Abstract: A header board bracket for coupling a deck to a structure includes a brace that comprises first, second, third, and fourth plates. The second plate is coupled to and extends perpendicularly between bottoms of the first and third plates. The first plate is dimensionally longer than the third plate. The fourth plate is scalene right triangularly shaped. The fourth plate is coupled to and extends perpendicularly from the first and second plates. The third and fourth plates define a slot. Each of a plurality of holes that is positioned through the first plate is configured to insert a connector to couple the brace to a structure. A plurality of the braces is configured to couple to the structure with the braces horizontally aligned. The slots of the braces are configured to insert a board to retain the board as a deck that comprises the board floats relative to the structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of a deck assembly module for a steel framed building include a modular concrete deck platform. The modular concrete deck platform includes a concrete slab having a top major surface and a bottom major surface and a structural grid pattern of reinforcing bar within the concrete slab. The concrete slab further includes sleeve openings located around a perimeter of the concrete slab, the sleeve openings surrounded by sleeve structures, the sleeve structures surrounded by concrete. Each sleeve opening extends from the top major surface of the concrete slab to the bottom major surface of the concrete slab.

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: A universal joint system, to be used in construction, for joining two or more cladding materials together. The joint system is configured to replace conventional caulks joints prone to failure due to short UV longevity or improper installation conditions. The joint system is comprises interlocking extrusions and rubber gasket extrusions along with supportive components. The joint system is configurable for both vertical and horizontal installations and can be used with any substrate finishes.

Abstract: A masonry block system that employs blocks with unique surfaces, top, bottom, and transition, and a locking starter rail for placement below the block wall. The surfaces of the block and the shape of the starter rail are configured so as to lock together, providing a wall system. The system can either be mortarless wherein grout-like material is placed within the blocks to provide a monolithic system. A method of making and installing and various parts, such as the starter rail and block are also disclosed.

Abstract: An insulation insert panel for use with an ICF block having a pair of opposed panel members and a plurality of tie members extending transversely therebetween, the insert panel including a plurality of spaced apart slots extending along the length thereof for mating with the tie members associated with the ICF block into which it is being inserted, each slot including at least one notch located in the vicinity of its terminal end portion for receiving at least one crossbar member associated with each tie member when the insert panel is fully positioned within the ICF block.

Abstract: A construction form system for forming concrete walls for use as above grade walls, foundations, frost walls, exterior envelopes, and the like, is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of pairs of opposing vertical forming panels spaced from each other to define a forming cavity disposed to receive a hardenable material. Each pair of opposing forming panels comprises an inner panel forming part of an inner wall and an outer panel forming part of an outer wall. The system also includes an outer rail positioned between each adjacent pair of outer forming panels and an inner rail positioned between each adjacent pair of inner forming panels. The inner forming panels comprise support panels configured to be selectively addable and removable from between each adjacent pair of inner rails prior to and subsequent to a pouring of the hardenable material into the cavity.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a masonry spacer has (i) an elongated and substantially planar body, and (ii) first and second elongated support members. The planar body has one or more bendable tabs formed therein and defines a first plane of the masonry spacer. The first and second support members each (i) have at least one corresponding channel formed therein, (ii) have one or more openings formed therein, and (iii) extend laterally from a different elongated side of the planar body. Further, the first and second support members define a second plane of the masonry spacer offset from the first plane. An outer edge of each of the first and second elongated support members defines a third plane of the masonry spacer that is intermediate to the first and second planes.

Abstract: Thermally responsive walls can be formed of wall panels made from different materials and having staggered conduits with respect to each other when coupled together (e.g., pancaked or layered) to form a wall at one temperature. The staggered conduits in the different wall panels are configured such that they become aligned at a second temperature due to differences in expansion coefficients. The wall panels can be designed using a computing system that processes an algorithm that accounts for various parameters, such as the different thermal expansion coefficients.

Abstract: Improved concrete form insert assemblies (20) are provided for use in the construction of thermally insulated poured concrete sandwich wall structures (22). The insert assemblies (20) include a central sheet (32) of insulative material such as synthetic resin foam, which is preferably encapsulated by a sheath (78) to enhance the structural integrity of the sheet (32). A pair of reinforcing bar assemblies (46, 48) preferably made up of welded-together horizontal and vertical bars (50, 52) are respectively positioned adjacent the side surfaces (34, 36) of the sheet (32). The bar assemblies (46, 48) are secured to sheet (32) by means of connector elements (54) extending through the sheet (32) and presenting oppositely outwardly extending, apertured segments (56, 58).

