Abstract: A soil completely-covered structure includes a base layer, slope body filling soil and a buffering layer; the base layer is arranged around a vertical tank body and is made of a base material located on a ground floor, and a first filling gap is formed between the base layer and an outer wall of the vertical tank body; the slope body filling soil is arranged on the base layer, a second filling gap is formed between the side of the slope body filling soil and the outer wall of the vertical tank body, and a side slope surface is formed on the outer side of the slope body filling soil; and the buffering layer is formed in the first filling gap and the second filling gap, and the buffering material fills the first filling gap and the second filling gap to wrap the surface of the vertical tank body.

Abstract: A system and method for managing one or more utility connections and utility lines (electrical, water, sewer, data, etc.) associated with a retractable building that may generally translate from a predominantly above grade position to a predominantly below grade position, and back again, is provided. The system includes a cable carrier with a fixed end configured with a first manifold bracket to receive the utility lines from the utility providers, and a movable end configured with a second manifold bracket to connect the utility lines to the building. During use, as the building is lowered underground, the system provides continual and uninterrupted utility connections between the utility providers and the building.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a house construction structure including: an odd-numbered floor, an even-numbered floor and outdoor private gardens. Living rooms of each odd-floor house and each even-floor house which are vertically corresponding to each other, are vertically corresponding to each other; each living room is provided with one outdoor private garden. The outdoor private gardens of all living rooms of odd-floor houses which are vertically corresponding to each other, are vertically corresponding to each other and are located in an identical first direction; the outdoor private gardens of all living rooms of even-houses which are vertically corresponding to the odd-floor houses, are vertically corresponding to each other and are located in an identical second direction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable and re-useable grillage (100) for receiving and supporting a heavy load during transportation as well as methods of making and using same. The grillage (100) comprising a base (3); a load bearing structure (4) coupled to the base (3), the load bearing structure (4) is used for supporting the heavy load; and a framework (5) attached to the load bearing structure (4). The grillage (100) is containerized such that the combination of the base (3), load bearing structure (4) and the framework (5) forming the grillage has external dimensions and weight that conforms with ISO specifications for an intermodal container. The containerized grillage (100) may be used with different sized legs for different sized heavy loads. It may also be shipped in a vertical stacked formation using cost-effective standard shipping for containers.

Abstract: An improved flood protection system for a home or other building. The flood protection system includes a waterproof membrane that is positioned on the exterior of the building. The membrane has first and second horizontal edges. A sealant is applied to the foundation between the first horizontal edge of the membrane and the foundation of the building. A termination bar mechanically attaches to the foundation, pressing the first horizontal edge of the membrane and the sealant toward the foundation to create a watertight seal.

Abstract: A bracket assembly and installation method are provided that connects and reinforces upper and lower stud wall frames in a stacked relationship. The bracket assembly includes upper and lower brackets connectible across the width inside of a pair of parallel, aligned studs of the upper and lower stud wall frames, respectively, and a pair of post members that interconnect the upper and lower brackets. In the installation method, aligned openings are provided in the top plate of the lower stud wall frame and the bottom plate of the upper stud wall frame. The post members are inserted through the aligned openings and are connected between the first and second brackets to resist bending at the interface between the stacked upper and lower stud walls. Each bracket is length-adjustable to accommodate variations in the width between the pair of parallel studs.

Abstract: A method for protecting a building against flooding by use of a membrane connected along a first side edge to a float, and comprises the steps of arranging the membrane in a packed configuration at a first distance from the building, and fixing the membrane to the ground at a start location along a second side edge, allowing water to unpack the membrane and move the float toward the building to arrange a first portion of the membrane with a lower surface against ground in an area between the start location and the building, allowing water to raise the float a second distance along an outer surface of the building while further unpacking the membrane to arrange a second portion of the membrane with the lower surface against the building. The first portion forms a retention portion which is retained on the ground by water on an opposite upper surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inclined structure of a court floor having a new structure for easily collecting automatically supplying balls used in practice. According to an inclined structure of a court floor according to the present disclosure, the ball used for practice can be rolled down outwardly along the slope of the court, and then be collected in the collecting ditch and gathered in one place, so there is no need to collect scattered balls separately.

