Abstract: Provided is a panel including at least one first coupling part. The first coupling part includes an upward tongue, at least one upward flank lying at a distance from the upward tongue and an upward groove formed in between the upward tongue and the upward flank. The side of the upward tongue facing towards the upward flank is the inside of the upward tongue and the side of the upward tongue facing away from the upward flank is the outside of the upward tongue. At least a part of an upper side of the upward tongue is inclined relative to the plane of the panel, such that the upper side of the upward tongue includes a highest point. The upward tongue has a width, wherein the highest point of the upward tongue is arranged less than 50% of the width from the outside of the upward tongue.

Abstract: Binder compositions comprising as essential components at least one dispersion polymer P having a glass transition temperature ?20° C. and comprising ethyl acrylate in copolymerized form and also at least one mineral binder M exhibiting low VOC emission after curing.

Abstract: An architectural building block system including a block having three side walls, each having an inside surface and an outside surface, the three side walls cooperate to form a triangular tube having three corners, the outside surface of each of the three side walls extending outwardly from the inner surface to the outer surface and the inside surface of each of the three walls is disposed substantially at right angle to each of the inner surface and the outer surface; and three channel pairs, each configured to receive a rebar, each channel pair including a first channel disposed on one of the three side walls on the inner surface and a second channel disposed on a corner of the three corners that is opposingly disposed from one of the three side walls.

Abstract: An interlock connector interlocks building blocks that are assembled so as to provide a wall structure. The building blocks have respective front surfaces for defining a front façade of the wall structure and respective rear surfaces with at least one respective horizontal groove. The interlock connector comprises first and second bodies. The first body is inserted in the rear surface horizontal groove of a first building block. The second body is inserted in the rear surface horizontal groove of a second building block adjacent the first building block. Insertion of the first and second bodies in the respective rear surface horizontal grooves of the first and second building blocks provides for interlocking the first and second building blocks.

Abstract: A method of building insulated concrete walls by using concrete that exerts low hydrostatic pressure and a special stud that supports and secures simple rectangular shaped insulation boards used as stay-in-place forms on one side of the wall. The construction process begins with the vertical positioning of the studs and insulation boards on one side of the wall. Steel reinforcement is placed next to the insulation boards and low hydrostatic pressure producing concrete is cast against the reinforcement, the exposed part of the stud and the insulation board. As the concrete is placed it embeds the exposed part of the stud and when the concrete cures it causes the stud to be bonded to the concrete and sufficiently rigid to secure the insulation board and wallboard or other cladding that may be affixed to the stud.

Abstract: Ceramic floors and methods of making thereof such that the ceramic tiles are quickly and easily removable from the floor substrate and replaceable at a future date. A ceramic tile floor is laid by releasably adhering a sheet to a floor substrate and bonding at least one ceramic tile to the sheet. A plurality of pre-fabricated articles each comprising a sheet and one or more ceramic tiles bonded to the sheet are laid onto the floor substrate with sheet edges abutting, and the sheets are releasably adhered to the floor substrate. The tile edges are set inwardly from the sheet edges so that a tile of one article is spaced from a tile of another article when the articles are laid. A non-Portland cement grout, preferably urethane grout, is provided between adjacent tiles.

Abstract: A concrete material, particularly for concrete compression elements transmitting compressive forces, to be used in a structural element as the thermal insulation in structural engineering, made of a high-strength concrete in the strength class C55 or higher, with the concrete being embodied as a thermally insulating, load-bearing material including titanium minerals as additives. Additionally, a structural element for thermal insulation and a brick-shaped thermally insulating element, each using said concrete material, are provided.

Abstract: Dry construction pellets that may be made by mixing predetermined portions of two or more components of cementitious materials without ingredients that would allow the mixture to cure, and separating the un-curable mixture of the two or more components into a plurality of pellets, each having substantially the predetermined portions of the two or more components. An extrusion system may include a transport line configured to transport the dry pellets in a gaseous transport stream.

