LOCATABLE AND EMBEDDABLE ANCHOR POINT COVERS

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for locating anchor points embedded within building structures are presented. Anchor points within a building structure (e.g., column, pillar, floor, wall, etc.) can be covered by an anchor point cover to prevent the anchor point from becoming contaminated by poured concrete used to form the building structure. The anchor point cover can be placed so that a top portion of cover is just beneath the surface of the concrete building structure. In addition, an anchor point locator can be placed near the anchor point. Once the poured concrete hardens, the anchor point can be located by detecting a signal originating from the anchor point locator. One can remove hardened covering material and the anchor point cover to reveal the anchor point.

Description

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional application having Ser. No. 61/424,836 filed on Dec. 20, 2010. This and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is construction technologies.

BACKGROUND

One technique used for building light constructions includes top-down construction methods. Top-down construction is a method of using soil as a form or mold for concrete columns, walls, beams or floors. Before top-down construction was known, state-of-the art techniques for joining one building structure to another involved drilling into a set structure (e.g., wall, column, etc.) to insert reinforcing bars or anchors so that heavy beams and floors can be attached to the structure. In known top-down construction methods, a column or wall excavation is filled with a bentonite-water clay mixture to prevent soil collapse. A reinforcing cage is inserted into the wet bentonite, and concrete is pumped into the hole to displace the bentonite. The grade beams or grade floor are poured using soil as the form.

For larger top-down constructions having multiple sub basements, a “glory hole” is left through which excavation or each basement floor level can proceed after poured concrete has achieved its seven day strength. Excavation proceeds to the first subbasement level. Structure attachments are made by drilling holes set walls and columns to attach reinforcing steel or embed plates for beams and floors. The beams and floors can then be cast in-place again using soil as the form. This process is repeated for lower levels. Such techniques are used for high rise hotels or new construction in crowded cities where a large excavation is impractical.

In heavy construction projects including a nuclear power plant, the attachment points between beams or floors to walls or columns are required to be quite robust and strong. In conventional construction, reinforcing bars connecting vertical to horizontal members are cast into walls and columns, then a floor is formed. Floor rebar is laid on the forms and the floor rebar is connected to the wall or column reinforcing bars with lap or other splices. Top-down construction makes the conventional bent rebar detail impractical because the bent rebar would physically extend beyond the hole that is filled by concrete. A solution is required to ensure the reinforcing structure remains covered while also providing robust and strong anchor points for other building structures.

A better approach would include integrating anchor points into the reinforcing structure where the anchor point can be found and revealed after poured concrete has achieved its seven day strength. However, the anchor points would need to be protected, possibly with a cover, from the concrete and would also need to be located after the covering concrete hardens. Others have put forth effort toward finding embedded items in the past. As examples consider the following previous efforts.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,854,840 to Anderson titled “Magnetic Marker Wire”, filed Sep. 28, 1956, discusses using magnets to track where wires are placed in a floor.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,873 to Rippingale et al. titled “Method and Apparatus Employing Permanent Magnets for Marking, Locating, Tracing and Identifying Hidden Objects Such As Buried Fiber Optic Cables”, filed May 18, 1990, describes burying permanent magnets with objects where the structure of the magnets carry a signature field capable of identifying the magnet, and by association, the buried object.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,373,235 to Clark et al. titled “System and Method Using Portable Wall Engaging Ferromagnetic Particle Impregnated Target Medium for Electromagnetically Measuring Distant Between Opposing Walls of a Structure”, filed Mar. 29, 1993, discusses using an eddy current probe to identify proximity and dimensions of non-conductive embedded structures.

More recently others have used Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags in construction projects. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,551,058 to Johnson et al. titled “Sensor for Monitoring Environment Parameters in Concrete”, filed Dec. 10, 2003, describes using RFID chip embedded in concrete where the chip can relay stress information back to a detector.

