Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to prefabricated building panels for use in structures, and walls external to structures, such as outdoor privacy walls and the like. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and system for providing building panels that provide improved structural integrity, distribute loads, thermal performance, among other attributes using conventional framing members.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a nonprovisional of, and claims priority to, and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/918,224, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LATERAL TRANSFER PLATE HAVING A PUNCHED TAB,” filed on Dec. 19, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD  
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to prefabricated building panels for use in structures, and walls external to structures, such as outdoor privacy walls and the like. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and system for providing prefabricated building panels that provide improved structural integrity, distributed loads, and thermal performance among other attributes. 
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]    Recent changes in the construction industry have led to an increased use by builders of prefabricated building components manufactured offsite. Despite its many benefits, however, builders have not fully embraced prefabricated building components using alternatives to conventional wood framing. For example, even though steel framing has many advantages over conventional wood framing, there has been reluctance in residential construction, and some types of commercial construction, to use components made from steel, rather than wood, due in part to the belief that steel is more costly. Dimensioned lumber prices, however, are highly volatile. An insulated steel frame panel system that is cost competitive to conventional wood framing, incorporates recognized and readily available components, and that is easily and quickly assembled and installed, has many advantages over conventional wood framing and would be embraced by the building industry and building owners. 
         [0004]    A number of panels have been designed that incorporate foam insulation for improved thermal performance These panels, however, often incorporate nonstandard light gage steel framing members (e.g., U.S. application Ser. No. 11/825,562 to Miller, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/282,351 to Onken et al., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/068,609, to Rue, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0047912 to Armijo, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/361,189 to Bowman) and often require the manufacture of the panel within a mold, (e.g., Rue and U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,462, to McKinney). Others envision the insertion of framing members in larger channels or voids in the foam or that require an adhesive to lubricate the stud insertion and/or to adhere the stud in the foam (e.g., Miller). 
         [0005]    New building codes recognize the importance of eliminating thermal bridging. Newer codes require a layer of continuous insulation unless a wall assembly can demonstrate an acceptable level of thermal performance without it. The layer of continuous insulation creates new building challenges, among which are fastening and exterior finish details, moisture control, and the ratio of rigid continuous insulation to batt or other air permeable insulation in the wall cavity. 
         [0006]    Since a structural panel by nature generally requires support on both the exterior and interior of the panel, some panelized systems use nonstandard steel framing members in order to create sufficient strength in the steel member to avoid multiple connecting bridges through the panel. For example, the nonstandard framing member in Miller has additional bends in the steel framing member to provide additional strength. While such efforts can help avoid thermal bridging, the use of a nonstandard framing member generally requires extensive and expensive testing to demonstrate compliance with building codes, including structural analyses and fire testing under superimposed loads if the foam is intended to serve any primary structural support purpose. A panelized system that minimizes thermal bridging but which emphasizes the use of conventional steel framing members will be more economical to manufacture and will ensure more rapid acceptance by the building industry. 
         [0007]    Other building panel systems that incorporate nonstandard light gage steel members and foam insulation have addressed thermal bridging in various ways, but generally are designed in ways that will also require substantial structural (and other) testing to gain acceptance by the building industry and building code officials. Also, they generally require a manufacturing process that is complex and not economical. These factors have generally limited the commercial practicability of these approaches. 
         [0008]    In traditional construction, cable/utility runs in walls are not well integrated with the framing. Groupings of tubing (such as PEX plumbing), electrical, data, voice, and audio wiring are often commingled or loose in a common area within a cable/utility run wall cavity. These cables, wires and tubing are generally secured in wood framing using secondary means (such as staples, nails, clips, and tacks), which may puncture the cables, wires and/or tubing upon coupling to the wall. In steel framing, similar attachment means are used such as tie wire, clips, hangars, and mechanical fasteners, each of which may also puncture or abrade the cables, wires, and/or tubing. Moreover, the channel/utility run often results in an opening for thermal, sound, and vibration inefficiencies. In a solid panel system, planning for the placement of cable and utility run is an important feature. 
       SUMMARY  
       [0009]    These above disclosed needs are successfully met via the disclosed system and method. 
         [0010]    In accordance with various aspects, a method and system for providing panels with improved thermal, acoustic, and vibration characteristics is disclosed. In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure a method and system for providing precision cuts to tight tolerances to allow insertion of conventional framing members in exoskeletal panels of variable design length, width, and thickness, in a desired axis (such as the X, Y or Z axis in a Cartesian coordinate system) without use of a lubricant or securing adhesive is disclosed, and without the use of cumbersome and limiting EPS panel molding processes. In this way, conventional materials may be used in a non-standard application. Thus, stringent building codes based on conventional shaped and formed materials, such as C shaped studs, may be fashioned into a panel using precision cut grooves. 
         [0011]    In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, to distribute loads across the exoskeleton, a lateral transfer plate and/or stud tie track is disclosed for use in these exoskeletal panels integrated with a foam core, permitting the framing to be staggered and providing the same or different stud spacing on each side of the panel. Further, a method and system for the lateral transfer plate to be used as integrated fireblocking in such panels is disclosed. 
         [0012]    In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure a panel comprising a polymeric insulated core comprising a steel exoskeleton of steel studs, and a lateral transfer plate comprises an opening to receive a first stud, wherein the opening corresponds to the shape of the first stud is disclosed. Further, in accordance with additional embodiments of the present disclosure, the lateral transfer plate may include an optional flange configured to be fastened to the first stud. The lateral transfer plate may include a punched tab configured to be fastened to the first stud. The panel is constructed from parts in accordance with AISI S200 requirements. Moreover, the lateral transfer plate may be configured to be integrated into a furring wall panel in which a plurality of studs are arranged in a row. The lateral transfer plate may be configured to share the load between the interior and exterior staggered studs, act as mid-height blocking/bracing to reduce the unbraced length of the stud, and/or provide supplemental bracing that would generally be supplied in part by sheathing. 
         [0013]    In accordance with additional embodiments of the present disclosure, a panel comprising a first polymeric insulated core and a contiguous precision cut groove cut out of the core configured to receive a first steel stud, wherein the precision cut groove corresponds to the shape of the first stud is disclosed. The first steel stud may be a conventional steel stud. The conventional steel stud may be a C shaped conventional steel stud comprising a web, a flange and a lip. The C shaped stud may be oriented in any suitable orientation; however, in an embodiment, the stud is oriented such that a long side of the C shaped stud is oriented orthogonal to the face of the panel. This C shaped stud is traditionally slid into position from the top or bottom edge of the panel. 
