Abstract: An anchor assembly for a post-tension system has an anchor member, a polymeric encapsulation covering the anchor member and defining a tubular section extending outwardly of an end surface of the anchor member, a rigid ring affixed within this tubular section and having a notch formed in an inner wall thereof, and a cap having a generally tubular body with an open end and a closed end. The cap has a flanged end adjacent the open end thereof. This flanged end has an outer periphery engageable within the notch of the rigid ring.

Abstract: A cabinet dryer door includes a truss attached to the door to establish seal compression for adequate sealing of the door against the drying cabinet. The inner door has spacers molded into the inner door. The truss cooperates with the spacers to bias the door against the seal. The drying cabinet may utilize a pair of doors with at least one having a truss that establishes a seal compression in both of the doors. The truss is joined to the inner door by a screw located in the center of the truss. The method has the step securing a truss member to the door and curving the door to create a biasing force.

Abstract: A precast concrete I-deck is provided. The I-deck comprises a bottom slab member, or soffit, with a plurality of I-beams evenly spaced along the width of the soffit, the I-beams being parallel to each other along the length of the soffit. The I-deck has diaphragm members on either end, perpendicular to the I-beams Pre-stress wires are embedded in the soffit and I-beams between the diaphragms. The spaces between the I-beams may be used to run wiring, plumbing, or ducts, or they may be filled with a filling material. The I-deck may be used in bridging and support systems for roofing or flooring.

Abstract: An anchor for engagement with a post-tension tendon includes an anchor base having a generally tapered wedge receiving bore. A sheath surrounds the anchor base. The sheath has a substantially cylindrical extension on one side of the anchor base for contacting the tendon at a distal end thereof from the anchor base. The extension is formed integrally with the sheath and has a seal disposed therein proximate the distal end. A cap having external threads thereon is for engaging corresponding internal mating threads on the sheath on a side of the anchor base opposite to the sheath extension. The cap has a tool engagement surface thereon to facilitate rotation by a tool for engagement with the sheath.

Abstract: Improved premolded foam billets and drop-in foam billet joints increase the R value in concrete panels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing corrosion in post-tension construction is described. An anchor is engagable with a post-tension tendon and comprises an anchor base and sheath engaged with the anchor base, and a cap for sealing the portion of the tendon within the anchor. The sheath can include an extension having a contact end distal from the anchor base for contacting the tendon as the tendon is inserted through the extension and the anchor base aperture. The cap can extend completely through the anchor base for connection to the anchor base of a sheath or sheath extension attached to the base. A pocketformer is attachable to the sheath for generating a void in concrete.

Abstract: A structure for forming a vertically orientated wall comprises a flexible front panel having a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and substantially continuous front surface; a flexible rear panel positioned rearwardly and parallel to the front panel; and a plurality of cross members connecting the front and rear panels. The front and rear panels define an upwardly opening cavity therebetween for accepting filler material, such as concrete therein. The rear panel includes at least one longitudinally disposed laterally deformable portion, such as a channel or zig zag pattern, which allows for the associated expanding and contracting of the rear panel during adjusting of the arcuate configuration of the wall structure.

Abstract: A solid shear panel for supporting a structure having an upper edge, a lower edge and two side edges. The upper edge is secured to a horizontal double plate mounted beneath a beam underneath a floor surface of a structure, while the lower edge rests on a sill plate above ground level. The shear panel contains a plurality of vertically extending support posts having the same length. Sawn lumber, laminated wood, engineered wood, a metal such as steel or another suitable construction material can be utilized to form the support posts. Two steel plates press against the side edges of the shear panel and thereby compact the support posts together into a solid grouping of posts. A plurality of horizontally extending connecting bolts hold the posts together near the upper and lower edges of the shear panel.

Abstract: A method for casting hollow core concrete panels includes the use of raft connectors to hold a plurality of spaced foam billets in place during the manufacture to create panel or plank with spaced foam-filled cores. The panels include billets that form longitudinal voids that allows utilities to be run through the lengths of the concrete panels.

