Abstract: A channelized rainscreen framework for making a stucco wall by attaching a back side of the channelized rainscreen framework to a front side of a sheathing of a building and applying mortar to a front side of the channelized rainscreen framework. The channelized rainscreen framework comprising a lath sheet and a channel sheet, the channel sheet having a channel sheet front and a channel sheet back, the channel sheet front coupled to the lath sheet, the channel sheet having alternating troughs and peaks, the troughs and peaks running a length of the channel sheet, the peaks forward of the troughs, the channel sheet defining a plurality of channels behind the peaks. The channel sheet has a plurality of holes sized to allow enough mortar to penetrate through the channel sheet to embed it in the mortar, but not to fill the channels.

Abstract: A method for plastering construction in architectural decoration comprises the following steps: (1) base treatment; (2) performing construction positioning paying-off according to the required plastering height, and longitudinally installing screeding templates along a wall surface subjected to the base treatment in Step (1) according to the paying-off height, a lateral space between adjacent screeding templates being 1.3 to 1.8 meters; (3) plastering; and (4) laying aside the wall surface subjected to the plastering for 12 to 24 hours till plastering mortar on the wall surface is in a half-dried compact hardened state, and using teeth of a saw blade for grinding the mortar along the two adjacent screeding templates through a ruler till the mortar is even. The method can improve the construction efficiency and guarantee the construction quality.

Abstract: A method of forming a concrete wall having a substantially uniform exterior surface texture. The method includes the initial step of pouring concrete into a wall form. The concrete is poured from a first mixture and is allowed to cure. After the concrete is cured, the wall form is removed from the resultant concrete base structure. A roughened texture is then created on the base structure. A finishing mixture is then applied to the roughened texture. The finishing mixture may be created by separating the aggregate from a portion of the remaining first mixture. The finishing mixture creates a smooth texture on the exterior surfaces of the initially formed base structure.

Abstract: An integrated fiber cement and foam cladding system is provided that incorporates foam or similar light weight material to improve the insulation capacity of the cladding system. The system includes at least a fiber cement layer and a foam layer disposed on the backside of the fiber cement layer. The system improves the R-value of the building, a measure of the building's resistance to transferring heat or thermal energy.

Abstract: A method of forming architectural concrete in a quicker and more cost effective manner relative to conventional concrete formation methods. The method includes forming the architectural concrete without the use of a surface retarder, and using prescribed amounts of fine sand and aggregate to allow for creation of the desired aesthetic look of the architectural concrete.

Abstract: A form for constructing a thrower's circle includes a pair of half sections. Each half section has an upper surface and a base surface and two full length members and two half length members. The full length members and the half length members are connected together substantially at right angles to form a rectangle with four corners. A corner brace is located in each of the four corners. An inside cross member and an outside cross member extend between the half length members and are generally parallel to the full length members. A pair of semi-circles, each having substantially the same diameter that is larger than the length of the half length members and less than the length of the full length members. Means are provided for securing the half sections together so that the semi-circles form a full circle. Tubes extend from the circle toward the base to drain water from with in the circle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exterior finish system for building structures that includes a water pervious adhesive for securing an insulation layer to a water resistive barrier applied to a building wall substrate. Also disclosed is a building structure such as a building column or wall that includes the finish system and a method of using the finish system to assemble a building structure such as a column or wall.

Abstract: A self-aligning corner bead for fireproofing structural steel, having a strip of welded wire fabric cut to the appropriate width for the fireproofing thickness and bent longitudinally to form an obtuse V-shaped device is disclosed. A plastic nosing is installed along one edge. A method of finishing the corners for fireproofing of structural steel member using an improved corner bead includes the step of attaching the first wing of an obtuse V-shaped device through a lathe to the structural steel member utilizing pneumatic or screw type fasteners. The mesh structure of the second wing of the V-shaped device provides a dam to form a roughened surface on the first application of fireproofing material until it hardens.

Abstract: A combination for plumbing fixtures, particularly tiled floors with drains, is disclosed along with a method for building a tile floor using the combination. An exemplary combination includes a substantially planar shower tray bonding disk on a flooring substrate and surrounded by a prefabricated polymer foam shower tray on the flooring substrate and at the circumference of the bonding disk. The disk includes an interior rim that defines a drain opening and a plurality of slotted openings for permitting mortar to penetrate the disk. The drain opening in the disk can thus be positioned at a drain cut out in the flooring substrate.

