Abstract: The invention relates to fiber compositions that can be pumped and metered in the fashion of fluid chemical admixtures into a concrete mix, thereby enabling the fibers to be dispensed by concrete ready-mix plant operators who can provide verification of fiber administration and dosage. The fibers, particularly plastic shrinkage control fibers having large cumulative surface area, are suspended in an aqueous or non-aqueous medium such that their surface area is already wetted out, thereby virtually assuring that substantial uniform fiber dispersion can be achieved without clumping and the delay that is usually required by fiber intermixing.

Abstract: The invention relates to fiber compositions that can be pumped and metered in the fashion of fluid chemical admixtures into a concrete mix, thereby enabling the fibers to be dispensed by concrete ready-mix plant operators who can provide verification of fiber administration and dosage. The fibers, particularly plastic shrinkage control fibers having large cumulative surface area, are suspended in an aqueous medium such that their surface area is already wetted out, thereby virtually assuring that substantial uniform fiber dispersion can be achieved without clumping and the delay that is usually required by fiber intermixing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fiber/cement composite, the cementitious matrix of which has a water/binder ratio of less than 0.25 and consisting of cement, aggregate elements, fine pozzolanic elements and a plasticizer.

Abstract: The invention provides conductive concrete suitable for commercial and large-scale production. The conductive concrete uses carbonaceous particles as conductive phase, to achieve concrete with resistivities as low as 2 &OHgr;cm and compressive strengths over 30 Mpa (both measured at 28 days).

Abstract: High strength foamed well cement compositions and methods of cementing subterranean zones penetrated by well bores are provided. The foamed well cement compositions are basically comprised of a hydraulic cement, hydrophilic fibers, water sufficient to form a pumpable slurry, a mixture of foaming and foam stabilizing surfactants and sufficient gas to foam the slurry.

Abstract: A body (5) of set, initially pasty material, such as concrete, includes an electrically conducting path formed by a concentrated layer (6) of electrically conducting magnetizable elements, such as fibres (F) or granules (G), embedded in the initially pasty material and extending through at least a portion of the body (5). Electrically conducting terminal members (9) may be connected to the electrically conducting layer (6) at spaced-apart positions along the layer (6). A method of providing such a body (5) includes the steps of: (a) forming a body of the pasty material in which electrically conducting magnetizable elements (F) are dispersed, (b) applying a magnetic field to the body of pasty material to form from the magnetizable elements an electrically conducting layer embedded in the body of pasty material and extending at least through a portion the body (5), and (c) causing the body of pasty material containing the layer (6) to set.

Abstract: Noncorroding reinforcing steel, and steel reinforced concrete, which has an adherent bond with hydrated concrete formed by a thermally sprayed hydraulically reactive layer of a material such as blast furnace slag on the steel surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are concrete and fiber cement formulations and products comprising low-density calcium silicate hydrate, and methods for producing these formulations and products. The disclosed formulations exhibit accelerated curing times. Other advantages of the disclosed formulations include improved dimensional stability in extruded products, reduced cracking, and reduced wash-out in underwater applications. The products of the disclosed formulation have lower cost of production and faster time to market.

Abstract: The invention concerns a concrete obtained by mixing with water, cement, granular elements, elements with puzzolanic reaction, constituents capable of improving the toughness of the matrix, metal fibers and at least a dispersing agent, in specified conditions and proportions. Said concrete has improved properties compared to prior art concrete comprising metal fibers.

Abstract: Dry mixes for hydraulic cement coatings for masonry, plastic insulating and dry wall substrates includes selective mineral aggregates, water reducer, and fine ceramic fibers, in various proportions for the different substrates. The ceramic fibers expand in the water of the applied coating and are trapped within the small recesses in the substrates. The ceramic fibers include different micron sizes in the range of 20 to 40 for masonry about 120 microns for plastic insulating substrates particularly foam plastic substrates. The fibers expand in the wet coating applied to substrates and remain in that state to bond to the substrates.

