Abstract: A lightweight ready-mix concrete composition that contains 8-20 volume percent cement, 11-50 volume percent sand, 10-31 volume percent prepuff particles, 9-40 volume percent coarse aggregate, and 10-22 volume percent water, where the sum of components used does not exceed 100 volume percent;. The prepuff particles have an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.02 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3. The slump value of the composition measured according to ASTM C 143 is from 2 to 8 inches. After the lightweight ready-mix concrete composition is set for 28 days, it has a compressive strength of at least 1400 psi as tested according to ASTM C39.

Abstract: This invention discloses a new technology related to cellulose fiber reinforced cement composite materials using cellulose fibers that are treated with inorganic and/or organic resins to make the fibers more hydrophobic, as well as other chemical treatments. This invention discloses four aspects of the technology: fiber treatment, formulations, methods and the final product. This technology advantageously provides fiber cement building materials with the desirable characteristics of reduced water absorption, reduced rate of water absorption, lower water migration, and lower water permeability. This invention also impart the final products improved freeze-thaw resistance, reduced efflorescence, and improved rot and UV resistances, compared to conventional fiber cement products. These improved attributes are gained without loss in dimensional stability, strength, strain or toughness. In some cases the physical and mechanical properties are improved.

Abstract: A system for automating the casting of concrete panels in which a bed position indicator is fed to a program which compares the bed position to CAD drawings concerning the concrete to be cast and sends the drawing detail for the position of the bed which is then shown on the bed by a laser.

Abstract: Molds and processes that permit high-speed, mass production of retaining wall blocks having patterned or other processed front faces, as well as retaining wall blocks formed by such processes. The invention permits the front face of the block to be impressed with a pattern or otherwise directly processed, to allow the formation of pre-determined block front faces, while at the same time facilitating high-speed, high-volume production of blocks. A mirror image of the desired pattern can be created on a stripper shoe by selecting a desired three-dimensional surface from a naturally occurring or man made object and digitally scanning the selected three-dimensional pattern to create scanned data. The scanned data can then be used to machine a face of the stripper shoe that is the mirror image of the selected pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing sheets based on hydraulic binder, particularly sheets of plasterboard with feathered edges. The method comprises the steps of (I) making a mark (301) on a facing (2 or 3) of the preform (5), (II) detecting the mark (301), and (III) sending an actuating signal to a device (9) for cutting the preform (5). The invention also relates to a production line for producing such sheets, and to an apparatus, particularly for making an impression (12, 12bis) in a preform (5). The apparatus comprises a frame (101), first (102, 103) and second (105, 106) pulleys, two belts (108, 109) wrapped around the pulleys (102, 103, 105, 106), and at least one wire (111) extending between these belts (108, 109) so that its axis is parallel to the axis of the pulleys (102, 103, 105, 106).

Abstract: A masonry unit forming system including a mold box having a first open side and a second open side; a first mold plate; a second mold plate; a first drive mechanism configured to move the first mold plate into the first open side of the mold box; and a second drive mechanism configured to move the second mold plate into the second open side of the mold box.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method for producing an aggregate is disclosed comprising mixing IBA and a second, silicoaluminous material having a calcium content less than the IBA. The method further comprises agglomerating the mixture, such as by pelletizing, and pyroprocessing the agglomerates, such as by sintering or vitrification, to form the aggregate. The second material may be a clay, such as bentonite or kaolin, a mining waste, such as granite sawing residues, waste glass, or furnace bottom ash, for example. The addition of the second material has been found to facilitate production of lightweight and normal weight aggregates. Preferably, the IBA or the mixture of IBA and the second material are wet milled prior to agglomeration. A lightweight sintered aggregate comprising IBA and the second material and an aggregate comprising IBA and the second material are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for converting wet synthetic gypsum from a flue desulphurization process (FGD) to easily handled and metered briquettes by mixing a hydraulic additive such as by-pass dust from a cement kiln with synthetic gypsum and allowing the heat from the resulting hydraulic reaction to reduce the water content of the mixture to a formable consistency without adding external heat to the mixture as it is formed into briquettes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for phase transformation in molecular solids and the use of high-energy mills of said method.

Abstract: A mold material castable to provide a mass reduced work piece machinable to produced a mold and methods of utilizing such mold material to cast mass reduced work pieces machinable to produce a mold.

