Abstract: Systems and methods for modular walled systems, such as modular walled spas and modular walled privacy fences and can protect pool and spa equipment from the public. In one embodiment, the modular walled system includes an outer frame disposed within a medial frame, and an inner frame disposed within the medial frame, wherein each frame includes a set of brace assemblies that connect to rebar grids. The brace assemblies may include a foot plate and threaded couplers. The wall system also provides protective room for electrical raceways and a secure anchor substrate to attach electronics, panels, boxes or lighting systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of forming voids in concrete elements, and to a void former apparatus and system useful for this application. The void former unit comprises a first void former element comprising a first surface and a first opening in the first surface and a second void former element comprising a second surface and a second opening in the second surface, wherein the first void former element and the second void former element detachably connect to form a passage between the first opening and the second opening, and a void space between the first surface and the second surface surrounding the passage. Multiple void former units can detachably connect to form a void former system comprising a single continuous void space. While exemplified by use in concrete elements, other uses of the void former unit and void former system are envisaged.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for protecting a soil slope from rain erosion by improving with phosphogypsum and a microbe. The method includes: (1) placing Bacillus pasteurii in a culture medium to prepare a microbial solution, and mixing urea, calcium chloride and water to prepare a cementing solution; (2) mixing a mixture, the microbial solution and water well, and adding the cementing solution and water to prepare an improving mixture slurry; and (3) spraying the improving mixture slurry to a face of the slope twice by wet spraying, mixing the improving mixture slurry with grass seeds well, spraying to the face of the slope once, covering with a non-woven fabric by tying and fixing to the slope, and watering every day.

Abstract: Design and construction method for improving an expansive soil embankment using phosphogypsum and microbes, including the following steps: (1) placing Bacillus pasteurii into a culture medium to prepare a microbial solution, and mixing urea and calcium chloride with water to prepare a cementing fluid; (2) mixing and stirring a mixture, the microbial solution and water, adding the cementing solution well, and mixing the cementing fluid with water to prepare an improved mixture; and (3) leveling and compacting original ground, laying geomembranes, the improved mixture, and geogrids, laying a last layer of geomembrane on the top surface of the embankment after pavement of the embankment, and paving a roadbed. The design and construction method can meet construction requirements of highway embankment projects and roadbed projects of first-grade and other grades of roads, and consume solid waste phosphogypsum.

Abstract: A concrete structure includes a first concrete member, a second concrete member, a sheath that is disposed in a through hole extending from the first concrete member to the second concrete member, a tension part that is inserted over the entire length of the sheath and that is subjected to a tensile force, a fixing tool that fixes the tension part to the first concrete member or the second concrete member, and an anticorrosion part that covers the fixing tool. The tension part includes a stranded wire part and a first cover that covers an outer periphery of the stranded wire part. A space between the sheath and the tension part is not filled with a grout material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a construction method for ecologically protecting an expansive soil slope by combining phosphogypsum with microbial mineralization. The method includes: (1) placing Bacillus pasteurii in a culture medium to prepare a microbial solution, and mixing urea, calcium chloride and water to prepare a cementing solution; (2) preparing a mixture with phosphogypsum fly ash and soil; mixing the mixture, the microbial solution and water well, and adding the cementing solution and water to prepare an improving mixture slurry; and (3) spraying the improving mixture slurry to a face of the slope by wet spraying, and covering with a non-woven fabric by tying and fixing.

Abstract: A modular panel made of plastic material for manufacturing pool walls comprises: a generally rectangular main body of which a first surface is intended for being oriented toward the inside of the pool, the lengths of the main body defining a reference plane; a complementary body capable of being attached to a second surface of the main body and defining a hollow column intended for receiving concrete, wherein the first surface has an initial convex transverse curve on the width of the main body in a plastic injection mold, the maximum amplitude of the transverse curve relative to the reference plane being selected to compensate for all or part of the deformations that occur between the removal from the mold and the setting of the concrete, in the transverse and longitudinal directions.

