Abstract: An article may include a material having a surface containing at least one zinc oxide and/or salt, and at least one antioxidant. A method of using a mixture including at least one zinc oxide and/or salt, and at least one antioxidant, as bacteriostatic agent may include: applying the mixture to a surface of an article.

Abstract: A fire resistant and water resistant expansion joint system comprises a compressed lamination of fire retardant infused open celled foam, one coat of an elastomeric waterproofing or water resistant material on the lamination, and another coat of an intumescent material on an opposing surface of the lamination, thereby providing fire resistance in one direction and water resistance in the opposite direction. The intumescent material may be further coated with a similar elastomeric material, thereby providing fire resistance in one direction and water resistance in both directions. In the alternative, the compressed lamination may comprise first and second opposing layers of intumescent material thereon each having a respective layer of elastomeric material to provide both water resistance and fire resistance in both directions.

Abstract: An expansion joint system comprises a core; and a fire retardant included in the core in an amount effective to pass testing mandated by UL 2079. The core with the fire retardant is configured to facilitate compression of the expansion joint system when installed between substrates by repeatedly expanding and contracting to accommodate movement of the substrates; and the core with the fire retardant included therein is configured to pass the testing mandated by UL 2079.

Abstract: An expansion joint system includes foam; a fire retardant material included in the foam in an amount effective to pass testing mandated by UL 2079; and wherein the expansion joint system is configured to facilitate compression of the system when installed between substrates by repeatedly expanding and contracting to accommodate movement of the substrates; and the foam with the fire retardant material included therein is configured to pass the testing mandated by UL 2079.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes temporary support structures for use in the repair of a transmission tower. A typical transmission tower includes a tripod that receive the load of the tower and distributes it to piles embedded in the ground. A temporary support structure may temporarily remove the load of the transmission tower from the tripod to allow the tripod to be removed and replaced with a new tripod. A temporary support system may include a pile temporary support system, a beam support structure supported by the pile temporary support system, and a flower pot adapter lifting assembly configured to attach to a portion of the transmission tower to transfer a load of the transmission tower to the beam support structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for structurally renewing and sealing a wall of a manhole. The apparatus includes a tubular sleeve impregnated with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic material capable of expanding when in contact with water, and a liner impregnated with a resinous material capable of curing and hardening. The apparatus is positioned in a manhole and inflated, which forces the tubular sleeve and the liner into contact with the wall of the manhole. The hydrophilic or hydrophobic material is forced into defects of the wall, thus sealing the wall, while the liner is allowed to cure and harden, thus structurally renewing the wall of the manhole.

Abstract: A cloud-based system network for managing the supply chain management operations associated with shipping clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) totes from a chemical factory or warehouse to a network of lumber factories producing Class-A fire-protected lumber, and/or wood-framed building construction job sites with interior wood surfaces being spray-treated with Class-A fire protection during the construction phase. The system network includes a data center with web, application and database servers for supporting one or more mobile applications running on mobile computing devices (e.g. smart-phones and tablet computers).

Abstract: Method for designing a corrugated roofing sheet made of natural fibers, impregnated with bitumen including a uniform pattern of mutually parallel alternating corrugations borne by a mid-plane, the corrugations defining rounded crests each separated from the next by a rounded trough, the crests and trough being connected by alternately inclined portions, the transverse offset between two successive crests being equal to the transverse offset between two successive troughs and defining the pitch P of the corrugations, the sheet having a thickness E of material substantially constant over its extent, and a height H being twice the distance between the mid-plane and the exterior surface of a crest or twice the distance between the mid-plane and the exterior surface of a trough, these two distances being identical. The height, thickness and pitch values are determined by Fi<H3/(8×E×(H+P))<Fs, where Fi=25 mm and Fs=35 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for structurally renewing and sealing a wall of a manhole. The apparatus includes a tubular sleeve impregnated with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic material capable of expanding when in contact with water, and a liner impregnated with a resinous material capable of curing and hardening. The apparatus is positioned in a manhole and inflated, which forces the tubular sleeve and the liner into contact with the wall of the manhole. The hydrophilic or hydrophobic material is forced into defects of the wall, thus sealing the wall, while the liner is allowed to cure and harden, thus structurally renewing the wall of the manhole.