Abstract: An integrated fiber cement and foam cladding system is provided that incorporates foam or similar light weight material to improve the insulation capacity of the cladding system. The system includes at least a fiber cement layer and a foam layer disposed on the backside of the fiber cement layer. The system improves the R-value of the building, a measure of the building's resistance to transferring heat or thermal energy.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exterior finish system for building structures that includes a water pervious adhesive for securing an insulation layer to a water resistive barrier applied to a building wall substrate. Also disclosed is a building structure such as a building column or wall that includes the finish system and a method of using the finish system to assemble a building structure such as a column or wall.

Abstract: A construction assembly for installation within new or existing residential or commercial building structures which increases the thermal efficiency of concrete construction panels while avoiding dangerous insulation materials and potential fire hazards. The construction assembly includes a first layer of concrete and a phase change material layer that efficiently retains heat when the phase change material melts and discharges heat as the phase change material crystallizes. Alternatively a support layer, a second phase change material layer and a second concrete layer can be included in a variety of combinations for increased efficiency. A method is disclosed for creating the construction assembly.

Abstract: Formed building materials comprising a sequestered CO2 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 formed building materials.

Abstract: A Stucco Composite Building Panel is disclosed, in which a sheet of exterior wall sheathing and a cement board are attached together to form an improved sheet of building material for the construction of exterior stucco walls. This composite building panel reduces the amount of individual layers required to build a conventional stucco wall by providing an exterior wall building panel that is mounted directly to the stud framing that is ready for a finish layer of stucco to be applied.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to glass-fiber-reinforced concrete compositions that may be sprayed, methods of preparing and applying such compositions, devices used in preparing and applying such compositions, and composite structural insulated panels that may be fabricated using such compositions, related methods of manufacture, and building systems employing such panels.

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: Described herein, in the preferred embodiment, is a leonardite-based polyurethane resin binder that may be used, among other applications, as a binder in combination with foundry aggregate, e.g., sand, for molding or casting metal parts. The binders described herein comprise a humic substance, preferably leonardite, combined with a polymerizable polyol, an isocyanate, and a polymerization catalyst to make a polyurethane resin binder in situ in a foundry aggregate, such as sand. The lignite is mixed with the polymerizable polyol, thickening and dispersing agents as additives to improve the suspension quality and binder performance of the lignite-containing part of the binder components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a block deck used as the interior or exterior material of a building. More specifically, disclosed is a block deck using concrete, wherein a hollow portion is formed inside and filled with concrete so as to exhibit superior strength. The present invention provides a block deck including: a frame member formed with a hollow portion inside; and filler formed of a concrete material so as to be filled in the hollow portion. At this time, the concrete may be foamed according to desired strength with a foaming rate in the range of 0-50%. The frame member may be formed of natural wood, synthetic wood and synthetic resin materials. And, the frame member may be formed integrally or divisionally into two or more so as to be coupled, wherein coupling is carried out by being fitted in a sliding manner.

Abstract: The invention is related to a building block for use in interlocking with a plurality of similar building blocks for constructing a building. The building block includes a front face, a rear face, an upper face, a lower face, a first end and a second end. The building block also includes at least one substantially vertical hollow (web) and at least one substantially horizontal channel, wherein the at least one horizontal channel is disposed along one of the upper face and the lower face. In addition, each of the first end and the second end includes at least one header face, wherein at least one the header face can be one of a substantially planar face, a male header face and a female header face. Each of the male header face and the female header face includes one or more patterns for interlocking.

Abstract: A composite, prefabricated panel for building construction. A panel includes a central core having a first face and a second face. The central core includes structural framing members assembled to define at least one opening. A substantially rigid insulation is disposed in the at least one opening of the structural framing members. A settable cement, which may be, for example, phosphate ceramic, is provided on each of the first face of the central core and the second face of the central core to form a first face of the panel and a second face of the panel. The insulation may define a plurality of passages, each with phosphate ceramic extending through the passage between and being monolithic with the phosphate ceramic on the first face of the central core and the phosphate ceramic on the second face of the central core. A building system with such panels is provided.