Abstract: A workshop community includes a plurality of standalone workshop structures positioned around a central building. Each workshop within the community is individually owned, with workshop owners jointly owning the central building and associated infrastructure such a paths, fences and lights. Each workshop includes multiple doors, an individual electrical meter, parking, and gate access. The central building is the administrative and social hub of the workshop community.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure comprising inner and outer skeletons, each defining a cage-like structure consisting of metal structural elements, where the inner skeleton is housed within the inner space defined by the outer skeleton, and where the inner and outer skeleton are connected at one or more locations.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a thermal break for use in tilt-up construction. The thermal break generally comprises an elongate body comprising a thermal insulating material. The thermal break may further comprise one or more protrusions extending away from the elongate body. The present disclosure further relates to a method of constructing an exterior wall comprising the thermal break positioned between a fascia wythe and a structural wythe of the exterior wall. The exterior wall may be tilted up to a vertical position during construction of a building, and the thermal break provides a fixture-mounting surface onto which a fixture, for example a door frame, window frame, air venting grill, or other building component can be mounted.

Abstract: A flexible pier comprising a pier body, wherein the pier body comprises a waveform steel tube and concrete filled in the waveform steel tube. The waveform steel tube includes a wave segment. The wave direction of the wave segment is in along the axial direction of the pier body. The waveform steel tube and the concrete support each other. The waveform steel tube may improve the compressive strength of the concrete. Therefore, the section of the pier can become smaller while keeping the same compression bearing capacity, which not only increases the flexibility of the pier, but also reduces the amount of the consumed materials.

Abstract: An aseismic composite pier includes one or more column limbs and waveform steel plates, wherein the adjacent column limbs are connected through a waveform steel plate to form a boxlike pier body. The wave direction of the waveform steel plate is along the longitudinal direction of the pier body. The column limbs sustain the longitudinal pressure and the bending moment, while the waveform steel plate sustain the horizontal shearing force. As a result, the flexural stability of the column limb, and the overall horizontal shearing resistance and the deformability of the pier are improved, and thus this kind of structure is suitable for piers with various heights; Moreover, the clear separation of the roles of the waveform steel plates and the column limbs improves the service efficiency of the materials.

Abstract: A floor water barrier device confines water to a desired area within a structure such as a garage. The device includes a barrier having a bottom section having a bottom surface. The barrier has an upper section positioned in spaced relationship to the bottom section. The upper section is substantially coextensive with a length of the lower section. The barrier further has a medial section coupled to and extending between the bottom section and the lower section defining a channel extending along the barrier. The channel is configured to prevent fluid from passing completely over the bottom section. A coupler is coupled to the bottom surface of the bottom section and extends along a length of the bottom section such that the coupler prevents fluid from passing between the barrier and the upper surface of the floor.

Abstract: A modular foundation of or for a building comprising a footing assembled on site from a plurality of prefabricated footers rigidly connected together and supported by ground below. The footing defines a seat for wall panels of a modular building structure that includes wall panels to be supported.

Abstract: A method for forming a cementitious retaining wall is described. The method includes the step of defining on an earth surface an outline of the wall to be formed. The outline delimits an area of earth to be excavated. The method also includes the step of compacting the area. After compaction, the earth underneath and adjacent to the area is densified, which provides stability to the earth during excavation and after the wall is formed. The method also includes the step of excavating the earth from the area compacted to an initial depth, thereby creating a wall cavity. The method further includes the step of compacting the bottom surface of the wall cavity and subsequently excavating the earth from the compacted bottom surface. This step can be repeated as much as required, under a final depth of the wall cavity is reached. Once the final depth is reached, the wall cavity can be filled at least partially a cementitious material so as to form the retaining wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foundation for a wind turbine, comprising an above-ground and a below-ground part (11, 12), wherein a connection facility (14) for a wind turbine is provided on the above-ground part (12), characterized in that the below-ground part (11) is produced at least partially from a wood-based material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for erecting an underground structure, wherein the method is intended to ensure that the underground structure is assembled as safely as possible.

