Abstract: A method for stiffening a wind turbine tower employing fingerplate assemblies on flangeless joints between adjacent tubular tower sections. The method includes limiting the intercan gap between adjacent end surfaces of the tower sections at the flangeless joints and selecting a number of fingerplates to fasten each flangeless joints to limit distortion. Establishing dimensions for the fingerplates may further minimize localized tower distortion. Selecting a material for the fingerplate with a lower Young's modulus than a material for the tubular section also results in reduced localized tower distortion. Attaching a coverplate to a top tubular section limits tip displacement for the tower.

Abstract: A moisture management system for use in construction of buildings, particularly for partially covering the framework of a rough opening in a structure. The system has a body having a plurality of pathways to facilitate fluid between the system and any fixture installed adjacent to the system. The pathways allow fluid, especially water, to flow away from the installation surfaces and down along the exterior of the building.

Abstract: A wall panel comprises a base layer comprising fiberglass board, an intermediate layer comprising molded fiberglass board, and a facer layer comprising glass textile. The wall panel provides consumers with greater options and flexibility in terms of room aesthetics as well as provides additional advantages over current basement finishing systems having fabric facer layers.

Abstract: This invention provides double-skin tubular structural members having fiber-reinforced polymer outer tubes, steel or otherwise generally metallic inner tubes and generally a bound aggregate such as concrete in between the tubes.

Abstract: A lightweight, high-stiffness structural beam having a web and a chord, which features a cross-sectional geometry featuring a plurality of sides arranged in an asymmetrical, non-closed, convex polygon shape. At least three of the sides of the chord are substantially parallel to one another, and are substantially perpendicular to the web. The beam is easily manufactured using fully-automated fabrication machinery and may serve as the main, flexure-resistant structural component of a sunlight-concentrating photovoltaic module.

Abstract: A cover segment for an aesthetic cover assembly includes a cover wall and at least one joint element. An aesthetic cover assembly includes two or more cover segments. The joint elements of the cover segments have a common profile and are secured along the corresponding cover wall in an opposite facing relation. A method of assembling a cover assembly is also included.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane element for covering surfaces, more particularly for covering ceilings or walls, comprising a frame and a membrane material stretched over said frame. The membrane element is characterized in that at least one frame region is bent inwardly due to forces exerted on the frame by the membrane material and that the inwardly bent frame region has tightening units for pulling or pushing said frame region outwardly with respect to an abutment, towards the unbent state. The invention further relates to a method for covering surfaces, more particularly for covering ceilings or walls.

Abstract: The insulated panel comprises exterior sheathing, studs, rigid foam panels and a spray-pour foam. The rigid foam panels are placed up against the sheathing between the studs, and the spray-pour foam is used to fill in the voids.

Abstract: A building framework includes plural column assemblies interconnected by plural full-length beam assemblies, with the union of the column assemblies and beam assemblies forming beam-to-column joint assemblies according to this invention. The column assemblies include pairs of side plates spanning the column members of the column assemblies and projecting toward another column assembly of the plurality of such column assemblies. The full-length beam assemblies include beam members for being received between column assemblies to be interconnected and defining an end gap with respect to each column member. Additionally, the full-length beam assemblies include at each opposite end portion thereof a pair of cover plates, including an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate, which cover plates are sized and configured to be united with the side plates of a column assembly, as by welding applied at a construction site.

Abstract: A building framework includes plural column assemblies interconnected by plural full-length beam assemblies, with the union of the column assemblies and beam assemblies forming beam-to-column joint assemblies according to this invention. The column assemblies include pairs of side plates spanning the column members of the column assemblies and projecting toward another column assembly of the plurality of such column assemblies. The full-length beam assemblies include beam members for being received between column assemblies to be interconnected and defining an end gap with respect to each column member. Additionally, the full-length beam assemblies include at each opposite end portion thereof a pair of cover plates, including an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate, which cover plates are sized and configured to be united with the side plates of a column assembly, as by welding applied at a construction site.

