Abstract: A ground site for a building is prepared for construction of a portland cement concrete slab-on-grade (PCC SoG). Using a computerized weather application, weather conditions for a geographic locale that includes the ground site are monitored to identify a window-of-time during which the weather application indicates there is a less than 50% chance of precipitation at the geographic locale. The surface of the ground site is proof rolled during the window-of-time. Using concrete emplacement equipment during the window-of-time and only after the ground site passes proof rolling, wet concrete is emplaced on the ground site to a nominal thickness that does not exceed 7 inches and that is at least one inch less than a PCC SoG design for the ground site having a design thickness based on design guidelines set forth by the American Concrete Institute. Emplacing must be completed with at least 4 hours remaining in the window-of-time.

Abstract: A floating screed device has a first section for cutting through plastic concrete and a second section for floating on the plastic concrete. The two sections are pivotally coupled for rotational movement about a pivot point. Elevation of the second section is measured and used to rotate the first section as the floating screed device is moved through a volume of the plastic concrete that is unfinished. As a result, the second section pitches to follow the first section.

Abstract: A floating screed device includes: an elongated float, rigid and spaced-apart rods with the tops thereof defining a planar region having a planar bottom for floating on plastic concrete, a device coupled to the float to determine elevation thereof relative to a target elevation in the plastic concrete, and a support and adjustment (S/A) mechanism that moves the rods based on the elevation so-determined as the floating screed device is moved through a volume of the plastic concrete that is unfinished. In general, the rods are moved by the S/A mechanism such that the planar region defined by the rods rotates about an axis that is parallel to the rods and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the float.

Abstract: A floating screed device has a first section for cutting through plastic concrete and a second section for floating on the plastic concrete. The two sections are pivotally coupled for rotational movement about a pivot point. Elevation of the second section is measured and used to rotate the first section as the floating screed device is moved through a volume of the plastic concrete that is unfinished. As a result, the second section pitches to follow the first section.

Abstract: A floating screed device has a first section for cutting through plastic concrete and a second section for floating on the plastic concrete. The first and second sections are coupled together by a mechanism that moves the first section relative to the second section in a direction perpendicular to the planar bottom of the second section as the floating screed device is moved through a volume of unfinished plastic concrete.

Abstract: A floating screed device has a first section for cutting through plastic concrete and a second section for floating on the plastic concrete. The first and second sections are coupled together by a mechanism that moves the first section relative to the second section in a direction perpendicular to the planar bottom of the second section as the floating screed device is moved through a volume of unfinished plastic concrete.

Abstract: A form for concrete strike-off has a rigid straightedge assembly and a support coupled to one end of the straightedge assembly. The straightedge assembly includes a grate coupled to the bottom edge of a support bar. The grate extends away from the support bar with a top surface of the grate defining a plane on at least one side of the support bar. In use, a portion of the straightedge assembly defines a reference elevation for concrete strike-off operations.

Abstract: A floating screed device has an elongated float and an elongated blade movably coupled to the elongated float so that the blade is movable in pitch.

Abstract: A floating screed device has an elongated float and an elongated blade movably coupled to the elongated float so that the blade is freely movable in pitch.

Abstract: A form for concrete strike-off includes a pan adapted to float on a plastic concrete surface, a rigid straightedge, and a support. The straightedge is coupled on one end to the pan and the support is coupled to the opposing end of the straightedge with the straightedge thereby defining a reference elevation for concrete strike-off operations.

Abstract: A system is provided for the collection of measurements for use by a surface profiling processing scheme. A movable platform is equipped to: (i) generate a measurement of inclination of a surface when the platform is and stationary thereon, (ii) generate measurements of surface curvature as the platform traverses the surface, (iii) monitor distance that the platform traverses during a measurement run, (iv) generate a signal each time the platform traverses a predetermined amount of distance during a measurement run where the signal is such that the user is alerted to stop the platform, (v) collect measurements of curvature while the platform traverses the surface, and (vi) collect measurements of inclination at the starting position, stopping position, and each time the platform is stopped during the measurement run.

Abstract: A movable platform is provided for use with a surface profiling system. The platform eliminates all errors associated with wheel inconsistencies. A frame is supported above a surface by, among other supports, three supports arranged in a linear alignment that defines a direction of travel for the frame. The three supports are defined by a front support, a rear support and a center support centered between the front support and rear support. The center support is a floating support capable of substantially vertical movement. At least two of the front support, rear support and center support are wheels configured to roll in the direction of travel defined by the three supports that are linearly aligned. These wheels are coupled to one another for synchronizing rolling movement thereof on the surface.

Abstract: A joint insert is provided as well as a system and method for using same in the finishing of a surface's joint. The joint insert is a strip of material having a central longitudinal axis dividing the strip into first and second halves that are mirror-images about the central longitudinal axis. The strip is folded along the central longitudinal axis so that when the strip is positioned in the joint, the strip's central longitudinal axis and portions of the strip's first and second halves extend out of the joint. Gaps are formed between the joint and portions of the strip within the confines of the joint. A filler material is used to fill the gaps. As a final step in the finishing process, any of the strip and filler material extending above the plane of the surface over the joint is removed.