Abstract: The present invention is related to spacers that can create fluid flow space at a variety of structural interfaces, particularly in building construction. The spacers of the present invention include unique hinges that can physically couple one panel of the spacer to another panel of the spacer in a manner that substantially distortionally separates the two panels. Preferred embodiments include a folded hinge having at least two folds. The spacers of the present invention also include unique panel dimples that help control the rigidity of the panel. In preferred embodiments, elongated dimples are used to help control rigidity.

Abstract: A material and method for insulating and providing a drainage path for a foundation wall includes a non-woven thermoplastic board being for insulating and providing a drainage path for a foundation wall. The non-woven thermoplastic board has a thermal resistance of an R-value per inch thickness of at least 1. The non-woven thermoplastic board also has a vertical drainage ability per inch thickness of at least 135 Gallons/Hour/Lineal-Foot/inch at a pressure of 500 pounds per square foot (psf).

Abstract: A moisture barrier device and method for providing a moisture barrier around a stub-up protruding through a concrete slab.

Abstract: A process for constructing water receptacles such as swimming pools, fountains and artificial ponds, comprising in one embodiments the following steps: excavating the receptacle; preparing the foundation by laying a layer of sand on the bottom of the excavation; laying of one or more sheets of a non-woven fabric on the internal surface of the excavation and on the foundation layer; laying a waterproofing layer on top of said sheet of non-woven fabric; disposing modular elements for stabilizing the lining to be applied; adding all equipment necessary for a proper functioning of said basin, swimming pool, etc.; lining the internal walls of the receptacle and/or of the bottom of the receptacle and/or of the edge of the receptacle with smoothed natural stones disposed on top of said waterproofing layer; and applying a binding resin on said lining.

Abstract: An environmental protection apparatus for protecting an opening such as windows, doors, airbricks, cat flaps, tumble dryer vents, meter cupboards, etc. against flood water. The apparatus includes a removable envelope arranged to surround the opening, a seal for sealing the envelope to the opening, and an attachment for releasably securing the envelope to the opening. The envelope is a box having a open side, positioned adjacent to the opening. The seal peripherally surrounds the open side of the box. The seal is a compressible material arranged to be compressed between the box and the opening. The attachment is an apertured plate securable to the opening. The releasable attachment is a hook arranged to be secured to the opening and an inter-engageable aperture in a portion of the box structure.

Abstract: A novel simplified system for protecting a crawlspace against the entry of sub-soil water vapor and external ground water from the crawlspace walls and floor and for completely isolating the crawlspace from water vapor from the ground. The present system comprises applying over the floor of the crawlspace, generally a dirt floor but sometimes a poured concrete floor, a continuous durable embossed plastic drainage panel, and extending the drainage panel vertically-upwardly to cover and seal the interior peripheral foundation walls enclosing the crawlspace to an elevation at least slightly greater than the elevation of the ground in contact with the exterior surfaces of the peripheral walls and preferably to the tops of the peripheral walls. This encapsulates the dirt surface of the entire crawlspace against the penetration of external ground water or floor water and also sub-soil water and water vapor and provides a water drainage space beneath the drainage panel for the escape of water and vapor therefrom.

Abstract: A post sleeve provides a substantially permanent base for supporting a post for a fence or sign, and from which one post can be removed and replaced with another post. The sleeve includes a concrete body that is poured on site, using a sleeve core prepositioned in the post hole, and around which wet concrete is poured. After the concrete is cured, the core is removed, leaving a post sleeve cavity configured to receive a post. The core can be rigid, or can include a flexible shell and stiffener. A preformed post sleeve top can be attached to the sleeve core and positioned therewith in the post hole, to become a permanent part of the post sleeve, once the concrete cures. A drain is attached to the core, and remains in the sleeve when the core is removed, and can be a percolation chamber, or passage extending below the sleeve.

Abstract: Flood proofing of buildings built on a slab is provided. Water having a depth less than a selected distance H above the slab is excluded from the building by windows, doors and panels that are sealed to prevent water entry. The panels may be applied over a variety of existing veneer materials or may be used in new construction.

Abstract: A method of coating an exterior surface of a structure comprising a composition of matter and a solvent system is disclosed. The solvent system includes a chlorinated solvent and a vegetable oil. The solvent system and coating composition are non-flammable, environmentally friendly and provide an improved, elastomeric coating when applied to the exterior surface of the structure.

Abstract: A crawlspace encapsulation system for encapsulating a crawlspace of a building. The system includes a substantially impermeable barrier layer disposed in the crawlspace and isolating at least a portion of the crawlspace from an outside atmosphere and an air circulation system located in the isolated portion.

