Abstract: The present invention relates to an easily removable paper tube used for winding material, such as fabric, a band, a film, and so forth, and a method for successively using articles, each of which uses the paper tube, and, more specifically, to an easily removable paper tube and a method for successively using articles that use the paper tube, in which the paper tube is effectively removed, without deforming a roll of material wound around the paper tube, such use of the material enabled by releasing it from the inside of the roll with the paper tube removed, thereby increasing the unrolling speed of the material, and a first article and a second article, each of which includes wound material, are connected to each other for use, thereby allowing successive provision of the articles, and thus remarkably increasing a rate of successive production.

Abstract: An example of a concrete form includes a sleeve with top edge and a bottom portion with a bottom edge generally parallel to the top edge. The bottom portion includes a plurality of bottom severance lines extending from the bottom edge to the top portion, and the top portion including a plurality of top creases extending from the top edge to the bottom portion. The top creases are generally perpendicular to the top and bottom edges. The top creases at least partially define a plurality of top panels around a periphery of the sleeve, and the bottom severance lines at least partially define a plurality of bottom panels configured to flare out when concrete is poured into the sleeve.

Abstract: An elongate structure for supporting heavy loads includes an elongate hollow cylinder having a longitudinal axis of symmetry. Stress-distributing strengthening members are circumferentially positioned about and secured to the hollow cylinder in parallel relation to the longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first flat plate is disposed in overlying relation to the hollow cylinder and to the first, upper pair of strengthening members and a second flat plate is disposed in underlying relation to the hollow cylinder and to the second, lower pair of strengthening members. The second flat plate is disposed in a horizontal plane in parallel and diametrically opposed relation to the first flat plate. A key extends from a first end of the hollow cylinder and a mating socket is formed in a second end of the hollow cylinder to facilitate end-to-end interconnection of a plurality of the hollow cylinders.

Abstract: A temporary bridge for supporting heavy loads includes elongate hollow cylinders. A first rigid flat plate is horizontally disposed in overlying relation to each hollow cylinder and a second rigid flat plate is horizontally disposed in underlying relation to each hollow cylinder. Stress-distributing strengthening members formed by a pair of legs that are angularly disposed with respect to one another are circumferentially positioned about each hollow cylinder and the respective free ends of the legs are secured to their associated rigid flat plates. A key extends from a first end of each hollow cylinder and a mating socket is formed in a second end of each hollow cylinder to facilitate end-to-end interconnection of a plurality of hollow cylinders. Further embodiments include longitudinally-disposed timber mats, pedestrian walkways and curvature-creating members so that the bridge may follow a non-linear path of travel.

Abstract: An orthopedic prosthesis mold, including a first housing defining a first cavity therein shaped to form a portion of an orthopedic prosthesis; a second housing coupled to the first housing, the second housing defining a second cavity therein shaped to form a portion of an orthopedic prosthesis; and a reinforcement element attached to at least one of the first or second housings, the reinforcement element resisting deformation of the first and second housings. The reinforcement element may include a member exterior to the first and second cavities, the member spanning across a substantial width of the prosthesis mold.

Abstract: A form work system is disclosed. The form work system may include a pair of fiberglass hollow-core sheets forming an internal cavity that receives concrete to form a structure. The pair of fiberglass hollow-core sheets includes a top fiberglass sheet and a bottom fiberglass sheet and a plurality of fiberglass vertical supports coupled between the top fiberglass sheet and the bottom fiberglass sheet to form a plurality of internal channels. The form work system rebar fasteners extend through the pair of vertical supports, the pair of fiberglass hollow-core sheets, the internal cavity and the concrete to form the form work system.

Abstract: In a formwork in concrete construction, particularly for a round vessel, in which, for a further construction section, formwork elements enclose an upper edge of a completed wall portion, are secured to this completed wall portion, and protrude over this wall portion for filling with concrete, vertical members are arranged parallel to, and at a distance from, the wall portion, and a slide is displaceable at every vertical member, and formwork elements are connected to the slide.

