Abstract: A method of repairing and strengthening a concrete column includes wrapping a flexible strap of reinforcing material circumferentially around the exterior of a concrete column and longitudinally along at least a portion of the height of the concrete column, and then fastening the flexible strap of reinforcing material to itself to secure it to the concrete column such that external lateral reinforcement of the concrete column is thereby provided which increases the strength, stiffness and ductility of the concrete column. The repairing and strengthening method also includes applying a tension force to the flexible strap of reinforcing material before, while, or after it is wrapped around the exterior of the concrete column. The flexible strap of reinforcing material has a predetermined length, width and thickness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a shelter from ice or snow. A slip form allows snow or ice to be formed in situ into building blocks that form the shelter. The slip form comprises two vertical side pieces and incorporates an end cap that holds the side pieces together and allows the slip form to separate upon impact rather than fracture. A telescoping pole is attached at one end to one of the side pieces of the slip form, and at the other end to a spike that is driven into the ground to provide a reference point for the construction of the shelter. The telescoping pole incorporates two or more sections. The first section comprises a series of predetermined apertures that receive a tab or pin integrated into the second section of the telescoping pole. The outer diameter of the second section is smaller than the inner diameter of the first section, thus allowing the pole to retract by placing the second section into the first section.

Abstract: A multi-component three dimensional energetic device and the method of maacturing it. The method includes the steps of forming a quantity of an energetic material into a plurality of sheets having relatively no appreciable thickness, and then cutting at least one required shape from the surface of a portion of each of the plurality of sheets to define an opening for at least one inlay of a different material. An inlay of the different material is placed in the openings to form a plurality of stackable shapes that are then bonded together to form the multi-component three dimensional energetic device. The preferred embodiment includes forming the inlay from an energetic material that is different from the sheet energetic material. Optionally a bonding agent may be admixed with at least one of the materials to facilitate bonding to form the device. The bonding agent may or may not be an energetic material, as desired.

Abstract: A spacing tool to be inserted between a form and a foundry furnace during installation of the form in the foundry furnace comprises a first longitudinally extending member to contact the foundry furnace. A second longitudinally extending member is coupled to the first member. The first and second members define opposed surfaces to contact the form and foundry furnace respectively. The second member is moveable relative to the first member to alter the distance between the opposed surfaces and set the spacing between the form and the foundry furnace. During a foundry furnace relining process, a plurality of spacing tools are used at circumferentially spaced locations to center the form within the foundry furnace.

Abstract: A structural member for reinforcement of asphalt and concrete roadways and other products, and which includes a gridwork of warp strands and weft strands which are disposed at right angles to each other and so as to define an open structure. In one embodiment, the gridwork is impregnated with a thermosettable B-stage resin so as to interlock the strands at their crossover points and maintain the gridwork in a semi-flexible state, and after being applied to the product to be reinforced, the resin is heated to convert the same into a fully cured composite to thereby rigidize the gridwork and reinforce the product. In cases where the product to be reinforced is heated, such as asphalt paving, the heat of the product provides the heat necessary to fully cure the resin in situ. In another embodiment, the resin is fully cured to rigidize the gridwork prior to its being applied to the structure to be reinforced. A method of producing the resin impregnated gridwork is also disclosed.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism for a hole form that is used to secure the hole form to a form wall during a casting process. The attachment mechanism includes a hole form having an opening formed in the face thereof and a magnet assembly which is received in the opening of the hole form. The magnet assembly can include a flange portion which can be received in a corresponding stepped portion of the opening. The magnet assembly is removable and can be used in other hole forms.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating freestanding columns of compressible substances such as snow and sand. These freestanding columns can then be sculpted into any desired shape. The apparatus is placed on level ground, filled with the compressible substance after which the substance is compressed using hands or other implements. The operator then rotates the apparatus by pushing horizontally on the handles, thereby causing the apparatus to rise vertically due to the spiral grooves on the inside surface of the apparatus. As the apparatus rises vertically, the column of compressed substance remains stationary while creating space at the top of the apparatus for the addition of more of the compressible substance. The process is repeated until desired height is reached.

