Abstract: An active vibration control system for controlling excessive or unwanted vibrations in floors or other structures. The system has three main components: (1) velocity sensor w/signal conditioner; (2) feedback controller; and (3) proof-mass actuator. This system works by creating a feedback loop that generates a control force proportional to the velocity, thus adding damping to the controlled modes of floor vibration. In other words, the feedback loop makes the moving mass of the actuator move to counteract the motion of the floor. The system is optimized such that the motor can be driven with a sinusoidal force where the peak force is at or near the full motor capacity at any frequency without exceeding the stroke while maintaining a simple and cost effective feedback controller. Additionally, a relationship between the fundamental natural frequency of the floor system and actuator is established to provide efficient and stable control.

Abstract: An energy absorbing seismic brace for both retrofit and new construction. The brace comprises a central strut of either multi-legged or homogeneous section fabricated from low strength aluminum, whose characteristics maximize the seismic energy absorption for a building installation. This central strut absorbs energy at high weight-specific levels by virtue of the hysteresis in its load-deflection relationship. In order to eliminate the possibility of buckling of the energy absorbing strut when it passes through the compression portion of a load cycle, it is surrounded by a system of spacers and an external sleeve providing very high bending rigidity at low weight. The spacers may be fabricated from low-density foams, pseudo-concrete, fibrous composites, or metals, depending upon the application. The outer sleeve may also be fabricated from a variety of materials, depending upon whether the embodiment calls for the principal bending rigidity to be provided by the spacers or sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seismic load transmitting system based on impact mechanism for a multi-span continuous bridge. There are impact assemblies connected to a superstructure of the bridge for colliding with movable support piers according to a longitudinal displacement of the superstructure of the bridge caused by a seismic load. The seismic load is transmitted from the superstructure of the bridge to the movable support piers. These are impact receiving assemblies installed in the movable support piers for receiving an impact force generated when the movable support piers become collided with the impact assemblies and transmitting the seismic load transferred from the superstructure of the bridge through the impact assemblies to the movable support piers. The seismic load generated in the superstructure of the bridge is transmitted not only to the fixed support piers but also to the moving support piers due to the collision between the impact assemblies and the impact receiving assemblies.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation. The invention includes also the building structure and method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a column-and-beam join structure which absorbs energy caused by a large earthquake or the like by split tees surely yielding at a prescribed value, does not cause other members to fracture, and thus makes it possible to replace only the split tees which have become unusable, and, more specifically, a column-and-beam join structure constructed by attaching and connecting, using bolts 9, the ends 8a of both the upper and lower flanges 8 of a steel beam (H-shaped steel beam) 7 between the webs 6 of a pair of upper and lower split tees 4 the flanges 5 of which are connected to a steel column 1 using bolts 3. The upper limit of the yield stress of the steel material used for the split tees 4 is defined to be not more than twice the lower limit thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a weather shelter having a base, the base having a peripheral edge and being secured to the ground, a dome with a circumferential edge, wherein the dome fits completely over the base, the circumferential edge of the dome is located proximally to the peripheral edge of the base, and a doorway.

Abstract: A vibration-inhibiting flooring structure for use in a facility housing vibration sensitive equipment includes a perforated bearing floor which includes a number of openings configured to inhibit the propagation of vibrations across the floor. Such a flooring structure may be used, for example, in connection with advanced clean-room facilities, where a facilities room and one or more plenums are provided in conjunction with the vibration-inhibiting floor.

Abstract: The stabilization system includes a foundation platform (16) that supports a pier (18), with the pier in turn supporting the joists (12) of a premanufactured building structure (10). Cleat walls (25-28) at the edges of the central body portion of the foundation platform extend into the ground. Struts (46, 47) are sloped upwardly from the foundation platform for connection to an adjacent joist. The weight of the building structure and the cleat walls prevent the foundation platform from horizontal movement. Thus, horizontal movement of the building structure is resisted without the application of horizontal forces to the pier.

