SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods for constructing buildings are described. An example system and method uses pre-fabricated connectors and structural members that are formed from oriented strand board and/or similar manufactured wood products. The structural members are I-beams shaped and are connected to one another via plate-shaped elbow or straight connectors. Typically each junction between two I-beams uses two connectors that sandwich ends of the I-beams between them. The junction is made fast by way of bolts that pass through pre-drilled holes in the arms of the connectors and the ends of the I-beams.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to building construction, and more specifically devices, systems, and methods for constructing buildings using pre-fabricated connectors and structural members that are formed from oriented strand board or similar manufactured wood products.

BACKGROUND

The home construction industry has been significantly challenged by a persistent shortage of skilled labor required for framing houses. This shortage has led to increased costs for hiring skilled laborers, making framing more expensive in terms of both time and money. The framing process itself can be lengthy, often exceeding 90 days on a single project. Additionally, scheduling delays to secure a quality framing crew, along with the extended framing process and subsequent delays in other construction activities, further escalate costs. This problem is even more acute in remote locations. Furthermore, the use of 2×4 or 2×6 wood stud construction in most wood-framed homes poses challenges such as warping and twisting which leads to waste or defective builds, necessitating additional material orders and complicating the maintenance of straight walls. Moreover, the traditional method of building each component-including vertical walls, studs, trusses, loft joists, and floor joists-separately and on-site introduces potential errors, diminishing the structural integrity of the building and complicating the construction process.

SUMMARY

One embodiment provides a system for building construction, comprising: a first and second plate-shaped connector each comprising a first and second arm portion that each include multiple bolt holes arranged in a matching pattern; and a first and second I-beam-shaped structural member, wherein each structural member has a first end and a second end that each include multiple bolt holes arranged in the matching pattern, wherein the first and second connectors are adapted to couple the first and second structural members end-to-end by forming a three-layer sandwich comprising a first outer layer that is the first connector, an inner middle layer that is the first end of the first structural member and the second end of the second structural member, and a second outer that is the second connector, wherein the pattern of bolt holes of the first end of the first structural member is in alignment with the pattern of bolt holes of the first arm of the first and second connector, wherein the pattern of bolt holes of the second end of the second structural member is in alignment with pattern of bolt holes of the second arm of the first and second connector, and wherein the first and second connectors and the first and second structural members are removably coupled to one another via bolts through the aligned multiple bolt holes in the connectors and structural members.

In some embodiments, the connectors and structural members are formed from oriented strand board. In some embodiments, an angle between the arms of the first and second connector is less than 180 degrees. The first and second connectors may be elbow connectors where the angle between the arms is 90 degrees. The first and second connectors may be roof connectors, where the angle between the arms is one of standard roof pitches between 1:12 and 12:12. The arms of the first and second may be connected by a through bolt that forms a hinge, such that an angle between the arms is selectable by a user, wherein the angle can be fixed by tightening a bolt threaded to the through bolt. The connectors may be T-connectors that each include a third arm. The structural members may include one or more holes adapted to receive utilities, including one or more of water pipe, vent pipe, electric conduit, or electrical cable.

In some embodiments, the system further includes a first I-beam shaped lateral connector that has a first end and a second end, wherein each end has (1) a tenon that includes a hole and (2) a receptacle cut-out matching the shape of the tenon, wherein each of the structural members include mortise adapted to receive the tenon, wherein the first lateral connector is adapted to connect the first structural member to a third I-beam shaped structural member, such that, when connected: the first and third structural members are in a parallel orientation to one another; the first lateral connector is between and perpendicular to each of the first and third structural members; the tenon of the first end of the first lateral connector extends through one of the mortises of the first structural member, wherein the first lateral connector is secured to the first structural member by a peg, dowel or pin positioned in the hole in the tenon; and the tenon of the second end of the first lateral connector extends through one of the mortises of the third structural member, wherein the first lateral connector is secured to the third structural member by a peg, dowel or pin positioned in the hole in the tenon.