Abstract: The slurries were prepared using a reference slurry having a density of 16.4 lb/gal(US) (1.965 g/cm3) of cement, with porosity of 55.18%. The cement was a class G Dickerhoff North cement. The slurries were prepared in the presence of on agent at a concentration of 0.4% by weight of cemenit (BWOC) and of an anti-foaming agent at a concentration of 0.03 gallons per (94 pound) sack of cement (gps); (a concentration of 0.1 gps corresponds to 0.90 liters of anti-foaming agent per 100 kg of cement). The suspension agent was added to the mixing water, and mixing took place at 4000 revolutions.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel fiber reinforced building material formulations, comprised of an inorganic binding agent and synthetic fibers. The fibrous material employed in invention formulations is capable of undergoing progressive fibrillation upon agitation. As a result, tougher building materials, due to higher fiber addition rates than previously possible, are produced. Formulations containing Portland cement-based compositions and fibrillating synthetic fibers are also contemplated. In addition, there are provided methods of producing fiber reinforced building materials, including Portland cement-based compositions, and articles produced therefrom.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for rapidly carbonating large cement structures, by forming and hardening cement in a mold under high carbon dioxide density, such as supercritical or near-supercritical conditions. The method is more reliable, efficient, and effective than are post-molding treatments with high-pressure CO2. Cements molded in the presence of high-pressure CO2 are significantly denser than otherwise comparable cements having no CO2 treatment, and are also significantly denser than otherwise comparable cements treated with CO2 after hardening. Bulk carbonation of cementitious materials produces several beneficial effects, including reducing permeability of the cement, increasing its compressive strength, and reducing its pH. These effects are produced rapidly, and extend throughout the bulk of the cement—they are not limited to a surface layer, as are prior methods of post-hardening CO2 treatment.

Abstract: An article and method for its manufacture are described. The article is preferably a ladle used in the manufacture of metals and receives molten metal for further chemical processing in the ladle or for transportation. The ladle is transparent to a wide range of electromagnetic radiation wavelengths which allows the metal to be heated or stirred by induction without heating the ladle itself. The ladle is made of glass fibers and an inorganic cement, and this provides strength along with high temperature resistance. The article is manufactured by winding glass fiber around a mandrel, the glass fiber having an inorganic cement adhered to it. In one technique, the cement is provided on the fiber as an aqueous slurry, and the product is allowed to air cure after winding. In a second technique, the cement is adhered to the fiber by electrostatic attraction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the colouring of concrete, and especially in the colours blue or green. According to the method, copper powder from grinding work, for example, may be added before the concrete hardens. This colours the concrete mix due to its reaction with a substance added to the concrete.

Abstract: A method of forming low lead leaching foamed concrete is provided. The method includes the step of dry mixing cement with a suspending agent to form a dry mixture. Water is mixed with a fine aggregate to form an aqueous mixture. The dry mixture is mixed into the aqueous mixture to form a slurry. Calcium phosphate is mixed into the slurry until all constituents are throughly distributed throughout the resulting mixture. The density of the resulting mixture is determined and an aqueous foam is added to the resulting mixture until the density of the resulting mixture is reduced to a desired level. Fibers are mixed into the resulting mixture until the fiber is distributed throughout the final mixture. The final mixture is placed into a mold. The mixture is allowed to harden and cure.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the properties of polymer fibers incorporated into upcured concrete. A wetting agent is incorporated into the molten polymer prior to extrusion into fibers in order to render the fibers durably wettable.

Abstract: A steel fiber (10) for reinforcement of high-performance concrete or mortar has a length ranging from 3 mm to 30 mm, a thickness ranging from 0.08 mm to 0.30 mm, and a tensile strength greater than 2000 MPa. The steel fiber is provided with anchorages (12,24) the dimension of which in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the steel fiber is maximum 50% of the thickness. These anchorages provide an effective staying in the high-performance concrete without influencing the mixability of the steel fibers in a negative way.

Abstract: Amorphous ferrophosphorus alloys (Formula II) are useful as shrinkage control agents in cement composites, and new amorphous ferrophosphorus alloys particularly useful for this purpose are disclosed having the formula: FeaCrbMcPdCeSif  (Formula I) wherein M is a metal selected from the group consisting of Vg, Nih, Mni and mixtures thereof, and a is about 66-76, b is about 1-10, c is about 2-7, d about 12-20, e about 1-6, f is less than about 2, g is about 1-5, h is less than about 2 and i is less than about 2, atomic percent.

Abstract: An ultra-high performance composite concrete, with low cement and fiber content and having good mechanical properties as well as good impacts, shocks and projectile protection properties, includes hydraulic binder, aggregates, an admixture of metal fibers. Particularly, the composite concrete includes 70% to 85% of particles (A) having a particle size distribution which ranges from 0.01 to 3 mm up to particle size distribution which ranges from 0.01 to 0.50 mm; 2% to 10% of particles (B) having particle size of between 0.01 and 1 .mu.m; 3% to 20% of hydraulic binder; 0.1 to 3% of a dispersant or plasticizer; 0.05% to 8.5% of fibers; and, mixing water, wherein the percentages being weight percentages based on the sum of the weights of constituents a) to d).