Abstract: A device and a method for the production of multi-layer concrete pipes, particularly two-layer concrete pipes. The device has a first stand, in which a first pressing head that can be driven is mounted, a turntable, on which several mold mantles standing vertically can be pivoted into a stand in cycles, and a first charging system for filling a first concrete mixture into one of the mold mantles. A second pressing head having an outside diameter that is smaller than that of the first pressing head, and a second charging system for filling a second concrete mixture into one of the mold mantles are provided. In this manner, the second concrete mixture can be filled into the mold mantle, by the second charging system and the mixture can be distributed and compacted before the concrete pipe is removed from the mold mantle.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced cement composition comprising the following raw materials: not less than 25% by mass and not more than 45% by mass of a hydraulic inorganic material; not less than 50% by mass and not more than 65% by mass of a siliceous material; not less than 5% by mass and not more than 12% by mass of woody reinforcement; not less than 0.25% by mass and not more than 1.5% by mass of a water soluble resin, wherein the hydraulic inorganic material is a Portland cement, the siliceous material is an amorphous material selected from the group consisting of fly ash, silica fume, blast furnace slag, perlite powder, glass powder, and mixtures thereof; the woody reinforcement is needle-leaves-tree unbleached kraft pulp and/or needle-leaves-tree bleached kraft pulp and used newspaper, and the water soluble resin is a polyvinyl alcohol resin.

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: Molds and processes that permit high-speed, mass production of retaining wall blocks having patterned or other processed front faces, as well as retaining wall blocks formed by such processes. The invention permits the front face of the block to be impressed with a pattern or otherwise directly processed, to allow the formation of pre-determined block front faces, while at the same time facilitating high-speed, high-volume production of blocks. A mirror image of the desired pattern can be created on a stripper shoe by selecting a desired three-dimensional surface from a naturally occurring or man made object and digitally scanning the selected three-dimensional pattern to create scanned data. The scanned data can then be used to machine a face of the stripper shoe that is the mirror image of the selected pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for selectively dispensing reinforcement material into a concrete component. The apparatus is capable of providing, positioning and embedding any form of rolled reinforcement materials into both prefabricated concrete components and cast-in-place concrete components which can be operated by a minimal number of personnel in a timely and economical manner, and which can be used to mass produce concrete components.

Abstract: Improved methods for the production of lightweight, rigid, insulative perlite/cement solid articles such as bricks (62) are provided wherein expanded perlite is first treated with a cement binder followed by application of cement with subsequent mixing and forming. In preferred forms, a continuous belt (12) is provided with laterally spaced apart stations (22-28) for application of perlite, binder, water and Portland cement, respectively, onto the belt (12); these materials are then mixed in a drum mixer (38) to produce a mixture (61) which is poured into a frame assembly (44) for final curing/hardening.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a method for creating pre-stressed zones in concrete. In one embodiment, a circular blade is coated with a chemical which retards the setting of the concrete. The circular blade is then rolled through the wet concrete, thus transferring the retarding chemical from the blade into the concrete. The region of wet concrete that has the retarding chemical introduced into it does not set until after the surrounding concrete has set and shrunk, thus creating a pre-stressed zone which typically manifests itself as a crack, visible upon setting of the wet concrete. Other embodiments describe alternative ways of introducing the chemical into the wet concrete.

Abstract: Cuttings from drilling through or into natural rock and/or soil can be incorporated into useful, high quality load-bearing structures such as vehicle roads and pads for deep drilling rigs. This process recycles a material previously regarded as valueless at best and often as a pollution hazard. The cuttings, optionally mixed with drilling mud and/or soil, are converted to the useful structures by pozzolanic and/or cementitious reactions after being mixed with suitable other materials and/or are bonded into the useful structures by asphaltic materials.

Abstract: Provided is a fiber reinforced cement board having good installation properties such as nail performance, flexibility performance and handling performance, as well as other favorable physical properties. The board has an absolute dry specific gravity of not less than 1.20 and not more than 1.30 and comprises as raw materials not less than 28% by mass and not more than 32% by mass of a hydraulic inorganic material, not less than 54% by mass and not more than 58% by mass of a siliceous material, not less than 8% by mass and not more than 12% by mass of a woody reinforcement, not less than 2% by mass and not more than 5% by mass of mica, and not less than 0.5% by mass and not more than 1.25% by mass of a water-soluble resin.

Abstract: A method of producing a water resistant fiber-cement product. The water repelling agent can be added or applied to the fiber-cement or indeed the material forming the fiber cement at a number of different stages in the process. The resultant material has increased water impermeability over conventional fiber-cement products.

