US20110302866A1

US20110302866A1 - Panelized building system

Info

Publication number: US20110302866A1
Application number: US13/134,571
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Ratcliffe
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-06-14
Filing date: 2011-06-10
Publication date: 2011-12-15

Abstract

A building system using drywall for interior and exterior wall panels is discussed. A building system using drywall for roof and floor panels is discussed. A building system using drywall which simplifies on site fabrication and construction is discussed. A building system which reduces or eliminates wood in many embodiments is described. Building systems which substantially reduce costs are described.

Description

BACKGROUND

Residential building has remained essentially unchanged for the last 300 years, with wood, wood byproducts and to a lesser extent masonry products providing the structure materials for the building.
Panelized building is not new, but has typically utilized wood and wood byproducts and utilized factory fabrication. The cost of shipping and no savings in materials has resulted in minimal to no economy to the end user.
There is a need for alternate materials to replace wood. Environmental concerns and increased regulation have made wood and consequently wood byproducts rise dramatically in cost.
Another need is for a complete system. Typically a panelized building is only panelized in it's walls and roofs and floors are a variation of wall panels. Timbrook patented a primitive drywall panel system approximately 14 years ago (U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,839 Feb. 27, 1996). It relied on complex equipment to fabricate the panels and was not conforming to requirements to obtain building permits.
There remains a need for a panelized system that imparts a substantial economy.
There remains a need for alternative materials to replace or substantially reduce the use of wood and wood byproducts in the construction process.
There remains a need for a complete panelized building system.
There remains a need for a panelized building system where the majority of components can be fabricated on site.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

This invention encompasses a total system with roof, floor, interior and utility panels and an exterior panel that includes integral framing for windows and doors. In addition, the exterior panel includes bi-directional studs for increased strength not only vertically but horizontally.
Finally, the panels are easily assembled on site resulting in a reduction of wood and wood bi-products of 91-95% and resultant savings of 35-45% on the entire building.
This invention simplifies fabrication, erection and complies with building code requirements.
The increased cost of wood and environmental concerns have made the decreased use of wood a priority for consumers, builders and governmental authorities.
As discussed above, there is a need to reduce or eliminate the need for wood in residential construction as well as commercial, institutional and industrial construction. There is a need for on site fabrication to reduce transportation costs and to reduce labor costs in construction.
This invention will allow for fabrication of panels of between 4 and 18 feet in height and of 4 and 20 feet in width and incorporate window and door frames utilizing drywall as it's primary component.
A preferred embodiment of this invention is directed to on site fabrication of the panels.
One embodiment is a building panel comprised of a first drywall sheet, a second drywall sheet, at least a plurality of drywall studs attached between the first drywall sheet and the second drywall sheet and where the studs separate the drywall sheets by at least 3 inches wherein the drywall studs attached between the first and second drywall sheets comprise drywall studs at least in part adhesively attached to the first and second drywall sheets.
One embodiment is a building panel comprised of first drywall sheets, a second drywall sheet, at least 3 studs separating first drywall sheet and the second drywall sheet and at least one drywall stud is substantially parallel with the other two drywall studs and wherein at least 3 drywall studs are attached to the first and second drywall sheet.
One embodiment is a building panel comprised of first drywall sheets, second drywall sheet, at least 1 drywall stud forms an angle of at least 40 degrees to the other 2 drywall studs.
One embodiment is a building panel comprised of first drywall sheets, a second drywall sheet, at least 1 drywall stud forms an angle of at least 80 degrees to the other 2 drywall studs,
One embodiment is a building panel comprised of first drywall sheets, a second drywall sheet, a plurality of drywall studs attached between the first drywall sheet and the second drywall sheet, a bottom plate between the first and second drywall sheets and attached to the first and second drywall sheets, a corner stud extending between the first drywall sheet and the second drywall sheet and attached to the first and second drywall sheets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of the exterior wall section of this invention from a top view perspective.