Abstract: When the wall and bottom of a steel casting and handling ladle are provided at the same time with a refractory monolithic lining, the lining in the lower area of the wall is often damaged during intermediate repairs of the bottom. According to a new process, wall and bottom are lined one after the other. A hose-like inflatable sealing body is secured to the bottom part of the template 4 when beginning to introduce the casting mass in the wall area and is inflated so that it seals the template 4 up to the height that corresponds to the desired thickness of the bottom. As soon as the casting mass in the lower wall area is sufficiently set, the sealing body 2 is deflated and removed, then the refractory casting mass is introduced into the bottom area up to the desired height. This process is suitable for steel casting and handling ladles and for similar metallurgical vessels.

Abstract: A method of forming an opening in a concrete structure. The method includes providing reinforcement wire for reinforcing the concrete structure. First and second bodies are attached to the reinforcement wire at a selected location so that the first and second bodies are on opposite sides of the reinforcement wire. The concrete structure is formed over the reinforcement wire. The first and second bodies are removed from the concrete structure to expose the opening.

Abstract: A dome building structure employs an inflatable form having a peripheral edge secured to a base. A network of cable-like members overlies the form and is secured to the base so as to restrain pressurized inflation of the form to prevent tearing. A layer of insulating foam is applied to the inner surface of the inflated form followed by attachment of a reinforcing mesh and application of a cementitious layer sufficient to embed the mesh. Internal ribs are formed to directly underlie the network of external cable members which may be interconnected to the internal ribs to assist in support of the ribs until they become self-supporting of the dome. The external network of cable-like members allows the form to extend convexly outwardly or pooch through interstices in the cable network creating smaller radii of curvature to better withstand inward buckling.

Abstract: A method is provided for installing a refractory lining in a blast furnace or other metallurgical vessel. A consumable form is installed along an inner surface of an outer shell of the metallurgical vessel. The consumable form is spaced apart from the outer shell. The metallurgical vessel is then filled with burden, which supports the consumable form. Casting composition may then be inserted between the consumable form and the outer shell. The casting composition is heated for a period of time before the burden is ignited. Cables which are lowered from the top of the vessel and secured at a lower end of the vessel may be used. Tubes mounted on panels may be threaded along the cables to position the panels in constructing the consumable form.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved tank or containment vessels and processes and apparatus for their construction. The tanks or containment vessels usually consist of circular walls resting on a base and a dome supported by the walls. The dome of the subject prestressed tank is formed by deploying or creating a membrane on the base, applying one or more layers of rigidifying material (and prestressing or reinforcing material if needed) on the membrane and then forming said membrane into a dome before the rigidifying material sets by the selective introduction of compressed air at appropriate locations between the base and the membrane. The hardening of the rigidifying material results in a composite preformed rigid roof or dome having a membrane liner and an overlay of composite construction. Once the walls are created, air pressure can be further utilized to raise this preformed composite dome upward to a predetermined height after which it is fastened to the walls.

Abstract: A hot tap connection comprising: (i) a main supply pipe, (ii) a side branch pipe connected to the main supply pipe, (iii) a reinforcing saddle surrounding the main supply pipe and the side branch pipe, (iv) a first gap between the main supply pipe and the reinforcing saddle, (v) a second gap between the side branch pipe and the reinforcing saddle, and (vi) a solid material substantially filling the first gap and the second gap. The method for producing the hot tap connection is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-component explosive composition coising 2-ethylhexyl nitrate and a granular solid oxidizer. An optional additional component is a second fuel, e.g., aluminum. An optional component in the absence of the second fuel is azodicarbonamide. Methods for making the explosive are provided.

