PRE-MANUFACTURED LOAD BEARING WALLS FOR A MULTI-STORY BUILDING

A multi-story building is provided with load bearing walls that are able to withstand vertical loads and lateral loads. The building may be a low-rise building or a mid-rise building. The load bearing walls, as well as floor-ceiling panels, corridor panels, utility walls, and other parts of the building, are pre-manufactured off-site and then installed on-site at the site of the building. The floor-ceiling panels are hung from the load bearing walls and are capable to receive and transfer lateral and vertical loads, as well as providing improved sound proofing and fire rating for the building.

BACKGROUND

Conventional construction is typically conducted in the field at the building job site. People in various trades (e.g., carpenters, electricians, and plumbers) measure, cut, and install material as though each unit were one-of-a-kind. Furthermore, activities performed by the trades are arranged in a linear sequence. The result is a time-consuming process that increases the risk of waste, installation imperfections, and cost overruns.

Traditional building construction continues to be more and more expensive and more and more complex. Changing codes, changing environments, and new technology have all made the construction of a building more complex than it was 10 or more years ago. In addition, trade labor availability is being reduced significantly. As more and more craftsmen retire, fewer and fewer younger workers may be choosing the construction industry as a career, leaving the construction industry largely lacking in skilled and able men and women to do the growing amount of construction work.

The construction industry is increasingly using modular construction techniques to improve efficiency. Modular construction techniques may include pre-manufacturing complete volumetric units (e.g., a stackable module) or one or more building components, such as wall panels, floor panels, and/or ceiling panels, offsite (e.g., in a factory or manufacturing facility), delivering the pre-manufactured modules or components to a building construction site, and assembling the pre-manufactured modules or components at the building construction site.

While modular construction techniques provide certain advantages over traditional construction techniques, challenges continue to exist in being able meet housing and other building demands in communities. For example, the construction industry, whether using modular construction techniques or traditional construction techniques, needs to be able to address issues such as reducing construction costs and construction waste, reducing time to build, providing building designs that efficiently use space, and other challenges brought on by increasing demands for affordable housing and other building needs.

SUMMARY

An embodiment provides a pre-manufactured load bearing wall for a multi-story building. The load bearing wall includes:a plurality of parallel vertical metal studs;a first track affixed to an upper end of the studsa second track affixed to a lower end of the studs;a first vertical support member at a first edge of the wall;a second vertical support member at a second edge of the wall;a metal plate that runs between the first and second edges of the wall, and affixed to the first and second vertical support members and to the first track, wherein the plate is configured to support a horizontal section of a first angle of a floor-ceiling panel such that the floor-ceiling panel is hung from the load bearing wall;a horizontal member that runs between the first and second edges of the wall, that is affixed to the lower track, and that extends laterally away from the lower track, wherein the horizontal member is configured to be affixed to second angle of the floor-ceiling panel to provide a load path for a lateral load; anda stiffener device located at a top end of each of the first and second vertical support members, wherein the stiffener device is configured to provide rigidity for a joint between the first and second vertical support members and corresponding vertical support members respectively positioned serially above the first and second vertical support members.

Another embodiment provides a multi-story building. The building includes:a pre-manufactured floor-ceiling panel; anda pre-manufactured load bearing wall that includes:a plurality of parallel vertical metal studs;a first track affixed to an upper end of the studsa second track affixed to a lower end of the studs;a first vertical support member at a first edge of the wall;a second vertical support member at a second edge of the wall;a metal plate that runs between the first and second edges of the wall, and affixed to the first and second vertical support members and to the first track, wherein the plate is configured to support a horizontal section of a first angle of the floor-ceiling panel such that the floor-ceiling panel is hung from the load bearing wall;a horizontal member that runs between the first and second edges of the wall, that is affixed to the lower track, and that extends laterally away from the lower track, wherein the horizontal member is configured to be affixed to second angle of the floor-ceiling panel to provide a load path for a lateral load; anda stiffener device located at a top end of each of the first and second vertical support members, wherein the stiffener device is configured to provide rigidity for a joint between the first and second vertical support members and corresponding vertical support members respectively positioned serially above the first and second vertical support members.

Still another embodiment provides method to manufacture a load bearing wall for a multi-story building. The method includes:affixing a first track to an upper end of a plurality of parallel vertical metal studs;affixing a second track to a lower end of the studs;affixing a first vertical support member to a first outer stud at a first edge of the wall;affixing a second vertical support member to a second outer stud at a second edge of the wall;affixing a metal plate, which runs between the first and second edges of the wall, to the first and second vertical support members and to the first track, wherein the plate is configured to support a horizontal section of a first angle of a floor-ceiling panel such that the floor-ceiling panel is hung from the load bearing wall;affixing a horizontal member, which runs between the first and second edges of the wall, to the lower track such that the horizontal member extends laterally away from the lower track, wherein the horizontal member is configured to be affixed to second angle of the floor-ceiling panel to provide a load path for a lateral load; andplacing a stiffener device at a top end of each of the first and second vertical support members, wherein the stiffener device is configured to provide rigidity for a joint between the first and second vertical support members and corresponding vertical support members respectively positioned serially above the first and second vertical support members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is drawn, inter alia, to methods, systems, products, devices, and/or apparatuses generally related to pre-manufactured load bearing walls that may be used in multi-story buildings having other pre-manufactured building parts (e.g., floor-ceiling panels, stair and elevator modules, steel transfer structures, corridor panels, etc.), such as a low-rise or mid-rise building. The load bearing walls are structural in that they are able to absorb and/or transfer lateral and/or vertical loads.

Traditionally, buildings are constructed using a steel structural frame that is designed to resist vertical and lateral loads. Thus, the structural frame can be thought of as a skeletal structure of a multi-story building, wherein the structural frame provides structural support for the building by absorbing vertical loads due to the weight of multiple stories and lateral loads such as due to wind or earthquakes, as well as providing the framing for various walls, floors, ceilings, and other components that can be affixed to the structural frame during the course of constructing the building. However, manufacturing and assembling such a traditional and extensive structural frame can be time consuming and costly in terms of labor and material. For instance, an affordable housing crisis or other community needs may dictate that buildings with good structural integrity be built quickly and economically.

