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 structural system comprised of prefabricated deck units spaced along longitudinal load-carrying members with tensioned structural elements, typically anchored in longitudinal load-carrying members, which produce longitudinal axial compression in these units. During construction, prefabricated deck units are erected on top of and supported by the longitudinal load-carrying members via leveling devices. Leveling devices permit relative motion between the longitudinal load-carrying members and the prefabricated deck units, except at two ends of a structural unit, where deck connection units are connected to longitudinal members. In the longitudinal direction, each girder line contains more than one girder or girder segment and the girders or girder segments are not continuous during tensioning. The girder support allows the girder or girder segments to move in the longitudinal direction.

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 prefabricated building module made of multiple layers of plastic blocks or hollow plastic forms aligned between upper and lower sheet steel channels which are held together with circular steel bars extending vertically between and connected to the top and bottom channels, through guide conduit orifices in the plastic blocks or the hollow plastic forms.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a plurality of wall members together to define a wall. The apparatus includes a base portion having a stud extending upwardly therefrom, the base portion configured to engage a surface of a first wall member. The apparatus also includes a first securing member sized and shaped to engage with a surface of a second wall member stacked above the first wall member. The apparatus also includes a first coupling member configured to extend through a bore in the first and second wall members. The first coupling member has an elongate rod member having an upper end and a lower end, and a coupler on the lower end of the rod member, the coupler being sized and shaped to receive the stud member therein. The upper end of the rod member is configured to be coupled to the first securing member for biasing the first and second wall members together to inhibit the formation of undesired spaces therebetween.

Abstract: A cable anchor has ball surfaces that permit misalignment between the cable and a stem of the anchor, and a fitting that permits the introduction of a corrosion inhibitor to the interior of the anchor.

Abstract: A structural system comprised of prefabricated deck units spaced along longitudinal load-carrying members which produces longitudinal axial compression in deck units. During construction, prefabricated deck units are erected on top of and supported by the longitudinal load-carrying members via leveling devices, which also permit relative motion between the longitudinal load-carrying members and the prefabricated deck units. Anchor assemblies are affixed to the longitudinal load-carrying members near intermediate supports. Tensioned structural elements are installed in the anchor assemblies between spans and stressed to induce tension in the longitudinal load-carrying members and subsequently produce deck compression.

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: Disclosed is a novel wooden wall or ceiling paneling or flooring manufactured from wine or whiskey cask staves having a desirable patina that emits a scent having a bouquet resembling the wine or whiskey that was aged in the cask, as well as a method to manufacture the wooden paneling or flooring that includes the steps of first straightening the curved cask staves, and then milling the non-stained surface layer of the straightened wine cask staves to a predetermined thickness and hand scrapping or shaving a portion of the stained surface layer of the wine cask stave to remove any splintering that may have occurred during the stave straightening process. The straightened, milled and hand scraped or shaved stave is affixed to a wall or predetermined sub flooring surface with the stained, hand scraped 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: A precast reinforced concrete base mat element, a base mat assembly and method for constructing a base mat assembly from a plurality of the base mat elements are described. The base mat element comprises a concrete body having first and second conduits extending there through in first and second generally perpendicular directions and a liner plate anchored in the concrete body. Preferably the concrete bodies have interlocking surfaces formed there on. A plurality of the base mat elements may be juxtaposed together with the interlocking surfaces interlocking with one another and with the tensile members extending through the first and second tensile conduits and being post-tensioned and anchored about the base mat elements to clamp the base mat elements together. The liner plates may then be welded together to form a generally planar membrane.

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: 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 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 cable anchor has ball surfaces that permit misalignment between the cable and a stem of the anchor, and a fitting that permits the introduction of a corrosion inhibitor to the interior of the anchor.

Abstract: An improved prestressed concrete bridge having internal and external tensioning tendons which follow approximately similar pathways which are not straight.

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: Adjacent precast reinforced concrete modules or members are secured together by a plurality of coupler systems each including a cast metal coupler body embedded in an edge portion of the first concrete member and connected by a coupling member to a reinforcing bar within the first concrete member. The coupler body has an internal cavity with a side opening and an end opening extending to the cavity, and reinforcing wings border the side opening. The second concrete member has another coupling member rigidly connected to an axially aligned reinforcing bar and includes an end portion with a threaded bore. A bolt is inserted into the cavity through the side opening, aligned with the end opening and then threaded into the bore where the bolt is tightened with a wrench extending into the cavity through the side opening. A reusable locating pin may be used to align the concrete members.

