Abstract: The invention relates to a lightweight concrete building structure using pre-stressed lightweight structural beams 46 with a lightweight floor panel (48) spanning between beams (46). In a particular arrangement, the parking system using building structure (10) may be about less than half the weight than traditional parking building structures. In accordance with one arrangement of the particular embodiment of the invention, the building structure comprises floor structures having one or more structural beams, and one of more lightweight panels for attachment to the structural beam, wherein the floor structure is defined by joining together the one or more lightweight structural beams and the one of more lightweight panels. This particular arrangement is particularly useful because it permits defining a floor structure capable of sustaining relative large loads (such as a multitude of vehicles) using lightweight floor panels.

Abstract: Fabrication of a multi-story building includes fabricating floor plates at or near ground level, and lifting them to a final position on a vertical support core. A method for assembling one of the floor plates assembling a floor plate frame near ground level. Cambers are imparted into framing members based upon expected deflections, and metal decking is installed onto the floor plate frame. A plurality of permanent support points for the floor plate are determined, wherein the floor plate is attachable to the vertical support core at the permanent support points. First pedestals are installed between ground level and the floor plate frame proximal to the permanent support points for the floor plate. Hardenable material is dispersed onto the metal decking of the floor plate frame while the floor plate frame is lifted at the permanent support points.

Abstract: A floor plate for a building having a vertical support core is described, and includes first and second girders arranged in parallel and slidably disposed on opposed sides of the vertical support core. Each of the first and second girders includes a vertically-oriented web portion and a flange portion. The floor plate also includes a plurality of framing members, wherein each of the framing members includes a medial beam attached to first and second cantilevered beams. The medial beams are disposed between the first and second girders. The first and second cantilevered beams are threaded through apertures of the first and second girders and joined to the respective medial beam, and define first and second cambers. The first and second cambers are selected to achieve a flat horizontal surface on an upper surface of the floor plate when the floor plate is fixedly attached to the vertical support core.

Abstract: A pre-stressed concrete bridge using longitudinal load members of a single continuous beam including at least two types of concrete, one of which is ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) mix with a compressive strength exceeding 137.9 Mpa (20 ksi) and tensile strength exceeding 10.34 Mpa (1.5 ksi) in a region proximate to the support structure.

Abstract: A removable modular slab for use in the construction industry includes upper, lower, and first and second opposing end surfaces, and a conduit extending from the upper surface to an end surface. The slab is abuttable with a second removable modular slab, having: (i) a conduit extending from the upper surface to an end surface, and/or (ii) a cavity extending from an end surface into the slab, whereby the conduits mate to form an elongate conduit through the two slabs. By access through apertures in each slab, a first joining structure is removably locatable to join the two slabs. Cavities may terminate within the second slab and only be accessible through the upper surface of the first slab. A modular surface system includes two such slabs and a joining structure to join the two slabs together.

Abstract: An upper structure for a bridge includes a coping placed on the top end of a pier, and a girder held by the coping, wherein a side surface of the coping and an end surface of the girder are configured as inclined surfaces (or vertical surfaces), wherein a shear key protrudes on one of the inclined surfaces (or vertical surfaces), and a shear key slot is formed in another one of the inclined surfaces (or vertical surfaces) so as to be engaged with the shear key. The present disclosure can reduce the construction cost, can realize improved structural efficiency of the bridge upper structure, can realize an easy installation of the girders, can easily combine the girders with the coping without plastering or fixing with mortar by site work, and can efficiently resist to a shear stress that may be generated in the bridge.

Abstract: Wooden member to be easily joined to another member, with good appearance of decreased size fixation structure for tensile member to improve the load bearing performance. Metal screw members including cylindrical shaft portions having an axial direction through hole and blade spirally protruding from the shaft portion are axially threaded into wooden member at two locations. Groove or hollow hole is between the two screw members, and steel rod extends from the through hole of one of the screw members through the groove or hollow hole into the through hole of the other. Both ends of the steel rod with tensioning force are locked to the screw member by nuts. Cutout recesses are formed in the wooden member, and the screw members are threaded into the wooden member through the recesses and the steel rod is locked to the screw members.

Abstract: Provided are segments of a spliced prestressed concrete girder, which have improved structural integrity at joints, and a method of manufacturing the segments. The method of manufacturing the segments, which are combined to build the spliced prestressed concrete girder, includes: manufacturing one or more joint blocks, each having a first end that has a shear key and is to be spliced to an end of an adjacent segment and having a second end that is bonded to a segment body of the segment; and manufacturing the segment body by using the one or more joint blocks as one or more ends of a formwork in which the segment body is to be made and by casting and curing concrete in the formwork, wherein the one or more joint blocks are fixedly bonded to one or more ends of the segment body in the manufacturing of the segment body.

