Abstract: A dowel placement system including a fastener configured to be engageable with a form, and a radially compressible bushing coupled to the fastener and defining an adjustable outer diameter. The system further includes an elongate dowel sleeve having opposed proximal and distal end portions, and an axial opening having an inner diameter and extending into the dowel sleeve from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The bushing is insertable within the axial opening of the dowel sleeve, and the bushing and dowel sleeve are configured such that insertion of the bushing within the dowel sleeve causes the outer diameter of the bushing to compress and conform to the inner diameter of the dowel sleeve and to create a friction force between the bushing and the dowel sleeve to mitigate movement of the dowel sleeve relative to the bushing during formation of the concrete structure.

Abstract: A decorative concrete structure simulating natural wood and a method of fabricating the same is disclosed. A concrete mixture is poured over a subgrade which defines an exposed surface. The exposed surface is swept with a broom, saw cut, and optionally stained, and sealed to simulate aesthetic appearance of the natural wood.

Abstract: A dowel placement system including a fastener configured to be engageable with a form, and a radially compressible bushing coupled to the fastener and defining an adjustable outer diameter. The system further includes an elongate dowel sleeve having opposed proximal and distal end portions, and an axial opening having an inner diameter and extending into the dowel sleeve from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The bushing is insertable within the axial opening of the dowel sleeve, and the bushing and dowel sleeve are configured such that insertion of the bushing within the dowel sleeve causes the outer diameter of the bushing to compress and conform to the inner diameter of the dowel sleeve and to create a friction force between the bushing and the dowel sleeve to mitigate movement of the dowel sleeve relative to the bushing during formation of the concrete structure.

Abstract: A concrete dowel placement system and methods for making the same. The system allows for accurate and easy substantially-parallel or parallel placement of slip dowels within sections of concrete so that adjacent sections of concrete may be allowed to undergo thermal expansion and contraction while remaining in a common plane without cracking or faulting. The system includes a coupler and a sheath. The sheath is configured to be slidably extensible over the coupler and may be held to the coupler by friction. Additionally, a method of constructing the concrete dowel placement system includes extruding material to form two tubes of different sizes. The tubes are then attached to each other, then material is extruded to form a sheath. Alternatively, construction may include extruding material to form a tube, then removing some of the material from the tube in order to form a coupler.

Abstract: An insert specifically adapted for use with an off-road tire, such as an off-road tire of a motocross motorcycle, or an off-road bicycle. The insert includes an inflatable tube and a foam element which generally conforms to the contours of the off-road tire to provide support to the tire when the tube is inflated. The ability to deflate the insert facilitates installation of the insert between the wheel rim and off-road tire. When inflated, the insert occupies the space between the wheel rim and tire to support a load during use of the wheel.

Abstract: A method of imprinting a visual and textural pattern upon a concrete surface. The method includes configuring a decorative finishing tool to define a particular visual and textural pattern. An exposed surface of a concrete mixture is finished to dispose a quantity of cement/fines paste derived from the concrete mixture at the exposed surface thereof. The exposed surface of the concrete mixture is further finished with the decorative finishing tool to imprint the visual and textural pattern upon the exposed surface, with at least a portion of the decorative finishing tool being troweled over the exposed surface to create the visual and textural pattern in the concrete.

Abstract: A surveying system having a total station integrated into an unmanned aerial vehicle communicates with a plurality of mobile communication stations that are located on known site coordinates. By locating the mobile communication stations on known coordinates, the location of the aerial vehicle is precisely triangulated and controlled. Construction drawings are loaded into the system, thereby allowing the vehicle to locate itself at specific points designated in the drawings for the marking of on-site construction grid lines.

Abstract: Provided is a method of installing a tile mosaic upon a vertical concrete surface. The method includes providing a plurality of tiles, a tile support, and a concrete form. The plurality of tiles are adhered to the tile support to define a mosaic assembly. The tiles are positioned on the tile support corresponding to the mosaic. The mosaic assembly is connected to the concrete form, and concrete is poured within the concrete form such that a portion of the tiles become embedded within the concrete. The tile support is subsequently detached from the concrete form and the concrete form is removed from the hardened concrete. The tile support is additionally removed from the plurality of tiles to reveal the mosaic on vertical surface of the concrete structure.

Abstract: A slip dowel tube and elongate dowel are disclosed herein which allow for transverse and longitudinal movement of two adjacent concrete slabs and also limit vertical movement of the two concrete slabs. The slip dowel tube is housed within a sheath that provides a void to allow for transverse movement of the slip dowel tube when the first and second slabs move transversely with respect to each other. The elongate dowel is slidably disposed within the main tube to allow for longitudinal movement or movement which brings the two slabs closer to or further away from each other. This system also limits vertical movement between the two adjacent slabs.

Abstract: A method of forming an aesthetic surface on a concrete structure. The aesthetic surface includes a mosaic design including a plurality of aesthetic elements, such as tiles, aggregate or the like, which are embedded within the hardened concrete structure. The aesthetic elements are affixed to the concrete form in the arrangement corresponding to the mosaic design prior to using the form during construction of the concrete structure. The concrete is poured into the form and allowed to harden, after which, the forms are stripped from the concrete, thereby exposing the embedded aesthetic elements within the concrete structure.

