Abstract: Preferred methods for manufacturing such fibers involve subjecting synthetic polymer fibers to compressive forces sufficient to achieve flattening and surface micro-diastrophism without substantially shredding and abrading the fibers.

Abstract: Preferred methods for manufacturing such fibers involve subjecting synthetic polymer fibers to compressive forces sufficient to achieve flattening and surface micro-diastrophism without substantially shredding and abrading the fibers.

Abstract: Synthetic polymer reinforcing fibers provide dispersability and strength in matrix materials such as concrete, masonry, shotcrete, and asphalt. The individual fiber bodies, substantially free of stress fractures and substantially non-fibrillatable, have generally quadrilateral cross-sectional profiles along their elongated lengths. Preferred fibers and matrix materials having such fibers demonstrate excellent finishability in addition to dispersion and toughness properties.

Abstract: A masonry block drainage system comprising a sheet-like waterproofing strip for water-sealing the top of masonry blocks having vertically-extending cavities, at least one drainage fabric member, and at least one weep member for draining water from the drainage fabric member.

Abstract: Packeted fibers comprise a plurality of fibers arranged in side-by-side manner, said plurality of fibers being cut perpendicularly to obtain terminal cut ends, and said terminal cut fiber ends being separably-binded together by a binding material along a plane defined by said fiber ends, whereby said plurality of fibers form a collated packet that facilitates introduction of the fibers into a castable composition, such as a concrete mix, and also facilitates dispersal and substantially uniform distribution of the fibers within the castable composition. Methods for packeting fibers are also disclosed.