Abstract: An apparatus for supporting formwork panels in wall construction comprises a pair of rails for supporting the lower edges of a pair of formwork panels. Spacers fixed to the floor engage the rails to maintain them parallel to one another a predetermined distance apart.

Abstract: To include a lower foundation 30 provided on a ground 7 and an upper foundation 31 provided above the lower foundation 30 with a base isolating device 32 interposed therebetween. The upper foundation 31 includes a bottomed steel-plate form 40, a hull structure 41 arranged in the steel plate form 40, and a concrete part 46 filled in the steel plate form 40. The hull structure 41 is constituted in a lattice shape by a plurality of transverse reinforcing ribs 42 that extend on a bottom steel plate 40a of the steel plate form 40 and a plurality of longitudinal reinforcing ribs 43 that extend on the bottom steel plate 40a of the steel plate form 40 so as to be orthogonal to the transverse reinforcing ribs 42.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated localization steel frame used in lightweight steel building. The localization steel frame comprises steel columns (2), bracing members (1), and localization members (3) connecting the steel columns (2) and bracing members (1) through fixing connectors (7). The localization members (3) are casted in concrete ring beams (4). The steel columns (2), bracing members (1) and the fixing connectors (7) are connected together in pre-determined positions. The localization steel frame has proper structure, and is stressed uniformly and cost effective in construction. It can be assembled simply on site and can improve the construction efficiency. Hence it is more suitable for practical application.

Abstract: Light weight fiber-reinforced polymeric (FRP) structural building panels and panel assemblies, sized and configured for construction of wall structures permanently tied to the ground, optionally tying overlying structure to an underlying footer through such panels and panel assemblies. Footers are fabricated by flowing fluid concrete under segments of the wall while anchors extend down from the wall into the space into which concrete is being flowed.

Abstract: In a foundation for a wind turbine, the foundation has a large number of anchor bolts which are axially placed within the bore hole for mounting a tower flange of the wind turbine. In contrast to the practiced method, the present invention utilizes the fabrication of separate bolt packages, in which the bolts of each bolt package are configured to have an inner arc of bolts and outer arc of bolts, where each bolt in the bolt package is retained, by position retention means, in a fixed position with respect to the position of the other anchor bolts in the pre-assembled package. The present invention describes the position retention means for forming each pre-assembled package and a method of using the position retentions for constructing a foundation for a wind turbine.

Abstract: A modular concrete building is made of a plurality of precast concrete panels which may be assembled to provide a building. The panel sections include lower frame panels or support members, wall panels, floor panels, and roof panels. The building may be assembled by securing the floor panels to the support members, securing the wall panels to the floor panels, and securing the roof panels to the wall panels and to adjacent roof panels. The roof panels are made of precast concrete and include stiffening ribs.

Abstract: A fatigue resistant gravity based spread footing under heavy multi-axial cyclical loading of a wind tower. The foundation having a central vertical pedestal, a substantially horizontal continuous bottom support slab with a stiffened perimeter, a plurality of radial reinforcing ribs extending radially outward from the pedestal. The pedestal, ribs and slab forming a continuous monolithic structure. The foundation having a three-dimensional network of post-tensioning elements that keep the structural elements under heavy multi-axial post compression with a specific eccentricity intended to reduce stress amplitudes and deflections and allows the foundation to have a desirable combination of high stiffness and superior fatigue resistance. The foundation design reduces the weight and volume of materials used, reduces cost, and improves heat dissipation conditions during construction by having a small ratio of concrete mass to surface area thus eliminating the risk of thermal cracking due to heat of hydration.