Abstract: A design and construction method for using modified phosphogypsum in a roadbed and slope, where the method includes preparing a phosphogypsum-containing roadbed mixture, setting moisture content of the roadbed mixture, preparing a phosphogypsum-containing slope mixture, and construction of a roadbed and slope. The preparation of the phosphogypsum-containing roadbed mixture includes 90 parts by weight of phosphogypsum and 10 parts by weight of cement, and uniformly mixed and stirred to obtain a base material mixture; and 2-4 parts by weight of sodium silicate is dissolved in water, and the obtained solution is added to the base material mixture to obtain the phosphogypsum-containing roadbed mixture. The design and construction method are simple, can satisfy roadbed strength and rebound modulus requirements, and can be widely applied to filling-deficient areas with a high yield of phosphogypsum solid wastes.

Abstract: A sheathing puller for use in a concrete post-tensioning system that includes at least one anchor assembly and a tension member comprising a cable and a sheath surrounding the cable, comprises a stationary coupler, a force applicator mechanically coupled to the stationary coupler, and a sheathing gripper mechanically coupled to the force applicator and configured to grip the sheath. Actuation of the force applicator may cause the sheathing gripper to grip the sheath and apply a longitudinal force thereto. The sheathing stationary coupler may be configured to engage the at least one anchor and the force applicator may be a pulley, screw, ratchet, bar clamp, pipe clamp, or screw clamp. Also disclosed is a method for mechanically coupling the stationary coupler to a fixed object, mechanically coupling the sheathing gripper to the sheath, and sliding the sheath along the tension member using the sheathing puller.

Abstract: A manhole base assembly and a method for making the same employ a non-cylindrical, low-volume concrete base that is fully lined to protect the concrete against chemical and physical attack while in service. This lined concrete manhole base assembly may be readily produced using a modular manhole form assembly which can be configured for a wide variety of geometrical configurations compatible with, e.g., varying pipe angles, elevations and sizes. The form assembly is configurable to provide any desired angle and elevation for the pipe apertures to interface with various underground systems, and can be formed on-site to facilitate compatibility with existing structures. The assembly provides for flexible, modular construction of a wide variety of lined manhole base assemblies at minimal cost, reduced concrete consumption and reduced operational complexity. The modular nature of the production form assembly also facilitates reduced inventory requirements when various manhole base assembly geometries are needed.

Abstract: A manhole frame includes one or more handholds near the entrance to the manhole so that the ladder rungs can be made lower and the access space at the entrance to the manhole thereby increased. The handhold can be cast into the cover-supporting lip, or can be a movable handle which is below the level of the manhole when not in use or extended above ground level when in use.

Abstract: Reinforcing fibers, such as aromatic polyamide (“aramid”) fibers, are treated by coating with or embedding in a binder such as a Fischer-Tropsch wax. The treated fibers are divided into suitably-sized units, which are added to bitumen, aggregate and other ingredients in an asphalt cement concrete mix. The units shed fibers into the mix during the manufacturing process so that the fibers are distributed fairly evenly throughout the asphalt mixture. The binder may also impart beneficial qualities to the finished asphalt concrete.

Abstract: A three dimensional printer includes a work surface, an arcuate track disposed within in a track plane that is orthogonal to the work surface, a carriage slidably disposed on the track and translatable relative thereto, and a print head supported by the carriage. The track has a constant radius of curvature extending from a point on the work surface. The print head is translatable in a radial direction relative to the track, and includes a nozzle defining a print orifice, a mixing cavity disposed within the nozzle and in fluid communication with the orifice, and both a first and second filament feeder, each configured to controllably advance a respective filament into the mixing cavity at a respective feed rate. The print head further includes a heating element in thermal communication with the mixing cavity and configured to melt each of the first filament and the second filament.

Abstract: Interlocking construction blocks are provided, having a tongue and groove configuration, attachable together by pressing the tongue of one block into a groove of another block. Multiple blocks may be adapted to be interlocked together forming a structure, such as a wall. Blocks comprise first and second opposing sidewalls integrally connected together by first and second pairs of opposing connecting walls. The first and second sidewalls comprise a lower portion integrally connected to an upper portion. The lower portion comprises a pair of opposing lower portion sidewalls integrally connected to a pair of opposing lower end walls. The upper portion comprises a planar top surface, a pair of opposing upper portion sidewalls and a pair of opposing upper portion end walls integrally connected via upper portion angular walls. The upper portion sidewalls, upper portion end walls and upper angular walls may have a beveled or tapered surface.

