CA2653273C - Log wall connector system - Google Patents

Abstract

A building structure comprises a post having a vertically extending longitudinal face. A plurality of horizontal logs extends from said longitudinal face and has an end face in abutment with said longitudinal face. The post having an undercut channel in said longitudinal face and extends along said post. At least one of said end faces has a recess aligned with said undercut channel, and a spline assembly extends between said post and said log to secure said log to said post. The spline assembly includes a key located in and extends between said channel and said recess and an insert in one of said undercut channel and said recess. The insert co operates with said key to facilitate relative sliding movement therebetween.

Description

LOG WALL CONNECTOR SYSTEM

2

3 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

4 [00011 The present invention relates generally to wall structures and in particular to log wall structures.
6 [0002] Log construction has been known for many decades as typified by the log cabin.
7 For many years the logs have been notched so that at a corner, logs forming one wall of a 8 structure can be laid on top of and at an angle alternating with logs from an intersecting 9 wall. Although a number of materials may be used to form the "logs" used as wall members, including various types of composite materials, the wall members are typically 11 milled from wood. The term "logs" will be used throughout this disclosure to include all 12 types of materials that simulate a horizontal wooden log and includes different cross 13 sections, either machined, hand-hewn or in a natural state.
14 [0003] The assembly of buildings from logs has been performed using traditional techniques. Where hand hewn logs are used, the builder individually fits each log to ensure 16 a proper fit. Whilst this is traditionally done at the final site of the building it has become 17 more common to assemble the shell of the building at a convenient remote location and 18 then disassemble the logs for transportation. The building is then reassembled at the 19 intended site and finished.
[0004] Log buildings using manufactured logs have the logs machined and cut at the 21 factory to provide the desired floor plan. The logs are then transported to the site where the 22 building is assembled.
23 [0005] In either case, assembly of the building at the final site requires the relocation of 24 skilled workmen, the provision of tools and equipment for assembly at the site and the exposure of the partially assembled structure to a potentially inclement environment.
26 [0006] In practical use, traditional construction is usually limited to right angle corners 27 because of the complexity of the angled notches required for non-right angle corners. More 28 recently, posts have been introduced that can be milled with longitudinal faces at a range of 29 desirable angles such that wall members having square-cut ends can be attached by spikes to the posts to form right-angle or non-right angle corners.
- -22902865.1 1 [0007] To form a tight connection between the logs and the posts, split key members 2 have been used that engage cooperating undercut recesses in the end of the log and a face 3 of the post. In US Patent 6,050,033 there is disclosed a spline arrangement in which the log 4 and post are connected by a key formed by a pair of wedges. The key is expandable and secures the log to the post. A first section of the key member is fitted into place to engage 6 the recesses in the post and the log and then a second section of the key member is inserted 7 and tapped into place beside the first section of the key member. The cross-sections of the 8 split key member are wedge-shaped and tighten the joint as the second portion of the key 9 member is tapped into place.
[0008] It is necessary to ensure that the interconnecting butt joints are tight and provide 11 an effective seal, but at the same time accommodate relative movement between logs whilst 12 maintaining the seal. This is particularly an issue in wooden log construction because of 13 the shrinkage of the logs as they dry. This causes the logs to settle and move vertically 14 down. However, in some circumstances the connection of the key to both the log and the post as shown in US Patent 6,050,033 may inhibit such movement and as a result a gap is 16 created between adjacent logs in the log walls.
17 [0009] Similar considerations apply where a pair of walls intersect, such as where an 18 internal wall meets an external wall. This may occur between the locations of the posts and 19 a secure butt joint between the intersecting walls is required.
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the above 21 disadvantages.

23 [0011] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a self-contained wall 24 unit for assembly into a log building. The self-contained wall unit comprises a pair of posts, the posts being spaced apart and each having an abutment face directed toward the 26 other of the posts. A plurality of logs extend between each of the abutment faces and are 27 secured by inter-engaging re-entrant formations to permit relative sliding movement 28 between the post and the logs and to inhibit separation of the posts.
The logs and the posts 29 form the self-contained wall unit. At least one of the posts has another face other than the abutment face to abut a face of a post of an adjacent self-contained wall unit. The other face 22902865.1 1 has an elongate formation thereon to facilitate connection to a post of an adjacent self-2 contained wall unit. The elongate formation includes a pair of convergent flanks having a 3 lateral spacing that varies in a direction normal to the other face and adapted for 4 engagement with a complimentary formation associated with an adjacent post, whereby, separation of posts of adjacent sections is inhibited.
6 [0012] Preferably the elongate formation is a re-entrant formation.
7 [0013] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of 8 assembling a building comprising the steps of forming a wall unit from a pair of posts that 9 are spaced apart and each of which has an abutment face directed toward the other post, locating at least one log to extend between each the abutment face, securing the log to the 11 posts by inter-engaging re-entrant formations to permit relative sliding movement between 12 the post and the logs and to inhibit separation of the posts. This forms a self-contained wall 13 unit. The method also includes providing an elongate formation on a face other than the 14 abutment face of at least one of the posts. The elongate formation includes a pair of convergent flanks having a lateral spacing that varies in a direction normal to the other face 16 to facilitate connection to a post of an adjacent wall unit. The building is assembled by 17 positioning the wall unit adjacent to another wall unit with the other face in abutment with a 18 post of the other wall unit and connecting the units by engaging a complimentary formation 19 with the elongate formation to inhibit separation of adjacent posts [0014] Preferably, the complimentary formation and elongate formation include an 21 expandable key to secure the posts to one another.
22 [0015] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a building 23 structure having at least one wall formed from a pair of self-contained wall units, each of 24 the self-contained wall units comprising a pair of posts spaced apart and each having an abutment face directed toward the other post. A plurality of logs extend between each of 26 the abutment faces and is secured thereto by inter-engaging re-entrant formations to permit 27 relative sliding movement between the post and the logs and to inhibit separation of the 28 posts. The logs form with the posts the self-contained wall unit. At least one of the posts of 29 each of the units has another face other than the abutment face to abut a face of a post of an adjacent self-contained wall unit and each of the other faces have an elongate formation 22902865.1 1 thereon to facilitate connection to the post of an adjacent self-contained wall unit by 2 engagement with a complimentary formation provided on the post of the adjacent wall unit.
3 The elongate formation includes a pair of convergent flanks having a lateral spacing that 4 varies in a direction normal to the other face, the wall units being arranged with the one of the posts positioned next to one another with the other faces of posts of adjacent wall units 6 facing one another. The posts are connected to one another by a connection utilising the 7 elongate formation and the complimentary formation to inhibit separation of the wall units, 8 whereby the wall includes at least two sets of logs separated by a pair of posts.
9 [0016] A further aspect of the invention is the provision of a building having walls formed from one or more wall sections. At least one of the wall sections has a plurality of 11 logs interconnected at opposite ends by a respective post. A spline assembly secures the 12 posts to the logs. The wall section is secured to an adjacent wall section by spline 13 assemblies connecting the posts of the adjacent wall sections.

