Abstract: The present invention disclose a tunnel profile element (10, 20A, 20) comprising a lightweight body constituted by foam glass panels sprayed with unbroken polyurea layer providing a fire resistant coating, and which is providing increased mechanical integrity of the tunnel profile element (10, 20A, 20).

Abstract: A storm water management system and methods of assembling the same are provided. The system has open columns having corbels that support a slab spanning between adjacent columns. The system is assembled by positioning a first plurality of slabs end-to-end and spaced apart from a second plurality of slabs. The column is seated into an opening formed between the first and second plurality of slabs. A first corbel extends from a first side of the column and over laps an edge portion of a slab of the first plurality. A second corbel extends from a second side of the column and over laps an edge portion of a slab of the second plurality.

Abstract: A corrugated plate structure includes a plurality of corrugated plates connected together to form a corrugated structure having a corrugation direction and a cross-corrugation direction. A reinforcement system includes: a first bracket and a second bracket, where the first bracket extends substantially parallel to the cross-corrugation direction and mounted to side-by-side first and second corrugation crests so as to pass over a corrugation valley that joins the first and second corrugation crest, and where the second bracket is spaced in the corrugation direction from the first bracket, and the second bracket extends substantially parallel to the cross-corrugation direction and mounted to the first and second corrugation crests so as to pass over the corrugation valley. An elongated reinforcing member extends substantially parallel to the corrugation direction and mounted to both the first bracket and the second bracket.

Abstract: A method of building a structure in the presence of water includes providing two or more three-sided elongated triangular bodies that has a first end, a second end, and an internal flow passage that extends between the first end and the second end. Each of the triangular bodies has an apex with a base opposed to the apex. Each of the triangular bodies is positioned in side by side relation, with the flow passage of one or more of the triangular bodies serving as a flow path for water. A road, a bridge or a dock is positioned transversely across the triangular bodies.

Abstract: A concrete culvert assembly is provided. Multiple culver units form multiple side-by-side channels. One or more of the side-by-side channels have an interior side that is substantially vertical and an exterior side that is outwardly angled from top to bottom.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced compositions for forming concrete are disclosed. A fiber-reinforced dry-cast cementitious composition includes a cementitious component, aggregate, and at least one reinforcing component selected from the group consisting of metal fibers, synthetic fibers, and rubber pieces. A fiber-reinforced non-cementitious composition includes a pozzolanic component, aggregate, and at least one reinforcing component selected from the group consisting of metal fibers, synthetic fibers, and rubber pieces. The composition excludes any cementitious component. Fiber-reinforced concrete structures obtained by hardening the above-described compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: An articulated baffle assembly is disclosed and claimed. The battle assembly includes a support and vanes connected to the support. The support holds the vanes in the flow of a liquid in order to promote sedimentation when the baffle assembly is in an operational configuration. The support includes an articulation that allows the baffle assembly to be reversibly converted to a retracted configuration that facilitates access to and removal of sediment.

Abstract: The culvert with the deformation zone consists of prefabricated components arranged in the road ditch (1). The culvert includes at least one fixed basic component and at least one deformation component sliding in the basic component in the direction of the longitudinal ditch axis (1) and covered by a deformable decking or also by backfilling or other cover. The substance of the invention lies in the fact the basic component consists of a set of prefabricated concrete or reinforced concrete beds (2) formed in “V”-shape and placed one after another on the concrete base (3) in the road ditch (1) so that the shoulders (2a, 2b) of the beds (2) abut the ditch walls (1). Both shoulders (2a, 2b) of each bed (2) are fitted with opposite guiding recess (4) in the upper part for placement of deformation components formed by a set of at least two lateral rigid girders (5) installed with the possibility of the sliding movement in the direction of the longitudinal ditch axis (1).

Abstract: The invention provides modular units, associated component parts, and assemblies of the modular units and component parts, including storage and filtration systems, that are useful for making and using underground water management systems.

