Abstract: A wall bead 10 comprising a central longitudinally extending portion 13, a first elongate flange 11, and second elongate flange 12 which extend longitudinally of the bead, and which separately comprise a front and rear surface. The wall bead 10 further comprises a plurality of teeth 16 disposed upon the first and second flange at longitudinal positions thereon, wherein the teeth are directed away from the respective flange, substantially forwardly of the respective flange, along a common direction that is along the wall bead.

Abstract: A door frame protection apparatus includes a first upright bar having a first end and a second end, the first end being anchored to a surface at a first anchor point, a second upright bar having a third end and a fourth end, the third end being anchored to the surface at a second anchor point, an overhead crossbar coupled to the second end of the first upright bar and to the fourth end of the second upright bar, a first impact absorption member resting on the first anchor point and having the first upright bar extending therethrough, the first impact absorption member being rotatable about the first upright bar, and a second impact absorption member resting on the second anchor point and having the second upright bar extending therethrough, the second impact absorption member being rotatable about the second upright bar.

Abstract: An assembly is provided including a structural component having a flange-like member. A partially cured polymer matrix composite patch is wrapped around a perimeter of the flange-like member. The patch includes a plurality of layers, each layer having a plurality of fibers arranged therein. The layers of the polymer matrix composite patch are cured after being wrapped around the flange-like member of the structural component.

Abstract: A glazing system for a building comprising a glazing panel, a support and an attachment assembly for attaching the glazing panel to the support is disclosed. The attachment assembly comprises a mounting secured to the support and a glazing fitting secured to the glazing panel. The mounting comprises a mounting member and the glazing fitting comprises a hook portion and the mounting is connected to the glazing fitting by a connection between the hook portion and the mounting member. The attachment assembly further comprises a shock absorber that allows the attachment assembly to move relative to the support upon applying an impact to the glazing panel, thereby improving the impact resistance of the glazing panel. Mountings and fittings for use in such glazing systems are also disclosed, as are methods of improving the impact resistance of a suspended glazing panel.

Abstract: A two-component deck flashing system and method for installing the same. The system utilizes “L” flashing strips with attached cleats utilizing clinch lock joints to alleviate the need for fasteners which might otherwise penetrate and easily damage waterproof sheeting materials. A cover plate is attached to the cleats to define the outside edge of the topping surface. This two component system is designed for installation at wall-to-deck junctures by incorporating a form of a wall “saddle” flashing having one or more wall plates with attached “L” flashing extension with cleats and cover plate extensions. All components are integrated with and overlapping adjacently installed components to provide a flush, easily sealed and maintained, top surface. This two-component deck flashing system can be installed more easily and effectively in the field than prior art systems.

Abstract: Gutter devices for keeping debris out of a gutter are disclosed.

Abstract: A loss prevention device, method and system for a structure subject to aerodynamic lift upon exposure to a wind event is disclosed having at least one tensioner coupled to the structure, at least one anchor attached to a fixed surface, and at least one barrier semipermeable to airflow connected between the at least one anchor and the at least one tensioner and exposed to said wind event. A fraction of a wind energy of said wind event is divided between the structure and the barrier, such that a lift force induced in the structure by the wind energy is at least partially counteracted by a strain induced in the barrier by the wind energy.

Abstract: A method of installing a base isolation floor includes a base arrangement process for installing a plurality of plate-shaped bases, which are formed so that a plurality of upward convex curved surface portions are aligned on an upper surface, on double-sided tapes applied onto an upper surface of a floor over a plurality of columns to be substantially parallel to each other and thereby arranging the bases on the upper surface of the floor and a slide plate installation process for installing a plurality of plate-shaped slide plates having a substantially flat lower surface on the base.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for constructing a secondary containment for above ground storage units. A site is selected for the storage unit and preparing the foundation bed. A containment wall comprised of a plurality of joined panels is constructed. The panels have a wall joined to a foot, with the wall being substantially planar and comprised of rigid material and the foot being joined to the bottom section of the wall. The foot is substantially planar and comprised of rigid material, extending angularly and inwardly from the wall. The plurality of the panels are joined in a closed geometric configuration to form a containment wall, presenting an interior region. A liner is secured in the interior region and a protective coating is applied to the interior region of the containment wall.

Abstract: Sheathing composites and related methods, as can be employed in building construction.

Abstract: System and means soil stabilization and moisture control for building foundations including methods and systems for stabilization moisture in a site for building foundation by applying soil moisture stabilization material in various forms, a preferred stabilization material being a mixture of pozzolan and granular material such as sand.

