Abstract: Methods for onshore or offshore erecting an upstanding construction comprising longitudinal construction parts, comprising the steps of providing the longitudinal construction parts, transporting the longitudinal construction parts on a vehicle to an erection site, providing a crane for hoisting the longitudinal construction parts, using the crane for placing the respective longitudinal construction parts on top of each other on a construction base at the erection site, providing the construction base and/or the longitudinal construction parts with a support and guide facility for the crane, arranging that the crane is mountable on the support and guide facility, and mounting the crane on the support and guide facility of at least one of the construction base and the longitudinal construction parts that is placed on the construction base, so as to arrange that the crane is movable up and down along the support and guide facility of the construction.

Abstract: Method for constructing enamelled storage tanks and silos, whereby the storage tank is constructed from segments of non-enamelled thick-walled steel that are fastened together on the construction site by welding, and then clad with a double-sided enamelled flexible thin-walled steel plate on the inside and outside of the storage tank, and whereby the enamelling temperature is at least 500° C.

Abstract: A modular building unit includes a top member, a bottom member, a plurality of wall members and at least one door member. The at least one door member and the wall members include a plurality of uniform-sized panel members. First attachment members are provided to reinforce openings in the unit. Second attachment members are provided on the uniform-sized panel members. The uniform-sized panel member are mounted in the openings and interconnected.

Abstract: A free-standing liner unit (1) is formed by integrating a planar outer tank liner plate (2), a planar secondary barrier plate (3), and a cold insulator layer (4) that is interposed between the outer tank liner plate (2) and the secondary barrier plate (3) into a single unit. According to this free-standing liner unit (1), when building a tank, it is possible to shorten the construction period by performing the formation of the outer tank shell plates and the formation of the tank internal structure concurrently with each other, and to achieve an improvement in the handleability of the free-standing liner unit (1).

Abstract: A method designed to replace a compromised instrument case with a new case without the need to disconnect any wire, relay or any other electric equipment is described herein. The instrument panel is supported for example by a temporary support frame during the dismantling of the old case and the assembly of the new case. The new case is therefore assembled on site around the instrument panel. The new instrument case includes a floor which is made of at least two parts, one on each side of the wiring. The instrument case therefore remains in a normal working mode during the entire replacement procedure thus preventing downtime. As well, the amount of manpower required for the replacement of an instrument case is drastically reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for building cylindrical structures, preferably made of metal, on the basis of the construction methods referred to as “a method which begins the assembly by the top structure”, which provides high levels of safety in the various steps to be carried out. The method uses a shaping device for shell sheets, at least one stationary cabin for vertically aligning and welding sheets, movable cabins for horizontally welding the inside and outside, and supporting base devices which in combination provide a safe and comfortable working environment for the operators, as well as greater speed and finish quality for the tank to be built, even under harsh weather conditions.

Abstract: A modular assembly capable of converting from a shipping container configuration into a building unit, and from a building unit into a shipping container configuration. From the shipping container configuration, a plurality of frame panels and unit panels moveably connected to a frame of the modular assembly are selectively positioned to form the floors, walls, and ceilings of the building unit configuration thereby forming a living and/or commercial structure complete with electrical, water and sewage connections. The assembly may include an automated erection system, which may include a system of electric motors, gears, pulleys, cables, automated mechanical arms and electronic controls, located within the container structure of the modular assembly, and which interact with a plurality of frame panels and unit panels to deploy and retract the plurality of frame panels and unit panels for constructing the shipping container configuration and building unit configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for constructing a cryogenic storage tank (700) having a welded inner tank (702), an outer shell (704) surrounding the welded inner tank (702), a concrete foundation (728) comprising a raised portion (752), a plurality of cellular glass blocks (734) positioned directly on top of the raised portion (752) of the concrete foundation (728), a leveling course of concrete (736) poured on top of the uppermost layer of the plurality of cellular glass blocks (734), and a mounting apparatus (718) affixed to the concrete foundation (728), where the welded inner tank (702) is positioned on top of the leveling course of concrete (736) and the outer shell (704) is affixed to the mounting apparatus (718) at locations around the periphery of the outer shell (704).

