Abstract: A drainage mat and mortar blocker system including a panel and polymeric drainage mat which includes protrusions on the front side and indentations on the back side of the mat. A filter fabric is affixed to the side of the mat containing the protrusions. The top portion of the back side of the drainage mat is affixed to the panel and the bottom portion of the mat is folded upward so as to form a U-shape. The U-shape is held in place by connections extending from the back side of the bottom portion of the drainage mat and into the front side of the drainage mat.

Abstract: A flood fence wherein a plurality of deflectors or sections are placed end to end and into the soil in upright positions. The sections have a saw tooth bottom edge and downwardly extending uprights that engage within a soil substrate to thereby protect the soil on one side of the fence from water flow against the other side. The areas of joining between adjacent sections also include a support and secondary barriers to minimize seepage therepast as well as to assure that the sections remain engaged.

Abstract: A system for encapsulating a crawlspace against the entry of sub-soil water vapor and also against the entry of external ground water from the crawlspace walls and for completely isolating the building from water vapor from the earth. The present system comprises applying over the floor of the crawlspace, generally a dirt floor but sometimes a poured concrete floor, a continuous durable sealed plastic film barrier layer or laminate, and extending the barrier film vertically-upwardly to cover and seal the interior peripheral walls enclosing the crawlspace to an elevation at least slightly greater than the elevation of the ground in contact with the exterior surfaces of the peripheral walls and preferably to the tops of the peripheral walls. This encapsulates the dirt surface of the entire crawlspace against the penetration of external ground water or floor water and also sub-soil water and water vapor onto the surface of the plastic barrier film and into the crawlspace atmosphere.

Abstract: An insulated building foundation protective arrangement includes a multi-layer, reinforced, waterproof, rubberized asphalt, U.V. resistant laminate having a self-adhesive backing attachable to an insulated building foundation without any other mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: An environmental protection and detection system includes a vapor and gas impervious barrier extending beneath at least part of the area of an enclosure to prevent fluids leaked or spilled within the enclosure for flowing downwardly into the underlying soil and ground water and to prevent vapors and gases emanating from sources beneath the enclosure from percolating upwardly into the enclosure. Lengths of perforated pipe are positioned above the barrier and are connected to points outside the enclosure for use in detecting and removing contaminants leaked or spilled within the enclosure. Lengths of perforated pipe are positioned beneath the barrier and are vented to the atmosphere for preventing accumulations of fluids emanating from sources beneath the enclosure.

Abstract: There is provided an engineered wall system which comprises at least one monolithic precast concrete foundation wall panel having top, bottom and opposing side edges. Each of the panels comprises a plurality of integral ribs, evenly spaced along a length of the panel between the side edges. The ribs are vertically oriented and project inwardly when the panel is in position as part of a building wall and a first and second outermost rib form each of the opposing side edges. There is a plurality of sleeve apertures located in the top edges and axially aligned in the opposing side edges and ribs and alignment means on the first and second outermost ribs to align adjacent ones of the panels. Attachment means on the first and second outermost ribs to secure together the aligned adjacent panels is also provided, as well as installation support pads attachable to the panels.

Abstract: A method and system for water conservation relies upon the reduction of evaporative losses from water storages having a high ratio of surface area to depth. The system comprises a plurality of buoyant flexible membrane strips interconnected along adjacent edges and anchored by anchor members about the periphery of the water storage. The membrane strips include spaced apertures to prevent accumulation of rain water on upper surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A building levelling system is provided for a building having a basement or foundation supported on expansive soil. A water management system is included for maintaining water in the expansive soil at a level adjacent the foundation to saturate the soil with water and thereby prevent the cyclic shrinking and expanding of the soil when the soil is normally repeatedly dried and wetted, causing damage to the building supported thereon. An injection system may also be included for injecting water into the soil spaced well below the foundation to lift a foundation which has already settled significantly due to shrinkage of expansive soil upon which it is supported. The injection system includes a level sensing mechanism for determining when a level of water in a prescribed area of the expansive soil falls below a reference level of the system and injectors for feeding water into that area.

Abstract: A method of construction of a damp-proof basement includes disposing a water-permeable palette layer on a bottom surface of the interior of the basement and spaced from an outer wall of the basement, disposing a water-impermeable vent layer over the palette layer, disposing a reinforced-concrete slab on the vent layer and spaced from the outer wall, and disposing an inner wall at a periphery of the concrete slab and spaced from the outer wall. A damp-proof basement construction includes a water-permeable palette layer, disposed on a bottom surface of the interior of the basement, spaced from an outer wall of the basement. A water-impermeable vent layer is disposed over the palette layer. A reinforced-concrete slab is disposed on the vent layer, spaced from the outer wall. An inner wall is disposed at a periphery of the concrete slab, spaced from the outer wall.

