Abstract: Systems and methods providing a modular building having pre-fabricated panel wall components are easily assembled to form a predetermined structure including energy efficient corner modular components that provide for seamless, energy-efficient corners with structural strength.

Abstract: A prefabricated composite wall panel has a desired exterior finish defined by thin finish elements of brick, stone or any other suitable material and is adapted for mounting to the wall structure of a building framework by screws or other suitable fasteners. During panel manufacture thin wall finish elements are positioned at predetermined sites within the mold and aligned by alignment members in a pattern defining grout spaces. A grout placement screed having multiple holes arranged in a desired mortar pattern is positioned on the thin finish elements and pulverulent grout is deposited through the holes of the screed and into spaces between the finish elements.

Abstract: An access floor and the installation method therefor includes a plurality of basic structural units (1) usually made from a lightweight plastic material, each unit including at least one surface (2), at least one lower cavity (8) defined by the upper surface (2), at least one lower unit-supporting edge (3) in contact with the supporting floor (13) and at least one opening (10) provided in the aforementioned surface (2). A method for installing the access floor, includes the following steps: pre-positioning the pipes, assembling the units (1) and positioning the pipes in the cavities (8), forming the cavities for the pillars (12), positioning a grating (11) on the surface (2) of the units (1), sealing the openings (10) using the corresponding cover, pouring concrete (14) or another resistant material, and positioning the coating (15) and/or the final floor (17).

Abstract: Articles and methods for installing hook bolts on bridge decks constructed of timbers and structural steel members. A tether is lowered through a hole in a timber, captured below the bridge deck, and drawn upward around the timber or between timbers. A hook bolt is engaged with the end of the tether that was lowered through the hole and drawn upward, then lowered under the bridge deck and drawn upward through the hole in the timber. The hook bolt engages with a flange on a structural member of the bridge deck.

Abstract: The present invention provides a module structure and a plant construction method capable of easily attaching a facility device of a plant and shortening a plant construction period. The module structure of the present invention includes a support member which temporarily supports a facility device component to be arranged in a cell constituting a plant at a designed position and which constitutes scaffolding for attaching the facility device component and forming the cell, a box-shaped frame which is possible to be carried into inner space of the cell while fixing the support member, and joint means which is detachably attachable and which temporarily assembles the support member and the frame.

Abstract: A method for constructing a building comprises the steps of: preparing a base (1); connecting a plurality of panels (2) to the base (1) to form a plurality of walls of the building, each panel (2) at least partly forming a wall of the building; the step of connecting the plurality of panels (2) to the base (1) comprising the preliminary step of connecting a plurality of corner panels (5) at the corners of the base (1).

Abstract: Covering method for a floor or another surface which method is implemented with the help of surface elements, such as tiles (1) to which method positioning of surface elements (1) onto the intended surface in order to form the desired figures onto the surface by using frames (2) and devices (4), which ensure the stability, belongs. The method comprises a casette to which a bottom (3) of the casette and a frame (2), which can be attached on top of the bottom (3) of the casette or is built fixed to it and which controls the installation of the surface elements and their stability, belong whereupon the edges of the mentioned frame (2) are adjusted to form a opening with the other, respective edges of the frames (2) of the casettes to which opening an interlocking piece (4), adjusted to the shape and the size of the hole, can be installed.

Abstract: A building process that offers better qualities in terms of value, structural integrity, and comfort and energy conservation for industrial, commercial and residential building industries. The present invention starts with a single component which is the vertical composite insulated supporting steel members, then the plates, the beams, the composite insulated wall system, the floor joist system, the temperature regulated roof system and the multiple insulation patterns to create the active thermal force air cavities and inactive cavities. The entire concept of utilizing the invention is that the design of all of the components and parts, the objectives are focused on to facilitate the prefabrication process and conserve energy.

Abstract: A rigid self-supporting hollow body (1) having large dimensions and intended for building constructions, wherein the body is of the type including a thin wall (4) having a generally cylindrical shape relative to an axis (5) and two end flanges (6) oriented towards the outside, defining an integral assembly having an inner hollow space (7) with two end openings (8), made of a coating and resistance material containing concrete or the like and reinforced with fibres. The flanges (6) include or define fastening elements (15) that enable, using fastening members (6), the rigid fastening on one and/or the other flanges (6) of the body, of an adjacent flange (6) of a second similar neighbouring body (1) and/or of a blocking wall (3) optionally including one or more openings (3a) so as to build constructions in a modular and flexible manner.

