Abstract: A system for forming architectural concrete walls comprises a plurality of modular form units (32), each form unit comprising a generally rectangular support frame, a backing sheet (34, 36) and an overlying facing sheet (56; 58), each facing sheet having a facing surface defined by a plastic material, an elastic seal (68) along an edge of the form unit for positioning between adjacent form units for preventing water leakage, a minimal number of tie holes (26) extending through each form unit, a seal tube (74) assembly for positioning between the tie holes, and a tie rod (80) for each tie hole. An architectural concrete wall having minimal tie holes and surface cavities and a highly polished marble-like surface is formed of a concrete mix including diatomaceous earth to impart a grey marble color and appearance.

Abstract: An emission-concentration monitoring system (20)includes first and second monitor stations (22,32) which are separated by a sensing space (40) along a path (28) of a moving vehicle (26). Each station has a source of electromagnetic radiation (64) which is directed through the vehicle's exhaust plume. Each station also has a set of detectors (66) which are positioned to receive the radiation and configured to measure transmittances at wavelengths which are absorbed by molecular species of exhaust plume (e.g., hydrocarbons, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide). These sensed transmittances are converted to emission concentrations by a data processor (50) and compared to a set of emission-concentration standards. The vehicle is determined to be in violation only if its emission concentrations at both the first and second monitor stations exceeds the standards.

Abstract: A system for forming architectural concrete walls, comprises a plurality of modular form units, each form unit comprising a generally rectangular support frame, a backing sheet and an overlying facing sheet, each facing sheet having a facing surface defined by a plastic material, an elastic seal along an edge of the form unit for positioning between adjacent form units for preventing water leakage, a minimal number of tie holes extending through the each form unit, a seal tube assembly for positioning between the tie holes, and a tie rod for each tie hole.