Express framing system

Abstract

A light steel framing construction technique for light gauge load bearing wall type buildings uses specialized brackets to suspend poured slab floors. Multiple stories of the building can be erected without waiting for individual concrete slab floors to be poured and set at each story. During construction, a building is protected from torsional warping, such as may be occur under wind loads, by a series of lateral and diagonal bracing structures at each level affixed in a plane perpendicular to the load bearing elements. Multiple concrete floor slabs can be poured sequentially or simultaneously, as desired, during the construction process.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 713,455, filed Sep. 1, 2005 by the present inventors.FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH[0002]Not ApplicableSEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM[0003]Not Applicable[0004]BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0005]1. Field of the Invention[0006]The present invention relates to new building structures and to an improved method of building construction. In particular, the invention provides improvements to light gauge steel framed building construction techniques in load bearing applications.[0007]2. Prior Art[0008]Light gauge steel framed buildings, such as mid-rise buildings having up to about six stories in height offer cost-effective construction and a number of additional advantages including ease of construction as well as warp, fire, rust and pest resistance.[0009]Currently, mid-rise buildings, constructed with light gauge steel stud bearing walls, and concrete slab floors use “Pl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a building construction technique that allows for the erection of multiple stories without waiting for individual concrete slab floors to be poured at each level. This technique uses light steel framing and floor decking, and can be performed without interruption and independently of the need to pour and cure concrete slab floors. The system also includes various brackets and bracing structures to support joists, floor decking, and walls, as well as roof and floor deck. The technique provides efficient and cost-effective construction of load bearing buildings.

Problems solved by technology

If the building is constructed during winter conditions, providing temporary heat to protect the curing concrete can be quite cumbersome and costly.

The problem of protecting concrete is exacerbated when the concrete is open to the weather in the absence of enclosing walls and a ceiling or roof above.

Poured concrete which is subject to rain and wind exposure can be easily damaged.

Waiting for the concrete to be poured and to attain optimum structural properties interrupts the erection of the building frame, and results in labor force disruptions and rescheduling problems.

The prompt return of work crews such as a displaced carpentry work force can be problematic.

Also, the efficient use of construction equipment such as cranes is adversely affected by the interruption of the framing process.

Either the crane sits idle, which is costly, or the crane leaves the site and its timely return is as problematic as that of the other work crews.

Therefore, current construction methods result in the interruption of the carpentry, plumbing, electrical and other trades, and makes the pouring of concrete inefficient and subject to inordinate delays.

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