Abstract: An underdrain filter block for use in draining and backwashing a filtering media in a filter bed includes a top wall, a pair of side walls extending from the top wall, and a bottom wall extending between the pair of side walls. The top wall, the pair of side walls, and the bottom wall define an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion includes a grout chamber having a plurality of openings defined by at least one of the bottom wall and the pair of side walls.

Abstract: A buck member for enclosing a flanged frame in an insulated concrete form structure for providing additional insulation in insulated concrete form structures is described. A method for using the same is disclosed.

Abstract: A stop bead for mounting along a frame or jamb of a window or door of a building to separate the frame or jamb from plaster or stucco material during application of the plaster or stucco material to the building comprises a first side end portion and a second side end portion, the first side portion having a leading edge for engaging the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, a base panel having a front face, a wall formed on the base panel and extending outwardly above the front face of the base panel, the wall having an engaging surface for engaging plaster or stucco and a frame/jamb facing surface that faces the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, and a spacing member formed on the stop bead and extending outwardly away from the frame/jamb facing surface of the wall for spacing the wall a predetermined distance from the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, the spacing member forming the leading

Abstract: A method for reconstructing residual stones having at least one spalling wherein an adhesive layer is first applied grid-like on the residual stone in the area of the spalling, but leaving at least many areas free of the adhesive layer; then a leveling layer of mortar is applied; and subsequently a thin anti-abrasion layer is applied on the leveling layer; and where the leveling layer of mortar has drainage channels to convey the moisture out of the residual stone to at least one end of the stone. The invention also relates to a stone, reconstructed according to the method.

Abstract: A plaster panel and a method of using it is disclosed, wherein the plaster panel includes a slab of cementitious composition including a mixture of sizes of cut expanded polystyrene, a quantity of monofilament fiber, and at least one binding agent. At least one layer of a mesh is provided, wherein the resulting panel is light in weight, flexible and strong. Similar panels may be affixed to a building frame by suitable fasteners such as nails or screws, while causing little or no fracturing of the panel.

Abstract: Buildings and walls are commonly constructed with exterior walls composed of specially treated engineered wood panels, cement panels, fiber cement panels, glass-matt-faced gypsum panels, and gypsum/cellulose sheathing panels. The spaces or edges between these exterior panels are sealed using the disclosed dual-tape-core joint treatment system and method of the present invention. After curing, a color matching acrylic-epoxy scratch coat or elastomeric primer followed by a textured finish coat is sprayed, brushed or rolled on the exterior panels.

Abstract: A method of forming a concrete wall having a substantially uniform exterior surface texture. The method includes the initial step of pouring concrete into a wall form. The concrete is poured from a first mixture and is allowed to cure. After the concrete is cured, the wall form is removed from the resultant concrete base structure. A roughened texture is then created on the base structure. A finishing mixture is then applied to the roughened texture. The finishing mixture may be created by separating the aggregate from a portion of the remaining first mixture. The finishing mixture creates a smooth texture on the exterior surfaces of the initially formed base structure.

Abstract: A structure for supporting loads includes a composite envelope filled with a filler material. The envelope may comprise a mesh or non-mesh material and may have a high tensile strength. The filler material may comprise a loose or coarse material and may be enclosed within an enclosed in a semi-permeable envelope on all sides. The resulting structure may permit an applied compressive force to result in a tensile force applied in the envelope material.

Abstract: A plastering system and method are provided capable of disengaging plaster of a wall. The system comprises an intermediate member (10) having two surfaces provided with plurality of spaces facing at least one of the two surfaces and flanges adapted to connect the intermediate member to the wall. The intermediate member is attached to the wall while the plurality of spaces is adjacently facing the wall allowing solid crystals from the wall to accummulate within the spaces. The plaster (20) is spread onto the other surface of the intermediate member.

