Abstract: A precast building material contains a substrate, a peripheral frame, a metal reinforcement unit, and a concrete layer. The substrate is in a parallelogram shape. The peripheral frame is mounted around the substrate so that an accommodation chamber is defined between the peripheral frame and the substrate. The peripheral frame includes multiple first connection rails having at least one first slot, multiple second connection rails having at least one second slot, multiple first engagement portions, and multiple second engagement portions. The respective first connection rail has multiple first locking orifices, and the respective second connection rail has multiple second locking orifices. The metal reinforcement unit is fixed in the accommodation chamber and includes multiple rebars. The concrete layer paving the accommodation chamber, and the concrete layer is connected with the peripheral frame and the metal reinforcement unit and is removable from the substrate.

Abstract: A positioning device and method for producing a construction material body. The positioning device holds and orients a reinforcement body consisting of a textile reinforcement within a formwork. The positioning device comprises first and second holding part groups arranged on a main body. At least one of the two holding part groups is movable between holding and release positions. In the holding position, each holding part acts on an associated location of engagement on the reinforcement body. In the release position, the distance between the holding parts is different from the distance between the locations of engagement on the reinforcement body, such that the positioning device is brought into engagement with the reinforcement body or can be removed therefrom. In the release position, independent handling of the positioning device relative to the reinforcement body is possible. To switch between the holding and release positions, an actuation device is provided.

Abstract: A plurality of panel subassemblies are used to erect a building on a footing or foundation. Each panel subassembly includes at least one column formed of a thermally-insulating material, and a concrete portion at least partially attached to the at least one column. The concrete portion may be formed as a single precast unit. The panel subassemblies are secured together and to the foundation, and may be secured to a floor element of the building to at least partially support the floor element.

Abstract: Described is a construction for effectively thermally insulating and sealing of a safing slot between a floor of a building and an exterior wall construction wherein the exterior wall construction comprises a curtain wall configuration utilizing an interior panel module design. The Thermal insulating and sealing means includes a supplemental insulation means positioned above the primary insulation means and attached to the interior panel of a curtain wall construction to maintain thermally insulating and sealing of the safing slot during exposure to fire and heat which can cause the interior panel to deform from heat distorting to an extent beyond the capability of standard safing insulation for expanding in order to maintain a proper seal extending across the safing slot.

Abstract: Anchor positioning equipment for pre-fabricating panels of reinforced cement mortar (10) that includes a prestressed biaxial reinforcement (9). The panel has some versatile actuator means (6) embedded into the mass of cement mortar (10), that do not project from any of the faces (11) thereof, for handling and/or securing said panel to the structure of a building. The means (6) comprise, on the one hand, means for retaining (13) in the set mortar mass and, panel anchoring means (14). The equipment has a fixed base structure (2) for supporting stable seat elastic arrangements (5), which receive means (6) and, on the other hand, movable frameworks (1) comprising gripping arrangements (3) for gripping means (6). Movable frameworks (1) are responsible for removing means (6) from stable seat elastic arrangements (5).

Abstract: A lifting apparatus to be embedded within a precast concrete panel or slab to enable the panel to be lifted, positioned atop a road bed, and elevated above the road bed. A lifting apparatus is located at each corner of the panel. Each lifting apparatus has a threaded sleeve extending through the panel to receive a removable threaded lifting bolt by which to establish a lifting point at which a lifting force is applied to lift and position the panel. When the threaded lifting bolt is rotated completely through the threaded sleeve, a pushing force is applied against a base plate, whereby to elevate the panel above the road bed as is necessary to make the panel level with adjacent panels during the construction or repair of a roadway. Grout is pumped through the panel to fill the space between the panel and the road bed.

Abstract: An anchor particularly adapted to be embedded into a concrete construction for suspension of a ceiling panel, duct or the like, includes a base which receives inserts that have an axial threaded bore. The base is open at its lower end and can receive a threaded rod by virtue of ratcheting inserts received within the base. The inserts and base are particularly shaped to prevent jam and ease of insertion of the rod in the anchor. The anchor also has a head flange that sits above a plurality of fasteners secured to the anchor which is used to simultaneously drive the fasteners into a form for the concrete member. The fasteners are connected to the anchor extending in generally parallel and spaced relation to the anchor. The fasteners can be held by a support or sleeve-like holder which surrounds at least a portion of the base of the anchor or they can be attached to the base of the anchor. The fasteners project downwardly through the bottom of the anchor for driving into the form board.

