Abstract: Integrally waterproof fiber cement composite materials including interior and exterior fiber cement articles for building structures are disclosed. Fiber cement formulations include small percentages of silica fume and silanol. Formulations may additionally include a cementitious binder, silica, and a density modifier such as calcium silicate or perlite. Advantageously, the addition of preselected small percentages of silica fume and silanol has been discovered to yield waterproofness at substantially lower concentrations of silica fume and silanol than would be required to yield waterproofness when using either silica fume or silanol alone.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a cutting tool and a collection assembly designed for diverting, collecting and disposing dust generated during the cutting process. The apparatus includes a cutting tool, a collection assembly together with an optional dust separator and/or collection container. The air stream generated around the blade of the cutting tool during operation diverts the generated dust particulates into the collection assembly of the cutting tool. The air stream can also transport the dust into the dust separator which transfers the dust into the collection container, when present. Optionally, the collection container further includes an air filtration assembly for storing and disposing the dust.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus comprising a cutting tool and a collection assembly designed for diverting, collecting and disposing dust generated during the cutting process. The apparatus includes a cutting tool, a collection assembly together with an optional dust separator and/or collection container. The air stream generated around the blade of the cutting tool during operation diverts the generated dust particulates into the collection assembly of the cutting tool. The air stream can also transport the dust into the dust separator which transfers the dust into the collection container, when present. Optionally, the collection container further comprises an air filtration assembly for storing and disposing the dust.

Abstract: A cementitious product and method of modifying the properties of a low or medium density FRC product by providing a predetermined pore size distribution. The pore size distribution is obtained such that in critical zones of the distribution, the pore volume is substantially equivalent to or less than the pore volume in a respective critical zone of a conventional high density FRC product. The resultant material provides improved properties over conventional medium density FRC products, in particular improved freeze/thaw durability and/or improved workability.

Abstract: An exemplary composite product and method of manufacturing is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes dewatering a first slurry through a dewatering belt to form a first substrate layer, applying a first functional layer onto at least a portion of the first substrate layer, and dewatering a second slurry through the dewatering belt to form a second substrate layer. A first side of the second substrate layer may be overlayed onto the first functional layer, and the layers may be cured, and the layers bonded.

Abstract: A cementitious product and method of modifying the properties of a low or medium density FRC product by providing a predetermined pore size distribution. The pore size distribution is obtained such that in critical zones of the distribution, the pore volume is substantially equivalent to or less than the pore volume in a respective critical zone of a conventional high density FRC product. The resultant material provides improved properties over conventional medium density FRC products, in particular improved freeze/thaw durability and/or improved workability.

Abstract: A cementitious product and method of modifying the properties of a low or medium density FRC product by providing a predetermined pore size distribution. The pore size distribution is obtained such that in critical zones of the distribution, the pore volume is substantially equivalent to or less than the pore volume in a respective critical zone of a conventional high density FRC product. The resultant material provides improved properties over conventional medium density FRC products, in particular improved freeze/thaw durability and/or improved workability.

Abstract: An exemplary composite product and method of manufacturing is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes dewatering a first slurry through a dewatering belt to form a first substrate layer, applying a first functional layer onto at least a portion of the first substrate layer, and dewatering a second slurry through the dewatering belt to form a second substrate layer. A first side of the second substrate layer may be overlayed onto the first functional layer, and the layers may be cured, and the layers bonded.

Abstract: A cementitious slurry comprising fly ash having a predominant particle size of up to about 10 microns, and/or aluminous material having a predominant particle size of up to about 150 microns. The additive acts as a water reduction agent and can replace either wholly or partially a conventional plasticizer.

Abstract: A method of making and improving a coating formulation which includes a hydraulic binder. To the formulation is added a quantity of dewatering agent. The resultant slurry produced from said formulation may be applied to the product to be coated and dewatered through said product. Dewatering can be accomplished with or without vacuum assistance.

Abstract: A cementitious slurry comprising fly ash having a predominant particle size of up to about 10 microns, and/or aluminous material having a predominant particle size of up to about 150 microns. The additive acts as a water reduction agent and can replace either wholly or partially a conventional plasticiser.