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: 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: In accordance with an embodiment, a method for producing an aggregate is disclosed comprising mixing incinerator bottom ash (“IBA”) from a municipal solid waste incinerator and pulverized fuel ash (“PFA”) from coal combustion. The method further comprises agglomerating the mixture, such as by pelletizing, and pyroprocessing the agglomerates, such as by sintering or vitrification, to form the aggregate. The addition of PFA to IBA has been found to facilitate production of lightweight and normal weight aggregates. Preferably, the IBA or the mixture of IBA and PFA is wet milled prior to agglomerating. A preferred proportion of IBA to PFA is 40%/60%. The agglomerates may be coated with an inorganic material to create a surface layer on the aggregate. Organic material may be included in the mixture to increase the porosity of the aggregate. A lightweight sintered aggregate comprising IBA and PFA and an aggregate comprising IBA and PFA are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a corrugated concrete wall panel form and a method of constructing a prefabricated concrete wall panel thereof. The method comprises the steps of placing a layer of insulation boards horizontally on a flat surface on site or in pre-cast plant; laying and attaching one layer of corrugated metal thin sheets, as the bottom concrete form, on top of the horizontally placed insulation boards; closing the sides of the corrugated metal sheets by peripheral angles as side forms; and then pouring concrete on top of the metal sheets. After concrete hardens the wall structure is ready for erection. This low cost lightweight wall panel system is self-containing and requires only one pour of concrete. It requires no complicated form structure and less labor work for form installation.

Abstract: A method of producing material from recycled glass comprising: preparing a mixture of glass in a cementitious matrix, and an alkali-silica reaction suppressant; providing a mold of the material and coating said mold with a release agent; casting said mixture into said mold; curing said mold; and removing the material from said mold. The recycled glass and concrete compositions are: 25-79% by weight glass; 8-35% by weight cement and up to 22% by weight of an alkali-silica reaction suppressant.

Abstract: A method for forming a masonry unit that includes joining a pallet to a bottom surface of a mold, inserting a filler plug into the side of the mold between a partition plate and a pallet, dispensing mix into the mold, and compressing the mix with a shoe to form a masonry unit with a filler plug effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of fabricating manufactured aggregates (10), characterized in that the following steps are performed: supplying a first material (12) comprising particles; supplying elements (16, 18, 20, 22) for forming a second material (14); mixing a predetermined quantity (Q12) of said first material (12) with a predetermined quantity (Q16, Q18, Q20, Q22) of each of said elements (16, 18, 20, 22) of said second material (14), so as to obtain a mortar (M12-14) made up of inclusions (12) corresponding to the first material and a matrix (14) corresponding to the second material (14); subjecting a first cure (T1) to the mortar (M12-14) for a predetermined first cure duration (t1); and crushing (C) said mortar (M12-14) to obtain manufactured aggregates (10).

Abstract: A concrete block mold division plate for front-face-up block molding. The division plate fits into a channel formed in each of the side walls of the mold. A plurality of fasteners secure the division plate within each channel and to the side walls of the mold. The division plate operates in conjunction with an optimized dry cast concrete mixture to provide acceptable control of the flatness and parallelism of the top and bottom surfaces of the blocks.

Abstract: A composition of matter incorporating waste glass into a ceramic and cement composite material, comprising: 70 to 95 percent by weight glass; 5 to 35 percent by weight high alumina cement; 0 to 20 percent by weight inert filler; and 0 to 5 percent by weight additives.

Abstract: A process for producing fiber-reinforced structural cementitious panels made of at least one layer of fiber reinforced cementitious slurry, the process for each such layer of slurry including providing a moving web; depositing a first layer of individual, loose fibers upon the web; depositing a layer of settable slurry upon the deposited first layer of individual, loose fibers; depositing a second layer of individual, loose fibers upon the deposited layer of settable slurry; and actively embedding both layers of individual, loose fibers into the layer of slurry to distribute the fibers throughout the slurry.

Abstract: A cementitious mix for preparing a building block wherein the mix includes the ingredients; sand, cement, sawdust and water; wherein said sawdust comprises the greater proportion of the mix constituents; and wherein the dry density of the mix ranges between 700 kg/m3 and 1500 kg/m3.

Abstract: A method for fabricating structural building blocks having a cured binding material dispersed within block forming media thereof comprises a plurality of operations. An operation is performed for depositing a volume of block-forming media within a media receiving cavity of block forming equipment. The block-forming media includes a curable binding material dispersed therein and curing of the curable binding material is caused by contact with a prescribed activation material. After or in conjunction with depositing the volume of block-forming media, an operation is performed for depositing the prescribed activation material into the media receiving cavity. Such depositing of the prescribed activation material causing at least a portion of the prescribed activation material to be dispersed within the volume of the block-forming media.