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 mortarless masonry structure comprising a plurality of regular masonry blocks and/or bricks connected to each other by a plurality of metal bars and a plurality of standard metal threaded fasteners thereby forming a post tensioned structure. Preferably, the blocks are operatively connected to each other as a structure by simple mechanical tools. Each interconnection results in a unitized post tensioned member that, when interconnected to the adjacent members, forms a comparatively higher strength structure than systems made of mortar and reinforced mortar. The method used to create this structure is a simple, waterless, mortarless interconnection process that is completed by a series of simple individual steps of fastening the blocks and bars into a strong and durable structure. Once connected the structure is strong and durable. If desired, the structure may be disassembled and the components re-used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof, ceiling or wall element (1) made of several successive superposed layers of wooden boards (2; 2a, 2b), where the wooden boards (2; 2a, 2b) of the successive superposed layers lie on top of each other with their broad surfaces (3) facing, and the wooden boards (2; 2a, 2b) of a layer are connected to the wooden boards (2; 2a, 2b) of at least the abutting layer by holding elements (4). A cost effective manufacture with small loss of material can be achieved by the fact that the wooden boards (2; 2a, 2b) on the mutually facing broad surfaces (3) are unplaned, and at least the small surfaces (8) of the wooden boards (2; 2a, 2b), which surfaces form a visible side of the roof, ceiling or wall element (1), are stepped at their edges with an upper and lower notch (9, 10).

Abstract: A structural system comprised of prefabricated deck units spaced along longitudinal load-carrying members with tensioned structural elements, typically anchored in longitudinal load-carrying members, which produce longitudinal axial compression in these units. During construction, prefabricated deck units are erected on top of and supported by the longitudinal load-carrying members via leveling devices. Leveling devices permit relative motion between the longitudinal load-carrying members and the prefabricated deck units, except at two ends of a structural unit, where deck connection units are connected to longitudinal members. In the longitudinal direction, each girder line contains more than one girder or girder segment and the girders or girder segments are not continuous during tensioning. The girder support allows the girder or girder segments to move in the longitudinal direction.

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: A wall structure of an architecture is provided, which comprises an outer wall having resistance against earthquakes and wind and an inner wall relatively inferior in the earthquake-resistance and so forth, so that the outer and inner walls are properly combined to share design loads. The wall structure includes the outer wall (2) of bricklaying structure in which bricks (A˜D) and metal plates (51) are stacked. Fasteners (60,62,63,70) extending through the bolt holes (7) of the bricks are tightened, and the vertically adjacent bricks are integrally connected with each other under prestress of the fasteners. The inner wall (3) is constructed inside of the outer wall, and the shear reinforcement member (10,20) connects the inner and outer walls with each other. The inner wall is constructed by a dry type of construction method, which can support a permanent vertical load such as a roof load.

Abstract: A construction element for heat insulation between two construction parts, in particular between a building part and a protruding exterior part, is provided, and includes an insulating body (2) to be arranged between the two construction parts with reinforcement elements (4, 5, 6) that can cross it and that can be connected to the two construction parts, with at least shear force rods (6) being provided as reinforcement elements. The construction element is here adjusted for the installation in passively energy conserving houses such that the insulating body is provided with a protrusion (3), which includes open recesses (7) for the upper exit sections (6f) of the shear force rods (6) that extend out of the insulating body, and extend in the direction of the supporting building part to the area of the horizontally protruding shear force rod sections (6a) so that it laterally overlaps the bent shear force rod sections (6d) in their entirety.

Abstract: A support mat, such as a mat suitable for supporting heavy construction equipment, includes a plurality of billets fastened together, each of the billets being made of a plurality of individual wood laminations adhesively bonded to each other. The billets comprise a plurality of vertically oriented individual wood laminations. The plurality of individual wood laminations has wide faces oriented parallel to a direction of a load applied to the support mat. Each billet has outboard laminations and the wide faces of the outboard laminations of each billet define a wide face of the billet. An expansion pad is disposed between the wide faces of adjacent billets.

