Abstract: A riser formed from a plurality of curved cylindrical segments with vertical side edges having mating vertically tapered projections and slots brought into interlocking engagement to pull confronting surfaces together as the tapered elements become increasingly mechanically engaged. The segments are assembled by a sliding engagement of the protruding mating element of one segment into the vertically tapered slot of an adjacent segment. When sufficient segments are joined together horizontally to complete a ring except for a last adjacent pair of vertical side edges, the ring is warped to align the protruding mating element of the last adjacent pair of vertical side edges with an opposite end of the adjacent tapered slot. Thus aligned, the final protruding mating element and tapered slot are then slipped together while un-warping the joined segments forming the remainder of the ring until the top and bottom ends of all the segments are aligned.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foundation-unit structure of a structural object such as a retaining wall installed fixedly on a foundation ground, in which the foundation ground is formed therein with a concavity, a sliding resistive element is placed within the concavity, and at least the front surface side of the sliding resistive element is filled with a grain-sized material so as to form a layer thereof, and an internal frictional angle of the grain-sized material forming the grain-sized material layer is equal to or greater than that of a grain-sized material comprising the ground and supporting the grain-sized material layer, and the grain-sized material layer exerts a reaction force (passive) via the sliding resistive element so as to reinforce a sliding resistance of the structural object mounted on the grain-sized material layer. In this way, a retaining wall excellent in a sliding preventive function is provided.

Abstract: A is provided for constructing a jump pit with a sand area. The form is constructed in sections. Each section has an inside wall and an outside wall. A support member is located between the outside wall and the inside wall. The sections are secured together onsite. Caps are mounted on the support members. The caps include an inclined surface which slops upwardly and away from the sand area forming the inclined surface. A cover over the sand area is supported by the inclined surface. Optionally, a chamber is located adjacent the outside wall. A grate covers the chamber and the grate is supported by a brace. A mat covers the grate. Openings in the grate and in the mat permit sand through them, thrown from the sand area to drop into the chamber.

Abstract: Terraced structured land joint and assembly system is disclosed, and includes a plurality of self-interlocking joints, each providing monolithic anchors for a plurality of compression and tension members. Tension members reside within compression members. Compression/tension members are linked between joints by couplers, defining structured land including planar space frames, horizontal truss members, and vertical truss members. Structural forces are transferred through the joints into horizontal and vertical truss members, with resultant loads transferred to the ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a wale for use in bracing a retaining wall. The wale is comprise of a back wall, a front wall having a channel formed therein, and a plurality of connecting walls connecting the back and front walls to form at least one chamber between the back and front walls. In one embodiment, the wale is of unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes top and bottom walls which form a single chamber between the back and front walls. In an alternative embodiment, the wale is of a unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes a top, upper reinforcing, lower reinforcing, and bottom walls, which form a plurality of chambers between the back and front walls. The wale may by made of a pultruded composite material such as a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) resin impregnated composite. A seawall system using such a waler is also described.

Abstract: Cellular foil (3) is unfolded between the surface of earth base course (1) and the first floor layer (5) during building the subsoil, which cellular foil (3) is poured over with fill (4) from loose material at least up to filling the compartments. A bedding (2) from loose material, optimally from sand, is created under the cellular foil (3). Geotextile (6) may be incorporated to the area under the cellular foil (3). Bedding (2) of lower grain size than that of the fill (4) is preferably used, wherein the fill (4) has optimal grain size of 8 to 63 mm. Compaction is done by at least eight travels of roller of 10 to 11 tons weight, also including vibrations when the height of fills is exceeding 25 cm above the cellular foil (3).

Abstract: A subsurface pest detection and pesticide injection system in combination with a structure having a foundation including a tubular conduit disposed adjacent the foundation of the structure. The tubular conduit has a plurality of pores extending through the sidewall of the tubular conduit. The tubular conduit is constructed of an elastomeric material such that upon applying a negative internal pressure to the tubular conduit the pores of the tubular conduit are caused to open to permit the drawing of gas into the tubular conduit, and upon removal of the negative internal pressure the pores are caused to close so that the pores remain substantially clog free. A means for applying a negative internal pressure is in gas communication with the tubular conduit to cause the pores of the tubular conduit to open and cause gas to be drawn into the tubular conduit.

