Abstract: A method for securing a building to a foundation provides hold-down units that perform double-duty by acting as a compressive load on a floor immediately therebelow due to the force of a seat or base portion thereof. Meanwhile, a flange portion of each hold-down device extends upward to fasten to the upright members in an upper floor applying tension thereto. Thus, an anchoring rod extending through multiple floors of the shear walls may reduce the number of total hold-down devices by an amount approaching half that otherwise required. Likewise, the number of more expensive, automatic, take-up devices used is reduced by approximately half.

Abstract: A flat roof support structure includes a plurality of vertical columns, an elongated generally horizontally oriented beam associated with and positioned atop each vertical column, and attachment structure fixing the upper end of each vertical column to a mounting area of the associated elongated beam. The attachment structure includes U-shaped attachment members affixed to opposed sides of the vertical columns at the upper end of each column with the attachment members opening in an outwardly directed orientation parallel to the associated elongated beam. A pair of attachment plates is fixed to opposed sides of each elongated beam in the mounting area. The attachment plates extend downwardly below a lower surface of the elongated beam a distance equal to a portion of the U-shaped attachment members so as to overlap the portion. Attachment devices fix the attachment plates to the U-shaped attachment members and are assembled on-site.

Abstract: Roof clamps and methods of securing roof clamps are provided. The roof clamps include a saddle, a wedge, and a securing member. The securing member facilitates engaging a seam of a roof with the clamp and removably fixing the roof clamp to the seam through the camming action of the wedge against a region of the saddle. The securing member also serves as the connection point for an auxiliary item, such as a solar panel or a snow guard. The placement of the securing member allows the roof clamp to be secured from, and the auxiliary item to be attached at, a top surface of the saddle.

Abstract: It is an object to develop a roof structure having high water interception, being safe from rain leakage, and ensuring a certain level of mounting strength even in the case of a broken roof member. Solar cell modules are mounted on a roof structure with slate tiles via eaves-side mounting brackets and intermediate mounting brackets. The intermediate mounting brackets are attached to a “specific roof member” wherein a lower plate is positioned between the “specific roof member” and an “underlying roof member.” The lower plate is fixed by a screw driven into a hole. The “specific roof member” is arranged over the “underlying roof member”, thereby protecting an attaching hole from rainwater. An upper plate overlaps the “specific roof member” with a fastening element driven into the attaching hole. An “overlying roof member” is arranged over the “specific roof member,” thereby protecting the attaching hole from rainwater.

Abstract: The invention relates to a set of panels, preferably of floor panels, consisting of a first panel and at least a second panel with, in each case, a top side and an underside, wherein the first panel comprises at an edge a first retaining profile with a hook directed towards the top side, the second panel comprises at an edge a second retaining profile with a hook directed towards the underside, the first retaining profile and the second retaining profile can be connected by a relative movement directed perpendicular to a plane of laying, and wherein a separate clip is provided, which comprises a clip head, a clip body and a clip base. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for inserting the clip into a retaining profile.

Abstract: An anchorage system is provided which includes: a composite tendon (2) comprising an assembly of elongate elements (4, 5) held together and an anchor head including a casing (6). The individual elongate elements (4, 5) are separated from each other at one end extending into the anchor head, and the anchor head casing (6) is filled with an adhesive medium (10) to secure the separated elements (4, 5) in the casing (6). A method for installing an anchorage system is also provided including the steps of: inserting in a borehole at least one composite tendon (2) comprising an assembly of elongate elements (4, 5) held together; separating the individual elongate elements (4, 5) from each other over a pre-determined bonded anchor head length (22); placing an anchor head casing (6) around the separated elements (4, 5); and filling the anchor head casing (6) with an adhesive medium (10), whereby once the adhesive medium has set, the separated elements (4, 5) are securely fixed into the anchor head (6).

Abstract: A truss hinge that allows hinging between truss parts, and also allows configuration into a different size, and spreads the angle of the truss open ends. One embodiment uses a first plate, having a connection part to a first truss, where the connection part is adapted for connection to a first truss. A second plate is movable relative to the first plate. The second plate also has a second connection part adapted for connection to a second truss. An angle setting part forms a connection between the first plate and the second plate, that holds the first plate relative to the second plate at any of a number of different relative locations between the first plate and the second plate. The plates include angle markings to set the connections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for barrier cable anchorage in a concrete formwork such that individual anchors are positioned relative to each other and to the formwork. A galvanized plate is provided with series of holes spaced from a reference point at the plate edge, and a registered assembly of individual anchors are provided in the holes. Female threaded plate caps are secured within the holes for frontal engagement, and a PSR stud is secured to each plate cap on the back side. The assembly is frontally set against the formwork with the reference point spaced from an external datum. The formwork is cured and barrier cables are affixed to the plate caps through the plate by threaded engagement with a barrel anchor and wedge. After tensioning, each cable is anchored to the formwork in desired relative proximity to one another and to the external datum.