Abstract: A fire resistant and water resistant expansion joint system comprises a core; and a fire retardant infused into the core. The core infused with the fire retardant is configured to define a profile to facilitate compression of the fire and water resistant expansion joint when installed between substantially coplanar substrates.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for structurally renewing and sealing a wall of a manhole. The apparatus includes a tubular sleeve impregnated with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic material capable of expanding when in contact with water, and a liner impregnated with a resinous material capable of curing and hardening. The apparatus is positioned in a manhole and inflated, which forces the tubular sleeve and the liner into contact with the wall of the manhole. The hydrophilic or hydrophobic material is forced into defects of the wall, thus sealing the wall, while the liner is allowed to cure and harden, thus structurally renewing the wall of the manhole.

Abstract: A line conduit (10) to be cast into a structural element (12), especially a floor/ceiling and/or wall made of concrete, including an elongated housing (18) that has a holding space (25) for at least one line (16). The space is continuous in the lengthwise direction (L), and includes a fire-protection element (26) made of an intumescent material that is arranged around the inner wall of the housing (18) in the circumferential direction, whereby at least one anchoring element (34) is provided on the inner wall of the housing (18), the element being anchored inside the fire-protection element (26).

Abstract: In an earthquake resisting design method of a PC construction, a column and a beam, which are high-strength precast prestress concrete members, are joined by binding juncture with a prestressing tendon. A grout is filled and bonded. A first stage linear resilient design is employed, where all construction members are not damaged, for earthquakes up to a predetermined earthquake load design value. A second stage linear resilient design is employed, where earthquake energy is absorbed by breakage of the bond of the grout, and principal construction members are not damaged, for earthquakes exceeding the predetermined earthquake load design value. By employing a non-linear resilient design in which the first stage linear resilient design and the second stage linear resilient design are combined, an earthquake-resisting design level is significantly increased, and the construction can resist earthquakes exceeding a seismic intensity 6 upper.

Abstract: Paint once dropped, dripped, or spilt onto a drop cloth still presents an issue to painters in that it may be further dripped or spilt onto the surfaces and/or objects being protected when moved or removed. Likewise a drop cloth on the floor does not stop the wet paint getting picked up and re-deposited onto the floor in areas not protected. These instances arise as the paint or other materials being painted take time to dry. Further, where the paint is thick then unlike the surface being painted where the paint “dries” completely the paint drop or spill has a “skin” formed leaving liquid paint beneath. Embodiments of the invention accelerate the paint “drying” process and allow thicker paint drops for example to dehydrate, coagulate, or form solid materials thereby reducing the instances of subsequent paint transfer from the drop cloth to other surfaces and/or objects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mixtures of blowing agent-containing polymers, wax and insecticides, to coated polymer particles, to methods for producing coated polymer particles, to the use of these particles and mixtures in the production of polymer foams, to the use thereof for protecting polymer foams against infestation by insects, principally termites, and also to materials of construction and building materials produced from the insecticide-containing polymer foams.

Abstract: The invention provides a temporary roofing cover system for sloped roofs typically found in residential construction.

Abstract: A corner flashing system is provided for sealing the corners of recessed window frames against moisture penetration. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises first and second double-flap members, a half-cube member, and caulking. The first and second double-flap members, and the half-cube member are preferably made of asphalt or petroleum based material. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises one double-flap member, a modified half-cube member, and caulking. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a single member that combines a double-flap member and a half-cube member, and caulking. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a combination member, a double-flap member, and caulking.

