Abstract: An improved reinforced structural member and method of fabricating the member. The structural member is a truss slab of a type embodying a lower concrete slab having reinforcement embedded therein; means providing a network of passages overlying the base slab; and an overlying concrete slab with reinforcement therein, including concrete columns extending between the overlying slab and the base slab. Additional reinforcing members of struts are provided connected between the reinforcing members in the lower slab and the reinforcing members in the upper slab. These members are of improved construction embodying a lower section and a separable upper section. The lower section extends to the height of the top surface of the lower slab permitting improvements in the method in that the lower slab can be poured without the reinforcing struts or members being in the way. The upper section of the reinforcing strut is then joined to the lower section, after which the upper slab is poured.

Abstract: The invention provides a construction process permitting slab sliding and support means as well as simultaneous wall-erection, at the time such slab is being raised.

Abstract: A method of making a load bearing surface comprising mixing flyash with phosphogypsum in predetermined amounts to form a subbase disposed on a subgrade, sequentially spraying water onto the subbase and compacting for a plurality of cycles until the materials therein are intimately mixed, densified, and the subbase layer is saturated with water. A base layer comprising a mixture of flyash and phosphogypsum in predetermined amounts is disposed on the subbase layer and sequentially sprayed with water and compacted for a plurality of cycles until the materials therein are intimately mixed, densified, and the base layer is saturated with water. The load bearing surface produced has CBR values ranging from 50 to 90 at 0.1 inch penetration.

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

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a closing arrangement for large passages in a prestressed pressure vessel comprising a cover means for covering the opening of a passage in the prestressed pressure vessel, an annular structural part having an inner boundary surface surrounding the covering means at a distance and defining a space therebetween, a means for securing the annular structural part to the prestressed pressure vessel and a plurality of connecting elements disposed in the space between the annular structural part and the covering means in abutting relationship with the inner boundary surface of the annular structural part and the covering means.

Abstract: Protective coating systems are reinforced by first laying a suitable mesh screen of plastic, metal or the equivalent on the surface to be protected. Thereafter, a thin layer of a coating composition, e.g., a latex cement, is poured over the mesh and allowed to set. In this operation the mesh is bonded by means of the coating composition to said surface. The screen also protrudes to the upper surface of said layer and when the latter has been allowed to set, a second layer is applied resulting in a system in which the reinforcing mesh not only aids in forming a durable bond between said first layer and said surface, but also likewise renders the two layers thus formed resistant to spalling or separating caused from expansion or contraction of said surface.

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

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus for forming embankments comprising a trapezium-shaped shield open at top and bottom and rearwardly. Material for the embankment is introduced into the top of the shield in slurry form and the difference in level between the slurry contained by the shield and the water outside the shield results in a force on the end wall of the shield. This causes the shield to travel end-wall first along the surface on which it is supported. As it moves forward, the shield will leave behind it an embankment formed to the same trapezium-shape as the shield itself. So that a layered form of embankment may be constructed, the shield may be fitted with a number of hoppers each associated with the formation of a particular layer.

Abstract: A method for casting multiple floor beams including the steps of assembling a multiplicity of spaced pan form units where the space between adjacent pan units forms the side of a beam form. A bottom panel is positioned between adjacent pan units to form the bottom of the beam form. The pan units are then locked together on their underneath sides to form an integral pan deck. Reinforcing framework is added into the beam forms and the pan form units are then locked together on their top sides. Concrete is then cast into the beam forms to form beams of a first floor level after which the underneath sides of the pan form units are unlocked and the bottom panel removed. The integral pan unit is then raised by jack means to a second floor level. During the time that the integral pan deck is being raised or after it is raised, the bottom panel is repositioned and the panels are again locked together on their underneath sides. The assembly is then in position in which the steps may be repeated.

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

Abstract: A structural and insulating panel for fabricating walls of buildings. A series of panels are interconnected into a wall at the job site and are thereafter filled with insulation by spraying liquid insulating material onto the panel-formed walls. The panels include meshes forming lateral surfaces, zig-zag wires joining the meshes together and webs and backings acting to contain the flow of liquid insulation as it is sprayed onto the walls. Conventional wall covering materials are applied over the hardened insulation, the lattice members acting as a lath. The processes of fabricating the panel and forming a wall with such panels are described.

Abstract: An improved method for forming wiring channels in a prefabricated concrete floor slab is disclosed. At least one trench is formed in a concrete floor slab when the slab is poured. A metal cover placed over the trench can have a metal U-shaped channel attached thereto for dividing the trench into at least two and preferably three separate wire raceways with the center raceway completely shielded by the channel and cover*. Access boxes are selectively positioned over knockouts in the cover plate. Metal channels are positioned to extend perpendicular to the trenches for forming main distribution ducts. A concrete surface is then poured over the slab to extend flush with the tops of the access boxes and the main distribution ducts and a cover plate is attached to enclose the main distribution ducts. The resulting floor structure has embedded therein parallel wiring raceways spaced across the floor with spaced accesses into each raceway and main distribution ducts interconnecting the parallel raceways.

