Abstract: Disclosed invention comprises innovations in the fabrication process and the associated design methodology for producing refined prestressed concrete elements/components. The innovations disclosed are fabrication using multiple stages, the use of ultra high strength materials for only critical subcomponents, utilizing thinner sections made of ultra high strength materials, and a unique method of inducing and controlling camber. The embodiments of this invention enable the accelerated construction of concrete structures that are both durable and cost effective. This disclosure demonstrates the significant improvements to the prior art in the areas of durability, constructability, and cost reduction for prestressed concrete components. The embodiments presented in this disclosure are for bridge superstructure applications.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a reinforcing element for producing concrete components, a concrete component and corresponding production methods. The reinforcing element comprises a plurality of fibers and a plurality of holding elements which are connected to each other by the fibers so that the fibers can be stressed in their longitudinal direction by means of the holding elements. The fibers are fixed to the holding elements such that the fibers in the stressed state enter the holding elements in a substantially linear manner. This enables both a high degree of pretension and an efficient, reliable and thus cost-effective production of the concrete components.

Abstract: A method of constructing a building is disclosed, including selecting a standard dimension less than a wide-load trucking permit limit and designing a building on a grid defined by the selected standard dimension. The building includes a plurality of prefabricated elements, wherein each prefabricated element has a width correspond to the selected standard dimension. The plurality of prefabricated elements includes a wall panel, a roof panel, a laterally resistive frame, and a rebar cage. The method includes fabricating each of the plurality of prefabricated elements at a manufacturing plant and transporting the elements by truck to a building site. The method includes constructing intersecting grade beam footings at the building site and pouring a slab between the intersecting grade beam footings. The grade beam footings include the rebar cage and have a uniform width and depth, the grade beam footings and the slab having contiguous upper surfaces.

Abstract: A conduit segment casting mold system includes at least one inner mold; at least one outer mold configured as at least two outer mold sections of opposed shapes that define a cavity between the at least two outer mold sections that is sized to at least partially enclose the at least one inner mold, each of the at least two outer mold sections including a respective mating surface, each of the at least two outer mold sections including at least one hole sized to receive a cable, and the at least one hole of a particular one of the at least two outer mold sections is aligned with the at least one hole of another particular one of the at least two outer mold sections when the mating surfaces of the particular one and the another particular one of the at least two outer mold sections are mated; and a mold base.

Abstract: The method according to the invention for producing a prestressed concrete workpiece is characterized in that the prestress is created by a heat treatment, wherein the concrete and the reinforcement therefor are selected in such a way that, when cooling the concrete workpiece from an elevated temperature, the heat expansion coefficient of the concrete is less than that of the reinforcement, and in that, during cooling, the concrete and the reinforcement adhere sufficiently strongly to one another if, during cooling, the concrete is hydrated at least to such an extent in order to be able to expand the reinforcement on account of the different heat expansion coefficients, and in that the concrete, together with the reinforcement, is brought to the elevated temperature in such a way that and is hydrated during cooling at least to such an extent that it is prestressed by the reinforcement after cooling.

Abstract: A joining device of a metal segment to a concrete segment of a hollow tower. The joining device is formed by a set of bolts passing by one of its ends by holes of an anchoring ring and attached to its both sides by a first set of nuts and arranged to be attached by its other end to the base of the metal segment by a second set of nuts. The anchoring ring includes a set of connectors extending externally and internally thereto in a substantially perpendicular direction to the bolts and arranged so do not interfere with reinforcement. The invention also refers to a hollow tower comprising at least one metal segment joined to a concrete segment by the joining device.

Abstract: A retrofit reinforcing structure addition and method for an existing gravity spread foundation for a wind turbine or the like having a central pedestal and a spread section is provided. The retrofit structure addition includes a collar formed around the pedestal of the spread foundation. The collar is formed by a shape sustaining member, such as a CMP, placed around the pedestal to define an annular ring between the CMP and the pedestal that is filled with cementitious material. Radial bolts extend horizontally through the collar and into the side of the pedestal. Soil and/or rock anchor bolts extend vertically through the collar, the spread portion of the foundation and into the underlying soil and/or rock substrate. The radial and anchor bolts are post-tensioned to ensure that the cementitious material of the collar remains in compression and the bolts are always in static tension, strengthening the original gravity spread foundation and extending the fatigue life thereof.