Abstract: In a structure which forms an upper structure and a lower structure divided by an anti-vibration pad for vibration isolation therein, since the concavo-convex type shear key is formed using the precast concrete shear-key block, the construction can be precisely performed according to the predetermined standard. Therefore, a vibration isolation structure using a precast concrete shear-key block and an anti-vibration pad which are capable of effectively blocking vibration and noise, and a constructing method thereof are provided.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a device and a method to protect building openings with plywood panels during storm. The device and method is also provided to protect inside of buildings when windows or doors are broken. The bracket of this disclosure is simple and easy to make, and it allows attachment of plywood panels without shaping to cover windows and other building openings of any shape.

Abstract: A method and system for raising an existing structure without use of electrical power, such as a home, during a flood condition in which pilings are positioned adjacent to an existing foundation. Pile guides are attached to the structure and are used to receive and guide the pilings during raising of the structure. A buoyancy layer is formed below the floor of the structure. During a flood condition, the buoyancy layer raises the entire structure upwardly along the pilings to support the structure above the flood waters.

Abstract: A protective cover for an exposed end of a rebar has a collar with a closed end and an open end and a cap disposed within the collar. The cap has a closed end and an open end that is exposed to the open end of the collar such that an end of a rebar that is introduced into the open end of the collar will extend into the open end of the cap.

Abstract: The system described herein consists of an isolator and a damping device. The isolator and damping device are used to isolate structures and thus to mitigate earthquake effects on structures. These devices extremely reduce transmitted energy to an isolated superstructure, so that protected structures by means of the devices described herein, may have small or no damages. The isolator has a spherical base fixed to ground via a footing, middle part that responds to the moving base by rotating around the center of a small concave or convex, causing the superstructure to move upwards and downwards vertically, and a top part connected to a superstructure. The damping device consists of a base receives vertical displacement from the superstructure, dampers and springs to dissipate more energy, restrict maximum horizontal displacements and might help returning the superstructure to its stationary position in smooth way.

Abstract: A device, method and kit for keeping humidity/water away from a concrete foundation and provide insulation. The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of devices comprising a main body configured so as to be stackable and having opposed upper and lower surfaces each comprising a plurality of drainage openings therethrough, the main body forming a cavity therein encompassing a plurality of particles having a diameter larger than the openings' diameter, and positioning the plurality of devices in contact with a soil-facing surface of the concrete foundation such that the lower surfaces of the devices face downward.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing a damaged door frame, wherein a jamb patch has a first portion adaptable to replace a removed section of the door frame and a second portion coupled to the first portion and adaptable to fit behind a remaining section of the door frame to align the first portion with the remaining section of the door frame. The second portion of the jamb patch may be slidably coupled to the first portion for location into a first position, wherein the first portion of the jamb patch overlaps the second portion, and into a second position, wherein the second portion of the jamb patch extends from the first portion. Alternatively, the second portion of the jamb patch may fixedly extend from the first portion of the jamb patch.

Abstract: The invention provides an aqueously-swellable water stop having an elongate body formed by shaping or extruding a composition mixture comprising water swelling fillers and/or polymers (e.g. Bentonite, super absorbent polymers, hydrophilic polymers), at least one elastomer or polymer, and preferably at least one plasticizer, the composition mixture when formed into an elongate water stop body having a Shore A hardness (durometer) of less than 35 and more preferably in the range of 5-35 (measured at 21° C.). The water stop body has at least one major face and a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive attached to the face for bonding to a concrete substrate.

Abstract: A fire block, adapted for blocking flames and air flow from traversing between a first portion of a wall cavity and a second portion of a wall cavity and a method for installing a fire block. The fire block may include a first male tray having a shield with various other components and a female tray having a shield with various components. The male tray be received by the female tray to form a fire block.

