Abstract: A method is provided for producing a structure from prefabricated panels to be connected mounted on a free-standing supporting framework, each of the panels being made beforehand from a wood framework into which an inner insulation and inner and outer facings are capable of being built, the panels being connected together by a linking mechanism in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction, wherein the method is characterized in that a subassembly is made from a quadrangular wood frame inside of which vertical posts are arranged on which mechanical connectors are placed, enabling the arrangement, support, and prepositioning of a metal reinforcement on the connectors that are in place. The thus-produced subassembly is placed in a mold so as to be overmolded from concrete constituting the inner facing.

Abstract: A modular construction system and having a plurality of precast concrete caissons, and having a planar floor portion formed on each caisson, downwardly dependent caisson walls surrounding the floor portion, inward and outwardly directed wall surfaces on the caisson walls, with the floor portion and the inward surfaces of the walls together defining a downwardly open hollow space, rebars embedded in the caisson floor portion and in the caisson walls, and, precast concrete locking formations formed on the outwardly directed surfaces of the walls. Also disclosed is a method of precasting caissons, and a method of building construction using precast caisson, and poured in place beams and precast wall panels and poured in place frames.

Abstract: A prefabricated concrete wall panel may include a concrete top beam, a concrete bottom beam, studs interposed between the top and bottom beams and a concrete exterior interposed between the top and bottom beams. Water-impervious protective end caps may be placed on ends of the studs to preclude contact between the studs and the concrete of the beams.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a prefabricated stair formwork structure (1) for making a stair flight, comprising: a first space (A) for containing a concrete cast defined by two longitudinal beam elements (11, 12), arranged parallel to one another, and two transversal beam elements (13,14), also arranged parallel to one another and each coupled with both said longitudinal beam elements (11, 12) at their respective ends; a plurality of shaped elements (15) each defining a second containment space (S) for a concrete cast of corresponding steps, said shaped elements (15) being fixed in succession above said at least two longitudinal beam elements (11, 12); an element (16) for closing the bottom of the formwork structure (1), fixed to said longitudinal and/or transversal beam elements on the opposite side with respect to said shaped elements (15); and a reinforcement structure (C) of the concrete housed in said first containment space (A).

Abstract: A modular construction system and having a plurality of precast concrete caissons, and having a planar floor portion formed on each caisson, downwardly dependent caisson walls surrounding the floor portion, inward and outwardly directed wall surfaces on the caisson walls, with the floor portion and the inward surfaces of the walls together defining a downwardly open hollow space, rebars embedded in the caisson floor portion and in the caisson walls, and, precast concrete locking formations formed on the outwardly directed surfaces of the walls. Also disclosed is a method of precasting caissons, and a method of building construction using precast caisson, and poured in place beams and precast wall panels and poured in place frames.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide high quality of an unit body for forming a foundation of a house, the foundation forming operation of which can be carried out within a short period without being disturbed by the climates or the temperatures, as well as with extremely precision even by highly limited number of workers who do not have high level of experienced technology, and further, the present invention can also provide the unit body, which can reduce the construction costs including the transporting costs as well as can provide a highly qualified foundation of a house having anti-earth quake characteristic and high durability thereof.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides an interlocking masonry block including a rear face, a front face, at least one aperture extending vertically through said block for receiving a flowable concrete mixture used in core filling, and at least one generally vertical side being registerable with an opposing side of an abutting block to inhibit movement of said flowable concrete out through a vertical interface between said blocks.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting formwork panels in wall construction comprises a pair of rails for supporting the lower edges of a pair of formwork panels. Spacers fixed to the floor engage the rails to maintain them parallel to one another a predetermined distance apart.

Abstract: A structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like is bedded in a concrete footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The column assembly includes a post whose bottom end is suspended above a floor of the hole by a stilt. The stilt includes a plurality of legs which extend from the post's bottom end and grip the hole floor through a plurality of cleats. The cleats help stabilize the column assembly during the concrete pour operation so that it does not shift out of position. The stilt legs are provided with a base pad, which is set below the bottom end of the post at a predetermined distance so that the concrete footing can be poured in a single operation immediately after the hole is formed. The stilt can accommodate posts made from wood, pre-cast concrete or any other known construction material. The stilts can be manufactured from formed flat steel or commercially available angle iron and channel stock.