Abstract: An improved reinforcing fiber for concrete is formed with two types of anchors positioned adjacent to each axial end of the fiber. A drag anchor which frictionally resist being pulled from the concrete without fiber breakage and a dead anchor between the drag anchor and adjacent axial end of the fiber, the dead end engages the concrete to develop stresses at a weakened point in the fiber formed between the drag anchor and its adjacent dead anchor to break the fiber or deform the dead anchor before maximum tensile strength of the fiber is reached so that the dead anchor functions to maximize the load carrying capacity while at the same time protecting against fiber rupture and the drag anchor continues to function after release of the weak point of the fiber.

Abstract: The invention's first embodiment uses shape memory alloy (SMA) fibers that are blended into a concrete composite material as straight fibers and are made to deform themselves and anchor and interlock themselves after dispersement in the composite material resulting in a more evenly distributed and interlocked fiber reinforcement of the cementitious material. A self-shaping fiber can be imparted to the concrete material by making the fibers out of SMA such as nickel-titanium alloy known as nitinol where the cementitious composite material mixture is briefly heated above the "transition" temperature prior to hardening that causes the fibers to change shape. Nitinol fibers are used alone in place of conventional steel fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for enhancing the bond strength of a cement matrix including reinforcement fibers and for modifying the surface characteristics of reinforcement fibers useful in cementitious materials. The processes further relate to controlling the interface properties and, more particularly, the bond strength (.tau.) and interface toughness (T.sub.i), between synthetic fibers and a cementitious material forming a matrix. By plasma treating synthetic fibers with an excitable gas capable of displacing hydrogen atoms occurring along said reinforcement fibers, the bond strength and interface toughness of the composite is dramatically increased over composites employing non-plasma treated fibers.

Abstract: Whole waste tires are shredded and ground down to particulates and used as aggregates for concrete compositions in the construction field.

Abstract: The present invention provides a short carbon fiber reinforced hydraulic composite material making the best use of physical properties of short carbon fibers incorporated as reinforcing material. Microparticles are deposited on the short carbon fibers in an amount of 0.5 to 3 wt. %. These microparticles also have a particle diameter of 5 microns or less.

Abstract: Mixed anodic/cathodic corrosion inhibitors for use in hydraulic cement, comprising a) a first component consisting of an amount of alkali or alkaline earth metal nitrite sufficient to inhibit anodic corrosion; and b) a second component comprising an agent that acts to increases the anodic corrosion performance of the first component; wherein said first and second components are present in a weight ratio of from about 1:0.1 to 1:1. Optionally an EO/PO superplasticizer can be incorporated where the weight ratio of the first component, i.e., nitrite, to EO/PO superplasticizer is from about 1:0.005 to 1:0.25, with the surprising benefit of increased protection against cathodic corrosion without harming the level of anodic corrosion inhibition.

Abstract: Graded fiber additives for addition to proportioned concrete comprising a mixture of fibers having deniers ranging from about 3 to about 5000 and lengths ranging from about 0.0625 to 3 inches (0.16 to 7.6 cm), graded to provide pluralities of different fiber designs comprising variations in at least three of lengths, widths, thicknesses, deniers, fibrillations, cross-sections or aspect ratios, prior to their addition to concrete, or at least two of lengths, widths, thicknesses, deniers, fibrillations or aspect ratios, prior to their addition to concrete, or at least two of widths, thicknesses, deniers, fibrillations, cross-sections or aspect ratios, prior to their addition to the concrete, so as to accommodate the mortar factions within proportioned concrete containing graded aggregate, provide a continuous distribution of fibers therein and thereby inhibit the initiation of cracking.

Abstract: A method and composition for preparing concrete elements comprising the steps of mixing a composition comprising the following components expressed in parts by weight (p):a) 100 p of Portland cement;b) 30 p to 100 p or better 40 p to 70 p of fine sand having a grain size of at least 150 micrometers;c) 10 p to 40 p or better 20 p to 30 p of amorphous silicon having a grain size of less than 0.5 micrometers;d) 20 p to 60 p or better 30 p to 50 p of ground quartz having a grain size of less than 10 micrometers;e) 25 p to 100 p, or better 45 p to 80 p of steel wool;f) a dispersing agent;g) 13 p to 26 p or better 15 p to 22 p of water; and after setting, curing the concrete at a temperature of 250.degree. C. or higher, for a length of time sufficient to transform cement hydration products into crystalline hydrates of the xonotlite type; thus eliminating substantially all of the free water and at least the main part of the adsorbed and chemically bonded water.