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 method of forming architectural concrete in a quicker and more cost effective manner relative to conventional concrete formation methods. The method includes forming the architectural concrete without the use of a surface retarder, and using prescribed amounts of fine sand and aggregate to allow for creation of the desired aesthetic look of the architectural concrete.

Abstract: A method of installing a fixture, such as a bracket, in a fuselage structure of an aircraft includes the steps of: providing or generating a three-dimensional digital model of the fixture; arranging a head of an additive manufacturing apparatus in the fuselage structure; and forming the fixture in situ in the fuselage structure with the head of the additive manufacturing apparatus based upon the digital model of the fixture. The fixture is installed in the fuselage structure by bonding or fusing the fixture to the fuselage structure as the fixture is formed. A fixture, such as a bracket, which is generated in situ in a fuselage structure of an aircraft based upon a three-dimensional digital model, wherein the fixture is bonded or fused to the fuselage structure as the fixture is formed.

Abstract: A method of forming a concrete wall having a substantially uniform exterior surface texture. The method includes the initial step of pouring concrete into a wall form. The concrete is poured from a first mixture and is allowed to cure. After the concrete is cured, the wall form is removed from the resultant concrete base structure. A roughened texture is then created on the base structure. A finishing mixture is then applied to the roughened texture. The finishing mixture may be created by separating the aggregate from a portion of the remaining first mixture. The finishing mixture creates a smooth texture on the exterior surfaces of the initially formed base structure.

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: The subject matter of the invention is a method for producing a concrete component (1), wherein a plurality of layers of a dry mixture consisting of at least one silicate former and one hydraulic binder are deposited one atop another on a base (7), wherein after applying each layer the respective layer is mixed with water, wherein the contour of the area that is mixed with water correlates with the desired shape of the concrete component (1) at the level of the respective layer to be applied.

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 method for the monolithic furnaces construction with refractory concrete for the manufacture of glass through the formation of temporary structures for the filling and molded of refractory concrete.

Abstract: An apparatus to help control the quality of printed three-dimensional objects is provided. The apparatus may include a printing head to print a three-dimensional object and a printing tray having defined surface characteristics serving to control adherence of the object being printed to the printing tray and/or prevent deformations in the printed object.

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: One possible embodiment of the invention could be a system for creating forms used to make concrete structures comprising of plurality of panels, each panel having two or more sets of spaced-apart tie apertures; a plurality of ties, each tie forming a body between two ends, each end having a locking aperture, a plurality of L-shaped brackets with two flanges having a respective set of spaced-apart perforations; a plurality of locking mechanisms that attach to ties and connect L-shaped brackets together; wherein two or more ties are located between a pair of parallel and opposing panels, the ends of the ties protruding through respective tie apertures and perforations of L-shaped brackets located on the outside of the panels, the locking mechanisms engaging respective locking apertures to form an assembled pair of panels, the assembled pairs being connected together to create a form with a continuous cavity to receive plastic concrete.

Abstract: In order to produce a slab track for rail vehicles with an emergency pathway (12) for road vehicles, a prefabricated track section with rails (8) and sleepers (5) is supported and positioned on a substructure (1) by means of a supporting and aligning device (4). Subsequently, a track slab (10) is produced by casting in the sleepers (5). The part of the sleepers (5) that projects from the track slab (10) and the rails (8) are separated by formwork elements, and an emergency pathway (12) is applied to the track slab (10) by casting.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a nozzle assembly configured to extrude material through an outlet; and a controllable robotic arm coupled to the nozzle assembly, the robotic arm having at one end a gripper configured to pick up an element and deposit the element at a desired position relative to the extruded material. The element may be one of: a reinforcement member for a structure being constructed; a segment of a plumbing pipe; an electric network component; and a tile.

