Abstract: A modular reinforced concrete building is in a generally elongated hexagonal shape, with a roof having peaks at both ends of the building and sloping downwardly toward the central portion of the building from such peaks to form a concave ridge. The building is constructed on temporary, removable frames by forming metal lath over a roof frame in the desired shape of the roof. Wall metal lath then is suspended from the roof and extends downwardly into a foundation ditch. Temporary sheeting is placed against the underside of the roof metal lath and the outside of the wall metal lath. Concrete then is poured into the foundation ditch, into which the wall metal lath extends, to anchor the lower edges of the walls in the foundation. Concrete is applied to the wall metal lath and, after that has hardened sufficiently, the roof is covered with concrete applied from above. After the concrete hardens, the temporary sheeting material and the supporting framework are removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for tightening a ring of refractory brick in order to accommodate the installation of the key brick into a key brick space of such a refractory brick ring to tightly close and complete the ring is provided. The apparatus includes an expansion frame including a first end and a second end. The first end is selectively attachable to a first brick on one side of the key brick space at a point on the first brick remote to the key brick space. The second end is selectively attachable to a second brick on the opposing side of the key brick space at a point on the second brick remote to the key brick space. A power device is associated with the expansion frame for providing outwardly opposing force on the first and second ends such that circumferential compressive force is exerted on the refractory brick ring remotely from the key brick space to tighten the ring.

Abstract: A manhole sealing device and method for sealing a frame-chimney joint between a manhole chimney and a manhole cover frame. The device comprises an annular ring defining a narrow annular space adjacent the frame and the chimney and across the frame-chimney joint, and a flexible water resistant cement filling the annular space and adhering to the annular ring, the frame and the chimney. In one embodiment of the invention, the ring is comprised of a plurality of segments. The ring segments are held together by slip joints and the ring includes an expansion joint to permit the adjustment of the annular space. The annular ring further includes a plurality of horizontal retainers secured in the frame-chimney joint for securing the ring adjacent the frame and the chimmey.

Abstract: A semi-submergible spherical residential structure adapted to be floated in a body of water. The structure features a substantially spherical shell having a hollow annular sponson affixed around its maximum girth such that the sponson is parallel to the water surface when the structure is floating in a body of water. The outer diameter of the sponson is sufficiently large so as to stabilize the shell when floating and the sponson has a width which is sufficiently great so as to provide adequate reserve buoyancy to the structure when the latter is weighted.

Abstract: A system for forming structures, such as buildings, including the forming of a foundation slab, attaching flexible wall panels to the periphery of the foundation in a serial overlap configuration, installing prefabricated windows and doors, draping and attaching a membrane over the top of the wall panels, inflating the membrane upwardly to form a surface upon which to spray a foam substance, and spraying the foam to either the interior or exterior surfaces of the structure, including the roof membrane, so that an economical and energy efficient building can be provided at a low cost.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing in-situ concrete piles with enlarged bases. The method includes the steps of: driving into the ground a tube provided at its lower end with a shoe which is larger than the diameter of the tube, and with an outer casing attached around its lower portion; filling fresh concrete into the gap between the tube and the soil as fast as the opening in the soil is formed; expelling the shoe and a plug of concrete to form the enlarged base; and extracting the tube together with the outer casing.

Abstract: An adjustable cast iron or ductile iron manhole frame and method of construction utilizing a formed concrete base or a base of brick and cement mortar that supports both the frame and the pavement. The height and angle of the frame are determined by the method of construction which sets the height and angle of the formed concrete base. The frame is further adapted to receive and hold the manhole cover, and the frame includes an arched section to hold it securely to the concrete base or to filler material when in a raised position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of reinforcing a tubular duct using a longitudinally flexible reinforcing member built up from a plurality of combined layers having interstices therein and formed from steel wire or similar material. The method involves arraying the member circumferentially inside the duct, securing the member against the wall of the duct, and applying concrete to the covered walls.

Abstract: A method of overlaying sulphur concrete is adapted for use in placing sulphur concrete against or over an existing solid surface such as the exterior surface of a wall, floor, or column base. The existing surface, which typically is a portland cement concrete surface, is prepared by first applying a layer of a bituminous material containing a bitumen which liquifies at temperatures corresponding to the pour temperatures of the sulphur concrete. The sulphur concrete is poured against or over the bitumen-containing surface so that the bitumen therein melts to form a liquid slip plane. The shrinkage of the sulphur concrete which occurs during its temperature-reduction setting occurs without producing cracks because of the relative slippage permitted between the existing wall surface and the sulphur concrete.