Abstract: I disclose a design and method for constructing and installing a cell front panel system that simplifies the design, construction and installation of secure jail, prison, containment or detainment cell fronts. This design and method allows for construction and installation of cell fronts to occur at any time during a facility construction, using only small hand tools and non-specialized workers.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a column positioned proximate a blocking structure that prevents wrapping a sheet material completely about the column. The column includes an exterior perimeter surface portion extending between first and second intersections with the blocking structure so that the exterior perimeter surface portion is accessible from one side of the blocking structure. A first opening is formed in the column and/or the blocking structure. The first opening is located proximate the first intersection of the exterior perimeter surface portion of the column and the blocking structure. A portion of the first fiber anchor is inserted through the first opening. The first fiber anchor has at least a first end. The first end of the first fiber anchor is secured to the exterior perimeter surface portion of the column. An outer fibrous sheet is applied to the exterior perimeter surface portion.

Abstract: A security panel apparatus and a method for covering window and door openings in building structures using the security panel apparatus are disclosed. One example security panel includes a main panel section including stiffening bends extending diagonally between opposite corners of the main panel section. The security panel also includes a plurality of side flanges extending away from the main panel section toward the opening in the building structure when the security panel is in an installation position and a plurality of edge sections each extending away from one of the side flanges in a direction generally parallel to the main panel section. The security panel also includes a plurality of apertures formed in at least one of the edge sections.

Abstract: A high mechanical strength reinforcement, hot rolled steel, in particular, rebar suitable for construction in areas prone to seismic activity, comprising iron, at most 0.4 weight percent carbon, at most about 0.4 weight percent vanadium and/or niobium, at most about 1.6 weight percent of manganese, at most about 0.5 weight percent of silicon, and the usual residual elements of scrap steel. A method of reinforcing a dwelling from damage resulting from seismic activity, the method comprising providing, as a component of the dwelling, at least one high strength, hot rolled steel rebar with high mechanical strength which meets the requirements of construction, in particular, rebar suitable for construction in areas prone to seismic activity, comprising iron, at most 0.4 weight percent carbon, at most about 0.4 weight percent vanadium and/or niobium, at most about 1.6 weight percent of manganese, at most about 0.5 weight percent of silicon, and the usual residual elements of scrap steel.

Abstract: A fire and water resistant expansion and seismic joint system has a cover plate; a spline attached to the cover plate along a first edge of the spline; and a core comprising a first core portion and a second core portion, each portion being located on an opposing face of the spline. The first core portion and the second core portion have a fire-retardant material infused therein. The spline depends from the cover plate in a one piece construction and extends into the core to a depth within the core, and is positioned in a gap between substantially coplanar substrates such that the cover plate overlies the gap. Each portion of the core is compressed between a respective face of the spline and a face of one of the coplanar substrates.

Abstract: A fire and water resistant expansion joint system has a cover plate; a spline attached to the cover plate along a first edge of the spline; and two portions of foam, each portion being located on an opposing face of the spline. The foam has a fire-retardant material infused therein. The spline depends from the cover plate and is positioned in a gap between substantially coplanar substrates such that the cover plate overlies the gap. Each portion of the foam is compressed between a respective face of the spline and a face of one of the coplanar substrates.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exterior finish system for building structures that includes a water pervious adhesive for securing an insulation layer to a water resistive barrier applied to a building wall substrate. Also disclosed is a building structure such as a building column or wall that includes the finish system and a method of using the finish system to assemble a building structure such as column or wall.

Abstract: A method for reinforcing a part of a building comprises the step of adhesively bonding a textile to the surface of the part of a building by means of an adhesive. The invention relates further to such a reinforced part of a building and to the use of a textile in combination with an adhesive for reinforcing a part of a building, wherein the textile is adhesively bonded to the surface of the part of a building by means of an adhesive.

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 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 protective cover for covering an end of a reinforcing bar is provided. In some aspects, the protective cover includes a collar having a first end, a second end, and an impact absorbing portion disposed therebetween. The first end of the collar is configured to receive the end of the reinforcing bar. The impact absorbing portion of the collar is configured to withstand an impact without penetration of the reinforcement bar through the protective cover and is further configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact. The impact absorbing portion resides solely within the collar. The protective cover further includes a cap disposed at the second end of the collar. The cap has a surface area of about sixteen square inches.

Abstract: An insulation structure attached to a wall having a multitude of anchors projecting from the wall to support the insulation structure includes a permanent refractory layer adjacent the wall and a restorable refractory layer adjacent the permanent refractory layer. An anchor supports the refractory material and includes a first stud and a second stud. The second stud includes a cap connected to a shaft, wherein the cap defines an indentation on a side of the cap opposite the shaft. The second stud receives the first stud within the indentation within the cap. The double layer of refractory material allows for maintenance and replacement of a restorable refractory layer without disturbing or replacing the permanent refractory layer.

