Abstract: Concrete panels for making concrete decks or floors for spanning between structural supports; parts of such panels including shear connectors, thread formers, and resilient grout seals; tools for manipulating grout-seals; co-acting forms for making panels; interior and overhang panels and apparatuses and methods for fabricating and using such panels. The panels have a seal member device connected to a body member for sealing off a space between the panel and a structural support on which the panel rests.

Abstract: A pile supported bridge assembly is disclosed in which an array of pilings is set out in a generally regular grid pattern. Temporary support channels are placed on the pilings and cap members are placed onto the supports generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bridge. Slab members are then used to span the cap members and a road surface is laid thereover, whereupon the temporary supports are removed.

Abstract: A three-layer insulated concrete panel includes as the middle layer an insulating slab having grooves which provide a form for casting of concrete supporting ribs integral with a layer of concrete cast over the grooved face. A layer of material, such as particle board, is bonded to the ungrooved face of the slab. In preparing the panel, the slab is placed on a flat surface with the particle board face down. Forms are then placed in spaced-apart relation to panel edges, and concrete is cast into the forms and grooves and over the grooved panel face. The insulating slab provides a form for casting of supporting ribs and is permanently retained in the panel, giving it a high insulating value. An assembly of such panels in a roof or ceiling structure is disclosed wherein individual panels are placed in final position, and joints between adjacent panel edges are obtained by covering exposed strips along adjacent panel edges with a cap member and applying concrete over the cap member.

Abstract: A method for making floors for filters, particularly for filters including a granular filtrating material, wherein the method includes forming two stages. The first stage is made by casting in concrete or the equivalent, at least one carrier self-supporting element or pre-slab, formed with openings in which are housed elements, such as nozzles, for the introduction of fluids used for washing the filter. Then the second stage is formed, during which, once the carrier self-supporting elements have been put in position on the supports of the filter, concrete is cast in a single operation on this element or elements, in a quantity sufficient for reaching the required total thickness of the floor and thereby providing a slab which will receive the filter granular material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pre-cast, prestressed hollow core beam unit for use in a two-way building system and is adapted to be supported in continuous spanning relationship on two or more building supports. The beam unit has floor panel supports along opposite edges thereof, and comprises an elongate, continuous body of pre-cast, prestressed concrete having a plurality of hollow cores extending longitudinally throughout its length, with the hollow cores being selectively openable through the top surface of the beam unit to vary the design characteristics of the beam unit. In use, at least one of the hollow cores is opened through the top surface of the beam unit along at least a portion of its length, preferably at a point of high stress where the beam rests on a support, for example.

Abstract: System of housing and building construction by means of prefabricated components, which include vertical panels for forming partitions and exterior partition walls, as well as roof members, all based on reinforced concrete. The roof members consist of angle beams that follow the pitch of the roof. These members structurally join partition wall panels belonging to two parallel fronts, which panels are, in turn, braced by panels belonging to partitions. The partition wall panels are further joined to the foundation by means of reinforced wet joints. The roof members and panels also have metal elements opposite each other for connection.

Abstract: A method of making a domed building structure includes locating a ring beam having a radially inwardly extending circumferential locating formation on top of an upwardly extending building structure. The method also includes locating a plurality of prefabricated dome units adjacent one another on the locating formation of the ring beam, in a first annular course. Further annular courses are then located in position, thereby to form a domed top.

Abstract: A method of arranging a splice sleeve to receive a reinforcing bar in a mold for use in manufacturing a precast concrete member by providing an elastic body having a through opening hole generally extending through the longitudinal center of the body, in the interior hollow of the sleeve by inserting an extending bar with a pull-out preventing portion at the end of the bar, into the through hole of the elastic body so as to form the bar projecting from the inside of the mold to the outside of the mold, and by drag pulling the projecting extending bar toward the outside of the mold so as to press the elastic body, thereby to fix the elastic body to the interior wall of the sleeve, and the elastic body being compressed so as to get in close contact with the interior surface of the sleeve, thereby to fix the splice sleeve to the mold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rectangular building panel having shoulders along two sides thereof and units embedded in the panel for securing shuttering to two panels placed side-by-side so that columns and beams may be cast in the space between the shuttering and the panels which, when set, support the panels.