Abstract: A concrete culvert assembly includes a set of spaced apart elongated footers, a plurality of precast concrete culvert sections supported by the footers. Each concrete culvert section has an open bottom, an arch-shaped top wall and spaced apart side walls to define a passage thereunder, each of the side walls extending downward and outward from the top wall. Each of the side walls has a substantially planar inner surface and a substantially planar outer surface. First and second haunch sections each join one of the side walls to the top wall. Each side wall is tapered from top to bottom such that a thickness of each side wall decreases when moving from the top of each side wall to the bottom of each side wall. A bottom portion of each side wall has an exterior vertical flat extending upward from a horizontal bottom surface thereof.

Abstract: A concrete culvert assembly includes a set of spaced apart elongated footers, a plurality of precast concrete culvert sections supported by the footers. Each concrete culvert section has an open bottom, an arch-shaped top wall and spaced apart side walls to define a passage thereunder, each of the side walls extending downward and outward from the top wall. Each of the side walls has a substantially planar inner surface and a substantially planar outer surface. First and second haunch sections each join one of the side walls to the top wall. Each side wall is tapered from top to bottom such that a thickness of each side wall decreases when moving from the top of each side wall to the bottom of each side wall. A bottom portion of each side wall has an exterior vertical flat extending upward from a horizontal bottom surface thereof.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems and methods for forming rolled up spiral shaped tubular inserts of interlocking seams of elongated strip material and for inserting the inserts into damaged channels such as damaged culverts, sewer lines, pipes, and the like. The inserts are released to expand outward and unravel until the walls of the unraveling insert abut against interior walls of the damaged channel forming a protective interior wall for the damaged channel. One side of the insert strips can have a hook, and an opposite side of the strips can have a longitudinal groove wherein the hook attaches to and slides within the groove. Slidable surfaces such as bushings, Teflon coatings and O-rings can be used along the interlocking seams to allow for reduced friction as the strip materials are rolled into contracted positions and later expanded out.

Abstract: An arched culvert includes a first foundation having a top surface with a plurality of first reinforcing members upwardly projecting therefrom. A first arch includes a body having an arched interior surface and an opposing exterior surface extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the first arch being positioned on the top surface of the first foundation adjacent to the first reinforcing members. A first opening extends from the exterior surface of the first arch toward the interior surface at the first end thereof. A first locking wall is formed on the top surface of the first foundation so that at least a portion of the first reinforcing members are embedded within the first locking wall and the first locking wall extends along the exterior surface of the first arch and into the first opening of the first arch.

Abstract: An arched culvert includes a first foundation having a top surface with a plurality of first reinforcing members upwardly projecting therefrom. A first arch includes a body having an arched interior surface and an opposing exterior surface extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the first arch being positioned on the top surface of the first foundation adjacent to the first reinforcing members. A first opening extends through the first arch between the interior surface and the exterior surface at the first end thereof. A first locking wall is formed on the top surface of the first foundation so that at least a portion of the first reinforcing members are embedded within the first locking wall and the first locking wall extends along the exterior surface of the first arch and into the first opening of the first arch.

Abstract: Stabilized, durable stream crossings are built from contained plant growth medium secured to the stream banks, bridge footings installed behind the contained growth medium, and an open-construction bridge deck spanning the footings that permits light and rain water to reach the growth medium on the banks underneath the bridge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing failed metal pipe inverts includes an apparatus for distributing concrete that is positioned at one entrance of the metal pipe invert. The apparatus includes a frame having a forward end and a rearward end. A trough is connected to the forward end, and a support arm is connected to said rearward end. One end of a chute traverses the trough, while the other is supported by the support arm. A scraper is to the chute to spread concrete distributed from the trough into the pipe invert. The concrete is poured into the chute and distributed into the trough. The apparatus is pulled through the metal pipe invert to distribute concrete from an opening in the trough onto the metal pipe invert. The scraper engages the concrete to selectively spread the concrete on the metal pipe invert and repair the invert.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of improving the durability of concrete by the infusion of the concrete with a low-viscosity oligomeric solution, and subsequent curing of the oligomeric solution to form a high toughness polymer. Also described herein are compositions containing concrete and high toughness polymers, and formed articles made from concrete and high toughness polymers. The methods and compositions are useful for improving the durability of concrete roads and structures, as well as the durability of repairs to concrete roads.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a culvert end, wherein the culvert end is structurally weakened to allow partial collapse of an upper section of the end on impact loading. The culvert end aims to decrease the severity of motor vehicle accidents wherein the culvert has an end that is deformable under impact to create a transitioning surface to reduce the likelihood of the vehicle arresting, catching or snagging itself in the entrance to the culvert.