Abstract: The invention relates to a block that comprises two longitudinal and vertical walls connected by hinges including two elements hinged about vertical axes. According to the invention, each of the two side walls is made of a rigid plastic material, is surrounded by a bent return oriented towards the inside, and includes, in the lower and upper longitudinal portions thereof, as well as on the vertical edge of one end thereof, respectively, a rebate oriented towards the outside, said rebate being capable, when the block is in the functional position, of covering the bent return of another block that has already been laid in order to provide a connection with said other block, independently from said block being in a same row or in an underlying row.

Abstract: Energy absorbing wall assemblies, structures including energy absorbing wall assemblies, methods of making energy absorbing wall assemblies, and methods of utilizing energy absorbing wall assemblies are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, energy absorbing wall assemblies may include a first self-supporting wall structure, a second self-supporting wall structure, and an energy absorbing filler material positioned between the first self-supporting wall structure and the second self-supporting wall structure. In additional embodiments, methods of making an energy absorbing wall assembly may include assembling a first self-supporting wall structure, and assembling a second self-supporting wall structure defining a space between the first self-supporting wall structure and the second self-supporting wall structure. The methods may further include flowing an energy absorbing filler material into the space between the first self-supporting wall structure and the second self-supporting wall structure.

Abstract: Large span buildings without ordinary beams and columns are formed of vertical load-bearing composite wall-panels and composite floors, both including two concrete layers interconnected by steel strip webs. The stiff horizontal plane formed of assembled roof/ceiling units, supported by wall-panels, connected to both gables restrains transversal movement of longitudinally arranged wall-panels attached tops, bracing them simultaneously against sideway forces and lessening their buckling lengths. Floors, if any applied, being rigidly connected to the vertical panels additionally improve stability of the global structure. The structure, being braced in that way, behaves as a rigid box made of slender panels.

Abstract: Multiple layers of polymer foam form structural concrete into a desired planar shape that retains a foam panel when flat or upright. The polymer foam has a planar shape and an exterior surface with multiple channels into the panel. The channels are generally wider at the bottom and narrower towards the top, preferably a trapezoidal shape. In use, the panel is placed flat within a forming frame, exterior surface upwards. Then concrete is poured upon the exterior surface and into the channels. The trapezoidal shape of the channel prevents removal of the panel from the concrete. The concrete panel can then be used flat or upright as specified for a construction project.

Abstract: A concrete structure system formed of pre-cast concrete may form a wall having a decorative surface treatment. The structure system may include a column portion and a panel portion. The column portion may include a slot for receiving a panel portion of an adjacent structure. The column portion may also include an opening for receiving a substantially rigid member for supporting the column portion in an upright position. The substantially rigid member may be embedded in or attached to a footing for supporting the structure. Various different techniques for attaching the substantially rigid member and/or column portion to the footing are disclosed can be used.

Abstract: An environmentally sustainable form-inclusion system that can be utilized in reinforced concrete structures. A goal of this invention is to provide structural systems that achieve the highest level of environmental sustainability by minimizing the structure's carbon footprint and embodied energy. This engineered form-inclusion system uses materials that might otherwise become waste in landfills. The system is designed to significantly reduce raw materials, labor for placement, and transportation of material for building construction. Materials used in this engineered system, that might otherwise be placed in landfills, include but are not limited to plastic bottles, bags, waste Styrofoam, packing materials, rubber tires, and other similar waste materials, preferably compressed or assembled into controlled shapes. The shapes of these forms can be spherical, square, rectangular, cylindrical, or any other, and are specifically engineered to provide form inclusions to significantly reduce the material (e.g.

Abstract: A reinforcing and spacing device is described for use in a masonry wall structure of successive courses of brick, block, stone or other similar masonry material. The reinforcing spacer device includes parallel side rods with interconnecting intermediate rods and spacing nodes disposed on the side rods and the intermediate rods. The embedment of the reinforcing spacer device in the horizontal and vertical mortar joints of a masonry wall structure provides simultaneous reinforcement of the horizontal mortar joint and uniform spacing of the brick, block, stone or other similar masonry material. The reinforcing spacer device is a labor-saving, combination device that is economical to manufacture and allows for proper positioning and strengthening of a masonry wall structure.

Abstract: A masonry block system that employs blocks with unique surfaces, top and bottom, and a locking starter rail for placement below the block wall. The surfaces of the block and the shape of the starter rail are configured so as to lock together, providing a wall system. The system can either be mortarless wherein grout-like material is placed within the blocks to provide a monolithic system. A method of making and installing and various parts, such as the starter rail and block are also disclosed.

