Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing rapid repair of a crater-damaged aircraft runway. The surface level area of the crater is first enlarged to a predetermined rectangular area within which a plurality of concrete tiles of a standard area will fit contiguously to cover the area. The crater is filled with material. The contour of the runway leading up to the area is conformed to by a series of end-to-end scraper blades of widths equal to that of the tiles, the blades are lifted en masse and traveled to an edge of the rectangular area where they are lowered thereinto to a depth below the undamaged surface equal to the thickness of a tile. The device is then traveled to the other end of the area while striking off the fill material to provide a smooth, even surface upon which the tiles are laid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for forming continuous slabs having parallel longitudinally extending post-tensioned tendons therein.

Abstract: A guidance system is disclosed for permitting a person whose vision is impaired to continuously know his or her location with respect to the boundaries of an area having a walking surface and the spatial dimension of the area traversed. The guidance system comprises a plurality of tactual stimuli having predetermined physical characteristics distributed over substantially the entire walking surface. The physical characteristics of the tactual stimuli vary in a predetermined detectable manner in relation to proximity to the boundaries. The variation in the physical characteristics is detectable by the touch of a person traversing the walking surface. Preferably, the tactual stimuli comprise three sets, each set of tactual stimuli being distributed over a separate portion of the walking surface. All of the tactual stimuli of each set has substantially the same physical characteristics.

Abstract: A method for avoiding rebar, a fixture useful to that end, a particular fastener for use with the method and fixture, and objects to be fastened adapted for rebar avoidance. Where rebar is encountered drilling directly into a concrete surface, a fixture is moved into place over the hole. The fixture has an angled bit guide that guides the drill bit at an angle into the concrete, away from the rebar and to the appropriate depth. The fixture is removed, the object to be secured is replaced, the original and the inclined hole are filled with a hardening securing agent, and a special bent-shaft fastener is introduced into the inclined hole. The bend of the fastener is such that its upper end projects substantially perpendicular to the surface just as would have been the case had no rebar been encountered and a conventional fastener used. A road barrier or the like has several alternate routes for a fastener at its connection location. The routes may be separate holes or an inclined path through a conical hole.

Abstract: The present invention is a reflective snowplowable road marker (1) of unitary construction for disposition in a road surface without adhesive having an outwardly dished top section (4) with a relieved channel (8) extending across the top surface (5) of the top section (4) with the channel (8) being adapted to receive therein a reflector (6), and a bottom section (10) disposed from the bottom surface (22) of the top section (4) which has a cylindrical shape and a plurality of spaced apart gripping means (14) disposed on the outside surface of the bottom section (10).

Abstract: A lane marker for a road is defined by a generally convex strip formed, for example, from an asphalt slurry. The marker strip is placed on the road surface as by extrusion, the strip then compacted and provided with a reflective coating such as a light colored paint carrying glass particles. The coating may cover the entire strip, or may be defined by two parallel stripes. Rain drainage grooves also reflectively coated may be provided, the grooves extending across the marker strip. The marker strip exhibits particular utility during normal rainfall at night hours.

Abstract: An auxiliary apparatus for mounting on machines is used for the spray application of road-markings and provides the machines with the alternate capability of laying prefabricated road-marking strips. The auxiliary apparatus is externally mounted on one side of the machine, and it enables laying of prefabricated strips onto the roadway surface without the interruption while the machine is moving along, by means of a cutting device and a device which presses the strip firmly onto the roadway surface so as to guarantee freedom from the accumulation of dirt. The apparatus is adapted for laying a very large quantity of strips, by providing for the substitution of the empty reel by a full one, without any interruption in the laying operation.

Abstract: A material spreader for spreading a topping material over a wet concrete surface utilizes a pair of hoppers which are driven back and forth on a bridge support spanning the surface. A gasoline engine mounts above the hoppers and furnishes power for a reversibly controllable hydraulic hopper drive motor. The motor is part of a hydraulic system in which the hydraulic fluid is cooled by using both a hopper wall as well as the flowing material being spread as heat sinks.