Abstract: A support assembly connected with a stud for securing and guiding conduit and/or cable is provided. The support assembly includes, but is not limited to, a securing arm for securing and guiding the conduit and/or cable and an engaging tab coupled with an end of the securing arm. The engaging tab includes a first engagement member facing a second engagement member, a side engagement member connecting the first and second engagement members together, and a first compressible member extending in a first direction D1 either from the first engagement member towards the second engagement member or from the second engagement member towards the first engagement member. The first compressible member is compressible in a second direction D2 opposite that of the first direction D1.

Abstract: A roof object is supported on a weatherproofing roof membrane of a building roof structure using a support device including a mounting block and a coupling sheet. The mounting block is a resilient block of material for damping vibrations mechanical roof objects. The coupling sheet is mechanically connected to the mounting block using threaded fasteners which clamp a portion of the coupling sheet to the bottom of the mounting block. The remainder of the coupling sheet spans the bottom side of the block to protect the roof membrane from wear resulting from relative movement between the block and the roof membrane. The coupling sheet is also formed of a bond compatible material with the roof membrane so that the block can be held down onto the roof structure even when the block is not bond compatible with the roof membrane by instead bonding the coupling sheet to the roof membrane.

Abstract: A mounting hardware and a mounting system for mounting a vertical panel from a support member suspended from a ceiling. The mounting hardware has a panel mounting section, a support member receiving portion, and a movable mounting section. The support member receiving portion extends from the panel mounting section. The movable mounting section can be rotate relative to the support member receiving portion to secure the mounting hardware to the support member.

Abstract: An anchoring assembly for anchoring a liner of a cured lining material applied in liquid form to metal objects, comprising a fixing device welded or soldered to a metal object, the fixing device comprising a weld element and a fixing element provided with a through hole, and an anchoring element configured to be passed through the through hole of the fixing device, wherein the weld element comprises a weld or solder stud.

Abstract: A support block for supporting objects on a roof is a molded elastomeric block with a substantially hollow core. The support block can be used as is or in a system whereby a galvanized steel channel is secured to the top wall of the block accommodating the mating of a variety of clamps. In some embodiments, the block is elongate and generally flat and supports a roof mounted object thereon when two or more blocks are supported parallel and spaced apart from one another with the object spanning between the blocks.

Abstract: A novel system for extending the height of a cubicle wall is disclosed. The system comprises a vertical wall extender and a clamp. The clamp further includes an upper channel that receives the vertical wall extender, the upper channel further includes a fixing element that fixes the vertical wall extender to the upper channel, and a screw. The clamp also includes a lower channel that is mounted to the existing cubicle wall, the lower channel further includes two halves, the first half containing a nut channel with a nut disposed therein, the second half containing a slot through which the screw can thread into the nut. Further improvements for the system are disclosed, along with a method for using the system.

Abstract: A gutter cover is formed through expanded metal manufacturing techniques to create alternating areas of solid metal and diamond-shaped openings to facilitate the shedding of leaves while passing water into the gutter. The gutter cover is mounted without fasteners by securing a hook portion underneath the front lip of the gutter and arcing the body portion of the gutter cover to press the rearward drip foot against the gutter and the drip hip adjacent to the fascia board into a pressure fit. The length of the gutter cover from the rearward edge to the front end being slightly longer than the corresponding length of the gutter structure. The gutter cover includes an integral drip leg projecting downwardly from the drip hip and being formed with an area of expanded metal diamond-shaped apertures to direct water into the gutter trough. A front drip lip directs water away from the gutter face.

Abstract: An insulating block for lining an interior surface of a furnace wall. The block is comprised of at least two insulating module sections. Each module section is formed from two or more layers of a ceramic (material) blanket. The layers of the ceramic blanket are held together by one or more plastic fasteners, each plastic fastener comprised of an elongated fiber portion that is dimensioned to extend at least partially through at least two of the layers and enlarged end sections dimensioned to engage the layers. The layers of the blanket are held together side-by-side by the plastic fasteners. A support member has at least one anchor rod (tube) affixed thereto. The insulating module sections are mounted on the anchor rod.

