Abstract: A computer generates a formal planning domain description. The computer receives a first text-based description of a domain in an AI environment. The domain includes an action and an associated attribute, and the description is written in natural language. The computer receives the first text-based description of the domain and extracts a first set of domain actions and associated action attributes. The computer receives audio-visual elements depicting the domain, generates a second text-based description, and extracts a second set of domain actions and associated action attributes. The computer constructs finite state machines corresponding to the extracted actions and attributes. The computer converts the FSMs into a symbolic model, written in a formal planning language, that describes the domain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to rehabilitate and beautify cracked concrete surfaces by adding channels to the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure for the reinforcement of pavements. The structure is provided at predetermined positions with interruptions or with weakened zones. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such a structure and to a method of breaking up a pavement reinforced with such a structure.

Abstract: A honeycomb metal anchoring structure, as described herein, is formed from a plurality of strips assembled in pairs so as to define a plurality of cells. Each strip is divided along its length into a plurality of portions, including at least one series of planar assembly portions juxtaposed and assembled with a series of assembly portions of an adjacent strip by fastening means, each strip having a lower longitudinal edge intended to be applied against a wall to be protected and an upper longitudinal edge opposite the lower longitudinal edge. The anchoring structure additionally comprises a plurality of protective tabs connecting each pair of juxtaposed assembly portions each protective tab being attached to an assembly portion by a longitudinal join line and extending in the direction of the juxtaposed assembly portion, at least up thereto.

Abstract: A metal skeleton for the reinforcement of a vertically elongated concrete structure has a first plurality of leg members each having top and bottom ends and inner and outer side edges together defining a leg body portion. A first plurality of rib plate engagement slots are formed in at least one of the inner side edge and the outer side edge. Each of the leg members is formed from a flat sheet of metal material. A first plurality of rib plates each define a generally planar central body portion and each have a first plurality of leg-engagement slots projecting into the central body portion. The leg-engagement slots are dimensioned and adapted to frictionally engage with respective ones of the rib plate engagement slots. The first plurality of leg-engagement slots slidingly interfit within respective ones of the first plurality of rib-engagement slots to securely connect the rib plates to the leg members to form the metal skeleton.

Abstract: A roadway widening structure including a first portion configured to bear on a support and configured to support a first part of the roadway, the first portion including a frame which has a parallelepiped shape and which includes an enclosure having a parallelepiped shape and configured to receive ballast so as to immobilize the first portion on the support, a lower enclosure wall of the enclosure including a first lattice, a second portion cantilevered, secured to the first portion by a lateral wall and configured to support a second part of the roadway, a lateral enclosure wall of the enclosure, facing the second portion of the roadway widening structure, including a second lattice, and for fastening the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A rod hanger for securing a rod to a substrate includes a mounting portion configured for engaging the substrate, a rod receiving portion configured for receiving the rod and a connecting element configured for vertically displacing the mounting portion and the rod receiving portion. In addition, at least one anti-rotation element configured for engaging the substrate is provided on the mounting portion.

Abstract: A composite material comprises: an open grid comprising at least two sets of strands. Each set of strands has openings between adjacent strands. The sets are oriented at a substantial angle to one another. A tack film is laminated to the open grid. The tack film has first and second major surfaces, such that a material of the tack film at its first and second major surfaces is a material including about 50% or more of resinous non-asphaltic component and about 50% or less of asphaltic component.

Abstract: Tactile detection embedment plates used in pedestrian walkways releasably aligned by a bracket on at least one of the embedment plates. The bracket can be mated with a bracket on another plate to define a receiver yoke in which a wedge is disposed for a releasable plate assembly connection.

Abstract: A conduit for the formation of pervious pavement includes a first connector and a second connector joinable to the first connector. The first connector includes a pair of first receiving notches. The second connector includes a pair of second receiving notches oriented perpendicular to the first receiving notches. When the first and second connector are joined to one another, the pair of first receiving notches cooperates with the second connector to define a pair of first attachment openings for receiving a first structural member of a reinforcing mesh, and the pair of second receiving notches cooperates with the first connector to define a pair of second attachment openings for receiving a second structural member of the reinforcing mesh. First and second tubes are inserted into the first and second connectors to complete the conduit assembly.

