Abstract: Anchoring devices and systems are disclosed for use with elongated reinforcement members such as FRP, SRP, metallic bars, or cables. Such devices and systems impart a compressive stress into a static structure having the elongated reinforcement member running there through or there along. An anchoring system can include an anchor block that includes a front end surface for contacting the static structure, an axial bore for receiving the elongated reinforcement member, and clamping members that work with fasteners to provide a clamping force. The bore may be tapered and the fasteners optionally provide different clamping levels to reduce the stress on the elongated reinforcement member near the front end surface. The disclosed systems also include pre-stressing devices that can be used with the disclosed anchor systems, and that can place a tensile force on the elongated reinforcement members to also impart a compressive force on the static structure.

Abstract: A floor drain support plate for mounting and securing a floor drain to a floor structure. The support plate includes a body defining a first portion and a second portion, wherein the body has an inner surface and an outer surface. The first portion of the body defines a peripheral edge and the second portion of the body is attached to the peripheral edge of the first portion and axially extended therefrom. The inner surface of the first portion and the second portion of the body define an interior cavity. The first portion of the body defines a center passageway spaced radially apart from the peripheral edge and is adapted to receive a pipe. The first portion of the body also defines at least one slot adapted to be aligned with the receptacle body for receiving a member for attaching the receptacle body to the body of the support plate.

Abstract: An integrally formed riser pan member for use as a modular component within an access passageway for an on-site waste disposal system, such as a septic tank, to receivably retain a secondary cover member within, the riser pan member including a cylindrical body having an upper portion having a vertical wall member adapted to receive another modular passageway component thereon, and a lower portion which includes an integral pan portion to seatably receive a secondary cover member. The riser pan member further includes an annular ring between the upper and lower portions. The riser pan member can be employed as a lowermost, a highermost, or as an intermediate component in, for example, an access passageway formed of multiple stackable riser members. In addition, the riser pan member may be formed integrally with a stackable riser member.

Abstract: A method of remediating at least a portion of a building that contains defective drywall is presented. The method comprises removal of the defective drywall and cross-contaminated drywall, actively desorbing volatile compounds from the building materials exposed after removal of the drywall and passively desorbing remaining contaminants by depositing a film of an absorbent on the accessible surfaces of the exposed building materials. Active desorbing of volatiles can be carried out with forced thermal desorption, where the interior surfaces of the building are heated while the air is removed and replaced with air free of the volatile compounds. The absorbent for passive desorption can be a nanoparticulate metal oxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a window (1) comprising a frame (2), wherein a sealing strip (3) made of an elastic, optionally, resilient foam is applied to the outer side of the window frame (2). The aim of the invention is to provide a window frame that is used to construct a window, a sealing strip made of an elastic resilient foam being applied to the outer side of said window frame that can be inserted in an advantageous manner during simple pre-assembly. The invention is characterised in that the foam is maintained in the compressed form on the window frame (2) by means of a holding part (4) and precompression can be released by destructive effects on said holding part (4) that is elastically prestressed in the direction of extension or that is made of a brittle material.

Abstract: A method and device for supporting a structure above a fixed surface. The device can include a support pedestal whose height is adjustable through a range of heights without a substantial gap in the obtainable heights.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of building a building having a plurality of levels using. The building includes a plurality of building unit assemblies (2) wherein each building unit assembly is structurally self supporting and has at least one sidewall (4), a floor (8) and a roof (10), the method including the steps of: lifting the building unit assemblies (2) into position in the building so that each level of the building includes a predetermined number of units (2); connecting adjacent units (2) to one another in each level; and connecting units (2) in one level to corresponding units in at least one adjacent level that is vertically above or below the one level. In one form the building unit assembly (2) includes a building unit including two sidewalls (4) and (6) floor (8) and roof (10) with structural frame segments (16, 18, 20, 22) attached thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a digital utility system. The system may include a housing secured within a wall and partially exposed through an opening in the wall covering. A processing unit may be inserted into the housing (and into the wall) through the opening. Various systems of a building may be connected to the processing unit to receive commands and the like therefrom. A user interface and monitor may connect to the processing unit and extend to cover the opening in the wall covering.

Abstract: A device for and method of repairing damaged openings in wallboard, especially openings for electrical and electronic appliances, comprising a rear flange, front flange and a connecting member to form a channel into which wallboard will fit. The device may be straight or angled into an L shape. The device is inserted into the damaged corner or top or bottom of the opening to provide a solid surface to engage the attachment means on the appliance and can generally be inserted into the damaged opening without complete removal of the appliance or disconnection of wiring.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting photovoltaic solar panels onto a roof. The system includes first and second strut rails spaced from the roof employing a series of standoffs, the strut rails having a length, cross section, a base and side walls, side walls terminating with first and second turned in edges. First and second mounting fixtures are attached to the photovoltaic solar panels which are of a type and geometry enabling the solar panels to be removably appended to the strut rails. The first and second mounting fixtures can be applied to the photovoltaic solar panels before being elevated to a roof.