Abstract: A precast pole foundation having an elongated concrete body having an upper surface and a lower surface. At least two parallel concrete bolts extend from the upper surface of the concrete body. At least one cavity is disposed along the body of the concrete body for receiving a conduit. The pole foundation is preferably cylindrical and can be used to support a light pole, a utility pole, a sign pole of any such structure. At least a portion of the concrete body is reinforced with at least one reinforcing bar embedded therein.

Abstract: A concrete insert for casting in a concrete wall panel, having a housing having an elongate center portion and two opposing longitudinal sides, and two opposing longitudinal flanges. The elongate center portion is bounded by opposing outer longitudinal bend lines, the elongate center portion defining a longitudinally oriented nut access slot. The opposing longitudinal sides depend inwardly from the opposing outer longitudinal bend lines to opposing inner longitudinal bend lines. The opposing longitudinal flanges depend from opposing inner longitudinal bend lines transversely to the opposing longitudinal sides and extend in mutually divergent relation. The housing and the nut box insert comprise a nut box. The nut box insert comprises at least one resilient layer having resilient end walls compressed against the housing by the compression plate for substantially preventing wet cement from entering the nut box. In another approach, end walls substantially prevent wet cement from entering the nut box.

Abstract: A shear bar for an edge lift anchor for a concrete panel, the shear bar being a bar of rectangular cross-section shaped to engage an upper edge of the lifting anchor when installed in the panel, the bar having opposed large area faces and opposed smaller area faces and the bar being so shaped that when engaged with the upper edge of the lifting anchor one of its opposed large area faces will face towards the upper surface of the panel in the casting configuration of the panel.

Abstract: A hoisting assembly for precast concrete structures is provided. A shackle is joined to an embedded anchor member by a pin or bolt, and the shackle is provided with load bearing members to accommodate various loads in a manner that reduces risk of damage to concrete and provides for a more efficient anchor.

Abstract: A prefabricated concrete pole base and adjustable method of connection and use to receive, support, and stabilize light poles and the like having different hole mounting patterns, securing the pole to the base and facilitating rapid installation of poles while eliminating the need for on-site concrete forms and lengthy concrete cure times.

Abstract: A ferrule (10) that is intended to be cast into a concrete element, such as a concrete panel. Engaged with the ferrule (10) is a washer assembly (22) that secures a plate (19) to the concrete element (16) for the purposes of securing the concrete element (16) to an adjacent concrete element (17). The washer assembly (22) has a threaded fastener (21) that can be adjusted angularly for engagement with the ferrule (10).

Abstract: A lift anchor assembly is characterized by a lift anchor defining a longitudinal axis, a bilaterally symmetrical lift plate, an opening through the lift plate bisected by the longitudinal axis, a bilaterally symmetrical embedment portion spaced away from and coupled with the lift plate, and a pair of elongate legs, each coupled with the embedment portion and with the lift plate parallel to the longitudinal axis. A recess insert is characterized by a pair of pivotably coupled concave insert shells defining a chamber and a longitudinal plane of symmetry. An elongate rod-like shear bar is characterized by a U-shaped bend. The recess insert is engageable with the lift anchor by coupling the insert shells on either side of the lift anchor through the opening. The shear bar is engageable with the lift anchor and recess insert by positioning the U-shaped bend over the lift plate and the opening.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus to be embedded within a precast concrete panel or slab to enable the panel to be lifted, positioned atop a road bed, and elevated above the road bed. A lifting apparatus is located at each corner of the panel. Each lifting apparatus has a threaded sleeve extending through the panel to receive a removable threaded lifting bolt by which to establish a lifting point at which a lifting force is applied to lift and position the panel. When the threaded lifting bolt is rotated completely through the threaded sleeve, a pushing force is applied against a base plate, whereby to elevate the panel above the road bed as is necessary to make the panel level with adjacent panels during the construction or repair of a roadway. Grout is pumped through the panel to fill the space between the panel and the road bed.

