Abstract:
An apparatus for supporting a plurality of joists. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include a joist rim having a web and first and second rim legs extending substantially perpendicularly from the web. The apparatus may also include at least one opening through the web and a joist attachment tab integrally formed in the web adjacent each opening. Each of the joist attachment tabs may extend from the web at an angle relative to the web. The apparatus may include at least one reinforcing rib corresponding to each tab and provided in the web adjacent to the corresponding tab.
Abstract:
An apparatus and associated method for a header in a structural framing system comprising a pair of track members defining opposing receiving portions. A plurality of column members is disposed substantially transversely to the track members and joined thereto. A web member is receivingly engaged in the receiving portions and spans the column members. The track members can be characteristically longitudinally arcuate and the web member characteristically conformable to the arcuate shape of the track members. In one illustrative embodiment the track members can comprise a plurality of flexibly joined sections that are moveable to define a selected arcuate longitudinal shape. A retaining member is adapted for retaining the flexibly joined sections in the selected shape. A fixing member is adapted for fixing the web member to one or more column members and/or one or more of the track members after the track members achieve the selected shape.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a brace apparatus having a core member configured to absorb energy generated by seismic or other forces by undergoing plastic deformation. A buckling restraining assembly is included for maintaining the structural integrity of the brace after the core member has undergone plastic deformation. The buckling restraining assembly includes one or more bearings is located proximal the core member. The bearings are adapted to minimize friction between the core member and the buckling restraining apparatus. An air gap is positioned between the core member and the one or more bearings of the buckling restraining apparatus are adapted to prevent bonding of the core member and buckling restraining assembly. Projections are included in the core member of the brace apparatus to minimize movement of the middle portion of the core member relative to the buckling restraining assembly.
Abstract:
An internal lintel where masonry units are mechanically attached to a suspension member 3 by means of an anchor 2. The suspension member is attached to a hidden support beam 6 by means of a continuous strut 5 and strut fastener 8. No part of the lintel is visible after construction of the wall is complete.
Abstract:
An adjustable masonry arch form is disclosed. The adjustable masonry arch form has a planar base section to support the masonry elements which will form the masonry arch, and a plurality of attachment elements secured to the planar base for securing the form to a structure. The adjustable masonry arch form is constructed from material rigid enough to support the masonry elements, but flexible enough to be bent to conform to any given arched construction without unwanted buckling of the form. The masonry elements which form the masonry arch are placed directly on the planar base of the form in the desired configuration and secured in the masonry arch by mortar. The form is left in position permanently, obviating the need to build a temporary arch support saving time and expense and obviating waste of materials.
Abstract:
A plate to reinforce a shear panel that has been weakened by an opening extending through the panel is provided. The plate is selected to have a shear load capacity greater than the shear panel without the opening. The plate has a plate opening similar to the panel opening, and is secured to the panel with a predetermined strength and arrangement of panel fasteners. The plate is sized to fit between adjacent structural members. Opposing side flanges extend outwardly from the plate. Flange fasteners of predetermined strength and spacings are used to secure the flanges to the structural members.
Abstract:
A masonry wall system is disclosed incorporating a plurality of courses of masonry blocks, each block has vertical and horizontal interlocking structures with mating surfaces (11, 15, 16, 17). The main block, has a stabilizing slot. Metal reinforcement tendons are inserted into these stabilizing holes (14) at predetermined intervals and connected to the wall at the top and bottom. Corner blocks (26) are employed to connect the walls at right angles and are used in alternating configurations to staggered the vertical joints from course to course. This is also done with the main blocks. The predetermined tolerances between the masonry components and the reenforcing tendons permit the wall to have a fluid property. Forces such as settling, hydrostatic pressure and seismic disturbances are then automatically absorbed and systematically distributed across the entire wall. When all of the masonry components reach the end of their tolerance, the wall locks up as a solid interconnected mass. The force is then passed on to the stabilizing tendons which now act to stabilize the wall against further movement. The movement of the wall can be adjusted after assembly of this wall by applying increased tension to the tendons.
Abstract:
A modular lintel block includes a rectangular base member, a first rectangular side member, a second rectangular side member and a plurality of spacer members. The base member has a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side. The first side member is coupled to the first longitudinal side of the base member. The second side member is spaced from the first side member and is coupled to the second longitudinal side of the base member. The plurality of spacer members are coupled between the first and second side members. A method of forming a lintel in a block wall is provided that includes the steps of constructing the block wall with an opening using a plurality of construction blocks coupled together by a cementing slurry. A modular lintel block is installed and secured into the block wall above the opening with the cementing slurry.
Abstract:
A lintel support brace having a top portion, an opposing bottom portion adjustably coupled to the top portion, and a support arm coupled to the bottom portion, wherein the top portion and the bottom portion are configured to be attached to an adjoining header.
Abstract:
A plate to reinforce a shear panel that has been weakened by an opening extending through the panel is provided. The plate is selected to have a shear load capacity greater than the shear panel without the opening. The plate has a plate opening similar to the panel opening, and is secured to the panel with a predetermined strength and arrangement of panel fasteners. The plate is sized to fit between adjacent structural members. Opposing side flanges extend outwardly from the plate. Flange fasteners of predetermined strength and spacings are used to secure the flanges to the structural members.