In some embodiments, the system may further include a second I-beam shaped lateral connector that has a first end and a second end, wherein each end has (1) a tenon that includes a hole and (2) a receptacle cut-out matching the shape of the tenon, wherein the second lateral connector is adapted to connect the first structural member to a fourth I-beam shaped structural member, such that, when connected: the first and fourth structural members are in a parallel orientation to one another, wherein the first structural member is between the second and fourth structural members; the second lateral connector is between and perpendicular to each of the first and fourth structural members; the tenon of the first end of the second lateral connector extends through one of the mortises of the first structural member; the tenon of the second end of the second lateral connector extends through one of the mortises of the third structural member; and the tenon of the first end of the second lateral member extends into the receptacle cut-out at the first end of the first lateral connector.

The mortises in the structural members that are adapted to receive the tenon may be rectangular, wherein the tenons at each end of the first lateral connector may be rectangular and adapted to fit through the mortises in the structural members. The first and second plate-shaped connectors may each include two rectangular-shaped mortises configured to receive the tenon at either end of the first lateral connector, such that, when the first lateral connector is connected to the first structural member: the tenon at the first end of the first lateral connector passes through (1) one of the rectangular-shaped mortises in the first plate-shaped connector, (2) a mortise at the first end of the first structural member, and (3) one of the rectangular-shaped mortises in the second plate-shaped connector; and the tenon at the first end of the first lateral connector is secured via a peg, dowel, or pin through the hole at the end of the tenon.

Other embodiments provide a method of constructing a building, comprising: forming a first wall on a concrete slab or wooden deck by: placing multiple I-beam shaped structural members on the ground in an array; connecting adjacent structural members to one another using multiple lateral connectors, wherein each lateral connector has a tenon at each end that inserts into a mortise in one of the structural members; and for each of the structural members, connecting two plate-shaped elbow connectors at one end of the structural member, such that the two elbow connectors sandwich the end of the structural member, wherein the connectors and the structural member are connected by bolts passing through aligned holes in the connectors and structural members.

The method may further include standing the first wall; attaching the first wall to the concrete slab or wooden deck; forming a second wall from an array of structural members connected to one another via multiple lateral connectors, wherein each of the structural members has an attached elbow connector at one end; standing the second wall; and attaching the second wall to the concrete slab or wooden deck.

The method may further include connecting an I-beam shaped structural member to each of the elbow connectors of each wall thereby forming a roof member; connecting each roof member to a corresponding roof member from the other wall using a two plate-shaped roof crown connectors; and connecting lateral connectors to adjacent roof members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows views of two 5-12 elbow connectors being used to couple structural members according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows views of two T-connectors being used to couple structural members according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows views of two roof or crown connectors being used to couple structural members according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows views of right-angle connectors being used to couple structural members according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows an example assembly of multiple connectors and structural members.

FIG. 6 illustrates example field instructions for using the system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows detail views of a right-angle connector, the use of SB (“Small Building”) connectors and dowels to hold SB connector in place according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show views of example SB and SBX (“Large Small Building”) connectors according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows an example assembly of multiple connectors and structural members.

FIG. 11 shows a view of a T-connectors being used to couple structural members according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 12-14 shows a view of a building frame comprising connectors and structural members according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 15 shows a view of a movable angle connector according to one embodiment.

FIG. 16 shows detail views of an elbow connector according to one embodiment.

FIG. 17 shows detail views of a straight (extension) connector according to one embodiment.

FIG. 18 shows detail views of a structural member according to one embodiment.

FIG. 19 shows detail views of a roof crown connector according to one embodiment.

FIG. 20 shows detail views of a T-connector according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of this invention provide systems, methods, and devices to address and overcome the above-described challenges in the building industry. Some embodiments provide a system that employs separate building components that are labeled, indexed, and combined using the Trus Joist® I-beam (TJI®) system or other suitable source of wooden I-beam structural members, streamlining the construction process. This invention addresses a longstanding need in the construction industry by enabling builders to construct buildings without heavily relying on expensive, highly skilled framers. Additionally, it allows for faster build times and gives builders tighter control over the scheduling of framing activities. Moreover, this invention ensures the creation of a stronger and sturdier structure by guaranteeing a square and level final product, thereby minimizing the risk of builder errors.

An exemplary preferred system and method are described below with specific and general reference to FIGS. 1-20.