Abstract: Producing grid tees with a range of service duty, reflected in the use of various gauge sheet stock, that exhibit an effective uniform thickness at their cross tee slots by locally altering a grid tee in the area of its cross tee receiving slot or slots so that the grid tee has a uniform effective thickness at these area(s) that can be standardized across a manufacturer's range of tee load ratings. Preferably, a grid tee is permanently stamped with an indentation or dimple adjacent the cross tee slot and a cross tee connector has a lead edge area arranged to seat against the bottom of the indentation.

Abstract: A modular system for a façade structure for a building comprising panels and panel retaining elements for mounting the panels to the building and method for producing said facade.

Abstract: The system includes a plurality of mullion retrofit adaptors, each having a rear side configured and disposed to fit over the front side of at least some mullion of the existing supporting framework. It also includes a plurality of new mullions, each having a rear side configured and disposed to fit over at least some of the retrofit adaptors. A method for refurbishing an existing curtain wall attached to a base structure is also presented. This proposed concept can significantly reduce the time and costs for refurbishing an existing curtain wall.

Abstract: A composite building panel that includes a central body, substantially parallelepipedic in shape, containing an expanded polymer matrix, having opposite faces, a top surface, and a bottom surface; at least one embedded framing stud longitudinally extending across the central body between the opposite faces, having a first end embedded in the expanded polymer matrix, a second end extending away from the bottom surface of the central body, and one or more expansion holes in the embedded studs between the first end of the embedded stud and bottom surface through which the polymer matrix expands. A concrete layer can optionally cover a portion of the top surface and/or bottom surface. The building panel can be positioned perpendicular to a structural wall and/or foundation to provide a floor panel. The second end of the framing studs can be embedded in a second central body to provide an insulated concrete form.

Abstract: Disclosed is an indoor electromagnetic environment implementing structure. A shield room in a polyhedron structure for blocking electromagnetic waves output from the interior toward the exterior thereof and electromagnetic waves input from the exterior toward the interior when measuring a characteristic of the electromagnetic waves is installed, an electromagnetic wave absorber is installed at a door and a window on a wall through which the electromagnetic waves are output in the shield room, and a cover for covering the electromagnetic wave absorber with a size corresponding to the electromagnetic wave absorber is installed. In this instance, the cover transmits or blocks the electromagnetic waves according to utilization of electromagnetic wave measurement tests.

Abstract: A combination hangar door and roof assembly including a door section and a roof section that pivot relative to a roof of a hangar for opening and closing the hangar to allow the ingress and egress of an airplane or other object.

Abstract: A method of drafting and building a prestressed concrete structure comprises the steps of a) modeling the problem of finding optimum parameters of prestressing strands in the prestressed concrete structure in a mathematical optimization problem; b) using a gradient-based numerical search method to solve the mathematical optimization problem; and c) building the prestressed concrete structure in accordance with the results of step b). A prestressed concrete structure, in particular a bridge, is drafted and built according to this drafting and building method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of constructing a building, comprising the step of providing a skeleton for a building wall of the building. The skeleton includes at least upright building elements such as columns or dividing walls. At least one lightweight, heat insulating and fire retarding wall element is placed between each adjacent pair of said columns. The columns are covered to provide substantially closed wall surfaces. The wall surfaces are covered with a covering layer having properties so as to provide fire-resistance to the complete wall. The covering layer on the inside wall surface may include a base layer of modified resin mortar, and a top layer of plaster mortar. The covering layer on the outside wall surface may include a base layer of modified resin mortar and a top layer of mineral mortar.

Abstract: A post construction wall mounting box assembly (100) is formed from an enclosure (200) and a clenching bracket (300) which are joined together with joining screws (431, 432) where the enclosure includes a first set of parallel and opposed sidewalls (210) having exterior wall flanges (214) and the clenching bracket includes first and second slideable sidewall portions (310, 320) that have interior wall flanges (314, 324) and these exterior and interior wall flanges cooperate to engage an edge of a wall board when the joining screws are tightened.

