Abstract: An example buckling restrained brace (“BRB”) includes a casing exhibiting a hollow cross-sectional shape defining an interior region. The BRB also includes a core and at least a portion of the core is disposed in the interior region of the casing. For example, the casing may exhibit a first length and the core may exhibit a second length that is greater than the first length such that a portion of the core extends from the casing. The core is separated from the casing by an minimum gap distance along at least a portion of the first length of the casing and a corresponding portion of the second length of the core.

Abstract: A foundation support system and method of installing the foundation support system. The foundation support system includes a pier system for providing support beneath a foundation, a support member, and a heave plate attachable to a bottom surface of the foundation. The method includes driving a pier system using a ram, coupling a support member to the heave plate, and engaging the support member with the pier system.

Abstract: Underground thermal energy storage in a cylindrical or n-gonal prism shape with a vertical axis, comprising an inner volume for holding a liquid, an outer wall, an inner wall around the inner volume, and a filling layer between the inner wall and the outer wall. The inner wall comprises a series of modular wall parts provided with a heat exchanger for exchanging thermal energy with the liquid. The modular wall parts, arranged in rings, contact the inner volume and have an elastic sealing limiting liquid flow between the inner volume and the filling layer and taking up thermal expansion of the modular wall parts. The filling layer comprises an insulating layer designed to keep the outer wall below 30° C. when the inner volume is at least 90° C., and a structural layer for maintaining the insulating layer and the inner wall's modular wall parts in position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus to reduce the amount of time required to assemble an array of construction reinforcing bars wherein a consistent gap is present between the reinforcing bars and the height of the exposed end of the reinforcing bars is substantially identical while simultaneously covering the exposed ends of the reinforcing bars to prevent injuries to nearby individuals that may come into contact with the exposed ends of the reinforcing bars.

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

Abstract: A shearwall assembly includes a first concrete and a second concrete column and a protrusion extending from a connection end of the respective concrete columns. Each protrusion has two side surfaces and a center surface. A pair of horizontal slab panels are positioned between the respective connecting ends of the first and second concrete columns and abutting the two side surfaces of the respective protrusions. A horizontal reinforcement extends from the center surface of the respective protrusions and between the respective trusses. Concrete is poured at a volume formed between the pair of horizontal slab panels and the first and second concrete columns.

Abstract: A tornado resistant/proof residential housing unit that is built to withstand natural disaster conditions resulting from tornadoes, violent storms, and fire. An internal concrete reinforced core layout gives the unit its structural strength, as well as the versatility needed to face natural disaster conditions while providing absolute resistance to heavy winds such as those caused by a tornado. The unit has an external facade which mimics the exterior appearance of a typical subdivision home.

Abstract: There is described an electrical isolator comprising a first fluid-carrying member and a second fluid-carrying member spaced apart from said first fluid-carrying member, a resistive, semi-conductive or non-conductive component located between and sealed against said first and second fluid-carrying member, wherein said resistive, semi-conductive or non-conductive component is adapted to convey fluid flowing from said first fluid-carrying member to said second fluid-carrying member, a reinforcing composite encircling said first fluid-carrying member, said second fluid-carrying member and said resistive, semi-conductive or non-conductive component, wherein said reinforcing composite is continuous and provides a conductive path between said first fluid-carrying member and said second fluid-carrying member, wherein said reinforcing composite comprises fiber and a resin mixture, and said resin mixture comprises resin and a conductive additive.

Abstract: A magnetic light strand clip device including a base with an internal removable magnet to couple and uncouple the base from a metal surface, such as a metal roof. A pair of diametrically opposed U-shaped first clips and U-shaped second clips are disposed on the front side proximal right and left sides and top and bottom sides, respectively, of the base. Each of the pair of first and second clips has a central slot open crosswise or lengthwise, respectively, relative the base for securing a respective string of lights or a rope light therein. The front portion of each first clip is wider than that of each second clip. Each second clip rear portion is circular. Each first clip rear portion has a circular external portion adjacent the front portion and a rectangular internal portion. Each second clip rear portion has a larger diameter than that of each first clip.