Abstract: A method for lining a manhole: (i) inserting into the manhole a tubular liner wet with a curable liquid resin; (ii) everting an inflatable plastic bag into the tubular liner by charging water in it; (iii) closing the open end of the everted bag to form a closed space inside the bag; (iv) supplying compressed air to the closed space to cause the plastic bag to inflate and press the liner against the manhole; and (v) curing the liquid resin to harden the liner; and further improvements include: plugging the main pipe with two plugs to isolate the manhole and stop the drain from wetting the manhole, but providing a hose penetrating through the plugs to allow the drain to flow past the manhole; partially filling the portion of the main pipe isolated between the two plugs with a liquid absorbent filler; the tubular liner has varied thickness increasing toward its lower end stepwise or continuously and has its lower opening covered up by a net attached to the lower end circumference of the liner.

Abstract: An improved protective pile cap formed of a polymeric compound and a binder and a method of assembling the cap onto the top of a pile is described, wherein the cap is particularly durable and provides for excellent protection of the open grain of the top end of a pile to prevent deterioration of the pile due to exposure from various environmental elements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved tank or containment vessels and processes and apparatus for their construction. The tanks or containment vessels usually consist of circular walls resting on a base and a dome supported by the walls. The dome of the subject prestressed tank is formed by deploying or creating a membrane on the base, applying one or more layers of rigidifying material (and prestressing or reinforcing material if needed) on the membrane and then forming said membrane into a dome before the rigidifying material sets by the selective introduction of compressed air at appropriate locations between the base and the membrane. The hardening of the rigidifying material results in a composite preformed rigid roof or dome having a membrane liner and an overlay of composite construction. Once the walls are created, air pressure can be further utilized to raise this preformed composite dome upward to a predetermined height after which it is fastened to the walls.

Abstract: There is provided a thermal transfer type emblem made of thermoplastic synthetic resin comprising three-dimensional design elements made of a flexible thermoplastic synthetic resin sheet as well as a method of manufacturing the same. Design elements formed with a design printed in color on the surface are bonded to the underside of a carrier film and a hot-melt type film is bonded to the lower surface of each of said design elements. If necessary, a synthetic resin adhesive layer is provided therebetween and said hot-melt type film may be bonded to a sheet of releasing paper at the underside. By appropriately selecting materials for the hot-melt type film and the synthetic resin adhesive layer, the flexible and three-dimensional emblem can be so made as to firmly adhere to an object by simply pressing the emblem with an iron regardless of the material of the object.

Abstract: Continuous process for the manufacture of thermoformable composite pyrotechnic products comprising at least one thermoplastic or quasi-thermoplastic binder and an organic or inorganic crystalline oxidizing charge, which are mixed and homogenized on a roll mill consisting of two cylindrical rollers of identical length, with parallel axes situated in the same horizontal plane, the rollers turning in opposite directions to each other with different speeds of rotation and their axes being separated from each other so as to allow a minimum separation to exist between the external surfaces of the two rollers in the plane containing the two axes. The binder is introduced continuously into a feed zone situated at one of the ends of the said rollers, in a pre-formulated solid form containing all the constituents of the binder and being free from solvent so that the binder forms a continuous sheet which covers the faster turning roller.

Abstract: A casting mould for keeping the cast compound together and supporting it on casting elongated objects, standing on an underlayer and extending vertically comprises a flexible elongated envelope (3) being substantially inelastic and having an opening (7) at one end thereof for supplying cast compound (6). The envelope is arranged to be held substantially vertically while being stretched by cast compound introduced through said opening (7) so as to form a casting mould having a circular cross-section, extending vertically and supporting and keeping the cast compound together.

Abstract: The gas generator composition contains sodium azide and an oxidizing agent as major components. This gas generator composition additionally contains 2 to 8% by weight of magnesium aluminate. To produce this composition, sodium azide and the oxidizing agent are admixed to a colloidal silica having a silica concentration of 3 to 15% by weight to form a slurry, followed by granulation and drying of the slurry.

Abstract: In a process for the production of desensitized, high energy explosive, particularly hexogen (RDX), as a component of plastic-bound explosives or propellant powders, the particulate explosive with a grain size up to 20 .mu.m is suspended with a desensitizing polymer in aqueous dispersion, the slurries are applied to a rotary, heated roller, the applied material is dried at a temperature of >100.degree. C. and is scraped from the roller after drying.

