Abstract: An apparatus for use in forming a deck includes a platform having alternating elevated and depressed sections defining a plurality of troughs for receiving a hardenable fill material such as concrete, and at least one elongate cover segment positioned on a terminal edge of the platform. The cover segment includes a first side that covers the terminal edge of the platform, a second side angled in relation to the first side, and a plurality of outwardly extending flanges positioned on the first side such that the flanges contact the elevated sections. The flanges sit on top of the elevated sections, and the second side of the cover piece is positioned underneath the depressed sections. The cover segment is maintained on the platform by frictional engagement of the flanges and the elevated section and frictional engagement of the second side of the cover segment with the depressed sections.

Abstract: A pre-cast concrete wall system that incorporates a truss ledge for positioning a building floor system at a below-grade location. The truss ledge is defined by a vertical wall formed as a continuation of the exterior wall of the wall panel extending from the footer beam to the upper bond beam and projecting vertically above the upper bond beam to provide a support surface for the building floor members. A floor truss system can be supported on the upper bond beam with the truss ledge forming a concrete below-grade surface externally of the floor trusses. Galvanized steel stud facings incorporating fold-up reinforcing bar supports are used on the interior surface of the vertical wall beams. Insulated access holes are formed through the vertical beams for the passage of wiring and plumbing behind the wall finish to be fastened to the stud facings.

Abstract: An insert type building model, comprising layer members, wall members and accessories such as doors and windows. Said layer members are jointed to one another with joint pieces embedded at jointing portions thereof. Said wall members include plate pieces and switchover pieces connected to each other in an embedment fashion. Said layer members are combined with said plate pieces and said switchover pieces in an embedment fashion.

Abstract: Systems and methods of internally bracing straw bales during construction of a straw bale wall using ladder structures that eliminate the need for external bracing and form a permanent part of the wall's internal structure.

Abstract: A moisture control system for a straw bale core wall in which gravity fed moisture from the bales is collected in a sump at the foundation level and drained away, while an airspace is provided above the bale core to collect and direct away moisture of evaporation.

Abstract: Reinforcing assemblies for use in structural concrete members, as well as reinforced concrete structures, are provided that are uniquely suited to deal with punching shear failure in structural concrete members such as slabs, beams footings and flat foundations. The reinforcing assemblies include a support base, comprising two elongate rebar members disposed substantially parallel to each other, and several shear-resisting rebar elements having two opposing ends and cast, or bent, in hairpin shape on a common plane in generally parallel orientation to each other and secured to the base. The reinforced concrete structures include a concrete member, having a first face and a generally opposed second face, and at least four reinforcing assemblies that are embedded and retained at prescribed locations within the concrete member by their base and by the opposed faces of the concrete member, and which comprise a support base and multiple hairpin-shaped rebar elements secured to the support base.

Abstract: A method of constructing a concrete module having several interconnected walls and defining a portion of a building includes the steps of forming two pitch walls, each pitch wall having a wall upper end angled to match the pitch of the building roof to define an upper peak having a beam receiving notch, having a shorter lateral end and a longer lateral end, and a wall lower end [and an angled upper end], and having a notch at the intersection of the lower lateral end and the angled wall upper end; forming a linking wall having two linking wall lateral ends substantially matching the height of the pitch wall shorter lateral ends; providing a floor form platform having a horizontal platform surface and an upright floor form rail defining a side of the floor form; placing the two pitch walls and the linking wall on a floor form platform; pouring uncured concrete into the floor form; permitting the concrete within the floor form to cure and define a module floor jointed to the pitch walls and the linking wall; co

Abstract: A dock pit for a dock leveler mechanism comprises a pre-cast concrete body including integrally formed side, rear panel and front panels, all forming a continuous perimeter open therethrough to receive the load leveler mechanism. Each side panel has a top edge and the rear panel has a rear edge offset below the of the side panel top edges, whereby a concrete slab poured around the body will abut the rear panel edge with the surface of the concrete slab substantially flush with the top edge of each side panel. The side panels define a recess along their length that is situated between the top edge of the side panel and the rear edge of the rear panel, whereby the concrete slab poured around the pre-cast body will integrate within the recesses on each said side panel. The dock slab can be poured using the pre-cast pit as a form.

