Abstract: A thermal isolator system may comprise a thermal isolator configured to be coupled to an inner wall of a wall system, and a first retainer comprising a first coupling protrusion having a first protrusion shape. The thermal isolator may comprise an isolator body spanning between an isolator outer surface and an isolator inner surface and between an isolator first side and an isolator second side, and a first coupling recess disposed through the isolator outer surface and into the isolator body. The first coupling recess may comprise a recess shape, and the first protrusion shape of the first coupling protrusion may be complementary to the recess shape of the first coupling recess. The first retainer may be configured to be coupled to the thermal isolator by the first coupling protrusion being disposed in the first coupling recess of the thermal isolator.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to a platform and concrete composite slab system used as a building material. A platform, is formed from joined, substantially coplanar boards with connector plates partially embedded between the boards such that a portion of the connector plates extend above the platform's top surface. A reinforcing material (e.g., wire mesh and/or rebar) can be arranged on the prongs or other portion of the connector plates spaced above the platform and concrete is poured over the reinforcing material and allowed to cure, forming a reinforced concrete layer that encases the connector plates and reinforcing material. The connector plates act as standoffs and help to suspend the reinforcing material in the middle of the concrete layer to increase the strength of the reinforced concrete and to fixedly anchor and bind the concrete layer to the platform, so as to establish a composite action between the platform and the concrete.

Abstract: A method for producing a steel sheet member, includes: forming at least one pair of opposing strip grooves in a flat steel sheet such that one of the pair of opposing strip grooves is disposed in one of opposite surfaces of the steel sheet, the other of the pair of opposing strip grooves is disposed in the other of the opposite surfaces, and the strip grooves extend in a direction crossing a longitudinal direction of the steel sheet; heating the steel sheet having the strip grooves to a temperature higher than an austenite transformation finish temperature; and placing the heated steel sheet between an upper die and a lower die to press-form the steel sheet while cooling. When press-forming the steel sheet while cooling, there is space between each of the upper and lower dies and a bottom of a corresponding one of the strip grooves.

Abstract: A multifunction plate of wood repair apparatus includes a feeding device for moving raw plates of wood; a cutting and gluing device disposed downstream of the feeding device for cutting front and rear ends of each plate of wood and joining adjacent plates of wood together as a unit of predetermined size by gluing; a repairing device disposed downstream of the cutting and gluing device for identifying locations of damaged areas of the plates of wood, the repairing device including an upper mold, a female mold under the upper mold, a chips exiting device under the female mold, a lower mold under the chips exiting device, and a drive device under the lower mold and operatively connected to both the upper mold and the lower mold; and a collecting device disposed downstream of the repairing device for collecting the repaired plates of wood.

Abstract: A structurally reinforced hollow element includes a wall which surrounds a cavity at least in part. The wall extends three-dimensionally in such a manner that it comprises (a) a first wall portion with an opening and a second wall portion which is situated diametrically opposite the first wall portion and is spaced apart from the first wall portion, and (b) a bolt. The bolt includes at its first axial bolt end a bolt head that protrudes in the radial direction beyond a head-side bolt extent. The bolt also includes a second axial bolt end, which is remote from the first axial bolt end, is fastened on the second wall portion in a manner that is resistant to axial displacement. An overall clearance remains between an outside surface of the first wall portion and a radial surface of the bolt head which faces the outside surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a structural member (10), such as a beam, a stud or a joist, presenting a predetermined bending direction (B). The structural member comprises a plurality of glued-together wood lamellae (20a, 20b), each having a lamella cross section which is parallel with a cross section of the structural member (10) and a longitudinal direction which is parallel with a longitudinal direction of the structural member and with a principal grain direction of the wood lamellae (20a, 20b). In the structural member, the lamellae (20a, 20b) are formed as radial sections of a log and present cross sections which are triangular or trapezoidal and present a respective base surface (bs1) that is formed at a radially outer part of the log. The lamellae (20a, 20b) are arranged as at least one layer in which base surfaces (bs1) of a pair of immediately adjacent lamellae (20a, 20b) face opposite directions. The base surfaces (bs1) are perpendicular to the bending direction (B).

