Abstract: The present invention discloses a prefabricated module, including a bottom plate, a left side plate, a top plate, and a right side plate. The bottom plate, the left side plate, the top plate, and the right side plate are connected in sequence to form a closed loop. Filling internal molds are provided inside the bottom plate, the left side plate, the top plate and the right side plate. The filling internal molds are provided with a plurality of through holes. Tensile members are further provided inside the prefabricated module, the tensile members are continuously distributed inside the bottom plate, the left side plate, the top plate and the right side plate, and the tensile members are connected end to end. The filling internal molds and the tensile members are encapsulated inside an inorganic composite material. The structure of the prefabricated module can improve the strength and reduce the weight.

Abstract: A lattice of hollow bodies for forming a concrete floor slab comprises a plurality of hollow bodies. Each of the hollow bodies is coupled to an adjacent other one of said hollow bodies. Each of the hollow bodies has an outwardly extending reinforcement support for receiving a reinforcement member.

Abstract: The three-dimensional lattice structures disclosed herein have applications including use in medical implants. Some examples of the lattice structure are structural in that they can be used to provide structural support or mechanical spacing. In some examples, the lattice can be configured as a scaffold to support bone or tissue growth. Some examples can use a repeating modified rhombic dodecahedron or radial dodeca-rhombus unit cell.

Abstract: The three-dimensional lattice structures disclosed herein have applications including use in medical implants. Some examples of the lattice structure are structural in that they can be used to provide structural support or mechanical spacing. In some examples, the lattice can be configured as a scaffold to support bone or tissue growth. Some examples can use a repeating modified rhombic dodecahedron or radial dodeca-rhombus unit cell. The lattice structures are also capable of providing a lattice structure with anisotropic properties to better suit the lattice for its intended purpose.

Abstract: A slab filler, and method for implementing fillers in a two-way concrete slab for building structures, are disclosed. The filler comprises an upper keeper tray and a lower keeper tray, and a volumetric filling element. The upper keeper tray is attached to a top of the volumetric filling element and the lower keeper tray is attached to a bottom of the volumetric filling element. The filler comprises a plurality of indicators positioned on all corners of the keeper tray to indicate an amount or level of a concrete fed on the filler. The filler further comprises grooves at an end of the spacer, configured to securely hold one or more belts. Spacers and belts are configured to receive one or more rebar. Further, the volumetric filling element is a high-density material, where the filler is incorporated without upper keeper tray and lower keeper tray.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing unitary insulated wall panels, wherein the panels form a cavity for receiving expandable foam insulation, and form integral attachment means for attaching the panel to a building wall system. Unitary foam insulated panels having integral attachment means are further provided.

Abstract: A cast lightweight construction article and methods of making the same are disclosed herein. The cast lightweight construction article can include a thermosetting resin composition, a low moisture content aggregate, and a catalyst that enhances hardening. The cast lightweight construction article can have a density ranging from about 120 pounds per cubic feet to about 170 pounds per cubic feet. The method can include forming the articles by inserting columns of a low density expanded polystyrene, low density urethane foam, low density polymerized alpha olefins, or combinations into a form, and pouring mixed liquid and dry materials into the form to cure.

Abstract: A tubular building enclosure system with thermally-broken modules having evacuated air spaces assembled in rows and/or columns to form a structurally self-supporting, thermally insulating, and solar energy collecting facade.

Abstract: A wall lining of industrial ovens for protecting from corrosion, in particular, a heat-resistant wall made of concrete, steel, sheet metal, or the like. The lining of the wall is made of at least two layers, wherein a layer is pressurized as a blocking layer.

Abstract: A dynamic concrete form includes a sleeve defining a passage extending between first and second open ends. A first attachment feature extends outwardly in a first direction from the sleeve at the first open end and a second attachment feature extends outwardly in a second direction that is opposite the first direction at the second open end. In a first position, the passage has a first axial length, the first open end lies in a first plane, and the second open end lies in a second plane. In a second position, the passage has a second axial length that is greater than the first axial length, the first open end lies in the first plane or a first new plane that is parallel to the first plane, and the second open end lies in the second plane or a second new plane that is parallel to the second plane.