Abstract: An elongate flexible fuse is provided, preferably by an extrusion process, which consists of an oxidizing agent and a fuel present in quantities which will permit a rate of burning of from 10 seconds/meter to 250 seconds/meter. The oxidizing agent is preferably in finely divided form contained in a combustible matrix of fuel or is admixed with finely divided fuel and both contained in a matrix of different material. The ratio of oxidizing agent to fuel is at least 1:1 by weight.

Abstract: A method for installing a mold apparatus in a manhole assembly and filling the mold apparatus with a sealing material to establish a solid bond that blocks inflow of fluids at the joint between abutting components of the manhole assembly includes providing an open ring, a retaining band for urging the open ring into contact with the manhole so that the open ring defines an annular channel at the joint, and a sealing material dispenser for conveying sealing material into the annular channel. The sealing material hardens in the annular channel to provide the solid bond at the joint between the two manhole components. The manhole components may be an abutting manhole frame and manhole, or two abutting sections of manhole.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a flue made of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), particularly of a stack for discharging chemically aggressive fumes, consists of manufacturing the FRP flue directly inside the stack. The apparatus for performing this process includes a rotating carousel which supports a first work station, a second work station and at least a third work station to progressively and constantly deposit on a stationary mold at least one first layer of chemically-resistant material and at least one layer of mechanically-resistant material in order to form, without discontinuities, a central portion of the flue of the stack.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for constructing a manhole collar between an existing manhole cone and a precast manhole ring. The apparatus includes a circular slip form tube, tapered from a larger top diameter to a smaller bottom diameter; at least two support arms, radially extending from adjacent the top of the slip form tube for placement on a support surface, such as a road surface, to hold the tube at a selected height relative to ground level within a manhole cone; and a plurality of fasteners for attachment of a precast manhole ring about the exterior periphery of the slip form tube for supporting the ring at a selected height relative to the manhole cone and the roadway surface. The apparatus may include a concrete spill retention ring, placeable upon the top rim of the manhole cone and around the slip form tube to prevent concrete from entering the manhole cone.

Abstract: An apparatus for homogenizing plastic explosive material comprises a frame aving a base and spaced first and second supports extending perpendicularly therefrom in parallel. First and second spaced parallel generally cylindrical rolls are provided. Each roll is journaled at opposite end portions thereof to the supports. Each roll has an uninterrupted peripheral surface portion for engagement with the plastic explosive material. A crank is operably associated with one of the rolls at a first end thereof for rotating the roll. Gears meshingly interconnect the rolls at a second end thereof so that rotation of the one roll causes associated rotation of the other roll. Plastics explosive material is caused to be drawn between the rolls by their rotation so as to be homogenized.

Abstract: A method of producing a patterned shaped article includes the steps of disposing at a prescribed position within a main form for molding the shaped article a projection-bristling form having a support member and a plurality of projections standing upright from the support member, charging a prescribed amount of dry pattern-course material for forming the pattern course of the shaped article into spaces defined by a prescribed number of projections of the bristling form, charging a base-course material for forming the base course of the shaped article into the main form including the remaining space of the bristling form not filled with the pattern-course material, removing the bristling form, causing the charged pattern-course material and base-course material to set into a shaped article, removing the shaped article from the main form and, optionally, sintering the shaped article.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for installation in a manhole assembly. The mold apparatus is filled with a sealing material to establish a solid bond that blocks inflow of fluids at the joint between abutting components of the manhole assembly. The apparatus includes an open ring, a retaining band for urging the open ring into contact with the manhole so that the open ring defines an annular channel at the joint, and a sealing material dispenser for conveying sealing material into the annular channel. The sealing material hardens in the annular channel to provide the solid bond at the joint between the two manhole components. The manhole components may be an abutting manhole frame and manhole, or two abutting sections of manhole.

