Abstract: A cast architectural element is provided, including a stone shell having front, end, side and rear walls defining an internal cavity, the rear walls defining a rear opening. A core is disposed in the internal cavity, and at least one attachment clip is provided having a first portion extending from the shell, and a second portion engaged in the core. A layer of mesh is disposed upon the core and the second clip portion, and a settable filler layer is disposed upon the mesh in the rear opening, such that upon setting, the filler retains the clip in position.

Abstract: A building block having a body with three sets of opposing outer sides defining a generally rectangular outer shape, the body having at least one passageway having an upper open end at a top of the block and an open lower end at a bottom of the block. An inner part of the block is comprises of a first material, and a second different material surrounds the inner part providing a substantially continuous outer surface of said second material. At least one side of one of the sets of opposing sides has at least one protrusion extending outwardly therefrom, and at least one cavity is provided in the opposed side in a position and of a size to receive and effect an alignment of a further block having the same shape and size of this first defined block, by receiving the at least one protrusion into the cavity or cavities.

Abstract: A building panel structure is disclosed, in which composite building panels are used to form a structure. A composite 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 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: A multilayer insulation material is provided. The insulation material preferably includes a plurality of substantially air-impermeable material layers joined together, with at least one space being provided between a pair of adjacent material layers thereof. At least one layer of a foam material and/or aerogel material can be interposed between a pair of adjacent material layers. At least one reflective layer can be provided for inhibiting radiative heat transfer across the insulation material. In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a construction panel is provided, having a structural panel portion having predetermined material properties for performing a predetermined function, and a plurality of substantially air-impermeable material layers joined to the structural panel portion, at least one space being provided between a pair of adjacent material layers thereof.

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: System and method for reinforcing structures includes basalt textile 20 connected to surfaces of the structure 100 with fiber anchors 30. Textile spreads forces and increases ductility of structure. Textile may connect multiple structural elements together, including walls, floors, columns, beams, and roofs. Textile is covered with mortar 50 customized to match color and texture of structure by use of locally obtained grit, aggregate, or colorant. Basalt fiber textile is preferred to avoid degradation of textile from alkaline components of mortar 50.

Abstract: A system of making self-aligning concrete block structures. Structure is made of interlinking blocks that have insulative foam that is affixed during the molding process. The interior surface of the blocks is specifically designed to avoid the use of interior framing by providing wooden strips such that drywall can be directly affixed. The concrete block system include top blocks, inside and outside corner blocks, and the necessary forms for their construction.

Abstract: A water-retainable molding is formed by mixing and hardening cement, fiber bundles and fiber masses, and includes first pores inside the fiber bundles, second pores between fiber bundles and a cement gel, third pores inside the fiber masses, fourth pores between the adjacent fiber masses, and fifth pores due to discharge of water content and air inside a platelike block. The first, second and fifth pores are employed as a capillary portion, the third pores are employed as a water-retaining portion, and the fourth pores are employed as a water communicating opening portion. When water is supplied to the surface, the water is absorbed from the fourth pores as well as the first, second and fifth pores, and is retained in the third pores. Furthermore, when the temperature rises, the water content is supplied from the third pores to the surface through the first, second and fifth pores so as to be evaporated and to control the temperature of the molding.

Abstract: A series of parallel V-grooves are formed on the top surface of a new or existing top coat of lightweight insulating concrete of a roof deck. A slurry coat of formulated concrete is then applied to the top coat of lightweight insulating concrete at locations in between the parallel V-grooves, to repair cracks and holes and attach a base ply roof membrane, thereby eliminating the need for a base sheet and mechanical fasteners when installing a roof membrane system on the lightweight concrete deck of a roof structure. The formulated concrete slurry comprises a mixture of Portland cement (type I), cellulose, poly vinyl alcohol, and water. A base ply (modified or single ply) roof membrane having a sanded or fleece bottom side is set into a ¼ inch thick slurry coat of the formulated concrete to effectively attach the base ply roof membrane to the lightweight concrete deck.

