Abstract: A wall reinforcing system is provided for strengthening of walls formed of masonry or from wood, metal or other structural materials. A basic system comprises utilization of rigid, fiber reinforced polymer plates of a length to extend substantially the full vertical heigth of the wall. These plates incorporate a plurality of filamentary fibers of length to extend the full length of a plate with these fibers formed from carbon, glass or other material exhibiting high tensile strength and are affixed in a cured polymer matrix. A number of these plates are securely fixed to a wall in spaced parallel relationship by a resin bonding agent or by mechanical fastening devices, or by a combination of both. A plate may include a plurality of plates secured in stacked, superposed relationship and ridgidly secured together by a resin bonding agent into a unitary structure.

Abstract: A structural member having greatly enhanced load bearing capacity per unit weight has a plurality of helical components wrapped around a longitudinal axis. The helical components have straight segments rigidly connected end to end in a helical configuration. In a basic repeating unit, three helical components have a common angular orientation, a common longitudinal axis, and are spaced apart from each other at equal distances. Another three reverse helical components also have a common angular orientation, a common longitudinal axis, and are spaced apart from each other at equal distances, but have an opposing angular orientation. These six helical components appear as a triangle when viewed along the axis due to the straight segments. An additional six helical are configured as above but rotated with respect to the first six components such that the member appears as a six-pointed star when viewed from the axis.

Abstract: An inexpensive, lightweight, strong and durable casting that has a surface appearance simulating carved stone, and is especially adapted for use as a transition between a brick or stone wall and window and door openings. Further, it provides architectural detail to building constructions, especially as a surround for window and door openings. The casting is produced from a mixture of graded aggregates and a resin binder, combined in predetermined proportions to make a soupy mixture that is cast in a mold. The mold is vibrated to cause migration of air bubbles away from the surface of the molded product, and to cause realignment and orientation of the aggregate materials in a way to enhance the structure and surface density of the product. After the casting has set, it is removed from the mold and cured and the surface is sandblasted to erode away some of the resin binder and portions of the aggregate at the surface to produce an appearance that is an accurate simulation of carved stone.

Abstract: Concrete structures, such as beams, columns, decks, walls, and the like are reinforced by advanced fibrous composite, concrete reinforcing devices, embedded in concrete, the devices comprising, respectively, at least one continuous band of tow, yarn, or strand of high strength, high modulus, fibrous laminate material having a multitude of very fine structural filaments as laminae bonded together in endless belt formation, such band or bands forming a bar of endless belt formation having at least two length portions extending longitudinally in substantially coextensive spaced relationship as load-bearing tendons, with end portions continuing around opposite ends of the device in unbroken continuity. The tendons of the bar may be either straight or deflected and may be pre-tensioned or post-tensioned. A band may be interlaced as a continuous perimeter, mesh shell.

Abstract: An open grid fabric for reinforcing wall systems and a method of making same. First and second sets of substantially parallel, selected rovings are combined using certain knits, leno weaves, or adhesive methods. The rovings are direct-sized with at least a silane sizing and preferably have a linear density between 100 and 2000 grams per thousand meters and are arranged at an average of 3 to 10 ends per inch. A polymeric coating is applied to the fabric at a level of 10 to 150 parts dry weight of resin to 100 parts by weight of the fabric while assuring that the open grid remains open. A method for reinforcing a wall system and a wall segment product utilizing the novel open grid fabric of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A synthetic reinforcement having surface features that facilitate adhesion of the reinforcement to another surface and a process for making the same is disclosed. The synthetic reinforcement is comprised of a plurality of continuous fibers that are maintained in position by a resin encasement. An external surface of the synthetic reinforcement can be characterized by micro-recesses that are located in a generally random pattern, which increases the surface area of the resin encasement.

Abstract: Composite reinforcements (100, 100A, 100B, 100C) are formed by combining a first plurality of continuous fibers (102) with a second plurality of continuous fibers (106) with the first and second pluralities of continuous fibers (102, 106) being impregnated with at least one appropriate resin material (R1, R2, R3) and pultruded to form the reinforcements. The first and second pluralities of continuous fibers (102, 106) can be intermixed with one another or combined as a central core (104, 132) of the first fibers with a jacket (108, 108A, 108B, 134) formed by the second fibers. In either event, the combined fibers are formed as an elongated rod (110) and rigidified using the resin material. The first fibers are glass, either E-glass or S-2 glass, with the second fibers being either carbon, aramid, S-2 glass or AR-glass.