Abstract: We provide a method and apparatus for creation of temporary storage solutions. These may include, for example, one or more collapsible storage containers. These containers may be moved, optionally with many containers on a single transport unit, to a site in need of storage. The containers may be assembled on-site on an as-needed basis. Following assembly and use of the containers they may be disassembled and moved, optionally by single transport unit, to a new location in need of temporary water storage. Although not limited by the type of material that is stored, typical containers may store, for example, sand, water, gravel, carbon dust, or other solid or liquid substances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for erecting an underground structure, wherein the method is intended to ensure that the underground structure is assembled as safely as possible.

Abstract: A plurality of modular pad units each include a rigid foam core having a polymer coating. Each unit has a similar configuration, substantially uniform thickness and a perimeter shape that includes a circular part, a male key part configured for mating with a female keyway part. The units are arranged by interlocking the units such that the male key part of each modular pad unit mates with the female keyway part of another modular pad unit, and the circular parts of the units align to form a circle. The multiple interlocked units providing a circular storage pad that is at least ten feet in diameter and that has a thickness of at least three inches. The bottom of the storage tank is placed directly on the circular storage pad to support and isolate the tank bottom from the ground at the site.

Abstract: A system and methodology facilitates the handling of oilfield material. The oilfield material is stored in at least one silo which enables use of gravity to feed the oilfield material to a blender or other suitable equipment. Each modular silo is transportable and may be engaged with a support structure via a pivot connection. Once engaged, the silo is pivoted to a raised, upright position on the support structure. The oilfield material is then moved to an interior of the silo, and gravity may be used to feed the oilfield material to a blender or other equipment in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of constructing a liquefied gas storage tank on land, which enables rapid and easy construction of walls of a cylindrical storage tank by stacking a plurality of pre-produced unit-wall structures to be stacked or superposed with respect to one another. The method includes: producing unit-wall structures made of concrete and each having iron rods arranged lengthwise and breadthwise therein, stacking the unit-wall structures in a cylindrical arrangement, and connecting the unit-wall structures adjacent and in longitudinal and lateral directions with respect to each other to form a wall of the storage tank.

Abstract: A granular material storage container and associated method. The storage container includes a foundation, a peripheral wall supported on the foundation, a plurality of vertical stiffeners attached to the peripheral wall, and a horizontal connector connecting the peripheral wall to the foundation. The horizontal connector extends between at least a pair of vertical stiffeners and operates for load transfer from the peripheral wall to the foundation during single pass sweeping.

Abstract: A new procedure for constructing cryogenic storage tanks involves erecting a freestanding metal liner. The liner is sized and configured to withstand the hydraulic forces the concrete wall of the tank being poured without the need for temporary stiffeners on the inside surface of lower portions of the liner. Lateral tension ties can be connected to anchor ties on an outward surface of the liner and used to tie the liner to outer formwork. These ties may be spaced up to about 2 m apart. Studs can also be provided on the outer surface of the liner, and a cylindrical ring of cryogenic steel can be integrated into the liner.

Abstract: Systems and methods for containing a hazardous fluid are described, in which first and second precast concrete segments are coupled together to form wall elements having a plurality of void spaces. A precast concrete floor segment can be coupled to the wall elements to form a cavity, and a metal liner can be disposed within the cavity to form a container capable of storing a hazardous fluid. An external barrier configured to be impervious to the hazardous fluid can be coupled to an exterior portion of at least one of the first and second segments.