Abstract: A method for reinforcing a metal tubular structure (1) including the following steps: introducing inside the metal tubular structure (1), a plurality of substantially linear elements (4) having a tensile strength higher than a predetermined value; and injecting a curable filling product inside the metal tubular structure, so that the curable filling product contacts an inner surface of the metal tubular structure (1) and coats the substantially linear elements (4) of said plurality of elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for forming a surface of a building partition having a cavity therein. The apparatus comprises an elongate support member having a first and second panel support extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom. The method comprises locating the elongate support member at a position corresponding to the surface to be formed, engaging a first panel to the front surface of the first support surface and engaging a second panel to the rear surface of the second support surface in coplanar relation to the first panel to form a first wall form. A plurality of insulated blocks may form a second form with a concrete partition to be formed between the first and second forms. The first and second panels may be removed and a facing panel secured to the second front surface of the second upright such that the concrete surface and the facing panel form a cavity therebetween.

Abstract: Multi-storey ICF building having concrete walls poured into insulated concrete forms with adjustments mounted between floors and an outside foam layer and guides for an inside for layer. ICF buildings can be constructed with greater than three stories and masonry or stucco exteriors without the use of supplementary forms.

Abstract: A system for the placement of modular fill material forming co joined assemblies that promotes increased efficiency in fill material building methods by utilizing the capabilities of aerial conveyance devices, the pre-assembly of forms, the rapid bracing of forms, and the sequential placement of enclosure forms.

Abstract: A panel made of concrete-retaining mesh or lath is covered with concrete to form a fault-line defining the boundaries of a foundation break block.

Abstract: To include a lower foundation 30 provided on a ground 7 and an upper foundation 31 provided above the lower foundation 30 with a base isolating device 32 interposed therebetween. The upper foundation 31 includes a bottomed steel-plate form 40, a hull structure 41 arranged in the steel plate form 40, and a concrete part 46 filled in the steel plate form 40. The hull structure 41 is constituted in a lattice shape by a plurality of transverse reinforcing ribs 42 that extend on a bottom steel plate 40a of the steel plate form 40 and a plurality of longitudinal reinforcing ribs 43 that extend on the bottom steel plate 40a of the steel plate form 40 so as to be orthogonal to the transverse reinforcing ribs 42.

Abstract: In a method of constructing a supporting structure (e.g. of a bridge or the roof of a building) in arched form, an initially straight or pre-curved frame structure, having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, is pivotally supported at the first and second ends, whereupon the first and second ends are pushed towards one another to achieve a displacement of the first and second ends relative to one another, where the reduction of the distance between the first and second ends causes them to pivot and the frame structure to progressively and flexibly bend, against its resiliency, into a final arched form, the displacement of the first and second ends relative to one another is chosen to amount to at least 1% of the initial distance between the first and second ends, where the first and second ends are then fixed relative to one another in their displaced position so as to preserve the final arched form of the frame structure.

Abstract: A simplified insulating concrete form building system comprised of forms made from wood chips or other organic fibers, embedded in a Portland cement matrix, molded and trimmed into various shapes and sizes. The forms are held in position within the wall by means of unique, simplified form geometry and an internal fastening clip which combine to improve alignment and stability of the wall prior to filling the forms with concrete. The simplified geometry reduces worker error in orienting the form correctly within the wall thereby reducing handling and corresponding fatigue. The form's smooth faces provide more compact palletized shipments of forms, thereby reducing cost and damage in shipment. Concrete reinforcement bars are held within forms using a system of reinforcement bar holders which enables the precise positioning of the reinforcement within the wall, thereby increasing speed and accuracy of construction as well as structural performance of the wall assembly.

Abstract: A wall form unit for containing a pourable, curable construction material for forming a wall section integrating said wall form unit and said construction material, comprising a first panel and a second panels spaced apart in predetermined relation thereby forming a hollow between first and second panels for defining said wall section and at least one tie assembly having a spacer member for maintaining said first and second panel in predetermined relation, in which both the first panel and second panels are rigid and adapted to retain said construction material, wherein the first panel is constructed of a thermally insulating material and the second panel is constructed of a thermally conducting material. A wall form system for forming a section of wall and wall section and method for constructing same are also defined. The invention also relates to a panel for use in forming a wall form unit and also claims a kit for constructing a wall form unit.

