A device for lifting a framework (65) optionally together with a portion of a building resting on said framework (65), and in particular a roof, relative to underlying walls. The device (63) is designed to be used as one of a plurality of such devices distributed around the framework (65) and it includes a wall plate (1) suitable for being fixed to the wall (3) and connected to guides (64) for guiding a cursor (76) suitable for co-operating with the framework (65), and controlled thruster (108) for said cursor (76) by common connections (42) that ensure they are identically oriented. The device is particularly applicable to lifting two-slope or four-slope roofs, or floors, or bare frameworks, by suitable adaptations to the cursor (76).

A method and apparatus for providing lateral support to a post includes a cage-like structure comprised of one or more modular cage units which are installed about the post. A plurality of guy wires are attached to the cage-like structure and anchored to the floor, ground, or the like, for providing lateral support to the post. Each cage unit includes a pair of main components with each main component including a pair of elongate generally parallel bar members. A lower connection bracket is attached to the bottom of each main component and includes a bolt hole for connecting the main component to a loading fame or other cage units. An upper connection bracket is attached to the top of each main component, and includes a bolt hole for connecting one main component to another main component placed on top thereof. The upper bracket also includes a pair of rod holes located near the free ends of the upper bracket for attaching a pivotable guy wire attachment fixture between two main components. The guy wires are attached to the attachment fixture and anchored to the ground for providing lateral support to the cage-like structure, and thereby to the post. A number of cage units may be stacked, one-upon-the-other to construct a cage-like structure of any desired height to provide lateral support to posts of various heights. In addition, the cage-like structure does not inhibit the upward extension of the post.

A construction apparatus comprising a framework installed above a completed structure of a building so as to form a working space for construction operations including installing permanent columns over the completed structure, guide posts detachably held on the completed structure, elevating and locking mechanisms provided on the framework for elevating the framework to form the working space and for locking the framework to the guide posts, and construction equipment mounted on the framework and capable of carrying out the construction operations in the working space. The framework is provided with a cover for covering the working space. A construction method of constructing a multistory building in ascending order of stories comprises the steps of elevating a framework placed on a completed structure of the building to form a working space over the completed structure, locking the framework at an elevated position to the completed structure, sequentially installing permanent columns in the working space, installing beams between the fixed permanent columns, executing construction operations in a structure formed of the permanent columns and the beams, and disengaging the framework from the completed structure. The construction apparatus can be fabricated and the construction method can be performed at a reduced cost and, in constructing multistory buildings, the construction apparatus saves labor and enables the uninterrupted execution of construction operations regardless of weather conditions. The construction apparatus is sufficiently resistant to earthquakes.

A structural member jacking device and method for incrementally raising or lowering a structural member. A structural member jacking device includes a first vertical support column with a repositionable stop. A second vertical support column with a repositionable connector, positioned below a structural member, is movable relative to the first support column and connected thereto by the repositionable connector. An extender is mounted on the second support column and postionable on the stop. A structural member may be raised by positioning the stop below the extender, then extending the extender against the stop, whereby the second support column is raised. The repositionable connector removably pins the first and second columns, while the extender is retracted toward the second support column. Repeating these steps results in incrementally raising the structural member. Performing these steps in a reverse manner results in lowering the structural member. A plurality of structural member jacking devices may be synchronized.

An apparatus and method for a modular structural support and elevating system for constructing temporary support structures. The system includes providing a plurality of generally identical building elements or cribs. The cribs are generally box shaped, and a first crib may be mated to a second crib for forming elongate support structures. The cribs also have an opening on each non-mating side able to receive various mounting components. The cribs further include connecting hardware for releasably connecting the cribs to one another. A hydraulic jacking system may be used with the cribs for progressively elevating or lowering a structure.