Abstract: A molding arrangement for creating a recess when casting a building part for connecting the tensile reinforcement element to the building part, with the molding arrangement including at least one molding element (2) to form the recess (5) as well as at least one anchoring element (3) for the creation of a form-fitting connection between the building part and a filler material to be introduced into the recess. Additionally the invention provides a building element for thermal insulation between two building parts having the molding arrangement. And finally a method is disclosed to connect a reinforcement element to a building part.

Abstract: A confinement structure comprises one or more open cells (70) for confinement, in use, of particulate fill materials such as soil, sand or aggregate. The cells (70) comprise walls (72) formed of a composite material comprising a polymeric grid layer laminated to a fabric layer. The walls (72) may be formed from a strip of the composite material comprising one or more living hinges. The cells (70) may be provided with skirt portions (74) that extend from at least some of the walls (72).

Abstract: A conduit for the formation of pervious pavement includes a first portion and a second portion joinable to the first portion. The first portion includes a pair of first receiving notches and a pair of third receiving notches oriented perpendicular to the first receiving notches. The second portion includes a pair of second receiving notches and a pair of fourth receiving notches oriented perpendicular to the first receiving notches. When the first and second portions are joined to one another, the pair of first receiving notches cooperates with the pair of second receiving notches to define a pair of first attachment openings for receiving a first structural member of a reinforcing mesh, and the pair of third receiving notches cooperates with the pair of fourth receiving notches to define a pair of second attachment openings for receiving a second structural member of the reinforcing mesh.

Abstract: A conduit for the formation of pervious pavement includes a first connector and a second connector joinable to the first connector. The first connector includes a pair of first receiving notches. The second connector includes a pair of second receiving notches oriented perpendicular to the first receiving notches. When the first and second connector are joined to one another, the pair of first receiving notches cooperates with the second connector to define a pair of first attachment openings for receiving a first structural member of a reinforcing mesh, and the pair of second receiving notches cooperates with the first connector to define a pair of second attachment openings for receiving a second structural member of the reinforcing mesh. First and second tubes are inserted into the first and second connectors to complete the conduit assembly.

Abstract: A deck block adapted to be interconnected with other deck blocks to form an insulating deck for casting concrete. The deck block comprising a foam panel at least one hole extending into the panel from the one end toward an opposing end such that the hole has an open end and a closed end. At least one protrusion extends from the panel and the protrusion is matingly receivable in at least a portion of a hole of a like panel to interconnect the panels in an end-to-end relationship. The panel has a vertical groove extending from a bottom surface and intersecting the opening of the panel to provide a fluid flow channel from the opening to the bottom surface of the panel when the like panels are interconnected. The protrusion has a horizontal groove extending along a lower end thereof from a distal end of the protrusion to a proximal end thereof so as to intersect the vertical groove.

Abstract: A mesh assembly for the formation of pervious pavement is disclosed. The mesh is defined by a plurality of elongated structural members. The mesh has a first side and a second side. A plurality of conduits are coupled to and extend through the mesh. Each conduit has a first end defining a first opening, a second end defining a second opening, and a passageway extending between the first opening and the second opening. The plurality of conduits each have at least one of the elongated structural members extending through a sidewall of the conduit such that the first opening is positioned on the first side of the mesh and the second opening is positioned on the second side of the mesh.

Abstract: A recess former (30) is disclosed for use with anchors (35) which are to be cast into a concrete slab (61). The recess former (30) preferably includes a removable plug (36) and preferably rectangular lugs (57) which engage with corresponding apertures in the attachment head (34) of the lifting anchor and prevent the ingress of cement during casting of the slab (61). In addition, flaps (51) are preferably provided on the recess former to prevent the sides of the attachment head (34) from being encased in the concrete. Preferably the former is pivoted between open and closed positions and has a slightly V-shaped base which when abutted against a mold or formwork, urges the recess former into the closed position. Furthermore, a recess former (60-60I) is disclosed which stays behind after the casting and remains embedded in the concrete in order to provide a waterproof membrane between the recess (62) and adjacent reinforcing rods (58, 59, 71) thereby preventing corrosion of the reinforcing rods.