Abstract: Building panel repair apparatus generally includes a substantially planar backplate for insertion through a hole in a building panel to be repaired. A front face of the backplate is provided with adhesive for mounting the backplate to the rear side of a building panel. At least one flap is defined in the backplate such that the at least one flap is movable between an open position providing an operative with backplate positioning means to facilitate mounting of the backplate to a building panel, and a closed position providing a substrate surface for hole repair material. Other aspects of the invention include methods of repairing building panels using a building panel repair apparatus, and methods of manufacturing building repair apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for lining one or more surfaces of concrete structures during fabrication thereof. A structure-lining apparatus comprises a plurality of structure-lining panels and a plurality of concrete-anchoring components. The panels, which may extend in longitudinal and transverse directions, are interconnected to one another in edge-to-edge relationship at their transverse edges to line at least a portion of the interior of the structural form. The concrete-anchoring components extend in an inward/outward direction from the panels. The concrete-anchoring components may: be integrally formed with the panels; connect to the panels via suitably configured connector components; and/or connect edge-adjacent panels to one another. The concrete-anchoring components may comprise concrete-anchoring features which may extend in the longitudinal and transverse directions (e.g. in a plane parallel to the panels) to provide concrete-anchoring surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process of creating a decorative aggregate concrete surface on both a slab on grade installation and a podium deck or topping slab installation. The preparation includes washed decorative aggregate surfaces using a variety of decorative aggregate materials imbedded within a standard concrete mix having a one inch maximum aggregate. A 6-mil polypropylene sheet 435 Visqueen material covered with a two-inch layer of sand is used directly below the concrete to retard the curing time. Roller tamping is used to move the large aggregate below the surface of the concrete material. Power brushes are then used to expose the decorative aggregate prior to the final process of applying a densifing sealer. This process has been designed to reduce installation time, as well as overall labor and material costs.

Abstract: A non-slick surface-seeded exposed aggregate concrete product and method of making the same enhances the coefficient of friction of an exposed surface thereof to reduce undesirable slipping and sliding. Implementations of the present invention are characterized by the use of fine sand and aggregate broadcast over the exposed surface, which surface has been prepared to receive the same. After curing, the exposed surface is then ground and acid-etched to define fissures, cracks, and/or sharp edges of the aggregate. Subsequently finishing steps are performed to produce the non-slick concrete product which may be used for high traffic pedestrian areas where foot gripping and traction are important, such as on stairs, ramps, walkways, courtyards, and the like.

Abstract: A variable angle mastic applicator features a first panel and a second panel pivotally connected thereto to allow pivoting of the second panel relative to the first along an axis extending therealong. A delivery passage communicates at opposite ends with opposite sides of the first and second panels to allow delivery of mastic from a source side of the panels to an application side of the panels. The pivoting of the second panel relative to the first panel allows change of an angle at which the first and second panels diverge. A method of applying mastic involves changing the angle at which the first and second panels diverge to generally match a corner angle defined by two sheets of drywall and then delivering mastic through the delivery passage of the applicator with each panel having been placed against a respective one of the sheets of drywall adjacent the corner.

Abstract: A method of creating a smooth-to-the-touch Terrazzo pool finish is disclosed. A mixture of 1 part cement to 1-2 parts crushed marble aggregate, ¼ part pool sand, and sufficient potable water, is mixed until smooth and creamy in texture. The mixture is pumped to the gunite shell of a pool interior surface and hand trowelled onto the shell. In a still soft state, the trowelled surface is seeded with colored and/or high performance aggregate to create desired surface effects. The seeded elements are then trowelled into the upper layers of the surface until hard. After an initial set has taken, the surface is sprayed with a chemical retarder. Once fully set, following 10-20 hours of curing, the mixture surface is power-washed and diamond sanded until smooth-to-the-touch and acceptable in appearance in terms of exposing the previously seeded surface effects. The pool is then filled, chemically treated, and brushed until the surface is no longer dust producing.

Abstract: A structural panel and method of making the same are disclosed wherein the structural panel has at least one frame member with receptor pockets extending therein. Ribs protruding from a lath are resiliently engaged within the receptor pockets thereby securing the lath against the frame member. A structural coating is secured to the lath thereby providing a labor-efficient, low-cost structural panel available for use for a number of different construction projects.

Abstract: A color coded system for tracking drywall finishing. The system using colored joint compound to distinguish the separate stages of finishing drywall panels by using a different color, or shade of a color, of joint compound, plaster, or other suitable mixture on each stage of the finishing process. The joint compound, plaster, or other mixture can be colored by adding any type colorant or can be bought ready mixed in a color to contrast with the previously finished surface with each successive coat to be a different color.

