Abstract: A concrete filled tubular steel column includes a longitudinally extending vertical tubular steel shell and an inner tubular steel member disposed at the center of the steel shell. A plurality of spaced vertical steel plates extend from the inner members toward but not abutting the steel shell. In addition a plurality of horizontally disposed perforated pipes extend outwardly from the inner member and have a plurality of meltable polymer plugs or caps to prevent plastic cement from flowing into or closing the openings. In the event of fire the plastic or polymer plugs or caps melt and allow gases and smoke to flow into the pipes and up through the inner member and out therefrom at the top of the column.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fire protection of structural columns (12) and beams (14) but more particularly to a fire protection system of wide flange steel columns and beams by means of a plurality of gypsum boards (18) being secured to a full length slip-on encasement frames (20) attached to a wide flange column or beams.

Abstract: A mast is erected to support a load. At least one stay cable supports the mast. The stay cable has an end and an opposite end. The end of the stay cable attaches to an upper region of the mast. The opposite end of the stay cable anchors at earth. The stay cable is oriented at an angle not exceeding ten degrees.

Abstract: A moment resistant building column insert system is provided that enables the erection of beams to columns, and the installation and pretension of connection bolts possible in a single stop to each beam-column joint in the field. Included is a building column insert with pre-hardened structural filler inside, and a pattern of through-holes transverse to the insert length, where the insert has threaded elements disposed inside and concentric to erection holes in the pattern. The insert is disposed inside a building column. Erection bolts installed to the erection holes to hold the beam in place against the column with the holes in the beam mounting plate, the column and insert aligned. Connection through-bolts are installed and pretensioned to provide the connection strength needed to make a beam-column moment joint rigid. Without the pre-hardened structural filler in the insert the column would deform or crush due to the bolt pretensioning.

Abstract: In a flange to adapt a wind power generator to a pre-stressed concrete tower, the flange includes an annular tapered pre-stressed concrete shell having a bulging which inwardly protrudes toward a central axis of the flange, and a steel component to be embedded within the pre-stressed concrete shell. The bulging includes a horizontal flat surface for settling the steel component. The steel component includes an annular tapered body having an upper and lower end, a plurality of vertical and radially extended fins joined to an external face of the steel component, a connecting ring joined to the body upper end and including a plurality of holes for introducing bolts to join the wind power generator, and an annular base joined to the body lower end, which is settled on the bulging.

Abstract: A mast is erected to support a load. At least one stay cable supports the mast. The stay cable has an end and an opposite end. The end of the stay cable attaches to an upper region of the mast. The opposite end of the stay cable anchors at earth. The stay cable is oriented at an angle not exceeding ten degrees.

Abstract: A device for a diagonal strut connection between a pipe (12) and an adjacent structure (14) including at least two diagonal struts (16), in which horizontal and vertical forces in the pipe are transmitted to the diagonal strut by means of a first set of shear forces along the attachment of the diagonal strut (16) to the pipe (12) and via a second set of shear forces along the attachment of the diagonal strut to an annular plate (18) surrounding and projecting radially from the pipe (12), the central axis of the diagonal strut (16) extending through or close to the intersection of the resultants of the first and the second sets of shear forces.

Abstract: Disclosed are frame members and mullions for a window frame that comprise a reinforcing member that is surrounded by an outer plastic layer. The outer plastic layer is held securely to the reinforcing member as a result of a waist banding effect that comprises an inward force created by the outer plastic layer as it cools and contracts around the reinforcing member. In addition, lobes are formed in the reinforcing member that assist in holding the outer plastic layer to the reinforcing member. Window inserts can be removed and replaced using adapters and removable brackets. Frame members and mullions can be built sufficiently strong to provide structural support. The frame can also be used to hold photovoltaic cells and protective coverings for photovoltaic cells. Structural members are also disclosed that have reinforcing members with apertures, debossing, scarification and/or indentations that secure the thermoplastic layer to the reinforcing member.

Abstract: A heat and fire protection system and methods of protecting structural elements and assemblies from heat and fire. When a steel structure is erected vertical columns of the structure typically comprise I-sections. In order to provide fire protection for the I-sections and so improve the resistance to fire of the steel structure a column protection system has been developed. The column protection system includes column protection elements which are placed around an I-section. The column protection elements are secured to the I-section. Horizontal beams can also be protected by the column protection system.