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 residential building whose majority of components are prefabricated in a factory, includes a foundation supporting a bed, walls erected on the bed, a ceiling supported on the walls and a roof supported on the walls. The foundation is formed of foundation blocks that are cast on-site, in appropriate excavations, and joints by forms of stringers also cast on-site in appropriate excavations. Each foundation block is provided with a vertical pillar prefabricated in a factory, each vertical pillar having a horizontal upper planar face. The upper planer faces of the pillars are arranged along the same horizontal plane, receiving and supporting, at a distance from the ground, the bed of the building. The invention also relates to a method and device used for realizing the wall elements manually or automatically in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement system that is implemented during the preparation of the area when pouring a concrete slab such as, but not limited to, commercial and residential floors, patios and driveways. The system includes digging foundation holes that are selectively disposed around the area being poured. The system further includes positioning steel bars above the ground in the lower twenty-five percent (25%), rather than upper fifty percent (50%) as known in the prior art, of the concrete being poured. In this manner, the poured concrete encapsulates the lattice in the lower twenty-five percent (25%) of the concrete when it hardens. As a result, the system improves and often removes the possibility of any cracks in the concrete and eliminates the need for saw joints. In addition, due to the stability created with the addition of strategically placed foundation holes, less concrete is required on the job resulting in a significant cost savings.

Abstract: A foundation system, such as a frost-protected foundation system, includes an elongated body having a lower base surface, an upper support surface and side surfaces between the lower base surface and the upper support surface. The base surface is adapted to be supported on a ground surface and the upper support surface is adapted to supporting at least a portion of a structure. The body may be made substantially from a polymeric material, such as a high density crush resistant material, an extruded polystyrene insulation, or the like. At least one of said side surfaces is at an acute angle to said base surface. An architectural structure made with the frost-protected foundation system includes a slab supported with the upper support surface.

Abstract: A tough, water-proof building system, and methods of making the system elements and constructing buildings, which provides wall, ceiling, and floor structural panels and corresponding walls, ceilings, and floors,. The walls can be designed to have vertical and horizontal strengths sufficient to be used in place of concrete, as an engineered solution, both above grade and below-grade, including in severe weather conditions, such that no concrete need be used except for floor slabs. Panels have inner and outer layers, and structurally reinforcing members. Structurally-reinforcing members extend, typically as a layer and/or stud, the full height of a wall, at spaced locations along the length of the wall. Spaces between the structurally reinforcing members are optionally filled with rigid foam. An optional reinforcing stud is attached to, or overlaid by, the inner layer, and extends inwardly into the building from what is otherwise the inner surface of the building panel.

Abstract: There is described a wall structure for absorbing or transferring heat from or to the ground, the wall structure comprising a footing for the wall structure disposed in the ground below grade extending in the longitudinal direction of the wall structure, a vertical wall supported on and extending longitudinally in the direction of the footing, the vertical wall extending upwardly from the footing above grade to a predetermined height, and having upper, lower, interior, exterior and end surfaces, a sheath of insulation for enveloping the vertical wall's upper, end, interior and exterior surfaces and thermal conductors disposed in the wall structure to be in thermal communication with one another, at least some of the conductors extending outwardly from the footing into the ground, the thermal conductors facilitating heat transfer between the ground and the vertical wall.

Abstract: A foundation system is disclosed that is used when building a structure on expansive soils. The foundation system includes a vertical wall that prevents moisture from migrating beyond the vertical wall into the zone of influence under the foundation. The prevention of the moisture migration into the zone of influence precludes damage to the foundation and structure caused by expansive soils.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a void forming and suspension system (10), which generally consists of a plurality of void forming elements (12, 16) arranged to extend over a ground surface (22) upon which the building is to be constructed. As will become more apparent in the following description, the void forming system (10) functions to act as an interface between the ground surface (22) and a concrete slab (20) of the building to be constructed, while the slab is being formed. Once the slab (20) is formed and the wet concrete for forming the slab has hardened, the void forming system degrades to create a cavity into which swelling ground can expand.

Abstract: Construction systems and methods are described for building structures including homes that can withstand vibration and earth movement caused by earthquakes. The construction system uses about 8-inch corrugated round steel pipes to create floor framing, wall framing, and ceiling framing that is resistant to destruction caused by earth movement and vibrations. The floor framing and wall framing can be connected together at right angles and supported by a foundation that features wood pilings with concrete caps. The plurality of pipes of the floor framing, wall framing, and ceiling framing can be connected together by welding, screws, or other fasteners to assemble the structure. Finished floor, material, and ceiling materials can be fastened to the frames to complete the structure.

