Abstract: A prefabricated concrete form with vertical spacers between fill forming cladding with cut-outs in the spacers having horizontal rebar received therethrough and received therein. Stand-offs are provided between the vertical spacers with vertical rebar received on the stand-offs. In one version, the stand-offs are attached to the horizontal rebar. In other versions, the stand-offs are attached to the spacers. A cut-out is formed in one of the claddings to form an auxiliary fill space on the outside of the cladding, which when filled with concrete, upon hardening, forms a ledge for supporting a stair structure.

Abstract: A construction system for a module of a dwelling the main elements of which are made of plastic material includes a set of hollow profiled beams (1, 1?) of elongate rectilinear shape of type 1 and of type 2. The beams (1, 1?) include at each end (5, 5?) a transverse passage opening (6, 6?). The transverse passage opening (6) of a beam (1) of type 1 comes to be nested with the transverse passage opening (6?) of a beam (1?) of type 2 when the two beams (1, 1?) are assembled end to end at a right angle leaving a passage opening (6, 6?) between the two ends (5, 5?) of the beams (1, 1?). Two beams (1) of type 1 can be assembled with two beams (1?) of type 2 to form a rectangular frame. The system further includes a set of corner assembly elements (2, 2?), each assembly element (2, 2?) including a body intended to pass through the transverse passage opening (6, 6?) of the beams (1, 1?) of type 1 and 2.

Abstract: The insulating concrete form system includes longitudinal and corner block assemblies each having a pair of side panels configured with tie receivers interacting with panel spacing ties to hold the side panels in an opposing manner and leading edges with an alternating arrangement of projections and recesses for interlocking with neighboring block assemblies. Each panel spacing tie includes a mid-support section interposing in between and connecting to a pair of end sections by a living hinge with each end section being configured with a flange member for placement within an opposing spatial wedge of the tie receiver, whereby the living hinge possesses the capability of allowing the side panels to move inwardly toward one another in a racked position to yield compactness of the longitudinal block assembly for economical transport. The corner block assembly also includes corner panel spacing ties to supplementally reinforce its structure to withstand hydrostatic blowout caused by poured concrete.

Abstract: Apparatus covering at least a portion of a surface of an existing structure with a repair structure comprise: a plurality of longitudinally and transversely extending panels connected to one another in edge-adjacent relationship; and a plurality of standoffs 10 connected to the panels and extending from the panels toward the existing structure. Each panel comprises a panel connector component which extends longitudinally along the panel and from an interior surface of the panel toward the existing structure, and each standoff comprises a standoff connector component complementary to the panel connector component. The connector components are shaped such that a 1 connection formed therebetween comprises deformation of at least one of the panel connector component and the standoff connector component and creates corresponding restorative deformation forces that prevent relative movement between the panel and the standoff under the force of gravity.

Abstract: The present invention provides in one aspect for a bracket for use with insulated forms for concrete walls. The bracket has an attachment plate for overlying the exterior of the insulated form to provide for a means of attaching the header or rim joist to the bracket. The bracket is provided an anchoring plate extending from the attaching plate for insertion into the interior of the insulated form. The present invention also provides for a method of attaching a header or rim joist to a concrete wall formed using insulated forms. The method involves cutting a vertical slot in the insulated form and inserting a bracket into the slot. The bracket has an attachment plate for overlying the exterior surface of the insulated form and an anchoring plate extending from the attachment plate through the slot into the interior of the insulated form. Concrete is poured into the form and allowed to set, after which the header or rim joist is attached to the brackets.

Abstract: Stay in place molds for the construction of concrete structures having fiber cement panels held together by multiple holding units is described. The holding units requires a flat rectangular main body; an indentation substantially located at the center of the upper side of the flat rectangular main body; left and right lateral edges perpendicularly located at the lateral sides of the rectangular body and a lower edge perpendicularly positioned at the lower side of the bottom side of the flat rectangular main body. They are selectively distributed at the internal cavity of the molds as a series of columns and rows separated from each other at predetermined distance. The particular structure and its distribution pattern facilitate the uniform contact of the liquid cement mixture and increase the strength and resistance of the structure prepared using the molds.

Abstract: Prefab wall, column, ceiling concrete forms are provided. The wall or column concrete forms comprise a metal mesh portion, dented line portions, horizontal cut portions, edge-pole portions, and a foam or light concrete portion. The metal mesh portion is formed with a shape of three-sided vertical mesh frame, the metal mesh portion comprising front net and two side nets. The dented line portions are provided horizontally across a plurality of locations of the metal mesh portion. The horizontal cut portion is provided at an edge of the side nets and being configured to receive rebars. The edge-pole portion is provided vertically along an inner edge of the side nets. The foam or light concrete portion is disposed and hardened with the metal mesh portion and the plurality of dented line portion. The ceiling concrete form includes a base board, pyramidal trusses, and a longitudinal bar.