Abstract: A formwork assembly is adapted to receive concrete to produce structures such as wall structures. The formwork includes PVC tubular form elements having recessed female engagement portions. The female engagement portions are adapted to receive respective male engagement portions. An octagonal form element has a female engagement portion positioned at each vertex between adjacent sides. A recessed female engagement portion is closed to the interior of the form element but open to the exterior of the form element. Thus, the form element includes a plurality of vertices open to the exterior. The form elements also include male engagement portions at an open side. Wall panels, corner panels, and joint connectors can also include male engagement portions. The male engagement portions and female engagement portions are adapted to mate to form a formwork arrangement having a substantially flat exterior wall. A formwork assembly can additionally include concrete flow apertures and insulation.

Abstract: A building panel structure is disclosed, where the building panel structure includes composite building panels. A composite building panel includes a core and a coating applied over the core. In some embodiments the core consists of a frame and one or more than one insulating structural block. The insulating structural blocks can be encapsulated polystyrene (EPS) foam blocks. In some embodiments the coating includes an inner scratch layer and an outer main brown layer. The inner scratch layer can be formed of at least two layers. The outer main brown layer can include a fiberglass mesh embedded into the outer main brown layer. A method of forming a building panel structure is disclosed which includes forming a core using a frame and one or more than block, applying an inner scratch layer to the core, and applying an outer main brown layer over the inner scratch layer.

Abstract: Retaining wall building blocks for receiving fill material during construction of a retaining wall, retaining walls constructed with the building blocks and methods of manufacture of the building block wherein the block comprises a cast cement body having a base, a generally upright face wall extending upward from the base, two generally upright side walls extending upward from the base and generally rearward of the face wall, the base, upright face wall, and side walls each having an inner and an outer surface, the side walls each having a top and a rearward most end, and a fill receiving cavity defined by base inner surface, side wall inner surfaces and face wall inner surface for receiving fill material, the fill receiving cavity having a volume wherein a ratio of the volume of the fill receiving cavity to the volume of the retaining wall building block is at least 0.75:1, respectively.

Abstract: A composite floor panel includes a frame assembly having a base plate, a plurality of first lateral supports secured to the base plate, and a plurality of second lateral supports secured to the base plate. The first lateral supports lie in a first plane and the second lateral supports lie in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane each intersect the base plate and the first plane is disposed at an angle relative to the second plane. The composite floor panel also includes a concrete portion coupled to and supported by the first lateral supports and the second lateral supports.

Abstract: A composite building construction system comprising a frame, an expanded wallboard, and a concrete layer. The wallboard comprises an outer portion and inset portion wherein the wallboard is attached to the frame with the outer portion covering an exterior side of the frame and the inset portion is disposed within the frame. The wallboard thus provides exterior and interior insulation for the system. The concrete layer is sprayed on to the outer portion of said wallboard, forming a strong durable composite construction system. One or more rebar supports may be attached to the frame at the exterior side by key bolts and are spaced apart from the wallboard. A wire grid may be attached to the key bolts whereby the grid and the rebar supports provide a support structure for the concrete layer. The frame comprises steel and the wallboard comprises insulative expanded polystyrene.

Abstract: A roof tile having a mesh covered foam core with a cement-based protective coating, a roof covering formed from such tiles and methods for making same.

Abstract: A floor formwork system is disclosed. The floor formwork system comprises a form member having a reinforcement beam attached to a surface of the form member. The reinforcement beam of the floor formwork system is positioned and attached in grooves within or on the contact surface of the form member. The reinforcement beam comprises a plurality of longitudinal rods or members, one or more of which are connected by a diagonal support member. Concrete is added to the assembled form member and reinforcement beam so as to create a floor or ceiling, or other structure. A method of assembling the formwork system and use for preparation for a floor or ceiling is also disclosed.

Abstract: A building panel structure is disclosed, in which building panels are used to form a structure. The building panel includes a core and a coating covering a portion of the core. In some embodiments the core consists of a frame and one or more than one insulating structural block. The insulating structural blocks can be encapsulated polystyrene (EPS) foam blocks. In some embodiments the coating includes an inner scratch layer and an outer main brown layer. The inner scratch layer can be formed of at least two layers and a fiberglass mesh. The outer main brown layer can include a fiberglass mesh embedded into the outer main brown layer. A coating/frame coupler is disclosed which securely couples the coating to the frame so that the building panel remains strong and stable even if the EPS foam blocks are melted or damaged in extreme conditions such as a fire.