Abstract: An anchor member securing system includes a securing member and a rebar cage structure secured to the member. The securing system may include at least a first foundation placement guide. The anchor members may comprise mudsill anchors and anchor bolts, and the system provides more exact placement of the member or members in a foundation.

Abstract: A mounting rail (1) for embedding in a curable construction material (3), e.g. concrete (4), having a support profile (2), such that the support profile (2) has a connection on the outer side thereof and via an embedding region (5) thereof to the curable construction material (3). It should be possible to easily remove the construction material (3) from the mounting rail (1) outside of the embedding region (5) of the mounting rail (1) following hardening of the construction material (3). The support profile (2) having a non-stick coating (7) and/or a non-stick surface outside of the embedding region (5), at least over a part thereof.

Abstract: A masonry block core fill nozzle for filling cores in a hollow block wall with a masonry grout mix is provided. The masonry block core fill nozzle has a hollow manifold body. The body has side walls, an upper wall, a bottom wall, a first end and a second end. The side walls terminate, adjacent to the first end, in a downwardly projecting u-shaped edge formation. The bottom wall is truncated in relation to the first end so that a ventral nozzle opening is formed between the first end and the lower wall. The body has a conduit with an inlet and an outlet ends. The ends are in fluid communication with the ventral nozzle opening. The outlet end is connected to the second end of the manifold body, and the inlet end has a fitting which is adapted for coupling to a grout hose.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for forming the upper portion of a drilled concrete pier that utilizes a flexible cylindrical form and a removable cage frame to stabilize the form during the pouring of concrete into the form. The cage frame comprises a circular ring having a space-forming split therein and a plurality of rigid leg rods each having proximal and distal ends, where the proximal ends of the rods are attached to the circular ring at circumferentially spaced apart points and the rods depend from the ring in mutually parallel relation. The legs of the cage frame are inserted into the cylindrical form prior to the concrete pour and removed immediately after the pour.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for constructing a wall structure that is adapted to be secured to roof structure. A wall cavity is formed that extends from a foundation to the top of the wall structure. A reinforcement member (e.g., rebar) is provided that extends continuously through the wall structure, where the reinforcement member is secured at one end within said foundation and at the other end to said roof structure. A first material (e.g., polystyrene or an admixture of coal-ash and concrete) is disposed within said wall cavity from the foundation to a location below (e.g., 10 inches below) the top of the wall structure. A second material (e.g., 3000 to 4000 PSI concrete) is disposed within the wall cavity from the location to the top of the wall structure. The wall structure may be formed from, for example, hollow-core concrete blocks or parallel sheets of fibrous wallboard (backer-board).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on site pouring of pre-stressed concrete structures. A form, having elongated sides spanned by first and second bulkheads at each end, is assembled on a building site. The form defines the size and configuration of a structure, and has an upper edge determining the upper surface of the structure. A transportable cable pre-stressing frame is provided, having a first end and a second end with respective outrigger assemblies and at least one pre-stressed cable extending therebetween. Adjustable means are provided for positioning and maintaining the frame over and generally in longitudinal alignment with the form, the pre-stressed cable lying below the form's upper edge. Concrete is poured into the form, covering the cable. After curing is complete, the portions of the cable extending outside the concrete structure are cut, releasing the tension on the cable and transferring it to the concrete.

Abstract: A telecommunications tower segment for the construction of a section of a telecommunications tower is disclosed. A plurality of such segments is adapted to form a tubular section of the telecommunications tower. Each telecommunications tower segment has a convex first surface. Additionally, each telecommunications tower segment has a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein the second surface is flat or partly flat.

Abstract: A method for finishing an edge of an insulating concrete form wall constructed from insulating concrete form blocks having a cavity including covering a top surface of a side panel and a top portion of an exterior surface with an elongated member having two surface portions coupled together with an intermediate portion positioned between the two surface portions the intermediate portion being dimensioned and positioned for enclosing an end of the side panel and a portion of an opening to the cavity and attaching a plurality of wire ties positioned along the elongated member between the elongated member and rebar members positioned within the cavity, said coupling devices being attached before, during and after concrete being received within the cavity.