Abstract: An assembly for creating a three dimensional exterior structure incorporates a plurality of bodies inter-assembled via engaging tongue and groove profiles to create at least one of a multi-tier stepped or extending walkway surface. Each of the bodies further exhibits a hollowed interior to facilitate in-filling of a compactible material in order to weight said bodies during assembly. Either or both of thermal generating elements or effect lighting can be incorporated into one or more of the bodies. The bodies can also include tiered or stackable step blocks, each exhibiting an interior ledge for supporting a thermally conducting insert shelf or pad, additional rectangular assembled blocks providing tongue and groove engagement and supporting the underside of the step blocks.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inexpensively-/easily-decommissionable nuclear power plant, where a nuclear isle of one or more nuclear power-stations is installed in caverns, and further, side by side with them, a center for characterizing, treating and conditioning radioactive wastes and two repositories are installed in suitable caverns, with a final repository being adapted to store low-intermediate level nuclear wastes and a temporary repository being adapted to store spent fuel, high-level long-life radioactive materials and, in case, spare nuclear rods for reactor refueling.

Abstract: A crawlspace encapsulation system that enables sealing and insulating of the crawlspace while allowing for the venting of gases trapped between the ground and the sealing and insulating system. The crawlspace encapsulation system includes an insulation joist plug, one or more insulation panels, and a polymeric membrane.

Abstract: An enclosing structure (1) comprising a backfill (2) and a roof (3), wherein the roof rests on the backfill and is attached to it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foundation for a wind turbine, comprising an above-ground and a below-ground part (11, 12), wherein a connection facility (14) for a wind turbine is provided on the above-ground part (12), characterized in that the below-ground part (11) is produced at least partially from a wood-based material.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for supporting a post. In accordance with some embodiments, a subterranean support structure has a tube extension adapted for placement within a hole to receivingly nest a proximal end of a vertically extending post that extends above the hole. The tube extension has opposing first and second ends, the first end adapted for placement proximate a top elevation of the hole and the second end adapted for placement proximate a bottom elevation of the hole. A support flange circumferentially extends from the tube extension a selected distance from the second end of the tube extension. The support flange supports a column of anchoring material placed in the hole between the tube extension and a sidewall of the hole.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the drainage of water around subterranean structures and is a modular system of modular panels connected by double standing seams. The modular panels can be interconnected and drain water away from a foundation and can be connected to each other to extend endlessly the length and width of the modular panels.

Abstract: A headstone support system includes a pole having a first auger attached to the pole proximate a first end thereof, the first auger configured to drill through soil upon rotation of the pole, and a headstone support attached to a second end of the pole.

Abstract: A protective shelter offering opposite outer supports and a roof structure extending between the supports, wherein the roof structure comprises a plurality of tray members arranged to receive earth, sand or aggregate material defining an inner skin to provide a first level of protection in the roof structure, and the tray members are arranged to be supported by transverse beams, wherein the transverse beams are arranged to be supported at their respective ends by the opposite outer supports and wherein the transverse beams form a transverse beam bridge across the shelter such that the height of the shelter centrally, and away from the opposite supports is substantially the same as the height of said supports.

Abstract: A plurality of floatable constructions are provided, the constructions including a floating base for a building, the base having at least one buoyant basement unit defining a basement level, and a reinforced concrete transfer platform atop the basement unit. The basement level can provide habitable or functional space for the building, and the transfer platform has at least one access opening giving access to the basement level which is enhanced by windows for light and ventilation. Methods and means of tying modular components of the structures together, and materials suitable for manufacturing such ties, are also provided.

Abstract: A protective shelter that provides protection within a war zone and which can be readily assembled in a quick, secure and reliable manner. The shelter is formed of opposite outer walls and a roof structure extending therebetween, wherein the roof structure comprises a plurality of tray members supported by beam supports and in which the plurality of tray members is arranged to receive earth, sand or aggregate material so as to provide a first layer of protection via the roof structure. The tray members can be supported by beams serving to define a shallow arch across the shelter such that the internal height of the shelter centrally, and away from the opposite walls, is greater than the height of the said walls.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to realize a backfill structure suitable for relatively small-scaled land improvement without causing such a problem that a retaining wall after construction is unstable. A backfill structure for constructing an underground structure is composed of a plurality of wall face panels 1 vertically provided on a front face of a ground portion, coupling members 2 which are inserted through through-holes provided in the wall face panels to be fastened on the front face side of the wall face panels, net-like sheets 3 fastened with the other ends of the coupling members 2, and backfill soil body which is filled on the net-like sheets 3 to bury and fix the net-like sheets 3, where the backfill soil body is filled between the wall face panels 1, the back face side of the wall face panels, and the ground portion.