Abstract: A truss assembly station may include a truss assembler. The truss assembler may be configured to enable assembly of a truss from truss members by providing an automatic sequential placement of the truss members based at least in part upon a planned location of pre-plated truss members within an assembled truss. The pre-plated truss members may be truss members including at least one connector plate installed thereon prior to placement at the truss assembly station.

Abstract: A board comprised of a wood structure having a first surface, a second surface, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge and opposing ends. Sound attenuating elements embedded within the wood structure and stiffening elements positioned within the wood structure to coincide with the location of floor joist to which the board will be secured. The boards further forming a ceiling/floor structure by laying a single set of the boards adjacent to each other and securing them to the floor joists.

Abstract: The proposed support is preferably constructed from high-compression concrete and may be custom-dimensioned according to project requirements. The support may have one or more bearing pads at one or more heights which may include one or more anchoring arms. The support may include a bore sized to accommodate a range of rebar sizes. A length of pre-cut angled rebar may be may be cast in place or may be secured within the bore by epoxy or other means at the time of manufacture or in the field. To maximize stability and overcome low soil-bearing capacity, the bottom surface area of the support is preferably larger than the bearing pad surface area. At least two opposing sides of the support include at a shear-key to anchor the support within the finished slab.

Abstract: A solid composite material is suitable for construction and industrial uses. The solid composite material consists of at least an effective amount of assorted agricultural remnants bound in an effective volume of cured resin.

Abstract: Prefabricated panel (1) for building construction that includes a core (2) that is made of insulating material and that is covered on its two faces by a uniform concrete layer (3A, 3B), and in which there are provided, close to one face of the plate, housings (4) for struts (5) that project at one end for the purpose of sealing them against the ground, and, on the opposite face of the plate, housings (7) for reinforcement elements (8) extending between two parallel edges of the panel (1) and projecting beyond these edges so as to constitute a belt element, in the assembled state of the panel (1) with adjacent panels (21, 22). The prefabricated pane is useful for the construction of outer walls of a building with a very light structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making a fireproof panel. The fireproof panel includes a first ply of material and a ceramic material impregnating at least a portion of the first ply of material, the ceramic material formulated to resist loss of physical properties when exposed to temperatures of at least 1090° C.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for constructing prefabricated foam panels is provided. While making a longitudinal pass over a foam block, the apparatus flattens the foam block, cuts longitudinal kerfs in the foam block, and draws metal studs into the kerfs. The apparatus comprises a unique, heated blade having a shape similar to the cross section of a metal stud. The blade kerfs foam blocks, including blocks made of recycled or low-grade foam. The associated method includes kerfing the foam blocks by passing the blade through the foam blocks and drawing metal studs into the kerfs.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: A roofing shingle is a composite sheet which includes a roofing substrate having a front side and a back side. An asphalt material impregnates the substrate and coats at least the front side of the substrate. A polymer film is attached to the back side of the substrate and forms a back surface of the roofing shingle. The polymer film was applied to the substrate in the form of a film. The roofing shingle does not include backdust on the back surface. The composite sheet is formed into the size and shape of the roofing shingle. A method of manufacturing roofing shingles includes continuously supplying a roofing substrate having a front side and a back side. An asphalt material is applied to the substrate so that it impregnates the substrate and coats at least the front side of the substrate.

Abstract: A lightweight interior sidewall and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The lightweight interior sidewall is formed by a plurality of adjacent slabs. A method for fabricating the slabs includes forming a concrete block made of cement, fine sand, bamboo-shaped short fibers and a lightweight aggregate material, cutting the block to form multiple slabs, and grinding a central region of two sides of each slab to form a longitudinal groove therein. The method for fabricating the lightweight interior sidewall includes disposing multiple slabs adjacent to each other, securing each slab between a reverse U-shaped clamp on the ceiling and a support element on the floor, and filling a cement mortar into the longitudinal grooves to bind the slabs together. The lightweight and robust sidewall can be thereby formed in an efficient manner.

