Abstract: An economical, high strength, highly corrosion-resistant, multi-section concrete support structure includes a first concrete section attached to a second concrete section. The first concrete section consists of a first concrete type and the second concrete section consists of a diverse, second concrete type.

Abstract: A prestressed concrete pressure-containment vessel having one or more cavities within its external shell. The cavities, whether cylindrical or other shape, are totally contained by prestressing tendons, which apply forces to contain various pressures within the structure. By permitting and actually inducing controlled cracking of the vessel in the outer portions of the thick shell wall, one embodiment of a pressure-containment vessel relieves stresses and enhances resistance to very high internal pressures and to stresses due to high internal temperatures and steep temperature gradients.

Abstract: A prestressed concrete pressure-containment vessel having one or more cavities within its external shell. The cavities, whether cylindrical or other shape, are totally contained by prestressing tendons, which apply forces to contain various pressures within the structure. By permitting and actually inducing controlled cracking of the vessel in the outer portions of the thick shell wall, one embodiment of a pressure-containment vessel relieves stresses and enhances resistance to very high internal pressures and to stresses due to high internal temperatures and steep temperature gradients.

Abstract: A large, thin-shell cooling tower, a method for its erection, and novel precast units. Upon a foundation a series of angularly-extending columns is erected, and the columns are joined at their upper ends by a lower ring. Then a ribbed, waffle-like reinforced concrete wall is constructed to extend up from the lower ring and to provide a shell with a shape such as a hyperbolic paraboloid. The ribbed outer (or inner) surface strengthens the structure while enabling the thickness of the portions in between the ribs to be relatively thin. A series of vertically-spaced horizontal circumferential reinforcing bars or post-tensioning cables and a series of horizontally-spaced vertical or inclined bars or cables, are included in the wall. The wall is preferably made up from a series of precast units that are of novel structure in themselves. At the top of the wall is an upper ring joining the various elements together.

Abstract: A method for erecting a large, thin-shell cooling tower. Upon a foundation a series of angularly-extending columns is erected, and the columns are joined at their upper ends by a lower ring. Then a ribbed, waffle-like reinforced concrete wall is constructed to extend up from the lower ring and to provide a shell with a shape such as a hyperbolic paraboloid. The ribbed outer (or inner) surface strengthens the structure while enabling the thickness of the portions in between the ribs to be relatively thin. A series of vertically-spaced horizontal circumferential reinforcing bars or post-tensioning cables and a series of horizontally-spaced vertical or inclined bars or cables, are included in the wall. The wall is preferably made up from a series of precast units that are of novel structure in themselves. At the top of the wall is an upper ring joining the various elements together.

Abstract: A large, thin-shell cooling tower, a method for its erection, and novel precast units. Upon a foundation a series of angularly-extending columns is erected, and the columns are joined at their upper ends by a lower ring. Then a ribbed, waffle-like reinforced concrete wall is constructed to extend up from the lower ring and to provide a shell with a shape such as a hyperbolic paraboloid. The ribbed outer (or inner) surface strengthens the structure while enabling the thickness of the portions in between the ribs to be relatively thin. A series of vertically-spaced horizontal circumferential reinforcing bars or post-tensioning cables and a series of horizontally-spaced vertical or inclined bars or cables, are included in the wall. The wall is preferably made up from a series of precast units that are of novel structure in themselves. At the top of the wall is an upper ring joining the various elements together.

Abstract: A precast concrete pile and cofferdams, etc., made therefrom, employing a new method. A rectangular main stem extends from the top to the bottom of the pile, a lower portion of the pile consisting exclusively of the main stem. An upper portion of the pile incorporates, integrally with the stem, a pair of generally rectangular flanges each extending out from one of two opposing faces along one edge of the stem and set back from the opposite edge. The piles may be driven next to each other, with the flanges of successive piles overlapping, to make a continuous cofferdam or retaining wall, especially well suited for bridge piers.