[0017] The principles of the various aspects of the invention may better be understood 16 by reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings which depict features of examples 17 of embodiments of the invention, and in which:
18 [0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a building.
19 [0019] Figure 2 is a view on the line II-II of Figure 1 showing components as assembled.
21 [0020] Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 with the components in a expanded 22 position.
23 [0021] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the components shown in Figure 3.
24 [0022] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a key member used in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4.
26 [0023] Figure 6 is a rear perspective of the key member of Figure

5.
27 [0024] Figure 7(a)-(k) is a schematic representation of the steps of assembling the 28 building of Figure 1.

22902865.1 1 [0025] Figure 8 is an exploded view of components used at a corner of the building of 2 Figure 1.
3 [0026] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the 4 building.
[0027] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the assembly shown in Figure 9.

6 [0028] Figure 11 is a view in the direction of arrow XI-XI of Figure 10.

7 [0029] Figure 12 is a exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of building

8 structure.

9 [0030] Figure 13 is a plan view of Figure 12 in the direction of arrow XIII-XIII.
[0031] Figure 14 is a plan view similar to Figure 13 showing a further step in the 11 assembly of the building.
12 [0032] Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 14 showing a yet further step in the 13 assembly of the building.
14 [0033] Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure 15 showing a still further step in the assembly of the building.
16 [0034] Figure 17 is an enlarged plan view of a component used in the building of 17 Figures 12 to16.
18 [0035] Figure 18 is a view similar to Figure 17 showing the component of Figure 17 in 19 an expanded position.
[0036] Figure 19 is a view similar to Figure 17 of an alternative embodiment of the 21 component.
22 [0037] Figure 20 is a view similar to Figure 17 of a further embodiment of the 23 component shown in Figure 17.
24 [0038] Figure 21 is a still further alternative embodiment of the component shown in Figure 17.
26 [0039] Figure 22 is a view similar to Figure 12 showing a further step in the assembly 27 of a building.

22902865.1 1 [0040] Figure 23 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a building.
2 [0041] Figure 24 is a view on the line XXIV ¨ XXIV of Figure 23.
3 [0042] Figure 25 is a perspective view of a yet further embodiment of building.
4 [0043] Figure 26 is a view on the line XXVI ¨ XXVI of Figure 25.
[0044] Figure 27 is a schematic plan view of a building assembled from the 6 embodiments shown in the proceeding figures.
7 [0045] Figure 28 is a section through an alternative embodiment of post used in the 8 building structures in the proceeding figures.
9 [0046] Figure 29 is a plan view of the post of Figure 28 assembled into a wall structure.
[0047] Figure 30 is a plan view of a pair of wall structures utilizing the post of Figure 11 28 being connected.
12 [0048] Figure 31 is a plan view similar to Figure 29 showing a further stage in the 13 assembly of a building structure.
14 [0049] Figure 32 is a plan view of the assembly of Figure 31 in a further stage of assemble.
16 [0050] Figure 33 is a section of a component used to manufacturer posts for use in the 17 building structures shown in the proceeding embodiments.
18 [0051] Figure 34 is a view of the component of Figure 33 in a first stage of 19 manufacturer.
[0052] Figure 35 is an end view of the components produced in Figure 35 in a further 21 stage of manufacturer.
22 [0053] Figure 36 is a plan view of a section of wall formed using the components of 23 Figure 35.
24 [0054] Figure 37 is a plan view showing assembly of a pair of wall sections of Figure 36.
26 [0055] Figure 38 is a plan view similar to Figure 37 of a further stage in the assembly 27 of the wall sections.

22902865.1 1 [0056] Figure 39 is a view similar to Figure 38 showing a further step in the assembly 2 of wall sections.
3 [0057] Figure 40 is a view similar to Figure 27 showing the assembly of a building 4 using the post sections described with respect to Figures 28 through 39.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
6 [0058] The description that follows and the embodiments described therein are 7 provided by way of illustration of examples of particular embodiments of the principles of 8 the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not 9 of limitation, of those principles and of the invention. In the description, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference 11 numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and in some instances proportions may 12 have been exaggerated in order more clearly to depict certain features of the invention.
13 [0059] Referring therefore to Figure 1, a building 1 includes log walls 2 that intersect at 14 a corner 6. The log walls 2 are supported on a foundation wall 3, that may be poured concrete or laid cement block, and have openings for windows 4. The log walls 2 will 16 support a roof or additional framed storey in a conventional manner.
Each of the log walls 17 2 is formed from logs 11 that are laid horizontally one on top of the other and are secured to 18 posts 10 to form an integral structure. The posts 10 may be located at corners 6 and at 19 intermediate locations 7 along the log walls 2, depending on the overall plan of the building 1.
21 [0060] Each of the logs 11 is machined to an uniform cross section and have 22 complementary tongues and grooves formed on abutting upper and lower faces 13a, 13b 23 (Fig. 4). A sealant, typically in the form of a mastic tape, or foam tape is located between 24 the tongue and groove and compressed by the log to form an effective seal. The particular form of tongue and groove forms no part of the present invention and a variety of 26 configurations may be used, such as that shown in US Patent 5,020,289.
27 [0061] It will be appreciated that the log walls 2 extend along the periphery of the 28 building 1 and the logs 11 are cut to the required length to conform to the desired floor 29 plan.