Abstract: In a method in the use of a construction-time elevator, at least two lifts are performed. In each of the lifts, the supporting platform is lifted higher in the elevator hoistway with the hoisting device supported by the support structure so as to extend the operating range of the elevator car to reach higher in the elevator hoistway. A second support structure and a second hoisting device, which are above the support structure, are used between the lifts of the supporting platform, for moving the working platform in the elevator hoistway under construction between the second support structure and the support structure, and for lifting the support structure upwards in the elevator hoistway.

Abstract: An apparatus is used to cover a wall corner where lengths of cove base meet. One part is a wall adapter. It is composed of a right angle of thin material with one-half of a mechanical mating structure at its outer apex. The other part is a corner cover composed of a right angle of a thicker material with a narrower extent, but taller than the wall adapter. The cove base corner cover provides a unified junction between the two adjacent cove base sides of a corner. The corner cover is initially held correctly in place by being mechanically mated to the wall adapter. Corners may be inside or outside corners. Matings include snap fit, friction fit and a hanging tab and slot. These two types of covers might operate with a common wall adapter, but, of course, are of somewhat complementary shapes. Their right angles face in opposite orientations.

Abstract: Reinforcing connector (10) for reinforcing attachment among components (110) of a structure (100); such as crossing beams (111). Reinforcing connector (10) includes a length of roving (20) composed of filaments (25). Roving (20) is disposed in borehole (50) piercing first beam 111A Free ends (21,23) of roving (20) protrude from borehole openings (51) and are splayed apart into individual filaments (25). Filaments (25) are attached to surfaces of components (110) with adhesive means (30). Reinforcing connector (10) increases ductility and resistance to lateral forces of structure (100).

Abstract: A roofing sealing system and method is provided. The roofing nail seal is disposed substantially concentrically over a roofing nail. The roofing nail seal includes a body portion with an upper surface and a lower surface. An adhesive is affixed to the lower surface of the body portion for application to a head of the roofing nail.

Abstract: A method of welding a deck plate and a closed section rib both constituting a steel plate deck, comprising: working a root portion of the closed section rib to have a flat surface in parallel with a surface of the deck plate; and welding the deck plate and the closed section rib while making the flat surface of the closed section rib to be in contact with the surface of the deck plate.

Abstract: A fascia system for a building is disclosed. The fascia system includes a sheet of material comprising a first part and a second part, as well as a first fascia board and a second fascia board. The first part is coupled to three sides of the first fascia board, and the second fascia board is held in a predetermined relationship with respect to the first fascia board in response to the second part being coupled to three sides of the second fascia board. In some embodiments the second part has a shape which is a mirror image of the shape of the first part. In some embodiments the sheet of material is composed of galvanized metal. In some embodiments a decorative pattern is applied to the sheet of material.

Abstract: The invention includes a corrugated decking flooring system. The corrugated decking flooring system can include a corrugated deck having at least two flutes and a trough between the flutes. A sound insulation layer generally conformal with both the flutes and the troughs of the corrugated deck can be provided. An underlayment layer can be provided over the sound insulation layer.

Abstract: The instant invention is a method for achieving a-planar framing configurations which enable the construction of hyperbolic paraboloid surfaces, a multiplicity of which join to create roof structures and enclosures. In particular, the shaping and erecting of connected a-planar quadrilateral frames to create under-framing which can be completed by a simple in-framing, and covered with sheeting material resulting in a new method of constructing enclosures with hyperbolic paraboloid faces without the use of highly trained crews, or the need for elaborate pre-forms or specialized connecting or covering elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is both an apparatus and system for screeding a three dimensional panel including a screed clip for securing a guide bar to the panel for screeding a cementitious coating to a substantially uniform finish and level. The clips are used in combination and in series to support a guide bar. The clips are attached to the wire grid mats of a three dimensional panel to enable a less than skilled laborer to finish a cementitious coating applied to the panel.

Abstract: A method and system for covering industrial wood plank or wood block floors that can be installed quickly without creating a hazardous environment or hazardous wastes and without the necessity of removing installed equipment. Sand is swept over the wood to fill voids and cracks. Next metal lath is stapled to the wood. A first layer of epoxy is poured onto the metal lath. After this is dry, a second coat of finish epoxy, possibly colored as desired, can be installed on the first epoxy layer. When this dries, the job is done and operations can be restarted. The epoxy material used can be self-leveling for ease of application and the final floor is approximately level. In a particular embodiment, a layer of plastic can be placed over the floor before the lath is installed, and in another embodiment, the second layer of epoxy can be omitted.

Abstract: A tunable impedance load bearing structure includes a support comprising an active material configured for supporting a load, wherein the active material undergoes a change in a property upon exposure to an activating condition, wherein the change in the property is effective to change an impedance characteristic of the support.