Abstract: A geodesic dome structure is described, i.e., a structure having a mathematically-derived surface. This new dome structure is formed of a single, one-piece layer of synthetic material and provides a one-piece, seamless screen to permit the viewing of a scene in a vehicle simulator in order to achieve a maximum of realism matching substantially real world conditions. One form of the structure for this geodesic dome is described with the single, one-piece layer of synthetic material bonded to a generally dome-shaped geodetic structure in order to provide sufficient strength for a free-standing structure. However, another form of the geodesic dome is described with the synthetic material formed of sufficient thickness to be strong enough to provide a free-standing structure, and the synthetic material may even be reinforced if desired.

Abstract: A method of assembly adapted for use with underground structures having an arcuate, elongated configuration and constructed of substantially identical blocks joined together with substantially identical fastening means and extending from both sides of a center keystone thereby allowing energy efficient, reliable, low cost structures capable of being mass produced with minimal die or pattern expense.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for preforming automobile rooftop coverings made of flexible sheets of vinyl and the like. The flexible material is treated with a thermosetting composition and then applied to an automobile rooftop form. Pneumatic tensioning means are attached to the edges of the material at a plurality of spaced-apart points to tension it over the form to a predetermined orientation and shape while maintaining the forces on the material substantially in equilibrium. The material is heated to set the thermosetting composition. Clamping means lightly engage the material to hold it in the predetermined shape until the setting temperature is reached and then firmly engage it to form maginal flanges thereon. The shaped material is then removed from the form by a vacuum carrier and then cooled and trimmed in the carrier.A pressure-sensitive adhesive and release liner may also be applied to the material so that after it is shaped it can be directly adhesively secured to an automobile rooftop.

Abstract: An underground house includes a dome-shaped structure disposed on a solid floor slab. A plurality of curved arch members extend from the floor slab to a ring structure. A layer of stiff mesh supporting a layer of fabric extends between each arch member and the arch members adjacent thereto. Alternate layers of spaced horizontal and vertical reinforcing rod extend over and generally parallel to the fabric and are supported by the various arch members. The various pieces of reinforcing rod are tied together and to the adjacent mesh by pieces of tie wire to support the mesh and the fabric. The fabric provides support during construction for a layer of gunnite or shotcrete into which various pieces of the reinforcing rod are embedded. Front and rear atriums with vertical, semi-cylindrical walls extend to the lower floor level. The atrium walls extend to adjoin the layer of gunnite to laterally enclose the atriums.

Abstract: An air inflated bubble roof, such as for a stadium, arena or the like, includes a compression ring extending around the perimeter of the roof. An upper and a lower cable net each spans and is attached to the compression ring. An inflatable membrane member is located between the two cable nets and bows the cable nets apart when it is inflated. A bladder is located within the inflatable membrane member and, in combination with the upper and lower parts of the membrane member, forms a seal around its perimeter.

Abstract: A technique for constructing inflated shell enclosures in which (1) cementing matrix and reinforcing material components are placed on an inflatable membrane before inflation except that one component, which is required for hardening the cementing matrix, is sprayed on after inflation, (2) the reinforcing material is a textile fabric, interbedded with the cementing matrix to form a laminate, and (3) the hardened shell can be lifted to a raised position for permanent support by removing anchorages at its perimeter used during inflation for hardening, and inflating the space between the hardened shell and the membrane, which reacts against a supporting base surface to lift the shell.The fabric stretches slightly under inflation pressure so that shells having circular and polygonal perimeters, with center rises from one tenth to one fifth of the span, can be constructed with flat (untailored) fabrics.

Abstract: Inner and outer upstanding peripheral frames are provided and include corresponding inner and outer sides spaced relative to each other. Upper and lower parallelogram links are pivotally connected at opposite ends to each pair of corresponding inner and outer sides and structure is provided for lifting the outer frame. Upper and lower pairs of coacting inner and outer wedge structure is carried by each pair of corresponding inner and outer sides engageable with each other upon downward displacement of the outer frame relative to the inner frame to limit such downward displacement to a lower position of said outer frame with said links substantially horizontally disposed and engageable with each other upon upward displacement of the outer frame relative to the inner frame to limit such upward displacement to an upper position of the outer frame with the links upwardly and outwardly inclined. The sides of the outer frame are mounted to each other against relative movement.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of constructing a building involving the assembly of a rigid skeletal framework of struts defining the contours of the desired building which is for example domed, or part-barrel shaped. A membrane or envelope of plastics material is inflated within the framework to lift the struts from a state of compression under their own weight into a state of tension. The membrane is then coated on at least one side with settable material such as concrete or other glass fibre reinforced material and the membrane deflated when the material has set. In an example of the invention, support zones at the junctions of the struts support the set material.

