Abstract: The disclosed technology is a system and a method for strengthening one or more joints of a structure having a plurality of structural members forming a vacuous area at each joint. The method includes computing limit load bearing capacity for the structure, at a joint, securing a filler module to the joint, at the vacuous area, the filler module having a plurality of surfaces so that when secured within the vacuous area, some of the surfaces are tangential to the members of the structure at its joint, and one or more of the surfaces are non-tangential to the members of the structure, and applying at least one layer of continuous fiber reinforced polymer wrap about the filler module and the members at the joint. The filler module of the disclosed technology is designed and configured to dissipate energy from a load applied to the structure, and at least doubling the load bearing capacity for the structure, at the joint.

Abstract: A system for applying tension to a component for use in molten metal processing. Preferably, the component includes an outer core and at least one tension rod positioned partially within the outer core. The component is preferably elongated, such as a support post or an impeller shaft. The tension rod applies compression to the outer cover, which makes the outer cover more resistant to breakage if it strikes, or is stricken by, an object.

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: A steel structure including pre-stressing brackets for improving load-carrying capacity and serviceability comprises: a steel girder; a plurality of connecting brackets connected to the bottom surface of the steel girder spaced and apart from one; and a cover plate connected to the bottom surfaces of the connecting brackets. Since the cover plate is installed regardless of the connecting portion of the steel girder, pre-stressing section can be consecutively formed therefore pre-stress effect is improved. Moreover, since the connecting brackets space the cover plate a constant distance from the steel girder, the moment of inertia is increased so the span of a bridge might be increased.

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: The current invention provides a runner for constructing curved surfaces. The runner has at least two sections with each section having at least two layers. The layers used to prepare the sections are substantially identical. However, when assembled to form a section one layer is reversed compared to another layer. Alternatively, each section may be integrally formed. Adjacent sections are pivotal with respect to one another until secured on a desired radius. The runner of the current invention is suitable for constructing curved walls, archways and other curved structures.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a reinforced beam having a bonded tensile reinforcement member includes assembling a tensile reinforcement member to a beam, wherein adhesive is disposed between the tensile reinforcement member and the beam. A load is applied to the tensile reinforcement member to define a pre-tensioned tensile reinforcement member. A force is applied to urge the beam and the pre-tensioned tensile reinforcement member together. The load is released on the pre-tensioned tensile reinforcement member prior to the adhesive becoming cured, allowing longitudinal ends of the tensile reinforcement member to slide relative to the beam at longitudinal ends of the beam, and thereby forming a reinforced beam having a bonded tensile reinforcement member.

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 coupler apparatus for use with concrete segments has a first duct, a first coupler member connected to the first duct, a second duct, a second coupler member connected to the second duct, and a gasket member received in a channel of the connector of the first coupler member and extending outwardly therefrom. The gasket member is in compressive contact with an abutment surface of the second coupler member. The gasket member has a generally U-shaped cross-section with a curved end extending outwardly of an opening of the channel of the first coupler member. The abutment surface is a planar flanged surface extending radially transversely outwardly of the end of the second coupler member.

Abstract: A coupler apparatus for use with concrete segments has a first duct, a first coupler member having a connector and a flexible boot extending therefrom and having an end extending over a surface of said first duct, a second duct, a second coupler member having a connector and a flexible boot extending therefrom and extending over an exterior surface of the second duct, and a gasket received in the connectors of the first and second coupler members for forming a liquid-tight seal between the first and second ducts. Clamps are affixed over the ends of the flexible boot so as to establish a liquid-tight seal with the respective ducts. The connector includes an annular section affixed to an end of the flexible boot and an annular groove formed around this annular section.

Abstract: A truss connector for releasably coupling ends of truss structures in a quick and uniform fashion. The connector connects trusses, end-to-end, by binding to their tubular truss members in spigot fashion with an arbor, traveling nut and expandable collet assembly and by binding to the truss gusset plates in a directly fastened, mated plate assembly.