Abstract: A construction process for enhancing or repairing a concrete floor structure that includes a carbon fiber grid as a reinforcement component is disclosed. The process includes forming a trench at a top surface of the concrete floor structure, and placing a reinforcement material in the formed trench. Then, a concrete bonding agent is applied into the trench. Then, the trench is filled with concrete. As a result, the concrete floor structure is enhanced or repaired to have at least one additional reinforcement component other than the carbon fiber grid.

Abstract: The continuous fiber reinforcing material tension apparatus includes a pressing body that presses a sleeve to a side of a fixed structure and contains a hollow portion, in which a wedge body is allowed to reciprocate along a continuous fiber reinforcing material, a cylindrical bracket located in an opposite side of the sleeve from the pressing body and having an inner wall surface on which a projection is formed, a columnar rotary jig that is allowed to reciprocate inside the bracket, that engages with an end face of the wedge body, that has a spiral key groove that engages with a key, and that applies rotative force around an axis of the continuous fiber reinforcing material, and a piston that presses an end face of the rotary jig to a side of the fixed structure.

Abstract: The method includes a tension element, for example in the form of flat steel, that is placed on the structure or structural part and can be guided around a corner. The flat steel can also wrap as a band around the structure, in which the two ends of the flat steel are either connected to one another or are separately connected to the structure by the end anchors or intersect to produce a clamping connection. The flat steel contracts as a result of a subsequent active and controlled input of heat using a heating element and generates a permanent tensile stress and, correspondingly, a permanent prestress on the structure. The structure, as equipped, has at least one tension element as a shape memory alloy which extends along the outer side of the structure and is connected by one or more end anchors.

Abstract: A masonry anchor comprising an anchor member having a socket formed in one end, the socket being configured to receive and secure a mounting portion of a mounting fastener.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of products from geopolymer composite shaped in a mold which is filled by casting of geopolymer composite in form of a precursor and after its hardening the casting is taken out from the mold and the casting surface is provided with a metallic layer. Before metal-plating casting surface with absorption capacity greater than 5% is treated to make it chemically stable so that pH of a leachate from 100 g of the bulk product in 1000 g distilled water after 24 hours does not exceed 9. In order to reduce the absorption capacity of the casting surface it is penetrated with polymer substances or particles of a non-porous filler are added into the geopolymer composite in the precursor state.

Abstract: An improved method of creating a waterproof seal for post tension cable systems roughens and decontaminates the cable's stressing end pocket with a diamond bladed reaming tool and closes the newly formed cavity with epoxy resin and a precasted plug made of non-shrink grout. The method includes pouring a concrete slab around an anchor and a pocket former through which a cable passes and is held by wedges. After the pocket former is removed and the cable is stressed, the cable is cut and a grease cap is applied. The system ensures that the cable is properly cut, the grease cap is properly seated, the inside of the pocket is roughened, and the seal at the cable's stressing end is waterproof. Furthermore, the invention aids in removing previously grouted pockets when cable remediation is needed and closing the pocket with a precasted plug when cable remediation is completed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method according to which a profile consisting of a shape-memory alloy is placed into concrete, or a concrete to be reinforced is roughened on the outside, then profiles (2) consisting of a shape-memory alloy are fastened to the roughened outside (9) of the structure (6) and a cementitious matrix is applied to the roughened outside (9) to cover the profiles (2). After the cementitious matrix has set, said profiles (2) produce a contraction force and thus a tension as a result of the input of heat. The mortar covering layer (16) thereby acts as a reinforcement layer owing to the interlocking of the mortar covering layer (16) with the roughened outside (9) of the structure (6). The profiles (2) run in an outer mortar as a reinforcement layer (16) of the outside of a structure along the outside of the structure inside the mortar or reinforcement layer (16).

Abstract: Method for manufacturing structural synthetic fibers for concretes and mortars and the synthetic fiber obtained, particularly a polyolefin-based synthetic fiber for use in concretes and mortars with a hydraulic binder as a cementing base for increasing the elastic modulus of the same which comprises the mixture of polyolefin and additives, the formation of threads, a first stretching process, an alternate series of heating-cooling, collecting the threads in coils and stabilization of the polymerization/cross-linking for two days to one week; the threads are subsequently again subjected to one or several re-stretching phases, including the heating-cooling and subsequent stabilization processes if successive re-stretching processes are going to be carried out; lastly a surface etching phase and the cutting of the threads.