Abstract: A fixing arrangement in the edge region of a building element of, for example, concrete, has a close-to-edge anchoring in the building element, and a fiber reinforcement is attached to the building element by a bonded connection, for example by adhesive bonding, in the region of the anchoring. Preferably, the reinforcement extends over an edge onto an edge face of the building element.

Abstract: A load bearing building panel (10) is composed of light weight concrete and reinforcing within the panel body (11) adjacent to the first and second major faces (12, 13). The reinforcing (18, 19) extends in a horizontal direction for most of the width of the panel and in a vertical direction for most of the height. In addition, the reinforcing extends about apertures near the upper and lower faces (16, 17). The apertures a suitable for fasteners to extend there through. A load bearing column is disclosed with top and bottom portions engageable with a structure they are resting upon. A triangular cross-section tubular member extends between and is attached to the top and bottom portions.

Abstract: A system and method for forming concrete structures, using foam panels as forms, supported by vertical tracks with horizontal bridge pieces inserted through the forms. The bridge pieces are in the form of triangular webs with coaxial rings for supporting vertical rebars centrally between opposing forms. The coaxial rings on opposing bridge pieces key together to securely hold the vertical rebars. At the corners of the structure, corner retaining extrusions are used having fins for retaning the foam panels, and having various included angles such as 60°, 75°, 90°, 120°, 135°, 150° or 165°. Specific types of corner tie pieces for square, obtuse or acute corners are used to connect together the corner retaining extrusions at the inner and outer corners of the structure.

Abstract: Site cast or pre-cast columns aligned and braced by pre-cast pre-stressed floor beams are used to erect a concrete skeleton structure for a building. The ends of the horizontal beams are imbedded in the columns at floor levels to stabilize and complete the skeleton. The horizontal beams are pre-stressed and are cast with passages that permit insertion of continuous reinforcing tendons into a network throughout each floor level. The tendons are subsequently post-tensioned so to tie the beams together and to the columns to reinforce the skeleton. Slab drop-forms starting at the roof and progressing floor-by-floor downward allow monolithic post-tensioned floor slabs to be cast to tie the skeleton into a unitary structure. The beams are usually integrated (buried) into each monolithic floor slab, keyed, doweled and bonded with bonding agent at cold joints to become a part of the slab structure.

Abstract: A method for constructing concrete building units comprises forming and pouring a concrete floor on a floor platform, providing interior wall forms on said concrete floor, providing door frames, conduit and piping on said interior wall forms, providing a ceiling form; transporting said floor platform and floor intermediate spaced exterior wall forms, and pouring a concrete mixture in the wall opening intermediate the interior wall forms and the exterior wall forms. A free-flowing concrete mixture for use in relation to the method comprises a combination of cement, sand, water, polystyrene beads, wire fibers and a conditioning concrete additive.

Abstract: A device for surface-treating, coating or producing construction elements in a continuous process has production chambers arranged successively closely adjacent to one another in a direction of transport of the construction elements through the device. Each production chamber has opposed ends with through openings and is connectable to a vacuum source. Each production chamber has a stationary chamber part of reinforced concrete and a detachable chamber part of reinforced concrete connected to the stationary chamber part, wherein the stationary chamber parts have first edge areas and the detachable chamber parts have second edge areas, wherein the first and second edge areas have sealing surfaces sealing the stationary and detachable chamber parts relative to one another. Each production chamber has walls defining a hollow interior, wherein the walls consist of a metallic skin anchored in the stationary and detachable chamber parts, respectively.

Abstract: Systems and methods of internally bracing straw bales during construction of a straw bale wall using ladder structures that eliminate the need for external bracing and form a permanent part of the wall's internal structure.

Abstract: The present invention allows the planner of a multi-storey building project to remove concrete from the critical path of the structure and envelope completion. The system of the present invention accommodates various floor depths, conforms to alternative stud depths and, acts as a compression/tension member for a building during and after construction. The invention relies upon the use of cold-formed metal that is shaped to provide a ring beam which will accommodate the various criteria. A basic shape configuration has been generated to provide the most efficient utilization of materials. Simplifying installation for the many variable conditions that occur in buildings is therefore provided by this modular design, wherein designers and contractors can easily select and use specialized components to meet all design and construction requirements.

