Abstract: A modular slab, slab system, piles and methods of use thereof are described along with specific applications and methods of manufacture. The slab or slab system may be pre-insulated and pre-finished before being assembled on site. The slab system may be advantageous to use as a replacement for traditional in-situ poured building foundations. The slab system may also have uses in other fields such as for floors, roads, bridges, pavements/side walks and other civil and structural applications.

Abstract: A deck apparatus for assembly with a pair of opposing brace frames interconnected by a pair opposing connector bases and a deck board top frame having a plurality of deck boards disposed thereon, the connector bases having opposing posts for being received in openings in a lower end of the opposing brace frames ends and the deck board top frame having posts for being received in an upper end of the opposing brace frames, and optionally attaching a stairs riser having a plurality of spaced-apart treads or a ramp riser for extending from a deck surface at a height to a vertically lower support surface.

Abstract: A wheelchair ramp system includes a ramp constructed from at least one structural insulated panel (SIP) having a foam core sandwiched between two structural facing panels such as oriented strand board (OSB). An outdoor exterior coating such as polyaspartic coating covers the SIP panel for allowing the SIP panel to be resistant to outdoor elements. At least one guardrail or handrail is secured to the side of the SIP for providing a safety barrier to persons using the ramp system.

Abstract: A suspended timber frame deck comprising a timber frame of interconnected timber beams. Tiles are located on top of the beams indirectly at at least two locations by a tile support pad located between the tile and an underlying timber beam. Each pad includes a protrusion located in a hole of the timber beam to register therewith to the timber beam and registered to the tile to help locate the tile to the timber beam and help prevent the tile from sliding over the timber beam.

Abstract: An articulating composite surface covering mat and process of forming the mat are provided. The mat has multiple units having a regular, natural or irregular appearance, and each unit a flexible geogrid extending therethrough. Gaps are formed in the spacing between the units. A method of forming the mat includes forming the mat upside-down on a bottom surface of a bottom mold, locating a geogrid in a cavity defined between either or both of the bottom mold and a top mold, and placing the top mold over the bottom mold to form the mold assembly, sealingly engaging the transverse walls of the bottom mold and top mold where there is no geogrid, and adding the filler to the mold assembly.

Abstract: Load distribution structures are provided for a raised floor tile(s) of a raised floor data center. The load distribution structure, which resides adjacent to an opening in the raised floor tile(s), such as a cutout in the raised floor tile(s), to facilitate supporting a frame load, includes a frame load distributor and an edging bracket. The frame load distributor resides on the raised floor tile adjacent to the opening in the raised floor tile(s), and distributes, at least in part, the frame load on the raised floor tile(s). The edging bracket couples to the frame load distributor to, at least in part, hold the frame load distributor in fixed position on the raised floor tile(s). The edging bracket extends, at least in part, into the opening in the raised floor tile to secure the frame load distributor in fixed position relative to the opening in the raised floor tile(s).

Abstract: A skylight and paver walkway, installed to a roofing structure, including a skylight having a pane and framing members that surround and support the pane, and including a paving surface, the paving surface having plurality of pavers that extend immediately adjacent to the skylight. Each paver has a paver top, and is supported by a pedestal such that it is individually adjustable in height to make the pavers substantially level with each other. The framing members have a framing member top, and the panes have a pane top. The framing member top, the pane top, and paver top of the pavers adjacent to the framing member are substantially flush with each other, such that a continuous walkway is created between the skylight and paving surface.

Abstract: An underlayment panel includes a top surface and a bottom surface. A plurality of projections define drainage channels. A plurality of drain holes arranged through the panel provide fluid communication between the top surface and the bottom surface.

Abstract: An impact absorption panel is adapted for playground use and comprises a panel section and a plurality of projections. The panel section is defined by a top surface and a bottom surface. The plurality of projections extend from the bottom surface of the panel section. The plurality of projections have a first stage and a second stage. The first stage is configured to collapse initially when subjected to an impact load. The second stage is configured to provide greater resistance to the impact load than the first stage. The panel section is configured to provide greater resistance to the impact load than the first and second stages. The first stage can also be distinguished from the second stage by virtue of having a comparatively smaller volume.

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 paving system for paving or flooring includes a top layer of a plurality of paving elements, and an underlayment support layer of a polymeric material configured into panels. The panels are suitable to support the paving elements, the panels having a generally planar support surface and a recovery characteristic such that a deformation from a concentrated compressive load applied for a short duration returns the support surface to a generally planar condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to structures and methods for constructing a paved structure. Some embodiments relate to improved, simplified and/or lightweight means for the construction of such structures. Some embodiments relate to means for constructing a paved area having a shelf for vertically supporting bricks. Furthermore, in some embodiments the shelf can be in a raised relation to a substrate. Some embodiments may also include structures that facilitate drainage of liquids from a surface of the paved structure.

