A method for determining an optimal arrangement of circular pipe supports of a steel silo composite shear wall, including: designing a set of steel silo composite shear wall model including parameters of interval of the circular pipe supports, axial-load ratio, steel ratio and aspect ratio: establishing an ABAQUS finite element model including initial defect; performing force analysis by the finite element software ABAQUS and calculating a horizontal ultimate bearing capacity; fitting formulas of the horizontal ultimate bearing capacity of the steel silo composite shear wall by applying least square method; drawing a relationship curve between the interval of the circular pipe supports and the horizontal ultimate bearing capacity; determining the optimal arrangement of the circular pipe supports of the steel silo composite shear wall according to a critical point of the relationship curve between the interval of the circular pipe supports and the horizontal ultimate bearing capacity.

A structural grid support system adapted for transferring seismic loads to the vertical structural supports of a modular structure. The system includes larger and longer high load capacity main runners with mechanically fastened cross tees, which transfer seismic forces without failing. The structural grid can provide a diaphragm using mechanically fastened connections in a single horizontal plane without requiring additional overhead support from the roof deck, or requiring fewer such supports. The main runners may include additional connecting elements disposed within the usable space beneath the runner (e.g., ventral threaded receivers) for attaching deployment-specific equipment or hardware, such as network cable trays.

A structural grid support system adapted for transferring seismic loads to the vertical structural supports of a modular structure. The system includes larger and longer high load capacity main runners with mechanically fastened cross tees, which transfer seismic forces without failing. The structural grid can provide a diaphragm using mechanically fastened connections in a single horizontal plane without requiring additional overhead support from the roof deck, or requiring fewer such supports. The main runners may include additional connecting elements disposed within the usable space beneath the runner (e.g., ventral threaded receivers) for attaching deployment-specific equipment or hardware, such as network cable trays.

A quonset style building is provided with an arched-roof defining a width, length and height, and tower supporting the roof adjacent its apex. The tower separates storage areas on opposite sides of the building. The tower also permits the building height and width to be increased over conventional quonset buildings, and allows the width to be 3× the height, while withstanding typical weather forces, including wind and snow.

The present invention provides a bidirectional energy-transfer system comprising: a thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete, disposed in a structural object; a location of energy supply or demand that is physically isolated from, but in thermodynamic and/or electromagnetic communication with, the thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete; and a means of transferring energy between the structural object and the location of energy supply or demand. The system can be a single node in a neural network. The thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete includes a conductive, shock-absorbing material, such as graphite. Preferred compositions are disclosed for the thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete. The bidirectional energy-transfer system may be present in a solar-energy collection system, a grade beam, an indoor radiant flooring system, a structural wall or ceiling, a bridge, a roadway, a driveway, a parking lot, a commercial aviation runway, a military runway, a grain silo, or pavers, for example.

A portable windbreak shelter assembly provides a combination shelter and windbreak which can be moved to a desired position using conventional vehicles typically available on a farm includes a shelter frame having a front, a back, a bottom face, a first lateral side face, and a second lateral side face. The first lateral side face and the second lateral side face extend upwardly from respective opposite edges of the bottom face and meet to define an apex of the shelter frame extending between the front and the back. A covering is coupled to the shelter frame wherein the covering and the shelter frame inhibit wind from passing through the shelter frame to define a sheltered interior space. The shelter frame is movable using conventional farm equipment.

A portable windbreak shelter assembly provides a combination shelter and windbreak which can be moved to a desired position using conventional vehicles typically available on a farm includes a shelter frame having a front, a back, a bottom face, a first lateral side face, and a second lateral side face. The first lateral side face and the second lateral side face extend upwardly from respective opposite edges of the bottom face and meet to define an apex of the shelter frame extending between the front and the back. A covering is coupled to the shelter frame wherein the covering and the shelter frame inhibit wind from passing through the shelter frame to define a sheltered interior space. The shelter frame is movable using conventional farm equipment.

Agricultural barns, warehouses, and methods for construction including a floor, walls that include foam wall panels, a wainscot of impact resistant panels at a lower portion of the wall, and a ceiling formed from foam roof panels integrated into the roof truss assembly. Once the floor, walls, and ceiling are assembled, walls and ceiling can be coated over with an abrasion resistant, impact resistant polymeric coating (e.g., akin to a truck-bed liner), tying these structures together in a seamless shell that provides sufficient elasticity to accommodate typical expansion/contraction due to daily and seasonal heating/cooling, humidity changes, etc. The sealed interior envelope allows the interior surfaces to easily be pressure washed daily, or whenever else needed. Such construction is particularly well suited to an agricultural barn or warehouse, where cattle or forklifts may run into the lower portion of the walls, and pressure washing may be a daily need.

Modular plant cultivation and storage systems are disclosed herein. Such systems may enable individuals to grow, or obtain managed growth of, various plants, such as flowers, trees, fruits and vegetables, herbs, fungi, medicinal plants (e.g., marijuana, where legally permitted), etc. The modular plant cultivation and storage system may be a professionally equipped and staffed cultivation center where individuals can bring seeds and/or seedlings to grow and be serviced, monitored, and stored for a fee. Such modular plant cultivation and storage systems provide a safe, effective method to produce a high quality, high quantity plant products with additional services that can test and produce other products from the initial crop.

Modular plant cultivation and storage systems are disclosed herein. Such systems may enable individuals to grow, or obtain managed growth of, various plants, such as flowers, trees, fruits and vegetables, herbs, fungi, medicinal plants (e.g., marijuana, where legally permitted), etc. The modular plant cultivation and storage system may be a professionally equipped and staffed cultivation center where individuals can bring seeds and/or seedlings to grow and be serviced, monitored, and stored for a fee. Such modular plant cultivation and storage systems provide a safe, effective method to produce a high quality, high quantity plant products with additional services that can test and produce other products from the initial crop.