Abstract: Periodic material-based seismic isolation systems and methods are a new and innovative means to mitigate the potential damage to structures due to earthquakes or the like. The periodic materials are arranged in a periodic way in one, two and three directions, which are defined as one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D) periodic materials. With this periodic material, the pattern of the earthquake event energy can be completely obstructed or changed when it reaches the periodic foundation of the structural system. This may result in a total isolation of the foundation from the earthquake wave energy.

Abstract: A seal assembly (10) is provided for sealing a core hole (52) formed in a concrete slab (54) having opposite first and second surfaces, with the core hole (52) extending between the first and second surfaces. The seal assembly (10) comprises a cover assembly (12) having a cover plate (14) that is configured for engaging the first surface of the concrete slab (54) and seating over and covering the core hole (52). The cover assembly (12) has a lower plate (16) that is configured for being received within the core hole (52). The lower plate (16) is coupled to the cover plate (14) through a support member (20) so that the lower plate (16) is spaced apart from the cover plate (14) when the cover plate (14) is seated over the core hole (52) to define a cavity between the lower plate (16) and the cover plate (14). A locking element carrier (26) is coupled to the cover assembly (12).

Abstract: A roof protection system and a method for constructing the roof protection system for an enclosure provide protection for inhabitants and equipment in the enclosure against projectiles and other falling objects that could impact and penetrate the top of the enclosure. The roof protection system includes roof protection sections wherein each section includes a frame with a plurality of spaces between support beams. A flexible bag of woven para-aramid fiber (e.g., Kevlar® brand fiber) is positioned in each space. Each bag is filled with a selected material such as sand, gravel, cement or other high-strength fill material. First and second outer panels of a non-combustible board laminated to a metallic sheet enclose the flexible bags. The roof protection sections are mounted on support structures so that sections span the top of enclosure and are spaced apart from the top enclosure.

Abstract: A protective barrier that will typically be installed beneath ceilings during construction work being performed on ceilings or roofs of buildings. The protective barrier can be comprised entirely of one material or of different materials connected by seams. Some or all of these materials can be designed to fail when contacted by water via dissolution, melting or through some other destructive process initiated by contact with water. Some or all of the materials comprising the protective barrier can be designed to fail at a certain temperature. This failure can create access points from the ceiling through the protective barrier to the area being protected by the barrier, which can allow water from a fire suppression system to reach a fire located below the protective barrier.

Abstract: A system for protecting floor and wall surfaces using at least one long fiber paper board made from 100% recycled materials. The flat paper board is entirely environmental friendly. The paper board has smooth top and bottom layers to protect the covered surfaces. The top and bottom layers are held together by an adhesive layer. The board uses no inks or dyes and the identifying marks are all embossed on the top or bottom layers of the board. The board in an embodiment has serrated edges and the board can be cut by a knife.

Abstract: A protective barrier that will typically be installed beneath ceilings during construction work being performed on ceilings or roofs of buildings. The protective barrier can be comprised entirely of one material or of different materials connected by seams. Some or all of these materials can be designed to fail when contacted by water via dissolution, melting or through some other destructive process initiated by contact with water. This failure can create access points from the ceiling through the protective barrier to the area being protected by the barrier, which can allow water from a fire suppression system to reach a fire located below the protective barrier.

Abstract: The induced macro-cell corrosion prevention method includes the step of replacing a corroded or chloride-contaminated section of a steel reinforcement or rebar in steel-reinforced concrete with a new rebar section free of chloride. A non-conductive insulating buffer is placed between the end sections of the new rebar and the corresponding end sections of adjacent chloride-contaminated rebar sections in order to form a non-conductive layer between the new steel and the old steel. This prevents or substantially reduces formation of a macro-cell that would cause a galvanic reaction to occur and increase corrosion potential.

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: Disclosed is a method of strengthening existing structures containing the following steps. An existing structure made of concrete, steel, timber, masonry to be reinforced and a reinforcing sheet are provided, where the reinforcing sheet contains an alternating arrangement of reinforcement zones and slitting zones. The reinforcement zones contain unidirectional strengthening fibers in the warp direction of the reinforcement sheet and the slitting zones have an absence of strengthening fibers. The reinforcement sheet is slit through the slitting zones and the reinforcement zones are adhered to the existing structure.