Unfortunately the references cited above fail to provide for protecting and locating an anchor point after the anchor point is covered by hardened concrete. Thus, there is still a need for anchor point covers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which one can protect an anchor point while pouring concrete around the anchor point. The anchor point can then be located even when covered by hardened concrete. One aspect of the inventive subject is considered to include a building structure comprising a structure form or mold defining a cavity. When filled with a fill material (e.g., concrete, plaster, resin, cement, etc.) and after the material hardens, the form can be removed to reveal a building structure (e.g., wall, pillar, ceiling, floor, etc.). A reinforcement structure can be placed within the form to strengthen the fill material where the reinforcement structure can comprise a embed plate having one or more anchor points to which other construction components can attach. The anchor points can be protected from the fill material by an anchor point cover and can have a locator positioned proximate to the anchor point. Once the fill material hardens, the anchor point can be located by detecting a signal associated with the locator. Example locators can include magnets, radios, RFID tags, or other elements capable of generating a signal through the hardened fill material. The anchor point can be revealed by removing surrounding set material and removing the anchor point cover.

In some embodiments, the building structure form comprises soil walls, possibly created as a top-down construction structure. The soil walls can define a column, pillar, floor, ceiling, wall, or other type of building structure. Once concrete, or other suitable fill material, hardens in the form, the soil can be removed to reveal the solid form.

Another aspect of the inventive subject matter includes a method of locating an embedded anchor point within a solid building structure. The method can include providing an embed plate having one or more anchor points where the anchor points can be protected via anchor point covers. The embed plate can also include a locator proximate to the anchor points. The embed plate can placed within a building structure form or mold, possibly a concrete form. The form can then be filled with a fill material (e.g., concrete, plaster, etc.) so that the fill material covers the anchor points or anchor point covers. The method can further include locating the anchor points by detecting a location signal emanating from the anchor point locator. When found, the one can expose the anchor point by removing hardened fill material and the anchor point cover.

Yet another aspect of the inventive subject matter includes an anchor point cover comprising a covering body sized and dimensioned to cover one or more target anchor points of a building structure. The cover can be adapted to be robust against various types of fill material including concrete, cement, plaster, resin, or other types of fill material that can harden. The covering body can include a frangible material or other material that can easily be at least partial removed to reveal the target anchor point. The cover can further include a locator coupled with the cover where the locator provides a signal indicating the location of the anchor point when covered by hardened fill material.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1A is a schematic overview of a top-down construction technique utilizing locatable and embedded anchor points.

FIG. 1B is a more detailed side view of an embed plate from FIG. 1A having an anchor point cover and anchor point locator.

FIG. 2A is an illustration of using a sensor to locate an anchor point embedded in concrete.

FIG. 2B illustrates accessing the anchor point from FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is an example method of locating an embedded anchor point.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.

Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.

One should appreciate that the disclosed techniques provide many advantageous technical effects including development of construction components having locatable, embedded anchor points.

Even in view of various known location technologies, it has yet to be appreciated that one can combine a locator with an anchor point cover. An anchor point cover can be combined with a locator and then used to cover an anchor point. When the anchor point is covered with concrete the anchor point can be located with a sensor that detects a signal originating from the locator. The covering concrete can be removed to reveal the anchor point cover, which can be broken or otherwise removed to reveal the anchor point. Thus an anchor point can be quickly found and revealed.

In FIG. 1A, top-down construction building structure 100 includes concrete form 110 constructed as a cavity within the earth and having form wall(s) 112 of soil. The volume of form 110 can also be defined by a slurry wall, auger cast pile, or by a caisson. Form 110 represents a column or pillar but is presented euphemistically to represent other types of building structures including walls, floors, ceilings, or other types of building structures. Form 110 can be excavated within the soil and held in place with a bentonite fill to ensure form walls 112 do not collapse.

Structure 100 can also include reinforcement structure 130, which can be disposed within form 110, preferably fully disposed within the form 110 in a manner where reinforcement structure 130 can be completely covered by concrete. It is also contemplated that reinforcement structure 130 can be at least partially disposed in form 110 leaving a portion of reinforcement structure 130 exposed after placing concrete in form 110 where the exposed portion can be used to attach or mate with other structures.

Reinforcement structure 130 can take on many different forms. As shown, reinforcement structure 130 comprises a rebar mesh configured according to the shape of form 110. Still, reinforcement structure 130 can comprise other elements beyond rebar including pipes, metal sheets, steel inserts, wood, fibers, or other types of reinforcing materials.