Abstract: A water-absorbent blanket that is located between a roof and the ceiling of a building, such as a residence, to catch and absorb any water that may leak through the roof or which is a result of condensation and prevent that water from reaching a finished ceiling.

Abstract: A roofing composition is formed as a shingle or from one or more separate sheets. The roofing composition includes a storage layer with an inert non-growing storage medium to absorb and detain precipitation for gradual release. The roofing composition reduces hydraulic discharge rates to avoid overloading downstream drainage systems.

Abstract: A studded membrane is proposed for the protection of buildings with a drainage and slip surface formed on the reverse side thereof. This ensures that water is drained between the studded membrane and the exterior surface of the building, between the studded membrane and the seal, between the studded membrane and the insulation.

Abstract: The flood prevention device includes a plurality of barrier walls interconnected around a structure or area to be protected. Each barrier wall includes a base sand tube adapted to be filled with sand. At least one gill tube may be stacked atop the sand tube and stitched together to form a wall of desired height. Each gill tube includes a plurality of reinforced gills adapted to permit water flow to fill the gill tube. A hanging tube is operatively disposed above each wall. A pulley mooring system may be disposed on the sides of the structure with one end operatively attached to interlocking poles disposed in the hanging tubes. Opposing sides of each barrier wall include interlocks that may be selectively attached to a locking corner track or a locking extender track to form the overall barrier. Once assembled, the flood prevention device may be lifted or rapidly deployed by the pulley mooring system.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide adjustable pit liners for use in conjunction with pipelines installed underground. The pit liners provide surface access to devices in fluid communication with the pipeline. The adjustability of the pit liners facilitates installation of the pit liners before the final grade surrounding the pit is known. In various embodiments, a tubular structure having an upper section and a lower section is provided, wherein the upper section and the lower section are slideably connected in a telescoping relationship. A locking mechanism is also provided to releaseably lock the overall height of the tubular structure as desired.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a tide apparatus comprising a storage tank connected to a underground pit for normally storing water of a constant amount, a connecting pipe for connecting between the underground pit and the storage tank, and a seismograph releasing apparatus formed on the connecting pipe for sensing a shake in an earthquake and for releasing the water stored in the storage tank into the underground pit, wherein the tide plate can protrude upward from the soil foundation face by operating the seismograph releasing apparatus in an earthquake to make the water stored in the storage tank flow into the underground pit via the connecting pipe.

Abstract: Containment berms and associated support systems and structures. In one example embodiment, a containment berm bracket includes a substantially rigid first member and a substantially rigid second member. The first member defines a first complementary structure. The second member that defines a second complementary structure and a sidewall clamp. The second complementary structure is configured to releasably engage with the first complementary structure in order that the members can be releasably attached to each other.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a studded plate (1), comprising a first longitudinal edge (60) and a second longitudinal edge (61) between which edges are arranged a main area (90) in the longitudinal direction of the plate (1) comprising a first type of studs (12), characterized in that the main area (90) comprises at least one sub area (100), in the longitudinal direction of the plate (1), comprising at least one first row of a second type of studs (14, 114, 214) which have an oblong shape in the longitudinal direction of the plate (1) and at least one adjacent longitudinal row of a similar stud (14) and/or a third type of studs (13, 113, 213) comprising a longitudinal adjacent border to the first row of studs (12), wherein studs (14) in the first row are offset in the longitudinal direction in relation to the studs in the adjacent row(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-layer fluid delivery device for post-installation in-situ barrier creation. The device provides a medium for post-installation injection of remedial substances such as waterproofing polymeric resins or cementitious materials, insecticides, mold preventatives, rust retardants and the like. The device comprises a first layer and a second layer, with optionally an intermediate layer therebetween, and a plurality of tubes extending outwardly from the first layer. The first layer is preferably semi-permeable; the second layer is non-permeable; the optional intermediate layer is a void-inducing layer. The multi-layered device is attached to a structural substrate and a construction material such as concrete or shotcrete is applied against its surface (and around the plurality of tubes). Thereafter, a free flowing active substance can be injected through the tubes to fill the air space in the multi-layered device.