Abstract: A modular building construction system including a plurality of free-standing, molded polymer components that may be assembled to form a weatherproof structure. Components include a center, corner, interior passageway, door, and roof panels, as well as supporting beams that may be arranged in a nearly infinite number of configurations to easily, quickly and inexpensively form nearly any structure desired by the user.

Abstract: An insulated wall panel, comprises a polystyrene foam block having first and second parallel surfaces, top and bottom parallel ends and two parallel side ends, wherein the block is configured to include slots to receive a plurality of studs spaced apart and in parallel relation to one another within the block between the first and second surfaces and the two side ends so that side surfaces of the studs are not exposed. The panel may also include a first track member that is secured to a slab or building foundation and to a bottom end of the studs, and a second track member that is mounted to a top end of the studs.

Abstract: The modular flooring element (1) according to the invention comprises a panel element (2), two hooking brackets (404) arranged on a longitudinal side, two shallow recesses (44) arranged on the other longitudinal side, a hooking bracket (604) arranged on a transversal side and a shallow recess (64) arranged on the other transversal side. The brackets (404) couple with the shallow recesses (44) of another modular element, and similarly the brackets (604) couple with the shallow recesses (64), so as to block the flooring elements both longitudinally and transversally. The hooking brackets (404, 604) are provided with bearings for making the same brackets slide easier. The modular floor so provided can be assembled and dismantled quite quickly. Tongue and groove joints along the longitudinal and transversal edges render the assembled floor quite strong.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joint cover assembly for covering a gap between two floor elements covering a subsurface, the assembly comprising a first molding element comprising an upper section having an exposed surface, the exposed surface comprising a décor, and a foot depending therefrom, wherein the foot has a gripping groove extending towards the exposed surface and being defined by two side walls; and a second molding element comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, to be joined to the first molding element, as well as an exposed surface comprising a décor, wherein the lower surface has a groove extending towards the upper surface and being defined by two side walls; characterised in that the joint cover assembly furthermore comprises a track having two upstanding sections, wherein the distance between the upstanding sections corresponds substantially to the width of the foot and also to the distance between a gripping groove's side wall and a proximal side wall of the second molding element's gr

Abstract: A fully insulated timber frame building panel system incorporating wall, ceiling and floor panels of varying dimensions which are made up of vertical timbers 20 and horizontal timbers 34 & 36 sheathed both sides 21 & 22 to create a cavity which is filled with expanding polyurethane insulation 27. Breather membrane 24 is then attached to the external face of the panel and heat reflecting membrane 25 to the internal face. Battens 23 & 38 are applied to the internal face of the panel, which is then sheathed in gypsum based boards 32 to form an air gap 29. Extruded polyurethane insulation 26 is fixed to the panel through the breather membrane 24. External cladding 31 is always fixed to the timber frame to create a cavity 30. This external cladding can be of a variety of materials.

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

Abstract: A method of using a framing system for adjustably connecting building components comprising an outer stud, an interior support member, and a connecting clip.

Abstract: A modular tile configured to interlock with multiple tiles to form a modular floor covering over a floor. The tile includes a top surface having a periphery defining side walls extending downward from the top surface, the side walls having a coupling portion configured to couple with other tiles adjacent thereto to form the modular floor covering. The tile also includes a bottom side, opposite the top surface, having a support grid including an array of downward extending polymeric post structures, at least some of the post structures including at least one resilient end portion with a radial end surface configured to be positioned against the floor to facilitate controlled deflection of the post structures. The post structures may comprise primary and secondary post structures, with the secondary post structures limiting the deflection of the primary post structures.