Abstract: A prefabricated storm shelters that can be easily repositioned and assembled while providing safe, secure shelter before, during and after a catastrophic event are described, as well as a method to mfr. them.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for a cement building which may utilize cement floor panels, cement wall panels, cement roof panels, cement joist panels, and cement roof support panel. Although each type of cement panel will vary in construction depending on the function, preferably each panel comprises a synthetic foam core and a cement outer shell. Molds may be utilized at the building site or offsite to create the panels which are then secured together to form the building. Once a panel is raised, it is substantially complete thereby reducing time required to complete the building. Floor panels may comprise an internal cement arch to provide a sturdy panel that provides a sturdy support for loads placed thereon.

Abstract: A basement wall is provided which includes a precast prestressed hollow core concrete panel. The panel has a plurality of horizontally extending voids and a plurality of horizontally extending tension cables. The panel has a lower portion extending below grade. The panel preferably has a layer of wire mesh positioned between the voids and the inner surface or between the voids and the outer surface. An end cap for the panel is also provided. The panel can have an impressed brick pattern on the above-grade outer surface and the panel can have a window opening, a brick ledge and/or a beam pocket.

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 structural assembly has a first set of first elongate structural members alternately spaced apart from a second set of second elongate structural members by locking blocks, the first set defining a first plane and the second set defining a second plane forming an intersection at an angle with the first plane, the structural members and locking blocks defining an assembly of adjoined blocks and structural members at the intersection, and a compressive mechanism spanning the assembly of adjoined blocks and structural members at the intersection. Compressing the adjoined blocks and structural members by the spanning compression mechanism locks the blocks and structural members together in a manner to resist applied forces.

Abstract: An assembly of glass blocks held in a structural frame comprises a plurality of glass blocks, a rectangular structural perimeter frame, a plurality of primary muntins, each said primary muntin comprising an elongate web, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, a plurality of extruded secondary muntins, and a plurality of structural rods inserted through the secondary muntins and extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, such that the primary and secondary muntins form a matrix within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.

Abstract: A system of construction using a mechanical device (20) which applies a force to an assembly of elements having a high resistance in compression in order to build walls, roofs, floors, and beams. The device makes it possible to preserve the integrity of the assembly even when undergoing changes in volumetry. It comprises three parts: a first component, namely a winch (24) applies a force to the assembly at one of its ends. A second component, a thin steel band (22) transmits the force to the assembly over a long distance. A third component, a spring (30) in compression maintains the force applied by the first two components even when there is a change in volumetry. A compressible and impermeable membrane (49) ensures the sealing of the assembly and metal fasteners ensure the stability of the assembly, sideways.

Abstract: A foam core cement construction panel having shear members and lateral rails that form a channel-beam-like structure and novel methods of using the panels to form an integrated roof structure that serves three separate functions: (1) the roof load structure assembly; (2) the roof's exterior waterproof assembly; and (3) the roof's exposed interior ceiling assembly and which can include internal hydronics for added climate control.

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: The invention relates to a pre-assembled plate consisting of armored concrete, especially for the use as a component of a solid roadway for high-speed means of transport. At least two steel rods extending in the longitudinal direction of the pre-assembled plate of armored concrete (10) and protruding over the concrete surface thereof on the front face (17) are provided. The pre-assembled plate (10) is provided with at least one, preferably several, predetermined breaking points (15) which extends crosswise in relation to the steel rods (19). The steel rod (19) is anchored in the area between the front face (17) of the pre-assembled plate (10) and the first predetermined breaking point (1) respectively and is mounted in the direction towards the respective front face (17) in the longitudinal direction thereof in an essentially freely moveable manner.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an apparatus and method of constructing walls of framed block assemblies including both exterior and interior partition walls which are assembled through an interlocking structure having dovetail tongues interlocked with dovetail channels. Includes are a plain wall, a wall with mortar for ornamentation, and a wall applied with straight longitudinal blocks.

Abstract: An assembly of glass blocks held in a structural frame comprises a plurality of glass blocks, a rectangular structural perimeter frame, a plurality of primary muntins, each said primary muntin comprising an elongate web, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, a plurality of extruded secondary muntins, and a plurality of structural rods inserted through the secondary muntins and extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, such that the primary and secondary muntins form a matrix within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.