Abstract: A concrete building panel has a slab and a plurality of ribs and beams. A series of horizontal holes in the end ribs are spaced at a selected constant spacing such that adjacent panels may be fastened together through them. In one type of panel, the slab is separated from the ribs to provide an air gap. Connections between holes in two adjacent concrete wall panels are made by a hollow conduit having an abutment at either end to engage the concrete wall panels. Other connections between adjacent panels involve a stitch with legs which extend through holes in the beams. Other connections involve a space made by vertical channels of horizontally adjacent panels. A plate fitted into the space aligns the adjacent panels and may extend upwards to align upper panels. Load bearing horizontal holes through the ribs are reinforced with reinforcing bar in the concrete arranged in generally triangular shapes.

Abstract: Methods of constructing an insulated concrete form structure and insulated concrete form structures having been built using the methods. The insulated concrete form structure having a structure opening through the structure, the structure opening defined by form edges and opening forms bonded to a concrete core of the structure. A method comprising erecting a set of spaced apart forms on a base; positioning opening forms in the space between the forms around a form opening through the forms; securing the opening forms around the form opening; and, pouring concrete to fill the space between the forms, around the opening forms, to a top portion of the forms, creating the concrete core of the structure.

Abstract: A cavity wall spacer, building structure, and method are disclosed. The cavity wall spacer determines a separation of building elements of two leaves of a wall. The cavity wall spacer comprises: a support body; and a plurality of spaced projections upstanding from the support body and operable to extend across a cavity between the leaves, each projection having a recessed channel operable to inhibit transfer of moisture from one end of each projection to another. The recessed channel prevents the passage of moisture along the length of the projection to prevent moisture from traveling between the two leaves of the wall, and reduces the amount of moisture which drips into the cavity. The recessed channel has no external obstructions and thus allows significantly improved stacking density. The projections are less prone to any damage since there are no external protrusions.

Abstract: An improved wall system comprising a plurality of blocks formed at least partially of a masonry material, a layer of an insulative material, and a layer of a curable or settable material interposed between the blocks and the layer of insulative material. The blocks may provide the wall with a masonry external surface or an exterior surface that is substantially aesthetically completed upon arrangement of the blocks and prior to the pouring of the layer of curable or settable material. In an alternate embodiment, ties may extend between a pair of blocks to form a construction unit that can be assembled in a factory or other location and then transported to a work site. The construction unit may be configured to include a space between spaced apart blocks into which a layer of an insulative material and a layer of a curable or settable material may be received.

Abstract: A floating floor tile installation and method of manufacturing the tile installation are provided. The floating floor tile installation contains tiles bonded together with a polymeric grout on an underlayment. The tile installation provides for a fast and economic method of installing a floating tile floor over an existing floor.

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: A building component having first and second high density foam panels and improved bridging members for connecting the panels that extend between and may be molded into the panels. The bridging members include a pair of elongated end plates oriented in a top to bottom direction of the panels, a pair of substantially identical web members joining the end plates and being substantially symmetrically disposed above and below a central horizontal axis of the bridging member, and a pair of strip members oriented in the top to bottom direction of the panels intersecting the web members. The web members have a unique configuration that maximizes load bearing capacity with a minimum amount of material. The strip members may abut against and be substantially flush with respective inner surfaces of the foam panels to assist in positioning and forming the panels during molding. Seating areas for positioning horizontally and/or vertically disposed rebar in predetermined positions are also provided.

Abstract: A reinforced composite system for constructing insulated concrete structures comprising, panels having a foam plastic core between outside and inside reinforcement layers, reinforcement layers substantially strengthen the panels during material handling and construction, greatly reducing deflection of the panels between studs when placing concrete allowing walls to be filled in one lift. Panels are placed horizontally in an opposing and parallel spaced-apart relation. Opposing panels are placed end to end in rows and stacked vertically, rows of panels being staggered from each other so panel ends in adjacent rows do not line up vertically. Vertical studs are embedded in panels extending the full height of the panels, each stud having a flange for receiving mechanical fasteners and groove for receiving spreaders. A plurality of spreaders at each stud location extend between opposing panels and slidably engaging the studs in opposing panels.

Abstract: This application discloses parts for use in constructing a curved glass block wall using regular shaped glass blocks. The assembly parts include a vertical spacer, which provides for adjustable widths of spacing to be obtained between adjacent glass blocks, as well as a horizontal connector which provides for both lateral and transverse adjustments to be made.