Abstract: A cementitious slurry comprising fly ash having a predominant particle size of up to about 10 microns, and/or aluminous material having a predominant particle size of up to about 150 microns. The additive acts as a water reduction agent and can replace either wholly or partially a conventional plasticiser.

Abstract: A multiple mode cement set accelerating agent is provided. The accelerating agent includes a carrier fluid component having accelerator properties and CO2 gas sequestered in the carrier fluid. The accelerator components of the carrier fluid speed up the cement setting reaction. Additionally, CO2 gas is released from the carrier fluid during cement hydration to further accelerate the hydration reaction. In certain implementations, the carrier fluid is an alkanolamine solution and the cement set accelerating agent operates through a combination of alkali activation and carbonation. The multiple mode cement cure accelerating agent can be applied to pre-selected regions of green shaped cementitious articles to form partially cured zones in the article prior to curing of the green shaped article.

Abstract: A dewatering aid for a slurry coating on a building product in which a coating formulation includes an hydraulic binder. A slurry is produced from said binder and dewatering aid and applied to the product to be coated. The resultant coating is then dewatered through said product. Dewatering can be accomplished with or without vacuum assistance.

Abstract: A multi-function composition for incorporation into settable composite materials is provided. The composition is formulated as an additive to modify the density of the composite material and increase the rate of hardening or strength development of the material. The composition of the additive generally includes an alkaline activation compound such as sodium silicate and a modified low density siliceous material having at least one region morphologically altered by a chemical, such as a partially digested region. The additive can be in slurry form, in powder form, or in an agglomerated particle form. The additive can be produced using a two-stage process in which a siliceous material is reduced in particle size, combined with an alkali compound in a solution and then digested in an atmospheric or pressurized vessel.

Abstract: A method for applying render to a substrate, said method including the steps of: securing a layer of confining mesh having a three-dimensional open cellular structure to the substrate; applying a base layer of cementitious material over the confining mesh; and screening the base layer to a depth at least substantially level with an outer surface of the confining mesh. Preferably, the method includes the further step of: applying a layer of reinforcing mesh over the base layer; and applying a top coat of cementitious material over the reinforcing mesh.

Abstract: The Abstract of the Disclosure filed herewith has replaced the previous Abstract of the Disclosure that begins with the words, “A composite product comprising a substrate layer” with the following paragraph: An exemplary composite product and method of manufacturing is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes dewatering a first slurry through a dewatering belt to form a first substrate layer, applying a first functional layer onto at least a portion of the first substrate layer, and dewatering a second slurry through the dewatering belt to form a second substrate layer. A first side of the second substrate layer may be overlayed onto the first functional layer, and the layers may be cured, and the layers bonded.

Abstract: A cementitious product and method of modifying the properties of a low or medium density FRC product by providing a predetermined pore size distribution. The pore size distribution is obtained such that in critical zones of the distribution, the pore volume is substantially equivalent to or less than the pore volume in a respective critical zone of a conventional high density FRC product. The resultant material provides improved properties over conventional medium density FRC products, in particular improved freeze/thaw durability and/or improved workability.

Abstract: An additive for use in the preparation of lightweight concrete, said additive including a blend of from around 40% to 99% of organic polymeric material and from 1% to around 60% clean air entraining agent. The additive is particularly suitable for the preparation of lightweight concrete which uses polystyrene aggregate. It provides for excellent dispersion of the polystyrene aggregate and improved bond between the polystyrene aggregate and surrounding cementitious binder. The resultant lightweight concrete formulation may be pumped and is particularly suitable for sandwich wall construction.

Abstract: A composite product comprising a substrate layer and one or more functional layers applied thereto. The slurry is applied to the substrate layer to form a functional layer and the functional layer dewatered through the substrate layer. The functional layers can be repeated to build up a laminated composite product. Functional additives may be included in each layer to provide desired properties to that layer and indeed to the subsequent composite product.