Abstract: A joint for the prefabricated concrete blocks of the quake-resistant pier developed for connecting the prefabricated reinforced concrete blocks employed in the non-plastic hinge zone of the earthquake-resistant reinforced concrete pier comprises mainly an upper prefabricated reinforced concrete block and a lower prefabricated reinforced concrete block, wherein a layer of resin binder is applied between the engaging concave and the engaging convex of the prefabricated reinforced concrete blocks, so as to connect the two prefabricated reinforced concrete blocks to withstand shear stress applied on the pier, and the two prefabricated reinforced concrete blocks are also connected firmly by pre-stressed keys to withstand bending stress applied on the pier. By connecting mechanisms, the present way of prefabricated construction can achieve the same earthquake-resistant capability as the traditional in situ construction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a weather shelter having a base, the base having a peripheral edge and being secured to the ground, a dome with a circumferential edge, wherein the dome fits completely over the base, the circumferential edge of the dome is attached proximally to the peripheral edge of the base by an attachment means, and a doorway.

Abstract: A rack, especially for holding units of electrical equipment one above another, comprising an open rectangular frame having opposite faces. The frame comprises a base, sides constituted by channels, a head and feet on the base for standing it upright, components being configured to be self-squaring for facilitating assembly.

Abstract: A bi-directional rolling pendulum seismic isolation system for reducing seismic force acting on a structure by rolling pendulum movements, the system having a lower plate forming a rolling path in a first direction; an upper plate forming a rolling path in a second direction; and a roller assembly performing a pendulum motion by rolling and moving along the lower and upper plates wherein the roller assembly performs the pendulum motion when seismic load is applied, thereby reducing the seismic load of a structure.

Abstract: A manufacture called “earthquake buffer” to protect a building structure from destructive earthquakes as well as to secure its stability under strong winds, comprising two non-resonant rolling friction slide layers positioned above each other on a building footing and consisting of a plurality of cylindrical rollers stretched parallel in a direction of one of the main building axes while being orthogonal to the bars in an alternative slide layer. The slide layers are interlaid with a distributive plate and topped with an inertia block connected to a rigid first floor diaphragm and the building superstructure. With a magnitude of earth movement exceeding a certain threshold, the earthquake buffer permits practically unlimited horizontal excursions of the footing relative to the superstructure while transmitting a dramatically reduced shearing force upwards and preventing any sizable lateral resonant effects in the protected building.

Abstract: A wall panel has elongate members connected together to form a rectangular frame having a top, a bottom and opposite sides, a sheathing extending over the rectangular frame; and connectors providing a connection between the sheathing and the rectangular frame. The connectors are varied so that the strength of the connection increases from the top and bottom towards the middles of the opposite sides of the frame.

Abstract: Laminated interlocking stackable wall units are assembled using a large proportion of wood species unsuitable for use in the construction industry. The interlocking stackable wall units are used in combination with a laminated roof beam, and a roof panel to construct an earthquake-resistant buildings. Each building is tied together by composite steel bands that lend the structure flexibility and excellent resistance to wracking forces induced by natural phenomena, such as earthquakes and windstorms. The buildings are rapidly assembled with a minimum of labor, and are inexpensive to construct. The advantage is a high quality building constructed at reasonable cost.

Abstract: In a structure for installing a viscous vibration-damping wall 1, the viscous vibration-damping wall 1 is constructed such that a housing 20 with its upper end open is formed by uprightly setting a pair of steel-made side plates on a base plate 8 and by disposing a pair of flange plates 11 on both sides of the pair of side plates, an intermediate plate 14 is inserted in said housing, and a viscous material is placed in its gap portion. The viscous vibration-damping wall 1 is connected to base-plate connecting hole portions 9 and a pair of flange-connecting gusset plates 7 of a rising metal plate 6 fixed on a lower-floor girder 3, and the intermediate plate 14 is directly connected to a gusset plate 13 fixed to an upper-floor girder 4.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a root wrapping type aseismic reinforcement construction and method for a base of a column member. A buffering portion is provided between the base of the column member and a root wrapping member to decrease bending moment generated on the base by an external force. Therefore, the bending moment is less prone to be transmitted to a foundation member, so that the bending moment born by the foundation can be reduced.

Abstract: A seismic expansion joint cover includes a bridge panel having one end supported for movement in the y-axis direction and against movement in the x-axis direction relative to a floor A on one side of a motion-absorbing gap and supported at the other end for movement in the x-axis direction and against movement in the y-axis direction relative to a floor B. A recess in floor B receives a portion of the bridge panel in all positions of the bridge panel relative to floor B. A recess cover plate covers the recess, is supported at one end in sliding relation on the bridge panel in all positions of the bridge panel relative to floor B and is joined at the other end to an end member of the recess frame remote from the gap. A resiliently collapsible/extensible honeycomb panel received in the recess in floor B supports the portion of the recess cover plate that spans the recess between the end of the bridge panel and the end member of the recess frame.