Abstract: A localized fiber reinforcement places strong tensile strength fibers across a hypothetical split line near notches in beams to curtail split propagation caused by cross-grain tension that may otherwise significantly reduce the strength of a beam used as a spanning member. An adhesive coated patch may be applied after a notch is cut in the beam or fibers may be attached to a beam at a factory near the location of an anticipated notching.

Abstract: After sanding the upper surface 6 of a concrete slab 2, thermosetting resin 13 is poured onto the upper surface, and a unidirectional reinforcing fiber sheet is laid on the resin 13. The reinforcing fiber sheet is supported on the upper surface of the slab at the ends of the sheet by anchor pins 14 and maintained in a stretched state, to thereby impregnate the resin into the sheet and adhere the sheet to the upper surface of the slab. The resin-impregnated fiber sheet is then cured to reinforce the slab. The resin used has a viscosity of 5,000 cP or less at 20.degree. C., a thixotropic index of 3 or less at 20.degree. C., and a glass transition point of 60.degree. C. or greater after hardening.

Abstract: A method is provided for reinforcing the face or faces of walls so as to prevent or reduce the likelihood of failure when such walls are subjected to atypical loadings such as are encountered during earthquakes. The method includes the step of applying a resin-impregnated fabric layer over a portion of an exposed face of a wall to be reinforced. The method includes the further step of anchoring the resin-impregnated fabric layer to a structural member of the wall using fabric fasteners, adhesives, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A transportable assembly of composite reinforcing sleeves for reinforcing a support column includes a plurality of sleeves defining a discontinuity at lateral edges, wherein each sleeve comprises a plurality of first high tensile strength filaments extending parallel to one another, a plurality of second high tensile strength filaments extending parallel to one another at an angle to the first filaments, and a matrix of fully cured resin in which the first and second filaments are embedded. The sleeves are arranged concentrically and held together by the matrix, with a release film interposed between adjacent sleeves. Each sleeve terminates in edges which are spaced from one another to define a gap in said sleeve, the gaps of said sleeves being in alignment with one another.

Abstract: The invention presents a non-metallic laminated composite reinforcing rod for use in reinforced or prestressed concrete. The rod is made by creating a sheet of core material comprising a number of layers of "pre-preg" material. Ribs are formed on top of the core from additional layers of pre-preg material laid with the fibers transverse to those in the core. The ribs are then covered by additional layers of pre-preg laid with fibers parallel to the core fibers. The material is heated to fuse the layers. Finally, the sheets of laminated reinforcement are cut parallel to the core fibers to the width desired. The resulting reinforcing rod is superior to steel in corrosion resistance, flexibility, durability, and strength. The reinforcing rod may be used as a prestressing tendon in prestressed concrete after encasing the ends of the rod in an attachment formed of a sleeve filled with groutingmaterial such as mortar or epoxy. The glass-fiber embodiment is non-conductive.

Abstract: Fiber reinforced plastic FRP formed about concrete piles and columns. The FRP components generally includes an exterior shell and an interior pultruted component. The exterior shell can include multilayers of fibers wrapped in straight hoop patterns in single sheets with or without longitudinal axial fibers. Alternatively the exterior shell can include angled wrapped fibers. The interior FRP pultruted component comes in various forms such as pultruted ribs, crossed attached ribs, interior co-axial concentric cylinders and additional shapes such as ones having an H cross-shaped pattern. The FRP materials can consist of fiber and resin such as a preferred embodiment of approximately 60% glass and 40% polyester. Other fiber type materials include but are not limited to glass, carbon, Kevlar, combinations thereof, and the like. Types of resin include but are not limited to polyester, vinylester, epoxy, combinations thereof, and the like.

Abstract: An elastomeric polysulfide composite in which rubber particles, particularly crumb rubber, are distributed substantially uniformly through an elastomeric polysulfide layer, roofing made from such composites, and the method of forming roofing in which the composite is associated with a rubber particle mat.

