Abstract: The present invention relates to a full-cavity concrete slab structure with high integrity and stability and excellent performance, a cavity structure, and a steel bar framework. The slab type concrete structure is internally provided with a slab type concrete structure unit. An external concrete shell of the slab type concrete structure unit is internally provided with oblique concrete partitions. Both ends of the external concrete shell are sealed. Two side panels of the external concrete shell form enclosed air cavities together with the corresponding oblique concrete partitions and the sealed ends at the both ends. The air cavities are arranged in continuous rows in a staggered manner. The steel bar framework is provided in the external concrete shell and the oblique concrete partitions. The present invention implements high integration of energy saving and environmental protection of structures and buildings.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing an insulated concrete form (ICF) wall are provided. Vertically-oriented pairs of ICF foam panels of an ICF structure are erected above a footing, with vertical panel supports located along opposed vertical edges of each set of adjacent vertically-oriented panel pairs. An internal brace support, extending longitudinally along the structure, is installed between the individual panels of the panel pairs. Concrete is poured between the erected vertically-oriented ICF foam panels to complete the ICF wall.

Abstract: A concrete tie for use in an insulated concrete panel, the concrete tie including a main body having (1) a length, an inner surface, and an outer surface; (2) a protrusion extending away from the inner surface of the main body and along the length thereof; (3) at least one upper foot extending above a top surface of the main body and at least one lower foot extending below a bottom surface of the main body, wherein the protrusion is configured to engage with a slot formed in an insulation layer.

Abstract: A load transfer device is provided to connect concrete elements including, but not limited to, sandwich and double wall panel wythes, roof, floor, balcony and canopy members, and pavement. The device may be used to connect and transfer loads between the components of sandwich and double wall panels. The device includes two load transfer members positioned at an angle with respect to one another. Additionally provided are a retention housing for retaining one or more load transfer members at their angled positions and a depth locating means for retaining one or more load transfer members at their proper depth. Also provided are sandwich wall panels and double wall panels employing the load transfer device and methods for manufacturing sandwich wall panels and double wall panels employing the disclosed load transfer device.

Abstract: A dry papercrete mix is formed by preparing a wet pulp of fiber material such as newsprint and sharp sand by mixing sand, fiber material and water in a batch or continuous mixer, drying the pulp to a moisture content below that which will cause a reaction with Portland cement and adding additional sand and/or pumice and Portland cement. The resulting dry mix can then be handled, stored and used in the manner which is conventional for concrete. The dry papercrete mix can also be applied by pouring the dry papercrete mix into a form in a dry state and injecting water into the dry mix until the mix is sufficiently wetted without mixing in the manner common for concrete. Structural modules and a technique for joining them into a structure are particularly appropriate to the use of dry application papercrete.

Abstract: A flooring system for installation over a surface that provides flooring using artificial wood panels over a plastic base formed from recycled plastics for even durable support over cement or dirt surfaces. The flooring system comprises a plurality of interlocking bases and a plurality of removable clips, wherein each clip has a pair of grippers for engaging at least one board of a plurality of boards, the base and clips supporting the boards apart from the surface and the plurality of boards connected between the grippers are capable of supporting a load of at least 300 pounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lath furring strip having a height not exceeding 0.365 inches which has a flexible elastic water resistive barrier (e.g. rubber) to minimize water seepage from the plaster on the lath to a structure behind the lath furring strip and a hemmed mounting leg to increase the strength of the mounting leg near the lath attachment hole. By incorporating a flexible elastic water resistive barrier into the lath furring strip, when the flexible elastic waterproof barrier on the lath furring strip is squeezed by the force of a screw or nail that secures the lath furring strip to a sheathing or moisture barrier (such as building paper), any holes in the sheathing or moisture barrier which might have allowed water to seep from the plaster to the sheathing will be sealed due to the properties of the flexible elastic water resistive barrier covering those holes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tower construction with an annular cross section, comprising one or more component tubes arranged concentrically one on top of the other, wherein at least one component tube is composed of at least 3 tube segments, the tube segments of at least one component tube are pretensioned relative to one another by means of tensioning devices, hereinafter referred to as segment tensioning devices, and the component tubes have tensioning devices, hereinafter referred to as component tube tensioning devices, which act at least in the axial direction and extend over at least one horizontal joint, the tube segments and the component tubes composed therefrom form, at their butting edges, joints having gaps, the gaps of the joints are filled at least partially with a joint-filling material, and the joints between the tube segments of the same component tube allow a certain, substantially constraint-free rotation of the adjoining tube segments about the joint axis.