- Reference Numeral 10 shows the interior sheet of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 11 shows the vertical studs of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 12 shows the connection plate of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 13 shows the core sheet of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 14 shows the horizontal stud of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 15. shows the exterior sheet of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 16 shows an example of adhesive joint utilizing an elastomeric adhesive.
- Reference Numeral 17 shows an example of a cavity created to accept the male edge of the adjacent panel when assembled.

FIG. 2 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of the exterior wall section of this invention from a side view perspective.

- Reference Numeral 10 shows the interior sheet of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 11 shows the vertical stud of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 12 shows connection plates of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 13 shows the core sheet of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 15 shows the horizontal studs of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 16 shows an example of adhesive joint utilizing an elastomeric adhesive.
- Reference Numeral 17 shows a cavity required to accommodate the top plate.
- Reference Numeral 18 shows a cavity required to accommodate the bottom plate.

FIG. 3 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of an interior wall section of this invention from a top view perspective.

- Reference Numeral 30 shows the interior sheets of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 32 shows the vertical studs of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 33 shows an example of adhesive joint utilizing an elastomeric adhesive.
- Reference Numeral 36 shows the cavity required to join adjacent interior panels together utilizing I connector (figure twelve shown herein).

FIG. 4 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of an interior wall section of this invention from a side view perspective.

- Reference Numeral 30 shows the interior sheets of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 32 shows the vertical stud of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 33 shows an example of adhesive joint utilizing an elastomeric adhesive.
- Reference Numeral 34 shows a cavity required to accommodate the top plate.
- Reference Numeral 35 shows a cavity required to accommodate the bottom plate.

FIG. 5 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of a floor section of this invention from a top view perspective.

- Reference Numeral 50 shows the under sheet of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 51 shows the top sheet of cellulitic composition.
- Reference Numeral 52 shows the joists of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 53 shows an example of adhesive joint utilizing an elastomeric adhesive.
- Reference Numeral 54 shows the cavity required to join adjacent floor panels together utilizing Box connector (figure eleven shown herein).
- Reference Numeral 55 shows the cavity required to join adjacent floor panels together utilizing I connector (figure twelve shown herein).

FIG. 6 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of a floor section of this invention from a side view perspective.

- Reference Numeral 50 shows the under sheet of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 51 shows the top sheet of cellulitic composition.
- Reference Numeral 52 shows the joists of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 53 shows an example of adhesive joint utilizing an elastomeric adhesive.

FIG. 7 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of a corner support section of this invention from a top view perspective.

- Reference Numeral 71 shows structural members of cellulitic, metal, plastic or composite composition.
- Reference Numeral 72 shows base plate of cellulitic, metal, plastic or composite composition.
- Reference Numeral 73 shows exterior sheets of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 74 shows connection plates of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 75 shows one example of an adhesive joint utilizing elastomeric adhesive.
- Reference Numeral 76 Shows interior sheets of drywall composition. Reference Numeral 77 shows a core sheet of drywall composition.

FIG. 8 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of a corner support section of this invention from a side view perspective.

- Reference Numeral 72 shows base plate of cellulitic, metal, plastic or composite composition.
- Reference Numeral 73 shows exterior sheets of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 74 shows connection plates of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 75 shows one example of an adhesive joint utilizing elastomeric adhesive.
- Reference Numeral 77 shows a core sheet of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 81 shows mechanical fasteners used to secure exterior sheet to underlying structural members.

FIG. 9 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of a corner support section of this invention from an alternate side view perspective.

- Reference Numeral 72 shows base plate of cellulitic, metal, plastic or composite composition.
- Reference Numeral 73 shows exterior sheets of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 81 shows mechanical fasteners used to secure exterior sheet to underlying structural members.

FIG. 10 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of a roof section of this invention from a side view perspective.