Abstract: A form for creating a pattern in uncured concrete during a vertical column casting process includes an end wall and at least one side wall, extending from an edge of the end wall with the side wall and end wall cooperatively defining a corner therebetween. A pliable liner is attached to the end wall and the side wall and operably joins the side wall to the edge of the end wall to define a mold cavity. At least one patterned surface is formed on or in the pliable liner and is operable to form a corresponding pattern into concrete disposed in an uncured form in the old cavity. A notch is formed in the pliable liner and extends along the corner and forms a pivotable joint between the end wall and the side wall to facilitate removal of the form device from about the concrete after the concrete has at least partially cured.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus providing a column forming assembly formable from multiple column forming sub-assemblies that are stackable providing a compact storage or transport configuration. A column forming structure is formed from multiple elongated wall sections configured for interlocking engagement with each other to form a hollow, open ended structure adapted to accept a settable substance, such as concrete or plaster. The multiple elongated wall sections are stackable and can be stored to shipped to a job site in a condensed or nested configuration. The nested configuration reduces empty or hollow spaces provided by assembled forms. In some embodiments, the forms can be disassembled after use for transport from the jobsite, storage, and later reuse. The column forming assembly can be combined with one or more column-end forms and with thin-walled column forming inserts.

Abstract: Formwork column (1) comprising two flexible, thin-plate elements (2, 3) of mainly cylindrical shape and arranged mutually telescopically extendable with an outer element (2) and an inner element (3). Both thin-plate elements (2, 3) are provided with longitudinal, extending flanges (4, 5) provided with holes (6, 7) in a row in the longitudinal direction of the flanges, for closing of the formwork column (1) by means of locking plugs (8), while insertion of locking plugs (8) in adjacent holes (6, 7) also arrests the formwork length. The locking plugs (8) are tightened preferably by means of wedge shaped tightening members not requiring use of tools therefore.

Abstract: The invention provides a reusable formwork for forming a polygonal upright concrete column using a plurality of retaining devices and a plurality of panels arranged with the retaining devices for providing a forming cavity between the panels adapted to receive concrete therein. Hooping means are used to hoop the panels forming the cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reusable, lightweight and rigid concrete forming tube made from fiberglass, injection molded plastic or similar material providing a surface with little tendency to adhere to the concrete. This makes it easy to remove the components and to reuse them without excessive cleaning required before the next use. Components are constructed with interlocking tabs so that assembly can be accomplished by merely inserting one male tab into a female opening in the corresponding tab in a slip fit relationship. Concrete or a similar material is poured into the top of the assembled tube. Upon hardening of the concrete, the tube is removed, leaving a formed concrete column of the desired cross sectional shape and length. After use the components are disassembled for use elsewhere.

Abstract: A tube having walls of multi-layer construction, wherein said multi-layer construction includes one or more sub-layers, each said sub-layer consisting of a woven polymer mesh disposed in between one or more outer layers of material selected from the group consisting of paper, poly-propylene and polyethylene, wherein said tube is formed by affixing said sub-layers to each other while said sub-layers are wound around a mandrel.

Abstract: A lightweight forming system and the method of using same that can be used to construct concrete columns of various external shapes and sizes. The system includes a reusable, flexible securement jacket that can be wrapped around a concrete receiving component having a concrete receiving chamber into which the concrete is poured. Load is exerted on the concrete receiving component in a novel manner through the use of elongated load tubes that are affixed to the spaced apart edges of the securement jacket. A plurality of draw-latches of novel construction are affixed to the load tubes at vertically spaced apart locations and when closed by the workman function to forcefully pull the load tubes together to positively pre-load the concrete receiving component prior to pouring concrete. The securement jacket of the system can be quickly and easily removed as soon as the concrete has sufficiently cured and can then be immediately reused to pour another column.