Abstract: An insulated concrete form system for constructing the exterior walls and gable ends of a structure is disclosed using expanded polystyrene forms that interconnect and are bonded to each other and to the structure's slab or foundation with concrete. Internal, substantially columnar voids are provided in each of the panel forms and both the interior and the exterior surfaces of the walls and gable ends may be finished with a variety of finish materials using furring strips that are incorporated into the interior and exterior surfaces of the forms.

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: This invention relates to a construction element (1) which is suitable for cladding the walls of buildings. The element (1) is made of synthetic plastics material, has a generally planar exterior decorable face (2) and a hollow interior face opposite the exterior face, and is preferably fire resistant, fibre reinforced, UV-stabilized, biocidal and formed by moulding. The exterior face (2) is decorated with a decorable finish which is in the form of a sprayable mixture of a polymer or resin and any one or more of a has formations (5, 7, 9) located within the hollow which facilitate securemtne of the element to a wall.

Abstract: The invention forms a composite building by using beams made from plastic foam coated with fiber reinforced concrete.

Abstract: Composite wall panels are a viable method of quick and inexpensive building. Providing a composite wall panel with increased shear resistance and axial load capacity is extremely desirable. A fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) cage incorporated into composite wall panels which forms a wall panel with these desirable characteristics and a method of forming such a composite wall panel is disclosed and described. The FRP cages can include FRP shells or sleeves which include two or more bars secured thereto. One or more FRP cages can be incorporated into a composite wall panel where a portion of the FRP shell is imbedded in each of two concrete layers with an insulation layer therebetween. The resulting FRP reinforced composite wall panel has improved shear resistance and axial compressive strength which can allow for use in load bearing applications and generally improved properties such as thermal insulation.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an inorganic board whose dimensional stability, anti-freezing and fusing properties, and the like are much improved. To attain this object, an inorganic board is manufactured using a method comprising: preparing a raw material slurry by the dispersing of a cementitious material, silica-containing material, woody reinforcement, and mica in water, forming a papered mat by sheet forming the raw material slurry, pressing the papered mat, and curing the pressed papered mat in an autoclave at a temperature higher than 150° C., wherein the mass ratio of the cementitious inorganic material and silica-containing material is set to be in the range of between 35:65 and 45:55, to promote the curing reaction of the inorganic board and improve its dimensional stability and anti-freezing and fusing properties.

Abstract: A shear panel for constructing underlayments for floors and roofs of buildings includes a first rectangular layer of fire-resistant material, such as cementitious board, bonded to a second rectangular layer of thin high-strength material, such as galvanized steel. The length of the second layer is longer than the length of the first layer. The additional length of the second layer forms a tab extending from one end of the panel. During construction, a first panel is attached to a set of beams (floor joists or roof rafters) with the tab spanning between adjacent beams. A second panel is positioned on the beams with at least a portion of the second panel overlapping the tab of the first panel. The overlapping portion of the second panel is fastened to the tab of the first panel to form a continuous shear diaphragm for the floor or roof.

Abstract: A cover plate system for a gap (15) between two structural members (10, 20) is provided. The system includes an elongated cover (30) that extends across the gap (15) from a first structural member (10) to a second, spaced-apart structural member (20). The cover plate system further includes damped spring anchors (40) for engaging the cover plate (30) to an underlying structural member (10) and dampers (50, 60) for absorbing energy imparted to the cover plate (30) by vehicular traffic. The cover plate system minimizes the strain energy that is absorbed by the cover plate (30), which results in less cover plate slapping and bouncing during operation.

Abstract: Polymerization of siloxane is improved using a gypsum-based slurry that includes stucco, Class C fly ash, magnesium oxide and an emulsion of siloxane and water. This slurry is used in a method of making water-resistant gypsum articles that includes making an emulsion of siloxane and water, then combining the slurry with a dry mixture of stucco, magnesium oxide and Class C fly ash. The slurry is then shaped as desired and the stucco is allowed to set and the siloxane polymerizes. The resulting product is useful for making a water-resistant gypsum panel having a core that includes interwoven matrices of calcium sulfate dihydrate crystals and a silicone resin, where the interwoven matrices have dispersed throughout them a catalyst comprising magnesium oxide and components from a Class C fly ash.