- Reference Numeral 100 shows the roof deck of drywall or cellulitic composition.
- Reference Numeral 101 shows the undersheet of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 102 shows one embodiment of roof studs of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 103 shows the cavity required to join adjacent roof panels together utilizing I connector (figure twelve shown herein).
- Reference Numeral 104 shows the cavity required to join adjacent interior panels together utilizing Box connector (figure eleven shown herein).
- Reference Numeral 105 shows one example of an adhesive joint utilizing elastomeric adhesive.

FIG. 11 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of a box connector section of this invention from a side view perspective.

- Reference Numeral 111 shows a top sheet of drywall or cellulitic composition.
- Reference Numeral 112 shows studs of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 113 shows an example of an adhesive joint utilizing elastomeric adhesive.
- Reference Numeral 115 shows of a bottom sheet of drywall or cellulitic composition.

FIG. 12 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of an I connector section of this invention from a side view perspective.

- Reference Numeral 120 shows a top sheet of drywall or cellulitic composition.
- Reference Numeral 121 shows a stud of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 122 shows a bottom sheet of drywall or cellulitic composition.
- Reference Numeral 123 shows one example of an adhesive joint utilizing elastomeric adhesive.

FIG. 13 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of a utility section of this invention from a rear view perspective.

- Reference Numeral 131 shows a top cap of cellulitic composition.
- Reference Numeral 132 shows the face sheet of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 133. shows crossmembers of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 134. shows vertical studs of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 135 shows one example of an adhesive joint utilizing elastomeric adhesive.

FIG. 14 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of a utility section of this invention from a side view perspective.

- Reference Numeral 131 shows a top cap of cellulitic composition.
- Reference Numeral 132 shows the face sheet of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 133. shows crossmembers of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 134. shows vertical studs of drywall composition.
- Reference Numeral 135 shows one example of an adhesive joint utilizing elastomeric adhesive.
- Reference Numeral 136 shows a cavity created to accommodate a bottom plate.
- Reference Numeral accommodate a top plate. 137 shows a cavity created to

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The panelized building system is a departure from traditional building methods including panelized systems currently available. One embodiment of this system comprises 5 separate panels constructed primarily of drywall sheets to construct a building.
One embodiment of a drywall sheet comprises a sheet having gypsum between layers of paper. Another embodiment of a drywall sheet comprises a sheet having fly ash between layers of paper. Additionally, 2 separate connectors are utilized to provide structural integrity and increase strength.