Abstract: A composite support structure is provided with a plurality of support strands surrounded by a carbon fiber reinforced polymer mesh and surrounded by structural concrete. The support structure provides various advantages in withstanding compressive, tensile, and shear loading.

Abstract: A composite roofing overlay containing paint waste is provided for use on a roof surface. The composite roofing overlay includes a bedding cement containing water-based paint waste and sand, a porous fabric embedded in the bedding cement, and at least one primer coat over the porous fabric and bedding cement. The composite roofing overlay may be used in combination with an overlying waterproof roofing membrane to provide an effective waterproof seal to new or existing roof structures.

Abstract: A machine for deforming and cutting plastic strands of recycled plastic for use as a secondary reinforcement in concrete includes a multi-strand supply of recycled plastic and a mechanism for advancing the multi-strands into and through the machine. The advancing mechanism may be several sets of motor driven roller sets each of which is connected to a common motor by a belt. The machine includes three sets of deformation mechanisms, a heater for softening the deformed strands and a cutter powered by a separate motor for cutting the softened plastic strands.

Abstract: An article for applying to a floor substrate for preparing the floor substrate for laying of ceramic tiles by bonding ceramic tiles to the article. The article comprises a tile backer board for application to a floor substrate and a sheet bonded to the backer board for bonding of ceramic tiles to the sheet. The sheet comprises a plurality of layers bonded together wherein separation of the sheet along layers thereof is effected for removal of laid ceramic tiles from the backer board. Alternatively, the sheet is bonded to a floor substrate, and the ceramic tiles are bonded thereto. Alternatively, the article is a tape with releasable adhesive thereon. The adhesive releasably adheres to the floor substrate, and the ceramic tiles are bonded to the tape. Alternatively, the article comprises sheets which lie on the floor substrate and which float on the floor substrate and to which are bonded the ceramic tiles.

Abstract: An article for applying to a floor substrate for preparing the floor substrate for laying of ceramic tiles by bonding ceramic tiles to the article. The article comprises a backer board having a lower surface for application to a floor substrate and an upper surface, a sheet, and a releasable adhesive bonding the sheet to the upper surface of the backer board. The sheet covers the entirety of the upper surface of the backer board. After the article is applied to the floor substrate, ceramic tiles are then bonded to the sheet. For replacement of the ceramic floor, the releasable adhesive allows the sheet with the ceramic tiles attached to be easily removable from the backer board. A method for laying ceramic tiles comprising laying at least one sheet on a floor substrate so that it floats on the floor substrate, and bonding a plurality of ceramic tiles to the at least one sheet.

Abstract: An external insulation wall provided with a reinforced polystyrene laminate anchored by a mechanical fixing device is provided. A leveling binder layer (2) applied on a basic layer wall (1) is used as a binder layer, and a reinforced polystyrene laminate (3) is applied before the leveling binder layer (2) is dried. The reinforced polystyrene laminate (3) is directly fixed on the basic layer wall (1) by plastic expansion anchor bolts (4) through holes drilled on a surface of the reinforced polystyrene laminate (3). A standard tension load limit of an external thermal insulation system is increased by the reinforced polystyrene laminate with efficient help of the plastic expansion anchor bolts (4). Therefore, the external insulating wall provided with a reinforced polystyrene laminate anchored by a mechanical fixing device is especially suitable for external thermal insulation energy saving engineering on conventional building walls.

Abstract: A composite building construction system comprising a frame, an expanded wallboard, and a concrete layer. The wallboard comprises an outer portion and inset portion wherein the wallboard is attached to the frame with the outer portion covering an exterior side of the frame and the inset portion is disposed within the frame. The wallboard thus provides exterior and interior insulation for the system. The concrete layer is sprayed on to the outer portion of said wallboard, forming a strong durable composite construction system. One or more rebar supports may be attached to the frame at the exterior side by key bolts and are spaced apart from the wallboard. A wire grid may be attached to the key bolts whereby the grid and the rebar supports provide a support structure for the concrete layer. The frame comprises steel and the wallboard comprises insulative expanded polystyrene.