Abstract: A method of constructing a shell-formed structure including the steps of first constructing a base, such as concrete slab, having a retention means defining the area of contact of the finished wall of the building with the base, the retention may be in the form of a recessed notch formed in the concrete pad, supporting a top yoke centrally above the base, positioning a plurality of spaced apart flexible slats between the base retention means and the yoke, lowering the yoke to cause the flexible slats to bow uniformly in a generally quarter circular or quarter elliptical configuration so that the bow slats generally define the exterior wall shape of the building, attaching a covering to the bowed slats, applying a layer of settable material, such as concrete, to the covering and allowing the settable material to harden to thereby form the structure.

Abstract: A poured concrete forming system for spa pools, and the like, comprises a form having two collapsible form members each having a closed perimeter. The lower form is shaped to fit within the perimeter of the upper form, and is positioned directly thereunder. A reinforcing grid is mounted within the upper form to securely retain the upper form panels in the preselected configuration, and also suspendingly supports the lower form. The assembled forms are set into a reservoir, such as a hole in the ground, and concrete may be poured about the form to create a monolithic spa pool construction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for continuously pumping flowable concrete mix to elevated heights for introduction into forms used in the fabrication of annular structures such as concrete hyperbolic cooling towers. A tower crane is erected in the center of the circle for the hyperbolic structure and concrete conveying piping is provided for raising mix to a lateral conduit carried by a secondary boom suspended from the swingable overhead jib of the crane. A pumping unit at ground level forces concrete mix up the vertical piping on the tower and then through the boom supported conduit for delivery into the form structure. The jib and thereby the boom suspended therefrom are swingable through an arc of 180.degree. in one direction to cover one half of the form structure and then the jib and boom may be swung in the opposite direction through the remaining 180.degree. arc for introduction of mix into the form structure.

Abstract: A concrete building is constructed by initially forming a generally circular concrete pad. A spherical or slighly more than hemispherical plastic mold is then erected on the concrete pad with a central post extending axially out the central top of the mold. Barbed wire is then wrapped around the mold and wire mesh is subsequently wrapped around the mold on top of the barbed wire, with the barbed wire serving to space the reinforcing wire mesh away from the surface of the mold. Concrete is then applied to the outside of the mold starting at the bottom of the mold adjacent the concrete pad and moving helically up the surface of the mold while laying concrete around the mold in strips. The apparatus for applying the concrete includes a frame mounted on wheels and pivoted on the post extending out of the top of the mold and being curved to follow the exterior surface of the mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a structure having an inner surface in the form of at least one segment of a sphere. An inner support is mounted at a fixed point from which a radius can be struck to define the inner surface of the structure. An elongated radial member is pivotally connected at one end to the inner support with its other end being movable vertically and horizontally. A forming member at the other end of the elongated member has an outer surface in the shape of the inner surface of the segment to be formed. An actuator moves the elongated member horizontally and vertically to selected positions to place the outer surface of the forming member opposite and adjacent the inner surface of each segment being formed. A forming material is applied to the outer surface of the forming member while it is opposite and adjacent the inner surface of the segment being formed to form each segment directly on the forming member.

Abstract: A method of constructing a construction shell, the method comprising the steps of:forming a sheet of thin flexible material into a shape complementary to the shape of a constructional shell to be formed; erecting and supporting the sheet material in the desired shape and configuration of shell required; strengthening and stiffening the sheet of thin material progressively to form a strengthened shell former of the desired shape; coating the strengthened and stiffened shell former with at least one layer of an outer or inner structural coating material so as to form a constructional shell of desired shape which can be used for a variety of different building constructions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an article and processes for repairing fluid (e.g., liquid and gas) leaks in pipes, including, for example, bell and spigot joints.The device and process of the invention incorporates an elastomeric sleeve that extends around the pipe and longitudinally to either side of the leak. The sleeve contains a resin injection port with means to prevent escape of resin at a pressure above a predetermined pressure, and a fluid venting port with pressure-relief means to permit the escape of fluid at a predetermined pressure above the pressure in the pipe to be repaired.

