Patent ID: 8789341

Claim:
A method for securing a multilevel structure, the method comprising: positioning a first frame assembly such that a bottom plate is supported by a foundation structure and a top plate is oriented to support a truss, wherein said first frame assembly includes a plurality of studs configured to transfer a load from said top plate to said bottom plate; positioning said truss on said top plate such that a top chord of said truss is wholly supported by said top plate, wherein said top chord includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a bottom chord, and a plurality of webs extending between said top surface and said bottom chord, where said bottom chord terminates between said first frame assembly and an attachment of a web to said bottom chord that is most proximal to said first frame assembly; positioning a second frame assembly such that a bottom plate of said second frame assembly is supported by said top surface of said truss, wherein said second frame assembly includes a plurality of studs configured to transfer a load from a top plate of said second frame structure to said bottom plate of said second frame assembly; securing said second frame assembly to said foundation structure and said first frame assembly via a first threaded rod secured to and extending from said foundation structure through said bottom plate of said first frame assembly, said top plate of said first frame assembly, and said bottom plate of said second frame assembly; and securing said second frame assembly to said first frame assembly via a second threaded rod connecting said top plate of said first frame assembly to said top plate of said second frame assembly.