Therefore, various embodiments disclosed herein pertain to construction of a building using load bearing walls and other building parts such that the reliance upon a traditional structural frame can be reduced or eliminated, while at the same time enabling the building to meet lateral and vertical loading requirements. The load bearing walls can be pre-manufactured demising walls, end walls, or other vertical walls (including possibly utility walls), at least some of which are constructed and arranged so as to provide the structural support for the building in a manner that is sufficient to enable the building to handle vertical and lateral loads. The other building parts, such as the pre-manufactured floor-ceiling panels and corridor panels and their accompanying components, in combination with the load bearing walls and coupling linkages between them, also enhance the structural integrity for the building (e.g., for handling or transferring loads), improve acoustical performance, and increase fire safety.

The building may be a multi-story low-rise building or a multi-story mid-rise building in some embodiments. Each story of the building can include a single unit or multiple units. For instance, a particular unit may be living space, office space, retail space, storage space, or other human-occupied space or otherwise usable space in the building. In the context of living space, as an example, each story of the building may include multiple units to respectively accommodate multiple tenants.

The use of the pre-manufactured load bearing walls and other pre-manufactured parts enables the building to be constructed with a shorter time to build and at a lower cost (relative to a building that is constructed using a traditional structural frame), and without sacrificing the structural integrity of the building. Moreover, the floor-ceiling panels of the building may be made thinner relative to conventional floor-ceiling panels, thereby enabling the building to have more stories per vertical foot compared to a traditional building, or to have more open space per linear foot when relatively thinner load bearing walls are used. Thus, the building is able to provide more usable space (e.g., living space) as opposed to a traditional building that occupies the same footprint. In other cases, the thinner floor-ceiling panels provide more space between the floor and ceiling of each unit, which may be desirable for some occupants that prefer living spaces with “high ceilings.”

In some embodiments, the material composition of an entire module, as well as the wall, ceiling, and floor panels, may include steel. In some embodiments, the material composition may include aluminum. In still other embodiments, the wall, ceiling, and floor panels may be made from a variety of building suitable materials ranging from metals and/or metal alloys, composites, to wood and wood polymer composites (WPC), wood based products (lignin), other organic building materials (bamboo) to organic polymers (plastics), to hybrid materials, earthen materials such as ceramics, glass mat, gypsum, fiber cement, magnesium oxide, or any other suitable materials or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, cement, grout, or other pourable or moldable building materials may also be used. In other embodiments, any combination of suitable building material may be combined by using one building material for some elements of the entire module, as well as the wall, ceiling and floor panels, and other building materials for other elements of the entire module, as well as the wall, ceiling, and floor panels. Selection of any material may be made from a reference of material options (such as those provided for in the International Building Code), or selected based on the knowledge of those of ordinary skill in the art when determining load bearing requirements for the structures to be built. Larger and/or taller structures may have greater physical strength requirements than smaller and/or shorter buildings. Adjustments in building materials to accommodate size of structure, load, and environmental stresses can determine optimal economical choices of building materials used for components in an entire module, as well as the wall, ceiling, and floor panels described herein. Availability of various building materials in different parts of the world may also affect selection of materials for building the system described herein. Adoption of the International Building Code or similar code may also affect choice of materials.

Any reference herein to “metal” includes any construction grade metals or metal alloys as may be suitable (such as steel) for fabrication and/or construction of the entire module, as well as wall, ceiling, and floor panels, and/or other components thereof described herein. Any reference to “wood” includes wood, wood laminated products, wood pressed products, wood polymer composites (WPCs), bamboo or bamboo related products, lignin products and any plant derived product, whether chemically treated, refined, processed or simply harvested from a plant. Any reference herein to “concrete” or “grout” includes any construction grade curable composite that includes cement, water, and a granular aggregate. Granular aggregates may include sand, gravel, polymers, ash and/or other minerals.

FIG.1is an illustration of an example multi-story building100that can have pre-manufactured floor-ceiling panels, load bearing walls, and other building parts (e.g., pre-manufactured corridor panels, utility walls, window walls, and other type of walls, etc.), in accordance with some implementations. It is noted that the building100ofFIG.1is being shown and described herein as an example for purposes of providing context for the various embodiments in this disclosure. The various embodiments may be provided for buildings that have a different number of stories, footprint, size, shape, configuration, appearance, etc. than those shown for the building100.

The building100may be a multi-story building with one or more units (e.g., living, office, or other spaces) in each story. In the example ofFIG.1, the building100has six stories/levels/floors, labeled as levels L1-L6. Also as shown inFIG.1, the building100has a generally rectangular footprint, although the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided for buildings having footprints of some other shape/configuration. Moreover, each story may not necessarily have the same shape/configuration as the other stories. For instance inFIG.1, level L6 of the building100has a smaller rectangular footprint relative to levels L1-L5.

The ground floor level L1 may contain living spaces, office spaces, retail spaces, storage spaces, common areas (such as a lobby), etc. or combination thereof. Levels L2-L6 may also contain living spaces, office spaces, retail spaces, storage spaces parking, storage, common areas, etc. or combination thereof. Such spaces may be defined by discrete units, separated from each other and from corridors or common areas by interior demising walls and utility walls (not shown inFIG.1). An individual unit in turn may be made up of multiple rooms that may be defined by load bearing or non-load bearing walls. For example, a single unit on any given level may be occupied by a tenant, and may include a kitchen, living room, bathrooms, bedrooms, etc. separated by walls, such as demising walls or utility walls. There may be multiple units (e.g., for multiple respective tenants) on each story, or only a single unit (e.g., for a single tenant) on a single story.

Each end of the building100includes an end wall102. One or more panels that make up the end wall102may span a single story in height. Any of the sides of the building100may include an end wall or a window wall104that accommodates a window106, such as window(s) for unit(s). One or more panels that make up the window wall104may span a single story in height. Some parts of the building100may include an end wall devoid of windows (e.g., not a window wall), such as an end wall108, which may be comprised of a panel that spans one story of the building100.

The unit(s) in each story may be formed using either an entire pre-manufactured module or from one or more pre-manufactured floor-ceiling panels (not shown inFIG.1) and wall panels, and the units may also adjoin each other via hallways having pre-manufactured corridor panels used as floor-ceiling panels. A floor-ceiling panel may form the floor of a first unit and a ceiling of a second unit below the first unit, and may also be used to form part of the roof of the building100when used as the ceiling panel for the top floor. The pre-manufactured wall panels may be used to form interior walls (e.g., demising walls, utility walls on a corridor, etc.), window walls (e.g., exterior window wall104that accommodate one or more windows106), utility walls (e.g., walls with utilities such as plumbing and electrical wiring contained therein), end walls, etc. According to various embodiments, at least some of these panels may be pre-manufactured off-site such as at a factory, and then installed on site by coupling them together to construct the building100. The various components of such panels and how such panels are attached to each other will be described later below.