Abstract: An assembly for joining a generally cylindrical post to at least one structural member wherein the assembly includes four C-shaped members and strips of an elastic material. Two of the C-shaped members encircle the post and form the top half of the assembly. Two of the C-shaped members encircle the post and form the bottom half of the assembly. The four C-shaped members mounted on a cylindrical post in this configuration provide a channel capable of holding the end of a structural member.

Abstract: A break away connector system is provided for coupling together structural elements, such as a firewall and a floor or ceiling. The break away connector system comprises a support member and a fusible member. The support member is connectable to a firewall for securing a floor or ceiling to the firewall. The break away connector system further comprises at least one securing member for connecting the floor or ceiling to the support member. The fusible member has a lower melting point than the support member. The support member is configured such that when the fusible member is weakened by heat, the floor or ceiling is slidably releasable from the support member. In a further embodiment, a method is provided for constructing a firewall connection system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to both a proceeding and means for, in connection with hole making in a wall (1), for the mounting of items on the moisture-proof walls (1) of a wet area by means of an expandable mounting element (2), providing sealing of the hole. According to the invention, in addition to an expansion (I) of the mounting element (2) behind said wall (1), there is also provided an internal expansion (II) of the mounting element (2) in the receiving hole (3) of the mounting element (2) in question in the wall (1). There is furthermore provided a liquid-proof cover (III) around the entire mounting element (2) in question introduced and expanding in said receiving hole (3).

Abstract: A replacement exterior surface, for example a replacement roof, is supported by a retrofit system including wooden structural members of dimensional lumber and mountings clips, so as to span over an existing exterior supporting surface of a building, for example an existing roof. The mounting clips each have a base portion for being fastened through the exterior supporting surface onto respective underlying structural members of the building and a channel portion receiving a respective portion of the wooden structural members therein. The mounting clips are arranged to support the wooden structural members to span parallel and spaced apart from one another in a substantially common plane outwardly from the exterior supporting surface of the building for supporting the replacement exterior surface material thereon.

Abstract: A pre-cast siding panel for mortarless application to a building structure is disclosed, which includes a structure for capturing and draining infiltrated water away from the building structure. In a preferred embodiment, the siding panel includes a cast facing panel made of settable material and having a front face exposed in an installed condition of the panel and top, bottom and side edges for engagement with like panels positioned adjacent thereto; and a supporting spacer partially embedded in the rear surface of the facing panel, the spacer including a mounting portion for fastening the siding panel to the building structure and a water management portion for managing infiltrated water away from the building structure, by capturing infiltrated water which has seeped past the front face along one or more of the edges and draining the captured infiltrated water away from the building structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for reinforcing adjacent parallel spaced apart wooden structural members wherein each of the structural members has opposed first and second edges. The apparatus comprises a rigid member being sized to extend between the first edge of a first structural member and the second edge of an adjacent second structural member. The apparatus further comprising first and second sockets connected to first and second ends of the rigid member each sized to receive and edge of one of the structural members therein. The method comprises engaging the first socket around the first edge of the first structural member and locating a second structural member with the second edge of the second structural member within a second socket. The method may also comprise rotating the rigid member between the first and second structural members until the first and second sockets are engaged around diagonally opposed edges the structural members.

Abstract: Attachment of electrical junction box mounts to junction box by a single step or through a single motion. Mounts may be constructed as a single part. Electrical junction box ceiling mount includes a spanning element for traversing an acoustical ceiling tile and a support element connected to the spanning element. The support element includes a fastener adapted to engage a sidewall of an electrical junction box, including one or more faces of the sidewall. The support element may also include a bracket configured to support a portion of a rim of the front opening of the electrical junction box. The fastener may include a bracket configured for an interference fit with the sidewall of the electrical junction box. The fastener may also include a bracket adapted to engage an outside face of the sidewall on opposing sides of the electrical junction box.