Abstract: Some improvements are disclosed in an aseismic building comprised of modular panels anchored in a concrete foundation base by means of vertical rods which are connected with said base and extends along the center of a vertical interpanel duct which is defined between the continuous edges of a pair of panels.This invention consists mainly of ensuring for said vertical rods, in the related interpannelar duct, a course securedly centered within the same by putting said rod under tension and pouring in the meanwhile a special cement mortar into said duct.Additional improvements comprise in the use of a plastic profile which is inserted within and along a suitable channel formed between two adjacent panels vertical profiles for ensuring the tightness between said panels. Lastly a movable form is disclosed for making string courses around the building at the height between two successive stories.

Abstract: A precast panel for a building comprises a pair of molded concrete inner and outer panel elements with a steel wire mesh embedded throughout each panel element. A series of laterally spaced continuous steel rod trusses are interposed between and extend at right angles to the panel elements with end portions of the trusses embedded into the panel elements. An insulating layer overlies and is bonded to the interior side of the outer panel element occupying part of the space between the panel elements, the remainder of the space providing an air barrier zone. Pairs of aligned panels and right angularly related corner panels are interconnected by a concrete column poured in situ between the adjacent panels.

Abstract: A building corner arrangement for the outer wall of homes and other buildings that are formed from prefabricated panels made from concrete or other cementitious materials, which panels are of the type in which the panel end walls at each corner of the building outer wall are formed to define an angle that lies in the range of from about 0 to about 90 degrees, relative to the panel outside and inside wall surfaces defined by the panel, that results in the formation of, when two such panels are placed in the usual right angle relation to define a building outer wall corner, a groove or opening that, at the building corner in question, extends the height of such adjacent panels, which corner arrangement involves concrete or other cementitious material filling the indicated groove or opening, and shaped exteriorly of same to define a cornerstone-like configuration that may be similar to that found in the more expensive French Provincial style home, and including a method and mold for making the indicated building

Abstract: A load-bearing building system employing a plurality of standard steel columns and a plurality of precast reinforced concrete slabs of certain standard room sizes. A plurality of such slabs are mounted at every floor elevation in side by side relationship. Concrete is then poured between adjacent slabs to provide, together with ribs of the slabs, a load-resisting space frame and floor decks serving simultaneously as horizontal diaphragms and room ceilings. The slabs are two-way flat plates having perimeter ribs reinforced with bars and light gauge corrugated steel which serve as shear reinforcement and as non-reuseable framework for the ribs. The slabs are each supported at four points. The space frame's composite girders comprises steel reinforcement together with poured-in-place and prefabricated concrete acting integrally. This construction has special moment connections, providing positive bending in the girders, regardless of the horizontal load direction.

Abstract: A geodesic dome construction system utilizing a plurality of prefabricated panels having a triangular shape. Each panel includes a core of insulative material, an exterior cementitious face, an interior wall surface face, and edges of the core at an angle with respect to the faces. The exterior face includes an uncovered border portion and a wire mesh extending from the cementitious face into the border portion. The panels are assembled edge-to-edge to form a dome and the joints between panels reinforced with a wire mesh strip. The border portions and exposed wire mesh are covered with cured cementitious material forming a reinforced concrete rib along each joint.

Abstract: A building exterior wall having an exterior surface of a concrete-stucco formed in place over panels which have a polystyrene bead board core and thin concrete facings reinforced with a fiberglass open-weave mesh.

Abstract: A building framework is provided characterized by an assembly of ridge beams (2-3-4) and rectilinear concrete stringers (1-5) forming with rectilinear half-trusses (6 to 13) a network supported by concrete posts (14 to 19) some at least of the nodes of said network and, advantageously, one node out of two along each beam, not comprising the post, the terminal portion of each of the half-trusses which such a node without post comprises resting in a trough integral with one face of the beam whereas, at each of the nodes which comprises a post, the head of this latter (18) is provided with two vertical rabbets disposed in the form of a cross in which are engaged respectively the terminal portions of the half-trusses and the beam which extends to said node, continuity elements being provided in the terminal portions of the half-trusses and in the beam to provide the mechanical connections at the locations of the nodes.

Abstract: A post and panel barrier system employs posts which are contoured to provide a constant maximum bending stress for anticipated wind pressure distributions. Posts and associated panel assemblies permit adjacent panels to meet at angles ranging from 0.degree. to 360.degree.. Panel assemblies used in the barrier system may be folded so that thermal movement and spacing tolerances are automatically compensated. Posts and panels may be decoupled to allow relative vertical displacements.