Abstract: A fence construction system and a method for building such a fence are provided. The fence looks like a wall and has wall characteristics, such as a post-tension condition, but is much less expensive and easier to build. A ratcheting system or tensioning system is used to tension the tensile wires which are then secured to the fence posts. A wire lath is applied to the tensile wires and coating material is then applied to the surface of the wire lath. After forming the fence construction, the tensile wires are released and the ratcheting posts are removed. The fence construction system can be used to build a fence portion of up to 300 feet long at one time.

Abstract: A system and method for securing the wall framing and roof of a building structure against wind. A cable tensioner, located between two uprights of the wall framing and below the top plate, is attached to an anchor secured in the foundation. A cable extends over the first roofing member, under the top plate, over a second roofing member, through the cable tensioner, and over a third roofing member. In another embodiment, a cable tensioner has a vertical sleeve, a hollow tube affixed to the vertical sleeve, a rod extending through the vertical sleeve, and a nut threaded onto the nut for tensioning the cable.

Abstract: A fence construction system and a method for building such a fence are provided. The fence looks like a wall and has wall characteristics, such as a post-tension condition, but is much less expensive and easier to build. The method includes the steps of erecting a plurality of fence posts including two end fence posts, erecting two stressing posts within and closely adjacent the two end fence posts, placing a respective spacer between each stressing post and the adjacent end post, stringing a plurality of high-tension tensile wires between the two end posts, tensioning the high-tension tensile wires, securing the high-tension tensile wires to the fence posts, securing wire lath to the pre-stressed high-tension tensile wires and fence posts, applying fence coating material to the wire lath, cutting the high-tension tensile wires between the end fence posts and the stressing posts, and removing the spacers.

Abstract: A light construction panel having excellent outer appearance and high persistent against deformation is disclosed. The light construction panel is formed with an outer frame and a core, the frame and the core having the same material thickness, and also with an upper and a lower cover sheet which cover the frame and the core. The core consists of an inner part made from light construction material and an upper and lower sealing layer. Such a panel is distinguished by a particular rigidity. Moreover the transition between frame and core no longer shows on the surface of the panel.

Abstract: A post-tension anchor system including a first tendon, a second tendon, a first anchor receiving the first tendon therein, a second anchor receiving the second tendon therein, a coupler extending over the first anchor and secured to the second anchor such that the first tendon extends through a hole in the coupler, and a cover extending over an exterior surface of the coupler so as to be engaged with the second anchor in liquid-tight relationship. The cover is an encapsulation formed in liquid-tight sealing relationship over an exterior surface of the coupler. The second anchor includes a barrel anchor and encapsulated anchor.

Abstract: A prefabricated concrete panel for industrialized building, with high thermal and/or acoustic insulation, comprising a first sheet and a second sheet which are embedded in the concrete body of the panel and face each other on planes which are parallel to the planes of arrangement of the two larger faces of the panel. At least one of the sheets is made of thermally insulating material and the sheets delimit, therebetween, an air chamber which is divided into a plurality of mutually connected recesses in order to increase thermal and/or acoustic insulation of the panel.

Abstract: The prestressed, roof-ceiling constructions with flat-soffit for constructing industrial large-span buildings are bearing plane-space, assembling pre-fabricated elements. They solve the problem of constructing flat-soffit, finished ceilings in large-span buildings whereby besides an aesthethic ceiling look; reduce the heating volume, ensure the ventilated and isolated loft space through which of all kind of installations can be guided. The construction comprise distinkted wide and thin concrete plate (1) with two-part upper, steel construction (2), interconnected by means of vertical elements (3). The construction is twice prestressed by two undepended methods. The soffit concrete plate is prestressed centrically in the mould (6) and after the plate (1) concrete is hardend, the upper steel construction (2) is prestressed by pushing apart, at the midspan, the steel separated halves (2) which are then connected.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.