Abstract: A mold collar and method for remotely sealing a joint between pipeline segments located at a depth greater than arm's length below the ground surface. The mold collar comprises a flexible sheath contoured generally in the shape of the joint to envelop the outer surface of the joint upon installation. The sheath includes a installation clips which hold the sheath in position on the joint while closure flaps and sealing bands are remotely fastened on the collar using grappling tools operated by workmen at the ground surface. The method comprises remotely positioning, installing, and sealing the collar about the joint, and then infusing the joint with sealant to form a leak-proof seal about the joint.

Abstract: An improved dome structure on a base is disclosed comprising, in the preferred embodiment, of a membrane sandwiched between layers of rigidifying material such as shotcrete or reinforced composite which also serve to embed radial wires and circumferential tensioned prestressing. Various types of circumferential tensioned prestressing can be applied to minimize bursting stresses and can consist of steel wire as well as fiber or steel-reinforced tape. Further layers of rigidifying material can then be applied over the circumferential prestressing as a final protection and cover. The radial wires can contain spacers or hooks to preclude the circumferential prestressing from riding up on the structure. The lower portion of the dome can include a reverse curvature to minimize stresses and stabilize the structure. The rigidifying material may be composite which can be hardened by light curing. A second outer membrane can also be used for weather protection.

Abstract: A method of forming a concrete column capital using a flexible tension membrane material in place of the traditional rigid panels currently used for this purpose, is described. A flexible tension membrane material is attached to an opening in a panelized flat slab formwork deck located directly above a pre-existing concrete column. The membrane forms a bag-like container which contains and supports the wet concrete, and serves to form a column capital between the column and the flat slab above. Also disclosed are methods for anchoring the flexible tension membrane capital form to a panelized flat slab formwork deck.

Abstract: A lightweight concrete forming tube is disclosed, and wherein the tube has a very thin wall of wound paper layers which permit the tube to be collapsed and wound into a reel to facilitate shipment and storage. In use, the desired length is severed from the reel, and the severed length is opened and positioned about a vertically disposed steel reinforcing structure. Concrete is then poured into the opened tube, and the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid concrete causes the tube to assume a circular cross-section and straight vertical configuration. Upon hardening of the concrete, the tube is severed with a knife and removed, leaving a formed concrete column of circular and straight configuration.

Abstract: A method for the fabrication of a composite structure made from a profile plate and concrete. The relatively lightweight steel profile plate is placed at the building site. At the building site the concrete is sprayed on the surface of the profile plate to form the composite structure. The profile plate can be sprayed with concrete, layer by layer, with each layer being allowed to at least partially set between sprayings. Thus, the inherent load-bearing capacity of the structure increases as the layers are applied and the weight of the structure increases.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a secondary containment system in place includes providing a support surface for bottom and side portions of the secondary containment systems and applying a thermoset resin material to the support surface.

Abstract: A process for renewing the refractory lining of a ladle for casting steel and of similar metallurgical vessels. While the ladle (10) is still hot, the slag (S) still adhering to the inner surface (26) is melted off from the remaining lining (2) with the aid of a high-temperature burner (9) operating under reducing conditions and allowed to run out of the ladle (10) in the molten condition. After cooling, the glassy surface of the remaining lining (2) is roughened. The new refractory lining (30) is then applied by casting, with the aid of a template.

Abstract: A method of constructing curvilinear structures utilizes an armature mast, an armature boom having a vertically and horizontally pivotable arm terminating in a reinforcing rod (rebar) tying guide, and associated hardware. The tying guide is aligned with a piece of vertical rebar, and a separate piece of horizontal rebar is placed adjacent and generally perpendicular to the vertical rebar for securing thereto. The tying guide is then moved to engage an adjacent piece of vertical rebar, and the horizontal piece is bent inwards for securing thereto. As the armature boom is moved about the mast and progressively raised, further vertical and horizontal pieces of rebar can be brought into juxtaposition and secured, thus generating a non-planar grid of rebar. An impermeable layer is placed over the grid, and a hardening material is applied to form a rigid shell. Further outside and inside base layers may be applied, and further outside and inside surface layers may be applied.

