Abstract: A block may comprise a base comprising a first block side comprising a first side plane and a connective protrusion coupled to the base and extending distally outwardly and substantially perpendicularly from the first side plane. The connective protrusion may comprise a center pillar coupled to the base extending distally outward from the first side plane, a base portion coupled to the center pillar and the base and extending axially and substantially perpendicularly from the center pillar in a first direction, and an overhang portion coupled to the center pillar extending axially and substantially perpendicularly from the center pillar in a second direction opposite the first direction such that there is an overhang space between the first side plane and the overhang portion. The block may further comprise additional connective protrusions, and the connective protrusions of multiple blocks may enable the coupling of such blocks.

Abstract: A precast reinforced concrete structure including a precast slab. The precast slab includes at least one longitudinal hole and a longitudinal edge. The longitudinal hole is parallel to the surface of the precast slab and is disposed in the vicinity of the longitudinal edge. The longitudinal edge includes a plurality of transverse recesses disposed at intervals, and the transversal recesses intersect with the longitudinal hole.

Abstract: A web structure for connecting two foam panels comprising a pair of web inserts adapted to be molded in the foam panels. Each of the web inserts has an elongated end plate and a pair of central male connector members supported by the elongated end plate. A pair of bridges is connected to the web inserts so as to extend between the foam panels. Each of the bridges having a cross member, a first female connector member formed on one end of the cross member and a second female connector member formed on an opposing end of the cross member. The first and second female connector members each having a cavity shaped to matingly receive one of the central male connector members of the web inserts from a lateral side of the first and second female connector members.

Abstract: A wall member useful in forming a wall panel system includes a pair of outer walls held spaced apart and fixed together at a pair of opposed side edges, one of the side edges being provided with a first connecting structure and the other of the side edges being provided with a second connecting structure. The first and second connecting structure includes a number of projections secured to and extending outwardly from the side edges and constructed with snap fit elements separately located from the outer walls. The wall member is adapted to be joined to an adjacently disposed wall member of similar structure by direct snap fit mating engagement between one of the first and second connecting structure at one of the second edges of the wall member and the other of the first and second connecting structure on a facing side edge of the adjacently disposed wall member.

Abstract: A web structure for connecting two foam panels comprising a pair of web inserts adapted to be molded in the foam panels. Each of the web inserts has an elongated end plate and a pair of central male connector members supported by the elongated end plate. A pair of bridges is connected to the web inserts so as to extend between the foam panels. Each of the bridges having a cross member, a first female connector member formed on one end of the cross member and a second female connector member formed on an opposing end of the cross member. The first and second female connector members each having a cavity shaped to matingly receive one of the central male connector members of the web inserts from a lateral side of the first and second female connector members.

Abstract: An insulating concrete form foam block bi-directional system comprises a pair of opposed and parallel foam sidewall panels spaced using a plurality of plastic and metal band ties that act as a fire-break between the two exterior finished concrete wall surfaces. Each tie comprises nearly full sidewall height, plastic flanges which engage the sidewalls and a metal band cross-connecting vertical holders of the ties. The metal band forms a wide opening to enhance concrete flow. The tie results in a minimal downward stress impact on the tie during concrete placement. The top and bottom surfaces of each sidewall are formed with raised areas and non-raised areas which interlock with adjacent blocks. The side surfaces of each sidewall are formed with vertical tongues and grooves which interlock with like tongues and grooves of corner pieces which are adapted to form right or left-hand corners.

Abstract: An apparatus for a concrete form of an insulated wall has opposed, spaced apart and parallel wall panels, each having an inner surface, upper edge surface and a lower edge surface. Plural retainers are secured within each of the panels at spaced apart intervals, each retainer including a connecting portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of each panel, and an anchoring portion. The anchoring portion includes a framework disposed within the panels, an upper connector extending upwardly from each panel's upper edge surface and a lower connector extending downwardly from each panel's lower edge surface. The upper and lower connectors respectively engage upper and lower connectors of the next vertically adjacent panel to securely attach the panels together. Plural cross webs extends between the panels to tie them together, the cross webs being connection to the connecting portions of opposed retainers in the panels.

Abstract: A concrete wall formwork module comprising a first side wall panel structure including a first grid and a first panel secured to the first grid, a second side wall panel structure including a second grid and a second panel secured to the second grid, and connecting rods having about a same length hingedly interconnecting the first and second side wall panel structures to allow movement thereof between a retracted parallel relationship to a spaced apart parallel relationship. A plurality of such concrete wall formwork modules allow assembling a formwork which is functionally similar to conventional formwork since the facing side wall panel structures are connected in a parallel relationship by the thin spacer connecting rods which allow concrete to freely travel within the formwork. When the first and second side wall panel structures are in the retracted parallel relationship, the concrete wall formwork module is more compact and therefore easier and less costly to transport.