Abstract: A relocatable restaurant, method of assembly, and method of use are provided herein. The relocatable restaurant includes a slab positioned at a desired site, a plurality of modules, including in an exemplary embodiment one module for each of a kitchen, a dishwashing and bar, and bathroom facilities. The modules are positionable atop the slab adjacent exterior edges thereof. In an embodiment, a slab can be provided by an existing structure, such as a parking lot. The relocatable restaurant further includes a plurality of partitions sufficient for bridging the modules, at least one partition having a door structure, to create a substantially continuous exterior wall therearound. A roof is provided for the relocatable restaurant with the use of a substantially planar flexible element affixable about the exterior wall. A blower can be used to retain the roof in an upwardly extended state.

Abstract: The disclosed liquid storage tank has a concrete tower section. A steel tank shell above the tower section encompasses a tank volume that has a capacity of at least 100,000 U.S. gallons. A concrete ringbeam at the top of the tower section surrounds an internal area between the ringbeam and an access tube that extends from within the tank volume into an interior of the tower section. The ringbeam has an integral upper wall above a ring-shaped, upwardly-facing supporting face that is at least about 4? inches wide and resists downward forces. A series of laterally adjacent concrete dome segments creates a dome that has a vaulted upper surface and essentially covers the internal area. Each of the dome segments has an outer end that sits on the supporting face of the ringbeam, and an inner end that is positioned above the outer end. Lateral sides on each segment define a segment angle, and the sum of the segment angles of the adjacent segments is less than 360 degrees.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing items above a stairway in a stairwell includes an overhead storage unit that can be moved between a storage location and an access location by a suspension system which may use horizontal, parallel rails fixed to opposing walls of the stairwell in combination with rollers on the side of the storage unit. The storage location is above a lower portion of the stairway in a generally unused and inaccessible space, while the access location is above an upper portion of the stairway in a space that is easily accessible from the top of the stairway. The storage unit can include shelves, a back wall, and a handle or pull rope.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing storage capacity of granular material storage structures. The apparatus includes a curtain assembly supportable from the roof structure of the granular material storage structure and above the sidewalls thereby defining a second volume within which the granular material may be filled which is above the first volume defined by the interior volume of the sidewalls and the volume defined by the angle of repose of the granular material.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing structures having a continuous sidewall includes a stationary inner work station having at least one working level and a stationary outer work station having at least one working level. The outer work station surrounds the inner work station. A shaft is disposed between the inner work station and the outer work. A lift or hoist is provided for raising and lowering a work piece in the shaft as work progresses.

Abstract: A precast reinforced concrete base mat element, a base mat assembly and method for constructing a base mat assembly from a plurality of the base mat elements are described. The base mat element comprises a concrete body having first and second conduits extending there through in first and second generally perpendicular directions and a liner plate anchored in the concrete body. Preferably the concrete bodies have interlocking surfaces formed there on. A plurality of the base mat elements may be juxtaposed together with the interlocking surfaces interlocking with one another and with the tensile members extending through the first and second tensile conduits and being post-tensioned and anchored about the base mat elements to clamp the base mat elements together. The liner plates may then be welded together to form a generally planar membrane.

Abstract: A structural system for use in areas in which space is valuable. The structural system has the ability to transform from a first object or shape into a self-contained meeting center. The structural system may be used for interior and exterior applications. The structural system may also include a mobile, micro-climate controlled chair system.

Abstract: A method of mounting elements inside a wind generator tower which is made from various different sections of metal. Elements such as ladders, platforms, and electric cables are fixed to auxiliary supports such as beams or rings which are in turn fixed to the above-mentioned sections so as not to reduce the fatigue strength thereof.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for providing an enclosure is disclosed, which method in one embodiment may include: providing a container having an access opening; providing a channel around the access opening of a size and strength sufficient to retain therein a selected amount of an adhesive and to support weight of a riser; placing the selected amount of the adhesive in the channel; placing an end of the riser in the channel after placing the adhesive in the channel; aligning the riser in the channel; and curing the adhesive with the riser aligned in the channel to provide a watertight connection between an inside of the access opening and an outside of the riser.