         [0014]    Such systems, methods, and panels can be used for and by builders of prefabricated building components, commercial buildings, residential building, storage or containment structures, exterior sound barrier/privacy walls, mobile structures, and other types of walls and enclosures. Such systems, methods and panels can suitably distribute loads, improve thermal performance, vibration dampening, structural integrity, and provide fire-blocking capability. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    A more complete understanding of the present disclosure may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, where like reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the Figures, and: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1A  is a plan view of the lateral transfer plate according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 1B  depicts a side view of a “C” shaped lateral transfer plate according to an exemplary embodiment 
           [0018]      FIG. 1C  depicts a side view of a “Z” shaped lateral transfer plate according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 1D  is a top cut away view of a template prior to bending to form one or more flanges into either a C shaped lateral transfer plate, a Z shaped lateral transfer plate, or an L shaped lateral transfer plate and prior to punching or cutting the penetrations for the stud profiles according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 1E  is a wall panel section showing a C shaped lateral transfer plate integrated in a panel according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 1F  is a wall panel section showing a Z shaped lateral transfer plate integrated in a panel according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 1G  depicts a side view of an “L” shaped lateral transfer plate according to an exemplary embodiment, 
           [0023]      FIG. 2A  is a plan view of a wall panel assembly according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2B  is a side view of a stud tie track profile according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2C  is a side cut away view of a wall panel with stud tie track integrated into the panel comprising a lap joint according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2D  is a side view of a wall panel with an integrated stud tie track according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3A  is a side view of a slip transfer plate according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3B  is an isometric view of the slip transfer plate showing the stud profile penetrations and the slip fastener slots in the flanges according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3C  is a side view of a wall panel with a slip transfer plate according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  is a side cut away view of integrated fireblocking according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  is a side cut away view of a fire resistance rated wall panel system with integrated fireblocking according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0032]      FIGS. 6A-6C  depict a top cut away view of a wall panel comprising a formed chase (utility run) and a multipurpose chase (utility run) with studs oriented in both the X axis orientation and Y axis orientation according to an exemplary embodiments; 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  is a side cut away view of a wall panel with a split steel track, integrated acoustical sound/fire material, and integrated side air gap according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0034]      FIG. 8  is a top cut away view of a corner assembly of adjoining wall panels according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0035]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are segmented side cut away views of a matrix of interlocking panels according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0036]      FIG. 10A  depicts a three dimensional view of flangeless lateral transfer plate comprising a stud attachment tab according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0037]      FIG. 10B  depicts a three dimensional view of the flangeless lateral transfer plate of 
           [0038]      FIG. 10A  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0039]      FIG. 10C  depicts a plan view of the flangeless lateral transfer plate of  FIGS. 10A and 10B  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0040]      FIG. 10D  depicts a section view of the flangeless lateral transfer plate of  FIGS. 10A through 10C  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0041]      FIG. 10E  depicts a plan view of the flangeless lateral transfer plate of  FIGS. 10A and 10B  with attached metal strapping according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0042]      FIG. 10F  depicts a section view of the flangeless lateral transfer plate of  FIGS. 10A through 10C  with attached metal strapping according to an exemplary embodiment 
           [0043]      FIG. 11A  depicts a three dimensional view of lateral transfer plate comprising a stud attachment tab according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0044]      FIG. 11B  depicts a three dimensional view of the lateral transfer plate of  FIG. 11A  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0045]      FIG. 12A  depicts a three dimensional view of lateral transfer plate comprising a stud attachment tab according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0046]      FIG. 12B  depicts a three dimensional view of the lateral transfer plate of  FIG. 12A  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0047]      FIG. 13A  depicts a three dimensional view of lateral transfer plate comprising a stud attachment tab according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0048]      FIG. 13B  depicts a three dimensional view of the lateral transfer plate of  FIG. 13A  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0049]      FIG. 14A  depicts a three dimensional view of lateral transfer plate comprising a stud attachment tab according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0050]      FIG. 14B  depicts a three dimensional view of the lateral transfer plate of  FIG. 14A  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0051]      FIG. 15A  depicts a three dimensional view of lateral transfer plate comprising a stud attachment tab according to an exemplary embodiment; and 
           [0052]      FIG. 15B  depicts a three dimensional view of the lateral transfer plate of  FIG. 15A  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0053]      FIG. 16A  depicts a three dimensional view of lateral transfer plate comprising a stud attachment tab according to an exemplary embodiment; and 
           [0054]      FIG. 16B  depicts a three dimensional view of the lateral transfer plate of  FIG. 16A  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS  
       [0055]    The present systems, apparatus and methods are described herein in terms of various functional components and various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such functional components may be realized by any number of hardware or structural components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, the present disclosure may employ various foam core portions in varying densities or foam types, and conventional stud framing members and the like whose structure, dimension, gage, and composition may be suitably configured for various intended purposes. In addition, the present systems, apparatus and methods described herein may be practiced in any application where building panels are desired, and the examples herein are merely for exemplary purposes, as the systems, apparatus and methods described herein can be applied to any similar application. 
         [0056]    A simple prefabricated building product that incorporates conventional light gage steel framing members in a manner that minimizes thermal bridging sufficiently to meet energy efficiency requirements without the need for a separate layer of continuous insulation provides significant advantages over prior systems. To gain acceptance, such a system should be cost competitive to manufacture and install. For example, in accordance with various embodiments, a method and system for providing building panels  150  with an improved steel exoskeleton that makes efficient use of conventional steel components while meeting load requirements is described. Such systems, methods and panels  150  can be used for and by builders of prefabricated building components, commercial buildings, residential building, storage structures, exterior sound barrier walls, mobile structures, and other types of walls and enclosures. 
         [0057]    In various embodiments, one or more panels  150  may include a core  151  made of an insulating material, preferably, expanded polystyrene (EPS) ranging in density from about 0.75 pcf to about 3.0 pcf. Importantly, the panels  150  may include an exoskeleton of stiffeners (studs  120 ); each spaced, such as to national and international building code requirements at 24-inches on center (24″ OC) or 16-inches on center (16″ OC), to form a rigid support framework. The studs  120  may be made of galvanized steel, in various gages according to structural and building code requirements, such as AISI S200. 
         [0058]    The result is a prefabricated panel system that incorporates conventional light gage steel framing members in an exoskeletal design that minimizes thermal bridging, but permits the manufacture of panels to a building&#39;s specifications without the requirement of a complex and limiting panel molding process. A panel system which is economical to manufacture, and meets energy efficiency requirements without a layer of continuous insulation outside the panel. A panel design that allows the insertion of conventional steel framing members within foam profiles cut to tight tolerances such that the framing member may be inserted without lubricant or adhesive, yet fits snugly within the panel after insertion and the exposed steel is flush with the surfaces of the foam in the panel is achieved. For instance, using the present system a conventional stud, which generally comprise a web, a flange and a lip, may be inserted into a precision fit in grooves. Additionally, according to various embodiments, a system and panel which distributes loads across the exoskeleton and addresses or eliminate unbraced flanges in order that the exoskeletal wall will distribute loads efficiently and meet building requirements without the use of heavier than normal steel gage members is achieved. 
         [0059]    Historically, EPS panel makers have attempted to use non-conventional steel studs (which lack the web, a flange and a lip of a conventional steel stud) as they have encountered problems inserting these conventional steel studs into EPS cut-outs. Other makers have employed a cumbersome, inflexible, and expensive molding process. 