The sides of interior walls that face the interior space (e.g., living space) of the building100may be covered by a finish panel, such as wall paneling, for decorative and/or functional purposes. Analogously, the tops and bottoms of floor-ceiling panels that face the interior space (e.g., living space) of the building100may also be covered with laminate flooring, finish panels, tile, painted/textured sheathing, etc. for decorative and/or functional purposes. For exterior walls such as end walls and window walls, the sides of these walls facing the outside environment may be covered with waterproofing membranes, tiles, glass, or other material for decorative and/or functional purposes.

According to various implementations, the building100is constructed using load bearing walls (such as demising walls, end walls, etc.). In this manner, such walls are able to support vertical loads, and non-shear walls are able to transfer lateral loads and shear walls are able to transfer and resist lateral loads. Because these walls are load bearing components, the building100can eliminate or reduce the use of an extensive steel structural frame in at least some of the levels. For instance, a steel structural frame (e.g., made of an array of beams and columns to which each and every floor-ceiling panel and wall are directly attached) may be absent in levels L2-L6. A steel structural frame may be used in level L1 and/or further structural reinforcement may be given to load bearing walls that are used in level L1 alternatively or in addition to a structural frame, so as to provide structural integrity at ground level.

The building100, having six levels L1-L6, is defined in some jurisdictions as a mid-rise building (e.g., buildings having six to 12 levels). Buildings having five levels and under are defined in some jurisdictions as a low-rise building. The various embodiments of the load bearing walls described herein may be used in low-rise and mid-rise buildings. Such low-rise and mid-rise buildings may have various fire ratings, with a 2-hour fire rating for mid-rise buildings of six stories or more and a 1-hour fire rating for buildings of five stories or less being examples for some of the buildings that use the load bearing walls described herein.

In some embodiments, the load bearing walls and other building parts described herein (in the absence of a structural frame, or with a reduced amount thereof) may be used for buildings that have a greater number of stories than a typical low-rise or mid-rise building. In such embodiments, the load bearing walls and/or other building parts described herein may be implemented with additional and/or modified structural components, so as to account for the increased load associated with the greater number of stories.

FIG.2shows a partially constructed building200having floor-ceiling panels202and load bearing walls230at a second floor level (L2) of the building, in accordance with some implementations. For purposes of example and illustration, the building200has a generally rectangular footprint, and is assumed to be a low-rise building having at most five stories (floor levels), and it is understood that the various implementations described herein may be used for buildings with other numbers of stories. A construction sequence described with respect toFIG.2and in the other figures that will be shown and described later may be adapted to construct buildings having other shapes, sizes, heights, configurations, number of stories, etc., such as the building100ofFIG.1or any other building where load bearing walls, floor-ceiling panels, and the other building parts described herein are installed in the absence of extensive structural frames on at least some stories. In some embodiments, the various operations in the construction sequence may be performed in a different order, omitted, supplemented with other operations, modified, combined, performed in parallel, etc., relative to what is shown and described with respect toFIG.2and the other figures.

To describe a construction sequence to arrive at the partially constructed building200inFIG.2, a foundation204is first formed. The foundation204may be a steel reinforced concrete slab that is poured on the ground to define a footprint206of the building200, or may be some other type of shallow or deep foundation structure. Furthermore, excavation of the ground may also be performed to form a basement and/or elevator pit(s)208that form part of one or more elevator shafts to accommodate one or more elevators.

Next in the construction sequence, pre-manufactured stair and elevator modules210and212may be built on the foundation204, and positioned such that the elevator portions of the modules210and212that will contain the elevator shaft are superimposed over the elevator pit(s)208. The modules210and212according to various embodiments may be two stories in height, and there may be one or more of these modules per building, with two modules210and212shown by way of example inFIG.2.

Each of the modules210and212may be comprised of vertical columns made of steel, and horizontal beams spanning between the columns and also made of steel. Thus, the columns and the beams form a structural frame, which according to various embodiments is a load bearing structure that is able to withstand vertical and lateral loads. In other embodiments, the columns may be replaced by load bearing wall panels and the beams may remain as load bearing rings.

The modules210and212of various embodiments are positioned at specific locations of the foundation204. In the example ofFIG.2, the modules210and212are positioned on opposite sides of the building200. Other configurations may be used, such as positioning one or more modules at a central location in the building footprint206or at any other suitable location(s) on the building footprint206.

Next in the construction sequence, braced frames are installed on the foundation204in relation to the modules210and212. For example, braced frames214and216are arranged perpendicularly around and in close proximity to the module210, such that the module210is nested by the braced frames214and216. With respect to the module212, braced frames218and220are also arranged perpendicularly relative to each other but are spaced away from the module212by a greater distance.

The braced frames214-220may be arranged on the foundation204in any suitable location and orientation, dependent on factors such as the footprint or configuration of the building200, source of lateral and/or vertical loads, location/orientation for optimal stabilization, etc. Any suitable number of braced frames may be provided at the ground level. The braced frames may further vary in configuration. The example ofFIG.2depicts some brace frames (e.g., the braced frame218) that are generally planar in shape (made of two columns and at least one horizontal beam that joins the two columns), with cross beams (X shaped beams) at the center of the braced frames. The braced frames214-220may span one, two, or other stories in height or intermediate heights, and multiple braced frames may also be vertically coupled.

According to various embodiments, the modules210and212are used as erection aids that guide the positioning and orientation of the braced frames214-220during construction. For instance, the modules210and212are installed first, and then the braced frames214-220are arranged relative to the location of the modules210and212. The braced frames may be directly welded (or otherwise attached/connected) to the modules, or may be linked to the module(s) over a distance via linking beams or other structural framing. In this manner, the modules210and212stabilize the braced frames214-220, and the braced frames214-220can operate to also absorb vertical and lateral loads from the building200via their linking connections.

The next phase of the construction sequence involves the erection of a steel transfer structure222(e.g., a podium structure) at ground level. The steel transfer structure222comprises a steel frame that receives and transfers load to the foundation204and to the braced frames214-220. The steel transfer structure222may have vertical members224(columns) having a height that spans one story, girders226that join pairs of columns224, and beams228that perpendicularly join pairs of girders226. The steel transfer structure222may further include vertically oriented “spigots” and/or other protrusions or engagement features to aid in construction, as will be described more fully below.