Abstract: A metal fiber concrete composition for molding a concrete element, the composition being essentially constituted by a Portland cement, granular elements, fine elements for pozzolan reaction, metal fibers, a dispersing agent, optionally other additives, and water. The preponderant granular elements have a maximum grain size D of not more than 800 micrometers. The preponderant metal fibers have individual lengths 1 lying in the range 4 mm to 20 mm. The ratio R of the mean length L of the fibers divided by said maximum size D of the granular elements is not less than 10. The amount of preponderant metal fibers is such that the volume of preponderant metal fibers lies in the range 1.0% to 4% of the volume of the concrete after setting.

Abstract: An expansive Portland cement incorporating an expansive additive which is a polymer incorporating a calcium compound reactive with the cement is described. The shrinkage compensating concrete produced is much less likely to crack and is used in slabs and other structural systems where cracking of the concrete is a problem.

Abstract: Graded fiber additives of the present invention provide a mixture a fibers having a plurality of deniers, cross-sections and aspect ratios defining a plurality of different types wherein each type present in the mixture differs from every other type by at least one of denier, cross-section and aspect ratio, the plurality of types being designed and selected to provide optimum graded fiber distribution to accommodate the mortar factions common to proportioned concrete containing graded aggregate, and thereby to inhibit the initiation of cracking. Concrete and like materials having improved crack resistance comprise concrete and from about 0.025 to one percent by volume of fiber mixture providing a plurality of deniers, cross-sections and aspect ratios.

Abstract: Reinforcement fiber made of metal for the reinforcement of concrete, consisting of a wire piece, which is deformed near both ends over a certain distance. The wire piece, is undeformed between the ends and the deformed part. The two extremities of the reinforcement fiber are not deformed over a distance of 1 to 5 mm. The reinforcement fiber is provided with a profiling consisting of a large number of small notches or grooves. The grooves are provided at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the reinforcement fiber. The length of the reinforcement fiber lies between 10 and 70 mm, and the fibers have a length-thickness ratio of between 40 and 70. The ends of the reinforcement fiber are bevelled at an angle of approximately 45 degrees and are slightly flattened. The transition from the deformed part to the undeformed part is provided with a slight bulge.

Abstract: Conductive cement-based compositions exhibiting both good electrical conductivity and mechanical strength have been obtained by ensuring proper dispersion of conductive phase within the composition. The content of the ingredients depends on the preparation method, for instance conventional mixing or slurry infiltration, and on the type of the composition, i.e. conductive paste, mortar or concrete. The broad content ranges of the conductive composition are:a cement binder,a conductive phase consisting of one or more of the following:conductive fibers in the amount from 0 to 15% by volume of the composition;conductive particles in the amount from 0 to 80% by volume of the composition;water, at the weight ratio relative to cement binder from 0.2 to 0.75,fine agregates at the weight ratio relative to cement binder from 0.0 to 2.0, andcoarse aggregates at the weight ratio relative to cement binder from 0.0 to 2.0,conventional additives or admixtures, and optionally a dispersant.

Abstract: A metal fiber for reinforcing cement-based materials comprises an elongated, substantially straight central portion and sinusoid shaped end portions. The sinusoid at each end portion has an optimum amplitude A.sub.o,opt defined by:A.sub.o,opt =[k.sub.1 (.sigma..sub.c).sup.k.sub.2 ][.sigma..sub.u.sup..alpha. .epsilon..sub.f.sup..beta. ][A.sub.f /P.sub.f ]wherek.sub.1 = 2.025.times.10.sup.-2,.sigma..sub.c =compressive strength of the cement-based material in MPa,k.sub.2 =3.19.times.10.sup.-1,.sigma..sub.u =ultimate tensile strength of the metal in MPa,.alpha.= 6.60.times.10.sup.-1,.epsilon..sub.f =ductility of the metal in percent, and.beta.= 3.20.times.10.sup.-1,A.sub.f =cross-sectional area of the fiber in mm.sup.2, andP.sub.f =perimeter of the fiber in mm.The sinusoid further has a wavelength L.sub.s defined by:L.sub.s =(L.sub.f -L.sub.m)/2whereL.sub.f =length of the fiber,L.sub.m =length of the central portion,and wherein 0.5 L.sub.f <L.sub.m <0.75 L.sub.f.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reinforcing element for reinforcing a solidified fluid mass such as concrete or refractory comprising an elongate shank having a slot extending along at least a portion of the length of the shank. The slot increases the surface area of the shank and increases the aspect ratio of the element to more firmly bond the element in the mass. Anchoring portions are provided at the ends of the shank and have a width greater than the diameter of the shank.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making electrically conductive concrete articles ed for electromagnetic shielding, the invention also includes the articles of manufacture formed according to the method. Concrete articles formed according to the method of the invention are reinforced with magnetized metallic fibers, preferably steel fibers, a substantial portion of the fibers contacting nearby fibers to provide electrical continuity through the article. Contact between fibers is enhanced according to the invention by vibration of the concrete/fiber mix during forming of the electrically conductive concrete article.

