Abstract: Described are a method and system for minimizing errors in the manufacture or management of aggregate-containing construction materials such as concrete. Aggregates used for making concrete are stored or weighed in dry bulk bin type hoppers, and conveyed from these hoppers into mixer drums which batching or mix the concrete. The hoppers or conveyor belts may contain sensor probes for measuring moisture levels in the aggregate. These sensor probes require calibration from time to time, but time and expense are required for proper calibration, leading to habitually erroneous moisture level data used in the industry on a daily basis. The present inventors believe that the smallest inaccuracies in aggregate moisture level readings can have profound effects on the properties of the resultant concrete product.

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: Exemplary methods and systems of the invention minimize errors in the manufacture or management of aggregate-containing construction materials such as concrete. Aggregates used for making concrete are stored or weighed in dry bulk bin type hoppers, and conveyed from these hoppers into mixer drums which batching or mix the concrete. The hoppers or conveyor belts may contain sensor probes for measuring moisture levels in the aggregate. These sensor probes require calibration from time to time, but time and expense are required for proper calibration, leading to habitually erroneous moisture level data used in the industry on a daily basis. The present inventors believe that the smallest inaccuracies in aggregate moisture level readings can have profound effects on the properties of the resultant concrete product.

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 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: 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: A method of forming a cement composition. The method comprises adding to a hydraulic cementitious material a first strength-enhancing agent and a second strength-enhancing agent, wherein the content of total alkali (Na2O equivalent) in the hydraulic cementitious material is less than or equal to 0.7% by weight of the cementitious material. The first strength-enhancing agent includes a compound represented by structural formula (I): and the second strength-enhancing agent is sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, or a mixture thereof. The example values of the variables in structural formula (I) and the example amounts of the first and second strength-enhancing agents being added are defined herein.

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: 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 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: Described are a method and system for minimizing errors in the manufacture or management of aggregate-containing construction materials such as concrete. Aggregates used for making concrete are stored or weighed in dry bulk bin type hoppers, and conveyed from these hoppers into mixer drums which batching or mix the concrete. The hoppers or conveyor belts may contain sensor probes for measuring moisture levels in the aggregate. These sensor probes require calibration from time to time, but time and expense are required for proper calibration, leading to habitually erroneous moisture level data used in the industry on a daily basis. The present inventors believe that the smallest inaccuracies in aggregate moisture level readings can have profound effects on the properties of the resultant concrete product.

Abstract: The present invention discloses cementitious compositions which contain hydratable cement, limestone, or mixture thereof, having improved strength properties due to the presence of calcined clay and certain higher alkanolamines, wherein the calcined clay has an Fe2O3 content of greater than one percent (1%). Also disclosed are exemplary additives and methods for enhancing strength of cement and/or limestone compositions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses cementitious compositions which contain hydratable cement, limestone, or mixture thereof, having improved strength properties due to the presence of calcined clay and certain higher alkanolamines, wherein the calcined clay has an Fe203 content of greater than one percent (1%). Also disclosed are exemplary additives and methods for enhancing strength of cement and/or limestone compositions.

Abstract: A method of forming a cement composition. The method comprises adding to a hydraulic cementitious material a first strength-enhancing agent and a second strength-enhancing agent, wherein the content of total alkali (Na2O equivalent) in the hydraulic cementitious material is less than or equal to 0.7% by weight of the cementitious material. The first strength-enhancing agent includes a compound represented by structural formula (I): and the second strength-enhancing agent is sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, or a mixture thereof. The example values of the variables in structural formula (I) and the example amounts of the first and second strength-enhancing agents being added are defined herein.