Abstract: A multiple sheet building wrap for wrapping the structural components of a building in order to protect the underlying structural components and optional building sheathing from moisture is provided. The building wrap is particularly useful under facades such as wet applied stucco or engineered stone, demonstrating good drainage of liquid water and moisture vapor permeability. The building wrap is a composite of a water resistive barrier, a three-dimensional mesh layer and a porous intervening layer which acts to filter the stucco as it is applied. An exterior wall construction incorporating such building wrap is also provided.

Abstract: A sealing element (11) for sealing fastening element holes in water-impermeable sealing layers of a structure has a cap-shaped receiving space (21) for receiving curable compound exiting from the borehole and extending between a contact area (18) provided for contacting the water-impermeable sealing layer, and a flange area (19) spaced from the latter, with the outer diameter (C) of the receiving space (21) at the contact area (18) corresponding to from two-times to six-times the inner diameter (D) of a through-opening (12) which is formed in the flange area (19) and is surrounded by springing blades (15) projecting into the through-opening (12) for a clamping engagement with the fastening element (5).

Abstract: A composite fastener, a belly nut, a tie system and/or a method reduce heat transfer through a building envelope. The composite fastener, the belly nut, the tie system and/or the method secure a wall to a backup structure. The composite fastener is constructed from a fiber reinforced polymer that has fibers embedded in a polymeric matrix. The composite fastener has a low thermal conductive value (k-value) and has non-corrosive properties. The belly nut has a fastening hole on a first side of the belly nut to attach the composite fastener to the belly nut. Further, the belly nut has a pathway to receive a leg of a pintle from a top surface of the belly nut to a bottom surface of the belly nut. The pathway is sized to allow for greater vertical adjustment eccentricity between the belly nut and the pintle without creating large horizontal deflections of the tie system.

Abstract: The invention relates to materials and methods for preparing a surface to receive a covering. A non-woven fabric is adhered to the surface using an adhesive, and a cementitious bondant is applied to the fabric, either before or after adhering it to the surface. The covering can thereafter be bound to the bondant. In this way, the covering is adhered to the surface by way of an underlayment that can improve the adhesion of the covering to the surface, simplify installation, prevent propagation of cracks from the surface to the covering, and prevent surface topography from affecting the smoothness of the covering.

Abstract: A tool for finishing viscous masses, such as joint compound and tape, for inside corners of drywall edges includes arcuate blade members. The arcuate blade members provide for the effective manipulation of the tool while moving upwardly or downwardly in an inside corner without the requirement of changing the tool to another hand of the user or inverting it to complete the finishing of the corner.

Abstract: A mosaic concrete product, methods of creating the same, and methods of fabricating a module for use in creating the mosaic are provided. The methods of installing the mosaic upon an uncured concrete surface utilize the module. The module may be fabricated by mapping out tile in a design corresponding to the mosaic; adhering the tile to a template utilizing an adhesive, the tile being positioned thereon corresponding to the design; and allowing the adhesive to set. The module may define upper and lower surfaces, the upper surface including the tile adhered thereto. The methods of installing the mosaic comprises: positioning the module upon the uncured concrete surface; embedding the tile into the concrete surface; massaging the tile into the concrete surface to interpose a quantity of cement/fines paste between the adjacent tiles; and finishing the concrete surface.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for a wall panel having a support element and an insulation element.

Abstract: Building wall panels having lightweight hollow core interiors include embodiments suitable for interior and exterior walls, for industrial, commercial or residential buildings, and for multi-story structures. Various methods for making these wall panels are disclosed, including the formation of cast gypsum firewall layers.

Abstract: Coating and jointing material systems for wall construction are provided. The coating is applied to drywall elements prior to installation and is compatible with the jointing materials such that a substantially homogeneous surface may be obtained after the drywall elements are assembled with jointing material and the jointing material is dried. Methods for the construction of interior walls and interior construction systems are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a uniform pan holder assembly adapted to receive a drywall pan and including a support having a pair of uprights spanning a cross member and terminating at an arcuate edge, the uprights and cross member defining a supporting area. Each arcuate edge is generally associated with the top edge and adapted to retain the pan within the supporting area.