Abstract: A tower section for a wind turbine tower structure comprises at least two shell segments defining, in an assembled condition, a substantially hollow structure, and including first connecting means for mutually joining two adjacent shell segments along a joint, which comprise a column of concrete arranged overlapping at least part of the joint between adjacent shell segments. A method for building a tower section for a wind turbine tower structure and a wind turbine comprising a nacelle having rotatable blades and a vertical tower made of at least one of such tower sections are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for forming the upper portion of a drilled concrete pier that utilizes a flexible cylindrical form and a removable cage frame to stabilize the form during the pouring of concrete into the form. The cage frame comprises a circular ring having a space-forming split therein and a plurality of rigid leg rods each having proximal and distal ends, where the proximal ends of the rods are attached to the circular ring at circumferentially spaced apart points and the rods depend from the ring in mutually parallel relation. The legs of the cage frame are inserted into the cylindrical form prior to the concrete pour and removed immediately after the pour.

Abstract: The invention provides a retaining device for assembling two panels together. The device has a support and first and second pairs of spaced-apart parallel walls extending along the support and projecting outwardly therefrom for providing first and second holding channels extending angularly to each other, each channel being adapted to receive an edge of one of the panels therein in a snugly relationship to allow assembling of the two panels. The invention also provides a formwork for forming a polygonal upright concrete structure using a plurality of retaining devices and a plurality of panels arranged with the retaining devices for providing a forming cavity between the panels adapted to receive concrete therein. There is also provided a packaging assembly for packaging goods using a plurality of retaining devices and a plurality of panels arranged with the retaining devices for providing a protecting cavity between the panels adapted to receive the goods therein.

Abstract: A device 10 for forming concrete includes a first form 12 dimensioned to surround substantially one-half of a predetermined object 13, such as a vertical column 13, from a preselected distance; a second form 14 dimensioned to surround substantially one-half of the column 13 from substantially the same preselected distance; joining members 16 for detachably joining end portions 18 of the first and second forms 12 and 14; and securing members 20 for removably securing the first and second forms 12 and 14 to the column 13 after joining together the end portions 18 of the first and second forms 12 and 14 about the column 13. The joined first and second forms 12 and 14 remain substantially stationary as concrete is poured into the device 10; whereupon, the concrete ultimately hardens and the device is quickly removed and re-positioned about another vertical column 13.

Abstract: A concrete form having a tubular body formed from a flexile strip wound helically in successive passes to define a wall of the form. The adjacent edges of the strip being releasably engaged with one another to inhibit axial separation of the strip.

Abstract: A concrete form comprises a single insert assembly or a plurality of insert assemblies within an outer tube. Each insert assembly comprises a pre-formed polymer liner sheet, a pre-formed polymer backing sheet, and a plurality of prefabricated cellular material pieces. Each cellular material piece has a first surface configured to form a portion of the non-round cross-section desired for the column and an opposite second surface formed substantially as an angular section of a cylinder. An insert assembly is constructed by affixing the liner sheet to the first surfaces of a plurality of the cellular material pieces. The cellular material pieces are arranged in a plurality of laterally adjacent rows extending lengthwise along the liner sheet for a length approximately equal to the length of the outer tube. The backing sheet is then fixed to the second surfaces of the cellular material pieces. The liner sheet and backing sheet together substantially fully envelope the cellular material pieces.

Abstract: A system for forming thin-wall pre-cast concrete forms and structures, using vertical casting and slip-form techniques to partition wet concrete into separate thin-wall sections, the system being particularly useful for fabricating pre-cast concrete column forms having a composition and vertical consistency substantially the same as the integral poured concrete core of the finished concrete column.