Abstract: An elongated wood structural member or beam for bearing predetermined loads transverse to the lengths of the members preferably includes multiple elongate wood segments bonded together with their lengths generally aligned with the beam length as in a glue-laminated members. The predetermined load corresponds to a resisting moment that produces compressive and tensile stresses in the structural member in respective compression and tension portions of the beam on opposite sides of a neutral axis. A synthetic tension reinforcement having multiple synthetic fiber strands held within a resin matrix is adhered to at least one of the wood segments in the tension portion of the structural member and is selected to be substantially capable of bearing the tensile stress produced by the resisting moment and cooperates with the wood segments to position the neutral axis within the beam.

Abstract: An open grid fabric for reinforcing wall systems and a method of making same. First and second sets of substantially parallel, selected rovings are combined using certain knits, leno weaves, or adhesive methods. The rovings are direct-sized with at least a silane sizing and preferably have a linear density between 100 and 2000 grams per thousand meters and are arranged at an average of 3 to 10 ends per inch. A polymeric coating is applied to the fabric at a level of 10 to 150 parts dry weight of resin to 100 parts by weight of the fabric while assuring that the open grid remains open. A method for reinforcing a wall system and a wall segment product utilizing the novel open grid fabric of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A glue laminated structural wood member for bearing a structural loads transverse includes multiple laminae bonded together and arranged according to their moduli of elasticity. In an alternative embodiment, the structural wood member includes a synthetic compression reinforcement positioned in a portion of the member subjective to compressive stresses.

Abstract: A construction element has the dimensions of formwork panel sheets of elemental concrete formwork and a thickness substantially less than at least one of its other dimensions. In terms of weight, the construction element is comprised of more than 50% plastic and less than 50% small, thin pieces of metal. The pieces of metal are distributed statistically evenly in the plastic, shorter than the construction element is thick, and preferably made of aluminum. The thermal transfer coefficient of the construction element is at least that of wood/plastic casting boards.

Abstract: A reinforced structural member, a process for manufacturing the reinforced structural member, and a method of connecting the reinforced structural members to one another are presented. The reinforced structural member includes a reinforcing material which is bonded to a wooden substrate in areas of anticipated connection of the reinforced structural member. The reinforcing material may comprise a fiberglass sheet, a wood laminate sheet, a coating of epoxy resin, or a combination of any of the foregoing.

Abstract: A synthetic reinforcement having a plurality of recesses on a surface to facilitate adhesion to wood structural members and a process for making the same is disclosed. The synthetic reinforcement is comprised of a plurality of continuous fibers that are maintained in position by a resin encasement. The surface of the synthetic reinforcement is characterized by recesses that are located in a generally random pattern, which increases the surface area of the resin encasement. The synthetic reinforcement is connectable to wood laminae or itself with commercial grade adhesives such as the resorcinol resins, which are suitable for adhering the wood laminae together.

Abstract: A laminated material for preventing fire in the engine room of a ship has a base layer made of a woven or nonwoven fabric of specific fibers, and aluminum foil or the like bonded to at least one side of the base layer. Since aluminum foil or the similar foil having an excellent sealing ability and a property of plastic deformability is bonded to one or both of the opposite surfaces of the base layer having excellent heat resistance, excellent oil resistance and sufficient strength, defects of the fabric and those of aluminum foil are eliminated, and synergistic benefits can be obtained. In a method for preventing fire in the engine room of a ship, the laminated material is cut out to obtain a laminated tape and a laminated sheet, which are used in combination to cover portions having various configurations. According to this method, even unskilled persons can securely cover portions from which oil is likely to spout.

Abstract: An improved wood substitute product (56) is provided having sawability and fastener-holding properties which approximate natural wood. The product (56) includes an outermost casing (20) preformed to a desired shape and filled with a cementitious fill material (55) including respective amounts of cement and synthetic resin foam. In fabrication procedures, the casing (20) is first formed as a hollow tubular body by roll forming, rotational molding or similar techniques, whereupon the body is temporarily capped and filled with the material (55). A filling device (28) is preferably employed for this purpose, which includes a pumping assembly (32) as well as an elongated horn (30), which is complemental with the casing (20).