Abstract: A method for forming a structural paver deck assembly includes fastening structural decking panels across a bare frame structure. One or more of the decking panels includes an upper panel surface having a non-planar contoured decking panel surface. A paver decking surface is seated over the plurality of structural decking panels to form a paver decking surface. Seating includes positioning a plurality of paver pieces on the structural decking panels including interfittingly engaging the paver pieces to the non-planar contoured decking panel surface. Seating further includes aligning the plurality of paver pieces in at least one specified direction, wherein the paver pieces includes paver contour surfaces along a lower surface having a corresponding shape to the non-planar contoured decking panel surface. Interfitting engagement of the paver contour surfaces with the non-planar contoured panel surface orients the one or more paver pieces in the at least one specified direction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a prefabricated structure capable of being sited in any environment, wherein the structure is configured to meet the deficiencies of the intended environment. The present invention further discloses a method for developing and installing prefabricated structures, wherein the structure is capable of adapting to changes in the environment and changes and advancements in future habitability units, such that the structure is partially or completely self-sufficient.

Abstract: A system for partitioning an interior space includes a plurality of slotted, horizontal and vertical frame components configured for stable, permanent or temporary mountings. In one implementation, the frame components are configured to receive a plurality of different panels, such as glass or resin panels (or panes). The panels can be assembled with the frame components on site into virtually any length or shape, and can further be removed and replaced on-site as needed or desired without necessarily requiring complicated deconstruction efforts. In one implementation, a manufacturer can prepare preliminary assembly into which a plurality of different panels are inserted in any horizontal or vertical alignment. The manufacturer can the position an end frame-component to complete the sub-assembly after the different panels are inserted therein.

Abstract: A wall structure and a method for constructing the wall of a building provide protection for inhabitants of the building against ballistic projectiles impacting the wall. The wall structure includes an outer panel and an inner panel. The inner panel is a composite structure that includes a metal sheet having a first face attached to a wallboard panel. Preferably, a sheet of self-healing material is attached to a second face of the metal sheet. A cavity formed between the outer and inner panels is filled with sand or another granular material. A flexible sheet suspended in the cavity provides additional protection. Preferably, a sheet of woven para-aramid fiber such as Kevlar® brand fiber is loosely attached to the flexible sheet to provide further protection.

Abstract: A system for connecting modular walls includes a position retention mechanism configured to releasably retain a plurality of wall modules together. In one implementation, the position retention mechanism includes opposing front and back surfaces or walls, and one or more channels formed therebetween. The position retention mechanism is further configured with a plurality of spring tabs positioned within the one or more channels, wherein the spring tabs are configured to lock into a plurality of opposing connector interfaces corresponding to the opposing wall modules, such that the positioning retaining mechanism secures adjacent, opposing wall modules together. The position retention mechanism can further be configured with different surfaces to connect or hold a variety of components of various shapes together.

Abstract: A protective shelter is presented. The protective shelter includes a substantially cylindrical wall member defining a shelter interior. The wall member has a first end and a second end and an opening formed there through. A domed member is coupled to the first end of the wall member. A door coupled to the wall member. The door is openable to permit ingress and egress into and out of the shelter interior through the opening and being closeable to cover the opening. At least one anchor point is coupled to the wall member adjacent to the second end, such that the protective shelter can be anchored to an underlying substrate.

Abstract: A basement wall is provided which includes a precast prestressed hollow core concrete panel. The panel has a plurality of horizontally extending voids and a plurality of horizontally extending tension cables. The panel has a lower portion extending below grade. The panel preferably has a layer of wire mesh positioned between the voids and the inner surface or between the voids and the outer surface. An end cap for the panel is also provided. The panel can have an impressed brick pattern on the above-grade outer surface and the panel can have a window opening, a brick ledge and/or a beam pocket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of MDF or HDF for the production of a floor panel which comprises a core of MDF or HDF, a backing and, if appropriate, a protective layer, the decorative layer otherwise usual in the case of laminate floor coverings preferably being dispensed with. Furthermore, the present invention relates to floor panels which are produced with the use according to the invention of MDF or HDF, and floor coverings which comprise the floor panels according to the invention.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a modular shelter that is suited for use as a safety chamber in an underground working environment. The shelter includes at least two wall units connected along a substantially sealed seam, a base unit that extends substantially throughout a floor plan of the shelter, and a roll cage that surrounds an outer extent of the shelter above the floor plan. The shelter may be configured to maintain a pressurized state in a closed condition. Each of the at least two wall units may share a substantially common shape and substantially common dimension, and may form a part of a wall, ceiling, and floor of the shelter. The shelter can also include various atmospheric control, circulation, and purge systems, and exterior and soft seal doors to assist in maintaining a livable atmosphere in the safety chamber.