Abstract: An elongated concrete structure, such as a bridge, is constructed by providing at a construction zone located at one end of the site of the structure a formwork arrangement which includes a bottom formwork within which the structure may be formed in discrete sections. Successive discrete sections formed in the formwork are joined together and launched in series from the construction zone toward the opposite end of the site across which the structure is to extend. As each section of the structure is launched, the bottom formwork is moved together with each section across one section length in the launching direction while the remainder of the formwork arrangement is maintained stationary at the construction zone.

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

Abstract: A method for constructing concrete enclosures by means of casting two or three or more concrete plates one on top of the other, raising them o permanent or temporary structural posts and using the lifting motion of the plates to pour concrete in bottomless sideforms thus forming the walls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of forming a pre-stressed concrete member in which at least a bonding surface of a pre-cast concrete shell has the hydration process therein temporarily arrested by means of heat applied thereto such that reactivation of the hydration process after the stressing of the shell and prior to the pouring into the shell of infilling concrete, results in a strong bond being formed between the bonding surface of the pre-cast concrete element and the infilling concrete. The construction joints between the infilling concrete and the pre-cast concrete shell are thus of an improved integrity.

Abstract: Method and equipment for producing a convex riser in concrete flat work. The apparatus includes a frame and shaper which are utilized to produce risers of controlled uniformity.

Abstract: A multiple level building structure utilizing a first set of precast reinforced concrete modules having integral supporting legs separated by a second set of precast or in situ cast reinforced concrete modules, each of the second set of modules being supported along opposite side margins by members of the first set of modules; the structure also including, if desired, a third set of modules of greater width than the first or second set of modules, the modules having tendon guideways therein and being secured together by removable post tensioning tendons strung through the guideways.

Abstract: A method for forming three parallel elongate grooves of predetermined size and spacing in a hardenable building material during a plastic state thereof, for forming a perimeter-type building foundation.

Abstract: In the construction of a prestressed concrete structure, such as a bridge girder, forms for at least a part of the structure are built and a thin-walled sheathing tube is placed within the forms. Axially displaceable stiffener tubes extend through the sheathing tube. After the concrete is poured into the forms around the sheathing tube and sets, a steel bar is pushed through the sheathing tube and displaces the stiffener tubes. The steel bar can be left in the sheathing tube as the tendon or replaced with a tendon. Subsequently, the tendon is tensioned. Spacers encircling the steel bar keep it centered as it is pushed through the sheathing tube. Preferably, the stiffener tubes consist of an inner tube and an outer tube and each is made up of a plurality of short axially extending lengths with the joints of the inner tube staggered relative to the joints of the outer tube.

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

Abstract: Structures such as the shell of a boat are formed in a ferro-cement laminate composed of a fiber glass reinforced skin and ferro-cement with a coupling between the fiber glass layer and the ferro-cement that consists of fabric connector tapes that are bonded to the fiber glass and that have projecting wires which are secured to the armature wires of the ferro-cement. The structure is fabricated with the molding of the fiber glass skin with the connector tapes bonded thereto and the connector wires projecting therefrom. Thereafter, the ferro-cement armature is fitted within the molded shell and the connector wires secured thereto, and the cement is poured and shaped. An epoxy adhesive bonds wet cement to the cured fiber glass resin impregnant and armature wires and also fills any voids in the poured cement.

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

Abstract: A fixed, linear, ground-based primary reflector having an extended curved sawtooth-contoured surface covered with a metalized polymeric reflecting material, reflects solar energy to a movably supported collector that is kept at the concentrated line focus of the reflector primary. The primary reflector may be constructed by a process utilizing well-known freeway paving machinery.

Abstract: A structure for supporting floor-molding forms in a multi-story building, including a truss that supports the forms and four telescoping leg units with upper ends pivotally connected to the truss, for supporting the entire weight of the truss on the previously-cast floor. The leg units are pivoted and telescoped out until the lower end of each leg unit lies on an area of the floor which is adjacent to a column or load-bearing wall of the building, within the 45.degree. shear plane lying about the column or wall, so that the weight of the truss and load thereon is transferred directly to the columns or walls to thereby eliminate heavy loading of the already-formed floor.

Abstract: A method for guiding slip-forms in the casting of concrete structures where use is made of a rigid slip-form which is repeatedly lifted first at that side of the concrete structure being cast from which the slip-form is to be guided away, such that the slip-form when being lifted is shifted towards the opposite side where, in subsequent operations, it is repeatedly lifted to the same level as it was previously caused to occupy at the side from which the slip-form is to be guided away.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for casting of concrete structures by means of moulds disposed at two opposite sides of the structure to be cast. The moulds are pressed against the concrete structure by the legs of a yoke construction which is arranged to be successively lifted by jacks cooperating with jack rods. The legs of the yoke construction are caused during lifting to slide directly or indirectly against the jack rods which are positioned between the legs of the yoke construction and the moulds.

