Abstract: A modular building structure having a plurality of panels made of corrugated metal sheets. The metal sheets are formed into an annular, tubular shape, such as a round shape, an oval shape, an elliptical shape and the like. A lower portion of the annular shaped metal sheets is buried below a ground surface, thus forming a foundation for the structure. The metal sheets are filled with concrete therebetween to create a fire proof, wind proof and earthquake resistant structure. The building structure can include exterior walls, interior columns, a floor, and skylights for creating a living environment. Also, this type of building structure can have a compacted sand foundation which is immune to earthquakes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the live and dead load balance between the arches of an arch bridge and the truss girder that supports the bridge deck. The method is achieved by providing hanger rods disposed between the arches and the top chords of the truss girder whose compression may be adjusted. In which the arch truss counter act the compression in the top chord of the truss. This interaction adds to the strength and safety of both elements of the structure. With this interaction there are no critical members which can cause catastrophic failure of the bridge by failing. By combining two of these bridges side by side, and then connected with the lateral members, both at top and bottom chord of trusses, it is possible to carry vehicular, train, and pedestrian lanes separated and accommodated with safety; all without a critical member.

Abstract: A tubular truss bridge structure comprising a plurality of interconnected angularly interrelated hoop shaped cross members having a common longitudinal central axis and forming alternately inverted triangular spaces along the length of the tubular truss and having a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal stringer members that interconnect the hoop shaped cross members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the live and dead load balance between the arches of an arch bridge and the truss girder that supports the bridge deck. The method is achieved by providing hanger rods disposed between the arches and the top chords of the truss girder whose compression may be adjusted. In which the arch truss counter act the compression in the top chord of the truss. This interaction adds to the strength and safety of both elements of the structure. With this interaction there are no critical members which can cause catastrophic failure of the bridge by failing. By combining two of these bridges side by side, and then connected with the lateral members, both at top and bottom chord of trusses, it is possible to carry vehicular, train, and pedestrian lanes separated and accommodated with safety; all without a critical member.

Abstract: A venturi tube wind turbine comprising a venturi tube having inlet and outlet openings, opposed side members and a constricted throat section, where two of the opposing side members comprise rotatable endless belts each having mounted thereon a plurality of wind catching vanes.

Abstract: A venturi tube wind turbine comprising a venturi tube having inlet and outlet openings, opposed side members and a constricted throat section, where two of the opposing side members comprise rotatable endless belts each having mounted thereon a plurality of wind catching vanes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the live and dead load balance between the arches of an arch bridge and the truss girder that supports the bridge deck. The method is achieved by providing a tension equalizing member across the bottom chord of the truss girder whose tension may be adjusted in cooperation with tension adjustments of hanger rods disposed between the arches and the bottom chords of the truss girder.

Abstract: A prefabricated bridge beam with prestressed elements comprising a rectangular girder-box assembly which includes a bottom plate prestressed in compression and a pair of upstanding side members each having their upper portions prestressed in tension and a poured and cured bridge deck supported by the said side members where the cured deck secures in place the said tension and compression stresses.

Abstract: An improved columnar support for offshore drilling platforms intended for installation in a body of water such as the ocean, comprising a cylindrical shaft of unitary cemetitious construction, a frustrum shaped hollow capital having a first peripheral flange, a frustrum shaped hollow base having a second peripheral flange and seals, which may include removable plugs in the open ends of the capital and the base for creating a scuttle opening therein to admit water and sink the columnar support at a designated position on the sea floor.

Abstract: A modular retaining wall comprising a plurality of tie-back units with a plurality of retaining wall panels therebetween. Each tie-back element is shaped substantially similar to each retaining wall panel. Each element comprises a main body with a cored cavity, a neck at each end of said main body, and a column attached to each neck. Each neck on the tie-back element has opposing concave surfaces for mating with the convex surface of each column of the soil-retaining element.

Abstract: A modular assembled retaining wall is constructed by placing a plurality of precast tie-back elements in laterally spaced relationship along a grade line. A novel soil retaining panel is provided. The panel includes a curved rear wall meeting a flat front wall at curved ends which mate with vertical ribs of each tie-back. A novel method is also provided for simultaneously casting two tied arch-shaped soil retaining panels out of low water-to-cement ratio concrete.

Abstract: A subassembly for use with a wall panel to retain a backfilled enbankment or the like is disclosed which subassembly comprises a pair of pillar-like concrete anchor members having vertical keyslots formed therein which receive and lock onto the enlarged end portions of a wire mesh web defining the connection therebetween. The top strand of the web is recessed beneath the top surface of any e xposed anchor member by a distance selected to permit backfilling thereabove as is the top surface of any buried anchor member. In one embodiment of the invention, the web is generally U-shaped and is looped through the embankment to interconnect a pair of exposed anchor members at the surface thereof while in another an exposed and a buried anchor member are interconnected by a straight run of the web stretched therebetween.

Abstract: A cascade wall structure is provided which is made up of two elements, namely, a generally rectangular member with end ribs and a curved panel having curved ends which interlock with curved surfaces on the ribs of the members for creating a variety of wall structures for different purposes and different uses. In one wall structure the ribbed members are spaced in spaced parallel relationship with the curved panels interconnecting them. In another embodiment, the ribbed panel members are spaced in spaced parallel relationship and curved members interconnect them from a forward end to a rear end, respectively. Because of the angular and curved surfaces of the wall structure, it can serve as an effective sound barrier by deflecting the sound upwardly and against the multiple surfaces of the wall to dissipate the same. In addition, the wall can be backfilled with dirt to provide additional sound deadening and strength.

Abstract: A precast building construction unit is provided for forming a substantially complete building. The unit includes a wall tree unit having a vertically extending wall segment and at least one cantilever member joined at right angles thereto. Pairs of wall tree units are spaced apart and their cantilever members are coaxially directed toward each other so that a base slab unit is connected therebetween. The wall segments thereby form the vertical walls and the cantilever members and base slab units comprise the floors and ceilings of the building. Additional wall tree units can be connected above each of the spaced wall tree units as well as laterally adjacent each of the wall tree units so that building structures of various heights and widths can be provided. A hoisting eye is provided at an end of each of the wall segments to permit carrying and lifting of the wall tree units and to enable the connecting of vertically adjacent wall tree units together.