Abstract: A method for forming an elongate support structure having a central hollow portion is disclosed including arranging an elongate core member to extend horizontally and then forming a core assembly by locating a first tensioning member at a first end where the first tensioning member including tensioning elements extending from the first end of the core member along the outside of the core member to a second tensioning member located at the second end of the core member. An external mold assembly is attacked to the core assembly between the first and second tensioning members to form a combined mold and core assembly and to also form a cavity extending around and along the central core member through which the plurality of tensioning elements extend. The tensioning elements are then tensioned and the combined mold and core assembly is then positioned in an upright orientation and concrete injected into the cavity formed between the elongate core member and the external mold assembly.

Abstract: A precast roadway slab is pre-tensioned longitudinally and transversely, and may also be post-tensioned. A casting bed has the capability of permitting pre-tensioning of a concrete cast to be carried out within the casting bed in both the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction. Slots are provided at regular intervals within the side walls and jacking heads of the casting bed for tensioning wires to pass therethrough for pre-tensioning. The process utilizes a multilayer grid of pre-tensioning wires disposed within the casting bed, prior to pouring of the concrete. The cast concrete product can also be made with optional tubular ducts, laid parallel to the longitudinal wires, for post-tensioning subsequent to the cast of the concrete. The post-tensioning of the hardened cast, if called for, takes place at the job site.

Abstract: A method of installing an inground vehicle lift includes the steps of excavating an area to create a pit, lowering a housing which encloses the mechanical components of the lift into the pit via a support structure, coupling the housing with a lower rebar system and an upper rebar system via a plurality of anchors and a plurality of angled support members before or after lowering the housing into the pit, leveling the housing, pouring concrete into the pit to a level such that the lower rebar system is sufficiently embedded within the concrete, allowing the concrete to partially cure, detaching the housing from the support structure, backfilling the pit with backfill material, installing insulation within the pit above the backfill material, and pouring concrete into the pit to a level such that the upper rebar system is sufficiently embedded within the concrete.

Abstract: A modular endplate for prestressed precast concrete products comprising multiple clamps vertically disposed in an abutting relationship with the adjacent clamp, a T-shaped top disposed above the clamps and multiple steel strands extending through the endplate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a frustoconical- or truncated pyramid-shaped support structure for wind-driven power generators which is formed by several precast concrete panels having the same dimensions, without horizontal joints between panels, which allows obtaining different section widths by means of a platform-guide that can be adjusted to one of said panels.

Abstract: A method for demolding concrete blocks which are cast in a resilient mold supported in a rigid frame, the mold having a top surface and at least one cavity with an opening on the top surface, which cavity holds a cured cast concrete block. The mold has two opposing edges. The demolded blocks are stacked on a collection surface. A support is positioned over the cavity and the mold, the support and the frame are inverted and positioned in demolding apparatus. After two opposing edges of the mold are engaged by the demolding apparatus, the support is withdrawn to allow the mold to sag. The blocks may release from the mold and fall onto the collection surface. If any blocks remain in the mold, a plunger mechanism is pushed against the sagging mold to release the blocks. Guide members may facilitate positioning the blocks on the collection surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a concrete apparatus with incorporated lifter are provided. A concrete apparatus is formed by placing a reinforcement system in a mold. The reinforcement system comprises a lifter. Concrete is poured into the mold such that the lifter protrudes from the poured concrete. After the concrete has hardened and the mold is removed, the lifter is used to carry and position the concrete apparatus. After the concrete apparatus is positioned, the lifter is removed at the circumference of the concrete apparatus leaving no holes, thereby eliminating water leakage due to lifting methods.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a concrete pole, includes steps of preparing a mold with PC steel bars; preparing a concrete composition comprising cement 19˜21 weight percent, Pozzolanic material 3˜5 weight percent, fine aggregate 25˜40 weight percent, natural stone aggregate 30˜45 weight percent, chemical admixture 0.3˜0.4 weight percent, inorganic pigment 0.4˜1.0 weight percent, and water 6˜7 weight percent; pouring the concrete composition into the mold; shaping the poured composition into a hollow pole; curing the shaped pole by steam at a temperature range from 75° C. to 85° C. from 6 to 8 hours; removing the mold from the cured pole; and grinding the outer surface of the pole so that the pattern and color of the natural stones are exposed on the outer surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for constructing a cryogenic storage tank (700) having a welded inner tank (702), an outer shell (704) surrounding the welded inner tank (702), a concrete foundation (728) comprising a raised portion (752), a plurality of cellular glass blocks (734) positioned directly on top of the raised portion (752) of the concrete foundation (728), a leveling course of concrete (736) poured on top of the uppermost layer of the plurality of cellular glass blocks (734), and a mounting apparatus (718) affixed to the concrete foundation (728), where the welded inner tank (702) is positioned on top of the leveling course of concrete (736) and the outer shell (704) is affixed to the mounting apparatus (718) at locations around the periphery of the outer shell (704).