Abstract: A hollow column having a wall surrounding an inner space is erected. Pre-stressing cables comprising tendons and two cable terminations are pre-assembled. Each tendon is contained in a respective jacket with a protective substance. Each cable termination comprises a block for anchoring each tendon of a pre-stressing cable, a chamber filled with a protective substance on a rear side of the block and a sealing system closing the chamber opposite the block. Each tendon of the pre-stressing cable extends through the sealing system and has its jacket interrupted in the chamber. The pre-assembled pre-stressing cables are installed in the inner space of the hollow column, with the two terminations of each cable bearing against abutment portions provided at the upper and lower parts of the column. The pre-stressing cables can then be tensioned.

Abstract: Some general aspects of the invention provide a foundation fixing unit (202, 204, 400) for fixing a tower (108) of a wind energy converter (100) onto a foundation (110). The unit comprises a fixation plate (202) fixable to the foundation (110), walls forming at least one tower fixation hole (300) in the intermediate plate (202) for passing a tower fixation bolt (220) through the fixation plate (202) in order to fix the tower (108) to the fixation plate (202), a tower fixation nut (400) arranged below the at least one tower fixation hole (300) for receiving a threaded portion of the tower fixation bolt (220) and a nut cage (204) holding the tower fixation nut (400), the nut cage (204) being attached to a bottom surface (222) of the fixation plate (202). Under further aspects, the invention provides a wind energy converter tower comprising the foundation fixing unit (202, 204, 400) and a method for fixing a wind energy converter tower onto a foundation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for covering a surface of a wall, preferably the surface of a wall of a ship, more preferably the surface of the deck of a ship. The system according to the invention comprises: a number of first wall-covering elements; two mounting assemblies, each comprising a second wall-covering element and a connecting assembly for releasable connection of the second wall-covering element to the surface of the wall for covering; and a number of first coupling elements for coupling the first wall-covering elements to the mounting assemblies.

Abstract: Construction system (5+6) for strengthening an existing structure (5) with tension sheets (3) provided in the direction of extension of said existing structure (5), said construction structure comprising at least one structural member (5) and respective anchoring device.

Abstract: A method is provided for reinforcing concreted plates in the region of support elements with reinforcement elements, which are each composed of a longitudinally stable, bendable, strap-like base body with two loops. A bore is made in the concreted plate for each reinforcement element. The end region of the bore remote from the pressure-side surface of the concreted plate is drilled out and the one loop of the reinforcement element is pressed together and is led through the bore until this loop has reached the drilled-out hole and expands. The bore is filled with a mortar-type mass. The other loop of the reinforcement element is fixed with an anchor head, which supports itself on the pressure-side surface of the concreted plate.

Abstract: A masonry wall is constructed of multiple courses of bricks, concrete blocks or other masonry units. A single-component urethane closed cell foam material is employed as bonding agent and is applied to the facing surfaces of the masonry units. The single-component material cures by absorbing water from its environment. The material sets up slowly to permit the mason to adjust positions of the masonry blocks, and cures to hardness in about a day. The amine in the single component material exchanges water molecules from alumina in the masonry units, and permits strong alumina-amine bonding. The blocks may favorably be formed of a pair of masonry faces with a foam core sandwiched between them.

Abstract: A lath and rain screen assembly for fastening to an exterior building surface or the like is provided. The lath and rain screen assembly comprises (a) a rain screen having a first side and a second side and defining a first plane, the first side including a plurality of first side spacer elements extending outwardly in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the first plane; and (b) a lath defining a second plane spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first plane, the lath being operatively attached to an outermost surface of each of the first side spacer elements positioned adjacent the second plane. In certain embodiments, the lath and rain screen assembly further comprises a plurality of second side spacer elements extending outwardly in a second direction. A method of applying the lath and rain screen assembly is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements to building construction. Particularly, the present invention relates to a structural unit for the use in building construction of floors, roofs and walls of a building. There is provided a structural unit for a building comprising: at least one truss; at least one fibrous cementitious building element; and at least one connection member configured to connect the at least one truss to the at least one fibrous cementitious building element, wherein, the connection member is integral with the building element and accessible for connection of the at least one truss to the building element. Also claimed is a method of constructing the structural unit.

Abstract: An assembly and method for anchoring a wall frame to the foundation of a building utilizes an anchor member which can be threaded upon a threaded shank which is connected to and extends upwardly from the foundation, a cable, a first cable vice which is connectable to one end of the cable and being anchorable to a top member of the wall frame which is positioned upon the foundation, a second cable vice which is connectable to the other end of the cable, and a cap member. The second cable vice is anchorable to the cap member, and the cap member is connectable to the anchor member so that when the cable is anchored between the top member of the wall frame and the cap member by way of the first and second cable vices, the cap member can be connected to the anchor member to thereby tension the cable between the top member of the wall frame and the foundation.