Abstract: Moulding is formed by first making a longitudinally extending cut in the bottom wall of a conventional eavestrough in order to separate the eavestrough into two segments. The inner portion of the bottom wall is then attached to the exterior wall of a building beneath its eaves or elsewhere such that the back wall of the eavestrough projects outwardly. The front wall of the eavestrough is then hung from the projecting back wall so that it extends downwardly and inwardly toward the exterior wall of the building. The eavestrough is cut by means of a machine having a guide plate and a pair of cutting wheels. The guide plate has an opening of a shape similar to that of the cross-section of the eavestrough but slightly larger so that as the eavestrough is fed through the opening it is guided by the guide plate. The cutting wheels are positioned such that after the eavestrough exits from the opening, its bottom wall passes between the wheels where it is cut.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: A panel for use in an assembly of panels is attached to each other to form a covering. The panel comprises an upper surface and a lower surface each extending within a different main plane, and at least an edge between these surfaces comprising a coupling to couple the panel to a coupling of another panel. The upper surface includes a lowered part at said edge and the cross-section of the lowered part, perpendicular to the edge of the panel, varies along the edge. Such a panel provides a good imitation of a panel made of natural materials. The invention also provides an appropriate method to make such a panel.

Abstract: Methods of joining members, forming molded portions with members, securing inserts with members, and joined members, such as for a frame or a frame for a fenestration unit, formed thereby, are disclosed. One embodiment of the method includes placing a first member with a first cavity in a joining position, placing a second member proximate the first cavity of the first member in the joining position, injecting a resin into the first cavity, allowing the resin to solidify at least partially to join the first member and second member to form a joined member, and removing the joined member from the joining position. Optionally, the joined member can be formed in a fixture, can include molded portions formed by the resin, and/or can include inserts held in place by the resin. Further, members without cavities can form a cavity that can receive the resin.

Abstract: A light-transmissible construction material and manufacturing method for the same. The light-transmissible construction material comprises at least a light-transmitting unit and a concrete unit. The light-transmitting unit has a light entrance end, a light exit end, and a lateral wall between both ends. The lateral wall of the light-transmitting unit is enclosed and surrounded with the concrete unit. The light entrance and exit end of the light-transmitting unit are exposed from two opposite surfaces of the concrete unit. A method for manufacturing the same light-transmissible construction material comprises: placing at least one light-transmitting unit between two side formworks; filling the concrete grout between above two side formworks; and drying the concrete grout to form the light-transmissible construction material.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for providing a base support, such as including concrete, and used such as for a wind-driven generator. Precast concrete cylinders are stacked in place upon a platform that may be partially precast and partially cast in place during assembly and supported, in certain embodiments, by plural concrete legs, the other ends of which are supported on a unitary or subdivided concrete foundation. In other embodiments, the platform may be supported by ribbed concrete panels. The concrete cylinders are glued together using an epoxy and then secured by an internal vertical post tension system extending from the platform to the upper most cylinder. Different types of concrete are used between upper and lower sections of the stacked cylinders. The lower section uses reinforced concrete while the upper section used ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete.

Abstract: A retaining wall block having a rear flange and a mold box and method of making the block. The mold box is configured with a mold cavity that includes a vertical flange forming cavity extending from the top of the mold box to the bottom of the mold box.

Abstract: A tread and bearer member locating system for a modular decking system, the modular decking system including decking in the form of a plurality of treads, and the decking being carried by one or more bearer members. The treads are elongate and have a longitudinal axis, a topside, an underside and a lateral width. The tread and bearer member locating system includes treads and bearer members, wherein the underside of at least one tread includes, at or near each end thereof, a bearer member receiving area, at least one of the bearer member receiving areas being bound longitudinally between a pair of spaced apart, downwardly extending locating projections, and laterally between opposed coupling members capable of, in use, coupling with correspondingly shaped coupling members in adjacent treads.

