Described is a method and apparatus for constructing light-weight, modular structures using special openC beams as a top and a bottom frame. Each openC beam comprises a vertical web member, a horizontal top flange extending perpendicularly in a first direction from the vertical web member, a horizontal bottom flange extending perpendicularly in the first direction and substantially parallel with the horizontal top flange and a upper vertical tab extending substantially perpendicularly from a distal edge of the horizontal top flange away from the horizontal bottom flange. Vertical posts are installed in one or more cutouts in the horizontal top flange of each openC beam and a planar surface of each of the vertical posts rests against the horizontal top flange for added support.

The present invention provides a construction set suitable for creating a variety of structures and includes a plurality of elements. A modular construction system includes hubs which are embodied as solid-surfaced hexahedrons having at least one flanged protrusion on at least two faces of each hexahedron. Adjacent structural bodies in the modular construction system may be connected to as few as one face of a hub, or to as many as all six faces, by means of attachable connector elements. The hexahedron at the core of the hub may be of the same or larger dimensions relative to the cross-section of the framing materials (e.g., lumber, tubing, composites, metals, extruded members) it connects.

A de-constructible enclosure has a structural frame with a post, a first panel with a first end, and a second panel with a second end. The post has a substantially H-shaped cross-section including a first recess on a first side of the post and a second recess on a second side of the post. The first recess of the post receives the first end of the first panel. The second recess of the post receives the second end of the second panel. The post, the first panel, and the second panel together define a wall of the enclosure. A method for manufacturing the de-constructible enclosure further includes caulking joints of the connected post and panels and applying an elastomeric coating to the joints to seal the wall of the enclosure.

A de-constructible enclosure has a structural frame with a post, a first panel with a first end, and a second panel with a second end. The post has a substantially H-shaped cross-section including a first recess on a first side of the post and a second recess on a second side of the post. The first recess of the post receives the first end of the first panel. The second recess of the post receives the second end of the second panel. The post, the first panel, and the second panel together define a wall of the enclosure. A method for manufacturing the de-constructible enclosure further includes caulking joints of the connected post and panels and applying an elastomeric coating to the joints to seal the wall of the enclosure.

Described is a method and apparatus for constructing light-weight, modular structures using special openC beams as a top and a bottom frame. Each openC beam comprises a vertical web member, a horizontal top flange extending perpendicularly in a first direction from the vertical web member, a horizontal bottom flange extending perpendicularly in the first direction and substantially parallel with the horizontal top flange and a upper vertical tab extending substantially perpendicularly from a distal edge of the horizontal top flange away from the horizontal bottom flange. Vertical posts are installed in one or more cutouts in the horizontal top flange of each openC beam and a planar surface of each of the vertical posts rests against the horizontal top flange for added support.

Described is a method and apparatus for constructing light-weight, modular structures using special openC beams as a top and a bottom frame. Each openC beam comprises a vertical web member, a horizontal top flange extending perpendicularly in a first direction from the vertical web member, a horizontal bottom flange extending perpendicularly in the first direction and substantially parallel with the horizontal top flange and a upper vertical tab extending substantially perpendicularly from a distal edge of the horizontal top flange away from the horizontal bottom flange. Vertical posts are installed in one or more cutouts in the horizontal top flange of each openC beam and a planar surface of each of the vertical posts rests against the horizontal top flange for added support.

A construction stud and track system having a track that includes a central longitudinally extending track portion having a first longitudinal track edge and a second longitudinal track edge opposing the first track edge; a first planar track panel extending substantially perpendicularly from the first track edge; a second planar track panel extending substantially perpendicularly from the second track edge and substantially parallel to the first planar track panel; a first engagement formation located on a planar track panel; a stud including a central longitudinally extending stud portion having a first stud edge and a second stud edge opposing the first stud edge; a first planar stud panel extending from the first stud edge; a second planar stud panel extending from the second stud edge; and a second engagement formation located on a planar stud panel, wherein the first engagement formation is configured to engage a second engagement formation.

A construction stud and track system having a track that includes a central longitudinally extending track portion having a first longitudinal track edge and a second longitudinal track edge opposing the first track edge; a first planar track panel extending substantially perpendicularly from the first track edge; a second planar track panel extending substantially perpendicularly from the second track edge and substantially parallel to the first planar track panel; a first engagement formation located on a planar track panel; a stud including a central longitudinally extending stud portion having a first stud edge and a second stud edge opposing the first stud edge; a first planar stud panel extending from the first stud edge; a second planar stud panel extending from the second stud edge; and a second engagement formation located on a planar stud panel, wherein the first engagement formation is configured to engage a second engagement formation.

A building includes a foundation; a stud wall disposed above the foundation; the stud wall including a bottom plate, first and second studs extending from the bottom plate, and a top plate operably attached to the first and second studs; third and fourth studs operably attached to the respective first and second studs, the third and fourth studs including respective bottom ends; a first cross member disposed on the bottom plate, the bottom ends of the third and fourth studs bearing on the first cross member, the first cross member is made of metal; a second stud wall disposed above the first stud wall; and a tie rod having one end operably connected to the foundation, the tie rod extending through the first cross member and operably attached to the second stud wall.

The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.