Abstract: A decorative facing can be placed on a block so as to render an ordinary block decorative. This provides the advantage of reducing transportation costs, since locally produced construction blocks can be used in place of the glazed blocks produced at a relatively limited number of facilities. The facing in addition to being decorative enhances the water impermeability of the block and facilitates clean-up.

Abstract: An elastomeric polysulfide composite in which rubber particles, particularly crumb rubber, are distributed substantially uniformly through an elastomeric polysulfide layer, roofing made from such composites, and the method of forming roofing in which the composite is associated with a rubber particle mat.

Abstract: A method for reinforcing a concrete structure is disclosed in which the steps of (a) applying to a long fiber prepreg an adhesive, (b) attaching on the surface of the concrete structure the long fiber prepreg with the adhesive interposed between the surface of the concrete structure and the long fiber prepreg, and (c) curing the thermosetting resin at an ambient temperature are performed. The long fiber prepreg has as a matrix a thermosetting resin with a curing temperature of 70.degree. C. or above. The adhesive has a curing temperature of from 10.degree. to 40.degree. C., and accelerates the curing of the thermosetting resin impregnated in the long fiber prepreg.

Abstract: Rubber-crumb-reinforced cement-concrete structures (such as mortar (0), cement board (30), concrete masonry units (40), and concrete pipe (50)) provide resistance to cracking, increase resistance to acid rain, lower weight, improve shock wave absorption, lower heat conductivity and improve the acoustical environment. The structures preferably are made of concrete having a predetermined proportion (from about 1 to about 30 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of cement) of recycled scrap rubber crumbs which are preferably undirectionally aligned in the cross-section of the structures.

Abstract: Composite boards made primarily from recycled waste paper and methods for production of such boards are described.

Abstract: A reinforcing panel and process for making the same for use in reinforcing wood structural members including laminated beams, wood I-beams, and trusses. The reinforcing panel is comprised of a plurality of synthetic fibers that are arranged parallel to one another and aligned with the longitudinal direction of the panel, and accordingly the wood structure. The panel has substantially no transverse fibers. The fibers are maintained in position by a resin encasement that completely encloses the fibers with the exception of some fibers that are closest to the surface. The surface of the reinforcing panel is treated so that those fibers closest to the surface of the panel are caused to "hair up" so that the reinforcing panel may be used with non-epoxy adhesives which are commonly used in the laminated beam industry, such as resorcinol.

Abstract: A solvent mixture of a petroleum distillate and toluene is disclosed. The solvent is used to dissolve a hydrocarbon resin and block copolymers of styrene and isoprene or styrene and butadiene and the solution is applied to newly constructed basement walls to provide a water-resistant elastomeric coating on the walls.

Abstract: Reinforcing fibres made from polyolefin and polyolefin derivatives, the fibres having a thickness of 10-100 .mu.m and containing inorganic particles of a size of 1-10 .mu.m in an amount of at least 12% by weight, calculated on the total fibre weight, the particles being embedded in the polyolefin or polyolefin derivative, substantially none of the particles being exposed at fibre surfaces. The inorganic particles are preferably chalk or barium sulphate. The fibres are prepared from a fibrillated, stretched, blown or cast film, which may have been subjected to a surface treatment such as a corona treatment or application of avivage. The reinforcing fibers are useful in composite materials comprising an inorganic binder such as cement and puzzolane.

Abstract: Rubber crumb reinforced cement-concrete structures provide resistance to cracking, improve shock wave absorption, lower heat conductivity and improve the acoustical environment. The structures are comprised of cement-like materials having a predetermined proportion (from about 1% to about 30% by weight of cement) of recycled scrap rubber crumbs undirectionally aligned in the cross section of said structures.

Abstract: A laminate having high strength and excellent resistance to moisture comprised of a fiberglass reinforced polyester panel adhesively attached with a water reactive adhesive to a tempered hardboard panel.

Abstract: A fiber wallboard, or similar rigid or non-rigid substrate, is directed via a conveyor through a roll coater for providing an adhesive layer on one side of the substrate. Packages of continuous strands, such as textile yarns, are supported on a yarn creel, and drawn through expansion combs and underneath a nip roll for being press rolled into the adhesive coating layer. The pattern of lateral yarn separation established with the expansion combs creates a particular design on the finished face of the substrate, and may be varied. The substrate with applied strands is dried and trimmed. Marginal edge yarns are particularly located relative the substrate edges so that yarn gaps surround seams between adjacent panel substrates. Seaming tape with additional textile yarns supported thereon may be fitted in the gaps to hide such seams.

