A floor panel has a rectangular and oblong shape, and includes a substrate and a top layer provided on the substrate and forming a decorative side of the floor panel. The top layer is composed of a print provided on a carrier sheet and a transparent thermoplastic layer situated above the print. The substrate has a thickness from 2 to 10 millimeter and forms at least half of the thickness of the floor panel. The substrate is a polyurethane-based substrate and the transparent thermoplastic layer is polyurethane-based. The floor panel has a length of more than 1.1 meters and has a plurality of reinforcing layers situated outside the center line of the substrate. A reinforcing layer may be provided in combination with the substrate and the top layer.

A composite assembly includes a series of elongated layers joined lengthwise thereof. At least two of the elongated layers each have an upper elongated portion and a lower elongated portion secured together in an end-to-end relationship at a joint therebetween by a connector arrangement. The upper elongated portion is constructed of a wood material, and the lower elongated portion is constructed of a non-wood material. The lower elongated portion may have a reinforcing rod therein.

A composite assembly includes a series of elongated layers joined lengthwise thereof. At least two of the elongated layers each have an upper elongated portion and a lower elongated portion secured together in an end-to-end relationship at a joint therebetween by a connector arrangement. The upper elongated portion is constructed of a wood material, and the lower elongated portion is constructed of a non-wood material. The lower elongated portion may have a reinforcing rod therein.

A construction assembly and methods for making and using the same. The construction assembly includes a plurality of primary structure members each having an S shape including first and second portions respectively defining first and second level recesses. The primary structure members can be in a standing position with the first and second level recesses being respectively proximal to and distal from ground. The first portions can collectively surround and define first level space. The second portions can collectively surround and define second level space greater than the first level space. Advantageously, the construction assembly can provide an efficient space-generating solution. Because of the smaller floor area of the first level space, environmental hazards such as wind, flood or tsunami can exert smaller impact on part of the construction assembly proximal to the ground. Advantageously, the primary structure member can be lightweight, strong and easy to assemble.

A construction assembly and methods for making and using the same. The construction assembly includes a plurality of primary structure members each having an S shape including first and second portions respectively defining first and second level recesses. The primary structure members can be in a standing position with the first and second level recesses being respectively proximal to and distal from ground. The first portions can collectively surround and define first level space. The second portions can collectively surround and define second level space greater than the first level space. Advantageously, the construction assembly can provide an efficient space-generating solution. Because of the smaller floor area of the first level space, environmental hazards such as wind, flood or tsunami can exert smaller impact on part of the construction assembly proximal to the ground. Advantageously, the primary structure member can be lightweight, strong and easy to assemble.

A hybrid truss assembly with a truss bay centrally deployed, and with half-bays deployed on either side. The configuration provides four panels (such as solar panels), with two chords connected by four transverse members. The half-bays are locked in a rigid position using a barrel lock hinge assembly. The half-bays fold compactly beside the folded center bay assembly when retracted. The truss assembly may be pivotally mounted on a mobile cart, and may then be manually or automatically tilted or rotated to a desired angle.

An erected platform which contains parallel lines of trusses connected end-to-end and method of erecting thereof, as illustrated in FIGS. 20 to 23. Each truss has two sides for chords respectively, with apertures or eyelets at the ends. First and second other trusses for a pair of parallel lines respectively are connected by positioning a first other truss adjacent the decking laid on an existing platform portion. Apertures on first respective sides of the first other truss and one of the existing trusses are connected by a first pin and the first other truss swung into an end-to-end position with the one existing truss and a second pin inserted in apertures on second respective sides of the first other truss and the one existing truss. The first pin is removed and the first other truss swung out of the way so that the second other truss may be attached. The second other truss is positioned adjacent the existing decking and similarly connected end-to-end with the other existing truss. The first other truss is then swung back into position for end-to-end attachment to the one existing truss and the second pin re-inserted.

A structure and associated methodology for framing a wall having top and bottom runners supporting respective opposing ends of each of a plurality of upright studs. The top runner has a planar base and a track extending from the base and forming therewith an enclosure configured to operably capture top ends of the studs and compensate for vertical deflection. The track defines a laterally-directed slot configured for installing a fastener through to connect to the stud inside the enclosure. The track further defines indicia visually presenting a conformance-comparison of each stud's length to a predetermined threshold before the fastener is installed, the threshold related to a predetermined operable clearance between each stud's end and the base inside the enclosure.

A connector assembly for structural members includes a support plate that has a primary portion and a first tab portion extending from the primary portion. A second tab portion also extends from the primary portion, and the primary portion defines at least one through hole that is configured to receive a fastener. A first stirrup plate defines a first slot that is configured to receive the first tab portion such that the first stirrup plate extends from the support plate in a first direction. The first stirrup plate further defines at least one through hole that is configured to receive a fastener. A second stirrup plate defines a second slot that is configured to receive the second tab portion such that the second stirrup plate extends from the support plate in a second direction opposite the first direction.

A connector assembly for structural members includes a support plate that has a primary portion and a first tab portion extending from the primary portion. A second tab portion also extends from the primary portion, and the primary portion defines at least one through hole that is configured to receive a fastener. A first stirrup plate defines a first slot that is configured to receive the first tab portion such that the first stirrup plate extends from the support plate in a first direction. The first stirrup plate further defines at least one through hole that is configured to receive a fastener. A second stirrup plate defines a second slot that is configured to receive the second tab portion such that the second stirrup plate extends from the support plate in a second direction opposite the first direction.