Abstract: Provided are a connection apparatus and a connection method capable of rapidly and fixing a pre-cast deck slab with a beam. The connection apparatus includes a main body buried in the pre-cast deck slab and having a hollow part formed in an axial direction thereof! a plurality of support portions integrally formed with an outer surface of the main body, each of which has a body having a certain length and a hook integrally formed with an end of the body; a bolt having a bolt body inserted into the hollow part of the main body and a fixing hole of the beam, and a head integrally formed with an upper end of the bolt body! and a nut threadedly engaged with the bolt body of the bolt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tactile tile comprising hemispherical outward protruding domes on an upper surface for pedestrian traffic, and a plurality of longitudinal and transverse members integral with each other and integral with a bottom side of the tile opposite the upper surface forming a honeycomb pattern.

Abstract: A landscaping tile for stabilizing hillsides is disclosed. The landscaping tile includes a top surface which is textured to simulate a bed of gravel, river rocks, or the like. The landscaping tile is flexible and conforms to the topography of the land. The landscaping tile is secured to the ground using a plurality of stakes. The stakes may be driven through preformed holes defined directly in the tile, or through a border frame which overlaps the tile.

Abstract: An anchoring of outdoor traffic areas provided with cobblestones or paving stones made of a plastic or natural stone material is cited, in which the stones are laid in a bed of sand and/or grit. The anchoring method provides for the stones to be further supported by an extensive supporting structure provided with openings and laid on top of the bed.

Abstract: A paver block edging system is described for positioning a row of edge blocks over a support surface. The edging system includes an elongated channel including a floor formed to receive and support a paver block. A connector is provided on the channel to be releasably received over a bendable member that is not part of the system. The connector releasably secures the channel to the bendable member and angularly orients the channel relative to the bendable member. The bendable member may thus be used to determine a line along which a number of the channels are oriented to receive paver blocks.

Abstract: An end support for a prefabricated highway section of a prefabricated highway system. The end support includes a first elongated support member for transverse engagement of a longitudinal end of the prefabricated highway section, the first elongated support member having an elongated length dimension at least three times either of two transverse height and width dimensions and a second elongated support member parallel to the first support member and laterally aligned with the first member along an orthogonal axis for abutting an earth support of the prefabricated highway system along a longitudinal length of the second support member, the second elongated support member having an elongated length dimension at least three times either of two transverse height and width dimensions. The support member also includes a connecting member joining a center portion of the first and second elongated members in a rigid spaced-apart relationship.

Abstract: Compression of soft subsoils to support loads such as roadways, widened roadways, etc. with conventionally accomplished product piling surcharge onto the subsoils for a time long enough to compress them. The speed and undesirable compression (which often causes interference with aquifers) can be avoided by installing isolation slabs supported at or near the grade of the subsoil by caps resting on piles driven to sufficient depths to support the intended load. Fill can then be placed on the isolating slabs without the undesirable compression of the subsoil.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and structure for quickly assembling road foundation and support of this invention, comprising the following steps (1) first, selecting positions spaced from each other at an appropriate distance for placing the foundation along a road above which an elevated road will be constructed; then digging a groove having appropriate size in the ground surface of each selected position for horizontally placing the foundation and the road asphalt; (2) digging a recess having appropriate dimensions along the periphery of said groove for placing a horizontal supporting frame, and spraying the asphalt adhesive on the recess; (3) mounting the horizontal supporting frame on the recess, and filling the space above a horizontal flange extending outward along the the periphery of the bottom of the horizontal supporting frame with asphalt such that the top surface of the filled asphalt is flush with the top of the horizontal supporting frame; (4) then fully spraying the adhesive on the combina

Abstract: A method of constructing a paved surface such as a roadway in which piles (8) are placed in the ground (G) and preformed slabs (4) are laid over the piles (8) to form a continuous paved surface. The preformed slabs (4) may be short in length and may be supported at opposite ends by separate beams (6) which comprise the pile caps. In a preferred embodiment, suitable for the construction of an elevated roadway, the method further comprises the steps of supporting preformed structural elements 5, 15 on the piles 8 and supporting the preformed slabs 4 on the preformed structural element 5, 15. The preformed structural elements 5, 15 may be shaped so as to provide an open work structure. Preferably, the preformed structural elements 5, 15 comprise substantially V-shaped channels which are laid with their longitudinal axes at right angles to the longitudinal centrelines of the roadway 2, and with their flanges 14 directed downwards.

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: Shock-attenuating seamless surface systems, for use on vertical takeoff and landing zones, can be installed on a base or installed in a recess in the base such that an integrated installation is obtained.All systems have a surface layer with a bottom and outer edges; ribs extending from the bottom of the surface layer for defining an array of air-filled cells affixed to the bottom of the surface layer; and a first layer of sealer and aggregate spread over the surface layer, the outer edges, and the base immediate to surface system.

