Abstract: Treating plastic particles for use in concrete includes combining plastic particles with oil to yield a mixture, heating the mixture to yield a heated mixture, cooling the heated mixture to yield a cooled mixture, and removing excess oil from the cooled mixture to yield oil-treated plastic particles (e.g., oil-treated plastic particles for concrete). In one example, the oil is vegetable oil. The vegetable oil can be soybean oil, corn oil, canola oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, olive oil, grape seed oil, cocoa butter, palm oil, rice bran oil, or a combination thereof. The oil can be waste oil (e.g., waste vegetable oil, such as that recovered from restaurants). The plastic particles can be derived from post-consumer plastic, such as recycled plastic. In one example, the post-consumer plastic includes mixed plastics. A concrete composition can include rocks, sand, cement, and the oil-treated plastic particles.

Abstract: A robotised construction system is provided that includes a cartesian robot that can be automatically lifted as the construction is becoming higher, that is provided with a system of robotic supply of the materials and of the electric and electronic installations and that is provided with specific fabrication tools which work some by the contribution of layers of fluid construction materials. In a cement-based usage in which the cement is setting and having been deposited, by projection of these same materials and others by forming and placing construction elements in a determined position.

Abstract: The present application discloses an anti-seismic braced scissor stairs and a frame stairs system. The stairs includes a first platform, a second platform, a third platform, a fourth platform, a fifth platform and a sixth platform. A first stair slab and a first inclined beam are provided between the first platform and the fourth platform; a second stair slab and a second inclined beam are provided between the second platform and the third platform; a third stair slab and a third inclined beam are provided between the third platform and the sixth platform; a fourth stair slab and a fourth inclined beam are provided between the fourth platform and the fifth platform. The first inclined beam and the second inclined beam are crosswise arranged to form a first cross bracing, and the third inclined beam and the fourth inclined beam are crosswise arranged to form a second cross bracing.

Abstract: A concrete forming system for reducing the time and labor required for the framing, pouring, and curing of concrete walls. The concrete forming system generally includes concrete forms including a first wall, a second wall opposing the first wall, and a pair of sidewalls. A cavity is formed between the walls; with an opening being fluidly connected to the cavity. A first vehicle is connected to the first wall and a second vehicle is connected to the second wall. Using the vehicles, the positioning and orientation of the walls may be adjusted. After the walls have been placed and oriented, the vehicles will hold the walls in place as concrete is poured into the cavity through the opening. The concrete is allowed to cure into a structure; after which the vehicles and walls may be moved to another location to repeat the process.

Abstract: A building construction method uses wall frames having a moveable top track. The track is fixed in a raised position so as to be load-bearing during construction, allowing construction work to progress quickly. When supporting concrete columns have cured, the fixing can be released allowing the track to move into a lowered position and for the building load to transfer to the columns.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a deformable material to a wall structure such that the deformable material is allowed to solidify to form a predetermined configuration upon the wall structure, includes securing a fabric member to a wall structure, the fabric member having a configuration that supports a deformable material that ultimately solidifies; a plurality of offset strips (when required) that separate the fabric member from the wall structure to provide an air gap; and fasteners that maintain the relative position of the fabric upon the wall structure throughout the application of the deformable material upon the fabric member, the configuring of a design into the deformable material, and after the deformable material has solidified.

Abstract: Various embodiments for a median barrier finishing machine are described. A median barrier finishing machine may include a housing configured to encapsulate at least a portion of a median barrier, where the housing comprises a first vertical wall, a second vertical wall, and a horizontal wall. The median barrier finishing machine may include at least one adjustable member configured to couple the housing to the vehicle and retain the housing a predetermined distance relative to the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion. Further, the median barrier finishing machine may include at least one finishing device disposed within the housing, where the at least one finishing device is configured to contact a surface of a median barrier at least partially positioned within the housing and treat the surface as the vehicle moves the housing along a length of the median barrier.

Abstract: A building construction method uses wall frames having a moveable top track. The track is fixed in a raised position so as to be load-bearing during construction, allowing construction work to progress quickly. When supporting concrete columns have cured, the fixing can be released allowing the track to move into a lowered position and for the building load to transfer to the columns.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for constructing post-tensioned concrete slabs in a new floor construction that has a reduced gap distance between the slabs. The devices, systems, and methods can improve project construction time by reducing the time delay in accessing the floor underneath the slabs due to safety and/or weather conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide for lifted foundation retention using foundation lift retainer assemblies having a locking cap configuration are described. A locking cap foundation retention system of embodiments may include a foundation lift interface assembly supporting operations to lift a foundation and a foundation lift retainer assembly having a locking cap configuration utilized in sustaining the foundation in a lifted position. A locking cap of embodiments is configured to accommodate operation of a removable lift mechanism lifting a foundation and thereafter for sustaining the foundation in the lifted position.

