Abstract: A structural reinforced composite construction mat includes a plurality of composite plastic beams that are ganged together to define the mat, with a plurality of flitch plates disposed between at least some of the plastic beams to provide additional strength and rigidity to the mat. The plastic beams may be made of a composite material have a generally rectangular cross-section. The flitch plates have a width (vertical height) when disposed between adjacent beams that is less than the width (vertical height) of the beams, such that the flitch plates may be recessed below and above the top and bottom surfaces of the mat, respectively. A plurality of rods extend in the lateral direction through the beams and plates to compress the beams and plates against each. The flitch plates may be metal or fiber-reinforced resin and may further include slotted holes to allow the beams to retract lengthwise in response to environmental changes.

Abstract: A system for securing modular building units to each other and a method for assembling structures using said method is disclosed. The disclosed system allows for modules to be connected to each other from an external position, without a person having to enter the modules to fasten components internally. The system and method may be used to build structures using prefabricated modules, avoiding significant amounts of onsite labor and drastically reducing the time required to erect structures.

Abstract: An insulated concrete block assembly includes a plurality of blocks is provided and each of the blocks is comprised of a mixture of 60.0 percent Portland cement, 30.0 percent expanded polystyrene foam and 10.0 percent lime. The blocks are stackable on each other to define an exterior wall of a building. A fluid insulation is pourable into each of the voids in each of the blocks when the blocks are stacked, and the fluid insulation is comprised of 70.0 percent polystyrene foam. 25.0 percent Portland cement and 5.0 percent lime. A tensioning cable is provided and a base of the tensioning cable is embedded into a foundation upon which the blocks are stacked. The tensioning cable is tensioned to a pre-determined tension load when the tensioning cable is routed through the voids of the blocks that are stacked.

Abstract: A unibody structural frame for an interlocking structural block, an interlocking structural block, and a system of interlocking structural blocks useful for the manufacture of structures, columns, and beams.

Abstract: A beam and bolting construction method and an example dwelling (10) according to the method are provided. The method involves preliminary steps of selecting a site and determining a bolt array (19) and selection of dimensions and materials. Actual construction steps include forming a foundation slab (14) having vertical bolts (18) embedded therein in accordance with the bolt array (19). Alternating layers of beams (B), having aligned bolt bores (52) for receiving the bolts, are successively laid down over the bolts (18), with sides meeting at corners (29) with alternating sides encompassing the corner bolt. Once a desired height is achieved, washers (72) and nuts (78) are placed on the bolts and are tightened to desired pressure levels. The dwelling (10) is formed with beams (42) compressed together by threaded bolts (18) in a bolt array (19).

Abstract: Beam segments made of a somewhat compressible material may be arranged with the top surface of each beam segment substantially in contact with the bottom surface of a next beam segment between a first beam segment and a last beam segment. A plurality of bolt bores extends between the top and bottom surfaces of each of the beam segments in substantial alignment through each of the beam segments. The bolt bores are spaced apart to receive corresponding bolt segments and tightening fasteners compressed between the first beam segment and the last beam segment. The beam segments may be compressed to form a combined beam structure that forms a building structure unit. The combined beam structure may be joined with other combined beam structures to form walls and floors for a building structure.

Abstract: A deep foundation system having an array of concrete blocks that preferably includes multiple rows of blocks and multiple columns of blocks. Each block preferably has an upper surface, a lower surface and a plurality of side portions. Each side portion can extend from the upper surface to the lower surface. The array of blocks can have an outermost edge or a peripheral portion. A plurality of open ended channels can be provided through the blocks, each channel preferably extending from one side portion to a different side portion. At least two of the channels can be spaced apart and in between a first and a second of the side portions. At least two of the channels can be spaced apart and in between a third and a fourth of the side portions. The tensile cable members preferably extend through multiple channels of multiple of the blocks and to the peripheral or outer edge portion. One or more openings can be provided in each block.