22902865.1 1 [0062] Each of the posts 10 extends vertically the height of the log wall 2 and each post 2 10 has a pair of generally planar faces 12, 14, that are disposed at the required included 3 angle. Where the post 10 is located at the corner 6 of the building 1, typically, the planar 4 faces 12, 14 intersect at right angles but other included angles can be provided, as shown in Figure 7. Where the posts are at intermediate locations the planar faces 12, 14 are 6 oppositely directed.
7 [0063] As can best be seen in Figure 2 and Figure 4, which illustrates a corner 6, each 8 of the logs 11 has an end face 16 that extends between the upper and lower faces 13a, 13b 9 to butt against one of the planar faces 12, 14 of the post 10. The end face 16 has a part cylindrical slot 17 extending between the upper and lower faces 13a, 13b of the log 11 and 11 intersecting the end face 16 so as to define a re-entrant recess in the end face 16.
12 [0064] Sealant slots 18 are provided along the length of each of the planar faces 12, 14 13 of post 10. The sealant slots 18 are dimensioned to accept sealant materials, typically in the 14 form of butyl or impregnated foam tapes 19 that are exposed to the end face 16 when a log 11 is butted against post 10.
16 [0065] Each of the planar faces 12, 14 has an undercut channel 20 extending along the 17 length of the post 10. The undercut channel 20 has a parallel sided body portion 22 which 18 opens to an enlarged socket 24. Inclined flanks 26 connect the body portion 22 to the 19 enlarged socket 24. The width of the body portion 22 corresponds to that of the opening of part cylindrical slot 17 at the end face 16.
21 [0066] The logs 11 are held against the respective planar face 12, 14 by the spline 22 assembly generally indicated at 30 in Figure 4. The spline assembly 30 includes a key 32 23 and a slide member, referred to as key slide 70. The key 32 has a pair of key members 33 24 that are identical to one another and have a length slightly less than the corresponding height of the log 11. For example, with a log of nominal 12" height, the key 32 will 26 typically be 10" in length.
27 [0067] The key members 33 are best seen in Figures 5 and 6. Each key member 33 is 28 molded from a plastics material and has an outer shell 34 with a hollow interior 36 with 29 reinforcing ribs 38 integrally molded with the outer shell 34. In cross section, each of the key members 33 is similar to one half of the void formed between the part cylindrical slot 22902865.1 1 17, undercut channel 20 and the key slide 70 so that a pair of key members 33 may be 2 inserted within the void.
3 [0068] Each of the key members 33 has an enlarged head 40 connected by a neck 42 to 4 a flared shoulder 44. The enlarged head 40 has an arcuate undersurface 46 terminating in radial step 48. Each end of the key members 33 has a tapered terminal section 50 on the 6 neck 42 and the flared shoulder 44 to facilitate insertion in to the key slide 70. End walls 7 52 enclose the shell at each end up to a median plane 54. A flange 56 projects outwardly 8 from the median plane 54 at one end and extends one half the length of the key member 33.
9 A slot 58 having a depth slightly greater than that of the flange 56 is molded into the key member 33 in alignment with the flange 56 over the balance of the length of the key 11 member 33. A notch 59 is formed in each end wall 52 beside the flange 56 and slot 58 12 respectively.
13 [0069] The flange 56 and slot 58 are arranged such that when two key members 33 are 14 placed back to back, that is with the interior of the shells 34 facing one another, the flange 56 of one is received in the slot 58 of the other, so a continuous barrier is provided along 16 the length of the key members 33. It will be noted from Figure 5 that the arcuate 17 undersurface 46 has embossments 60 molded along its length. The embossments 60 are in 18 the form of letters in the embodiment shown that project slightly above the arcuate 19 undersurface 46. Similar embossments 62, 64 are molded on the neck 42 and above the radial step 48.
21 [0070] As can best be seen in Figures 2, 4 and 8, the slide member or key slide 70, is 22 provided to promote relative sliding movement between a log and the post. As shown, the 23 key slide 70 of the spline assembly 30 is an elongate channel member arranged to be a 24 sliding fit within the enlarged socket 24 of the undercut channel 20.
The key slide 70 generally extends the full height of the post 10 as a continuous member, although it could 26 made from multiple shorter pieces arranged end to end, and is inserted into the enlarged 27 socket 24 of undercut channel 20 after machining of the post 10. The key slide 70 is 28 dimensioned to have contact with the parallel sided body portion 22 of the undercut channel 29 20, inclined flanks 26 and enlarged socket 24 in its free body state so as to be retained 22902865.1 1 within the undercut channel 20 during transport of the post 10 and subsequent assembly of 2 the log walls 2 and the post 10.
3 [0071] As can best be seen in Figure 2, 3 and 8, the key slide 70 has an outer surface 4 that conforms substantially to the enlarged socket 24. The key slide 70 has a base 71 with upstanding walls 72 projecting from opposite sides of the base 71. The upstanding walls 72 6 project to form a throat 74 that extends into the body portion 22 with the inwardly directed 7 surfaces of the throat 74 radiussed so as to provide a rolling contact between the junction of 8 the neck 42 and the flared shoulder 44 of each of the key members 33 (Figure 3). The key 9 slide 70 is of substantially uniform thickness so as to be a snug sliding fit within the enlarged socket 24 and allow the neck 42 and flared shoulder 44 of key 32 to be a sliding fit 11 within the key slide 70.
12 [0072] The key slide 70 is formed of a suitable material having the requisite thermal 13 insulation qualities, low surface friction, hardness and durability. A
thermo-plastic material 14 such as polyethylene or polypropylene is suitable. Polypropylene has a relatively low surface friction to facilitate insertion and to provide a smooth sliding surface between the 16 key 32 and the key slide 70.
17 [0073] The assembly of the log walls 2 shown in Figure 1 is best seen with reference to 18 the sequence represented in Figure 7 where the walls intersect at an obtuse angle, rather 19 than right angle. Initially, a flashing F is secured to the foundation wall 3 and two rows of butyl tape 80 are applied toward the exterior of the building. The paper covering found on 21 the butyl tape 80 is left in situ to allow for slight adjustment of the initial course of logs 11.
22 [0074] With the two rows of butyl tape 80 installed on the flashing F, the post 10 with 23 the key slide 70 inserted in the channel 20 is placed on the foundation wall 3 and foam tape 24 19 inserted into each of the sealant slots 18 on one planar face 12 of the post 10 (Figure 7b).
The surface of the foam tape 19 immediately adjacent the work area is revealed by removal 26 of the paper covering, which progresses along the length of the post 10 as the log wall 2 is 27 assembled.
28 [0075] The initial log 11 is then placed against the post 10 with the end face 16 in 29 abutment with the planar face 12 (Figure 7c). In this position, the part cylindrical slot 17 is aligned with the undercut channel 20. An asphalt impregnated foam pad 82 conforming to