Abstract: A method of forming a carriageway slab comprising two or more sections with expansion joints between the sections and stressed longitudinal tensioning members extending all the way through the sections is provided. In such structures, the space between sections where the expansion joints are provided is too small to insert a press to provide necessary stress to the longitudinal tensioning members. According to the invention, the tensioning members are formed in two parts, one part of each (a longer part) extending rearwardly from the front end plate of a section and the other or shorter part extending from the rear end plate. The front portion of the section is concreted and when the concrete is hardened, the tensioning members are stressed at the end of the concreted part and fixed in stressed condition, then the shorter parts of the tensioning members are attached to the corresponding longer parts and tension is applied to the shorter sections while the position of the adjacent ends at the joint is fixed.

Abstract: An elongated elevated box girder and roadway structure is constructed in a number of individual elongated sections with the support structure and formwork being reused, in turn, for each section. Each section is constructed in a number of stages. Initially, a support structure is built up from grade or is mounted on permanent upright members of the structure being formed, such as piers or abutments. Formwork for the bottom slab and the upright outside webs of the box girders are placed upon the support structure. Concrete is poured into the formwork for the bottom slab and webs and, after being allowed to set for a given period, and posttensioned, if necessary, the formwork is stripped and the support structure is removed. The support structure and formwork are then moved and set up for the next section to be constructed. The roadway slab includes the top slab of the box girder and cantilever sections extending laterally outwardly from each side of the top slab.

Abstract: An improved reusable bracket for securing wood forms for the pouring of concrete tilt-up panels has a base which is fastened to the concrete deck with a powder-driven fastener and an upstanding portion. The opposite side edges of the bracket abut the forms for two adjacent panels. Tabs on the bracket have oblique holes for nailing the bracket to the form. The bracket can be removed by a single blow on the upstanding member.

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

Abstract: A kiln roof which is formed of a plurality of concrete panels slightly spaced to allow for expansion, each panel being suspended by suspension devices having anchors embedded in the panel, the roof being produced by casting in situ a refractory concrete and producing the separate panels by means of partitioning or inducing cracking.

Abstract: Climbing formwork for use in the erection of reinforced concrete structures in which the raising of the formwork from storey to storey is carried out by the use of movable vertically extending members the height of which when fully extended is in excess of the height of two storeys of a building to be erected, the members being maintained in their correct vertical positions by supporting tubes set into the concrete of the structure. The members carry between them beams or the like for supporting the outer forms and preferably some or all of the inner forms used for pouring the structure and are raised to a height equivalent to that of one storey of the structure after the completion of the pouring of the concrete of a storey. The vertically extending members are preferably in the form of double acting hydraulic cylinders having a piston extendable under hydraulic pressure, the extension of the piston being utilized for raising the forms.

Abstract: Continuous concrete pipe is produced in an open trench by drawing a sled along the trench. The sled has a fresh concrete intake chute which supplies the concrete to a pipe-forming mechanism that generates the pipe. The lower pipe half is supported by the trench. To support the upper pipe half, a plastic material is given a convex shape complementary to the concave interior of the pipe. The plastic material is formed over a convex mandrel carried by the sled forward (in the direction of movement of the sled) of the intake means so that the plastic material hardens before contacted by wet concrete from the intake means. The mandrel extends rearwardly past the intake means to provide support for the plastic mold while the pipe is formed. Alternative ways for making the plastic mold are described.

Abstract: A lightweight, easily installable, anchored foundation for electrical equipment or the like is provided which includes a foam-filled, force-transmitting frusto-conical housing tensionably connected to a plurality of adjacent, buried earth anchors having remote load-bearing helices thereon in order to create a prestressed bulb of relatively compacted soil between the housing base and anchor helices which greatly enhances the holding power of the foundation under both tension and compression loads. In preferred forms the foundation exhibits approximately the same support strength as poured concrete, but can be more quickly installed and employed at remote locations or on loose soil which would normally preclude the use of concrete.

Abstract: A method of producing a fiber reinforced concrete structure of desired thickness including the steps of extruding a sheet of concrete substantially free of fibers, distributing an effective amount of reinforcing fibers on the sheet, repeating the foregoing steps until the desired thickness is approached and before the concrete sheets have set up, and extruding a further sheet of substantially fiber-free concrete over the structure resulting from the foregoing steps to achieve the desired thickness. The amount of fiber distributed over each sheet may be varied to concentrate the fiber in the areas where the greatest stress concentration is expected. Also disclosed is an apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: A method of installing a tendon in a duct in a slip-formed concrete structure including the steps of providing a tubular member which forms the uppermost part of the duct and whose upper end terminates at the level where the upper end of the tendon is to be anchored, said tubular member having outwardly extending abutment means at or adjacent its lower end, said abutment means being of such size and at such depth below the upper end of the tubular member as to enable the forces necessary to instal and support a tendon in the duct, at the time when the concrete structure reaches a height in the vicinity of the upper end of said tubular member, to be transmitted through the tubular member and distributed to the concrete structure by the abutment means at a level where the concrete has gained adequate strength for this purpose.