Abstract: An embodiment of the system for forming a movable slab foundation as comprised by the present invention has a slab foundation, at least one substantially vertical support member, at least one support surface, and at least one support sleeve. The at least one supports sleeve surrounds the at least one support member and is encased within the slab foundation and is capable of movement axially along the length of the at least one support member. The at least one vertical support member is capable of rotation relative to the at least one support sleeve to restrict the movement of the at least one support sleeve downward relative to the at least one vertical support member, thereby maintaining the height of the at least one support sleeve and the slab foundation relative to the at least one support surface.

Abstract: Hollowcore apparatus for forming a concrete hollowcore slab, comprises a casting bed, side wall elements extending longitudinally of the casting bed for defining sides of a casting mould, at least one non-sacrificial inflatable core former, at least one, preferably non-sacrificial sleeve for substantially receiving the core former, the core former and the sleeve being interconnected and the in use sleeve being turnable inside out by removal of the core former from the casting bed, and at least one holder for preventing or limiting uplift of the in use inflated core former and sleeve relative to the casting bed. A method and hollowcore slab are also provided.

Abstract: A multi-piece interconnected body for use in at least structural support and/or in creating internal cavities for an improved strength-to-weight ratio in a variety of structures is nestable prior to its assembly and use. When assembled, the device preferably forms a generally spherical and hollow body, with (1) one or more ribs or similar structural support network associated with and/or integrally formed in the body; (2) at least one latch mechanism to help hold the pieces in a desired assembled relationship with each other; and (3) a hinge or other interconnecting element that facilitates nesting and/or stacking of a plurality of the bodies with each other prior to assembly, association of the multiple parts of each body with each other prior to assembly, and ready repositioning of those parts into a desired assembled position.

Abstract: An environmentally sustainable form-inclusion system that can be utilized in reinforced concrete structures. A goal of this invention is to provide structural systems that achieve the highest level of environmental sustainability by minimizing the structure's carbon footprint and embodied energy. This engineered form-inclusion system uses materials that might otherwise become waste in landfills. The system is designed to significantly reduce raw materials, labor for placement, and transportation of material for building construction. Materials used in this engineered system, that might otherwise be placed in landfills, include but are not limited to plastic bottles, bags, waste Styrofoam, packing materials, rubber tires, and other similar waste materials, preferably compressed or assembled into controlled shapes. The shapes of these forms can be spherical, square, rectangular, cylindrical, or any other, and are specifically engineered to provide form inclusions to significantly reduce the material (e.g.

Abstract: A configurable wall is disclosed. In an example, the configurable wall includes a first hollow-formed module having an outer layer selected to portray a material of manufacture which is substantially different than a material with which the first hollow-formed module is manufactured. The wall also includes a second hollow-formed module having an outer layer selected to compliment the outer layer of the first hollow-formed module. The wall also includes an interconnect to secure the first module and the second module together.

Abstract: An end connector for use in forming a conduit in a poured concrete member is provided. The end connector is adapted to be secured to a wall of a concrete member pouring form, the end connector having a surface feature to achieve a substantially fluid tight seal upon receiving an end of a tube that extends between opposite walls of the pouring form to form a conduit in the poured structural member. The end connector has a geometry capable of nesting with at least one other end connector to minimize a container size required to transport the end connectors.

Abstract: A beaded preform includes a plurality of adjacently positioned beads for forming a plurality of voids in an engineered material. The beaded preforms may be comprised of a filaments (single strand of beads) and mats (two-dimensional and three dimensional arrays of beads). The filaments and mats may be coated to become tows and laminates, respectively, which may then be assembled into composite materials. The preforms may be produced using novel manufacturing apparatuses and methods, and incorporated into known manufacturing processes to produce porous structures, including stress-steering structures, in any material including metals, plastics, ceramics, textiles, papers, and biological materials, for example. Permanent bead material is preferably made of polyacrylonitrile, carbon fiber, or graphite.

