A curved brace is described herein. In some embodiments, the curved brace includes a base plate that has a proximal segment with one or more fastener apertures that is configured to confront a vertical post, a distal segment located distal to the proximal segment that includes one or more fastener apertures that is configured to confront a lateral beam and a curved middle segment located between the proximal and distal segments. A support plate with a curved base as well as a curved free edge may be attached to the base plate. The curved middle segment of the base plate may have an apex facing the apex angle formed at the connection of the lateral beam to the support beam. Methods of using and manufacturing the curved brace are also described.

The present invention is an I beam including a web, a top flange and a bottom flange. The flanges are parallel with the web extending therebetween so as to form spaces, at both sides of the web. Notches are formed in the top and bottom flanges of a joist of a height for fitment into the space of beam. A plate with at least four holes equi-spaced top and bottom is welded to each end of the stock length supplied beam, perpendicular to the web. The invention includes the method for providing a beam to beam connection, wherein the top and bottom flanges of beams are notched such that a first end is disposed between the top and bottom flanges of the first beam, and wherein the second beam web includes a connection plate to attach to the first beam web via fasteners.

The present invention is an I beam including a web, a top flange and a bottom flange. The flanges are parallel with the web extending therebetween so as to form spaces, at both sides of the web. Notches are formed in the top and bottom flanges of a joist of a height for fitment into the space of beam. A plate with at least four holes equi-spaced top and bottom is welded to each end of the stock length supplied beam, perpendicular to the web. The invention includes the method for providing a beam to beam connection, wherein the top and bottom flanges of beams are notched such that a first end is disposed between the top and bottom flanges of the first beam, and wherein the second beam web includes a connection plate to attach to the first beam web via fasteners.

A laminated structural arch system for supporting a horizontal planar structure, comprising at least one laminated arch. Each laminated arch is comprised of a plurality of arch plates rigidly fastened together in parallel, and forming a laminated configuration. Each arch plate is separated from the arch plate adjacent to it by a separation gap. The laminated structural arch system may contain two or more laminated arches positioned in parallel and secured to an anchoring structure, allowing one or more panels which comprise the horizontal planar structure to be positioned across and supported by the laminated arches. The laminated structural arch system may be provided as a kit of disassembled arch plates, allowing the system to be easily transported, handled, and assembled.

An architectural structure for constructing a variety of goods in a variety of configurations is provided. The architectural structure includes a plurality of paired slat-like members and a spine configured to hold the plurality of paired slat-like members in an expanded state. Each paired slat-like members includes joined upper ends, joined lower ends and an expandable central region joined to an adjacent paired slat-like members.

An architectural structure for constructing a variety of goods in a variety of configurations is provided. The architectural structure includes a plurality of paired slat-like members and a spine configured to hold the plurality of paired slat-like members in an expanded state. Each paired slat-like members includes joined upper ends, joined lower ends and an expandable central region joined to an adjacent paired slat-like members.

A method of and system for producing Class-A fire-protected truss structures constructed from: a plurality of lumber pieces dip-coated with clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid to form a plurality of Class-A fire-protected lumber pieces; and a set of heat-resistant chemical-coated metal truss connector plates for connecting together the plurality of Class-A fire-protected lumber pieces to form a Class-A fire-protected truss structure. The improved Class-A fire-protected truss structures can be used in constructing safer roofing and/or flooring systems in wood-framed buildings, having improved fire performance characteristics.

An automated lumber fabrication factory supporting an automated process for continuously fabricating cross-laminated timber (CLT) products that are automatically dip-coated in a reservoir of clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid, so as to produce Class-A fire-protected CLT products in a highly automated matter.

In a lumber factory, an automated laminated veneer lumber (LVL) process supported by a lumber production line employing a cross-cutting and rip-sawing stage, a dip-coating stage, a spray-coating stage, a print-marking stage, and a stacking, packaging and wrapping stage. At the dip-coating stage, cross-cut and rip-sawed LVL product is automatically transported and submerged through a dipping reservoir containing clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid, and then wet-stacked and set aside to dry. Once dried, the dip-coated LVL products are returned to the production line and sprayed coated with a moisture, fire and UV protective coating at the spray-coating stage, and then passed through a drying tunnel for quick drying of the spray-coating to produce Class-A fire-protected LVL products. The Class-A fire-protected LVL products are stacked, packaged and wrapped at the stacking, packaging and wrapping stage into a package of Class-A fire-protected LVL products, ready for shipping.

A method of producing packaged bundles of Class-A fire-protected lumber for use in wood-framed building construction. The method involved maintaining a dipping tank in a lumber factory, containing a water-based clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFPC) liquid at a depth sufficient to cover pieces of raw lumber while being treated during dip-coating operations. Untreated lumber pieces are submerged into the dipping tank, piece by piece, in an automated manner to coat all surfaces of the lumber pieces in CFIC liquid, and then removed from the dipping tank to produce pieces of Class-A fire-protected lumber having a CFIC liquid coating. The Class-A fire-protected lumber pieces are automatically wet stacked, packaged and wrapped into a packaged bundle, and allowed to dry.