Abstract: A frame (2) expandable in a structural opening has a stretchable substantially fluid impermeable cover membrane (25) disposed across the frame and arranged to stretch with expansion of the frame. The frame (2) is preferably expandable in mutually perpendicular directions, and provided with peripheral seals (27) for sealing in the structural arrangement. The barrier is conveniently fitted in openings such as doors and the like to provide a temporary barrier to rising floodwaters and the like.

Abstract: A structural steel seismic-resistant beam-to-column connection is provided with a pair of rib plates installed symmetrically above and below the connection. The rib plates are perpendicularly to an upper and a lower beam flange and disposed at positions corresponding to the center of the beam web. The rib has a variable cross section at its front end and a relatively lower lengthened section at its rear end. Through the use of the rib plate, the stress concentration at those fan type weld access holes of the beam web as well as the junction of the full penetration weld between the beam flange and column flange can be alleviated, and the plastic hinge can be limited to the beam at a specified portion and can develop excellent plastic rotation capacity in the case of a severe earthquake.

Abstract: A structural steel seismic-resistant beam-to-column connection is provided with a pair of rib plates installed symmetrically above and below the connection. The rib plates are perpendicularly to an upper and a lower beam flange and disposed at positions corresponding to the center of the beam web. The rib has a variable cross section at its front end and a relatively lower lengthened section at its rear end. Through the use of the rib plate, the stress concentration at those fan type weld access holes of the beam web as well as the junction of the full penetration weld between the beam flange and column flange can be alleviated, and the plastic hinge can be limited to the beam at a specified portion and can develop excellent plastic rotation capacity in the case of a severe earthquake.

Abstract: An earthquake resistant frame structure which is shippable in a fully populated condition has a base member, a plurality of support members extending from the base member, a top portion disposed over the ends of the support members, a extension member disposed over the top portion, side stiffeners positioned perpendicularly between the support members, and a tie down assembly system positioned between the base member and a flooring surface. The extension member has a platform section and at least two legs depending substantially perpendicularly therefrom that slidingly engage the support members. The two legs have slots therethrough configured to receive fasteners that, when secured to support members, secure and maintain the extension member in position. First and second panels protrude laterally from the frame structure to form an extension area, from which a bracket hingedly depends. A variety of pin arrangements are used to prevent the removal of the bracket from the hinge.

Abstract: In order to design an infrastructure of an elevated bridge, first a target ductility factor &mgr;d and target natural period Td for the infrastructure are set in connection with an assumed earthquake motion. Subsequently, a yield seismic coefficient for the target ductility factor &mgr;d and target natural period Td is obtained from a yield seismic coefficient spectrum for the assumed earthquake motion as a design seismic coefficient Kh. On the other hand, a target yield rigidity Kd corresponding to the target natural period Td is obtained. Subsequently, the design seismic coefficient Kh is used to obtain a design horizontal load bearing capacity Hd and a displacement corresponding to the design horizontal load bearing capacity Hd is obtained as a design yield displacement &dgr;d from the target yield rigidity Kd. Subsequently, the design horizontal load bearing capacity Hd is distributed into a horizontal force Hf to be borne by the RC rigid frame and a horizontal force Hb to be borne by the damper-brace.

Abstract: A seismic brace for fastening to a support rod at one end and a structural portion of a building, on the other end. The brace is attachable to the support rod without disconnecting it. The brace arm part is bent at an angle of 45° to form a base bracket that connects to the support rod. A locking bracket is hinged to the brace arm to overlay the base bracket. Both the base bracket and locking bracket have a slot extending from an edge towards the middle, the slots are arranged so that they form an aperture when the locking bracket overlays the base bracket part of the brace arm to completely enclose the support rod.

Abstract: A joint cover includes rails attached to the right and left building portions adjacent sides of the joint parts between the right and left building members. At least two or more support members are disposed across a joint gap at a sloping state, both ends thereof being supported movably by the rails attached to the side walls pairs. A plurality of support bars for retaining joint plates is provided pivotably at a fixed interval on the support members. The plurality of joint plates is attached to the support bars respectively, each joint plate being overlapping at a fixed width and being maintaining a overlapping state when the width of the joint gap between the two building members expands or contracts, so that the transportation and assembly operation can be done efficiently, and the joint cover can move smoothly following swing and oscillation movement due to earthquake, or the like.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a seismic brace to a support rod, such as for a cable tray, to inhibit movement of the rod during seismic activity. The connector comprises a metal connecting member having an upper portion and a lower portion joined at a juncture. Openings in the juncture, upper portion and lower portion define a slot for entry of the support rod into the slot. The connector further comprises a retainer inserted in a gap between the upper and lower portions. The retainer bridges the slot to retain the support rod in the slot. The connector permits bracing to be added without removal of the support rod from the tray and ensures that the brace remains attached during seismic activity, even where a retaining nut holding the connector to the support has become loosened.