Abstract: A lintel system for supporting masonry blocks above an opening in a structure includes a lintel configured to span a width of the opening. The lintel includes a single spanning member having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a side face extending between the top and bottom edge. Supports are disposed at longitudinal ends of the single plate member. A stiffener is attached to the lintel for reinforcing the lintel. The stiffener extends in opposed relation to the side face along at least a portion of the side face.

Abstract: This application relates to I-joists which are configured to resist fire damage. Specifically, the present application relates to reinforcing I-joists with reinforcing members configured to provide structural support and/or to provide a physical barrier to fire. This may help the I-joists to maintain structural integrity during a fire and so help improve safety during evacuation of a building and during fire-fighting operations.

Abstract: Assemblies, methods, and an apparatus for damping vibrational energy induced to a reinforced skin structure are disclosed. The reinforced skin structure includes an outer wall and at least one stringer coupled to the outer wall. The method includes providing a damping apparatus that includes a stiffening member configured to adjust at least one of a bending mode and a torsional twisting mode of the stringer and an energy dissipation member configured to dissipate vibrational energy of the stringer. The stiffening member includes at least two elongated members that are spaced a distance apart and at least one truss member that extends obliquely between the at least two elongated members. The damping apparatus is attached to the at least one stringer. The damping apparatus may be configured to dampen vibration in the range of between about 200-600 Hz.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of improving the ductility of a structural member, such as a reinforced concrete beam or column, by providing a region of increased compression yielding in the compression zone of the plastic hinge region or nearby. This can be achieved by forming a mechanism provided in the compression zone to provide the ductile compression zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a framework connecting device of a prefabricated building structure. Each connection portion of frameworks, which are formed in the shape of a square pipe so as to form columns, rafters or the like, is connected and fixed by front and rear connection pieces and a plurality of bolts and nuts which penetrate the same, wherein, during assembly, the frameworks and the front and rear connection pieces are coupled by indented groves and protrusion portions. Base protrusions of the front and rear connection pieces are supported by the frameworks. One or more support pipes which are respectively connected and fixed by bolts and the nuts are provided between the front and rear connection pieces. Therefore, the assembling work may be readily and easily carried out while the strength of the connection portions is being reinforced.

Abstract: A composite steel I-beam member. The member includes confined top and bottom flanges, and a composite laminated web. The confined flange comprises a wooden core and a metal jacket wrapped around an outer perimeter of the wooden core. The overall load carrying capacity of the composite I-beam is significantly increased through a list of composite actions occurring in the individual components and their connections. Most importantly, a two-way lateral interaction can be normal to the interface between the metal jacket and the wooden core and provide an amount of compressive support to the top flange surpassing the sum of amount of support provided by the metal jacket and the wooden core when being used separately.

Abstract: A columnar structural component and method of forming a columnar structural element from a sandwich panel includes forming a number of sets of recesses in the sandwich panel and bending the sandwich panel at each set of recesses to form a columnar structural element. The columnar structural component includes a number of support members at least partially disposed within an area bounded formed with the sandwich panel is bent in the areas of the sets of recesses.

Abstract: A support beam and method for making a support beam, the support beam having a plurality of panels arranged side by side. The panels each have a core of insulative material and outer layers laminated to the core. The panels are adhered to one another and to top and bottom beam supports using bonding material.

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: The present invention provides a method of improving the ductility of a structural member, such as a reinforced concrete beam or column, by providing a region of increased compression yielding in the compression zone of the plastic hinge region or nearby. This can be achieved by using ductile compressive material in the compression zone, or by forming a mechanism provided in the compression zone to provide the ductile compression zone.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for wood construction, comprising: a plurality of layers facially attached to each other, each layer comprising a plurality of primary wood members, each neighboring two of the primary wood members being connected by a plurality of connecting wood members, each connecting wood member extending between the two neighboring primary wood members, each one of the layers being oriented with each primary wood member of the layer overlapping a plurality of respective connecting wood members of a neighboring one of the layers.