-10-22902865.1 1 the shape of the part cylindrical slot 17 and undercut channel 20 is inserted from the top of 2 the log 11 (Figure 7d) and pushed down in the part cylindrical slot 17 until it reaches the 3 top of the foundation wall 3.
4 [0076] To secure the log 11 to the post 10, a key member 33 is inserted, as shown in Figures 7e to 7g. Prior to insertion of the key member 33 lengths of sealant tape 84, 86 are 6 applied to the neck 42 directly on embossment 62 and to the enlarged head 40 directly on 7 embossment 64 of each key member 33 (Figure 5). The sealant tape 84, 86, is not initially 8 in engagement with the parallel sided body portion 22 or the part cylindrical slot 17 during 9 insertion and the sealant tape 84, 86 therefore remains in situ during insertion of the key member 33. The sealant tape 84,86 is held in situ during insertion by the inherent

11 adhesiveness of the surface of the sealant tape 84,86 that is against the key member and by

12 engagement with the embossments 62,64 molded on the surface of the outer shell 34. When

13 initially placed on the key member 33, the sealant tape 84, 86 is in a compressed state as it

14 has been removed from a roll of tape and progressively expands to its free body state. Each of the key members 33 is inserted into the key slide 70 in post 10 individually such that the 16 flared shoulder 44 may pass through the throat 74 of the key slide 70 (Figure 7e and 7f).
17 The first of the key members 33 is inserted with the flange 56 lower most. The other of the 18 key members 33 may then be inserted into the key slide 70 above the first key member 33 19 and the two key members 33 slid together axially. The flange 56 on one key member 33 is received in the slot 58 of the other key member 33 as the key members 33 slide together to 21 form the key 32.
22 [0077] With the key members 33 assembled, they form the key 32 and may be pushed 23 as a unit into the part cylindrical slot 17 (Figure 7g) until they are flush with the bottom of 24 the grooves provided in the top surface 13a of the log 11. At this time, the sealant 84, 86 has not expanded to its free body state, thereby avoiding contact with the walls of the part 26 cylindrical slot 17 or parallel sided body portion 22 of the undercut channel 20. The key 27 members 33 and key slide 70 are dimensioned such that the key 32 may slide relatively 28 easily along the key slide 70 and into the part cylindrical slot 17.
Typically a clearance in 29 the order of 1/8 of an inch on the diameter is provided between the arcuate undersurface 46 and the cylindrical wall of the part cylindrical slot 17. However, the flared shoulders 44 31 extend laterally into key slide 70 within the enlarged socket 24 so as to inhibit removal of 22902865.1 1 the key 32. With the key 32 correctly positioned, the key members 33 are forced apart 2 within the part cylindrical slot 17 by insertion of a spike 88 along the length of the key 3 member 33 (Figure 7h). The spike 88 is inserted into the notch 59 provided adjacent the 4 flange 56 and acts as a wedge to separate the key members 33. The enlarged head 40 is dimensioned to prevent removal from the part cylindrical slot 17 in the locked condition as 6 seen in Figure 3. The flanges 56 act as a barrier to prevent lateral movement of the spike 7 88 from between the key members 33 and to cause a uniform spreading of the key 32 8 within the part cylindrical slot 17. The relatively small surface area of the reinforcing ribs 9 38 reduces the friction on the spike 88 and reduces the downward force transferred to the key members 33 by the spike 88. The initial spreading of the key 33 members also brings 11 the embossments 60 in to engagement with the walls of part cylindrical slot 17 to inhibit 12 further upward or downward movement.
13 [0078] The spike 88 separates the key members 33 within the part cylindrical slot 17 14 but the inner edges of the flared shoulders 44 within the key slide 70 remain in contact with one another. As can be seen from a comparison between Figures 2 and 3, spreading of the 16 key members 33 causes a rolling action about the curved surfaces of the throat 74 of the 17 key slide 70 so as to provide essentially an outward force that is readily resisted by the 18 material in the post 10, as opposed to a torque acting so as to break off the material at the 19 body portion 22 of the undercut channel 20. At the same time, the sealant tape 84, 86 expands and is compressed against the enlarged head 40 and part cylindrical slot 17 as well 21 as the neck 42 and undercut channel 20 to provide a continuous uniform seal within the 22 undercut channel 20 and part cylindrical slot 17 respectively. The spreading of the key 23 members 33 as shown in Figure 3 causes the log 11 to be drawn tightly against the face of 24 the post 10 causing the foam tape 19 in sealant slots 18 to be similarly compressed to form a continuous seal. An asphalt impregnated foam pad 90 is then placed onto the top of the 26 key 32 to ensure a proper seal between adjacent key 32 (Figure 7i).
However, the reduced 27 spreading within the key slide 70 in combination with the low friction material of the key 28 slide 70 facilitates sliding movement of the key 32 down the key slide 70.
29 [0079] With the initial log in situ, a similar procedure is followed with the log on the opposite planar face 12 of the post 10 to provide the first row of logs 11 (Figure 7j-7k).
31 The upper surface 13a of the log 11 is then prepared by applying sealant strips 87 to the 22902865.1 1 sealant grooves on the upper surface 13a of each log 11 and the next log 11 placed in 2 position. The key 32 is then inserted as described above and the process continues up each 3 side of the post 10 until the full height of the log wall 2 has been attained.
4 [0080] During assembly, the weight of each of the logs 11 is sufficient to induce sliding between the key 32 and the key slide 70 to accommodate downward vertical sliding 6 movement of the logs 11 and compression of the sealant strips 87.
Optionally, a thru-bolt 7 may be inserted vertically through the log walls 2 and tensioned to force the logs 11 8 together. As the logs dry, the weight of the logs 11 and the tension in the thru bolt if used, 9 is sufficient to force the key 32 to slide within the key slide 70 and maintain a sealed relationship with the adjacent log 11 and the post 10. The engagement of the embossments 11 60 with the part cylindrical slot 17 ensures the key 32 moves with the logs 11 and slides 12 within the key slide 70.
13 [0081] Thus, the spline assembly 30 provides a relatively low friction slide member in 14 the post 10 that permits key 32 to slide in a controlled manner within the key slide 70. The key 32 is secured to respective ones of the logs 11 by expansion of the key members 33 so 16 as to move with the logs 11 relative to the post 10. In this manner, the integrity of the log 17 walls 2 is maintained by inhibiting gaps from opening between the logs 11. As well as 18 maintain a seal between planar face 12 and the end face 16.
19 [0082] The above embodiment is described in the context of securing a vertical post 10 to logs 11 to form a corner 6. A similar arrangement may be used where a pair of log walls 21 intersect at a location other than where a post 10 is provided.
Typically this would be 22 where an interior log wall intersects an exterior log wall although it will be appreciated that 23 the technique may be used to interconnect two exterior walls or two interior walls.
24 [0083] Referring therefore to Figures 9 through 11, in which like components are identified with like reference numerals to the embodiment of Figures 1 through 8 but with a 26 suffix "a" added for clarity, an intersecting log wall 90 made from logs lla is perpendicular 27 to the length of the logs lla of an exterior log wall 2a. A vertical recess 92 is formed in the 28 exterior log wall 2a extending the full height of the intersecting log wall 90. Typically this 29 will be the full height of the log wall 2a, but in some applications the intersecting wall 90 may terminate at less than the full height of the exterior wall 2a. The recess 92 has a 22902865.1 1 minimum width corresponding to the width of the logs lla of the intersecting wall 90 and 2 has a depth sufficient to extend into the log lla beyond any surface formations such as 3 bevels formed on the edge of the logs 11 a.
4 [0084] An undercut channel 20a is cut in the logs 11 a at the base of the recess 92 and has a profile corresponding to that of the channel 20 formed in the post 10 described above 6 with respect to Figures 1 through 8. Similarly, end faces 16a of the logs 11 a of the interior 7 wall 90 are formed with part cylindrical slots 17a that, when assembled, are aligned with 8 the undercut channel 20a.
9 [0085] In the preferred embodiment, a key slide 70a is inserted into the enlarged socket 24a of the undercut channel 20a to receive a key 32a. The key slide 70a may be inserted 11 from the top of the wall 2a if space permits. However, to facilitate assembly of the 12 intersecting wall 90 after the exterior walls 2a are capped with a roof or second storey, the 13 key slide 70a is modified to facilitate insertion into the enlarged socket 24a. As can be seen 14 from Figures 9 and 11, base 71a has a central groove 102 that provides a living hinge at the midpoint of the base 71a. The groove 102 permits the base 71a to be folded at the hinge 16 and thereby reduce the lateral extent of the key slide 70a so it may pass through the body 17 portion 22a of the undercut channel 20a. Once inserted, the base 71a may be unfolded and 18 force the wall 72a of the key slide 70a into the enlarged socket 24a.
19 [0086] With the key slide 70a inserted in the enlarged socket 24a of the undercut channel 20a, the intersecting wall 90 may be assembled by positioning the end faces 16a of 21 the logs 11 a against the base of the recess 92. The keys 32a may then be inserted to bridge 22 the undercut channel 20a and part cylindrical slots 17a and expanded to lock the keys 32a 23 in situ as described above. It will be understood that the foam tapes 19a may be placed in 24 the sealant slots 18a in the recess 92 of the logs lla and the keys 32a in a similar manner to that described above to ensure an air tight connection between the walls.
26 [0087] The recess 92 may be formed in individual logs 11 a of wall 2a prior to assembly 27 or may be routed after the exterior walls 2a have been assembled. This latter arrangement 28 increases the flexibility of modifying the building after its initial assembly although the 29 routing of the recess 92, the sealant slots 18a and the undercut channel 20a during manufacture of the logs Ila is to be preferred.