Abstract: A building panel structure is disclosed, in which building panels are used to form a structure. A building panel is disclosed which includes a core and a coating applied over the core. In some embodiments the core consists of a frame and one or more than one insulating structural block. The insulating structural blocks can be encapsulated polystyrene (EPS) foam blocks. In some embodiments the coating includes an inner scratch layer and an outer main brown layer. The inner scratch layer can be formed of at least two layers. The outer main brown layer can include a fiberglass mesh embedded into the outer main brown layer. A method of forming a building panel is disclosed which includes forming a core using a frame and one or more blocks, applying an inner scratch layer to the core, and applying an outer main brown layer over the inner scratch layer.

Abstract: Insulated panels and methods of forming insulated panels are provided. According to the method, mold bulkhead and a sealing strip including a first anchor extension, a second anchor extension, and a panel cap are provided. The method also includes removably attaching the exterior face of the sealing strip to the interior mold surface on at least one of the plurality of mold sides, wherein the first anchor extension and the second anchor extension project into the interior mold volume, and wherein the sealing strip defines a sealed insulation zone. A curable building material is introduced into the interior mold volume to form a first slab. The first slab at least partially surrounds the first anchor extension. The method also includes inserting an insulation material layer into the interior mold volume, wherein the insulation material layer is at least partially within the sealed insulation zone.

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: The invention provides a method for connecting a foam structure to a concrete slab or floor. The connection uses a metal member and bonding agents between the foam and the metal member and bonding agents between the concrete slab or floor and the metal members.

Abstract: A composite wall panel is provided. The composite wall panel comprises a first layer of molded structural material and a second layer of molded structural material. An insulating foam layer is disposed between the first and second molded structural layers. The foam layer includes a first major side in contact with the first layer of molded structural material and a second major side in contact with the second layer of molded structural material. The first and second major sides of the insulating foam layer each have at least one groove. Each groove has at least one groove shoulder. At least one connector is configured to anchor the first and second layers of structural material to the insulating foam layer. The first and second layers of molded structural material extend into the grooves and under the groove shoulders to form a mechanical engagement between the insulating foam layer and the first and second layers of molded structural material.

Abstract: A structure may include a plurality of first fiber bundles, a plurality of second fiber bundles, and a plurality of connecting threads. The first fiber bundles may extend substantially parallel to each other. The second fiber bundles may extend substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the first fiber bundles. The connecting threads may engage the first fiber bundles and the second fiber bundles such that at least one of the connecting threads is continuously wrapped around each of the first fiber bundles in a helical pattern. The at least one of the connecting threads may extend across a width of each of the second fiber bundles, and may thereby secure the second fiber bundles to each of the first fiber bundles. The first and second fiber bundles may be embedded in a construction material and adapted to reinforce the construction material.

Abstract: A construction structure includes a substrate made of a concrete material and having an external surface, and an external reinforcement attachment. The attachment includes an outwardly facing surface and an inwardly facing surface and has a non-uniform cross-sectional area along the reinforcement attachment. The reinforcement attachment is secured to the substrate with the inwardly facing surface bonded to the external surface of the substrate. The reinforcement attachment has at least first portions and second portions, the two portions are treated such that the first portions have a greater cross-sectional area than the second portions for increasing yield strength of the first portions whereby when the construction structure is under stress the first portions block or reduce spreading of strain sustained by the reinforcement attachment to avoid or at least delay complete detachment of attachment from the substrate.

Abstract: A formwork assembly is adapted to receive concrete to produce structures such as wall structures. The formwork includes PVC tubular form elements having recessed female engagement portions. The female engagement portions are adapted to receive respective male engagement portions. An octagonal form element has a female engagement portion positioned at each vertex between adjacent sides. A recessed female engagement portion is closed to the interior of the form element but open to the exterior of the form element. Thus, the form element includes a plurality of vertices open to the exterior. The form elements also include male engagement portions at an open side. Wall panels, corner panels, and joint connectors can also include the male engagement portions. The male engagement portions and female engagement portions are adapted to mate to form a formwork arrangement having a substantially flat exterior wall. A formwork assembly can additionally include concrete flow apertures and insulation.