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: A new inner passageway through a pre-cast concrete structure damaged by corrosion may be formed by stackable inserts formed of polymer concrete. The inserts may be stacked in the old passageway through the pre-cast concrete structure such that an inner surface of the stacked inserts forms a new passageway through the pre-cast concrete structure. A grout may be poured between an outer surface of the stacked inserts and an inner surface of the pre-cast concrete structure forming the old passageway. The surfaces of the stackable inserts may have superior resistance to corrosive acids such that the need for future repair is greatly reduced. Suitable pre-cast concrete structures for rehabilitation include pre-cast concrete structures utilized in wastewater systems, including manholes and other similar structures. In this manner, the damaged pre-cast concrete structures do not need to be removed during the rehabilitation.

Abstract: A reinforcement element for absorbing forces of the concrete slabs to be supported in the area of support elements is formed from a longitudinally stable, flexible length element, its first end area being guided through a first flexural reinforcement layer of the concrete slab. The first area adjoining the first end area extends towards a second flexural reinforcement layer of the concrete slab at an acute angle ?. The second area adjoining the first area is guided through the second flexural reinforcement layer and extends in the area of the support element along the surface of the second flexural reinforcement layer facing away from the support element. The second end area of the reinforcement element is guided through the second flexural reinforcement layer toward the first flexural reinforcement layer. This reinforcement element can be inserted into the concrete slab in many different ways according to the type of load.

Abstract: A foundation system includes a security boot selectively coupled to a pier having a notched upper end. The security boot includes first, second, and third portions complementary to the pier upper end. The security boot third portion includes a configuration complementary to a foundation sill plate and is selectively coupled thereto. The foundation system includes a sleeve configured to be received on a pier, the security boot configured to surround the sleeve and be slidable therealong. The system includes at least one lifting device having a base member and rod configured to engage the sill plate and is movable between a retracted configuration not urging movement of the sill plate and an extended configuration urging the sill plate upwardly. In a method of using the foundation system, the lifting devices may be actuated to lift an entire foundation upwardly from the piers, the security sliding upwardly along an associated sleeve.

Abstract: A biomass fire inside an installation is suppressed with dripping liquid nitrogen from over the biomass and injecting gaseous nitrogen underneath the biomass.

Abstract: A reinforced triangular truss column having two vertical pipe reinforcing columns added to the three rods of the truss column is provided. Also provided is a method of reinforcing triangular truss columns comprising adding two vertical pipe reinforcing columns to a triangular truss column.

Abstract: A barrier for blocking access to an enclosed space so that wildlife cannot enter the space for either nesting or other habitation is disclosed. Plural resilient spikes extend outwardly in an array from a base. When the apparatus is inserted into a space, the spikes bend so that the tips engage the walls of the space to lodge the barrier in place and resist extraction. The spikes discourage wildlife from entering and nesting in the space.

Abstract: A fire protective barrier for a residential floor and a method of its construction, the construction involving a floor supported on lightweight joists of a type susceptible to early failure once exposed to a fire existing in the space below the floor, an array of elongated steel main tees suspended below the joists, the tees being parallel and spaced apart by a nominal distance of 2?, the tees having an upper hollow reinforcing bulb, a central vertical web extending downwardly from the bulb and a horizontal flange extending laterally from both sides of the web, drywall panels carried on upper faces of the flanges of adjacent pairs of tees, the drywall panels having a width of slightly less than the center-to-center distance of the tees, a majority of the panels having lengths of 8? or more.

Abstract: A threat resistant access port is disclosed, including a resistant panel having an access aperture formed therein. A resistant cover is movably coupled to the panel, the cover being pivotally slideable relative to the panel so as to cover the aperture in a closed position and to uncover the aperture in an open position. The resistant cover comprises an outer member, the outer member being threat resistant and located proximate an outer side of the panel. The resistant cover further comprises an inner member, the inner member coupled to the outer member and located proximate an inner side of the panel opposite the outer side of the panel.

Abstract: An insulated fire door includes a door shell having spaced first and second exterior panels and a gypsum panel between the first and second exterior panels. The insulated fire door includes a plurality of spacers bonded across an interior side of each of the first and second exterior panels. The spacers maintain the gypsum panel in a spaced position from the interior sides of the first and second exterior panels as the door bows during a fire on one side of the door, until the gypsum disintegrates. Each of the spacers may have a flat portion contacting the gypsum panel, a leg extending from the flat portion spacing the gypsum from the interior sides of the first and second exterior panels, and a flange extending from the leg bonding the spacer to the first and second exterior panels.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for externally reinforcing various solid structures, such as columns, poles, piles, beams, pipes and the like, constructed from various materials. Multiple sheets laminated together with resin and grout constitutes a structure reinforcement wrap (SRW) for the formation of an external reinforcement shell. The multiple layers include a spacer sheet, a reinforcement sheet, such as Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) saturated with resin. The spacer sheet creates a small, substantially planar space between the spacer sheet and the solid structure, which space may be filled with concrete, grout, epoxy, or other similar reinforcing material. In various embodiments, a surface groove is created in the solid structure and a reinforcing bar (rebar) is embedded in the groove to further structurally bond the solid structure to the reinforcing material poured in the planar space created by the spacer sheet.