Abstract: A composite ceramic element and method of firing clay or ceramic elements in a roller kiln, comprising the steps of passing a first ceramic element on rollers through the roller kiln, passing a second ceramic element on rollers through the roller kiln, and mating and securing the first and second ceramic elements together after passing each said ceramic element through the roller kiln.

Abstract: A Stackable Reinforced Concrete Post for Various Outdoor Applications includes a concrete pylon base and multiple concrete modules that are stacked vertically.

Abstract: A modularly constructed hospital which consists of stackable modules for patients and which is accessed from the outside by means of a service tower without the access paths and the paths for the patients intersecting with each other.

Abstract: An energy storage system includes a crane and a plurality of blocks, where the crane is operable to move blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation (via stacking of the blocks) to store electrical energy as potential energy of the blocks, and then operable to move blocks from a higher elevation to a lower elevation (via unstacking of the blocks) to generate electricity based on the kinetic energy of the block when lowered (e.g., by gravity). The energy storage system can, for example, store electricity generated from solar power as potential energy in the stacked blocks during daytime hours when solar power is available, and can convert the potential energy in the stacked blocks into electricity during nighttime hours when solar energy is not available, and deliver the converted electricity to the power grid.

Abstract: A structural element for thermal insulation between two building parts, particularly between a building (B) and a projecting external part (A), including an insulating body (2) to be arranged between the two building parts and including reinforcement elements in the form of at least tensile reinforcement elements (3), which in the installed state of the structural element (1) extend through it essentially horizontally and perpendicularly in reference to the essentially horizontal longitudinal extension of the insulating body, and respectively project in the horizontal direction beyond the insulating body and here can be connected to at least one (B) of the two building parts preferably made from concrete, with the tensile reinforcement elements (3) comprising an anchoring element (6, 16, 26, 36) in an area of at least one building part (B) surrounding its radial exterior, with the anchoring element at least including an anchoring bushing (6a, 16a, 26a, 36a) made from a concrete material and a profiling (6b, 1

Abstract: A barrier wall has a first vertical support and a second vertical support. A first wall panel is disposed between the first vertical support and second vertical support. A second wall panel is disposed between the first vertical support and second vertical support over the first wall panel. An I-beam is disposed between the first wall panel and second wall panel. The I-beam includes a first flange and second flange extending into the first wall panel and second wall panel. A cable is disposed between the first wall panel and second wall panel and attached to the first vertical support.

Abstract: Construction materials intended for use as structural elements, such as structural blocks, used in the construction of buildings and civil engineering structures. The blocks can comprise hemp hurd and fibers, flax fiber, hydraulic lime and hydrated lime. In one aspect, the blocks may comprise a body shape configured so as to allow it to interlock with other blocks in the construction of a structure. In another aspect, the blocks may be adapted to incorporate tensioning means. Methods for manufacturing the blocks and structures comprising such materials and methods for building such structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for building a mechanical secured block structure, including placing a footer block on a desired surface, inserting two respective starter bar nuts into the footer block, inverting the footer block, placing a first concrete masonry unit over respective first and second anchor bars, aligning the first concrete masonry unit with the footer block, placing second and third footer blocks adjacent the first footer block, placing a second concrete masonry unit adjacent the first concrete masonry unit, positioning each respective concrete masonry unit to equally straddle two adjacent footer blocks, positioning respective anchor bars atop respective concrete masonry units, and bolting respective concrete masonry units to respective footer blocks to interconnect the two respective concrete masonry units and the three respective footer blocks to define a contiguous wall. Each respective masonry unit and each respective footer block are post tensioned to be under compression.

Abstract: A modular construction block comprises a masonry block shell including first and second opposing side walls, and an intermediate cross-web formed between the side walls. Each of the first and second side walls comprises first and second opposing end edges, a relatively thin wall section extending from the cross-web to the first end edge, and a relatively thick wall section extending from the cross-web to the second end edge. The relatively thick wall section of each side wall tapers from the cross-web toward the second end edge of the side wall.