Abstract: Described herein is a drywall apparatus for constructing planar partitions and corners. The drywall apparatus includes a first drywall panel, a second drywall panel and a pliable hinge connecting the first drywall panel to the second drywall panel. The hinge allows the first drywall panel and the second drywall panel to assume a range of angles therebetween to thereby enable the apparatus to be used for constructing planar partitions and corners. A flap extending from an edge of the drywall panel can also be included. The flap is designed to overlap a surface of an adjacent drywall panel abutted against the edge of the drywall panel and designed to affix the panel to a stud or other supporting member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a facing system (10) for building constructions (11) having two-dimensionally and/or spherically shaped regions (12) to be faced, including at least one load-bearing element (13), which can be secured to the building construction (11), and at least one two-dimensionally embodied cover element (14) that can be fastened in the manner of a spread-out wing to the load-bearing element (13). It is proposed that the load-bearing element (13) is formed by two legs (15, 16) embodied in the manner of struts, the first leg (15), oriented essentially orthogonally to the flat region (12), being capable of being fastened to that region, while conversely the second leg (16), located essentially in an orthogonal angular range to the first leg (15), serves to fasten one cover element (14) each to the first leg.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device (1) for sealing off a joint (4) between a first and a second structural body (5, 6), in particular between concrete bodies, in the region of the joint (4) an injection duct (3) being provided, which is filled or can be filled with a sealing medium in order to seal off the joint (4) and/or voids (4a, 4b) present in the region of the joint (4), the injection duct (3) having arranged in it an extruded spacer body filling the injection duct (3), and the injection duct (3) being formed solely by walls of the structural bodies (5, 6), the extruded spacer body being a hollow profile extrusion (2) which has inside it at least one hollow profile duct preferably continuous in the longitudinal direction and a three-dimensional shape which withstands the hydrostatic pressure of the wet concrete during the pouring of the second structural body and can be pressed in when sealing medium is pressed into the injection duct (3) and which narrows the cross section and is set back from t

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion between a masonry element at least partially defining a perimeter of an opening in an architectural structure and a frame surrounding the perimeter and having at least one surface includes a sponge structure adapted to rest against the frame and having at least one surface. The apparatus further includes a rigid member affixed to the sponge structure and adapted to rest against the masonry element and a coupling element affixed to the sponge structure and adapted to be coupled to a surface of the frame. In another aspect of this embodiment, the surface of the sponge structure is adapted to adhere to a sealant. The sponge structure may include closed cell blended EPDM neoprene.

Abstract: A garage door or garage door segment is provided and includes a base structure and a cementitious layer on the exterior face of the base structure.

Abstract: A concrete slab system with self supported insulation and method of making same which comprises a poured-in-place concrete slab with an insulation board held by metal or plastic C channels. The insulation is held in place on both sides by C channels. The C channels are in turn embedded into the concrete slab and as a result, the insulation is attached to the slab itself. The embedded C channels serve not only to support the insulation board but also as concrete form-work, therefore, allowing a variety of ceiling options on the under-side of the panels, while providing support for the reinforcing steel on the upper side of said panels. This system may be used for either an inclined or flat slab design, roofs or intermediate floor applications.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a structural support, includes applying a reinforcement system comprising an AR-glass fibrous layer embedded in an inorganic matrix to the structural support. The AR-glass fibrous layer has a sizing applied thereon, and a resinous coating applied is applied over the sizing. The inorganic matrix is adherent to the resinous coating and the resinous coating is adherent to the sizing.

Abstract: A barrier to fluid passage is embedded within, instead of atop, porous material to retain the durability of the surface of the porous material. In one embodiment, a thin set mortar is applied to a concrete slab. A pleated metal foil is pressed into the wet mortar and a bond is established. The mortar is allowed to set and a top, or finish, section of concrete is then poured over the foil and finished conventionally. Provisions are made for sealing expansion joints in concrete slab floors and at the juncture of floor and wall. The foil may be provided in multiple layers to provide a mechanical bond via mortar oozing through perforations or along pleats in each of the top and bottoms layers, while providing a solid layer through which a fluid will not pass, at least in one direction.