Abstract: A modular crypt structure comprising a frame, a module insert defining a chamber and a closure panel and methods of constructing the same are disclosed. The chamber functions as a crypt module and receives bodily remains or portions thereof. The chamber is closed by attaching a closure panel, such as a stone crypt front to the frame. The modular crypt frame may comprise a plurality of horizontal bars and a plurality of vertical bars. A method of constructing a modular crypt structure comprises erecting a frame, providing at least one module insert, configuring the insert to define a chamber adapted to receive bodily remains, and closing the crypt module. A modular crypt system including a niche side wall is also disclosed having a niche side wall frame, a niche insert defining a plurality of niches positioned within the frame, and a closure panel positioned on the niche side wall frame.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of constructing a liquefied gas storage tank on land, which enables rapid and easy construction of walls of a cylindrical storage tank by stacking a plurality of pre-produced unit-wall structures to be stacked or superposed with respect to one another. The method includes: producing unit-wall structures made of concrete and each having iron rods arranged lengthwise and breadthwise therein, stacking the unit-wall structures in a cylindrical arrangement, and connecting the unit-wall structures adjacent and in longitudinal and lateral directions with respect to each other to form a wall of the storage tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for utilizing space under a deck for storage includes (a) a first securing element having a first and second portion, wherein the first portion is formed to engage the deck and extends downward therefrom toward the ground; and (b) a storage element sized to be received beneath the deck, wherein the second portion of the first securing element is secured to the storage element. A method utilizes the claimed apparatus.

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

Abstract: An LNG system generally comprises a primary container, and a secondary container positioned around the primary container. The secondary container generally comprises a first end wall, a second end wall, and at least two side walls. At least one of the walls is fabricated from a plurality of prefabricated wall panels. Each of the wall panels is fabricated from a combination of concrete and steel. The wall panels are preferably prefabricated offsite, and then transported to the construction site where they are adjoined together in end-to-end fashion to form walls. A method for constructing a full containment LNG system is also provided. In one embodiment, walls and a roof for a secondary container are assembled, but leaving an end open. At least one primary tank is brought into the secondary container. A second end wall is then erected to form the enclosure for the secondary container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing storage capacity of granular material storage structures. The apparatus includes a curtain assembly supportable from the roof structure of the granular material storage structure and above the sidewalls thereby defining a second volume within which the granular material may be filled which is above the first volume defined by the interior volume of the sidewalls and the volume defined by the angle of repose of the granular material.

Abstract: There is proposed a preferably transportable (mobile) and/or re-usable production facility, as is quick and easy to erect virtually at any location in this world. This production facility virtually comprises a tent structure, wherein the roof of the facility is held by at least one carrier (support) and at the same time at least one device for raising or lowering or moving goods or parts thereof, for example crane structures, is also provided on the carrier itself. Such a crane structure can be of a variable configuration and facilitate in particular the production of goods which are heavy and/or which for assembly can no longer be raised or moved by human strength.

Abstract: A concrete storage tank structure comprises a tank including a floor slab having a periphery and a wall having inner and outer faces extending upwardly from the floor slab at a position adjacent the periphery of the latter. The tank structure further includes a shear pad extending outwardly away from the tank from a position adjacent a lower portion of the outer face of the wall. The shear pad and the tank are positioned relative to one another in such a way that a space is provided therebetween and a number of elongated flexible connecting elements are arranged so as to extend through the space in interconnecting relationship relative to the shear pad and the tank. A strip of resilient neoprene elastomeric material is disposed in the space. The shear pad is thus flexibly attached to the tank in such a way that the forces imposed on the wall of the tank by the shear pad during movement of the tank during use are minimized.

Abstract: A composite building panel includes a substantially rigid planar sheet and a substantially rigid first skin. The first skin includes a plurality of anchors embedded in the sheet. The anchors fix the first skin to the sheet.

Abstract: An architectural structure comprises a core column structure (1), a plurality of recessed platform structures (2) vertically spaced apart from each other and supported by the column structure, and landfill filled in the recessed platform structures form plots. A water reticulation system moves through all the plots from a central water supply system. Dwellings (4) are built on the plots.