Abstract: An overhead conveying device for integration in an assembly plant in order to transport components, said overhead conveying device having a supporting framework and a conveying device mounted on the supporting framework. The supporting framework and the conveying device form a conveying corridor, in which the components can be transported in a direction of the conveying corridor from an input point to an output point. The device further includes support columns supporting the support framework. A free space, which is suitable for component assembly and/or component transport and which can be walked and/or driven through, is formed beneath the supporting framework. The supporting framework is formed from at least two supporting framework modules arranged one after another in the direction of the conveying corridor.

Abstract: A pure wooden laminated board and an aluminum-wood composite laminated board device with application of the pure wooden laminated board, having a plurality of pure wooden boards, a first pure wooden side board, a second pure wooden side board, and a plurality of screws and nuts. Each of the pure wooden boards has a laminating side. The laminating sides are each provided with an expansion joint and a plurality of screw holes, and adhesive is applied to the laminating sides; each of the pure wooden boards is aligned and laminated to form into an integrated pure wooden laminated board assembly. The screws are engaged with the respective screw holes of each of the pure wooden boards, and the screws are fastened by the nuts; each of the pure wooden side boards is provided on the respective laminating sides at two sides of the pure wooden laminated board assembly.

Abstract: A peripheral stabilizing system for elevated flooring surfaces that is configured to resist uplift forces acting against the elevated flooring surface thereby reducing the likelihood of dislodged surface tiles and the like. Broadly, the disclosed system includes a support structure disposed over a fixed surface (e.g., roof deck or the like), a plurality of surface tiles appropriately laid over the support structure, and one or more restraint apparatuses (e.g., support ledgers) that are positionable adjacent the outer periphery of the flooring surface. Each restraint apparatus includes a mounting portion that is securable to a wall (e.g., parapet) and a restraint portion positionable over a portion of the elevated flooring surface adjacent the outer periphery for restricting movement of the flooring surface in a direction away from the fixed surface.

Abstract: A precast segment suitable for block-stacking concept is disclosed. The precast segment includes a first surface, an opposite second surface, plural through holes, and plural male-female connecting sets. The through holes extend from the first surface and toward the second surface to communicate between the first surface and the second surface. Each male-female connecting set includes a shear key and a joint hole, wherein the shear key protrudes from one of the first surface and the second surface to serve as a male connecting unit, and the joint hole is formed in the other of the first surface and the second surface to serve as a female connecting unit. Accordingly, the precast segments can be block-stacked by mortise-and-tenon joints to construct a bridge pier system. Compared to the conventional construction methodology, the present invention can enhance the efficiency of segment fabrication and avoid high prestress force.

Abstract: A modular construction block comprises a masonry block shell including first and second opposing side walls, and an intermediate cross-web formed between the side walls. Each of the first and second side walls comprises first and second opposing end edges, a relatively thin wall section extending from the cross-web to the first end edge, and a relatively thick wall section extending from the cross-web to the second end edge. The relatively thick wall section of each side wall tapers from the cross-web toward the second end edge of the side wall.

Abstract: An array of resilient floor tiles is assembled into a continuous sheet after being laid down. An array of included, sacrificial resistive wires is buried along the edges of the tiles and is controllably heated in order to cause welding of the edges of tiles across the paths of the wires to neighboring tiles. Subsequently the wires may be used to give the array integral tensile strength. The welded array is provided with greater strength for resisting use, expansive and contractile forces caused by environmental heat and cold and also long-term tile contraction owing to loss of plasticizer as may be seen with PVC-based tiles.