Abstract: In a construction with walls, ceilings, and/or floors as parts of the building, especially for buildings protected against radiation, the parts of the building are made of reinforced concrete. One part of the building may be a sandwich design wherein one layer is made of a material that protects against radiation, and at least one layer is made of concrete.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for a concrete form for an insulated wall. The apparatus comprises first and second wall panels arranged in opposed spaced apart parallel relationship, each panel having an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper edge surface, a lower edge surface and end surfaces. A plurality of retainers are secured within each of said first and second panels at spaced apart intervals, each retainer including a connecting portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of each panel, and an anchoring portion. The anchoring portion includes a framework disposed within the panels, an upper connector extending upwardly from each panel's upper edge surface and a lower connector extending downwardly from each panel's lower edge surface. The upper and lower connectors are adapted to respectively engage the upper and lower connectors of the next vertically adjacent panel to securely attach the panels together.

Abstract: The invention comprises a foam insulating panel having an outer surface and a reinforcing member adhered to at least a portion of the outer surface of the foam insulating panel. An insulated concrete form and a method of using the insulated concrete form are also disclosed.

Abstract: A compression bar system for a braced façade structure is disclosed. The system includes a compression bar, and connecting elements connectable to the compression bar. Each connecting element is formed as a pre-fabricated part and is connectable to tie elements.

Abstract: A corner bracket for modular foam forms for poured concrete walls includes an outer, horizontal strap with generally vertical strips attached thereto or molded therewith for encapsulation in the outside and optionally the inside foam panels of such a form.

Abstract: A structural forming assembly comprises wall molding panels for forming laterally spaced, opposed molding surfaces that define a wall mold cavity for forming a wall structure. The wall panels are vertically disposed and laterally spaced to provide the molding surfaces along opposed sides of the wall mold cavity. Reinforcement rod suspending grid elements attached to the opposed wall forming panels are for freely positioning and retaining horizontally and freely disposed reinforcement rods at a preselected horizontal location spaced inwardly from each opposed molding surface within the mold cavity, and at spaced preselected vertical locations between the molding surfaces. The rod suspending elements are effective to retain reinforcement rods in place at the preselected horizontal and vertical locations while the hardenable material is being poured into an upwardly directed top mold opening and allowed to harden within the wall mold cavity.

Abstract: A vertical reinforcement for masonry wall comprising a void reinforcement within a vertical housing within the wall placed through vertical access grooves. The grooves may be opened on the unexposed face of the masonry wall and served for the accurate positioning of the longitudinal reinforcement within the full width of the wall. In addition to the longitudinal reinforcement, the system also includes fixed or moveable transverse connectors or spacers which supplement the reinforcement; lateral or end anchorages to secure the reinforcement and by way of suitable supports, the wall itself; and supplementary elements which may be retention anchors, plum and leveling lines and support sections set for the overhanging masonry base.

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: The invention relates to a buck for forming and framing the perimeter of an opening in an insulated concrete form wall. The buck is formed of insulating material compatible with the concrete form, such as plastic, and forms a friction fit with supporting portions of the form wall to provide a seal therebetween. The buck may have a portion for receiving fasteners to secure a component mounted on the buck, thus facilitating the attachment of components to the buck within the wall opening, and reducing or completely eliminating the need for fasteners to penetrate hardened concrete. The buck may also include a separate portion, preferably integrated with the fastening portion, that provides for increased thermal insulation. The buck may also include anchoring fins around which the poured concrete may harden to securely attach the buck to the wall and enhance the seal therebetween.

Abstract: A guard for obstructing crawling arthropods from encroaching a moored watercraft or stationary object comprise a mounting panel and an outer panel. The outer panel is spaced from the mounting panel by at least one joining member. An arthropod barrier including an active arthropod deterring component situated between the mounting panel and outer panel.

Abstract: A formwork for building bearing walls comprises a plurality of pairs of facing panels (PE, PI) connected together so as to form an inside space between them, said pairs of facing panels being arranged in superimposed rows, the panels of each pair being connected to each others by braces (6) of adjustable length with both the braces (6) and the panels (PE, PI) being left in the wall formed when a cementitious material poured in said inside space has solidified. The so formed walls are provided with bearing partition members and ventilating duct, and are strongly insulated and already finished (FIG. 6).