Abstract: A high strength bamboo I-beam is provided comprising a bamboo web formed from bamboo boards formed by splaying, pressing and planing bamboo culm and having flanges laminated to the top and bottom of the web. The I-beam flanges each comprise a laminated bamboo flange element on either side of the web portion wherein the top and bottom edges of the web portion are flush with the top and bottom flanges of the I-beam. The flange elements are formed from laminated strips of splayed, pressed and planed bamboo culm. The I-beam is bonded with non-formaldehyde adhesives. Orientation of the high fiber cortex regions of the bamboo boards imparts structural characteristics to the beam. The bamboo I-beam provides a lightweight, low cost, high strength, and fire resistant load bearing construction component.

Abstract: An adhesively joined laminated structure comprising layers of flat elongated members, at least a first member of which comprises wood and at least a first surface of the first member being treated with a preservative chemical. A recess may be provided in the first surface of the first member to improve preservative chemical absorption.

Abstract: An insulated wall stud for reducing the energy loss via a wall stud. The insulated wall stud generally includes a first board, a second board, a plurality of brackets attaching the first board to the second board defining a space between thereof, and insulation material positioned between the boards within the space. The insulation material increases the thermal resistance of the wall stud.

Abstract: Reinforcing system (10) for reinforcing structures with irregular surfaces, such as shaped columns. Fiber-reinforced plastic sheathing (25) is wrapped around or over the surface to be reinforced and fiber anchors (50) are installed at high stress areas, such as re-entrant corners. Cover strip (30) spreads force among fiber anchors (50) and provides a smooth finish.

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: An adhesively joined laminated structure comprising layers of flat elongated members, at least a first member of which comprises wood and at least a first surface of the first member being treated with a preservative chemical. A recess may be provided in the first surface of the first member to improve preservative chemical absorption.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a wood hybrid light pole with an internal wireway for electrical wires and a base with anchoring bolts and space for electrical connections.

Abstract: A wind turbine installation is provided. The installation includes a wind turbine tower or tower section, a receiving part of a wind turbine foundation installation, connection means suitable for connecting the wind turbine tower or tower section to the receiving part, whereby a lower end of the wind turbine tower or the tower section is flange-less.

Abstract: A load-bearing member such as a beam, column, girder or post comprises an elongated body defining a rigid structure for bearing a load. A hollow fastener extends through the body from a first side of the body to a second side of the body. The hollow fastener, which may be a hollow bolt, nail, lag screw or threaded shaft, defines a passageway through the load-bearing member for insertion of a cable, wire, tube or pipe. This obviates the need to drill the beam or column, which can compromise its structural integrity.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a reinforced concrete column by compressing a reinforcing plate including a steel plate using an external pressure is provided. The reinforcing plate is compressed to double-layer or more, that is, multi-layer in due order, on the reinforced concrete column. Accordingly, since a workability of the retrofit is excellent and since the reinforcing plate is easily compressed on the surface of the reinforced concrete column by a small lateral pressure, sufficiently the reinforced concrete column could be reinforced. Besides, a compressive strength of the reinforced concrete column could be increased. In addition, the flexibility of the reinforcing plate and the energy absorption force of the reinforcing plate could be increased.

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: The aim of the invention is to improve the load-bearing capacity of formwork supports during shock-type stress that is effective especially perpendicular to or at an angle from the longitudinal axis of the support. Said aim is achieved by a formwork support which is made essentially of wood and is provided with a top chord, a bottom chord, and a web that connects the two chords. The web and/or at least one of the chords comprises at least one recess in at least one final area of the support said recess being filled with a filling material that has shock-absorbing properties. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a formwork support.

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: 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: The invention relates to a wind-power unit having a turbine having a vertical turbine shaft (3), an electrical generator (6) connected to the turbine and a vertical hollow supporting pillar (2) supporting the turbine. According to the invention the material of the supporting pillar is in all essentials wood. The invention also relates to a supporting pillar for such a wind-power unit, an electric mains connected to the wind-power unit, a use of the wind-power unit and a method for the manufacture of such a supporting pillar.