Abstract: Containment berms and associated support systems and structures. In one example embodiment, a containment berm bracket includes a substantially rigid first member and a substantially rigid second member. The first member defines a first complementary structure. The second member that defines a second complementary structure and a sidewall clamp. The second complementary structure is configured to releasably engage with the first complementary structure in order that the members can be releasably attached to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus to protect an aperture of a building and/or a closure means associated with the aperture from floodwater has a barrier housing (40), which is removably fixable to at least a portion of the periphery of the aperture. The banner housing (40) includes a channel (44) into which a barrier member (10) can slide, forming a seal. A resilient layer (61) is included between the barrier housing (40) and the barrier member (10). The resilient layer (61) can include one or more splines (62). A compression means (90) can be included to urge the housing (40) and the barrier member (10) together to form a seal. Further sealing material, in the form of a member of strips (70), can be included between adjacent barrier members (10). The strips (70) are attached to the in-use upper surface of a barrier member (10), and engage the in-use lower surface of an adjacent barrier member.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall system used in constructing a structure, the system including a wall segment configured to be lightweight and easily handled manually while constructing the structure, and a securing system configured to secure the wall segment in place on the structure.

Abstract: A method and structure are disclosed for causing water seeping through a crack in a basement wall to be directed behind a tape applied to the wall, such tape having edges bonded to the wall and a hydrophobic coating on the rear side of the tape for repelling water flowing therebehind for quicker drainage.

Abstract: There is disclosed a furring strip system wherein furring strips serve to provide a space to promote drainage and drying between the exterior siding or cladding and the underlying construction. These furring strips may be pre-attached to at least one side of a water resistive barrier (WRB—sometimes referred to as “Housewrap”) Additionally, it has been found that the use of closed cell polyethylene foam furring strips significantly reduces the amount of water penetration and leakage that occurs along the fasteners through the furring strips and the WRB onto the unprotected sheathing therebeneath, i.e. the closed cell foam furring strips provide a “gasketing effect”, and “self-sealing” as the fastener, whether it be a staple or nail, penetrates the closed cell polyethylene foam furring strip. The usefulness of the invention is the same regardless of whether the furring strips are pre-attached to the WRB or are added before or after the WRB has been applied to the building structure.

Abstract: A tubular utility pole for supporting a load, adapted for direct burial of a preselected end thereof in a soil material. The pole includes a body having a substantially constant cross-section substantially along a length thereof. The body includes a steel tube with holes therein to permit attachment of the load to the body.

Abstract: The invention discloses an improved seal for providing protection against water, water vapor, and other vapors from entering into and permeating through a concrete slab. The seal includes three primary functional edges extending from a common junction, a first edge positioned substantially horizontally to be moisture proof fastened to a geo-membrane liner over which a slab is to be poured, a second edge extending downwardly to the first edge to be embedded into a foundation, and a third edge extending upwardly from the first edge to be embedded into the slab. The invention applies to both monolithic and non-monolithic pours.

Abstract: A coating system and method for assisting in the heating or cooling of an underlying structure includes applying a first seamless, elastic solar reflective membrane over the structure, applying a second seamless, elastic thermochromic membrane over the first membrane, and applying a third seamless protective membrane over the second membrane. The second membrane has a color changing material with a clear state above a first transition temperature to permit transmission of solar radiation to the first membrane to reduce structure cooling requirements, and an opaque state below a second transition temperature to absorb radiant energy and reduce structure heating requirements. In addition, a method of detecting defects in a structure includes applying a layer of thermochromic material to the structure, observing a localized area of non-uniform color associated with the thermochromic layer, and ascertaining whether a defect is associated with the localized area.

Abstract: A barrier to fluid passage is embedded within, instead of atop, porous material to retain the durability of the surface of the porous material. In one embodiment, a thin set mortar is applied to a concrete slab. A pleated metal foil is pressed into the wet mortar and a bond is established. The mortar is allowed to set and a top, or finish, section of concrete is then poured over the foil and finished conventionally. Provisions are made for sealing expansion joints in concrete slab floors and at the juncture of floor and wall. The foil may be provided in multiple layers to provide a mechanical bond via mortar oozing through perforations or along pleats in each of the top and bottoms layers, while providing a solid layer through which a fluid will not pass, at least in one direction.

Abstract: A dimpled sheet, with a flat area and a plurality of dimples protruding over the flat area, each having a dimple casing and a dimple cover, wherein contact surfaces for placement of the dimpled sheet against a subsurface are formed on the side of the dimples by the outer sides of the dimple covers. The proportion of the total contact surface of all dimples of the total surface of the dimpled sheet is greater than 35%, with the base surface of the dimpled sheet being formed from the flat area and the base surface of all dimples at the level of the flat area. The dimpled sheet has a protection coefficient (PC) of more than 10.000, whereby the PC is: PC=(CS)2×DH with CS=total contact surface of all dimples in [%] of the total base surface of the dimpled sheet DH=dimple height [min].