Abstract: A stay-in-place form-work for casting a concrete structure comprises a plurality of elongate panels interconnectable in edge-to-edge relationship via complementary connector components on their longitudinal edges to define at least a portion of a perimeter of the form-work. The panels include a first panel having a first connector component incorporating a receptacle, and a second panel having a second connector component incorporating a protrusion. The first and second panels are connectable to one another in edge-to-edge relationship by: effecting a loose-fit connection by extending the protrusion of the second connector component into the receptacle of the first connector component; loosely seating a clip onto the first and second connector components; and pushing the clip against the first and second connector components to reach a locked configuration wherein restorative deformation forces associated with the clip act to retain the first and second connector components in the locked configuration.

Abstract: A wall system includes a first wall section a structural portion, such as concrete block construction. A second wall section mounts to the first wall section and includes insulating panels connected in an edge to edge relationship to form a continuous insulating layer. A third wall section of conventional finishing materials such as drywall, paneling or exterior finish layer mounts over the second wall section. Each of the insulating panels includes mounting elements at least partially embedded therein that provide for mounting the panels to the first layer and for mounting the third wall section to the second wall section. Each of the panels is lightweight and may be water impervious. The panels have ridges formed therein that define channels for routing wiring and other components. The panels also include complementary edges and complementary alignment features.

Abstract: The lightweight concrete panel is comprised of a thin concrete slab, a standard steel stud frame, optional insulation strips to increase its thermal performance for exterior wall applications, and specially engineered rivets or screws that connect the thin concrete slab to the metal frame. The specially engineered rivet has a protruding and shaped head that acts as an anchor when embedded in the hardened concrete slab and has an optional elastic cover in its embedded head to allow slight movement of the concrete slab. The engineered screw with an elastic cover can also be used as the connecting device that allows slight movement of the concrete slab.

Abstract: A mold core with a plurality of tension springs is placed in a mold box such that the top of the mold core is even with the top of the mold box when the plurality of tension springs have no tension. Block mix including a substantial amount of compressible material is poured into the mold and lightly vibrated. A movable bottom plate then moves downward at the same time as the mold core is moved downward a first distance to stretch the plurality of tension springs. After the mold core is moved downward the first distance, the movement of the mold core stops while the movement of the movable plate continues downward, thereby ejecting the partial block element from the mold. Block elements are cured, then glued together to form a complete block. One or both of the exterior surfaces of the block may have a wooden attachment layer attached.

Abstract: A method of forming a building panel is provided, with the building panel including facer and liner sheets surrounding a foam core. The method includes the steps of pre-notching the facer sheet at each false joint, roll forming the side joints of the facer sheet, bending the facer sheet, via a press operation, at the pre-notched area to form the false joint, such that the facer sheet is a continuous sheet across the false joint, and bonding the facer sheet having the false joint and the liner sheet to the foam core to form the building panel.

Abstract: A solar roofing system is described that is adapted for managing the flow of water down a roof. The system includes at least one roofing panel adapted for supporting photovoltaic material and at least one splice plate for interconnecting adjacent roofing panels. The roofing panels have a trough adapted for receiving water flowing down the roof and redistributing the water away from the splice plate. Anchoring clips secure roofing panels to the roof and space roofing panels from the roof for improved air circulation beneath the panels. Closure assemblies are used at edges of roofing panels to conceal electrical wiring from photovoltaic material sheets and to close off edge gaps formed by a terraced roofing system.

Abstract: A concrete form comprises cross members, plywood, and metal studs. The studs include a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls, the walls arranged to form a generally rectangular cross-section. A pair of inner walls extends between and perpendicular to the pair of side walls. A pair of flanges extends from the side walls. The flanges are aligned with each other and positioned between the front wall and the pair of inner walls. A portion of each stud is adapted for complementary engagement with the cross members. The cross members are attached to at least one of the inner walls and the flanges of the cut portion of the studs, and the plywood is mounted to the rear wall.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an element (1) of brick material for realising prefab panel elements for the building industry. The inventive element (1) of brick material is of rectangular form, with an underside (2), an upper side (3) and one or a plurality of through-passing openings or ducts (7, 71, . . . 713) on the underside (2) as well as on the upper side (3) and in the central zone between the two sides (2 and 3). On the upper side (3) distancing members (13) can be inserted into suitable recesses (12), which consisting of a pin (21) and two mushroom-shaped heads permit combination of the inventive elements (1) in such a manner that an inter-space is formed, into which cement mortar as well as the reinforcing elements (16) can be inserted. In the central zone of the element (1) also insulating material can be inserted according to the requirements, or connecting line ducts.