Abstract: A coating system for in-situ coating of a surface formed by a plurality of plasterboard sections comprises a dry powder composition which is dispersible in an aqueous applicator medium and provides a very high quality surface finish to which gloss or matt paint may be applied directly without joint photographing or show-through of fasteners. The coating composition may be applied by a spray coating technique or a roller technique. The dry powder composition comprises calcium carbonate and, by weight, relative to calcium carbonate, from 4% to 11% of a polymeric binder, from 0.60% to 1.5% of a thickening agent and from 0.10% to 0.35% of a surfactant.

Abstract: A concrete-based mortar is prepared for application on the exterior of a concrete building or other structure. The drying time of the concrete-based mortar is reduced by addition of an accelerant compound. After the concrete-based mortar sets on the building or other structure, an exterior portion of the concrete-based mortar is removed. This provides an even and attractive surface.

Abstract: A stabilized window structure and method for stabilizing a window structure having a window frame entirely or substantially entirely devoid of glass includes a patch removably secured over the window frame to cover the opening in its entirety and a body of unifying material disposed over and bonded to the patch to form a cohesive mass therewith. Alternatively, a pre-formed, polymeric foam panel is removably secured over the window frame to cover the entirety of the opening. A method of removing a shattered window pane involves using pre-existing cracks in the pane to define the formation of separately removable, disconnected cohesive masses. A method of removing shards from a track of a window structure involves removing the shards as part of a single cohesive mass, as pieces of a single cohesive mass or as separate, disconnected cohesive masses.

Abstract: A method of resisting corrosion of metal elements in concrete is provided. It includes introducing into concrete containing metal elements, at least one combination compound capable of sequestering chloride ions having the formula 3Me(II)O.(R,R?)2O3.Me(II)(anion)2.nH2O, where R and R? are different and are independently selected from the group consisting of Al, Fe and Cr; anion is selected from the group consisting of NO2, NO3 and OH, n is 0 to 24, and Me(II) is a cation and is selected from the group consisting of Ca, Ba, Sr, Mn, Zn and combinations thereof. In one embodiment of the invention, concrete structures may be rehabilitated by providing an overlay containing the combination compound, with the overlay being provided in situ or as a preformed member and with possible use of a slurry in combination with an overlay segment.

Abstract: A vapor and termite barrier and method for use in concrete slab construction includes applying an elastomeric-seal fluid in a liquid state that cures into an elastomeric seal of all ground surface, reinforcement, conduits and concrete on a slab area. A method for applying the elastomeric-seal fluid is preferably spraying, but can include pouring, hosing and dumping. The elastomeric-seal fluid can include a mixture of germicide grade of chemical, such as boron, and a conventional product that is preferably white and has a consistency that is produced commercially for tops of house trailers and motor homes. Preventing runoff of the elastomeric-seal fluid before it cures into the elastomeric seal can be provided by a preparation step of eliminating excessive ground porosity and providing slab-area walls to a height necessary to contain the elastomeric-seal fluid at a rate that it is applied before it cures. Depth of the elastomeric-seal fluid can be ten to twenty mills, depending on consistency of the product.

Abstract: In some embodiments, alternate sources of aluminum or calcium are provided in various ways including the desired compounds. The further object of the present invention contemplate in situ creation of the compound in interest in fresh concrete and as a slurry which can be employed in remediation of existing concrete structures. A method of resisting corrosion in concrete containing metal elements is provided. It includes introducing into fresh concrete, containing metal elements, at least one compound capable of sequestering chloride ions. The method may also involve employing a compound which is capable of establishing a corrosion resistant oxide layer on the metal reinforcing elements. The invention also includes certain compounds which may be employed in the method as well as concrete structures containing the compounds.

Abstract: A jointing compound or plaster for construction elements, particularly paper-faced plasterboards. This plaster includes, in percentages by weight with respect to the total weight of plaster 50 to 85% of a mineral filler; 1 to 20% of an organic binder dispersible in an aqueous phase; 1 to 15% of a silicate-based agent other than the mineral filler; 0.2 to 5% of a hydrophobic agent which is a silicone derivative; 0.05 to 5% of polyvinyl alcohol; and water to make up to 100%. A method of producing a work such as a partition, a wall covering or a ceiling is also disclosed.