Abstract: A composite floor panel includes a concrete floor deck having a side portion and an edge member secured to the side portion. The edge member is configured to be positioned in proximity to an adjacent edge member. The adjacent edge member is coupled to an adjacent concrete floor deck. The edge member is further configured to have a junction formed between the edge member and the adjacent edge member to define a channel. The edge member is further configured to have a binder material placed in the channel to form a joint between the concrete floor deck and the adjacent concrete floor deck.

Abstract: A method is provided for reinforcing concreted plates in the region of support elements with reinforcement elements, which are each composed of a longitudinally stable, bendable, strap-like base body with two loops. A bore is made in the concreted plate for each reinforcement element. The end region of the bore remote from the pressure-side surface of the concreted plate is drilled out and the one loop of the reinforcement element is pressed together and is led through the bore until this loop has reached the drilled-out hole and expands. The bore is filled with a mortar-type mass. The other loop of the reinforcement element is fixed with an anchor head, which supports itself on the pressure-side surface of the concreted plate.

Abstract: A deck pan assembly for receiving and supporting concrete that is utilized as a floor system in a building. The deck pan assembly comprises a plurality of deck pans with each deck pan including a bottom and an upturned edge. The deck pans are disposed in side-by-side relationship and spaced such that the turned up edges of two deck pans lie adjacent each other and form a connecting structure that permits the two deck pans to be connected together. Further the assembly includes an elongated stiffening connector extending along the connecting structure and at least partially covering the turned up edges that form the connecting structure. The elongated stiffening connector includes a pair of spaced apart sides, and the connecting structure, formed by the upturned edges of two deck pans, is inserted between the spaced apart sides such that the spaced apart sides extend downwardly adjacent outer surfaces of the connecting structure.

Abstract: There is provided a strand that can reduce the trouble in constructing an object to which compression force is applied by the strand and that can keep the construction cost down. A strand 1 is placed in a bore hole provided in a wall or roof surface, and is gripped by a wedge in a tensioned state so as to apply a tensile force to the wall or roof surface. The strand 1 of the present invention includes a pipe-shaped member (corrugated tube 11) made of metal, and a plurality of metal wires 12 arranged on the outer periphery of the corrugated tube 11. The metal wires 12 are arranged to surround the corrugated tube 11 on the cross section of the corrugated tube 11.

Abstract: A modular steel-framed construction mold apparatus comprised of a plurality of contiguous foundation, cavity wall and roof deck void spaces defined and formed by assemblies of interlocking encasement panels and connectors integrally attached to a structural steel grillage for accepting, containing, and shaping wet concrete fill, a method for forming, casting, and encasing monolithic composite concrete and steel buildings and structures in situ using said mold apparatus, and a permanently encased monolithic composite concrete and steel structure constructed by employing the foregoing modular mold apparatus and method of concrete construction. The structural steel grillage supports the encasement assemblies before and during the casting process, becoming fully embedded within the cast concrete, and provides tensile strength complementing the compressive strength of concrete fill.

Abstract: Provided is a hollow prestressed concrete girder for forming an I-type prestressed concrete girder bridge, in which at least one hole is formed in a body portion of the I-type prestressed concrete girder.

Abstract: A system for stiffening members such as joists, beams, trusses, and other like supporting members, the system affected by pre-tensioning. The system is offered in a plurality of embodiments for various applications provided little or no clearance below members. A corner brace embodiment is also provided.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete ceiling is characterized by a combination of the following features: a concrete slab (1) the thickness (D) of which falls short of the total thickness of the reinforced concrete ceiling, and intersecting ribs (2) which are each connected with an end region (3) to the concrete slab (1) in a force-transmitting manner and project freely upwards from the concrete slab (1), i.e., without being integrated in a further supporting surface structure, wherein their top end regions (4) are designed to absorb compressive and/or tensile forces and wherein the ribs (2) are connected to each other in a frictional manner at the respective intersection points (9), and their regions lying in each case between the top and bottom end regions (3,4) have at least one aperture (6).

Abstract: Provided are segments of a spliced prestressed concrete girder, which have improved structural integrity at joints, and a method of manufacturing the segments. The method of manufacturing the segments, which are combined to build the spliced prestressed concrete girder, includes: manufacturing one or more joint blocks, each having a first end that has a shear key and is to be spliced to an end of an adjacent segment and having a second end that is bonded to a segment body of the segment; and manufacturing the segment body by using the one or more joint blocks as one or more ends of a formwork in which the segment body is to be made and by casting and curing concrete in the formwork, wherein the one or more joint blocks are fixedly bonded to one or more ends of the segment body in the manufacturing of the segment body.