Abstract: A panel includes a core having a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side. The panel includes a first cap disposed on the top. The panel includes a second cap disposed on the bottom. The panel includes a first grid disposed adjacent the first side. The panel includes a second grid disposed adjacent the second side. The first cap and the second cap and the first grid and the second grid defining a frame which envelopes and holds the core without piercing through the core. A stopping. An overcast. A method for building a wall.

Abstract: Processes for reducing deformation of concrete are provided herein. In some instances, the processes may include applying a moisture control membrane layer to control moisture loss of the concrete, applying an intermediate layer to the moisture control membrane layer, and applying a finish layer to the moisture control membrane layer to create a substantially level upper surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for repairing a shingle roof comprising the steps of providing a base aqueous medium selected from the group consisting of urethane, polyurethane, wax particulates dispersed in water, and butyl ether, and mixtures thereof; providing additives selected from the group consisting of sand, silica, polymer particles, plastic fibers, and fiberglass fibers, and mixtures thereof, applying the aqueous medium to a shingle roof, forming a first layer, applying the additives to the first layer, and drying the layers.

Abstract: A method for applying plaster to an external wall (1), wherein a plaster carrier in the form of plates (2) is attached to a lathwork or corresponding spacer elements (8, 14) on the external side of the wall (1), whereupon the plaster is applied in a substantially continuous surface extending over joints (9, 13) between the plates (2). For the plaster carrier, a composite plate (2) is used comprising a central supporting layer (4) of insulating material and an inner and outer reinforced, fire retardant plaster layer (5, 6) on either side of the supporting layer (4). The plaster carrier plates (2) are attached to the wall (1) by means of fastening devices (10) which are inserted through the plaster carrier plates (2) from the outside, a reinforcement (11) is placed over the joints (9, 13) between the plaster carrier plates (2) and at least some of the fastening devices (10), and a finishing plaster layer is applied to said reinforcement (11) and the outer plaster layer (6).

Abstract: A stop bead for mounting along a frame or jamb of a window or door of a building to separate the frame or jamb from plaster or stucco material during application of the plaster or stucco material to the building comprises a first side end portion and a second side end portion, the first side portion having a leading edge for engaging the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, a base panel having a front face, a stop bead wall formed on the base panel and extending outwardly above the front face of the base panel, the stop bead wall having an engaging surface for engaging plaster or stucco and a frame/jamb facing surface that faces the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, and a spacing member formed on the stop bead and extending outwardly away from the frame/jamb facing surface of the stop bead wall for spacing the stop bead wall a predetermined distance from the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb,

Abstract: A stop bead for mounting along a frame or jamb of a window or door of a building to separate the frame or jamb from plaster or stucco material during application of the plaster or stucco material to the building comprises a first side end portion and a second side end portion, the first side portion having a leading edge for engaging the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, a base panel having a front face, a stop bead wall formed on the base panel and extending outwardly above the front face of the base panel, the stop bead wall having an engaging surface for engaging plaster or stucco and a frame/jamb facing surface that faces the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, and a spacing member formed on the stop bead and extending outwardly away from the frame/jamb facing surface of the stop bead wall for spacing the stop bead wall a predetermined distance from the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb,

Abstract: An adjustable corner bead apparatus for aid in the construction of interior wall is provided, the apparatus including a first and a second elongated flange and a corner rod member. Each flange includes a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, and a plurality of axially aligned cylinders. Each of the plurality of cylinders are disposed on the first edge of each flange, each of the plurality of cylinders includes an axially aligned bore therethrough. The first and second flanges are disposed such that the first edge of the first flange is proximate the first edge of the second flange and the plurality of cylinders of the first flange are aligned coaxially with the plurality of cylinders of the second flange. The corner rod member is disposed in each bore of the plurality of cylinders of the first and second flanges.