Abstract: Construction element for forming a reinforced concrete slab (2), consisting of the combination of at least a hardened concrete layer (3), at least a number of reinforcement elements (4) and elements (5) extending at least partially from the concrete layer (3) and defining cavities (6), whereby these elements (5) are designed to be covered with concrete (7) at a later stage characterised in that the above-mentioned elements (5) defining the cavities (6) consist of elements (5) which can be mutually nested as such.

Abstract: A system for supporting a banner includes a body defining an elongate passage (260, 260A) and a secure halyard passage (271, 271A), the elongate passage configured to receive at least one travelling weight (256, 256A) and having a longitudinal slot (261, 261A) extending substantially along the length of the elongate passage wherein, in use, the banner is attached through the slot to the at least one travelling weight. A housing (12) is positioned at an upper end of the halyard passage, the housing having a recess configured to receive a banner arm (14) wherein, in use, the banner is attached to the banner arm and retraction of a halyard (228) through the secure halyard passage causes the banner arm to be retracted into the recess and to be positioned in a predetermined laterally-extending orientation. The body may be a conduit (210) configured for attachment to a support surface. In another arrangement the body is a multi-function street pole (200A).

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components for use in building construction. The invention provides wall components and systems which have fire-retardant characteristics, as well as wall components which allow for needed ventilation in a building throughout times when no fire is present. Embodiments include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving intumescent material. When the intumescent material becomes hot, it expands rapidly and fills its surrounding area, blocking fire, heat, and smoke from traveling to other areas of a building.

Abstract: The present invention relates to configurations of pre-cast panel forming systems and various components of the panel forming systems. In one embodiment, a bulkhead is provided wherein a cross-sectional support member is located at a point along the height dimension of the upstanding portion of the bulkhead so as to provide substantial resistance to reduction of the width dimension under significant panel forming pressure applied to one of the exterior faces of the upstanding walls. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.72(b), the purpose of this abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract will not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A utility trenching and sidewalk system comprising modular utility sidewalk units which may be assembled together to form a cable trench. The modular units are formed from plastic composite material and include sidewalls, a bottom wall and covers which define a chamber for housing utility cables. A cavity formed in the sidewalls and bottom wall is filled with concrete through apertures in the sidewalls. The covers are removable from the module to provide access to the chamber. The module further includes a recess for receiving a paving material which serves as a sidewalk surface in the installed system.

Abstract: A pre-cast panel forming system. The system includes one or more bulkheads to constrain the flow of uncured panel-forming material. The bulkhead is made up of an upstanding form and a base clip to secure the upstanding form to a panel-forming surface. The base clip is configured to promote ease of attachment to the panel-forming surface, even though the thickness dimension of the upstanding form is reduced relative to conventional forms. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.72(b), the purpose of this abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract will not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A storage tank (100) with a pre-insulated outer tank (110) has been described, and a method for building such. For building a wall (112) of an outertank (110), a formwork (90) is erected with an inner partition (92) to which PVC-foam plates (10) have been attached, which at their inner surface (2) are provided with a coating (3) provided with gravel (4). Subsequently, concrete (94) is poured into the inner formwork space (93), which concrete attaches firmly to the gravel sticking out of the coating. On a floor (111), a coating layer (121) is applied, over which a layer of PVC-foam plates (122) is applied. Subsequently, a secondary monolithic coating layer (123) is sprayed over those PVC-foam plates (122) and onto the inner surface of the coated PVC-plates 10 of the wall (112).

