Abstract: A membrane(10) for waterproofing a substrate and a method for waterproofing a substrate using the membrane (10), where the membrane (10) comprising a laminate construction wherein the laminate comprises a carrier sheet (12), a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer (14), a particulate layer (16) partially embedded into the PSA layer (14), and a protective top-coating layer (18) attached to the particulate layer (16), the laminate having parallel side edges whereby the laminate construction can be rolled into a roll form along the side edges for shipment.

Abstract: Provided is a pre-applied waterproofing membrane having a waterproofing adhesive layer and an outer particle layer comprising synthetic polymer granules to protect the adhesive layer and to facilitate detailing at membrane-to-membrane overlaps. In preferred embodiments, the synthetic polymer granules are made from polymers selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl acetate, acrylic, and styrene butadiene copolymers or polymers. Most preferably, the synthetic polymer granules have round or spherical shapes that help to facilitate detailing at the building or installation site, such as sealing at membrane overlaps, and sealing around pipes or other details. Alternatively, the membranes may be made having side edges which are free of synthetic polymer granules, whereby a removable release liner strip can be used to prevent adhesive from sticking to the back of the membrane when the membrane is rolled up on itself for shipment.

Abstract: The present invention allows for better control over strength in concrete mixes and mix designs, while minimizing the over-use of cement and promoting sustainability within the industry. Disclosed are novel method and system which employ a diagnostic delta data (DDD) curve, or, in other words, data that displays a curvilinear relationship when plotted on a visual graph, as obtained by considering the differences (e.g., subtractive differences or ratios) as between (i) target slump and target (or maximum) water content, and (ii) slump and water content values as determined using an automated slump monitoring system which measures slump and water content in the concrete mix during delivery. This DDD curve can then be compared to monitored delta slump and delta water content for later or other deliveries, such that adjustments can be made to the concrete mix or mix design, in a manner that encourages avoidance of cement over-dosing or over-prescription.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for manufacturing cement wherein ground particles of cement and calcium sulfate are subjected to infrared sensors, laser sensors, or both, so that emanated, irradiated, transmitted, and/or absorbed energy having wavelengths principally within the range of 700 nanometers to 1 millimeter can be monitored and compared to stored data previously obtained from ground cement and sulfate particles and preferably correlated with stored strength, calorimetric, or other data values, such that adjustments can be made to the mill processing conditions, such as the form or amounts of calcium sulfate (e.g., gypsum, plaster, anhydride), or cement additive levels. The strength and other properties of cement can be thus adjusted, and its quality can be more uniform.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods for controlled strength development in a hydratable cementitious material, and more particularly to the use of polymerizable monomer components, which are initiated and activated by a redox pair which are mixed in controlled fashion, for enhancing non-hydration strength within the matrix of the plastic hydratable cementitious material before setting of the cementitious material begins. Exemplary applications include minimizing pressures on formwork for high fluid ready-mix applications, enhancing support and bonding properties for integrated concrete slab work and other sequential applications, or facilitating speedy 3D printing applications, among other unique possibilities.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary method and system for manufacturing cement in a vertical roller mill (VRM) using humidity sensor readings. This enables adjustment of operational variables such as material feed, water, grinding additives, air flow, temperature, and their combinations. Exemplary embodiments allow manufacturers to predict and to improve cement properties, such as strength and setting time, by monitoring and managing humidity of air in the VRM and/or its air flow system.

Abstract: Provided is a pre-applied waterproofing membrane having a waterproofing adhesive layer and an outer particle layer comprising synthetic polymer granules to protect the adhesive layer and to facilitate detailing at membrane-to-membrane overlaps. In preferred embodiments, the synthetic polymer granules are made from polymers selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl acetate, acrylic, and styrene butadiene copolymers or polymers. Most preferably, the synthetic polymer granules have round or spherical shapes that help to facilitate detailing at the building or installation site, such as sealing at membrane overlaps, and sealing around pipes or other details. Alternatively, the membranes may be made having side edges which are free of synthetic polymer granules, whereby a removable release liner strip can be used to prevent adhesive from sticking to the back of the membrane when the membrane is rolled up on itself for shipment.

Abstract: Disclosed are surface retarder composition and method for etching cementitious materials which achieve a desirable light “acid etch” look without using muriatic (hydrochloric) acid or sand blasting, removing the human health and environmental concerns. Formulations in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein are easier to remove from formwork or molds after demolding than conventional retarder paints. Surface retarders prevent the hydration of cement particles, which allows the uncured layer of paste next to the form to be removed such as by washing with water or other fluids, or by brushing, revealing aggregates. Also disclosed are molded cement and concrete materials or articles exhibiting such light etch.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a concrete article is disclosed. The method comprises coating a mould or formwork with a release agent; spraying a mortar onto the mould or formwork, thereby forming a layer of mortar; casting concrete into the mould or formwork and onto the layer of mortar; and allowing the concrete to hydrate and harden in the mould or formwork, whereby a concrete article having a mortar skin layer is provided. The invention also provides concrete articles made by the described methods, and concrete structures which comprise the concrete articles. Concrete articles having the mortar skins can be made to have a relatively uniform outward appearance, even if the concrete cast behind the mortar skins may be different, in composition or appearance. Pigments or colorants and other expensive admixtures can be used in the mortar skin composition to greater visual effect, since the use of the mortar skin is less in overall volume compared to the concrete articles as a whole.