Abstract: Method for calculating support structures, consisting of support struts, for a three-dimensional layered object on a platform, comprising: for each layer, determining a surface of the layer that is open in relation to a lower layer, and determining support points, on which the layer is to be supported; assigning a respective cone to each support point, with each cone located with the cone tip in the respective support point and opening toward the platform; forming groups of support points of all layers to be supported, with each group being assigned all of the support points, the cones of which forming overlaps with other cones of other support points; and for each group, calculating at least one support structure, with one support strut ending in each support point of each group, and the support structure standing on the platform or on a portion of the object lying below the group.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a unit fixing insulation to the wall intended both for styrofoam insulation as well as for mineral wool insulation. A unit fixing insulation to a wall, according to the invention, is formed with the locating sleeve which is ended at one end with an expansion zone, and with a circular plate at the other end, whereas the locating sleeve houses an expansion element, preferably in the form of a screw. A unit characterized in that the expansion element has a head embedded permanently in the sleeve with an outer thread and a polygonal hole is provided within the sleeve, and the locating sleeve has a diameter with gradation, wherein a larger diameter is from the inlet side.

Abstract: The present invention discloses system and method for rehabilitation and enhancement of structural integrity of a reinforced concrete structures, comprising exposing beyond a deteriorated portion of a reinforcement where a non-deteriorated portion is visible, covering a surround of the exposed reinforcement by a tensile member that is coupled with an exterior surface of the reinforced concrete structure, and encapsulating the exposed reinforcement, with the encapsulation formed by the tensile member.

Abstract: The invention relates to the envelopment of a connection of at least two pipes or parts thereof by an open-celled rigid foam, the production of such an envelope and also the use of open-celled rigid foam for protecting connections of two pipes.

Abstract: T-aminoalkyl-functional organopolysiloxanes with defined viscosity can be reproducibly prepared without gelling by condensing an organopolysiloxane containing at least two Si-bonded hydroxyl groups with an aminoalkyltrialkoxysilane in the presence of an organic compound bearing one or more hydroxyl groups.

Abstract: A wall structure comprising a polyurethane backing is disclosed herein.

Abstract: An improved anchor for securing a reinforcement strip to a concrete structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of casting in-situ a ferrocement ribbed slab with a spliced rack and a suspended formwork. The method comprises the following specific steps: step 1: machining at a plant a transverse plane truss girder (1), an incomplete longitudinal plane truss girder (2) and an incomplete longitudinal plane truss (3); step 2: making a bottom formwork; step 3: splicing and constructing an on-site truss (4) in a grid shape; step 4: suspending the bottom formwork; step 5: laying reinforcing mesh pieces; and step 6: performing in-situ casting. In the present method of casting in-situ a ferrocement ribbed slab with a spliced rack and a suspended formwork, the interspaced rack becomes a spliced rack and is applied to in-situ casting of floor slabs, such that a ferrocement ribbed slab is directly cast on site, and is cast as one with beams and columns, enabling the range of use of ferrocement ribbed slabs to be extended to the floor slabs of various buildings.

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 drainage channel includes a first sidewall provided with a first rail member extending along a longitudinal axis of the drainage channel. A second sidewall extends along the longitudinal axis of the drainage channel with the first and second sidewalls at least partially defining an interior area of the drainage channel. A first locking insert is at least partially positioned within a first rail opening of the first rail member, with the first locking insert including a first insert opening. Further examples include methods of making a drainage channel.

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 invention relates to a method for producing load transferring regions in a ballast body of a track superstructure by introducing curable liquid plastics or reactive plastic mixtures from a mixing unit by means of at least two distributor pipes with outlets into the load transferring regions and allowing the plastic or the reactive plastic mixture to cure in said load transferring regions. The two distributor pipes with outlets are positioned on the left or on the right from the outside of the rails into the region between the two rails such that the outlets are located adjacent to each other and are laterally spaced from the front face (3) of the tie (2) that has the load transferring region to be reinforced. The two outlets are opened in order to allow the plastic or the reactive plastic mixture to exit at a controlled rate.

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: The object of the invention is to obtain prefabricated modules of reinforced concrete corresponding to a dwelling with or without compartments, with its six wall structures consisting of single elements, achieving in this way a 100% monolithic structure, which eliminates any vibrations or dilatation and prevents the formation of cracks or humidity in the module. To this end, an internal permanent formwork is manufactured in the plant on the basis of six elements—floor, walls and ceiling, which are fixed along their edges by means of high-resistance putty and provided with distancing pads (9) on the bottom base on the floor or on the selected supporting surface with the service installations (11) mounted on the external face of the permanent formwork (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) and over them the insulation material (12), where it is necessary, then a structural frame (13), and finally an external recoverable formwork (14).