Abstract: A modular concrete building is made of a plurality of precast concrete panels which may be assembled to provide a building. The panel sections include lower frame panels or support members, wall panels, floor panels, and roof panels. The building may be assembled by securing the floor panels to the support members, securing the wall panels to the floor panels, and securing the roof panels to the wall panels and to adjacent roof panels. The roof panels are made of precast concrete and include stiffening ribs.

Abstract: A ring beam element, a ring beam and a method of constructing a ring beam from a plurality of ring beam elements is disclosed. The ring beam can support a shell or wall of a tank. The ring beam element comprises a reinforced concrete body, preferably having a metal base plate anchored therein, and a plurality of tensile conduits extending circumferentially there through. Ideally, the reinforced concrete body will have interlocking surfaces such that the ring beam elements interlock with one another when circumferentially juxtaposed. Tensile members can be placed through the plurality of tensile conduits and tensioned and anchored by anchors to clamp a plurality of juxtaposed ring beam elements together. Ideally, the base plates of a plurality of the ring beam elements can be connected or welded together to form an annular ring of base plates.

Abstract: For use in constructing a log structure, a log and a kit of logs, and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the log includes: (1) a body having a first end and a second end, (2) an integral tongue projecting from the first end and (3) a groove located in the second end.

Abstract: A method of erecting a cold box that includes the steps of anchoring at least one column to a foundation in a substantially vertical orientation; anchoring a pipe rack module to the foundation in a substantially vertical orientation, wherein the pipe rack module is in close proximity to the at least one column; attaching interconnecting piping between the pipe rack module and the at least one column; anchoring at least four corner beams to the edge of the foundation in a substantially vertical orientation; attaching prefabricated panels with bracing to the corner beams, to form an enclosure around the column and piping; and attaching a roof to the enclose is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of installing a hardwood floor employs a pneumatic or other impact fastener tool to drive staples, cleats, nails or other fasteners at a prescribed angle into and through the tongue of a solid or engineered hardwood flooring board having a standard profile and into a subfloor. The tool and method employs at least one inertia braking member, such as pads formed of rubber, foam, cork or other materials, that cushion the impact of a driving blade on the fastener and slow the final insertion of the fastener into the wood. Damage to the wood, such as splitting, shearing, pinching or puckering is prevented and overwood-underwood problems that are related to pinching and puckering do not arise. The inertia braking members are positioned inside a cylinder in which the driving piston and blade move and are easily replaceable when worn.

Abstract: A structural panel includes an impermeable solid base sheet that has one side adapted to adhere to a surface such as by mortar or grouting and having a second side adapted to receive decorative material. For example, the second side may include pieces forming a mosaic or may include artwork in relief or colors and the like. The panel is sealed with a smooth outer surface that may be transparent or translucent or may be partly transparent but colored. This material is the equivalent of self-leveling materials such as those that form a smooth level surface such as a liquid or semi-solid and then harden while maintaining the smooth surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extending an automobile manufacturing plant in order to increase the vehicle production rate and in order to obtain a new plant from a plant some years older, wherein welding (2) and assembly (4) workshops located on an enclosed ground (10) are extended at the ground level towards the periphery of said enclosed ground from their respective former locations which are also preserved.

Abstract: A prefabricated, building-insert module adapted for insertion to create in-place room infrastructure in an open, plural-story, main, column-and-beam building frame which is defined by columns and beams, the module including a prepared floor sub-module having an upper surface, and an at least partially completed, three-dimensional room sub-module anchored to and rising upwardly from the upper surface of the floor sub-module. The floor sub-module acts variously as a fabrication, transportation and installation-lifting pallet for the entire module, and the room sub-module is placed in a continuous state of vertical compression so as never, during transportation, lifting, and ultimate, in-place installation, to go into a state of vertical tension.