Abstract: A mullion cover linkage assembly includes a first wing including a first wing span extending from a first wing frame end to a first wing pivot end. The first wing frame end is configured for coupling with a first window frame. The linkage further includes a second wing having a second wing span extending from a second wing frame end to a second wing pivot end. The first and second wings are movably coupled with one another as a linkage. Optionally, a pivot clip is rotatably coupled between the first and second pivot flanges at first and second pivot joints each including respective pivot flanges of the first and second wings received in one of the first and second clip sockets.

Abstract: A foam panel housing erection method and utility distribution system is disclosed. Metal skin composite foam panels with matching side joint profiles are structurally engaged side by side. A stud running in the transverse direction of the panel span is secured to the wall near the interior panel side joint using a fastener penetrating through the interior female metal skin profile of the panel on the right side and the interior male metal skin profile of the panel on the left side. The hat shaped stud is secured in position to the panel using a fastener. The interior finish panel is fastened to the lower flange of the stud creating continuous utility distribution cavities in the transverse direction to the panel span. Since the spacing of the stud is in the longitudinal direction of the panel span, uniform stud spacing can be maintained regardless of the panel cover-width.

Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes flashing positioned on the substrate that includes a first surface, a second surface and an aperture extending therethrough. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket supports at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion; the first portion abuts the flashing first surface and the second portion extends through the aperture.

Abstract: A fire protection module is provided for wall and ceiling openings. The fire protection module includes a sheath for insertion into the wall or ceiling opening and a flange to be placed at the wall or ceiling. The assembly of the fire protection module may be performed with few steps. For example, the sheath and the flange are embodied in one piece.

Abstract: A decorative panel is manufactured for installation on a surface of a room. The decorative panel is formed from a material that can be shaped having a decorative portion, two female mounting portions and two male portions. The female portions have punched holes for fastening the panels directly to a surface, and the male portions of an adjacent panel are positioned into the female portions to partially hold the adjacent panel and to obscure from view the punched holes and fastening hardware. The panel design and installation method allows the decorative panels to be attached directly to a building material such as sheet rock without any intervening supporting structure.

Abstract: A plurality of decorative pieces, such as chips, stones, or tiles, are temporarily attached to a rigid film by a releasable adhesive. First and second tile sections are fixed to a floor or subfloor surface to create a gap between the first and second tile sections. A tool is provided having a plurality of teeth which are configured so that they can be inserted in the gap between the first and second tile sections. The tool may also include two shoulder or wing portions which engage and overlap portions of the first and second tile sections and which thereby prevent the plurality of teeth from penetrating farther than a certain distance into the gap. The gap may be formed by gluing the first tile section and the second tile section to the floor or subfloor surface with a first glue. The method may further include gluing the plurality of decorative pieces, with a second glue, inside the gap, and then peeling off the rigid film from the plurality of decorative pieces.

Abstract: A structural support device for supporting a joist relative to a support, wherein the joist has a web and a bottom, may include a hanger assembly having a seat configured for resting the bottom of the joist thereon, a side portion extending therefrom, and a securing portion extending from the side portion for securing the device to the support, and a web brace assembly operably extending from the hanger assembly at a junction and configured for articulation between a pre-adjusted position and an adjusted position to adjustably engage and align with the web of the joist. A method of making and using are also provided.

