Method for preparing a composite membrane/wood floor diaphragm

Abstract

A composite membrane of wood floor diaphragm for construction of new buildings and strengthening of existing buildings to provide improved load transfer capacity and enhanced resistance to gravity and lateral loads, such as earthquake and/or wind for buildings with wood floor framing. The composite membrane extends beneath the wall framing to utilize the composite membrane diaphragm as a load and shear bearing element.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of providing a sound blocking barrier to a multi-story building, comprising the steps of:
 providing a first floor joist and a second floor joist;   installing the sound blocking barrier between the first and second floor joists; and   installing ceiling sheathing.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  where the floor joists are wood. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  where the floor joists are engineered wood. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  where the sound blocking barrier further comprises fire resistant material. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the sound blocking barrier is selected to have at least an eighty decibel reduction in sound as compared with no sound blocking material.