Abstract: A method, forming panel and system provide for monolithic pouring of concrete columns, beams and elevated decks. The forming panel may be variously sized and dimensioned to serve as a beam forming member or a column forming member, and includes a frame having at least one reinforcing member having a plurality of penetration indicators which are not in registry, at least initially, with any opening in a face plate of the form. The penetration indicators serve as markers and preferably guide templates for drilling openings at preselected locations in the face plate at corresponding to the indicators. The openings so drilled are part of coupler-receiving passages, whereby forms may be variously configured in different dimensions or arrangements. The forms may be configured to provide column form assemblies, beam form assemblies, or receive floor forms in a variety of configurations, and may be readily reconfigured and reused by plugging openings which are in currently undesired locations.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for multi-piece tubing are disclosed. Optional nestable embodiments (12, 14, 16, and 18) provide benefits in storage, transportation, and use. Optional interlocking elements (30, 32) provide benefits in ease of assembly and use, and possible disassembly, including with other tubing or non-tubing elements such as a base (20). End cover elements (19) can protect tube's interior from undesired dirt, liquid, or other contaminants, and can be removable. Methods include use in forming concrete pier footings or other building supports.

Abstract: Provided is a strengthening device to increase the strength of a grout layer. In the strengthening device, clamp members are interconnected and clamped to surround a grout layer on a concrete base, on which an upper structure is installed, so as to increase the strength of the grout layer. Connection members are provided to edges of the clamp members to connect the clamp members. Fastening means is fastened between the connection members in order to enable the clamp members to clamp the grout layer. This strengthening device acts as a mold to facilitate easy construction when grout is placed, and surrounds the grout layer to increase the strength of the grout layer after grout is cured, thereby effectively preventing and minimizing failure of the grout layer caused by loads transferred from an upper structure such as a column member or a bridge bearing.

Abstract: A composite structural element and a method for making same are provided. The element includes a polymer foam core and at least one fibrous layer adhered to the polymer foam core by epoxy. Nano-particles are suspended in the epoxy prior to curing; preferably they are mixed with the hardener before it is mixed with the resin. The polymer foam core is preferably an exothermic foam such as polyurethane, and heat generated by the exothermic foam cures the epoxy, thereby causing the fibrous layer to adhere to the foam core. The nano-particles may be made from at least one of carbon, a ceramic, tungsten, a carbide, titanium, zircon, aluminum, silver, or boron. When carbon nano-particles are used, the strength of the composite is greatly increased, and the curing time of the heat-curable epoxy is significantly reduced. Ceramic nano-particles can be used to increase penetration resistance and provide increased ballistic protection.

Abstract: A device and method for creating a support structure. The device includes a pair of L-shaped form members connectable on their outer edges thereby producing a forming region therein. The form includes chamfer members disposable within the corners within the inner periphery of the form member. Also included, are sealing members for sealing the formable material placed in the form, wherein the sealing members include a chamfer member on one of their ends.

Abstract: A system and method for building foundational bases for a post frame building. The system includes a plurality of foundational base molds which are positionable in individually dug holes, defining the foot print of the building, where the molds are positioned spaced off the bottom of the holes. The molds can be rigidly tied together to allow for uniform alignment of the individual molds. Upon alignment, concrete is poured into and through the molds. Once sufficiently hardened, the molds are removed, revealing the foundational bases, which include an integrated footer and column base.

Abstract: A lightweight forming system and the method of using same that can be used to construct concrete columns of various external shapes and sizes. The system includes a reusable, flexible securement jacket that can be wrapped around a concrete receiving component having a concrete receiving chamber into which the concrete is poured. Load is exerted on the concrete receiving component in a novel manner through the use of elongated load tubes that are affixed to the spaced apart edges of the securement jacket. A plurality of draw-latches of novel construction are affixed to the load tubes at vertically spaced apart locations and when closed by the workman function to forcefully pull the load tubes together to positively pre-load the concrete receiving component prior to pouring concrete. The securement jacket of the system can be quickly and easily removed as soon as the concrete has sufficiently cured and can then be immediately reused to pour another column.