Abstract: A flashing and weep apparatus allows for simple installation and accurate placement windows and doors in cavity wall construction. In a first embodiment, the flashing and weep apparatus is a two-panel extrusion that has a flashing panel that acts as a non-porous support for the masonry veneer. This embodiment also includes a second panel which is joined at a generally right angle to the first panel to be juxtaposed against the outer face of the inner wall in the cavity wall construction. Weep channels are formed between the two panels and allow for the drainage and dissipation of water and other moisture in the cavity wall system. In a second embodiment, membrane is initially attached to and draped along the lower portion of the inner wall immediately above the sill or lintel. The membrane extends across the cavity spacing between the walls to underlie the masonry components forming the outer veneer.

Abstract: A reinforced-concrete column contains reinforcing cage and inserts made monolithic with concrete mix and comprises the upper bearing and lower foundation parts. The method of construction of the column includes operations of manufacture of the column reinforcing cage with inserts, placement of concrete in the non-removable casing in the project position in single- or multi-slit pit with the column making monolithic. The column reinforcing cage is loaded vertically into the pit, centered vertically, and the upper part is fixed from horizontal displacements, the lower foundation part of the column and the inner part of the non-removable casing with the closed-type casing in the upper bearing part of the column are made monolithic with concrete from down to top. After making monolithic, the soil base is widened and cemented via the process pipeline placed inside the reinforcing cage; the space between the non-removable casing and the pit walls in the upper bearing part is filled with granular material.

Abstract: A pre-cast panel forming system. The system includes one or more bulkheads to constrain the flow of uncured panel-forming material. The bulkhead is made up of an upstanding form and a base clip to secure the upstanding form to a panel-forming surface. The base clip is configured to promote ease of attachment to the panel-forming surface, even though the thickness dimension of the upstanding form is reduced relative to conventional forms. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.72(b), the purpose of this abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract will not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention relates to configurations of pre-cast panel forming systems and various components of the panel forming systems. In one embodiment, a bulkhead is provided wherein a cross-sectional support member is located at a point along the height dimension of the upstanding portion of the bulkhead so as to provide substantial resistance to reduction of the width dimension under significant panel forming pressure applied to one of the exterior faces of the upstanding walls. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.72(b), the purpose of this abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract will not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

Abstract: This invention is a building technique with multiple applications that addresses many known needs in a vast marketplace that far surpasses existing technology. Energy savings alone is an extremely important worldwide issue that has not been addressed by other building techniques today, as it should have been. Today, Americans are dependent upon the radical and unstable oil producing nations for our energy. This trend is unwise and extremely dangerous to the peace of our nation. Measures must be taken now to slow down the depletion of natural energy resources. This process is a cutting edge, innovative technological building system that produces the highest energy efficiency in addition to fire protection, termite protection, moisture protection, sound resistance and wind resistance possible at a cost comparable to wood, block or steel construction.

Abstract: Modular tenon and slot mortise building blocks include, for each building block: (a) hollow rectangular parallelepiped center block, (b) an outer siding member, (c) a first tenon member sandwiched between the center block and the siding member, (d) an inner facing member, and (e) a second tenon member sandwiched between the center block and the facing member. The tenon members are parallel and mounted to longitudinal sides of the center block. The tenon members are positioned and of a length so as to extend longitudinally of a first end of the center block by a first distance and so as to form mortised first and second recesses having a first depth behind the first and second tenon members, respectively, between the siding member and the center block and between the facing member and the center block. The first distance is substantially equal to the first depth.