Abstract: A formliner, sheet, system, and methods of use and manufacture are provided in order to provide a product that can minimize and/or eliminate visible seaming between interconnected formliners during fabrication of a pattern on a curable material. In some embodiments, the formliner can comprise raised sections that define interrelated inner and outer dimensions. Thus, a plurality of formliners can be interconnected by overlaying raised sections thereof. Further, the formliner can comprise one or more detents and one or more protrusions to enable engagement between interconnected formliners without requiring adhesives. In this manner, formliners can be interconnected in a nested manner such that visible seaming between the interconnected formliners is reduced and/or eliminated.

Abstract: A method for erecting a concrete structure by successively casting at least a first casting segment with a first floor slab, a second casting segment with a second floor slab and a third casting segment with a third floor slab includes providing a support column carrying a frame for suspending a formwork therefrom, the support column having a jack for transferring the support column from a retracted position to an extended position and vice versa, supporting the support column, by means of a first support bracket, arranging a second support bracket, at a vertical position between the second and third floor slab, on the support column, activating the jack for transferring the support column from the retracted position to the extended position, supporting the support column, by means of the second support bracket, and activating the jack for transferring the support column from the extended position to the retracted position.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a form liner system comprises a form liner sheet comprising a plurality of raised rows at a predetermined spacing, and a layout member comprising a base portion and a plurality of raised portions. The raised portions are constructed and arranged to nest with said raised rows.

Abstract: A modular panelized form wall include a first wall panel and a second wall panel; and a support panel having vertical steel rails which frame the vertical sides of the support panel. The support panel is arranged between the first and second wall panels. The first wall panel, the second wall panel and the support panel are connected together to form a portion of the modular panelized form wall. Wide head brackets can be connected to a top of the support panel for an overhead self-lifting grid system to be attached to the modular panelized form wall. Wide landing brackets can be connected to a bottom of the support panel to transmit the loads from the support panel to the underlying support. Shear pins can be inserted through the vertical steel rails at various locations in the support panel and through corresponding holes in the first and second wall panels, the holes to receive the shear pins to distribute the vertical loads away from the support panel to the first and second wall panels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-climbing perimetric protection system with at least one module comprising two masts (1) spaced out from one another and formed by two vertical channel irons (1) with U-shaped cross section between which pairs of support elements (6, 7) are immobilized in different horizontal planes; a protection panel (2) attached to the masts; pairs of anchors (4) comprised by respective anchoring frames (11) coupled to guiding heads (10) each comprising two mobile horizontal claws (16) which, in the closed position, brace the mast (1); and a rotational bearing rocker (13, 13?) in a vertical plane between a position in which its front part (13) is rotated and supports a support element (6, 7) and a position in which it is rotated downwardly in which it allows the passage of the support elements (6, 7), the pairs of anchors being immobilized at different heights in a part of a building (5, 9) in which they support a pair of support elements (6, 7).

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for making structures and forts out of snow or other types of formable material. The apparatus includes a collapsible and stackable form comprising a plurality of vertical wall members connected along adjacent vertical edges to form a geometric volume that include support openings along its wall members lower edges for receiving a support member, and further having an open top and bottom perimeter which allows the stackable form to be continuously filled, removed and stacked on top of previously formed block members thus allowing the user to create multiple tiered structures.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for in-situ forming of polymeric materials. During formation, the polymeric materials can be applied to horizontal or inclined surfaces such as roofs. The improved apparatus is automatically controlled and laser guided.

Abstract: A modular tool for imparting profile characteristics into fluent cementitious material. The tool has an elongated base forming a permanently fixed blade, and at least one handle. The blade is configured to act as a dovetail to which any of several modular blades may frictionally fit in removable fashion. The fixed blade forms a deflector disposed to deflect removed cementitious material away from the handles. Other blades may fit by peg and socket engagement. The tool may have detachable rollers enabling the tool to advance at a controlled elevation along a wall being formed and shaped. A slide block may be arranged to engage the rollers so as to adjust their position on the tool. The tool may have integral bubble levels.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a frame for use with formwork to support the formwork for concrete casting and for stripping formwork from a concrete surface. The formwork is secured to the frame assembly such that the level at which the formwork is supported by the framework is adjustable so as to be movable between at least a first level above a floor surface selected for concrete casting, and a second level where the formwork is either away from the cured concrete (i.e. stripped) or unsupported by the frame assembly. The disclosure provides a means of both supporting formwork during concrete casting as well as a means of stripping the formwork after the concrete is cast. An associated method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system to build formworks for building concrete stairs which is durable and reusable, which can be rapidly mounted and dismantled on site and which is adjustable to a variety of flight of stairs having different widths, rises and pitches. The system comprises (a) at least one side plate which can be releasably secured to a supporting structure on a footing; the side plate defining a side of at least one stair and defining the depth of a tread of said stair; (b) at least one riser member for defining the rise of the at least one stair; the riser member being complementary to the side plate; and (c) means for fastening the riser member to the side plate; wherein the side plate and riser member are reusable.