         [0060]    Unlike in conventional wood or steel framing, the studs  120  do not extend from the exterior surface to the interior surface. Instead, the studs  120  forming the exoskeleton are each inserted in grooves  170  precision cut in the foam core to mirror the shape and form of the stud  120 . As used herein, to mirror refers to substantially track, correspond to, complement and/or follow, such as by approximating the contours and/or exterior shape of an element. Accordingly, conduction across the studs  120  from the exterior to the interior, and vice versa, does not occur because the studs  120  do not extend through the panels  150 , thereby minimizing thermal bridges through the panel  150 . In an exemplary embodiment, the panels  150  may have a top track  180  and a bottom track  190 , which may be attached prior to or during panel  150  installation. These tracks ( 180 ,  190 ) may be made from steel, such as conventional steel track. The panel bottom tracks  190  are attachable to a floor, such as a concrete floor, using suitable fasteners. The panel top tracks  180  are attachable to a ceiling using suitable fasteners. Any suitable mating or attachment method can be used to join adjacent panels  150 . Accordingly, workers can build a wall, for example by connecting a series of panels  150  together, and fastening the bottom  190  and top tracks  180 . 
         [0061]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary system  100  and panel  150  includes an integrated lateral transfer plate  160 . This integrated lateral transfer plate  160  can be made of light gage steel, such as 18 gage cold formed steel, or it can be made of other materials, such as carbon fiber that provide lower thermal conductivity combined with the material properties required to provide the desired load transfers, such as in the lateral direction and, in some applications, fire retardant properties. The stud  120  profiles  168  may be punched or cut into the plate  160  so that the steel studs  120  are inserted through the plate  160 . The foam core  151  for the panel  150  may be configured with pre-cut precision grooves  170  for the studs  120  such that the foam core  151  may be integrated into the panel  150  assembly that contains the lateral transfer plate  160 . In an embodiment, the lateral transfer plate  160  contains flanges of any suitable dimension. For instance, the flanges may be between about ¾″ high to 6″ high or greater, depending on the application (“about” in this context means plus or minus 33% of the dimensional range). The flanges may be fastened to the studs  120  on each side of the panel  150  exoskeleton with screws or may be welded in some applications, such as through contact welding. The lateral transfer plate  160  with stud  120  profile penetrations can take any suitable shape, such as a “C” shape (See  FIG. 1E ), much like the shape of standard light gage steel track, or it may take a “Z” shape (See  FIG. 1F ) or an “L” shape in certain applications. Referring to the figures, the C shaped lateral transfer plate  160  is illustrated in  FIG. 1B . For instance,  FIG. 1B  depicts a side view of a “C” shaped lateral transfer plate with a width of “X”, depending on the thickness of the wall panel, and an attachment flange  163  and  166  on opposite sides, with the length of “Y” and “Z” variable from about ¾″ to 6″ or more according to an exemplary embodiment, depending on the application.  FIG. 1C  depicts a side view of a “Z” shaped lateral transfer plate with a width of “X”, depending on the thickness of the wall panel, and an attachment flange  163  and  166  on opposite sides, with the length of “Y” and “Z” variable from about ¾″ to 6″ or more according to an exemplary embodiment, depending on the application.  FIG. 1G  depicts a side view of an “L” shaped lateral transfer plate with a width of “X”, depending on the thickness of the wall panel, and an attachment flange  163  and a straight attachment extension  167  on the opposite side, with the length of “Y” and “Z” variable from about ¾″ to 6″ or more according to an exemplary embodiment, depending on the application. In various embodiments, the lateral transfer plate  160  may be integrated into a furring wall panel in which the studs  120  are arranged in a single row. One flange of the plate  160  may be fastened to the interior of an exterior wall, such as a mass wall comprising concrete or CMU, to provide an insulated interior furring wall. A portion of the flange in such plate  160  may be cut away so that the fastening points become separate tabs and not a continuous flange. The lateral transfer plate  160  may be configured to share the load between the interior and exterior staggered studs  120 , act as mid-height blocking/bracing to reduce the unbraced length of the stud  120 , and/or provide supplemental bracing that would generally be supplied in part by sheathing. 
         [0062]    In an exemplary embodiment, the integrated lateral transfer plate  160  may permit the gage of the steel studs  120  used in the panel&#39;s exoskeleton to be reduced from what would be requisite without the lateral transfer plate  160 , but enable the panel  150  to still meet or exceed the required loads. The lateral transfer plate  160  may also allow consistent stud  120  spacing in the panels, such as at 24″ on center, for a variety of wall panel applications. The lateral transfer plate  160  may also have one or both of its flanges made longer to enable the lateral transfer plate  160  to serve as an exterior or interior ledger in some applications, such as a ledger to which an exterior deck or other exterior horizontal building component may be affixed. The lateral transfer plate  160  may be created in various shapes to match the profile of associated wall components. For example, a lateral transfer plate  160  that mirrors the shape and dimensions of an “L” or “Z” shaped corner component  200  in this panel system  100  can simplify the production and installation of the plate  160  in a wall corner by eliminating the need for two separate plates  160  and by avoiding cutting, mitering, and overlapping of two separate corner plates. In some applications, the lateral transfer plate  160  may have an extension  167  that overlaps the lateral transfer plate  160  in the adjacent wall panel  150  to give the lateral transfer plate  160  continuity in the horizontal plane (See  169  in  FIG. 1A ), or the lateral transfer plate  160  may abut the adjacent lateral transfer plate  160  without overlap. 
         [0063]    Historically, panel designs ignored integrated fireblocking. Here, the lateral transfer plate  160  may have a fire retardant layer above or below the lateral transfer plate  160  to enable the lateral transfer plate  160  with fireblock configuration to be used in a wall where fireblocking is desired, such as an exterior nonbearing wall in a multi-floor building. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, one or more panels  150  comprising a lateral transfer plate  160 , and/or a lateral transfer plate  160  with fireblocking configuration are applicable to a multi-story assembly such as for use in balloon framing construction or a curtain wall assembly. 
         [0064]    Another exemplary embodiment creates a slip transfer plate  165  placed at the top of an infill wall panel  150  to improve the structural integrity of the exoskeleton. The studs  120  in the exoskeleton are fastened to the slip transfer plate  165  through slotted  310  flanges in the plate  165 , which allow for vertical movement of the floorplate  320  above the panel. The top of the studs  120  may protrude through the stud  120  profile penetrations  168  cut or punched in the slip transfer plate  165 . The slip transfer plate  165  may be created in various shapes to match the profile of associated wall components. For example, a slip transfer plate  165  that mirrors the shape and dimensions of an “L” or “Z” shaped corner component in this panel system  100  can simplify the production and installation of the plate  165  atop a wall corner by eliminating the need for two separate plates and by avoiding cutting, mitering, and/or overlapping of two separate slip transfer plates  165 . 
