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.

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.

A method of making a virgin joint between at least two separate structural hollow sections in a truss or jacket structure made of the at least two structural hollow sections may include the steps of applying a fiber reinforced polymer wrap around the at least two structural hollow sections in a transitional area, covering and thus bonding together the at least two structural hollow sections, and forming the virgin joint between the at least two structural hollow sections and the fiber reinforced polymer wrap. Welding of the virgin joint between the at least two structural hollow sections is avoided.

A connector assembly, having an upper connector, a pin coupling the upper connector to a lower connector and a gusset plate sandwiched between the upper and lower connectors. Also, disclosed is a hoistable connector assembly, a lifting frame assembly, a coupling system for modular frame units, a method for assembling a module unit using the connector assembly, and a modular frame unit and building having the connector assembly.

The invention relates to a connection element for a post-and-beam or rod construction of a facade system, wherein the connection element has a connection part which is manufactured by means of an additive manufacturing process for metals and which is formed by a plurality of different three-dimensionally curved regions.

A rafter bracket configured to connect a vertical post to a rafter and beam(s) is described herein. The rafter bracket may include lower vertical side plates, a horizontal plate, and upper vertical side plates. The horizontal plate may be perpendicular to the upper and lower vertical side plates and may separate the upper vertical side plates from the lower vertical side plates. The horizontal plate and lower vertical side plates may create a lower cavity that receives the vertical post. Meanwhile, the rafter may be positioned on one of the upper vertical side plates and positioned between two of the upper vertical side plates and may be angled at an acute angle relative to the vertical post as well as the upper and lower vertical side plates. One or more of the lower vertical side plates may receive lateral plates that define a lateral cavity receiving the beam.

A connector assembly, which in one embodiment has an upper connector and in another embodiment has a lower connector. The assembly can have a gusset plate sandwiched between the upper and lower connectors. Also, disclosed is a hoistable connector assembly, a lifting frame assembly, a coupling system for modular frame units, a method for assembling a module unit using the connector assembly, and a modular frame unit and building having the connector assembly. Also, a system for coupling adjacent modular frame units for forming a modular building and a method for coupling modular frame units for forming a modular building are provided.

A building structure includes a core extending upright through and supporting the weight of one or more stories of the building structure, each story including one or more floor units, at least one story forming an outer peripheral portion, and an inner support portion through which the story is supported by the core via an interface along the perimeter of the core, wherein the horizontal cross-section of the core has a substantially circular external perimeter at the level of the interface, the interface and the inner support portion of the story, wherein at least one story is stiffened by a space frame extending from the inner support portion to the outer peripheral portion and making the story a self-supporting rigid body cantilevered off the core and structurally independent of all other stories, wherein the story transmits gravity-induced loads to the core via the interface only by means of vertical forces.

Structural truss panels include first, second, third, and fourth horizontal elongated members and first and second vertical elongated members fastened to the first, second, third, and fourth horizontal elongated members. The first and fourth horizontal elongated members form respectively a top and a bottom of the structural truss panel. The first and second vertical elongated members forming respective sides of the structural truss panel. The structural truss panel further includes and an angled webbing fastened between the first and second vertical elongated members and the first and second horizontal elongated members thereby creating an integrated web truss within the structural truss panel. The structural truss panel includes first, second, and third brace members forming a V-braced truss panel.