Abstract: A concrete building system includes a set of parallel spaced apart strip footers and one or more precast concrete sections supported by the footers in a predetermined alignment. Each precast concrete section has a top slab integrally connected to a pair of equally flared legs. Each leg depends from an end of the top slab at an effective flare angle to form a corner. The precast section includes haunch sections formed between the top slab and each leg resulting in a corner thickness greater than the uniform thickness of the angled leg to which it is integrally formed and the top member. The length of the effective span of each section varies between 60 and 90 percent of the distance between the bottom-of-leg span. The sections can be used to construct bridges, culverts, underground storage units, fluid detention units and dam structures.

Abstract: A reinforcement rib for an overhead structure comprises a pair of sidewalls and a top wall that bridges one end of each sidewall. A lower flange extends outwardly from an opposite end of each sidewall. Each lower flange is adapted to be secured to the overhead structure.

Abstract: A culvert bundle and fill assembly for stream crossings and flow-through bridge abutments comprising: (a) a first separator fabric; (b) a plurality of culverts placed on the fabric adjacent to one another along their lengths; (c) a plurality of triangular cross-section blocks placed in pairs in upper and lower spaces between adjacent culverts; (d) a plurality of fasteners placed around the plurality of culverts and blocks for holding the culverts and blocking in position; (e) a second separator fabric placed over the plurality of culverts and blocks; and (f) soil or other fill placed over the second separator fabric and the plurality of culverts and blocking to create a road or other crossing structure surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to road construction and, more particularly, culvert bundles that are used in the construction of roads or other structures across streams and rivers. A culvert bundle and fill assembly for stream crossings and flow-through bridge abutments comprising: (a) a first separator fabric placed over a streambed; (b) a plurality of culverts placed on the fabric and blocked into position; (c) a plurality of bands, cables, strapping fasteners or other restrainers holding the culverts and blocking in position; (d) a second separator fabric placed over the plurality of culverts; and (e) soil or other fill placed over the second separator fabric and the plurality of culverts and blocking to create a road or other crossing structure surface.

Abstract: A method for controlling deformation of a cut end region of an erected arch-type structure for use in underpass construction and the like where the cut end region has at least one extended leg portion. The method comprises building progressively at least one layer of mechanically-stabilized earth adjacent the extended leg portion by alternately layering a plurality of compacted layers of fill with interposed layers of reinforcement. Each layer of reinforcement is secured to the extended leg portion during the progressive building. The securement of the layers of reinforcement to the extended leg portions provide support in controlling deformation of the cut end region during backfilling and regular service.

Abstract: A box culvert and gasket assembly is provided that enables fluid-tight bell-and spigot joints to be formed between abutting ends of box culverts. The joints according to the assembly of the present invention can remain fluid-tight up to at least 13 psi of water pressure. The gasket is preferably a one-piece, endless rubber gasket that is applied over the end of a spigot that is rectangular in end elevation. The corners of the rectangular spigot are rounded to enable the gasket to extend continuously over the corner without the need for 45° cuts and splices. Preferably, the gasket is made from a single elongate gasket piece that is cut to size and that has ends that are bonded together via a butt vulcanization technique. A storm drain and sewer assembly and a method of forming a fluid-tight bell-and spigot joint are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel design of an open bottom box culvert which can be used to enable roads, highways and other infrastructure to cross streams without infringing on the wetted perimeter of a stream or interrupting the stream gradient. More particularly, this invention pertains to an innovative use of mineral soil (clay, silt, sand, gravel, cobbles, boulders, broken rock, ice or mixtures of any or all of the foregoing), concrete or wood abutments and metal such as steel, and in some cases geosynthetics, to construct an open bottom box culvert structure which can be erected over a stream or creek and enable vehicular loads and other infrastructure to cross the stream or creek.