System Components

The present invention offers the flexibility to utilize a range of materials commonly used in the standard home building industry. However, it is preferable to employ ¾″ Oriented Strand Board (OSB) as the engineered board. To ensure simplicity and accuracy, each component is manufactured with clear text inscribed on it, indicating its designated usage. This includes markings on wall, floor, roof pitch components and connectors utilized in the roof section. (See FIGS. 1-20 for detailed illustrations) The system and method also allow for easy customization of roof pitches, accommodating a range from 1-12 through 12-12 pitch.

In an exemplary preferred embodiment, the present invention employs 9½″ or 12″ structurally engineered beams (103, FIG. 1) for floors, walls and trusses. As shown in FIG. 18, the beams 103 in typical embodiments are wooden I-beams having a top, bottom, and central or web portion. The top portion 1804 and bottom portion 1805 are planar parallel to one another and are attached to the central portion 1806 which lies between. The top and bottom portions are typically laminate wood strips, while the central portion is made from oriented strand board (OSB). The central portion includes pre-cut holes or knock-outs for the passage of utilities, such as water pipes or electrical cables or conduit. The structural members as shown and described herein may be manufactured from Trus Joist I-beams® or other suitable I-beams. In addition, any of the connectors described herein may include pre-cut holes or knock-outs for the passage of utilities, such as water pipes or electrical cables or conduit. Pre-cut holes or knock-outs may be of any suitable shape.

The system generally includes structural members (e.g., I-beam, joists) and connective components (e.g., an elbow connector, a T-connector). Any of these structural members and connectors may have one or more pre-cut holes or knock-outs for the passage of utilities. Typically, the builder will align a hole in a connector with a corresponding hole in a structural member so that there is clear passage through the combined structure.

Structural beams are securely assembled using dowels, bolts, washers, and nuts. (See FIG. 10) With the present invention, the building configuration can easily be modified from a single-story to a two-story structure by simply adding additional connectors and beams. (See FIGS. 2 and 5) To ensure structural integrity, each beam is connected to the adjacent beam using two connectors sandwich style at every junction. (See FIG. 8) Furthermore, each connector on either side of a beam is fastened together with four bolts 110 passing through the entire connector-beam-connector assembly and fastened with washers and nuts 111. (See FIGS. 1-4) Connectors are labeled showing exact usage and placement and are interchangeable for quick installation. Once each component is connected it ensures the structure is squared on all corners,

More specifically, the component fittings of the present invention allow T-connector, 45 connector, 90 connector, and crown connectors to be sandwiched and bolted to the I-beam. The I-beam is machined with predetermined slots and holes that correspond to the unique component fittings, as described herein. These engineered slots and holes are used to securely connect all the components during the construction process, ensuring the structure remains square and preferably on a two-foot center. (See FIGS. 1-20). The present invention allows for the utilization of standard 4×8 sheet goods (e.g., wall board, dry wall, paneling, steel, etc.) in both interior and exterior construction and this invention enables the installation of backing that is square and centered. Without this alignment, the components may not properly connect to the building materials, compromising the structural integrity, strength, and overall safety of the construction.

In the preferred embodiment, the 45 connector is sandwiched and bolted to both a vertical wall stud and a roof truss, with a pitch angle ranging from 1-12 to 12-12 (see FIGS. 1, 6, and 16). The crown fitting, with a pitch angle of 1-12 to 12-12 (see FIGS. 3, 6, and 19) connects the trusses together and secures the roof pitch (see FIG. 3). For the secondary floor joist, the T-connector is utilized, which is then bolted and sandwiched to the vertical wall I-beam (see FIG. 2).

SB (“Small Building”) and SBX (“Large Small Building”) connectors are lateral connectors that are used to connect vertical I-beams to one another. The SBX connector 901 connects each vertical I-beam and is pinned with a dowel or bolt to hold the vertical I-beam together, acting as a fire stop in compliance with fire code (see FIG. 9). The SB connector 801 connects various components, including vertical and horizontal I-beams, truss I-beams, second-story floor joist I-beams, floor joist I-beams, and wall I-beams (see FIG. 8).

The truss joist I-beam is a widely utilized building component in the construction industry. However, in this invention, we employ them in a unique and specific manner to enable a robust build that meets ICC certification standards (see FIG. 14). This system and method effectively minimizes material usage, with 98 percent of the superstructure (commonly referred to as the “grey shell” in the industry) comprised of engineered lumber, which ensures resistance to warping, curving or twisting. Through the implementation of an inset design as described in the present invention, the resulting building achieves essential squareness.