Abstract: A process for placing concrete in very deep vertical shafts or the like, by evacuating a substantially vertically disposed flexible hose and then intermittently feeding concrete material through the hose while keeping the hose airtight from the top thereof, so as to avoid separation of concrete ingredients during travelling through a high head.

Abstract: A self-propelled slip form, closed at its top, front, and sides, but open at its rear and bottom, provides a pressure chamber having the cross-sectional shape of a wall or similar structure to be cast. Such slip form may be advanced continuously at a slow rate or in stages, but whichever it is, the advance is due solely to pressure exerted against the closed front of the slip form through the intermediacy of the deposited, unset concrete or the like. Such pressure can be utilized to pre-stress reinforcing material on a continuous basis as it is fed into the pressure chamber simultaneously with deposit of the concrete or the like.

Abstract: The invention provides for a process for constructing manhole assemblies in an excavation or elsewhere, by the utilization of an outer form, a preformed manhole barrel which is positioned and propped within the outer form pipe stub inserted partially into the inside of the preformed manhole and resting under notches cut into the preformed manhole barrel, inflatable or rigid forms (or both) are used to form simple or complex channels in the concrete which is to be poured. The form ends are adapted to fit into the pipe stub ends or may abut other forms, where complex channels are desired. The forms are carefully positioned to allow for the proper height and grade of the channel in the completed manhole assembly. Concrete is poured and when it is set, the forms are deflated where applicable and removed to be reused.

Abstract: A method for constructing a building utilizes flexible bags. An outer bag is inflated, and structural material poured through the bag's inlet to define the floor. An inner bag, smaller than the outer bag, is inflated inside the outer bag. Structural material is poured into the space between the inner and outer bags, which are preferably supported by water and air pressure. This defines the walls and roof of the building. Once the structural material has set, the inner bag may be removed and used for further construction.

Abstract: A method of construction in which a plurality of vertical columns are cast on a base, the columns being arranged at the vertices of contiguous, congruent, equilateral triangles. A roof slab is then cast on the base, the roof slab having apertures through which the columns pass. Reinforcing mats give rise to a plurality of reinforced zones arranged in a pattern which reproduces the pattern of apertures are cast into the slab. The pattern of zones is displaced 60.degree. with respect to the pattern of apertures. Subsequently the slab is raised, preferably by flotation, until it is clear of the columns, and then turned through 60.degree. so that the reinforced zones lie above the columns. Thereafter, the roof slab is lowered onto the columns.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for forming thinwall structures from fiberglass, ferrocement or similiar materials in shapes that are inherently optimum in cost-strength effectiveness. Reinforcing means are hung from elevated points forming a catenary surface and then saturated with a post setting material. The structure is inverted after it is stable onto mirror image supports causing its elements to be in compression with negligible bending or tensile stresses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a prestressed concrete tank comprising a foundation having a generally horizontal supporting surface and a wall structure mounted on the supporting surface. The generally horizontal supporting surface is provided with at least two shear blocks which have sufficient height as to project upwardly from the top of the supporting surface. The wall structure supported by the supporting surface partially surrounds the projecting portion of the shear blocks in a fashion so as to allow for the wall structure to be sealingly supported by the supporting surface; at the same time, however, the shear blocks tend to resist shearing forces on the tank caused by backfilling, earthquakes and the like, which could cause displacement and/or rotation of the tank wall structure relative to the foundation.

Abstract: A prestressed concrete tank with a wall of precast concrete panels surrounded by a cast-in-place beam, the beam and panels being prestressed by metal members in tension, encased within or placed around the outside of the beam.

Abstract: A method of lining a tunnel wall comprises the pumping of concrete between a support and the tunnel wall, the concrete being selected from the concretes of concrete group BII of German Industrial Standard (DIN) 1045 and containing as an additive, steel pins, rods or wires having a length of 35 to 50 mm and a diameter of 0.8 to 1.2 mm. Approximately 100 kg/m.sup.3 of concrete is constituted by the steel pins or wires.

Abstract: An improved manhole concrete blockout for forming sewer pipe openings in the cast-concrete wall of a manhole where a hole is dug in the ground and at least one vertical hollow form is positioned within the hole and spaced apart from the surface which defines the hole and concrete is poured between the surface defining the hole and the form for forming a manhole wall. A plurality of form sections are connected together so that their outer surfaces can be positioned to become a longitudinal extension of the outer surface of the form. A blockout member is connected to the outer surface of at least one of the sections for forming an opening in the manhole wall, the end adjacent to the section being shaped to engage and conform to the outer surface of the section and the other end being shaped to conform to and engage the corresponding portion of the surface defining the hole so that an opening in the shape of the blockout member will extend through the wall when it is formed.

