Modular building methods and systems using lightweight modular panels, and specially configured transition panels for transitioning from wall to floor, or from wall to roof. Identically configured standard panels are used for constructing the walls, floor, and roof, with transitions from one structure to the next (e.g., wall to floor, or wall to roof). Each of the variously configured panel types includes channels (e.g., 2 pair of channels) formed through the length of the foam body, where the channels are configured to receive splines (e.g., flanges of an I-beam) therein. In the standard panel, the channels may include pairs of top and bottom channels, with the channels offset towards the respective panel major faces. In the transition panels, the channels may be similarly configured, but positioned differently to make the appropriate transition. The splines are connected to a frame, which acts as a template and transfers loads to a foundation.

A building truss including a structural floor element, a vertical support on each side of the structural floor element, rafters spanning the vertical supports, a structural horizontal tie which interconnects the rafters, and a roof peak on the horizontal tie. A building is constructed by erecting multiple trusses parallel to each other in sequence in a longitudinal direction spanning one gable end to the opposed gable end. Each building truss defines the full room and roof spaces and provides the required structural strength. Each truss defines a 2D envelope; the floor element spanning in the horizontal direction, vertical supports for the vertical direction, and a roof assembly joining the two vertical supports. Each truss is unitary and constructing the multiple trusses parallel to each other provides a 3D structural building envelope.

A plurality of hubs are joined to frame struts thereby forming a space frame structure, wherein the hubs have monolithic bodies with protruding joints adapted for receiving and joining with the frame struts using tubular sleeves. Axes of the joints are aligned to converge at a common point to avoid rotational moment forces on the hubs. The hubs are preferably fabricated by a 3D printing method in a structural material. In a method of the invention, the struts, joint diameters and joint lengths are sized and positioned to avoid interference between adjacent struts.

A plurality of hubs are joined to frame struts thereby forming a space frame structure, wherein the hubs have monolithic bodies with protruding joints adapted for receiving and joining with the frame struts using tubular sleeves. Axes of the joints are aligned to converge at a common point to avoid rotational moment forces on the hubs. The hubs are preferably fabricated by a 3D printing method in a structural material. In a method of the invention, the struts, joint diameters and joint lengths are sized and positioned to avoid interference between adjacent struts.

A modular dynamic building system includes a superstructure and a container. The superstructure includes: a plurality of columns; a plurality of beams connected to the columns to form an opening into the superstructure; and a plurality of tracks connected to the superstructure and in the opening. The container includes an opening in one side thereof and a plurality of wheels connected to a bottom surface of the container. The wheels of the container are on the tracks of the superstructure, and the opening in the container faces into the superstructure.

A modular dynamic building system includes a superstructure and a container. The superstructure includes: a plurality of columns; a plurality of beams connected to the columns to form an opening into the superstructure; and a plurality of tracks connected to the superstructure and in the opening. The container includes an opening in one side thereof and a plurality of wheels connected to a bottom surface of the container. The wheels of the container are on the tracks of the superstructure, and the opening in the container faces into the superstructure.

A modular framing system with assorted connection devices which permit customization of the modular frame system for a variety of purposes. Connection devices include bases, adapters, extenders, connectors and enclosers. Connection devices have male and/or female components allowing the connection devices to fit together in a variety of configurations to form a variety of modular frames. A further connection device is an attachment connector that is connected to a side wall opening of the base, adapter, extender, connector or encloser and creates a platform that may be varied in size and an object may be placed on the platform.

A water-buoyant structure formed from concrete is disclosed. The structure comprises an outer wall that surrounds a perimeter of the structure and an inner wall separated from the outer wall by a cavity, such that the cavity extends for the perimeter of the structure. Separating the cavity can provide sufficient buoyancy to the structure to allow 5 the structure to float. The combination of outer and inner walls may also provide increased resistance to catastrophic damage in the event of an impact (e.g. the inner wall may remain intact).

A water-buoyant structure formed from concrete is disclosed. The structure comprises an outer wall that surrounds a perimeter of the structure and an inner wall separated from the outer wall by a cavity, such that the cavity extends for the perimeter of the structure. Separating the cavity can provide sufficient buoyancy to the structure to allow 5 the structure to float. The combination of outer and inner walls may also provide increased resistance to catastrophic damage in the event of an impact (e.g. the inner wall may remain intact).

The present invention relates to a concrete-filled steel tubular column-steel plate concrete ring beam joint, comprising: a concrete-filled steel tubular column, a steel plate concrete ring beam and reinforced concrete frame beams. The steel plate concrete ring beam comprises: a steel plate and a reinforcing cage, wherein concrete grouting holes are arranged in the middle of the steel plate; both the steel plate and the reinforcing cage are of a ring shape, and the ring-shaped steel plate and the reinforcing cage are coaxially arranged; the steel plate concrete ring beam is sheathed and fixed on the outer side wall of the concrete-filled steel tubular column; and an end of the reinforced concrete frame beam extends into the steel plate concrete ring beam, and stressed reinforcements of the reinforced concrete frame beam are connected to the steel plates. The steel plate concrete ring beam is of a centrosymmetric ring-shaped or eccentric ring-shaped construction. The stressed reinforcement of the reinforced concrete frame beam is anchored by the ring beam joint through the steel plates, so that the seismic performance of the connection joint is ensured, the section width of the steel plate concrete ring beam can be significantly reduced, and the spatial applicability of the joint is improved. The present invention also relates to a construction method of a concrete-filled steel tubular column-steel plate concrete ring beam joint, belonging to the field of building structures.