Abstract: A collapsible structural member has been provided in which substantially identical modules made up of metal or plastic are threaded on a tensioning member such as a cable and are movable relative to each other in the collapsed condition of the beam and are brought together into a condition where adjacent modules are locked together to form a rigid construction when the beam is in its erected operating condition. The beam is changed from its erected condition to its collapsed condition by relaxing the tensioning member or cable.

Abstract: A beam for a shelter that can cover an area (12) that integrates a swimming pool, a terrace, etc., whereby the shelter includes a load-bearing structure that integrates the beam, on which covering elements are supported, characterized in that the beam (14) includes abutting segments (26) as well as at least one connecting element (28) of which a first end is connected to a first segment that is located at a first end of the beam and of which the second end is connected to a second segment that is located at the other end of the beam.

Abstract: An extruded structural beam having a first member comprising rigid webbing interposed between a top flange and bottom flange. The top and bottom flanges of the first member each have a groove formed thereon for receiving a spline to secure screening material. Similarly, a second member having rigid webbing interposed between a top flange and bottom flange have a groove formed on the flanges for receiving a spline to secure screening material. The top and bottom flanges of both the first member and second member each further comprise opposing longitudinal channels for coupling the flanges so that a rectangular structural beam is formed. The outer surfaces of the flanges each further comprise a longitudinal slot so that a plurality of fasteners can be installed, through the longitudinal slots and flanges to secure the first member and second member together.

Abstract: This invention provides a configuration of a joint that allows a satisfactory welded joint to be formed with reduced deformation of the joint region when two-face structures (panels) are friction-welded end to end. The panels 31, 32 each have two substantially parallel plates 33, 34 and a third member 35 connecting the two plates 33, 34. The end portions of the plates 33, 34 of one panel 32 are friction-welded to the end portions of the plates 33, 34 of the other panel 32. At least one of the panels has a plate 36 at its end for connecting the plates 33 and 34 and has a rigidity to support a pressing force produced during the friction welding.

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 system of building concrete homes and apartment buildings. The system creates a structure that is well insulated and that is very practical and economical to build. The system uses standard components such as wall ties, concrete forms, rigid foam insulation, and concrete, all of which are readily available in the market today. The system creates a building that is insulated and thermally broken at its structural connections such that use in temperate and colder climates is possible. Presently concrete construction finds only limited use for the construction of single family and multi-family housing. The system is economical to construct when compared to wood frame housing.

Abstract: A method utilizing a stabilizing jig structure for positioning and supporting the assembly of an elongate structural beam and a beam-end mounting component during weld attachment of that mounting component to an end of the beam. This method includes the steps of (a) applying, through a positionally shiftable first biasing element, a first yieldable biasing force which urges the beam-end mounting component relatively toward the associated beam end, and (b) applying, through a positionally shiftable second biasing element, a second yieldable biasing force which urges the beam-end mounting component relatively toward the first biasing element.

Abstract: Preparation of a weld between a structural I-beam end and a beam-to-column attaching end component wherein no beam flange material is removed to participate in the creation of a weld trough. Instead, the space for a weld trough is created in the end component, and this trough is prepared with enough all-over length to establish run-on and run-off regions for molten weld material, which regions extend laterally outwardly from the opposite transverse ends of a flange. Full-section welds between a beam's flanges and the attaching end component are achieved without the need to use any run-on and run-off tabs, and also without the need to employ any traditionally-used backing bars.

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 torsion- and bending resistant boom formed of beams running the length of the structure, a set of pierced, transverse flanges arrayed along, and substantially perpendicular to, the length of the structure, a continuous longitudinal member running the length of the structure, piercing the flanges, and several further longitudinal members, outward of the first member. The longitudinal members are welded to the flanges. An elevatable mast assembly raises and lowers the boom, and has a mast and guides formed of hollow tubes, and rollers between the guides and the mast, the rollers transferring torque loading to the guides.

Abstract: Face plates 11 and 12 of a hollow shape member 10 are abutted against face plates 21 and 22 of a hollow shape member 20. Grooves 18 formed to said face plates 11 and 12 at the abutted region receive projections 28 formed to said face plates 21 and 22. A connecting plate 14 orthogonal to said face plates 11 and 12 is provided to the hollow shape member 10. There is no connecting plate orthogonal to face plates 21 and 22 disposed on the end of the hollow shape member 20. Friction stir welding heat causes the face plate 21 (22) to move toward the thickness direction of hollow shape members 10 and 20, but such movement is suppressed by the groove 18 and projection 28. Thereby, the abutted region is welded flatly. Since the hollow shape member 20 requires no connecting plate corresponding to plate 14, the welded members are light in weight.

