Abstract: This method is suitable for the strengthening of concrete or timber structures by applying prestressed Carbon FRP or Glass FRP lamella. At least one groove is cut into the concrete or timber structure along the direction in which the concrete or timber structure is to be strengthened. The grooves are filled with epoxy resin and a layer of epoxy resin is put onto the entire section to be equipped with the CRFP or GFRP lamella. The lamella is prestressed and anchored at both ends. U-shaped brackets are then being put over the two end sections of the CFRP or GFRP lamella by inserting and submerging its both U-legs into holes filled with resin as well. These holding brackets are then tightly pressed onto the CFRP or GFRP lamella to prevent cracking or fracture of the concrete or timber and bending away of the extremities of the CFRP or GFRP lamella.

Abstract: A belt for an elevator system is provided having a core and an elastomeric sheath positioned over the core. An elastomer and phosphonate blended bonding agent adheres the core to the sheath.

Abstract: A system and method for applying tension to a reinforcement member is provided. The system includes a gripping device, a tension device, and a tension application sub-system. The gripping device includes first and second attachments. Each attachment retains a respective end of the reinforcement member with sufficient friction force based on a predetermined tension to be applied to the reinforcement member. The tension device includes first and second tension tubes configured to removably receive and hold the first and second attachments, respectively. The tension application sub-system has first and second tension application apparatuses and first and second coupling devices. The first and second coupling devices couple the first and second tension tubes to the first and second tension application apparatuses, respectively. At least one of the first and second tension application apparatuses creates and controllably adjusts a tension load within the reinforcement member.

Abstract: A truss structure may include a plurality of load bearing members, or force members, that are joined at a plurality of nodes to define a load bearing structure. The truss structure may include a plurality of longitudinal members extending in parallel along a longitudinal length of the truss structure, and a plurality of transverse members defining a plurality of helical structures. The plurality of helical structures may be joined to the plurality of longitudinal members at corresponding plurality of nodes. The plurality of helical structures may provide buckling support to the plurality of longitudinal members, so that an axial load, or compressive load, or buckling load, may be effectively carried by the truss structure.

Abstract: A truss structure may include a plurality of load bearing members, or force members, that are joined at a plurality of nodes to define a load bearing structure. The truss structure may include a plurality of longitudinal members extending in parallel along a longitudinal length of the truss structure, and a plurality of transverse members, joined to the plurality of longitudinal members at nodes, and extending between the plurality of longitudinal members. The plurality of transverse members may provide buckling support to the plurality of longitudinal members, so that an axial load, or compressive load, or buckling load, may be effectively carried by the truss structure.

Abstract: Radiant furniture made of a concrete mix includes one or more heating elements or hot water supplied hydronic tubing that provide comfortable radiant heat. Tabletops can be heated to a temperature that is comfortable for people seated at the table. Other tabletops can be heated to a lower temperature for use in a greenhouse. Benches and seats can be heated to provide comfortable heated seating. Combinations can also be used together, such as a heated tabletop with heated seats. A controller senses the temperature of the furniture and the ambient temperature, then applies power to one or more heating elements in the furniture according to programmed temperature thresholds to provide comfortable radiant heat from the furniture.

Abstract: A pregrouted PC steel material (10) includes a 19-wire-twisted PC strand (1), a pregrouted layer (2) disposed on an outer periphery of the PC strand (1), and a sheath (3) configured to cover an outer periphery of the pregrouted layer (2). A filling resin (4) is filled between steel wires (side wires) (1b, 1c, 1d). Since the filling resin (4) does not exude to the pregrouted layer (2) before tensioning of the PC strand (10), an operation of tensioning the PC strand (1) is not hindered by curing of the pregrouted layer (2). In contrast, since the gap between the steel wires is reduced when the PC strand (1) is tensioned, the filling resin (4) flows out (exudes) from between the steel wires to the pregrouted layer (2) to cure the pregrouted layer (2) only after the reduction.