Abstract: A conduit for the formation of pervious pavement includes a first portion and a second portion joinable to the first portion. The first portion includes a pair of first receiving notches and a pair of third receiving notches oriented perpendicular to the first receiving notches. The second portion includes a pair of second receiving notches and a pair of fourth receiving notches oriented perpendicular to the first receiving notches. When the first and second portions are joined to one another, the pair of first receiving notches cooperates with the pair of second receiving notches to define a pair of first attachment openings for receiving a first structural member of a reinforcing mesh, and the pair of third receiving notches cooperates with the pair of fourth receiving notches to define a pair of second attachment openings for receiving a second structural member of the reinforcing mesh.

Abstract: A rebar sleeve device comprising a tubular unit with an opening at least one end thereof for receipt of a rebar dowel is described. The tubular unit is typically positioned horizontally and can be elevated by a back extension component and a front extension component secured to the base unit. The front extension component comprises an opening through which the rebar dowel is inserted. The opening of the front extension component comprises a protective covering. The protective covering prevents concrete from filling in the opening, but allows for the insertion of a rebar dowel. A connection component connects a plurality of the rebar sleeve devices together to form a single unit.

Abstract: A support leg for a dowel sleeve, the dowel sleeve having a hollow open body at a second end spaced from one end of the body connectable to a construction plate. The support leg has a spigot engagable in the body, the exterior of which is engaged by an abutment face. The effective length of the support leg is adjustable by selectively detaching one or more leg member segments, each provided with a disc-like base member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of repairing cracks and holes in pavement surfaces. This method involves filling a crack or hole in a paved surface with a flexible crack filler mix until the mix fills up the site and overlaps the edges of the aperture to a predetermined amount. Thereafter, the method includes the step of applying a zig-zag shaped mesh tape on top of the filled crack. The extra layer of a crack filler mix gets applied on top the zig-zag shaped mesh tape. Also disclosed is a material for repairing a crack in a paved surface.

Abstract: A reinforcing rod includes a rectilinear and elongated shaft that has a centrally disposed longitudinal axis and includes a monolithically formed spine extending along an entire length of the shaft and parallel to the axis. The spine includes monolithically formed coextensive rings equidistantly spaced and juxtaposed along a length of the shaft. The spine bifurcates the rings. The rings form a generally spiral pattern about the shaft. The shaft is formed from steel. A mechanism is included for providing a smooth surface of the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for combining adjacent concrete slabs including a dowel, an end cap, and a side frame. The end cap has a hood defining a curved channel extending at least partially around a dowel receiving end. The side frame has at least one wire received in the curved channel. Also, an end cap having an integrally formed supporting portion including first and second wire supports for supporting substantially parallel side frame cross wires. Also, an end cap including first and second sleeves positioned along opposing tangents of the outer peripheral surface of the end cap for receiving differing portions of a side frame, and further including a resilient protrusion for receiving a further differing portion of the side frame.

Abstract: A bolster for use in construction has a beam, a first plurality of leg members on one side of the beam, a second plurality of leg members on an opposite side of the beam, and a plate having a first receptacle on one side and a second receptacle on the opposite side. The first receptacle receives a portion of the first plurality of leg members therein. The second receptacle receives a portion of the second plurality of leg members therein. The plate is integrally formed of an extruded polymeric material.

Abstract: A bolster for use in construction has a beam, a first plurality of leg members on one side of the beam, a second plurality of leg members on an opposite side of the beam, a first plate having a receptacle on one side thereof and a second plate having a receptacle on one side thereof. The receptacle of the first plate receives a portion of the first plurality of leg members therein. The receptacle of the second plate receives a portion of the second plurality of leg members therein. The receptacles having a generally C-shaped cross section for resiliently contacting surfaces of the respective leg members. The plate is integrally formed of an extruded polymeric material.

Abstract: A rebar support system for a vertical wall uses preformed coupling devices to secure horizontal rebar structures to vertical rebar structures in mutually perpendicular orientation. A preformed coupling device may include three tube-shaped clamp members rigidly secured together.