Abstract: A cementitious mixture that is comprised of class C fly ash and other industrial waste product such as either bottom ash or economizer ash. The mixture is preferably 15-35% weight class C fly ash based on the total weight of the mixture. The mixture excludes Portland cement, or other similar cement products. The dry mixture is placed in a desired location or form. Water is then added to the mixture when desired in order to harden the mixture in place. The cementitious mixture is particularly useful for securing fence posts, or the like, in the earth as the workability of the mixture is maintained by adding the water to the mixture only after the position has been properly plumbed and placed in the hole. The cementitious mixture thus provides an inexpensive alternative to standard blended cement products, and provides a convenient and effective way of securing fence posts to the earth.

Abstract: This invention relates to a formulation with the addition of low density additives of volcanic ash, hollow ceramic microspheres or a combination of microspheres and volcanic ash or other low density additives into cementitious cellulose fiber reinforced building materials. This formulation is advantageously lightweight or low density compared as compared to current fiber cement products without the increased moisture expansion and freeze-thaw degradation usually associated with the addition of lightweight inorganic materials to fiber cement mixes. The low density additives also give the material improved thermal dimensional stability.

Abstract: The present invention is a lawn accessory comprising a structural shell. The shell is constructed to have a wall containing both inner and outer surfaces, and a bottom member which together form an inner volume. An adhesive layer surrounds the outer wall surface of the shell and is comprised of a mortar. A decorative layer comprised of a plurality of synthetic stones is attached to the adhesive layer and spaces between the stones are filled with mortar to complete the lawn accessory.

Abstract: A method of controlling the cure of concrete structures using intralaminar heat generated by applying electrical energy to electrically conductive members disposed within the structures. These conductive members include carbon fibers. The method further incorporates the electrically conductive, members as internal reinforcement in the cured, finished structure reducing or obviating the need for reinforcing steel. The electrically conductive, members are provided in various forms including but not limited to, pliable forms impregnated with a polymer resin matrix capable of being rigidified and completely rigidified forms. The invention may be used in conjunction with heat responsive agents to activate curing. A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is a controlled (expedited or heat activated) cure of a concrete structure. Concrete structures containing the electrical heating capability taught herein are also included within the invention.

Abstract: Described herein are new cementitious mortars with a high degree of fluidity and high final resistance. The mortars contain water, a hydraulic binder, a pozzolanic substance (finely ground slag), a fluidifier and/or superfluidifier, a setting regulator, and aggregates having a specific granulometric distribution. The aggregates are made up of three highly monogranular fractions (A, B, C), and a fourth fraction (D) having a low monogranularity. The new mortars described herein have values of fluidity higher, by approximately 70%, than those of mortars produced with traditional aggregates. The increase in fluidity is obtained without increasing the water/cement ratio and without increasing the amount of fluidifiers/superfluidifiers present. The mortars produced according to the invention may be used to advantage in all applications in which it is required to associate a high degree of fluidity and a high final mechanical resistance, both in compression and in flexure.

Abstract: Fabric and reinforcements are provided by this invention which, in a first embodiment, include a plurality of warp yarns having a first twist (turns/inch) and a plurality of weft yarns having a second twist which is greater than the first twist. A coating is applied over a substantial portion of the warp and weft yarns after they are assembled or laid together, so as to produce a weight distribution ratio of less than about 2.0:1, based upon the weight of the resinous coating of the weft yarns over the weight of the resinous coating on the warp yarns. This can be achieved, in substantial part, due to the difference in the twist ratios of the warp and weft yarns, which difference permits a more uniform coating to be applied. Further embodiments of this invention include a cementitious board and methods of making a coated fabric and cementitious board.

Abstract: A concrete building block containing Portland cement, a filler, water, and a quantity of particularly sized plastic particles, such as spent abrasive particles of a thermoset plastic. The associated method of producing such blocks eliminates the need of curing the blocks in a heated humidity controlled environment in order for the blocks to attain the required water content for hydration of the cement.

Abstract: “PROCESS FOR OBTAINING CEMENT THREAD REPAIRER, CEMENT THREAD REPAIRER AND MANNER OF APPLICATION OF CEMENT THREAD REPAIRER”, particularly of a process a process for obtaining a colored liquid film used for aesthetic recovery of cement threads between ceramic parts and/or stones. It offers the advantages of being usable in packages of practical application, having high yield, and waterproofing the area that received the application.