Abstract: A mosaic concrete product, methods of creating the same, and methods of fabricating a module for use in creating the mosaic are provided. The methods of installing the mosaic upon an uncured concrete surface utilize the module. The module may be fabricated by mapping out tile in a design corresponding to the mosaic; adhering the tile to a template utilizing an adhesive, the tile being positioned thereon corresponding to the design; and allowing the adhesive to set. The module may define upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface including the tile adhered thereto. The methods of installing the mosaic comprises: positioning the module upon the uncured concrete surface; embedding the tile into the concrete surface; massaging the tile into the concrete surface to interpose a quantity of cement/fines paste between the adjacent tiles; and finishing the concrete surface.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a drying compound comprising from 50 to 85% of FGD gypsum and/or natural or processed gypsum, in mass percentages based on the total mass of the compound, presenting the following particle size characteristics: (i) a d50 from 35 to 70 ?m and (ii) a span (d90-d10/d50) lower than 2. The object of the invention is also a preparation process of the compound according to the invention. Finally, the object of the invention is a building process of a structure using this compound.

Abstract: An expanding seal for preventing water and air intrusion in gaps formed between aperture-engaged components of a wall which are surrounded by stucco or the like is provided. The device is configured to prevent moisture ingress between formed gaps created as stucco surfaces expand and contract over time which can exacerbate gaps. A first side of the body of the device engages the fixture while the opposing side is adapted for an embedded engagement with cured stucco whereby intrusion into gaps is prevented by elastic expansion and contraction of the seal.

Abstract: A building panel structure is disclosed, where the building panel structure includes composite building panels. A composite building panel includes a core and a coating applied over the core. In some embodiments the core consists of a frame and one or more than one insulating structural block. The insulating structural blocks can be encapsulated polystyrene (EPS) foam blocks. In some embodiments the coating includes an inner scratch layer and an outer main brown layer. The inner scratch layer can be formed of at least two layers. The outer main brown layer can include a fiberglass mesh embedded into the outer main brown layer. A method of forming a building panel structure is disclosed which includes forming a core using a frame and one or more than block, applying an inner scratch layer to the core, and applying an outer main brown layer over the inner scratch layer.

Abstract: A decorative concrete product and method of making the same is provided. The concrete surface carries a unique textural and visual decorative pattern that is troweled over the uncured surface. The decorative pattern strategically conceals any imperfections in the concrete surface. A decorative finishing tool is utilized to create a unique and consistent pattern throughout the exposed surface of the concrete. Unique visual patterns may include any aesthetic design including wood grain, or lightly finished honed or cut stone. The decorative finishing tool may be configured so that varying textures and contours may consistently be imprinted throughout the concrete. Advantageously, the cured concrete retains the durability of a concrete surface while carrying a visually and texturally appealing appearance.

Abstract: The induced macro-cell corrosion prevention method includes the step of replacing a corroded or chloride-contaminated section of a steel reinforcement or rebar in steel-reinforced concrete with a new rebar section free of chloride. A non-conductive insulating buffer is placed between the end sections of the new rebar and the corresponding end sections of adjacent chloride-contaminated rebar sections in order to form a non-conductive layer between the new steel and the old steel. This prevents or substantially reduces formation of a macro-cell that would cause a galvanic reaction to occur and increase corrosion potential.

Abstract: A composite wall, ceiling or floor panel (10), system and method, including a sheet (14) having a first face (18) including at least one first mounting portion (16), and at least one formwork member (20) with at least one second mounting portion (30) arranged to engage with the first mounting portion of the sheet to retain the sheet and said at least one formwork member together. Structural support comes from piers (for a wall) or beams (ceiling or floor) formed in the spacing between adjacent formwork members. The formwork members act as the core of a wall, ceiling or floor panel. An external coating (123) is applied to the formwork members, such as spray shotcrete or render. Channels (28) formed by the formwork members defines integrated ducting for services to be run.

Abstract: A new inner passageway through a pre-cast concrete structure damaged by corrosion may be formed by stackable inserts formed of polymer concrete. The inserts may be stacked in the old passageway through the pre-cast concrete structure such that an inner surface of the stacked inserts forms a new passageway through the pre-cast concrete structure. A grout may be poured between an outer surface of the stacked inserts and an inner surface of the pre-cast concrete structure forming the old passageway. The surfaces of the stackable inserts may have superior resistance to corrosive acids such that the need for future repair is greatly reduced. Suitable pre-cast concrete structures for rehabilitation include pre-cast concrete structures utilized in wastewater systems, including manholes and other similar structures. In this manner, the damaged pre-cast concrete structures do not need to be removed during the rehabilitation.