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: The disclosure provides a system and method for constructing support structures in buildings or other projects, which can support molds for use when pouring reinforced concrete slabs. The disclosed structures can accommodate more than one molds stacked vertically one over the other, and can remain in place to define walls or other separators in the completed structure. In one embodiment, the disclosed structure is a wall panel including a frame and vertical support members. The wall panel includes features allowing the vertical stacking of multiple wall panels. A temporary bracing system is further disclosed for use when stabilizing multiple stacked panels until construction of the surrounding floor or ceiling slabs has been completed.

Abstract: The device comprises a visual effecter and a display, wherein the visual effecter comprises at least one encapsulated electronic-optical element; the display can be a 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional display or any combination thereof; the display locates outside the visual effecter; and the display is subject to the visual effect of the visual effecter.

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: An apparatus may include a nozzle assembly configured to extrude material through an outlet; and a controllable robotic arm coupled to the nozzle assembly, the robotic arm having at one end a gripper configured to pick up an element and deposit the element at a desired position relative to the extruded material. The element may be one of: a reinforcement member for a structure being constructed; a segment of a plumbing pipe; an electric network component; and a tile.

Abstract: A method for the monolithic furnaces construction with refractory concrete for the manufacture of glass through the formation of temporary structures for the filling and molded of refractory concrete.

Abstract: A system and method of manufacture providing reinforced structurally functional load-bearing members, including but not limited to using thermoplastic materials, such as High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP), reinforced such as with an aluminum alloy, glass-reinforced polyurethane (foamed or unfoamed), or carbon fiber core element. Among its possible uses, the present invention has application for provision of structural support members, such as an illustrative I-joist product having a vertical center member preferably comprising a thermoplastic material, and top and bottom flanges having structurally meaningful reinforcement. The center member and flanges preferably comprising a thermoplastic material provides a relatively hard, durable, substantially weather-resistant structure. Certain embodiments of the present invention include reinforcing members having a plurality of lobes or arms.

Abstract: The method for constructing precast coping for bridge of the present invention enables to manufacture a segment match-cast manufactured with the top of a pier body; to be applied to small and medium size bridges by introducing transverse tendon force to each segment through tendons after manufacturing a subsegment which is match cast to both sides of the pre-made segment; to be rapidly produced; and to retension tendons when the coping is constructed by using a plurality of segments. Further, the method for constructing precast coping for bridge of the present invention enables to manufacture the method for constructing precast coping for bridge, enabling to obtain stability towards lift by easily lifting the coping, assembled on the ground, through lifting lugs by forming lifting lugs on the top upon manufacturing segments.

Abstract: A method for constructing a structure, preferably a swimming pool, includes the steps of excavating a cavity, applying a sub-base such as sand along at least a portion of the cavity, forming the sub-base into the desired shape of the structure, and applying a solidifier solution to the sub-base. The solidifier solution comprises a polymer in solution. The solidifier solution and the sub-base harden to form a smooth, hard composite layer in the base of the cavity, with the composite layer containing at least some of the polymer and at least some of the sub-base in a polymer lattice. After the solidifier solution has been applied, a liner may be installed, and the swimming pool may be filled.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed that are useful for robotic gantry systems that are lightweight while at the same time offering rigidity or stiffness for implementation in Contour Crafting construction and material delivery techniques. The present disclosure is directed to robotic gantry system and material transport apparatus that use of very light structural members that have sufficient compressive strength, but which may otherwise be weak in the presence of bending forces, in conjunction with cables that provide stiffness against bending. Use of such cables provides needed tension while at the same time allowing the robotic gantry system to be very light compared to solid structures, e.g., those with I-beams, etc. Material delivery systems including passive articulated arms are also disclosed.

Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could be a system for creating forms used to make concrete structures comprising of plurality of panels, each panel having two or more sets of spaced-apart tie apertures; a plurality of ties, each tie forming a body between two ends, each end having a locking aperture, a plurality of L-shaped brackets with two flanges having a respective set of spaced-apart perforations; a plurality of locking mechanisms that attach to ties and connect L-shaped brackets together; wherein two or more ties are located between a pair of parallel and opposing panels, the ends of the ties protruding through respective tie apertures and perforations of L-shaped brackets located on the outside of the panels, the locking mechanisms engaging respective locking apertures to form an assembled pair of panels, the assembled pairs being connected together to create a form with a continuous cavity to receive plastic concrete.

Abstract: An emergency shelter includes a domed foam structure that is constructed on-site or at a remote location from foam that can be mixed on-site. The structure can be made on-site by spraying foam in a flowable state in a predetermined pattern to build up walls to form a dome. The foam can be sprayed, for example, in a substantially helical pattern from a centrally located spray nozzle that is rotated to deposit a finite-thickness increment of foam over a time period sufficient that, by the time the nozzle reaches a previously sprayed area, the foam already deposited has had time to cure.

Abstract: An aeration and drainage system includes an aeration & drain pipe which contains slots on its upper surface, a stand which holds said aeration & drain pipe above a bottom surface, an air and liquid transfer element attached to the aeration & drain pipe and positioned over said slots. Additionally the air and liquid transfer element extends upward from the slots, and the air and liquid transfer element contains openings on its top to allow fluids to flow into the air and liquid transfer element and through the slots in the aeration & drain pipe.

Abstract: A protective element for a breakwater or wave-retarding construction comprises a body that has at least two opposing projections. The projections are on either side of a flat base and extend transversely thereto. The periphery of the base is non-circular, so that rolling of the protective element under the influence of the beating of the waves is resisted.

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: Displacers are used in production of concrete surfaces. The displacers are embodied, for example, as plastic balls or plastic shells and are locked in lattices that are open on one side, preferably downwardly. The modules can then be pressed into a first or second concrete layer that can already contain a first reinforcement mesh. The thus produced semi-finished product can then be covered with a concrete mass during the subsequent finishing process.

Abstract: The present invention is a composite laminated sheet material suitable for structures such as containment sumps. The laminated material comprises a fabric-backed thermoplastic layer upon which thermoset plastic is applied to the fabric side. The thermoplastic layer is formed by contacting a layer of fabric onto a layer of molten thermoplastic such that the liquid thermoplastic permeates a portion of the fabric layer to form a mechanical bond with the fabric layer when the thermoplastic layer cools and hardens. Thermoset plastic, such as fibreglass resin, is sprayed onto the fabric side of the thermoplastic layer to allow the liquid resin to permeate the fabric layer. Once the resin cures and hardens, the fabric layer is mechanically bonded to the cured thermoset plastic layer to effectively bond the thermoplastic layer to the thermoset plastic layer.

Abstract: An automated extrusion construction system may include an extrusion nozzle configured to extrude construction material in a substantially horizontal direction against an elongated and substantially vertical surface. An extrusion nozzle may have a height adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the height of an outlet in response to level deviations in the surface on which the construction material is extruded by the extrusion nozzle. An automated extrusion construction system may include a slicing mechanism configured to controllably slice through the extruded layer.

Abstract: A novel way of building walls using lightweight lava blocks without mortar in a three step procedure, fabricating the light weight lava block, setting the block and then filling the block with a lava and cement mixture or slurry; further described is a process for fabricating the lava block from a composition of lava rock, aggregate, Portland Cement, hardening catalyst, fiber, and water.

Abstract: A method of making an electrically conductive element, particularly a bipolar plate for a fuel cell, comprises molding an element from a composite material comprising a polymer and an electrically conductive material to produce an element having a polymer-rich skin and removing at least a portion of the polymer-rich skin with a plasma.

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 construction member includes a composite material offering strength and functionality. Embodiments of the present invention include a thermoplastic composite for use in applications such as decking, exterior siding, seating and furniture. In one embodiment, a structural member includes a glass-reinforced PVC core surrounded by a thermoplastic layer that further includes a thermoplastic with elastomer thermofoamed layer as a exterior layer. All three components can be extruded and bond together to form a composite material that offers appropriate structural strength with resistance to heating from sunlight.

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.