Abstract: An anchorage for a post-tension system including an anchor body having an interior cavity and a generally flat end surface, a tendon extending through the interior cavity of the anchor body, a plurality of wedges in interference-fit relationship between a wall of the interior cavity and a surface of the tendon, a cap member positioned outwardly of the flat end surface, and a ring juxtaposed against the inner surface of the cap member. The ring is physically deformed so as to provide a visual indication of a desired amount of tension applied to the tendon. The ring is received within an annular slot formed in the flat end surface of the anchor body.

Abstract: A below grade, post-tensioned concrete foundation system for use in the construction of residential dwellings and other structures is described. The foundation includes a post-tensioned concrete floor slab formed on the soil base of a below grade excavation. Concrete foundation walls are formed on the perimeter of the post-tensioned floor slab. The weight of the superstructure of dwelling as well as the weight of foundation itself is distributed across the post-tensioned floor slab, thereby resisting the detrimental effects of expansive soils on the foundation.

Abstract: A post-tension anchor system including an anchor encapsulated with a polymeric material, a corrosion protection tube having a connection portion at one end and a sealing portion on an opposite end thereof, and a tendon having a sheathed portion and an unsheathed portion. The anchor has a trumpet portion with a notch extending outwardly therefrom. The connection portion includes an inwardly extending surface for engagement with the notch of the trumpet portion. The sealing portion is in liquid-tight engagement with the sheathed portion of the tendon. Alternatively, the connection portion includes an additional inner sleeve so as to define an annular slot with the inwardly extending surface. The inner sleeve extends into the interior of the trumpet portion so that the inner sleeve and the trumpet portion are in a liquid-tight engagement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prestressed composite truss girder and construction method of the same. The prestressed composite truss girder of the present invention comprises a concrete bottom plate having structure of composite truss; a lower-chord member being composed of prestressed concrete wherein prestress is induced to resist against the elongation strength generated when composing and not composing and to reduce the droop occurred at the state of composition and having perpendicular and horizontal cross-section of certain shape and certain length; web members wherein vertical chords and diagnal chords composed of rolled steel to upper plate of said lower-chord member; and upper-chord member combined with said web members along the longitudinal direction of said lower-chord member to resist against the compressive force generated before said concrete bottom plate being composed.

Abstract: A shear wall panel is utilized in building walls to reduce the tendency of the wall from moving relative to a foundation during periods of external forces (e.g. earthquakes, tornados, or hurricanes). The shear wall panel includes a top and a bottom horizontal support, a first and at least a second parallel and vertical support, and a third vertical support parallel to the first and second vertical supports. The top and bottom horizontal supports are parallel to one another and are located proximate the top and bottom of the wall respectively. The first and second vertical supports each have a first and a second end secured to the top and bottom horizontal supports respectively, and are perpendicular to the top and bottom horizontal supports. The third vertical support includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a connector. The first end portion passes through the bottom horizontal support and is secured to the foundation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for post-tensioning a reinforcing strand disposed within a concrete slab of the character having a plurality of reinforcing members embedded therein. The apparatus includes a yieldably deformable elastomeric body having a longitudinally extending passageway formed therein for receiving the reinforcing strand. The apparatus also includes a removal mechanism for use in expeditiously removing the elastomeric body from the concrete slab after the slab has been poured.

Abstract: A concrete tensioning band is disposed on a surface of unhardened concrete and tensioned by being attached to a clamp disposed on the base, and then displacing the clamp by a drive mechanism disposed on the clamp. Such displacement serves to tension the band. Spacers are positioned between the clamp and the base to hold the clamp in the displaced state while the drive mechanism is removed and an anchor device is fixed to the band to anchor the band to the base. Then, the clamp is removed.

Abstract: An anchor for an intermediate anchorage system including an anchor body having a first wedge-receiving cavity and a second wedge-receiving cavity. The first wedge-receiving cavity has tapered walls narrowing in diameter from the first side to the second side of the anchor body. The second wedge-receiving cavity has tapered walls narrowing in diameter from the second side to the first side of the anchor body. A polymeric encapsulation extends around the anchor body in liquid-tight sealing relationship therewith. A tendon is affixed within one of the first and second wedge-receiving cavities and extends outwardly from the anchor body.