22902865.1 1 [0088] It will also be appreciated that where the intersecting wall 90 is intended as an 2 interior wall, maintaining a seal between adjacent logs is not as critical as where it is an 3 exterior wall. In this case, the key slide 70a may be omitted allowing for the direct 4 connection between the wall 2a and the wall 90 using the keys 32a.
[0089] A further application of the connection between the post 10 and logs 11 forming 6 a wall 2 is shown in the embodiment of Figures 12-17, in which like components will be 7 identified with like reference numerals with a suffix "b" added for clarity.
8 [0090] In the embodiment of Figures 12-17, the connection is formed at an intermediate 9 location 7 on the wall, as shown in Figure 1. Referring therefore to Figure 12, the wall 2b is formed by a pair of log wall sections 100 are each formed from logs 11b connected at 11 each end to a post 10b using the key 32b as described above with respect to Figures 1-8.
12 Each of the wall sections thus comprises a pair of posts 10b with logs 1 lb extending 13 between them and secured thereto. The wall sections 100 may be connected end to end to 14 one another when an extended wall 2b is required for the building I. As can be seen in Figure 22, each wall section 100 is assembled with the logs 11 b extending slightly above 16 the post 10b to allow for shrinkage as the logs 11 b dry. Where thru bolts are used they may 17 be installed during assembly of the section 100 to enhance the integrity of the wall section.
18 [0091] As shown in Figure 13 each of the posts 10b has a planar face 12b that abuts the 19 end face 16b of the logs 1 lb and an oppositely directed planar face 14b that is designed to abut a corresponding face 14b of a post 10b of an adjacent wall section 100.
The planar 21 face 14b of post 10b is formed with a part cylindrical slot 103 (similar to the part 22 cylindrical slot 17b formed in the planar face 16b in log 11 b) so that when the faces 14b 23 abut, the part cylindrical slots 103 are aligned and define a waisted void 110 having a 24 "figure of 8" cross section.
[0092] To secure the posts 10b to one another, an elongate "figure of 8"
shaped key 112 26 is inserted into the void 110. The elongated key 112 can best be seen in Figures 17 and 18.
27 [0093] The elongated key 112 is formed from two identical key members 113 that 28 extend the full length of the post 10b. Each of the key members 113 has a pair of enlarged 29 heads 40b extending to either side of a waisted central portion 114 so that, in cross section,

- 15 -22902865.1 1 each of the key members 113 is similar to one half of the waisted void 110 formed between 2 the abutting part cylindrical slots 103 in the posts 10b.
3 [0094] A pair of flanges 56b project outwardly from the key members 113 and a pair of 4 slots 58b having a depth slightly greater than that of the flange 56b are molded into each of the key members 113. As shown in Figure 17, the key members 113 may be placed back to 6 back with the flanges 56b of one of the key members engaging the slots 58b of the other of 7 the key members. Each of the enlarged heads 40b is formed with a radial step 48b. The 8 key members 113 are preferably extruded from a plastics material and so have a uniform 9 cross section. Alternatively, the key members may be formed from wood or plywood without flanges.
11 [0095] To assemble the wall 2b from wall sections 100, the sections 100 are placed end 12 to end, as shown in Figure 12, with the faces 14b of posts 10b in alignment. Sealant tape 13 19b is applied in the sealant slots 18b on the face of one of the posts 10b to form an 14 effective seal as the faces 14b are drawn together. The key members 113 are prepared, by applying the sealant tape 86 to the enlarged head 40b above the radial step 48b and the key