Abstract: A composite integrated module may be used in a method for constructing a building. The module includes at least a floor member, and can also include a sidewall members installed on the floor member, and a ceiling member installed on the sidewall members. The floor member, sidewall members, and ceiling member can be connected to each other form an internal space. The floor member, sidewall members, and ceiling member have a formwork facing the internal space. Anchor members are mounted on the outer side of at least one of the formworks so as not to project into the internal space. A structure may be disposed in the internal space and mounted to the formwork with the anchor members by connecting removable tightening apparatuses to the anchor members from the internal space.

Abstract: A wire bolt comprising an elongated section of wire rope with a section of threaded stud attached to each end is disclosed for use in reinforcing concrete structures. Part of the wire rope portion is coated with a substance to prevent that portion from bonding with the concrete. The threaded rod portion can be attached within the concrete by epoxy or attached to the concrete by appropriate mechanical means. The wire bolt can be attached to a concrete building structure during initial construction of a structure or retrofit into existing structures. Wire bolts should be installed in areas susceptible to shear or bending failure and serve to prevent the concrete sections from separating in a seismic event.

Abstract: A method of forming an integrated cementatious floor topping at a site, comprising the steps of: assessing the site and preparing a sampling of materials and colors, which are blended and poured to meet a client's specification; prepping the site having a subsurface to accept and to allow a comprehensive bond with a concrete mixture to be poured; combining additives to the concrete mixture and pouring the mixture; troweling and then curing the mixture surface; beginning polishing the surface followed by densifier application and drying; and resuming polishing to yield a finished topping ranging from 2 to ¼ inches thick.

Abstract: A system of building modules that may readily be assembled into wall structures that, when filled with concrete, form an insulated, roughly-finished wall structure ready to receive both exterior and interior wall treatments. The building modules may be readily assembled by relatively untrained personnel and form walls typically having an overall R-value in the range of approximately 30. The novel building modules eliminate the need for setting traditional concrete forms and of finishing a bare concrete wall. The modules are provided in various lengths, the lengths typically being multiples of 16 inches.

Abstract: A decorative column comprising a rigid center post, a plurality of pre-cast pieces with each piece having a hole extending therethrough so the pre-cast piece slides onto the center post and remains in place on the center post. Each pre-cast piece being stacked upon another pre-cast piece, the pre-cast pieces being of a predefined shape, and a compressible center core liner filling a portion of the hole of the pre-cast piece. The compressible center core including a cutout shape consistent with the cross sectional shape of the rigid center post thereby allowing passage of the center post through the compressible center core.

Abstract: A method for casting monitored pilings and a pour diverter used in connection with the method is provided. The method includes positioning a plurality of pile strands in a form, and then connecting a suspension assembly having at least one sensor to at least one of the pile strands so that the at least one sensor is located in a piling core area. A pour diverter, having a generally V-shaped configuration, is positioned over the suspension assembly. Concrete is poured into the form over the pour diverter so that a flow of the concrete into the form is split and flows down on either side of the suspension assembly until the at least one sensor is covered. The pour diverter is then removed to finish the casting. Preferably, provisions are provided on the pour diverter for holding or covering an antenna assembly during the pour, prior to it being placed into the concrete forming the piling.

Abstract: Methods are provided for repairing an existing structure to cover at least a portion of the existing structure with a repair structure. Such methods comprise mounting one or more standoff retainers to the existing structure; coupling one or more standoffs to the standoff retainers such that the standoffs extend away from the existing structure; coupling one or more cladding panels to the standoffs such that the panels are spaced apart from the structure to provide a space therebetween; and introducing a curable material to the space between the panels and the existing structure, the panels acting as at least a portion of a formwork for containing the curable material until the curable material cures to provide a repair structure cladded, at least in part, by the panels. Corresponding apparatus for effecting such methods are also provided.