Abstract: A load-bearing structural member includes an elongate structure body and a strength-reinforcing flat steel strap. The structure body has a top and a bottom, and first and second opposing ends. The steel strap extends along the length of the structure body from one end to the other, and is adapted for transferring an intermediate load acting on the structure body outwardly to the opposing ends of the structure body. Anchor plates located at respective opposing ends of the structure body engage and hold the strap in tension.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for post-tensioning a reinforcing strand disposed within a concrete slab of the character having a plurality of reinforcing members embedded therein. The apparatus includes a yieldably deformable elastomeric body having a longitudinally extending passageway formed therein for receiving the reinforcing strand. The apparatus also includes a removal mechanism for use in expeditiously removing the elastomeric body from the concrete slab after the slab has been poured.

Abstract: An anchorage for a post-tension system including an anchor body having an interior cavity and a generally flat end surface, a tendon extending through the interior cavity of the anchor body, a plurality of wedges in interference-fit relationship between a wall of the interior cavity and a surface of the tendon, a cap member positioned outwardly of the flat end surface, and a ring juxtaposed against the inner surface of the cap member. The ring is physically deformed so as to provide a visual indication of a desired amount of tension applied to the tendon. The ring is received within an annular slot formed in the flat end surface of the anchor body. The ring is physically deformed into the annular slot such that the flat end surface of the cap member is juxtaposed against the flat end surface of the anchor body when tension of greater then 28,000 p.s.i. is applied to the tendon.

Abstract: An apparatus for detensioning prestressed strand, the hollow apparatus being capable of movement along a pre-tensioned strand, thus enabling the protrusion of the apparatus's separation device into the rear portion of the strand chuck barrel's inner conical surface. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus is comprised of an outer housing that includes a first aperture large enough to project over the outer surface of the strand chuck barrel, and a second aperture sized to overlap the housing, thus enabling the positioning of the separation device in close proximity to that of the chuck. The apparatus's attraction member induces separation of the chuck from the strand without manual manipulation, thereby enabling detensioning of the strand.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete building structure comprises a shrinkage compensating concrete slab having a plurality of deformed reinforcing bars embedded therein, the bars being restricted to a peripheral portion of the slab which surrounds the centroid of the slab devoid of reinforcement and are aligned with the expansive and shrinkage forces to elastically restrain the forces and to thereby act as an internally developed tension ring.

Abstract: An anchor for an intermediate anchorage system including an anchor body having a first wedge-receiving cavity and a second wedge-receiving cavity. The first wedge-receiving cavity has tapered walls narrowing in diameter from the first side to the second side of the anchor body. The second wedge-receiving cavity has tapered walls narrowing in diameter from the second side to the first side of the anchor body. A polymeric encapsulation extends around the anchor body in liquid-tight sealing relationship therewith. A tendon is affixed within one of the first and second wedge-receiving cavities and extends outwardly from the anchor body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a safeguarding device of a glass door serving functions of windshield, soundproofing and safety, in which a buffering member for providing a soft feeling with an elastic buffering member is assembled on an edge side of the glass door, and a weather strip is assembled on the frontal edge surface of the buffering member.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete panel is formed by embedding a stretched steel chain link mesh unit within concrete. The panel can be used to form a building or a flood dyke, or an earth reinforcing wall. The earth reinforcing wall is formed by digging a trench in the soil. Vertical posts are positioned in the trench, the posts spaced apart by a distance corresponding to a width of a panel. The panels are lowered between adjacent pairs of posts, and the edges of each panel slide within grooves formed in the posts. Finally, the trench is filled with concrete to encase the panels and posts.