Abstract: A shelter for protecting occupants from the effects of high velocity winds and explosive blasts includes a steel framework mountable on a foundation. The steel framework includes a floor structure and a roof structure spaced apart by vertical columns. Each of the floor structure and the wall structure includes panels mounted on joists wherein each panel includes a sheet of non-combustible material laminated to a metallic sheet. Each panel is mounted to the joists with the metallic sheet adjacent to the joists. The shelter further includes walls that include vertical studs secured to the floor structure and the roof structure. Outer wall panels are secured to outer surfaces of the studs. Each outer wall panel includes a sheet of non-combustible material laminated to a metallic sheet. Each outer wall panel is mounted with the metallic sheet adjacent to the vertical stud.

Abstract: A precast stackable tower shaft wall stair unit and method having four structurally interconnected opposing walls forming a peripherally defined body defining a medial channel extending therethrough. A locking recess is defined in one corner portion at adjacent interconnected walls, and a mating locking protuberance is carried at a diametrically and vertically opposite corner portion allowing units to be stacked upon one another forming a continuous medial channel extending therethrough. A lower landing, an upper landing and a flight of stairs extending between a lower landing and an upper landing are carried on a wall in the medial channel extending from the lower edge to an upper edge. Stacking of adjacent to units simultaneously forms a medial channel extending therethrough and a continuous stairway therein.

Abstract: A method for the continuous production of panel elements for the production of composite shuttering elements, of which each panel element has a shuttering panel of predetermined geometry with predetermined length. The shuttering panel is provided with fastening devices and reinforcement elements. According to the method a plurality of standard panels are lined-up abutting along their longitudinal edges against each other and being joined and glued together with the application of a pressing force. A panel band is created from the glued-together standard panels. Individual longitudinal portions are successively separated from the panel band, resulting in individual panels. The individual panels are successively cut to form the respectively individually predetermined geometries of the respective shuttering panel and are then successively provided with the fastening devices and then with the reinforcement elements.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns to rooms or buildings constructed by raising walls using prefabricated blocks made of Portland cement mortar reinforced with steel fibers. The prefabricated blocks are stable without requiring a mortar mixture, or any additional internal or external structural support for the construction of the walls.

Abstract: A masonry unit for constructing built structures includes a rectangular shaped base having a front edge and a rear edge. The front edge and the rear edge each include a recess formed therein configured for disposal of a vertically disposed reinforcing material. A pair of spaced apart sidewalls extends perpendicularly from the base and along a length of the base. The sidewalls and the base together define a cavity configured for disposal of a fill material. A pair of spaced apart bridges is supported on the base configured for disposal of lengths of a horizontally disposed reinforcing material. The bridges extend transversely between the sidewalls and each have a height less than a height of the sidewalls. The base defines a hole therethrough disposed adjacent one bridge of the pair of spaced apart bridges.

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: A system and method for forming a wall is disclosed. In some embodiments, the wall comprises blocks having internal couplers configured for use with rods which can be inserted through and which are configured to securely lock blocks together. In some embodiments, the rods which are inserted into internal couplers may be threaded or have another locking features such that the blocks in a wall can be securely fastened together.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel wall or ceiling paneling or flooring manufactured from curved cask staves used in the aging of liquors, including wine and whiskey, having a desirable patina that emits a scent having a bouquet associated with the bouquet of the fermented liquor that was aged in the cask, as well as a method to manufacture the paneling or flooring that includes the steps of first straightening the curved staves, and then scrapping a portion of the stained surface layer of the stave to remove any splintering that may have occurred during the stave straightening process. The straightened, scraped stave is affixed to a wall or predetermined sub flooring surface with the stained surface layer remaining exposed for viewing or foot traffic and to permit the release of the wine, whiskey or other spirit bouquet into the room.

Abstract: An improved mechanically secured block building system generally for concrete masonry structures comprising a masonry block unit with a height and width essentially one-half the length of the unit, with multiple cavities through the block and with a recessed channel; an anchor bar with a plurality of threaded and non-threaded apertures in a special configuration to match the cavities in the block unit and able to lay in the recessed channel of the block; and a fastener wherein the mechanical secured block building system can be assembled in unique ways due to a cube effect of the masonry block to construct multiple width walls, grade beams, and horizontal decks. An alternative embodiment includes the preferred mechanical secured block building system further comprised of (d) a footer block and (e) a footer plate.