Abstract: Prefabricated elements for a quick assembling of buildings and building works in general. Said elements are realized in the form of plinths, beams, rooms, staircases, roofs, floors and panels provided with a base by means of which said panel result to be independent for what concerns the stability, all of said elements being provided with a particular shape and with particular means so as to allow the assembling for the construction of a building of one or more floors, whereby the stability of said building is guaranteed, according to the different cases, by the own weight of the elements and/or by reinforcing means realized during the assembly.

Abstract: Modular building elements which form when assembled a network of conglomerate or reinforced concrete as a bearing structure which is also anti-seismic.The modular elements are to be used for constructing flat or flat and/or vaulted brickwork, with or without air spaces. Each type of element is completed by a polyvalent modular element to be used as a single accessory for any corner, meeting point, cross wall attachment, etc. All the modular elements are equipped with groove devices suited to their particular characteristics to ensure that the assembled structure seals in conglomerate in each point, uninterrupted throughout the entire brickwork. The conglomerate network formed by the combination of all the molding characteristic of the modules is made up of vertical and horizontal seams designed to replace the pillars and beams of a reinforced concrete framework. This is anchored to the modular elements, at the same time attaching them to one another.

Abstract: A concrete bond beam is employed in building constructions using concrete slabs having hollow core channels therein serving as vertical walls. The bond beam includes at least one opening therein and a pair of downwardly extending flanges. The bond beam is mounted on top of each slab with the top edges of the slabs being received between the flanges of the bond beam so that the opening therein is aligned with a selected core channel in the slab. Reinforcement rods extend both horizontally within the confines of the bond beam and vertically through the cores in the wall slabs and the openings in the bond beam. Structural concrete columns are formed in the wall slab cores surrounding the vertical reinforcement rods. The building thus contains a matrix of structural reinforced concrete beams running both horizontally and vertically throughout the construction.

Abstract: A profound improvement in the properties and capabilities of elastomeric polyurethane joint sealing compositions is achieved by incorporating a fibrillated polyolefin of high surface area which is rendered compatible by combining it with effective stabilizing cofillers, such as titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, carbon black, fibrous talc, serpentine, kaolin, or various other metal silicate fillers. Such cofillers are capable of improving compatibility and stabilizing the sealant mixture so that unacceptable sweat out or exudation of liquid is prevented and so that the outer surface of the applied sealant has an acceptable surface quality after curing.

Abstract: An arch is formed of prefabricated reinforced concrete shells connected at the arch apex by an on-site cast concrete joint is built as a skewed underpass structure. In order to avoid complicated edge elements or a costly lengthening of the underpass, the individual reinforced concrete shells are formed to have their horizontal projection (in the horizontal projection of an assembled underpass) define a parallelogram which includes at least one acute angle which correspond to the acute angle formed by the intersection of the axis of the overpass traffic route with the axis of the underpass traffic route. Thus, edge elements are not necessary. An apex joint is formed of on-site cast concrete. Reinforcement rods extend into the apex joint and are arranged in an asymmetrical manner so that all elements can be designed and reinforced in the same manner with the reinforcement rods in the joint meeting directly.

Abstract: Precast or poured columns are erected in a plurality of rows. Precast concrete beams are placed on temporary supports between the columns in each row. The beams are slightly shorter than the distance between the columns and are not supported by the columns. Precast concrete floor slabs are placed between the precast beams of adjacent rows, with the ends of the slabs partially overlapping the beams. Temporary forms are placed around the upper portions of the columns and under the end portions of the beams and the adjacent floor slabs. Concrete is then poured to form monolithic concrete members extending over the upper sides of the beams and filling the spaces between the ends of the slabs and also the spaces between the ends of the beams and the ends of the columns for uniting the beams, slabs and columns. After sufficient curing of the poured concrete, the forms and the temporary supports are removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the reinforcement of concrete slabs in the vicinity of columns where the slabs are subjected to large bending moments and shearing forces. The invention accordingly comprises a reinforcement for flat concrete slabs comprising a plurality of substantially vertical elongate reinforcing elements fixedly attached in spaced horizontal relation to support means, each element, at least adjacent one end thereof being provided with an enlarged portion which serves to act as an anchor when the reinforcement is embedded within the concrete slab. In their preferred form, the elements consist of thin transverse sections of an I-beam, the support being provided by at least one intermediate horizontal member to which each I-section is welded.