Abstract: A tie bracket for supporting opposing synthetic foam insulating panels of a concrete receiving form, and a form utilizing such brackets. The tie bracket has intersecting horizontal and vertical members forming circumferentially closed openings therein. Most openings are arranged in horizontal series. An upwardly open trough is formed in each tie bracket. The horizontal members span and connect spaced apart parallel plates. The plates of each tie bracket are embedded in one foam insulating panel and are of height equal to that of the insulating panel. Each insulating panel has projections formed in its upper surface and cooperatively formed notches formed in its lower surface to enable interlocking and alignment of vertically stacked forms.

Abstract: A cinderblock alignment clip comprising a center plate having a first end and a second end. A first retaining arm having a first portion and a second portion, both the first portion and the second portion are connected to the first end. The first portion extends in a direction on a side of the center plate opposite the second portion. A second retaining arm having a third portion and a fourth portion, both the third portion and the fourth portion are connected to the second end. The third portion extends in a direction on a side of the center plate opposite the fourth portion. The first portion and the second portion are pivotable about the first end, and the third portion and the fourth portion are pivotable about the second end.

Abstract: A form for manufacturing concrete blocks for constructing freestanding walls. The form includes a base and four side panels which are mounted on the base to pivot between a first position for casting a block and a second position for removing a cast block from the form. An insert is secured to the base for forming one end surface on the block and inserts are attached to the side panels for forming sides, top and bottom surfaces of the block. The inserts which form exposed sides of the block are textured to simulate natural stone. The inserts which form the top and bottom of the blocks form an interlocking connection which prevents stacked blocks from moving in a horizontal plane. Optionally, inserts used to form the top surface of blocks which will define the top of the wall may form a trough which is sufficiently deep to receive soil and plants.

Abstract: A foam block concrete form having a pair of opposing foam panels spaced parallel from each other, and retained in opposing fashion by a plurality of transverse ties therebetween. Each panel has opposing longitudinal edges having engaging means formed therealong for removably retaining a longitudinal edge having similar engaging means formed therealong when adjacent thereto. The plurality of substantially planar include a web portion separating a pair of opposing flange members encapsulated within respective opposing foam panels along a respective lateral axis.

Abstract: An assembly and method for joining a drain pipe with a concrete catch basin, structural elements of the assembly including a concrete catch basin having a wall, the wall having inner and outer surfaces, the wall further having a plate embedded within the wall between the wall's inner and outer surfaces, the wall further having an outer aperture extending through the concrete wall from an outer surface of the plate to the outer surface of the concrete wall, and further having an inner aperture extending through the concrete wall from an inner surface of the plate to the inner surface of the concrete wall; the method including steps of cutting a pipe receiving aperture through the plate, lining the pipe receiving aperture with an expansible elastomeric ring, extending a drain pipe through the ring, and injecting elastomeric foam into the ring, causing the ring to expand, and to seal between the aperture and the pipe, securely holding and sealing the drain pipe in place upon the catch basin.

Abstract: A connector for tying together opposed foam panels in spaced and parallel relationship to make a form for receiving flowable material is disclosed. The connector comprises a pair of anchor members, one being devised to be embedded in one of the foam panels and the other being devised to be embedded in the other one of the foam panels. Each of these anchor members has a projecting end devised to come out of the foam panel once the anchor member is embedded therein. The connector further comprises a web member extending between the foam panels. The web member has opposite longitudinal side ends, each of the side ends being hingedly connectable to the projecting end of either one of the anchor members. Thanks to such a connector, the tied foam panels of the form wall assembly are movable between an extended position where the foam panels are spaced-apart to make the form and a collapsed position where the foam panels are brought close to each other for transportation purposes.

Abstract: A system for constructing insulated concrete structures comprising panels molded from a closed cell foam plastic, with a facing material attached to the outside surface of panels adding substantial strength to panels during material handling and construction, providing a substrate for finish materials and adding UV resistance to panel surfaces. Panels are placed horizontally in an opposing and parallel spaced-apart relationship. Vertical studs are embedded in panels extending the full height of the panels, each stud has a flange and groove connected with a web. Spreaders slide vertically into the grooves of studs in opposing panels creating a form with a cavity between panels. Each spreader has opposing flanges connected by horizontal members, horizontal members having multiple formations, thus when spreaders are stacked the formations compliment each other allowing wall reinforcing to be locked in any preferred location. A chase way is provided in panels to accommodate electrical wiring.