After completion of the steel transfer structure222, the next phase of the construction sequence involves the placement/installation of the floor-ceiling panels202over consecutive beams228, and more specifically, hanging the floor-ceiling panels202onto the beams228. A floor deck comprised of floor-ceiling panels202thus results after such installation.

Afterwards, the load bearing walls230(e.g., demising walls and end walls) are installed by being positioned over the beams228, and utility walls232are then installed by being hung onto the load bearing walls230. Next, corridor panels234(which may be formed similarly in some respects as the floor-ceiling panels202) are hung from the utility walls232.

According to the example depicted inFIG.2, the space between consecutive beams228and parallel girders226is sized to receive three adjoining floor-ceiling panels202, although the size of the floor-ceiling panels and the space between consecutive beams228and girders226can vary from one implementation to another. For instance, some implementations may install a multiple floor-ceiling panel between consecutive beams228that may vary in widths from 13 feet, to 16 feet, to 20 feet, to 24 feet, etc.

FIG.3shows further details of the floor-ceiling panels and load bearing walls of the partially constructed building200ofFIG.2. More particularly,FIG.3depicts the placement of three floor-ceiling panels300A-300C (collectively300) over and between consecutive beams228A and228B (collectively228). In the example shown, the floor-ceiling panel300A is adjacent to a window wall (not yet installed inFIG.3) that faces an exterior of the building200, the floor-ceiling panel300B is adjacent to a utility wall (not yet installed inFIG.3) that faces the interior corridor of the building200, and the floor-ceiling panel300C is a middle panel joined to and between the floor-ceiling panels300A and300B.

An installation sequence for the floor-ceiling panels may involve installing the floor-ceiling panel300A, floor-ceiling panel300C, and floor-ceiling panel300B in any suitable sequence. After these three floor-ceiling panels are installed, then the installation sequence moves to the next adjacent space between consecutive beams228(e.g., to the left direction inFIG.3) so as to install the next three floor-ceiling panels in the same manner. This installation sequence repeats until all floor-ceiling panels are installed on the steel transfer structure224in the manner as depicted inFIG.2to complete a floor deck for that story.

FIG.3shows an example mounting of floor-ceiling panels, wherein if the north-south direction along the beam228is considered to be a transverse direction, and if the east-west direction along the girder226is considered to be the longitudinal direction, then the floor-ceiling panel300includes an angle302(or other piece of metal that provides ledge-like structure) that runs along its transverse direction along an upper surface (upper corner edge) of the floor-ceiling panel300. It is understood that the terms longitudinal and transverse are used as relative terms herein for the sake of convenience in describing perpendicular/orthogonal relationships between two components in the various embodiments, and may be swapped if the building200is being viewed or described from a different point of reference.

As will be shown and described in further detail below, the angle302includes a horizontal section that rests on a top surface of the beam228A. A vertical section of the angle302is attached to a vertical edge of the floor-ceiling panel300. A similar angle302is attached to the other/opposite transverse edge of the floor-ceiling panel300, and also has a horizontal section that rests on top of a beam228B adjacent to that edge of the floor-ceiling panel300. In this manner, the floor-ceiling panel300is hung by its transverse edges between two consecutive beams228.

With such an arrangement, the floor-ceiling panels300each provide a diaphragm that absorbs lateral and/or vertical load(s) and then transfers the load(s), via the angle302, to the beams228of the steel transfer structure222and/or to other supporting structure linked to the angles302. The steel transfer structure222then transfers the load(s) via one or more load paths to the foundation204and/or to the braced frames (e.g., the braced frames214-220) via connecting links.

According to some embodiments, the floor-ceiling panels300are supported between beams228along their transverse sides and are unsupported (e.g., by the girders226) along their longitudinal sides. Load bearing walls are positioned along and over the transverse sides/edges of the floor-ceiling panels300. As depicted inFIG.3by way of example and as will be described in further detail below, an end wall308(or a demising wall) may be positioned over/along a first transverse side/edge of the floor-ceiling panel300, and a demising wall310(or an end wall) may be positioned over/along a second transverse side/edge (opposite from the first transverse side/edge) of the floor-ceiling panel300.

Both of the walls308and310are load bearing walls. The end wall308is also a shear wall (but may not be a shear wall in some situations), and the demising wall310may or may not be a shear wall. In general, various structural configurations may be used to enable a wall to be a shear wall so as to resist in-plane shear and overturning. For example, stronger stud configurations or wall material may be used, as well as more dense screw patterns for attaching metal sheets to the walls and augmentation of vertical connections between panels at end studs (tubular members).

FIG.3also depicts alignment/placement and securing of the walls, using spigots306or other type of engagement/alignment feature. More particularly, the end wall308and the demising wall310are installed by initially positioning these walls over/above the beams228, and then lowering these walls so that they rest upon the beams228.

In the example ofFIG.3, the end wall308may include a tubular member312, such as a hollow structural section (HSS) tube, or other type of vertical support member affixed along both of its vertical proximal and distal edges. As the end wall308is being lowered into position, the spigots306(located adjacent to both ends of the beam228) are inserted into the openings of the lower ends of the tubular members312. The end wall308is then secured in place by tightening the attachment bolts on the spigot306and by affixing a lower edge of the end wall308to the upper surface of the floor-ceiling panels, which will be shown and described in further detail below with respect toFIG.5.

A similar procedure may be used to install the demising wall310, by fitting openings (at lower ends of vertical tubular members314located at the vertical proximal and distal edges of the demising wall310) over and around the spigots306. A result of this installation is shown inFIG.3, wherein two parallel walls are now standing in a self-aligned and self-supported manner, without the need for additional bracing from structural framing (e.g., an internal framing/skeleton of the building200).

After the floor-ceiling panels, walls, and corridor panels are finished being installed on the second floor level L2, then the construction sequence described with respect toFIGS.2and3repeats for each subsequent floor level above. For example,FIG.4shows installation of a floor-ceiling panel400on a next floor level of the building200, which in this example is the third floor level L3.

InFIG.4, the floor-ceiling panel400is hung onto the previously installed end wall308and demising wall310, via the angles302that run along the transverse upper edges of the floor-ceiling panel400. The floor-ceiling panel400is hung by resting the horizontal sections of the angles302on the top surfaces of the end wall308and demising wall310. The manner in which the floor-ceiling panel400ofFIG.4is hung from the top surfaces of the end wall308and the demising wall310, via the angles302, may be generally similar to the manner that the floor-ceiling panels300are hung from the top surfaces of the beams228inFIG.3.