- 1. Floor Panel: A panel of between 4 and 12 feet long and 4 and 8 feet wide, constructed of drywall for it's core. The core is secured to the under layer comprised of drywall and top layer comprises of drywall or cellulitic material with an elastomeric adhesive and secured to the foundation with a mechanical fastener anchored in the foundation and extending through the base plate of cellulitic composition.
- 2. Exterior Wall Panel: A panel of between 4 and 18 feet in height and 4 and 12 feet in width constructed of drywall for it's core and interior and exterior layers as well as the connection plates. The component pieces are an interior layer and exterior layer of the same size, a core layer of the same width as the interior and exterior layers and 6 inches to 24 inches less in height than the interior and exterior layers, vertical studs between 1 and 24 inches wide and the same height as the core layer and the same thickness as the core layer (installed parallel to each other between 1 and 24 inches apart at an angle of 10 degrees to 170 degrees to the bottom of the core layer) installed on centers of between 1 and 24 inches, horizontal studs substantially the same length as the width of the core layer (installed parallel to each other between 1 and 24 inches apart at an angle of 10 degrees to 170 degrees to the side of the core layer) installed on centers of 1 to 24 inches. The horizontal studs are installed between the core layer and the exterior layer and the vertical studs are installed between the core layer and the interior layer. The core layer is installed at the center between the horizontal and vertical studs and is offset between 1 inch and 24 inches to the side and is centered heightwise between the interior and exterior layers leaving space for the top and bottom plates. The vertical studs are not to be installed parallel to the horizontal studs. Finally, the connection plates are installed between the interior layer and the core layer extending between the last vertical stud and the end of the core layer at between 1 inch and 36 inch centers. The entire panel is secured utilizing an elastomeric adhesive.
- 3. Interior Wall Panel: A panel of between 4 feet and 18 feet in height and 4 and 12 feet in width constructed of drywall for it's core and interior walls.
- The component pieces are two interior layers and a core of vertical studs. The vertical studs will be between 1 inch and 24 inches wide and be of varying length to accommodate top and bottom plates. The vertical studs will be installed at 10 degrees to 170 degrees to the bottom of the interior layers. The entire panel will be secured utilizing an elastomeric adhesive.
- 4. Roof Panel: A panel consisting of between 4 feet and 12 feet in height and 4 and 18 feet in width constructed of drywall for it's core and underside and an exterior roof deck side of either drywall or cellulitic material (to accommodate finish roofing preference). The component pieces are an interior underside, a core of vertical studs and an exterior roof deck. The vertical studs will be between 1 inch and 24 inches wide and be of varying length depending on orientation to the underside and exterior roof deck. The vertical studs will be installed at 10 degrees to 170 degrees to the bottom of the interior layers. The entire panel will be secured utilizing an elastomeric adhesive.
- 5. Utility Panel: A panel of between 1 feet and 18 feet in height and 4 and 12 feet in width constructed of drywall for it's core and interior walls. The component pieces are an interior layer and a core of vertical studs. The vertical studs will be between 1 inch and 24 inches wide and be of varying length to accommodate top and bottom plates. The vertical studs will be installed at 0 degrees to 89 degrees to the bottom of the interior layer. The vertical studs will be connected in the utility cavity by cross pieces of gypsum or fly ash board construction of widths between 1 inch and 36 inches. The cap can be made of drywall or cellulitic material and attached with mechanical fasteners to allow access to utilities concealed in the utility cavity. The entire panel except for cap installation will be secured utilizing an elastomeric adhesive.
- 6. Box Connector: A connector of between 1 and 12 feet in length with a width and height designed to fit snugly into the panels they are connecting. Connector will consist of a top and bottom layer the width of the space between 2 studs and the height of the distance between the under layer and the top layer less the thickness of material comprising the under layer and the top layer, placed at opposite ends of the width of the top and bottom layers of the connector. The panel will slide between the vertical studs of 2 floor or roof panels and be secured by an elastomeric adhesive. This will join 2 or more panels into one structurally integrated unit. The box connector can be made of drywall or cellulitic material or combination of those materials and secured using elastomeric adhesive.
- 7. I Connector: A connector of between 1 and 12 feet in length with a width and height designed to fit snugly between the panels they are connecting. Connector will consist of a top and bottom layer the width of the space between the end studs of 2 adjacent panels (floor, roof or interior wall panels) and one stud the height of the distance between the under layer and the top layer less the thickness of material comprising the under layer and the top layer and be centered widthwise to the top and bottom layer. The panel will slide between the vertical studs of 2 floor, roof or interior panels and be secured by an elastomeric adhesive. This will join 2 or more panels into one structurally integrated unit. The I connector can be made of drywall or cellulitic material or combination of those materials and secured using elastomeric adhesive.
- 8. Corner Support Section. A corner support column between 4 and 18 feet in height and 1 foot and 4 feet in width and 1 foot and 4 feet in length. Corner support column will consist of a bottom plate and top plate of cellulitic, metal, plastic or composite construction. A column of cellulitic, metal, plastic or composite construction is attached between top and bottom plates at least partially with mechanical fasteners and exterior sheets of drywall composition and interior sheets of drywall composition. Interior and exterior sheets will be secured to column and top and bottom plates at least partially with mechanical fasteners. Drywall studs and connection plates will fit between interior and exterior sheets and be attached using an elatomeric adhesive.