Abstract: A Storm Shelter which meets FEMA criteria and can be assembled from the inside, within an existing room of a house. The shelter includes connection members which are not joined to one another at their ends, and panels having C-shaped channel members which have apertures for bolting to the connection members and to each other. A reinforced door formed of a panel having C-shaped channels on its sides is mounted to swing inwardly whereby providing entry and exit.

Abstract: An intermediate anchorage for a post-tension system including an anchor member, a tendon extending through an interior passageway of the anchor and a sleeve formed of a heat shrink material and extending over the unsheathed portion of the tendon. The sleeve is affixed in heat sealed compressive contact with a surface of the anchor member and with an exterior surface of the sheathed portion so as to maintain the unsheathed portion in a liquid-tight environment. The sleeve can be a tubular member, a split tubular member or a wrapping material. The anchor member is an encapsulated anchor having a tubular extension extending outwardly therefrom such that the sleeve is secured in sealed compressive contact with the tubular extension.

Abstract: An improved framed structure incorporating a coupled-girder system provides enhanced seismic energy dissipation by as much as 30% over that provided by conventional yielding of the girders. The coupled-girder system includes a pair of spaced-apart girders coupled by one or more girder-to-girder links which are preferably vertical links. Energy dissipation takes place when the structure drifts beyond its elastic limit and the differential displacement of the pair of girders causes the web of each vertical link to shear yield. The links are proportioned to remain in the elastic regime under wind loads and moderate earthquakes as prescribed by building codes. Beyond the elastic limit, preferably the yielding in the links will take place prior to that in the girders. In this way, the links will be the first line of defense for dissipating seismic energy before the girders themselves.

Abstract: A motion-magnifying seismic shock-absorbing construction for placement in the frame of an extremely stiff building structure wherein there is a relatively small horizontal movement between the floors of the building in response to a seismic event including a first link connected to the structure and having a shock-absorbing member therein, a plurality of additional links connected between the structure and the first link to transmit to the first link and to the shock-absorbing member therein the relatively small horizontal movement between the floors of the structure due to the seismic event, and the plurality of links including a motion-magnifying linkage for magnifying the aforementioned relatively small relative movement so that a magnified movement is applied to the shock-absorbing member. A building structure containing a plurality of the above motion-magnifying shock-absorbing constructions.

Abstract: A multi-floor building is protected from seismic forces by coupling a damping system between a pair of truss columns of truss systems, each movable in a cantilever motion in response to the seismic forces to move opposite nodes of the damping system along an enhanced working stroke as compared to prior art frame constructions.

Abstract: An earthquake resistant support structure for an existing residential room comprises four corner members anchored to each of the wall surfaces at each of the vertical corners within the room and four straight bars mounted between the corner members for preventing the walls from forcibly breaking apart during an earthquake. The earthquake resistant support structure further comprises a pair of cables extending diagonally between the opposite corner members for protecting occupants of the room from falling ceiling that might be generated during an earthquake. When the earthquake resistant support structure is properly incorporated into every room within a building, the system of support structures add strength to the existing framework of the building, thereby preventing severe cracking or falling or walls and ceilings during an earthquake.

Abstract: An automatic, self-energized, length extending, take-up unit for general use in wall hold down systems. The take-up unit is generally installed as a separate element, independent of threaded retaining elements of a hold down system. One embodiment includes an internal, preloaded, coil spring to rotate a threaded sliding member relative to a threaded base member, thereby to extend a height of the take-up unit. A trigger mechanism may be included to prevent unintended actuation of the unit. Additionally, a safety mechanism may be included to prevent inadvertent separation of a base member and a sliding member, thereby to prevent loss of a preload in an energizing spring.