Abstract: An insulated concrete wall structure having a concrete wall with opposing wall surfaces. The concrete wall has several vertically and horizontally spaced wall ties imbedded within the concrete wall and extending between the wall surfaces. Positioned between the vertically spaced wall ties are a series of elongated retaining strips such that the retaining strips are substantially parallel to the wall surface. Insulating panels such as polystyrene foam boards are located between the horizontally spaced wall ties and retained in position by the retaining strips. In one aspect of the invention, each insulating panel has a groove formed along its vertical edge for receiving and engaging the elongated edge of the retaining strips. The present wall system is advantageous in that an insulated concrete wall can be readily formed using conventional wall forms in approximately the same amount of time as conventional uninsulated poured concrete walls.

Abstract: An insulated concrete wall structure having a concrete wall with opposing wall surfaces. The concrete wall has several vertically and horizontally spaced wall ties imbedded within the concrete wall and extending between the wall surfaces. Positioned between the vertically spaced wall ties are a series of elongated retaining strips such that the retaining strips are substantially parallel to the wall surface. Insulating panels such as polystyrene foam boards are located between the horizontally spaced wall ties and retained in position by the retaining strips. In one aspect of the invention, each insulating panel has a groove formed along its vertical edge for receiving and engaging the elongated edge of the retaining strips. The present wall system is advantageous in that an insulated concrete wall can be readily formed using conventional wall forms in approximately the same amount of time as conventional uninsulated poured concrete walls.

Abstract: Generally large, typically eight feet by two inches by ten or sixteen or twenty-four inches, sidewalls for modular concrete forms are easily, efficiently and economically produced by cutting and by routing sheet-type polymeric material, preferably polyurethane or expanded polystyrene foam. Metal connecting members are produced in standard sizes by cutting and bending sheet steel and/or wire. The sidewalls and connecting members are transported to a building site tightly and compactly in pieces, and then flexibly assembled into precision wall forms at the site with good efficiency at any scale. The wall forms so assembled define a cavity into which reinforcing steel rod, electrical and/or communications conduit, plumbing, etc., may be entered. Concrete is poured into the cavity to create a wall having the form sidewalls as its permanent surfaces.

Abstract: A subterranean building structure has a footing surface and end to end matching concrete wall shell segments arranged in longitudinally abutting relation on the footings. One of the wall sections has an embedded, horizontally extending lock part, and the other has an embedded camming assembly receiving the locked part and creating relative movement of the wall segments into sealed, wedged abutting relation with the operation of manipulatable camming assembly which are accessible through the interior walls of the studded concrete wall sections. Within the concrete shell sections, wire mesh reinforcement extends substantially throughout the wall panels and rebar reinforcement is fixed to this reinforcement as well as to each lock part and camming assembly so that a continuous integrated skeleton framework extends through all walls of the basement enclosure and ties all walls together in one integrated steel skeleton or framework.

Abstract: A concrete form foam block, of an Insulating Concrete Form System, comprises a pair of opposed and parallel foam panels spaced using a plurality of plastic ties. Each tie comprises full panel height flanges which engage the panels and a web portion extending therebetween. The web comprises a plurality of horizontal members, preferably four or more, which are distributed substantially along the full height of the flanges. The web includes a pair of full height anti-flash members for preventing the escape of flash during formation of mould-in panels. The top edges and bottom edges of each panel are formed with longitudinal tongues and grooves which interlock with adjacent blocks. Preferably additional transverse top tongues and complementary bottom grooves are located at each tie, forcing the alignment of vertically adjacent block's flanges. The combination of full height and aligned flanges results in a substantially continuous flange for the attachment of finishing materials.

Abstract: An adjustable radius form assembly is provided which includes a plurality of vertical strongbacks and a plurality of horizontal walers. Each of the walers are pre-rolled to a desired radius. The walers are then connected to one another by ball and socket type adjusters which enable the end to end arrangement of the walers to accommodate an overall form assembly having a wide range of curvatures or radii. The plurality of end to end walers and plurality of corresponding strongbacks may define a gang form length. A number of gang form lengths may be connected to one another to create the desired form assembly for the structure to be constructed. The vertical strongbacks may be placed at desired spacings along the horizontal lengths of the corresponding walers by adjustment of connectors on said strongbacks extending through slotted plates on the walers.

Abstract: A structural element for thermal insulation between two structural elements to be covered with concrete, especially a building and a projecting external part, has an insulating body to be inserted in between the structual elements and has at least integral compression elements which run transverse to the longitudinal extension of the insulating body and through them and are respectively connected to both structural elements, wherein the compression elements can have of a profile body with several especially vertically running compression bars, and wherein the length of the compression elements in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the insulating body amounts to a multiple of their vertical height.