Abstract: A composite lattice beam. The composite lattice beam includes four or more longitudinals. The four or more longitudinals are parallel to one another, comprise the four corners of a rectangle and include a tow, where the tow includes a bundle of untwisted fibers. The composite lattice beam also includes one or more outer diagonals. The one or more outer diagonals vary in two dimensions and include a tow, where the tow includes a bundle of untwisted fibers. The composite lattice beam further includes one or more inner diagonals. The one or more inner diagonals vary in three dimensions and include a tow, where the tow includes a bundle of untwisted fibers. The composite lattice beam additionally includes one or more nodes. The nodes are each an interweaving of at least one of the four or more longitudinals, at least one of the one or more outer diagonals and at least one of the one or more inner diagonals.

Abstract: Provided is a pregrouted PC steel material comprising a PC steel stranded wire composed of a plurality of steel wires, a pregrout layer disposed on the outer periphery of the PC steel stranded wire so as to accommodate the PC steel stranded wire, a sheath covering the outer periphery of the pregrout layer, and a capsule including a pregrout-hardening agent and a film with which the agent is covered, the capsule being interposed among the steel wires constituting the PC steel stranded wire. The capsule has a strength such that the capsule is not broken before tensioning the PC steel stranded wire but is broken by a tensile force during the tensioning. Also provided is a method for hardening the pregrout layer.

Abstract: A linear member for medical use having stretchability and flexibility while maintaining sufficient strength includes: an inner helical body including a plurality of helically wound wires, the inner helical body including a space portion inside, gap portions being provided in an axial direction between each wire; and an outer helical body provided outside of the inner helical body including a plurality of wires helically wound in such a manner as to form a layer along an axis of the helical body and a helical direction of the outer helical body is opposite to that of the inner helical body with gap portions being provided between each of the wires, the outer helical body being disposed to provide a multilayer structure.

Abstract: A wind turbine tower arrangement (10), having: a concrete tower (12) including an upper portion(14) and a base portion (16); a footer (22) beneath the base portion; a plurality of tendons (30), each tendon spanning an entire height of the concrete tower, at least a portion of each tendon arranged external to concrete (42) forming the concrete tower, and each tendon is pre-stressed to provide compressive force to the concrete in the concrete tower; and a plurality of pilings (28). The tendons are secured by the plurality of pilings.

Abstract: A relatively thin flat panel of thermal insulating material is provided with an array of holes or apertures, each coaxially aligned or coextensive with a reinforcement bar emanating from a concrete slab forming an interior floor within a structure consistent with the design of a structural engineer of record. Rebar couplers (nipples) are arranged within each of the holes or apertures of the insulating panel having axial lengths greater than the thickness of the panel to extend beyond the panel on both sides thereof. The couplers are threaded both internally and externally. Nuts or threaded washers are threaded and tightened on both sides of each coupler to secure the coupler in place in relation to the panel. Alternatively, fiberglass rebars can be used extending through the insulating panel.

Abstract: A windfence supporting tower with tension-integrity, includes a tubular metal tower having a central tubular post and four inclined tubular structural tensile elements attached to the post via the coupling ring and the lower ends attached to the free ends of a yoke of compression tubes, which is in turn attached to the post by the reaction flange of the yoke, further receiving at the free ends of the yoke four vertical tensile structural elements which are tensioned and anchored to the ground through four independent foundations located around the foundation of the central tube. These vertical ties pull on the connection point of the yoke and in turn the inclined structural elements connected to the coupling ring, thereby providing stability with tension-integrity, which is the main feature of the present supporting tower for absorbing forces caused by the wind.

Abstract: A building construction has a foundation, walls and a roof structure, the walls being wrapped by a reinforcement fabric, with the reinforcement fabric being connected to the foundation and the roof structure to tie the roof structure to the foundation for increased resistance to natural disasters. The connection of the reinforcement fabric to the roof structure includes a top rail having a connector plate attached to the roof structure and having an upwardly oriented opening, and a wrapping member about which the reinforcement fabric can be wrapped, the wrapping member having a geometry corresponding with the geometry of the upwardly oriented opening in such a manner that the wrapping member is prevented from rotating in the opening.

