Foam wall structures and methods for making them are described. The wall structures include a frame, a sheet metal sheathing overlying a front surface of the frame, a foam panel overlying the sheet metal sheathing, and a foam layer disposed in a cavity defined by the frame and the sheet metal sheathing. Buildings that include such wall structures are also described.

Systems and methods for automated extrusion of main elements for building construction are disclosed wherein sub-components of sub-elements are extruded by automated means, and sub-elements are assembled by automated means, and the sub-elements are incorporated into main elements by automated means.

Systems and methods for automated extrusion of main elements for building construction are disclosed wherein sub-components of sub-elements are extruded by automated means, and sub-elements are assembled by automated means, and the sub-elements are incorporated into main elements by automated means.

A log wall panel is placed into a drying kiln in an upright orientation, with the log wall panel extending along an upright direction when in the upright orientation. The log wall panel is compressed by at least applying a downward force to the log wall panel along the upright direction while the log wall panel is in the drying kiln. The log wall panel is dried while the log wall panel is being compressed by the downward force.

Light weight fiber-reinforced polymeric structural building panels and methods; sized, configured for fabrication of non-portable wall structures permanently fixed to natural base. The panel main body, and studs, can be fabricated separately, then assembled to each other to complete panel fabrication. Methods for making the main body are hand lay-up, or pultrusion. Studs are typically pultruded, and subsequently prepared having consistent thickness, flat surface, across the width of the stud end wall which is to be mounted to the main body. Foam blocks are between inner and outer layers of the panel. Foam blocks can be prepared in block clusters before assembly to the main body. In the main body, a fibrous layer is between each pair of next adjacent foam blocks. Intercostals extend “y” and “z” dimensions transverse to the length of the main body. Studs can be mounted to the main body using adhesive, mechanical fasteners, or both.

Light weight fiber-reinforced polymeric structural building panels and methods; sized, configured for fabrication of non-portable wall structures permanently fixed to natural base. The panel main body, and studs, can be fabricated separately, then assembled to each other to complete panel fabrication. Methods for making the main body are hand lay-up, or pultrusion. Studs are typically pultruded, and subsequently prepared having consistent thickness, flat surface, across the width of the stud end wall which is to be mounted to the main body. Foam blocks are between inner and outer layers of the panel. Foam blocks can be prepared in block clusters before assembly to the main body. In the main body, a fibrous layer is between each pair of next adjacent foam blocks. Intercostals extend “y” and “z” dimensions transverse to the length of the main body. Studs can be mounted to the main body using adhesive, mechanical fasteners, or both.

An artificial insulated log that has outer and inner wood members that are glued to an inner core of rigid insulation. In addition to the glue, structural connectors are fitted on the top of the logs at specified intervals to provide additional structure support, Each of the wood pieces has a tongue and groove formed to receive other logs. In addition, the insulated core is also fitted with a tongue and groove for alignment. The outer, or exterior, wood member is curved to look like a natural log, The inner wood members are cut flat to for a flat interior wall. Formed corner logs can be used with regular logs to make a finished looking assembly for the building. The corners can be alternated or stacked, as desired.

A hold down system for a building wall comprises a first rigid member and a second rigid member, the second rigid member being vertically spaced apart from the first rigid member, the first rigid member is supported on a horizontal member of a stud wall, the first and second rigid members including first and second openings, respectively; a tie-rod with a lower end portion for being anchored to an anchorage, the tie-rod extending transversely through the first and second openings, the tie-rod dividing the first and second rigid members into a first lateral section on one side of the tie-rod and a second lateral section on a diametrically opposite side of the tie-rod; first support and second support disposed between the first and second rigid members, the first support being disposed in the first lateral section, the second support being disposed in the second lateral section, the tie-rod extending through the first and second rigid members outside of the first support or the second support; and a nut threaded to the tie-rod, the nut exerting pressure on the second rigid member to place the tie rod under tension loading, the tension loading is transferred by the second rigid member to the first and second supports to subject the first and second supports to compression loading, thereby causing the first rigid member to press on the horizontal member of the stud wall via the first and second lateral sections of the first rigid member, thus distributing the compression loading.

A hold down system for a building wall comprises a first rigid member and a second rigid member, the second rigid member being vertically spaced apart from the first rigid member, the first rigid member is supported on a horizontal member of a stud wall, the first and second rigid members including first and second openings, respectively; a tie-rod with a lower end portion for being anchored to an anchorage, the tie-rod extending transversely through the first and second openings, the tie-rod dividing the first and second rigid members into a first lateral section on one side of the tie-rod and a second lateral section on a diametrically opposite side of the tie-rod; first support and second support disposed between the first and second rigid members, the first support being disposed in the first lateral section, the second support being disposed in the second lateral section, the tie-rod extending through the first and second rigid members outside of the first support or the second support; and a nut threaded to the tie-rod, the nut exerting pressure on the second rigid member to place the tie rod under tension loading, the tension loading is transferred by the second rigid member to the first and second supports to subject the first and second supports to compression loading, thereby causing the first rigid member to press on the horizontal member of the stud wall via the first and second lateral sections of the first rigid member, thus distributing the compression loading.

Building stud (10) for forming a framework for mounting wall panels, comprising a first (12) and a second (14) flange portion and a web portion (16) interconnecting the flange portions. The flange portions comprise a planar, elongated wood fibre member (18, 20), and the web portion comprises a polymer based and/or cellulose fibre based sheet member (22) including a first (24) and a second (26) rectilinear line of weakness, which lines of weakness are parallel and along which the sheet member is foldable to enable folding the building stud from a retracted storage position to an expanded mounting position.