The present invention offers remarkable advantages by allowing the building construction process to be completed within one to three days, depending on its size. As opposed to weeks when compared to conventional stick frames. Moreover, this system and method significantly reduces the amount of materials and labor required for the exact size build. Additionally, the versatility of this invention enables the building to be easily upscaled or downscaled according to preferred dimensions.

Furthermore, the walls and ceilings of this innovative design provide superior insulation with a higher R-Factor compared to conventional stick frames. While stick frames typically have only 4½ inches of insulation, the walls and ceilings in the present invention boast a generous 9.5 inch to 12 inches of insulation determined by the width of the TJI used on the building. (see FIGS. 1-20). This substantial increase in insulation not only enhances energy efficiency but also reduces material and labor requirements by three times when compared to conventional stick frames.

With this invention, various materials can be utilized for the structural and connecting components, such as wood, composite, fiberglass, resin, nano-technology weave, injection molding, or steel, so long as the fitting components align with the I-beam to achieve the intended design as outlined in the invention.

Some embodiments also provide a selectable angle connector as shown in FIG. 15. The selectable angle connector 1501 is a hinged clamp that fits over the ends of an I-beam and can be universally applied within the described system. The selectable angle connector allows for the creation of either a 90-degree angle or any desired roof pitch at the crown. It also accommodates any pitch for the vertical wall extending to the roof and provides the necessary connections for the floor structure. The selectable angle connector thus can operate as a substitute or replacement for any of the two-armed connectors described herein, including roof-pitch elbow connectors, right-angle connectors, and roof crown connectors. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 1501 includes two arm portions 1502 and 1503 connected via an axle-bolt 1504 which creates a hinge. The hinge can be tightened by locking down a nut and washer on the far end (not shown) of the bolt 1504.

Example Construction Process

An example construction method or process is described below, with specific and general reference to FIGS. 1-20. While certain steps need to be performed sequentially to utilize specific components, it is possible to accomplish many of them in a different order, including repeating steps for similar component assembly.

• • STEP 1: When constructing a building on a concrete foundation, begin by placing a vertical beam, sized at 2×8 (other dimensions may be used in other embodiments), on its side. Each vertical beam should have one of the four SB connectors attached. Insert the SB connector into the designated slot and secure it using a dowel pin. Repeat this step for all vertical beams. (Refer to FIGS. 1-15)
  • STEP 2: Next, locate the appropriate elbow based on the desired roof pitch, which can range from 1-12 to 12-12. (See FIG. 1) For each 2×8 vertical beam, two elbows are used; the provided bolts, washers, and nuts attach one elbow on each side of the beam. (See FIG. 1)
  • STEP 3: Stand up the wall, securing the wall to the ground with Simpson tie straps to the concrete foundation. Repeat the process for both sides of the structure, inserting the SB connector between each wall as it is stood up.
  • STEP 4: A T-connector is preferably used for proper installation and connecting if a second story is desired. A loft/floor joist beam is connected to the T-connector (see FIG. 2). Next, an extended connector is connected to the loft/floor joist beam (see FIG. 5). Once the extended connector is connected to the loft/floor joist, it is connected to the second loft/floor joist using the supplied bolts, washers, and nuts. (See FIG. 2)
  • STEP 5: Next, the SB connector is installed into the loft/floor joist slots using the supplied dowel pin. (See FIG. 8)
  • STEP 6: When extending the 2×8 vertical beam, the extended connector is connected to the 1×4 or 1×2 vertical beam. (See FIG. 17) An SB connector is placed into every slot on the vertical beam along with a dowel pin into the hole of the SB connector. (See FIG. 8)
  • STEP 7: When installing the roof connector to the vertical beam, select the desired roof connector for a roof pitch ranging from between 1-12 pitch to 12-12 pitch, then connect the roof beam, (see FIGS. 1, 3, 16, and 19), including the right sides and left side connected to the roof beams, making sure all connections are tight. (See FIG. 5)
  • STEP 8: Next, connect the SB connector into every slot in the roof truss beam and put a dowel pin into the hole of the SB connector. Continue the same process on every roof truss beam slot. (See FIG. 8)
  • STEP 9: Next, install the SBX connector at the top between every 2×8 vertical beam for the fire stop and caulk with approved fire caulking. (See FIG. 9)
  • STEP 10: Once all SB and SBX connectors have been installed and checked for proper placement and secure connection, confirming that all bolts, washers, and nuts are tightened, install OSB sheeting on the outside of the structure. (See FIGS. 10 and 11)
  • STEP 11: Once loft/floor joist and vertical beam are connected, install the SB connector in the slot of all the floor joist, and insert dowel pins to secure all loft/floor joists together. (See FIG. 8)