Abstract: A building includes a connection between an engineered wood load bearing element of the building such as a column, beam, or load bearing panel, and another load bearing element or a foundation of the building. At least one tendon ties the load bearing elements or the load bearing element and the foundation together. One or more energy dissipaters, replaceably connected between the load bearing element and/or the foundation, absorb energy when a loading event causes relative movement of the connection. The engineered wood element may be a laminated veneer lumber element, a parallel strand lumber element, or a glue laminated timber element, for example. Typically all of the load bearing elements of the building will be engineered wood elements. The building may be single or multi-storey. The building system enables lightweight low cost buildings, with energy dissipaters which may be replaced after extreme loading. The building may be prefabricated.

Abstract: The anchoring device for a cable made of plurality of tendons comprises an anchor block having a front side, a rear side and channels extending between the front and rear sides, each tendon of the cable being received in a respective channel with a blocking member. It also comprises a first protective material with which at least some of the channels of the anchor block are filled, a chamber containing portions of the plurality of tendons of the cable, located on at least one of the front and rear sides of the anchor block, and a second protective material, different from the first protective material, with which the chamber is filled.

Abstract: A method of tensioning concrete is disclosed.

Abstract: A relatively thin flat panel of thermal insulating material is provided with an array of holes or apertures, each coaxially aligned or coextensive with a reinforcement bar emanating from a concrete slab forming an interior floor within a structure consistent with the design of a structural engineer of record. Rebar couplers (nipples) are arranged within each of the holes or apertures of the insulating panel having axial lengths greater than the thickness of the panel to extend beyond the panel on both sides thereof. The couplers are threaded both internally and externally. Nuts or threaded washers are threaded and tightened on both sides of each coupler to secure the coupler in place in relation to the panel. Alternatively, fiberglass rebars can be used extending through the insulating panel.

Abstract: A post-tensioning wrap includes a housing having at least one cavity and at least one tendon bonded to the housing. The wrap can be wrapped around the concrete article to equalize compression. Thereafter, a medium is injected into the cavity causing the housing to swell and compression of the concrete article by the tendon.

Abstract: Disclosed is a force-applying element including a tensioning anchor for anchoring a tape-shaped material to a support structure. The tape-shaped material is pretensioned by means of the tensioning anchor. An extension element is disposed in the transition area between the tensioning anchor and the tape-shaped material following the tensioning process. The extension element is effectively connected to the tape-shaped material and the tensioning anchor.

Abstract: A ratcheting take-up device that compensates for imperfect alignment in a tie rod continuity system in the frame of a building wall. The upper ends of the tie rods are tightly clamped within the take-up device by domed segments inserted in a bowl-shaped housing. The segments are also forced together by a compression member in the housing. The domed shape of the segments and the bowl shape of the housing cooperate so that the segments can rotate in any direction to accommodate tie rods that are not perfectly vertical, without a corresponding loss of strength in the connection.

Abstract: An assembly is provided including a structural component having a flange-like member. A partially cured polymer matrix composite patch is wrapped around a perimeter of the flange-like member. The patch includes a plurality of layers, each layer having a plurality of fibers arranged therein. The layers of the polymer matrix composite patch are cured after being wrapped around the flange-like member of the structural component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing arrangement (202) for a building element comprising tension members. The sealing arrangement (202) is arranged to seal off an internal part of the building element. The sealing arrangement (202) comprises: (a) a first pressing element (500) of rigid material; (b) a transition pad (501) of deformable material; (c) a sealing pad (503) of elastic material; and (d) a second pressing element (505; 507) comprising a rigid layer (507) for pressing the transition pad (501) and the sealing pad (503) against the first pressing element (500). The transition pad (501), the sealing pad (503) and the second pressing element (505; 507) are provided with holes for the tension elements to pass through. When operationally in place, the first pressing element (500), the transition pad (501), the sealing pad (503) and the second pressing element (505; 507) are pressed together.

Abstract: A construction-unit (23) that is adapted for being combined with one more similar units (23) to constitute a self-carrying structure (40) to use for shelter or dwelling wherein each construction-unit (23) make up for both one sidewall and half a roof in one segment. A plurality of construction-units (23) are adapted for constructing a static functional self-carrying structure (40) where the shape has a curved design related to the mathematical expression The Hyperbolic Cosine or part of an Ellipse in the traverse direction and a linear design in the longitudinal direction when placed as a part of an assembled shelter (40).