Abstract: Apparatus for shifting heavy supporting structures relative to stationary load carrying structures comprises a plurality of parallel jack rods secured to the load carrying structure. A plurality of climbing jacks adapted to operatively engage the jack rods are secured to the heavy supporting structure. The arrangement is such that the heavy supporting structure is shifted relative to the load carrying structure when the climbing jacks are operated and advance along the jack rods while the load carrying structure remains stationary. The reactive forces caused by the operation of the climbing jacks is transferred to the load carrying structure by the jack rods. A method for shifting heavy supporting structures is also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable mold form for use in constructing a concrete coping along the upper edge of a swimming pool, and a method of molding such coping. The disposable mold form comprises a plurality of elongated form sections each having a surface portion configurated in the finished shape to be imposed thereby upon the coping, and each having also an attachment portion adhesively attachable to the vertical walls of such pool adjacent the upper edges thereof. Each form section is lightweight, sufficiently stiff to confine a moldable mass of concrete spread thereagainst, and bendable along the length thereof to enable it to conform to either inside or outside arcuate corners along such vertical walls of the pool.

Abstract: This specification relates to apparatus and method for improving construction joints in reinforced concrete structures. A coupling member extends a short distance beyond the joint between two pours and has edges which mechanically couple to joining or adaptor members on the ends of reinforcing bars.

Abstract: A method of progressively constructing a wall of cementitious material, including the steps of supporting a formwork support structure on a lower foundation, or completed wall section, by means of hydraulic jacks each including a hydraulic ram assembly carrying the formwork support structure and adapted to climb up a vertically extending jack tube, raising said formwork support structure by said jacks to a higher pouring position, supporting said formwork support structure on the lower foundation, or wall section, by auxiliary support means, raising the jack tubes for each jack through its associated ram assembly, moving a formwork section on the outside of the wall toward a formwork section on the inside of said wall to provide a cavity for the receipt of cementitious material, pouring a quantity of said material into said space between said formwork sections, the lower foundation, or completed wall section, and the lower ends of the jack tubes, allowing said cementitious material to solidify, and moving the

Abstract: A method for constructing a thin-shell concrete structure of round design comprising, pouring on soil of the main floor, applying reinforced concrete against a dome shaped liner of insulating material, and raising the resulting structure so as to allow a lower floor to be constructed.

Abstract: A process and portable apparatus for forming individual or multiple reinforced concrete, hollow core units of a modular building structure in interconnected side by side and/or high rise relationship which apparatus may be sufficiently collapsed to allow for easy removal from the formed and cured hollow core unit to again be used to form additional subsequent, interconnected, hollow core units of the building structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming reinforced concrete walls in a trench including a reinforcing cage, protruding reinforcing and sealing means for positioning the protruding reinforcing adjacent to the ends of the reinforcing cage and sealing the ends of a unit wall while allowing the protruding reinforcing to extend beyond a unit wall.

Abstract: A substantially spherical shaped structure constructed of reinforced concrete poured in a plurality of courses, each course consisting of a horizontal substantially annular band extending completely around the structure. A series of forms are shaped and positioned so as to create two adjacent concentric annular arcuate surfaces, thus forming an inner and an outer wall between which a suitable structural material, such as concrete, in a fluid state may be poured and allowed to harden. Additional forms, substantially vertically above and arcuately continuous with the previous surfaces, are fastened to the first series of forms and again a suitable structural material is poured between the forms and allowed to harden above the previously hardened band. This procedure is repeated until the desired spherically shaped structure has been obtained.

Abstract: A method of setting tile along an upwardly extending wall of a swimming pool or the like, and for forming a concrete deck along the upper edge of such wall in overlying relation therewith. The tile-setting and deck-forming may be effected as a single-stage or multiple-stage process; and in either instance, a plurality of tile units are supported a spaced distance from the wall in side-by-side juxtaposition to form a generally horizontal row. The space intermediate the tile units and pool wall is filled with a mass of mortar which is maintained therein to cure and to bond the tile units to the wall. In a one-stage process, the mortar used to bond the tile to the wall is supplemented in sufficient quantity to provide the requisite concrete mass that cures into a deck overlying the upwardly extending pool walls. In a two-stage process, the concrete mass that cures to form the deck is poured after the mortar and as a separate operation.