Abstract: A shape modification of a wall-like column includes the preparation of the column by chamfering the corners and roughening the sides of cement segments thereto. The process requires a simple formwork in the form of generally circular PVC pipe segments which are cut to required shapes which are arcuate such as the segments of a circle, oval or even elliptical. After those forms formed from the PVC pipe affixed around the reinforced concrete column are then filled with grout/cement. A plurality of vertical steel strips are attached to the column by steel rod-like shear studs that extend through previously drilled passageways passing through the reinforced concrete column and segments. The reinforced concrete column is then strengthened by increasing the area of cross section and more importantly by confining the column and attached segments by FRP materials. In addition, the vertical strips with steel studs contribute to the column strengthening.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a specimen consisting of a fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bar in tension while embedded in hardened concrete and subjected to long term environmental exposure. The apparatus includes a steel channel defined by two longitudinally extending parallel steel plates and a pair of unitary plates with one unitary plate at each of the channel. Each of the unitary plates include a U-shaped opening while a forward one of the unitary plates also defines four threaded openings and four bolts passing therethrough for increasing strain on the specimen. A pair of steel tube grips attached to the FRP bar with epoxy are also provided.

Abstract: A shape modification of a wall-like column includes the preparation of the column by chamfering the corners and roughening the sides of cement segments thereto. The process requires a simple formwork in the form of generally circular PVC pipe segments which are cut to required shapes which are arcuate such as the segments of a circle, oval or even elliptical. After those forms formed from the PVC pipe affixed around the reinforced concrete column are then filled with grout/cement. A plurality of vertical steel strips are attached to the column by steel rod-like shear studs that extend through previously drilled passageways passing through the reinforced concrete column and segments. The reinforced concrete column is then strengthened by increasing the area of cross section and more importantly by confining the column and attached segments by FRP materials. In addition, the vertical strips with steel studs contribute to the column strengthening.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a specimen consisting of a fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bar in tension while embedded in hardened concrete and subjected to long term environmental exposure. The apparatus includes a steel channel defined by two longitudinally extending parallel steel plates and a pair of unitary plates with one unitary plate at each of the channel. Each of the unitary plates include a U-shaped opening while a forward one of the unitary plates also defines four threaded openings and four bolts passing therethrough for increasing strain on the specimen. A pair of steel tube grips attached to the FRP bar with epoxy are also provided.

Abstract: A rectangular shaped interlocking building block comprises a pair of exterior sides and an upper and a lower longitudinally extending horizontal faces and a pair of opposite vertical ends and wherein said building blocks include a pair of side members and wherein each of said side members includes a vertically extending exterior rib on an inner side thereof; a generally rectangular intermediate section is disposed between said side members in an abutting relationship and wherein the intermediate section defines a rectangular shaped vertical recess between the side members and a recess that extends between a bottom of one of said side members and the top of an adjacent block. The rectangular rib and vertical recesses are constructed and dimensioned so that one rib fits loosely but closely within the recess and the intermediate section includes a pair of elliptical shaped vertical passageways.

Abstract: A rectangular shaped interlocking building block comprises a pair of exterior sides and an upper and a lower longitudinally extending horizontal faces and a pair of opposite vertical ends and wherein said building blocks include a pair of side members and wherein each of said side members includes a vertically extending exterior rib on an inner side thereof; a generally rectangular intermediate section is disposed between said side members in an abutting relationship and wherein the intermediate section defines a rectangular shaped vertical recess between the side members and a recess that extends between a bottom of one of said side members and the top of an adjacent block. The rectangular rib and vertical recesses are constructed and dimensioned so that one rib fits loosely but closely within the recess and the intermediate section includes a pair of elliptical shaped vertical passageways.

Abstract: A concrete filled tubular steel column includes a longitudinally extending vertical tubular steel shell and an inner tubular steel member disposed at the center of the steel shell. A plurality of spaced vertical steel plates extend from the inner members toward but not abutting the steel shell. In addition a plurality of horizontally disposed perforated pipes extend outwardly from the inner member and have a plurality of meltable polymer plugs or caps to prevent plastic cement from flowing into or closing the openings. In the event of fire the plastic or polymer plugs or caps melt and allow gases and smoke to flow into the pipes and up through the inner member and out therefrom at the top of the column.