Abstract: The invention provides a reusable formwork for forming a polygonal upright concrete column using a plurality of retaining devices and a plurality of panels arranged with the retaining devices for providing a forming cavity between the panels adapted to receive concrete therein. Hooping means are used to hoop the panels forming the cavity.

Abstract: A concrete column form aligning apparatus is useful for homeowners building decks, sheds or other structures or commercial builders making bridges, parking garages or other structures having column forms. The aligning apparatus comprises a plurality of platforms configured to engage a circumference of the concrete column form each having a securing device to fix and center each platform around the circumference of the concrete column form. Each of the apparatuses have at least one attachment bracket affixed at a predetermined angle, where the attachment brackets on each form linearly aligned at the proper angle with respect to the other attachment bracket on the other platform. A connector mechanism may be secured in the attachment bracket be using joining pieces at a designated length that secures and aligns the forms at the proper position.

Abstract: The apparatus may include a cavity for forming pre-cast concrete structures, such as concrete columns. The cavity may be defined by a base member and two opposing side members. The two opposing side members may be pivotally interconnected to the base member such that the two opposing side members are moveable between a ready-to-use position and a release position. Projection members may be placed into the cavity to form slots in columns formed in the cavity. The slots are adapted to receive the terminal ends of concrete panels. Bulkheads may be removably installed into the cavity to vary a dimension of the concrete columns formed therein.

Abstract: A lightweight forming system and the method of using same that can be used to construct concrete columns of various external shapes. The system includes a reusable, flexible securement jacket that can be wrapped around a rigid concrete receiving component having a concrete receiving chamber into which the concrete is poured. The securement jacket of the system can be quickly and easily removed as soon as the concrete has sufficiently cured and can then be immediately reused to pour another column. Following use, the securement jacket can be rolled into a tight bundle for transport and storage.

Abstract: A locating template for a non-round concrete form of the type having a round outer tube and an insert assembly installed in the outer tube for defining the desired non-round shape. The locating template can be fit into the end of the channel defined by the insert assembly. The locating template has a crosshair or series of marks indicating the center of the locating template, which corresponds to the center of the channel defined by the insert assembly. The contractor simply marks the outer surface of the outer tube at two or more locations aligned with the crosshair or marks on the locating template. The locating template is removed, and the form is set up on the ground with the marks on the outer tube aligned with the crosshair on the ground. The column can then be poured in the usual manner.

Abstract: A concrete form for pouring a polygonal column includes a plurality N of plate members arranged to form a polygonal tube having N sides, where N is an integer greater than or equal to three. The form further comprises a reinforcing framework including a plurality of ring assemblies longitudinally spaced along the tube and interconnected by a plurality of circumferentially spaced longitudinal members. Each ring assembly extends circumferentially about the tube and comprises N ring segments each having an inner surface bearing against an outer surface of a respective one of the plate members, and an outer surface formed as a circular arc. The outer surfaces of the N ring segments collectively form a substantially circular outer surface. The form also includes a plurality of clamps respectively encircling the circular outer surfaces of the ring assemblies and being releasably tightened thereabout.

Abstract: A column forming apparatus wherein concrete is poured into a cavity of the apparatus to form a column for a wall. Embodiments include forming the column both off-site and on-site. Other embodiments include forming a columnless wall. In one embodiment of a column molding apparatus, first and second forming pieces and first and second blocking members can be used to form a column of predetermined shape with the blocking members leaving indentations in the formed column.

Abstract: A concrete form comprises a single insert assembly or a plurality of insert assemblies within an outer tube. Each insert assembly comprises a pre-formed polymer liner sheet, a pre-formed polymer backing sheet, and a plurality of prefabricated cellular material pieces. Each cellular material piece has a first surface configured to form a portion of the non-round cross-section desired for the column and an opposite second surface formed substantially as an angular section of a cylinder. An insert assembly is constructed by affixing the liner sheet to the first surfaces of a plurality of the cellular material pieces. The cellular material pieces are arranged in a plurality of laterally adjacent rows extending lengthwise along the liner sheet for a length approximately equal to the length of the outer tube. The backing sheet is affixed to the second surfaces of the cellular material pieces. The liner sheet and backing sheet together substantially fully envelope the cellular material pieces.

