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: A surveying system for a construction site has a restricted antenna system with a plurality of fixed location antennas each defined by a set of location data associated with a specific deployment position. The surveying system also has a computing device with a data processor and a display screen. A communications module establishes a data transfer link with the restricted antenna system over which spatial data for distances between current positions of the computing device and one or more of the plurality of fixed location antennas are received. The computing device is loadable with project drawings corresponding to the construction site and displayable on the display screen. A position marker is overlaid on the display of the project drawing at a position thereon corresponding to a computing device location value derived from the spatial data and the location data of one or more of the fixed location antennas.

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 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 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: 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 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: 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 surface drainage structure formed above a subgrade may include an elongate drain conduit disposed partially within the subgrade. The elongate drain conduit may define at least one drain slot extending through a wall thereof. The structure may include a pavement layer with an exposed top surface and a drainage channel extending therefrom. The drainage channel may be in fluid communication with the drain slot of the elongate drain conduit. A method of forming the surface drainage structure includes placing the elongate drain conduit in the subgrade, forming the pavement layer, cutting an upper channel along the elongate drain conduit, and cutting a lower channel and the drain slot in the elongate conduit.

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.

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: A method for forming a uniform texture concrete wall using Shotcrete or other pneumatically projected concrete materials. The method generally includes forming an exterior face mixture from a concrete mixture wherein the large aggregates are removed such that when the face mixture is pneumatically applied to a base structure, the face mixture defines a uniform surface.

Abstract: A method of forming architectural concrete in a quicker and more cost effective manner relative to conventional concrete formation methods. The method includes forming the architectural concrete without the use of a surface retarder, and using prescribed amounts of fine sand and aggregate to allow for creation of the desired aesthetic look of the architectural concrete.

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: 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 method for forming a uniform texture concrete wall using Shotcrete or other pneumatically projected concrete materials. The method generally includes forming an exterior face mixture from a concrete mixture wherein the large aggregates are removed such that when the face mixture is pneumatically applied to a base structure, the face mixture defines a uniform surface.

Abstract: Provided is an improved concrete dowel placement apparatus having a base member including a base plate that is disposable on the outer surface of the concrete form, and an extension member that extends through an aperture located within the concrete form. In this regard, the base member is supported by the concrete form, and is therefore generally configured to withstand higher loads than the conventional prior art designs. Furthermore, the particular attachment configuration spaces the base plate from the concrete slab, which generally prevents the base member from becoming embedded within or adhered to the concrete. As such, removal of the form from the cured concrete tends to be much easier than removal of conventional prior art systems. In addition, the base member is less likely to crack or break during removal, which reduces the overall cost, as fewer base members may need to be replaced.

Abstract: Provided is a method of forming an architectural concrete wall. The method includes conveying a concrete mixture onto a base surface and floating the concrete mixture. The method further includes providing an elongate irregular surface forming tool having a gripping portion and a distressing portion defining an irregular configuration. The exposed surface is repeatedly struck with the distressing portion of the irregular surface forming tool to define an irregular surface.

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.