         [0065]    In accordance with another exemplary embodiment to maximize the structural integrity of the steel exoskeleton and eliminate unbraced flanges, a groove  170  is cut at one or both ends of a panel  150  and a stud tie track  125  of cold formed light gage steel is inserted into the groove  170  in such a way that the stud tie track  125  is contiguous to the inside flange of each steel stud  120  that forms the wall panel  150  exoskeleton. The stud tie track  125  is then fastened to each contiguous stud  120  with appropriate fasteners, such as self-tapping screws or in some applications may be welded to the contiguous studs  120 , such as through contact welding. The stud tie track  125  ensures that the metal studs  120  will remain affixed to the panels  150  during shipping, handling, and installation. The stud tie track  125  also improves the structural strength of the panel  150  by bracing the flanges to resist torsional forces on the studs  120 . In some applications, sill anchor bolts will protrude through the bottom plate  190  or track and fit inside the stud tie track  125 . In an exemplary embodiment, tying studs  120  on each side of the exoskeleton together produces structural and cost benefits, such as permitting the use of lighter gages of steel stud  120  members in more standardized gages and spacing. 
         [0066]    In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary system  100  and panel  150  includes an integrated lateral transfer plate  160  that may be made from steel or, in certain applications, may be made from another material providing similar or better structural and/or thermal qualities, such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, or HDPE. In one embodiment of the lateral transfer plate  160 , a light gage steel template such as that shown in  FIG. 1D  is created. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1D , a top cut away view of a light gage steel rolled stock template prior to bending the stock along a flange bending line  162  to form one or more flanges into either a C shaped lateral transfer plate, a Z shaped lateral transfer plate, or an L shaped lateral transfer plate, and prior to punching or cutting the penetrations  168  for the stud profiles is depicted according to an exemplary embodiment. Penetrations  168 , such as penetrations mirroring the shape of the stud  120  profiles used in the panel  150  are cut or punched in the template as shown in  FIGS. 1B ,  1 C, and  1 G. Flanges  161 ,  163 , or  167  on the lateral transfer plate  160  are created from the template by bending or other means, as shown on  FIGS. 1B ,  1 C, and  1 G. The lateral transfer plate  160  can be designed with an integrated extension  167  that will overlap (See  FIG. 1A ,  169 ) the shear transfer plate on the adjacent panel  150 , as shown in  FIG. 1A . Fire retardant material can be added above or below the lateral transfer plate  160  to create a fireblocking configuration that suitably permits the use of the lateral transfer plate  160  in walls in which fireblocking is desired and/or required, including curtain walls in a multi-floor building. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, one or more wall panels comprising a lateral transfer plate  160  in a fireblocking configuration are applicable to a multi-panel assembly such as for use in balloon framing or multistory building with curtain walls. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, one or more wall panels comprising a lateral transfer plate  160  are applicable to a single story or multistory wall panel assembly without fireblocking added to the lateral transfer plate  160  in applications in which fireblocking is not desired. 
         [0067]    A fire retardant such as one or more spray, coating, caulking, foil tape, elastomeric, gypsum board, mineral wool, or other material may be introduced above or below the lateral transfer plate  160 . In an embodiment, a fire retardant material is placed on the lateral transfer plate  160  before the stud  120  profile penetrations  168  are cut or punched. In some embodiments, any gaps around the stud  120  penetrations  168  are sealed with fire retardant material, which may be the same or different fire retardant material used on the horizontal surface of the lateral transfer plate  160 . 
         [0068]    Turning to  FIG. 1E , a wall section of a panel  150  with an integrated lateral transfer plate  160  shows that the flanges on the lateral transfer plate  160  are secured to the studs  120 , which may be via a fastener, contact or other welding, clipping or snapping mechanism, adhesive tape, or other means of securing the lateral transfer plate  160  to the studs  120 . Stated another way,  FIG. 1E  depicts a wall panel section showing a C shaped lateral transfer plate  101  integrated in the panel with the light gage steel exoskeleton of studs and track according to an exemplary embodiment. In accordance with an embodiment, and with reference to  FIG. 1A , a plan view of the lateral transfer plate  160  with examples of the stud profile penetrations  168  to be cut or punched is depicted. Also, an example of an optional extension of the lateral transfer plate to overlap  169  the lateral transfer plate on an adjacent panel according to an exemplary embodiment; a part of the lateral transfer plate  160  may overlap the lateral transfer plate  160  on the adjacent wall panel  150 . Such overlap may be unsecured, or may be secured by a fastener, contact or other form of welding, or an appropriate adhesive or sealant. 
         [0069]    According to various embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1F , a wall panel section showing a Z shaped lateral transfer plate  102  integrated in the panel with the light gage steel exoskeleton of studs and track, in which embodiment one flange may be longer to serve as a ledger (not depicted). 
         [0070]    According to various embodiments, with reference to  FIGS. 2A-2D  the presently disclosed system and wall panel assembly may comprise a stud tie track. For instance,  FIG. 2A  depicts a plan view wall panel assembly with an exploded view of a portion of the panel that contains a light gage metal stud tie track secured to the studs with fasteners.  FIG. 2B  depicts a side view of a stud tie track profile.  FIG. 2C  depicts a side cut away view of a wall panel with stud tie track integrated into the panel, which panel has an illustrative lap joint.  FIG. 2D  depicts a side view of a wall panel with an integrated stud tie track and without any bottom track. 
         [0071]    In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the top track  180  on panels  150  comprising an infill wall may be replaced by a fire-resistive slip transfer plate  165  such as that depicted in  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B . For instance,  FIG. 3A  depicts a side view of a slip transfer plate with light gage metal studs protruding through the plate according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 3A  further depicts dimensions A, B, C, and D. Dimension A represents the exterior slip flange dimension. Dimension B represents the interior slip flange dimension. Dimension C represents the slab attachment flange dimension. Dimension D represents the width of wall panel dimension. Furthermore,  FIG. 3A  illustrates a light gage metal stud protruding through metal stud profile penetration  168  and the top of EPS foam insulation  151 . Dimensions A, B, C, D are further depicted in  FIG. 3B .  FIG. 3B  depicts an isometric view of the slip transfer plate showing the stud profile penetrations and the slip fastener slots in the flanges according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         [0072]    The slip transfer plate  165  improves the structural integrity of the panel  150  by tying the inner and outer steel studs  120  of the exoskeleton together. The slip transfer plate  165  attaches to the studs through slotted metal flanges in the plate  165 , which flanges allow for vertical movement of the floorplate above the panel  150  that may be caused by thermal, seismic, wind loading, or any other load. 
         [0073]    In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the foam panel core above the lateral transfer plate  160  has precision grooves  170  pre-cut to hold and receive the studs  120  comprising the exoskeleton, and the foam panel  150  core above the lateral transfer plate  160  is integrated with the studs  120  that extend above the lateral transfer plate  160  in a manner that the studs  120  are securely fit in the pre-cut grooves  170  such that the lateral transfer plate  160  becomes integrated within the foam core of the wall panel  150 . 