Abstract: A system for constructing concrete culverts is disclosed wherein reusable outer form and rebar supporting assemblies are set in place in an excavation and are used to form outer portions of the floor and outer walls of the culvert. Forming the outer walls of the culvert is facilitated by anchoring the lower regions of the form assemblies in the outer region of the floor as it is being poured by means of concrete anchors, which remain set in the concrete but are removable from the form assemblies. As a particular feature of this invention, the form assemblies are each provided with a protective wall spaced from the form assembly and adjacent walls of the excavation, forming a protective space where workers may work while being protected from collapse of walls of the excavation.

Abstract: A method of installing a post in a post hole includes the steps of providing a dry fast setting cementitious composition having a set time and in the form of finely divided particles of at least one cement binder, and pouring an amount of the dry cementitious composition into a volume of water located in a post hole without any type of physical mixing of the cementitious composition and water other than the mixing which occurs merely by applying the cementitious composition into the water. The major portion of the particles of the cementitious composition have approximately the same drop rate through the volume of water. The water contacts the dry cementitious composition when poured into the volume of water to hydrate the particles of the dry cementitious composition, the particles of cementitious composition dropping through the water to displace excess water and form the hydrated cementitious composition into a substantially non-segregated mass.

Abstract: A slide formwork with a formwork body (10) comprising several formwork segment groups (12, 22, 32) lying adjacent to one another in circumferential direction. Each of the formwork segment groups (12, 22, 32) is rigidly connected with one of several support frames (40) and is mounted onto the remaining support frames in slidable manner. Each formwork segment (14) comprises an outer formwork plate (16) supported on an associated longitudinal carrier (18) via hydraulic elements. The formwork plate (16) and associated longitudinal carrier (18) are coupled with one another in non-shiftable manner in longitudinal direction. Hydraulic presses (52) are arranged between the individual support frames (40), with which each support frame is shiftable with respect to the remaining support frames.

Abstract: A formwork includes a plurality of interconnectable disposable formwork elements for the casting of, for instance, foundations, sustaining walls, etc. in concrete and which is cheaper and wherein the formwork operation is rapidly effected, and at the same time it may be done by a person not skilled in the trade. Each formwork element (1) consists of an elongated, thin-walled, cylinder-shaped element, which is provided with coupling members on the neighbor element(s) for the interconnection of adjacent cylinder-shaped formwork elements so that, upon filling of concrete into the interconnected cylinder-shaped formwork elements, a row of fused concrete columns is formed constituting a wall on which the formwork elements may form the external surface(s) or from which the external portions of the formwork elements may be removed.

Abstract: A method of constructing arcuate cement stairs in a pool includes (a) attaching a first arcuate form having a first form radius to the wall of the pool; (b) attaching a second arcuate form having a second form radius smaller than the first form radius to the wall in a plane above the first arcuate form; (c) attaching to the wall of the pool, inwardly of the first form, a first arcuate support band having a radius generally corresponding to the first form radius, the first band remaining in place when the first form is removed, and attaching to the wall of the pool, inwardly of the second form, a second arcuate support band having a radius generally corresponding to the second form radius, the second band remaining in place when the second form is removed; (d) pouring a curable cement-containing material into the space between the forms and the wall to form stairs; and (e) removing the arcuate forms to provide the stairs.

Abstract: An annular, elastomer bulkhead gasket for sealing pipe fittings at concreate structures. A tubular body portion includes an annular casting flange having a three-quarter radiused peripheral edge which radially projects from an outer surface. A half radiused annular bead projects from an inner surface to seal around a fitted pipe. The gasket is securable to an annular flange of a conically tapered mandrel which is securable to a casting form wall. The mandrel retains and supports the gasket in compresed relation between the casting form walls during the pouring of the bulkhead.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved tank structures and the processes and apparatus for their construction. The walls of the prestressed tank are formed by inflating a membrane, applying one or more layers of rigidifying material on said membrane and then prestressing the walls by circumferentially wrapping prestressing material to minimize the tension in the rigidifying material when subjected to loading. In another embodiment wall forms are placed inwardly of said membrane to aid in the forming and support of the walls under circumferential prestresing. In the best mode of the invention, the walls are of reinforced plastic, fiber, or shortcrete and resin sandwich composite construction.

