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 hanger for attaching a structural beam to a building substructure has a first panel spaced from a second panel with a web extending therebetween. The web includes a bias member or compression member for biasing a beam upward. The web may include an opening through the bias member for receipt of a fastener driven from underneath the web into a beam received by the web, whereby driving of the fastener into the beam pulls the beam downward against the bias of the compression member. Additional versions exist with different leveraging surfaces to assist the fastener in pulling the beam downward. The hanger may also include one or more openings in the side panels, each opening associating with an opening in a rear panel to receive a fastener driven obliquely through a side panel opening into a beam and a building support member to attach the beam.

Technologies and implementations for a stabilizing support structure system, which may provide vertical and lateral support for a secondary structure over an existing structure. The secondary structure may be a secondary roof, which may be elevated over an existing roof. The secondary structure may be a porch, which may be elevated over an existing roof.

The present invention provides a fastener alignment guide comprising a generally planar body and an angled element arranged at an acute angle θ to the body, a first aperture arranged through the angled element and a second aperture arranged through the body, wherein the first aperture and the second apertures are aligned such that a fastener may be inserted progressively through the first and second apertures in use. The present invention also provides a slip-resisting fastener alignment guide comprising a body at least partially arranged in a first plane, the body comprising a first aperture for receiving, in use, at least a portion of a shank of a fastener; and a guidewall extending out of the first plane for guiding the fastener, in use, into the first aperture at an acute angle α to the first plane, wherein the guidewall comprises a first bearing edge or surface upon which an underside of a head of the fastener can bear in use, the body further comprises a second bearing edge or surface upon which the underside of the head of the fastener can bear in use, and the first bearing edge or surface and the second bearing edge or surface are each configured/arranged to resist movement, in use, of the fastener alignment guide relative to the fastener in a first direction parallel to the first plane.

The present invention also provides a method of forming the fastener alignment guide and slip-resisting fastener alignment guide.

A system and method for securing a roof truss to a load bearing wall is disclosed. A strap is attached to a roof truss at one end and extended to the top of a load-bearing wall. A buckle is placed over the strap to pinch the strap between the vertical and horizontal arms of the buckle. The end of the strap is wrapped back toward the vertical side of the roof truss and a flat plate is placed to pinch the free end of the strap between the buckle and the flat plate. Screws are placed through holes in the flat plate and corresponding holes in the buckle to attach the system to the top of the load-bearing wall. The system and method of the invention provides both horizontal (lateral) resistance and uplift resistance, thus resisting horizontal (lateral) forces while at the same time providing uplift resistance.

A structural hanger providing a means for connecting a horizontal or sloped mass timber panel to a wall with sheathing without impairing the fire resistance rating of the wall. One embodiment comprises a plurality of legs, including a first leg with a means for connecting the hanger to a mass timber panel, a second leg with a means for connecting the hanger to structural members within the wall, and a third leg connecting the first and second leg to each other and extending through the sheathing mounted to the wall.

A connection is provided where a connector can act as a holdown or tension tie and transfer tension, uplift, or lateral load between an anchored member and an anchoring member. The connector is used in combination with separate anchor and fasteners. The anchor may be tied to a concrete foundation, another connector of the same type, a wood framing member, or structural member of a similar type, or other supporting or anchoring members.

In several embodiments, the disclosed process may include installing one or more householder devices onto load-bearing structures of a building, installing one or more perimeter beams onto the one or more householders, installing a new exterior assembly onto the one or more perimeter beams, removing an existing roof, and constructing an additional level on the building. In at least one embodiment, installing the one or more householders onto the load-bearing structure may include cutting a hole in the existing roof above the load-bearing structure, attaching the householder onto the load-bearing structure, and sealing the hole around the householder. In some embodiments, the new exterior assembly may be partially or fully constructed on site and may be installed onto the one or more perimeter beams. In some embodiments, once the new exterior assembly is installed, the old roof may be removed from underneath the new exterior assembly.

Modular building units comprise, prior to installation at a construction site, a floor, a ceiling, and a plurality of walls which together define a habitable interior, wherein at least one wall is a reinforced wall capable of spanning a spanning distance of at least 50 feet without underlying support. In some embodiments, reinforced walls comprise one or more reinforcing structures. In some embodiments, the spanning distance is at least 60 feet; in some, at least 70 feet; and in some, at least 80 feet. In a further aspect, a method of building construction comprises the steps of: a) constructing a modular building unit according to the present disclosure at an assembly site; b) transporting the modular building unit to a construction site; and c) installing the modular building unit at the construction site, optionally across a unsupported span of at least 50 feet.

A mounting bracket (50) comprises a non-planar structure shaped by bending one or more portions of a planar body, wherein the planar body comprises before it is formed into a planar body a two-dimensionally profiled load-path approximated lower-mass structure. The planar body may be a blank stamped from material sheet or a slice separated from a profiled material block. The two-dimensionally profiled planar body may be iteratively designed using load-path analysis taking account of functional regions and preserve regions. The bracket may be used as load support for wall and roof cladding installations that require a large number of support brackets.