Abstract: A method for building an ice structure includes making a plurality of ice logs or ice beams and attaching the ice logs together to form a support structure. The support structure may be two or more stories high and may be constructed by freezing the ice logs or ice beams together.

Abstract: A method for levelling an anchoring system for a dropped ceiling, a floating floor, a pipe or a cable tray, having at least one support bracket for the pipe or a section bar of a support frame of a dropped ceiling, a floating floor or a cable tray, and an adjustment screw to adjust the distance of the section bar from a reference surface, wherein a laser receiver is placed in contact with the section bar or the support bracket, has an optical window to receive a laser beam emitted by a laser level, assumes two height states indicating the receiving position of the laser beam relative to a reference position, and transmits, in a wireless manner, two control signals corresponding to the two height states, and wherein an electric screwdriver receives, in a wireless manner, the control signals and switches the rotation of the adjustment screw between one direction and the opposite direction based on the control signal received.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assembling structural components are disclosed. The systems and methods consider a sequence, operations of the sequence, and an approach vector in placing structural members (including structural members with pre-attached fasteners) for assembling structural components.

Abstract: A thermal insulating material made from date palm surface fibers and a method of manufacturing the thermal insulating material using waste material from the date palm tree is provided. The thermal insulating material includes date palm surface fibers and polyvinyl alcohol. The method may include softening date palm surface fibers (DPSF), drying the DPSF, infusing the DPSF with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and casting the PVA infused DPSF to produce the thermal insulating material made from date palm surface fibers. The thermal insulating material has a low thermal conductivity, demonstrating its suitability to insulating structures.

Abstract: A method of engineering monolithic earthen masonry consists of selecting sufficient amount of subsoil mixture and straws, wherein physical characteristics of the subsoil mixture are determined from a sieve analysis test and a hydrometer analysis. The proper mixing ratios of the subsoil mixture and the straws provide a composite sample. The composite sample is then dried and lastly exposed to a compressive test. If optimal plurality of particle size percentage distributions within the subsoil mixture is not obtainable due to lack of resources, the end-product of the non-ideal subsoil mixture is adjusted within the aforementioned method or thickness and/or height of a building to compensate for the load-bearing capacities of the building.

Abstract: A plasterboard includes a first layer of plaster and a second layer of plaster, wherein the first layer includes activated carbon; the second layer includes a scavenging agent, wherein a content of scavenging agent in the first layer, expressed as percentage by weight of dry matter, is less than a content of scavenging agent in the second layer, and wherein the second layer is free of activated carbon.

Abstract: A marking device for marking a truss element of a truss may include a print mechanism arranged to print selected truss information on lumber elements moving on a conveyance system passed the print mechanism, the selected truss information including one of an element identifying truss diagram, a truss plate location, and an intersecting member identifier, a position sensing device configured to sense the position of the lumber relative to the print mechanism, and a computing component, the computing component including a geometry extraction module for extracting the geometry of the element to be marked, an element marking generator for generating print instructions for the selected truss information, a position sensing module for interfacing with the position sensing device to ascertain the position of the lumber element, and a print control module for controlling the print mechanism to print the selected truss information.

Abstract: A tile leveler contains: a pressing base, a rotation block, and a pulling member. The pressing base includes at least one first plate and two second plates. Among a central portion of the at least one first plate and the two second plates is defined an elongated orifice. Two ribs are fixed beside two sides of the elongated orifice, and the two second plates has two U-shaped notches respectively. The rotation block is fixed between and connected with the two second plates, and the rotation block includes two coupling shafts, an accommodation chamber, and multiple recesses corresponding to the two ribs. The pulling member includes a head segment, an extension, and an action segment. A part of the head segment is retained in the accommodation chamber, the extension extends out of the cutout, and the action segment extends through the elongated orifice.