Abstract: A combined waterproofing sheet and protection course membrane has a water resistant film and a protective layer. The protective layer protects the film from being punctured and otherwise compromised. An adhesive layer, with a free adhesive side for adhesion to a foundation, is adhered to the film, so that the membrane can be applied to a subterranean foundation in a single step. While the foundation is being back filled, the protective layer keeps the water resistant film intact thereby maintaining the water resistant capabilities of the membrane.

Abstract: A method for draining accumulated moisture from the juncture between a wall and footing of a foundation is provided. The method comprises excavating a channel into the floor adjacent to the wall into which a drainage conduit is placed. The drainage conduit is wrapped with a wicking fabric to draw moisture into and along the drainage conduit for conveying to a moisture collection reservoir.

Abstract: A flood prevention assembly uses a flexible plastic sheeting for positioning across the entryway of a building. A pair of plates are permanently attached on vertical door frame members, each plate defining a channel for receiving a hollow insert herein. The insert has a central opening for receiving an elongated bar of a shield assembly. The shield assembly has plastic sheeting stretched between the two elongated bars and secured to the bars by attachment panels. A plurality of tabs are secured along to the top edge of the shield; the tabs are folded over and secured to an elevated cross bar that is engaged with the bars of the shield assembly. An upper portion of the shield is attached to the elongated bars and the lower portion remains unsecured. The lower portion flares outwardly for positioning in front of the entryway. A primary water weight is filled with water and placed across the doorway, on the lower part of the shield.

Abstract: A highly moisture resistant basement wall system which facilitates quick construction includes a plurality of spaced apart metal studs extending vertically upwardly from a sill, and metal decking secured to the plurality of studs. The resulting basement is drier and more comfortable, and warmer in the winter than conventional basements defined by concrete walls.

Abstract: A sub-floor, perimeter, L-shaped water drainage panel for new construction basements having walls and supporting footings for receiving and draining water running down the walls and/or water entering at the wall/footing interface. The plastic drainage panel is molded with a plurality of spaced frustroconical wells on vertical and horizontal sections thereof, to engage the wall and footing, and space the panels therefrom and to be filled with wet concrete composition, when the floor is poured, to support the wall and footing against the basement floor and prevent relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: A prefabricated barrier for providing protection to subterranean walls and other structural members against both penetration by water and by termites, are disclosed. The barrier has a tacky and waterproof compound, preferably an asphaltic compound, protected by a release liner which is peeled from the web immediately prior to installing the web on building surfaces. A layer of stainless steel mesh is used to inhibit passage of termites. The invention comprises a protective release liner (preferably polyester), a first layer of tacky film, stainless steel mesh, a second layer of tacky waterproof compound, and a second release liner (preferably polyethylene). The double release liner embodiment is symmetrical, and can therefore be installed with either side against the surface to be protected.

Abstract: A flood barrier unit is provided for a flood barrier system. Each unit has three pillars attached to pillar footings implanted in the surrounding ground surface. For each pillar a concrete brace member footing is provided for the support of brace members compressively positioned between the pillar tops and the brace member footings. A turnbuckle connects two portions of each brace member, and when properly manipulated, will force the brace member ends into holes in the pillar footings and brace member footings. Barrier panels with tongue-and-groove top and bottom edges form a wall when attached to the pillars using a brace plate and bolts. A water-resistant vapor barrier, with a weighted bottom portion, is draped over the top of the barrier panels for fastening between the pillars and panels using a hook-and-loop fastener and the barrier panel bolts. Alternate embodiments include differing arrangements and numbers of the brace members.

Abstract: A water-impermeable and adhering elongated liner protection device for temporarily externally protecting a structure such as a house building or an appliance item or the like against natural disasters such as flood, wind and the like. The liner substantially covers the perimeter of the structure from the ground surface surrounding the structure up to the base, the external side walls, including discontinuities such as corners, doors and window openings, and the roof of the structure. Generally heavy weights such as sand bags are distributed over the liner lapping over the ground surface to provide a hermetic protection between the surface and the liner. The preferably sticky and stretchable liner forms successive layers that wrap around the structure and adhere to the latter while sealably overlapping other the adjacent layer. The present invention also relates to the method of using such protection device.

Abstract: A weatherproofing membrane having a high traction surface is used on a roof or other such location to prevent individuals from slipping. The weatherproofing membrane includes a facer sheet formed of a weatherproofing material and one or more polymer regions disposed on an upper side of the facer sheet. The weatherproofing membrane also includes a layer of modified asphalt disposed on the lower side of the facer sheet and a release backing disposed over the modified asphalt. The polymer is softer than the weatherproofing material and thus provides a higher traction surface than the weatherproofing material of the facer sheet. The polymer includes a low molecular weight polyethylene and an amorphous polyolefin (APO) in respective proportions ranging from about 50/50 to 90/10. The low molecular weight polyethylene and the APO are mixed hot and applied to the facer sheet, for example, using conventional coating techniques.