Abstract: A bracket assembly is disclosed for facilitating the installation of a concrete wall on a concrete footing. The bracket assembly includes a bracket having a base member with an upper surface and a lower surface. First and second spaced apart flanges extend upwardly from the base member. The bracket assembly also includes a cavity formed in the base member having an opening aligned with the lower surface. An aperture is formed through the base member and is aligned with the cavity. A sealant is positioned in the cavity. The bracket assembly further includes a movable fastener positioned in the aperture which is capable of being driven through the sealant and into the concrete footing to secure the bracket assembly thereto.

Abstract: Device for producing an elongated concrete element extending in the vertical direction, for example a tower of a wind turbine generator system, comprising an inner casing and an outer casing, the inner casing and the outer casing being configured in such a way that between the inner casing and the outer casing there is an interspace, which is of a height that is less than the height of the concrete element to be produced. A number of pumps are used, in order to pump concrete into the interspace. The pumps are designed in such a way that the concrete can be introduced at high pressure in such a way that the interspace is filled with concrete and that the concrete element is forced vertically upwards out of the interspace during the hardening of the concrete. As the concrete element rises, an attachments, that later serves for pulling up and mounting various elements, is transported upwards.

Abstract: A column formwork for use in concrete construction is described, including a planar member 1 constituting the formwork, and at least one connecting section provided for form-fit connecting two opposing edges 3, 3? of the planar member (1) and thus for constituting a tube segment, wherein at least the connecting-section surface facing the planar member 1 exhibits a substantially constant curvature that substantially corresponds to the curvature of the tube segment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular poured concrete wall system that addresses the needs not optimally met by the prior art, where inexpensive small light interlocking forms are quickly and readily assembled, to produce the desired aesthetically pleasing appearance of a brick wall system. The forms remain in place as part of the final structure and finished surface of the walls. Thus, a footer track assembly is affixed to a standard concrete footer or foundation. Then the modular forms are assembled upon the footer track, stacked together to produce the appearance of a brick wall. As each row or two of forms are assembled, the forms are filled with concrete. Following the concrete pour, additional forms are assembled on the top of the prior forms, to produce additional rows. By repeating this process, the full height of the wall can be quickly reached. The method may include steel rebar, such as for horizontal bond beams and for vertical strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to composite fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) wind tower systems and methods of manufacture. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composite FRP wind tower system including a plurality of tower cells for functional engagement with adjacent tower cells along mating surfaces to form a tower section, each tower cell including a lower end and an upper end for telescopic engagement with a tower cell of an adjacent tower section.

Abstract: Semi-circular mold members are joined along abutting side edges which are beveled. A retainer on each member confines a beveled edge of a cooperating mold member preventing edge displacement and effecting a find tight joint. The mold members are closed by straps which also serve to join assembled stacked molds. Mold member lengths may be varied to provide staggered joints between stacked segments.

Abstract: A device 10 for forming concrete includes a first form 12 dimensioned to surround substantially one-half of a predetermined object 13, such as a vertical column 13, from a preselected distance; a second form 14 dimensioned to surround substantially one-half of the column 13 from substantially the same preselected distance; joining members 16 for detachably joining end portions 18 of the first and second forms 12 and 14; and securing members 20 for removably securing the first and second forms 12 and 14 to the column 13 after joining together the end portions 18 of the first and second forms 12 and 14 about the column 13. The joined first and second forms 12 and 14 remain substantially stationary as concrete is poured into the device 10; whereupon, the concrete ultimately hardens and the device is quickly removed and re-positioned about another vertical column 13.