Abstract: A system is described for erecting an apartment house or dwelling house from prefabricated components of concrete or other self-hardening materials, the components comprising wall panels, floor panels and reinforcing rods which are grouted together with the reinforcing rods to form joints which result in a finished building structure. The components used in the system and a method for erection of the structure are also described.

Abstract: A method of prejoining a pair of bricks at an angle which are to be later incorporated into a prefabricated brick panel having a pair of outer surfaces at an angle other than 90.degree. relative to each other. Either one or both ends of a pair of bricks are beveled at a total angle substantially in excess of the ultimate surface angle between the surfaces of the two adjacent bricks. The bricks are placed in a jig with the ultimate outer surfaces facing downwardly and the outer corners formed by the bevels in abutment. The V-shaped groove formed by the total angle of the bevels in excess of the ultimate angle is then filled with a cement grout which is then allowed to harden. Usually before the corners are placed in engagement, a bead of unhardened cement grout, usually colored to match the outside color of the bricks, is placed on the abutting corners.

Abstract: A structure such as a building has floors formed from horizontal slab beams and walls formed from vertical slab beams. Only the ends of the beams of the slab beams are connected to each other and to supporting elements.

Abstract: A set of interlocking building blocks capable of being assembled with each other forming wall structures without requiring mortar or any other binder. The set consists of four types of blocks and one lintel rib which are capable of forming wall structures and openings in said structures that are adapted to cooperate in locking relationship to prevent transverse or longitudinal movement of the blocks relative to one another.

Abstract: A multi-cell silo structure includes an array of vertical reinforced concrete columns. Planar diaphragm panels of either reinforced concrete or steel extend between the columns and define the walls of the cells. The panels are connected to the columns such that vertical loadings on the panels are transmitted laterally to the columns, such loadings then passing down the columns to the silo foundations.

Abstract: A three-dimensional componental module at "T" modified for industrial preformation of buildings, comprising a fundamental dissymmetrical module at "T" with a vertical slab substaining a horizontal slab presenting two flanges and on its upper surface projection-ribbings, said fundamental module developing prevalently in a longitudinal sense, is described. From said module are derived, by subtraction of the parts both of the horizontal and the vertical slabs, all the elements necessary and sufficient for the realization of buildings of the most varied distributive physionomy, means being foreseen for realizing, on said horizontal slab and on the heads of the adjacent elements, zones of casting in loco conveniently reinforced.

Abstract: Improvements in or relating to prefabricated self-supporting modular room elements for the construction of buildings, including substantially three basic modular elements, one of an inverted "U" shape, one of an inverted "L" shape and a service unit element furnished at their edges with the required means for the joining such as protruding semicircular iron rods, which by crossing themselves form an entire circle, inside which are inserted lengthwise reinforcing iron bars to strengthen the jointing before the grouting of the cement mortar and the horizontal edges are provided with grooves and recesses to receive the panels to be erected is disclosed.

Abstract: A hollow building-block-type module for a wall construction that utilizes a plurality of such modules laid up with mortared joints in staggered courses and with horizontal and vertical reinforcing bars embedded in concrete poured into the spaces or voids within the hollow blocks. The module comprises parallel side walls joined by vertical webs to define an integral void between adjacent webs of the module and voids between adjacent webs of abutting modules. The voids in each course are vertically aligned in stacks with voids of other courses and the webs are provided with notches for locating the horizontal reinforcing bars away from an adjacent side wall. The module also has lips projecting inwardly from the side walls defining an integral void so that a vertical rod inserted in a stack of voids between a side wall and the horizontal reinforcing bars is also spaced away from the interior surface of the respective side walls of the vertically aligned voids.

Abstract: A method is described for constructing a concrete building from precast concrete wall and floor panels. Each floor construction has a plurality of spaced-apart dowels which project upwardly above its surface along the proposed joint between the floor and a proposed wall, and each of the wall panels includes along its length vertical voids which extend for its full height at a spacing from one another generally the same as the spacing between the dowels projecting upward from the floor construction. The load bearing walls of the building are formed by erecting wall panels for the same vertically at the proposed joint with the dowels extending into the wall panel voids. Reinforcing rods are introduced into the voids to overlap the ones projecting upward from the floor, and the voids are filled with mortar to tie each of such wall panels to the floor below.