Abstract: A seam for ductwork has a male end portion integrally formed at a distal end of a duct wall and a female end portion integrally formed at another distal end of the duct wall. The female end portion includes a first fold and a second fold which define a female groove for accommodating the male portion. A distal end of the second fold is bent transverse to the female groove prior to the male portion being inserted into the female groove.

Abstract: An abutment especially adapted for use with a bridge is provided which incorporates lateral containment elements which prevent undesirable lateral shifting or movement of the bridge during a seismic event. The lateral containment elements are constructed of varying materials, and form an integral part of the bridge abutment. The lateral containment elements are positioned laterally of the bridge sill and in abutting relationship with the lateral ends of the sill. The lateral containment elements may include mechanically stabilized earth, concrete blocks, concrete blocks with micropile tie downs, reinforced concrete blocks with shear keys which extend below ground, or steel piles or beams which are secured in the ground.

Abstract: A concrete building panel has a slab and a plurality of ribs and beams. A series of horizontal holes in the end ribs are spaced at a selected constant spacing such that adjacent panels, may be fastened together through them. In one type of panel, the slab is separated from the ribs to provide an air gap. Connections between holes in two adjacent concrete wall panels are made by a hollow conduit having an abutment at either end to engage the concrete wall panels. Other connections between adjacent panels involve a stitch with legs which extend through holes in the beams. Other connections involve a space made by vertical channels of horizontally adjacent panels. A plate fitted into the space aligns the adjacent panels and may extend upwards to align upper panels. Load bearing horizontal holes through the ribs are reinforced with reinforcing bar in the concrete arranged in generally triangular shapes.

Abstract: An assembly and method for constructing a building having an interior with a loft style or appearance. The assembly and method of present invention discloses a form assembly that is used to form successive levels on the interior of a building that have a loft style or appearance. The form assembly is constructed of a number of pieces of rigid material which may have a roughened or weathered exterior surface that is exposed when the assembly is constructed. The form assembly is then filled with a cast-in-place concrete which sets and provides support for the interior of the building while also creating an interior which has the loft style appearance.

Abstract: A casting tool for forming precast concrete wall sections. A base is disposed generally in a horizontal plane and has an upper surface. A pair of opposing sidewalls are disposed proximate the upper surface. Each of the sidewalls has a first position in which the sidewall is located substantially in a vertical plane. First and second opposing bulkheads are disposed proximate the upper surface, each having a respective first position in which the bulkhead is located substantially in a vertical plane. The bulkheads are arranged to abut the pair of opposing sidewalls so that the inner surfaces of the sidewalls, the bulkheads, and the upper surface of the base define a form for receiving concrete to make the precast concrete wall section. The first bulkhead is configured for movement so as to vary a first dimension of the form, and thus the dimension of the concrete wall section.

Abstract: A method and article of manufacture for building waterproof concrete structures. An integral casing comprised of a rigid plastic shell with an armature attached to its face is covered with concrete. The shell is formed either in the shape of a desired structure or in a generic shape to be used to splice together a larger custom structural shape in a mosaic fashion. The shell acts both as a form to support the wet poured concrete and becomes an integral part of the finished structure to provide waterproofing.

Abstract: A nuclear steam supply containment system employing prefabricated component supports that are surrounded by steel concrete forms and anchored to the floor liner of a nuclear containment. The prefabricated component supports extend through the concrete forms and a reinforce concrete slab cap to a support elevation for the component. A second inner steel concrete form can be employed to form an annular concrete channel through which the supports extend. The center of the inner form can be filled with a sand-like substance, radiation absorber material or concrete grout.

Abstract: A precast concrete slab for forming a deck in a bridge superstructure has a chamfer on forward and trailing edges so that adjacent slabs can mate. The slab is reinforced with bars which protrude laterally from the slab on opposite sides and which, in use, extend over support beams. Selected bars are formed in a castellated shape of which inverted U-shaped portions extend above the surface of the precast concrete slab. Conveniently, the U-shaped portions anchor a concrete topping which is poured over the slabs at a bridge site and also provide locations for hooking a crane used to transport the slab at a site.