Holes402may be formed (e.g., offsite at the factory) in the angles302of the floor-ceiling panel400. During installation, such holes402may be superimposed over holes410formed at the upper surfaces of the walls308/310, so as to facilitate the alignment and positioning of the floor-ceiling panel400with some precision. For instance, temporary pegs or screws may be inserted into the holes402and410during installation to align and hold the floor-ceiling panel400in place, while the angle302is screwed, bolted, or welded to a top plate on the top surfaces of the walls308and310.

Moreover, further spigots306may be installed on top of the walls308and310, for alignment and securing of the upper end wall and demising wall that will be installed next on top of the respective lower end wall308and demising wall310. The angle302may have cutouts404to accommodate fasteners (e.g., bolts) for a mounting base of spigots306and/or to accommodate other parts or fasteners.

FIG.4also shows an installed utility wall406(e.g., the utility wall232shown inFIG.2), with the floor-ceiling panel400being sized and installed such that the gap304is provided to accommodate a next utility wall above the utility wall406. The gap304may be absent in other embodiments.FIG.4further shows that the gap304accommodates utilities408(e.g., plumbing, electrical, etc.) that are pre-installed in the utility wall406. As will be described further below, the load bearing walls308/310may be constructed such that the utility wall406is hung from these load bearing walls.

FIG.5is a cutaway (or cross-sectional) view that shows some of the components of load bearing walls (e.g., demising walls such as the demising walls310) in more detail, in accordance with some implementations. More specifically,FIG.5shows a top portion of a load bearing wall (e.g., the demising wall310) and the bottom portion of a demising wall500that is positioned (on the next floor level) above the demising wall310. The top portions of both walls are the same/similar for both walls and the bottom portions of both walls are the same/similar for both walls, and so these walls will be described interchangeably herein.

The interior of each wall includes vertical parallel metal studs510along the entire length of the walls. The studs may be spaced at 18″ on center (e.g., their centers are 18 inches apart), 16″ on center, or some other spacing. Traditional studs are spaced at 24 inches on center, and so the reduced spacing distance between the studs510enables more studs to be present per linear foot of the length of the wall, thereby providing the wall with increased capability to support a vertical load.

According to some embodiments, each individual stud510may be formed from one or more vertically arranged C-channels having example dimensions of about 2 inches by 6 inches nominally, or 3⅝ inches by 1⅝ inches, with a 12 gauge, 14 gauge, or 16 gauge thickness (or other thinner or thicker gauge). One or more horizontally arranged C-channels may provide an upper track512(first track) attached/affixed to the upper ends of the studs510, and a lower track514(second track) attached/affixed to the lower ends of the studs510. The tracks512/514may be 14 gauge or other gauge/thickness of steel.

Each of the walls310/500may include a metal layer516on both sides of each wall310/500, such as sheet of metal made of 20 gauge steel or other steel gauge/thickness. The metal layer516covers the internal structure and other parts of the walls (such as the studs510, utilities, insulation, etc. in the interior of the walls, not shown inFIG.5), and may be affixed to the studs510or tracks512/514by screws or other fasteners, welding, adhesives, etc. A layer518may overlie each respective metal layer516, and may comprise a gypsum board, a finish panel, etc.

A horizontal metal plate520may be affixed on top of the upper track512, and may run along the entire length of the upper edge of the lower wall310or along a portion thereof. The metal plate520may be steel, for example, that is about 7 inches wide and ¼ inches thick. The metal plate520may be affixed (offsite at a factory) to the upper track512via screws or bolts or other fasteners, by welding to the upper track512and/or to the metal layer516, or by some other attachment method.

The lower portion of each wall310/500has an affixed horizontal member522(e.g., welded to the lower track514and/or to the metal layer516, bolted or screwed to the lower track514, etc., which may be performed offsite at a factory). The horizontal member522may run along an entire length of the lower track514(e.g., runs along the full length between the proximal and distal ends of the wall500), or may run intermittently in sections along the lower track514, such as depicted in the example ofFIG.5. The horizontal member522extends laterally away from the lower track.

According to various implementations, the horizontal member522may be made from 14 gauge steel, or ¼ inch steel, or some other steel gauge or thickness. The horizontal member522may be 12 inches wide or other dimension. It is understood that the foregoing various dimensions (as well as for various other components described throughout this disclosure), such as thicknesses, gauges, lengths, widths, heights, etc. are for illustrative purposes, and that such dimensions may vary from one implementation to another depending on factors such as material availability, cost considerations, structural performance requirements (including loading and weight requirements), design variations, etc.

A floor-ceiling panel400A and an adjacent floor-ceiling panel400B (collectively400) are hung onto a load bearing demising wall (e.g., the demising wall310ofFIG.5), via the respective horizontal sections502A and502B (collectively502) of the angles302A and302B (collectively302) of the respective floor-ceiling panels400A and400B.

The angle302(e.g., an L-shaped member such as a hot-rolled metal angle or other type of load carrying/bearing angle) is positioned over and rests on the plate520serving as a head plate at the top of the wall310. The angle302(first angle) includes, in addition to the horizontal section (flange)502, a vertical section (flange)504.

The floor-ceiling panel400further includes a shear angle506(which may also be a cold formed metal angle of 14 gauge, for example) that runs along each of the transverse upper edges/corners of the floor-ceiling panel400. The shear angle506(a second angle) has a horizontal section508and a vertical section528. The horizontal section508of the shear angle506lies on top of and may be attached to an upper surface of the floor-ceiling panel400. The angle302may be ¼ inch steel, with vertical and horizontal sections of lengths between 2-6 inches, for example. The shear angle506may be the same dimensions as the angle302, or may be made of relatively thinner (or thicker) steel with horizontal/vertical sections that are shorter (or longer) relative to the angle302.

During offsite manufacturing, the vertical section528of the shear angle506is welded to the vertical section504of the angle302(such as via a continuous weld or a stitch weld) at the upper edge of the vertical section528. The vertical section504of the angle302is then welded (such as via a continuous weld or a stitch weld), during the off-site manufacturing, to an end member524(such as a track in the form of a C-channel) attached to the ends of longitudinally running parallel metal joists526of the floor-ceiling panel400.

Welding or otherwise attaching the vertical section504of the angle302to the floor-ceiling panel400enables the angle302, after being hung to the wall310during the construction sequence, to support the vertical load of the floor-ceiling panel400. The horizontal section508of the shear angle506in combination with the angle302also provides a load path to enable lateral load to be transferred from the diaphragm, formed by the floor-ceiling panel400, to the plate500and then to load path(s) or connecting links to the braced frames, etc.