Building structure 100 preferably comprises one or more of embed plate 135 coupled with reinforcement structure 130. Embed plate 135 can further include one or more anchor points 137, which represent coupling or attachment points to other building structures. Embed plate 135 preferably is positioned so anchor points 137 face toward a surface of form 110 where they can be easily accessed after form 110 is filled with concrete.

Anchor points 137 can conform to any desired type of attachment mechanism to fit the needs of the construction project. Examples anchor points 137 include a female threaded recess within embed plate 135, a male threaded bolt, a weld location adhering to the American Welding Society standards, a concrete connection detail to support threaded rebar in accordance with the American Concrete Institute standards, or other types of couplers.

FIG. 1B provides a more detailed side view representation of embed plate 135 from FIG. 1A. Embed plate 135 can be coupled with reinforcement structure 130 via one or more of couplers 139. Couplers 139 are illustrated as thermal or conventional weld points. However, couplers 139 could also include threaded fasteners, clamps, conventional wire-tie, or other type of connectors.

Although embed plate 135 is illustrated coupled to reinforcement structure 130 on an external surface of reinforcement structure 130, other configurations are also possible. In some embodiments embed plate 135 can be located internal to reinforcement structure 130 where couplers 139 connect to the same surface where anchor point 137 is located. Still, in yet other embodiments, embed plate 135 can be integral with reinforcement structure 130. For example, reinforcing structure 130 can comprise one or more steel bands where the bands have been outfitted with anchor points 137. Regardless of how reinforcement structure 130 and embed plate 135 couple, the two components are considered to be strongly coupled in compliance with requirements for a heavy construction product, possibly a nuclear power plant.

Embed plate 135 can also include an anchor point cover 140 coupled with a surface of embed plate 135. As shown, anchor point cover 140 is positioned to protect anchor point 137 from the affects of poured concrete 160 by keeping anchor point 137 free from contamination or otherwise preventing poured concrete 160 from interfering with anchor point 137 when embed plate 135 is covered. Although anchor point cover 140 is illustrated as protecting a single anchor point 137, anchor point cover 140 can be sized and dimensioned to cover multiple anchor points 137 as desired.

Embed plate 135 is positioned within form 110, where anchor point cover 140 and anchor point 137 face toward a surface of form 110; in this case the surface defined by form wall 112. Furthermore, anchor point cover 140 is positioned at a depth, “d” within form 110 from its surface. When a form 110 is filled with poured concrete 160, anchor point cover 140 will only be covered by small amount of un-reinforced concrete. Depth “d” depends on the structure being built or construction requirement. Typically the depth is less than five inches, more preferably less than two inches, and yet more preferably less than one inch. However, greater or lesser depths are also contemplated.

Once reinforcement structure 130 and embed plate 135 are properly positioned within form, poured concrete 160 can be disposed within form 110. In some embodiments, poured concrete 160 can be simply poured into form while in other embodiments a tremie method can be used to displace previously poured bentonite.

Anchor point 137 is illustrated as a female threaded recess within embed plate 135. It should be appreciated that the inventive subject matter can include any type of anchor point 137 including male threaded connectors, weld points, or other types of connectors.

Anchor point cover 140 can be sized and dimensioned to accommodate anchor point 137 to protect anchor point 137 from poured concrete 160. As shown anchor point cover 140 can be hemispherical, while other shapes can also be utilized. Example, covers can include a simply flat sheet of a frangible material place over a recessed anchor point 137, a cube-shaped volume, a cylindrical volume or other shape. In some embodiments anchor point cover 140 can be sized and dimensioned to define a cavity in form 110 that would accommodate another building structure; a connecting beam that mates with anchor point 137, a strut, a floor platform, a pipe or conduit, or other type construction component.

Anchor point cover 140 can include a covering body comprised of a frangible material that provides sufficient robustness to keep anchor point 137 protected from poured concrete 160. The material can also be easily removed or broken once covering material has been removed. Example materials can include polystyrene foam, thin polyvinyl chloride, wood, or other materials.

Anchor point cover 140 can be coupled with embed plate 135 via one or more techniques. In some embodiments, anchor point cover 140 can coupled with embed plate 135 via an adhesive, while in other embodiments anchor point cover 140 can mechanically coupled with embed plate 135. For example, anchor point cover 140 could be configured to thread into a embed plate 135. Still, it is further contemplated that anchor point cover 140 could couple with embed plate 135 via a non-chemical, non-mechanical connector; a magnet for example. It is also contemplated that anchor point cover 140 could mate with anchor point 137, possibly via mated threaded connectors.