Abstract: The invention relates to supports for apparatus for transferring weight loads from one concrete structure to another. The devices are particularly suited for concrete highway construction. The support apparatus is used to position joint dowels that extend across paving joints between adjoining concrete slabs. The support apparatus comprises a first and a second support, each positioned on opposing sides of the paving joint. Each of the first and second supports comprise at least one longitudinally extending member having at least two cross members attached thereto such that one end of the cross member extends outwardly beyond the member. At least one clip comprising a body having a cavity therein, a gripper connected to the body and a cylindrical sleeve connected to the body is attached to each support. The clip is mounted to the end of a cross member so that the first end of the cross member is received into the cavity of the body and the attached gripper grasps the adjacent portion of the member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a grid structure (1) for reinforcement in road building, with crossing strands of warp and woof. The openings of the grid are traversed by longitudinal-laminar belts of textile material, leaving free passage openings.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement in the form of an open gridwork which is advantageously used, for example, as part of a shoe sole. The structural reinforcement provides and/or enhances spring-like characteristics of the member it is reinforcing, propels and encourages the natural foot strike of the user to length the user's stride, increases the stride speed, and stabilizes the user's foot to prevent permanent compression of the midsole as a result of creep. The gridwork is impregnated throughout with a fully cured or B-stage thermosettable resin. The gridwork includes at least one continuous filament selected from the group consisting of glass, carbon, and aramid. The open gridwork is flat, corrugated, or double corrugated. The corrugated gridwork may be sinusoidal. The open gridwork may be part of a shoe midsole or may constitute a shoe midsole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcing mat (1) for reinforcing a top layer of a ground, which top layer consists of bitumen, asphalt or a hydrocarbon-containing material of like nature, in which the reinforcing mat (1) is a mat woven with longitudinal wires (2, 3) and provided with reinforcement elements (4) running in the transverse direction of the mat, in which the reinforcement elements (4) consist of helically twisted steel profiled wires of essentially rectangular cross section.

Abstract: The invention relates to supports for a device for transferring weight loads from one concrete structure to another. The device is particularly suited for concrete highway construction. The supports are used to position joint dowels that extend across paving joints between adjoining concrete slabs. The supports comprise a first and second support each positioned on opposing sides of the paving joint. The first support comprises a pair of legs that holds one end of the dowel therebetween and the dowel is then manually locked to that support by a pin lock.

Abstract: A weldless spacer for manually connecting without a tool two reinforcement cage wires or re-bars of a concrete reinforcing structure in spaced-apart relation is a unitary resilient wire member that has an elongated spanning portion that extends between the reinforcement wires, a hook end portion at one end of the spanning portion, and a fastening end portion at the other end of the spanning portion. The hook end portion includes a detent part and a V-hook part, which are joined by a spacer loop part and capture one of the reinforcement wires. The fastening end portion includes a detent part and a J-hook part, which are joined by a spacer loop part and capture the other reinforcement wire. One or both of the spacer loops are sized to space the reinforcement wire(s) at a desired distance(s) from the adjacent concrete form wall(s) for sufficient concrete cover.

Abstract: A structural member for reinforcement of asphalt and concrete roadways and other products, and which comprises a gridwork of warp strands and weft strands which are disposed at right angles to each other and so as to define an open structure. In one embodiment, the gridwork is impregnated with a thermosettable B-stage resin so as to interlock the strands at their crossover points and maintain the gridwork in a semi-flexible state, and after being applied to the product to be reinforced, the resin is heated to convert the same into a fully cured composite to thereby rigidize the gridwork and reinforce the product. In cases where the product to be reinforced is heated, such as asphalt paving, the heat of the product provides the heat necessary to fully cure the resin in situ. In another embodiment, the resin is fully cured to rigidize the gridwork prior to its being applied to the structure to be reinforced. A method of producing the resin impregnated gridwork is also disclosed.