Abstract: A construction membrane that resists liquid and air penetration, is moisture vapor permeable, and has integral drainage channels is provided. An exterior wall construction incorporating such barrier sheet material is also provided. The wall construction may be faced with stucco, siding, brick or stone. A method for bonding and texturing the construction membrane is also provided.

Abstract: A stagnant-water intercepting device for disposition in earthworks is formed by an intercepting member and two auxiliary intercepting plates. The intercepting member has a semi-cylindrical center portion and two side wing portions. The semi-cylindrical center portion and the side wing portions are integrated into a single body. The two auxiliary intercepting plates are respectively provided with a plurality of spaced holes at their exposed portions and fixedly fitted into respective ones of the side wing portions of the intercepting member. The portions of the intercepting plates fitted into the side wing portions of the intercepting member are each provided with a plurality of holes.

Abstract: A prefabricated barrier for providing protection to subterranean walls and other structural members against both penetration by water and by termites, are disclosed. The barrier has a tacky and waterproof compound, preferably an asphaltic compound, protected by a release liner which is peeled from the web immediately prior to installing the web on building surfaces. A layer of stainless steel mesh is used to inhibit passage of termites. The invention comprises a protective release liner, a first layer of tacky compound, a fiber reinforced material (preferably fiberglass), a second layer of tacky compound, a stainless steel mesh, and a layer of protective film.

Abstract: A method and composition for waterproofing a substrate includes applying a coating composition to a surface of the structural unit. The coating composition includes a) an organic solvent, b) a hydrocarbon resin and c) a copolymer having styrene and diene monomer units, a polymer having olefin monomer units, or a copolymer having styrene and olefin monomer units, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A water impervious panel assembly for a foundation wall. A series of rigid, extruded thermoplastic panels are mounted in side-by-side relation to the outer surface of the foundation wall. Each panel has inner and outer faces connected together by a series of parallel spaced ribs which define vertical flow channels that extend the height of the panel. A plurality of holes are formed in the outer face of each panel and communicate with the channels. The holes and channels facilitate movement of water to the drain tile at the footing of the wall and relieve hydrostatic pressure on the wall. To provide a watertight vertical joint between adjacent panels, the inner face of each panel adjacent one vertical side edge is provided with a first vertical slot that communicates with the flow channel located adjacent that side edge and the outer face of each panel adjacent the opposite side edge is provided with a second vertical slot that communicates with a flow channel adjacent that side edge.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing water entering a dispenser from collecting in the containment pan. This method utilizes a shield or barrier placed inside the dispenser above the containment pan. The material used to form the barrier is insoluble in water but soluble in the hydrocarbons typically found in a dispensing system.

Abstract: A strap drain material adapted for use in soil conservation in the hillside regions, in subterranean drainage for orchards and farmlands and in drainage system of the tunnels, road basement and basement of the buildings is formed on one surface of the flexible strap like or panel like body with a plurality of drainage grooves arranged parallel densely spaced-apart along the direction of the width and extending whole length along the direction of the length and including slit like openings capable of producing capillary action and interior channels expanding to form rounded holes. By the difference in water level at the two ends of the channels or the syphonic force so produced the capacity to absorb water is increased and water is collected and drained away. The interior of the part of the drain material where there is without drainage grooves is embedded with a plurality of longitudinally parallel arranged reinforcements of metal filament, synthetic filament or of crisscross network formed thereof.

Abstract: A method for in-situ treatment of wood utility poles includes excavating an area around the base of a wood pole supported in the earth and drilling a plurality of holes in the wood pole for injecting an isophorone containing compounds thereinto. A preselected coating is used to coat a portion of the pole adjacent the excavated area with a preselected compound containing an isophorone solvent and then covering the coated portion of the pole with a covering wrap prior to refilling the excavated area around the wooden pole for treating the pole in-situ for preventing decay. The selected coating material can include an isophorone solvent formulated with a wax and an acrylic resin. The method also includes drilling any portion of a utility pole and injecting an isophorone compound thereinto to disperse the remaining creosote or pentachlorophenol in a treated utility pole.

Abstract: A tough, high-strength geomembrane made from a custom blend of polyethylene copolymers, for protecting waterproofing courses from impact and pressure damage of debris resting against the waterproof course. A slip sheet configuration reduces surfaces stress due to earth movement and subsurface cracking thereby maintaining the protective course intact without any effect on the waterproofing layers. The geomembrane is available as lightweight rolls which can be easily be handled by one man. The film is installed horizontally in continuous sheets with few adhesive joints. Installation begins by applying a thick brush coat of the selected waterproofing membrane material (usually a rubber coat but may be any waterpoofing material). The film is unrolled along the wall, held up into position and secured using plastic self-sealing plugs and/or plastic termination bars. Concrete nails are used to attach the self-sealing plugs or termination bar to the wall.