Abstract: A post sleeve installation assembly includes: an elastomeric sleeve core shaped to form a post sleeve when positioned in uncured concrete, a removable stiffener inside the core, an aperture extending lengthwise in the stiffener, a locking element positioned within the core, and an assembly plate coupled to the stiffener. The assembly plate clamps to a prefabricated sleeve element, with the core and stiffener positioned within a post cavity of the sleeve element, an installation stake is positioned in the aperture and prevented from sliding upwards by the locking element. A release point on the assembly plate permits an operator to release the locking element for removal of the stake. To install a post sleeve, the operator positions the installation assembly, clamped to a prefabricated sleeve element, in a post hole with the stake resting on the bottom, then fills the hole with concrete, manipulating the stake to position the assembly.

Abstract: A composite pole includes at least a first composite member that includes first and second ends; an elongated body defined between the first and second ends; a first interior space; and a constant cross-section. The constant cross-section includes an outer circumference having a first radius and a second radius; an inner circumference; and a wall thickness defined between the outer and inner circumference. The first radius is not equal to the second radius.

Abstract: Pultruded and/or extruded lighting, mounting and climbing structures. The lighting structures comprise plural pullwound pultruded cylindrical structures and a mounting structure. The lighting structures also include plural types of climbing components.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a grouted tubular energy-dissipation unit comprising an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube is coaxially inserted into the outer tube defining a gap within a lapping portion of the tubes for receiving expansive cement grout. After solidified, the expansive cement grout forms an expansive ring. A prestress produced by the expansive cement grout increases the friction between the expansive ring and the tubes. In service, the present invention can transfer the axial force via the friction between the tubes and the expansive cement grout. In case of earthquake, the sliding friction between the tubes and the expansive cement grout can absorb energy. The present invention does not require high precise in manufacturing and constructing, saves steel and has low cost. It is only need to replace the grouted tubular energy-dissipation unit when the present invention is damaged in earthquake, which is very convenient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a monopole tower having a tower supporting structure in which the outer dimension of a tower shell is the maximum dimension by eliminating a base plate which extends toward the outside of the tower shell. In a monopole tower provided upright on a foundation B, a lower end side of the tower 2 comprised a tower-side coupling member in a range equal to or less than outside diameter of a tower shell 21. In a space comprising a foundation-side coupling member provided on the foundation B, the foundation-side coupling member and the tower-side coupling member are coupled by welding, a bolt using a splice plate, or a rivet.

Abstract: A casing member for assembly with an opposed identical casing member to encase a post includes an elongate body portion having spaced apart first and second side edges extending lengthwise of the body portion. First and second connectors are adjacent the first and second side edges respectively, and extend lengthwise therealong. The first connector includes a first tongue protruding from the body portion along a tongue axis. The second connector includes a groove bounded at least partially by spaced apart first and groove second sidewalls joined to the body portion. The first groove has a groove axis parallel to both the groove sidewalls and the tongue axis. The first tongue is inter-engageable with the first groove of the opposed identical casing member and the first groove is inter-engageable with the first tongue of the opposed casing member so as to secure the two casing members together about the post.

Abstract: A bracing system and method of its installation are provided. The bracing system includes a set of support panels and a set of crossover panels. The support panels may comprise connection members at their both ends such that these panels may be connected to each other in a line. The support panels are designed to be fixed in such lines to a beam. The beam should be provided with two parallel lines of interconnected support panels. The crossover panels are designed to link the support panels. The bracing system allows adding tremendous strength to wood beams in existing buildings.

Abstract: The present invention is a structural beam having at least one composite core within a hollow beam of metal or polymeric material, i.e. a jacket, and a layer of elastomeric material between the composite core and the inner walls of the metal or polymeric jacket. This structural beam also may be fitted with brackets or holes at its ends and points along its length to allow attachment to other structural elements. The present beam provides a synergism between the properties of its composite core and the metal or polymeric jacket, and is particularly useful where a high strength to weight ratio is required.

Abstract: A system and method of manufacture providing reinforced structurally functional load-bearing members, including but not limited to using thermoplastic materials, such as High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), reinforced such as with an aluminum alloy or carbon fiber core element. Among its possible uses, the present invention has application for provision of structural support members, such as an illustrative I-joist product having a vertical center member preferably comprising HDPE, and top and bottom flanges having structurally meaningful reinforcement. The center member and flanges preferably comprising HDPE provides a relatively hard, durable, substantially weather-resistant structure.