Abstract: A core component for a base of a tower assembly includes a body of the core component and a flange. The body has an arcuate outer sidewall and an arcuate inner sidewall. The body includes a hole extending from the outer sidewall to a bottom of the body. The flange extends from the arcuate inner sidewall of the body. The flange includes at least one bore hole configured to receive a post-tensioning tendon.

Abstract: A truss system for roofing a building; a truss of said truss system including at least one truss segment; each said truss segment comprising a first elongate element and a second elongate element; said first and second elongate elements interconnected at intervals by a series of fish-plate assemblies; said fish-plate assemblies arranged in sliding engagement with respective extruded fish-plate channels of said first and second elongate elements.

Abstract: A volatile corrosion inhibiting agent is provided for dispersion of a vapor phase corrosion inhibitor in a vapor stream that is passed into a sheath or other casing enclosing a metal bar, cable, or other tension member to protect said tension member from corrosion.

Abstract: A reinforcing system for a guy anchor used in a guyed or additionally guyed tower includes a concrete structure formed around the guy anchor. The concrete structure has a top surface slightly above grade level. The reinforcing system further includes a supplemental anchor shaft. The supplemental anchor shaft is attached to the existing anchor head and extends down into the concrete structure, where it is retained and encased therein. The concrete structure preferably has a base and at least one wall that extends down from the base and has a surface that faces the tower to resist horizontal forces. The reinforcing system is sufficiently strong to keep the guy anchor in place even if the original anchor shaft completely corrodes. The supplemental anchor shaft does not generally come into contact with soil. It therefore resists corrosion and is expected to provide a long service life.

Abstract: The invention describes a tower-shaped supporting structure (1), at least portions of which are hollow, with a plurality of interconnected prestressed concrete elements (2, 4), each of the prestressed elements (2) having a plurality of elongate prestressing means (10), more particularly wires or stranded cables, the majority of which are guided into an adjacent prestressed concrete element (4) and anchored there under tensile stress, characterised in that the prestressing means (10) have at least at one end a form-fitting means and the prestressing means (10) in the adjacent prestressed element (4) are anchored via at least one end anchoring element (12), which is connected to the prestressing means (10) via the form-fitting means.

Abstract: A device and a method for controlling a clamping press is provided when clamping a tension member as a function of the clamping force of a reference clamping member. The device has a hollow, cylindrical housing, wherein a piston coupled to the reference tension member is supported longitudinally displaceably along an axis. The housing and the piston encompass a pressure chamber that can be acted upon by a pressure medium for performing an axial stroke motion of the piston against the clamping force of the reference tension member by an inlet, and that can be connected by an outlet to the clamping press. The device further comprises a valve unit for controlling the application of the pressure medium to the clamping press, wherein the valve unit can be directly controlled by the stroke motion of the piston.

Abstract: A panel frame for suspended ceiling, at least one side of this frame having, when seen in section, a top wall and a side wall. The top wall is provided with a fitted flat section, this flat section having at least two through-holes for the passage of an assembly mechanism such as screws, one of the through-holes being ovalized or oblong.

Abstract: A void former for forming a void in a concrete element is described. The void is adapted to receive at least one pliant reinforcing member. The void former is shaped or configured so that the void formed by said void former comprises an aperture in a surface of the concrete element for a said pliant reinforcing member to at least enter the void, and an internal surface shaped to direct the pliant reinforcing member through the void and back towards the surface of the concrete element to exit the void at the surface of the concrete element at a distance away from a portion of the pliant reinforcing member entering the void. A concrete element comprising a void, and a structure or building comprising a concrete element, and a method of reinforcing a concrete element or a building or structure is also described.

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: A tower structure including a central, vertical mast and a plurality of tensioned elongate elements arranged to support the mast against buckling, the plurality of tensioned elements together defining a generally hyperboloid structure and including a first plurality of elongate elements which define a multiplicity of junctions therebetween, a second plurality of junction-to-mast joining elongate elements which join at least some of the multiplicity of junctions to the central, vertical mast; and a third plurality of junction-to-junction joining elongate elements which are connected at a plurality of mutually spaced fixed locations therealong to the at least some of the multiplicity of junctions.