Abstract: A method of both permanently reinforcing and bonding, by means of a physical connection including a fabric or other arrangement of reinforcing fiber, saturated with a curing liquid resin, and building materials to create a composite assembly is disclosed. Once cured, the previously liquid resin, having surrounded the fiber and features of the surfaces of the elements being joined, combines them within a single, shared resin matrix. The resulting composite assembly incorporates a new method of providing reinforcement from within, and can be formed into any of various products or components in the light construction industry, such as window sashes, millwork, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stiffening element for stiffening a step-like substructure, in particular in an aircraft or spacecraft, having a foot section which is composed of a fiber composite material and is shaped in the form of a step such that it essentially fills the substructure. A method is also provided for production of a stiffening element for stiffening of a step-like substructure in an aircraft or spacecraft, according to which a profile part with a foot section which is composed of a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic is provided, at least one layer of a glass-fiber-reinforced plastic is laminated onto the foot section, and the glass-fiber-reinforced plastic is milled corresponding to a step-like shape which essentially fills the substructure.

Abstract: A beam-like structural component (1) made up of individual parts, comprising a flange (2) and two webs (3, 4) is characterized in that a flange (2) is provided with one web (3, 4) each on its two longitudinal sides, wherein each web is attached to a longitudinal sidewall of the flange (2) preferably by means of an adhesive material, and that the end regions (7) of the webs (3, 4), which end regions are facing away from the flange (2), are planarly interconnected with the surfaces (8, 9) facing each other preferably by means of an adhesive material, wherein the webs (3, 4), in their cross-sections, have in each case the shape of a “stretched S”.

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 molded support beam (1, 2, 3) that includes an elongated lower portion (11) an elongated upper portion (14) and at least one elongated flange (17, 18) extending upwardly from the elongated upper portion, is described. The elongated lower portion (11) includes at least three separate downwardly extending supports (e.g., 29, 32, 35) which together define at least two open-bottomed transverse openings (e.g., 41, 44), at least one of which being an arched open-bottomed transverse opening (e.g., 219, 234, 249). The elongated upper portion (14) includes a longitudinal passage (68), and a ledge (92) that extends horizontally outward from a second vertical side (56) thereof. An elongated hollow support tube (74) resides within the longitudinal passage (68) of the elongated upper portion (14).

Abstract: Systems and methods for assembling multi-piece structural components, such as architectural columns, capitals, and bases, are disclosed. In one embodiment a column assembly is disclosed, comprising a first column portion and a second column portion. The first column portion includes a flange having a first keyed surface on which predetermined surface features are defined. The second column portion includes a second keyed surface that is configured to engage the first keyed surface. The second keyed surface includes a keying material having surface features that intermesh with the predetermined surface feature such that the first and second column portions are desirably aligned when mated. The surfaces features of the second keyed surface are defined in the keying material as a result of compressive engagement between the keying material and the predetermined surface features of the first keyed surface when the column portions are mated.

Abstract: A structural composite hybrid beam having an attached fire-resistant coating material, the structural composite hybrid beam including: a cold-formed steel plate beam, which is formed into a form shape having a space where concrete is placed; a concrete slab installed on the cold-formed steel plate beam and that is integrally connected to the concrete; and a flow preventing member protruding from a pair of side plates of the cold-formed steel plate beam, and preventing the fire-resistant coating material sprayed on each of the pair of side plates from flowing down so that the fire-resistant coating material is firmly attached to the each of the pair of side plates. A thickness of the fire-resistant coating material is reduced as the concrete inside the structural composite hybrid beam absorbs heat, and thus construction expenses are reduced. Accordingly, the structural composite hybrid beam has excellent fire-resistant performance unlike a general steel-frame beam.

Abstract: A longitudinal connection is formed for wooden components and a corresponding wooden component. A fitting piece is glued in a recess to the outer or bottom sides of the at least two glued laminated girders to be connected in such a way that a scarf joint is created at least in a partial length of the fitting piece between the fitting piece and the respective glued laminated girder originating from the tapered and transition regions of the fitting piece in the direction of the end of the associated glued laminated girder.