Abstract: Pre-formed building studs and a form utilizing such studs for receiving a flowable, hardenable material, for example cementitious material including concrete, for forming building structures such as foundations, walls, floors, roofs, etc. The studs allow passage of the cementitious material therethrough when poured into the form. The form comprises a hollow wall that includes two opposing form panels connected to preformed, flow-through studs, forming fluidly connected sections between each stud. As the cementitious material fills the hollow wall, each section is fluidly joined, allowing the cementitious material to harden and cure to form an integrated solid wall. Each stud includes two elongated parallel members having a flow-through web structure extending between the elongated members. By selecting form panels that are thermal insulators and waterproof, the resulting structure has improved moisture resistance and thermal insulation properties, both during and after the curing process.

Abstract: A wall system utilizing a plurality of precast concrete panels so that a parallel inside wall and outside wall is created. Each panel of the plurality has a continuous slot on all four perimeter sides that mutually oppose slots on adjacent panels. A strip fits into the slot formed by the two abutting panels, thus aligning, reinforcing, and sealing the plurality. The outside wall is connected to the inside wall by one or more embedded protrusions from said opposite panels so that said protrusions overlap upon each other. The overlap is then fastened together by a chosen method, for example a bolt and nut which may include washers or spot welding areas of intersection yielding a rigid bridge between the opposite panels.

Abstract: A thermal insulated concrete forming system for casting a concrete slab and a foundation wall of a building simultaneously is disclosed. The concrete forming system is designed for use with a pre-existing standard concrete footing that is constructed about the periphery of a concrete slab to be poured. The concrete forming system consists of a plurality of elongated, rectangular panels which are arranged in parallel, vertically opposed relation. The panels are fabricated from thermal-insulating materials having exceptional insulating characteristics capable of being expressed as a specific R value in accordance with commercial specifications. The thermal-insulated panels are interconnected by a plurality of brace members extending therebetween and being spaced at predetermined intervals so as to provide a form work for concrete to be cast therein.

Abstract: A form tie for joining the sidewalls of a polymeric concrete form comprises a pair of end trusses with an intermediate web truss. Each end truss comprises an interior vertical strut and a longer exterior strut with interior and exterior pairs of horizontal struts extending therebetween. Upper and lower rectangular trusses and an intermediate truss are formed within each truss and rigidified by diagonal struts extending between the ends of the exterior vertical strut and interior vertical strut. The exterior struts of each end truss are coplanar with the exterior sidewall surface with the interior strut of each end truss being coplanar with the interior sidewall surface. The coplanar relationship of the struts serve as a visual gauge that the form with tie has been properly manufactured and assures that the end trusses extend throughout the width of each sidewall. End ties having a height of one-half of the form sidewall are extended between the sidewalls at the ends of each form.

Abstract: A curved block formwork element for use in forming structures such as curved cornices, lintels and window sills. The curved block formwork element comprises a substantially rectangular shaped block having two oppositely disposed side walls and two oppositely disposed end walls creating a hollow cavity inside, wherein a first of the side walls comprises a flat surface and a second of the side walls comprises a curved surface; means for vertically interlocking the block with a plurality of rectangular block formwork elements along a top and bottom surface of the block; and means for horizontally interlocking the blocks.

Abstract: A connector member for a concrete form includes connecting mechanisms adjacent its top and bottom edges for holding two connecting members together.

Abstract: A wall in which hollow units analogous to blocks are built up in overlapping superimposed courses, each unit having two spaced parallel vertical panels of skins of rectangular form, the units being held by concealed fastening members; characterized in that each panel has edge grooves extending along its upper and lower horizontal surfaces to be contiguous with those of adjacent panels, and each fastening member has a body portion to extend between spaced panels, the ends of the body portion each having hook portions extending upwards and downwards respectively into adjacent grooves of the panel edges, while said body portion between adjacent panels has two upper lugs extending into contact with respective upper panels, and two lower lugs extending down and into contact with respective spaced lower panels, the fastening member, constituting a one piece connector and spacing member.

Abstract: Described is a fastening element for sheathing and thermal insulation components (1) of hard foam material, in particular for the cladding concrete method of construction, which has a plate (6) which can be fixed to the hard foam material component (1) and is provided with extending fastening means (11). The plate (6) is desirably made from concrete and has a groove-and-tongue arrangement (7, 8) which co-operate with corresponding grooves (3) and tongues (4) on the component (1) so that the fastening elements (2) is fixed to the component (1) in such a manner as to be adjustable in respect of height.