Abstract: A stilted floor unit comprises comprises a floor plate, having a lower side and four corners, four bearing elements on the lower side of the floor plate at the four corners thereof, respectively fastened to four stilts by holes and fixing elements, and connecting rods, each connecting two of the bearing elements. Thereby load on the floor plate is distributed, so that stability and buckling resistance thereof is enhanced.

Abstract: A plurality of different types of modules are used to form external and internal walls of a building system. Adjacent modules are interlocked by first and second fitting surfaces of respective adjacent modules. First and second adjacent modules are attached using a fastening system which includes a fixing rod and wall fitting unit. A fitting surface of the first adjacent module is fitted with the wall fitting unit and the fixing rod is inserted through the second adjacent module.

Abstract: A lightweight patio block used in the preparation of the ground for the placement of a heavier, real patio block is disclosed. Laying flat on the ground, the top of the lightweight patio block has an opening near each edge (4 openings total) that act as handles. The handles allow the user to easily maneuver the object and manipulate the ground below. Two bubble levels placed at 90 degrees to each other in an opening below the surface allow the levelness of the ground to be checked across both the length and width, at a glance. There is a ruled line near each of two adjacent edges (2 ruled lines total) to help with the positioning of the lightweight patio block and/or other objects relative to the lightweight patio block.

Abstract: A bridge system comprised of prefabricated deck units spaced along longitudinal load-carrying members. Tensioned structural elements are external to a plurality of the prefabricated deck units and produce longitudinal axial compression in these units. The tensioned structural elements can be deviated relative to the horizontal plane of the prefabricated deck units, subsequently enhancing the load-carrying capacity of the longitudinal load-carrying members. Leveling devices that permit relative motion between the longitudinal load-carrying members and the prefabricated deck units are provided. The leveling devices allow for the tensioned structural elements to provide longitudinal compression to the prefabricated deck units independent of the longitudinal load-carrying members.

Abstract: A reusable modular block system includes a lightweight structural block having a top, a bottom, a first block end, a second block end, an insulating core, an inside facing and an outside facing wherein the structural block is configured to create internal vertical and horizontal raceways between adjacent blocks, a gasketing system connected to the structural block along a portion of the periphery of the structural block, and a fastening system within and that extends horizontally and vertically through the insulating core where the structural block, the gasketing system and the fastening system form a single, integral block component.

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: An assembly of glass blocks held in a structural frame comprises a plurality of glass blocks, a rectangular structural perimeter frame, a plurality of primary muntins, each said primary muntin comprising an elongate web, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, a plurality of extruded secondary muntins, and a plurality of structural rods inserted through the secondary muntins and extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, such that the primary and secondary muntins form a matrix within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.

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 first load bearing component is adapted to provide load bearing strength when the modular building block is used in a building panel. A second load bearing component is coupled to the first load bearing component via a first coupling arrangement and is adapted to provide load bearing strength when the modular building block is used in the building panel. A building services component is positioned between the first load bearing component and the second load bearing component for providing a conduit for at least one building service. The first and second load bearing components and the building services component are adapted to be configurable in a plurality of positions relative to the other.

Abstract: An improved box beam bridge and a method of construction are disclosed. The box beam bridge comprises a plurality of box beams for each lane structure of the bridge. Each of these lane structures are separately secured together and post-tensioned by means of a composite material strand. The separate lane structures are then brought together to complete the bridge width, with an interstitial box beam placed between the separate lane structures. Once arranged together, the separate lane structures and integrated interstitial box beam are secured together and post-tensioned by a second composite material strand that runs the entire width of the bridge.

Abstract: This invention relates to a structural cementitious panel (SCP) panel able to resist lateral forces imposed by high wind and earthquake loads in regions where they are required by building codes. These panels may be used for shear walls, flooring or roofing or other locations where shear panels are used in residential or commercial construction. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder reinforced with glass fibers and containing lightweight filler particles. One or more reinforcement members, such as mesh or plate sheets, are bonded to at least one surface of the panel to provide a completed panel that can breathe and has weather resistant characteristics to be capable of sustaining exposure to the elements during construction, without damage.

Abstract: A post tensioned wall includes accessible clamping plates at the ends of selected tensioning rods. Each post of a fence section is welded to a corresponding clamping plate to mechanically attach the post to the tensioning rod extending from a footing or foundation and through the wall.