Abstract: Module (1) for the production of concrete elements, particularly of concrete semi-finished products or of relatively “thin” in-situ concrete surfaces. The modules includes a plurality of displacement bodies (5, 5?, 5?, 5??) able to be inserted and arranged adjacent to each other in a longitudinal direction. The plurality of displacement bodies (5, 5?, 5?, 5??) is arranged respectively undetachably in a latticework (2) of bars (3, 3?, 4, 4?, 4?). The displacement body (5, 5?, 5?, 5??) is formed as a substantially oblate rotation ellipsoid with two at least slightly flattened pole sides (7, 7?, 8, 8?).

Abstract: A wall molding system using two (2) prefabricated panels, with finished exterior surfaces placed parallel to each other and held from the inside by separators-anchors. The panels may also use exterior fasteners to hold the weight and pressure of the concrete. Insulating material and structural reinforcements may also be placed inside the mold. Concrete would be used to fill the spaces between the panels.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for protecting a coupling that is disposable within a concrete structure. In one aspect, a cap for engaging a coupling of a cement coupler bar is provided. The cap includes a body having an engagement portion and a back portion, wherein the engagement portion is configured to engage the coupling of the cement coupler bar. Additionally, the cap includes a flexible tail having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the back portion of the body. In another aspect, a method of using a protective cap with a coupling of a cement coupler bar is provided. In a further aspect, a coupler bar assembly for use in reinforcing a cement structure is provided.

Abstract: Displacers are used in production of concrete surfaces. The displacers are embodied, for example, as plastic balls or plastic shells and are locked in lattices that are open on one side, preferably downwardly. The modules can then be pressed into a first or second concrete layer that can already contain a first reinforcement mesh. The thus produced semi-finished product can then be covered with a concrete mass during the subsequent finishing process.

Abstract: A construction block includes a pair of base members and a pair of side wall assemblies. Each base member defines first and second upper channels and comprises a first plurality of ribs positioned within the first upper channel and a second plurality of ribs positioned within the second upper channel. Each side wall assembly defines a hollow load chamber having an open top and an open bottom and includes a plurality of hingedly interconnected panels, each including a thermoplastic material. A first side wall assembly is releasably engaged with at least some of the first plurality of ribs of a lower one of the base members, and a second side wall assembly is releasably engaged with at least some of the second plurality of ribs of the lower one of the base members. Each side wall assembly is releasably engaged with an upper one of the base members.

Abstract: A method for the production of a building construction with the aid of permanent formwork, comprising the steps of: placing formwork on a support, wherein the formwork includes a profiled formwork form with raised parts and lowered parts; applying a curable concrete mix on top of the formwork; curing the concrete mix; and placing reinforcement in at least one of the lowered parts of the formwork form, such that a reinforced beam is formed in said at least one lowered part of the formwork form. Such formwork is relatively lightweight and can provide certain physical building characteristics such as fire retardancy, thermal insulation and optionally acoustic insulation.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete load bearing structure in the form of a concrete beam or slab includes a concrete structural member and a hollow element such as a PVC pipe or steel tube extending through the concrete structural member. The load bearing structure also includes a plurality of steel reinforced rods and steel stirrups or rivets formed into a cage like skeleton surrounding the hollow element and being encased in the concrete that forms the concrete structural member. In an alternative form a concrete slab or floor having a length, width and thickness with a plurality of parallel load bearing supports is disclosed. The integral support has a rectangular or trapezoidal shape that extends downwardly under the floor with a hollow tube surrounded by a case like structure extending through the support member.

Abstract: A multi-piece interconnected body for use in at least structural support and/or in creating internal cavities for an improved strength-to-weight ratio in a variety of structures is nestable prior to its assembly and use. When assembled, the device preferably forms a generally spherical and hollow body, with (1) one or more ribs or similar structural support network associated with and/or integrally formed in the body; (2) at least one latch mechanism to help hold the pieces in a desired assembled relationship with each other; and (3) a hinge or other interconnecting element that facilitates nesting and/or stacking of a plurality of the bodies with each other prior to assembly, association of the multiple parts of each body with each other prior to assembly, and ready repositioning of those parts into a desired assembled position.

