Foamed cement insulated metal frame building system

A metal frame insulated building system using metal studs and sole and cap blocking tracks of "C" cross-section anchored to a foundation and to each other. The studs and cap blocking tracks physically interlocked in addition to being mutually secured by fasteners. Vertical stacks or columns of foamed cement blocks are placed between the studs and grooves on one or both sides of the blocks receive stud flanges to interlock the studs and blocks. The bottom and top blocks of a stack similarly interlock via grooves with the blocking track flanges. The blocks protrude beyond the studs on the structure's exterior, substantially covering the stud and blocking track flanges and attenuating thermal conductivity as well as providing an exterior surface for stucco or other finish.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates generally to building systems for 
residential, commercial and industrial structures, and more specifically 
to a metal frame building system having increased structural strength, 
superior thermal and acoustic insulating properties, and enhanced 
resistance to fire and pests. 
2. State of the Art 
Steel building frames have been employed for many decades in commercial and 
industrial buildings. In the past few years, the traditional column and 
beam construction typically employed in such buildings has been adapted to 
residential construction due to its resistance to earthquakes, hurricanes, 
termites and other pests, as well as its ability to accommodate enhanced 
insulation and to afford a wide variety of floor plans due to the fact 
that the interior walls are not load-beating. Such framing systems, 
however, require a large capital investment in lifting equipment for 
column and beam placement, as well as welding equipment and factory 
production of custom-length beams and columns for subsequent assembly on 
site. 
Another type of metal frame building system is based upon the traditional 
"stick-built" wood structure, wherein a wood frame comprising sole plates, 
cap plates and vertical studs extending therebetween on sixteen- or 
twenty-four-inch centers is topped with a wood rafter or prefabricated 
truss roof system. As the cost of wood framing escalates due to timber 
harvesting restrictions coupled with increased domestic and foreign 
demand, and the quality of framing wood continues to deteriorate, a number 
of builders have elected to use steel or even sometimes aluminum framing 
members in lieu of wood. These metal framing members are screwed or 
sometimes welded together to define the structure's frame, traditional 
fiberglass batt insulation installed, interior drywall and exterior siding 
applied, and the structure topped with a conventional roof. While such 
structures offer enhanced fire resistance, pest resistance and some 
increase in strength as compared to a wood-framed structure, their full 
potential for enhanced strength to resist earthquake and wind forces has 
not been realized as the framing members do not interlock to any 
appreciable degree, the welds or fasteners between the members providing 
the sole connections and thus being the limiting factor in the structure's 
strength. Furthermore, the assembled frame as described is not securely 
tied to the footings or foundation. In addition, the use of conventional 
fiberglass insulation provides no advantage whatsoever over a wood-framed, 
similarly-insulated structure. The metal framing elements in fact act as 
conductive paths for heat loss and heat gain between the interior and 
exterior of the structure. Conventional insulation also fails to provide 
any thermal mass to moderate large, daily, exterior ambient temperature 
swings such as are often experienced in desert and mountain climates. 
It is known to use foam board on the exterior of such metal stud-framed 
walls for insulation enhancement and reduction in air infiltration or a 
barrier wrapping such as Tyvek.TM. fabric to reduce air infiltration. It 
is also known to insulate the wall cavities with blown and glued-in 
insulation or in situ-generated foam insulation. Such techniques provide 
some obvious advantages, but all require additional or more expensive 
materials, as well as additional labor and/or equipment. In some markets 
this is acceptable, but in many areas, homes affordable to even 
middle-class buyers must omit such enhancements due to cost concerns. For 
low-cost domestic housing or housing in developing countries, such 
enhancements are out of the question due to scarcity of local materials 
and high shipping costs if the necessary materials are procured elsewhere. 