Abstract: Floor panels (1, 1?) are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system that may be locked with a vertical displacement of a first panel against a second panel. The locking system includes a flexible strip (6) that during locking bends upwardly or downwardly. The locking system includes a first (7a) and a second (7b) joint edge section with different locking functions. One section provides a horizontal locking and another section provides a vertical locking.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to preparing models of three-dimensional structures. In particular, a model of a three-dimensional structure constructed of porous geometries is prepared. A component file including a porous CAD volume having a predefined portion of a boundary. A space including the porous CAD volume is populated with unit cells overlapping the predefined portion of the boundary. The unit cells are populated with porous geometries having a plurality of struts having nodes on each end. At least a first strut overlaps the predefined portion of the boundary and has a length, a first node outside the porous CAD volume, and a second node inside the porous CAD volume. All struts entirely outside the porous CAD volume are removed. After removal of the struts entirely outside the porous CAD volume, each of the remaining struts is connected to a node at each end thereof.

Abstract: A structural insulated panel building system comprising panels, corners, ringbeams and boxseams having a molded core of expanded polystyrene sandwiched between, and bonded to, at least two facings. The facings are attached to faces of the core formed by molding. Preferably the core is an expanded polymer molding and the preferred polymer is polystyrene. The building system can be used for residential, commercial and industrial structures.

Abstract: A composite flooring structure and method of constructing a composite flooring structure are disclosed. An elongate plastic base having a top surface and a plurality of side walls forming a perimeter about the top surface is provided. An elongate contact surface material is secured to the elongate plastic base atop the plastic base, wherein the length and width of the elongate contact surface material exceeds the length and width of the elongate plastic base. After securing the elongate contact surface material to the elongate plastic base, the elongate contact surface material is cut such that the length and width of the elongate contact surface material approximates the length and width of the elongate plastic base. The elongate plastic base has a plurality of wings disposed about the sides of plastic base. The alignment wings are removed from the elongate plastic base after securing the elongate contact surface material to the elongate plastic base.

Abstract: The invention comprises a product. The product comprises a foam insulating panel, the panel having a first primary surface and an opposite second primary surface, wherein the foam insulating panel defines at least one recessed channel in the first primary surface, the at least one recessed channel being sized and shaped to provide a mold for a structural reinforcing member. The product also comprises a concrete panel formed on the first primary surface and filling the at least one recessed channel so as to provide a structural reinforcing member for the concrete panel. The product further comprises an elongate anchor member in the foam insulating panel and extending from the first primary surface of the foam insulating panel into the concrete panel. A method of making a composite reinforced insulated concrete structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: Modular floor tiles and modular floor systems are described herein. A floor tile system includes a modular floor tile and a plurality of resilient support assemblies. The modular floor tile includes a top surface layer having a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of rigid support portions extending from the bottom surface. The resilient support assemblies are supported against the bottom surface and include an outer resilient support portion having a hollow interior, and an inner resilient support portion positioned centrally relative to the outer resilient support portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods of radiant heat rejection, and structures for use in same, where Aluminet® is provided in a roof or an attic of a building structure. The Aluminet® material is installed by providing a structure for the material to breathe, that is, the material is provided so that an air space surrounds it.

Abstract: An enclosure pod for housing and protection of an animal comprises a water-proof hardened structural shell defining a chamber; a door providing entry and exit from the chamber; an air supply system configured to provide sufficient life-sustaining air to the chamber; a lighting system configured to provide ambient lighting to the chamber; a food/water/medicine dispenser; a vitals measuring device; a camera including a speaker and microphone; a global positioning system; a communication system including a transceiver and an antenna; a strobe light; a beacon; a waste containment system; and a computer in communication with the door, the air supply system, lighting system, food/water/medicine dispenser, global positioning system, camera, vitals measuring device, and communication system, the computer being configured to automatically control and in response to remote control of the operations of these elements.