Abstract: A method of constructing a top slab to provide a containment roof over a nuclear-power generating building, in particular, a method for utilizing overhead spaces bounded by a wall of the containment building and a shielding wall of the pressure vessel building, wherein the sequential steps involve; erecting a plurality of paired support columns on tops of the wall and of the shielding wall; building upper structural components across said paired support columns; installing a slab liner equipped with slab anchors beneath said lower structural components by suitable joining means; constucting a reinforcing network above said lower structural components; encasing said lower structural components and said reinforcing network; and pouring concrete over the slab liner to a suitable depth.

Abstract: A formwork for a draft tube which includes ganged precast forms, each precast form corresponding to a curved segment of the draft tube. The precast forms are molded with continuous side plates extending thereabout and anchored in the precast concrete form and projecting beyond the surface opposite to the contact surface to provide a flange. A fastening means for attaching adjacent forms with a space therebetween to allow for stripping. A method includes determining the outline of the inner surface of the draft tube and dividing it into segments and preparing molds to make precast forms corresponding to each segment. The precast forms are assembled and shored to provide the draft tube ganged formwork, and concrete is poured about the draft tube formwork and is cured. The precast forms are stripped from the set concrete structure and reused in another draft tube formwork.

Abstract: An improved dome structure on a base is disclosed comprising, in the preferred embodiment, of a membrane sandwiched between layers of rigidifying material such as shotcrete or reinforced composite which also serve to embed radial wires and circumferential tensioned prestressing. Various types of circumferential tensioned prestressing can be applied to minimize bursting stresses and can consist of steel wire as well as fiber or steel-reinforced tape. Further layers of rigidifying material can then be applied over the circumferential prestressing as a final protection and cover. The radial wires can contain spacers or hooks to preclude the circumferential prestressing from riding up on the structure. The lower portion of the dome can include a reverse curvature to minimize stresses and stabilize the structure. The rigidifying material may be composite which can be hardened by light curing. A second outer membrane can also be used for weather protection.

Abstract: A process of forming a curved sheet rock panel that can later be used in curved ceiling constructions within buildings. Initially a flat sheet rock panel is soaked with water, and then squeezed to remove excess water. The pliable panel is transferred to an arcuate form, where it quickly remolds itself to the arcuate surface contour on the form. The arcuate panel is dried to a stiff, but still pliable, condition in which it can be fastened to an arcuate ceiling framework.

Abstract: A method for mounting floors in a shell whose concrete wall is erected by a continuous self-climbing shuttering installation and a continuous self-climbing shuttering installation for implementing the method, includes appropriate vertical and horizontal movements of certain assemblies (I.sub.1 -I.sub.2), (I.sub.3 -I.sub.4) of self-climbing brackets (2) and of their shuttering and concreting walkways (P.sub.1, P.sub.2, P.sub.3) so as to provisionally align the brackets (2, 2b) vertically in twos, and thus reduce the number of peripheral clearances to be provided in the floors to be laid at intervals inside the wall of the shell to be erected. The installation includes lateral transfer carriages (14, 14') providing the horizontal lateral transfers of the brackets, the vertical transfers being provided by the normal self-climbing system.

Abstract: A smoke producing article comprises preformed granules of a smoke generating material admixed with an inert binder. The granules are compressed at such a pressure and for such a period of time that the granules deform to take up a reduced volume overall but remain separable discrete particles. The smoke generating material is advantageously red phosphorus. The compression is at 2-7 tons/sq. inch (31-110 MPa), and the compression time is 3-10 seconds.