         [0074]    Studs  120  may be inserted from the top and/or bottom of the panel  150  retained in the precision cut groove  170 , cut to substantially mirror the exterior and interior of the stud  120 . In this fashion, multiple panels  150  or core material may be coupled to a single stud  120 . For instance, a thirty foot long stud  120  may be used to couple three  10  foot wide sections of core material (panels  150 ) together. In the panel  150  embodiment that incorporates one or more lateral transfer plates  160 , the foam core above the lateral transfer plate  160  has precision cut grooves  170  to match the stud  120  profiles and such foam core is integrated with the portion of the panel  150  containing the lateral transfer plate  160  in a manner that the protruding studs  120  integrate into such grooves  170 . This procedure may be repeated on the same panel  150  to create a panel  150  of any length with more than one lateral transfer plate  160 . 
         [0075]    The stud tie track  125  is formed from cold formed steel such that each flange of the stud tie track  125  will be contiguous to the inside web of each stud  120  forming the wall panel&#39;s  150  steel exoskeleton, as depicted in  FIGS. 2B  and  FIG. 2D . In one example embodiment, this steel is 20 gage. In one example embodiment, stud tie rack  125  has a channel approximately 1 inch deep. The stud tie track  125  is placed in a pre-cut precision groove  170  in an end of the wall panel  150  and fastened to the studs  120  with suitable fasteners, such as self-tapping screws or other means of fastening such as welding with contact welding. The stud tie track  125  holds the studs  120  securely in the wall panel  150  to prevent movement of the studs  120  during assembly, shipping, and installation of the wall panel  150 . Upon installation of a wall panel  150 , the stud tie track  125  braces the interior flanges and increases the ability of the steel studs  120  to resist torsional forces, thereby improving the structural integrity of the wall panel  150 . In one embodiment, the fasteners or anchor bolts that fasten the steel bottom plate to the foundation fit within the stud tie track  125 . 
         [0076]    In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an exemplary system and panel includes an integrated fireblocking configuration that suitably permits the use of an exemplary panel  150  method and system in walls in which fireblocking is desired and/or required, including in a multi-floor building. For instance, with reference to  FIG. 4 , a side cut away view of integrated fireblocking according to an exemplary embodiment is depicted. 
         [0077]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, one or more panels  150  comprising a fireblocking configuration are applicable to a multi-panel  150  assembly such as for use in balloon framing construction. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, one or more panels  150  comprising a fireblocking configuration are applicable to potential or real gaps in fire protection formed along or through the panel  150  (in any axis, such as vertical or horizontal). For instance, the fireblocking configuration may be applied in the case of a soffit or beam enclosure. 
         [0078]    For example, with reference to  FIG. 4 , a side view of a wall system with integrated fireblocking construction is depicted. At or in the near proximity of the location where fireblocking is desired, a first panel  150  portion is configured for joining to a second panel  150  portion. The first panel  150  and second panel  150  portions may comprise a complete panel  150  size or they may comprise less than a complete panel  150  size. In some embodiments, the location where fireblocking is desired is within about 1.5 inches (plus or minus 0.75″) of the bottom of the intersection of a floor to a wall panel  150  (e.g. bottom track  190 ), with the panel  150  oriented in a plane 90 degrees from the axis of the panel  150  construction (as shown). 
         [0079]    This configuration for joining may comprise altering the surface properties of the first panel  150  to mate with a receiving second panel  150  by any suitable configuration, such as by establishing a joint and receiving well (as shown). Alternatively, tongue and groove, rounded, jagged, flat and combinations thereof are contemplated for this joint configuration. Alternatively, fireblocking could be supported by the use of plates, foils, and angles, as appropriate. 
         [0080]    A fire retardant such as one or more spray  450 , coating, caulking, foil tape, elastomeric, or other material may be introduced into the joint and/or applied to one or more joint members. In some embodiments, this spray may be 3M Firedam spray applied to both mating surfaces during manufacture, or field applied, as appropriate. This fire retardant may be applied over the entire joint and/or receiving well surface(s). In some embodiments, a first fire retardant is applied to the first panel  150  edge (e.g. joint) and a second fire retardant is applied to the second panel  150  edge, (e.g. receiving well). In an embodiment, the first and second panel  150  portions are placed in position and the fire retardant is sprayed into a gap between the joint members (first and second panel  150  portions). The gap between joint members may be any suitable distance. In some embodiments, this gap is between about 0.25 inches and about 1.25 inches. In another embodiment, this gap between the joint and the receiving well is about 0.5 inches. 
         [0081]    In another embodiment, insulation is positioned between the joint and receiving well, such as mineral wool batt insulation  410  sandwiched and encapsulated between two metal foil sheets in a continuous roll seam in a manner that the configuration of the joint creates a structural component. Alternatively, a formed steel plate may be fastened to the studs to support the integrated fireblocking. This insulation may improve the acoustic (sound transmission class) and/or fire safety of the wall panel system. 
         [0082]    In various embodiments, a second fire retardant, such as an aluminum foil tape  420 , is applied over the fireblocking joint on the panel face. The second fire retardant may be suitably applied to continuously cover the fireblocking joint on the interior and exterior face of the panel  150 . An exterior layer of sound, vapor, and/or noncombustible cladding  440 , such as a drywall, plasterboard, cement board, gypsum board and/or the like may be applied to either side of the panel  150 , such as by securing to one or more studs  120 . An exterior cladding over flashing  430  may be secured to the exterior layer. In some embodiments, additional layers of vapor, sound and/or fire resistant materials may be coupled between the exterior layer and the exterior cladding over flashing  430 . 
         [0083]    Turning to  FIG. 5 , a segmented side cut away view of a fire resistance rated wall panel system is depicted. As shown in the top of  FIG. 5 , one surface of a track is secured to a ceiling via a fastener, such as a steel slip channel  510  or steel clip secured by a power driven fastener  520 . A joint surface of a panel  150  (e.g. top edge of the panel) is configured to be secured into the track. Between the track and the top joint surface of the panel  150  a fire retardant, such as one or more spray, coating, caulking, foil tape, elastomeric, or other material may be introduced into the joint and/or applied to the top joint surface and/or the track. This fire retardant may be applied over the entire joint surface. In some embodiments, a first fire retardant is applied to the top joint surface and a second fire retardant is applied to the track. In an embodiment, the panels  150  are placed in position and the fire retardant is sprayed into a gap between the joint members (track and top edge surface). As shown in  FIG. 5 , a fire stop spray and/or fire retardant may coat the intersection of the top exterior and interior face of the panel  150  and the track and surrounding surfaces. This fire stop spray and/or fire retardant may expand (and/or in some cases harden) when exposed to high temperature creating an additional structural element and/or enhancing protection from smoke and fire. In various embodiments, a structural element and/or fire retardant may be coupled to the fireblocking configuration disclosed herein and/or surrounding surfaces to further retain the passive fire protection system elements from weakening due to fire, heat, or from instant cooling, impact, and erosion effects of active fire protection, such as from water delivered via fire hose, sprinklers or fire extinguishers. In some embodiments, this coating of fire stop spray and/or fire retardant is applied such that there is at least a 2″ overlap ( FIG. 5 ; Dimension F) at the joint, though overlap can vary. According various embodiments, insulation may be applied to the joint surface, such as mineral wool batt insulation. According various embodiments, the sheathing is replaced by two light gage metal skin panels adhered together, with the inner metal panel coated with an intumescent paint or similar fire resistant coating in order to create a fire resistant wall assembly without the use of gypsum board. 