Abstract: Improvements in a stackable construction panel system are disclosed. The system includes stackable wall forms for receiving a flowable material, each form having a pair of foam panels tied together in a spaced and parallel relationship by connectors. In a first improvement, the connectors have head pieces with transversal terminal surfaces facilitating the stacking and handling of the wall forms on construction sites. In a second improvement, an end panel assembly is provided for mounting an end panel used as a wall stud for the construction of a window or door frame. The end panel assembly has first and second engaging members, each removably engageable with side end portions of the pair of foam panels. The end panel itself is mountable therebetween. In accordance with a third improvement, a corner connector is provided for reinforcing corner wall forms.

Abstract: An architectural construction assembly includes a plurality of construction units, each of which has opposite first and second surfaces and a plurality of side faces that are transverse to the first and second surfaces. At least one of the side faces of each of the construction units is formed with at least one protrusion which projects outwardly therefrom so as to be spaced apart from one of the side faces of one of the construction units which comes into contact with the protrusion.

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 modular interlock wall form for providing a sturdy wall structure that is easily assembled and disassembled. The modular interlock wall form includes a base frame for resting on a surface, and which includes a pair of elongate base rails extending in the longitudinal direction of the base frame. The base rails are laterally spaced, and at least one lateral member extends laterally across the base rails. The lateral member has a fascia support portion extending substantially perpendicular to an axis of a central portion of the lateral member, A face panel is provided for forming a face of the modular interlock wall form. The face panel has opposite surfaces and a perimeter edge. The perimeter edge comprises opposite end edges and opposite first and second edges. The first edge is adapted for being oriented downwardly and the second edge is adapted for being oriented upwardly. The second edge has a tongue extending along the length of the second edge with at least one pocket recessed in the tongue.

Abstract: A concrete-based building block has an attached wooden attachment layer on one or both exterior surfaces of the block that can receive and hold a penetrating fastener such as a nail, screw, staple, or the like. This allows surficial coverings such as wallboard, siding or other materials to be easily attached to a block wall made of the building blocks. The block includes substantially semi-cylindrical concave portions that form a cross-linked structure of channels when the blocks are assembled into a wall. Once the blocks have been stacked in place in a wall, grout or other suitable filling material is poured into the cross-linked structure of channels. When the filling material hardens, the blocks are locked together. Surficial covering materials may then be nailed, screwed, or stapled directly to the attachment layer of the blocks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcement element (8) for load-carrying or load-transferring structural parts (12). Said reinforcement element has a flat strip segment (100, consisting of a plurality of supporting fibers (26) which are embedded in a binder matrix (28) and are aligned parallel to one another and in the longitudinal direction of the segment. According to the invention, the flat strip segment (10) engages in an anchoring strap (18) with each of its free ends and is secured on said anchoring straps against the tensile and shearing forces exerted in the longitudinal direction of the segment. This enables the flat strip segment (10) can be fixed to a structural part (12) with an impressed pre-stress. The anchoring straps (18) can be anchored on the structural part (12) by means of fixing members (36).

Abstract: A spacing web frame assembly for a molded construction form for use in forming a reinforced concrete wall including a pair of inner and outer vertically-oriented attachment studs and a reinforcing wire truss assembly having ends attached to the inner and outer attachment studs to provide a predetermined spacing distance between the inner and outer attachment studs. The studs are visible to the outside when the molded foam panels are attached thereto and the concrete is then added to form the walls. The studs may be formed of either wood or metal, depending upon the type of attachment fasteners desired to be driven into the studs.

Abstract: A spacing web frame assembly for a molded construction form for use in forming a reinforced concrete wall including a pair of inner and outer vertically-oriented attachment studs and a reinforcing wire truss assembly having ends attached to the inner and outer attachment studs to provide a predetermined spacing distance between the inner and outer attachment studs. The studs are visible to the outside when the molded foam panels are attached thereto and the concrete is then added to form the walls. The studs may be formed of either wood or metal, depending upon the type of attachment fasteners desired to be driven into the studs.

Abstract: A sandwich structure has a core which comprises an array of core units (3) that are arranged in a staggered pattern between the walls (1,2) of the structure such that in a first direction (II—II) adjacent core units (3) are substantially aligned whereas in another direction (III—III) at least some adjacent core units (3) partly face each other and the core units (3) are arranged in said first direction (II—II) at generally larger mutual spacings (7) than in said second direction (III—III). The thus formed core is drapeable yet structural, so that it can conform to curved structures and the staggered mutual spacings (7) form no through-gaps in the core webs so that the risk of crack formation in the walls (1,2) and between walls and core is minimized.

