Systems and methods for providing modular building unit or “pods” are provided. In various embodiments, site-specific conditions and risk factors are evaluated and identified. The conditions and risk factors are used to inform decisions and design requirements for one or more pods and to modify or reinforce a pod prior to installation if needed. Methods and systems of securing the pods are also provided.

A lower connector includes a lower connector hollow body, a pair of lower connector bosses coupled to the lower connector hollow body, and a pair of lower connector arms coupled to the lower connector bosses. A connector assembly includes an upper connector coupled to a lower connector and a gusset plate sandwiched between the upper and lower connectors.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a solar panel truss mounting system comprising a base and a truss assembly coupled to the base. The truss assembly comprises a first panel rail mount, second panel rail mount parallel to the first panel rail mount, base rail mount parallel to the first and second panel rail mounts, and a plurality of support members. A first portion of the plurality of support members extends between the first and second panel rail mounts. A second portion of the plurality of support members extends between the first panel rail mount and the base rail mount. A third portion of the plurality of support members extends between the second panel rail mount and the base rail mount. The system can further comprise a plurality of connectors for coupling a plurality of photovoltaic solar panels to the truss assembly.

A modular support frame comprises trusses, purlins transverse to the trusses, and vertical posts supporting the various trusses. A supply of wedges permits flange-type connectors to be joined to complementary connectors throughout the foundation. The trusses are arranged end-to-end in parallel rows, each row comprising at least one pair of trusses or more depending on the desired size of the foundation. Vertical posts are positioned between the ends of each of the trusses within a row and at opposing ends of the row, and each post comprises a pair of flange-type connectors at predetermined heights. Each of the trusses is terminated at either end with a pair of complementary connectors such that adjacent in-line trusses can be mounted to the post between them and the outer pair of trusses can be mounted to the posts terminated the row. Purlins extend perpendicularly between the trusses in adjacent rows to reinforce the frame. To that end, the trusses comprise flange-type connectors and the purlins are terminated at either end with complementary connectors.

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 modular anti-ballistic shelter system includes two end units and, optionally, additional middle units for a wider structure. End and middle units may also stack atop each other for multi-story structures. Each unit is 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 exterior wall of each end unit and each middle unit is reinforced with wall studs that penetrate the unit's structural framework of beams and frames. Even though these wall studs are welded into place, penetration of the wall studs into the beams and frames ensures acceptable blast, ballistic, and forced entry resistance even if the welds are flawed.

A modular structural element (20) which is arranged to be connected to another such element so as to form an assembled structure, wherein the modular structural element is of substantially square outline or of substantially hexagonal or half-hexagonal outline, and the element comprises a principal height dimension and a principle lateral dimension, wherein, a ratio of the two said principal dimensions is no more than 6.

A modular structural element (20) which is arranged to be connected to another such element so as to form an assembled structure, wherein the modular structural element is of substantially square outline or of substantially hexagonal or half-hexagonal outline, and the element comprises a principal height dimension and a principle lateral dimension, wherein, a ratio of the two said principal dimensions is no more than 6.

The present invention is in the field of modular structures, assembled by way of fastening or attached means, whose purpose is to be used as base support structures for various applications, particularly connecting systems involving plastic or aluminum containers, recipients, bottles or vessels. Particularly, the invention comprises an omnidirectional construction system that includes connectors and terminals to be attached to containers with threaded openings or flat openings and container bases, to which various types of connectors may be attached to.

The present invention is in the field of modular structures, assembled by way of fastening or attached means, whose purpose is to be used as base support structures for various applications, particularly connecting systems involving plastic or aluminum containers, recipients, bottles or vessels. Particularly, the invention comprises an omnidirectional construction system that includes connectors and terminals to be attached to containers with threaded openings or flat openings and container bases, to which various types of connectors may be attached to.