Abstract: A structural support system includes one or more generally vertically extending columns of curable material wherein each column defines an outer column periphery. A base of curable material is preferably monolithically formed with the column on its lower portion. In one embodiment, the base may have an outer periphery that increases or varies along the base and wherein a foundation of curable material is formed over at least a portion of the base whereby the column, the base, and the foundation are mechanically locked together to resist lateral, torsional, and/or upwardly directed vertical forces.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for moulding a substantially hollow building panel (12) of the kind having spaced opposed outer panel walls (14) interconnected by a plurality of spaced formations 16 such that adjacent formations each define a void (18) therebetween. The apparatus including a mould (20) having means to define an outer surface of least one of the outer panel walls and a plurality of spaced apart inflatable void forming plug members (26) connectable with an inflation means, disposed within the mould. The apparatus further including a means to introduce a settable wet mix into the mould.

Abstract: Construction element for forming a reinforced concrete slab (2), consisting of the combination of at least a hardened concrete layer (3), at least a number of reinforcement elements (4) and elements (5) extending at least partially from the concrete layer (3) and defining cavities (6), whereby these elements (5) are designed to be covered with concrete (7) at a later stage characterised in that the above-mentioned elements (5) defining the cavities (6) consist of elements (5) which can be mutually nested as such.

Abstract: A portable protection system including a selectively collapsible truss for supporting a protection member. The truss is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The protection member includes at least one layer of ballistic armor material for disrupting a projectile. The truss includes suitable connectors for releasably connecting the protection member to the truss, and also suitable connectors for releasably connecting the truss to an adjoining truss so as to form a protection wall.

Abstract: An improved railing/wall system for elevated slab balconies. The system uses a number of fascia brackets to secure posts to the outer face of the elevated slab balcony. The posts have a base track secured to them. Infill panels are then placed between the posts to provide the wall structure. A top rail can be used to cover the top of the infill panels. The lower portion of the infill panels also can be tinted to conceal the face of the concrete balcony, if desired. The infill panels can be selected from a group of materials, including tempered glass, pickets, expanded metal, perforated metal, metal cut with water jets or a composite material.

Abstract: A method for producing an engineered building material comprising at least a first and second cementitious reinforced expanded honeycomb product, the method comprising: affixing at least one end of the first cementitious reinforced expanded honeycomb product to at least one end of the second cementitious reinforced expanded honeycomb product via a coupler device.

Abstract: A method of forming an insulated concrete foundation is provided comprising constructing a foundation frame, the frame comprising an insulating form having an opening, inserting a pocket former into the opening; placing concrete inside the foundation frame; and removing the pocket former after the placed concrete has set, wherein the concrete forms a pocket in the placed concrete that is accessible through the opening. The method may further comprise sealing the opening by placing a sealing plug or sealing material in the opening. A system for forming an insulated concrete foundation is provided comprising a plurality of interconnected insulating forms, the insulating forms having a rigid outer member protecting and encasing an insulating material, and at least one gripping lip extending outwardly from the outer member to provide a pest barrier. At least one insulating form has an opening into which a removable pocket former is inserted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wall element embodied in the form of a hollow precast concrete part comprising an internal wall, an external wall and a number of vertical channels which pass through the entire wall element from the top to lower faces thereof and whose cross-section reduces toward the wall base. When the wall element is positioned on the basement, it is possible to pour a cast-in-place concrete from the top into one or several vertical channels. The poured cast-in-place concrete attains through the channels, the wall base and further down in such a way that it penetrates into the basement or connecting elements. The hardened or solidified filling concrete forms a wedge which fixedly connects the wall element to a hollow brick of the basement.

Abstract: A system for storing water in or under a concrete slab of the type in which one or more void forming elements are used to form one or more voids in the concrete slab. The system comprises one or more water storage means, such as pipes (12, 14, 26, 18 and 20) positioned in the one or more void forming elements (10) and at least one port (26) for supplying water to the one or more water storage means. The void forming elements may be boxes.