Abstract: On a roof having a raised seam, a method of securing a cable comprises extending a first run of cable in a direction generally parallel to the raised seam. In accordance with the method a cover is accessed having a channel dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the cable therein. The cover is installed on the roof at the raised seam. The cable is secured in the channel of the cover against the roof in a manner such that the cable is partially exposed and visible from a position adjacent the channel.

Abstract: A multi-level fall protection system for a structure under construction, the structure having reinforced concrete decks including a first deck and a second deck arranged above the first deck and openings provided in the decks. The system includes bearing plates arranged in an associated opening in the first deck and having a flange portion larger than the associated opening. Lateral support blocks are arranged in an associated opening in the second deck. Vertical support posts are detachably secured at a bottom portion to an associated bearing plate and extend upwardly through an associated opening in the second deck. The vertical support posts are supported laterally by the lateral support blocks. At least one flexible support line extends between and is coupled to a pair of the vertical support posts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a batten riser assembly that is used to install battens for tile roofs. The batten riser assembly can be used to prolong the life of tile roofs since it is made of waterproof materials. The batten riser assembly uses flexible strips that can be easily folded in a compact package and can be installed in a quick and easy manner. The batten riser assembly can be used in conjunction with a marker tape to speed installation. The batten riser assembly is designed to prevent the damming of water that penetrates the tile roof. The batten riser assembly provides a simple and easy way for installers to comply with building codes.

Abstract: A method and system for attaching an article to a roof having shingles disposed on top of a structural member includes a flashing member which is rotatably connected to a stanchion. The flashing member includes a sheet of flashing which is slid up under one or more shingles. A hole is drilled through the shingles and into the structural member. The stanchion is then bolted to the structural member.

Abstract: Provided as a hoist system for installing a plurality of panels of a panel set onto a building structure at a jobsite. The hoist system comprises a beam assembly configured to hoist the panels and sequentially offload the panels from the beam assembly onto the building structure. The beam assembly comprises an elongate hoist beam, a lifting lug, a plurality of trolleys mounted on one of the opposing ends of hoist beam, and a drive mechanism operative to reposition the lifting lug along the hoist beam such that the hoist beams maintain a substantially horizontal or level orientation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a containerization support structure for use in metal cutting including a flooring structure and a plurality of concrete composite structural bars positioned within the flooring structure. In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of implementing a reusable containerization system for collecting metal by-product during a metal cutting operation includes the steps of positioning concrete composite structural bars within a flooring structure, where the flooring structure includes a plurality of longitudinally extending metal carriers positioned to house the bars; performing a metal cutting operation; collecting the metal by-product on the concrete composite structural bars; removing the bars; cleaning metal by-product from the bars; and returning the concrete composite structural bars to the metal carriers.

Abstract: Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system including tongue and grooves provided with protrusions and cavities which are displaceable in relation to each other and configured such that the protrusions can obtain a vertically unlocked position where they match the cavities and a vertically locked position where the protrusions overlap each other.

Abstract: A building includes a data center to house computing equipment including computers and servers. The data center stores data. The building also includes a multipurpose center that houses office spaces, conference rooms and meeting rooms. The data center and multipurpose center differ in function but share resources. The data center is expandable using a configuration of a control room, an electrical room and a mechanical room. Additional data center floors adjoin existing structures to increase available space in a linear manner.

Abstract: A structural support system for a bin structure. The structural support system comprises at least two parallel and spaced apart support columns. Each column has a plurality of inner column sections adjacent to the bin structure and a plurality of outer column sections coupled to the inner column sections. The inner and outer column sections form a closed shape support column configured for transferring vertical loads from an upper area of the bin structure to the foundation. An auxiliary device such as a catwalk or conveyor system may be attached to the top of the support columns. An anchor member may be provided, configured to allow limited movement of the auxiliary structure in relation to the support structure. Associated methods for strengthening the structural support of a bin structure are also provided.

Abstract: A method and device for supporting a structure above a fixed surface. The device can include a support pedestal whose height is adjustable through a range of heights without a substantial gap in the obtainable heights. In one embodiment, the support pedestal can include a base member, a support member and a coupling member operatively connecting the base member and the support member. The coupling member can include first and second cylindrical walls, whereby an outer wall of the coupling member bears directly on an outer wall of the base member. Locking members can be utilized to operatively attach the coupling member to at least one of the base member or the support member. The locking members can function to increase the structural stability of support pedestal.