- Figure one is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of an exterior panel. Reference numerals 10, 11, 13 and 15 impart vertical strength to the wall while reference numerals 10, 13, 14, and 15 impart strength to resist side impact and high wind. Reference numerals 12, 13 and 14 form a male edge designed to join multiple panels together to form a contiguous wall. Reference numeral 19 is a cavity designed to receive the male edge previously referred to in this paragraph in order to form a contiguous wall. Reference numeral 16 shows an example of a an elastomeric adhesive joint.
- FIG. 2 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of the exterior wall section of this invention from a side view perspective. Reference numerals 17 and 18 are cavities designed to accommodate a top and bottom plate respectively.
- FIG. 3 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of an interior wall section of this invention from a top view perspective. The panel is designed primarily for vertical strength in order to support floors and/or roof structures above. Reference numeral 36 shows a cavity designed to allow multiple panels to be joined together utilizing an I connector as shown in FIG. 12 contained herein. Reference Numeral 33 shows an example of adhesive joint utilizing an elastomeric adhesive.
- FIG. 4 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of an interior wall section of this invention from a side view perspective. Reference numerals 34 and 35 are cavities designed to accommodate a top and bottom plate respectively.
- FIG. 5 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of a floor section of this invention from a top view perspective. Reference number 50 shows a top sheet of cellulitic composition as this is required by all building codes. Joists and undersheet are of drywall composition as depicted in reference numerals 52 and 50 respectively. Reference numeral 54 shows a cavity created to accommodate a box connector as shown in FIG. 11 herein. Reference numeral 55 shows the cavity required to join adjacent floor panels together utilizing I connector shown in FIG. 12 herein.
- FIG. 6 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of a floor section of this invention from a side view perspective.
- FIG. 7 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of a corner support section of this invention from a top view perspective. The corner support section is designed to give an anchoring device and provide vertical and horizontal strength to the exterior walls of a structure. Reference numeral 71 refers to the structural members. This assembly is joined to the bottom and top plates at least in part by mechanical fasteners and can be of cellulitic, metal, plastic or composite composition. Reference numeral 72 refers to a base plate of celluiltic, metal, plastic or composite composition. Reference numerals 73, 76, 77, and 74 refer to a male end designed to mate with the female edge of the exterior wall panel.
- FIG. 8 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of a corner support section of this invention from a side view perspective. Reference numeral 81 refers to mechanical fasteners used at least in part to secure exterior sheet to underlying structural members.
- FIG. 9 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of a corner support section of this invention from an alternate side view perspective. Reference Numeral 72 refers to a base plate of cellulitic, metal, plastic or composite composition. Reference Numeral 73 refers to exterior sheets of drywall composition. Reference Numeral 81 refers to mechanical fasteners used to secure exterior sheet to underlying structural members.
- FIG. 10 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of a roof section of this invention from a side view perspective. Reference numeral 100 shows the roof deck of drywall or cellulitic composition. Reference numeral 101 refers to the undersheet of drywall composition. Reference numeral 102 refers to roof studs of drywall composition. Reference numeral 103 refers to the cavity required to join adjacent roof panels together utilizing I connector (figure twelve shown herein). Reference numeral 104 refers to the cavity required to join adjacent interior panels together utilizing Box connector (figure eleven shown herein).
- FIG. 11 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of a box connector section of this invention from a side view perspective. Reference numeral 111 shows a top sheet of drywall or cellulitic composition. Reference numeral 112 shows studs of drywall composition. Reference numeral 113 shows an example of an adhesive joint utilizing elastomeric adhesive. Reference Numeral 115 shows of a bottom sheet of drywall or cellulitic composition. Reference numerals 111, 112, 113 and 115 as a unit allow floor and roof panels to be joined together in a structurally sound manner to increase the span of the floor or roof.
- FIG. 12 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of an I connector section of this invention from a side view perspective. Reference numeral 120 refers to a top sheet of drywall or cellulitic composition. Reference numeral 121 refers to a stud of drywall composition. Reference numeral 122 refers to a bottom sheet of drywall or cellulitic composition.
- FIG. 13 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of a utility section of this invention from a rear view perspective. Reference numeral 131 refers to a top cap of cellulitic composition. Reference numeral 132 refers to the face sheet of drywall composition. Reference numeral 133 refers to crossmembers of drywall composition. Reference numeral 134 refers to vertical studs of drywall composition.
- FIG. 14 is an artist's drawing of a preferred embodiment of a utility section of this invention from a side view perspective. Reference numeral 135 shows one example of an adhesive joint utilizing elastomeric adhesive. Reference numeral 136 refers to a cavity created to accommodate a bottom plate. Reference numeral 137 refers to a cavity created to accommodate a top plate.