Abstract: A method for the installation of a lifting loop in a fresh hollow core slab, said hollow core slab having its top surface broken for an opening substantially in line with a neck between the cavities, and said method comprises placing in the obtained opening a lifting loop-forming part set to bear against the hollow core slab's pre-stressing strands, the lifting loop-forming part's end sections being placed under the hollow core slab's pre-stressing strands by providing either a permanent or temporary deformation in the lifting loop-forming part. The invention relates also to an apparatus for implementing such a method, as well as to a lifting loop-forming part compatible with the method.

Abstract: A connector member and system is provided for selectively connecting to an anchor of a precast concrete structure. The connector member comprises arcuate members for rotating the anchor into a position of secure interconnection and serves as a force-transmitting device for contacting the anchor and associated features and structures.

Abstract: A Portland cement concrete recess insert is characterized by a quadrant shape, an obverse wall, a contact wall, and a convex wall. The obverse wall is coupled orthogonally with the contact wall along a contact line, and extends laterally of the convex wall to define a perimetric flange. The convex wall is coupled with the obverse wall and the contact wall radially opposite the contact line. A pair of recess inserts is connectable along the contact walls to define a semicircular convex wall. A bilaterally symmetrical open channel traverses the contact wall and intercepts the convex wall at two locations. The pair of recess inserts is mutually joinable along the contact walls to juxtapose the open channels and define a closed channel to enclose a portion of a lift anchor.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method by which a plurality of connecting rods are located within and slidable through a first concrete panel so that the connecting rods extend outwardly from the first panel for receipt inwardly of a second concrete panel at mating channels formed therewithin, whereby the first and second concrete panels are joined together such as, for example, in the case of roadway construction. A plurality of slots which are formed through the top of the first panel communicate with respective ones of the plurality of connecting rods. A tool is moved into contact with the connecting rods by way of respective ones of the slots. The tool applies a pushing force to each of the connecting rods to cause the rods to slide through the first panel and into receipt by the mating channels of the second panel to establish a reliable joint therebetween.

Abstract: A connector member and system is provided for selectively connecting to an anchor of a precast concrete structure. The connector member comprises arcuate members for rotating the anchor into a position of secure interconnection and serves as a force-transmitting device for contacting the anchor and associated features and structures.

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: A hoisting assembly for precast concrete structures is provided. A shackle is joined to an embedded anchor member by a pin or bolt, and the shackle is provided with load bearing members to accommodate various loads in a manner that reduces risk of damage to concrete and provides for a more efficient anchor.

Abstract: A ceiling anchoring device with a locking rail system is disclosed. The device comprises an anchor having a shaft, a head attached with an end of the shaft, and a rail system. The rail system comprises rod and pin insertion rails, a turning space, and a locking rail. A rod having a perpendicular pin is inserted into the rod and pin insertion rails and pushed along the shaft until the rod and pin enter the turning space in the shaft. The rod and pin can then be turned one-quarter turn and be lowered into the locking rail, whereby the rod and pin are retained in the shaft of the anchor. A plug and cap are inserted into the turning space to secure the rod and pin within the locking rail.

Abstract: An insert nut is provided in a panel member made from a core member with a honeycomb structure, and a first and second surface plate and made from fiber reinforced plastic. A reinforcing member is provided at the location where the insert nut is provided in the core member. The insert nut is housed in a hole in the first surface plate, a hole in the first metal plate, and a hole in the reinforcing member, and fixedly attached with an adhesive. An inner circumferential surface of the hole in the first metal plate and an outer circumferential surface of the insert nut are in contact.