Abstract: A wooden beam for a supporting framework has at least two supporting members at least partially made of wood and defining together a continuous hollow cavity, and at least one shear connector located in the hollow cavity and characterized by a plurality of connection options, with the shear connector having its outside end set back with respect to an adjacent and face of the beam by a length corresponding to a forward wood length defined by a load applied to the beam.

Abstract: A three-piece insulated rim board for use in a building structure comprises first and second elongate structural layers and an intermediate elongate insulating layer sandwiched between and bonded to the first and second structural layers.

Abstract: A rib post (10) has a hollow substantially triangular cross-section comprising composite material. The rib post (10) can form a structural member to join two adjacently placed components together, for example a spar and internal rib in a wing of an aircraft. The rib post (10) can be formed from first (12), second (14) and third (16) walls. The first wall (12) can abut a surface of one component and the second wall (14) can abut a surface of a second component. The first and second walls (12, 14) can be attached to the respective components, such as a rib and spar, to join them together. The third wall (16) joins together the first and second walls (12, 14) to form the hollow triangular section.

Abstract: The invention is a window glazing assembly having a series of segmented and non-segmented intersecting muntins for supporting glass panes. The non-segmented muntins incorporate a continuous carbon fiber insert that is disposed interior of the non-segmented muntin which rests directly against a perimeter edge of the glass panes. The glazing assembly safely disperses wind load or other forces acting against the glass panes.

Abstract: A tower/frame structure of interconnected columns and beams (which may be used in a cooling tower) and novel columns, beams, connection mechanisms and other components are provided. In one embodiment, a column and a beam are constructed of pultruded composite fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials. The beam includes two sidewall extensions or flanges (each having one or more attachment apertures) at one end and which are integral with the beam for connection to the column (having one or more corresponding attachment apertures). The dimension/spacing between the inner walls of the two flanges substantially equals or is slightly larger than the outer dimension of the column. The attachment holes are aligned and a fastener is inserted through the extensions and column for attaching the column and beam. The C-shaped end of the beam substantially conforms to the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the column.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elongate retaining element for building sheets, having, as seen in cross section perpendicular to its direction of elongation, a heard part (1) for engaging at least one said building sheets, a base part (3) for mounting the elongate retaining element on a support structure, and a connecting flange (2) extending upwardly from said base part (3) and joining said head part (1) to said base part (3). The elongate retaining element is made from a plastic material, such as PA, and has a reinforcement sheet (4), such as a metal sheet, extending from the connecting flange (2) into at least the head part (1). As seen in cross section, in the head part one free end (5) of the reinforcement sheet is bent into a section with an acute angle of less than 90°.

Abstract: A structure according to the present invention provides spaces having improved temperature stability. The structure may be modular in nature and, when assembled, provides a gas circulation path comprised of a plurality of fluid flow ducts. Circulation of gas through the path may occur by way of natural convection and/or forced air assistance. A structure according to the present invention includes a thermal mass which contacts at least a portion of the gas circulation path. The thermal mass may provide structural support while providing the thermal retention to warm a portion of the circulation path.

Abstract: The structural wooden joist described comprises a lower chord, an upper chord spaced from the lower chord and a laminated panel structure joining the chords. This panel structure defines an uninterrupted surface from one end of the joist to an opposite end thereof and has opposite upper and lower edges joined to the lower and upper chords respectively. The laminated panel structure is formed of a series of elongated planks adhesively secured edgewise to one another and extending vertically between the lower and upper chords.

Abstract: A mold-concrete composite crossbeam includes a H-steel composed of upper and lower flanges and a web connecting them; a concrete member formed in a length direction of the H-steel to expose the upper flange out but bury the lower flange and the web partially; deck plate supports installed to both upper side edges of the concrete member to support a deck plate placed thereon; a reinforcing steel bar installed around the H-steel; a mold including a bottom detachably coupled to a lower end surface of the concrete member, and sidewalls formed in parallel to both sides of the bottom and detachably coupled to both end sides of the concrete member; a lateral reinforcing member coupled across both sidewalls; a side reinforcing member installed to an outer side of the sidewalls in a length direction; and bottom reinforcing members installed across a lower surface of the bottom.