Abstract: A metal load bearing beam for floors and the like has support elements secured on each end of its base plate. Such support elements are L-shaped to comprise bent portions projecting outwardly on opposite ends of the beam in substantial coplanar relationship with the base plate.

Abstract: A tent-like structure, hereinafter called a vaulted membrane structure that has a series of curved arches and a panel of flexible covering material attached to and tensioned between each pair of arches. In one embodiment, the arches on each side of an intermediate portion of the pavilion are mounted to swing in opposite directions between upright and recumbent positions. The arches, except the outermost, are mounted to swing on offsets which increase in length toward an intermediate portion of the pavilion to facilitate attaching of the covering material to the arches and to tension the covering material. The covering material between each pair of arches is depressed to minimize flutter and vibration and to enhance its load-carrying capacity and is attached to the arches by inserting beads on its edges into tunnels in or attached to the arches and held therein by a locking strip.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an improved prefabricated domical structure employing connected arches and beams having an interlocking truss-type configuration. Tensional rods secure the footings of the primary arches of the structure. The skeletal structure can either be covered with a draped, initially flexible sheating material which acts in tension between the arches, or by a curved surface shell which adds overall strength to the entire structure.

Abstract: A plurality of laterally spaced, generally parallel, cantilever arch frame assemblies formed by interlock T-shaped vertical column members have inwardly and outwardly directed integral, projecting arms at their upper ends. A horizontal beam member is cantilever mounted to one of the arms and a semi-arch member fixed at its base to the ground outwardly of the column has its upper end mounted to the other arm. Roof panels are fixed at opposed edges to respective horizontal beam members by slidably coupling the roof panel to the beam member by interengaging male and female connectors which are respectively integral therewith. Sidewall panels slidably engage integral connectors on the sides of the vertical column member in similar fashion. Corner beams pinned at their ends to the vertical columns are interconnected through female and male connectors with confronting edges of the roof panel and sidewall panel.

Abstract: A self-erecting structure including a plurality of trusses joined by cables with a hydraulic system for producing relative rotation of the trusses at their juncture axes. The trusses comprise series of subelements hinged at common juncture I-beams. The cables effectively join adjacent structural subelements and the hydraulic system includes a plurality of hydraulic elements having their outer casings secured to the I-beams and their piston elements extending downwardly against the cable. Upon the application of hydraulic pressure, the outer casing and juncture I-beams move upward in opposition to the restraint of the cables causing relative rotation at the junctures of adjacent trusses to the desired angular position thereby producing an arch bay section. The curved edges of a series of arches are connected together to form the self-erecting structure.

Abstract: A foldable construction element for forming roof constructions or buildings is described. The foldable element may consist of a polygonal sheet of paper, cardboard, plastic, or other suitable material which is provided with fold-lines in selected areas thereof. The sheet of material is selectively folded along the fold-lines to form a roof construction or building structure of a desired shape. The folded structure may be reinforced by a coating or layer of any suitable material to provide added structural strength to the final construction. Many shapes of the fold-lines, relative, sizes, and orientations can be chosen to form buildings or roof constructions of selected shapes. Methods are described for the controlled folding of the construction elements for either on or off site assembly of the building or roof construction. Foundation systems are also described for use with the folded construction elements.

Abstract: Ferrocement structures and the method for producing them comprising: providing a load-bearing framework, covering the framework with a strong flexible sheet-like material and then a flexible metal reinforcing material, and applying cement mortar thereover to cover the reinforcing material. The framework can be made of easily fabricated wooden ribs.