Abstract: A concrete-based building block has an integrally-formed wooden attachment layer on one or both exterior surfaces of the block that can receive and hold a penetrating fastener such as a nail, screw, staple, or the like. This allows surficial coverings such as wallboard, siding or other materials to be easily attached to a block wall made of the building blocks. The block includes substantially semi-cylindrical concave portions that form a cross-linked structure of channels when the blocks are assembled into a wall. Once the blocks have been stacked in place in a wall, grout or other suitable filling material is poured into the cross-linked structure of channels. When the filling material hardens, the blocks are locked together. Surficial covering materials may then be nailed, screwed, or stapled directly to the attachment layer of the blocks.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for reinforcing a structural component utilizes an elongated strip or lamina which is applied to the surface of the structural component and which has at least one end which submerges into a recess in the surface of the component and is anchored in that recess. This has been found to greatly increase the reinforcing effect of the strip on the structure.

Abstract: A building block has a cement-based attachment layer on one or both exterior surfaces of the block that receives and holds a penetrating fastener such as a nail, screw, staple, or the like. This allows surficial coverings such as wallboard, siding or other materials to be easily attached to a block wall made of the building blocks. The block includes substantially semi-cylindrical concave portions that form a cross-linked structure of channels when the blocks are assembled into a wall. Once the blocks have been stacked in place in a wall, grout or other suitable filling material is poured into the cross-linked structure of channels. When the filling material hardens, the blocks are locked together. Surficial covering materials may then be nailed, screwed, or stapled directly to the attachment layer of the blocks.

Abstract: A prefabricated panel for buildings and constructions adapted to be interconnected by mortise-and-tenon coupling with other panels, comprising on at least one of its faces a series of projections (2, 7) followed by tenon couplings (3, 8) and/or mortise couplings (4, 9) in form of protuberances and recesses, at least one of the walls of said protuberances or recesses being resilient and thus facilitating a snug force fit between them when conveniently opposing the faces of two panels, the height of said projections (2, 7) being such that it determines a separation between the opposite faces of the two panels which forms a hollow chamber. The projections (2, 7) with tenon couplings (3, 8) and the mortise couplings (4, 9) are distributed at such a distance to each other that they offer interstitial gaps (11) through the free hollow space between panels. The interstitial gaps (11) of said hollow chamber allow to arrange therethrough different ductings and wirings in all directions.

Abstract: A wall clip for use with a concrete form comprises a vertical nailing surface or stud for receiving fasteners of finishing material therethrough. Linkage structures extend upper and lower anchors from the upper and lower ends of the stud and into the cavity between the form sidewalls. The anchors maintain the stud along the sidewalls during concrete pouring, curing and subsequent material fastening. The anchors further reinforce the concrete laden form.

Abstract: A building system utilizing outwardly projecting legs on a horizontally or vertically extending purlin to connect with standard stirrups on conventional columns in a rebar assembly. The stirrups are force-fit within the legs of the purlins extending outwardly from the surface of adjoining wall sections such that the rebar and the wall sections are connected in a uniframe construction without welding and a metal form can be fitted around the connection to form a channel into which concrete may be poured to form a unitary structure.

Abstract: An approved self-supporting form for use in constructing walls is adapted to be reinforced with cementitious materials poured therein, while securely supporting additional building materials on the outside thereof. The walls of the forms themselves are generally comprised of resilient, insulating materials, such as foamed plastics or the like. An anchored securement member is embedded in the concrete interiorly cured in the forms, and also extends to the exterior of the forms, where it is adapted for receipt of conventional attachment elements such as nails or screws. A plurality of the forms may be used to construct walls, much like conventional building blocks. Then, finishing cladding materials such as panelling, wallboard, or the like may be safely secured to the exterior of the forms with such attachment elements, even if the actual foamed sidewalls of such forms become damaged by heat or the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to filled polymeric wall facing units provided with at least one mortar tie-in member (e.g., a metal mesh lathing material) embedded in and protruding from the backing surface of these units. The tie-in member permits the unit to be mortared onto a base wall structure made of, e.g., masonry materials, wall board or steel panels. Particular wall facing units are panels and corner units. The present invention also relates to wall systems having corner facing units of the present invention.

Abstract: Design, fabrication and erection of a lightweight building module in the form of a ribbed concrete floor slab with lightweight thin concrete wall panels and ceiling panel reinforced by a series of spaced rigid annular open web frames. Each frame includes a floor reinforcing member, two side wall reinforcing member, and a ceiling reinforcing member, rigidly welded together at their adjacent ends. Each reinforcing member is an open web joist having two parallel straight rods spaced apart by an open web member formed by bending a rod in a zig-zag pattern. Longitudinal spacing of adjacent bends is greater in the central portion than the ends of the reinforcing members. A poured concrete roof slab is formed with integral reinforcing ribs by means of rectangular spacers made of light weight material.