Abstract: An exodermic deck for structural floors including bridge floors, road beds, pedestrian walkways, or the like, comprises a composite structure of a grid component and a top component. The grid component is preferably made of steel and includes a plurality of main bearing bars and a plurality of distribution bars oriented perpendicular to the main bearing bars. The top component is preferably made from reinforced concrete. The upper portions of either the main bearing bars or the distribution bars are embedded in the reinforced concrete component permitting horizontal shear transfer and creating a composite deck structure which maximizes the use of tensile strength of steel and the compressive strength of concrete. The top sections of the embedded bars have gripping surfaces for effecting mechanical locks between the grid component and the concrete component and increasing the horizontal shear transfer therebetween.

Abstract: A technique for applying high strength fiber fabric to strengthen beams and the connection between beams and either supported platforms or supporting vertical columns is disclosed. Fabric made of high strength fibers such as glass, boron, or carbon, is laid over the connection between a beam and a platform, or between a beam and a supporting column, and impregnated with an epoxy resin or other polymer matrix. The fabric may be additionally fastened to the structural member using adhesives, fabric fasteners, or bolts. The invention is particularly well suited for retrofitting bridges, freeway overpasses, parking structures, and the like to prevent failure during an earthquake.

Abstract: A tile application backing material is disclosed having as an object thereof to greatly simplify tile allocation, positioning, and affixing and the like, and to strongly affix tiles and backing material to a laying surface; in order to achieve this object, this tile application backing material is formed with a plurality of frame members disposed extending along sides of tiles having a polygonal shape, said frame members being connected at mutual points of intersection; these frame members comprise a base portion which is in contact with a laying surface and dividing plate portions which are disposed thereabove. By means of this, after allocation has been determined by means of this backing material, in a state in which this backing material is temporarily attached to a laying surface to which tiles are to be applied, adhesive is allowed to flow into a plurality of regions demarcated by means of the dividing plate portions and by means of the inlaying of tiles, tile application is easily accomplished.

Abstract: A reinforcement structur for asphalt pavements comprising corrugated or zig-zag bent perforated or open mesh strips disposed relative to each other so that when said strips are brought into contact with each other and fixed together at the apices the contacting strips define therebetween a plurality of cells or honeycomb-like structure. Further, there is provided a superior asphalt pavement when the above-described reinforcement structure is positioned and embedded within said pavement.

Abstract: A method for forming load-bearing road and ground constructions on a ground bed having a low load-bearing capacity includes assembling rigid support elements on the ground bed, forming a wearing layer above the support elements and disposing a light material having a bulk density lower than the ground bed below the support elements. The support elements are designed to be rigid so that point loads are distributed over the supporting surface of the ground bed. Before positioning the support elements, the ground bed is excavated to a predetermined depth such that the weight of the excavated ground mass in the area in which the support element is to be positioned corresponds essentially to the weight of the support element itself.

Abstract: A reinforcement structure for asphalt pavements comprising corrugated or zigzag bent perforated or open mesh strips disposed relative to each other so that when said strips are brought into contact with each other and fixed together at the apices the contacting strips define therebetween a plurality of cells or honeycomb-like structure. Further, there is provided a superior asphalt pavement when the above-described reinforcement structure is positioned and embedded within said pavement.

Abstract: A support device for supporting longitudinal rigid members in a poured layer for example rebar within concrete comprises two V-shaped wire elements which are inverted and have parallel rails welded across the elements. Two lower rails are spaced at the end of the legs of the elements to allow the ends of the legs to be inserted into the ground. The elongate members then rest across the upper rails between two apex portions of the elements which extend upwardly above the upper rails. The rails extend out beyond the elements to provide portions which can be inserted into the ground when the device is rotated through 90.degree. to support the elongate members at a different height from the base layer. The use of a wire structure enables the concrete to be poured around the device without the formation of voids. The use of four legs inserted into a sand or similar base provides great stability.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a weldless pavement module and a method for making a weldless pavement module. Each of the primary load bearing bars is formed with openings for receiving slotted secondary load bearing bars which are passed through the primary load bearing bars in a substantially horizontal position and which are rotated into a vertical position. The size and shape of the openings and the slots permit the combination of primary load bearing bars and secondary load bearing bars to be skewed to form a nonrectangular parallelogram configuration. Simple tack welds are used to temporarily hold the grating in its desired configuration. A concrete component encases at least the top surface of the grating base member and permanently secures the elements of the grating base member together. The use of tack welds eliminates the requirement that the grating base member be bent into a convex shape prior to welding. A simple flat jig is used.