Abstract: A cladding assembly comprises first and second cladding panels, each having top and bottom edge portions and a pair of lateral sides, and a corner connection element disposed to couple a pair of adjacent lateral sides of the first and second cladding panels together. The corner connection element includes top and bottom edge portions and a pair of lateral sides, wherein the corner connection element comprises a pair of female connectors disposed at its lateral sides and the pair of adjacent lateral sides of the first and second cladding panels comprises a pair of male connectors for mating with the female connectors, or wherein the corner connection element comprises a pair of male connectors disposed at its lateral sides and the pair of adjacent lateral sides of the first and second cladding panels comprises a pair of female connectors for mating with the male connectors of the corner connection element.

Abstract: A reinforcement device for a lateral buckling stress installed on an angle-type steel member so as to be attachable and detachable therefrom without power-off of a power line tower, preparation and disassembly of members in order to prevent lateral buckling and accidental torsion. The reinforcement device includes an accommodation unit for surrounding a steel member, first and second cover units connected to the accommodation unit and formed to cover the steel member, and a fixation member for fixing the first and second cover units.

Abstract: A lightweight beam may have a triangular prism core and a triaxial fabric cover wrapped around the core, with at least one rod proximate an apex of the core. The rod may extend substantially parallel to a centerline of the core. Multiple lightweight beams may be joined to form a larger lightweight structure.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of making a selected structure using composite materials is disclosed, which method in form includes providing a plurality of members each comprising a composite material, wherein each member is configured to be coupled to at least one other member in the plurality of members along a longitudinal side; coupling onsite the plurality of members along their longitudinal sides to form a base enclosed structure; and reinforcing onsite the base enclosed structure to form the selected structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are frame members and mullions for a window frame that comprise a reinforcing member that is surrounded by an outer plastic layer. The outer plastic layer is held securely to the reinforcing member as a result of a waist banding effect that comprises an inward force created by the outer plastic layer as it cools and contracts around the reinforcing member. In addition, lobes are formed in the reinforcing member that assist in holding the outer plastic layer to the reinforcing member. Window inserts can be removed and replaced using adapters and removable brackets. Frame members and mullions can be built sufficiently strong to provide structural support. The frame can also be used to hold photovoltaic cells and protective coverings for photovoltaic cells. Structural members are also disclosed that have reinforcing members with apertures, debossing, scarification and/or indentations that secure the thermoplastic layer to the reinforcing member.

Abstract: A protective cover for a wooden utility pole comprises a polymer envelope in which the bottom of the pole is placed. The envelope is sufficiently dimensioned to cover about 10 feet of the bottom of the pole. The envelope body is wrapped around the bottom portion of the pole and PVC tape is used to secure the body to the pole. A hermetic seal is placed over the mouth of the envelope which is located above the grade level of the excavation in which the pole sits thereby sealing the envelope to the pole. A metallic band is placed around the seal to protect it.

Abstract: A building structural component, such as a wall, roof, ceiling, floor, or the like, is resistant to weather and moisture while facilitating the drying and elimination of water vapor and liquid water. The component includes a vapor-permeable membrane that resists penetration of liquids including water, but that permits gases including water vapor to pass through the membrane to resist buildup of moisture in the building component. A batten, such as an insulated batten, forms a cavity in the building component to facilitate air circulation, and reduces heat flow through structural studs of the building component to increase the overall insulation value of the finished component.

Abstract: A split column includes two half sections with locating features for aligning the half sections. A whole column is formed and then split into half sections. The locating features are formed on the inner surfaces of the half sections after the column is split into half sections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a reinforced vertical multi-sided monopole tower for supporting equipment including a multi-sided monopole, a plurality of holes on three equally spaced sides of the multi-sided monopole tower and tower reinforcement apparatus mounted to the holes. The tower reinforcement apparatus includes bolts supporting a first flat bar and a second flat bar on each side of the tower. The upper end of the first flat bar abuts a lower end of the second bar and a plate is bolted over adjacent ends connecting the first and second flat bar such that the first and second flat bars are sandwiched between the plate and a side of the perimeter of the monopole.

Abstract: A linear construction truss comprising a hollow shell with a square cross section and a core composed of linked tetrahedra, and a method of manufacturing of said linear construction truss.

Abstract: A tower includes an outer portion forming an outer covering for the wind turbine tower and an inner portion disposed within the outer portion. The inner portion includes a preassembled power module including an upwardly extending support and electrical components that extend outwardly beyond the upwardly extending support and guide supports coupled at a first end to the upwardly extending supports and extending outwardly beyond the electrical components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the construction arts, in particular a modular implementation for a structural support member or header for bearing the load of large spans of a floor, wall section above a window, door or entry way. The header is modular and can be easily implemented into a variety of architectural structures. A façade can be formed which easily allows complex arches to be created such as round, horseshoe, lancet, ogee, trefoil and so on. The support member can also include an insulation which, when used with a steel beam, serves to increase the insulation value.