Abstract: A method of constructing a multi-storey building entails using prefabricated modular wall panels and floor panels. The prefabricated wall panels have a frame that includes studs, rebar and an upright channel into which concrete is poured and cured to form a concrete column (or a hybrid steel-and-concrete column). Prefabricated floor panels have a frame that includes joists, sheathing and a trench-like track that forms a trough for receiving concrete that cures in the trough to create a concrete beam (or a hybrid steel-and-concrete beam). This novel method is extremely efficient for constructing multi-storey buildings, substantially reducing both construction costs and construction time.

Abstract: A modular building structure is provided. The building structure has a support framework comprising a pair of longitudinally extending beams, a plurality of vertically and transversely extending identical arched ribs spaced apart from one another, a plurality of level one joists coupled at each transverse end to one of the ribs and one of the beams, a plurality of level two joists coupled at each transverse end to one of the ribs at a location above the level one joists, and a plurality of longitudinally extending hat bars coupled to the transverse insides of all of the arched ribs. The hat bars may have a generally trapezoidal cross-section. The beams, arched ribs, level one joists, level two joists, and hat bars are preformed and provided with pre-drilled holes for coupling to other components of the support framework. Methods and kits for building a modular building structure are also provided.

Abstract: A partition system for dividing a building space, the building space having a floor, a ceiling and walls bounding the space between the ceiling and floor. The partition system includes self-supporting wire mesh paneling, which is attached to least one post that is mounted to the floor of the building space. Each post extends from the floor up to a predefined height that may be less than the height of the ceiling of the building.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane element for covering surfaces, more particularly for covering ceilings or walls, comprising a frame and a membrane material stretched over said frame. The membrane element is characterized in that at least one frame region is bent inwardly due to forces exerted on the frame by the membrane material and that the inwardly bent frame region has tightening units for pulling or pushing said frame region outwardly with respect to an abutment, towards the unbent state. The invention further relates to a method for covering surfaces, more particularly for covering ceilings or walls.

Abstract: A panel structure system is disclosed. The panel structure system comprises a panel having four opposing sides forming a perimeter about a front face opposite a back face; a perimeter member matingly coupled one side, with a channel having retainers formed in the perimeter member; a key having a first portion coupled to a second portion and a notch feature; and an assembly of panels including an interior and an exterior defined by the panels, with the panels arranged adjacent and coplanar in a wall structure coupled to a floor, wherein the assembly includes a roof structure formed by additional panels and positioned on top of the wall structures. The panels in the wall structure and roof structure are joined along the perimeter members of respective adjacent panels and couple the perimeter members with a key inserted into the at least one channel and the retainers retain the notch.

Abstract: A wall panel joint apparatus and a system using same is disclosed. The wall panel joint includes a perimeter joint body having a predetermined size and shape. The perimeter joint body floatably attaches to at least two wall panels. Embodiments include where the wall panel joint includes one, two, or more chambers in addition to the wall cavity. The system includes at least two wall panel joints that attach the wall panels to an architectural wall. At the point of intersection of the joints, the joints are mitered. The system also includes a wall attachment device and a means for attaching the joint to the wall attachment device. The system is liquid water impermeable, air permeable, and water vapor permeable system, providing a ventilated, waterproof wall panel attachment joints for use in same.

Abstract: Prefabricated panel (1) for building construction that includes a core (2) that is made of insulating material and that is covered on its two faces by a uniform concrete layer (3A, 3B), and in which there are provided, close to one face of the plate, housings (4) for struts (5) that project at one end for the purpose of sealing them against the ground, and, on the opposite face of the plate, housings (7) for reinforcement elements (8) extending between two parallel edges of the panel (1) and projecting beyond these edges so as to constitute a belt element, in the assembled state of the panel (1) with adjacent panels (21, 22). The prefabricated pane is useful for the construction of outer walls of a building with a very light structure.

Abstract: An interlockable panel for forming a generally planar surface. Each panel includes a first surface positioned substantially in a plane and a second surface facing opposite the first surface and substantially parallel to and displaced from the first surface. Each surface has a perimeter defined by edges extending between the first and second surfaces. The edges may include male or female edges. Each male edge includes a tongue that extends outwardly from the male edge and a longitudinally extending void that extends inwardly of the tongue. Each female edge includes a groove having a protrusion position within the groove and extending outwardly from the groove generally parallel to the first surface. An adjacent panel may be linked to a fixed panel such that the tongue engages the groove and the protrusion engages the void. The invention also includes a method for assembling a generally planar surface using interlockable panels such as the above-mentioned.