This arrangement of the shear angle506and the angle302thus forms a T-shaped element that each run transversely along the entire length of the upper corner edges of the floor-ceiling panel400. While the examples are described herein of the shear angle506and the angle302(both made of metal such as steel) being separate pieces that are attached to each other, some embodiments may use a single integrated piece of metal that is T-shaped.

During the construction sequence and after the floor-ceiling panels400are hung from the wall310, the wall500is lowered aligned/positioned into place (e.g., using the spigots306as previously explained above), and then the horizontal member522is affixed to the each of the horizontal sections508of the shear angles506of the floor-ceiling panels400, thereby permanently mounting the upper load bearing wall500over the lower load bearing wall310. The horizontal section508thus forms a landing/fastening location for the horizontal member522. The horizontal member522may be affixed to the shear angle506such as by screwing, by stitch or continuous welding the horizontal member522to the horizontal section508, or by bolting or other attachment technique.

Affixing the load bearing upper wall500to the floor-ceiling panels400in this manner enables lateral load to transfer from the upper wall500to the horizontal member522, and then to the shear angle506and/or the angle302. The lateral load can then transfer across the diaphragm formed by the floor-ceiling panel400(e.g., via the sheets of steel in the floor-ceiling panel400) and then to linking connections with further load bearing walls (e.g., via other angles502/506and plates500), other floor-ceiling panels, corridor panels, and through various other linking elements and other possible load paths, and then to resisting elements such as the braced frames, designated shear walls, etc. For example, in the case that the depicted walls are shear walls, lateral forces may follow the path500to522to506/302to520, and down to wall310, thereby transmitting collected lateral force from the diaphragm down the shear wall to the steel transfer structure at ground level and into the foundation. These lateral forces may include forces from non-shear bearing walls that are transmitted into the diaphragm by the same connection detail (as described).

FIG.6is a cutaway view of a load bearing wall (e.g., one of the demising walls310ofFIG.3or500inFIG.5), in accordance with some implementations. The upper track512and the plate520have been cut away fromFIG.6, for further clarity. The wall310is shown inFIG.6as being erected, in a generally similar manner as shown inFIG.3and the other figures.

The studs510are shown, with the metal layers516respectively attached to both sides of the studs510. Other parts of (or attachments) to the wall310, such as the layers518and a facia602, are also shown inFIG.6for context.

According to various embodiments, the load bearing wall (e.g., the demising wall310or the end wall308) includes a vertically running tubular member312(also shown inFIG.3and which may also be a similar/same type of part as the tubular member314) at both the proximal end and the distal end of the wall310. The tubular member312may be, for example, a single HSS tube having dimensions of 6 inches by 6 inches by ¼ inch thick. HSS tubes of other dimensions may be used for the tubular member312, including bundles of two or more HSS tubes that are attached (e.g., by welding) together.

In other implementations, two or more C-channels, I-beams, box beams, or other type of elongated vertical support member may be bundled together to provide the structural support analogous to that provided by the HSS tube shown inFIG.6, at the proximal and distal ends of the wall310. Such other type of support member also may not necessarily be tubular in form, individually and/or after being bundled together. For the sake of explanation, the various embodiments herein will describe the vertical support member at the proximal and distal ends of the wall as being the tubular member312(and similarly the tubular member314) such as an HSS tube.

The tubular member312is attached, offsite at a factory, to an outer stud604. This attachment may be done by welding together the tubular member312and the outer stud604, or via the use of fasteners such as bolts/nuts or screws.

FIG.7is another cutaway view of a load bearing wall (e.g., the demising wall310ofFIG.6), in accordance with some implementations. In this view, the plate520is now shown as being attached to the upper portion of the wall310. Also shown are the hole(s)410(described with respect toFIG.4above) that run through the plate520, and which is a temporary construction fastening hole for use with a corresponding hole in the angle302. The connection at410holds floor-ceiling panel in place for precision and safety during building erection. This fastening also creates a tight joint for weld setup.

The tubular member312includes a cap700that is sized and shaped to cover the top opening of the tubular member312. The cap700may be the same thickness as the walls of the tubular member312(e.g., ¼ inches thick), or may be thinner or thicker.

A vertical slot702may be formed at the upper end of the tubular member312, which is sized and shaped to accommodate a protrusion704. The protrusion704may be oriented in a vertical direction, so as to be orthogonal/perpendicular to the cap700that is oriented in a horizontal direction. The protrusion704may pass through the slot702, so as to have a length that extends at least up to the outer surface of the tubular member312. In the example ofFIG.4, the protrusion704extends past the slot702by a sufficient distance so as to form a flag-like structure.

According to various embodiments, the protrusion704in combination with the cap700operate as a stiffener device for the upper end of the tubular member312, such as for resisting seismic overturning loads when the wall is a shear wall. In implementations wherein the extended flag-like structure of the protrusion704is present, holes706may be provided in the protrusion706for coupling (e.g., via bolts) to other structural elements, such as a structural link across a corridor, framing for a balcony, or other structure, for purposes of connection and providing a load path for shear or vertical loads.

In some embodiments, the protrusion704and the cap700may be formed from a single piece of metal that is vertically inserted into the opening of the tubular member312. In other embodiments, the protrusion704and the cap700may be separate pieces of metal that are joined together (e.g., by welding off site at a factory) and then vertically inserted into the opening of the tubular member312. Once inserted into place, the plate520is then installed (e.g., by welding or fasteners) over both the upper track512and the cap700.

In some embodiments, the cap700and/or the protrusion704may be welded to outer surfaces of the tubular member312, prior to attachment of the plate520, so as to hold the cap700and protrusion700in place. In other embodiments the cap700(with the protrusion704attached thereto) may be loose-fitted over the opening of the tubular member312and into the slot704, and then held in place when the overlying plate520is fixedly attached to the upper surface of the wall310.

Still further, an underside of the cap700may be provided with a captive fastener (such as a captive nut708) to receive a bolt (not shown inFIG.7) that is passed through a hole710that runs through the plate520and cap700. Such a bolt may, for example, serve to attach a spigot306to the plate520in a manner that will be described next below, and at the same time, to also firmly hold the cap700in place against the plate502and the spigot306. This bolt connection in conjunction with connections at the protrusion706allows the plate520(and by extension the end wall) to be used as a linking member to transfer lateral forces. Other holes712may be formed in the plate520to receive bolts for the spigot306and/or for connection of other parts and/or for alignment.