Abstract: A tower module, tower module structures and related methods are provided for use in construction support structures. The tower module includes vertical support members, and horizontal members rigidly attached between the vertical members to provide a box-like structure. The box-like structure has a top end portion and a bottom end portion. The top end portion includes a first portion of a connection interface, and the bottom end portion includes a second portion of a connecting interface. The top portion of a first tower module is adapted to receive and connect to the bottom portion of a second tower module for forming a column.

Abstract: A floor structure comprises a plurality of steel beams 4 arranged in parallel, each steel beam 4 including a web, an upper flange disposed at an upper end of the web, and a lower flange disposed at a lower end of the web, a floor surface being formed on the upper flange 2. The floor structure further includes displacement preventing spacers interposed between the upper flanges and/or lower flanges of the adjacent steel beams. Each displacement preventing spacer includes a load receiving part which is brought into engagement with the adjacent upper flanges and/or lower flanges to receive an active load incurred by the individual steel beams 4 so as to inhibit the steel beams 4 from displacing downward.

Abstract: A floor structure comprises a plurality of steel beams 4 arranged in parallel, each steel beam 4 including a web, an upper flange disposed at an upper end of the web, and a lower flange disposed at a lower end of the web, a floor surface being formed on the upper flange 2. The floor structure further includes a displacement preventing spacer interposed between the upper flanges and/or lower flanges of the adjacent steel beams. The displacement preventing spacer includes a load receiving part which is brought into engagement with the adjacent upper flanges and/or lower flanges to receive an active load incurred by the individual steel beams 4 so as to inhibit the steel beams 4 from displacing downward.

Abstract: A mat assembly particularly suited for heavy equipment transit and support, such as roadway construction and the like. The mat assembly is made up of a number of structural members preferably having a “double I-beam” cross-sectional shape. Each I-beam has spaced apart flanges with edges preferably formed in tongue and groove profiles. When butted together, the tongue and grooves of adjacent I-beams mesh. Filler blocks are disposed in the cavities between the webs of the I-beams. Tension members extending through the webs and filler blocks tie multiple I-beams together to form the mat assembly. Preferably, both the I-beams and filler blocks are formed of a plastic material, via extrusion or other molding methods. The resulting mat is capable of bearing very high loads yet is decay resistant.

Abstract: A column to structure attachment device and method is disclosed for securing a support column between a base structure and a beam structural member. The device includes a structural column having a first end and a second end with a void parallel to a longitudinal axis of the column such that the void forms a communication therethrough between the first end and second end. Also included is a first end adapter element that engages the column first end and a second end adapter element that engages the column second end. In addition, an element is provided for maintaining compressive loading on the column between the first end adapter element and the second end second adapter element and is operational to maintain the compressive loading under all anticipated external loading conditions acting upon the column to structure attachment device through the base structure and the beam structural member.

Abstract: An expansive filler joint includes: a securing hollow body (1) embedded in a jointing end (3, 3) of forming concrete (K) or concrete segmental products (K?, K?), the securing hollow body (1) made of a rigid material and having a closure means (2) disposed at a plurality of side ends of the securing hollow body (1), an expansive filler (4) filling the securing hollow body (1), and reinforcing bars (5, 5) inserted into the securing hollow body through the closure means (2) and opposed to each other, wherein the opposed reinforcing bars (5, 5) are secured by prestress and pressure of expansion of the filler (4).

Abstract: A column to structure attachment device and method is disclosed for securing a support column between a base structure and a beam structural member. The device includes a structural column having a first end and a second end with a void parallel to a longitudinal axis of the column such that the void forms a communication therethrough between the first end and second end. Also included is a first end adapter element that engages the column first end and a second end adapter element that engages the column second end. In addition, an element is provided for maintaining compressive loading on the column between the first end adapter element and the second end second adapter element and is operational to maintain the compressive loading under all anticipated external loading conditions acting upon the column to structure attachment device through the base structure and the beam structural member.

Abstract: A one-piece connecting member is provided that bridges or spans a beam disposed between two aligned structural members. A tunnel is formed in the beam to receive a connecting member. The connecting member attaches directly to both of the opposed structural members by means of heavy fasteners without the need of intermediary brackets. The connecting member is formed to provide both compressive and tensile resistance, and can be formed from tube steel.