Abstract: A headstone support system includes a pole having a first auger attached to the pole proximate a first end thereof, the first auger configured to drill through soil upon rotation of the pole, and a headstone support attached to a second end of the pole.

Abstract: An underground utility vault replacement method and system which create an inner structural envelope is shown to protect workers and equipment. It restores structural integrity and safety to the area within a decaying underground vault, without major disruptions above and/or below the ground. The system includes a plurality of structural walls, ceiling panels and structural beams and floor track. All structural elements are sized in width/height/thickness and methodically inserted through the existing manhole and maneuvered in place. Wall panels are attached to the floor by way of a secure track. Wall and ceiling panels are connected by way of a tongue and groove connection and an adhesive.

Abstract: An underground utility vault replacement method and system which create an inner structural envelope is shown to protect workers and equipment. It restores structural integrity and safety to the area within a decaying underground vault, without major disruptions above and/or below the ground. The system includes a plurality of structural walls, ceiling panels and structural beams and floor track. All structural elements are sized in width/height/thickness and methodically inserted through the existing manhole and maneuvered in place. Wall panels are attached to the floor by way of a secure track. Wall and ceiling panels are connected by way of a tongue and groove connection and an adhesive.

Abstract: An elastomeric seismic isolator bearing comprising a plurality of elastomeric layers reinforced with a plurality of fiber layers is disclosed, wherein said bearing is capable of exhibiting stable rollover when subjected to a lateral load in an unbonded application.

Abstract: A transportable prefabricated container house includes a main body and a house forming body, configured to be housed in the main body and drawn out of the main body at the installation site to be expanded/assembled into a house threefold the size of the main body. Assembly of the pre-assembled square “U”-shape walls sandwiched between the floor and ceiling boards includes tightly tying the ceiling supporting beams and the floor supporting beams together with shackles, and passing steel rods or pipes between the walls to render the house immune from earthquakes and hurricanes. A foundation of steel pipe bodies assists earthquake- and hurricane-resistance. Mega structures housing multitudes of container houses can be used when stacking two or more container houses is insufficient and large scale urban development is necessary, and are capable of resisting earthquakes and hurricanes due to a system of wire mesh covering.

Abstract: A sump system for use in basement waterproofing systems. A sump liner may be generally rectangular in geometry, and may include two side elements with apertures to exchange groundwater while blocking debris. An adjustable inlet may be provided in another side element to fluidly connect other elements of a basement waterproofing system to the sump liner. The sump liner may further include a base configured to provide a built-in stand for a sump pump. The pump stand may contain a lip with notches to allow debris to fall and collect in a trough around a periphery of the base. The base may further provide an underside cavity for accommodating an obstruction in the floor of a sump hole. A removable lid may facilitate access to the sump liner interior, and may contain a break-away feature to accommodate discharge piping, as well as a groove to lodge a pump power cord. The sump liner may be strategically oriented within the sump hole to protect the basement foundation from erosion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a wall in soil, the method comprising at least the steps consisting in forming a trench in the soil; filling the trench with a self-hardening material; supplying at least one prefabricated element comprising two plates connected together by connection means; and positioning the prefabricated element in the trench filled with the self-hardening material. The invention also provides a wall that can be obtained by this method.

Abstract: A slab is fabricated of concrete positionable adjacent to a side wall of a manufactured home. The slab has a periphery. The periphery forms a lower flange. A dome is positioned upon the slab. The dome has a flat face. The flat face is positionable in contact with the side wall. The flat face is formed with an opening in facing contact with the side wall. The dome has a peripheral flange remote from the opening. The peripheral flange of the dome is concentric with and smaller than the peripheral flange of the slab.

Abstract: A paver support system includes an edging rail or bracket that engages an underlayment layer. The paver support system contains a plurality of paving elements within a prescribed area bordered by the edging rail and supported on the underlayment layer. The cooperating underlayment layer and edging rail are self-supporting to maintain the relative spatial relationship of the plurality of paving elements supported thereon.