Abstract: The installation of a foundation at a selected location enables a superstructure to be installed and supported in a desired attitude such as a vertical attitude at the foundation. An installation template is placed at the selected location and support sites on the installation template can be adjusted so that the installation template will support the foundation subassembly in a manner such that the superstructure can be supported in said desired attitude. The foundation subassembly is placed onto the installation template using a lifting subassembly that is secured to the foundation subassembly. The foundation subassembly is fixed in place by concrete or the like into which the foundation assembly is inserted. The superstructure can then be secured to the foundation subassembly. The superstructure and the foundation assembly can be elongated lengthwise relative to their lateral dimensions, and the superstructure can comprise a post adapted to hold a panel for deflecting road noise.

Abstract: A form or a series of forms for forming the bridge diaphragm from concrete material includes one or more bottom walls having an inner surface thereof abutting a bottom surface of the diaphragm. There is at least a pair of side walls upstanding on the inner surface of the bottom wall or walls at a respective longitudinal edge thereof and has an inner surface thereof abutting a respective side surface of the diaphragm. The at least the pair of side walls define each of a generally open top and a generally hollow interior of the form. There is also means for securely attaching each end of the form or series of forms to one of a side surface of at least one of the pair of longitudinal members and an end of another form for forming the diaphragm from the concrete material. Bracing of upper edges is also provided.

Abstract: An annular preform is constructed of predeterminable width and height and filled with a predeterminable quantity of a fluid grouting material. After setting of the grouting material and removal of the formwork a ring is placed on the surface of the set grouting material and a lower pylon segment is placed on the ring and connected thereto.

Abstract: The slab edge forming and insulating system includes edge members and support braces. The edge members include an elongated shell having an upright portion with an insulated inside surface, an upper portion and a lower portion. Each of the upper and lower portions has formed edges. Open cross sectioned support braces having upper and lower formed edges for engaging the formed edges of the elongated shell are fixed to a footing and connected to the edge members. The edge members form and insulate the edges of the poured concrete of the slab while the open cross sectioned support braces receive the poured concrete of the slab and thus anchor the edge members to the edge of the slab.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a form that includes a wall having a first surface and a second, opposing, material-receiving surface. The form further includes a slot extending substantially across the wall and between the first surface and the second surface. Furthermore, the form includes a first waler attached to the first side of the wall directly above or directly below the slot, the first waler including a plurality of openings spaced across the length of the first waler. The openings are each configured to receive an inserted wedge bolt.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement system that is implemented during the preparation of the area when pouring a concrete slab such as, but not limited to, commercial and residential floors, patios and driveways. The system includes digging foundation holes that are selectively disposed around the area being poured. The system further includes positioning steel bars above the ground in the lower twenty-five percent (25%), rather than upper fifty percent (50%) as known in the prior art, of the concrete being poured. In this manner, the poured concrete encapsulates the lattice in the lower twenty-five percent (25%) of the concrete when it hardens. As a result, the system improves and often removes the possibility of any cracks in the concrete and eliminates the need for saw joints. In addition, due to the stability created with the addition of strategically placed foundation holes, less concrete is required on the job resulting in a significant cost savings.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of a lightweight building structure produced by using a mortar containing foamed polystyrene and cement and a method for the production. It includes at least one layer of prefabricated foam concrete panel (60) affixed to a reinforcing frame structure (40) interspaces between elements of the reinforcing frame structure (40) are at least partially filled with a mortar (10, 12, 14, 16) providing a first surface contacting said foam concrete panel (60), said mortar (10, 12, 14, 16) comprising granules of 0.5-10 mm size produced by grinding a pressed foamed concrete that has been allowed to mature, 50-200 kg of unbound, anhydrous cement, and 150-300 l of water added before application per 1 m3 of ground material, respectively.

Abstract: A shuttering formwork suitable for use as sacrificial shuttering formwork includes an elongate body member having a base portion and a compression portion extending therefrom and presenting a free end that extends in a length direction of the elongate body member. The elongate body member has first and second sides, each comprising a compression portion side face and a base portion upper face. A strip element is releasably attachable to the free end of the compression portion. The compression portion side face and the base portion upper face of at least one side of the elongate body member are each a resiliently deformable surface. The base portion is provided with apertures for receiving mortar material. The shuttering formwork may be fabricated from a plastics material and have a hollow structure.