Abstract: An integrated air barrier assembly is provided as an integral product in which a fastener-sealing layer is secured between opposed surfaces of a board and an anti-blocking facing layer. The assembly exhibits good fastener sealability, including for larger self-drilling screws. The anti-blocking facing layer maintains the fastener-sealing layer inward of the environment and prevents blocking or sticking of the assembly when stacked. In some embodiments, the anti-blocking facing layer can be a metal film or foil, which can reflect heat away from the fastener-sealing layer, thereby maintaining a lower temperature on the fastener-sealing layer. In some embodiments, the board can be an insulating layer or wood layer. The assembly can be readily installed in a single step during construction.

Abstract: Described are a method and system for coordinating the delivery and placement of concrete loads at a job site, and more particularly to adjusting a set time value or value range of the concrete loads, thereby to facilitate finishing or other concrete placement activities. In exemplary embodiments, the adjustments can be made based on an assessment of previously placed concrete loads. The set time values or value ranges of the concrete can be monitored and adjusted to achieve desired properties during installation and/or in its hardened state.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measurement and monitoring of physical properties of materials, such as liquids, and more particularly to acoustic instruments, methods, and systems that automatically measure air content in real-time within liquids, including concrete, mortar, or other hydratable cementitious mix suspensions using resonant electroacoustic transducers that have their radiating surfaces in contact with the liquid.

Abstract: The invention provides a waterproofing membrane which does not require a removable release sheet but which nevertheless bonds to post-cast concrete and facilitates water-tight sealing at membrane-to-membrane overlaps. The waterproofing membrane comprises a carrier and pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) layers, an inorganic particle layer having particulate bodies which are partially embedded in the PSA and which have an average particle size less than the average thickness of the PSA layer, and an anti-submarining nano-silica-containing coating layer attached to un-embedded portions of the inorganic particles to prevent total embedding into the PSA when the membrane is rolled or unrolled, whereby water-tight seams are facilitated between overlapped portions of adjacently installed waterproofing membranes, and whereby the water-tight seam is achieved preferably using only detailing or waterproofing tape and without the additional use of a liquid primer, mastic, or other coating.

Abstract: Method and composition for producing aggregates from cement and concrete, including residual or returned concrete. Exemplary methods involve the use of an aggregate-forming inducer that provides a surface anchoring site for cement paste to bond/adhere, such as shredded news print, cardboard, or mixtures thereof, and also including fiber materials such as polymers, glass, and other material fibers. The aggregate-forming inducer is mixed with fresh concrete until aggregates are formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and articles for achieving puncture-resistant waterproofing membranes and for waterproofing building and civil engineering surfaces without requiring the use of separate protection boards. Exemplary membranes and methods of the invention rely on relatively thin, flexible composite layers to provide impact resistance while yet facilitating seaming between adjacent installed membranes and minimizing formation of wrinkles, leakage channels, and “fish mouth” openings, particularly at substrate details or other surface irregularities.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions, and composition packages for spray-coating a membrane for waterproofing a concrete tunnel applications. After primer coating is applied onto a surface in the tunnel, the coating composition is sprayed to form a membrane, and then concrete is cast or sprayed against the membrane so that it can bond to the membrane. Coating compositions comprise two or more acrylate monomers, as well as initiator, accelerator, and optional additive. Preferably, the coating composition is established by using a two-part package, one part having initiator, the other part having accelerator, and each part containing the monomers and optional additives so that the two parts can be shipped to the application site and mixed in a 1:1 ratio during spraying. The waterproofing coating composition provides excellent bonding with concrete.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid composition of quicklime particles within an alkylene glycol-based paste or slurry environment, which allows for pumpability and meterability of a liquid composition into cementitious materials such as concrete and mortar. Treated quicklime particles of the present invention manifest an unexpected and surprising hydration induction postponement behavior, as demonstrated through calorimetric testing.

Abstract: Method and system to measure and monitor the grey water content in a rotating concrete mixer drum mixer truck using a sensor attached to the interior of the concrete mixer drum. By measuring the grey water content before a batching process takes place, the batched water (and cement content and admixture type and content) can be modified in order to maintain expected performance of the batched load in terms of both strength and rheology, or more simply, some or all of the grey water can be discharged from the concrete mixer drum before batching.

Abstract: A nozzle, including a support member and a nozzle boot surrounding at least a portion of the support member, the nozzle boot having a nozzle boot inlet and a nozzle boot outlet spaced from the nozzle boot inlet and a volume between the nozzle boot inlet and the nozzle boot outlet, the nozzle boot being expandable upon the introduction of fluid into the volume, and collapsible upon withdrawal of fluid from the volume. Also disclosed is a method of removing unwanted concrete from a surface by creating tensile stress to concrete adhered to that surface by causing the surface to expand, and a system for injecting fluid (s) into a rotating drum.

Abstract: Volume of a concrete mix load in a rotatable mixer drum is determined using an in-and-out sensor probe system wherein the probe submerges into and exits from the concrete during mixer drum rotation and provides data to a processor used in the system for calculating volume of the concrete mix load based on the data. To take into consideration any concavity, convexity, and/or cascading surface flow effects that can hinder accurate determination of the concrete load volume, the processor is configured to compare original batch volume and rheology of the concrete load monitored during drum rotation. The calibration of load volume involves a comparison between real-time data and historic data stored in processor-accessible memory, and further take into account the speed and tilt of the mixer drum (such as caused by roadway conditions), the concrete mix design, and other factors.