A method of manufacturing a pre-stressed beam or panel and the resulting beam or panel are described. The method includes providing a timber-based component (1); providing a pre-stressing member (9) arranged along the timber-based component; applying a tensile force to the pre-stressing member (9); providing concrete anchors (11a, 11b) at locations that are spaced apart along the timber-based component (1); coupling the pre-stressing member (9) to the concrete anchors (11a, 11b); and releasing the tensile force on the pre-stressing member (9) to transfer a compressive force to the timber-based component (1) through the concrete anchors (11a, 11b) to form a pre-stressed beam or panel.

A system passively cools, regulates humidity and/or rectifies diffusive transport of water vapor in an interior area within a structure. The system includes a membrane assembly covering a portion of the structure, wherein the membrane has an interior side facing the interior area and an exterior side. The membrane assembly defines a plurality of pores. When cooling, a supply of fluid is provided to the membrane assembly so that capillary action of the pores redistributes the fluid to create evaporation and, in turn, the desired heat flow. The membrane assembly can include an architectural membrane coated with a porous matrix coating to form the pores. A pump can provide the fluid to the interior side of the membrane assembly. Preferably, the architectural membrane is woven PTFE-coated fiberglass and the porous matrix coating is titanium dioxide, zeolites and/or silica gel.

A system passively cools, regulates humidity and/or rectifies diffusive transport of water vapor in an interior area within a structure. The system includes a membrane assembly covering a portion of the structure, wherein the membrane has an interior side facing the interior area and an exterior side. The membrane assembly defines a plurality of pores. When cooling, a supply of fluid is provided to the membrane assembly so that capillary action of the pores redistributes the fluid to create evaporation and, in turn, the desired heat flow. The membrane assembly can include an architectural membrane coated with a porous matrix coating to form the pores. A pump can provide the fluid to the interior side of the membrane assembly. Preferably, the architectural membrane is woven PTFE-coated fiberglass and the porous matrix coating is titanium dioxide, zeolites and/or silica gel.

Fire-retardant panels that include: a frame with multiple holes that reduce heat conduction through the panel; or a frame that includes two portions separated by a layer of fire-resistant material (e.g., gypsum, calcium silicate, or gypsum board). Some embodiments include skins (e.g., sheet metal) or insulation (e.g., between skin and fire-resistant material, for instance, within the frame). In particular embodiments, the fire-resistant material is (e.g., midway) between: two skins, two layers of insulation, two portions of the frame, or a combination thereof. The portions of the frame can be: sheet metal, attached (e.g., screwed) to the skin(s) or to each other, or extend around the perimeter. The frame can include: various elongated members, (e.g., parallel) bends, or holes that are: in at least one row, elongated, or slots (e.g., parallel to each other or to the skin).

Fire-retardant panels that include: a frame with multiple holes that reduce heat conduction through the panel; or a frame that includes two portions separated by a layer of fire-resistant material (e.g., gypsum, calcium silicate, or gypsum board). Some embodiments include skins (e.g., sheet metal) or insulation (e.g., between skin and fire-resistant material, for instance, within the frame). In particular embodiments, the fire-resistant material is (e.g., midway) between: two skins, two layers of insulation, two portions of the frame, or a combination thereof. The portions of the frame can be: sheet metal, attached (e.g., screwed) to the skin(s) or to each other, or extend around the perimeter. The frame can include: various elongated members, (e.g., parallel) bends, or holes that are: in at least one row, elongated, or slots (e.g., parallel to each other or to the skin).

The invention relates to a prefabricated panel for light-weight one-way joist slabs of the compound section type, comprising an upper contributing layer, a lower contributing layer having a series of upper peaks and troughs and shear transfer bolts which secure the upper contributing sheet to the upper peaks of the lower contributing sheet, and shear bolts or pins which secure the lower contributing layers to the slab framework beam. The functioning of the upper and lower contributing layers as a compound section permits the production of a highly efficient system for supporting the requirements of bending and shear forces, having a low unitary weight in comparison to the existing systems, which involves lower loads in terms of its own weight and a reduction in the inertia effects during seismic events, while constituting a less bulky structural solution, having fewer ground requirements and being much more economical, thereby reducing the time and input, labour and equipment required for the production and assembly thereof.

The invention relates to a prefabricated panel for light-weight one-way joist slabs of the compound section type, comprising an upper contributing layer, a lower contributing layer having a series of upper peaks and troughs and shear transfer bolts which secure the upper contributing sheet to the upper peaks of the lower contributing sheet, and shear bolts or pins which secure the lower contributing layers to the slab framework beam. The functioning of the upper and lower contributing layers as a compound section permits the production of a highly efficient system for supporting the requirements of bending and shear forces, having a low unitary weight in comparison to the existing systems, which involves lower loads in terms of its own weight and a reduction in the inertia effects during seismic events, while constituting a less bulky structural solution, having fewer ground requirements and being much more economical, thereby reducing the time and input, labour and equipment required for the production and assembly thereof.

A ceiling panel having a connection portion at one of end portions on both sides in a first direction of a panel body in a shape of a rectangular flat plate, the connection portion connecting with a connected portion of an adjacent ceiling panel. The connection portion is fixed to the end portion by a fastener, the fastener being fastened to an insertion part inserted into a layer of the panel body from a cut portion opening on a back face of the end portion so as to penetrate a securing part provided along the back face of the end portion.

A ceiling panel having a connection portion at one of end portions on both sides in a first direction of a panel body in a shape of a rectangular flat plate, the connection portion connecting with a connected portion of an adjacent ceiling panel. The connection portion is fixed to the end portion by a fastener, the fastener being fastened to an insertion part inserted into a layer of the panel body from a cut portion opening on a back face of the end portion so as to penetrate a securing part provided along the back face of the end portion.

A new and improved building panel for modular construction. The building panel utilises less framework for reduced complexity, materials and weight. The panel utilises features of the formwork to allow the panel to be moved easily. The panel further utilises new formwork moulds that are easier to use and create effective patterns for keying with like panels.