Disclosed are various construction techniques for erecting a multistory building with an elevator shaft. In accordance with the method, upper and lower shaft components are formed at an offsite facility. These shaft components are then joined together to form a segment of the larger elevator shaft. Once constructed, the segment is transported to a jobsite and erected. Once an individual segment is installed, a floor slab can be formed about the segment. Using pre-cast elevator segments simplifies and expedites the construction process. In one embodiment, each segment includes a serrated edge that facilitates a connection between the floor slab and the shaft segment. Rebar and reinforcing dowels can also be used to improve the connection. Associated shaft constructions are also disclosed.

A reinforcing bar joint includes: cylindrical bodies each including an inner surface including a female thread part; joint members each including one end portion including a joint male thread part; and a connecting member configured to connect a pair of the joint members which face each other, such that the pair of the joint members are allowed to move in the longitudinal direction and in an orthogonal direction to the longitudinal direction. Each of the cylindrical bodies includes one end portion configured to threadedly engage with a reinforcing bar male thread part at an end portion of one of reinforcing bars, and the other end portion configured to threadedly engage with the joint male thread part at the one end portion of a corresponding one of the joint members.

A reinforcing bar joint includes: cylindrical bodies each including an inner surface including a female thread part; joint members each including one end portion including a joint male thread part; and a connecting member configured to connect a pair of the joint members which face each other, such that the pair of the joint members are allowed to move in the longitudinal direction and in an orthogonal direction to the longitudinal direction. Each of the cylindrical bodies includes one end portion configured to threadedly engage with a reinforcing bar male thread part at an end portion of one of reinforcing bars, and the other end portion configured to threadedly engage with the joint male thread part at the one end portion of a corresponding one of the joint members.

An expansion joint system for supporting and distributing transfer loads and for splicing adjacent systems together. The system includes an elongated core and at least three longitudinal load-transfer members with hollow cylindrical profiles within the elongated core and terminating at each face of the elongated core. The system may include splicing members sized to transition fit into each of the longitudinal load-transfer members to provide an interlocking body to join adjacent expansion joint systems.

An expansion joint system for supporting and distributing transfer loads and for splicing adjacent systems together. The system includes an elongated core and at least three longitudinal load-transfer members with hollow cylindrical profiles within the elongated core and terminating at each face of the elongated core. The system may include splicing members sized to transition fit into each of the longitudinal load-transfer members to provide an interlocking body to join adjacent expansion joint systems.

An apparatus, system, and method is provided to connect precast concrete panels to a structural member. The connector can have a receiving member embedded in a precast concrete panel and can further have an attachment member that selectively interconnects to the receiving member. This attachment member can have a surface that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the precast concrete panel and that receives or supports a structural member such as a floor joist or a second precast concrete panel. The configuration of a protrusion of the attachment member allows for a rapid and secure interconnection with an aperture in the receiving member. A builder can use the connector system described herein to rapidly and securely assemble multiple precast concrete panels to structural members in the construction of, for example, a parking garage or other similar structure.

Various cement-containing compositions are disclosed, including insulating cement, forms, and prefabricated building materials produced from cement-containing compositions with insulating properties. Some of the preferred embodiments include expanded polystyrene and an acrylic component to provide enhanced insulating properties, or have a lower density, lighter weight, and increased insulating R-value in comparison with other cement-containing compositions.

Disclosed are various construction techniques for erecting a multistory building with an elevator shaft. In accordance with the method, upper and lower shaft components are formed at an offsite facility. These shaft components are then joined together to form a segment of the larger elevator shaft. Once constructed, the segment is transported to a jobsite and erected. Once an individual segment is installed, a floor slab can be formed about the segment. Using pre-cast elevator segments simplifies and expedites the construction process. In one embodiment, each segment includes a serrated edge that facilitates a connection between the floor slab and the shaft segment. Rebar and reinforcing dowels can also be used to improve the connection. Associated shaft constructions are also disclosed.

Disclosed are various construction techniques for erecting a multistory building with an elevator shaft. In accordance with the method, upper and lower shaft components are formed at an offsite facility. These shaft components are then joined together to form a segment of the larger elevator shaft. Once constructed, the segment is transported to a jobsite and erected. Once an individual segment is installed, a floor slab can be formed about the segment. Using pre-cast elevator segments simplifies and expedites the construction process. In one embodiment, each segment includes a serrated edge that facilitates a connection between the floor slab and the shaft segment. Rebar and reinforcing dowels can also be used to improve the connection. Associated shaft constructions are also disclosed.

Disclosed are various secure enclosures and associated composite construction methods. The described enclosures preferably utilize one or more prefabricated concrete walls that are mated to one or more metal panels. The panels include hollow ends that are secured to anchors formed within the prefabricated walls. This connection joins the concrete wall and the metal panel in a secure and tamper proof manner. The disclosed methods allow enclosures to be quickly constructed and easily configured depending upon the particular needs of the facility. The enclosures are cost effective, scalable, and easy to assemble.