Abstract: A composite structural member with a longitudinally extending structural haunch. The composite structural member comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending girders with molded sections disposed thereon. The molded section comprises a molded deck portion having a plurality of longitudinally extending structural haunches extending downwardly therefrom. Each haunch is disposed on a corresponding girder. The haunches are molded around shear connectors attached to the girders. The resulting structure has greater strength properties than a corresponding prior art structure having no haunch, the same deck thickness and substantially the same overall height and girder weight.

Abstract: A composite roof form includes first, second and third upright building walls laterally connected to define an interior building space, wall upper end segments of the at least a first upright building wall, a second upright building wall and a third upright building wall; the interior building space containing a building floor; an abutment beam and a laterally adjacent roof support beam defining a recessed horizontal lip portion facing the second wall, the beam upper segment defining a fourth roof form side wall; and a roof form support structure comprising at least one support leg extending from the building floor upwardly along the opposing wall to substantially the bottom of opposing second wall upper end segment and including a support panel having a panel connected end joined to the support leg and a panel engaging end with a panel upper surface and with a lip portion engaging structure resting on and supported by the lip portion, so that the panel upper surface extends along the bottom of the wall upper

Abstract: A prefabricated room module (1) is provided for use in the construction of a modular building. The room module comprises a floor slab (2) of generally rectangular shape in plan, and load bearing walls (3,4) formed at adjacent sides of the slab and mutually adjoining at a common corner (5). The module has no ceiling slab opposite the floor slab (2) and an open face opposite one of the load bearing walls (4) which constitutes a party wall. Opposite another of the load bearing walls (3) the module may be open or include a further wall (7) which can have an access opening (10) therein for providing service access to a kitchen or bathroom pod (9) installed in a corner of the module. Edges of the floor slab (2) have projecting tongues (11) and fastening means for engaging complementary recesses and fastening means respectively of an adjacent module. The module may have a ceiling slab instead of a floor slab (2).

Abstract: A connector for connecting a horizontal member with at least one vertical member in an interlocking manner includes plastic body in the shape of a cylinder, having one flat side which extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cylinder. A pin projects outwardly near a top end in of the plastic body, in a radial manner. A through hole is provided in the plastic body through which a securing screw can be threaded into at least one vertical member against which the connector is disposed.

Abstract: A system for forming a safe room including a plurality of preformed concrete wall panels and a roof panel. Each panel includes an extension portion and a top beam which together define a shelf. The wall panels are interconnected to define a generally continuous perimeter shelf. The roof panel is positioned within the room perimeter and is set upon and secured to the generally continuous shelf.

Abstract: An improved structural framing system and associated method of construction is disclosed wherein an open web dissymmetric steel beam fabricated having a plurality of trapezoidal openings formed along the web thereof between a narrowed, thickened top flange and a widened bottom flange is horizontally disposed and supported between adjacent vertical columns erected on conventional foundations. The dissymmetric beam is preferably fabricated from a standard rolled, wide flange beam split longitudinally according to a specific cutting pattern to produce substantially identical open web beam sections having a single wide flange. A flat bar plate is then welded along the open web beam section to provide the top flange and thereby produce the dissymmetric beam for use in the present system.

Abstract: The ledger mould assembly is suitable for use with a wall form assembly of the type comprising a pair of spaced-apart parallel foam panels defining therebetween a cavity for the setting of a flowable material for building an insulated wall. The ledger mould is used to receive a hardening flowable material and integrally forming a ledger to the wall. The ledger mould assembly comprises an elongated mould made of foam having a planar front face spanning from top to bottom, a tapered bottom edge and at least one flared recess in the front face, opening outwardly and upwardly from bottom to top. Mounting means are provided for horizontally mounting the mould against either one of the foam panels with the bottom down and the planar front face of the ledger mould in contact with the planar outside face of the foam panel. This set-up allows flowable hardening material to be poured from the top of the mould into the flared recesses to form a ledger once it has hardened.