Abstract: A system and method for securing the wall framing and roof of a building structure against wind. A cable tensioner, located between two uprights of the wall framing and below the top plate, is attached to an anchor secured in the foundation. A cable extends over the first roofing member, under the top plate, over a second roofing member, through the cable tensioner, and over a third roofing member. In another embodiment, a cable tensioner has a vertical sleeve, a hollow tube affixed to the vertical sleeve, a rod extending through the vertical sleeve, and a nut threaded onto the nut for tensioning the cable.

Abstract: A device for connecting a beam to pillars, or similar load-bearing structural elements, for constructing buildings, particularly multi-story buildings, by way of prefabricated concrete components. The device comprises a first connection for connecting the two end regions of the beam to the pillars and a second connection for connecting two intermediate regions of the longitudinal extension of the beam to the pillars. The first connection is constituted by connection elements of the interlocking type and the second connection comprises at least two rigid inclined ties, each of which connects an intermediate region of the beam to a region of the respective pillar which lies at a higher level than the region where the tie is coupled to the beam.

Abstract: The invention concerns fail-safe devices for use in reinforced concrete structures. The device (1) comprises a link (8) of high tensile strength material and first (2) and second (3) end regions. The end regions (2, 3) and the link (8) joining them are formed from a single piece of material. The link (8) is waisted such a portion thereof is of a reduced cross section. The device is designed to yield at a given loading to within close tolerances and enables the design and construction of buildings which will react in a safe way under earthquake conditions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a girder in reinforced concrete that has a flat intrados (11) and a flat or sloping extrados (12), which consists of two symmetrical halves or girders (13, 14) with adjacent parts that meet in a plane mid-way (15), perpendicular to the intrados, and equipped, near the extrados (12), with connecting plates for bolting (16) and, near the intrados (11), with a joint device (17) that has bars which are parallel to the intrados.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for enhancing the load carrying capacity of new or existing, spanning, structural lumber. The device consists of a perforated steel strap, attached at both ends of a spanning structural member by means of standard fasteners such as nails, screws or bolts and running parallel to the long axis of the member either on the bottom or along the side. The strap is then tensioned by means of a central expanding device such as opposed wedges. The tensioning of the strap has the effect of adding tensile strength to the bottom chord of the spanning structural member as well as supporting the center of the member, thereby increasing the load carrying capacity. The device could be attached to new structural lumber before installation to either reduce the size of the member needed for a given span or to increase the spanning capacity for a given size of lumber.

Abstract: A brace for a multi-section manufactured home comprising left and right sections; each section having a beam having an upper end including a lateral flange supporting a floor structure, and a medial side; the floor structures meeting at a mating seam distal from each beam, generally comprises left and right brackets joined by a steel strap, a tensioning bolt for the strap, a vertical post, and a horizontal compression member. Left and right brackets include an outer hook for beam attachment by hooking over the lateral flange of left and right beams respectively. The strap is attached to a take-up bolt on one bracket for adjusting strap tension. The post is supported by the midsection of the strap and supports the left floor structure and the right floor structure across the mating seam.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a double slope beam in vibrated or pre-compressed reinforced concrete, composed of two complementary halves or semi-beams (10) each with a reinforcing framework and with adjoining parts which are destined to be mated together incorporating some steel connecting plates (12, 13) that are anchored in the reinforcing framework by means of tie-rods. The two semi-beams are joined together by bolts at the time of forming the whole beam.

Abstract: A splice chuck having a body with a first end and a second end and a passage extending therethrough, a first collar received within the first end of the body and having a tapered interior, a second collar received within the second end of the body and having a tapered interior, a first wedge received within the tapered interior of the first collar, a second wedge received within the tapered interior of the second collar, a cap member having a surface abutting an end of the first wedge within the passageway of the body, and a resilient member having one end exerting a compressive force onto the second wedge and an opposite end exerting a compressive force onto the cap member. The cap member includes a tubular section having an interior area and an annular section extending radially outwardly from an end of the tubular section. A cover extends over the opposite end of the tubular section. The annular surface contacts an end of the first wedge.

Abstract: The present invention is a prestressing system for wood elements and structures and a method from prestressing wood beams. In its most basic form, the system for prestressing structures comprises a plurality of members arranged in a predetermined configuration, at least one non-metallic prestressing tendon, having a material stiffness less than that of steel, disposed in such a manner as to fasten together the members, and stressing means attached to at least one end of the prestressing tendon to exert a tensile force on the tendon and an equal and opposite compressive force drawing the members together. In the preferred embodiment, the tendons are manufactured from fiber reinforced plastic and the members are arranged in side by side relation to form a deck. The deck includes a series of aligned holes through the members, through which the prestressing tendons pass and are secured and prestressed.