         [0084]    As shown in the bottom of  FIG. 5 , one surface of a track may be secured to a floor via a fastener, such as a steel slip channel or steel clip secured by a power driven fastener  520  (e.g. at bottom track  190 ). A joint surface of a panel is configured to be secured into the track. Between the track and the bottom joint surface of the panel a fire retardant, such as one or more spray, coating, caulking, foil tape, elastomeric, or other material may be introduced into the joint and/or applied to the bottom joint surface and/or the track. This fire retardant may be applied over the entire joint surface. In some embodiments, a first fire retardant is applied to the bottom joint surface and a second fire retardant is applied to the track. In an embodiment, the panels are placed in position and the fire retardant is sprayed into a gap between the joint members (track and bottom edge surface). As shown in  FIG. 5 , a fire stop spray and/or fire retardant may coat the intersection of the bottom exterior and interior face of the panel  150  and the track and surrounding surfaces. In some embodiments, this coating of fire stop spray and/or fire retardant is applied such that there is at least a two inch overlap at the joint. In another embodiment, insulation is applied to the joint surface, such as mineral wool batt insulation. A horizontal multipurpose chase with interlocking expanded plug  215  (described in greater detail below) is also depicted in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0085]    Cable and/or utility runs have been addressed in a rudimentary fashion by makers of building panels. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an exemplary system  100  and panel  150  is configured to provide a utility run (chase/channel  210 ) with precision cut grooves  170  for retaining cables, wires and tubing. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary panel  150  includes a multi-purpose EPS chase  210  with interlocking EPS plug  215  configured to provide compression channels  210  in the panel  150 . The channels  210  are suitably sized to hold low voltage electrical wires, PEX plumbing, and the like. The interlocking EPS plug  215  may be sized to fit in the chase  210 . This plug may increase the thermal efficiency by avoiding a larger thermal short. 
         [0086]    In accordance with an embodiment and with reference to  FIG. 6B , a precision cut chase  210  is depicted. This chase  210  may be formed using a computer numerical control (CNC) machine (described in greater detail below). This chase  210  may be formed in any desired axis of the panel. As shown, in various embodiments, the depth of the utility run  210  can be greater than the depth of the studs  120  in the panel so as to prevent the studs  120  from impeding utility runs  210 . Additionally, the chase  210  can be at a depth to facilitate the use of the knockouts in the studs  120 . In various embodiments, the interior surface of the chase  210  is precision cut to comprise one or more channels  212  for securely receiving at least one of a tube (such as PEX plumbing), electrical, data, voice, and/or audio wiring. Stated another way, these channels  212  are integral to the core formed by removing core material. Each channel  212  within the chase  210  may be cut at a pre-selected size to substantially mirror the portion of the exterior of a tube, electrical, data, voice, and/or audio wiring desired to be retained by each channel  212 . These tubes, wires and/or cables may be press fit into place within each channel  212 . Additionally, the disclosed utility chase  210  configuration with an EPS rib separating each component provides shielding between data and electrical wires in the same chase  210 , which may reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical devices to achieve this shielding. Also, eliminating the entanglement of electrical wiring reduces secondary electromagnetic fields caused by crisscrossed wires. 
         [0087]    Each channel  212  may be suitably spaced within the chase  210  such that there is a gap between each tube, wire or cable. Each channel  212  may be marked to assist with installation and coordination of the tubes, wires and/or cables installed therein. Though  FIG. 6B  depicts  5  individual channels  212  (all of a similar size) within the chase  210  it should be appreciated that any suitable number of channels  212  formed in any suitable respective size may be formed in the chase  210 . 
         [0088]    In according with various embodiments, an interlocking EPS plug  215  may be inserted into the chase  210 . This configuration may provide compression channels  212  in the panel  150 . The interlocking EPS plug  215  fits back in the chase  210  and increases the thermal efficiency by avoiding a larger thermal short. In some embodiments, the plug  215  is formed from a portion of the material removed while cutting the chase  210  from the core material. This method may both minimize waste material and ensure a tight fit in the chase  210 . The plug  215  is shown with a flat or substantially rectangular cross sectional shape, however it should be appreciated that the plug  215  may be cut with surface features to substantially mirror the portion of the exterior of a tube, electrical, data, voice, and/or audio wiring desired to be retained by each channel  212 . The EPS plug  215  may be cut with tabs extending from the side surface such that the extending tabs provide for a securable semi-permanent or permanent pressure fit in the chase  210 . Moreover, the chase  210  may be cut with ridged sidewalls to retain a plug  215  comprising extending tabs (as shown). 
         [0089]    The chase  210  with precision cut channels  212  may be substantially rectangular (as shown) or may be curved (not depicted). Also depicted, in  FIGS. 6B-6D  a multipurpose chase  210  without precision cut channels  212  may be formed in the panel in any desired axis of the panel  150 . In accordance with an embodiment, this multipurpose chase  210  may be precision cut to any desired shape or diameter in the core. This chase  210  may be formed in any desired axis of the panel  150 . This chase  210  may be a straight run or may be oriented in any desired direction, such as having a bend and run from horizontal to vertical. As shown, in various embodiments, the depth of the utility run (e.g. chase  210 ) is greater than the depth of the studs  120  in the panel  150  so as to prevent the studs  120  from impeding utility runs. 
         [0090]    Also, with reference to  FIGS. 6A-6C , precision cut stud grooves  170 , such as hot wire cuts, are depicted. In various embodiments, a hot wire cut may be made in a panel to substantially mirror the exterior surface of a stud  120 , such as a “C” shaped stud  120  in either or both of the X axis (See  610 ) or Y axis (See  620 ) orientations. This hot wire cut may be made by any suitable hot wire cutting tool; however, in an embodiment that achieves the desired precision the hot wire cutting tool is a CNC foam cutting machine with which the operator employs optimal combinations of cutting parameters and methods to achieve tight tolerances around the stud  120  profile. For example,  FIG. 6A  illustrates a top cut away view of an exemplary wall panel comprising a formed chase (utility run) and a multipurpose chase (utility run) with studs oriented in both the X axis orientation  610  and Y axis orientation  620 .  FIG. 6C  depicts a top cut away view of an exemplary wall panel comprising a formed chase (utility run) and a multipurpose chase (utility run) with studs oriented in the X axis orientation  610 .  FIG. 6B  depicts a top cut away view of an exemplary wall panel comprising a formed chase (utility run) and a multipurpose chase (utility run) with studs oriented in the Y axis orientation  620 . 
         [0091]    The CNC foam cutting machine may allow for end-to-end panel design. This end-to-end design is highly automated using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programs. The programs produce a computer file that is interpreted to extract the commands needed to operate a particular machine via a postprocessor, and then loaded into the CNC machines for production. The complex series of steps needed to produce any panel is highly automated and produces a part that closely matches the original CAD design. For instance, in one embodiment, automated measurements of a room layout via a room measuring device, such as a laser, may be made and transmitted and/or input, directly or indirectly through intervening processing, to the CNC machine for production. Alternatively, a program for automatically producing panel  150  configurations from a CAD design may be automatically translated into the machine code to cut the panels on a CNC machine. 