Abstract: An improved, high strength construction system that uses post tensioning. It is comprised of a series of interconnected, super heavy duty hollow core blocks 102 with minimal ducts 103, a series of tendons 105, and a plurality of anchors or plates 104 with additional features. The system 101 is configured with the plurality of adjacent blocks 102 contiguous and touching one another and demountably coupled to each other by means of the tendons 105 and anchors 103. The unique features include a strong, durable full plate 104 and bolt 105 both of which may be treated for corrosion resistance. This new coupling results in a structure that is far stronger than an ordinary block structure built with mortar and standard reinforcing. The SYSTEM has more predictable and controlled strength which is stronger than most reinforced concrete systems.

Abstract: A pre-stressed concrete storage apparatus includes a plurality of panels secured together to form a hollow interior space for storing items. An outer door panel is selectively moveable for restricting access to the interior of the apparatus. A secondary metal door and cage assembly is located behind the primary outer door panel for further restricting access to the interior of the storage apparatus. A pulley system is provided for mechanically lifting and lowering the outer door panel.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a wall is disclosed. In some embodiments, the wall comprises blocks having internal couplers configured for use with rods which can be inserted through and which are configured to securely lock blocks together. In some embodiments, the rods which are inserted into internal couplers may be threaded or have another locking features such that the blocks in a wall can be securely fastened together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a set of building elements comprising a first type of element (1, 1?) provided with connecting members on four faces and designed to be stacked and butted together with at least one other element of the same type. The invention also comprises: at least one second type of element (24) designed to be attached to a flat surface and to form a base for receiving the first-type elements (1, 1?), and a third type of element (42) formed by cables capable of removably connecting the first-type elements (1, 1?) to the second-type elements (24) under tension. Each cable (42) is inserted into a space defined between at least two walls of at least one element (1, 1?) of the first type.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing and using modular building blocks. The blocks may include two walls, a course, end conditions, a reinforcing assembly, and vertical and lateral retaining members. The walls may include lateral supports disposed lengthwise on a top and a bottom surface. Lateral retainer members may be disposed into the lateral supports. The walls may also include channels extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. Vertical retainer members may be disposed into the channels. The course may be disposed between and coupled to the walls and characterized by one or more turns. The reinforcing assembly may be set inside the walls and the course. The reinforcing assembly may include wire mesh portions disposed to form interlocks, where the interlocks provide structural support for the channels. The modular building blocks may be coupled together with structurally complimentary end conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel modular building system exhibiting superior strength to withstand seismic activity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a block building system for building a wall structure that includes a plurality of pre-formed blocks configured to be stacked vertically upon one another to form the wall structure. Each block has at least one frustum-shaped protrusion on a top surface of the block, a horizontal channel formed in a bottom surface of the block, and at least one aperture extending vertically through an interior of the block. The system also has at least one base track, a plurality of T-shaped reinforcement members configured to engage with and extend upwardly from the track, a plurality of extension members that interlock with and extend T-shaped reinforcement members, and securing members. One or more courses of blocks can be vertically stacked over the base track by passing the T-shaped reinforcement members and/or extension members through the apertures formed in the blocks, thereby forming the wall structure.

Abstract: Interlocking construction blocks are provided, having a tongue and groove configuration, attachable together by pressing the tongue of one block into a groove of another block. Multiple blocks may be adapted to be interlocked together forming a structure, such as a wall. Blocks comprise first and second opposing sidewalls integrally connected together by first and second pairs of opposing connecting walls. The first and second sidewalls comprise a lower portion integrally connected to an upper portion. The lower portion comprises a pair of opposing lower portion sidewalls integrally connected to a pair of opposing lower end walls. The upper portion comprises a planar top surface, a pair of opposing upper portion sidewalls and a pair of opposing upper portion end walls integrally connected via upper portion angular walls. The upper portion sidewalls, upper portion end walls and upper angular walls may have a beveled or tapered surface.