Abstract: A base isolation device used for the purpose of absorbing a quake of the ground by, for example, an earthquake to thereby reduce the quake of a building, or used for the purpose of reducing a quake applied to a precision machinery and tool in transportation etc. of the precision machinery and tool. The base isolation device comprises 1st and 2nd track rails disposed orthogonally to each other, a 1st slide member freely linearly movable along the 1st track rail, a 2nd slide member connected to the 1st slide member and freely linearly movable along the 2nd track rail, a ball screw for converting a linear motion of the 2nd slide member into a rotary motion, a rotary sleeve to which a rotation is given by the ball screw, a stationary sleeve forming an action chamber of damping force between it and an outer periphery face of the rotary sleeve, and a viscous fluid sealed in the action chamber.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sliding member which slidably contacts an counterpart member with friction and in which a friction force is varied without changing a contact pressure. A sliding member 11 is formed by covering a steel plate with sliding materials 13a to 13e different in friction coefficient. In this case, when a sliding direction of the counterpart member 14 is set to directions of arrows A and B, a sliding material 13a of a low friction coefficient is disposed in the middle, and the sliding materials 13b to 13e are arranged so that the friction coefficient gradually increases toward both terminal sides in the directions of arrows A and B of the sliding material 13a. According to the sliding member 11, the friction force increases as the counterpart member 14 moves in the directions of arrows A and B from the middle.

Abstract: A seismic isolation system is provided with a swing bearing ring consisting of an upper ring and a lower ring, which are rotatable relatively, between a crane body and a traveling means. A lower vertical shaft of a block pivotally supported on saddles of the crane body is supported by a swing bearing provided at an eccentric position on the upper ring. An automatic restoring mechanism is provided which restores the swing of a horizontal lever, whose proximal end is installed to the upper ring of the swing bearing ring, around the centerline C2.

Abstract: A flat-type seismic isolator for exhibits includes a lower face plate installed on a foundation; an upper face plate that is installed to the lower surface of a seismic isolation object and placed above the lower face plate; an intermediate plate placed between the upper face plate and the lower face plate; and elastic restoring means and damping means provided for returning the plates to their original positions and placed in a lower area between the lower face plate and the intermediate plate and an upper area between the intermediate plate and the upper face plate, respectively. In the lower area, one lower linear guide rail is disposed in the center of the area and guide rails and rollers are disposed on opposite sides of the lower linear guide rail in parallel relation therewith for smoothly moving the intermediate plate with respect to the lower face plate in one linear direction. In the upper area, one upper linear guide rail is disposed in.

Abstract: The earthquake-proof sleeping place comprises a base frame with arcuate guiding tubes. From each guiding tube, an arcuate supporting bar may be telescoped. The supporting bars may are connected by a longitudinal bar and form a protective frame therewith. Two protective frames can be raised out from the guiding tubes from opposite sides to close above the bed. The protective device requires little space since the base frame is mostly arranged under the bed. Moreover, it provides high stability and supporting safety. An earthquake sensor causes the protective device to be triggered, in which event the protective frames come up.

Abstract: A first plate member and a second plate member are attached to a column member in such a manner as to be capable of undergoing relative displacement, and a viscoelastic material is disposed fixedly between the two plate members. As an alternative arrangement, a casing and a plate member inserted in the casing are attached to the column member in such a manner as to be capable of undergoing relative displacement, and a viscous material is filled in the casing. Drag occurs with respect to the plate member in conjunction with the vibration of the column member, thereby damping a structure.

Abstract: A building includes a coupling apparatus providing an interface between a drywall and an exterior curtain wall mullion. The coupling apparatus includes a first member in contact with a first face of the exterior curtain wall mullion and a second member in contact with a second face of the exterior curtain wall mullion. The first and second members are joined by an elastic or spring element and pivotally coupled to a bracket attached to the drywall. Insulating material may be placed between the first and second members to provide sound insulation. The coupling apparatus permits inward and outward movement of the exterior curtain wall with respect to the drywall during windy conditions and side to side movement of the exterior curtain wall with respect to the drywall during earthquake conditions.

Abstract: A relay rack includes a base, a pair of uprights, support gussets and a crossbar. The base is anchored to the ground. The uprights extend from the base to the crossbar. Support gussets stiffen the base and the uprights. The uprights and crossbar are formed such that any mechanical vibrations transmitted through the rack are continuously distributed through the rack members. The base is further stiffened by including a central member that stiffens the rack from deforming in the plane of the uprights.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning mild steel reinforcing bars within a precast, moment resisting frame of a building. The apparatus includes a hand-receiving access component that can be installed within the concrete beams that make up the building frame so as to permit convenient access to the reinforcing bars that are slidably carried within bar receiving passageways formed within the concrete beams. Additionally, the apparatus includes a bladder-receiving component that can be installed within the concrete beams that make up the building frame in a manner to permit an expandable bladder to be conveniently positioned within the cable receiving passageways formed in the beam. When in position within a cable-receiving passageway, the expandable bladder spans the interface between the beam and the column and effectively prevents grout from entering the cable passageway during the grouting step.