Abstract: A gypsum board/intumescent material ceiling board includes a gypsum board and a fire-resistive barrier. A first major surface of the gypsum board is an upper side for abutting framing and a second major surface of the gypsum board is an underside for facing a room interior. The fire-resistive barrier is a layer of intumescent coating material applied to and coextensive with one of the major surfaces of the gypsum board. The intumescent coating material contains expandable graphite and a corrosion inhibitor in sufficient quantities to provide a corrosion inhibiting layer on metal surfaces, such as the surfaces of metal fasteners, with which the intumescent coating material comes in contact. In addition, the intumescent coating material has a pH greater than 7.0 to reduce corrosive properties of the intumescent material and provide a chemical environment conducive to the forming of the corrosion inhibiting layer by the corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: To improve sound damping in prefabricated building elements having two parallel welded wire mesh mats 1, 2, interconnected by web wires 7, 7′ enclose, therebetween, an insulating body (8) for example of foam plastic. Concrete is then sprayed on both sides over the mesh wires to form inner and outer shells. These concrete shells are interconnected by forming the insulating body with through-holes, which, upon concrete spraying, will form concrete webs or plugs (14, 14′) interconnecting the two shells, thus preventing resonant sound vibrations of the concrete shells. The through-holes (10, 11, 11′) can be molded during manufacture of the insulating body (8) or drilled or stamped therethrough, and may extend at right angles through the major extent of the foam body or obliquely, preferably downwardly and distributed randomly.

Abstract: A gypsum board/intumescent material fire barrier wall includes spaced apart, vertically extending metal or wooden studs with only one layer of gypsum board secured to each side of the studs to form a fire barrier wall with a wall cavity. An intumescent material barrier, that is at least coextensive in width and height with the width and height of the wall cavity, is also included in the fire barrier wall and preferably, the wall cavity contains a fibrous insulation blanket. Preferably, the spaced apart gypsum wall boards, with the intumescent material barrier, provide the fire barrier wall with two hour fire-resistive properties meeting or exceeding ASTM test standard E119 for walls and partitions.

Abstract: An enclosure that is fire-resistive for a predetermined period of time including a floor having a structural forging which is covered with a glass wool felt. A platform of wooden plates is affixed to the glass wool felt. Lateral expansion joints are positioned at ends of the wooden plates. A wooden skirting board is positioned over the expansion joints and resides against walls of the enclosure. The walls are formed by plywood boards, incombustible boards, and a wooden board formed by planks. A metallic square bar is affixed to the floor and resides at the bottom of the walls. A ceiling is self-supported at the top of the walls.

Abstract: Shuttering floor slab for the two-phase construction of level concrete plates, which is thin and rectangular or polygonal in shape and contains the bending reinforcement of the final slab, used to form a level monolithic structure by assembly and embedded bonding of an upper layer to conform the final slab, characterized in that its body contains multiple parallel longitudinal passages connected to its upper surface by symetrically located slots placed on the longitudinal parallel axes of the passages, and having interrupted continuity, thus creating an intimate connection between the poured upper layer and the shuttering floor slab, through the material of the upper layer itself when this material enters into the longitudinal passages of the slotted floor slab through the slots in the upper face of said slab.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for quickly erecting horizontal and vertical structural members for use in residential, commercial, or industrial construction. The system utilizes building blocks composed of baled straw or other fibrous material, resulting in structures that are energy efficient and environmentally innocuous. A portable, reusable temporary support system is disclosed. The baled fiber blocks are stacked into wall or roofing components. Reinforcing ribs or beams are provided to enhance the load bearing capabilities of the component, and the bales are covered on their exposed faces with a rigid durable layer, preferably pneumatically applied concrete. Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for transferring shear forces between rigid exterior layers, vastly improving the structural integrity of the structural components.

Abstract: A former for supporting a layer of settable plastics material while it sets into hollow reinforcing ribs bonded to a laid up article of fibre reinforced plastics material during manufacture of said article, comprising a foraminous sheet (5) wherein the region of the sheet between each pair of neighbouring holes (6) is elevated above the plane in which the rims of the holes are disposed by means of one or more upstanding formations (7) joined to one another by a flexible web (10). The upstanding formations have rigidifying patterns (11) formed thereon. An article produced using the former is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete floor structure having reinforced concrete beams and girders supporting a metal subfloor and a monolithic concrete layer. The metal subfloor comprises alternating first and second flooring units wherein the first flooring units span across a plurality of the beams and thereby enhance the load carrying capacity of the floor structure. In one embodiment, the first flooring units comprise cellular flooring units that provide for the distribution of wiring throughout the floor structure. In alternative embodiments, the first and second flooring units each comprise cellular flooring units or each comprise non-cellular flooring units. The metal subfloor presents openings in the region of the beams and girders so that the monolithic concrete may comprise the concrete of the beams and girders and the layer of concrete covering the metal subfloor.