Abstract: A foundation system includes metal framing members that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable cementitious panel. The foundation system is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, and termite resistant. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres.

Abstract: The form for a concrete footing (10) is a mold for receiving concrete for footings on construction projects. The form has a housing (12), and a plurality of horizontal support members (16) that extend across the hollow interior of the housing. The form may be manufactured from plastic, cardboard, concrete or other materials. Vertical tubes (14) extend from the top and bottom and are hollow to allow for in situ soil sampling after the footing has been set in the excavation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a precast temporary facility structure composed of segment members which is manufactured in a predetermined shape in advance at a factory and disposed close to the inner side of a temporary facility wall by fixing means and filled with concrete, and connectors integrally connected to the ends of the segment structures by coupling means to connect the segment members. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve sufficient support force for a long span temporary facility wall having a large entire length and reduce time for curing concrete by the precast, such that it is possible to reduce the construction period.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a foundation for a wind turbine. The foundation includes a section which is partly embedded in a concrete section and a cover which is arranged across an intersection between the embedded section and the concrete section. In that way, intrusion of water between the sections can be prevented effectively, and the lifetime of the foundation can be increased and/or the maintenance costs can be reduced. A method of making a foundation for a wind turbine and a wind turbine with the foundation are also disclosed.

Abstract: Structure and procedure for erecting concrete towers used in wind turbines in which said towers consist of sections, which in turn may each comprise a different number of segments or longitudinal sections. The procedure includes two differentiated cycles, which may take place alongside each other: the pre-assembly of each section of tower and their assembly. The sections may be pre-mounted on bases placed on the ground, with the segment in turn fitted with the help of struts and mechanical clamps. This procedure is extremely versatile in that it makes the best logistic use of the material, resources and requisite assembly times since the assembly procedures for each section can be developed alongside each other in the different wind farm towers, and also greater heights can be achieved than is traditionally possible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of constructing a wind energy plant and to a wind energy plant as such. In one aspect, the invention provides a method for constructing wind energy plants at lower expenses and more rapidly. According to one embodiment, a method for constructing a wind energy plant that comprises a tower that is based on a foundation and an electrical power module, the power module is mounted on the tower foundation before the tower itself is constructed. The power module includes a transformer and may optionally an inverter and/or other electrical installations, such as for example switch cabinets, that are provided for controlling the wind energy plant and/or for guiding the electrical power that is provided by the generator of the wind energy plant and that is fed to a network.

Abstract: CO2-sequestering formed building materials are provided. The building materials of the invention include a composition comprising a carbonate/bicarbonate component. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of making and using the CO2-sequestering formed building material.

Abstract: Compositions comprising synthetic rock, e.g., aggregate, and methods of producing and using them are provided. The rock, e.g., aggregate, contains CO2 and/or other components of an industrial waste stream. The CO2 may be in the form of divalent cation carbonates, e.g., magnesium and calcium carbonates. Aspects of the invention include contacting a CO2 containing gaseous stream with a water to dissolve CO2, and placing the water under precipitation conditions sufficient to produce a carbonate containing precipitate product, e.g., a divalent cation carbonate.

Abstract: Hydraulic cement compositions that include a carbonate compound composition, e.g., a salt-water derived carbonate compound composition containing crystalline and/or amorphous carbonate compounds, are provided. Also provided are methods of making and using the hydraulic cements, as well as settable compositions, such as concretes and mortars, prepared therefrom. The cements and compositions produced therefrom find use in a variety of applications, including use in a variety of building materials and building applications.

Abstract: A form system is provided for forming a structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like, such as a concrete column or footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The system includes a support system, including a wire support member and an associated base foam ring having an offset center hole corresponding to the centerline of the concrete footing, which is placed at the bottom of the earthen hole. A lower vertical form system, including multiple interlocking pieces, is assembled and joined at one end to an offset disk member. The disk member of the lower vertical form system is then placed onto the base foam ring in abutting engagement. The form system is then plumbed and positioned, e.g., in relation to one or more layout strings. Once the form system is in the correct position, the earthen hole is backfilled, e.g., with dirt or other material, thus holding the properly positioned form system in place. The lower vertical form system is then cut to grade.