Abstract: A roofing shingle (74) includes an asphalt-coated sheet (18) having a tab portion (78) normally exposed on a roof and a headlap portion (76) normally covered-up on a roof. The headlap portion has a lower zone (76A) that extends longitudinally between a first end (74A) and a second end (74B) of the roofing shingle adjacent the tab portion, and an upper zone (76B) adjacent the lower zone. At least a portion of the asphalt-coated sheet has granules adhered thereto. A reinforcement member (19) is adhered to the lower zone of the headlap portion.

Abstract: A method for forming a joining profile in a structural member comprises providing an assembly having a base member, a forming body and a pair of side anvils having profiles formed therewithin. The method further comprises mounting the structural member on the base member, advancing the forming body toward the structural member such that the structural member is clamped to the base member, urging the side anvils toward flanges of the structural member, forming a profile in each of the flanges, and engaging protrusions of the side anvils with the web such that opposing portions of the web are forced upwardly by the protrusions at locations adjacent to each one of the flange profiles in order to accommodate formation of the flange profiles in the structural member. Formation of the joining profiles in the structural members allows for detachable engagement thereof with another member having a corresponding mating profile.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for precision deploy-attaching beam-mount structure to the outside of an elongate column at plural, defined attachment sites that are distributed and spaced along the length of the column. The method involves (a) preparing an elongate column to act as a travel way for a carriage which is designed to transport and deploy beam-mount structure, shifting such a carriage progressively along the column from defined attachment site to defined attachment site, and at each such site, deploy-attaching from the carriage to the column the carriage-carried beam-mount structure.

Abstract: A muntin bar joiner clip having a relatively flat, thin body and first and second muntin bar engagement legs extending from the body. These legs extend along a longitudinal axis of said joiner clip. The body has opposite sides defining substantially parallel major surfaces having substantially parallel opposite edges extending substantially parallel to the axis. A region of weakness such as a line of weakness allows the body to be separated into two portions between the first and second legs. One or more muntin bar abutments project from said body in a direction transverse to the axis and each abutment includes a muntin bar abutment face oriented in a direction transverse to said axis.

Abstract: A glazing system for use with a barrier that has a panel with an opening is disclosed. An impact glazing, which covers the opening, includes an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of apertures around its periphery. A fastener having a fastener head passes through each corresponding aperture and into the panel. The glazing system also includes an elastically deformable washer positioned between each fastener head and the impact glazing. The glazing system may also include an inner bezel covering the periphery of the glazing on the inner surface and an outer bezel covering the periphery of the glazing on the outer surface, wherein the bezels are secured to the barrier and the glazing by a corresponding piece of adhesive tape.

Abstract: A movable door panel having a front facer with opposed longitudinal edge profiles, rails secured to the longitudinal edge profiles, a rear facer secured to the rails, and foam disposed within an inner volume defined by the front facer, the rails and the rear facer is disclosed. Transverse stiffeners are disposed within the inner volume and the foam, and extend between the opposed rails. The door panel may be made by continuously providing the front facer with a rail secured thereto, continuously positioning transverse stiffeners on the front facer and extending between the metal rails, and continuously applying a foaming material on the front facer and the transverse stiffeners. The method concludes by bringing a rear facer into contact with the metal rails, and drawing the panel through a laminator. Hardware may then be attached to one or both of the facers and the stiffener.