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 lightweight cementitious composition containing from 22 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition and from 10 to 78 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, where after the lightweight cementitious composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39. The cementitious composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles and can be included as a layer on wall panels and floor panels and can be used in insulated concrete forms. Aspects of the lightweight cementitious composition can be used to make lightweight structural units.

Abstract: A gypsum slurry includes water, a hydraulic component including stucco and a polycarboxylate dispersant. The dispersant has two repeating units wherein the first repeating unit is an olefinic unsaturated mono-carboxylic acid repeating unit or an ester or salt, and the second repeating unit is a vinyl or allyl group bound to a polyether by an ether linkage. The slurry can be made into a gypsum panel.

Abstract: A gypsum slurry includes water, a hydraulic component including stucco and a polycarboxylate dispersant. The dispersant has two repeating units wherein the first repeating unit is an olefinic unsaturated mono-carboxylic acid repeating unit or an ester or salt, and the second repeating unit is a vinyl or allyl group bound to a polyether by an ether linkage. The slurry can be made into a gypsum panel.

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: A shear panel for constructing underlayments for floors and roofs of buildings includes a first rectangular layer of fire-resistant material, such as cementitious board, bonded to a second rectangular layer of thin high-strength material, such as galvanized steel. The length of the second layer is longer than the length of the first layer. The additional length of the second layer forms a tab extending from one end of the panel. During construction, a first panel is attached to a set of beams (floor joists or roof rafters) with the tab spanning between adjacent beams. A second panel is positioned on the beams with at least a portion of the second panel overlapping the tab of the first panel. The overlapping portion of the second panel is fastened to the tab of the first panel to form a continuous shear diaphragm for the floor or roof.

Abstract: A structure for supporting loads includes a composite envelope filled with a filler material. The envelope may comprise a mesh or non-mesh material and may have a high tensile strength. The filler material may comprise a loose or coarse material and may be enclosed within an enclosed in a semi-permeable envelope on all sides. The resulting structure may permit an applied compressive force to result in a tensile force applied in the envelope material.

Abstract: A concrete wall forming system including a plurality of mold units for forming a wall of concrete. The mold units include a bond beam form extending into the body lengthwise, defined by a first wall, a second wall, a bond beam form bottom, a first end and a second end where the first wall and second wall extend a depth defined by a portion of the distance from the top surface to the bottom surface and where the bond beam form does not touch the first side or the second side. First and second ledges extend lengthwise along the body from the first and second sides respectively to the first and second walls respectively of the bond beam form. The bond beam form bottom extends from the first wall to the second wall. At least two column forms extend from the bond beam form bottom to a bottom surface.

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

Abstract: A roof paneling system includes a roof panel comprising an open-cell inorganic foam. The foam can decrease hydraulic conductivity of the roof paneling system, filter rainwater falling on the roof, and reflect excess heat. The open-cell inorganic foam preferably comprises a ceramic or glass, and has a porosity of at least about 20%, a mean pore size less than about 10 mm, and a thickness of at least about 10 mm. The foam can include a hydrophilic compound that further decreases the hydraulic conductivity of the foam. Optionally, the foam can have a reflectivity of at least about 20%.

Abstract: A multi-piece interconnected body for use in at least structural support and/or in creating internal cavities for an improved strength-to-weight ratio in a variety of structures is nestable prior to its assembly and use. When assembled, the device preferably forms a generally spherical and hollow body, with (1) one or more ribs or similar structural support network associated with and/or integrally formed in the body; (2) at least one latch mechanism to help hold the pieces in a desired assembled relationship with each other; and (3) a hinge or other interconnecting element that facilitates nesting and/or stacking of a plurality of the bodies with each other prior to assembly, association of the multiple parts of each body with each other prior to assembly, and ready repositioning of those parts into a desired assembled position.

Abstract: Provided is a fiber reinforced cement board having good installation properties such as nail performance, flexibility performance and handling performance, as well as other favorable physical properties. The board has an absolute dry specific gravity of not less than 1.20 and not more than 1.30 and comprises as raw materials not less than 28% by mass and not more than 32% by mass of a hydraulic inorganic material, not less than 54% by mass and not more than 58% by mass of a siliceous material, not less than 8% by mass and not more than 12% by mass of a woody reinforcement, not less than 2% by mass and not more than 5% by mass of mica, and not less than 0.5% by mass and not more than 1.25% by mass of a water-soluble resin.