Abstract: Earthquake resistant blocks or discrete structures are manufactured using pieces of low quality construction materials such as slag, concrete waste, chipped stone, Sirasu, etc. The pieces are placed in a mold and arranged in the mold so that they are in intimate contact with the mold sides and with each other throughout the mold. Once positioned, mortar or other concrete binding material is poured in to retain the low quality construction materials in contact with each other. When the blocks or discrete structures are placed adjacent to each other, such as when constructing arches, they absorb or dissipate the shock and vibration energies by having the sides of the blocks, and in particular the low quality materials within the blocks, in firm frictional contact. The amount of concrete used is greatly reduced and local and normally scrap material can be used and recycled.

Abstract: Device (1) able to limit the amplitude of the relative movement of two elements of a civil engineering structure and for absorbing the deformation energy of this structure when the latter is subjected to an accidental stress. The device (1) includes: at least one portion able to undergo a plastic deformation at the time of the relative movement of the two elements of said structure, means for guiding the plastic deformation of the portion able to undergo a plastic deformation, the portion able to undergo a plastic deformation and the guiding means forming a single piece element.

Abstract: A supporting device for prefabricated building components, particularly for prefabricated units made of concrete or the like, with high resistance to earthquakes, comprising a bush-like seat which is formed in one face of a first unit and a supporting element which is detachably inserted in the seat. One end of the supporting element protrudes from the seat and from the face of the first unit and forms a resting region for a second unit. The device comprises shock-absorbing means which are interposed between the supporting element and the first unit and/or between the supporting element and the second unit.

Abstract: A collapse-resistant frame system (10) for a bridge or building structure includes a plurality of mechanically-interconnected columns (12) and beams (14). At least the lowermost columns are formed of a material (28) that exhibits quasi-elastic behavior in response to seismic excitation, while the beams of the frame system are formed of a material (22) that exhibits elastic/plastic behavior, such that quasi-elastic flexure of the columns under seismic loading will cause plastic hinge formation in the beam ends (26) to thereby dissipate the rotational energy without significant plastic hinge formation in the column bases.

Abstract: A floor system includes a plurality of panels placed on a base floor. A space is formed between the panels and the base floor for laying cables. A plurality of sliding plates are arranged on the base floor. A plurality of supports are provided and each support of the plurality of supports is arranged on each of the sliding plates so as to freely slide. The plurality of panels are supported by the plurality of supports by being fixed on a pedestal of the each support of the plurality of supports. The plurality of panels are hence connected to each other to form a single floor surface. The dynamic coefficient of friction between the bottom of the supports and the sliding plates is selected to be a value within a range of 0.09 to 0.25.

Abstract: In the structure for reinforcing a concrete member and the reinforcing method of the present invention, a reinforcing sheet is arranged and joined to a various kinds of concrete member, such as column, beam, wall, floor, and the like, by applying the reinforcing sheet to the surface of the concrete member and attaching to the fixing anchors joined to the concrete member or the other concrete member surrounding the concrete member. The fixing anchor comprises a large amount of reinforcing fiber, and is obtained by bundling a part of the reinforcing fiber. The unbundled portion of the fixing anchor is spread along the surface of the concrete member. The reinforcing sheet is over-lapped to the unbundled portion using resin adhesives. In addition, reinforcing fibers, such as carbon fiber, aramid fiber, glass fiber, and the like are preferably used as the material comprising the fixing anchor and reinforcing sheet. Thereby, the reinforcing member can be joined via the fixing anchor to the concrete members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning steel reinforcing rods within a precast, moment-resisting frame of a building. The apparatus includes a uniquely configured hand-receiving component that can be embedded within the concrete beams that make up the building frame to permit access to the steel reinforcing rods that are slidably carried within rod receiving passageways formed within concrete beams. The apparatus also includes a uniquely configured-bladder receiving component that can be embedded within the concrete beams that make up the building frame and is so constructed and arranged as to permit as expanable bladder to readily be positioned within the cable receiving passageways formed in the beam during the grouting of the interfaces between the beams and the columns.