Abstract: A washer assembly for a threaded fastener said assembly including a first washer portion having an aperture through which the threaded fastener is to pass, and a surface surrounding said aperture; and a second washer portion, said second washer portion having an aperture through which the fastener is to pass, the second portion having a surface surrounding the aperture of the second portion and being positioned to abut the surface of the first portion and to be urged into contact therewith upon tensioning of the fastener; and wherein the surface of said second portion extends beyond the aperture of said first portion when the surfaces abut, the aperture of said first portion is dimensioned to provide for relative movement between the portions with the apertures aligned to provide for the insertion of the threaded fastener therethrough, and said surfaces have cooperating projections and recesses that inhibit relative movement between the portions when the threaded fastener is tensioned urging the surface of sa

Abstract: A recess former is disclosed for use with anchors which are to be cast into a concrete slab. The recess former preferably includes a removable plug and preferably rectangular lugs which engage with corresponding apertures in the attachment head of the lifting anchor and prevent the ingress of cement during casting of the slab. In addition, flaps are preferably provided on the recess former to prevent the sides of the attachment head from being encased in the concrete. Preferably the former is pivoted between open and closed positions and has a slightly V-shaped base which when abutted against a mould or formwork, urges the recess former into the closed position. Furthermore, a recess former is disclosed which stays behind after the casting and remains embedded in the concrete in order to provide a waterproof membrane between the recess and adjacent reinforcing rods thereby preventing corrosion of the reinforcing rods.

Abstract: A recess former (30) is disclosed for use with anchors (35) which are to be cast into a concrete slab (61). The recess former (30) preferably includes a removable plug (36) and preferably rectangular lugs (57) which engage with corresponding apertures in the attachment head (34) of the lifting anchor and prevent the ingress of cement during casting of the slab (61). In addition, flaps (51) are preferably provided on the recess former to prevent the sides of the attachment head (34) from being encased in the concrete. Preferably the former is pivoted between open and closed positions and has a slightly V-shaped base which when abutted against a mold or formwork, urges the recess former into the closed position. Furthermore, a recess former (60-60I) is disclosed which stays behind after the casting and remains embedded in the concrete in order to provide a waterproof membrane between the recess (62) and adjacent reinforcing rods (58, 59, 71) thereby preventing corrosion of the reinforcing rods.

Abstract: An anchor for construction elements, such as concrete panels, and including at least one flat part, an upper part for hanging on a handling engine and extending along a principal plane and a lower part for anchoring in the construction element. The lower part has two arms diverging in the direction of the lower end of the anchor, extending outside the principal plane, and forming, between them, an angle.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for a concrete structure is provided through means of a void former and anchor assembly which it cast in place to provide an accurate recess in the structure having two or more spaced divergent anchors therein. The anchors define annularly aligned apertures within the recess. A lifting shackle of an arcuate configuration complimental with that of the recess is received within the recess and carries an arcuate locking bolt extendable through the aligned apertures.

Abstract: A connector comprising a guide tube, and a dowel, the guide tube being arranged to receive an end of the dowel, characterized by the end of the dowel passing through the guide tube into a fixing chamber via an orifice, 5 the fixing chamber being arranged to receive a fixing means, the fixing means being arranged to restrict the motion of the dowel within the guide tube.

Abstract: A structural fiber cement sheet containing cementitious matrix and reinforcing cellulose fibers distributed throughout the matrix having a dry density less than 1.25 g/cm3, a thickness less than 0.7500 in, and able to withstand uniform loads of 200 psf or greater according to test method of Section 6.4.2.4 of PS2 and with a deflection of less than 0.067 inches at 60 psf when spaced on a span of 24 inches or less on center.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slab lift bracket that includes an collar portion with a center, an upper surface, a lower surface, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The slab lift bracket also includes a plurality of protruding members that are distributed around and fixed to the collar portion. The protruding members extend outwardly and downwardly of the collar portion at spaced apart locations, and have a hook shaped free end.

Abstract: A system for hanging items from a modular building panel is disclosed. One embodiment of the system includes a modular building panel with a hole in the panel, a hanging member, with a load distribution plate, and an attachment shaft, and an attachment means at the end of the attachment shaft. Several embodiments of the present invention are described.