Abstract: An elongated building element (14) to form a series of walls (10) to (13). The elements (14) each have longitudinally extending flanges (21) that snap engage with longitudinally extending grooves (19) in the next adjacent element (14). Accordingly the wall (10) is constructed by joining the elements (14) in a direction transverse their general direction of extension. If so required the elements (14) may be filled with concrete.

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: A lightweight cementitious composition containing from 22 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition and from 10 to 78 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, where after the lightweight cementitious composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39. The cementitious composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles and can be included as a layer on wall panels and floor panels and can be used in insulated concrete forms. Aspects of the lightweight cementitious composition can be used to make lightweight structural units.

Abstract: A multi-layered veneer panel that includes a foamed core, a concrete surface layer, and a mounting device. The concrete surface layer forms a front surface and an edge perimeter region of the veneer panel. The front surface approximates a desired topography of a simulated wall. The foamed core forms a back surface of the veneer panel and is disposed adjacent the concrete surface layer. The mounting device is cast into at least one of the concrete surface layer and the foamed core and extends from the edge perimeter region. A method of making a multi-layered veneer panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A three-dimensional constructional element 10 is shown having opposing and substantially planar panels 30, 40 mounted on opposing surfaces of a flexible planar member in the form of a flexible mesh material layer 52 therefore making a composite sheet of three layers. Panel 30 includes transverse grooves 12, 14 formed therein and panel 40 includes transverse grooves 16, 18 formed therein. The structure is deformable about each groove 12, 14, 16, 18. In a preferred embodiment the panels 30, 40 are divided into many segments defined by the transverse grooves to allow the constructional element to be deformed so that one of the exterior surfaces of panel 30 is concave while the opposing exterior surface of panel 40 is convex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wallboards particularly for damp rooms, which boards have a steam-resistant layer which prevents penetration of steam. The boards are particularly suitable for covering with tiles and are prefabricated in such a manner that they are easy to set up and to adapt to existing damp room structures according to general existing standards.

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: An insulating concrete form wall system includes integral channels for routing wiring, cables and other lines. The channels are formed into the insulating layers of the walls and form part of the insulating layer. The channel members include a bottom portion having an interlocking device configured for interlocking with the poured concrete. The channel members have opposed side portions extending from edges of the bottom portion to define an open channel. Insulation engagement devices extend from the sides to engage the insulating concrete form elements.

Abstract: A fabricated concrete foundation wall is provided with a plurality of insulation panels and reinforcing ribs to improve strength and reduce the density of the wall panel. The foundation wall panels are easily placed and interconnected together to quickly provide a foundation adapted to support the main walls of a home, for example. The foundation panels in one embodiment generally include a facewall that may have at least one carbon fiber band positioned horizontally therethrough to provide additional stiffness.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an inorganic board which has high mechanical strength, much improved dimensional stability, freezing and fusion resistance. To attain said object the present invention provides an inorganic board made of a cured material being a raw material mixture containing a cementitious inorganic material, a silica containing material, a woody reinforcement, and a water soluble synthetic resin, wherein the mass ratio of said cementitious inorganic material and said silica containing material is set to be in the range of between 35:65 and 45:55, to promote the hardening reaction of said inorganic board, and to reduce the unreacted materials, solving the problem of the retardation of the cement hardening by said water soluble synthetic resin.

Abstract: Building frame shear-wall structure and associated methodology wherein the resulting structure includes (a) plural, elongate, spaced, interconnected columns and beams including elongate stretches which define and perimeter nominally open panes, and (b) within each defined and perimetered pane, an introduced, cured body of curable structural flow material spanning and effectively forming a column-and-beam-anchored rigidifying shear panel in the pane.