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: A form for manufacturing concrete retaining wall blocks. The blocks are cast in the form with a front face of the block down. A resilient face insert at the bottom of the form imparts an ornamental appearance to the front face of the block. The form has four sides which pivot at their bottom between a closed position for casting a block and an open position which permits removing the cast block from the form. Preferably, the cast block has parallel top and bottom surfaces and angled sides. Sides of the form form a groove in the bottom of the block which extends parallel to and spaced from the front face and form knobs which project above the top of the block for alignment with a grooves on adjacent stacked blocks forming a retaining wall. The block is formed with two lifting points, one for removal of the block from the form and one for moving the block when constructing a retaining wall.

Abstract: A glass block structure supported by a flexible phenolic resin framework is disclosed. The phenolic resin framework is bonded to the individual glass blocks with an adhesive substance that is placed so as to lie at or near the corners of the blocks. The phenolic resin that makes up the supporting framework may advantageously be formed in a pultrusion process wherein the resin is embedded with glass-like strands. Further heat-tolerance and adhesion may be obtained from the use of a high-heat tolerant putty applied between the phenolic resin and the glass blocks. The flexibility of the phenolic resin allows the block structure to be preassembled and then transported to an installation site as a single, ready-to-install unit.

Abstract: A connector for tying together opposed foam panels in spaced and parallel relationship to make a form for receiving flowable material is disclosed. The connector comprises a pair of anchor members, one being devised to be embedded in one of the foam panels and the other being devised to be embedded in the other one of the foam panels. Each of these anchor members has a projecting end devised to come out of the foam panel once the anchor member is embedded therein. The connector further comprises a web member extending between the foam panels. The web member has opposite longitudinal side ends, each of the side ends being hingedly connectable to the projecting end of either one of the anchor members. Thanks to such a connector, the tied foam panels of the form wall assembly are movable between an extended position where the foam panels are spaced-apart to make the form and a collapsed position where the foam panels are brought close to each other for transportation purposes.

Abstract: A system of preparing a form for the pouring of concrete for foundations and the like. The system includes a series of tracks for holding of forming insulation material or the like. The tracks are held by ties having ends readily attachable to ribs on the tracks for rapid and convenient assembly. The tracks are formed to hold insulating panels in a spaced parallel relationship. The ties and tracks mate together in a holding relation easily engageable.

Abstract: One-sided, insulated formwork used in the construction of walls from pourable building material, such as concrete, including an insulating panel connectable to a removable panel by a connecting structure, which may include a permanent reinforcement embedded in the insulating panel. The connecting structure may have a tie removably attachable to the reinforcement, or the reinforcement and tie may constitute a monolithic structure. The tie may be asymmetric in shape to facilitate distribution of loads across the insulating panel, detachment of the removable panel, and enhance the structural integrity of the finished wall.

Abstract: A system of preparing a form for the pouring of concrete for foundations and the like. The system includes a series of tracks for holding of forming insulation material or the like. The tracks are held by ties having ends readily attachable to ribs on the tracks for rapid and convenient assembly. The tracks are formed to hold insulating panels in a spaced parallel relationship. The ties and tracks mate together in a holding relation easily engageable.

Abstract: A sealing plate for use with a building, the building having an inner wall structure, an air impermeable sheet material for covering the inner wall structure and defining an air impermeable barrier, an insulation material on top of the sheet material and an outer wall structure outside of the insulation material uses a wall tie mounted on the inner wall structure and to attached to the outer wall structure for support. The wall tie has a first plate portion which is vertically mounted on the inner wall structure, a second plate portion connected to the first plate portion and extending therefrom inserted vertically through a slit on the sheet material, through a second slit on the insulation material, the second portion has at least one hole in which a suitable mount means is inserted and attached to the outer wall structure connecting the inner wall structure and the outer wall structure.

Abstract: An improved mounting for attaching an outer and inner facing material to a wall. The wall comprises a plurality of interlocking foam blocks with each of the plurality of interlocking foam blocks having an inner and an outer block surface for defining an outer and inner wall surface. Each of the plurality of interlocking foam blocks has a vertical aperture for filling with a curable material. A plurality of grooves are defined in the outer and inner block surface of the plurality of interlocking blocks. The plurality of grooves are aligned with the plurality of grooves in an adjacent layer for providing a plurality of continuous wall grooves. A plurality of outer and inner mounting strips are insertable within the plurality of outer and inner continuous wall grooves.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to a holder (32) for adjustable positioning of reinforcing rods (49). The holder has a horizontal support structure and a means for holding a reinforcing rod (49). The holder is comprised of a first leg member (33), a second leg member (34), a spring (35) and a retaining member (41). The leg members are elongated for spanning one of the cells of a hollow block (20). The first and second leg members are configured and arranged to create a gap (37) therebetween for receiving the reinforcing rod. The spring is adapted to bias the leg members against the reinforcing rod to vertically suspend and selectively permit adjustment of the vertical position of the reinforcing rod during the construction of a hollow block wall (47). In the preferred embodiment, the leg members and the spring are integrally formed from a continuous wire member having a U-shaped profile.