Anchor point cover 140 preferably seals against embed plate 135 with sufficient strength or force to prevent fill material from leaking into the cavity formed by anchor point cover 140 or into anchor point 137. For example, anchor point cover 140 could seal against embed plate 135 via an chemical adhesive, thermal adhesive, mechanical treading, magnets, or other couplers capable of sealing and protecting anchor point 137 from fill material.

In more preferred embodiments, anchor point locator 150 is positioned proximate to anchor point 137. Anchor point locator 150 can be placed within anchor point cover 140, coupled to anchor point 137, or even embedded within a covering body of anchor point cover 140. Anchor point locator 150 can also take on many different forms and can vary depending on the requirements of the construction project. Anchor point locator 150 can be configured as a single use or reusable device. Example reusable locates would include permanent magnets, battery-power radio transmitters or acoustic signal generators, or even RFID chips.

In a preferred embodiment anchor point locator 150 is configured to emit location signal 155 detectable outside of form 110 after poured concrete 160 has hardened. Anchor point locator 150 can be configured to actively or passively emit location signal 155 (see FIG. 2A). A passively emitted signal is considered a signal emitted when under an external influence while an actively emitted signal is considered to be emitted without external influence. For example, in embodiments where anchor point locator 150 comprises a RFID tag or chip, location signal 155 is passively emitted only when an RFID reader induces the RFID tag to emit its identifier. An example of an actively emitted location signal includes a magnet, which emits its magnetic field. The magnet's magnetic field would be considered an actively emitted location signal 155. Anchor point locator 150 can be powered via a battery to actively emit location signals 155, possibly in the form of a radio signal or an acoustic signal. Contemplated acoustic signals could include an ultrasound signal, a reflected acoustic signal, or other types of sound. In some embodiments, the locator 150 could include a timer that activates location signal 155 after a desired amount of time (e.g., minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, etc.) has passed. For example, locator 150 could be programmed to emit an RF signal after seven days when surrounding concrete has hardened.

FIG. 2A illustrates use of locator sensor 250 to locate anchor point 137. In the example shown, poured concrete 160 from FIG. 1B has hardened into set concrete 260 and the form wall 112 has been removed exposing form surface 212 of building structure 210 (e.g., wall, column, pillar, floor, etc.).

One can locate anchor point 137 by scanning form surface 212 with locator sensor 250. Locator sensor 250 can include one or more display indicators showing a signal strength, direction indictors, or even locator identifier information (e.g., RFID tag, magnetic signature, etc.). The user can continue to scan regions of interest based on signal strength of the receive location signal 155.

Once a user locates anchor point locator 150, the user can remove un-reinforced set concrete 260 that is covering anchor point 137 and anchor point cover 140 as shown in FIG. 2B. Set concrete 260 can be removed using any suitable method. In view of embed plate 135 being positioned where anchor point cover 140 is close to form surface 212, one can easily remove set concrete 260 with a hammer, pick, or other hand tool. Furthermore, anchor point cover 140 can be broken or removed to expose anchor point 137.

In other more complex embodiments, anchor point cover 140 could be outfitted with an actuator (e.g., piston, bladder, etc) capable of breaking through the thin layer of set concrete 260. For example, when triggered possibly by locator sensor 250 a piston could be actuated to rupture through the covering layer of set concrete 260.

Regardless of how anchor point 137 is exposed within hole 265, construction can continue by attaching other building structures to anchor point 137. As mentioned previously, hole 265 could be shaped according to the shape of anchor point cover 140 and can conform to the size or dimensions of the building structure intended to mate with anchor point 137. For example, hole 265 be properly sized and dimensions to have a shape appropriate to receive an end of a beam.

FIG. 3 presents an example method 300 of locating an embedded anchor point within building structure based on the disclosed techniques. The method begins at step 310, which includes providing an embed plate where the embed plate is configured to have an anchor point, an anchor point coupled with the embed plate, and an anchor point locator positioned near the anchor point. The anchor point locator can be placed very close, possible even in the anchor point assuming the anchor point has a recess. For example, a RFID tag could be attached on top of an anchor point or within the anchor point with adhesive then covered with an anchor point cover.