Abstract: A method of fabricating stone-simulated articles including facings for substrates, involving roller-flattening mixtures of preferably polyester resins, curing agent, polyester-dispersed pigments, fumed silica (and other) filler and aluminum trihydrate filler into flat stone-pattern-simulating surfaces or slabs, maintaining the same sufficiently cool (as by refrigeration) to prevent curing until it is desired to use the same, and then applying to, and rolling over a substrate to be covered or faced, or otherwise forming the same into the desired article, and permitting to cure under the action of said curing agent, with the resulting product containing the stone-simulated pattern throughout.

Abstract: Novel artificial or simulated stone facing formed on a substrate with surface-cured finish conformance to the finish of the innerface of a thin flexible film air-sealed to the outer surface of the facing before curing.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced structural member comprises a shell element formed of a fiber reinforced material such as, for example, a fiber reinforced plastic, and a core element having a large joining surface fixedly joined to the inner surface of the shell element, and comprising one or a plurality of primary core elements each formed of a fiber reinforced material such as, for example, a fiber reinforced plastic, in the form of a tube or a channel, and internally filled with a filling material such as, for example, foam polyurethane. Since the shell element and the core element are joined together over the large joining area, an external force applied to the fiber reinforced structural member is distributed over the large joining surface and hence the stress in the joining surface is reduced, so that the durability and reliability of the fiber reinforced structural member is enhanced.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a concrete structure such as columns and beams with sufficient reinforcement in the shear strength to be durable against earthquakes, etc. A reinforcing member composed of a fiber-reinforced plastic is applied onto the outer periphery of a concrete structural member by winding the fiber strands around the outer periphery of the concrete structural member while impregnating the fiber material with a resin.

Abstract: A composite structure comprises at least one ply comprising approximately parallel unidirected twines comprising helically-configured matrix-impregnated continuous strands of filament reinforcements to provide a flanged composite cantilever spring which serves as the principal constituent of a coupling structure. An interior ply of a coupling structure body member comprises unidirected longitudinal twines configured at a body member extremity to provide a flange member connected to a cantilever spring. An exterior ply is disposed transversely of and superimposed upon the interior ply to provide the cantilever spring hinge line. The composite cantilever spring can be constructed to deflect about either a straight or curved hinge line. A preferred tubular form of the coupling structure comprises at least one end configured as a polygonal array of flanged cantilever springs which serve as the socket end of a spring-lock coupling used to connect mating flanged spigot-end structures.

Abstract: A composite structure comprises at least one ply comprising approximately parallel unidirected twines comprising helically-configured matrix-impregnated continuous strands of filament reinforcements to provide a flanged composite cantilever spring which serves as the principal constituent of a coupling structure. An interior ply of a coupling structure body member comprises unidirected longitudinal twines configured at a body member extremity to provide a flange member connected to a cantilever spring. An exterior ply is disposed transversely of and superimposed upon the interior ply to provide the cantilever spring hinge line. The composite cantilever spring can be constructed to deflect about either a straight or curved hinge line. A preferred tubular form of the coupling structure comprises at least one end configured as a polygonal array of flanged cantilever springs which serve as the socket end of a spring-lock coupling used to connect mating flanged spigot-end structures.

Abstract: A tendon for prestressed concrete wherein inorganic particles are coated on an outer surface of a rod made of fiber reinforced plastic through a plastic adhesive layer. The inorganic particles are formed with minute rugged surface portions on the outer surface of the tendon for prestressed concrete, the rugged surface portions being firmly adhered to concrete. The inorganic particles are coated on the whole outer surface of the tendon for prestressed concrete, on the fixed portions at both ends, or on the fixed portions at both ends and on a portion subjected to the maximum bending moment.