Abstract: Simulated log siding is formed of an engineered cementitious composite. Single or dual flanges on each log piece is used to apply siding units to a surface. Some siding members are molded into a three dimensional configuration to appear as a structural wood log. Individual end pieces and molded tail clusters when used with the siding provide the appearance of the characteristic stacked or staggered corners of a log structure.

Abstract: A deck assembly module is disclosed. The deck assembly module can be installed into the steel frame of a steel framed building. The deck assembly module includes a cellular metal deck. In an embodiment, the cellular metal deck includes a bottom plate having a top major surface and a bottom major surface, an angled decking sheet, and fireproof insulation. The angled decking sheet is angled to form a repeating pattern of troughs and peaks, the angled decking is adjacent to the top major surface of the bottom plate, and the fireproof insulation is located in channels formed by the peaks of the angled decking sheet and the top surface of the bottom plate and the angled decking sheet. The deck assembly module may also include a concrete portion that includes a top major surface, referred to as a concrete deck.

Abstract: A compressed building block formed of a pre-mix of fly ash, Class C type, are combined with various aggregates either ground wood and/or chips, having maybe a small amount of Portland cement added thereto, moisturized, and then either molded, extruded or compressed in a press into the configuration of a block. A plasticizer, wetting agent and surfactant solution may be added to the composition. Boron as a mold retardant and an insecticide, may be added to the composition, to provide the formed block with further beneficial attributes. The blocks may be formed by a system for extruding such blocks from the formulation, or they may be formed by means of a mold or hydraulic or other press and pressed into the configuration of the desired block, needed for the construction.

Abstract: Plastic building blocks made from structural foam polymer such as polyethylene, polypropylene or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene are strong, lightweight and may be easily disassembled. The top surface of each block has frusto-conical posts which fit into corresponding bores in the bottom surface of adjacent blocks to provide interlocking capability.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed are apparatus and methods for forming firestopped through-penetrations in poured concrete partitions. The apparatus and methods use an intumescent firestop ring that can be used in combination with a removable sleeve. The firestop ring is detachably mounted on the outer surface of the sleeve form, near one end of the sleeve. The sleeve is positioned and concrete poured around it. After solidification of the concrete the sleeve can be removed to provide a through-penetration containing the firestop ring, secured to the solidified concrete. The firestop ring may optionally comprise one or more retainers and/or one or more insulating spacers.

Abstract: A gypsum slurry is described that includes water, a hydraulic component comprising at least 50% calcined gypsum by weight based on the dry weight of the hydraulic component, foam, a defoamer and a polycarboxylate dispersant. In some embodiments of the invention, the defoamer is combined with the dispersant prior to being added to the gypsum slurry. The defoamer and dispersant can be added as a physical mixture, wherein the defoamer is attached onto the dispersant polymer, or a combination thereof. A gypsum building panel is made from the gypsum slurry.

Abstract: A brick comprises a thermoplastic material, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), and a cement-containing material. The brick may be made by mixing thermoplastic material and dry, uncured cement-containing material. This mixture is placed in a mold. The mold is heated while the mixture is compressed to melt or soften the thermoplastic material and to bind the particulate material in the mold into the shape of a brick. After the hardened brick is removed from the mold, the surface of the brick may be sprayed with water to cure cement-containing material on the surface of the brick.

Abstract: A self-supporting construction element (1, 101) of expanded plastics, in particular for manufacturing floor elements and walls of buildings in general comprises: (1) a central body (2), substantially parallelepipedic in shape and having two opposite faces (6, 7); at least one reinforcing section bar (8,9) transversally extending across the central body (2) between the faces (6,7) thereof and embedded in the expanded plastics; a lath (16) for supporting at least one layer (17) of a suitable covering material, associated to a fin (11,12) of the reinforcing section bar (8,9) lying flush with and substantially parallel to at least one of the faces (6,7) of the construction element (1,101).