Abstract: The floor, which became a block, can easily be attached to the designated floor position, so that the reduction of both the construction cost and the construction period are achieved. It is a method of building the plural floors on the part of the boiler cage part, and one floor 13A is built on a lifting frame 18 put on the ground, and the floor 13A and the lifting frame 18 are both jacked up by jacks 14. Subsequently the lifting frame 18 which separated the floor 13A is jacking down and returned to the ground. Plural floors are built for lower floor from upper floor one after another by repeating such a series of steps.

Abstract: A method for constructing a composite concrete roof on an outer LNG containment tank is disclosed. The roof includes a roof assembly and a plurality of precast reinforced concrete roof elements. The roof assembly is mounted on a tank shell. At least some of the roof elements including a concrete body and embedded metal plates adapted to be welded to the roof assembly. The roof elements are welded to the roof assembly to provide additional strength and stiffness to the roof assembly. Preferably, no or minimal cast in place concrete structural joints are needed to join the roof elements to the roof assembly and or top of the shell. Ideally, the roof assembly includes a membrane and mounting beams connected to the membrane. The embedded plates of the roof assemblies are welded to the mounting beams on the roof assembly. The method may further include mounting or welding the roof elements to the roof assembly while workers access the interior of the shell to perform work therein.

Abstract: A shell for an outer LNG containment tank and a method of making the shell from a plurality of precast reinforced concrete shell elements are described. The shell elements having a precast concrete body to which are anchored a radially inwardly facing liner plate and a pair of circumferentially spaced apart side plates which depend radially outwardly from the liner plate. The shell elements can be arranged upon a ring beam with side plates abutting one another. The side plates are welded together to form radially and vertically extending stiffener ribs which are circumferentially spaced around the shell. As these stiffener ribs provide great structural support, the shell can be constructed with minimal or no cast in place structural joints being needed to construct the shell. Ideally, the shell elements have bottom base plates welded to a ring beam or foundation and top end plates that are welded together to form an annular ring thus enhancing the structural strength of the shell.

Abstract: A precast reinforced concrete base mat element, a base mat assembly and method for constructing a base mat assembly from a plurality of the base mat elements are described. The base mat element comprises a concrete body having first and second conduits extending there through in first and second generally perpendicular directions and a liner plate anchored in the concrete body. Preferably the concrete bodies have interlocking surfaces formed there on. A plurality of the base mat elements may be juxtaposed together with the interlocking surfaces interlocking with one another and with the tensile members extending through the first and second tensile conduits and being post-tensioned and anchored about the base mat elements to clamp the base mat elements together. The liner plates may then be welded together to form a a generally planar membrane.

Abstract: An elevated water tank utilizing an integrated field erected and bolted panels, such as, by way of example, steel rolled tapered panels (RTP) having epoxy powder-coated construction. The outer bolted steel reinforced panels are integral and co-linear with the preferably cylindrically shaped exterior reservoir walls thereabove providing reservoir perimeter structural support. The bolted steel reinforced panels are to provide support of a reinforced interstitial steel floor to grade, and either both or only one of an inner support pedestal of a transverse dimension less than that of the reservoir, or an outer support pedestal having substantially the same cross sectional configuration and size as the reservoir thereabove, may be so constructed. The reservoir and pedestal structure preferably use factory epoxy coated steel construction and are most preferably field installed utilizing synchronized hydraulic screw jack or traditional elevated field construction techniques.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for storing materials on a well site are disclosed. A self erecting storage system includes a trailer and storage bin. A first latching mechanism is coupled to the trailer. A movable arm with a second latching mechanism is also coupled to the trailer. The storage bin has a first pin and a second pin. The first pin may be coupled to the first latching mechanism and the second pin may be coupled to the second latching mechanism.