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 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: A hollow frame member is constituted by two face plates 11, 12 (21, 22) joined in a truss shape by ribs. End portions of one of the face plates are positioned in the vicinity of an apex of the truss structure of the hollow frame member. End portions of the other of the face plates have a projection extending toward the end portions of the face plates. The face plates are joined by friction stir welding. Due to the presence of the ribs, the load during the friction stir welding time is easily supported.

Abstract: A continuity tie for providing both tension and compression resistance to externally induced movement of building structural members. A central body member is provided with a plurality of bolt mounting apertures in a staggered pattern and a pair of end plates having a rod aperture. One embodiment employs a tubular central body member having a hollow interior; another embodiment employs a generally U-shaped central portion with flanking flanges. Both embodiments can be mounted to building structural members separated by an intervening building structural member, with the continuity ties being secured together by means of a single rod arranged in the rod apertures in each continuity tie and secured in place by means of nuts. The staggered bolt patterns reduce the probability of mounting all bolts in a defect region of a timber building element. The hollow tube embodiment is symmetric and cannot be installed backwards. The rod aperture may be centered or offset from the central axis of the continuity tie.

Abstract: A reinforced truss includes a pre-existing top chord and a pre-existing bottom chord, a reinforcing top chord, first and second reinforcing chord heel plates, each of the reinforcing chord heel plates having a plate, a reinforcing truss bracket attached to a first end of the plate, at least one slotted aperture disposed on the plate and spaced to approximately match a pre-existing bolt pattern of the pre-existing truss, and a tie rod bracket. The ends of the reinforcing top chord are captured in the reinforcing truss brackets of the reinforcing chord heel plates. A tie rod is connected to the tie rod brackets of the first and second reinforcing chord heel plates. The slotted aperture allows for the tie rod to be adjusted, thereby adjusting the loading on the reinforcing top chord.

Abstract: A number of generally tri-lateral truss components or modules are interconnected with truss fasteners to construct a modular truss. Each tri-lateral member has three elongated chords, which may include first and second side chords and a base chord. Each chord has two opposing ends. A first end of the first chord is connected with a second end of the second chord, while a first end of the second chord is connected with a second end of the third chord, and a first end of the third chord is connected with a second end of the first chord. The three chords thereby define a generally tri-lateral member. A parallel chord truss may be built up of tri-lateral truss components by arranging a series of truss components in alternating upright and upside down orientations with adjacent side chords abutting one another. That is, a first truss component may be oriented in a first, upright position, while adjacent truss components are placed in an inverted, second, or upside down orientation.

Abstract: In a wooden panel element (1) for ceiling structures or for bridge construction there is provided a plurality of boards (25) standing on edge perpendicular to the plane of the panel element (1) and running along the entire length thereof, which boards are joined together by screw fastenings. The individual boards (25) are joined together at least partly by screws (27) driven at an acute angle to the surface thereof, each of these screws (27) passing through two successive boards (25). Also provided close to the upper edge (30) and the lower edge (31) of the boards (25) are screws (28) driven at right angles to the surface (26) of the boards (25).

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 joint for pre-cast concrete twin-leaf arch sections is self-aligning when the two arch sections are initially brought into abutting contact with each other. The joint provides a rigid connection between the twin units and is achieved on site by means of re-inforced cast-in-place concrete. Reinforcement splices for the connection are lap splices, and the joint allows pouring the cast-in-place concrete without the need of formwork. For load distributing purposes, a continuous connection of individual arch rings in the longitudinal direction at the arch crown is possible. An initial abutting contact between the twin units is provided by the joint of the present invention. The contact provided by the joint of the present invention is self-aligning, locking, allows the controlled transmission of the abutting force and allows for a temporary connection. The joint includes mechanical elements for aligning and locking the two arch sections together.

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.