Abstract: A concrete wall forming system including a plurality of mold units for forming a wall of concrete. The mold units include a bond beam form extending into the body lengthwise, defined by a first wall, a second wall, a bond beam form bottom, a first end and a second end where the first wall and second wall extend a depth defined by a portion of the distance from the top surface to the bottom surface and where the bond beam form does not touch the first side or the second side. First and second ledges extend lengthwise along the body from the first and second sides respectively to the first and second walls respectively of the bond beam form. The bond beam form bottom extends from the first wall to the second wall. At least two column forms extend from the bond beam form bottom to a bottom surface.

Abstract: A concrete wall forming system of mold units that include first and second panel members and a plurality of connecting members. The panel members each have a horizontal length of three to thirty feet and a vertical height of three to twenty feet. The inner sides of the panels include slots extending vertically therethrough. The connecting members are detachable and securable with respect to the panels and extend the length vertically therebetween to maintain a spatial distance for defining a molding chamber. The connecting members include flanges detachably and securably extending within the slots in the panels. A mid-section portion in the connecting members contains a plurality of pour holes spaced along its length vertically. Concrete can be poured into the molding chamber and through the pour holes and once allowed to set and harden forms an insulated concrete wall.

Abstract: An end connector for use in forming a conduit in a poured concrete member is provided. The end connector is adapted to be secured to a wall of a concrete member pouring form, the end connector having a surface feature to achieve a substantially fluid tight seal upon receiving an end of a tube that extends between opposite walls of the pouring form to form a conduit in the poured structural member. The end connector has a geometry capable of nesting with at least one other end connector to minimize a container size required to transport the end connectors.

Abstract: A concrete form panel has a plurality of studs. A first and second panel are fastened to the studs to define concrete receiving cavities between the first panel and the second panel. A fastening strip attaches the panels to the stud and is vertically oriented. In addition, a netting may span the studs. An opening extending from panel to panel may create a concrete-to-concrete interface between concrete in the form panel and a concrete footing. A column may be formed in this fashion. Moreover, ports, such as windows and door, may be provided in wall assembly. The assembly may be attached by a truss anchor to a truss for a roof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite structural members comprising polymers, natural and synthetic fibers, and nano-scale platelets arranged in two- or three-dimensional cellular skeletal structure; more particularly referring to a low-cost natural-fiber based structural member with material hybridization and material layout for improved behavior that leads to efficient structural beam and plate/panel components that can be used in a plurality of modular structures, resulting in lower cost and reduced environmental impact.

Abstract: A roofing element comprises a structural box of concrete and an insulating layer extending inside the structural box.

Abstract: A hand-held void forming device, including a handle having two handle elements moveable relative to each other; and a void forming portion having two void forming elements moveable relative to each other, the void forming portion being operatively connected to the handle whereby movement of the handle elements relative to each other moves the void forming elements relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a concrete floor, particularly a temperable concrete floor, containing an upper side and an underside, containing first concrete-free spaces, particularly cavities, that comprise at least one first wall surface, particularly two, three, four or more wall surfaces, along at least one section, said at least one first wall surface being essentially planar, concave, convex or corrugated or denticulate and being aligned not essentially parallel or perpendicular to the underside and/or upper side of the concrete floor, and containing second concrete-free spaces, particularly second cavities, whereby the first concrete-free spaces, particularly two, three, four or a plurality of first concrete-free spaces, and the second concrete-free spaces are arranged in the concrete floor in alternating succession, at least in sections, and, in particular, connectible to one another or connected to one another, whereby said first concrete-free spaces have a larger maximum diameter in crossect

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided an insert for placement in a mold for forming a concrete jar to form holes in the interior of the concrete jar for receiving steps and a method for forming holes in the interior of a concrete jar or manhole casing for receiving steps to enable a worker to climb into and out of said concrete jar or manhole casing, the insert including two hollow tubular anchors, each of the anchors having a first end and a second end, each of the anchors being equal in length, a rigid frame connected to the first end of each of the two anchors, the frame having a front side and a back side, the two hollow anchors extending from the front side of the frame, the anchors being parallel to each other, and the anchors being closed at the first end and open at the second end.