Abstract: The protection of roadway surface dressings against the initiation and the propagation of cracks is accomplished by interposition between the base layer and the surfacing layer of a binding layer consisting of a nonwoven geotextile interface impregnated with modified bituminous binders. The textile interface is a nonwoven fabric composed of continuous synthetic filaments of flat cross-section (width-to-thickness ratio of between 10/1 and 5/1), and are resistant to the temperatures of application of bitumen or of bituminous materials, have a low void index, are resistant to aromatic and aliphatic solvents, have a low compressibility, are deformable in the plane of laying and have a surface density preferably of between 100 grams and 300 grams per square meter. The modified bitumen is preferably based on styrene/butadiene/styrene copolymer and has characteristics such as: penetration 180/220, ring and ball 74.degree. C., penetration index 1.

Abstract: A membrane for the repair of road surfaces, particularly for the retardation of reflective cracking from an old road surface to a newly-applied overlay. The membrane comprises a glass fiber mat impregnated with a blend of asphalt, a block copolymer and a mineral filler. The membrane, in the form of a complete covering or relatively small patches applied directly over a crack, is thermally adhered to the old road and to the overlay by the heat of the overlay itself. The membrane has a low modulus of elasticity, particularly at below freezing temperatures, to minimize crack-propagating stresses and to distribute both thermal and traffic stresses over a broader area of both the old road surface and the overlay.

Abstract: A knitted unidirectional mat of glass rovings, factory coated with elastomeric modified asphalt, is used to reinforce a crack in an old road before applying a new layer of asphalt-based pavement.

Abstract: Repair of pot holes in public roads, streets and highways is facilitated and improved by the use of a simple holding device which is firmly anchored in place in the pot hole before filling the hole with conventional road patching material which then permanently unites with the holding device.

Abstract: A reinforced asphalt layer, consisting of an asphalt-forming mixture of bitumen with mineral particles, in which is embedded a reinforcing network of elongated reinforcing elements which, where they intersect one another, have a connection to one another which at least to a certain degree fixes the cross-bond, in which the reinforcing elements at least locally have a cross-section of maximum linear dimension of the order of the particle size, and a shape such as to exhibit a change of direction longitudinally from location to location of their engagement of the surrounding material of the layer, the arrangement being such that in a finished, rolled asphalt layer the reinforcing elements have adjusted locally to the mineral particles by deformation, on the one hand, and the reinforcing network has largely retained its elasticity, on the other.

Abstract: Reinforced concrete is prepared by embedding within it a reinforcing element of at least one rigid plastic gridwork (which is optionally filler reinforced) of integrally molded struts.

Abstract: A steel mesh system for reinforcing concrete for airport landing strips and the like, comprising at least two mesh sections, each including separate groups of spaced apart parallel steel bars positioned perpendicularly to each other and welded together at their intersection, placed side by side, and rigid brackets securing peripheral aligned rods at adjacent sides of the mesh sections together. Each bracket is substantially U-shaped defining a recess to receive the peripheral rods and includes two leg portions separated by a connecting portion. One of the leg portions of each bracket is undercut so that the opening of the recess is of smaller extent than the bottom of the recess. A set screw having a convex end extends through the free end of the other leg of the U-shaped member outwardly of the recess with respect to the center of the parallel bars positioned within the recess.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reinforcing concrete, and like materials, wherein modular units or sections of reinforcing mesh are provided which are connectable to provide a larger reinforcing mesh. A variety of forms of connections between adjacent mesh sections may be used. The individual mesh sections and the interconnected mesh sections are self supporting, so that no support elements for the mesh are necessary. The mesh sections are preferably made small and light enough to be carried and assembled by a single person. The mesh sections are preferably of forms capable of being stacked or baled compactly, for ease of transportation and storage.