FIG.8shows load bearing walls with spigots306installed thereon, in accordance with some implementations. For example, load bearing walls are erected inFIG.8, and may include an end wall800(similar to the end wall308) and a demising wall802(similar to the demising wall310). A utility wall232is hung from the end wall800and the demising wall802.

Respective spigots306A and306B (collectively306) are shaped and sized to fit inside tubular members312/314(shown inFIG.3) of the load bearing walls, and are shown inFIG.8as being installed on top of the walls800and802, so that the next (upper walls) can be fitted over the spigots306. Each spigot306includes a horizontal mounting base801(engaged, over the plate520of the wall and a shim, with the plate700via a nut at hole710inFIG.7), a vertical attachment section804that is orthogonal to the mounting base801, and a vertical bracket806that is orthogonal to the attachment section804. The bracket806, in combination with the attachment section804and the mounting base801, provide rigidity to enable each spigot306to operate as a type of anchor point to stabilize and align a next upper load bearing wall, when the tubular member312/314of that wall is inserted over and around the spigot306. For example, the spigots306attached via the attachment section804to the proximal and distal ends of an upper load bearing wall prevent in-plane shear and overturning of that load bearing wall, after that load bearing wall is firmly affixed over the spigots306. In some implementations, the bracket810may not be present in some spigots306, for example if the wall that overlies the spigot is expected to be subject to relatively weaker loads, and so less robust bracing of the spigot is needed.

The attachment section804of the spigot306further includes at least one alignment hole808to align with a respective hole in the tubular member312/314of a wall that will be installed over the spigot306and over the previously erected lower wall below, plus a plurality of holes810to receive bolts for securing that upper wall to the spigot306. Where the wall is a non-shear demising wall or other type of non-shear wall that may not experience significant shear forces (such as another demising wall positioned above the demising wall802), the spigot306B may be provided with a relatively smaller number of holes810to receive bolts that secure that upper wall to the spigot306B. Where the wall is an end wall or other type of wall that may experience significant shear forces (such as another end wall positioned above the end wall800), the spigot306A may be provided with a relatively higher number of holes812to receive bolts that secure that upper wall to the spigot306A. The higher number of holes correspond to a higher number of bolts to provide rigidity/strength to ensure that the wall does not twist or overturn when subjected to load, including shear forces. For the holes810and812, the spigots306may be provided with captive nuts814, since the nut-side of the holes may be inaccessible after the tubular members312/314of the upper walls are lowered over the spigots306.

FIGS.9and10show examples of protrusions704for tubular members of load bearing walls and spigots306attached to the tubular members, in accordance with some implementations. Such protrusions704were previously discussed above with respect toFIG.7.

In the implementation ofFIG.9, the protrusion704for a load bearing wall900does not significantly extend past the outer surface of the tubular member312. This implementation may be used, for example, The stiffener plate shown inFIG.9may be implemented specifically where a demising wall is designed to act as a shear wall and the tube at each end of the wall encounters higher axial seismic overturning loads consistent with the use of a spigot type such as shown at spigot306A inFIG.8. In cases of a demising wall subject to lower loading (non-shear load bearing wall), the protrusion704as a stiffener may be omitted completely.

FIG.9further shows the spigot306having its mounting base801attached, via bolt902, through the plate520of the wall900to the plate700. The parts of the wall900that enable this attachment were described above with respect toFIG.7, and will be further described inFIG.12. The parts of a load bearing wall (not shown inFIG.9) above the wall900that will enable attachment of that upper wall to the attachment section804of the spigot306will be further described inFIGS.11and12.

FIG.10is analogous toFIG.9, except that the protrusion704extends a further distance from the surface of the tubular member312of a wall1000, thereby forming a flag-like structure. The flag-like structure of the protrusion704may thus be used to connect to other structural links, for purposes of carrying and transferring load, providing structural continuity and support, etc. As withFIG.9, a bolt1002may be used to affix the mounting base801of the spigot306to the plate520of the wall1000.

FIG.11is a top cutaway view showing parts of a load bearing wall1100that may be attached to a spigot, in accordance with various implementations. More specifically, an upper load bearing wall1100(generally structured in the similar/same manner as the other load bearing walls previously described above), such as an end wall, has been lowered into place over a lower load bearing wall, such that the spigot306has been inserted into the tubular member312of the wall1100.

As shown inFIG.11, the inside of the tubular member312has a generally rectangular profile that is sized and shaped to accommodate a generally rectangular footprint/profile of the spigot306. Furthermore, one side of the tubular member312has holes at location1102to enable bolts (not shown) to be inserted through these holes so as to engage the captive nuts814of the spigot306. This engagement of the bolts with the captive nuts814enables the spigot306(present on both proximal and distal ends of the wall1100) to align and secure the wall1100, including stabilizing the wall1100against twisting and overturn.

In the implementation ofFIG.11, wherein the side of the tubular member312(at location1102) is exposed, the bolts may be inserted into the holes exposed at the exterior facing side of the tubular member312at the location1102, and tightened using wrenches or other tools before a facia or other exterior layer covers the location1102.FIG.12shows another implementation, wherein holes in the tubular member312may be disposed at a different location.

For example,FIG.12is a side cutaway view showing parts of a load bearing wall1200that may be attached to a spigot306, in accordance with various implementations, wherein holes1202of the tubular member312A are disposed at an interior facing side of the tubular member312. With this implementation, bolts may be inserted from the interior of the wall1200through the holes1202so as to engage with the captive nuts814of the spigot306. An access panel may be provided at the wall1200in order to enable wrench/tool access to the bolts being inserted from the interior of the wall1200.

Moreover,FIG.12shows a bolt1204running through a hole in the mounting base801of the spigot306. The bolt1204then runs through the plate520of a lower wall1201underneath the wall1200, and then through the cap700of the tubular member312B of the wall1201so as to engage with the captive nut708. When tightened (e.g., on site with a tool prior to tubular member312A of the upper wall1200being lowered into position around the spigot306), the bolt1204stiffens the connection between the spigot306and the tubular member312B. Thus, when there are multiple spigots306arranged vertically between and that join together serially/vertically positioned tubular members312(in combination with the caps700and the protrusions704adjacent to the spigots306), a result is stiffer joints along the vertical direction and providing a feature by which shear walls resist axial overturning forces during a seismic event. Also, the tightened bolts1204provide additional tension between the tubular members312to further securely hold the walls in place.