Abstract: A protective shelter includes an enclosure having at least a floor, at least one sidewall coupled to the floor, a protected opening in the at least one sidewall, and a roof coupled to the at least one sidewall. The protective shelter includes a plurality of attachment fixtures each coupled to at least one of a set including the sidewall and the roof and a plurality of recesses at the at least one sidewall. Each of the plurality of recesses is sized to receive therein an anchoring assembly coupled to one of the plurality of attachment fixtures and couplable to a respective anchoring device on an underlying substrate.

Abstract: A system for installing tubing of hydronic thermal control systems in the walls, including ceilings, of buildings allows for the stable incorporation of the tubing in the walls while ensuring good thermal conductivity between the tubing and the building's room. The system features a wall including a hydronic thermal management system. The wall comprises a vertically-extending wall support structure, tubing panels secured to the wall support structure, the panels being constructed from wood material, tubing in the tubing panels for carrying a heat transfer fluid, and drywall panels secured over the tubing panels. A filling material is applied between the tubing and the drywall panels. Also a high thermally conductive layer, such as aluminum foil, is used between the filling material and the drywall panels or between the filling material and the tubing panels.

Abstract: A flooring for covering a floor substrate includes a hybrid underlayment and a plurality of interlocking synthetic tiles. The hybrid underlayment is coupled to the floor substrate with a first adhesive layer. The hybrid underlayment includes an extruded thermoplastic sheet having a plurality of gas-filled expanded thermoplastic microspheres distributed throughout the thermoplastic sheet. Each of the plurality of interlocking synthetic tiles is coupled to the hybrid underlayment with a second adhesive layer.

Abstract: The invention is a floor that consists of structural insulated composite panels (SICP) made of an expanded polystyrene or polyurethane core and fiberglass reinforced phenolic resin outer skins. The density of the core and the thickness and fiberglass component of the skin as well as the thickness of the panel can be modified depending on the application. The floor panels are supported along the ends by the walls acting as deep beams by a bolt and angle system or by a “Strong Dog” system as well as by an Offset Adjustable Foundation Leg system.

Abstract: A marine grade, exterior composite finish flooring comprised of a plurality of synthetic wood strips, evenly spaced and joined with a silicone adhesive. The fabrication process involves coating a board with a masking agent and then sawing the board into strips so that the masking agent is only on the tops of the strips and not on the edges. Then adhering the strips to a substrate to achieve proper spacing and orientation. A silicone adhesive caulk is then pressed into the joints and allowed to partially cure. The caulk stuck on the surface of the boards is easily removed as a result of the masking agent. Completed panels are then adhered to a subfloor, for example on the deck of a boat for a durable and aesthetically pleasing deck surface.

Abstract: A modular construction member and kit including panels having sides, each side defining a matrix of holes. The matrices of holes are complementary to one another so that when connected to one another by connectors, any one of the connected sides may be coplanar with a side of the other panel.

Abstract: An adjustable tile spacer is described. In one example, the tile spacer includes a first support bar connected to a first spacer arm. The first spacer arm has a top face to abut a wall and support a tile. A second support bar is movably connected to the first support bar. A second spacer arm is connected the second support bar. The first spacer arm has a bottom face to abut a wall and to support the second support bar against a tile. A lock fixes the first and the second support bars in a position with respect to each other when the lock is engaged to define a distance between the top face and the bottom face corresponding to a gap between two tiles.

Abstract: A floating sub-floor system includes panel assemblies in which each panel assembly includes a surface panel and a base panel. A bottom side of the base panel includes a vent channel system which provides passageways for moisture to evaporate and/or flow under the sub-floor. The surface panel and the base panel are coupled together so that complementary ship lap and overlap joints are formed along the sides of each panel assembly. Methods of fabrication and installation are disclosed.

Abstract: A vertical joint system for substrates is formed with joints Jm and Jf which engaged by relative motion in a direction perpendicular to major surfaces and of the substrate. The joints are configured to enable relative rotation of up to 3 degrees (i.e. clockwise or anticlockwise) while maintaining engagement of the joints. The joints Jm and Jf are further configured to form two locking planes, one on each of the inner and outer most sides of the joint. Engagement about the locking planes is provided by transverse outward extending surfaces Cm1, Cm2, Cf1 and Cf2. The surface Cf1 and Cf2 overhang the surfaces Cm1 and Cm2. At least one surface in each pair of engaging surfaces: Cf1 and Cm1; and, Cf2 and Cm2 is smoothly curved. The joints Jm and Jf can be further arranged to provide a third locking plane parallel to and between the locking planes.