It would be highly advantageous to offer the contractor and home buyer a 
metal frame building system which would use commercially available framing 
members of standard dimensions and lengths, yet provide a high degree of 
framing member interlocking which is not fastener-dependent. Such a 
framing system would be even more beneficial if provided with an anchoring 
system of commensurate strength to tie the frame to the footing or 
foundation. It would also be desirable to combine such a framing system 
with an insulating system which provides a high R-factor, reduces air 
infiltration, removes or highly attenuates thermal conductivity through 
the framing members between the structure's interior and exterior, 
provides thermal mass to the walls, provides an easily-finished exterior 
surface which avoids the need for siding, masonry or even an underlayment 
for stucco, provides additional structural stiffness and can be installed 
using manual labor and standard contractor's tools. To date, however, such 
a building system is unknown in the art, despite many attempts to develop 
same. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention comprises a metal frame building system employing 
interlocking vertical studs supported and capped by horizontal blocking 
tracks, the frame being secured by bolts and straps to a poured-concrete 
footing. Foamed cement blocks are stacked between and interlock with the 
studs to define the structure's exterior walls. The blocks protrude beyond 
and substantially cover the exterior stud faces, while terminating within 
the interior stud faces so as to permit securement of drywall or other 
interior wall surfacing to the studs. One or more blocks or rows of blocks 
may contain grooves or channels aligned with holes through the studs for 
receiving electrical wiring or water pipes. The blocks on the bottom row 
interlock with the sole blocking track, while blocks on the uppermost row 
interlock with the cap blocking track. 
More specifically, the metal frame building system of the invention employs 
a poured concrete perimeter footing in which is embedded a framing anchor 
system including a series of J-bolts which preferably interlock with 
brackets, straps and rebar also disposed in the footing, the specific 
design of the anchor system being hereinafter described in greater detail. 
The framing system of the present invention preferably comprises studs and 
blocking tracks of a "C" cross-section, the lowermost or sole blocking 
track facing upwardly and being secured to the footing via the 
aforementioned bolts and straps. The studs, which may be employed singly 
in single-story structures or preferably back-to-back in multiple-story 
structures, are also secured to the footing by fasteners affixed through 
the aforementioned straps. The studs extend upwardly through apertures cut 
in the cap blocking track, the apertures being cut in an "H" pattern so as 
to provide tabs when bent out of the plane of the track for securement of 
the track to the studs with fasteners. Metal rafters and ceiling joists, 
or alternatively prefabricated trusses, also comprising C-section 
structural members, rest on the blocking cap track and are secured to the 
stud ends extending thereabove. Other structural members such as the end 
plates secured to the outer ends of the rafters may similarly be formed of 
blocking track, H-cut to receive the rafter ends and provide tabs for use 
of fasteners. In two-story buildings at least one of the paired studs 
extends through a second-story, sole blocking track and a second-story, 
cap blocking track, the roof framing members resting on the latter and 
secured to the uppermost stud ends. 
The insulation system of the present invention comprises vertical 
inter-stud stacks of foamed cement blocks grooved on one or both sides so 
as to interlock with one of the legs of the C-section studs and protrude 
beyond the exterior of the stud, substantially covering it. The groove is 
placed so that the interior side of the block terminates immediately 
inside of the interior flange of the stud, the stud flange thus providing 
an interior surface for affixation of drywall or other interior surfacing 
over the blocks, which are substantially flush with the stud flanges. The 
bottom block in each stack is also grooved on its bottom to accommodate 
the exterior leg of the upwardly-facing sole blocking track, while the top 
block in each stack is grooved to accommodate the exterior leg of the 
downwardly-facing cap blocking track. If back-to-back studs are employed, 
each block interlocks with at least two studs. If single studs are 
employed, each block interlocks at least with one stud, and snugly abuts 
another stud. 
The structure as described above is subsequently roofed in a conventional 
manner and the exterior walls thereof, consisting essentially of the 
foamed cement block up to the soffit, may be filled between columns or 
stacks of block and finished with a conventional synthetic stucco or other 
siding material as desired. Windows and doors are framed in using studs 
and plates as with conventional frame construction, and may be trimmed in 
by conventional methods. The interior and exterior of the resulting 
structure is visually indistinguishable from conventional wood- or 
metal-framed structures. 