Abstract: It comprises a number of wind turbines having a modular jacket formed of at least an upper substructure, an intermediate substructure, and a lower substructure that are connectable to each other. At least the intermediate substructure in a wind turbine foundation is different in height (h) from at least one substructure in another wind turbine foundation in order to adapt the different wind turbines of the wind farm to a site having differences in depth (?H) where the wind turbines of the wind farm are installed of the order of about 20 to 60 m.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for providing a concrete crack repair system that is capable of providing a pressurized seal that continues to resist the ingress of water even as the crack continues to open and close over time. A compressible seal is provided that may be inserted into and adhesively joined to a machined groove that follows the contour of the crack in the concrete surface. After its installation in the machined groove, grout may be injected into the machined groove below the compressible seal so as to fill the space between the compressible seal and the bottom of the machined groove, which grout may also flow into the groove that is adjacent the bottom of the machined groove, thus allowing pressurized grouting of the crack itself. The compressible seal may also include an interior, hollow chamber that may allow inflation of the compressible seal within the machined groove, thus forming a permanent pressurized seal above the crack.

Abstract: A composite building construction system comprising a frame, an expanded wallboard, and a concrete layer. The wallboard comprises an outer portion and inset portion wherein the wallboard is attached to the frame with the outer portion covering an exterior side of the frame and the inset portion is disposed within the frame. The wallboard thus provides exterior and interior insulation for the system. The concrete layer is sprayed on to the outer portion of said wallboard, forming a strong durable composite construction system. One or more rebar supports may be attached to the frame at the exterior side by key bolts and are spaced apart from the wallboard. A wire grid may be attached to the key bolts whereby the grid and the rebar supports provide a support structure for the concrete layer. The frame comprises steel and the wallboard comprises insulative expanded polystyrene.

Abstract: Method for creating a liquid barrier on building sheathing, provides a polymer mixture with beads of uniform diameter, affixes mesh across joints in the sheathing and trowels the mixture onto the sheathing using a straight edge. The straight edge rolls over the beads and leaves the mixture between the beads for creating a layer have a uniform thickness. Before the layer sets, peaks of an inner corrugated surface of an insulation board are pressed into the layer for adhering the board to the sheathing, the inner surface having valleys between the peaks at a distance greater then twice the diameter of the beads. The layer sets to create the liquid barrier and for fixing the board to the sheathing with spaces left between the barrier and the valleys for water runoff across the sheathing.

Abstract: An aqueous gypsum plaster-cement composition comprises a hydraulic binder consisting of calcined gypsum and hydraulic cement in a weight ratio of from about 4:1 to about 2:1, an aggregate which comprises sand, a foam, a perlite, rice hulls or a mixture thereof, a superplasticizer comprising an air entraining agent, a retarder, and water in an amount of from about 0.4 to about 0.75 parts by weight per part of binder, with the proviso that the gypsum plaster-cement composition contains essentially neither a pozzolana nor lime. The use thereof, a method of constructing buildings using this composition and the buildings obtainable in this way are also described.

Abstract: A simulative brick or other block covering for a wall is provided with grooves cut sufficiently deep into the coating to substantially separate all simulated structured sections from each other with respect to drying and coating on the outside with a waterproof acrylic coloring material.

Abstract: A method for installing a thrower's circle in the ground of an athletic field includes assembling a form for constructing a thrower's circle dimensioned for a player throwing at least one of a hammer, a shot put, and a discus from a plurality of sections having mounted thereto a plurality of arcuate portions. When the plurality of sections are assembled together, the plurality of arcuate sections together form a full circle, and wherein a portion of the plurality of sections is disposed outside the full circle and a portion of the plurality of sections is disposed inside the full circle. The method further includes excavating the ground, placing the assembled form in the excavated ground, placing cement in the assembled form, and allowing the cement to dry.

Abstract: Disclosed is a waterproofing membrane that bonds to concrete cast against it (i.e., post-cast concrete). The membrane includes a flexible carrier sheet, a pressure sensitive adhesive, and reflective particles on the surface of the adhesive. The reflective particles should have an average diameter equal to or greater than the thickness of the pressure sensitive adhesive. Preferably, the reflective particles are ground white cement or ground white hydrated cement. The membrane does not have a removable release sheet that is typically used to prevent the adhesive portion of the membrane from adhering to the carrier sheet or other portion of the membrane when the membrane is rolled up.