Abstract: This invention discloses a high strength magnesium slag brick and a method of producing the same. The high strength magnesium slag brick is composed of 60 to 80 percent by weight of furnace slag from the reduction process of a magnesium production, 15 to 25 percent by weight of crushed stones and/or pebbles, and 1 to 15 percent by weight of gypsum and/or lime. And the amount of water added to the composition is equivalent to 10 to 40 percent of the total weight of raw materials. The method includes dispensing of raw materials, adding of water, mingling, leaving it piled-up, pressing and molding, steam-bathing and drying to obtain the finished product. Gypsum, one of the raw materials of the slag brick, can be produced from the waste gas generated from the magnesium production process. And, the coal cinder or coal ash generated from the burning of coal in the magnesium production process, can also be used as one of the raw materials of the slag brick.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for forming a concrete floor as a monolithic unit, wherein a wet concrete mix is deposited and worked to achieve a generally uniform flatness of concrete and adding to the top layer thereof a decorative aggregate material. Subsequently, the surface of the concrete is worked, allowed to partially cure and then ground and polished to substantially remove surface irregularities and reveal the decorative aggregate. The floor surface may then be coated with a sealant to achieve a terrazzo-like appearance.

Abstract: In a method of making a gypsum slurry, a polycarboxylate dispersant, a modifier and a hydraulic material comprising stucco are selected for use in the slurry. These components are then combined with water to form a slurry, where the modifier is added to the slurry prior to formation of a slurry phase by the water, the stucco and the dispersant. The modifier has been shown to be less effective when added after the dispersant and stucco have been contacted in an aqueous slurry. In a preferred embodiment, an amount of stucco is obtained and the modifier and dispersant are selected. A predissolved solution of a dispersant and modifier is prepared in water to form a solution prior to the addition of the stucco. After mixing the solution, the stucco is added to form the slurry. Optionally, the slurry is then shaped into a product and allowed to set.

Abstract: A cementitious mix for preparing a building block wherein the mix includes the ingredients; sand, cement, sawdust and water; wherein said sawdust comprises the greater proportion of the mix constituents; and wherein the dry density of the mix ranges between 700 kg/m3 and 1500 kg/m3.

Abstract: The invention relates to a construction element which has advantages over regular concrete elements by being much lighter, stronger and less expensive. The element comprises at least 15% by weight of cement, particulate filler material, ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer binder and optionally cellulose ether and PYA binder. The filler material may be selected from particulate wood, particulate elastomeric material, fiyash, crushed rock, cellulosic materials or sand. The invention also relates to a slurry mixture for producing the construction element. The said element may have a variety of shapes, such as sheets, bricks, beams, blocks, panels and boards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a holding material for a catalytic converter including a catalyst carrier, a metal casing for receiving the catalyst carrier, and the holding material wound around the catalyst carrier and interposed in a gap between the catalyst carrier and the metal casing, the holding material having a plurality of high-density sites which are spaced apart from one another in the holding material, each site having a higher density than sites of the holding material in which the higher density sites are not provided.

Abstract: A method is provided which uses an improved emulsion to imparting water-resistance to gypsum products. In one embodiment, gypsum products comprise calcium sulfate dihydrate and an emulsion which comprises a saponified wax, a nonsaponifiable wax, an alkyl phenol, a surfactant/dispersant salt of polynaphthalenesulfonic acid, and carboxymethylcellulose. Optionally, the emulsions may contain a preservative, e.g., a biocide (mildewcide, fungicide, etc.). These gypsum products resist the uptake of water and therefore resist biological infestation without addition of a preservative.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a cemented product from agricultural waste. The apparatus is comprised of a wheeled, moveable frame that holds a capturer adapted to capture a portion of the agricultural waste product onto the frame, an aligner, mounted on the frame, that is adapted to align the longitudinal agricultural waste products into rows, a binder that is adapted to bind the aligned waste products together, and a finisher that adds a cementatious material to the bound waste product, creating a cemented product.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated warped pavement slab and a forming system for making the slabs. The forming system includes a plurality of forming sections which can be adjusted so as to form a warped-plane pavement slab. Also disclosed are methods for making the pavement slab and forming system. Also disclosed is a method for installing the warped pavement slab.

Abstract: A composition for making flexible articles includes a hydraulic component of at least 50 weight % fly ash, a water-soluble, film-forming polymer and water. Articles are made from this composition by making a slurry of the components, forming the article and allowing it to set.