Abstract: A concrete beam conduit guide includes a hollow open ended prismatic body with a downwardly sloping roof, an upward sloping floor, sidewalls and seal flanges at the open ends of the body.

Abstract: In a mold panel unit for constructing, for example, a spring-water processing layer, a mold panel is made of a synthetic resinous material or a fiber-reinforced material. A plurality of projections identical in configuration with each other are formed on the one side of the mold panel. A plurality of recesses are formed in the other side of said mold panel in corresponding relation to the respective projections. In addition, a spring-water processing structure formed on a grade slab includes a plurality of mold panel units which are laid on the grade slab such that end faces of the respective projections of each of the mold panel units are in abutment with an upper surface of the grade slab, and the recesses of the mold panel unit open upwardly. A cement filler is after-cast on said mold panel units.

Abstract: A shutter panel for use in a lost formwork for making a cavity floor. The panel has connection members for bearer feet. The connection members extend through holes in the shuttering panel. For marginal reinforcement of the panel around the holes, special fittings are provided, for example bracing plates, flanges or washers disposed against the underside of the panel. The holes in the shutter panel may also have an inside diameter such that the bearer feet can be passed through them from above at the time of fixing to fittings at the holes. The panel preferably consists of plaster.

Abstract: A flexible form sheet is described, which is used for producing plaster cavity floors. The sheet has regularly distributed, leg-like bulges. The bulges are interconnected by horizontal sheet surfaces. Increased flexibility areas are located between the bulges, and are preferably deformed. They are appropriately constructed as zig-zag or concertina-like strips concentrically surrounding the bulges. This provides an increase in the vertical reciprocal mobility of the bulges, so that on applying the plaster, the form sheet can adapt to unevennesses of the underfloor.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall section apparatus includes a pair of pressure treated plywood panels having a plurality of furring strips attached to one side of each panel. A plurality of spacing tie members space the pair panels a predetermined distance apart. The panels are held together by a plurality of fastener members for attaching the panels together, spaced by the spacing tie members with the fastener members attached through the furring strips and panels, so that the furring strips act as reinforcing strips as well as furring strips for the prefabricated wall. Column and beam forming internal walls are located between the pair of connected panels to make three sides of one or two columns and one beam form between the pair of panels so that the prefabricated wall section can be set up and concrete poured therein. The prefabricated wall sections are attached to a foundation adjacent each other so that two adjacent prefabricated wall sections can form one column form.

Abstract: Described in a displacement body for forming cavities in concrete structures. The displacement body lends itself to simple and cost-effective production, is extremely light-weight and still capable of meeting stability requirements. In a preferred embodiment the displacement body consists of a grid structure (1) formed of intersecting longitudinal and transverse rods, and plastic sheets (2a, 2b) applied to both sides of the grid structure and connected to one another and to the grid structure by welding and/or heat-shrinking. Further described are structures formed under employ of such displacement bodies, as well as advantageous methods for making same.

Abstract: An improved building structure and construction method is disclosed wherein the wall structure includes internal wall forms with cementitious material applied thereon. A reinforcing structure for the cementitious material is provided whereby the foundation wall structure and roof structure are operatively interconnected in a load bearing relationship so that the strength and durability is significantly enhanced. The apparatus for attaching the internal wall forms to the roof structure includes means for conveniently aligning the wall forms in a straight and plumb relationship before the cementitious material is applied.

Abstract: A reinforced masonry wall structure comprising a horizontally disposed footing having a first layer of mortar on the upper surface thereof with a first plurality of courses of masonry blocks placed one upon the other with the lowermost course being positioned on the first layer of concrete. The masonry blocks in the first plurality of courses are in intimate contact with each other since mortar is not placed therebetween. A second layer of mortar is placed on the upper portion of the uppermost course of the first plurality of courses and a second plurality of courses of masonry blocks are placed one upon the other with the lowermost course being positioned on the second layer of mortar. The masonry blocks in the second plurality of courses are also in intimate contact with each other inasmuch as mortar is not positioned therebetween. First and second layers of plaster-like material are applied to opposite sides of the masonry blocks.