Abstract: A method for supporting manufactured home structures by preventing their deterioration and devaluation through the installation of a robust foundation system. The foundation system comprises of a concrete footing, long lasting wall panels and roof panels made from steel and cellular concrete. The manufactured home can be modified to accommodate the said installation. The wall panel is attached to both the manufactured home and foundation footing below the manufactured home to provide foundational supports for the manufactured walls of the manufactured home. Roofing panels can then be installed to the top of the manufactured home and newly installed wall panels for further protection. The benefits of this method allows the owner of the newly retrofitted or installed manufactured home to claim their home as real property instead of personal property thus allowing them qualify for long term mortgages.

Abstract: A, support bracket and column for supporting an elevated structure during and after construction. The support bracket includes a connection plate that is attached to and overlapped by the column base so that the support bracket is concealed from view when construction is completed, and variations of the support bracket provide means to raise or lower the attached column during construction.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for providing a base support, such as including concrete, and used such as for a wind-driven generator. Precast concrete cylinders are stacked in place upon a platform that may be partially precast and partially cast in place during assembly and supported, in certain embodiments, by plural concrete legs, the other ends of which are supported on a unitary or subdivided concrete foundation. In other embodiments, the platform may be supported by ribbed concrete panels. The concrete cylinders are glued together using an epoxy and then secured by an internal vertical post tension system extending from the platform to the upper most cylinder. Different types of concrete are used between upper and lower sections of the stacked cylinders. The lower section uses reinforced concrete while the upper section used ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete.

Abstract: A post-tensioned pile anchor foundation and method therefor creates a void or highly compressible region between a drilled or driven pile anchor surrounding a post-tensioned anchor bolt or tendon and the bottom of a foundation cap. The void or compressible region can be formed by compressible spacers or void forming elements placed between the top of the pile anchor and the concrete cap. As the anchor bolt or tendon is post-tensioned against the cap, the void forming element is compressed or crushed, allowing the cap to be pulled downwardly and the pile anchor to be pulled upwardly toward the cap against the resistance of the surrounding soil.

Abstract: A framing assembly system for steel building that substantially reduces assembly time while maintaining excellent strength and mechanical integrity and has vastly improved resistance to uplift forces. Foundation assemblies or anchor structures are first precisely located before concrete is poured to form the foundation, encasing the anchor structures within the foundation. Columns may then be attached to the anchor structures without the need for readjusting the location of the columns. The rest of the building framework is subsequently attached to the columns. The resulting structure is highly resistant to uplift forces and seismic effects while being much faster and simpler to assemble than previous structures. Cracking of the concrete foundation prior to the complete curing of the concrete is also reduced.

Abstract: A method of constructing a building in a typically flood prone area employs a pre-cast concrete chain wall that can be set on an optional foundation or footing.

Abstract: A prefabricated building includes a pre-cast concrete chain wall foundation having upper and lower walls with a height and a thickness, the ratio of wall height to wall thickness being equal to or greater than 3 to 1 and the wall height is at least three (3) feet; and a prefabricated building positioned upon the precast concrete chain wall foundation, wherein the prefabricated building has walls that rest upon the upper surface of the pre-cast concrete chain wall foundation.

Abstract: A method of forming an insulated concrete foundation is provided comprising constructing a foundation frame, the frame comprising an insulating form having an opening, inserting a pocket former into the opening; placing concrete inside the foundation frame; and removing the pocket former after the placed concrete has set, wherein the concrete forms a pocket in the placed concrete that is accessible through the opening. The method may further comprise sealing the opening by placing a sealing plug or sealing material in the opening. A system for forming an insulated concrete foundation is provided comprising a plurality of interconnected insulating forms, the insulating forms having a rigid outer member protecting and encasing an insulating material, and at least one gripping lip extending outwardly from the outer member to provide a pest barrier. At least one insulating form has an opening into which a removable pocket former is inserted.