Abstract: The method of making cast barrier structures consisting of the steps of, securing a plurality of form plates in a longitudinally spaced array over a supporting surface with the major plane of each form plate oriented substantially vertically and transversely to the length of the array, positioning side panels longitudinally alongside the form plates on opposite sides thereof and extending the length of the array, the side panels having upper and lower longitudinally extending edges with the lower edges seated on the underlying supporting surface and having irregularities on the inside surface which faces the form plates, fixedly securing the side panels to the form plates to form with the form plates and underlying surface an open-topped hollow assembly, and pouring a solidifiable plastic material downward through the open top of the hollow assembly to completely fill the interior thereof and integrally bond together the form plates and the side panels and the plastic material when the latter solidifies.

Abstract: A geotextile fabric, method of manufacture and method of use, are provided. The composite geotextile fabric has a first group of uncrimped synthetic weft threads, a second group of uncrimped synthetic warp threads not interlaced with the first group, and a knit yarn stitch bonding the warp and weft threads loosely together. A nonwoven filtration fabric may also be included. The composite geotextile fabric may have a controlled extensibility, which preferably is equal to or less than the two to four percent extensibility of asphalt paving, making the fabric suitable for use in repairing cracked road surfaces and the like.

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: Apparatus and method for filling trenches in paved surfaces involve a primary structure movable along a trench to conduct a substantially granular paving material into the trench, and provision for vibrating the paving material as it is conducted into the trench. In a preferred embodiment the primary structure includes a rearwardly sloped surface which engages the paving material as the container moves, urging the paving material downwardly into the trench.

Abstract: The invention relates to a precast concrete traffic barrier element and a method of construction for a traffic barrier using the element on a vertical face of a retaining wall. The barrier element is a profiled block of precast concrete having a bottom surface with a longitudinally extending channel therein. The traffic barrier element is supported on the retaining wall with a top surface of the vertical face being received within the channel. Anchoring bars projecting from an interior portion of the traffic barrier element are embedded in a cast in situ counterweight positioned adjacent to the barrier. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of traffic barrier elements are anchored in a single counterweight.

Abstract: A method of resurfacing a road or the like wherein existing surface profile is first measured as a function of distance over the road surface. A desired profile is then identified as a function of measured road profile by simulating travel of a vehicle over the road surface and observing the quality of vehicle ride and/or pavement dynamic load while the spatial wavelength characteristics of measured profile are progressively attenuated. When ride quality and/or dynamic load of desired preselected standard is obtained, a resurface control signal is obtained as a conjoint function of distance along the road surface and the difference between measured profile and spatially attenuated profile. Road resurfacing equipment is also disclosed for selective removal of pavement surface material or selective deposition of paving material as a function of the control signal so obtained to achieve the desired resurfaced road profile.

Abstract: To lay a running track, a resilient particulate material is spread over a substrate of a given width. Pressure is applied individually downwardly on the material over a plurality of respective segments of the width, as the material is smeared over and amongst the segments to form a bonded layer of said material which exhibits a continuous and even upper surface across said width. This is accomplished by means of a machine that includes an elongated frame of a length sufficient to span a plurality of lanes of a running track. A plurality of successively-hinged individually-articulatable platens depend from and are distributed along the frame. Each platen has a length corresponding generally to the width of respective ones of the lanes. Means included with respect to each of the platens enables the application of pressure on the material toward the underlying substrate of the track.

Abstract: Large area concrete structures, such as roadways, parking lots and playing field bases are monolithically cast with integral drainage elements using an especially formulated water-permeable concrete material having strength and durability comparable to conventional concrete. Such structures provide minimal interference with natural water flow patterns, optimal use of available land, and minimal harm to adjacent vegetation.