Abstract: The wall structure is comprised of a building panel which includes U-shaped side members each having a web portion and outwardly disposed spaced apart flange members with a plurality of sheet members extending between the web portions of the side members. The sheet members dwell in the same plane and the adjacent edges of the sheet members may be spaced from each other. Pairs of stiffener members extend between the side members on opposite sides of the sheet members and cover the adjacent edges of adjacent sheet members. The stiffener members have a beveled outer surface so that particulate material will not lodge thereon when the panel is in a vertical position. The stiffener members form an enclosed compartment along the adjacent edges of adjacent sheet members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular element used in the construction of buildings, constituted by a floor, a ceiling and vertical walls extending between the floor and the ceiling so as to define at least one parallelepipedic box-shaped compartment, the interior of which may be entirely finished, wherein the floor is constituted by a reinforced concrete slab covered by a layer of supple material on which rests a false floor or layer, connected to the vertical walls at their base, dismountable fixing means being provided between said slab and said false floor at least in each of the angles of the element.

Abstract: A partially trussed device for encasement in a concrete member is disclosed which permits transfer of shear forces. The partially trussed device preferably takes the form of two spaced parallel steel rods interconnected by steel truss members so as to form a plurality of triangular panels. If desired one or both of the rods may be incorporated into or formed integrally with the steel reinforcing of a concrete beam or column.

Abstract: A tripling or more in the production rate of precast concrete building units utilizing reusable mold forms is achieved by casting the units vertically on a wheeled base between separable vertical mold forms. The partially cured poured concrete unit is horizontally transported on the wheeled base from between the separated molds to complete the curing independently thereof, the forms being immediately serviceable with another wheeled base for molding another unit.A building is erected on a concrete slab foundation using a plurality of precast concrete units in the form of L-shaped walls positioned as corner structure and spaced intermediate exterior wall elements and as interior partitions and roof supports.

Abstract: Lightweight and structurally efficient construction or building units of cementitious materials and the method of making these units. Prefabricated cementitious strips or slabs are aligned with their longitudinal axes parallel and rigidly held in the desired orientation with each other, preferably with the use of spacer/connectors. Stressed or unstressed reinforcement elements can also be placed parallel to the lines of junction between the strips or slabs by attaching them to the spacer/connectors. Continuous prisms of cementing material or cement mortar are then applied along the junction of the strips or slabs and around the reinforcement to structurally bond all the components into an integral unit. The units are characterized by a constant cross section of relatively thin structural parts and voids normal to a major longitudinal axis. They can be massive or small depending on the particular application for which they are made.

Abstract: A foundation for supporting a superstructure in which the foundation comprises precast concrete beams mounted on and supported by at least two non-precast pier elements. Each of the pier elements is poured in place in specially formed vertical holes in the ground at the construction site and have an axially aligned reinforcing rod which extends upward above the top of the pier. Each precast beam has at least two spaced-apart apertures which overlie the respective pier elements. In one embodiment, these apertures receive the reinforcing rods of the pier elements when the beam is mounted upon the piers during construction, and cementing material is introduced into each aperture to effect a bond between the beam and each pier element associated therewith. Each precast beam is thereby supported in an upright position with the beam parallel to the ground. In another embodiment, a tubular pedestal is affixed to the top of the pier and the reinforcing rod of the pier extends into but not above the tubular pedestal.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a method for erecting a building comprising the steps of locating storey-high relatively thin-walled precast cured concrete panels having substantially L-shaped cross-sections, in a jig corresponding to a floor or portion of a floor of a building, the panels being in opposed and staggered relationship on a suitable base, the base including a channel and the lower edges of the panels being disposed in the channel, and casting a concrete slab or beam on the load-bearing walls thus erected, portions of said slab or beam as cast being disposed on opposite sides of the upper ends of the said panels thereby to lock the panels by the resulting in situ cast concrete slab or beam above them.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permanently joining at the jobsite of precast reinforced or prestressed posts and beams. The posts and beams are precast and will be used in the erection of the building when they have reached their maximum strength. Only sufficient concrete will be poured at the jobsite, as needed, to interconnect the posts and beams and perhaps the floors. Forms are used for joining together the adjacent ends of the posts and beams and providing therebetween a cavity into which concrete can be poured. The forms are preferably sectional so as to be separated and removed after the amount of concrete poured at the jobsite has set fully. These forms have clips thereon which can be connected with suitable guy supports for stabilizing the joint during the setting of the poured concrete therein.

Abstract: The invention provides a construction element in particular for towers, silos or the like, wherein there is a panel (10) whose edges form a hollow-shaped section (13) delimited by legs (14) carrying perforations (16) provided for positioning connecting elements (20) joining at least two panels (10) together, the hollow-shaped sections (13) of two panels (10) placed side by side delimiting a chaining recess (15) receiving framework components (22) and a connecting material to constitute the chaining.