Abstract: Injection molding is used to form microfluidic devices with integrated functional components. One or more functional components are placed in a mold cavity, which is then closed. Molten thermoplastic resin is injected into the mold and then cooled, thereby forming a solid substrate including the functional component(s). The solid substrate including the functional component(s) is then bonded to a second substrate, which may include microchannels or other features.

Abstract: A method is proposed for constructing multi-story concrete structures using a rail-guided self-climbing formwork system. A climbing rail is thereby displaced in a vertical direction within lower and upper climbing shoes and a lower extension piece is positioned to extend vertically in a downward direction below a lower end of the climbing rail. The lower extension piece has a length which is less than the length of the climbing rail. The climbing rail is then displaced in the vertical direction until the lower extension piece is captured within the lower climbing shoe. The method simplifies construction of the lower stories of concrete structures.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing modular, hollow, prismatic, monolithic reinforced-concrete elements of rectangular section, which includes the stages of concreting their side walls in two horizontally arranged formwork structures, carrying out a rotation of said formwork structures so as to leave them arranged vertically on either side of a third formwork, with said third formwork horizontal, then concreting the floor slab, placing formwork between the side walls for concreting of the ceiling slab and withdrawing the modular element, so that a high degree of monolithism is achieved, a method in which all the concretings are carried out in the horizontal, and precise control is achieved over the measurements of the element obtained.

Abstract: A forming system includes a frame and two forming walls. The two forming walls are positioned at a distance from each other to define a first vertical wall course. One forming wall is supported by the frame such that the one forming wall can be translated toward or away from the respective other forming wall. The frame can be raised to raise the two forming walls to be positioned to pour a second vertical course on top of the first vertical course. The translation of the one forming wall allows for the pouring of the first vertical course with horizontally extending rebar that extends through the one forming wall outside of the first vertical wall course, to tie in to a subsequently poured floor slab. The translation permits the vertical raising of the one forming wall, without striking the extending rebar, to pour the second vertical course on the first vertical course. A worker's platform is provided that is supported by the frame and vertically movable by raising the frame.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the protection of a railroad rail, a direct fixation plate or another support unit, a rail to rail connection and a rail to plate connection contacting with concrete upon placing of concrete during construction. The method comprises a step of disposing a mask over a railroad track having a railroad rail, a rail connector and a rail tie to protect the railroad track while placing concrete, the mask configured to cover the rail connector and tie. The mask has a connecting portion, a central portion, an extending portion configured to mask an upper longitudinally extending portion of a railroad rail, and at least one perpendicular section disposed to cover a railroad tie, direct fixation plate or other support unit.

Abstract: A mat for creating patterns in concrete includes a center portion, a feathered border surrounding the center portion, a top surface, and a bottom surface. A design stamp is positioned in the center portion of the bottom surface.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for making structures and forts out of snow or other types of formable material. The apparatus includes a collapsible and stackable form comprising a plurality of vertical wall members connected along adjacent vertical edges to form a geometric volume that include support openings along its wall members lower edges for receiving a support member, and further having an open top and bottom perimeter which allows the stackable form to be continuously filled, removed and stacked on top of previously formed block members thus allowing the user to create multiple tiered structures.

Abstract: An adjustable Formwork climber apparatus is described which may be used for casting walls having an overhanging portion. The climber is used for supporting both vertical and horizontal formwork on the same supporting brackets. Adjustment mechanisms are provided for positioning or tilting the vertical and horizontal formwork. The adjustable formwork climber can be used both for casting continuous vertical structures, and for structures having an overhanging or protruding portion such as a ring-beam.

Abstract: A method for automatically making conglomerated structures (6).