Abstract: A method and means of improved construction of concrete culverts in which reinforcement bars are supported by removable racks until the bottom of the culvert is poured and interior wall forms are mounted on wheels with side wall forms pivoting with respect to the top wall form. By this combination of features, a very rapid setting of reinforcement bars and wall forms may be accomplished, and rapid removal of re-bar supports and the interior forms may be effected.

Abstract: In a method of constructing a reinforced concrete bridge a supporting arch s erected which comprises a cocked center part of which forms a supporting reinforcement intended to be incorporated in the concrete of the final bridge structure. Shuttering is placed in position on the arch and the concrete poured to embody the supporting reinforcement and constitute the deck of the bridge. The resultant deck is formed by a ribbed slab, by girders connected by a slab, or by at least one box. After the concrete has hardened the remaining exterior part of the arch is removed, and if required additional reinforcement may be embodied in the concrete.

Abstract: A liner construction for stack-like structures, such as industrial and utility type chimneys and method for forming such a construction are disclosed. The liner includes a plurality of rods or cables supported at their upper ends to an upper portion of a chimney structure and extends downwardly within the chimney and over a substantial length of the height of the chimney. A plurality of hoops or the like are secured to the rods to form a framework of open sections. Mesh is secured to the framework. A body of non-metallic settable material such as concrete encases the mesh and framework. Tubular heat insulation may be secured to the framework to abut the outer surface of the concrete body. The method for forming the liner includes the initial step of suspending a tubular framework of open sections from an upper portion of a chimney to extend downwardly within the confines of the chimney and over a substantial length of the chimney height. Mesh is secured to the framework to define a generally tubular shell.

Abstract: Improved welds for thermoplastic foam insulation spirally deposited about a structure are obtained employing a thin, resistance heated welding blade which beneficially is positioned by means of a four-bar linkage connecting the blade to the blade support.

Abstract: A method for erecting substantially dome-like building structures, the method including the steps of arranging elastically deformable reinforcing members on a membrane arranged on the flat and secured to a generally annular foundation, laying a first layer of concrete material on the membrane and reinforcing members and inflating the membrane to assume the desired shape. After the concrete has sufficiently hardened further reinforcing members are arranged on the extrados of the obtained structure and a second layer of concrete material having a thickness greater than the thickness of the first layer of concrete material is layed thereon. The reinforcing members and the two layers of concrete material are connected together. There is also disclosed an apparatus for implementing the above method.

Abstract: A building structure and method of making the same are disclosed wherein an inflatable form is inflated and an insulation layer of urethane form is applied to the undersurface of the foam. Hanger members are secured to the foam layer by adhesively affixing planar base portions of the hangers to the foam layer whereafter additional foam is applied to embed the hanger bases. Reinforcing mesh is secured to and supported by the hangers followed by the application of one or more layers of a cementitious material which is allowed to cure. Air pressure beneath the form is progressively increased to maintain a substantially constant uplift force on the foam. The inflatable form may be removed after curing and a protective coating applied to the outer exposed surface of urethane foam to protect it from ultraviolet degradation.

Abstract: A house, building, or the like having an ellipsoid roof and integral, circular sidewall, is produced using a plurality of reinforced forms. Each form has elongate, positively curved, triangular sides defining an apex, and an upwardly inclined, sidewall portion. Fiberglass forms are preferred and they may be tightened together by bolts or interlocked along their edges. Each form at its apex is supported by a centerpost while the sidewall is supported by an outer foundation.The structure is formed by blowing foam or gas concrete in place onto the reinforced forms, and when the concrete has cured and hardened, the forms are removed and may be reused. The invention eliminates the need for heavy bar or rod reinforcement usually employed for ellipsoid or hemisphere domes and requires only a wire mesh reinforcement.

Abstract: The present invention is founded upon the fundamental discovery that anhydrous silicate materials can be formed into solid bodies which are hydrated or wherein the silicate structure is depolymerized by protonic reagents other than water. Such bodies can be produced by compression molding the anhydrous silicate material with water or other protonic reagent at elevated temperatures and high pressures.