In an alternative embodiment, when building the structure on pilings, utilize loft/floor joists with a 90 connector 401 that will connect the vertical beam 103 and the loft/floor joist beam together. Once the two pieces of the 90 connectors are connected to the loft/floor joist, it should be securely connected to the vertical beam. (See FIG. 4) The 90 connector 401 may optionally be modified to include pre-cut holes or knock-outs for the passage of utilities (such as is shown in FIG. 7, where a knock-out on the connector is aligned with a corresponding knock-out on the beam), such as water pipes or electrical cables or conduit, which may be matched to a pre-cut holes or knock-outs of the vertical beam.

Other embodiments will provide other methods and processes that include one or more of the steps of the above process, possibly in different orders or quantity of repetitions.

Example Component Details

In the following, additional details are provided with respect to example components of the system.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show views of example SB and SBX connectors. FIG. 8 shows SB connector 801 in a front view 810 and side view 820 and end view 830. As can be seen in view 810, the connector 801 includes a tenon (or finger, tongue) 802 that is configured to pass through the rectangular mortises in I-beams and connectors (see FIGS. 16 and 18). The tenon 802 includes a hole to receive a locking dowel or similar fastener. The connector 801 may optionally include a corresponding cutout/receptacle 803 to receive tenon from an adjoining SB connector.

View 840 is a perspective environmental view showing connector 801 being used to laterally connect two adjacent I-beams 103 in an array of I-beams that forms, for example, a wall. View 850 is a front cutaway view of connector 801 being used to connect two I-beams 103. This view also shows interlocking tenons 853 from adjacent SB connectors.

FIGS. 1 and 16 show views of an example elbow connector. In FIG. 1, elbow connectors 101 and 102 are used to connect I-beam members 103 and 104. FIG. 16, shows an example elbow connector 1601. View 1610 is a front view of connector 1601. View 1620 is a side-on cutaway view of connector 1601. View 1630 is a perspective view of connector 1601.

While the elbow connector 1601 is a unitary plate of oriented strand board, we can speak of it as having two arms 1602 and 1603 arranged at an angle 1604 with respect to one another. The connector 1601 also include rectangular slots (mortises) 1611 configured to receive the tenons (or fingers, tongues) of an SB, SBX, or similar connector.

As can be seen in views 1620 and 1630, the connector 1601 can be used with another elbow connector 1605 to sandwich the end of an I-beam member 1606. Each arm and the end of the I-beam member 1606 has a pattern of through holes which, when are aligned with one another such that the sandwich of elbow connectors and I-beam can be locked down by the use of bolts, nuts, and washers. In views 1610 and 1630 the alignment of pre-cut holes for utilities is also shown.

FIG. 17 shows views of a straight (extension) connector 1701. View 1702 is a front view of the extension connector 1701. Connector 1701 is another example of a two-armed connector. The extension connector 1701 can be used to make an end-to-end straight extension of an I-beam. View 1703 is a side-on, cutaway view of the connector 1701 being used to couple two I-beams 103 along with another extension connector 1710. View 1704 is a front view of the connector 1701 being used to couple two I-beams 103. View 1705 is a perspective view of the same.

FIG. 18 shows views of an example I-beam shaped structural member 103. View 1802 is a side view of the I-beam 103. As can be seen in view 1802, the I-beam 103 includes cut-outs 1811 for utilities and slots 1812 (mortises) to receive the tenons of the SB, SBX, or similar connectors. Instead of or in addition to cut-outs, knock-outs may also be employed. View 1810 is a perspective view of I-beam 103. View 1803 is an end view of the I-beam 103. As can be seen in view 1803, the I-beam includes a top and bottom flange member 1804 and 1805 and a central vertical support member 1806. The central member is typically formed from oriented strand board, while the flange members are laminated wood strips and attached to the central member by way of glue, nails, and/or other fasteners. View 1820 is an expanded cutaway view of region 1821 showing the connection between the flange member and central vertical support member.