16 112 is inserted between the posts 10b with the sealant tape in a compressed state. Once

17 inserted, spikes 88b are inserted between the key members 113 and driven downward as

18 shown on Figure 16 to separate the key members 113 and thereby spread key 112 as shown

19 in Figure 18. Whilst it is theoretically possible to insert two elongated single spikes 88b along the entire length of the key 112, in practice, it is easier to insert a series of spikes 88b 21 end to end. To facilitate the insertion of such spikes 88b, each of the spikes 88b is formed 22 without a head and with a countersink to receive the pointed end of a subsequent spike 88b.
23 Therefore, the spikes 88b may be inserted progressively between key members 113, to 24 spread the key 112 over the entire length of the post. The outer surface of the spikes 88b may be coated with a lubricant, such as a "wax" if required, to facilitate insertion over the 26 entire length of the key 112. The key members 113 may be extruded from a relatively low 27 friction material. The spreading of the key 112 causes the posts 10b to be drawn toward 28 one another and abut along the opposed faces 14b.
29 [0096] It will be appreciated that it is not necessary to form the key members 113 as a single component and shorter lengths of key member 113 may be stacked in the void 110 22902865.1 1 without jeopardizing the integrity of the connection between the posts 10b. However, the 2 insertion of multiple spikes 88b suggests that a continuous key members 113 is to be 3 preferred.
4 [0097] With the wall sections 100 aligned and connected to one another, as shown in Figure 22, the rigidity of the exterior wall 2b is increased by placement of straps 120 across 6 the posts 10b. The steel straps 120 extend along the upper surface of the logs lib and are 7 secured by nails or screws to the logs 11 b to inhibit a hinging action about a vertical axis at 8 the posts 10b. Clearance is provided between the strap 120 and the upper end of the posts 9 10b, to facilitate log wall shrinkage and settlement. A foam pad 125 is placed between the strap and the post 10b to inhibit air movement over the top of the post.
11 [0098] The strap 120 may also provide a support for additional structural members, 12 such as a joist or rafter. A yoke 122 attached to strap 120 may be dimensioned to receive 13 standard section lumber and provides a nailing point to secure the structural member. The 14 yoke 122 is maintained in alignment with the upper surface of the logs lib as they shrink by virtue of the strap 120.
16 [0099] Alternative embodiments of the key 112 are shown in Figures 19, 20 and 21. In 17 the embodiment of Figures 19, each of the key members 113 has a pair of flanges 56b to 18 one side of the waisted central portion 114 and a pair of grooves 58b to the other side. This 19 still permits the key members 113 to be placed back to back and to constrain the spikes 88b.
[00100] In the embodiment of Figure 20, the end face of the body is offset with 21 projecting flanges 115 that serve to define an air cavity between the post 10b and the key 22 member 113. This enhances the insulative properties to reduce heat transfer across the 23 posts 10b.
24 [00101] Similarly, in the embodiment of Figure 21, the key members 113 are formed to provide a void between them when assembled to provide a further air cavity in the key 112.
26 [00102] In some buildings, it is necessary to integrate conventional frame construction 27 with log construction. The connection system described above can be adapted for these 28 circumstances, as illustrated in Figures 23 to 26.