Abstract: A method to distribute wear from passing vehicles to a road surface, according to which individual marks (3, 3', 4, 4', 5, 5') are applied to the road surface of each lane (1, 1') spaced apart from each other and extending in the direction of the road. The marks are applied in a side-by-side related distance that mainly corresponds to the width of each lane (1, 1'), and located in the lanes (1, 1') in such a way, that vehicles travelling in the lanes (1, 1') and passing over the marks (3, 3', 4, 4', 5, 5') with the wheels adjacent to the marks (3, 3', 4, 4', 5, 5') maintain the normal distance between each other corresponding to vehicles travelling in the center of the lanes (1, 1'). When the marks (3, 3', 4, 4', 5, 5') are mainly removed, due to the wear from vehicles passing over the marks (3, 3', 4, 4', 5, 5'), a new set of marks (3, 3', 4, 4', 5, 5') are applied, moved slightly sideways in relation to the marks (3, 3', 4, 4', 5, 5') first applied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing an ice aggregate structure, such as a road, at all sub-freezing temperatures likely to be encountered at high latitudes, including below -45.degree. F. Initially, ice is mined, crushed and then stripped of substantially all "fines", i.e., ice particles smaller than approximately 0.1 inch. The resulting crushed ice aggregate is then distributed and placed to the desired grade without requiring surface work or compaction. The upper thickness of the crushed ice aggregate is then bonded by spraying heated water thereon during single or multiple passes. Apparatus is provided to prevent evaporative cooling of the spray water prior to its contact with the crushed ice surface, which preferably comprises an enclosure or flexible skirt which extends around the spray nozzles downwardly to the ice aggregate surface.

Abstract: This invention discloses a simple, fast, inexpensive method of restoring skid friction to worn asphalt or concrete pavement surfaces. This is achieved by traversing the pavement with a smooth heavy cylindrical vibratory roller of the type used in earth compactors at a speed and vibration amplitude less than that it takes to materially chip away the surface structure. The result is a material improvement in skid friction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pad for concrete intended to appreciably reduce the setting time of concrete. This pad comprises an essentially water an air tight flexible cover enclosing a heat insulating cushion resting directly over a lower part intended to be laid in contact with the surface of concrete. This lower part is made up of ribbons woven together in the form of a network in such a manner as to have a good mechanical resistance to wear by friction and so as to create a zone between the heat insulating cushion and the surface of the concrete capable of allowing the excess water oozing through the concrete surface to flow only slowly away, thereby avoiding the need of water from an outside source, allowing also the heat resulting from the setting reaction of concrete to accumulate inside the interstices of said network thus to accelerate the setting of the concrete. This pad is particularly useful and efficient during the year's period of cold weather where the setting of concrete is particularly long.

Abstract: A grade control alignment device and method used in combination with a machine having an automatic grade control system to control the grade or elevation of a working implement. The alignment device is mounted on the machine and a sighting reference is visually aligned with a grade reference line which is set at a predetermined desired elevation. By periodically viewing the alignment device the operator determines if the automatic control is maintaining the working implement at the proper grade. If the proper grade is not being maintained, the operator overrides the automatic control to adjust the grade of the working implement.

Abstract: A membrane of fiberglass-reinforced polyester resin is used as a traffica cover over a compacted backfilled crater and crushed stone base to impart strength to the repair and prevent foreign object damage to aircraft. The membrane cover is usually prefabricated from several fiberglass matting layers of chopped fiberglass strands chemically bonded to woven fiberglass roving and impregnated with a polyester resin; an anchoring system consisting of holes along the cover perimeter and torque set rock bolts are used in conjunction with special steel bushings to secure the cover to airfield pavement surrounding the crater.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable, vibrating-type concrete screed utilizes an elongated, open frame structure, is adapted to being winched automatically to screed a concrete-formed road and simultaneously form and smooth associated curbing and guttering with improved vibrator and smoothing means.

Abstract: A road surfacing (3) which emits reduced rolling noise and a method for the manufacture of such a road surfacing is disclosed. The road surfacing material is relatively soft and incorporates air-permeable, preferably intercommunicating channels or pores. In the manufacture of the surfacing, granulate or chip particles (4) are bound so that channels or pores are formed between the particles.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided to reduce wastage of water draining from pavements.