Abstract: Disclosed are a height-adjustable concrete mold supporting system and a method for constructing concrete floors and concrete walls, by which a concrete building can be easily and precisely constructed with enhanced cost-effectiveness. The system has a bottom bracket detachably disposed on a base member. First and second screw shafts are vertically assembled with the bracket. The first and the second screw shafts are movably inserted into first and second height adjusting tubes. A top mounting board is supported by the first and the second height adjusting tubes. The first and the second height adjusting tubes are fixed to the first and the second screw shafts so as to determine an adjusted space between the bracket and the mounting board.

Abstract: A novel and simple method of making a novel concrete slab structure supported on vertical columns (1) and having high strength against punching shear failure involves: placing stirrup cages (3, 3′) with their open sides downwards directly on top of the bottom reinforcement net (7) in a form; laying, crossed bent bars (8) over the top of the column and running along the bottom reinforcement net (7); laying a top reinforcement net (7′) on top of the stirrup cages (3,3′) and the crossed bent bars (8); pouring concrete into the form to a level above the top reinforcement net (7′).

Abstract: Pre-cast concrete panels bodies for constructions in building industry and a method of construction of structure using the pre-cast panel bodies is disclosed. The pre-cast concrete panels bodies includes pre-cast beams (3) at an upper edge and at least one bore (6) extending longitudinally from one end to the other. The bore is adapted to receive starter bars (16) reinforcement steel bars (19), wires, pipes or concrete. The upper edges of the panel bodies include cornices (4) casted simultaneously with the casting of the panel body. All the pre-cast concrete panels and pre-cast concrete slabs (26) are interlocked together by the introduction of steel bars (28) through links (8) extending from the pre-cast concrete panels, adding wires mesh (38) and top bars (40) on the pre-cast concrete slab and pouring concrete over the steel bars, wire mesh and top bars to provide a sturdy structure.

Abstract: The overflow system comprises:

Abstract: A portable fall-arrest system is designed for convenient attachment and/or removal relative to a concrete beam. The system includes stanchions which are preferably secured to respective anchorages embedded within a reinforced concrete beam. The anchorages may alternatively be used to support other types of personnel safety devices. The preferred embodiment anchorage may be described as a flared coil loop insert having a threaded neck. The loop is disposed inside the concrete beam and the neck extends to the outer surface of the concrete beam. The neck is sized and configured to receive and retain a threaded shaft associated with a safety device. The anchorage provides a convenient and reliable anchor point in a concrete beam without drilling into the beam and/or potentially weakening its structural integrity.

Abstract: A pre-cast concrete form for cast-in-place beams and columns and a method of forming the same. The form includes a form body having a channel through a length thereof and a shear bonding key along the length, the channel being adapted to receive cast-in-place concrete therein to form a beam or column. The shear bonding key is integrally formed in the body and has a grooved portion and a ribbed portion for bonding the cast-in-place concrete to the form body. The form body may further include a reinforcing stirrup tie cast therein and extending into the channel, adapted to secure the form body to an opposed form body. The form body may include a plurality of shear bonding keys and reinforcing stirrup ties spaced apart along the length thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a concrete building panel comprising a slab having top and bottom flanges and side flanges generally defining a box, and a plurality of ribs extending between the top and bottom flanges and being parallel to the side flanges. The panels of the invention can be used to form the walls, floor or roof of a building.

Abstract: A lateral bracing system for one or two story frame structures utilizing a sheet member having a first portion with first and second opposite edges spanning a pair of vertical supports in the structure. The sheet member includes a second portion which imbeds in the concrete foundation or pier. The sheet member may includes flanges to aid in the connection between the sheet member and the separated studs. The sheet member may extend from the foundation of the structure to the first and second stories of the structure to provide shear strength in the structure.

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 pre-cast concrete form for cast-in-place beams and columns and a method of forming the same. The form includes a form body having a channel through a length thereof and a shear bonding key along the length, the channel being adapted to receive cast-in-place concrete therein to form a beam or column. The shear bonding key is integrally formed in the body and has a grooved portion and a ribbed portion for bonding the cast-in-place concrete to the form body. The form body may further include a reinforcing stirrup tie cast therein and extending into the channel, adapted to secure the form body to an opposed form body. The form body may include a plurality of shear bonding keys and reinforcing stirrup ties spaced apart along the length thereof.