Abstract: A planting assembly (10) including a flexible trough member (12) which may selectively form a plurality of members which may be then selectively interconnected in any desired manner.

Abstract: The environment and growth of vegetation within a soil embedded culvert system is improved by directing artificial or natural light onto the vegetation within the enclosed passage defined by the culvert system. The light is produced either by internal electrical grow light fixtures or by external sunlight reflectors. A water spray system may also be used within the passage to improve the vegetation growth.

Abstract: An earth overfilled arched structure includes a shallow arch spanning a clear space. The sides of the clear space are formed by curved or straight walls. Solidified zones of earth material (backfill or in situ) against the springs of the arch and/or behind the walls form foundation blocks which are in intimate contact via arch footings with the springs of the arch and/or with the upper part of the sidewalls in such a way that the arched structure delivers most or all of its support forces into the foundation blocks. These, due to their size and weight, transfer and spread the support forces to the subsoil so that displacements, especially in the horizontal directions, are minimal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel design of reinforced soil arch which can be used to construct bridges, overpasses, snowsheds, landslide or rock fall protection structures, and the like. More particularly, this invention pertains to an innovative use of mineral soil (clay, silt, sand, gravel, cobbles, boulders, broken rock or mixtures of any or all of the foregoing) to construct a reinforced soil arch that can be used for numerous purposes. A method of constructing a reinforced soil arch comprising constructing an arch utilizing a combination of layers of compacted mineral soil and reinforcement in a manner that supports both the dead load of the structure and a live load imposed on the structure.

Abstract: A three piece concrete culvert system includes a set of horizontally spaced precast side wall sections having inwardly projecting and opposing steps or surfaces which support opposite ends of a precast arched top wall section. The side wall sections include extension portions which project substantially above the ends of the top wall section for increasing the capacity of the side wall sections to resist thrust from the top wall section. Vertically spaced and generally horizontal layers of soil reinforcement members or grids may be positioned within the soil backfilled adjacent the outer surfaces of the side wall sections, and precast concrete anchor members may be attached to the side wall sections above supporting footers for the side wall sections. Shims are used between the footers and the anchor members for temporarily positioning and aligning the side wall sections before receiving the top wall section.

Abstract: A system using pre-molded polyethylene galleries, utilized for septic or storm water applications, to facilitate rapid and even distribution of effluent and particles across the gallery installation when utilized as a septic system, or minimizes the resistance to storm water flow when used to dissipate storm water runoff.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for filling a tubular bag with a granular material in order to construct a levee. The apparatus includes a hopper for funneling material into a loading box. A ram drive system then forces the granular material from the loading box into a tubular bag. The force of the ram also serves to propel the apparatus away from the filled bag so that the apparatus does not require a drive unit. The tubular bag is a pleated design installed around the opening of the loading box so as to extend as loaded. The apparatus can be scaled to accept different size bags to create levees of different heights and lengths.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel design of reinforced soil arch which can be used to construct bridges, overpasses, snowsheds, landslide or rock fall protection structures, and the like. More particularly, this invention pertains to an innovative use of mineral soil (clay, silt, sand, gravel, cobbles, boulders, broken rock or mixtures of any or all of the foregoing) to construct a reinforced soil arch that can be used for numerous purposes. A method of constructing a reinforced soil arch comprising constructing an arch utilizing a combination of layers of compacted mineral soil and reinforcement in a manner that supports both the dead load of the structure and a live load imposed on the structure.

Abstract: A method of load reduction on buried culvert using an EPS block is disclosed. A culvert foundation is constructed at a place where a culvert will be buried, and the culvert is put on the foundation, and then, both sides of the culvert are banked with filling earth. EPS blocks are paved in multiple layers on the top surface of the culvert, or geosynthetics and an ESP block are paved on the culvert, and then, filling earth is banked on the geosynthetics or the ESP block and a final ground level is compacted. As a result, compression occurs from the EPS block, deformation of the inside earth is caused artificially, and arching is generated. Accordingly, the method has vertical earth pressure reduction effect, thereby preventing an increase in the section of the culvert due to overburden of the banked earth and an increase in vertical load due to a settlement amount of the culvert buried on the weak ground and a relative settlement difference of surrounding earth, and improving durability of the buried culvert.