Abstract: A foundation system, such as a frost-protected foundation system, includes an elongated body having a lower base surface, an upper support surface and side surfaces between the lower base surface and the upper support surface. The base surface is adapted to be supported on a ground surface and the upper support surface is adapted to supporting at least a portion of a structure. The body may be made substantially from a polymeric material, such as a high density crush resistant material, an extruded polystyrene insulation, or the like. At least one of said side surfaces is at an acute angle to said base surface. An architectural structure made with the frost-protected foundation system includes a slab supported with the upper support surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on site pouring of pre-stressed concrete structures. A form, having elongated sides spanned by first and second bulkheads at each end, is assembled on a building site. The form defines the size and configuration of a structure, and has an upper edge determining the upper surface of the structure. A transportable cable pre-stressing frame is provided, having a first end and a second end with respective outrigger assemblies and at least one pre-stressed cable extending therebetween. Adjustable means are provided for positioning and maintaining the frame over and generally in longitudinal alignment with the form, the pre-stressed cable lying below the form's upper edge. Concrete is poured into the form, covering the cable. After curing is complete, the portions of the cable extending outside the concrete structure are cut, releasing the tension on the cable and transferring it to the concrete.

Abstract: A concrete component connecting system includes first and second precast components (112, 118) adapted to be arranged in abutting relationship in an assembled configuration, the first and second precast concrete (112, 118) having respective first and second edges (116, 120) which face each other in the assembled configuration. A locking mechanism (122, 126) is also provided including mutually engageable components disposed at the facing edges (116,120). The locking mechanism (122, 126) including a remote actuating means to effect locking of the mutually engageable components (122, 126) at or beyond a third edge of one of the first and second precast components (112, 118), to secure the first and second precast components (112, 118) together. One of the building components may comprise a building panel (12) which is generally planar in form. The building panel (12) has a core (14) which is substantially planar in form with opposite sides and is substantially aligned with the plane of the building panel.

Abstract: A latticing drop panel structure includes a plurality of columns (100 or 101) or walls, and a connecting member (210) including a concrete drop panel (219) having a cross-section area larger than that of the column (100 or 101) or the wall, wherein the connecting member (210) having four unit rods 212, surrounded around the drop panel (219) in a latticing form, wherein the unit rods (212) are parallel with the respective sides of the column and cross at the same level, whereby sagging displacement of the slab is reduced due to the existence of the drop panel.

Abstract: An alignment brace for multi-level insulated concrete form walls that utilizes a cured base level wall for anchoring the brace that will be used to brace and align a succeeding wall level comprising, a bracing beam having first and second sections that are pivotally interconnected at a pivot point, an elongated adjustment beam disposed in spaced relation from the bracing beam and co-planar therewith where the adjustment beam is pivotally interconnected to the bracing beam at the pivot point and where the adjustment beam carries at its distal ends a jack screw assembly for expanding or contracting the spacing between the distal ends of the adjustment beam and the bracing beam.

Abstract: An improved building technique includes setting at least one wall for a building into a final position, and then subsequently match-casting a foundation or floor for the building, the foundation/floor being in contact with the base of the wall and helping to secure the wall.

Abstract: Provided is a wind turbine generator having a tower structure that can cope with increases in the size and height thereof while avoiding the restrictions of transportation limits. In a wind turbine generator in which a nacelle is installed at a top portion of a monopole type wind turbine tower, in which tower shells having circular cylindrical shapes are connected together, to generate power, the tower is provided with a double-tube structure at least at the bottom end of the tower.

Abstract: A foundation system is disclosed that is used when building a structure on expansive soils. The foundation system includes a vertical wall that prevents moisture from migrating beyond the vertical wall into the zone of influence under the foundation. The prevention of the moisture migration into the zone of influence precludes damage to the foundation and structure caused by expansive soils.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a void forming and suspension system (10), which generally consists of a plurality of void forming elements (12, 16) arranged to extend over a ground surface (22) upon which the building is to be constructed. As will become more apparent in the following description, the void forming system (10) functions to act as an interface between the ground surface (22) and a concrete slab (20) of the building to be constructed, while the slab is being formed. Once the slab (20) is formed and the wet concrete for forming the slab has hardened, the void forming system degrades to create a cavity into which swelling ground can expand.