Abstract: A free movement, arris protection, construction joint has a pair of arris protection members formed complementarily from strips of sheet with a continuous trapezium wave form. A divider one of the members is typically 100 mm deep for a nominal 0.1 m deep slab. The other one is typically 50 mm deep. The members are of steel plate. The wave form is comprised of flanges extending in the length of the joint and of webs angled to the flanges and the length of the joint. The flanges are spaced on opposite sides of a mid-plane of the joint. The members are bolted together with flangible nylon bolts, with their top (in use) edges flush. Welded to the outer ones of the flanges are L strips having apertures in their flats extending from the flanges for anchoring the joint to its slabs.

Abstract: A sub-flooring panel with improved impact and/or sound deadening (ISD) properties that is adapted to adjoin other sub-flooring panels to form a sub-flooring panel assembly, includes a base body having an upper surface formed with a groove for receiving a heating/cooling element, such as hydronic piping. A sub-flooring system with significantly improved ISD properties includes the panel assembly and an underlayment assembly which comprises a plurality of stabilizing supports, each support being adjustable in height, to support at least a generally rigid board and a fiberboard on which finishing flooring or laminate may be installed.

Abstract: Tactile detection embedment plates used in pedestrian walkways releasably aligned by a bracket on at least one of the embedment plates. The bracket can be mated with a bracket on another plate engage a wedge or wedge parts for a releasable plate assembly connection.

Abstract: A work platform system for implementation in relation to a structure, as well as subsystems and components thereof and methods of implementation and use relating thereto, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the work platform system includes a first pair of flexible elements and a second pair of flexible elements, where a respective first end of each of the flexible elements is coupled at least indirectly to a first support component and a respective second end of each of the flexible elements is coupled at least indirectly to a second support component. The work platform system can further include a plurality of panel structures supported upon the flexible elements, a suspension component, and a clamp structure coupled to at least one of the first pair of flexible elements and the second pair of flexible elements. The work platform system can include one or more support extension.

Abstract: A work platform system for implementation in relation to a structure, as well as subsystems and components thereof and methods of implementation and use relating thereto, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the work platform system includes a first pair of flexible elements and a second pair of flexible elements, where a respective first end of each of the flexible elements is coupled at least indirectly to a first support component and a respective second end of each of the flexible elements is coupled at least indirectly to a second support component. The work platform system can further include a plurality of panel structures supported upon the flexible elements, a suspension component, and a suspender structure coupled to at least one of the first pair of flexible elements and the second pair of flexible elements. The work platform system can include one or more support extension.

Abstract: A load bearing structure including a first fixed net layer, a second fixed net layer and a non-linear structure in between. The first fixed net layer may include a first layer of flexible, drapable fabric and a fixing material that fixes the shape of the first layer of flexible, drapable fabric. The second fixed net layer may include a second layer of flexible, drapable fabric and a fixing material that fixes the shape of the second layer of flexible, drapable fabric. The non-linear reinforcing structure may be in communication with the first and second fixed net layers and may be configured to share with the first and second fixed net layers a load applied to the load bearing structure.

Abstract: A field-deployable construction set for the assembly of a Relocatable Habitat Unit (RHU), used for simulating real world environments without costly construction expenses. The various panels, supports, and accessories used to construct an RHU provide the user with innumerable options for floor plans and building design, further providing significant options for reconfiguration of floor, ceiling, and wall panels without having to disassemble the structure. The exterior composition of the expanded polymer foam is customizable to provide a realistic environment for high quality training in a versatile system that is deployable by truck or aircraft and can be assembled with only a single tool.