The structure of the present invention resulting from the integrated 
framing anchor system, metal framing system and insulating system as 
described above provides superior strength against earthquake and high 
wind forces, resists against termites and other pests, and is rot-proof, 
extremely fire-resistant, and highly insulated in both thermal and 
acoustic respects, as well as substantially eliminating air infiltration 
through the walls. In addition, the presence of the foamed cement block 
provides a large thermal mass to moderate exterior ambient temperature 
swings, for further comfort and utility savings. 
Moreover, the structure of the present invention may be easily erected on 
any site using entirely conventional techniques and tools, and requiring 
only manual labor. The components of the structure are modest in cost, 
especially compared to any building system offering competitive 
advantages. Using the aforementioned conventional construction techniques 
and tools, a structure using the building system of the invention may thus 
be erected at a cost very competitive to conventional wood stud-framed 
structures and purchased at an overall cost, including long-term 
financing, utilities and insurance, which is equivalent or better.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT 
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the framing anchor system 
10 of the present invention will be described. It should be noted at the 
outset that framing anchor system 10 is generally based upon a thermal 
insulation system for slab-type buildings as described and claimed in U.S. 
Pat. No. 4,524,553, issued to the inventor named herein. The disclosure of 
the '553 patent is hereby incorporated herein by this reference. 
The slab insulation system of the '553 patent is marketed as the 
INSU-FORM.RTM. system, was not designed nor intended to provide 
high-strength frame anchoring capabilities, and does not form a part of 
the present invention. The present modifications and improvements to this 
system do, however, afford major improvements in frame anchoring strength, 
and such modifications and improvements in combination with portions of 
the prior art structure as disclosed in the '553 patent do, in fact, 
comprise a portion of the present invention. 
Framing anchor system 10 includes an anchor strap 12, which in a preferred 
embodiment is formed of a twelve-gauge galvanized iron strap eighteen 
inches long and 11/2" wide (see FIG. 2). Strap 12 is bent ten inches from 
the top at approximately a 20.degree. angle to define an upper segment 14 
and a lower segment 16, the bottom one inch 18 of the angled lower segment 
16 being further bent in the same direction as the original bend angle to 
an orientation of 90.degree. to the rest of lower segment 16. The upper 
segment 14 includes four 1/8" stud anchor holes 20 in a rectangular 
pattern, spaced inwardly 1/2 from the sides of strap 12 and 1/2" laterally 
and 1" vertically, the uppermost holes 20 being 1/2" from the top of the 
strap. Below holes 20 is punched a 1" aperture 22, the top of which lies 
2" from the strap top, the strap material punched from aperture 22 being 
bent outwardly at the bottom of aperture 22 from the plane of major 
segment 14, 90.degree. in the opposite direction of the bend of lower 
segment 16 to form tab 24. Tab 24 has a single, centered 1/8" hole 25 
formed therein 1/4" from the free end. Flanking aperture 22 and centered 
between the upper and lower extent thereof as well as in the strap 
material on each side of aperture 22 are 1/8" track anchor holes 26. At 
31/2" and 86/8" below the top of strap 12 lie 1/8" wide, 3/4" deep 
transverse slots 28. 
Referring now to FIG. 1, in light of the description of anchor strap 12 
with respect to FIG. 2, anchor strap 12 is shown in place on footing 30 as 
a part of framing anchor system 10. Footing 30 is of poured concrete which 
has rebar 32 and 34 horizontally disposed therein oriented parallel to the 
footing 30 and perpendicular to the plane of the drawing sheet. Shown in 
broken lines at 36 is a six-inch long, 1/2" diameter J-bolt disposed in 
the concrete, with its threaded upper end protruding above the flat 
footing top 38. An angled bracket 40, such as is described in the 
aforementioned '553 patent, is also shown in broken lines, J-bolt 36 
extending through apertures 42 and 44 therein, with the hook of the J 
extending toward the interior of the footing 30. Rebar 32 lies between the 
shaft of J-bolt 36 and the apex 46 of bracket 40. At the end of each leg 
48 and 50 of bracket 40, outwardly-extending feet 52 and 54 protrude 
beyond the vertical exterior face 56 of footing 30. Strap 12 engages feet 
52 and 54 via slots 28, and the upper segment 14 lies substantially flush 
with vertical footing face 56. Lower segment 16 of strap 12 extends into 
footing 30, wherein it engages rebar 34, the lowermost 90.degree.-angled 
portion of lower segment 16 extending thereunder. 