Abstract: A building construction has a foundation, walls and a roof structure, the walls being wrapped by a reinforcement fabric, with the reinforcement fabric being connected to the foundation and the roof structure to tie the roof structure to the foundation for increased resistance to natural disasters. The connection of the reinforcement fabric to the roof structure includes a top rail having a connector plate attached to the roof structure and having an upwardly oriented opening, and a wrapping member about which the reinforcement fabric can be wrapped, the wrapping member having a geometry corresponding with the geometry of the upwardly oriented opening in such a manner that the wrapping member is prevented from rotating in the opening.

Abstract: A ratcheting take-up device that compensates for imperfect alignment in a tie rod continuity system in the frame of a building wall. The upper ends of the tie rods are tightly clamped within the take-up device by domed segments inserted in a bowl-shaped housing. The segments are also forced together by a compression member in the housing. The domed shape of the segments and the bowl shape of the housing cooperate so that the segments can rotate in any direction to accommodate tie rods that are not perfectly vertical, without a corresponding loss of strength in the connection.

Abstract: A reinforcement for concrete elements, comprising at least one elongated string formed of a smaller number of single fiber filaments which, when embedded in a matrix, form a fiber string, the exterior surface of which being coated with a particle shaped material, such as for example sand. The reinforcement comprises at least one or more loops, formed by repeatedly winding of said fiber string and that said loop(s) preferably are closed or laid in a continuous wind, the ends of the loops or the wind function as an end anchor for the reinforcement in the concrete element. A reinforcement system based on the reinforcement is also described. In addition, a method for fabricating such reinforcement system and a method for using such reinforcement system is also described.

Abstract: A reinforcement element for absorbing forces in concrete elements that are supported by support elements includes a longitudinally stable, flexible longitudinal element. This element is placed in recesses in the concrete element which are disposed in such a way that in the region of the support element the reinforcement element runs in the area of the concrete element remote from the support element. The end regions of the reinforcement element each run at an acute angle toward the surface of the concrete element turned toward the support element, and exit from the concrete element. Both end regions of the longitudinally stable, flexible longitudinal element are diverted around the respective exit edge of the recesses, are led into a tensioning device, are held therein, and can be tensioned with respect to one another. The reinforcement element thereby forms a closed loop; the arising forces can be absorbed in an optimal way.

Abstract: A wind tower erected on a foundation in which individual levels are formed by connecting a plurality of cast concrete panels along their vertical joints. Additional levels are installed on each prior level and secured with an all-thread post tensioning system and couplers.

Abstract: A building comprises foundation; a first stud wall; a second stud wall; the second stud wall is disposed above the second first stud wall; a tie rod operably attached to the foundation and extending within the first and second stud walls; a first nut connecting the tie rod to the second stud wall; a first spring urging the first nut and the tie rod upwardly; a second nut connecting the tie rod to one of the first stud wall and the second stud wall, the second nut being disposed below the first nut; a second spring urging the second nut and the tie rod upwardly; the first spring is configured to carry a load at least substantially equal to the weight of a portion of a length of the tie rod disposed between the first nut and the second nut; and the second spring is configured to carry a load disposed below the second nut, the portion extending to where the tie rod is attached to the foundation.

Abstract: Reinforcing system (10) for reinforcing structures with irregular surfaces, such as shaped columns. Fiber-reinforced plastic sheathing (25) is wrapped around or over the surface to be reinforced and fiber anchors (50) are installed at high stress areas, such as re-entrant corners. Cover strip (30) spreads force among fiber anchors (50) and provides a smooth finish.

Abstract: Presented herein is a system for stiffening and strengthening a door, said system comprising a plurality of stoppers each having a channel, wherein said stoppers are affixed to the door; and at least one stiffening rod seated within the channels of said stoppers; and means for shortening the span of said stiffening rod disposed between said stoppers; whereby shortening the span results in straightening the door.