Abstract: A trim bead for a building wall incorporates an outwardly extending flange portion to provide a mechanical key for a layer of exterior finishing coatings, such as stucco coatings. The trim bead may be used in stucco systems for exterior building walls that employ continuous thermal insulation over the building wall substrate.

Abstract: A building panel structure is disclosed, in which building panels are used to form a structure. A building panel is disclosed which includes a core and a coating applied over the core. In some embodiments the core consists of a frame and one or more than one insulating structural block. The insulating structural blocks can be encapsulated polystyrene (EPS) foam blocks. In some embodiments the coating includes an inner scratch layer and an outer main brown layer. The inner scratch layer can be formed of at least two layers. The outer main brown layer can include a fiberglass mesh embedded into the outer main brown layer. A method of forming a building panel is disclosed which includes forming a core using a frame and one or more blocks, applying an inner scratch layer to the core, and applying an outer main brown layer over the inner scratch layer.

Abstract: A construction element of reinforced-concrete panel (1) in which is embedded a reinforcement framework includes at least one main framework layer extending along a tensioned outer face (11) of the element (1) and to which an inner framework (3) is attached for securing to the concrete, extending to the thickness of the element (1), the latter being produced, after the placement of the reinforcement framework, by pouring concrete onto a thin continuous wall (2) forming a sacrificial formwork. The thin wall (2) forming the sacrificial formwork extends along the tensioned face (11) of the element (1) and at the same time forms the main framework layer of the element (1), the nature and thickness of the thin wall (2) being determined so as to withstand the tensile stresses generated by the forces applied to the element (1) without the risk of separation from the concrete.

Abstract: Disclosed is a waterproofing membrane that comprises a carrier sheet, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer on one surface of the carrier sheet, and a protective coating layer on the adhesive layer. The protective coating layer comprises a highly reflective protective coating layer operative to bond to concrete cast against it, particularly one that is produced from an aqueous coating comprising an acrylic emulsion, a filler, and a white pigment. The pigment volume concentration of the filler plus white pigment is greater than or equal to 55% by volume. The protective coating layer protects the membrane against weather exposure, tolerates foot traffic and strongly adheres to concrete cast against it. Also disclosed is a waterproofing membrane comprising a carrier sheet, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer, a protective coating layer, and a highly releasable bonding layer. The preferred highly releasable bonding layer comprises nanoscale silica and a binder.

Abstract: A composite building construction system and method comprising a frame, wallboard, and a concrete layer wherein the wallboard is attached to an exterior side of the frame and the concrete layer is provided on the wallboard. A wire grid is attached to and spaced apart from the wallboard to provide support for the concrete layer. The resulting building construction composite provides enhanced strength and stability due to the relatively thick layer of concrete combined with the frame, which may comprise steel. The wallboard comprises blueboard or similar insulating wallboard material that preferably includes concrete adhesion characteristics. The frame comprises outer framing members and cross-members each of which may include apertures for receiving plumbing and/or electrical wires. The apertures may also receive conduits to protect the plumbing and electrical wires. An interior side of the frame is configured to received drywall or other interior housing finishing product.

Abstract: An improved terrazzo process for applying terrazzo to an existing concrete surface comprising preparing the concrete surface, applying two coatings of primer agent, applying a layer of mortar, smoothing out and leveling the mortar topping layer, applying decorative aggregate to the mortar topping layer, troweling the aggregate into the mortar topping layer, grinding and polishing the cured aggregate/topping layer, and sealing the terrazzo finish.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of constructing a composite building using plastic foam pieces and Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete or GFRC, by providing pieces of plastic foam to a building site, joining the pieces of foam with a bonding agent to create at least a portion of the building from the foam pieces, providing the GFRC in a dry form according to a GFRC formula having various ingredients, blending the ingredients to premix the GFRC, placing the dry form GFRC into a mixer, adding water to the dry form GFRC and mixing the water and dry form GFRC to form a wet form of GFRC, allowing the wet form of GFRC to hydrate, providing a tower, placing a pump on the tower, the tower being higher than portion of the building to be sprayed, placing the wet form GFRC in the pump, pumping the wet form GFRC through a hose having a spray nozzle and spraying the GFRC onto the foam surface of the at least a portion of the building.