Abstract: A cementitious composition which contains a base which preferably has a solubility which is greater than that-of calcium hydroxide. The amount of this base is such as to provide 0.1 to 2% by-weight of hydroxide relative to the weight of the cementitious composition. The cementitious composition may be a polymer modified mortar which is used as the anode overlay in a cathodically protected reinforced concrete.

Abstract: A fiber for reinforcing concrete comprises a length of metal wire having a substantially straight central part and offset anchoring parts at its opposite ends, each of which includes an initial straight portion parallel to the central part and offset laterally therefrom, a final straight portion coaxial with the central part, and two opposed oblique portions connecting the initial straight portion to the central part and to the final straight portion, respectively.

Abstract: A discontinuous drawn steel wire fiber for incorporation in a fiber composite, in particular a cement material, the fiber being made from a length of steel wire which is shaped so that the fiber is contained in a plane and, in said plane, is in the configuration of a loop which is convex and closed, wherein it has the configuration of an oblong loop whose ends are delimited by curvilinear wire portions, said curvilinear wire portions being interconnected by rectilinear wire portions, and wherein the two end portions of said length of wire are disposed side by side and in opposite directions, said end portions extending between said curvilinear wire portions to form one of said rectilinear wire portions.

Abstract: The corrosion inhibiting systems comprise at least one of the following: sodium fluorophosphate, and a water soluble salt of phosphonic acid derivatives having the general formula R.sub.n R.sub.1 N(CH.sub.2 PO.sub.3 H.sub.2).sub.2-n wherein R.sub.n and R.sub.1 are each independently selected from a member selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aminoalkyl and N-hydroxyalkyl and n is an integer selected from 1 and 0. The methods comprise laying on a surface a system as defined above. The invention also discloses deicers, paints and other corrosion inhibitors in numerous carriers. Products containing at least residual amounts of a system as defined above are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device comprising a solid or powdered concrete admixture contained in a water-soluble container such that when the container and its contents are introduced into a wet mixer and agitated for a period of time, the water-soluble container is dissolved and the contents are released into the wet mixer. A separate water-insoluble receptacle is used to house and store the water-soluble container and its contents. In addition, there is disclosed a method for modifying the properties of a concrete by introducing a pre-weighed amount of solid admixture contained in a water-soluble container into a wet mixer and thereafter agitating the resulting mix.

Abstract: A cementitious composition comprises a ground sulfoaluminous clinker, a ground Portland cement clinker (preferably rapid hardening Portland cement clinker), calcium sulfate, aggregate (especially sand and a coarse aggregate such as granite) and metal (e.g. stainless steel) fibers. The composition may also comprise a plasticizer and agents for controlling setting and hardening. The reinforced concrete produced from the compositions is useful in offshore applications, e.g. as a coating for the weld areas between lengths of steel pipe to be laid under water.

Abstract: An article and method for its manufacture are described. The article is preferably a ladle used in the manufacture of metals and receives molten metal for further chemical processing in the ladle or for transportation. The ladle is transparent to a wide range of electromagnetic radiation wavelengths which allows the metal to be heated or stirred by induction without heating the ladle itself. The ladle is made of glass fibers and an inorganic cement, and this provides strength along with high temperature resistance. The article is manufactured by winding glass fiber around a mandrel, the glass fiber having an inorganic cement adhered to it. In one technique, the cement is provided on the fiber as an aqueous slurry, and the product is allowed to air cure after winding. In a second technique, the cement is adhered to the fiber by electrostatic attraction.

Abstract: A compact reinforced composite comprising a matrix (A) with a reinforcement (B) embedded therein, the matrix (A) being a composite structure comprising a base matrix (C) which is reinforced with reinforcing bodies (D) in the form of fibers. The transverse dimension of (B) being at least 5 times as large as the transverse dimension of (D).

Abstract: A concrete reinforcing metal fiber capable of being easily and uniformly dispersed in concrete. The metal fiber integrally includes a longitudinal strength body which bears tensile force that works thereon, and two rows of intermittent fins extending on the opposite sides of the strength body. The flatness ratio, namely, the ratio of the maximum width of the metal fiber to the maximum thickness of the same, of the metal fiber is in the range of 2.5 to 6.