Abstract: Two-component or multi-component fixing mortar, based on a free-radical-hardening unsaturated reactive resin, for embedding anchoring means in mortar in holes or crevices, which fixing mortar includes silanes which may or may not have reactive groups capable of participating in the polymerization with a synthetic resin based on free-radical-hardening unsaturated reactive resins but do in any case have Si-bonded hydrolysable groups, and, physically separate therefrom, a hardener.

Abstract: This invention provides a fire-resistant reinforcement structure which facilitates work for improving fire resistance of architectural members such as pipes, a door, and a sash, a fire-resistant reinforcement architectural member, and a fire-resistant reinforcement method for an architectural member. A fire-resistant reinforcement structure is formed by pouring a thermally expandable fire-resistant material into a gap in and/or the interior of an architectural member, and characterized in that the viscosity of the thermally expandable heat-resistant material at 25° C. before the thermally expandable fire-resistant material is poured into the gap in and/or the interior of the architectural member is in the range of 1,000-100,000 mPa·s, and the thermally expandable fire-resistant material loses fluidity at 25° C. after being poured into the gap in and/or the interior of the architectural member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a tower segment of a concrete tower of a wind energy installation, comprising the steps: providing a segment mold having at least one formwork for defining a mold of the tower segment that is to be produced and for filling with concrete; filling the segment mold with concrete in order to form the tower segment by the subsequent hardening of the concrete; measuring the tower segment thus hardened for creating a three-dimensional, virtual actual model of said tower segment; producing said three-dimensional actual model; comparing the three-dimensional actual model with a predefined mold, in particular a stored three-dimensional, virtual target model; and determining a deviation between both virtual models and changing the segment mold, in particular changing the at least one formwork when the deviation exceeds a first predefined threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for constructing a cryogenic storage tank (700) having a welded inner tank (702), an outer shell (704) surrounding the welded inner tank (702), a concrete foundation (728) comprising a raised portion (752), a plurality of cellular glass blocks (734) positioned directly on top of the raised portion (752) of the concrete foundation (728), a leveling course of concrete (736) poured on top of the uppermost layer of the plurality of cellular glass blocks (734), and a mounting apparatus (718) affixed to the concrete foundation (728), where the welded inner tank (702) is positioned on top of the leveling course of concrete (736) and the outer shell (704) is affixed to the mounting apparatus (718) at locations around the periphery of the outer shell (704).

Abstract: A support (32) adapted to be used in place of ballast in supporting a rail support member (31) of a rail track comprises a body (50). The body (50) includes a lower face (70) for resting on a support surface, and an upper surface (71) for supporting the rail support member (31).

Abstract: A method for constructing site-cast or precast concrete floors, roofs and decks by first forming one piece elongated foam forms having an elongated cavity for reception of concrete. A pair of elongated slots is formed along the bottom of each of the forms. Wooden members are placed into each of the elongated slots to form an assembled combination of the foam form and wood members. A plurality of the assembled combinations are placed in juxtaposition with respect to each adjacent assembled combination on a support surface, rebar is placed in the cavity of each assembled combination and then concrete in an uncured form if poured over the assembled combinations and into the cavities of the forms so that once the concrete has cured a concrete panel has been formed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for barrier cable anchorage in a concrete formwork such that individual anchors are positioned relative to each other and to the formwork. A galvanized plate is provided with series of holes spaced from a reference point at the plate edge, and a registered assembly of individual anchors are provided in the holes. Female threaded plate caps are secured within the holes for frontal engagement, and a PSR stud is secured to each plate cap on the back side. The assembly is frontally set against the formwork with the reference point spaced from an external datum. The formwork is cured and barrier cables are affixed to the plate caps through the plate by threaded engagement with a barrel anchor and wedge. After tensioning, each cable is anchored to the formwork in desired relative proximity to one another and to the external datum.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a unitized precast grillage foundation for supporting a structure comprising: a plurality of anchoring elements defining a grid for resting on an underlying surface; a base connected on the grid, the base comprising at least a first footing and a second footing spaced apart and at least one connecting member between and connected to the at least first footing and the second footing; and a beam-column projecting upwardly from the base, and a method of making same.