Abstract: A steel composite beam is manufactured by T-shaped steel, inverse T-shaped steels installed at opposite ends of the T-shaped steel, and vertical stiffeners installed on the inverse T-shaped steels. A method for manufacturing a composite beam using T-shaped steel and a method of constructing a structure using the same are capable of using less steel and minimizing dead weight of the composite beam compared to a steel composite beam having the same cross section and depth, and designing a cross section of the composite beam in an efficient and economical manner due to the pre-stress caused by tendons, providing easy connection with column members on the basis of length, providing efficient construction, easy management, and convenient construction for ceilings and finishing equipment due to light dead weight.

Abstract: CO2-sequestering formed building materials are provided. The building materials of the invention include a composition comprising a carbonate/bicarbonate component. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of making and using the CO2-sequestering formed building material.

Abstract: Techniques for building construction using fabricated timbers. In one example, such timbers are fabricated using conventional 2× (two-by) lumber to produce a square log appearance. These fabricated timbers are stacked to form outside and/or inside walls. The fabricated timbers and walls are configured to sustain desired vertical and lateral loads anticipated of a building such as a cabin, home, garage, barn, office building, or the like. A building constructed using such timbers appears to be built of square logs. Fabricated timber construction, as compared to conventional log or stick-frame construction, provides the appearance of high-quality log construction at a far lower cost, with higher R-values and appraised values, and is also far lower in cost and much simpler than conventional stick-frame construction.

Abstract: Membrane body (1) comprising at least one pair of panels (10, 11) connected together in an adhesive manner and for each pair of said panels (10, 11), at least one flexible sheath (15) arranged stably according to a set pattern to resist membrane stress acting on the panels (10, 11); each sheath (15) housing a respective tie rod (16), connected to the panels (10, 11) in an end position in a set manner in such a way as to be suitable for resisting normal stress to free the panels (10, 11) from the respective membrane stress, thereby maintaining the—group of the panels (10, 11) flexible and maintaining the corresponding production method.

Abstract: A reinforcement device for a lateral buckling stress installed on an angle-type steel member so as to be attachable and detachable therefrom without power-off of a power line tower, preparation and disassembly of members in order to prevent lateral buckling and accidental torsion. The reinforcement device includes an accommodation unit for surrounding a steel member, first and second cover units connected to the accommodation unit and formed to cover the steel member, and a fixation member for fixing the first and second cover units.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a plurality of wall members together to define a wall. The apparatus includes a base portion having a stud extending upwardly therefrom, the base portion configured to engage a surface of a first wall member. The apparatus also includes a first securing member sized and shaped to engage with a surface of a second wall member stacked above the first wall member. The apparatus also includes a first coupling member configured to extend through a bore in the first and second wall members. The first coupling member has an elongate rod member having an upper end and a lower end, and a coupler on the lower end of the rod member, the coupler being sized and shaped to receive the stud member therein. The upper end of the rod member is configured to be coupled to the first securing member for biasing the first and second wall members together to inhibit the formation of undesired spaces therebetween.

Abstract: An assembly and method for anchoring a wall frame to the foundation of a building utilizes an anchor member which can be threaded upon a threaded shank which is connected to and extends upwardly from the foundation, a cable, a first cable vice which is connectable to one end of the cable and being anchorable to a top member of the wall frame which is positioned upon the foundation, a second cable vice which is connectable to the other end of the cable, and a cap member. The second cable vice is anchorable to the cap member, and the cap member is connectable to the anchor member so that when the cable is anchored between the top member of the wall frame and the cap member by way of the first and second cable vices, the cap member can be connected to the anchor member to thereby tension the cable between the top member of the wall frame and the foundation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bracket structure for increasing strength of a concrete structure and enabling easy construction. The bracket structure includes an affixing bracket and a pre-stressing steel plate. The affixing bracket comprises a holding member connected to a bottom of the concrete structure using an anchor bolt, and a support member connected to the holding member and forming a channel to increase the moment of inertia of area of the concrete structure. The pre-stressing steel plate is connected to the support member of the affixing bracket, and applies stress to the concrete structure.