22902865.1 1 [00103] Referring firstly to the embodiment of Figures 23 and 24, in which like 2 reference numerals will denote like components with a suffix 'c' added for clarity, a wall 3 section 100c, formed by posts 10c and logs 11c, is connected to a framed wall section 200 4 of conventional construction and having a top plate 202 and studs 204, 206 and a post 10a.
It will of course be appreciated that the framed wall section 200 includes the additional 6 components normally associated with frame construction, such as a bottom plate, lintels 7 and the like.
8 [00104] The end stud 204 is nailed to a post 10c, that has a part cylindrical slot 17c along 9 the face 14c. The posts 10c of the wall section 100c and framed wall section 200 are aligned with the respective faces 14c in abutment and a key 112c inserted to connect the 11 wall section 100c to wall section 200.
12 [00105] In the embodiment of Figures 25 and 26, an elongated keyspline 32d and 13 keyslide 70d is used to connect a framed wall section 200d to a post 10d. The wall section 14 100d has a recess 92d corresponding in width to the width of the post 10d. An undercut channel 20d is formed in each of the base of recess 92d and a part cylindrical slot 17d 16 formed in the post 10d. A key 32d is inserted and spread to secure the wall sections 100d, 17 200d, to one another.
18 [00106] If required, a post 10 may be secured to the wall section 100 as shown in 19 Figures 25 and 26 to stiffen the wall along its length. In this case, a stud wall 200 would not be utilised so as to minimise the protrusion in to the room.
21 [00107] It will be seen from the above that embodiments are provided to form a corner 22 between a post and two walls, to connect walls that intersect between posts and to connect 23 walls end to end.
24 [00108] The arrangement of connections between the post and logs may be integrated into a single building as illustrated schematically in Figure 27 to permit a panelised 26 construction technique to be used. In this arrangement, a corner unit indicated at 300 27 consists of a post 10 with logs 11 connected to its oppositely directed faces 12, 14. The 28 logs 11 extend to and are secured at opposite ends to a face of the posts 10b that is directed 29 toward the post 10 in the manner shown in Figures 1-4 so that the unit 300 defines a panelised corner unit. The intermediate wall indicated at 302 is formed by a wall section 22902865.1 1 100 constructed as shown in Figure 12 to 16 and has a pair of posts 10b with a logs 11 b 2 extending between opposed faces. The post 10b of the wall section 100 is joined to the post 3 10b of the corner unit 300 using the formations in the form of recesses 17 and keys 112 to 4 form an integral exterior wall 2. A further corner unit 300 is connected at the opposite end of the wall section 100. The exterior periphery of the building shown in Figure 27 may 6 thus be built from four corner units 300 and a pair of wall sections 100, which may be 7 either log or frame construction.
8 [00109] An interior wall 304 may be joined to the exterior wall section 100 using the 9 connection as shown in Figures 9 through 11. A further connection in the exterior wall is made at the post 10 connecting the two corner units 300 using a connection similar to that 11 shown in either Figures 9 through 12 or Figures 13 through 18.
12 [00110] It will be seen that the arrangement of self contained wall units permits a 13 panelised building to be assembled from previously constructed wall units each of which 14 utilizes formations in the posts and a key to connect logs to posts or post to post or log walls to log walls or framed walls to log wall. In each case, provision is made for proper 16 sealing between the keys and the logs to maintain the integrity of the walls and where key 17 slides are used, relative movement between the logs is facilitated.
18 [00111] A further embodiment particularly suitable for providing a panelized 19 construction technique is shown in Figures 28 through 40, although it will be appreciated that the components illustrated in these figures may be utilized in the construction of a non-21 panelized building as illustrated for example, in Figure 7.
22 [00112] Referring to Figure 28, the post 10d is formed from laminations of different 23 lumber for stability and economy of manufacturer. As shown in Figure 28 outer 24 laminations 400 are machined from a premium quality wood, such as a white pine or cedar, and the balance of the laminations 402 are machined from a lower premium wood, such as 26 construction grade spruce/pine/ fur. The faces 12d, 14d extend between the laminations 27 400 and have formations machined in them to provide the re-entrant part cylindrical recess 28 17d in the face 14d and the undercut channel 20d in the face 12d. The face 14d is also 29 machined to have an upstanding tongue 404 to one side of the recess 17d and a complimentary groove 406 to the opposite side. Sealant grooves 408, 410 are provided 22902865.1 1 adjacent the tongue 404 and groove 406 respectively. The sealant grooves 412 are also 2 provided on the face 12d to either side of the channel 20.
3 [00113] The post 10d is secured to logs lid by a spline assembly 30d as shown in Figure 4 29. A key slide 70d is inserted into the channel 20d and the key 32 inserted after placement of the end face 16d of each of the logs lid against the face 12d. The key 32d is expanded 6 by means of the spike 88d as described above to secure the logs lid to the post 10d. A post 7 10d may be connected at opposite ends of the log lid such that the logs lid and posts 10d 8 form a self contained wall unit 100d.
9 [00114] To facilitate transportation of the units 100, the lower most log lid is secured to the posts 10d by screws driven through the post and into the log. This inhibits the relative 11 movement between the lowermost post and log while still permitting such movement with 12 the balance of the logs.
13 [00115] Where tie bolts are used, as described above, they are inserted and provide 14 convenient locations to permit hoisting of the wall units during transportation and assembly.
16 [00116] To assemble a pair of wall units 100d, the units are oriented such that the faces 17 14d are opposed. In this position, as can be seen in Figure 30, the tongue 404 of one post 18 10d is aligned with the groove 406 of the opposed posts 10d and the recesses 17 are 19 aligned. Sealing strips are located in the grooves 408, 410 and the post 10d brought into abutment as shown in Figure 31.
21 [00117] With the post 10d abutting, an elongate "Figure of 8" shape key 112d is inserted 22 to bridge the aligned recesses 17d. Any suitable form of key 112 may be used, such as one 23 of the embodiments shown in figures 17 ¨ 21 and preferably is similar to that shown in 24 figure 14 or 15 with notches for the spikes 88. The key 112d can then be expanded using spikes 88 as described above with respect to Figure 12 to 15. The key 112d may be either a 26 single continuous extrusion extending the full length of the post 10d or may be individual 27 shorter lengths of key, again as described above with respect to Figures 12 through 15.
28 [00118] With the key 112d expanded as shown in Figure 32 a secure connection is made 29 between the wall sections 100. The engagement of tongue 404 and groove 406 locates the posts 10b in a lateral direction as well as providing a more tortuous path to inhibit air

- 20 -22902865.1 1 infiltration. The seals located in the grooves 408, 410 also enhance the air tightness of the 2 connection between the walls.
3 [00119] It will be noted from Figure 32 that with the posts 10d secured to one another, 4 the outer laminations 400 cover the joint between the posts and thereby provide a continuous pleasing appearance to the exterior surface of the post.
6 [00120] The manufacturer and use of the posts 10e used at the corners 6 may also be 7 enhanced to facilitate the panelized construction of the building. As shown in Figure 33, a 8 post 10e is formed with undercut channels 20e on opposite faces. The post 10e is again 9 laminated from exterior laminations 400e and internal laminations 402e as described above with respect to Figure 28. Sealant grooves 412 are machined into the faces 12e, 14e to 11 accommodate sealing strips upon further assembly.
12 [00121] The post 10e is then slit into two components 510 along a separation plane 13 inclined at 45 degrees to the median plane of the post. The inclination of the cut will vary 14 depending upon the included angle of the corner to be formed, but for a 90 degree corner, the 45 degree cut is required. After cutting, two corner posts 510 are formed that are 16 identical in section. Inversion of one component end over end provides two components 17 that when assembled with the cut faces in abutment, define a 90 degree corner post, as 18 described below. A different angle of cut will of course provide a different inclined angle.
19 As shown in Figure 35, each has a part cylindrical re-entrant recess 17e machined along its cut face. This recess 17e may be machined using a cannon ball router bit with the recess

21 17e located at the mid point of the cut face 512. The corner post components 510 can be

22 connected at opposite ends of logs lie as shown in Figure 36 using spline assemblies 30e

23 installed as described above. The logs 11 e and the post components 510 form a wall unit

24 100e that can be assembled with like wall units to form a corner. Again, the lowermost log is secured to the post component with screws to inhibit sliding movement and the tie bars 26 used as hoist points.
27 [00122] To form a corner 6, as shown in Figure 37, a pair of wall units 100 each having 28 a corner component 510 at one end are brought into alignment such that the cut faces 512 29 abut. Sealant grooves are machined into the cut face to receive sealant strips and are off set from adjacent strips so as to provide four separate seal locations along the cut face 512.