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 is provided for constructing railways for a rubber-wheeled AGT system, including: constructing guideways on vertical walls of a light rail vehicle road bed, arranging steel bars at a place where railways will be formed, installing molds around the arranged steel bars; pouring concrete in the molds; and forming, using a pressing unit of a finisher, the railways applied with concrete such that the railways have a same trace as the guideways by moving a finisher along the guideways forming a top surface of the concrete, and curing the concrete.

Abstract: A formwork system for use in slip form casting central cores of high rise buildings provides a rebate form for a rebate at the level of each floor slab which is subsequently to be cast. The rebate form is designed to carry ferrules to be cast into the core at the level of the rebate to provide anchoring points for incorporation of reinforcement associated with the floor slab. The ferrules are carried from the rebate form via plugs which are stripped from the ferrules after casting when the rebate form and main slip form to which it is attached is withdrawn.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating a step or break in level of a poured concrete building slab, said apparatus comprising a length of section of suitable height and closed or open cross-sectional shape supported upon a plurality of discrete chairs which are, in turn, fixed to supporting formwork by suitable fastenings; said chairs being unitary or comprising height-adjustable elements; said section providing level references to which the surfaces of the higher and lower parts of said concrete slab are finished and acting as a riser between the two said surfaces; said section and said chairs being left in place in said concrete slab following its curing.

Abstract: A form or a series of forms for forming the bridge diaphragm from concrete material includes one or more bottom walls having an inner surface thereof abutting a bottom surface of the diaphragm. There is at least a pair of side walls upstanding on the inner surface of the bottom wall or walls at a respective longitudinal edge thereof and has an inner surface thereof abutting a respective side surface of the diaphragm. The at least the pair of side walls define each of a generally open top and a generally hollow interior of the form. There is also means for securely attaching each end of the form or series of forms to one of a side surface of at least one of the pair of longitudinal members and an end of another form for forming the diaphragm from the concrete material. Bracing of upper edges is also provided.

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: A method and apparatus is provided for preventing a composite material used in forming slabs for residential and commercial construction from entering a predefined space that is maintained open for pipes, plumbing fixtures and other conduits. The preform apparatus comprises a body, apron and cover. The apparatus is assembled by placing the preform body in position to occupy a predefined space, press fitting the apron down over and around the body and the cover on top of the body. Thereafter, the composite material is poured around the preform and allowed to cure. After curing, the preform body and the cover are removed, leaving a material free void within and below the predefined space that the preform had occupied. The preform is straightforward, inexpensive to produce, easy to use and is assembled without fasteners and without disturbing the soil below the slab or the moisture/vapor barrier.

Abstract: One- and two-part spray non-isocyanate foams that include an amide-based oligomer containing pendant carboxylic acid and a polyfunctional aziridine crosslinking agent is provided. The amide oligomer typically contains urea links, urethane links or both groups. Additionally, the foams may include one or more plasticizer, a non-functionalized resin, a surfactant, and/or a thickening agent or rheology modifier. The amide oligomer does not contain any isocyanate groups, and, as a result, there are no free isocyanate moieties generated during formation of the foam that may be potentially hazardous to workers installing the foam. The presence of the urethane segments on the oligomer permits for the generation of a polyurethane foam without the drawbacks of conventional polyurethane foams. The foams may be used to fill cavities, cracks, gaps and crevices, such as around windows and doors, and may also be used in flash and batt systems.

Abstract: A new procedure for constructing cryogenic storage tanks involves erecting a freestanding metal liner. The liner is sized and configured to withstand the hydraulic forces the concrete wall of the tank being poured without the need for temporary stiffeners on the inside surface of lower portions of the liner. Lateral tension ties can be connected to anchor ties on an outward surface of the liner and used to tie the liner to outer formwork. These ties may be spaced up to about 2 m apart. Studs can also be provided on the outer surface of the liner, and a cylindrical ring of cryogenic steel can be integrated into the liner.