FIG.13shows features of a load bearing wall1300to enable a utility wall232to be hung from the load bearing wall1300. More specifically, the tubular member312(or314) of the wall1300is formed with a plurality of slots1302. The slots1302are sized and shaped to receive a corresponding plurality of tabs1304of the utility wall232.

According to various embodiments, the utility wall232includes an angle1306that runs along both of its vertical edges. The angle1306includes or is formed with the plurality of tabs1304that fits into the slots1302of the wall1300.

The tabs1304may have any suitable shape. For example, the tabs1304may have a tapered shape so as to be more easily inserted into the slots1302. The tabs1304may also have a hook-shaped configuration in some implementations, so as to provide more secure placement. In still other implementations, the tabs1304may be located on the wall1300, and the slots1302may be located on the utility wall232.

Further attachment mechanisms may be used to hold the utility wall232in place. For instance, the tubular member312may be provided with a plurality of holes1308, some of which may be alignment holes and some of which may be holes to receive fasteners (such as screws or bolts) that are inserted into corresponding holes1310formed in the angle1306of the utility wall232, thereby further securely attaching the utility wall232to the wall1300.

FIGS.14and15show the load bearing wall1300ofFIG.13having the utility wall232hung therefrom. InFIG.14, the tab1304has a downward hook shape, such that when the tab1304is inserted into the slot1302of the tubular member312of the wall1300, the weight of the utility wall232hooks the tab1304firmly against the lower edge of the slot1302.FIG.15shows the utility wall232in its fitted/hung position against the wall1300.

FIG.16show a feature of a load bearing wall (e.g., the end wall308) for supporting a corridor panel located on the next floor level above, in accordance with some implementations. More specifically, a z-plate1600has a first leg positioned horizontally over the plate520of the wall308. The z-plate1600may run continuously or in sections along the upper surface of the wall308, from the proximal end to the distal end of the wall308.

A second leg of the z-plate1600projects outwardly from the face of the wall308, so as to form a ledge-like support structure. The ledge-like support structure of the z-plate1600may be used to support an angle of a corridor panel (a floor-ceiling panel running along a hallway/corridor), in a manner somewhat analogous to the plate520of the wall310inFIG.3supporting the horizontal section502of the angle302of the floor-ceiling panel400.

FIG.17is a front view of sheets of metal (e.g., the metal layer516ofFIG.5and shown in the other previous figures) of a load bearing wall1700, in accordance with some implementations. The sheets comprise a first sheet1702that runs along an upper region of the wall1700and a second sheet1704that runs along a lower region of the wall1700. A metal strip1706underlies a seam1708between the first sheet1702and the second sheet1704.

The first sheet1702and the second sheet1704are attached (along a perimeter of the wall1700) to the underlying upper and lower tracks and to the tubular members of the wall1700, via a first set of screws1710. The screws1710may be relatively closely spaced, for example 2 inches on center, so as to provide structural strength and rigidity to the diaphragm formed by the first sheet1702and the second sheet1704.

A second set of screws1712may be used to attach the first sheet1702and the second sheet1704to the vertically running parallel studs510of the wall1700. The second set of screws1712may be spaced apart at a relatively longer spacing, such as 6 inches or 12 inches on center.

The first sheet1702and the second sheet1704may be attached to the metal strip1706using a third set of screws1714that run horizontally above and below the seam1708. The spacing between the third set of screws may be, for example, 2 inches on center. Furthermore, the metal strip1706provides a landing location for screws1716, at the seam1708, so as to enable the metal strip1706to be attached to the studs510of the wall1700.

According to various embodiments, the first sheet1702and the second sheet1704(as well as the metal strip1706) are fastened by these various screws only to the studs510and upper and lower tracks, and affixed to the tubular members via welds adjacent to studs. Then, any other layer that overlies the first sheet1702and the second sheet1704, such as gypsum boards or other exterior layers, are fastened (via screws) only to the first sheet1702and the second sheet1704, and not to the studs510, tracks, and tubular members. This discontinuity provides improved acoustical performance (e.g., sound proofing).

Moreover, the first sheet1702and the second sheet1704also improve the fire rating and acoustical separation between occupiable space of the building, and provide an air barrier between interior and exterior climates. Pre-installed electrical and/or plumbing utilities can comprise parts of the load bearing wall1700and other load bearing walls described herein, and may overlie the first sheet1702and the second sheet1704.

The first sheet1702and the second sheet1704may be 20 gauge in thickness, for example. The metal strip1706may be flat stock that is 4 inches wide and 18 gauge in thickness, for example.

According to various embodiments, the gauges/dimensions/configuration of the studs and tubular members, of all load bearing walls in the building100, may be generally uniform from one wall to another wall, whether a shear wall versus a demising wall that is not a shear wall and/or whether an upper story wall versus a lower story wall. The stability/capability of shear walls to withstand lateral forces may be provided at least in part by the more robust configuration of the spigots306used to support the shear walls. For example and as shown and described above, shear walls may be attached to spigots306with stronger brace configurations and a higher number of attachment (bolt) connections to tubular members of shear walls, as compared to non-shear walls that have less robust configurations for and fewer attachment connections to their respective spigots.

Furthermore, screw patterns for the metal layer516may vary (e.g., relatively closer versus relatively further spacing between screws) between shear walls and non-shear walls. For example, shear walls may use relatively closer screw spacing compared to non-shear walls. Progressively wider screw spacing may also be used for walls, going from lower stories to upper stories of the building.

In other embodiments, the shapes, dimensions, and configurations of studs and support members at their ends (which may not necessarily be tubular in shape in some embodiments) may vary between shear and non-shear walls, and/or may vary between floor levels. For instance, thicker stud gauges and/or more robust configurations of support members at the ends of the walls may be present for shear walls as compared to non-shear walls. Thinner and/or otherwise relatively less stronger configurations also may be present when going from a lower floor level to an upper floor level.

Such an arrangements described above may be due to the walls on upper floors having to bear less (lighter) loads than walls on lower floors, and so stud arrangements/thicknesses that can withstand smaller vertical loads may be used for upper levels of a building. Moreover, the less robust stud arrangement(s) can be used at the upper levels since there may be less shearing forces at the upper floor levels relative to lower floor levels.

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

For any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. All language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 items refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 items. Similarly, a group having 1-5 items refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 items, and so forth.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are possible. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.