Step 320 can include providing a concrete form by using soil as the form's walls. In some embodiments utilizing top-down construction techniques, the form or mold can be created by excavating a cavity within the earth leaving soil as the walls of the cavity. The term “soil” is used euphemistically to represent types of earth including dirt, sand, gravel, rock, or other types of natural materials. Still, it should be appreciated that the walls can be reinforced with a slurry wall, auger pile, caissons, or other barriers to prevent collapse of the soil or to define a desired surface texture. In some embodiments, the cavity can be filled with bentonite or other temporary fill material to reduce risk of the walls from collapsing. The concrete form can be sized and dimensioned to conform to a desired building structure including a column, pillar, floor, ceiling, wall, or other structure.

Step 330 can include coupling the embed plate with a reinforcing structure. The reinforcing structure can include a rebar cage, steel bands, or other structure that can be used to reinforce a poured building structure. The reinforcing structure can have a complementary shape to that of the form so that the resulting building structure will have greater strength. In some embodiments the embed plate can be welded to the reinforcing structure, wire-tied to the structure, or could even be integral with the reinforcing structure. When coupling the embed plate to the reinforcing structure, step 335 can include positioning the embed plate where the embed plate's anchor points face toward a surface the concrete form and by extension a surface of the final building structure. In more preferred embodiments, an outer most surface of the anchor point cover is positioned just below the surface of the building structure so that hardened covering material can be easily removed to reveal the anchor point.

Step 340 includes disposing the embed plate within the concrete form or mold defining the desired building structure. The embed plate can couple with a reinforcing structure as discussed with respect to step 330 above. If the cavity is filled with a temporary fill material, the embed plate and reinforcing structure can be simply inserted into the cavity along with the fill material. Preferably the embed plate and reinforcing structure are positioned so the anchor point and anchor point cover are positioned near a wall of the concrete form as discussed above or in accordance with applicable construction standards, requirements, jurisdictional conditions, or other criteria. The anchor point cover protects the anchor point and anchor point locator from becoming contaminated from any temporary fill material.

Step 350 includes filling the concrete form with a concrete to the point where the poured concrete covers the anchor point cover. Filling the concrete form can use the tremie method where poured concrete can display temporary fill material including bentonite. Typically the concrete is left in the form until the concrete achieves a desired strength and retains the shape of the form. For example, the concrete can be left to harden over seven days before proceeding further.

Once the concrete hardens to a desired level, one can locate the anchor point as indicated by step 360. Step 360 includes locating the anchor point by detecting a location signal emanating from the anchor point locator. In some embodiments, the anchor point locator is configured to actively emit the location signal. For example, the anchor point locator could be non-powered and based on a magnet where the anchor point locator signals comprise a magnetic field. Alternatively the anchor point locator could be powered via a battery and could emit an acoustic signal or transmit a radio signal. In other embodiments, the anchor point locator can be configured to passively emit the location signal. For example, the anchor point locator could comprise an RFID tag that only responds when in proximity to an RFID reader or other similar sensor.

The anchor point locator signal can be detected by using a sensor configured to detect the locator signal as indicated by step 365. The sensor is preferably be configured in a complementary fashion to detect the signals originating from the anchor point locator. The sensor could include a magnet or magnetometer to detect a magnetic anchor point locator, an RFID reader to detect an RFID-based anchor point locator, an radio receiver to detect a radio transmitter anchor point locator, an acoustic transducer to detect an acoustic anchor point locator, or other complementary sensor device. One aspect of detecting the locator signal can include detecting anchor point identifier information associated with locator. The identifier information allows an individual to be certain which anchor point or anchor point cover they have found.

Step 370, upon locating a spot believed to be the anchor point, includes exposing the anchor point by removing hardened concrete, preferably un-reinforced, and the anchor point cover at a location indicated by the location signal. In view that the anchor point cover has been positioned relatively close to the surface of the concrete form, minimal effort would be required to remove the covering material. For example, an individual could simply chip away at the location to expose the top of the anchor point cover. Furthermore, the anchor point cover can comprise a frangible material that can be easily broken or otherwise removed to reveal one or more hidden anchor points.