Upwardly-facing sole blocking track 60 of "C" cross-section lies with its 
base 62 on footing top 38, J-bolt 36 protruding through an aperture 64 
formed therein, and nut 37 holding track 60 to footing 30. Outer flange 66 
of track 60 is secured to anchor strap 12 by two self-tapping screws 68 
extending through track anchor holes 26 and through flange 66. Metal "C" 
section stud 70 rests on sole blocking track 60, extending vertically 
upward therefrom. Stud 70 is secured to anchor strap 12 by four 
self-tapping screws 68 extending through stud anchor holes 20 and into 
outer flange 72 of stud 70. It should also be noted that at least one and 
usually both of the screws 68 employed to anchor track 60 also extend into 
and through stud flange 72. Thus, track 60 and stud 70 are securely 
anchored at multiple points to footing 30, as well as to each other. 
Anchor system 10 is preferably placed on 24" centers so as to engage each 
and every stud 70, the top of J-bolts 36 lying within the span of the stud 
flanges 72 and 74. 
Tab 24 and feet 52 and 54 are used to engage a horizontally-extending, 6" 
twenty-gauge unpunched metal stud 80 as shown in broken lines in FIG. 1, 
the interior of stud 80 being filled with a foam insulation 82 to insulate 
footing 30. A screw 68 secures stud 80 to each strap tab 24, and the stud 
flanges 83 and 85 engage feet 52 and 54, respectively. A weep screed (not 
shown) may be placed over the upper edge of stud 80 to direct rainwater. 
Below stud 80 may be disposed foam insulation board 84, extending down to 
the frost line or as desired. Above horizontal stud 80 extends foamed 
cement block 100, shown in broken lines, the configuration and arrangement 
of which will be described in more detail with respect to other drawing 
figures. On the exterior of block 100 is disposed a synthetic elastomeric 
exterior stucco such as is known in the art. Metal stud 80 may be covered 
with expanded metal lath and the stucco extended down over it, or it may 
be merely covered with an elastomeric copolymer brushable sealant. 
Referring now to FIG. 3 of the drawings, a one-story variation of metal 
framing system 200 of the present invention is depicted. In describing 
elements depicted in FIG. 3 which have been previously identified in FIGS. 
1 and 2, like reference numerals will be employed to avoid confusion. 
Footing 30 supports sole blocking track 60, which is anchored thereto as 
previously described using straps 12 and J-bolts 36, horizontal insulating 
stud 80 being supported on the footing exterior. A plurality of vertical 
studs 70, also anchored to the footing as previously described, rests on 
and within track 60 between outer and inner flanges 66 and 67, 
respectively. Both studs and track are preferably of twenty-gauge steel, 
and 6" nominal width, it being understood as previously noted and as 
depicted in the drawing figures that studs 70 fit within the flanges of 
track 60. Studs 70 extend upwardly into and through cap blocking track 90, 
which has apertures 92 cut therein. Cap blocking track 90 is identical to 
sole blocking track 60, but is reverse-oriented with its flanges 93 and 95 
extending downwardly from the base 91. As shown in FIG. 3A, apertures 92 
are cut in an "H" pattern so that tabs 94 and 96, when bent outwardly from 
the plane of the track base 91, provide a means to secure studs 70 thereto 
(see FIG. 3) by screws extending through tabs 94 and 96 and into outer and 
inner stud flanges 72 and 74, respectively. 
Steel roof rafters 150 and joists 152, which may be erected individually or 
as part of a prefabricated roof tress 154, rest on cap blocking track 90 
and are secured to the uppermost ends of studs 70, again by screws. Roof 
decking (not shown) may then be secured to rafters 150 via screws engaging 
upper flanges 156 of the rafters 150, and conventional roofing materials 
applied to the decking. Other structural elements, such as end plates 158, 
may also be formed of "C" section members cut at suitable intervals with 
an "H" cut and secured via screws using tabs 160 and 162 resulting from 
the "H" cut. 