Abstract: A tunnel barrier (11) adapted to seal a mine tunnel, the tunnel barrier (11) comprising an inflatable bladder having a front wall (14), a rear wall (15) and a side wall (16) and being adapted to be inflated by a suitable gas, wherein the side wall is adapted to contact the tunnel walls, including the roof and floor to thereby seal the tunnel.

Abstract: A residential land development that includes a contiguous area of land, a main road extending into the contiguous area and at least two extension roads accessible from the main road within the contiguous area. A prairie landscaping area is provided within the contiguous area and includes grasses having a height of at least about 18 inches. Habitable buildings are excluded from the prairie landscaping area. A plurality of individual lots are positioned to form a plurality of clusters. Each of the lots are suitable for building a single family dwelling thereon and are accessible from one of the extension roads. Each of the clusters includes a plurality of individual lots positioned in proximity to each other and is spaced from the other clusters by a portion of the prairie landscaping area.

Abstract: A subsurface drainage assembly for directing fluid drainage from a surface. The subsurface drainage assembly includes a plurality of drain structure panels linked together in a manner that permits movement of one drain structure panel relative to the adjacent drain structure panel. The drain structure panels have a laterally extensive backing grid and a plurality of spaced apart support members projecting therefrom. The support members have at least one fluid flow opening formed through a sidewall so as to intersect a lower end of the support members at two rounded corners. The support members are spaced so that the support members are nestable between the support members of an identical drain structure panel when the drain structure panels are arranged in an inverted relationship with respect to one another. The drain structure panel may be placed on an impermeable liner having an upper surface with a plurality of ridges defining troughs therebetween.

Abstract: A striplike body of vegetation which is used to cover roofs with thin layers of vegetation. The inventive body of vegetation is comprised of structural matting arranged on at least one base. The structural matting can be filled with a substrate and germinative plant material, especially seeds, shoots, spores or parts of shoots. The base consists of a feltlike nonwoven material which is only slightly permeable with respect to wind but which has a substantial water storage capacity. According to the invention, the striplike body of vegetation is characterised in that at least the base is permeable with respect to wind as a result of the introduction of holes.

Abstract: A pipe construction kit for a sewer pipeline comprises several pipes made of plastic, which exhibit a circular cross-section. Between in each case two pipes there is to be arranged a shaft base body made of plastic, exhibiting a central connection section. The connection section exhibits a foot having a supporting surface and, diametrically thereto, a connection element for a shaft. On both sides of the connection section there are formed pipe sections for connection with the pipes. The diameter d of the shaft is significantly smaller than the diameter D of the shaft base body.

Abstract: A structure is isolated from a seismic event by inducing soil liquefaction in an isolation layer beneath the structure and soil foundation zone, such as by activating an electro-osmosis gradient toward the isolation layer, during the seismic event, based on detection of movements associated with the seismic event.

Abstract: An open vent plug minimizes blockage within a second hole drilled in a basement wall to minimize back pressure within the wall and insure ventilation through cells within the wall to drive water into a bleeder hole. The open vent port has a hole therethrough that forms an opening joining the cells and atmosphere. The vent port preferably has a screened opening at one or both ends to prevent debris from blocking the second hole, and sidewalls of the open vent port prevent the wall from crumbling into the hole and blocking airflow therethrough.

Abstract: A post mounting assembly includes a rod has an upper end, a lower end and a peripheral surface extending between the upper and lower ends. The rod has an upper portion and a lower portion relative to a central area of the rod. The upper portion includes the upper end. The peripheral surface of the upper portion has a first threading and the peripheral surface of the lower portion has a second threading. The upper end is extended into an aperture extending into a bottom end of a fence post and threadably coupled to the fence post. The lower end is extended into a ground surface.

Abstract: A wale for use in bracing a retaining wall. The wale is comprise of a back wall, a front wall having a channel formed therein, and a plurality connecting walls connecting the back and front walls to form at least one chamber between the back and front walls. In one embodiment, the wale is of unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes top and bottom walls which form a single chamber between the back and front walls. In an alternative embodiment, the wale is of a unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes atop, upper reinforcing, lower reinforcing, and bottom walls, which form a plurality of chambers between the back and front walls. The wale may by made of a pultruded composite material such as a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) resin impregnated composite. A seawall system using such a waler is also described.

Abstract: A subsurface drainage assembly for directing fluid drainage from a surface including a plurality of drain structure panels linked together in a manner that permits movement of one drain structure panel relative to the adjacent drain structure panel. The drain structure panels have a laterally extensive backing grid and a plurality of spaced apart support members projecting therefrom. The support members have at least one fluid flow opening formed through a sidewall so as to intersect a lower end of the support members at two rounded corners. The support members are spaced so that the support members are nestable between the support members of an identical drain structure panel when the drain structure panels are arranged in an inverted relationship with respect to one another. The drain structure panel may be placed on an impermeable liner having an upper surface with a plurality of ridges defining troughs therebetween.

Abstract: A brace for securing concrete form members to a casting surface. First and second leg members are spaced to form an angle. A bridging member extends between opposing ends of the leg members and a strut extends between the joined ends of the leg members and the bridging member. The bridging member and strut form a truss, together with raised ribs along the legs and bridging member. The brace may be molded from plastic as a one-piece structure.

Abstract: A method constructs a concrete building slab by loosening the soil on which the concrete building slab is to be constructed to at least a predetermined loosening depth so as to expand the soil upwards, driving a plurality of piles into the soil in predetermined respective locations to a predetermined founding depth, and subsequently forming a concrete slab on the loose soil to be supported by the piles.

Abstract: A window well cover for a below-grade or basement window is disclosed. A transparent upper structure or portion is designed to cover a below-grade window on an outside of a building or other structure. The upper end of the transparent upper structure extends, or is angled, downwardly from a mounting flange terminating at a lower end. Furthermore, the transparent upper structure has two curved sides, which serve to connect the side ends. Mounting flanges extend outwardly from the two side ends. The window well cover includes a vent portion integrally formed therewith of an air pervious material to allow continuous air exchange through the window well cover. The vented portion may extend the length of, or the entire lower periphery of, the transparent upper structure. The window well cover, which is free of movable parts, allows for continuous airflow through the window well cover while restricting the entry of debris and insects.

Abstract: A modular protection device for underpinning for protecting underpinning from lawn care equipment includes an elongated trough having a first end and a second end. The first and second ends are open. The elongated trough includes a bottom wall, a front wall and a back wall each extending between the first and second ends. The trough has an open top side and defines a channel for selectively receiving a bottom edge of the mobile home underpinning. A foot is attached to and extends outwardly from the front wall. A plurality of troughs is provided. A coupler assembly for selectively couples a pair of the troughs together.

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 construction system includes a building structure, grounds adjacent the building structure, and artificial structures in the grounds. The artificial structures includes a water system with a valve box. The valve box includes a cover. The system also includes means for dissimulating the cover, and for preventing stones and other particles from penetrating and accumulating in the box to adversely affect operation of valves in the box.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a wale for use in bracing a retaining wall. The wale is comprise of a back wall, a front wall having a channel formed therein, and a plurality of connecting walls connecting the back and front walls to form at least one chamber between the back and front walls. In one embodiment, the wale is of unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes top and bottom walls which form a single chamber between the back and front walls. In an alternative embodiment, the wale is of a unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes a top, upper reinforcing, lower reinforcing, and bottom walls, which form a plurality of chambers between the back and front walls. The wale may by made of a pultruded composite material such as a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) resin impregnated composite. A seawall system using such a waler is also described.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, structures and methods which facilitate the display of inventory items. In one exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a system which comprises a plurality of separate stores. An elongate wall separates each of the stores. Additionally, each wall is provided with a doorway, with the doorways of each wall being aligned with each other. An aisle passes through each doorway such that a customer may visualize at least some of the interior of each store while standing in the aisle and looking down the aisle.

Abstract: A fortified adobe-type construction composition includes soil, from about 12 to about 14 parts; water, from about 3 to about 4 parts; flyash, from about 2 to about 4 parts; and cement, from about 1 to about 2 parts. A wall structure includes a frame structure having spaced-apart frame elements and a support structure affixed thereto to form an interior space. A core material resides within the space, and the overlay composition is applied to an exterior surface. A method of constructing a building element includes the steps of erecting a frame structure comprising spaced-apart frame elements and affixing a support structure to the elements to form an interior space. A core material is inserted into the support structure interior space, and the overlay composition is applied to an exterior surface of the support structure.

Abstract: A skirt assembly for use with a certain grade board, the grade board having a bottom margin and two spaced apart side walls and having a width dimension, the skirt assembly comprising includes a skirt having a U-shaped cross section and being formed of a first and a second sidewalls, the sidewalls being spaced apart and connected by a bottom margin, the bottom margin defining an inside dimension that is sufficient to receive the grade board therein, the skirt being formed of a substantially water impervious material, the skirt sidewalls and the skirt bottom forming a substantially water impervious barrier for a portion of the grade board when the grade board is disposed in the skirt. A method of isolating a grade board is also included.

Abstract: A post anchor comprising a holder to receive and hold at least one post; a ground engaging member for driving in a ground surface, said ground engaging member attached to the holder; said ground engaging member including a central web, a first flange and a second flange; said first flange extending away from a first side of the central web and said second flange extending away from a second side of the central web; wherein said central web, first flange and second flange are integrally formed.

Abstract: A moisture barring device (10), forming a general T-shaped profile, designed for diverting air and ground born water away from, and protection of, a wood member (20), which is a beam or joist of an exterior wood structure. Additionally, there is a top (12), forming a longitudinal relatively horizontal strip with two parallel longitudinal edges. The top including a central strip section, extending along the central region of the top and positioned between the two longitudinal top edges. The top also having a pair of wing strips (32), extending along and coupled to either side of the central strip section respectively along a first wing edge, and each wing strip having a second wing edge that is coextensive with the two respective top edges. The top additionally having a drip edge (18), coupled along the respective second wing edge, forming an angle that is sloped downward with respect to the respective wing strip. The moisture barring device further including a pair of side panel strips (14).

Abstract: An impact absorbing surface covering adapted for use with a high impact traffic area is provided. A shock pad of post industrial, recycled closed cell foam is used in conjunction with an impervious wear surface, such as rubber, sprayed polyurethane, or artificial turf, in order to provide a durable, impact absorbent area, which can be easily adapted to varying shapes and sizes in a seamless manner to create an economical and resilient alternative for indoor/outdoor, commercial or recreational use. A method for installing an impact absorbing surface covering is also provided in which shock pads comprised of foam, fabric, and mesh layers are positioned on the ground, cement, or a floor, and are covered by a substantially impervious wear surface, thereby creating a non-purous, impact-absorbent, product with an extended life span.

Abstract: A utility trenching and sidewalk system comprising modular utility sidewalk units which may be assembled together to form a cable trench. The modular units are formed from plastic composite material and include sidewalls, a bottom wall and covers which define a chamber for housing utility cables. A cavity formed in the sidewalls and bottom wall is filled with concrete through apertures in the sidewalls. The covers are removable from the module to provide access to the chamber. The module further includes a recess for receiving a paving material which serves as a sidewalk surface in the installed system.

Abstract: A live recovery storage structure for holding bulk material includes a housing having a side boundary wall with an inverted substantially U-shaped or V-shaped transverse cross section that extends between a first end wall and an opposing second end wall. The housing bounds a chamber adapted to receive bulk such that the bulk material rests against the side boundary wall. An elongated tunnel wall extends within or below the housing, the tunnel wall bounding a tunnel. At least one opening is formed on the housing so as to provide fluid communication with the chamber. A dispenser assembly is mounted on the tunnel wall so as to proved controlled fluid communication between the chamber and the tunnel.

Abstract: A below grade utilities connections vault is disclosed. The vault of the present invention comprises a concrete box with lockable, hinged lid. A floor platform lies at a distance above the bottom of the box such that utilities cables enter the box below the level of the floor. A hinged utilities wiring frame is mounted to the wall opposite the lid hinge such that the frame hinges down into the box when the vault is closed and into a vertical position for making connections. A safety barrier is formed by the lid, the wiring frame, and barrier arms which hinge between them surrounds the vault, when open. A venting system provides egress for gasses and equalization of pressure between the interior and exterior of the vault.

Abstract: A support structure for use with an existing single pole tower and a method for supporting additional loading of the existing pole tower are disclosed. The single pole tower has a pole anchored to an existing foundation and supports a first load. The support structure has a number of sleeves surrounding the pole with a bottom sleeve anchored to a new foundation surrounding the existing foundation. Load transfer plates are disposed between the existing tower and sleeves and load transfer bolts extending through the sleeves are torqued against the load transfer plates for stabilizing the loaded tower. One or more additional loads may be attached to one of the sleeves.

Abstract: A camouflaged structure and a method of camouflaging a structure against a background having a generally uniform composition of hue, saturation and brightness. In one embodiment, the camouflaged structures comprises a cell tower (100) camouflaged to decrease its visual impact when viewed by a viewer against a background sky (122) from an expected vantage point (102) using camouflaging techniques according to various aspects of the present invention. In a first aspect, the camouflage technique of the present invention comprises applying regions of color to one or more components of cell tower, wherein the colors are selected to match the composition (hue, saturation and brightness) of the background sky. In a second aspect, the camouflage technique of the present invention comprises providing one or more components of cell tower with reflectors that reflect light from an ambient sky (124) to a viewer.

Abstract: A tie-down apparatus for building structures, including mobile homes. The structure is constructed with a plurality of structural members including channel members disposed therein. In one embodiment, channel members are formed in both the roof structural members and the sidewall structural members. A tie-down cable is disposed within the channels and the two terminal ends thereof releasably engaged with hooks. The hooks are further attached to ground anchors located within the ground adjacent structural sidewalls. A tensioning mechanism is disposed near one terminal and of each of the tie-down cables for simultaneously applying a tensioning force to the tie-down cables, that in turn directs a downward force on the roof structural members thereby retaining the roof in place during high wind conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reinforcing a ground on which is disposed a loading structure, comprising a series of structural inclusions disposed in the ground and adapted to mechanically reinforce said ground, the inclusions having a diameter D comprised between substantially 0.2 m and 0.6 m, two adjacent inclusions being separated by a distance (A) such as 2D≦A≦10 D, the series of inclusions being made of a material having a Young's modulus of between 500 and 10,000 MPa, a load transmitting layer interposed between the ground and the loading structure, said layer having a Young's modulus less than the Young's modulus of the series of inclusions, a first nominal height between two adjacent inclusions of the series, and a second height less than the first nominal height at locations situated just above the series of inclusions, where the load transmitting layer is plastically compressed by the inclusions which partially penetrate within the load transmitting layer.

Abstract: A fiber architecture in the form of an elongate beam having a hollow polygonal cross section with a plurality of substantially flat exterior sides and a corner between each pair of adjacent exterior sides. The cross section is substantially thicker adjacent each corner. The fiber architecture includes a first fabric layer extending around the beam, a layer of circumferential longitudinal rovings extending around the beam adjacent the outside of the first fabric layer, corner longitudinal rovings coterminous and integral with the outside of the circumferential rovings adjacent each corner, and a second fabric layer extending around the beam adjacent the outside of the corner rovings and adjacent the outside of the circumferential rovings not covered by corner rovings. The fabric architecture may be impregnated with resin to form a composite pole that may be used as a utility pole.

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 foundation stabilization system is disclosed for bracing a manufactured home on its foundation of the type which includes a plurality of vertical piers spaced in longitudinal and lateral directions relative to a longitudinal axis of said home which support the home above the ground, and at least one elongated brace connected between the mobile home and base portion of the pier. The system includes foundation plate having a lower ground contact surface for contacting the ground, and an upper pier support surface on which the pier is supported. Anchor slots are formed in the foundation plates for receiving ground anchors extending through the plates into the ground. The anchor slots including first slot segments extending in the longitudinal direction of the manufactured home when supporting the piers and second slot segments extending in the lateral direction. The first and second slot segments intersecting each other at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A foundation stabilization system is disclosed for bracing a manufactured home on its foundation of the type which includes a plurality of vertical piers spaced in longitudinal and lateral directions relative to a longitudinal axis of said home which support the home above the ground, and at least one elongated brace connected between the mobile home and base portion of the pier. The system includes foundation plate having a lower ground contact surface for contacting the ground, and an upper pier support surface on which the pier is supported. Anchor slots are formed in the foundation plates for receiving ground anchors extending through the plates into the ground. The anchor slots including first slot segments extending in the longitudinal direction of the manufactured home when supporting the piers and second slot segments extending in the lateral direction. The first and second slot segments intersecting each other at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: An improved precast concrete beam element, useful as a continuous bearing structural foundation member supporting wall and floor slab loads in soil, has a unique shape and includes a bearing surface for spreading vertical loads into the soil and a wall section having a height sufficient to place the bearing surface at a specified bearing depth in the soil. Optionally, the precast beam element also includes a formed-in notch to serve as a block ledge to facilitate weathertight wall installation. By integrating both the slab form edge and the wall ledge, the beam element eliminates the need for field forming. The beam element is manufactured offsite in a mold capable of changing dimension to cast elements with differing bearing heights and differing wall thicknesses as soil and loading conditions require.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated service bay used for providing service access to the underside of vehicles. The service bay is fabricated as a single monolithic unit and then positioned in an excavated hole within a service building. The service bay has multiple safety cover grids that are hydraulically activated to enclose the bay's opening when not in use. An access stairway is retractable within the bay during use with a deployable safety handrail that collapses upon stairway retraction.