Abstract: Fire resistance can be rated for building structure by providing or having made available, and applying or noting application or presence of fire control agent(s) to or with component part(s) of the structure; providing a fire resistance rating format of a comparative structure; and comparing for a fire resistance classification rating (FRCR). Certification can be effected by providing a security code specific for one-time use in relation to a building structure by a user; entering an FRCR of a building structure rated for fire resistance at a first location and the security code to a communication medium; transmitting by the medium the entered rating and the security code from the first location to a second location; and checking the security code of the user to insure it is authorized and specific to that user; if so, recording the rating supplied by the user; if not, notifying an appropriate monitor.

Abstract: Modular structural components and structural connections including chords and forming strips. Each chord has a generally elongated square main body of four main walls surrounding a central bore and having a T-slot structure adapted to accept a bolt type fastener extending along each exterior main surface. Each forming strip is an elongated plate formed into strip segments oriented at right angles to each other and forming a W-shaped corner region, a face region with a bolt hole and an attachment region, each region forming a mating bearing surface with a surface of a chord.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing storage capacity of granular material storage structures. The apparatus includes a curtain assembly supportable from the roof structure of the granular material storage structure and above the sidewalls thereby defining a second volume within which the granular material may be filled which is above the first volume defined by the interior volume of the sidewalls and the volume defined by the angle of repose of the granular material.

Abstract: A method of constructing a grain bin floor support system having a plurality of interconnected support members. The support members are constructed from a monolithic sheet of structural metal stamped and formed having upper and lower horizontal rails spanning across and integrally connected by a plurality of transverse support columns. The rails include a longitudinally extending center segment and a stabilizing portion adjacent each end thereof. The stabilizing portions are configured to be folded out in opposite directions forming a non-planar self-supporting structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stick-building large buildings (e.g., single-family homes, townhouses, apartment complexes, commercial structures, multi-story buildings, buildings legally or physically too large or oddly shaped to be transported substantially intact via public roads, etc.) within a factory is presented. The factory can be constructed on or near the intended building destination(s). The factory can include a large enclosed structure that shelters the construction process, the raw materials and/or workers from the extremes or effects of the natural elements. Inside the factory, one or more buildings are constructed using stick-building construction techniques (e.g., constructing the building from raw materials without pre-manufactured panels or modular sections). The factory can use assembly line and/or assembly point stick-building techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method using a module kit to construct a safety container of an arbitrary shape, a module set used to carry out the method and a safety container including one or several of the modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for introducing vertical built-in parts into structures erected with a sliding formwork, particularly in annular concrete walls, and a device for performing the method. In order to be able to use inexpensive sliding formworks when erecting structures, e.g. silos and tanks, where there are absolutely surface-flush built-in parts required, a slide fastener-like system is provided for introducing said vertical built-in parts. The inventive slide fastener system provides guide anglepieces, which are fixed in clamping devices of the sliding formwork and temporarily engage behind guide bolts fixed to the front of the vertical built-in parts. Following the production of the concrete wall or the introduction of the vertical built-in parts the guide bolts are removed again from the vertical built-in parts, e.g. by separating cutting or splitting.

Abstract: A practical method of manufacturing, assembling, and constructing a single silo or building or a cluster of polygonal storage silos using a column comprising horizontally-arrayed structural column panels. Column panels within a top horizontal array vertically aligning with column panels of a next lower horizontal array such that no discernible gap exists between top and bottom edges of column panels within the column. seams, where top and bottom edges of column panels meet, preferably occur in different horizontal planes from each other throughout the column, thereby creating a stagger or offset of column components in relationship to each other. Multiple layers of column components with the same, similar, or different configurations can be added to preferably cover seams of underlying column components to enhance structural integrity. A structure built with these columns can be constructed using a cost-effective and relatively safe method of lifting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a space containment method including the following steps: applying a flexible envelope, which is made from a material that can shrink in an essentially uniform manner, around a support frame, the frame being an assembly of frame elements; and subjecting the envelope to the effects of a suitable physical phenomenon in order to generate the shrinkage thereof. Following contraction, the envelope tightly hugs the support frame, thereby stiffening the containment structure thus obtained.