Abstract: The present invention relates to a stack, particularly an atmospheric cooling tower. The stack comprises a shell with double curvature and a bearing structure or seating for the shell; the shell is dissociated from the seating and presents in its lower part a rigid peripheral ring via which it rests on this seating. The invention is more particularly applicable to the production of atmospheric cooling towers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stack or a vertical pipe for the flow of gas, said stack or pipe comprising a suspension mast defining a vertical axis; at least one supple surface, open downwardly and upwardly, and symmetrical with respect to this axis; substantially horizontal, rigid hoops, viz. an upper hoop and a lower hoop respectively fast with the upper and lower periphery of the surface, each hoop being symmetrical with respect to said axis; supple bearing ties suspending the upper hoop from the mast; and stays connecting the lower hoop to a fixed lower point of the mast or the ground to stretch the supple surface in a vertical direction. The invention finds application in the entire production or extension of stacks or pipes such as atmospheric cooling towers.

Abstract: A cooling tower or chimney comprises an assembly of rigid frames which form a trellis. The meshes defined by the trellis are covered by a casing in the form of a sheeting (not shown), which is recessed to a greater or lesser degree towards the inside of the tower in order to give to the tower a broken up external surface. The tower is constructed by the assembly of preassembled frames or groups of frames to which the sheeting has previously been attached, while on the ground.

Abstract: The device for protecting a structure against the effects of dynamic stresses and especially stresses produced by earthquakes comprises a system of friction supports constituted by seating blocks associated respectively with the structure and with the foundation floor. The blocks are applied against each other and capable of relative displacement in frictional contact. The coefficients of static and dynamic friction of the contact surfaces range from a minimum value of approximately 0.08 to a maximum value of approximately 0.5.