The central member 1806 of the I-beam includes cutaway utility holes (or knock-outs), slots (mortises), and bolt holes. The bolt holes are used to receive bolts when attaching connectors such as the elbow, extension, or T-shaped connectors described above. The slots are adapted to receive the tenon (also referred to as “tongue” or “finger”) members of lateral connectors, such as those shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The cutaway utility holes are support the passage of water pipes, electrical conduit or cable, communication cables, or the like.

FIG. 19 shows a roof crown connector 301. The roof crown connector 301 is another example of a two-armed connector. View 1910 shows a front view of the connector 301 showing rectangular mortises, through bolts, and cutouts to provide passage for utilities. View 1920 shows a cutaway side-on view of the connector 301 being used to couple two I-beams along with another roof crown connector. View 1930 shows a perspective view of the same.

FIGS. 2 and 20 show views of a T-connector 201. The T-connector has three arms and is used to form a loft or second story in a house or other building. In FIG. 20, view 2010 shows a front view of the connector 201 showing rectangular mortises, through bolts, and cutouts to provide passage for utilities. View 2020 shows a cutaway side-on view of the connector 201 being used to couple three I-beams (one of which is not visible in this orientation) 103 along with another T-connector. View 2030 shows a perspective view of the same, in which all three I-beams 103 are visible.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A system for building construction, comprising: a first and second plate-shaped connector each comprising a first and second arm portion that each include multiple bolt holes arranged in a matching pattern; anda first and second I-beam-shaped structural member, wherein each structural member has a first end and a second end that each include multiple bolt holes arranged in the matching pattern,wherein the first and second connectors are adapted to couple the first and second structural members end-to-end by forming a three-layer sandwich comprising a first outer layer that is the first connector, an inner middle layer that is the first end of the first structural member and the second end of the second structural member, and a second outer that is the second connector,wherein the pattern of bolt holes of the first end of the first structural member is in alignment with the pattern of bolt holes of the first arm of the first and second connector, wherein the pattern of bolt holes of the second end of the second structural member is in alignment with pattern of bolt holes of the second arm of the first and second connector, andwherein the first and second connectors and the first and second structural members are removably coupled to one another via bolts through the aligned multiple bolt holes in the connectors and structural members.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the connectors and structural members are formed from oriented strand board.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein an angle between the arms of the first and second connector is less than 180 degrees.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first and second connectors are elbow connectors, and wherein the angle between the arms is 90 degrees.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the first and second connectors are roof connectors, and wherein the angle between the arms is one of standard roof pitches between 1:12 and 12:12.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the arms of the first and second are connected by a through bolt that forms a hinge, such that an angle between the arms is selectable by a user, wherein the angle can be fixed by tightening a bolt threaded to the through bolt.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the connectors are T-connectors that each include a third arm.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the structural members include one or more holes adapted to receive utilities, including one or more of water pipe, vent pipe, electric conduit, or electrical cable.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a first I-beam shaped lateral connector that has a first end and a second end, wherein each end has (1) a tenon that includes a hole and (2) a receptacle cut-out matching the shape of the tenon,wherein each of the structural members include mortise adapted to receive the tenon,wherein the first lateral connector is adapted to connect the first structural member to a third I-beam shaped structural member, such that, when connected: the first and third structural members are in a parallel orientation to one another;the first lateral connector is between and perpendicular to each of the first and third structural members;the tenon of the first end of the first lateral connector extends through one of the mortises of the first structural member, wherein the first lateral connector is secured to the first structural member by a peg, dowel or pin positioned in the hole in the tenon; andthe tenon of the second end of the first lateral connector extends through one of the mortises of the third structural member, wherein the first lateral connector is secured to the third structural member by a peg, dowel or pin positioned in the hole in the tenon.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising: a second I-beam shaped lateral connector that has a first end and a second end, wherein each end has (1) a tenon that includes a hole and (2) a receptacle cut-out matching the shape of the tenon,wherein the second lateral connector is adapted to connect the first structural member to a fourth I-beam shaped structural member, such that, when connected: the first and fourth structural members are in a parallel orientation to one another, wherein the first structural member is between the second and fourth structural members;the second lateral connector is between and perpendicular to each of the first and fourth structural members;the tenon of the first end of the second lateral connector extends through one of the mortises of the first structural member;the tenon of the second end of the second lateral connector extends through one of the mortises of the third structural member; andthe tenon of the first end of the second lateral member extends into the receptacle cut-out at the first end of the first lateral connector.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the mortises in the structural members that are adapted to receive the tenon are rectangular, wherein the tenons at each end of the first lateral connector is rectangular and adapted to fit through the mortises in the structural members.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the first and second plate-shaped connectors each include two rectangular-shaped mortises configured to receive the tenon at either end of the first lateral connector, such that, when the first lateral connector is connected to the first structural member: the tenon at the first end of the first lateral connector passes through (1) one of the rectangular-shaped mortises in the first plate-shaped connector, (2) a mortise at the first end of the first structural member, and (3) one of the rectangular-shaped mortises in the second plate-shaped connector; andthe tenon at the first end of the first lateral connector is secured via a peg, dowel, or pin through the hole at the end of the tenon.