Abstract: A deployable flood shield, and associated method, prevents ingress of water through an opening. An outer frame is positioned to surround the opening and has a top channel, a bottom channel, a left channel and a right channel. A flexible shield is stored within the bottom channel prior to deployment and has a left edge retained by the left channel and a right edge retained by the right channel. Seals are configured with each of the bottom, left, and right channels for sealing between the bottom, left, and right channels and the flexible shield when deployed. A controller deploys the flexible shield to prevent the ingress of water into the opening. A deploy command is received and a motor is driven, for a predefined period, to deploy a flexible shield to block the opening and preventing the flexible shield from retracting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the corrosion protection of tank soil side bottoms is achieved by providing equipment to an existing storage tank as by installing a chime delivery system about the perimeter of the storage tank bottom plate, and introducing an appropriate amount of a corrosion inhibitor into the chime delivery system, whereby the corrosion inhibitor is readily admitted into the spaces between the substrate and the tank bottom plate. The system avoids any refurbishment of the tank and allows for easy introduction and replenishment of inhibitor without interruption of tank operations. The system also does not require any renovation of the tank, and does not require any replacement of the tank bottom plate panels.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerodynamic wind deflector for use with pitched panels or structures mounted on horizontal, flat surfaces. More particularly, the invention relates to a wind deflector, including a contoured surface, for deflecting aerodynamic forces away from a pitched structure, such as a solar panel, mounted to a horizontal, flat surface, such as a roof top, wherein the structure is subjected to such aerodynamic forces. The wind deflector may further include a customized fin or fins as part of the design.

Abstract: In one preferred form of the present invention there is provided a roof rain gutter system. The roof rain gutter system comprises a drainage pipe for being positioned within and extending along a gutter. A coarse heavy filler material is placed on top of the drainage pipe for allowing the passage of rain water. A rain guttering component is positioned above a drop outlet of the gutter for directing water flowing through the drainage pipe downwardly into the drop outlet. The rain guttering component is adapted to surround the drop outlet to assist with preventing the passage of coarse heavy filler material through the drop outlet.

Abstract: The invention is primarily directed to a system and method of selectively repairing asphalt-based shingles having embedded granular material. The system and method of the invention also comprises the use of devices specifically designed and used to template repaired shingles and protect surrounding shingles from adhesives and a shingle frame device to aid in applying, leveling and compressing granules onto the damaged shingle. The system and method of the claimed invention comprises the steps of removal of debris from the damaged area, application of a base coat adhesive to the damaged area, embedding color-matched granules in the base coat and application of a top coat sealant that permanently bonds the repaired layers to the original roofing material.

Abstract: An assembly includes a reinforcement bar and a plurality of bar chair attached at spaced locations thereto. The bar chairs have an upper concave seat portion, and pairs of legs. The legs are spot welded to the reinforcement bar at locations, and at a height ‘h’ for the prescribed concrete cover for the reinforcement bar. The legs are located on opposing or alternating sides of the reinforcement bar to evenly distribute the construction loads onto the chair legs. As the reinforcement bar is attached to the legs of the wire form, the concave seat portion is oriented to support a reinforcement bar oriented at 90° to the reinforcement bar.

Abstract: Provided is a method for fire-proofing a composite slab constructed of beams installed between columns, a deck plate installed between the beams and slab concrete poured on the beams and the deck plate using a wire rope. Fire-proofing performance of the composite slab manufactured according to the present invention can be enhanced by transferring the load transferred from the deck plate to the upper portion of the beam via the wire rope.

Abstract: Embodiments of a deck assembly module for a steel framed building include a modular concrete deck platform. The 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 a shear connector opening on a side surface of a side of the concrete slab. The shear connector opening is a recess on the side surface of the concrete slab. The platform further includes an integrated attachment assembly within the shear connector opening on the side of the concrete slab. The integrated attachment assembly includes a shear connector rebar including an extension of continuous reinforcing bar extending out of the shear connector opening and back into the shear connector opening. The shear connector rebar and the shear connector opening form a closed loop.

Abstract: Structures and protocols are presented for providing enhanced assembly tolerances (for thermal or manufacturing variations, e.g.) in constructing gazebos or other standalone decking systems, decks adjoining a house or other primary structure, or other such structures for walkways or human occupancy.