Abstract: A composite integrated module may be used in a method for constructing a building. The module includes at least a floor member, and can also include a sidewall members installed on the floor member, and a ceiling member installed on the sidewall members. The floor member, sidewall members, and ceiling member can be connected to each other form an internal space. The floor member, sidewall members, and ceiling member have a formwork facing the internal space. Anchor members are mounted on the outer side of at least one of the formworks so as not to project into the internal space. A structure may be disposed in the internal space and mounted to the formwork with the anchor members by connecting removable tightening apparatuses to the anchor members from the internal space.

Abstract: A compression post for a shear wall includes a plate mounted to the bottom of an end post of a shear wall. The plate is sized to conform to the lower end of each end post. An extended portion (e.g., a cylinder) is positioned perpendicularly to the plate. The extended portion has a cross section sized to fit through a hole in a mudsill of the shear wall and has a length selected to conform with a thickness of the mudsill. When the shear wall is mounted on a structural support (e.g., a footing or foundation), forces applied to the end post pass through the plate and the extended portion to the structural support. The extended portion may be secured to the plate (e.g., by spot welding, press fitting, bolting, or threaded engagement) or the two portions may be independent. The two portions may also be a cast unitary body.

Abstract: A device that attaches to the rebar used to manufacture a concrete item and is left in place as the wet concrete is placed within the form for the concrete item and allowed to cure. The device is a hollow, walled, generally cup- or half disc-shaped structure having an outer forming wall and a hollow interior. The device may be a unitary or two part construction having an upper section, a lower section, upper rebar braces, lower rebar braces, and anchor holes. Anchor holes extend through the anchor recess former providing for a passage from the hollow interior to the outside. Upon the curing of the concrete, the present invention becomes an integral part of the concrete item, creating a uniform recess and exposing an anchor that can be used to lift the concrete item.

Abstract: A shear plate for application to the outer end portion of a ferrule to be cast into a concrete component such as a wall panel, the shear plate having an outer portion engageable with the ferrule and, beyond the outer portion, a portion shaped to incline away from the adjacent surface of the concrete component to which the outer end of the ferrule is to be exposed. The shear plate enables the ferrule to be situated close to an edge of the component in a situation in which it will be subjected to shear loading in a direction towards that edge.

Abstract: An anchor for embedment into a concrete component, has a head via which load is applied to the anchor in use and an anchoring formation provided by at least one leg extending from the head and profiled along an edge thereof so as to lock into the surrounding concrete. The profile is formed by a series of longitudinally spaced formations each of generally saw-toothed shape with a leading edge of each formation inclining towards the head such that on application of a pulling load to the head the leg will lock tighter into the concrete with increasing load.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for protecting a coupling that is disposable within a concrete structure. In one aspect, a cap for engaging a coupling of a cement coupler bar is provided. The cap includes a body having an engagement portion and a back portion, wherein the engagement portion is configured to engage the coupling of the cement coupler bar. Additionally, the cap includes a flexible tail having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the back portion of the body. In another aspect, a method of using a protective cap with a coupling of a cement coupler bar is provided. In a further aspect, a coupler bar assembly for use in reinforcing a cement structure is provided.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for a concrete structure is provided through means of a void former and anchor assembly which it cast in place to provide an accurate recess in the structure having two or more spaced divergent anchors therein. The anchors define annularly aligned apertures within the recess. A lifting shackle of an arcuate configuration complimental with that of the recess is received within the recess and carries an arcuate locking bolt extendable through the aligned apertures.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for a concrete structure is provided through means of a void former and anchor assembly which it cast in place to provide an accurate recess in the structure having two or more spaced divergent anchors therein. The anchors define annularly aligned apertures within the recess. A lifting shackle of an arcuate configuration complimental with that of the recess is received within the recess and carries an arcuate locking bolt extendable through the aligned apertures.

Abstract: An anchor for construction elements, such as concrete panels, and including at least one flat part, an upper part for hanging on a handling engine and extending along a principal plane and a lower part for anchoring in the construction element. The lower part has two arms diverging in the direction of the lower end of the anchor, extending outside the principal plane, and forming, between them, an angle.