Abstract: A building support system assembled on a ground interface such as, but not limited to, an in-situ poured continuous concrete grade beam, using a plurality of adjustable stanchions and pre-cast cementitious panels. The fabricated stanchions attach to the building perimeter structural element and to said ground interface. Pre-cast cementitious panels with shear capacity attach to the stanchions, enclose the crawl space, retain soil, provide weather protection and with all components acting together transfer gravity, wind, snow and seismic forces from said building to said ground interface. The system has provisions for crawl space ventilation.

Abstract: A composite panel for use in constructing a foundation wall for a building, the panel having: a main wall having an exterior side and an interior side; a plurality of horizontal stiffeners extending from the interior side of the main wall; a plurality of vertical stiffeners extending from the interior side of the main wall; and complementary first and second lips positioned on opposite ends.

Abstract: A concrete building system includes a set of parallel spaced apart strip footers and one or more precast concrete sections supported by the footers in a predetermined alignment. Each precast concrete section has a top slab integrally connected to a pair of equally flared legs. Each leg depends from an end of the top slab at an effective flare angle to form a corner. The precast section includes haunch sections formed between the top slab and each leg resulting in a corner thickness greater than the uniform thickness of the angled leg to which it is integrally formed and the top member. The length of the effective span of each section varies between 60 and 90 percent of the distance between the bottom-of-leg span. The sections can be used to construct bridges, culverts, underground storage units, fluid detention units and dam structures.

Abstract: A circular concrete cap foundation poured in-situ within a perimeter forming corrugated metal pipe set atop or within an excavated pit and enclosing a series of circumferentially spaced pile anchors. The circular concrete cap foundation supports sets of inner and outer circumferentially spaced tower anchor bolts having their lower ends anchored to an embedded anchor ring and their upper ends projecting vertically and upwardly out the top of the circular foundation to engage the base flange of a supported tower. The pile anchors are formed with perimeter corrugated metal pipes set deep in subsurface soils with cementitious material surrounding and partially bonding to a centralized steel bolt or tendon which extends through the cap foundation. The tower anchor bolts and the pile anchor bolts are both partially encased in a PVC sleeve so that the bolts can be post-tensioned. The pile anchors are in tension only and serve to pull the cap foundation down to compress the underlying ground soils.

Abstract: A retaining wall block for an engineered block retaining wall system having an integrally formed head, neck and body, in which one generally planar front face of the body forms a visible part of the wall, the body having two pin holes, two clean out holes, and two pin receiving openings, the pin receiving openings being configured to receive a free end of a lock pin provided in a pin hole of a block placed there under so as to interlock the blocks with a predetermined setback. The pin holes and pin receiving openings being positioned such that a plane extending perpendicular to the generally planar front face passes through one, and only one, of said pin holes or said pin receiving openings.

Abstract: The invention is an improved cementitious mixture used to form structural components that are strong, lightweight, heat and fire resistant, and very economical to produce. The material includes a mixture of cement, water, ribbon-like virgin polyethylene strips and aggregate materials. The aggregate preferably includes recycled industrial waste products. Examples of these industrial wastes include shredded tires, wood by-products, waste coal combustion by-products, recycled waste gypsum products, recycled industrial foundry sand, and waste foam products such a Styrofoam. This new cementitious material is strong and lightweight. It has a lower thermal conductivity than conventional concrete and therefore improved insulative properties. The use of industrial recyclables not only enhances the performance characteristics of the components made from this material but aids in maintaining the environment by providing a practical use for industrial waste.

Abstract: An adjustable pier system that allows the elevation of a building structure to be readily adjusted when soil subsidence occurs. The adjustable pier includes telescopically intercoupled upper and lower members. The lower member is coupled to a grade beam or spread footing, while the upper member is coupled to a sill beam of the structure. When the elevation of the structure is adjusted upwardly, the adjustable pier is automatically extended. After extension, a mechanical stop can be inserted between the upper and lower members to prevent retraction of the adjustable pier.

