Abstract: The invention relates to the reinforcement of material with fibres, whereby the fibres are orientated by means of electrical fields. In this way, the fibres can also be concentrated on places which are especially subjected to stress so that a considerably greater strength increase is obtained from a smaller amount of reinforcement fibres than used in conventional methods.

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: Decorative precast concrete boards having a pore-free decorative porcelain-tile-like, hewn-stone-like or relief surface and a porous core layer are provided. Such precast concrete boards are produced by applying inorganic cement mortar containing siliceous volcanic sand called "shirasu" in a flat mold made of an elastomeric material so as to form the pore-free surface and pouring thereon an inorganic concrete mortar containing expanded particles of said siliceous sand as the aggregate. The concrete boards do not suffer efflorescence.

Abstract: A sheeting panel for trenches formed of a rectangular frame and a pair cover plates which collectively define a chamber housing foam plastic reinforced by steel cord mesh or steel cord waste thereby providing the sheeting panel with inherent strength to resist loads placed thereon by earth when the sheeting panel is used for shoring trenches or the like.

Abstract: This specification discloses a method of and apparatus for forming concrete reinforcing elements having enlarged ends and also discloses a reinforced composite incorporating such elements. In one embodiment the enlarged ends are formed by folding the edges of a strip of sheet metal onto itself while in another form the enlarged ends are formed by edge rolling a strip. In both cases the reinforcing element is formed by transversely shearing the strip after its edge has been modified. The reinforcing elements as described above are shown to have a greater pull-out resistance than plain elements.