Abstract: A modular building system uses a perimeter bond beam and prefabricated wall panels to form an exterior curtain wall. The wall panels are captured within, and may move vertically inside a channel formed in the bond beam. The wall panels are quickly erected by inserting an upper edge of each panel into the channel and swinging the panel onto the foundation where it is claimed in place on the foundation.

Abstract: An impact attenuating tile system that can be selectively installed and uninstalled without damaging the modular tiles making up the system is disclosed. The system uses a support ladder to support the seam between two modular tiles. The seam can support wheelchairs and other heavy equipment positioned on the seam between two tiles without the tiles coming apart. Additionally, the tiles can be selectively removed without damaging or disfiguring the tiles. The system taught herein allows a user to implement a system which provides fall height attenuation, is ADA complaint, is not prone to creating tripping hazards even under high loads, and can be removed or replaced as deemed appropriate and can be selectively removed without cutting, disfiguring compromising the tiles.

Abstract: A structural connector is provided that limits transmissions of vibrations between connected structural elements in a building or structure. The structural connector is formed from two opposing sheets with a vibration damping material connecting the two.

Abstract: A design and fabrication technique whereby a coping cap and/or transition can be supplied with mitered corner sections and other transitional components which utilize the identical prefinished or bare sheet metal material(s) without any reliance on exposed mechanical fasteners, welding, soldering, or post-applied paints. This is essentially accomplished by joining the prefinished sheet material(s) together using a mesh screen and adhesive on the underside (non-exposed) face of the sheet material(s).

Abstract: A building array (800, 900, 902) comprising at least one building element (100, 200) having a first face (102, 202), a second face (104, 204) and a peripheral edge member (108, 208), the first face and second face being spaced apart to define an intermediate portion (106, 108), the peripheral edge member extending around the intermediate portion whereby at least a portion of the peripheral edge member comprises an edge profile (112, 212); and at least one boundary element (300, 400, 500, 600) comprising a planar base member (304, 404, 504, 604) removably attachable to a structural support element (802), at least one flange (306, 406, 506, 606) extending substantially orthogonally from the planar base member and an edge restraining formation (310, 410, 510, 610) extending laterally from the flange remote from the planar base member. The edge restraining formation is configured for releasably engaging with the edge profile of the building element.

Abstract: Example safety barrier systems for vehicle loading docks comprise a retractable flexible barrier with a special powered latching mechanism that locks the barrier in place and prevents it from being retracted under certain hazardous dock conditions. In some examples, the barrier cannot be retracted when there is no vehicle at the dock while the dock's door is open. In some examples, an alarm is energized when concurrently the door is open, the barrier is retracted and there is no vehicle at the dock.

Abstract: Provided is a method of forming an architectural concrete wall. The method includes conveying a concrete mixture onto a base surface and floating the concrete mixture. The method further includes providing an elongate irregular surface forming tool having a gripping portion and a distressing portion defining an irregular configuration. The exposed surface is repeatedly struck with the distressing portion of the irregular surface forming tool to define an irregular surface.

Abstract: A landscaping block, patio block, wall block and/or retaining wall block having a multi-textured or patterned exposed surface that can be used in landscaping, retaining wall, and/or patio block systems utilizing a plurality of blocks with a multi-textured or patterned exposed surface. The blocks having the multi-textured or patterned exposed surface can be used in landscaping, retaining wall, and/or patio block systems having a first block type and a second block type. The multi-textured or patterned exposed surface blocks can be used in the construction of walls, fences, and patios to create a geometric design or pattern or a repeating geometric design or pattern in a visually exposed surface of the wall, fence and/or patio constructed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique in undercut excavation that allows a continuous steel reinforced concrete floor to be set up or installed over a large width and length and installing continuous steel reinforced concrete floors in any subsequent lifts. Using the present invention, the continuous concrete floor can be extended at a later date if the stopping area is extended at some future date.

