Structural plates and methods of constructing arch-shaped structures using structural plates. Structural plates may include a combination of features including: an outer structural plate having adjacent circumferential apertures respectively spaced nominally greater than adjacent circumferential apertures of an inner structural plate; and the outer structural plate having nominally 5 enlarged or differently shaped circumferential apertures (as compared to circumferential apertures of the inner structural plate) such that the embodiment structural plates may be radiused to a variety of different radii while achieving desirable overlapping alignment of apertures along overlapping circumferential edges for receiving fasteners therein. Joiner plates may be provided for interconnecting structural plates along transverse edges in a non-overlapping arrangement, 10 thereby reducing the quantity of structural plate material that otherwise would be needed for a given circumferential length of the arch-shaped structure.

A structural, load-bearing panel useful in constructing multistory buildings may have a panel height, panel width, and panel thickness, and may include a first layer comprising at least 75 wt. % of concrete, relative to a total weight of the first layer; an insulation layer comprising flexible polymer, the insulation layer having a thickness of at least 5 cm; and a second layer comprising at least 75 wt. % concrete, wherein the insulation layer is sandwiched between the first and second layers, and wherein the panel is suitable to be set in any of a planar, curved, and polyhedral cross-sectional shape. Set panels are not flexible, though the flexibility of the insulation layer, particularly of a polyethylene foam, may allow the panel to have a curved, or polyhedral cross-section while still serving as a structural support.

The present invention discloses a self-supporting prefabricated construction system that does not require a structure and has an arch-shaped configuration of different dimensions, intended for building living spaces and various types of uses. The present invention is based on modular structural elements that have the following configuration: undulating modules for the configuration of various types of roofs, that can be used in different kinds of spaces, wherein said modules are joined in an overlapping manner to generate rigidity and stability to the structure, making up completely sealed and waterproof spaces through various joining mechanisms. These curved undulating roof modules are of two kinds: curved ridge modules, whose size will depend on the dimensions of the intended arch, and curved wall modules. The system can have modules for different types of facades and interior dividing walls, which have a straight shape with obtuse folds.

The present invention discloses a self-supporting prefabricated construction system that does not require a structure and has an arch-shaped configuration of different dimensions, intended for building living spaces and various types of uses. The present invention is based on modular structural elements that have the following configuration: undulating modules for the configuration of various types of roofs, that can be used in different kinds of spaces, wherein said modules are joined in an overlapping manner to generate rigidity and stability to the structure, making up completely sealed and waterproof spaces through various joining mechanisms. These curved undulating roof modules are of two kinds: curved ridge modules, whose size will depend on the dimensions of the intended arch, and curved wall modules. The system can have modules for different types of facades and interior dividing walls, which have a straight shape with obtuse folds.

A joint connector comprising a hub, two registration caps, a bolt assembly or similar means of connecting the components, and at least two wing pairs. The joint connector is adaptable and thus is capable of creating a variety of different joint networks. Joint connectors can be arranged to connect panel frames and panels for regularly faceted structures and asymmetrical or irregularly shaped structures.

A joint connector comprising a hub, two registration caps, a bolt assembly or similar means of connecting the components, and at least two wing pairs. The joint connector is adaptable and thus is capable of creating a variety of different joint networks. Joint connectors can be arranged to connect panel frames and panels for regularly faceted structures and asymmetrical or irregularly shaped structures.

A method of making a geodesic shape is provided. The method comprises of providing and assembling a plurality of pre-made forms, and a plurality of struts. The pre-made forms have a triangular shape, first and second inner edges, and an outer edge. The length of each inner edge and outer edge are determined by the frequency of the geodesic shape, diameter of the geodesic shape, and known formulas for relating diameter and frequency when creating a geodesic dome or sphere. Using the pre-made forms and struts, a polygonal shape is assembled, each shape having either five or six pre-made forms. The resulting desired polygonal shape and additional desired polygonal shapes made using the same steps are connected at preset angles in known geodesic form and function. The desired polygonal shapes then combine to form a desired geodesic shape. Throughout the process, no struts are operably coupled to other struts.

An installation tool and method for spherical latticed shell structure is provided. The spherical latticed shell structure includes a plurality of latticed shell units. The installation tool includes a support frame, a hoisting system, a fixing frame and stay rope assemblies. The support frame is arranged on one side of a to-be-installed spherical latticed shell structure. The fixing frame is connected with the hoisting system. The hoisting system is arranged on the support frame for hoisting the fixing frame. The stay rope assemblies are connected with the fixing frame and the latticed shell units.

The present invention relates generally to the field of home protection devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a home protection dome device primarily comprised of at least one motor that powers a dome structure. The dome structure is comprised of a plurality of curved members that enclose and shield a home, other structure or object. The curved members can be deployed and retracted via a track within a base, wherein the track is powered by a motor. The motor may further receive power from a solar panel. The motor may also be controlled by a control panel to move the track and deploy or retract the curved members over a home, structure, or object in an enclosed manner. In this manner, the home, structure, or object is protected from severe weather.

An installation tool and method for spherical latticed shell structure is provided. The spherical latticed shell structure includes a plurality of latticed shell units. The installation tool includes a support frame, a hoisting system, a fixing frame and stay rope assemblies. The support frame is arranged on one side of a to-be-installed spherical latticed shell structure. The fixing frame is connected with the hoisting system. The hoisting system is arranged on the support frame for hoisting the fixing frame. The stay rope assemblies are connected with the fixing frame and the latticed shell units.