Abstract: A computerized prefab architect design system (CPAD) and method for the fabrication of frame-structured buildings with all functions, including an integrating device for integrating building design elements including customer acknowledged floor plans, plumbing layouts, electricity wiring layouts and structure/strength parameters into an assembly drawing; a dividing device for forming segments and layouts of wall panels, floor/ceiling panels and roof panels, layouts of roof trusses, and segments and layouts of plumbing, wiring and jointers in accordance with a segmentation rule for buildings comprising a local building specification, segmentation based on a loading size of a shipping container, strength and structural requirements of buildings, requirements for convenient on-site work and flexible assembly lines at factories; a generating device for generating a polygon stencil for components of the prefab architect based on said segments and layouts, said stencil including building frames, functional boards t

Abstract: A board comprised of a wood structure having a first surface, a second surface, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge and opposing ends. Sound attenuating elements embedded within the wood structure and stiffening elements positioned within the wood structure to coincide with the location of floor joist to which the board will be secured. The boards further forming a ceiling/floor structure by laying a single set of the boards adjacent to each other and securing them to the floor joists.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a decorative finish on a wall, whereby a facing panel is provided to attach to a backing surface by way of a coupling means Dry cast panels are connected to the wall by way of a key way connector.

Abstract: A precast prestress raised access floor construction is provided which includes a precast prestress concrete slab, having an upper base floor surface and a lower surface, a plurality of raised access floor panel pedestal support members bearing directly upon the upper base floor surface, and a plurality of raised access floor panels connected to the support means whereby a void is formed between the floor panels and the upper base floor surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for constructing a semi-prefabricated building which is formed by a plurality of slabs corresponding to the outer walls (2-2?) and (16-16?), floor (1) and roof (20) of the dwelling. The slabs are molded “in situ” on the construction site itself and the respective erection of the outer slabs (2-2?) and (16-16?) and the lifting of the slab (21) are carried by means of lifting means (5-6) and (5?-6?) located in the gaps (3-4) and (3?-4?) and openings (21) of the outer wall slabs and of the roof slab respectively, they first erect the slabs corresponding to the larger outer walls (2-2?) and then those corresponding to the smaller walls (16-16?) and finally the roof slab (31) is lifted. The mentioned gaps and openings respectively have anchoring elements (7) and (22) for connecting the slabs to the lifting means.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing a log structure includes logs having pairs of parallel spaced apart longitudinally extending grooves on opposing sides of the logs. Inner edges of the grooves may be tapered inwardly to receive lumber support pieces. A wall is constructed by providing a base log having a pair of parallel spaced-apart longitudinally extending grooves on an upper surface of the log, inserting lower edges of a pair of lumber support pieces into the grooves, and positioning the grooves of a log over upper edges of the lumber support pieces. Further lumber support pieces and logs are attached in like manner until the desired height is reached. A corner piece for forming corners of the structure having vertically extending channels for receiving ends of the lumber support pieces is provided.

Abstract: A removable storm window system for insulating a permanent window that is fixed in a wall opening circumscribed by a casing with walls that project frontward from the permanent window. The window system includes a system frame with structural members that form a peripheral frame and a subframe attached therein. The subframe includes at least one structural member that extends between members of the peripheral frame, thereby creating a plurality of window openings in the system frame. A system attachment device is on the peripheral frame, for removably attaching the system within the casing. Sashes are dimensioned to sealingly fit in the window openings, each sash having a sash frame that holds a window pane, and a sash portion of a sash attachment on the sash frame. A frame portion of the sash attachment is on the system frame. Thus the removable storm window system provides a removably installable storm window that has a plurality of individually removable and/or operable framed sash windows.

Abstract: An event structure uses at least one storage container as a principal support component. The event structure can include a plurality of storage containers that support a functional component. In one possible embodiment, the functional component is a ramp surface. The functional component can alternatively be a seating system, a stage surface, or a climbing wall system to name a few.