Abstract: A grating clamp is for fixing grating to a support. The grating clamp comprises: a fixing member being adapted to fix the grating to the support by bearing on top of two adjacent grating beams. The grating clamp further comprises: a first clamp member bearing against the grating and bearing against the support in a direction away from the grating; and a second clamp member bearing against the support in a direction towards the grating. A method is also for fixing a grating to a support.

Abstract: A pallet configured to be coupled to another pallet to form a modular structure. The pallet includes a top surface and a bottom surface including a longitudinal center axis. First and second cross-bar elements are coupled to and extend outward from the bottom surface. The first cross-bar element is positioned parallel to and at a first distance from the center axis, and the second cross-bar element positioned parallel to and at a second distance from the center axis different than the first distance.

Abstract: Described is a method for making façades of buildings, comprising the following operations: fixing on an external wall (6) of a building a plurality of support elements (2), each projecting from the wall (6) and equipped with an insulating sleeve (4); applying and bonding to the wall (6) a plurality of insulating panels (15) made of expanded polystyrene, letting terminal ends (14) of the support elements (2), each surrounded by the respective insulating sleeve (4), protrude beyond the insulating panels (15); putting on the insulating sleeves (4) a plurality of bearing panels (16) made of fibre cement; applying and bonding the bearing panels (16) on the insulating panels (15); constraining a plurality of discrete finishing elements (23), such as stone slabs or tiles, to the bearing panels (16).

Abstract: A flooring system is constructed on a base. The flooring system includes a permeable barrier layer, a porous underlayment, an impermeable sealing layer, and a flooring. The barrier layer is configured to cover the base. The underlayment overlies the barrier layer, with the barrier layer preventing binding of the underlayment to the base while permitting fluid to pass between the base and underlayment. The underlayment presents a top face, and the sealing layer coats the top face of the underlayment. The flooring is fixed relative to the top face of the underlayment.

Abstract: A system of aligning a panel comprising a base shoe having two side walls and a concave base surface and a mounting pad having a substantially flat bottom surface and a convex top surface corresponding to the concave base surface of the base shoe. When the mounting pad is disposed beneath the concave base surface of the base shoe the system achieves vertical plumb. Each side wall of the base shoe may define at least one groove therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening member for fastening of elements, which fastening member has at least a first side and a second side, wherein the first side of the fastening member has at least two transversal extensions. The fastening member has at least one longitudinal extension, and at least two holes, in the longitudinal axis of the fastening member. The invention further relates to a system and a method for manufacturing a fastening member used for fastening of elements, and an arrangement and a use for fastening elements.

Abstract: A structure and method of designing and constructing a building that includes a core wall structure, a plurality of support walls attached to and cantilevered from the core wall structure, a plurality of floor structures arranged vertically and attached to the core wall structure so that each floor structure of the plurality of floor structures is supported from below by a first set of the plurality of support walls and from above by a second set of the plurality of support walls, a position of the second set of the plurality of support walls radially offset from a position of the first set of the plurality of support walls, and a plurality of openings in the core wall, wherein at least one opening is provided between any two successive floor structures and alternating openings in a vertical direction are arranged to align along an angle of vertical offset.

Abstract: Provided is a modular construction kit adapted to construct a raised temporary platform, the modular construction kit comprising one or more floor elements, wherein the floor element comprises a monocoque structure forming a floor section and a flange section, wherein the flange section is adapted to strengthen the floor element and is adapted to be attached to a further element to form a self-supporting floor, without the requirement for a supporting floor frame.

Abstract: In a method of floor construction in a machinery preceding conveyance area of a building, such as a nuclear power plant, a floor of the building is divided into two work zones, floor and outer wall construction is performed in one of the work zones of the divided work zones of the floor as building work, preceding carry-in articles is installed in sequence as electric/mechanic equipment installing working, and partition wall construction which is building work is performed. In the other work zone, construction work of the floor and outer walls is performed as building working during the electric/mechanic equipment installing working in the aforementioned one of the divided work zone.