Abstract: A modular system includes a plurality of polymeric panels, each panel having a thickness, a length, and first and second opposing parallel side edges defining a width. The first side edge of each panel includes a lengthwise receptacle, while the second side edge of each panel including a lengthwise bead. The bead and receptacle are physically dimensioned such that the receptacle of one panel receives the bead of another panel in interlocking cooperation, thereby enabling multiple panels to be interconnected to surround a vertical member. In one embodiment, each elongated receptacle includes a lengthwise cylindrical cavity having an inner diameter accessed through a lengthwise slot having a width less than the diameter of the cavity. Each elongated bead is a lengthwise cylindrical bead having an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the cavity, such that the bead is received by the cavity. A different embodiment uses interlocking barbs.

Abstract: Damping arrangement for low, medium and high-rise structures (1) using bidirectional damping means (5) such as visco-elastic Gensui damping devices, placed between two parallel elements of the structure (1), such as a core (2) and a perimeter column (3), or between two cores. Oscillatory or other flexural or shear deformations of the structure (1) are damped by damping axial movements between the two elements (2, 3), and simultaneously damping orthogonal movements between the two elements (2, 3). Outriggers (6, 7, 8) are used to enhance the axial damping moment, and the bidirectional damping means (5) may be installed in pairs, working in opposition to each other to damp dynamic shear or flexural forces in the orthogonal plane.

Abstract: A post-installed sleeve device is provided for compensating loss of shear capacity of a concrete slab due to a hole drilled in the concrete slab. The sleeve device includes a hollow member of, for example, a cylindrical shape, and a lower sandwich member and an upper sandwich member shaped, for example, as ring members. The hollow member is inserted into the drilled hole such that an upper section of the hollow member extends above a top surface of the concrete slab. The lower sandwich member includes an inner edge rigidly attached to a bottom edge of the hollow member. The upper sandwich member includes an inner edge engageably connected to the upper section of the hollow member. The upper sandwich member and the lower sandwich member sandwich the concrete slab surrounding the drilled hole therebetween for compensating the lost shear capacity of the concrete slab due to the drilled hole.

Abstract: An anti-icing system may maintain a thin layer of solution on top of pedestrian reception areas to prevent frozen precipitation from remaining frozen on the pedestrian reception areas. This greatly reduces the slippery surfaces that pedestrians would otherwise encounter when using the walk-on surface.

Abstract: Fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, including but not limited to intumescent material. The fire-retardant material can be attached to the tracks such that the fire-retardant material expands and seals gaps and/or areas between the tracks and wall components such as ceilings, floors, and drywall. Various assemblies and methods can be used to cover the deflection gap.

Abstract: A pole cap apparatus to prevent birds from nesting on top of high power electric poles, and a method of installing the apparatus on the pole. The pointed hat conical apparatus fits poles of various diameters. The apparatus is held in place on the hollow pole primarily by the tension of unitary flexible legs.

Abstract: An expansion bracket absorbs movement of a wall stud to prevent damage to a wall covering attached to the wall stud. The expansion bracket can include a main body having a main body flange, formed of a deformable material, and having a wall stud attachment end configured to attach to the wall stud via a wall stud attachment element. The main body can also have a furring attachment element configured to attach a furring to the main body. When the main body is attached to the wall stud and the furring, and the wall covering is attached to the furring via a wall covering attachment element, the main body flange is configured to absorb, via deformation, at least a portion of the movement of the wall stud due to heat-based expansion of the wall stud.

Abstract: A method of erecting an electrically insulated screen for a metal scaffold in a defined area with live electrical cables, the method comprising the steps of: erecting a first portion of the screen to a first screen height along a first screen length in the defined area; affixing the first portion of the screen in place using a stabilising mechanism; and erecting a first portion of the scaffold to a first scaffold height and a first scaffold length, wherein: the first scaffold height does not exceed the first screen height, the first scaffold length does not exceed the first screen length, and the first portion of the scaffold is erected on a side of the first portion of the screen that is opposite to a side where the live electrical cables are located.