         [0092]    Principles of the present disclosure may suitably be combined with principles for a panel system and method of manufacture as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/715,288 filed on Mar. 1, 2010 and entitled, “CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM USING INTERLOCKING PANELS.” 
         [0093]    A C shaped conventional stud  120  is depicted, in part, because it is more commonly used in the industry; however any shape of stud that meets load requirements may be envisioned (in that regard, C-shaped conventional studs may even appear to pose more difficulty to precision fit in grooves due to the small “lip” configuration, but can be readily utilized in accordance with methods and systems disclosed). The studs  120  may be formed, such as with a bending or cold steel forming machine, to proprietary specifications and a precision cut  170  may be made in the panel  150  to substantially mirror these proprietary specifications/tolerances. Moreover, this stud  120  forming machine may by itself, or in combination with another machine, mechanically insert the formed studs  120  into the precision cut grooves. 
         [0094]    In an embodiment, a large block of EPS material may cut into multiple panels  150  by using a specialized hot wire cutting device preprogrammed with specific instructions where cuts should be made. The travel path of the hot wire may be fine-tuned such that minimal waste is created and avoiding a larger thermal short. The hot wire cutting machine may have more than one cutting element to cut multiple panels substantially simultaneously and/or to make multiple cuts in a single panel substantially simultaneously. The hot wire cutting device may travel/make cuts along any desired axis and/or direction. Also the panel  150  being cut may move in any desired axis/direction while being cut. 
         [0095]    As discussed herein, studs  120  may be inserted from the top and/or bottom of the panel  150  retained in the precision cut groove  170 , cut to substantially mirror the exterior and/or interior of the stud  120 . In this fashion multiple panels  150  or core material may be coupled to a single stud  120 . For instance a thirty foot long stud  120  may be used to couple three  10  foot wide sections of core material (panels) together. Similarly, a matrix of sections of core material may be coupled together using channels/grooves  170  and studs  120  in multiple axis. For instance, to create a wall, floor, ceiling, or roof (see  FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B ) panels  150  with an EPS core can be created in any length or width up to the length or width of the appropriate stud  120 , and multiple panels  150  may be interlocked using various interlocking edge configurations precision cut in the foam core. Each of  FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B  depicts a matrix of interlocking panels  150  according to various embodiments. 
         [0096]    As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the system for creating panels  150  and forming precision cuts  170  in panels based upon plans existing only as prints or existing as electronic CAD drawings may be embodied as a method, device for making the cuts, and/or a computer program product. Additionally, a scanning device may scan the profile of a steel stud  120  or steel track or other building component and convert the scanned image to the machine code used by the CNC machine to cut the corresponding groove  170  or other profile in the EPS. Accordingly, the aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely non-transitory software embodiment, an entirely hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combining aspects of both software and hardware. Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code means embodied in the storage medium. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized, including hard disks, CD-ROM, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, flash card memory and/or the like. 
         [0097]    Historically, building panels exhibited poor thermal, vibration, and acoustic characteristics. In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, and with reference to  FIG. 7 , an exemplary system and panel  150  is configured for various other acoustical and thermal improvements. For instance,  FIG. 7  is a side cut away view of an exemplary wall panel with a split steel track  710 , integrated acoustical sound/fire material, and integrated side air gap  720  for improved thermal, fire, and acoustical properties. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a system  100  or panel  150  can comprise a split steel track  710  with integral gasket  730 , such as a foam gasket, configured to create integral sound, vibration, and thermal break at the track. This track may be attachable to a ceiling or a floor. In various embodiments, the track  710  is secured via a power driven fastener  520  through the gasket. A steel runner  530 , steel clip, steel angle  740  or other steel connector, in the case of a floor or ceiling respectively, may be screwed  540  to the track at one or more studs  120 . A continuous bead of sealant  750  (such as acoustical/thennal/joint sealant) may be applied to the joint surface of the panel and the complementary steel track. This sealant may be applied to any joint in the system, such as the joint of the face of the panel and the chase plug. An air gap  720  between a vapor, sound and/or fire barrier and the panel creates a higher sound and vibration rating. 
         [0098]    In accordance with another embodiment, and with reference to  FIG. 8 , a corner system  200  is depicted.  FIG. 8  depicts a top cut away view of a corner assembly of adjoining wall panels. In this system, an interlocking outside corner steel structural element (stud or other steel support), and an inside corner steel structural element (stud or other steel support) is depicted, as shown, these structural elements may be conventional studs. One or more sections of core material may be precision cut to receive the outside corner and inside corner structural elements. 
         [0099]    The integral corner depicted in  FIG. 8  may eliminate the thermal bridging associated with conventional construction. The corner system  200 , comprising an integral corner, also allows for the continuity of horizontal utility chases that are difficult or impossible to facilitate in conventional construction. The corner system  200 , comprising an integral corner also creates a uni-directional shear connection not created in conventional corner construction methods. This corner system  200 , comprising an integral corner, may also eliminate voids and leaks and to combat a building thermal envelope being compromised as it is in conventional construction methods. 
         [0100]      FIG. 8  also depicts a precision cut integral interlocking EPS joint  810 . This joint and receiving well does not require secondary fasteners to couple a first panel  150  and a second panel  150  together. In various embodiments, an edge of a first panel  150  is fashioned with a precision cut  170  joint configuration and a second panel  150  is fashioned with a precision cut receiving well sized to substantially mirror the outer surface of the joint such that the two panels  150  may be pressure fit together. Though not necessary, retaining elements may be fashioned on the receiving well and/or the joint surface to securely hold the two panels  150  together. 
         [0101]    According to various embodiments,  FIGS. 10A-10D  depict a lateral transfer plate  960 . The lateral transfer plate  960  may be fashioned with punched stud attachment tab  970  corresponding with stud  930  profile penetrations  920 . The tabs  970  may be integrally formed and punched and/or cut from a flat surface of the lateral transfer plate  960  substantially perpendicular to the orientation of length of stud  930 . For instance, the tabs  970  may be formed by cutting two (or three in the case of a lateral transfer plate  960  having a flange) sides of a rectangle from the lateral transfer plate  960 . The tab  970  may then be bent approximately  90  degrees along the remaining edge of the rectangle. Tab  970  may be formed from a recess configured to accept a stud  930  and/or from any flat surface of the lateral transfer plate  960 . 
         [0102]    The stud attachment tabs  970  may mirror and/or be substantially the same dimensions as the profile penetrations  920 . According to various embodiments the stud attachment tabs  970  may be smaller than the profile penetrations  920 . The stud attachment tabs  970  may be cut into any desired shape, but as shown in  FIGS. 10A-15B , are generally rectangular. As variously depicted by the figures, the stud attachment tabs  970  may be fastened to the web of the stud (with renewed reference to  FIGS. 10A-10B ), the flange of the stud (with brief reference to FIGS.  12 A- 12 B)., or tabs can be punched/cut so that there is a tab for each of the web and the flange of the stud  930  (with brief reference to  FIGS. 16A-16B ). 