Abstract: A slip dowel tube and elongate dowel are disclosed herein which allow for transverse and longitudinal movement of two adjacent concrete slabs and also limit vertical movement of the two concrete slabs. The slip dowel tube is housed within a sheath that provides a void to allow for transverse movement of the slip dowel tube when the first and second slabs move transversely with respect to each other. The elongate dowel is slidably disposed within the main tube to allow for longitudinal movement or movement which brings the two slabs closer to or further away from each other. This system also limits vertical movement between the two adjacent slabs.

Abstract: A method of forming a concrete wall having a substantially uniform exterior surface texture. The method includes the initial step of pouring concrete into a wall form. The concrete is poured from a first mixture and is allowed to cure. After the concrete is cured, the wall form is removed from the resultant concrete base structure. A roughened texture is then created on the base structure. A finishing mixture is then applied to the roughened texture. The finishing mixture may be created by separating the aggregate from a portion of the remaining first mixture. The finishing mixture creates a smooth texture on the exterior surfaces of the initially formed base structure.

Abstract: Provided is a method of installing a tile mosaic upon a vertical concrete surface. The method includes providing a plurality of tiles, a tile support, and a concrete form. The plurality of tiles are adhered to the tile support to define a mosaic assembly. The tiles are positioned on the tile support corresponding to the mosaic. The mosaic assembly is connected to the concrete form, and concrete is poured within the concrete form such that a portion of the tiles become embedded within the concrete. The tile support is subsequently detached from the concrete form and the concrete form is removed from the hardened concrete. The tile support is additionally removed from the plurality of tiles to reveal the mosaic on vertical surface of the concrete structure.

Abstract: A slip dowel tube and elongate dowel are disclosed herein which allow for transverse and longitudinal movement of two adjacent concrete slabs and also limit vertical movement of the two concrete slabs. The slip dowel tube is housed within a sheath that provides a void to allow for transverse movement of the slip dowel tube when the first and second slabs move transversely with respect to each other. The elongate dowel is slidably disposed within the main tube to allow for longitudinal movement or movement which brings the two slabs closer to or further away from each other. This system also limits vertical movement between the two adjacent slabs.

Abstract: A mosaic concrete product, methods of creating the same, and methods of fabricating a module for use in creating the mosaic are provided. The methods of installing the mosaic upon an uncured concrete surface utilize the module. The module may be fabricated by mapping out tile in a design corresponding to the mosaic; adhering the tile to a template utilizing an adhesive, the tile being positioned thereon corresponding to the design; and allowing the adhesive to set. The module may define upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface including the tile adhered thereto. The methods of installing the mosaic comprises: positioning the module upon the uncured concrete surface; embedding the tile into the concrete surface; massaging the tile into the concrete surface to interpose a quantity of cement/fines paste between the adjacent tiles; and finishing the concrete surface.

Abstract: A slip dowel tube and elongate dowel are disclosed herein which allow for transverse and longitudinal movement of two adjacent concrete slabs and also limit vertical movement of the two concrete slabs. The slip dowel tube is housed within a sheath that provides a void to allow for transverse movement of the slip dowel tube when the first and second slabs move transversely with respect to each other. The elongate dowel is slidably disposed within the main tube to allow for longitudinal movement or movement which brings the two slabs closer to or further away from each other. This system also limits vertical movement between the two adjacent slabs.

Abstract: A decorative concrete product and method of making the same is provided. The concrete surface carries a unique textural and visual decorative pattern that is troweled over the uncured surface. The decorative pattern strategically conceals any imperfections in the concrete surface. A decorative finishing tool is utilized to create a unique and consistent pattern throughout the exposed surface of the concrete. Unique visual patterns may include any aesthetic design including wood grain, or lightly finished honed or cut stone. The decorative finishing tool may be configured so that varying textures and contours may consistently be imprinted throughout the concrete. Advantageously, the cured concrete retains the durability of a concrete surface while carrying a visually and texturally appealing appearance.

Abstract: Provided is a method of installing a tile mosaic upon a vertical concrete surface. The method includes providing a plurality of tiles, a tile support, and a concrete form. The plurality of tiles are adhered to the tile support to define a mosaic assembly. The tiles are positioned on the tile support corresponding to the mosaic. The mosaic assembly is connected to the concrete form, and concrete is poured within the concrete form such that a portion of the tiles become embedded within the concrete. The tile support is subsequently detached from the concrete form and the concrete form is removed from the cured concrete. The tile support is additionally removed from the plurality of tiles to reveal the mosaic on vertical surface of the concrete structure.

Abstract: A dowel placement system including a fastener configured to be engageable with a form, and a radially compressible bushing coupled to the fastener and defining an adjustable outer diameter. The system further includes an elongate dowel sleeve having opposed proximal and distal end portions, and an axial opening having an inner diameter and extending into the dowel sleeve from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The bushing is insertable within the axial opening of the dowel sleeve, and the bushing and dowel sleeve are configured such that insertion of the bushing within the dowel sleeve causes the outer diameter of the bushing to compress and conform to the inner diameter of the dowel sleeve and to create a friction force between the bushing and the dowel sleeve to mitigate movement of the dowel sleeve relative to the bushing during formation of the concrete structure.

Abstract: A method of forming an architectural concrete structure having a desired look (i.e., color) and texture, wherein the method generally includes pouring a base concrete layer using conventional concrete. A surface concrete mixture is prepared and includes a mixture of sand and small aggregates to give the surface concrete mixture the desired color and texture for the architectural concrete structure. The base concrete layer provides strength and durability to the concrete structure, while the surface concrete layer provides the desired look and texture of the concrete surface. The surface concrete mixture preferably includes small aggregates to create a smooth and uniform texture.