Abstract: A precast safety end for use with culverts on highway, driveway, and road drainage crossings has a base having a depending flange at its outer end and an upright wall at its inner end, and opening in the wall to register with the opening in an abutting pipe culvert. Upright wings on each side of the base connect with the upright end wall. The side walls taper downwardly from the upright end wall to the end of the base. The side walls have outwardly protruding wings on either side to prevent erosion and overgrowth of grass.

Abstract: An earth overfilled arched structure includes a shallow arch spanning a clear space. The sides of the clear space are formed by curved or straight walls. Solidified zones of earth material (backfill or in situ) against the springs of the arch and/or behind the walls form foundation blocks which are in intimate contact via arch footings with the springs of the arch and/or with the upper part of the sidewalls in such a way that the arched structure delivers most or all of its support forces into the foundation blocks. These, due to their size and weight, transfer and spread the support forces to the subsoil so that displacements, especially in the horizontal directions, are minimal.

Abstract: A hybrid arched overfilled structure includes a combination of pre-cast side elements and at least one cast-in-place crown sector element. The side elements are pre-cast generally in a horizontal orientation and subsequently lifted into place. The crown sector element is cast in place between the side elements. In one form of the invention, each of the three sections makes up about one-third of the overall arch span.

Abstract: In lining work in which a lining pipe R formed by spirally winding a strip-like member 500 consisting of an elongated sheet-form body is left in place inside a tubular culvert P, and a new lining pipe is additionally formed in front of this lining pipe that has been left in place, a lining apparatus S which has a flexible forming frame 1 consisting of link bodies is used. The strip-like member 500 is wound around the forming frame 1 by means of a joining mechanism part 7 attached to the forming frame 1, and a lining pipe R is formed while being forcibly folded inward utilizing the flexibility of the forming frame 1; at the same time, a back-filling material is injected into the inward-folded part. The inward-folded part later returns to its original state. Alternatively, the diameter of a small-diameter lining pipe R formed by winding around the forming frame 201 or 401 is expanded, and lining is performed with the back-filling material injected during this diameter expansion process.

Abstract: A precast safety end for use with culverts on highway, driveway, and road drainage crossings has a base having a depending flange at its outer end and an upright wall at its inner end, and opening in the wall to register with the opening in an abutting pipe culvert. Upright wings on each side of the base connect with the upright end wall. The side walls taper downwardly from the upright end wall to the end of the base. The side walls have outwardly protruding wings on either side to prevent erosion and overgrowth of grass.

Abstract: A method of load reduction on buried culvert using an EPS block is disclosed. A culvert foundation is constructed at a place where a culvert will be buried, and the culvert is put on the foundation, and then, both sides of the culvert are banked with filling earth. EPS blocks are paved in multiple layers on the top surface of the culvert, or geosynthetics and an ESP block are paved on the culvert, and then, filling earth is banked on the geosynthetics or the ESP block and a final ground level is compacted. As a result, compression occurs from the EPS block, deformation of the inside earth is caused artificially, and arching is generated. Accordingly, the method has vertical earth pressure reduction effect, thereby preventing an increase in the section of the culvert due to overburden of the banked earth and an increase in vertical load due to a settlement amount of the culvert buried on the weak ground and a relative settlement difference of surrounding earth, and improving durability of the buried culvert.

Abstract: A portable cofferdam and method for use in stabilizing the subsurface of box culvert structures. The portable cofferdam is inserted inside the tubular section of large box culverts, which are often used as road crossings over streams, creeks and small rivers. The portable cofferdam is designed as a chamber having an open top end and open bottom end with a floor seal to engage against the box culvert floor. Once inside the culvert, the chamber floor seal is compressed against the culvert floor by an expansion device which extends against the culvert ceiling. Once a proper seal is created against the culvert floor, the chamber is dewatered. With the culvert floor exposed, a hole can be drilled through the culvert floor bottom and grout or other hard curing material is pumped into the subsurface void for stabilization of the box culvert structure.