Abstract: A box beam reinforced concrete and steel construction providing spaced apart wire mesh reinforced concrete skin walls and interior concrete supporting frangible sheets providing for solid concrete cores contiguous to and monolithically integrated with the skin walls.

Abstract: An improved reinforced structural member and method of fabricating the member. The structural member is a truss slab of a type embodying a lower concrete slab having reinforcement embedded therein; means providing a network of passages overlying the base slab; and an overlying concrete slab with reinforcement therein, including concrete columns extending between the overlying slab and the base slab. Additional reinforcing members or struts are provided connected between the reinforcing members in the lower slab and the reinforcing members in the upper slab. These members are of improved construction embodying a lower section and a separable upper section. The lower section extends to the height of the top surface of the lower slab permitting improvements in the method in that the lower slab can be poured without the reinforcing struts or members being in the way. The upper section of the reinforcing strut is then joined to the lower section, after which the upper slab is poured.

Abstract: A heat-insulating, antisweat structural component for prefabricated residential houses, etc. comprises a set of H-shaped steel sheet piles each having opposed side plates coupled by a coupling plate and fittingly coupled to the other in a side-by-side relationship. In each H-shaped steel sheet pile, an engaging piece is formed at one edge and a fitting piece adapted to snugly fit the engaging piece is formed at the other edge of each of the side plates in such a manner that they are continuous along the respective edges, and fitting grooves are formed centrally on the opposed surfaces of the coupling plate to extend in an opposed relationship to each other and in parallel with the side plates.

Abstract: A building structure and a method of constructing a wall utilizing the building structure, for the construction of concrete buildings in a simplified manner. Each building structure unit includes a pair of exterior panels of cardboard sandwiching an insulating foam panel, or sandwiching two foam panels which in turn sandwich another cardboard panel. The various panels are glued together, and tabs extend from the exterior panels along the bottom of the structure, and along one side of the structure. A number of the structures are stood in place so that they extend vertically, with the tab portions along their bottoms attached to the building base, and the structures all arranged side by side in interlocking engagement to provide a continuous self-supporting wall structure providing a horizontally impenetrable barrier.

Abstract: A prefabricated consumable assembly for forming a concrete wall structure includes a pair of spaced apart side plates interconnected on their ends by transverse tie members. A single or a pair of insulating panels is positioned within the side plates and structure is associated with each tie member which defines grooves for receiving and holding the side edges of the insulating panel or panels. The groove defining structure may be formed by a detachable clip mounted on the tie members or entirely or in part integral with the tie members. Mechanism is provided for interlocking assembled ones of the prefabricated assemblies to form a wall structure including an inside corner. The side plates may be arranged for bending to form corners.

Abstract: This invention relates to a building structure which is made by spraying concrete onto shuttering which itself becomes incorporated into the structure.

Abstract: An architecturally finished concrete structure is a composite of a finished wallboard member, such as plasterboard, plywood, etc., to which is bonded a plurality of elongated hollow void creating devices, with said devices being embedded in a concrete structure that is adhered to said finished wallboard member. In the subject method, one side, or both sides, of the concrete form for casting-in-place the concrete structure is defined by a finished wallboard member to which is adhered a plurality of elongated hollow void creating devices. Concrete is poured in the space defined by the concrete form, and is cured so as to be in intimate contact with, and embed, the void creating devices, and the resulting concrete structure is architecturally finished by having one or both faces thereof formed of said wallboard member.

Abstract: A wall, such as a load bearing wall, and method for forming same. The wall comprises a core member having a substantial void therein and reticulated sheets of reinforcing material positioned on both sides of the core and spaced therefrom. The wall is formed as by spraying cementitious material through and around the sheet material thus to produce a composite wall comprising first and second panels of reinforced cementitious material in spaced relation, having a hollow core therebetween, said panels being joined together as a unitary structural member.