FIG. 3C of the drawings depicts the corner construction as also shown in 
FIG. 3, but from the top. As can be seen, at corner 300 back-to-back 
vertical studs 70a and 70b are employed at the end of one wall, and the 
adjacent wall, extending at 90.degree. to the first, commences with 
another vertical stud 70c oriented so that its base abuts the flange 74 of 
stud 70a. All these studs (70a, 70b and 70c) are secured together by 
screws and stud 70a is also secured to a strap 12 and sole blocking track 
60a, to which stud 70b may also be secured. Stud 70c rests within sole 
blocking track 60b (at fight angles to track 60a), and may also be secured 
to a strap 12 as well as to sole blocking track 60b. 
While not depicted, it will be appreciated that other framing components, 
such as header tracks, etc., may be secured to studs 70 using self-tapping 
screws to define window openings and doorways, and that window and door 
assemblies may be secured to the framing structure via screws, with foam 
or other suitable insulation disposed to close all gaps therebetween 
against heat loss or gain and air infiltration. Conventional window and 
door assemblies may be employed with no modifications, it being preferred, 
of course, that insulating (dual or triple-pane) windows and foam-core 
doors be employed. 
Referring now to FIG. 5 of the drawings, foamed cement insulating block 100 
will be described in detail. Foamed cement blocks may be of any suitable 
foamed cement material, such as aerated cement, cement which includes gas 
bubbles or cells formed by a chemical reaction as the block material is 
mixed, or cement foamed by the introduction of a separate foaming agent 
into the block material during mixing, all as known in the art. The 
preferred block material is provided by Omega Transworld, Ltd. of New 
Kensington, Pa. The Omega Transworld block is formed of portland cement, 
fly ash and polyester, which affords a uniform, closed-cell structure 
possessing excellent insulating characteristics in combination with being 
light weight. The Omega Transworld block material was originally developed 
for use in blocks employed in controlling ventilation in subterranean 
mines where air penetration is of the utmost importance. However, the 
basic Omega Transworld block material, offered in the OMEGA.TM. block for 
such mining applications, has been specifically configured for use with 
the framing system 200 of the present invention. The resulting insulating 
block 100 is thus considered to be a part of the building system of the 
present invention. 
Block 100, when sized for use with the 24" O.C. framing system 200 as 
previously described, is of 231/2" length 102, 16" height (oriented as 
installed) 104, and 8" depth 106. A 1/4" groove 108 of 11/2" depth is 
formed in at least one side 110 of block 100 with its inner edge 21/4 from 
the outer surface of the block as installed. A similar groove 108 may be 
formed on the other side 112, depending upon the exact embodiment of the 
framing system 200 employed, as will be further described. Another 1/4 
groove 114 of 11/2" depth may be formed on a surface 116 of block 100, 
which surface may be the top or the bottom of the block, as installed. The 
aforementioned grooves, if all are employed, are contiguous. The purpose 
of groove 14 is to receive an outer leg of a sole or cap blocking track 60 
or 90, respectively. Thus, groove 114 is required only in the uppermost or 
lowermost blocks of a stack. Another, deeper and wider groove 118 (such as 
a 2".times.2" cross section) may be formed in some of the blocks 100, 
typically those on the second or third level or row from the bottom of the 
wall, defined by the sole blocking track 60. Groove 118 is used to 
accommodate electrical wiring running to outlet boxes on the interior wall 
of the structure, and so is generally formed at a distance from the 
interior block surface (as installed) to communicate with such a box when 
cut in and installed in the block. 