Numerous advantages are a direct result from the disclosed techniques. For example, various anchor types can be used to replicate conventional design detail regardless of the thickness of the wall, column, or floor without changing a basic design. One advantage of the inventive subject matter includes providing many of the capabilities previously only available in light top-down construction for use in heavy structural design and construction that would otherwise involves heavy scaffolding steel beams or decking. For example, the outlined subject matter can provide a flat concrete ceiling. All necessary embeds can be installed using threaded insert schemes to eliminate drilled in concrete anchors. The combined effect is to drastically reduce construction costs and schedules. Furthermore, the embed plates with internally threaded anchor points can be made part of H piles as part of the reinforcing structures, which would have the added advantage of stiffening a rebar assembly for lifting and placing it in a slurry. Still, further, large hollow steel inserts could be used for below grade doors or large pipe openings. An insert would be sized or dimensioned to suit a final service and could be equipped with threaded inserts to accept pipe or door flanges. The insert would be filled with sand to offset buoyant effects as the reinforcing structure was lowered into the slurry.

Although the disclosed techniques are presented within the context of top-down construction methods and discuss use of concrete, one should appreciate that the inventive subject matter is considered applicable to other areas as well. For example, the same techniques can be applied to other construction methods beyond top-down construction including traditional construction methods, pre-fabrication, or other types of manufacture where embedded anchor points require locating. Furthermore, other materials can be used beyond concrete or cementitious materials. Other materials could include resin, plaster, clay, curable polymers, or other materials that can harden and hide anchor points.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

Claims

1. A building structure having anchor points, the method comprising:

a concrete form;

a reinforcement structure disposed at least partially within in the form; and

an embed plate coupled with the reinforcement structure, the embed plate having (a) an anchor point, (b) an anchor point cover covering the anchor point, and (c) an anchor point locator proximate to the anchor point, where the embed plate is positioned on the reinforcement structure so the anchor point faces toward a surface of the form.

2. The structure of claim 1, further comprising concrete disposed within the concrete form covering the anchor point.

3. The structure of claim 2, wherein the anchor point locator is configured to emit a location signal.

4. The structure of claim 3, wherein the location signal comprises at least one of the following: a magnetic signal, an audio signal, and a radio signal.

5. The structure of claim 3, wherein the location signal comprises an anchor point identifier.

6. The structure of claim 1, wherein the anchor point locator comprises at least one of the following: a magnet and an RFID tag.

7. The structure of claim 1, wherein the anchor point locator is disposed within the anchor point cover.

8. The structure of claim 1, wherein the anchor point comprises a threaded anchor point.

9. The structure of claim 8, wherein the threaded anchor point is a recess into the embed plate.

10. The structure of claim 1, wherein the concrete form comprises at least one of a wall form, a column form, a floor forms, and a ceiling form.

11. The structure of claim 1, wherein the concrete form comprises a soil wall.

12. The structure of claim 1, wherein the concrete form is a top-down construction structure.

13. A method of locating an embedded anchor point within a concrete structure, the method comprising:

providing an embed plate having (a) a anchor point, (b) an anchor point cover covering the anchor point, and (c) a anchor point locator proximate to the anchor point;

disposing the embed plate within a concrete form;

filling the concrete form with concrete so the concrete covers the anchor point cover;

locating the anchor point by detecting a location signal from the anchor point locator; and

exposing the anchor point by removing hardened concrete and the anchor point cover at a location indicated by the location signal.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising coupling the embed plate with a reinforcement structure and disposing a reinforcement structure within the concrete form.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising positioning the embed plate where the anchor point faces toward a surface of the concrete form.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of locating the anchor point includes using a sensor to detect the locator signal.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the locator signal comprises at least one of a magnetic field, an RFID identifier, and an audio signal.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing the concrete form by using soil as the form's walls.

19. A building structure anchor point cover, the cover comprising:

a covering body sized and dimensioned to cover an embed plate's anchor point and configured to prevent poured concrete from interfering with the anchor point when the embed plate is covered with concrete; and

an anchor point locator coupled with the covering body and configured to emit a location signal.

20. The cover of claim 19, wherein the anchor point locator comprises at least one of a magnet, and an RFID tag.

21. The cover of claim 19, wherein the covering body comprises a frangible material.