Abstract: A stress-optimized structural support which may be utilized as a beam or assembled with similar supports to form a building floor or roof panel or a bridge deck utilizes an open core element, made preferably of suitably treated fluted paper, upper and lower thin skin sheets, preferably steel skins, and a layer of concrete poured over the top skin. Modules comprising the hollow core element and the upper and lower skin sheets are fabricated to lengths required for building floor, roof or bridge spans and, when joined by welding or otherwise joining the upper and lower skin sheets of adjacent elements along their full lengths, provide a floor or roof deck structure of a large span with horizontal stresses distributed omnidirectionally. A post-stressing tensile system redistributes and reduces the load on the roof deck by about one-half.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for securing a building foundation form disposed on a moisture barrier membrane. The method includes the steps of positioning one end of a concrete form stake in a mating structure of a plug, penetrating the moisture barrier membrane with a tip end the plug, and forming a seal between a flange extending around a periphery of the plug and the moisture barrier membrane.

Abstract: A wall system uses panels constituted by a sandwich of two polyolefin sheets and an interior layer of glass fiberboard. Such structural panels are used with a system of steel studs and channels to form walls of high strength and light weight. These walls are particularly suitable for foundations and basements, and exhibits strength, water resistance, and insulating values far in excess of those of conventional foundation walls.

Abstract: A foundation assembly for use with expansive soils. The assembly includes a slab form, such as metal pan, for receiving poured concrete, a structural slab cast into the form, and structural members, e.g., piers, footing pads, and the like, contacting and/or extending into the soil. An elongate support member, e.g., a rectangular concrete beam, is positioned on an upper support surface of the structural members so as to contact a lower surface of the slab form. In this manner, the support member supports the slab form and structural slab and defines a void space between the soil and the slab form without the use of biodegradable materials.

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: The subject invention is a sealing system for a building structure to protect the building foundation from moisture penetration, said system comprising a layer of waterproof lining placed under the foundation and adjacent to the outer walls of the foundation or the basement structure, such lining being basically a covering over and around the foundation to protect the walls and bottom of the foundation from infiltration of moisture and water.

Abstract: A structural foundation assembly for use with expansive and other soils. The foundation includes slab and wall assembly in which foundation walls are poured on an upper surface of a previously poured slab such that the slab supports the walls. The slab is poured in a slab form supported upon a center, elongate support beam that is supported by piers. The height of the piers and beam provide a void between the slab and soil to allow the soil to expand and contract. The wall is attached to the slab with angled connector members in the slab. The foundation includes a dam that has planar members positioned about the periphery of the slab contacting the soil and the slab to block soil from entering the void space. A sump pit is provided exterior to the slab and wall assembly with access provided by a window well in the foundation.

Abstract: Improved flooring is disclosed that is formed by concrete slabs (1) with several parallel ribs (11) on the upper surface, between which there are longitudinal channels (12) connected with a main channel (2) laid transversally, in relation with one of the ends of the concrete slabs (1), and which ends in an outside connection (3). The ribs (11) have a thickened part (13) on the upper edge with an inner hole (15) for the circulation of hot water. Between the thickened parts (13) there are some grooves (15). The flooring is manufactured on site or by means of prefabricated slabs.

Abstract: An integrated moisture/air barrier system that serves to mitigate the penetration of water and air around or through various types of exterior wall building sheathing products such as plywood, OSB, gypsum board, cement board, rigid foam boards and foil-faced composition products. The moisture/air barrier surface is preferably installed as a step in the manufacturing process for certain types of sheathing such as wood or gypsum-based products. However, it may also be installed in-situ in instances where the pre-coated units are not readily available or the factory surface needs to be supplemented at joints or terminations. The material used in forming the moisture barrier is urethane or urethane/silicone that is sprayed, squeegeed, applied by brush or roller and includes additives to aid the coating's workability and retard the growth of mold/fungi.

Abstract: A building levelling system is provided for a building having a basement or foundation supported on expansive soil. A water management system is included for maintaining water in the expansive soil at a level adjacent the foundation to saturate the soil with water and thereby prevent the cyclic shrinking and expanding of the soil when the soil is normally repeatedly dried and wetted, causing damage to the building supported thereon. An injection system may also be included for injecting water into the soil spaced well below the foundation to lift a foundation which has already settled significantly due to shrinkage of expansive soil upon which it is supported. The injection system includes a level sensing mechanism for determining when a level of water in a prescribed area of the expansive soil falls below a reference level of the system and injectors for feeding water into that area.