Abstract: A gutter guard mesh for application to the gutter/roof interface of a roof includes a length of woven mesh or the like having an array of apertures dimensioned to maximise traversal by rain water and minimise traversal of accumulated debris from the roof wherein at least a first edge of the mesh is fitted on a first side with a double sided acrylic foam closed cell tape having acrylic adhesive on both sides and on a second opposing side with a double sided butyl tape wherein the free side of the foam tape is available for adherence to the gutter via the acrylic adhesive and the free side of the butyl tape is available for adherence of a protective laminate.

Abstract: Various corner element embodiments, 100, 700 may comprise various concentric circle attributes useful in stopping or reducing cracks in stucco and related building materials. The corner element embodiments may be secured at widow and door corner areas and then integrated with traditional stucco applications. The concentric circle attributes and other corner element attributes dissipate stucco movement to reduce stucco heave and cracks.

Abstract: A system for structural restraint of structures against seismic and storm damage comprises a plurality of structural framing components; a plurality of structural sheathing components; a plurality of structural fasteners; one or more structural foundations; and a structural bonding agent applied to the interior and exterior to prevent failure of structural fasteners.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for decreasing rot and insect damage to in-ground wood increases the effective life of the wood. A waterproof collar has an upper margin that defines a seal against the wood and the collar surrounds the wood from a point above the ground level to a predetermined location below the ground level. The collar defines a barrier that prevents microbes and insects from gaining access to the wood over the most important portion of the wood in terms of structural integrity, the critical decay zone.

Abstract: This invention relates to paper products and/or substrates suitable for being made into wallboard tape (also may be known as joint tape and/or drywall tape) and having improved reduction or inhibition in the growth of microbes, mold and/or fungus. The paper substrate is characterized by its excellent physical properties including cross direction (CD) tensile, machine (MD) tensile, internal bond, wet tensile, hygroexpansivity, curl, bonding properties, bonding of joint tape to joint compound, etc. The paper product of the invention contains a sizing agent and an antimicrobial compound as well as other optional components including without limitation a binder. The paper product of the invention may be produced by contacting the plurality of cellulose fibers with each of the sizing agent, antimicrobial compound, and optional components at any point in the papermaking process, converting process, and/or post-converting process. Finally, the invention relates to methods of using the paper substrate.

Abstract: A tuned mass damper may be formed using one or more rotary magnetic dampers (108) coupled to a pendulous mass (102). The tuned mass damper thus formed may be used to suppress the motion of a man-made structure. The mass (308) of the tuned mass damper may be adjusted by adjusting the magnitude of the pendulous mass. The natural frequency of the tuned mass damper may be tuned by adjusting the distance from the mass center of the pendulous mass to the pivot point of the pendulum. The motion being suppressed may be generated by environmental factors such as waves, earthquakes, or wind, for example.

Abstract: An enclosure assembly includes a housing and a platform disposed within the housing. The platform is rotatably moveable about a vertical axis. A partition is attached to and moveable with the platform, and includes a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The first lateral edge and the second lateral edge of the partition are spaced from an exterior wall of the housing to define a gap therebetween. A sealing mechanism is moveable between a sealing position and an open position. The sealing mechanism is moveable into the sealing position to seal the gap between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge and prevent light from passing through the gap. The sealing mechanism is moveable into the open position to vacate the gap and allow rotational movement of the platform and the partition about the vertical axis relative to the exterior wall of the housing.

Abstract: A fire resistant membrane comprising a plurality of regularly spaced elongated parallel sheet metal framing elements, a first layer of fire rated wallboard attached directly to the framing elements with screws, a side of the framing elements opposite a side bearing the first wallboard layer being substantially free of any directly attached covering layer, a grid of elongated parallel sheet metal shafts overlying the first wallboard and secured to the studs with screws extending through the first wallboard layer, the shafts being oriented at right angles to the studs, and a second layer of fire rated wallboard overlying the shafts and being spaced from the first layer by the shafts, the second layer of wallboard being attached to the shafts with screws having a length insufficient to fully penetrate the first wallboard layer.