Abstract: A sleeve for protecting a utility conduit or conduits passing through a hole in a stud used in building construction. A provided body portion forms a longitudinally extending hollow trough. The trough includes a circular side section, with a diameter defining a body width. This circular side section is changeable by compression with either the human hand or a conventional hand-tool to adapt the body width, and thus the sleeve, to coincide with a potential range of stud hole sizes. Engagement of the sleeve in the hole can be achieved by placing an inserted end into the hole and pressing a worked end. A provided stop portion at the worked end then stops insertion of the sleeve beyond the stud face, and a provided retention portion in the sleeve affirmatively retains the sleeve within the hole once it is thus inserted.

Abstract: A reinforcement system made of steel members, (e.g., steel reinforcing rods, threaded rods or functionally equivalent steel members), closely positioned with respect to, or positioned in contact with, the exterior of straight, tapered, and/or pipe/stepped poles, such as wireless telecommunication poles. The method of use results in providing additional strength to the poles to enhance resistance against deflection caused by, for instance, wind forces and/or added weight resulting from mounting antennas thereto, enabling the placement of, for instance, more antenna arrays and other communication antennas thereon than is otherwise possible.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel hybrid FRP-concrete-steel double-skin tubular beam and a hybrid beam/slab unit which employs the hybrid tubular beam. The hybrid double-skin tubular beam consists of an outer FRP tube, an inner steel tube, and concrete filled between the outer FRP tube and the inner steel tube, and the inner steel tube is provided with a plurality of shear connectors on its side engaged with concrete. The inner steel tube is located eccentrically relative to the outer FRP tube towards the side of the hybrid tubular beam to be tensed.

Abstract: A structural, energy absorbing composite element for aircraft structures includes a metallic or nonmetallic skin shell with a porous filler material insert positioned within the skin shell. The porous filler material is a material having ligaments that collapse resulting in a densification of the porous filler material in response to impact loading or a compression force sufficient to cause failure of the combined assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a beam cap incorporated into a patio extrusion assembly and which includes an elongated body exhibiting, in cross section, a width extending middle portion terminating at opposite ends in engaging tabs. The body is affixed to an exposed profile associated with a component of the extrusion assembly. Additional features include the middle portion exhibiting an arcuate configuration, with the engaging tabs further including a first pair of inner tabs each exhibiting an outwardly angled detent deflected and reseated in a resistive snap-fit fashion with aligning end channels associated with the exposed profile. The engaging tabs further include a second pair of outer tabs within which the end channels seat. Other features include the beam cap exhibiting a specified shape and size and being constructed of an extruded aluminum or least one of vinyl or PVC.

Abstract: A doorway for a tower of a wind turbine is disclosed. The doorway may generally comprise a doorway frame having a substantially rectangular shape and including an inner face and an outer face. An opening may be defined between the inner and outer faces and may be configured to provide access to an interior of the tower. Additionally, at least one of the inner face and the outer face may define a substantially planar surface along at least a portion of its width.

Abstract: A tapered lightweight load bearing architectural column is disclosed. The column includes an exterior shell formed of a plurality of walls that together define an open interior and defining a tapered cross section from one end to another end. An interior load bearing shaft is within the exterior shell and is proportionally smaller than the exterior shell. One portion of the interior load bearing shaft is connected against one interior wall of the exterior shell with the remaining portions of the interior shaft being independent of the other interior walls of the interior shell.

Abstract: The present application includes disclosure of various embodiments of composite construction beams and beam systems. In at least one exemplary embodiment of a composite construction beam of the present disclosure, the beam comprises an elongated shell having a length, a first relative end, and an interior volume, wherein the elongated shell defines a first aperture. An exemplary construction beam further comprises a first conduit within the interior volume of the elongated shell, the first conduit extending along a longitudinal direction of the beam and curving upward from the first relative end, and a second conduit within the interior volume of the elongated shell, the second conduit extending along at least a portion of the length of the elongated shell, wherein the first conduit and the second conduit are in communication with one another. In at least one embodiment, a construction beam of the present disclosure comprises a first flange positioned upon the elongated shell relative to the first aperture.

Abstract: Elongate, composite-material, hollow rebar structure, along with associated components, related fabrication apparatus, and apparatus-implemented, rebar-structure-making methodology. The rebar structure has a long axis, and includes (a) an elongate, hollow core centered on that long axis, (b) an elongate, hollow sleeve having inner and outer surfaces, circumsurrounding the core along the core's length, with the sleeve's inner surface bonded to the core's outer surface along the length thereof, and (c) longitudinally distributed, radial-dimensionality, external-purchase-enhancing structure formed unitarily with the sleeve's outer surface along the length thereof. The bond existing between the core and the sleeve takes the form of a single-cure, reverse-temperature-gradient-cure, plastic-material, molecular bond.