Abstract: A precast roadway slab is pre-tensioned longitudinally and transversely, and may also be post-tensioned. A casting bed has the capability of permitting pre-tensioning of a concrete cast to be carried out within the casting bed in both the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction. Slots are provided at regular intervals within the side walls and jacking heads of the casting bed for tensioning wires to pass therethrough for pre-tensioning. The process utilizes a multilayer grid of pre-tensioning wires disposed within the casting bed, prior to pouring of the concrete. The cast concrete product can also be made with optional tubular ducts, laid parallel to the longitudinal wires, for post-tensioning subsequent to the cast of the concrete. The post-tensioning of the hardened cast, if called for, takes place at the job site.

Abstract: A Fully Integrated Structural Building System has a pair of pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors. The pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors are adapted to contact each other on one parallel side edge to form peripheral edges and a central joining edge. A part of a building is coupled to a pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floor. The building is constructed with a primary structural frame and a secondary structural frame separated by a rigid foam spacer. The spacer is a Class I non-combustible closed-cell foam. The building is strong, energy efficient, non-combustible and easily transported from the factory to the building site. The building is Green and constructed only with renewable and recyclable materials.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the protection of a railroad rail, a direct fixation plate or another support unit, a rail to rail connection and a rail to plate connection contacting with concrete upon placing of concrete during construction. The method comprises a step of disposing a mask over a railroad track having a railroad rail, a rail connector and a rail tie to protect the railroad track while placing concrete, the mask configured to cover the rail connector and tie. The mask has a connecting portion, a central portion, an extending portion configured to mask an upper longitudinally extending portion of a railroad rail, and at least one perpendicular section disposed to cover a railroad tie, direct fixation plate or other support unit.

Abstract: A new procedure for constructing cryogenic storage tanks involves erecting a freestanding metal liner. The liner is sized and configured to withstand the hydraulic forces the concrete wall of the tank being poured without the need for temporary stiffeners on the inside surface of lower portions of the liner. Lateral tension ties can be connected to anchor ties on an outward surface of the liner and used to tie the liner to outer formwork. These ties may be spaced up to about 2 m apart. Studs can also be provided on the outer surface of the liner, and a cylindrical ring of cryogenic steel can be integrated into the liner.

Abstract: A method of forming a hollow composite construction member of the type suitable for use as building material includes providing an elongated inflatable mold assembly having a longitudinal axis. The mold assembly further has a flexible, substantially tubular bladder wall defining an elongated inflatable cavity, wherein the cavity is movable between a deflated condition, an inflated condition, and a plurality of partially inflated conditions. A reinforcing fabric is positioned concentrically around the flexible bladder wall. A flexible air-impervious outer layer is positioned concentrically around the fabric, with the bladder wall and the outer layer defining an elongated annular space. The fabric is positioned within the space. An intermediate member is inserted within the elongated annular space between the reinforcing fabric and the tubular bladder. A fluid is introduced into the cavity to at least partially inflate the mold and shape the fabric.

Abstract: A mold assembly for manufacturing concrete blocks in an automated dry-cast block machine. The mold assembly includes a plurality of liner plates which together form a mold cavity, wherein at least one of the liner plates includes an internal network of shafts which is configured to receive and provide a flow path for heated fluid to pass through to heat the at least one liner plate.

Abstract: A composite panel comprising an elongated concrete. A plurality of elongated pre-stressed cables pass through the slab, extending from the first end to the second end. Also provided is a support frame including an upper chord and a lower chord, the upper and lower chords generally extending in parallel relation from the first end to the second end of the slab. The upper chord is adjacent the upper side of the slab and the lower chord is adjacent the lower side. A plurality of connection studs extend transversely between the upper chord and the lower chord. A plurality of anchors extend from the support frame to the pre-stressed cables, a covered portion of the anchors being cast in the concrete and an exposed portion of the anchors maintaining the support frame in generally parallel spaced relation from the inner face of the slab.

Abstract: A cast block for use in a wall is provided. The block includes: a body including a top surface and an opposed bottom surface; and a face portion extending frontwardly from the body portion, the face portion including a front surface, an upper tapered surface, and a lower tapered surface, the upper tapered surface disposed between the top surface and the front surface and the lower tapered surface disposed between the bottom surface and the front surface; wherein the front surface, the upper tapered surface, and the lower tapered surface are each patterned. Also provided is a wall formed of rows of cast blocks. Also provided is a method of forming masonry blocks for use in structural retaining walls.