Abstract: A precast safety end for use with culverts on highway, driveway, and road drainage crossings has a base having a depending flange at its outer end and an upright wall at its inner end, and opening in the wall to register with the opening in an abutting pipe culvert. Upright wings on each side of the base connect with the upright end wall. The side walls taper downwardly from the upright end wall to the end of the base. The side walls have outwardly protruding wings on either side to prevent erosion and overgrowth of grass.

Abstract: A structure for detecting an inflated state of a dam formed by a flexible membrane disposed in a conduit, with the detection unaffected by pressure resulting from fluid flow through the conduit when the flexible membrane is not completely inflated. The structure includes a metal plate mountable at a center of the flexible membrane and covered by a covering sheet and a metal detector for detecting the metal member only when the flexible membrane has been inflated to a desired state.

Abstract: A deep corrugated structural metal plate having a cold roll formed, uniform uninterrupted short radius of curvature along at least a portion of the plate's length in the range of about 450 mm up to about 3100 mm.

Abstract: A water quality management system and method that controls the exchange of water between two bodies of water (e.g., estuary and ocean) separated by at least one land barrier. The system consists of a series of water exchange units that are disposed in the estuary and knowledge-linked into a water quality management system that is remotely controlled from a central location. Each water exchange unit may comprise a conduit extending through the land barrier having a terminal end on the ocean side and a terminal end on the estuary side. The exchange of water between the ocean and estuary through the conduit may be effected using reversible pumps connected to the terminal end of the conduit on the estuary side. The pumps are preferably controlled from a remote location based on feed back data received from sensors located both in the estuary and ocean.

Abstract: A driving pipe and method for the construction of an essentially horizontal pipeline, whose wall is made at least primarily of concrete polymer. At least sections of the wall of the concrete polymer pipe are made of a liquid-permeable filter material consisting of polymer-bound, gravel-like particles.

Abstract: A headwall structure constructed of lightweight reinforced composite and incorporating a rigid polymer concrete core in selected portions, for use with standard culvert or drainage pipes in infrastructure water management systems in substitution for conventional concrete headwalls. The headwall structure has a vertical back wall with an integral spigot or pipe stub surrounding a central orifice. The pipe stub is preferably cross-sectionally dimensioned and configured to be identical to a selected standard pipe section end so that such pipe section can be connected to the pipe stub without an adapter. A tray is joined to the lower edge of the back wall. A pair of outwardly flared sidewalls are joined to the back wall and to the tray. Angled brace panels extending from the sidewalls to the tray reinforce the sidewalls. The tray, sidewalls and brace panels define the water channels. Front and side brace panels define a recess into which earth enters and against which earth bears to provide stabilization.

Abstract: A structure for detecting an inflated state of a dam formed by a flexible membrane disposed in a conduit, with the detection unaffected by pressure resulting from fluid flow through the conduit when the flexible membrane is not completely inflated. The structure includes a metal plate mountable at a center of the flexible membrane and covered by a covering sheet and a metal detector for detecting the metal member only when the flexible membrane has been inflated to a desired state.

Abstract: A precast concrete bridge system containing one or more sections wherein each section includes a horizontally disposed, load-bearing span that is integrally cast with a pair of vertical side walls. Each wall contains lightweight cores encapsulated in the concrete to create a series of longitudinally extended beams in each wall so that the beams in one wall are coaxially aligned with the beams in an adjacent wall. The cores constitute between 16-35 % of the total section volume.

Abstract: The beaver control screen has a cone-shaped screen having a base, an apex and a horizontal axis. A first set of spaced-apart rods extends from the base to the apex and are disposed in a first conical layer. A second set of rods is disposed in a second conical layer inside the first conical layer and extends toward the apex over a distance of about one-half the length of the first conical layer. The first and second conical layers are set at different angles with the horizontal axis such that a distance between a rod in the first layer and an adjacent rod in the second layer is a same distance along the adjacent rod. At the apex of the screen, the rods in the first conical layer are alternately affixed to the outside edge and to the inside edge of an annular plate.