Abstract: A precast wall panel has forms for flanges and a lintel embedded in place. Upon erection of the panel over a precast footing having an anchoring trough, this trough, the flanges and lintel may all be cast on-site, with appropriate reinforcing present within the core volumes that are filled with binder.

Abstract: A concrete block is provided for integrated use directly above the footing whereby the block has one unobstructed longitudinally extending single cell half the block depth. The remaining opposing cell is longitudinally unobstructed and horizontally divided, having a solid flat shortened base to provide a third cavity below the remaining cell whereby the third cavity is a downsliding horizontal unobstructed cell the full block length. Each end of the block of the third cavity are open to allow a continuous flow of liquid concrete in which a floor pour can be received into the third cavity which is also the lower remaining half-cell of the block. Wall and floor can be poured separately with end of floor entered directly into sides of lower block cavity. When the concrete hardenes, a non-unified wall and floor results with both conjoined in the same structure above the footing level.

Abstract: A prefabricated building system for constructing a building structure. The prefabricated building system includes a plurality of panels each comprising an outer shell substantially surrounding an inner core. The outer shell comprises a concrete material. The inner core comprises a mixture of a concrete material and particulate foamed polystyrene. A pair of reinforcing meshes are embedded in the outer core so that the inner core is interposed between the reinforcing meshes. Each reinforcing mesh has a plurality of wires arranged in a grid-like fashion forming a plurality of generally square spaces therebetween.

Abstract: A system and method for transiently connecting modular elements of a self movable robot. The self movable robot is known as metamorphosing robots, polymorphic robots, shape changing robots, or morphable structures. The modular elements can act together to build a structure to perform a given task. Each modular robotic module contains a mechanism allowing for communication and transfer of power between adjacent modules, and defining a robot whole to be all the modules in one connected component.

Abstract: A swimming pool deck and pool wall support that includes a unitary shell member defining two vertically extending chambers each filled with concrete. At a first end of the shell member the chambers are connected by a web. The shell member further defines a gap extending from the web to a second end of a shell member and separating the chambers. The support may be utilized as part of a swimming pool deck and pool wall support system. A method of supporting a swimming pool deck and pool wall is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of seismically strengthening a structure having a concrete beam mechanically coupled to a concrete deck. The method comprises forming a continuous, substantially linear bore through the deck and the beam and then attaching the deck to the beam via a threaded fastener. The deck and the beam are compressed between an enlarged head and a nut of the threaded fastener. Additionally, the method comprises placing a fireproof cap on an end of the threaded fastener protruding from the nut.

Abstract: A method for anchoring a specialized structural member having an internal cavity to a foundation to resist uplift forces imposed on the structural member. Structural members having interior cavities with external openings are anchored to foundations by way of an anchor member embedded in the foundation and received and enveloped by the internal cavity. The anchor member is connected to the structural member by a plurality of fasteners. The anchor member is formed to provide multiple point-to-point contact with the structural member.

Abstract: An insulated concrete slab assembly for use over expansive soils. A slab is cast in place by pouring concrete into preshaped insulating forms. The forms remain permanently in place and provide insulation to reduce heat transfer through the slab. The shape of the forms provides strengthening ribs on the slab. The ribs act as beams which allow the slab to bridge or cantilever over expansive soil between foundation walls. The forms are supported during construction by support members or legs which later prevent damage to the slab by eliminating or limiting the forces which can be applied to the slab by expanding soil.

Abstract: A barrier to termites particularly suitable for protecting buildings comprising a mesh made of a material that is resistant to breakdown in the environment of use and is resistant to secretions deposited by termites, such as stainless steel, and is also sufficiently hard to not be attacked by termites, such as having a hardness not less than about Shore D70. The pores of the mesh being dimensioned so the maximum linear dimension in any direction of the pores is less than the maximum linear dimension of the cross-section of the head of the species of termite to be controlled.