Abstract: A cement mixture is disclosed that includes an aqueous mending agent that is disbursed within but isolated from the cement mixture, wherein the aqueous mending agent will form molecular bonds with hardened cement that is formed by the cement mixture when the mending agent is permitted to flow within the hardened cement.

Abstract: Pressure cast lined steel pipes comprise an annular concrete or mortar liner along an inside diameter, and a metal shell surrounding the liner, wherein the liner is in direct contact with the metal shell. The wall thickness of the liner can be from 10 to 50 times the thickness of the metal shell. The pipe may be coated with a dielectric material. A mold assembly used to form the pipe includes an annular concrete or mortar composition chamber formed between the metal shell and an inner mold member. Pressurized water is used in the mold assembly to pressurize the concrete or mortar composition and exert a desired pressure force onto the metal shell while the composition cures in the mold. Once a desired degree of cure is achieved, the pressure is removed causing the metal shell to exert a desired compression force onto the cured liner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-way pre-stress system for applying pre-stress to a member of a structure by a pre-tendon method, the system comprising: a mold for forming the member, the mold having a concrete pouring space; a supporter installed outside the mold; at least one horizontal tendon installed in the mold in a horizontal direction; a horizontal tendon settling device installed at the supporter, for settling the horizontal tendon in the mold; at least one vertical tendon installed in the mold in a vertical direction; a vertical tendon settling device installed at the supporter, for settling the vertical tendons in the mold; and a bending device installed at the supporter and combined with at least one of the vertical tendon, for forming a bent portion in at least one vertical tendon in a deep portion of the member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prestressed slab element (10), in particular a concrete slab element, manufactured according to the in-situ concrete method or prefabricated in a concrete precasting plant which in top view of its surface (11) comprises at least one hollow element region (20) with hollow elements (21) contained therein and at least one support region (30) for supporting or holding the slab element (10) without hollow elements (21), as well as stressing elements (40) for reinforcing the slab element (10), which each are installed through the slab element (10) and form a lattice-shaped structure (50), wherein individual fields (51) of this structure (50) establish a support or hollow element region (20, 30), and laterally adjoining fields (51) of the lattice-shaped structure (50) form at least one longish support strip (60) which joins individual support regions (30) with one another and which is embodied in a reinforced manner, characterized by stressing elements (40), which in a lateral view of the

Abstract: A method for producing a reinforced concrete part, having a tensioned portion subjected to pull stresses and tending to stretch under the load, and which includes a reinforcing frame with at least one tensioned longitudinal bar rigidly connected to the concrete by an adhesive connection that determines a tangential adhesive stress along the bar that varies on the basis of applied pull stresses.

Abstract: A factory for the molding manufacture of precast concrete voussoirs for the construction of wind generator support towers, the concrete voussoirs manufactured by molding in said factory, and a wind generator support tower at least partially constructed by concrete voussoirs manufactured by molding in said factory, as well as to the operating method of said factory.

Abstract: A prescribed prestressing process is employed to construct precast concrete beams and girders. The process is utilized where an early concrete strength is too low for transfer of the full pre-tensioning force on a daily schedule to avert an otherwise serious and costly production delay. The process described provides the producer a reliable way of making beams and girders that are prestressed to take advantage of the higher concrete strength characteristics. The consequent economic advantage of higher structural capacity beams and girders is thereby realized. Additionally, beam or girder camber is controlled by the process, fostering production of a superior quality product.

Abstract: Displacers are used in production of concrete surfaces. The displacers are embodied, for example, as plastic balls or plastic shells and are locked in lattices that are open on one side, preferably downwardly. The modules can then be pressed into a first or second concrete layer that can already contain a first reinforcement mesh. The thus produced semi-finished product can then be covered with a concrete mass during the subsequent finishing process.