Abstract: The mortar cap receives cementitious materials therewithin, such as cement, mortar, and the like, to define a footing for a catch basin grating, and has a base frame with parallel, spaced-apart walls, and an ancillary frame also with parallel, spaced-apart wall. The base frame is set within the ancillary frame, and the latter is slidably and vertically displaceable relative to the base frame. The ancillary frame has a plurality of knobs projecting from wall surfaces thereof which confront given w=all surfaces of the main frame, and the given wall surfaces of the main frame has a plurality of racks of ribs. With vertical displacement of the ancillary frame, relative to the main frame, the knobs engage the ribs and, as a consequence, the ancillary frame is arrestingly held in the displacement.

Abstract: A structural member and a method of construction employing same, wherein the structural member comprises two boards held in spaced apart relationship by a pluarlity of spacers fixed at intervals between said boards and each board has a tongue along one edge and a complementary groove along the other, and wherein said structural members can be readily joined edge to edge to construct walls and partitions.

Abstract: A masonry wall structure comprising hollow concrete block units laid in courses, wherein each of the block units comprises front and rear panel members and a pair of side panel assemblies which form a gap between adjacent two of the block units. The side panel assemblies are connected to the front and rear panel members by means of reinforcing bars projecting rearwardly and forwardly from the front and rear panel members, respectively, into the gaps on both sides of each block unit, connecting bars projecting forwardly and rearwardly from the side panel assemblies into the gaps, steel wires binding overlapping end portions of the reinforcing and connecting bars together, and a body of cementitious material such as mortar filling the gaps and having completely buried therein those end portions of the bars which are bound together by the steel wires.

Abstract: A forming system for construction includes thin shell concrete block elements and connecting tie members which can be assembled into forms of various shapes and sizes to receive poured concrete. The block elements are dimensioned and configured to be produced in a standard concrete block machine mold, and include alternating dovetail-shaped grooves for receiving connecting tie members and tapered grooves for breaking the vacuum between the block elements and the mold, all of the grooves being parallel to permit the blocks to be slid out of the mold. The tie members have dovetail-shaped end portions received in the dovetail grooves and a plurality of apertures which can receive a stop member to support the tie member to project a selected distance above the block elements and serve as guides for the next course of elements. The wall system is held together by a top plate bearing on the top course of block elements and anchored directly to the foundation with flexible, coilable cables.

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: In a formwork assembly for concrete wall structures side wall portions are provided at their edges with grooves and projections engageable therein for securing side wall portions together in a proper position, with the side wall portions being connected by connecting members and possibly end wall portions as required. On their inside surface, each side wall portion has engagement means to which the connecting members can be secured in the appropriate position. The engagement means may be formed by interengaging recesses and raised portions, ball portions and ball-receiving sockets or shallow detent grooves. Adhesive may also be employed for additional strength. The side wall portions may be used as insulating panels for walls, roof and floors.

Abstract: A combined structural wall and concrete form system, and form bracket apparatus are provided in which a wall frame acts as the side walls of a poured concrete form, while supporting the form in place. A plurality of brackets are transversely attached to the wall frame adjacent the position of the column form to support form ties for locking the remaining form walls in place to complete a concrete column form and structural wall combination. The header of the wall frame portion acts as the bottom wall of a concrete beam form, while the same brackets as used for the column form can be attached along the top portion of the wall frame for locking beam forms and form ties in place to support the side walls of the concrete beam form. A top bracket formed with angle iron and straps supports the top portion of the side walls of the beam form.

Abstract: Two facing walls have portions 1 and 2 connected together by a tie rod comprising a central section 4 and two end sections 5 and 6 joined to the central section by two bars 3 each with a ball head 7 at its opposite ends. The ball head in section 5 or 6 is disposed in a respective socket 8 or 33 attached to the wall portion 1 or 2. Central section 4 is essentially a turnbuckel comprising an outer tube with internal threads engaging sockets 25 for the ball heads in the central section.

Abstract: A bent steel insert is provided with top and bottom pairs of abutments for engaging the inside surfaces of top and bottom rows of concrete blocks to center the rows on top of each other. The preferred embodiment is made of a single strip of steel by: bending it adjacent one end at approximately a 90.degree. angle; by doubling it back upon itself to project to the opposite side of the original plane of the strip; and then bending it back again to the original plane to provide top and bottom abutments at one end. The opposite end of the strip is similarly bent to form abutments which are a mirror a image of those previously described to thereby provide pairs of top and bottom abutments for centering building blocks on top of each other.