Abstract: A prestressed pavement has apparatus to prestress the slabs, has slab abutments to resist the prestress force, has short-life friction-reducing medium to prevent the slab early cracking, has restraints to prevent the slab buckling, and has accumulators to control the prestress. The pavement does not need longitudinal tensile material, and can be built by continuous and one-time concrete casting. The prestressing is simple, fast, and may be delayed or made by stages. The techniques can be used to convert existing non-prestressed concrete pavements to prestressed pavements.

Abstract: A novel and simple method of making a novel concrete slab structure supported on vertical columns (1) and having high strength against punching shear failure involves: placing stirrup cages (3, 3′) with their open sides downwards directly on top of the bottom reinforcement net (7) in a form; laying, crossed bent bars (8) over the top of the column and running along the bottom reinforcement net (7); laying a top reinforcement net (7′) on top of the stirrup cages (3,3′) and the crossed bent bars (8); pouring concrete into the form to a level above the top reinforcement net (7′).

Abstract: A reinforced concrete building structure comprises a shrinkage compensating concrete slab having a plurality of deformed reinforcing bars embedded therein, the bars being restricted to a peripheral portion of the slab which surrounds the centroid of the slab devoid of reinforcement and are aligned with the expansive and shrinkage forces to elastically restrain the forces and to thereby act as an internally developed tension ring.

Abstract: An intermediate anchor having a wedge hole is placed at a concrete construction joint. A sheathed tendon is inserted through the intermediate anchor. Following setting of concrete poured on a bearing side of the concrete construction joint, the sheathing of the tendon is cut circumferentially around the tendon in a wedge hole of the tendon. The sheathed tendon is then tensioned. This tensioning creates an exposed portion of the tendon in the wedge hole. A tension holding wedge is placed in the wedge hole so as to grip the exposed portion to hold the tension. Seals on the bearing side and a stressing side of the concrete construction joint seals the exposed portion.

Abstract: A composite reinforcing structure for reinforcing a structural member, a method of making the structure, and a method of using the structure to reinforce a structural member.

Abstract: Construction modules made of concrete or other cementitious materials, as well as walls made from such modules, are shown and described. The modules bear internal passages through which cables, rods, or other elongated members may be extended. The members may then be tensioned to affix the modules together, and also to place the individual modules in compression and thereby enhance their strength. The tensioning members can be anchored to the members at opposing ends of a wall, and/or they may be affixed inside the passages within the members by flooding the passages with cement, grout, or other suitable adhesive materials. The modules may be formed with insulation, electrical boxes/wiring, furring strips, and other such features so that these features will be pre-installed when the modules are assembled into a wall.

Abstract: A hold down device and method for connecting two building elements of a building comprises an elongate member, typically in the form of a rod or a cable, that is connected between the two building structures. A tension compensator, which includes a housing, is mounted to the elongate member to compensate for wood shrinkage of the building. One end of the elongate member penetrates the housing and is releasably connected to the housing by means of a gripping assembly which permits only one way movement of the elongate member into but not out of the housing to resist tensile forces between the two points of the building but allow the elongate member length to be adjusted as the distance between the two points decreases due to wood shrinkage. An urging mechanism urges the end of the elongate member further into the housing if the tension on the elongate member falls below a predetermined level. The urging mechanism, in some embodiments, has to be put under compression.

Abstract: A gate framing system for a PVC gate, the gate comprising first and second spaced vertical PVC frame members connected at their upper and lower ends to a pair of spaced horizontal PVC frame members, the gate framing system comprising a pair of spaced metallic framing brackets mounted at each corner of the PVC gate, the pairs of framing brackets being connected to each other in such manner as to hold the PVC gate in compression between the brackets at each corner thereof, wherein the framing brackets are bent around the outer side edges of the PVC vertical frame members in an overlapping relation, wherein a first post-tensioning metallic rod extends horizontally across the top of the PVC gate through the overlapping ends of the pairs of brackets at the upper corners of the PVC gate, and wherein a second post-tensioning metallic rod extends horizontally across the bottom of the PVC gate through the overlapping ends of the pairs of framing brackets at the bottom corners of the PVC gate, whereby the post-tensioni