Abstract: The plant-on trim elements are trim elements attached to door and window openings or elsewhere on a building made of stucco or similar material. The plant-ons have a foraminous lath shell and a mating core, with the core having one or more (preferably a series of) reliefs formed therein, e.g. along the outer corners of the core. The reliefs allow stucco or other suitable material to flow completely through the foraminous lath and encapsulate the lath at the relief areas, thereby providing a much stronger bond between the coating material and the underlying lath shell. The foraminous material may be expanded metal or metal or plastic screen, while the core may be formed of foam plastic, wood, or other suitable material.

Abstract: A fastener including a body having a predetermined axial length, wherein the body includes a nail head at one axial end of the body, a textured portion at an opposite axial end of the body, a shank portion extending between the nail head and the textured portion, and wherein the shank portion has an axial length in excess of at least one-third of the axial length of the fastener body, a raised ring integrally formed in the shank portion intermediate the nail head and the textured portion and a resilient ring seated against the raised ring on the side of the raised ring opposite the nail head.

Abstract: A transverse bar assembly for use in constructing rebar mats for reinforcement of concrete paving includes a plurality of chairs and clips each having a lower portion that fixes to a transverse bar in the direction of its length and an upper portion for orthogonally receiving and holding locked in place a longitudinal bar, the chair also having a support extending to a base surface.

Abstract: A method of resisting corrosion of metal elements in concrete is provided. It includes introducing into concrete containing metal elements, at least one combination compound capable of sequestering chloride ions having the formula 3Me(II)O.(R, R′)2O3.Me(II)(anion)2.nH2O, where R and R′ are different and are independently selected from the group consisting of Al, Fe and Cr; anion is selected from the group consisting of NO2, NO3 and OH, n is 0 to 24, and Me(II) is a cation and is selected from the group consisting of Ca, Ba, Sr, Mn, Zn and combinations thereof. In one embodiment of the invention, concrete structures may be rehabilitated by providing an overlay containing the combination compound, with the overlay being provided in situ or as a preformed member and with possible use of a slurry in combination with an overlay segment.

Abstract: In some embodiments, alternate sources of aluminum or calcium are provided in various ways including the desired compounds. The further object of the present invention contemplate in situ creation of the compound in interest in fresh concrete and as a slurry which can be employed in remediation of existing concrete structures. A method of resisting corrosion in concrete containing metal elements is provided. It includes introducing into fresh concrete, containing metal elements, at least one compound capable of sequestering chloride ions. The method may also involve employing a compound which is capable of establishing a corrosion resistant oxide layer on the metal reinforcing elements. The invention also includes certain compounds which may be employed in the method as well as concrete structures containing the compounds.

Abstract: A method of resisting corrosion in concrete containing metal elements is provided. It includes introducing into fresh concrete, containing metal elements, at least one compound capable of sequestering chloride ions. The method may also involve employing a compound which is capable of establishing a corrosion resistant oxide layer on the metal reinforcing elements. The invention also includes certain compounds which may be employed in the method as well as concrete structures containing the compounds. In another embodiment of the invention, concrete structures may be rehabilitated by providing an overlay containing a compound of the type which will contribute to corrosion resistance either through chloride ion sequestering or creating barriers around metal structural elements with the overlay being provided in situ or as a preformed member and with possible use of a slurry in combination with an overlay segment.

Abstract: The process of adhering asphaltic roofing tiles to a roof deck by covering the tiles on the deck with a heat blanket capable of generating a temperature of at least the cure temperature of the tiles thereby sealing the tiles to the deck.

Abstract: In some embodiments, alternate sources of aluminum or calcium are provided in various ways including the desired compounds. The further object of the present invention contemplate in situ creation of the compound in interest in fresh concrete and as a slurry which can be employed in remediation of existing concrete structures. A method of resisting corrosion in concrete containing metal elements is provided. It includes introducing into fresh concrete, containing metal elements, at least one compound capable of sequestering chloride ions. The method may also involve employing a compound which is capable of establishing a corrosion resistant oxide layer on the metal reinforcing elements. The invention also includes certain compounds which may be employed in the method as well as concrete structures containing the compounds.