A hold down system for a building wall comprises a first rigid member and a second rigid member, the second rigid member being vertically spaced apart from the first rigid member, the first rigid member is supported on a horizontal member of a stud wall, the first and second rigid members including first and second openings, respectively; a tie-rod with a lower end portion for being anchored to an anchorage, the tie-rod extending transversely through the first and second openings, the tie-rod dividing the first and second rigid members into a first lateral section on one side of the tie-rod and a second lateral section on a diametrically opposite side of the tie-rod; first support and second support disposed between the first and second rigid members, the first support being disposed in the first lateral section, the second support being disposed in the second lateral section, the tie-rod extending through the first and second rigid members outside of the first support or the second support; and a nut threaded to the tie-rod, the nut exerting pressure on the second rigid member to place the tie rod under tension loading, the tension loading is transferred by the second rigid member to the first and second supports to subject the first and second supports to compression loading, thereby causing the first rigid member to press on the horizontal member of the stud wall via the first and second lateral sections of the first rigid member, thus distributing the compression loading.

A swivel connector for a spray gun includes a first portion, the first portion including a first interior passage that extends entirely through the first portion along a longitudinal axis and a second a second interior passage that extends along a first axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The swivel connector also includes a second portion coupled to the first portion, the second portion including a third interior passage that extends entirely through the second portion along the longitudinal axis, and a fourth interior passage that extends along a second axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The swivel connector also includes a connector pin coupled to both the first portion and the second portion, wherein the connector pin includes a fifth interior passage that extends along the longitudinal axis.

The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for inducing a lateral load for the purpose of increasing the force needed to lift a pile and/or increasing the downward and/or lateral load bearing capacity of a pile. The pile can be a driven or pushed displacement pile, a driven or pushed non-displacement pile, any type of bored pile, or any combination. In an embodiment, the subject invention can enhance pile performance by increasing (prestressing) permanently the lateral pressure between a pile and its surrounding soil. The subject invention can provide directional displacement through induced lateral loading of installed piles. Embodiments of the subject invention can incorporate embedded lateral loads in one or more piles.

The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for inducing a lateral load for the purpose of increasing the force needed to lift a pile and/or increasing the downward and/or lateral load bearing capacity of a pile. The pile can be a driven or pushed displacement pile, a driven or pushed non-displacement pile, any type of bored pile, or any combination. In an embodiment, the subject invention can enhance pile performance by increasing (prestressing) permanently the lateral pressure between a pile and its surrounding soil. The subject invention can provide directional displacement through induced lateral loading of installed piles. Embodiments of the subject invention can incorporate embedded lateral loads in one or more piles.

A self-aligning and torque transmitting coupler assembly includes an outer coupler coupled to a first shaft of and an inner coupler coupled to a second shaft. The outer coupler comprises an inner surface having primary and secondary alignment and torque transmitting features, and the inner coupler comprises an outer surface having primary and secondary alignment features. The primary and secondary alignment features are configured to interlock and facilitate alignment of the first and second shafts along a common axis in an exemplary application of a foundation support system.

To prevent lateral soil migration beneath a slab foundation lifted over a ground surface, a plurality of skirts are placed in the ground surface to define a foundation perimeter. A slab foundation is formed within an interior space of the foundation perimeter. The plurality of skirts are secured to the slab foundation via one or more anchors protruding from a portion of each skirt toward the interior space of the foundation perimeter. The slab foundation is raised above the ground surface to create a void that permits vertical expansion of soil without subjecting the slab foundation varying forces associated with the dynamic nature of the soil. The plurality of skirts are raised along with the slab foundation and operate as a barrier that circumscribes the void space and resists lateral soil migration into the void from the exterior of the foundation perimeter.

Systems and methods which provide for lifted foundation retention using foundation lift retainer assemblies having a locking cap configuration are described. A locking cap foundation retention system of embodiments may include a foundation lift interface assembly supporting operations to lift a foundation and a foundation lift retainer assembly having a locking cap configuration utilized in sustaining the foundation in a lifted position. A locking cap of embodiments is configured to accommodate operation of a removable lift mechanism lifting a foundation and thereafter for sustaining the foundation in the lifted position. A foundation lift interface may be configured to allow a foundation to move with respect to components of a foundation lift retainer assembly during a foundation lifting operation, whereby the locking cap of the foundation lift retainer assembly engages one or more components of the foundation lift interface to restrict movement of the foundation subsequent to the foundation lifting operation.

A modular foundation support system includes modular foundation support components including self-aligning and torque transmitting coupler features wherein a plurality of axially elongated ribs are aligned with a plurality of axially elongated ribs on a second distal end to rotationally interlocked the modular foundation support components to one another. First and second pair of fastener holes are self-aligning with one another to receive a fastener therethrough such that the fastener is mechanically isolated from rotational torque transmission.

A technician positions a form with a threaded aperture on a pier. Concrete is poured around the form to create a slab foundation. A fixture is then placed on the slab foundation, the fixture having a polygonal anti-rotation member that inserts into a polygonal upper end of the form. The fixture has an upward extending fixture stop member. A threaded rod with a tool adapter on its upper end is screwed into the threaded aperture. The adapter has an adapter stop member extending laterally relative to the fixture stop member. A power tool rotates the adapter to lift the slab foundation until the adapter stop member swings into contact with the fixture stop member. The technician then removes the adapter, places the adapter stop member adjacent an opposite side of the fixture stop member, then again rotates the adapter.

The present disclosure relates to reinforcement devices, systems and methods for use in constructing new structures, including post frame structures. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to reinforcement devices, systems and methods for replacing traditional wood and/or precast concrete columns utilized in building a new construction foundation, with a height adjustable foundation column assembly constructed from a corrosion resistant material. The present disclosure also relates to reinforcement devices, systems and methods useful for reinforcing existing post frame structures, particularly those with framing elements requiring repair.