Abstract: A connector for tying together opposed foam panels in spaced and parallel relationship makes a form for receiving flowable material. The connector comprises a pair of anchor members, one being devised to be embedded in one of the foam panels and the other being devised to be embedded in the other one of the foam panels. Each of these anchor members has a projecting end devised to come out of the foam panel once the anchor member is embedded therein. The connector further comprises a web member extending between the foam panels. The web member has opposite longitudinal side ends, each of the side ends being hingedly connectable to the projecting end of either one of the anchor members. Thanks to such a connector, the tied foam panels of the form wall assembly are movable between an extended position where the foam panels are spaced-apart to make the form and a collapsed position where the foam panels are brought close to each other for transportation purposes.

Abstract: A modular construction system and method of use for creating a concrete wall system which has a wall system which complies with a modular construction system. The system uses wall form panels having connectors and structural tie plates. The wall form panels have interlocking protrusions around the edges such that the panel is reversibly symmetric. The panels are specific lengths to minimize the number of panels required to achieve a set length. The structural tie plates have connectors to tie in with the wall form panels and in addition carry and position reinforcement bars with the wall. The modular wall system ensures ease and integrity of alignment of the wall form panels by the self-aligning structural tie elements. In a preferred embodiment, a footing is continuously integral with the wall. A heat retention cap form allows for a more uniform cure temperature in adverse temperatures.

Abstract: A civil engineering structure having an arched wall including a plurality of curve shaped elements. Each element bears against one or more other similar elements and has a recess arranged in an outer face for casting a concrete assembly capping piece and reinforcements. Each element also includes at least one rigid bearing piece fastened to the element and has, at a free end of the rigid bearing piece, a surface with a non-planar profile. The rigid bearing piece comes to bear against a similar piece of another element located opposite it. The two rigid bearing pieces have complementary profiles making it possible for them to be wedged vertically.

Abstract: A concrete forms wall spacer is provided in the configuration of a truss having top and bottom horizontal frame members interconnected by angularly extending reinforcing struts. The top frame member is configured to rest upon the upper edges of a pair of spaced concrete form walls, and end portions of the top frame member are extended downward for abutment by the outer sides of the spaced concrete form walls, to define the desired spacing between the walls. Supported by the bottom frame member are a pair of spaced clip members each configured to removably support a pair of lengths of rebar which extend horizontally in opposite directions to other longitudinally spaced form wall spacers. A pair of vertically spaced rebar supports are mounted on the top and bottom frame members for frictionally securing a vertically extending length of rebar for forming a structural tie between a concrete footing and a vertically extending concrete wall.

Abstract: A modular construction system (10), the preferred embodiment of which is directed toward the construction of structural walls (26). The construction system (10) employs precast wall units (12) and a variety of spacer/tensioning, spacer, tensioning, and extension assemblies (14, 16, 18, and 20). The wall units (12) contain a plurality of cavities (44) and are made of concrete with side walls (36) reinforced with prestressed tension wires (48). In the process of constructing a wall (26), the wall units (12) are stacked one upon the other onto threaded wall bars (24) that extend upwardly from a foundation (22). The spacer/tensioning assembly (14) and the spacer assembly (16) provide alignment during the stacking process and also create mortar joints (52). The spacer/tensioning assembly (14) and the tensioning assembly (18) are utilized in conjunction with the wall bars (24) to tension the wall units (12) onto lower wall units (12) and the foundation (22).

Abstract: A reinforcing bar support or hanger for use in a masonry block wall incorporates a pair of supporting arms for contacting the surface of a supporting block and includes vertically extending hanger members terminating in a rebar cradle for receiving and supporting a rebar to be positioned within the wall. The support arms have a transverse length less than the transverse thickness of the masonry wall and the vertical thickness of the support arms is equal to or less than the thickness of the mortar joints between successive courses of the wall. The hanger may include longitudinally extending ridges for assisting in the transverse positioning of the hanger within the masonry block.