Abstract: Construction systems for erecting building structures comprise a plurality of prefabricated interconnectable modular building units, each unit comprising a frame shaped as a rectangular parallelopiped and comprised of framing members and a plurality of nodes, each node situated at a corner of said frame for selective interconnection with other units, the frame having at least one attachment point separate from the nodes for selective attachment to the frame of at least one adjacent unit, the nodes and the exterior dimensions of the frame conforming to ISO shipping standards such that each unit is transportable using the ISO intermodal transportation system, and such that when the units are aggregated horizontally and vertically and adjacent units are interconnected, a building structure comprising at least one habitable space is formed.

Abstract: An improved window and trim assembly that facilitates quick and easy installation of a trim assembly on a window includes a window or door unit having a casing that defines a plurality of clip receiving grooves, a plurality of resilient clips receivable in the clip receiving grooves, and a pre-assembled trim cover retained on the window or door unit by the resilient clips. Attachment of the exterior trim cover to the window or door unit involves inserting clips into the grooves and pushing the cover onto the window or door unit until features on the trim cover engage the clips.

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

Abstract: A method for making a sound-insulating load-bearing floor, includes the following steps: providing a load-bearing floor; applying a sound-insulating material onto the load-bearing floor so as to form a substantially continuous coating layer; allowing the substantially continuous coating layer to dry; wherein the sound-insulating material includes: 40% by weight to 95% by weight, preferably 60% by weight to 90% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sound-insulating material, of at least one rubber in a subdivided form; 5% by weight to 60% by weight, preferably 10% by weight to 40% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sound-insulating material, of at least one binding agent including at least one water-dispersible polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of ?50° C. to +50° C., preferably of ?40° C. to +10° C.

Abstract: The invention comprises a completely recessed wall-wash lighting fixture capable of being installed within a ceiling. The lighting fixture comprises a housing, which contains a lamp. The invention may comprise a lighting fixture further comprises a reflector disposed within the housing and adjacent to the first end of the housing. The invention may also comprise a flared lamp shield attached to the housing, which is capable of protecting the lighting fixture from damage. The lamp shield extends below the ceiling when the lighting fixture is installed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a metal fin pipe foundation apparatus and method for airport approach lighting and method of making, using, and installing a metal fin pipe foundation for airport approach lighting. The metal fin pipe foundation (MFPF) of the present invention requires a small 16 inch diameter hole to be drilled approximately 8 feet deep. The MFPF, in one aspect, consists of 16 inch diameter schedule 30 pipe 6 feet long with two (2) ? inch thick flat plate fins which are 6 feet, in length, and which are welded to the 16 inch schedule 30 pipe. A top plate 5 feet in length, 1 foot 6 inches in width, and ¾ inch thick is attached by welding the top plate to the top of the 16 inch pipe and the top of the ? inch fins. After the MFPF of the present invention is completely fabricated, it is dipped in hot galvanizing to protect the raw steel. This coating of galvanizing protects the MFPF for 75 years. The MFPF of the present invention can be fabricated off site and shipped to the airport ready for installation.

Abstract: There is described a wall structure for absorbing or transferring heat from or to the ground, the wall structure comprising a footing for the wall structure disposed in the ground below grade extending in the longitudinal direction of the wall structure, a vertical wall supported on and extending longitudinally in the direction of the footing, the vertical wall extending upwardly from the footing above grade to a predetermined height, and having upper, lower, interior, exterior and end surfaces, a sheath of insulation for enveloping the vertical wall's upper, end, interior and exterior surfaces and thermal conductors disposed in the wall structure to be in thermal communication with one another, at least some of the conductors extending outwardly from the footing into the ground, the thermal conductors facilitating heat transfer between the ground and the vertical wall.

Abstract: An edge molding providing an edging for a floor covering such as a carpet, rug, tile and the like floor coverings comprising a stepped-molding which attaches to a subfloor edge through a hook and loop means to provide an edge molding for a floor covering which floor covering is attached to the subfloor through a means of a hook and loop arrangement.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method for installing an elevator, in which method the guide rails of the car are installed by fixing the guide rail sections into position from the bottom upwards.

Abstract: An artificial hill is disclosed protecting a habitable area from tornados, having a predetermined height and slope angles. The hill is capable of dispersing tornados and protecting the area therefrom. The hill comprises a top portion having a predetermined height and including solid bodies, a footing portion having a predetermined height, and a means for heating the solid bodies. Preferable configurations and locations of the hill, sizes of the heights and slope angles, and weights of the solid bodies are specified. Preferable materials for building the hill are described, including rocks, concrete slabs, used auto tires and auto bodies, etc. Preferable types of the heating means are discussed. A method for constructing the hill is included. Various objects can be built on or in the hill, including windmills, antennas, solar panels, recreation zones, as well as agricultural, entertainment, storage, and industrial facilities, which increases economical effectiveness of the structure.