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: The present invention relates to laminate comprising a first thermoplastic polymer layer with a first melt flow index, adjacent a thermoplastic polymer second layer with a second melt flow index, the first and second layer comprising the same thermoplastic polymer, characterized in that the first melt flow index is lower than the second melt flow index. The invention also relates to a microfluidic device comprising the laminate and a method for incorporating an ink pattern in the laminate.

Abstract: The invention provides a concrete structure of which at least a part has been formed by slip forming with panels inside the slip form, the panels facing the slip form.

Abstract: Method of producing a wall-floor reinforced concrete construction in which use is made of prefabricated permanent shuttering systems made up of a wall shuttering system (100) with two shuttering panels (101; 103) and a floor shuttering system (120) which comprises a base plate (123) with a multiplicity of individual longitudinal bars (121) next to one another which are each fastened by means of a multiplicity of stirrups (122) on the base plate (123) at a distance above the base plate in such a way that they come to lie in the lower region of the floor (171) to be produced. The connecting element between the wall and floor that is used is a coupling reinforcement (150) which, on one side, is fastened into the wall shuttering system (100) and, on the other side, to the individual longitudinal bars (121) of the floor shuttering system (120) which extend perpendicularly to the wall shuttering system (100).

Abstract: A decorative wall tile mold for the in-situ production on a building, wherein the mold, which can be demolded twice, is a sheet with pierced work, comprises the following detachable lateral structures: an insider layer: a bottom film is set at the bottom surface thereof, the bottom film and the building have a first combinative force; an outer layer: a surface film is set on the exterior surface thereof, a self-adhesive glue section is set up between the inside layer and the outer layer, which makes the outer layer and the inside layer have a second combinative force, and the second combinative force is less than the first combinative force. A method for the in-situ production of decorative patterns on a building is also provided.

Abstract: A system for constructing building consisting of connected T-beams for walls and roof. To create the T shape the system uses blocks of rigid insulation as forming, which are embedded in the poured-in-place concrete. These blocks serve to insulate the structure. The final structure is a monolithic box where the foundation, (101, 102), and (103) is the lower face, walls are the vertical faces of the box, attached to the foundation by dowels (104) to the walls reinforcement part (105) and the roof (118, 119, 120), and (121) is the top. This results in a sturdy structure with integrated high insulation (111) and (122) in walls and roof. Metal nailers (123) with the polystyrene foam strips (124) can be embedded in the ends of the T-beam stems. These nailers ease the insertion of screws to wall and ceiling interiors, allowing the building interior to be finished with gypsum board or paneling.

Abstract: An example of a concrete form includes a sleeve with top edge and a bottom portion with a bottom edge generally parallel to the top edge. The bottom portion includes a plurality of bottom severance lines extending from the bottom edge to the top portion, and the top portion including a plurality of top creases extending from the top edge to the bottom portion. The top creases are generally perpendicular to the top and bottom edges. The top creases at least partially define a plurality of top panels around a periphery of the sleeve, and the bottom severance lines at least partially define a plurality of bottom panels configured to flare out when concrete is poured into the sleeve.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing pylon segment precast concrete parts of a pylon of a wind power installation. A formwork is provided and the formwork is filled with concrete. A material of low viscosity is applied as an equalization layer to a flange of the precast concrete part.

Abstract: An offshore wind turbine comprising a tower, where said wind turbine at a level above sea level comprises at least one structure for storing at least one container, said container having the size and measures of a standard container, where said structure is arranged on the side of the tower, a method of manufacturing such a concrete structure for an offshore wind turbine. The structure for storing one or more containers includes a deck, and at least one bed for supporting at least one container along the containers lower surface and/or edges, where the structure is a concrete structure. By manufacturing the structure from concrete, a very robust and strong structure is achieved.

Abstract: A wall assembly including a power generation subassembly having one or more body elements and one or more photovoltaic power generation modules. Each photovoltaic power generation module includes one or more photovoltaic panel with photovoltaic cells for converting light energy into electricity, being adapted to operate at an operating temperature within a range of operating temperatures, and means for attaching the photovoltaic panel to the body element. The wall assembly also includes one or more loop circuits adapted to permit flow of a heat transfer medium therethrough. Each loop circuit is at least partially engaged with the power generation subassembly for transfer of heat energy therebetween via conduction for moderating the operating temperature of the photovoltaic cells.