Abstract: A roofing element such as a concrete tile is provided that includes a body portion extending between a head end and a nose end. The body portion includes a lower surface, an upper surface, and a protrusion that is disposed substantially adjacent the nose end and extends downwardly from the lower surface. The protrusion is disposed on the lower surface such that when a nose end of a second roofing element is installed vertically above a head end of a first roofing element and overlapping by at least 3 inches, the protrusion of the second roofing element is positioned substantially above an aperture defined in the head end of the first roofing element. The protrusion reduces a distance between the aperture of the first roofing element and the nose end of the second roofing element, which increases the likelihood that the adhesive will securely join the first roofing element with the second roofing element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for erection of a mast (1), in particular of a radio mast for a mobile radio network, comprising the following steps: production of a foundation body (14) with a mast holder (7) incorporated in it; mounting of the mast (1) on the mast holder (7); wherein the production of the foundation body (14) is carried out separately from an erection location of the mast (1), the foundation body (14) is transported to the erection location, and the foundation body (14) is arranged at the erection location. The invention also relates to a foundation body (14) such as this and to a method for production of a foundation body (14) such as this.

Abstract: A trailer includes a bed with a floor structure and a superstructure mounted on the bed. The superstructure includes a wall construction of wall sections with interconnected tongue-and-groove edges and wall section ends. Corner posts include channels receiving the wall section ends for forming corners of the superstructure. A top rail forms a rim of the superstructure and receives the top-most wall sections. A rub rail connects the walls to the floor structure and receives the bottom-most wall sections. A method of manufacturing a trailer includes the steps of providing a bed with a floor structure and forming a superstructure from wall sections by interconnecting their tongue-and-groove edges. The trailer can be configured for a moving floor, a tipping mechanism or an ejector mechanism for discharging and/or loading materials and cargo in an interior.

Abstract: A building construction system for setting up and casting a stem wall foundation. The system comprises a plurality of forms, a plurality of code clips configured to fix the forms; and a plurality of code spacers having a body, a partially encircling clasp protruding from a first end portion of the body, and an elongated neck structure at a second end portion of the body and having a top receiving channel and a bottom receiving channel snapping the form in a vertical position. One of the code spacers is snapped onto a reinforcement bar and another of the spacers is distanced adjacently such that the elongated neck structure of code spacers facing opposite to each other, and the reinforcement bar is accommodated on the clasps of both the code spacers laterally and perpendicularly and two reinforcement bars accommodated at a junction of the body and the elongated neck structures.

Abstract: A method and means for producing a concrete block through the use of a urethane form which includes a bottom wall, end walls and side walls with the inside surface of the bottom wall having grooves, indentations and ribs molded therein so that the resultant face of the concrete block will have an irregular surface and brick-like members appearing thereon. The method of this invention also involves the use of placing one or more coloring agents in the cavities of the urethane form so that the face of the concrete block will have a more realistic appearance.

Abstract: An architectural material comprising a bulk polymeric foam material which includes additional structural support which provides increased strength and durability at the front surface of the architectural material. The architectural material includes a mesh material which is disposed near the front surface of the architectural material. The architectural material may additionally include a barrier layer which further protects the surface of the architectural material.

Abstract: An easy-to-install outdoor wooden flooring, with possibly treated, very high durability materials, suitably robust and safe for passers-by and characterised by low manufacturing costs. An assembly method of the aforesaid flooring is advantageously provided capable of simplify the installation operations, specifically in virtue of the use of appropriately configured assembly templates.

Abstract: Provided is a fastener element for securing a curing blanket over the open upper end of a concrete form. The fastener element comprises a wire body including a central portion extending laterally for at least the distance of the width of the concrete form and a pair of attachment portions at opposite ends of the central portion. The attachment portions secure the fastener element to the outer walls of the concrete form.