Abstract: A new and improved method for forming a drainage structure, such as a manhole for a subterranean sewer pipe. In a first embodiment, a removable outer form is positioned in an excavation in the earth extending to the sewer pipe so that the earth surrounding the sewer may be undercut and removed through the removable outer form. Concrete is poured into the undercut area surrounding the sewer pipe to a height adjacent the lower edge of the outer form and a second cylindrical inner form is positioned within the outer form so that concrete may be poured into the space between the forms to form upwardly extending wall portions to the surface. In a second embodiment, the outer form is positioned in an excavation at a predetermined location and a concrete base portion is formed. The inner form is positioned in the outer form and predetermined quantities of sand are poured into the space between the forms for facilitating connection with sewer pipes.

Abstract: A slip form apparatus for the in place formation of a continuous concrete pipe in an open trench. The concrete material is supplied under high pressure to obtain a good and uniformly compacted pipe. The apparatus is automatically moved forward along the trench only when a properly compacted continuous pipe is being formed within the apparatus. Provided in the construction of the apparatus is the ability to temporarily stop the movement and formation of the pipe and then subsequently continue with the formation of the pipe without having to remove the apparatus from the trench. Also utilized in conjunction with the apparatus is a unique deployment arrangement for an inflatable film means located at a stationary position behind the apparatus to automatically supply support for the wet cementitious material as the pipe is being formed along the trench.

Abstract: A high-alumina cement composition is disclosed which has thermal stability over a wide temperature range and which develops strength at an early age. The cement composition comprises a high-alumina cement, a halide salt and calcium sulfate. This composition when added to water provides a hydraulic cement composition which can be employed in environments subject to wide temperature fluctuations below and above freezing (e.g. 32.degree. F).

Abstract: A building method of the kind wherein an inflatable former, made of a flexible, substantially inextensible material is sealingly anchored to a base and is inflated to a predetermined pressure and, while maintaining said pressure substantially constant, a cementitious material is applied to the outer surface of the former to a required thickness and, after the material has set, the former is deflated, released from the base and removed for reuse, including the steps of:(a) inflating the former to a predetermined initial inflation pressure,(b) applying successive layers of cementitious material to said former, and(c) continuously or intermittently raising said inflation pressure in correspondence with the increasing thickness of said layers.

Abstract: A method of building underground pipelines by forming a casing in a hole from a forming material which is compacted in the direction from the center of the hole toward its walls. The hole is first filled with the forming material throughout its cross-sectional area and then the material is compacted in the direction towards the walls of the hole. Compaction is effected by a device comprising a rod-shaped body adapted for moving through the hole, the front end of the body being provided with a system of radial ribs.

Abstract: A plastic foam rigid swimming pool cover is fabricated by forming an amorphous plastic foam material into a shape conforming generally to the periphery of the pool and into a shape for covering the swimming pool. The cover is also shaped for lifting as an integral unit from a covering position to an uncovered position above the pool via the intermediary of a plurality of lifts such as electric or hydraulic jacks coupled to the pool cover at a plurality of points spaced around the periphery thereof. The amorphous plastic foam material is formed to the desired shape by either casting or spraying the material into or onto a form of proper shape. In some embodiments, the reinforcing members are embedded in the foam to provide added strength and rigidity. The foam cover may include soil and plant receptacles for landscaping. The cover may be formed in situ or at a remote location to a template and segmented for transport to the pool and reassembled in situ.

Abstract: A curved architectural structure is formed by tensioning a membrane into a curved shape and forming an intermediate structure conforming to the contour of the tensioned membrane by applying a rigidizing material such as foam, resin or other lightweight rigidizing material to form a rigidized curved architectural structure or form for same. Cemetitious material having discontinuous reinforcing fibers, as of steel or glass, dispersed therein is applied overlaying a surface of the rigidized structure to shape and support a curved architectural structure of reinforced cemetitious material.

Abstract: Each one of a plurality of sector-shaped form members for a reinforced concrete or postensioned roof supported by a circumscribing wall, footing, columns or the like of a large building structure has an eyebolt located near its center of gravity to permit raising and lowering the form. The forms are lifted by this eye and successively positioned with their wide ends supported by brackets fastened to the circumscribing walls, footings, or columns and supported near their narrow ends by a central staging structure. If the building structure has circular walls or columns for supporting the roof, a pivoted station at the wide end of each form member provides a work platform for access to the bracket fastening means. When all of the forms are in place, their narrower ends define an opening which is centrally located. The forms are then covered by a layer of reinforced concrete. Holes are left in the roof at each eyebolt.