Abstract: A cladding assembly comprises first and second cladding panels, each having top and bottom edge portions and a pair of lateral sides, and a corner connection element disposed to couple a pair of adjacent lateral sides of the first and second cladding panels together. The corner connection element includes top and bottom edge portions and a pair of lateral sides, wherein the corner connection element comprises a pair of female connectors disposed at its lateral sides and the pair of adjacent lateral sides of the first and second cladding panels comprises a pair of male connectors for mating with the female connectors, or wherein the corner connection element comprises a pair of male connectors disposed at its lateral sides and the pair of adjacent lateral sides of the first and second cladding panels comprises a pair of female connectors for mating with the male connectors of the corner connection element.

Abstract: A channel beam used in building construction of sub-decks is described. The channel beam essentially formed from a steel sheet that is bent in a C-shaped cross-section possessing a web having bends, thus forming an upper flange and a lower flange. The channel beam extending in length along the C-shaped cross-section. A ceramic coating essentially encapsulates the channel beam whereby the sheet metal of the channel beam is essentially encapsulated by the ceramic coating prior to being bent in the C-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: A metal clip is provided for facilitating the attachment of metal strips and wallboard to columns and beams. The metal clip includes a base section and a spring retainer extending from the base section. A portion of a column or beam, such as flange, can be inserted between the spring retainer and the base section and the spring retainer will exert sufficient force on the column or beam to hold the metal clip in place. A pair of foldout clips is formed on exterior surfaces of the metal clip for receiving and holding angle strips. Wallboard can be secured exteriorly of the metal clips and angle strips by screws that extend through the wallboard, through the angle strips and into the respective metal clips.

Abstract: The present invention is predicated upon the provision of systems and methods for reinforcement of a structural member. More particularly, the present invention is predicated upon unique carrier configurations and application of reinforcing material thereto. In one configuration, the application of reinforcing material is achieved without the use of fasteners, adhesives, or both, for placement, locating and restrictive movement of the reinforcing material onto the carrier.

Abstract: A tower part for a wind turbine includes at least one wall segment and at least one aperture segment including at least one aperture. The wall segment and the aperture segment are connected and the aperture segment is of a substantially uniform thickness and is thicker than the thickness of the wall segment. The tower part further includes an aperture cover system for covering at least one aperture in a tower part for a wind turbine, including cover plates and attachments for attaching the system to the tower part, where the attachments do not affect the fatigue limit of the tower part.

Abstract: A metal pole is pre-stressed and filled with concrete. The metal pole includes shear transfer connectors projecting inwardly from the inner surface of the metal pole.

Abstract: An aesthetic cover assembly includes first mounting portion of a cover wall for concealing a portion of a building structure that is secured to the building structure. An alignment pin is secured on one of the first mounting portions and the building structure. The alignment pin supports a second mounting portion of a cover wall for concealing a portion of the building structure. A method of installing an aesthetic cover assembly is also included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the construction arts, in particular a new implementation for a framing member or structural support apparatus for bearing the loads required for walls, roofs, ceilings, and floors. Further a formed insulated layer with enhanced adhesion characteristics provides a thermal break within the framing member serves to increase the insulation value and enhance the structural value of the apparatus.

Abstract: Poles for supporting electric transmission lines and a method for forming such poles are provided. An exemplary pole includes a center shaft and a first modular support shaft. The first modular support shaft surrounds more or less of the length of the center shaft and includes a plurality of first panels.

Abstract: A composite member provides support to a structure. A wooden core of the composite member has a perimeter and a length. The wooden core provides support to the structure. A metal jacket is attached to the perimeter of the wooden core of the composite member and spans the entire length. The metal jacket provides also support to the structure. Furthermore, the interaction between the wooden core and the metal jacket provide a combination of strength that surpasses the sum of individual strengths.

Abstract: A tapered lightweight load bearing architectural column is disclosed. The column includes an exterior shell formed of a plurality of walls that together define an open interior and defining a tapered cross section from one end to another end. An interior load bearing shaft is within the exterior shell and is proportionally smaller than the exterior shell. One portion of the interior load bearing shaft is connected against one interior wall of the exterior shell with the remaining portions of the interior shaft being independent of the other interior walls of the interior shell.