Abstract: A skeleton monolithic structure and method of assembly thereof employing the maxim of providing in that each beam of the structure in the longitudinal and transverse directions thereof, is divided into two channel-forming parts, thus providing ample space for the free threading of steel cables in order to effect the prestressing. The straight-line or linear cables run through the thus formed longitudinally and transversely extending channels, while in the locations for columns they are pulled through suitable holes previously prepared for this purpose in the columns, and which concurrently define the elevational positions of the cables on supports. In the first prestressing stage, once the mortar has hardened on the joints, the linear cables are tensioned so as to avoid the occurrence of friction.

Abstract: A structural frame for a building constructed of different sized precast reinforced or prestressed posts and beams permanently united at the job site by means of unitary poured concrete joint. Posts and beams are precast and will be used in the erection of the building when they have reached their maximum strength. Only sufficient concrete will be poured at the job site, as needed, to unite the posts and beams. Sleeves are molded in axial bores disposed in the ends of the posts. Metal rods disposed in the sleeves and bottomed in the bores are used to support an upper post a predetermined distance above the top surface of the adjacent lower post to provide a space in which the joint may be formed. Horizontal beams are externally supported with their ends adjacent and above the upper end of the lower post and flush with the vertical wall of the post. The horizontal beams do not rest upon the post.

Abstract: An improved method of concrete building slab construction comprising positioning a precast base portion having longitudinally extending bridge-type reinforcing units or joists pre-stressed in place therein, with the reinforcing units being transversely stiffened on precast concrete wall panels having vertical voids and covering the slabs with concrete during final pouring operations at the building site wherein the concrete enters the vertical voids.

Abstract: A joint of beam and column-type members comprising essentially concrete of the type wherein intersecting elongate members of reinforcing steel or the like, confined with supporting members in the form of reinforcing hoops, stirrup-ties, supplementary crossties, or the like in the joint region, provide sufficient strength and ductility in the joint to withstand satisfactorily a predetermined amount of reversed flexure. A special concrete mix is prepared with fibers having a modulus of elasticity of at least about 20 million psi substantially uniformly distributed therein with an average spacing between fibers of up to about 0.3 inch and in a quantity sufficient to provide at least a predetermined flexural strength, and the joint is formed with said concrete mix and such intersecting elongate members, the number of said supporting members in the joint region being less than are required to provide said sufficient strength and ductility with concrete not containing any such fibers.

Abstract: A concrete storage tank for storing large quantities of fluids, grains or other materials and including a circular tank sidewall formed of a plurality of vertically elongated wall elements having a generally Y-shaped transverse cross-section, a slab floor, a slab roof, a perimeter footing, a perimeter tie beam, and a central tower for access and for housing pumping equipment. In one method of construction the wall elements are formed in place while in an alternative method of construction, the elements are prefabricated at a remote location and then moved into place.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete floor is constructed from a continuous slab defining a major and planar supporting surface. The continuous slab is folded at at least one beam defining path across its planar supporting surface and preferably includes a right angle grid of such folds with downward peripheral folds at the slab edges and downward V-sectioned folds to interrupt the major and planar supporting surface. By maintaining a constant vertical slab thickness and keeping the angle of the folds between 30.degree. and 60.degree. with respect to the major supporting surface, it is possible to nest and even construct a continuous stack of floors having identical overlying structural members and dimensions, such as the structurally and dimensionally repetitive overlying floors of a high-rise building.

Abstract: A concrete structure in which a post-tensioned concrete slab is supported by columns, each column being surrounded or partly surrounded by an area of concrete in the form of a hollow inverted pyramid, the column passing through the apex of the pyramid. The area concerned is formed integrally with the remainder of the slab and is of substantially uniform thickness sloping downwardly from the surrounding concrete towards the column at an angle .theta. to the horizontal such that tan .theta. lies in the range of 0.1 to 0.25 or in the case of a column near an edge or corner of the structure 0.1 to 0.35.

Abstract: A tank constructed of either cast-in-place concrete, or of precast panels of concrete which are separated from each other around the periphery of the tank with the open spaces between the panels being filled with concrete filler units poured in place. One or more collar-like horizontally-lying concrete beams surround the wall of the tank and reinforce it. Each beam is reinforced by one or more tendons encased within the beam.