Abstract: A compression post for a shear wall includes a plate mounted to the bottom of an end post of a shear wall. The plate is sized to conform to the lower end of each end post. An extended portion (e.g., a cylinder) is positioned perpendicularly to the plate. The extended portion has a cross section sized to fit through a hole in a mudsill of the shear wall and has a length selected to conform with a thickness of the mudsill. When the shear wall is mounted on a structural support (e.g., a footing or foundation), forces applied to the end post pass through the plate and the extended portion to the structural support. The extended portion may be secured to the plate (e.g., by spot welding, press fitting, bolting, or threaded engagement) or the two portions may be independent. The two portions may also be a cast unitary body.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for a concrete structure is provided through means of a void former and anchor assembly which it cast in place to provide an accurate recess in the structure having two or more spaced divergent anchors therein. The anchors define annularly aligned apertures within the recess. A lifting shackle of an arcuate configuration complimental with that of the recess is received within the recess and carries an arcuate locking bolt extendable through the aligned apertures.

Abstract: A device that attaches to the rebar used to manufacture a concrete item and is left in place as the wet concrete is placed within the form for the concrete item and allowed to cure. The device is a hollow, walled, generally cup- or half disc-shaped structure having an outer forming wall and a hollow interior. The device may be a unitary or two part construction having an upper section, a lower section, upper rebar braces, lower rebar braces, and anchor holes. Anchor holes extend through the anchor recess former providing for a passage from the hollow interior to the outside. Upon the curing of the concrete, the present invention becomes an integral part of the concrete item, creating a uniform recess and exposing an anchor that can be used to lift the concrete item.

Abstract: A deck connector that may be cast into a structural concrete element for use in joining adjacent ones of the concrete elements to each other by the use of weld plates that are movably disposed within a weld plate housing forming an element of each of the deck connectors.

Abstract: A cover for concealing an open pocket, recess or the like in a precast concrete panel following removal of a form used for positioning an anchor in the concrete panel during manufacture thereof is disclosed. The cover includes a planar or flat or substantially planar or flat top sized to cover an open pocket in a precast concrete panel, and at least one projecting member extending outward from an underside of the top of the cover. Each projecting member has two opposed end walls joined by a cross wall having a lesser height than the height of the end walls. The cross wall is positioned operatively substantially perpendicular to the two end walls of the projecting member and is operatively connected to the end walls of the projecting member. The cross wall is under compression in use and supports the end walls which have sufficient flexibility to conform to the side walls of the pocket when positioned in the pocket.

Abstract: A plastic insert for concrete structures includes a barrel for receiving a threaded fastener. According to one embodiment, the insert includes a housing at a distal end receiving an internally threaded member for engaging the threaded fastener. The insert includes bar-engaging members at the distal end for contacting concrete-reinforcing bars of the concrete structure. The insert also includes a bar-engaging member at the proximal end including a retainer defining a substantially semi-circular channel for receipt of a U-shaped portion of a bar. According to another embodiment, the insert includes a base at the distal end extending outwardly from the barrel to define an anchoring surface oriented perpendicular to the barrel axis. Longitudinal ribs on the barrel include segments arranged in series. Each segment of the rib extends radially to a distance that decreases with each succeeding segment such that each segment defines a bearing surface.

Abstract: A cover for a concrete construction has a pair of anchor-engaging members extending from a disk-shaped body. The anchor-engaging members include fins which are configured to engage an anchor formed into a recess of a concrete block or wall to cover the recess. The cover is easily installed to the anchor by positioning the cover over the recess and urging the anchor-engaging member into engagement with the anchor.

Abstract: An object handling device includes a support body, and an elongate anchor body mounted at the inner end thereof to the support body so as to project from the support body for insertion into an undercut cavity in an object to be handled. At least one anchor lug at or adjacent to the outer end of the anchor body is movable with the anchor body between a first position in which the anchor body is able to be inserted into or withdrawn from the cavity, and a second position in which the lug(s) engage respective undercut shoulder portions in the cavity. Means on the anchor body is engagable for moving the anchor body to move the anchor lug(s) between the first and second positions. Lift means on the support body is engagable by a crane to lift the object. Lock means is provided to block movement of the anchor lug(s) from the second position. In one aspect, the anchor body is rotatable to effect said movement of the anchor lug(s).