Abstract: A matting system comprised of an assembly of discrete, individual small mat segments connected by pre-tensioned cable elements. The mat segments are configured to displace at the connecting surfaces of the mat segments at a predetermined load. The pre-tensioned cable elements holding the mat segments together are elastic through a reasonable displacement range so that the mat segments of the matting system will reassemble after the applied load is removed.

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: An array of resilient floor tiles is assembled into a continuous sheet after being laid down. An array of included, sacrificial resistive wires is buried along the edges of the tiles and is controllably heated in order to cause welding of the edges of tiles across the paths of the wires to neighboring tiles. Subsequently the wires may be used to give the array integral tensile strength. The welded array is provided with greater strength for resisting use, expansive and contractile forces caused by environmental heat and cold and also long-term tile contraction owing to loss of plasticiser as may be seen with PVC-based tiles.

Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites having a web section disposed along a horizontal axis and at least one flange section disposed along a horizontal axis parallel thereto and integrally molded to engage the top or bottom surface of the web section, wherein said composite is formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, poly-styrene, or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: A unitary, composite wall foundation and floor slab structure and system is provided by a pre-stressed cast concrete structure having a wall foundation region, a floor slab region and a transitional region therebetween and strands passing through all of those regions. One or more such structures are also post-tensioned using cables passing through tube embedded in the cast concrete structure and, when a plurality of such structures are employed in a modular manner, such post-tensioning draws all such modules into a larger unitary composite wall foundation and floor slab structure. The transition region may be further reinforced by angular reinforcing elements. Intermediate and end sections of varied shape may be used to complete the structure.

Abstract: A prestressed, strong foam glass tile for use in construction. The prestressed, strong foam glass tiles of the present invention are capable of withstanding relatively large prestressing as a result of their relatively high compression strength. These prestressed, foam glass tiles will absorb and/or withstand more energy from an explosion, withstand higher heat and wind loading and other mechanical forces than traditional foam glass tiles. The foam glass tile of the present invention is strong enough that it can be prestressed over 1000 psi (lb./sq. in.), and more preferably over 2,000, 3,000, 4,000 and even more preferably over 5,000 psi. The prestressed, strong foam glass tiles of the present invention may be included as part of a prestressed assembly. Said prestressed assembly may be comprised of two metal members, one or more prestressed foam glass tiles, and a tension member such as a tension bolt and/or wires.

Abstract: A prestressed, strong foam glass tile for use in construction. The prestressed, strong foam glass tiles of the present invention are capable of withstanding relatively large prestressing as a result of their relatively high compression strength. These prestressed, foam glass tiles will absorb and/or withstand more energy from an explosion, withstand higher heat and wind loading and other mechanical forces than traditional foam glass tiles. The foam glass tile of the present invention is strong enough that it can be prestressed over 1000 psi (lb./sq. in.), and more preferably over 2,000, 3,000, 4,000 and even more preferably over 5,000 psi. The prestressed, strong foam glass tiles of the present invention may be included as part of a prestressed assembly. Said prestressed assembly may be comprised of two metal members, one or more prestressed foam glass tiles, and a tension member such as a tension bolt and/or wires.

Abstract: A device is provided for joining pre-cast concrete sections, the device including a cable loop, wherein the cable sections forming bent portions of the cable loop have elements for keeping the cable sections in a bent-over position, the elements are cable cores which lie within the cable sections of the cable loop and which are plastically deformable.

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 pre-stressed concrete storage apparatus includes a plurality of panels secured together to form a hollow interior space for storing items. An outer door panel is selectively movable for restricting access to the interior of the apparatus. A secondary metal door and cage assembly is located behind the primary outer door panel for further restricting access to the interior of the storage apparatus. A pulley system is provided for mechanically lifting and lowering the outer door panel.

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.