Claims

1. A building panel comprised of:

a. first drywall sheets

b. second drywall sheet

c. at least a plurality of drywall studs attached between the first drywall sheet and the second drywall sheet and where the studs separate the drywall sheets by at least 3 inches.

d. wherein the drywall studs attached between the first and second drywall sheets comprise drywall studs at least in part adhesively attached to the first and second drywall sheets.

2. The building panel of claim 1 wherein the drywall studs separate the first and second drywall sheets by at least 7 inches.

3. The building panel of claim 1 wherein the drywall studs separate the first and second drywall sheets by at least 10 inches.

4. The building panel of claim 1 wherein the drywall studs are adhesively attached to the first and second drywall sheets.

5. The building panel of claim 1 wherein the drywall studs are adhesively attached to the first and second drywall sheets at least in part drywall with an adhesive which is elastomeric.

6. A building panel comprised of:

a. first drywall sheets

b. second drywall sheet

c. at least 3 studs separating first drywall sheet and the second drywall sheet and at least one drywall stud is substantially parallel with the other two drywall studs and wherein at least 3 drywall studs are attached to the first and second drywall sheet.

7. A building panel comprised of:

a. first drywall sheets

b. second drywall sheet

c. at least 1 drywall stud forms an angle of at least 40 degrees to the other 2 drywall studs.

8. A building panel comprised of:

a. first drywall sheets

b. second drywall sheet

c. at least 1 drywall stud forms an angle of at least 80 degrees to the other 2 drywall studs.

9. A building panel comprised of:

a. first drywall sheets

b. second drywall sheet

c. a plurality of drywall studs attached between the first drywall sheet and the second drywall sheet.

d. A bottom plate between the first and second drywall sheets and attached to the first and second drywall sheets.

e. A corner stud extending between the first drywall sheet and the second drywall sheet and attched to the first and second drywall sheets.

10. A building panel of claim 9 where the bottom plate is attached to the second drywall sheet with mechanical fasteners.

11. A building panel of claim 9 where the bottom plate is attached to the first drywall sheet with mechanical fasteners.

12. A building panel of claim 9 where the bottom plate is attached to the second drywall sheet with adhesive.

13. A building panel of claim 9 where the bottom plate is attached to the first drywall sheet with adhesive.

14. A building panel of claim 9 where the corner stud is attached to the first drywall sheet with adhesive.

15. A building panel of claim 9 where the corner stud is attached to the second drywall sheet with adhesive.

16. The building panel of claim 9 wherein the bottom plate is cellulosic.

17. A building panel of claim 9 where the bottom plate is metal.

18. A building panel of claim 9 where the bottom plate is plastic.

19. A building panel of claim 9 where the bottom plate is composite.

20. The building panel of claim 9 wherein the corner stud comprises a cellulosic material

21. A building panel of claim 9 where the corner stud comprises a metal material.

22. A building panel of claim 9 where the. corner stud comprises a plastic material.

23. A building panel of claim 9 where the corner stud comprises a composite material

24. A building panel of claim 9 wherein the top plate is cellulosic.

25. A building panel of claim 9 wherein the top plate is metal.

26. A building panel of claim 9 wherein the top plate is plastic.

27. A building panel of claim 9 wherein the top plate is composite.