         [0103]    The height of the stud attachment tab  970  may be approximately equivalent to the width of profile penetrations  920  and/or the width of stud  930 . The width of the stud attachment tab  970  is approximately equivalent to the depth of profile penetrations  920  and/or the width of stud  930 . As depicted in  FIGS. 10A-10D , tab  970  may be fastened to the stud  930  as desired. The tabs  970  may be fastened to the studs  930  with screws, rivets, contact welding, or with adhesive tape, such as 3M VHB tape. 
         [0104]    A thermal isolator may be positioned between the tab  970  and the stud  930 . The thermal isolator may be configured to lessen the thermal transfer from the lateral transfer plate  960  to the studs  930 . The thermal isolator may be any desired dimension. For instance, the thermal isolator may be less than or equal to about  1 / 8 ″ thick. The thermal isolator between the tab  970  and the stud  930  is configured to provide a break in the metal to metal thermal path. From a thermal perspective, the lateral transfer plate  960  is configured to lessen thermal transfer from one side to the other. For instance, lateral transfer plate  960  introduces discontinuities configured to interrupt what was formerly a continuous metal path through the wall in conventional framing systems. Stated another way, the design of lateral transfer plate  960  is configured to impede efficient thermal transport through lateral transfer plate  960 . 
         [0105]    Strapping, such as continuous metal strapping  940 , may be applied in the field, as desired. For instance, and with reference to FIGS.  10 E and  1 OF a lateral transfer plate  960  may be coupled to an adjacent lateral transfer plate  960  with a short length of metal strapping that overlaps the flange of each lateral transfer plate  960  and is screwed into each adjacent flange. The metal strapping that may be field applied may extend the entire length of the wall until an opening is reached, corner, or the end of the wall for a flangeless lateral transfer plate  960  (as depicted in  FIG. 10F ). With the flangeless lateral transfer plate  960 , the practice of tying a first lateral transfer plate  960  to an adjacent lateral transfer plate  960  may be obviated. 
         [0106]    According to various embodiments,  FIGS. 11A-11B  depict a lateral transfer plate  960  comprising a flange  1065 . Stud attachment tab  1070  may be punched forming an aperture  1020  bounded on three side by the lateral transfer plate  960  and on one side by flange  1065 . As previously described, flange  1065  may be coupled to the stud  930  and/or tab  1070  may be coupled to the stud  930 . 
         [0107]    According to various embodiments,  FIGS. 12A-12B  depict a lateral transfer plate  960  comprising a stud attachment tab  1170 . Attachment tab  1170  may be configured to be attached to the web  935  of the stud  930 . The tabs  1170  may be cut such that the resultant tab  1170  extends past the stud  930  to (or past) the centerline of the lateral transfer plate  960 . In this way, the loads on the studs  930  and lateral transfer plate  960  may be transferred appropriately. As used herein, the centerline runs in the X direction and generally bisects the lateral transfer plate  960  in Y direction. Attachment tab  1170  may be any desired height. For instance, attachment tab  1170  may be equivalent to the depth of the cut out  1120  and or the width of stud  930 . According to various embodiments, the height of attachment tab  1170  may be less than the depth of the cut out  1120  and or the width of stud  930 . 
         [0108]    According to various embodiments,  FIGS. 13A-13B  depict a lateral transfer plate  960  comprising a plurality of stud attachment tabs  1270  and  1275  configured to be attached to each stud  930 . As previously mentioned, studs  930  may be oriented in both the X axis orientation and Y axis orientation. For instance, as compared with  FIGS. 12A and 12B  the orientation of studs  930  of  FIGS. 13A-13B  are rotated  90  degrees. Attachment tabs  1270  and  1275  may be configured to be attached to two sides (such as the flanges) of each stud  930 . Attachment tab  1170  may be any desired height. For instance, the height of attachment tab  1270  and  1275  may be equivalent to the one half the width of recess  1120  and or the width of stud  930 . According to various embodiments, the height of attachment tab  1270  and  1275  may be less one half the width of recess  1120  and or the width of stud  930 . 
         [0109]    According to various embodiments,  FIGS. 14A-14B  depict a lateral transfer plate  960  comprising a flange  1065 . Stud attachment tab  1370  may be punched forming an aperture  1325  bounded on three side by the lateral transfer plate  960  and on one side by flange  1370 . Stud attachment tab  1370  may be punched forming a recess  1320  bounded on three side by lateral transfer plate  960 . 
         [0110]    According to various embodiments,  FIGS. 15A-15B  depict a lateral transfer plate  960  comprising a stud attachment tab  1470 . Stud attachment tab  1470  may be formed as part punch/cutting two sides of lateral transfer plate  960  to form recess  1420 . According to various embodiments,  FIGS. 16A-16B  depict a lateral transfer plate  960  comprising a stud attachment tab  1570  and  1575 . Attachment tabs  1570  and  1575  may be oriented along different planes and configured to be coupled to two surfaces of stud  930 , such as both the web and the flange of stud  930 . In this way, multiple attachment tabs  1570  and  1575  may be formed from a single punched recess  1520 . 
         [0111]    According to various embodiments, a wall is the foam is recessed about 2.5″ on an interior side to provide a space for electrical distribution without having to make any cuts in the foam. For instance, an approximately 8″ wall, with about 5½″ of foam and about 2½″ of space for service distribution may be created. In this wall, the lateral transfer plate  960  may be any desired width, but may desirably be about 8″ wide. In this way, lateral transfer plate  960  may extend over and cover the service distribution space. The lateral transfer plate  960  may be configured for draftstopping and/or fireblocking applications. Components may be coupled to each lateral transfer plate  960 , in certain applications, to improve its fire resistance/draft resistance. The lateral transfer plate  960  may be configured to provide a vertical barrier in the wall. Lateral transfer plate  960  may comprise penetrations for vertical runs of conduit, as desired. 
         [0112]    The present disclosure sets forth exemplary methods and systems for providing building panels with improved structural, thermal, acoustic, and fire-blocking characteristics. It will be understood that the foregoing description is of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and that the systems and methods described herein are not limited to the specific forms shown. Various modifications may be made in the design and arrangement of the elements set forth herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the various components and devices can be connected together in various manners in addition to those illustrated in the exemplary embodiments, and the various steps can be conducted in different orders. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the specification is to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Likewise, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to various embodiments. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the statements. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Also, as used herein, the terms “coupled,” “coupling,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a physical connection, an electrical connection, a magnetic connection, an optical connection, a communicative connection, a functional connection, and/or any other connection. Still further, as used herein, the term “about” shall mean within +/−25% of a number, unless stated otherwise. When language similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the statements, the phrase is intended to mean any of the following: (1) at least one of A; (2) at least one of B; (3) at least one of C; (4) at least one of A and at least one of B; (5) at least one of B and at least one of C; (6) at least one of A and at least one of C; or (7) at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C. 
         [0113]    In the description herein, references to “various embodiments”, “various aspects”, “an aspect”, “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an example embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments.