Abstract: The present application discloses a method for fabricating a semiconductor device. The method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a substrate comprising a center area and a peripheral area surrounding the center area, forming a first gate stack on the peripheral area and having a top surface, and forming an active column in the center area and having a top surface at a same vertical level as the top surface of the first gate stack.

Abstract: A belt for suspending and/or driving an elevator system component include one or more metallic cord tension elements extending along a length of the belt, and one or more non-metallic tension elements extending along a length of the belt. Each non-metallic tension element is formed from a non-metallic material. The one or more metallic cord tension elements and the one or more non-metallic tension elements are arrayed laterally across a lateral width of the belt. The belt may be used in an elevator system including a hoistway, a drive machine having a traction sheave coupled thereto, an elevator car movable within the hoistway. The belt is operably connected to the elevator car and interactive with the traction sheave to suspend and/or drive the elevator car along the hoistway.

Abstract: The present invention provides an early warning device and a ductility control method for a prestressed FRP reinforced structure. By setting a tensioning screw, prestressed reinforcement can be converted into non-prestressed reinforcement when tensioning screw failure occurs, and the structure is still in a safe state. This can improve the bearing capacity and ductility of the reinforced structure, while the ductility can be controlled and designed, thereby resolving the problem of easy disconnection and brittle failure between the FRP and anchors, and greatly improving FRP utilization and structural safety.

Abstract: A method and system for forming a post-tensioned concrete slab using a post-tensioning concrete anchor. The system may comprise a connector anchor including a bore that includes a first frustoconical portion, and the connector anchor may be adapted to bear on the post-tensioning concrete anchor. The system may also comprise a coupler comprising a connector and a coupler body that includes a second frustoconical portion that is oriented oppositely to the first frustoconical portion. The connector may have a bore therethrough and may be configured to receive the coupler body and to engage the connector anchor. A pocket-forming cap may releasably engage the post-tensioning concrete anchor; the pocket-forming cap may include a frustoconical wall, a gripping head, and a connector-receiving portion. The method may include using the system to form a second concrete section adjacent to a first concrete section before stressing the first concrete section.

Abstract: A method for attaching a first object to one or more second objects of dissimilar materials, without any bonding material, using a molded attachment block is provided. Anchoring grooves are created and a constrained assembly is positioned at opposing sections on a surface of the first object. A tension is generated in tension bearing members anchored in the anchoring grooves and extended along a length of the constrained assembly. The constrained assembly is constricted between mold side members positioned perpendicular to the mold end members. The tension bearing members are clamped between bolt assemblies. A viscous liquid is poured and cured on the constrained assembly, the tension bearing members, the anchoring grooves, and the bolt assemblies for creating the molded attachment block with opposing ends of the threaded members of the constrained assembly extending outwardly from the molded attachment block for attachment to second objects without any bonding material.

Abstract: An automatic tensioning system for strengthening a beam, a slab and a column by a pre-stressed FRP plate comprises a tensioning end anchor (1), a fixed end anchor (10), and a tensioning bracket (3) connected to the tensioning end anchor (1). A centre-hole jack (16) is provided in the middle of the tensioning bracket (3), a threaded rod (8) passes through the tensioning bracket (3) and is then connected to the centre-hole jack (16), and an upper toothed nut (13) and a lower toothed nut (19) respectively driven by a driving mechanism are provided on two sides of the tensioning bracket (3) on the threaded rod (8). A binary clip-type fixture (4) is further comprised, an upper surface thereof is provided with a cylinder (6), and a sleeve (7) nested outside the cylinder (6) is connected to the threaded rod (8).

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber reinforced polymer composite having a plurality of layers containing a plurality of fibers. The layers may be configured to maintain predetermined load sharing ratios among the layers at different load levels to produce a gradual load transfer between the different layers during the progressive failure of the composite. The composite is comprised of mono-fibers and the load sharing ratios of the layers have coefficients of variation that are less than 20%.

Abstract: An encapsulated splice chuck may include a splice chuck body and a body encapsulation positioned about an exterior surface of the splice chuck body. The encapsulated splice chuck may also include a first forcing cone threadedly coupled to the splice chuck body, the first forcing cone including a tapered inner surface. In addition, the encapsulated splice chuck may include a first forcing cone encapsulation positioned about an exterior surface of the first forcing cone and a first set of wedges positioned within the first forcing cone. The encapsulated splice chuck may include a second forcing cone mechanically coupled to the splice chuck body, the second forcing cone including a tapered inner surface, and a second forcing cone encapsulation positioned about an exterior surface of the second forcing cone. The encapsulated splice chuck may also include a second set of wedges positioned within the second forcing cone.

Abstract: Provided is a removable ground anchor body using a rotation wherein when a pc strand or a deformed steel bar is rotated, a screw bar is interlock-rotated to raise an operation member and sequentially raise a body and a wedge from the pc strand or the deformed steel bar thereby to release the connection state.

Abstract: A removable ground anchor body uses a spring and includes: a waterproof cap formed with an upward screw groove at an inner lower end; a housing that is coupled to a lower end of the waterproof cap and is formed with an upward locking protrusion therein; a body that is formed with a rotating main spring coupled to a screw groove of the waterproof cap at the top and is formed with a stopper on an outer peripheral edge to be locked to the locking protrusion of the housing; a stopper presser that is installed between the waterproof cap and the body and brings the lower end into close contact with the stopper upper surface of the body; a strand wire wedge; a wedge hold; and a head coupler.

Abstract: A post-tensioned continuous strand hoop reinforcement for concrete foundations is provided. The post-tensioned continuous strand hoop reinforcement compresses the concrete to prevent cracking and significantly reduces foundation deflection and distortion which increases rotational stiffness in anchor caps, spread foundations, and like foundation configurations.

Abstract: A mine ventilation structure is disclosed. The structure comprises a deck including a plurality of elongate sheet metal panels. Each panel is generally of inverted channel shape in transverse cross-section, having a top web and first and second sides extending down from the top web. The panels are connected by tongue-and-groove connections between adjacent sides of adjacent panels. A mine ventilation deck panel of desired construction is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mine ventilation structure is disclosed. The structure comprises a deck including a plurality of elongate sheet metal panels. Each panel is generally of inverted channel shape in transverse cross-section, having a top web and first and second sides extending down from the top web. The panels are connected by tongue-and-groove connections between adjacent sides of adjacent panels. A mine ventilation deck panel of desired construction is also disclosed.

Abstract: A concrete structure member strengthened with prestressed FRP elements includes a concrete structure body and a prestressed FRP element arranged on the former. An epoxy resin overlay surrounding the prestressed FRP element is provided to wrap it up, and a polymer concrete supplemental layer is provided outside the epoxy resin overlay. The concrete structure member can uniformly and effectively transfer the stress from the prestressed FRP element.

Abstract: A wind turbine tower arrangement (10), having: a concrete tower (12) including an upper portion(14) and a base portion (16); a footer (22) beneath the base portion; a plurality of tendons (30), each tendon spanning an entire height of the concrete tower, at least a portion of each tendon arranged external to concrete (42) forming the concrete tower, and each tendon is pre-stressed to provide compressive force to the concrete in the concrete tower; and a plurality of pilings (28). The tendons are secured by the plurality of pilings.

Abstract: A construction structure includes a substrate made of a concrete material and having an external surface, and an external reinforcement attachment. The attachment includes an outwardly facing surface and an inwardly facing surface and has a non-uniform cross-sectional area along the reinforcement attachment. The reinforcement attachment is secured to the substrate with the inwardly facing surface bonded to the external surface of the substrate. The reinforcement attachment has at least first portions and second portions, the two portions are treated such that the first portions have a greater cross-sectional area than the second portions for increasing yield strength of the first portions whereby when the construction structure is under stress the first portions block or reduce spreading of strain sustained by the reinforcement attachment to avoid or at least delay complete detachment of attachment from the substrate.

Abstract: Anchoring devices and systems are disclosed for use with elongated reinforcement members such as FRP, SRP, metallic bars, or cables. Such devices and systems impart a compressive stress into a static structure having the elongated reinforcement member running there through or there along. An anchoring system can include an anchor block that includes a front end surface for contacting the static structure, an axial bore for receiving the elongated reinforcement member, and clamping members that work with fasteners to provide a clamping force. The bore may be tapered and the fasteners optionally provide different clamping levels to reduce the stress on the elongated reinforcement member near the front end surface. The disclosed systems also include pre-stressing devices that can be used with the disclosed anchor systems, and that can place a tensile force on the elongated reinforcement members to also impart a compressive force on the static structure.

Abstract: A method of tensioning concrete is disclosed.

Abstract: Anchoring devices and systems are disclosed for use with elongated reinforcement members such as FRP, SRP, metallic bars, or cables. Such devices and systems impart a compressive stress into a static structure having the elongated reinforcement member running therethrough or therealong. An anchoring system can include an anchor block that includes a front end surface for contacting the static structure, an axial bore for receiving the elongated reinforcement member, and clamping members that, when closed, exert a radial clamping force on a reinforcement member in the axial bore. A tensioning and anchoring system may include one or more tensioners integrally connected to an anchor block. At least one sleeve may be secured to the anchor block and cooperate with a bolt that displaces the anchor block to place a tensile force on the elongated reinforcement member and impart a compressive force on the static structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing arrangement (202) for a building element comprising tension members. The sealing arrangement (202) is arranged to seal off an internal part of the building element. The sealing arrangement (202) comprises: (a) a first pressing element (500) of rigid material; (b) a transition pad (501) of deformable material; (c) a sealing pad (503) of elastic material; and (d) a second pressing element (505; 507) comprising a rigid layer (507) for pressing the transition pad (501) and the sealing pad (503) against the first pressing element (500). The transition pad (501), the sealing pad (503) and the second pressing element (505; 507) are provided with holes for the tension elements to pass through. When operationally in place, the first pressing element (500), the transition pad (501), the sealing pad (503) and the second pressing element (505; 507) are pressed together.

Abstract: Anchoring devices and systems are disclosed for use with elongated reinforcement members such as FRP, SRP, metallic bars, or cables. Such devices and systems impart a compressive stress into a static structure having the elongated reinforcement member running therethrough or therealong. An anchoring system can include an anchor block that includes a front end surface for contacting the static structure, an axial bore for receiving the elongated reinforcement member, and clamping members that, when closed, exert a radial clamping force on a reinforcement member in the axial bore. A tensioning and anchoring system may include one or more tensioners integrally connected to an anchor block. At least one sleeve may be secured to the anchor block and cooperate with a bolt that displaces the anchor block to place a tensile force on the elongated reinforcement member and impart a compressive force on the static structure.

Abstract: Structures with interlocking components include a plurality of interlocking structure sections, each of the interlocking structure sections including at least one tensioning component and a plurality of compression components carried by the at least one tensioning component. The at least one tensioning component secures alternating ones of the plurality of compression components in adjacent ones of the plurality of interlocking structure sections in end-to-end, interlocking compression with each other.

Abstract: A volatile corrosion inhibiting agent is provided for dispersion of a vapor phase corrosion inhibitor in a vapor stream that is passed into a sheath or other casing enclosing a metal bar, cable, or other tension member to protect said tension member from corrosion.

Abstract: A wire tensioner includes a plurality of rods that apply a tensile force to a plurality of wires. A fluid pressure providing means applies fluid pressure to the plurality of rods to apply the tensile force to the plurality of wires. A fluid control means is connected to the fluid providing means and to the plurality of rods to separately control a fluid pressure applied to each of the plurality of rods.

Abstract: An oil tank floating roof device, includes a plurality of connecting bars and a plurality of floating units, which are respectively secured to the plurality of connecting bars by means a plurality of longitudinal and crosswise holding spaces collectively encircling the floating units. A plurality of locking members are fitted on the peripheries of the floating units, and two sides of the connecting bars respectively form at least one joining groove. The joining grooves respectively enable each of the floating units to longitudinally or crosswisely insert therein. The top portions of the connecting bars form at least one pressure resistant reinforcing plate, and the pressure resistant reinforcing plate is fitted with a plurality of locking portions. Bolts are used to respectively correspondingly pass through the locking portions and bolt into the locking members on the longitudinal or crosswise sides of the base of the floating units.

Abstract: Precast wall systems and methods for constructing a high-rise building using the precast wall system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of interconnected precast panels, each having a top end plate, a bottom end plate, a plurality of vertical bars disposed between the end plates and a cementitious material encasing the vertical bars and defining a plurality of sides of the respective panel. A first of the precast panels has a first column member half defining a right side of the first panel, a second of the precast panels has a second column member half defining a left side of the second panel such that, when the right side of the first precast panel and the left side of the second precast panel are disposed horizontally adjacent to each other, the first column member half and the second column member half collectively form a column member.

Abstract: A weight reduced and strength enhanced concrete structure in which at least one tubular reinforcing core is embedded in a solid concrete matrix. Each core is a chain of integrally interconnected hollow tetrahedra. Each tetrahedra has triangular faces connected at common edges and vertices. The planar faces of adjacent tetrahedra are spaced from each other, and concrete fills the spaces. The cores are suspended within the concrete and self-anchored, without anchors at the exterior surface of the structure. With the embedded cores the concrete structure becomes more resistant to compressive, tensile, and bending loads. For even greater strength of the structure, the cores can be tensioned and thereby pre-stress the concrete. Impact or other loads are distributed substantially isotropically, thereby reducing local stresses. These advantages can be achieved with cores that are lighter than the concrete material they displace or rebar they replace.

Abstract: A composite panel comprising an elongated concrete. A plurality of elongated pre-stressed cables pass through the slab, extending from the first end to the second end. Also provided is a support frame including an upper chord and a lower chord, the upper and lower chords generally extending in parallel relation from the first end to the second end of the slab. The upper chord is adjacent the upper side of the slab and the lower chord is adjacent the lower side. A plurality of connection studs extend transversely between the upper chord and the lower chord. A plurality of anchors extend from the support frame to the pre-stressed cables, a covered portion of the anchors being cast in the concrete and an exposed portion of the anchors maintaining the support frame in generally parallel spaced relation from the inner face of the slab.

Abstract: A method of building a structure, the method including the steps of: 1. fabricating a generally longitudinal, non-steel sub-structure of the structure with a cable retainer attached to, or forming part of, the sub-structure and that extends substantially longitudinally therealong; 2. assembling the sub-structure into a structure; 3. inserting a cable into the cable retainer; 4. after step 2, applying a tensile force to the cable relative to the cable retainer; and 5. after step 4, bonding the cable to the cable retainer.

Abstract: The method comprises the following steps for each of the reinforcing bands: a) anchoring a first zone (2a, 3a, 4a) of the reinforcing band onto the construction work and establishing a free portion of the reinforcing band; b) tensioning the reinforcing band (2, 3, 4) by applying traction to a second zone of the reinforcing band located in the free portion, said traction causing an elongation (d2, d3, d4) of and a reactive force (R2, R3, R4) in the reinforcing band, with the free portion of the reinforcing band being free to slide on the construction work as it elongates; and c) mechanically attaching the reinforcing band to itself and/or to the construction work, so as to absorb the reactive force from the reinforcing band within a region of the construction work which can support the reactive force from the reinforcing band.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prestressed slab element (10), in particular a concrete slab element, manufactured according to the in-situ concrete method or prefabricated in a concrete precasting plant which in top view of its surface (11) comprises at least one hollow element region (20) with hollow elements (21) contained therein and at least one support region (30) for supporting or holding the slab element (10) without hollow elements (21), as well as stressing elements (40) for reinforcing the slab element (10), which each are installed through the slab element (10) and form a lattice-shaped structure (50), wherein individual fields (51) of this structure (50) establish a support or hollow element region (20, 30), and laterally adjoining fields (51) of the lattice-shaped structure (50) form at least one longish support strip (60) which joins individual support regions (30) with one another and which is embodied in a reinforced manner, characterized by stressing elements (40), which in a lateral view of the

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new tension link drill floor level connection system for use on a drilling rig, as may be used in subterranean exploration. The present invention provides a tension link assembly for resisting separating forces incurred between sections of the substructure. In particular, the tension link assembly may be located at the drill floor level for resisting the separating forces imparted by “splayed” or wide leg mast structures that tend to separate substructure side boxes from the substructure center section. The present invention may be comprised of a first link element and a second link element with a tension link being connectable over the first and second link elements to resist separation between sections of the substructure. A latch mechanism may be utilized to prevent upward movement of the tension side boxes or center section relative to the drill floor or to one another.

Abstract: The structural cable has several stretched tendons (4). It is diverted in a device comprising a body crossed by conduits (10). Each conduit has a wall to guide one of the tendons along a curved path. The wall of the conduit has a tendon support area (11) directed toward the interior of the curve of the path. This support area presents, in the center portion of the conduit and transverse to the curved path, a section in the shape of a circular arc whose radius is appreciably equal to half the external diameter of the tendon. The central portion of the conduit has a cross-section enlarged outside the support area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fit-together type of precast concrete lining and bridging structural body in which main girders are integrated with deck plates. Precast concrete deck members connected in longitudinal and transverse directions are pre-stressed by pre-stressed members, thereby making it possible to increase load carrying capacity or rigidity of a structure to stably use the structure for a long time. Further, it is possible to support the load applied from the top of a deck structure with a small thickness, and to make the deck structure light. Due to a knockdown type (fit-together type), installation and dismantlement are easy, and reuse is possible, and thus it is possible to provide convenient construction and low production costs.

Abstract: An electronic device enclosure includes a chassis and a cover. The chassis includes a fixing post and defines a receiving space configured to receive a storage device. The cover defines a latching hole. The fixing post is engaged in the latching hole to engage the cover with the chassis and cover the receiving space when no storage device is in the receiving space.

Abstract: A method of building a structure, the method including the steps of: 1. fabricating a generally longitudinal, steel sub-structure of the structure with a cable retainer attached to, or forming part of, the substructure and that extends substantially longitudinally therealong; 2. assembling the sub-structure into a structure; 3. inserting a cable into the cable retainer; 4. after step 2, applying a tensile force to the cable relative to the cable retainer; and 5. after step 4, bonding the cable to the cable retainer.

Abstract: Presented herein is a system for stiffening and strengthening a door, said system comprising a plurality of stoppers each having a channel, wherein said stoppers are affixed to the door; and at least one stiffening rod seated within the channels of said stoppers; and means for shortening the span of said stiffening rod disposed between said stoppers; whereby shortening the span results in straightening the door.

Abstract: Construction elements (21) are disclosed which allows potential weaknesses of a concrete structure (10) caused by recessed parts (20), e.g. media lines, to be nearly or fully eliminated. Said construction elements (21) consist of two anchoring devices (2) and an intermediate draw bar (2). A mounting device (4) is fixedly or removably provided in the area of the draw bar such that the hollow space for running the media lines, for example, is defined. The disclosed construction elements (21) can be integrated in the planning phase and/or shortly before casting the concrete.

Abstract: An anchoring assembly part for a wind turbine tower, which part is in a ring- or ring segment shape and prefabricated from a concrete material, and which has at least one projecting reinforcement element for the connection with a lower tower portion made of a concrete material, and at least one bore for receiving an anchor bolt for the detachable connection with an upper tower portion made of steel, an anchor sleeve with an internal thread for screwing in the anchor bolt being arranged in said bore.

Abstract: A truss reinforcing retrofit kit and method for strengthening an existing roof structure. The kit includes a tensile member, two couplings attached to the ends of the tensile member, and a king post tensioning system. The tensile member is coupled to the ends of the roof structure using the couplings. The king post tensioning system is positioned between the roof structure and the middle of the tensile member. Tension is increased within the tensile member so as to put the tensile member and the king post tensioning system under strain when there is an additional load on the roof structure in addition to a pre-existing dead load. For example, the additional load may be caused by one or more solar panels mounted on the roof structure. Alternatively, the tension might put the tensile member and the king post tensioning system under strain when the roof structure is subject only to the pre-existing dead load.

Abstract: A chair and system for securing, supporting, and connecting cable, having troughs supported on support members for receiving cables. The troughs can each have locks for closing the troughs and securing the cables in place.

Abstract: CO2-sequestering formed building materials are provided. The building materials of the invention include a composition comprising a carbonate/bicarbonate component. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of making and using the CO2-sequestering formed building material.

Abstract: A number of pre-casted elements are stacked vertically to build the tower, while parts of the elements are forming the tower wall. Each element of the tower is fixed on its position and is connected with a tower foundation by a number of assigned post-tensioned cables. These cables are running inside the tower and they are pulled through the tower without embedding in dedicated channels. The post-tensioned-cables are fixed at certain points with the tower wall via damper-means to prevent their oscillation.

Abstract: Terraced structured land joint and assembly system is disclosed, and includes a plurality of ball 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 ball joints by couplers and turnbuckles, defining structured land including planar space frames, horizontal truss members, and vertical truss members. Structural forces are transferred through the ball joints into horizontal and vertical truss members, with resultant loads transferred to the ground.

Abstract: A concrete photovoltaic structure includes an essentially vertical support member constructed, at least in part, of concrete, wherein the essentially vertical support member includes a first portion configured to be received, at least in part, within a footing. The concrete photovoltaic structure further includes a photovoltaic support member constructed, at least in part, of concrete, wherein the photovoltaic support member is configured to be affixed to a second portion of the essentially vertical support member.

Abstract: A column includes a foundation, a plurality of column segments mounted to the foundation and extending upwardly, and a cap mounted to at least one of the plurality of column segments. A yield plate connects adjacent column segments to one another. An elastic strip connects to an exterior surface of at least two of the plurality of column segments and is adapted to permit deformation between the plurality of column segments and also return the plurality of column segments to their original orientation. A banding strip is connected at a junction between adjacent column segments and is adapted to limit the movement of the adjacent column segments at the junction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for building a stress ribbon structure over an opening via incremental launching are disclosed. Temporary support structures are constructed adjacent to a permanent support structure. The stress ribbon structure is constructed in a staging area and in sections that are suspended between the temporary support structures. Anchorage panels at each end of a section engage a blister on the temporary and permanent structures. This arrangement allows completed sections to be launched from the temporary support structure onto and along the permanent support structure. Sections are individually constructed and launched and adjacent sections abut along a lateral edge. Adjacent sections are aligned by adjusting tension in integral support cables and their ends pivot or rotate about the blisters via a bearing system with both rotational flexibility and low friction to support sliding in the direction of launching.

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: Tensioning installation for the frameworks of pre-tensioned architectural elements designed for the two-way pre-tensioning of concrete or mortar plates, or the like, comprising a molding assembly made up of a flat molding plate (3) delimited on the perimeter by adjustably positioning side walls (4). The assembly rests on an oversized support platform (1)on which the molding assembly is surrounded by a perimeter area (10) of support platform (1) proper, in which perimeter area (10) hydraulic tensioning devices (7) are provided, which are integral to support platform (1) and are arranged in juxtaposition forming opposite facing pairs according to rectilinear alignments forming a grid. Said hydraulic tensioning devices (7) are all connected together serially forming a hydraulic circuit (8) which, in turn, is connected to a hydraulic pressure connection point (9).

Abstract: A double sliding door arrangement cooperating with a double-wide door opening formed in an upright wall. A top header beam extends across and defines the upper extremity of the door opening. A pre-tensioning arrangement mounted on and extending lengthwise of the top header beam causes the header beam to be deflected upwardly into a shallow bowed shape. A support track is fixed to and extends lengthwise of the header beam and horizontally for predetermined distances along and rigidly fixed to the wall adjacent right and left sides of the door opening. Right and left slab doors are supported on and vertically suspended downwardly from said track in sidewardly co-planar relationship, and are movable along said track between closed and open positions. The doors in the closed position vertically load and downwardly deflect the header beam, whereby the initial upwardly bowed shape minimizes outward swinging between opposed inner edges of the doors when in the closed position.