Abstract: A chassis frame (10) uses channels as right and left side rails (12, 14). A lower “clam” (22) has a horizontal bottom wall (26L) that bridges the side rails and is disposed against bottom flanges (20R, 20L) of the side rail channels and vertical side flanges (28L, 30L) that extend from opposite sides of the bottom wall upward and against a face of a respective one of vertical walls (16R, 16L) of the channels that is exterior to the interior of the respective channel. An upper “clam” (24) is a mirror image of the lower “clam” and fits over the side rails. Spacer structure (30, 31, 38A, 38B, 40A, 40B) is disposed between and in abutment with the side rail channels and between and in abutment with the “clams” in inwardly spaced relation to the side rail channels. Fasteners (48, 50, 56, 62) fasten various parts together to complete the cross member that is formed by the “clams” and the spacer structure.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for forming a concrete floor as a monolithic unit, wherein a wet concrete mix is deposited and worked to achieve a generally uniform flatness of concrete and adding to the top layer thereof a decorative aggregate material. Subsequently, the surface of the concrete is worked, allowed to partially cure and then ground and polished to substantially remove surface irregularities and reveal the decorative aggregate. The floor surface may then be coated with a sealant to achieve a terrazzo-like appearance.

Abstract: A decorative tile element is configured for use as a shower tile, a floor tile, a wall tile, or a backsplash tile. The decorative tile element includes a tile substrate and a holographic film element. The holographic film element is attached to the tile substrate by way of a first resin layer and is configured to receive ambient light and diffract the ambient light to produce a holographic image. A second resin layer is affixed to the holographic film element to attach a cover element over the holographic film element. The cover element is configured to allow the passage of the ambient light therethrough.

Abstract: A multi-layered roofing shingle is described. The layers of the shingle are connected via a mechanical fastener. A method for manufacturing a multi-layered shingle is also described. The method includes aligning the layers of the shingle, and connecting the layers via at least one mechanical fastener. Further described is a multi-layered shingle having layers that are mechanically fastened by deforming one of the layers into one of the other layers.

Abstract: A simulated brick panel is made by applying a first layer of mortar on a base panel, applying a second layer of mortar over the first mortar layer, and then cutting grooves in the second layer to expose the first layer of mortar to view. The first layer of mortar is chosen to have a color of mortar and the second layer of mortar is chosen to have a color of brick so that the grooves will effect a simulation of mortar lines between bricks. A tool especially adapted for cutting the grooves is also provided.

Abstract: A single, self-contained housing core configured for containerization is provided. The housing core includes a first section having a floor and a first portion of walls. A second section is connected with the first section to define at least one cavity. The second section includes a ceiling and a second portion of the walls. The second section also includes a reservoir. Deployment items are disposed with the first and second sections. Implants are disposed within the first and second sections. Loose items are disposed with the first and second sections. Methods and systems of constructing a dwelling unit including the housing core and transporting the housing core via intermodal transport are also disclosed.

Abstract: A frame assembly for sheet material. A plurality of inner frame sections have at least one recess for receiving the sheet material. The inner frame sections can be fitted around at least part of the periphery of the sheet material. A first outer frame for receiving the sheet material with the inner frame sections fitted thereon is provided, together with a second outer frame to be applied to the sheet material with the inner frame sections fitted thereon. A mechanism to connect the first and second external frames together is provided, with the inner frame sections therebetween. The first and second outer frames together define a space whose shape corresponds to that of the outer cross-sectional shape of the inner frame sections. Thus, the first and second outer frames capture the sheet material with the inner frame sections fitted thereon. A mechanism to hold the inner frame section in place is included.

Abstract: A structural member is reinforced with a thermoset polymer foam having (a) a density of 80-650 kg/m3, (b) a storage modulus, measured on a 12 mm wide×3.5 mm thick×17.5 single cantilever sample according to ASTM D 4065-01, under conditions of 1 Hz and a heating rate of 2° C./min, such that the ratio of the storage modulus at 0° C., expressed in MPa, divided by the density of the thermoset polymer foam, expressed in kg/m3, is at least 0.4, and (c) the ratio of the storage modulus of the thermoset polymer foam at 100° C. divided by the storage modulus of the thermoset polymer foam at 0° C. is at least 0.5. The foam is preferably a polyurethane-isocyanurate foam. The foam exhibits excellent resistance to cracking due to mechanical and thermal stresses.