Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a two piece bracket constructed to reinforce a wooden joist. The wooden joist defines a central aperture. The central aperture is constructed to substantially surround a portion of a utility conduit passing therethrough. The two piece bracket is constructed to be positioned against one side of the wooden joist. The two piece bracket comprises a first piece and a second piece.

A sustainable, integrated framing system and methods of assembly thereof are presented herein. In some embodiments, a roof, primary structure, and a ceiling are structurally defined and supported by pre-fabricated load bearing ribs of the sustainable, integrated framing system. The pre-fabricated load bearing ribs facilitate efficient building erection on-site without expensive and time consuming welding and associated inspections. Each rib includes a compression chord element, a web element extending below the compression chord element, and one or more adjustable tension elements embedded within the web element. An end support node is attached to each end of a load bearing rib structure and the one or more tension elements are tensioned against the end support node (s). In some embodiments, the top profile, the bottom profile, or both, of a web structure are shaped to meet aesthetic or functional design objectives independent of the load carrying capability of the load bearing rib.

The invention relates to a composite floor beam 30 for use in construction. The composite floor beam 30 comprises an upper part 32 made from a first material extending substantially along the length of the beam and a lower part 34 made from a second material such as metal extending substantially along the length of the beam, the upper part 32 comprises an upper surface 40 and a lower surface 42. The lower part 34 comprises an upper surface 51 and a lower surface 52. The upper surface 40 of the upper part 32 is designed to be arranged horizontally to support a floor above. The upper surface 40 of the upper part 32 is parallel to the lower surface 52 of the lower part 34. The lower surface 52 of the lower part 34 is designed to be arranged horizontally for attachment to a ceiling below. The lower surface 42 of the upper part 32 and the upper surface 51 of the lower part 34 define apertures 36 between them for cabling and/or piping and/or other utilities. The apertures 36 pass from a first side of the beam to a second side of the beam. The direction of the apertures 36 passing from the first side 38 to the second side 39 being transverse to the direction of the length of the beam 30.

A kit for a timber frame structure that provides electrical power for lights, fans, and other electrical devices. Pre-wired timber frame components for the kit may comprise support posts, each having a pre-drilled center bore and one or more recessed electrical boxes with weatherproof outdoor covers. Installed in the center bore of each post may be electrical wiring extending to the electrical boxes. The electrical boxes may house switches and outlets that connect to the electrical wiring.

A method of installing elongate bodies in a building includes the steps of providing a blocking body having one or more openings; blocking a hole in a support structure of a building with the blocking body, the hole passing through the support structure; and inserting at least one elongate body through at least one of the one or more openings in the blocking body.

A reinforcing plate and method for use in sistering to a wood member to create a composite floor joist or stud. The reinforcing plate is mounted to the wood member and includes preformed first openings and preformed second openings. The preformed first openings are provided proximate to edges of the reinforcing plate and are dimensioned to allow for attachment members to be inserted therethrough to attach the reinforcing plate to the wood member. The preformed second openings are larger than the first opening and are dimensioned to allow for building materials to extend therethrough. The reinforcing plate resists bending stresses and increase the shearing resistance of the wood member.

A structural component for use in building construction including a first support material member, a second support material member, an insulating material, and a first securing member. The first support material member may have a first length and a first edge. The second support material member may have a second length and a second edge and may oppose the first support material member. The insulating material may be disposed between the first support material member and the second support material member. The first securing member may be adapted to contact the first edge and the second edge.

A structural component for use in building construction including a first support material member, a second support material member, an insulating material, and a first securing member. The first support material member may have a first length and a first edge. The second support material member may have a second length and a second edge and may oppose the first support material member. The insulating material may be disposed between the first support material member and the second support material member. The first securing member may be adapted to contact the first edge and the second edge.

A structural component for use in building construction including a first and second support material member, an insulating material, and a first securing member. The first support material member may have a first length, a first side, and an opposing second side. The second support material member may have a second length, a first side, and an opposing second side. The second support material member may oppose the first support material member. The insulating material may be disposed between the first support material member and the second support material member. The first securing member may be adapted to secure the first support material member to the second support material member.

A kit for a timber frame structure that provides electrical power for lights, fans, and other electrical devices. Pre-wired timber frame components for the kit may comprise support posts, each having a pre-drilled center bore and one or more recessed electrical boxes with weatherproof outdoor covers. Installed in the center bore of each post may be electrical wiring extending to the electrical boxes. The electrical boxes may house switches and outlets that connect to the electrical wiring.