Abstract: A mount for connecting an article to a roof includes a flange which is connectable to the roof and a post which is received by the flange. In an embodiment, the post and flange cooperate with a bolt which holds the two together. In another embodiment, the post includes an elongated chamber through which an electrical wire can be routed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support structure (4) for a stationary photovoltaic system (1), comprising a support part (30) which comprises securing points for a flat photovoltaic unit (2) and at least one drive device (31) for the driven adjustment of the support part (30) and at least one single-axis adjusting device (32) which can adjust a photovoltaic unit (2), secured to the support part (30), in azimuth (a) and elevation (h) about an adjustable axis (V1) between a setup position (35) and an end position (36). The projection of the surface normals (n) of the photovoltaic-unit (2) on the horizontal plane in the setup position (35) defines a setup axis (E) and the projection of the adjusting axis (V1) on the horizontal plane defines a projected adjusting axis (P1), the projected adjusting axis (P1) to the setup axis (E) forming an angle (EP1) in the region of more than 5 degrees and less than 80 degrees, preferably in the region of more than 10 degrees and less than 60 degrees.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement system that utilizes a lath for receiving cementitious material. Lath is affixed to support structure such as sheathing supported by studs as may commonly be found in building construction. Strip members are affixed to the lath and function as fastener guides. Fasteners penetrate the strips for affixing lath and strips to the support structure. The strips are made of a compressible material that protects the lath from damage due to impacts associated with installing the fasteners and forms a gasket-like seal around the fasteners. Strips may be used as drainage guides for directing water that may flow behind the lath. The width of the strips creates spacing between the lath and the support structure, which allows for controlling of a thickness of a base layer of cementitious material by selecting a desired width. In another embodiment, entangled filaments are used as lath material for receiving cementitious material.

Abstract: A building system comprising: a building panel comprising first and second outer sheet members, an inner sheet member disposed between the first and second outer sheet members, and solid insulating material disposed between the first and second outer sheet members and the inner sheet member; a first track member, the first track member and the building panel being arranged such that the panel is engagable along a first side with the first track member and the first track member is connectable to the first and second outer sheet members; a second track member, the second track member and the building panel being arranged such that the panel is engagable along a second side with the second track member and the second track member is connectable to the first and second outer sheet members and the inner sheet member.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes various brackets and systems for forming tiled transitions between surfaces. One bracket embodiment for forming a tiled transition between a first surface and a second surface forming an inside corner includes a first base portion securable to the first surface, a second base portion securable to the second surface, a receiving slot angled with respect to the first and second surfaces for receiving a tile strip to form the tiled transition, and a channel for receiving a filler material adjacent to the receiving slot.

Abstract: A collapsible roof curb includes a base portion having opposed end walls and opposed side walls extending between the end walls, and an upper portion having opposed upper end walls and opposed upper side walls. The roof curb also includes a hinge connecting each of the end walls of the base portion to the end walls of the upper portion and the side walls of the base portion to the side walls of the upper portion, the hinges being adapted to allow the end walls and side walls of the upper portion to pivot from a collapsed position to an extended position.

Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods systems and apparatuses for modular platforms. In one embodiment at least two congruous modules are provided wherein each of the modules have at least one plank. Further, there is a plurality of routed grooves having routed holes for receiving one or more fasteners to adjoin the modular platforms. Notably, the individual modules may be prefabricated templates available for in-stock selection or custom-ordered. The length and shape of the interconnected modules amount to innumerable permutations. To facilitate horizontal stability, fasteners adjoining adjacent modules are used, but added vertical stability may be achieved through routed pockets and complimentary grooves. For further stability, something desirable possibly for unleveled ground or assured smooth pathways, supporting substrate(s) beneath the modular platforms and additional attachment means may be utilized at every possible junction.

Abstract: A hold down clip, a metal stud assembly structure, and a method for assembling metal studs for building walls. The hold down clip has a base portion containing an elongate slot therein. A leg portion of the clip is orthogonal to the base portion and contains a plurality of bolt holes therein for attaching the leg portion to a metal stud. A reinforcing flange is attached to the leg portion and base portion. A connecting bolt is disposed in a slotted aperture in the base portion for connecting the clip to a floor or to an adjacent metal stud.

Abstract: A structural tie 10 is made from at least one layer of composite material 20. The composite material has a polymer matrix filled with at least one reinforcing material. In one embodiment, the matrix is a thermoplastic and the reinforcing material is fibers encapsulated by the thermoplastic. A structural tie 10 may be selectively formable, in situ, by applying heat to cause the matrix material to soften. Once softened, the structural tie can be conformed to an adjacent surface. The structural tie may include layers 20, 22 of composite material bonded to one another. Optionally, the structural tie is a hybrid of a composite material and a metallic material bonded together. A structural tie may be heat-bondable to a structural member 24.

Abstract: A continuous clip for connecting standing seam roof panels to roof support members has a first Z-shaped clip member and a second C-shaped clip member nested against the first clip member. Each clip member has an upright portion, an upper flange and a lower flange. The upper flanges of the clip members extend in opposite directions and are configured to fit within the channels formed by folded upper edges of the adjacent roof panels. The lower flanges are attached to the roof support under the roof panels.