. To create the T shape the system uses blocks of rigid insulation as forming, which are embedded in the poured-in-place concrete. These blocks serve to insulate the structure. The final structure is a monolithic box where the foundation, (101, 102), and (103) is the lower face, walls are the vertical faces of the box, attached to the foundation by dowels (104) to the walls reinforcement part (105) and the roof (118, 119, 120), and (121) is the top. This results in a sturdy structure with integrated high insulation (111) and (122) in walls and roof. Metal nailers (123) with the polystyrene foam strips (124) can be embedded in the ends of the T-beam stems. These nailers ease the insertion of screws to wall and ceiling interiors, allowing the building interior to be finished with gypsum board or paneling.