22902865.1 1 With the corner units in abutment as shown in Figure 38, a key 112e is inserted to bridge 2 the aligned recesses 17e and connect the sections 100e at right angles to one another.
3 Thereafter, spikes 88e may be inserted into the key 112e to expand the key and secure the 4 corner components 510 into a unitary post 10e at a corner.
[00123] It will be noted with respect to Figures 37 through 39 that the exterior 6 laminations 400 extend around both exposed surfaces of the corner and thereby enhance the 7 aesthetics. At the same time, it will be appreciated that the wall units 100 may be made as 8 linear units for ease of transportation and subsequently assembled at corners by the 9 insertion of the spikes 100.
[00124] With the arrangement shown in Figures 28 through 39, it is apparent that a 11 panelized structure may be assembled readily as shown schematically in Figure 40. Each 12 of the wall units is formed by a pair of posts 10 connected by logs 11 which extend between 13 the faces of the posts directed toward one another. The formations provided on the other 14 face facilitates connection to an adjacent post through the "figure of eight keys 112." The wall units 100 are therefore flat self contained units that are readily transported and 16 assembled into the required configuration at the site.

22902865.1

Claims (31)

Claims:

1. A self-contained wall unit for assembly into a log building, said self-contained wall unit comprising a pair of posts , said posts being spaced apart and each having an abutment face directed toward the other of said posts, a plurality of logs extending between each of said abutment faces and being secured thereto by inter-engaging re-entrant formations to permit relative sliding movement between said post and said logs and to inhibit separation of said posts, said logs and said posts forming said self-contained wall unit, at least one of said posts having another face other than said abutment face to abut a face of a post of an adjacent self-contained wall unit and said other face having an elongate formation thereon to facilitate connection to a post of an adjacent self-contained wall unit, said elongate formation including a pair of convergent flanks having a lateral spacing that varies in a direction normal to the other face and adapted for engagement with a complimentary formation associated with an adjacent post, whereby, separation of posts of adjacent sections is inhibited.

2. A wall unit according to claim 1 wherein said elongate formation has a re-entrant section normal to said other face.

3. A wall unit according to claim 2 wherein said elongate formation includes a re-entrant slot.

4. A wall unit according to claim 3 wherein a key cooperates with said re-entrant slot to inhibit separation of said wall unit from said post of said adjacent wall unit.

5. A wall unit according to any one of claims 3 or 4 wherein said re-entrant slot forms a waisted void with a corresponding re-entrant slot of said post of said adjacent wall unit when said wall unit is placed adjacent to said post of said adjacent wall unit.

6. A wall unit according to any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein said re-entrant slot is a re-entrant part cylindrical slot.

7. A wall unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said other face lies in a plane inclined to said abutment face.

8. A wall unit according to claim 7 wherein said plane is at 45° to said abutment face, whereby adjacent wall units are disposed at right angles to one another.

9. A wall unit according to anyone of claims 1 to 6 wherein a tongue is disposed on said other face to one side of said elongate formation.

10. A wall unit according to claim 9 wherein a groove is disposed on said other face on an opposite side of said elongate formation to said tongue.

11. A wall unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein channels are provided in said other face to receive sealing strips.

12. A wall unit according to claim 11 wherein a pair of channels is provided, one on each side of said formation.

13. A wall unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein tie bolts extend through said logs.

14. A wall unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein a lowermost log is secured to each of said posts to inhibit relative movement between said lowermost log and said posts.

15. A method of assembling a building comprising the steps of forming a wall unit from a pair of posts that are spaced apart and each of which has an abutment face directed toward the other post, locating at least one log to extend between each said abutment face, securing said log to said posts by inter-engaging re-entrant formations to permit relative sliding movement between said post and said logs and to inhibit separation of said posts, to form a self-contained wall unit, providing an elongate formation on a face other than said abutment face of at least one of said posts, said elongate formation including a pair of convergent flanks having a lateral spacing that varies in a direction normal to the other face to facilitate connection to a post of an adjacent wall unit, positioning said wall unit adjacent to another wall unit with said other face in abutment with a post of said other wall unit and connecting said units by engaging a complimentary formation with said elongate formation to inhibit separation of adjacent posts.

16. A method according to claim 15 wherein each of said units has a post with an elongate formation therein and said method includes inserting a key to extend between each said formation.

17. A method according to claim 15 or 16 including the step of extending a strap between adjacent posts.

18. A method according to claim 17 including the step of supporting a rafter on said strap.

19. A building structure having at least one wall formed from a pair of self-contained wall units, each of said self-contained wall units comprising a pair of posts spaced apart and each having an abutment face directed toward the other post, a plurality of logs extending between each said abutment face and being secured thereto by inter-engaging re-entrant formations to permit relative sliding movement between said post and said logs and to inhibit separation of said posts, said logs forming with said posts said self-contained wall unit, at least one of said posts of each of said units having another face other than said abutment face to abut a face of a post of an adjacent self-contained wall unit and each of said other faces having an elongate formation thereon to facilitate connection to said post of an adjacent self-contained wall unit by engagement with a complimentary formation provided on said post of said adjacent wall unit, said elongate formation including a pair of convergent flanks having a lateral spacing that varies in a direction normal to the other face, said wall units being arranged with said one of said posts positioned next to one another with said other faces of posts of adjacent wall units facing one another, said posts being connected to one another by a connection utilising said elongate formation and said complimentary formation to inhibit separation of said wall units, whereby said wall includes at least two sets of logs separated by a pair of posts.

20. A building structure according to claim 19 wherein at least one of said formations is a re-entrant slot.

21. A building structure according to claim 19 or 20 wherein said wall extends around a corner of said building and said other faces bisect the included angle between said wall units.

22. A building structure according to claim 21 wherein said wall extends through a right angle and said other faces are disposed a 45- to respective ones of said abutment faces.

23. A building structure according to any one of claims 19 to 22 wherein said wall includes a framed wall section having a plurality of spaced vertical studs, an end one of said studs having an outwardly directed face secured to one face of a post and another face of said post having an elongate formation thereon for connection to a complimentary formation on the other face of a post of a wall unit.

24. A building structure according to any one of claims 19 to 23 wherein sealing strips are placed between said other faces of adjacent posts.

25. A building structure according to any one of claims 19 to 24 wherein said elongate formation and complimentary formation cooperate to pull said other faces toward one another.

26. A building structure according to claim 25 wherein one of said elongate formation and said complimentary formation includes an expandable insert.

27. A building structure according to claim 26 wherein said one of said elongate formation and said complimentary formation includes a re-entrant slot and said insert.

28. A building structure according to claim 27 wherein said slot is part circular.

29. A building structure according to any one of claims 19 to 28 wherein a strap extends between adjacent wall units to inhibit relative pivotal movement between said posts.

30. A building structure according to claim 29 wherein a yoke is provided on said strap to receive a rafter.

31. A building structure according to any one of claims 19 to 30 wherein tie bolts extend through said plurality of logs.