Abstract: A tough, water-proof building system, and methods of making the system elements and constructing buildings, which provides wall, ceiling, and floor structural panels and corresponding walls, ceilings, and floors,. The walls can be designed to have vertical and horizontal strengths sufficient to be used in place of concrete, as an engineered solution, both above grade and below-grade, including in severe weather conditions, such that no concrete need be used except for floor slabs. Panels have inner and outer layers, and structurally reinforcing members. Structurally-reinforcing members extend, typically as a layer and/or stud, the full height of a wall, at spaced locations along the length of the wall. Spaces between the structurally reinforcing members are optionally filled with rigid foam. An optional reinforcing stud is attached to, or overlaid by, the inner layer, and extends inwardly into the building from what is otherwise the inner surface of the building panel.

Abstract: A system for a movable protective cover for buildings during severe weather. The system includes a base disposed beneath the surface of the ground; at least one structural support member movably coupled to the base and concealable within the base; a cover coupled to the at least one structural support member; and the at least one structural support member and the cover being moveable from a first position beneath the surface of the ground to a second position above the ground.

Abstract: A foundation system is disclosed that is used when building a structure on expansive soils. The foundation system includes a vertical wall that prevents moisture from migrating beyond the vertical wall into the zone of influence under the foundation. The prevention of the moisture migration into the zone of influence precludes damage to the foundation and structure caused by expansive soils.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a building complex (100) of the type containing eight construction elements (2) for residential use, situated at a suitable relative distance so as not to create visible interference with each other. Each construction element (2) for living purposes has a square plan base (3), at least an internal patio element (4), and at least one entrance facade (5). Each construction element (2) for residential use comprises a series of carrying building structures (6) situated along the perimeter of each construction element (2) for residential use.

Abstract: Terraced structured land joint and assembly system is disclosed, and includes a plurality of ball joints, each providing monolithic anchors for a plurality of compression and tension members. Tension members reside within compression members. Compression/tension members are linked between ball joints by couplers and turnbuckles, defining structured land including planar space frames, horizontal truss members, and vertical truss members. Structural forces are transferred through the ball joints into horizontal and vertical truss members, with resultant loads transferred to the ground.

Abstract: A material and method for insulating and providing a drainage path for a foundation wall includes a non-woven thermoplastic board being for insulating and providing a drainage path for a foundation wall. The non-woven thermoplastic board has a thermal resistance of an R-value per inch thickness of at least 1. The non-woven thermoplastic board also has a vertical drainage ability per inch thickness of at least 135 Gallons/Hour/Lineal-Foot/inch at a pressure of 500 pounds per square foot (psf).

Abstract: A foundation system includes metal framing members that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable cementitious panel. The foundation system is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, and termite resistant. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres.

Abstract: A window well for use by a person to escape through a window formed in a basement wall including a generally U-shaped body member having upper and lower ends and inner and outer ends. The open upper end of the body member has a spacer and a removable lid mounted thereon. The body member is comprised of a composite material such as fiberglass.

Abstract: A protective shelter that can be used to provide protection within a war zone, and which can be readily assembled in a quick, secure and reliable manner. The shelter is formed of opposite outer walls and a roof structure extending therebetween, wherein the roof structure comprises a plurality of tray members supported by beam supports and in which the plurality of tray members is arranged to receive earth, sand or aggregate material so as to provide a first layer of protection via the roof structure. The tray members can be supported by beams serving to define a shallow arch across the shelter such that the internal height of the shelter centrally, and away from the opposite walls, which is greater than the height of the said walls.

Abstract: An architectural structure comprises a core column structure (1), a plurality of recessed platform structures (2) vertically spaced apart from each other and supported by the column structure, and landfill filled in the recessed platform structures form plots. A water reticulation system moves through all the plots from a central water supply system. Dwellings (4) are built on the plots.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vertical surface weed barrier structure that is attachable onto any upright vertical surface and functions as a deterrent for the prevention of vegetation and/or weed growth adjacent thereto. More particularly the invention pertains to a structure formed from three interconnected outwardly projecting tabs. The structure is of simple construction, can be easily installed in numerous variable positions, and includes additional optional features of engineering choice.