Abstract: Products and methods for treating imperfections in concrete surfaces, especially floors being polished, wherein the products are used with grinding equipment, and combine with concrete powder or fines to fill, e.g., cracks, holes and voids and blend with the existing color of the concrete surface thereby yielding a consistent, natural looking surface.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a fastener system is provided having an anchor (20) and a washer (40). The anchor includes an upset stud shaft (28) to which the washer is attached. The fastener system is preferably used in the inventive method of restoring/applying cladding such as plaster or plaster-like materials such as stucco. According to the inventive method, the anchors of the fastening system are driven into the building structure before application of a moisture barrier membrane. After application of the membrane, a support mesh (90) is secured to the anchors using the washers (40). This allows the membrane to provide a watertight seal around the fasteners. The inventive method may be used in new construction or restoration.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and method of forming a decorative pervious concrete system are generally described. In some embodiments, the pervious concrete system comprises a coarse pervious layer, a binder layer, a decorative pervious layer and a decorative layer sealer. In some embodiments, the decorative pervious layer comprises a decorative aggregate which may be at least partially exposed.

Abstract: A system and method of attaching a natural stone to a wall surface includes attaching a piece of natural stone to a base plate so as to leave at least a portion of the base plate uncovered by the piece of natural stone and attaching the base plate to the wall surface with a fastener extending through the uncovered portion of the base plate.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement system that utilizes a lath for receiving cementitious material. Lath is affixed to support structure such as sheathing supported by studs as may commonly be found in building construction. Strip members are affixed to the lath and function as fastener guides. Fasteners penetrate the strips for affixing lath and strips to the support structure. The strips are made of a compressible material that protects the lath from damage due to impacts associated with installing the fasteners and forms a gasket-like seal around the fasteners. Strips may be used as drainage guides for directing water that may flow behind the lath. The width of the strips creates spacing between the lath and the support structure, which allows for controlling of a thickness of a base layer of cementitious material by selecting a desired width. In another embodiment, entangled filaments are used as lath material for receiving cementitious material.

Abstract: An earth retention system constructed with a top-down process that can be used for permanent below-grade structures, similar to a “soldier beam and lagging wall,” consists of vertical soldier piles, drainage and waterproofing, and a finished, reinforced concrete facing. The concrete facing is placed pneumatically (i.e., using so-called shotcrete). The system is well-suited to constructing below-grade portions of buildings where excavation lay back is not practical or cost effective and can incorporate permanent lateral support from tieback anchors. The below-grade structure is constructed by excavating down part way, constructing a waterproof “lift” portion of the ultimate structure, excavating down another part way, constructing another waterproof lift portion in a manner to be tied in with the lift portion immediately above, and repeating these steps until the below-grade structure is constructed to the desired depth.

Abstract: A trim bead for a building wall incorporates an outwardly extending flange portion to provide a mechanical key for a layer of exterior finishing coatings, such as stucco coatings. The trim bead may be used in stucco systems for exterior building walls that employ continuous thermal insulation over the building wall substrate.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a drying compound comprising from 50 to 85% of FGD gypsum and/or natural or processed gypsum, in mass percentages based on the total mass of the compound, presenting the following particle size characteristics: (i) a d50 from 35 to 70 ?m and (ii) a span (d90-d10/d50) lower than 2. The object of the invention is also a preparation process of the compound according to the invention. Finally, the object of the invention is a building process of a structure using this compound.

Abstract: A shear wall structure is formed on a building wall or section thereof designed to accommodate anticipated wind or seismic shear loads by initially securing one or more subsurface shear panels on the interior or exterior sides of the wood or steel framing studs. Each shear panel consists of a thin steel sheet (0.015? to 0.060? thick) laminated to a thin rigid sheet material such as medium density fiberboard ( 1/16? to ¼? thick). Subsequently, the shear panels are covered with a conventional interior (e.g., drywall panels) or exterior (e.g., plaster) finishing materials.

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

Abstract: A premixed composition is formed from modified polyacrylate polymer, silicone emulsion, and silane, that cures rapidly to form a composition that can be used as a grout or coating. The premixed composition includes a latex resin including an acrylic-based polymer, a silicone emulsion, and a silane, and optionally may include various fillers, pigments, and adjuvants. These components in the proper proportions form a stable viscous suspension that can be floated into tile joints, and cleaned from an adjacent tile surface. The composition rapidly cures to form a hard mass that is resistant to abrasion, in both dry and wet conditions, is color consistent, and is resistant to staining.