Abstract: The locating of structural members disposed within the interstices of a concrete member can be accomplished by employing at least one indicator capable of showing the position of the structural member. The indicator also can show the directional location of the support members. The indicator of the present invention generally connects to a post member. This post member provides vertical support for the indicator system. A clamping assembly is attached to the post member and connects the structural member to the indicator system for fixing the location of the structural member. The clamping system can also identify the location of the structural member, and the indicator can then be provided to show the directional line of the structural member. Typically, the post member is sized to a predetermined length so that the longitudinal dimension of the indicator system corresponds to the thickness of the concrete member.

Abstract: A lightweight pedestrian ramp assembly for bridging a span of open water between two marine structures is readily adaptable in length and width to meet existing site requirements. The ramp assembly is constructed of successive elongated ramp units, each of which is in turn constructed of adjacent, elongated channel shaped fiberglass modules defining a planar walking surface across the backs of the channel webs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to interlocking construction elements useful in being assembled into load bearing traffic ways. The present construction elements are comprised of a flat top slab and at least one support stem attached perpendicularly to bottom of the slab. The top of the slab is a load bearing surface. The support stems have a flared, or finned, portion positioned contiguous to the junction of the stem and the bottom of the slab. A load placed atop the load bearing surface is equally distributed to the support stem, or stems. The slab may be considered as floating, that is, the bottom of the slab is in touch contact but not in support contact with the foundation. Any weight placed load bearing surface is immediately and directly transmitted to the support stem, or stems in substantially equal proportion. In an alternative embodiment of the invention the support stem, or stems, are secured into a anchor boot, which, in turn, is securedly attached to a foundation.

Abstract: A wetland crossing bridge assembly is disclosed having a plurality of interconnected lower box support members with upstanding columnar members extending from the base thereof. Slab members are laid on the top of these column members in an overlapping arrangement and side members having a general L-shaped configuration line on each side. A conventional road surface is applied over the structural members. The structure allows the bridge assembly to absorb or dissipate stress from shifting caused by wind, water levels, etc. and the even weight distribution through the interlocking arrangement allows construction without requiring pilings sunk to underlying bedrock and with minimal adverse environmental impact.

Abstract: The specification discloses a modular and reusable wheelchair ramp capable of ready assembly and disassembly while providing a strong and safe construction. The ramp includes a plurality of leg assemblies fabricated of PVC plumbing components and a plurality of ramp sections each extending between and mounted on a pair of adjacent leg assemblies. Each leg assembly includes a pair of legs and an interconnecting crossbar slidably received thereon for ready height adjustability. The ramp sections are hooked over the crossbars. In a preferred embodiment, handrails also fabricated of PVC plumbing components are also slidably mounted on the legs.

Abstract: A patio deck construction comprising a frame defining a plurality of apertures adapted to receive a plurality of fixedly dimensioned patio stones in a fixed, level arrangement above a ground surface. Planks forming the frame are notched to form ledges which peripherally support the stones within the apertures. At least one stringer plank extends across the border of the frame so as to increase the rigidity of the frame. Cross planks extend between adjacent stringer planks or a stringer plank and a border plank. Preferably, the planks include notches adapted to receive the end of an intersecting plank to further rigidify the frame. An additional feature comprises a plastic sheet laid under the frame to inhibit the growth of vegetation which can detract from the ornamental appearance of the patio stone deck.

Abstract: Prefabricated concrete elements for constructing paths corresponding to a width N or a multiple thereof contain two groups. The first group comprises flat, four-sided slabs for the straight sections of the path, having a dimension corresponding to the normal width N or half said normal width. The second group of prefabricated concrete elements comprise a plurality of sets of flat, sector slabs for the curved sections of the path having different predetermined radius each set consists of sector slabs having a predetermined radius and radii having a dimension corresponding to the normal width.

Abstract: A railroad crossing structure for providing an improved devil strip. In particular, the invention proposes to bridge the span between adjacent sets of tracks with bridge members of steel or other like material of sufficient strength and rigidity. These bridge members preferably correspond in number to the ties supporting the rails in the area of the crossing, and are secured to them in any suitable fashion. The bridge members may be leveled to provide a flat horizontal surface by notching the ties to receive the ends of the bridge members. The space between the ends of the bridge members and the rails are filled with shims. Thereafter, an elastomeric surface is provided atop the bridge members, using elastomeric pads preferably of the type disclosed in the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,093,120. Elastomeric pads of the type disclosed in this patent are preferred since the pads can be easily affixed atop the bridge members because no spikes are required.

Abstract: A technique for rapid installation of corrosion resistant quench car railroad track wherein levelling blocks are embedded in a slag base, a layer of polyethylene is laid over the base and levelling blocks, and a thin layer of gravel is disposed on the polyethylene sheet. Mating precast concrete panels are placed end to end for supporting the ties and rails, with the adjacent edges of the panels overlying the levelling blocks. Ties and rails are installed on the upper surfaces of the panels, and drainage ramp and channel structures are provided on opposite sides of the panels. The panels have vertical holes therein through which an epoxy resin is injected into the underlying gravel layer, the epoxy being horizontally directed by the plastic sheet. The epoxy subsequently hardens, bonding the gravel particles together and forming a stable underlayment for the concrete panels.