Patent ID: 6058671
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: E04B

Abstract:
A system for constructing structures having modular wall panels comprising:a first wall panel and a second wall panel each of the first wall panel and the second wall panel having a respective first pair of supports and a respective second pair of supports that interconnect the first pair of supports, the second pair of supports being spaced apart from each other along a length of each of the first pair of supports, one of the first pair of supports of said first panel being adjacent to one of the first pair of supports of said second panel and defining therebetween a gap;a fastener passing through each of the adjacent ones of the first pairs of supports at a location between each of the second pair of supports wherein the first pair of supports are constructed and arranged to flex over an expansion distance into the gap based upon predetermined thermal expansion of the second pair of supports; anda shim having a pair of legs that therebetween define a slot with an opening and a base member opposite the opening that connects the legs, the legs surrounding the fastener when the fastener is passed between the adjacent ones of the first pairs of supports, whereby the shim defines therebetween a gap having a distance that is sized larger than the expansion distance of the pair of supports thereinto.