Abstract: A flood protection barrier for a structure (2) is disclosed. The barrier (22) is adapted to overlie at least a portion of the outer skin of the structure (27) in the region where the structure engages with the ground (12). The barrier (22) comprises at least one impermeable sheet (58) and at least one seal means (26, 28), in which each impermeable sheet (58) is flexible, and at least one seal means (26, 28) is a means adapted to reversibly form a substantially watertight seal between an impermeable sheet (58) and at least one of the structure (2), the ground (12), or an impermeable sheet (58). The impermeable sheet (58) is sufficiently flexible to be elastically deformed by the hydrostatic pressure exerted by water (14) flooding the ground (12) adjacent to the structure to substantially conform with the contours of the structure's skin overlain by the impermeable barrier (22).

Abstract: With attention focused on hinokitiol and the usefulness of a porous particulate matter as a carrier, the present invention provides a residential environment improving material 1 including artificial ceramic particles 11 as a major component and a hinokitiol-containing liquid 12 retained in pores 11a of the artificial ceramic particles 11, and uses the residential environment improving material 1 in various building materials and the like, in order to provide a useful residential environment improving material combining hinokitiol and the porous particulate matter as well as to provide excellent building materials and like materials using the residential environment improving material.

Abstract: A foundation protector for a foundation wall prevents moisture being retained in the foundation wall and also provides drainage for surface water so that water does not rest against the surface of the foundation wall. The foundation protector has a smooth exterior surface so that it remains attached to the foundation if earth subsidence occurs. The foundation protector includes a waterproof dimpled sheet with spaced-apart protrusions and an outer waterproof membrane which covers recesses formed by the protrusions and provides a substantially smooth exterior surface.

Abstract: A drainage mat and mortar blocker system including a panel and polymeric drainage mat which includes protrusions on the front side and indentations on the back side of the mat. A filter fabric is affixed to the side of the mat containing the protrusions. The top portion of the back side of the drainage mat is affixed to the panel and the bottom portion of the mat is folded upward so as to form a U-shape. The U-shape is held in place by connections extending from the back side of the bottom portion of the drainage mat and into the front side of the drainage mat.

Abstract: The flow of radon from the ground into a building is suppressed by placing a plastic film on or under the lowest floor of the building. The plastic film is made of a material having an oxygen diffusivity of less than about 10 cubic centimeters per day.

Abstract: A sub-floor, perimeter, L-shaped water drainage panel for new construction basements having walls and supporting footings for receiving and draining water running down the walls and/or water entering at the wall/footing interface. The plastic drainage panel is molded with a plurality of spaced frustroconical wells on vertical and horizontal sections thereof, to engage the wall and footing, and space the panels therefrom and to be filled with wet concrete composition, when the floor is poured, to support the wall and footing against the basement floor and prevent relative movement therebetween.

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: A waterproof system for draining water away from a building located in ground having a surface above which a portion of the building extends. The building has a footer and at least one wall extending vertically from the footer. The system includes a first drain member located in a first trench provided in the ground outside the building. A membrane including a first portion and a second portion is provided. The first portion forms a liner which lines the first trench to form a trough for capturing water. The second portion is affixed to an outer surface of the wall along at least a portion of a height of said wall and extending toward the footer.

Abstract: An environmental protection and detection system includes a vapor and gas impervious barrier extending beneath at least part of the area of an enclosure to prevent fluids leaked or spilled within the enclosure for flowing downwardly into the underlying soil and ground water and to prevent vapors and gases emanating from sources beneath the enclosure from percolating upwardly into the enclosure. Lengths of perforated pipe are positioned above the barrier and are connected to points outside the enclosure for use in detecting and removing contaminants leaked or spilled within the enclosure. Lengths of perforated pipe are positioned beneath the barrier and are vented to the atmosphere for preventing accumulations of fluids emanating from sources beneath the enclosure.

Abstract: An environmental protection and detection system includes a vapor and gas impervious barrier extending beneath at least part of the area of an enclosure to prevent fluids leaked or spilled within the enclosure for flowing downwardly into the underlying soil and ground water and to prevent vapors and gases emanating from sources beneath the enclosure from percolating upwardly into the enclosure. Lengths of perforated pipe are positioned above the barrier and are connected to points outside the enclosure for use in detecting and removing contaminants leaked or spilled within the enclosure. Lengths of perforated pipe are positioned beneath the barrier and are vented to the atmosphere for preventing accumulations of fluids emanating from sources beneath the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention is method and resulting assembly for applying a flexible liner to the outer surface of a pre-cast concrete walled container to be buried in an earthen excavation.