A construction system for connecting bamboo segments or poles together, where the segments or poles have non-uniform diameters. The system includes elbow connectors, sleeve connectors, T-shaped connectors and six cavity connectors. Also, part of the connectors include connector segments including an opening defined by a plurality of opposingly located arms separated by one or more channels, and at least one hoop-compression clamp adapted to be positioned around the arms. The arms and hoop-compression clamp cooperate to compress the arms against the bamboo segment to sec1n-e bamboo segment within the connector opening.

A connector is provided for connecting between a first and second structural members. The connector includes a load applying member which bears in use in a first direction against a crushable portion of the first structural member. A retainer retains the load applying member at an initial distance from the second structural member. A non-return mechanism can act in successive cycles of forced movement of the first structural member. When the first structural member is forcibly moved in a direction opposite the first direction the load applying member progressively crushes the crushable portion of the first structural member. When the first structural member is then moved in the first direction the retained location of the load applying member is moved in the first direction relative to the second structural member. In this way some or all of the play formed in the connection by crushing of the first structural member due to forced displacement in one direction, is taken up by the retainer during forced displacement of in the other direction. This enhances the energy absorbency of the connection during a large cyclical loading event such as an earthquake.

An anchor bolt fastener assembly with specialized connection capabilities and features for attaching building components to concrete slabs, walls, ceilings, and/or structural surfaces. Compression force can be established and maintained over time using a compression washer in combination with a specialized fastener stud that is designed to exploit the compression washer benefits. Methods of using exemplary embodiments include installing the anchor bolt fastener assembly relatively flush with the surface of the concrete slurry by direct insertion in the slurry using a specialized threaded anchor bolt float. Once the slurry hardens, the anchor bolt and anchor bolt float embedded in the concrete slurry cooperate with the specialized fastener stud to secure the building component to the concrete.

A post installation bracket for installing posts on a base such as a concrete slab is provided. The post installation bracket includes a leveling plate with at least one leveling element and an anchoring bolt securing assembly configured to securely receive a first end of an anchoring bolt, a second end of the anchoring bolt distal to the first end securely anchored into the base. The post installation bracket further includes at least one leveling bolt securely fastened to each of the at least one leveling elements, the at least one leveling bolt used to position the leveling plate and post with respect to the base.

A reinforced building wall comprises a foundation; an anchor rod extending from the foundation; a first stud wall disposed above the foundation, the first stud wall including a first bottom plate and a first top place; a second stud wall disposed above the first stud wall, the second stud wall including a second bottom plate and a second top plate; the first tie rod including first and second threaded end portions, the first end portion is operably connected to the anchor rod; a second tie rod including third and fourth threaded end portions, the third end portion is operably connected to the second end portion of the first tie rod; the second tie rod including an outer end portion operably attached to the second stud wall; an intermediate portion of the first tie rod is unthreaded and comprises at least about 75% of the length of the first tie rod; and an intermediate portion of the second tie rod is unthreaded and comprises at least about 75% of the length of the second tie rod.

A post installation bracket for installing posts on a base such as a concrete slab is provided. The post installation bracket includes a leveling plate with at least one leveling element and an anchoring bolt securing assembly configured to securely receive a first end of an anchoring bolt, a second end of the anchoring bolt distal to the first end securely anchored into the base. The post installation bracket further includes at least one leveling bolt securely fastened to each of the at least one leveling elements, the at least one leveling bolt used to position the leveling plate and post with respect to the base.

System for fixing to the ground walls of a building includes a plurality of supporting elements interposed between a concrete foundation of the building and the walls, connecting elements for connecting at least two supporting elements that are aligned on one another, adjusting elements for adjusting a distance of the supporting elements from the foundation and for correcting a possible tilt of the supporting elements with respect to a horizontal reference plane, anchoring elements for anchoring the supporting elements to the foundation, the supporting elements being made of plastics.

A system and method for preventing cracks in structural concrete associated with a building structure, the building structure having one or more wooden support columns. Each wooden support column has a base supported by a ground surface and is provided with a crack prevention member having a first, upper or top surface and a second, lower or bottom surface; an outer side wall; and an inner side wall defining a cut-out portion; the base of the wooden support beam is positioned within the cut-out portion. A concrete floor is poured on the ground surface no higher than the level of the first, upper surface of the crack prevention member, and no floor concrete or other structural concrete contacts the wooden support column. The crack prevention member may comprise various materials including rubber, plastic, resin, or other polymeric material and combinations thereof.

A reinforced building wall includes a foundation and an anchor rod anchored to the foundation; a first stud wall disposed above the foundation; the first stud wall having a first bottom plate, a first top plate and first and second vertical studs operably joined to the first bottom plate and the first top plate; a horizontal first bridge member disposed between the first stud and the second stud, the first bridge member having a first vertical opening; a rod post having one end operably connected to the anchor rod and operably connected to the first bridge member to transfer downward forces from the first bridge member and the second bridge member to the rod post; the anchor rod is attached to an anchor; and the anchor is disposed in an upper portion of the foundation.

A reinforced stud-framed wall, including a bottom plate; first and second vertical studs; a member supported on the bottom plate, the member having a compression strength greater than a compression strength of the bottom plate; the first vertical stud having a bottom end supported on the member with a first contact area, whereby a load on the first contact area is spread over a first area on the bottom plate larger than the first contact area; and the second vertical stud having a bottom end supported on the member with a second contact area, whereby a load on the second contact area is spread over a second area on the bottom plate larger than the second contact area.