Abstract: A building foundation includes a molded structure being formed from a first substance and a second substance formed within the molded structure. The second substance displaces a predetermined volume of the first substance and is lighter than the first substance. The building foundation also includes a device for coupling the molded structure to a movable building in a factory. The building foundation is further adapted to be transported to a building site.

Abstract: A slab edge casing for finishing a slab edge is provided. The casing comprises a face which defines a finished slab edge for an unfinished slab edge; and, a base which extends from the face. The base is connectable to one of a slab face that is adjacent the unfinished slab edge or is registerable with the unfinished slab edge. The face and base have respective inside surfaces that define a form into which concrete is poured and allowed to cure. One of the face and base also comprise a reinforcing element mount for receiving a reinforcing element that extends from the unfinished slab edge. A method for installing the casing is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a foundation for a building structure wherein the foundation comprises a low density material, such as polystyrene, either partially or fully encapsulated by a high structure material, such as concrete. The apparatus is adapted so that the net density of the foundation is less than that of water, allowing the foundation to float when surrounded by water. The density of the foundation may be adapted so that a building placed on the foundation will be lifted above floodwaters by the foundation.

Abstract: A wind turbine foundation having a central pedestal, a bottom support slab, and a plurality of prefabricated radial reinforcing ribs. The pedestal and support slab are poured in situ at the site. When the concrete cures the support slab is united to the prefabricated ribs and the ribs are also united to the pedestal. The result is a continuous monolithic foundation wherein loads are carried across the structure vertically and laterally through the continuous structure by doweled and spliced reinforcing steel bars which are integrally cast into the pedestal, ribs and support slab. The slab thus behaves structurally as a continuous slab reducing deflections, improving fatigue conditions and increasing the stiffness of the foundation as well as allowing for the benefits of an economical design.

Abstract: A support assembly for receiving and maintaining one or more sections of an above-ground structure at a substantially upright position includes a base member having a protrusion connected thereto and extending upwardly therefrom in a substantially vertical direction. The support assembly further includes a plurality of ancillary members having top and bottom end portions defining engaging and receiving portions respectively. One of the ancillary members is positionable onto the base member and receives another ancillary member thereon. The assembly also includes a top member with a top end portion that has a slot formed therein and for receiving a section of an above-ground structure so that same can be maintained at a secure position.

Abstract: A foundation pile or pile segment is described that provides support for a structure such as a building foundation. The pile includes a generally solid body having a top end wall, a bottom end wall adapted for providing end load bearing capacity, and all around sidewalls. The sidewalls extend between the top end wall and the bottom end wall and has at least a pair of oppositely disposed spiral ridges that extend generally about the surface of the sidewalls. Further, each spiral ridge extends in a generally spiral direction from the top end wall to the bottom end wall. The spiral ridges provide an offset surface that extends generally outward from the surface of the sidewalls. The offset surfaces provide additional load bearing capacity to the foundation pile.

Abstract: A form system is provided for forming a structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like, such as a concrete column or footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The system includes a support system, including a wire support member and an associated base foam ring having an offset center hole corresponding to the centerline of the concrete footing, which is placed at the bottom of the earthen hole. A lower vertical form system, including multiple interlocking pieces, is assembled and joined at one end to an offset disk member. The disk member of the lower vertical form system is then placed onto the base foam ring in abutting engagement. The form system is then plumbed and positioned, e.g., in relation to one or more layout strings. Once the form system is in the correct position, the earthen hole is backfilled, e.g., with dirt or other material, thus holding the properly positioned form system in place. The lower vertical form system is then cut to grade.

Abstract: A permanent form building assembly includes one or more GRC forms having a one or more open cavities and a reinforcement structure. The GRC forms are designed and configured for a predetermined application. The reinforcement structure is inserted within the open cavities of the GRC forms prior to filling with concrete.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for securing a building foundation form disposed on a moisture barrier membrane. The method includes the steps of positioning one end of a concrete form stake in a mating structure of a plug, penetrating the moisture barrier membrane with a tip end the plug, and forming a seal between a flange extending around a periphery of the plug and the moisture barrier membrane.