Abstract: A wind turbine is formed of a concrete tower which is erected by slip forming. A primary lifting device is erected onto the tower by being lifted together with the slip form and being subsequently transferred onto the tower from the slip form after the tower has been formed. The nacelle, generator, and rotor of the turbine are then lifted onto the tower using the primary lifting device. A secondary lifting device supported on the tower is used to lower the primary lifting device to the ground after the nacelle, generator and rotor are assembled. The height of the tower is therefore not limited by the availability of suitable cranes so that a greater height of tower can be erected to take advantage of winds at greater elevation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for casting a concrete product with a substantially horizontal slipform casting process, wherein the concrete mix is fed at least in one step through a limited cross-section moving progressively along with the cast, whereby the height of the product forming part (1) is changed during the cast. The invention also comprises a product forming part (1) having an adjustable height.

Abstract: A slab formwork system (100), consisting of a plurality of vertical supports supporting a plurality of panels is provided.

Abstract: A slip-form machine (220) for laying of a second concrete slab (120) of a sleeperless rail-bed including a locomotion mechanism (222, 232) adapted to provide axial translation of the machine along a first slab (110); a slip-form (370) adapted to receive concrete exiting a discharge port (336) via a rearward exit (340) and form an uncured second concrete slab (120) during the axial translation; and a height adjustment mechanism (360) operable to adjust a height of a cover (350) of a forward exit (338) with respect to the first concrete slab (110).

Abstract: A system for establishing modular concrete truss stairway during construction of a multi-floor building having concrete decks provides two pre-cast concrete stringers of plural stairsteps and a cast-in-place intermediate landing therebetween forming a stair truss structurally attached to and communicating between two vertically spaced adjacent concrete decks. The intermediate concrete landing is carried between the adjacent vertically spaced decks by adjacent end portions of the stringers. Internal reinforcement in the concrete decks, in each stringer and in the intermediate landing is operatively interconnected to provide structural rigidity to the stair truss. Concurrent pouring of concrete for the upper deck, the intermediate landing and a blocked out area defined in a lower deck structurally attaches the stair truss therebetween providing an operative stairway upon hardening of the concrete.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite tower, includes at least partially filling a form with a curable resin; at least partially curing the resin in the form; raising the form partly over the at least partially cured resin; and at least partially filling the raised form with more curable resin applied against the cured resin.

Abstract: In a formwork in concrete construction, particularly for a round vessel, in which, for a further construction section, formwork elements enclose an upper edge of a completed wall portion, are secured to this completed wall portion, and protrude over this wall portion for filling with concrete, vertical members are arranged parallel to, and at a distance from, the wall portion, and a slide is displaceable at every vertical member, and formwork elements are connected to the slide.

Abstract: A mold form is constructed for being placed in spaced relation adjacent a surface upon which a designed surface is desired. A mixture of moldable material is introduced between the mold form and the surface and is cured in-situ. One preferred design is an overlay for a conventional cement roof having an original smooth finish such that the finished design resembles a ceramic tile roof. Various other designs made be used including diamond or triangular designs, or artistic designs in low or high relief, i.e., in figures or forms that project from a flat background, as in sculpture.

Abstract: A four-sided open top forming mold body for material such as snow or sand having peripheral walls with in-turned flanges at a bottom thereof, a mold bottom adapted to rest against the in-turned flanges, inter-engaging edge portions of the bottom and configurations on the walls retaining the bottom in place until application of a force sufficient to overcome the retention whereby the bottom can push the molded material out of the mold, and the bottom can be re-snapped into position at the bottom before another material molding, the mold body adapted to receive an open ended receptacle such as a sandbag having a greater length than the height of the mold such that the receptacle open end can be closed when the receptacle is filled with material to the top of the mold.

Abstract: A cable guide system and method are disclosed for a mold forming and extruding machine. The machine has a pair of spaced apart vertical members. The cable guide system includes a support shaft secured to the pair of vertical members. The support shaft retains a first stop member, a tensioning device, a spool loaded with a flexible reinforcement cable, and a second stop member. The spool cooperates with the tensioning device to prevent the cable from prematurely unraveling. The cable guide system further includes a guide member located below and forward of the spool and in horizontal alignment with a plunger. The guide member is capable of changing the direction of the flexible reinforcement cable as it is unwound from the spool. The plunger is capable of extruding a moldable substance from the machine while allowing the flexible reinforcement cable to pass through an aperture formed therein.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically making conglomerated structures (6).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a snow shelter are disclosed. A slip form allows snow or ice crystals to be compacted in situ in large continuous blocks. Each block is built upon the previous as the slip form is rotated incrementally around a generally horizontal axis (175). The slip form is a convex shape. The convex shape, or profile, is tailored to the size and shape of the shelter desired. The resulting shape of the snow shelter is a surface of revolution of the profile of the slip form around a horizontal axis. Variations of the shelter's shape are explained herein. Various embodiments are described herein. Some of the advantages of the embodiments include: faster and more efficient construction, simple operation, and tailored size and shape of the finished shelter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting concrete elements with varying, determined length, equipped with one or with a plurality of longitudinal hollow cores, by means of a slipforming apparatus. The apparatus is movable with respect to the bed (2), said apparatus comprising forming members (10) for forming hollow cores. The mass is fed in the first step to the portion of the slab below the hollow cores, and in the second step the hollow-core forming members being brought onto the said portion of the slab and mass is being fed between the forming members and onto them. The forming member (10) for forming a hollow core comprises an attachable extension part (22). The height of a hollow core is changed by changing the extension part of the hollow core forming member.