Abstract: The current invention discloses moisture resistant foundation pier block forms constructed from corrugated plastic. Means for holding sections of reinforcing bar can be included and at least one preferred embodiment of the invention includes means for securing the form in its desired location at a construction site. The forms of the current invention are light weight and can be easily assembled at a construction site or at a remote location. Sections of reinforcing bar can be inserted in at least one preferred embodiment of the invention during assembly and the forms can then be folded into a flat configuration for storage until needed. The forms disclosed in the current invention can be reused, but they do not attract insects and therefore do not have to be removed from the pier blocks after the concrete has dried.

Abstract: A pier-repairing and reinforcing panel is used in a method of repairing and reinforcing a pier. The panel includes locking members, locking ribs, reinforcing ribs, and clips. The method includes the steps of: installing a watertight caisson around a pier and removing water from the gap between the caisson and pier. Impurities are removed from the pier's surface, and a plurality of panels are installed around the pier while sealing the junctions of the panels. A plurality of reinforcing steel bars are arrayed in the gap between the pier and panels, and the panels are then affixed to the steel bars or the pier using anchor bolts. The gap between the pier and the panels are then filled with concrete. The pier is effectively repaired and reinforced while separating the reinforced concrete from water, thus protecting the concrete and steel bars for a desired lengthy period of time.

Abstract: A securing device comprising at least one latch (22) and at least one latch mating-element (26) are used on two mutually displaceable mold-casing segments (14, 16) to close or open a mold casing (10) used in manufacturing molded bodies, in particular concrete pipes, said device securing the mold casing (10) in a position of manufacture. The latch (22) is displaceable by means of a drive unit (24) between a locked position wherein it locks up with a latch mating-element (26) and an unlocked position wherein no locking takes place between the latch (22) and the latch mating-element (26). In the invention, the drive unit (24) can be adjusted due to relative motions between the mold casing on one hand and its manufacturing environment on the other as determined by the manufacturing procedures between a ready-to-unlock position corresponding to the locked position of the latch (22) and a ready-to-lock position corresponding to the locked position.

Abstract: A form for casting concrete columns which simulate a stack of stone blocks. The form includes first and second side sections, each including two side panels. The side sections are releasably connected together to form a rectangular frame which has closed and open positions. The frame and a base on which the frame rests supports a column side insert. The column side insert has a central opening in which a column is cast. The column side insert imparts a desired appearance to the exterior sides of the cast column. After a column is cast, the side sections are moved to an open position and the column side insert is separated from the column.

Abstract: A conformable modular support/enclosure wall system incorporates a skin formed of modular sheet sections bolted to a skeleton or framework constructed of elongate rib elements that can be fastened, e.g. bolted, together in various relationships including end-to-end, side-to-end and side-to-side configurations. The rib elements are provided in a variety of lengths and wall arrangements and each element has a generally trapezoidal cross-section, with a similar trapezoidal appearance in side elevation. The rib elements include transverse slots and apertures as well as axial apertures all configured to receive bolt fasteners within a range of angular orientations relative to the axial and transverse axes of the ribs. The flexible sheet sections of the skin bear arrays of openings in the form of elongated slots arranged in coordinate grid patterns, with the slots alternately aligned with the x and y axes of the same or independent coordinate grids.

Abstract: A method of repairing and reinforcing a pier using stones. The method includes installing a watertight caisson around a pier and removing water from the gap between the caisson and pier prior to repairing the pier. The method can also include removing impurities from the pier's surface; arraying a plurality of reinforcing steel bars around the pier; laying stones outside the arrayed steel bars while fixing the stones to the steel bars or the pier, and filling the gap between the pier and the stones with concrete.

Abstract: A novel foundation system, method of manufacture and method of implementation are disclosed, comprising a simplified cast structure/pile combination strengthened by dispersed steel fibers within the cementious material.