Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to simulate, approximate, or replicate conditions similar to concrete elements being placed under pressures equivalent to several hundred feet of ocean water and to provide information useful to assess relative durability of concrete without coring or other destructive actions. The quality of concrete can be assessed by measuring the pressure drop of water or other liquid to ingress through the concrete surface under high pressure over time. A rapid assessment of quality of existing concrete is provided. Systems and methods can efficiently assess long term durability of existing concrete elements such as those used in midrise buildings, parking garages, bridge decks, and the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to simulate, approximate, or replicate conditions similar to concrete elements being placed under pressures equivalent to several hundred feet of ocean water and to provide information useful to assess relative durability of concrete without coring or other destructive actions. The quality of concrete can be assessed by measuring the pressure drop of water or other liquid to ingress through the concrete surface under high pressure over time. A rapid assessment of quality of existing concrete is provided. Systems and methods can efficiently assess long term durability of existing concrete elements such as those used in midrise buildings, parking garages, bridge decks, and the like.

Abstract: The degree of concrete surface roughness contributes to the bond strength between two concrete surfaces for either new construction or repair and retrofitting of concrete structures. Provided are novel systems and methods with industrial application to quantify concrete surface roughness from images which may be obtained from basic cameras or smartphones. A digital image processing system and method with a new index for concrete surface roughness based on the aggregate area-to-total surface area is provided. A machine learning method applying a combination of advanced techniques, including data augmentation and transfer learning, is utilized to categorize images based on the classification given during the learning process. Both methods compared favorably to a well-established method of 3D laser scanning.

Abstract: The degree of concrete surface roughness contributes to the bond strength between two concrete surfaces for either new construction or repair and retrofitting of concrete structures. Provided are novel systems and methods with industrial application to quantify concrete surface roughness from images which may be obtained from basic cameras or smartphones. A digital image processing system and method with a new index for concrete surface roughness based on the aggregate area-to-total surface area is provided. A machine learning method applying a combination of advanced techniques, including data augmentation and transfer learning, is utilized to categorize images based on the classification given during the learning process. Both methods compared favorably to a well-established method of 3D laser scanning.

Abstract: A modular railing system for on-site assembly of a railing system along a roadway is provided. The modular railing system can include a deck with an edge beam along one side and a railing that can be attached to the edge beam. Attachment of the railing to the edge beam raises the joint between the deck and the railing to inhibit water seepage into the joint. In a specific embodiment, UHPC can be used to attach the railing to the edge beam.

Abstract: A modular railing system for on-site assembly of a railing system along a roadway is provided. The modular railing system can include a deck with an edge beam along one side and a railing that can be attached to the edge beam. Attachment of the railing to the edge beam raises the joint between the deck and the railing to inhibit water seepage into the joint. In a specific embodiment, UHPC can be used to attach the railing to the edge beam.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a composite concrete structure are provided. A method can include utilizing a shell formwork with a displacement piece positioned therein. A first type of concrete can be placed in the shell formwork around the displacement piece. The displacement piece, when removed, leaves a void that is fillable with a second type of concrete for form the composite concrete structure. A reinforcement cage or reinforcement rods can be incorporated into the void prior to placement of the second type of concrete.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a composite concrete structure are provided. A method can include utilizing a shell formwork with a displacement piece positioned therein. A first type of concrete can be placed in the shell formwork around the displacement piece. The displacement piece, when removed, leaves a void that is tillable with a second type of concrete for form the composite concrete structure. A reinforcement cage or reinforcement rods can be incorporated into the void prior to placement of the second type of concrete.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for repairing and/or improving the performance of concrete structures. In preferred embodiments, the methods comprise attaching a thin shell of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) over the area of interest, the shape of the shell substantially conforming to that of the area itself, and subsequently filling a cavity defined by the shell with UHPC.

Abstract: Folded plate girders can be connected end to end to form a cambered girder, wherein a connector system including a peripheral connecting flange secures adjacent girders in series at the desired camber arc or angle.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for repairing and/or improving the performance of concrete structures. In preferred embodiments, the methods comprise attaching a thin shell of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) over the area of interest, the shape of the shell substantially conforming to that of the area itself, and subsequently filling a cavity defined by the shell with UHPC.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for repairing and/or improving the performance of concrete structures. In preferred embodiments, the methods comprise attaching a thin shell of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) over the area of interest, the shape of the shell substantially conforming to that of the area itself, and subsequently filling a cavity defined by the shell with UHPC.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for repairing and/or improving the performance of concrete structures. In preferred embodiments, the methods comprise attaching a thin shell of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) over the area of interest, the shape of the shell substantially conforming to that of the area itself, and subsequently filling a cavity defined by the shell with UHPC.

Abstract: A structural support system employs a modified inverted box girder design for improved performance and ease of fabrication. Each girder of a series of girders is formed with an upper flange section, a set of web sections extending from opposite lateral sides of the upper flange section, and a base section below the web sections. The base section includes individual flanged footings that project generally towards one another. The particular cross-sectional configuration of each girder may be formed by bending a continuous steel plate along at least a first set of preselected parallel lines to establish a set of upper continuous transitional bends with the upper flange section therebetween, as well as a remainder portion forming at least the set of web sections. A deck is coupled with the series of girders to form the structural support system.

Abstract: A structural support system employs a modified inverted box girder design for improved performance and ease of fabrication. Each girder of a series of girders is formed with an upper flange section, a set of web sections extending from opposite lateral sides of the upper flange section, and a base section below the web sections. The base section includes individual flanged footings that project generally towards one another. The particular cross-sectional configuration of each girder may be formed by bending a continuous steel plate along at least a first set of preselected parallel lines to establish a set of upper continuous transitional bends with the upper flange section therebetween, as well as a remainder portion forming at least the set of web sections. A deck is coupled with the series of girders to form the structural support system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite action system and a method for fabricating the same to meet OSHA safety requirements and allow for welding off the work site. An improved structural system achieves the desired composite behavior by providing one or more structural members, plates coupled with the structural members, transverse reinforcing members passing through apertures in the plates, and additional reinforcing members positioned parallel and transverse to the structural members to provide an interlocking composite action between the structural members, reinforcing members, and concrete.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite action system and a method for fabricating the same to meet OSHA safety requirements and allow for welding off the work site. An improved structural system achieves the desired composite behavior by providing one or more structural members, plates coupled with the structural members, transverse reinforcing members passing through apertures in the plates, and additional reinforcing members positioned parallel and transverse to the structural members to provide an interlocking composite action between the structural members, reinforcing members, and concrete.