Referring again to FIG. 3 of the drawings, a stack of blocks 100 is shown 
in broken lines as installed with framing system 200. As shown, outer 
flange 72 of the right-hand most stud 70 depicted in FIG. 3 is received in 
a groove 108 of each block in the stack. The opposite side grooves are not 
utilized, as the side 110 shown in the drawing abuts the base or back of 
the next adjoining stud 70 (not shown). A top view of this wall 
arrangement is depicted in FIG. 3B. The lowermost block 100 includes a 
groove 114 on its lower surface to received the outer flange 62 of sole 
blocking track 60. A clearance cavity may be cut in the bottom of each 
lowermost block 100 to accommodate the protruding head of J-bolt 36 and 
its nut 37. The uppermost block 100 includes a groove 114 on its upper 
surface to engage outer flange 93 of cap blocking track 90. Thus, blocks 
100 as installed protrude 2" beyond the studs 70 and extend over outer 
flange 72 thereof so that each column of stacked blocks is closely 
adjacent the next stack, substantially coveting the stud exteriors, but 
for a vertical gap of less than about 1/4". The vertical gaps or joints 
between the adjacent block stacks may be easily covered by a skim coat of 
an acrylic elastomeric patching compound or other suitable filler and the 
entire wall then finished with a synthetic elastomeric stucco, as 
previously noted. The interior of the stud wall may be covered with 
drywall 120 (see FIG. 3B) using screws (not shown) to secure the drywall 
120 to the inner flanges 74 of the studs, outlet and switch box openings 
being cut in the drywall for access as with conventional constructions. 
Electrical conduit groove 118 which is also depicted in FIGS. 3 and 3B, is 
aligned with apertures 76 drilled or otherwise formed in studs 70 and 
communicating with box openings 78 extending through the block material 
and the drywall (see FIG. 3B). Drywall may also be applied with screws to 
the flanges on the underside of roof joists 152 in the same manner as to 
the studs. 
Referring again to FIG. 3C of the drawings, blocks 100 are shown extending 
(broken lines) beyond and above foam-filled horizontal metal studs 80a and 
80b except in the immediate vicinity of corner 300. Horizontal stud 80b 
may be extended under vertical stud 70b to abut horizontal stud 80a at 
corner 300. Stud 70b may be foam-filled if desired, and corner area 302 
where no blocks 100 are located finished with a cement stucco or other 
suitable filler to match up to the protrusion of blocks 100 adjacent the 
corner 300. An elastomeric stucco finish coat 304 is then applied over 
both blocks 100 and corner area 302. It can thus be seen that structure 
corners 300 will be equally well insulated as the rest of the structure 
employing the present invention, while maintaining the same high degree of 
structural strength. 
While blocks 100 used at corner 300 as illustrated are oriented with their 
longest dimension 102 horizontally, since all spaced studs 70 are placed 
at 24" O.C., it should be understood that (for example and not by way of 
limitations) vertical stud 70d might be placed 16" O.C. with respect to 
stud 70c, and blocks 100 stacked tipped on end to accommodate this 
spacing, grooves 114 thus engaging outer flange 72c of stud 70c. A groove 
108 in the top and bottom blocks 100 of that stack would then engage sole 
and cap blocking track outer flanges. With such an arrangement, if stud 
70d is oriented to face corner 300, stud 70c could also be eliminated, and 
the structure still maintain at least 24" O.C. vertical framing. Thus, an 
accommodation to stud spacing other than 24" O.C. may be made without 
altering the basic block dimensions. Of course, where desired or required, 
block 100 may be easily trimmed and grooved on site to fit small or 
odd-shaped wall cavities between framing members. 
Using blocks 100 as integral wall components with framing system 200 
results in a highly thermal- and acoustic-insulated structure with 
substantially no air infiltration, the steel frame and foamed cement 
blocks being extremely fire-, rot- and termite-resistant as well as 
resistant to other pests such as rodents. While the framing system 
provides interlocking of the framing members, the interposed, snugly 
fitting blocks which interlock with studs and blocking plates provide 
additional stiffness and torsional and flexure resistance to the assembled 
framing members so that they might better withstand high winds and 
earthquakes. It should be understood that the assembled framing and block 
system does not produce a completely rigid structure, but one that will 
"give" in response to forces, the blocks providing limited twisting and 
flexure of the framing members while limiting same and acting as vibration 
damping elements. Further, it has been demonstrated that the mass of the 
stacked block walls provides a thermal mass to moderate interior 
temperature swings in comparison to those on the exterior of the building, 
provided greater comfort to the inhabitants and reducing heating and 
cooling demands in the same manner as an adobe or solid masonry dwelling, 
but with the obvious added advantage of the closed-cell insulative 
structure of the block. 