Abstract: A method is provided for waterproofing a foundation in which a minimal amount of debris is generated. The method provides for selecting a first limited area of excavation of a floor along a wall. A tunnel is dug laterally below the floor to a location remote from the area of excavation for receiving a drainage pipe underneath the floor. A narrow channel is further excavated within the floor along the wall for receiving accumulated moisture leaking in from the wall. The channel directs and drains the moisture towards the excavated area in the floor and the drainage tunnel. With the limited amount of excavation provided by this method, the amount of concrete to be removed is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A method and composition for waterproofing a substrate includes applying a coating composition to a surface of the structural unit. The coating composition includes a) an organic solvent, b) a hydrocarbon resin and c) a copolymer having styrene and diene monomer units, a polymer having olefin monomer units, or a copolymer having styrene and olefin monomer units, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for waterproofing an architectural component comprises the steps of applying a waterproofing composition to the component above a grade line to form an non-swelling elastomeric membrane having a tacky exterior and pressing a flexible, non-porous polymeric sheet onto the tacky exterior of the elastomeric membrane. The polymeric sheet is preferably stronger than the elastomeric membrane so as to protect the elastomeric membrane from punctures or tears. Exemplary waterproofing compositions include solutions of thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene/butadiene block copolymer in volatile organic solvents. Exemplary polymeric sheets include two-ply cross laminated high density polyethylene sheets. Preferably, an upper edge of the polymeric sheet is secured to the architectural surface by means of mastic or fiberglass-backed adhesive tape.

Abstract: A prefabricated barrier for providing protection to subterranean walls and other structural members against both penetration by water and by termites, are disclosed. The barrier has a tacky and waterproof compound, preferably an asphaltic compound, protected by a release liner which is peeled from the web immediately prior to installing the web on building surfaces. A layer of stainless steel mesh is used to inhibit passage of termites. The invention comprises a protective release liner, a first layer of tacky compound, a fiber reinforced material (preferably fiberglass), a second layer of tacky compound, a stainless steel mesh, and a layer of protective film.

Abstract: A prefabricated barrier for providing protection to subterranean walls and other structural members against both penetration by water and by termites, are disclosed. The barrier has a tacky and waterproof compound, preferably an asphaltic compound, protected by a release liner which is peeled from the web immediately prior to installing the web on building surfaces. A layer of stainless steel mesh is used to inhibit passage of termites. The invention comprises a protective release liner (preferably polyester), a first layer of tacky film, stainless steel mesh, a second layer of tacky waterproof compound, and a second release liner (preferably polyethylene). The double release liner embodiment is symmetrical, and can therefore be installed with either side against the surface to be protected.

Abstract: A protective device for flooding, comprising a protective cloth provided in a housing and a float connected to the protective cloth. The housing is formed as boxes having elongated sides and open gable ends. Side edges of the protective cloth in the housing are connected to one another for providing a waterproof connection to protective cloths of adjacent housings. A protective cloth for flooding comprises at least one float provided along an edge of the protective cloth, and float elements are provided spaced apart along the surface of the protective cloth.

Abstract: A method for enclosing a layer of insulation covering a building foundation having a vertical edge, where the layer of insulation has front, back and edge surfaces. The method involves: (1) placing the back surface of the layer of insulation against the foundation such that the edge surface of the insulation is aligned with the edge of the foundation; (2) covering the front surface of the layer of insulation with a first protective cover; and (3) enclosing the edge surface and parts of the front and back surface of the insulation with a second protective cover by positioning a back overlap portion of the second protective cover between the back of the layer of insulation and the foundation and a front overlap portion of the second protective cover between the front of the layer of insulation and the first protective cover, whereby all surfaces of the layer of insulation are enclosed. A system for protecting insulation covering a building foundation is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is method and resulting assembly for applying a flexible liner to a cementitious vault wall, wherein several forms are described for attachment of the liner to flowable and fully cured cementitious vault walls.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a prefabricated barrier for providing protection to subterranean walls and other structural members against both penetration by water and by termites, are disclosed. The barrier has a tacky and waterproof compound, preferably an asphaltic compound, protected by a release liner which is peeled from the web immediately prior to installing the web on building surfaces. A layer of stainless steel mesh is used to inhibit passage of termites. In the first embodiment, the invention comprises protective film (preferably polyester), stainless steel mesh, tacky waterproof compound, and a release liner (preferably polyethylene). In the second embodiment, the layers include a release liner, a first layer of tacky compound, a stainless steel mesh, a second layer of tacky compound, and a second release liner (or protective film). The double release liner embodiment is symmetrical, and can therefore be installed with either side against the surface to be protected.