Abstract: A retaining wall block system having multiple sizes and shapes of blocks with differently dimensioned, interchangeable front and back faces. The blocks are used to construct an irregularly textured wall having a weathered, natural appearance. Multiple channels in the lower face of the block are used to engage pins in pin-receiving apertures to form an attachment system. Horizontal reinforcing members are also used in the channels and vertical reinforcing members are used in cores of adjacent blocks for reinforcing a wall. Reinforcing geosynthetic materials can also be firmly held in a wall by means of the pins or by connectors adapted to fit in the block channels.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable dwelling fabricated from a cargo container is described. The dwelling includes windows and a door in its walls and a plurality of solar panels on the roof. The solar panels collect solar power, which is transferred to storage batteries. The solar panels, storage batteries, and a power inverter make up a self-contained electrical system for the dwelling. The dwelling includes a self-contained sewage and water system including a black water tank, a gray water tank, a potable water storage tank, a toilet, a shower, and a sink. Various electrical appliances, such as an air conditioner, microwave, refrigerator, may be included. Further, a solar powered exhaust fan and a skylight may be included. The dwelling includes International Standards Organization (ISO) locking devices to allow transport on ISO compliant transporting vehicles.

Abstract: A subdivision system providing alternating one-way traffic on all subdivision streets, said system comprising, a plurality of traffic circles, each traffic circle having a traffic lane surrounding the traffic circle, a plurality of development circles, each development circle containing one or more buildings, each development circle having an inner parking lane, and an outer traffic lane, surrounding the development circle, the rotational direction of traffic flow around a traffic circle being opposite to the rotational direction of traffic flow around a development circle, wherein certain parts of the traffic lane of each traffic circle overlap certain parts of the traffic lanes of at least two immediately adjacent development circles, and wherein said certain overlapping parts of the traffic lanes of the traffic circles, and the opposite rotational directions of traffic flow around the traffic circles and around the development circles, provide alternating one-way traffic on all subdivision streets

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 block pad for being disposed between courses of blocks in a segmental retaining wall, the block pad having frictional properties for transferring tensile load from a soil reinforcing geosynthetic to the wall. The block pad further providing cushioning between block courses to minimize block cracking from bearing loads and wall settlement.

Abstract: A safe room for protecting an occupant against tornado and other extremely high winds, where at least one wall member and roof member of the safe room are constructed from at least one metallic-skinned foam panels having an impact-absorbing sheathing attached to at least one side of the metallic-skinned foamed panel as a cladding layer. The safe room also includes at least one securable door, and is further fixedly anchored to a foundation. The safe room using this construction is lightweight yet strong enough to withstand killer tornado and hurricane wind loads and airborne debris impact loads. The safe room can therefore be pre-assembled and shipped to the installation site with only the need to be secured to a foundation. Or, the safe room can be easily assembled at the installation site from a kit. In either case, installation of the safe room is easy, inexpensive, and, apart from the foundation and anchorage thereto, requires no structural additions.

Abstract: An entranceway for a disaster shelter and a disaster shelter. The entranceway include a substantially hollow main manway, a hatch dome ring disposed about, and extending outward from, the open top of the main manway; and a hatch dome cover removably attached to the hatch dome ring such that the hatch dome cover forms a weather resistant seal with the hatch dome ring. The exterior surfaces of the preferred hatch dome ring and hatch dome cover are manufactured of an intumescent laminate material. A substantially hollow emergency escape manway is disposed through the main manway wall to allow an alternate point of egress from the shelter in the event that the hatch dome cover is blocked by debris. The preferred entranceway also includes an air filter and a septic tank, each located exterior to the manway such that each may be accessed by a shelterist within the manway.