Referring now to FIG. 4 of the drawings, a two-story structure using the 
framing system of the present invention is depicted. The two-story 
variation of framing system 200 differs from the previously-described 
one-story variation as follows. The lower story employs back-to-back studs 
70 "C" cross-section which are secured to each other by screws. Thus, 
inner 74 and outer 72 flanges of the studs 70 thus extend outwardly from 
the stud bases in both lateral directions, and blocks 100 of the lower 
story engage outer flanges 72 of studs 70 via grooves 108 on both sides, 
instead of just one. A top view of this arrangement is shown in FIG. 4A. 
One of each pair of studs 70 terminates beneath the cap blocking track 90 
for the first story, while the other extends upwardly through an aperture 
92 in the track, and through H-cut apertures 61 in a second story sole 
blocking track 60 spaced above the first story cap track 60 the height of 
floor joists 130, which are secured via screws to the stud extending 
through the first story cap track 90. Second story sole blocking track 60 
is also secured to the same extended studs 70 via screws through tabs 63 
and 65 (hidden). 
Blocks 100 may be cut down in height to fill the cavity between the lower 
cap track 90 and the upper sole track 60. Blocks 100 for the second story 
engage studs 70 on only one side as with a single-story structure. The 
roof rafters, joists, trusses, etc. are secured to the structure of FIG. 4 
in the same manner as that of FIG. 3. Likewise, door and window openings 
are formed in a two-story structure in the same manner as the one-story 
version, the drywall is applied in the same manner, and the structural 
details previously described are the same in all other respects. 
It is contemplated that the frame anchoring system, framing system and 
insulating system as previously described may be applied to structures of 
more than two stories, structures with crawl spaces or basements instead 
of slabs, and structures employing various siding systems such as wood, 
vinyl, steel and aluminum siding, as well as brick or stone, if desired. 
Roofing materials and designs may also be varied as desired. Attic 
insulation may be conventional fiberglass disposed as batts or rolls, 
blown-in rock wool, foam or any other material including that of the 
blocks 100 if desired. The block material may be cast in dimensions to fit 
between rafters, and back-to-back "C" section rafters used so as to hold 
the roof blocks between the rafter flanges for cathedral ceilings. A 
lighter-weight, foamed cement block may be produced for this application, 
such block still affording high rigidity and fire-resistance. 
As previously noted, the building system of the present invention may be 
erected with only hand tools such as are used in conventional 
construction, and the construction techniques are so similar to those 
already employed in the trade that little additional training of personnel 
is required. Both framing members and blocks may be readily trimmed as 
desired or required for placement anywhere in the structure. Conventional 
carbide saw blades may be used for cutting both such structural elements, 
and the use of electrically powered drills and saws is contemplated to 
speed construction as with conventional building systems. Overall labor 
and material costs and construction time are the same or less than that of 
conventional construction, and a structure according to the present 
invention is, when closed in, sufficiently well insulated in most climates 
that heating costs during the lengthy interior finishing process are 
negligible. Furthermore, once closed in, the structure according to the 
present invention affords much greater security than conventional 
construction, providing advantages to the contractor against pilferage as 
well as to the ultimate occupants of the home. 
While the present invention has been described in terms of a certain 
preferred embodiment, it will be readily apparent to those of skill in the 
art that it is not so limited. Many additions, deletions and modifications 
to the invention as disclosed herein may be effected without departing 
from the scope thereof as hereinafter claimed. For example, aluminum 
framing members may be employed. Insulating blocks of mixed vermiculite 
and concrete or of mixed preformed styrofoam particles and concrete may be 
substituted, as might adobe blocks, although such alternatives are not 
preferred. The blocks may be formed with internal reinforcing structures, 
such as glass fibers or metal or fiberglass mesh, although this is not 
required.