Abstract: Large area concrete structures, such as roadways, parking lots and playing field bases are monolithically cast with integral drainage elements using an especially formulated water-permeable concrete material having strength and durability to conventional concrete. Such structure provide minimal interference with natural water flow patterns, optimal use of available land, and minimal harm to adjacent vegetation.

Abstract: A method for forming a traffic regulating line or like sign on a roadway pavement even if the surface pavement is very wet and generally during very unfavorable weather, the method comprising maintaining the surface area on which the sign is to be formed and the means for forming it into a confined environment sheltered from the weather, and includes the sequential steps of washing said area, drying it and locally heating the pavement up to a temperature near to that at which a primer layer composition essentially melts where contacted to said surface, and then applying on said surface an at least predominantly thermoplastic primer layer and a sign forming tape material bonded thereabove. There is also described a machine designed to be driven along said road pavement and including means designed for performing the said sequential steps in said sheltered environment.

Abstract: This is a process and composition related to recycling old asphalt pavements into new pavements. It is accomplished by adding a special asphalt emulsion to the crushed old asphaltic pavement material without requiring the addition of new aggregate or heating. The old material is cemented at the ambient temperature into a new durable composition of high stability and water resistant without rejuvenation, softening or other appreciable change in the old asphalt, such steps being eliminated by selection of the degree of hardness and character of the asphalt base stock in the special emulsion.

Abstract: Crack and wear resistant concrete overlays for renovation or patching of deteriorated sections over a substratum can be made by incorporating 4-12 volume percent steel fibers in the concrete overlay and bonding at least a portion of the fibers directly to the substratum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for abrading and recoating road pavements by peeling or milling the road pavement surface which is to be renewed and coating it again, wherein the milled-off material is collected, heated, if desired, and mixed with aggregates, and is then applied as a new pavement. The apparatus for performing this method comprises a peeling or milling unit provided on a chassis, which is preferably automotive, a collector device for the peeled-off or milled-off material and, if desired, an additional road paver for the application of the new road pavement material, wherein in addition to said collector device a mixer is provided, in which the peeled-off or milled-off material may be mixed with the ingredients which are to be used for the renewed application.

Abstract: A mechanized trowel including a center body of an elongated configuration supported for rotational displacement about its longitudinal axis and having a helical troweling blade extending along the surface thereof adapted to engage, spread and trowel a body of cement in its plastic state, a supporting rail extended in parallelism with the center body supporting the center body for linear displacement therealong, and a truck supporting the end of the rail for translational displacement about a further axis perpendicularly related to the longitudinal axis of the center body and passing through the end thereof opposite the truck, and reversible, electrically energizable motors connected in driving relation with the center body for imparting thereto rotational, linear and translational displacement.

Abstract: Method and device for orienting asymmetrical retro-reflective elements while spreading horizontal road marking material and for applying the oriented asymmetrical retro-reflective elements to the anchoring road marking surface.

Abstract: A process for rejuvenating and recycling used asphalt and a machine including a pugmill mixing chamber for mixing crushed asphalt supplied thereto and for mixing water, calcium oxide and asphalt oil therewith is disclosed. The water and calcium oxide mixture react and chemically combine to form a calcium hydroxide filler material to thus fill the voids and gaps in the rejuvenated asphalt that would otherwise exist. The reaction, being exothermic, increases the temperature of the resultant asphalt based mixture to a level suitable for spreading of the rejuvenated material on a prepared surface. The asphalt oil is preferably preheated using a heat exchanger coil connected to a diesel engine radiator, which coil is immersed in an asphalt oil storage tank carried on the machine so that the viscosity of the oil may be reduced to a reasonable value suitable for pumping to the mixing chamber and spraying on the materials contained therein.

Abstract: A liquid asphalt composition comprises a mixture of asphalt and a hydrocarbon having over about 55% by weight aromatic content, which mixture is useful for being added to asphalt-aggregate recycle compositions during processing.