Abstract: This cement mortar panel with prestressed biaxial reinforcement is formed by a slab of cement mortar which, having a thickness ranging from 2 to 7 cms, includes a biaxial reinforcement. The slab has occluded in the cement mortar mass means for versatile operating on the panel assembly allowing for its handling and/or fixation to a building structure, which versatile operating means constitute of themselves, on one part, means for retaining them in the set mass of cement mortar and, on another part opposite to the former, anchoring means either for panel handling members or members for its fixation to the building structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for continuously producing switch ties which differ from one another with respect to the length thereof and the mounting position of rail fastenings. Said method comprises the following steps: one or more supporting metal sheets and/or one or more internal molds are mounted in a tie mold according to the length and the shape of the switch tie to be produced, or at lease one tie mold is used which is adapted to the geometry of the switch tie to be produced; bracing bars are inserted as a reinforcement; the bracing bars are simultaneously tightened in an automatic manner by means of pairs of spindles, each bracing bar being individually tightened; concrete is filled into the tie mold; the switch tie is allowed to set; the switch tie is removed from the mold.

Abstract: A method of forming a hollow composite construction member of the type suitable for use as building material includes providing an elongated inflatable mold assembly having a longitudinal axis, a flexible tubular bladder wall defining an elongated inflatable cavity, a reinforcing fabric positioned concentrically around the flexible bladder wall, and a flexible air-impervious outer layer positioned concentrically around the fabric. The bladder wall and the outer layer define an elongated annular space with the fabric positioned therein. Tension is applied longitudinally to the fabric and fluid is introduced into the cavity to at least partially inflate the mold and shape the fabric. The mold is shaped to a desired shape while maintaining the fabric under tension. The elongated annular space and the fabric are infused with a rigidification material. The rigidification material is hardened while maintaining the fabric in tension to form a rigid hollow composite construction member.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a concrete sleeper, comprising the following steps: insertion of pre-stressing rods into a sleeper mould, simultaneous automated tensioning of the individual pre-stressing rods, filling of the sleeper mould with concrete, leaving of the concrete to harden, removal of the concrete sleeper from the mould, wherein for one concrete sleeper more than four, in particular five to eight, pre-stressing rods are used and the pre-stressing rods are tensioned individually yet simultaneously.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a method for creating pre-stressed zones in concrete. In one embodiment, a circular blade is coated with a chemical which retards the setting of the concrete. The circular blade is then rolled through the wet concrete, thus transferring the retarding chemical from the blade into the concrete. The region of wet concrete that has the retarding chemical introduced into it does not set until after the surrounding concrete has set and shrunk, thus creating a pre-stressed zone which typically manifests itself as a crack, visible upon setting of the wet concrete. Other embodiments describe alternative ways of introducing the chemical into the wet concrete.

Abstract: A manufactured building system has a pair of pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors. The pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors are adapted to contact each other on one parallel side edge to form peripheral edges and a central joining edge. A part of a building is coupled to a pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floor. Also described is a Method of Transporting the pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors with the partial building coupled there to, to a site. Also described is a Method of Manufacturing a pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floor.

Abstract: A block press apparatus provides operations for forming a building block. An operation is performed for depositing a quantity of article-forming media within a media receiving cavity of article forming equipment. After depositing at least a portion of the article-forming media within the media receiving cavity, an operation performed for depositing a volume of a prescribed fluid into the media receiving cavity. Depositing the prescribed fluid includes moving a first fluid delivery device through the quantity of the article-forming media while injecting the prescribed fluid through the first fluid delivery device into the quantity of the article-forming media.

Abstract: A method for fabricating structural building blocks having a cured binding material dispersed within block forming media thereof comprises a plurality of operations. An operation is performed for depositing a volume of block-forming media within a media receiving cavity of block forming equipment. The block-forming media includes a curable binding material dispersed therein and curing of the curable binding material is caused by contact with a prescribed activation material. After or in conjunction with depositing the volume of block-forming media, an operation is performed for depositing the prescribed activation material into the media receiving cavity. Such depositing of the prescribed activation material causing at least a portion of the prescribed activation material to be dispersed within the volume of the block-forming media.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing concrete bodies at elevated temperatures including the steps of providing pre-selected amounts of cement, aggregate and water where the temperature of at least the aggregate and more likely the cement and water are heated to a temperature between about 32° C. and 45° C. The heated amounts of cement, aggregate and water are mixed at an elevated temperature within the aforementioned range and a set retarding, water reducing admixture added. The mixing is continued and the hot mixture including the set retarding, water reducing admixture is cast at an elevated temperature within the same range to provide a concrete body form or structure with improved short and long-term compressive strengths.

Abstract: Disclosed is a concrete curing blanket including an impervious layer, an absorbent layer and an acrylic glue configured to adhere to the impervious layer and absorbent layer while immersed in water during at least a prescribed period for curing concrete with an adherence strength that equals or exceeds an internal strength of the absorbent layer. Methods of making and curing concrete with same also are disclosed.