Abstract: The invention relates to building components, for example studs for supporting wall boards, made of a plaster-resin mixture, with a fibrous sheet embedded near the surface. Components according to the invention have excellent fire-resistant properties. Such components can be made by, for example, introducing a plaster-resin slurry into a mould lined with fibrous sheets, and allowing the slurry to set, or they may be made continuously by, for example, passing the slurry and sheets through one or more suitably profiled conveyors, vibration being employed to cause the slurry to penetrate through the sheets. Such components may be of H, C or U section for use as, for example, studs. They can also be used, for example, as ceiling panels or acoustic tiles, for which purposes they may be of hollow or channel form, and be filled with fibrous or other porous material.

Abstract: Underground storage tank for fluids which has an inner and an outer wall of thermosetting reinforced plastics material and a leak monitoring space between these walls, said space comprising a continuous air and liquid permeable synthetic concrete mixture of a thermosetting resin and compression resistant filling material having no small components, the concrete forming the static load bearing layer of the tank, the dosing of the synthetic resin being such that a sufficient wetting of the surfaces of the filling material particles is achieved for the bonding of the filling material particles with one another while securing the continuous leak monitoring space, and the synthetic resin concrete layer being firmly bonded to the thermosetting plastic of the inner wall and the outer so as to form a homogeneous unit.

Abstract: A composite building panel is disclosed. This building panel is comprised of at least one metal reinforcing member; a layer comprised of glass fiber, said layer being fastened to said metal reinforcing member(s); and a three-dimensional, cross-linked polyester resin layer which abuts said glass fiber layer.

Abstract: A composite material is formed with a porous core obtained by randomly folding or crumpling metal foils or filaments and has a coating adapted to strengthen the final product, of an adhering synthetic resinous material. Preferably, the core material is made more dense at the surface than at the interior as by hammering, pressing, striking, rolling, etc. To permit greater penetration of the resinous coating into the core, the core may be slit, punched or bored. The surface of the coating material may be further treated by fillers, painting, coating, vapor deposition, etc.

Abstract: A building panel comprising, when completed, a substantially rigid polyester resin building mass in sheet form having molded therein a plurality of closely compacted porous scoria rock particles of varied size in range of 1/4 to 11/4 inch diameter size and each comprising vesicules of varied size in range of 0.1 to 0.5 millimeters diameter that occupy the major portion of the volume of each such particle, such particles being compacted to form a substantially incompressible mass, said polyester resin being of substantial tensile strength and extending between the rock particles and including fingerlike intrusions extending into the larger vesicules of the rock particles and holding the rock particles together, said compacted rock particles substantially filling the entire volume of the polyester resinous mass, and including portions extending beyond the volume occupied by such polyester resin mass.

Abstract: A composite load-bearing structural column utilizable as studding in the exterior walls of wooden frame buildings includes a pair of vertically extending parallel and spaced wooden stud elements. Substantially completely filling the space between the stud elements there is positioned a core of mineral fibre felt having the fibres thereof bonded together with a resinous material. The core is joined adhesively on the respective opposite faces thereof to corresponding abutting faces of the stud elements. The core has a depth at least as great as the combined depths of the stud elements.

Abstract: A laminate which is useful as a construction material is disclosed. It comprises: (1) a base layer of a synthetic resin having inferior weather-proof characteristics; and (2) a protective layer of a crosslinked acrylate and/or methacrylate/crosslinked styrene-acrylonitrile/uncrosslinked styrene-acrylonitrile polymer composition attached to the base layer. The laminate can be used as a material for siding, gutter systems, downspouts, soffit and fascia systems, shutters, window casings and the like.

Abstract: The specification discloses a reinforcing fabric for concrete or the like and a method for making the same in which stirrup members are joined to the fabric by rigid joining members such that the stirrup members are retained generally in the plane of the fabric. The joining members are bendable, however, such that the stirrup members can be rotated to an erect position projecting away from the plane of the fabric. In an alternative embodiment, individual stirrup projections are joined to the fabric and are made of rigid but bendable materials so that they can individually be bent out of the general plane of the fabric.

Abstract: A process for bonding a glass fiber reinforced plastic to a ferro-cement ucture to improve impact strength of the ferro-cement structure comprising the steps curing the ferro-cement mortar; acid etching the mortar on the side of the ferro-cement mortar to which the glass fiber reinforced plastic is to be bonded, rinsing the mortar, drying the mortar, applying a coat of adhesive to the mortar and attaching the glass fiber reinforced plastic to the bonded mortar surface. The adhesive may be partially cured if desired.