Abstract: A sealing system and method for sealing an expansion joint in a roadway gap. Channel-shaped members are mounted at each side of the joint. A seal having a bead at each side is sealingly clamped by a retainer bar against the channel member to provide a seal across the roadway gap. The retainer bar is maintained in a clamping position against the seal bead by retainer plates and by a keeper pin which overlies the bar. The bar is forced downwardly into sealing engagement with the bead to permit positioning of the keeper pin over the retainer bar to hold it in clamping and sealing engagement.

Abstract: A method of installing an electromagnetic sensor loop in a multiple lane highway for monitoring vehicle traffic which includes the steps of placing a test loop at a desired location in a highway traffic lane approximately centrally thereof and varying the lateral dimension of the test loop until the field strength generated thereby at the lane edge is such that the loop will reliably distinguish between a vehicle in the lane in question and a vehicle in the next adjacent lane.

Abstract: A compound machine for mechanically forming traffic dividing and regulating lines on a roadway pavement, comprising a motor driven vehicle adapted to travel along a desired direction on said pavement, the machine being implemented by a first apparatus supplied and adapted for forming spaced line segment by applying on said pavement spaced lengths of a multilayer road marking prefabricated tape material, and by a second apparatus supplied and adapted for forming painted marking line lengths aligned with and in the intervals between the spaced road marking tape segments, whereby a discontinuous marking line including alternatively arranged tape segments and painted segments is formed on the roadway pavement.

Abstract: An upstanding plate adapted for supporting one end of an elongated screed member has a flat bottom edge for sliding movement along a generally horizontal surface at the base of a foundation wall. The upstanding plate is connected to one end of the screed members so as to extend below the screed member and support the screed member above the horizontal surface. The screed member may be received within an open bottomed channel secured to the upstanding plate and the plate may be provided with a leading edge which tapers forwardly and downwardly toward the bottom edge. A second elongated screed member may be supported on the upstanding plate and extended through an opening therein for engagement against the foundation wall. A spacer bar maintains the upstanding plate in spaced relation from the foundation wall.

Abstract: A manhole cover elevating and support ring adapted to be placed within an existing manhole frame for raising the height of a manhole cover, and a method of installing the same. A circular ring is roll formed of metal bar stock with a predetermined size gap. An improved adjustable link is force-fitted within the ring gap to expand the ring outwardly into abutting clamping engagement with an annular wall of a manhole frame to securely mount the ring therein. The improved method includes the steps of radially compressing the ring and restraining the ring in this compressed position. The ring then is placed within a manhole frame opening. The restraining means is removed and the ring expands outwardly toward its normal uncompressed position, thereby clamping itself tightly against the manhole frame. The improved adjustable link and a spring biased keeper also may be installed within the ring gap to insure its clamping engagement with the manhole frame.

Abstract: In a process for producing asphalt-aggregate compositions in a conventional type dryer-mixer drum in which aggregate is exposed directly to flame and hot gases of combustion while it cascades in the rotating drum, and in which the flame and hot gases of combustion are directed into an input end of the drum, the improvement comprises separating the aggregate into a plurality of different portions or increments each having different particle size ranges, introducing the coarse or larger aggregate particles into the drum and directly exposing them to the flame, its radient heat, hot gases of combustion at the input end, and introducing the finer or smaller aggregate particles downstream from the input end and away from direct exposure to the flame and extremely hot gases in a temperature zone which will avoid overheating the fine particles.

Abstract: A low-profile snowplowable pavement marker includes a metal base member having two arcuate-bottom keel members interconnected by an arcuate-bottom support member, the upper surfaces of the keel members respectively defining inclined ramps from a plane at one end of the base member toward the other end thereof to corresponding coplanar top surfaces, the support member having a support surface lying below the plane for supporting thereon a cube corner reflex reflector assembly partially recessed below the plane. The keel members and the support member are respectively secured in complementary arcuate recesses with the plane substantially coplanar with the roadway surface, the recesses being cut in the pavement with circular blade cutting apparatus without moving the cutting apparatus along the pavement. A bidirectional marker is shown as well as cutting apparatus for cutting the three recesses therefor simultaneously.