Abstract: A floor table (1) of a concrete mould for producing a concrete floor (2), comprising at least one front (18, 19) and one rear holder (23) for fixing at least one front (11) and at least one rear ligament (12) of a crane harness (9), characterized in that when the floor table (1) is in a disengaged and retracted state underneath a recently hardened concrete floor (2), it is possible to have access to the holders (18, 18 23) which are used to fix the ligaments (11, 12). The inventive floor table can be drawn out from the floor and displaced with less danger to the workers and requiring less effort in comparison with conventional floor tables.

Abstract: Methods and equipment for forming beveled edge(s) around the core opening in a concrete block are disclosed. The formation of the beveled edge(s) minimizes feathering along the block edges that are beveled as the block is stripped from a mold. Any feathering that does occur is shifted away from the bottom surface of the block to allow the block to lay flat on other blocks when dry stacked in a wall.

Abstract: A method is provided for use of a concrete composition and an associated apparatus. The method provides for mixing of the concrete material, accelerant powder and, optionally, an associated substance to enable the controlled hardening of the concrete material in a monolithic structure. The apparatus can dispose a slip-plane film to facilitate a relatively continuous process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing vertical walls using pourable concrete material. The apparatus is in the form of a kit of reusable components. The components are assembled in a series of steps, to form panels, and thereafter, concrete material is poured, in a single pour, in an upper opening between the panels. Once the concrete is set, the panels can be removed and reused. The kit includes base guide members (2), corner formwork panels (18) and corner formply panels (4,5), intermediate formwork panels (13) and intermediate formply panels, (4,5) spacers to maintain placement of the formply panels, and, locking pins (17) to maintain placement of the formwork panels.

Abstract: A form for creating cavities within large concrete structures, wherein the formed is created by interconnecting a plurality of section members, the section members having flexible mold skeleton members retaining polymer-aggregate panel members, and wherein the form may be internally pressurized to increase its rigidity and weight-bearing capability. The mold skeleton members have annular and longitudinal flanges that are used as planing guides to form the external surface of the polymer-aggregate panel members. Preferably, spacer members are inserted between the annular and longitudinal flanges and the spacer members are used as planing guides. The adjacent section members are mechanically joined to each other, such that the form may be disassembled and re-used.

Abstract: A forming panel is provided which includes at least one and preferably a number of elongated channels each having inwardly projecting ribs which permit threadable attachment of hardward components such as bolts, externally threaded rings, collars and the like directly to the channel along an infinite number of locations. The channels may be parallel to one another, perpendicular to one another, or both. The forming panel may be used with other forming panels and are configured to receive therethrough anchoring members such as anchor bolts and tie rods which pass into the gap between opposed forming walls where concrete is poured. The forming panels may be used as cap forms whereby after the concrete is cured, forming panels below the cap form may be replaced and reattached above the cap form.

Abstract: A hybrid arched overfilled structure includes a combination of pre-cast side elements and at least one cast-in-place crown sector element. The side elements are pre-cast generally in a horizontal orientation and subsequently lifted into place. The crown sector element is cast in place between the side elements. In one form of the invention, each of the three sections makes up about one-third of the overall arch span.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming concrete structures includes a first truss module and a second truss module, as well as a first and a second concrete form. The apparatus further includes a first and a second actuator device. Each first and second actuator device is mounted on the respective first and second truss module, and each first and second actuator device can move the respective first and second form translationally with respect to the respective first and second truss module. A yoke connects the first truss module to the second truss module to thereby place the concrete forms in generally parallel, spaced-apart relationship. A climbing device attached to the yoke can engage a climb rod and can move the apparatus upward along the climb rod.