A method of forming a lift shaft or similar in a multi-storey building is disclosed. The method includes the casting the shaft in segments (typically in the order of 800 mm deep) and then assembling the segments atop each other to form the shaft. The segments have vertical passages which align to form channels in which rebar can be inserted to tie the structure together.

The present anti-ballistic shelter is a reinforced unit configured to comply with both ISO standards for size and weight, and with the U.S. Department of State Certification Standard for Forced Entry and Ballistic Resistance of Structural Systems. Each end and side wall of the unit is reinforced with wall studs that penetrate the unit's structural framework. Even though these wail studs are welded into place, penetration of the wall studs into the framework ensures acceptable blast, ballistic, and forced entry resistance even if the welds are flawed.

The present anti-ballistic shelter is a reinforced unit configured to comply with both ISO standards for size and weight, and with the U.S. Department of State Certification Standard for Forced Entry and Ballistic Resistance of Structural Systems. Each end and side wall of the unit is reinforced with wall studs that penetrate the unit's structural framework. Even though these wail studs are welded into place, penetration of the wall studs into the framework ensures acceptable blast, ballistic, and forced entry resistance even if the welds are flawed.

The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.

The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.

A system and method for building a solid wall with a drop-in ceiling includes a floor track to be secured on a base floor. A support structure of studs is to be secured to the floor track. Cornice rails are to be placed on top of the studs. Splice plates are to connect ends of the cornice rails together. A top cladding is to be installed to at least a portion of the studs at a fixed distance below the top of the studs. The top cladding is to be installed prior to the cornice rails being secured to the top of the studs. Ceiling mounts are to be installed on top of the cladding in a manner that provides equal spacing reveals between the ceiling mounts and the cladding. Splice plates are to connect ends of the ceiling mounts together. A secondary cladding is to be installed to the studs. To complete the wall system, a drop-in ceiling is secured on top of the ceiling mounts.

A system and method for building a solid wall with a drop-in ceiling includes a floor track to be secured on a base floor. A support structure of studs is to be secured to the floor track. Cornice rails are to be placed on top of the studs. Splice plates are to connect ends of the cornice rails together. A top cladding is to be installed to at least a portion of the studs at a fixed distance below the top of the studs. The top cladding is to be installed prior to the cornice rails being secured to the top of the studs. Ceiling mounts are to be installed on top of the cladding in a manner that provides equal spacing reveals between the ceiling mounts and the cladding. Splice plates are to connect ends of the ceiling mounts together. A secondary cladding is to be installed to the studs. To complete the wall system, a drop-in ceiling is secured on top of the ceiling mounts.

A tie bar for fixing opposing steel meshes in a shear wall is provided. The shear wall includes a first steel mesh and a second steel mesh. The first steel mesh and the second steel mesh are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The tie bar includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and two connections. The first end portion is configured to surround and be fixed to two adjacent vertical bars of the first steel mesh. The second end portion includes two free ends, and these two free ends are configured to respectively be fixed to two adjacent vertical bars of the second steel mesh. The two connections connect the first end portion and the second end portion respectively.

A tie bar for fixing opposing steel meshes in a shear wall is provided. The shear wall includes a first steel mesh and a second steel mesh. The first steel mesh and the second steel mesh are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The tie bar includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and two connections. The first end portion is configured to surround and be fixed to two adjacent vertical bars of the first steel mesh. The second end portion includes two free ends, and these two free ends are configured to respectively be fixed to two adjacent vertical bars of the second steel mesh. The two connections connect the first end portion and the second end portion respectively.

A firewall includes wallboard arranged in three or more layers. The wallboard may include gypsum, fiber glass, and/or vermiculite. The firewall may be reinforced with fasteners, such as laminating screws, affixing the layers of wallboard to one another. The firewall may be incorporated into an area separation wall such that the area separation wall satisfies the standards of ASTM E119 or UL 263.