Abstract: An aqueous emulsion of controlled stability is derived from a cationic bitumen emulsion and a vinyl chloride polymer made by aqueous emulsion or microsuspension polymerization using an anionic emulsifying agent. The emulsion is preferably made by adding additional cationic emulsifying agent to the bitumen emulsion before admixture with the vinyl chloride polymer (which can be in latex or spray-dried form). A method for making the emulsion and a method of road-surfacing using the emulsion are also claimed.

Abstract: Pavement striping tape is drawn through a guide mounted on a rolling machine by the direct action of the front pavement roller. The tape is delivered from a spool or spools on a first spindle mounted above the tape guide and the tape backing paper is automatically withdrawn from the tape and wound up on a spool or spools on a second spindle spaced from and rotationally powered from the first spindle. Both spindles are driven by the movement of the tape downwardly due to the direct action of the front pavement roller. The striping tape is pressed by the roller into hot fresh asphalt paving material during the final rolling of the asphalt.

Abstract: A paving composition is prepared by mixing heated asphalt with a composition comprising an epoxy resin and an amine having 2 active hydrogens and either an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 8 to 22 carbon atoms or an alkylphenyl group in which the alkyl has 8 to 22 carbon atoms.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method and apparatus whereby, when a thoroughfare is to be resurfaced, the covers for the openings that extend downwardly beneath such thoroughfares may be raised to a level corresponding to the raised level of the resurfaced thoroughfare. Such raising is accomplished without the need for digging up the framework that supported the cover.

Abstract: Concrete bridge decks are waterproofed by first applying a primer over sound, dry and clean concrete which forms the bridge deck. A laminated membrane is then installed over the primed concrete surface, the membrane being comprised of reinforced cured and uncured elastomers. The membrane is then heated to the point where the uncured elastomer flows and rolled prior to cooling. A tack coat is then applied over the membrane and a wearing surface, such as asphalt, or the like, applied.The membrane employed is comprised of an upper stratum of a cured elastomer, a reinforcing fabric such as woven fiberglass in the center thereof and a lower stratum of a soft, uncured, form stable elastomer adapted to flow on the application of heat.

Abstract: An adjustable brace for securing the cap portion of a catch basin used in sewer systems to enable such cap portions to remain in place during continuous pouring of curb and gutter.

Abstract: A self-propelled concrete vibrator machine adapted for movement along a pair of spaced-apart guide rails which are positioned on the bridge centering upon which the concrete is to be poured. The concrete vibrator machine is adapted to be moved along the guide rails closely adjacent the forward end of a concrete finishing machine. The vibrator machine comprises first and second drive units mounted on the guide rails for selective movement on the guide rails in either forward or reverse directions. A truss assembly is secured to the rearward ends of the drive units and extends therebetween over the area upon which the concrete is being poured. A plurality of vertically disposed and horizontally spaced hydraulic vibrators are mounted on the rearward end of the truss assembly.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling a dynamic soil compaction operation, involving striking the soil with vibrating compacting tools, monitoring the vibrational power generated by the tools or the current degree of soil compaction, and controlling the amplitude or frequency of the vibratory movements of the tools as a function of the value of such quantity.

Abstract: In recycled asphalt-aggregate compositions prepared by adding a suitable amount of make-up asphalt to pieces of the used composition and heating the mixture in a rotating cylindrical drum by tumbling the composition over heated pipes as it is gradually directed towards an output end of the drum, the improvement comprising adding an amount of petroleum hydrocarbon to achieve a laid down asphalt penetration of between 25 and 300 dmm at 77.degree. F. A further embodiment of the improved process comprises venting a mixture of hydrocarbon gases and moisture vaporized from the hot composition mixture at the output end of the apparatus, condensing the moisture and removing it and returning the hydrocarbon gases to a combustion chamber for providing heat to the apparatus tubes.