Abstract: A self-aligning corner bead for fireproofing structural steel, having a strip of welded wire fabric cut to the appropriate width for the fireproofing thickness and bent longitudinally to form an obtuse V-shaped device is disclosed. A plastic nosing is installed along one edge. A method of finishing the corners for fireproofing of structural steel member using an improved corner bead includes the step of attaching the first wing of an obtuse V-shaped device through a lathe to the structural steel member utilizing pneumatic or screw type fasteners. The mesh structure of the second wing of the V-shaped device provides a dam to form a roughened surface on the first application of fireproofing material until it hardens.

Abstract: Frictional Non Rocking Seismic Base Isolator For Structure Seismic Protection (FNSI) is a seismic protection isolator installed under foundations or columns of a building or other structure. FNSI separates a building or other structures from ground seismic motions and passes slight fraction of seismic forces to the superstructures so that the superstructure protected from earthquake induced damages. FNSI consists of three main parts, a Sliding Hammer fixed into ground, a Rotating Anvil, RA, and a Hook fixed to the superstructure, wherein contacted moving surfaces are so smooth for effective isolation. Seismic motions shake the sliding hammer which imitates ground motions and causes RA to rotate around center of the Hook convex or concave, and to simultaneously vibrate in vertical direction. RA movements cause the isolated superstructure to move vertically and slightly horizontally where the vertical vibrations can be accommodated by increase in material strength when responding to short term loading.

Abstract: A shingle insert and method for eliminating and preventing growths on a shingled roof in which copper strips forming the inserts are installed with an upper edge disposed beneath a course of shingles with the remaining portions of the insert exposed. The insert strips have a confined space defined beneath a stiffening lengthwise extending arched hump formed in the exposed copper strip portions which has an array of elongated indentations formed therein with slits therein to allow slow drainage of water impounded by the arched hump through the inserts may contain a growth toxic material, in solid or granular form which releases a substance toxic to the growths when rainwater runoff passes into the confined space and over the material and thereafter flows out down the roof.

Abstract: A fire resistant and water resistant expansion joint system comprises a compressed lamination of fire retardant infused open celled foam, one coat of an elastomeric waterproofing or water resistant material on the lamination, and another coat of an intumescent material on an opposing surface of the lamination, thereby providing fire resistance in one direction and water resistance in the opposite direction. The intumescent material may be further coated with a similar elastomeric material, thereby providing fire resistance in one direction and water resistance in both directions. In the alternative, the compressed lamination may comprise first and second opposing layers of intumescent material thereon each having a respective layer of elastomeric material to provide both water resistance and fire resistance in both directions.

Abstract: A dividing wall panel comprises at least one elongate, fire-resistant hardboard sheet, and an elongate insulating foam slab joined to the at least one hardboard sheet. The insulating foam slab is formed from a molded, continuous foam body compressed either during molding or after molding, or both, to improve its sound insulation properties.

Abstract: A building structure including a plurality of vertical elements extending from a ground surface with at least a first of the vertical elements connected to a second of the vertical elements by a coupling member, the coupling member includes a damping element for damping vibrations in the building structure resulting from relative movement between the first and second vertical elements due to lateral loads applied to the building structure. The damping element undergoes deformation due to the relative movement between the vertical elements causing the damping material to be activated in shear. At least one of a first and second fuse member is connected to at least one of first and second ends of the damping element respectively.

Abstract: A scuffguard for a stair riser includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer has a front side, a back side, and a thickness. The front side of the first layer has a front face being made from a scuff resistant material. The second layer is a pressure sensitive adhesive on the back side of the first layer. The pressure sensitive adhesive is for attaching the first layer to a stair riser. The third layer is removably attached to the pressure sensitive adhesive. Whereby, the third layer may be removed from the pressure sensitive adhesive to expose the pressure sensitive adhesive for installation of the first layer on the stair riser. The method of protecting a stair riser uses the scuffguard, where the third layer is removed from the pressure sensitive adhesive, and the first layer is attached to the stair riser via the pressure sensitive adhesive.