13. A method of constructing a building, comprising: forming a first wall on a concrete slab or wooden deck by: placing multiple I-beam shaped structural members on the ground in an array;connecting adjacent structural members to one another using multiple lateral connectors, wherein each lateral connector has a tenon at each end that inserts into a mortise in one of the structural members; andfor each of the structural members, connecting two plate-shaped elbow connectors at one end of the structural member, such that the two elbow connectors sandwich the end of the structural member, wherein the connectors and the structural member are connected by bolts passing through aligned holes in the connectors and structural members.

14. The construction method of claim 13, further comprising: standing the first wall;attaching the first wall to the concrete slab or wooden deck;forming a second wall from an array of structural members connected to one another via multiple lateral connectors, wherein each of the structural members has an attached elbow connector at one end;standing the second wall; andattaching the second wall to the concrete slab or wooden deck.

15. The construction method of claim 14, further comprising: connecting an I-beam shaped structural member to each of the elbow connectors of each wall thereby forming a roof member;connecting each roof member to a corresponding roof member from the other wall using a two plate-shaped roof crown connectors; andconnecting lateral connectors to adjacent roof members.

16. A building construction connector, comprising: a first plate of oriented strand board comprising (1) a first and second arm portion that each include multiple bolt holes arranged in a matching pattern and (2) a mortise,wherein the first plate is adapted to connect (1) a first I-beam shaped structural member, (2) a second I-beam-shaped structural member and (3) a second plate of oriented strand board comprising a first and second arm portion that each include multiple bolt holes arranged in the matching pattern, wherein each structural member has a first end and a second end that each include multiple bolt holes arranged in the matching pattern, such that, when connected: the first and second plates and the first and second structural members form a three-layer sandwich comprising a first outer layer that is the first plate, an inner middle layer that is the first end of the first structural member and the second end of the second structural member, and a second outer that is the second plate,the pattern of bolt holes of the first end of the first structural member is in alignment with the pattern of bolt holes of the first arm of the first and second plate, wherein the pattern of bolt holes of the second end of the second structural member is in alignment with pattern of bolt holes of the second arm of the first and second plate, andthe first and second connectors and the first and second structural members are removably coupled to one another via bolts through the aligned multiple bolt holes in the plates and structural members.

17. The building construction connector of claim 16, wherein the first plate is adapted to connect via its mortise to a first I-beam shaped lateral connector that has a first end and a second end, wherein each end has (1) a tenon that includes a hole and (2) a receptacle cut-out matching the shape of the tenon,wherein each of the structural members include mortise adapted to receive the tenon,wherein the first lateral connector is adapted to connect the first structural member to a third I-beam shaped structural member, such that, when connected: the first and third structural members are in a parallel orientation to one another;the first lateral connector is between and perpendicular to each of the first and third structural members;the tenon of the first end of the first lateral connector extends through one of the mortises of the first structural member and the mortises of the first plate and the second plate, wherein the first lateral connector is secured to the first structural member, the first plate, and the second plate by a peg, dowel, or pin positioned in a hole in the tenon at the first end of the first lateral connector, andthe tenon of the second end of the first lateral connector extends through one of the mortises of the third structural member, wherein the first lateral connector is secured to the third structural member by a peg, dowel or pin positioned in the hole in the tenon at the second end of the first lateral connector.