Patent ID: 8479471

Claim:
A method of assembling a modular unit comprising at least a concrete column having an embedded steel receptacle with an opening at a proximal end and an opening at a distal end, and a concrete joist or slab having an embedded steel receptacle with an opening at a proximal end, the method comprising the steps of: disposing the column on top of the joist or slab such that the proximal opening of the receptacle of the joist or slab and the distal opening of the receptacle of the column meet and the receptacle of the column and the receptacle of the joist or slab are aligned along the same longitudinal axis; inserting a threaded steel rod through the proximal opening of the receptacle of the column and into the receptacle of the column and the receptacle of the joist or slab so that the threaded steel rod extends from the receptacle of the joist or slab through the proximal opening in the receptacle of the joist or slab and through the distal opening of the receptacle of the column and, the threaded rod having an outer diameter less than an inner diameter of the receptacle of the joist or slab and the receptacle of the column; and disposing grout in the receptacle of the joist or slab and the receptacle of the column to surround and secure the threaded steel rod and thereby form the modular unit, wherein the threaded rod has a notch disposed in a proximal end configured to engage a twisting means, such that actuating the twisting means applies torque to the threaded rod to thereby break up the grout, and wherein the column, the joist or slab, and the threaded steel rod are configured to separate apart from each other for at least one of reuse and recycling after actuation of the twisting means.