Abstract: A building element (1) that is suitable for use as a structural element in wet areas or external docking. The building element (1) comprises a rigid substrate (2) having an upper face (3). Over the first face (3) lies a radiation curable resin (4) into which a layer of reinforcing material (5) is at least partially embedded. The reinforcing material (5) and resin (3) can be applied separately or together onto the first face (3) of the rigid substrate (2) or in some cases can be applied to both faces. An apparatus and method for producing the building sheet are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cast architectural element is provided, including a stone shell having front, end, side and rear walls defining an internal cavity, the rear walls defining a rear opening. A core is disposed in the internal cavity, and at least one attachment clip is provided having a first portion extending from the shell, and a second portion engaged in the core. A layer of mesh is disposed upon the core and the second clip portion, and a settable filler layer is disposed upon the mesh in the rear opening, such that upon setting, the filler retains the clip in position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of providing a blast mitigation coating system to a building structure and kits of the system. The method comprises the steps of: mixing and applying a water-based flexible polymer, a micro-fiber material, a mineral filler material, and other additives to the building structure to form a layer of coating; embedding one layer of glass-fiber reinforcing meshes into the coating; applying the second layer of coating; and embedding a second layer of meshes. The water-based flexible polymer comprises acrylic resin, styrene-acrylic, and vinyl-acetate ethylene. The micro-fiber material comprises polypropylene. The mineral filler material comprises ground silica and/or mica. The kit of the blast mitigation coating system comprises the water-based flexible polymer, the micro-fiber material, the mineral filler material and glass-fiber reinforcing meshes.

Abstract: The present application includes disclosure of various embodiments of composite construction beams and beam systems. In at least one exemplary embodiment of a composite construction beam of the present disclosure, the beam comprises an elongated shell having a length and an interior volume, wherein the elongated shell defines a first aperture. An exemplary construction beam further comprises a first conduit within the interior volume of the elongated shell, the first conduit having a curved profile extending along a longitudinal direction of the beam, and a second conduit within the interior volume of the elongated shell, the second conduit extending along at least a portion of the length of the elongated shell, wherein the first conduit and the second conduit are in communication with one another. In at least one embodiment, a construction beam of the present disclosure comprises a first flange positioned upon the elongated shell relative to the first aperture.

Abstract: An architectural concrete structure and a wall system formed with a plurality of architectural concrete structure wherein each block has first and second cement sections spaced apart and joined together with steel reinforcing bars and tubular members filled with cement. The first and second sections have parallel outer wall surfaces and inner wall surfaces which taper outwardly in an upward direction. Foam insulation is secured to each of the tapering wall surfaces, which insulation members define a tapered passageway extending through the length of the structure.

Abstract: A building block having a body with three sets of opposing outer sides defining thereby a generally rectangular outer shape, the body having at least one passageway having an upper open end at a top of the block and an open lower end at a bottom of the block. An inner part of the block is comprised of a first material, and a second different material surrounds the inner part providing thereby an at least substantially continuous outer surface of said second material. A one side of a one of the sets of opposing sides having at least one protrusion extending outwardly from a planar surface of the side, and at least one cavity in the further opposed side of the same set of opposed sides in a position and of a size to receive and effect an alignment of a further block having the same shape and size of this first defined block, by receiving a or the protrusions into the cavity or cavities.

Abstract: An external wall constructing structure excellent in ornamental appearance, weather resistance, contractibility, and safety is provided. An external wail constructing structure 1 comprising external wall panels that are joined to each other by vertical and horizontal shiplap joints and secured to a skeleton of a building by securing a metal fitting 5. A cut-off end portion 23 of a dimension-adjusted external wall panel 20 among the plurality of external wall panels is fixed to a skeleton 10 of the building via end constructing bracket 3. Left and right joint end portions of the dimension-adjusted external wall panel 20 are fixed to the skeleton 10 via lateral end securing metal fittings 6. In the end constructing bracket 3, a rear plate portion 31 is abutted on rear surface 26 of the dimension-adjusted external wall panel 20 and forward-bending portion 32 is abutted on cut-off end surface 231 of the dimension-adjusted external wall panel 20.

Abstract: A cementitious material beam for use in the building construction industry and a method of fabricating such beam.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reinforcement structure which is used in providing cementitious mixtures supplemental support and strength upon setting, and more particularly, to a reinforcement structure which comprises a plurality of oriented reinforcing fibrous and/or filamentary components having a finite cut length, and fastening the reinforcing fibrous and/or filamentary components by one or more circumferential retaining elements.