Abstract: A structural arch having one or more elongated tension members disposed within a shell or core at or near the lowermost edge of the arch, and one or more elongated compression members disposed within the shell or core at or near the uppermost edge of the shell. The core of the arch may be hollow, or optionally, lightweight filler material or filler members may occupy the core.

Abstract: The portable modular tornado and hurricane survival shelter kit can be quickly constructed, even by a single individual, or left assembled. The shelter provides for shielding people and animals from flying debris, the most frequently injurious danger in severe storms. The shelter's construction is understandable quickly, even to the novice, therein further providing for quick construction. The base slots that hold the flexed arcs differ one to the next so that no confusion between arc A members and overlapping arc B members exists in assembly. Modularity is key element, as various sizes are needed to accommodate varying numbers of occupants. Only differing bases need be used to alter overall human capacity as arc A members and arc B members can continue innumerably by varying only the base length. The shelter is inexpensive in order to be deployed to a plurality of imaginable application sites. Schools are but one example.

Abstract: An inflatable mold assembly for forming a hollow composite construction member that is suitable for use as a building material has a longitudinal axis. The mold assembly further has a flexible, substantially tubular bladder wall defining an elongated inflatable cavity. A reinforcing fabric is positioned concentrically around the flexible bladder wall. A flexible air-impervious outer layer is positioned concentrically around the fabric, with the bladder wall and the outer layer defining an elongated annular space, and with the fabric being positioned within the elongated annular space.

Abstract: The pneumatic structural element according to the invention comprises from one to a number of interconnected elements of the following construction: two hollow bodies (1) with casings (9) made of textile material preferably coated in a gas-tight manner and having end caps (5) are assembled such that they produce a common sectional area (2). The edging of this sectional area (2) is formed by two curved tension/compression elements (3) into which is clamped a web (4) made of a flexible material of high tensile strength. By filling the two hollow bodies (1) with compressed gas, a tensile stress ? is built up in their casings (9) and is transmitted directly or via the tension/compression elements (3) to the web (4) and pretensions said web. This pretensioning greatly increases the bending rigidity of the tension/compression elements (3).

Abstract: A removable arch form assembly for use in forming a masonry arch of a plurality of masonry elements on a substructure comprises a flexible arch form having a substantially rectangular shape, first and second end clips engaging an arched structure about which the masonry arch is to be formed, at least one intermediate clip positioned on the arched structure between the end clips and at an elevation differing from the end clips, the end clips and the at least one intermediate clip removably receiving the flexible arch form and retaining the form in an arched orientation.

Abstract: A structure assembled from a combination of stackable modules, each module assembled from multiple prefabricated, transportable blocks. The blocks are typically reinforced cast concrete formed in reusable molds. Module framing blocks may include arched corner blocks, key blocks that interlock with a pair of corner blocks, and optional center blocks. Other structural elements include roof, floor, and wall components that interlock with the framing modules. Modules may be stacked or nested to form structures including buildings, elevated roadways, and parking garages. Utilities may be provided through optional conduits formed in the corner elements. The framing supports raised floor modules for ease in mechanical system installation and modification. The roof elements support usable terraces and rainwater collection. The blocks are demountable and reusable. The modules are self-supporting during erection, and may be assembled without fasteners.

Abstract: An arched member such as a jamb is made from three parts. The first part is an elongate strip having upper and lower faces, opposite sides, and opposite first and second ends, with elongate grooves extending along the opposite sides. The other parts are a pair of elongate side pieces each slidably engaged in a respective one of the grooves. The strip and side pieces are formed together into an arch having a predetermined curvature with the opposite ends of the side pieces flush with the opposite ends of the strip. The formed member is sufficiently flexible to enable it to be forced into a flat condition for shipping. When forced flat, at least one end of each side piece will project out from the respective end of the strip. The projecting ends provide indicators to allow a user to correct the curvature of the member after release from the flat condition.

Abstract: An arched door frame for use within an arched opening in a framed, wallboard clad wall comprises: two similar door frame side portions each having a lower straight portion, an upper rounded portion, and an upper connection edge portion; wherein each door frame side portion has a jamb having a width generally equal to a stud width and two thicknesses of wallboard, and a contoured casing attached to both a front and rear edge portion of the jamb; and, frame side alignment and connection maintenance means to centrally align and maintain the two frame side portions in close proximity. In a preferred aspect the frame alignment means comprises clip holes and dowels, and the connection maintenance means comprises a front and back U shaped clip having opposite ends which are received in the clip holes, one clip hole in an outer edge of each jamb side portion.

Abstract: An indirectly prestressed concrete roof-ceiling construction is a prefabricated element for constructing large-span industrial buildings. The construction includes a distinctly wide and thin concrete soffit plate and an upper concrete girder of an inverse “V”-shaped cross section, interconnected by slender steel pipe-rods that are used to stabilize the upper girder against lateral buckling and to prevent the plate and the girder from getting closer or further away from each other. Prestressing of the soffit plate causes compression in the upper girder which passively (indirectly) pushes the ends of the construction, acting on some eccentricity over the center of gravity of the cross section, causing rotation of its ends, bending in that way the soffit plate upwards. There are two efficient methods of prestressing these constructions.

Abstract: An arched jamb assembly includes an arched jamb member and a pair of opposite upright jamb members with angled cuts made at opposite ends of the arched jamb member and upper end portions of the upright jamb members where the arched jamb member meets and interfaces with the upright jamb members to form the arched jamb assembly. The interfacing angled cuts are two-sided and have substantially the same standard angular configurations, irrespective of variations in the radii of curvature of upper arched jamb members used with upright jamb members to provide wall openings of different widths. An additional stop cut may be formed at opposite ends of the arched jamb member, for bearing against inner stop faces of the upright jamb members.

Abstract: The top arch overfilled system defined in application Ser. No. 10/102,921 is formed of precast arch elements which are formed and shipped in a use orientation. The precast arch elements can include arch footings and the system can include a plurality of precast arch elements which can be tied together. The arch elements can also be prestressed.

Abstract: The storm shelter is a portable above ground shelter that is aerodynamically stable and can be dimensioned to fit under a standard sized mobile home. The shelter provides an enclosure formed by an arch shaped rigid sheet that is permanently attached to a rectangular shaped base member. Hinged doors are provided on each end of the shelter for rapid and easy entrance and exit. Each door is provided with a failsafe snap locking mechanism and contains a louvered conduit for ventilation and air pressure equalization. The louvered conduits are protected from wind damage by covers attached to the exterior surface of each door. Further safety is provided through the use of tie cables that are strung tightly from one side to the other side over the top of the shelter and secured into the ground using tie rods and earth anchors.

Abstract: An earth overfilled arched structure includes a shallow arch spanning a clear space. The sides of the clear space are formed by curved or straight walls. Solidified zones of earth material (backfill or in situ) against the springs of the arch and/or behind the walls form foundation blocks which are in intimate contact via arch footings with the springs of the arch and/or with the upper part of the sidewalls in such a way that the arched structure delivers most or all of its support forces into the foundation blocks. These, due to their size and weight, transfer and spread the support forces to the subsoil so that displacements, especially in the horizontal directions, are minimal.

Abstract: A kit includes a series of components, capable of being flat packed, that can be assembled to form an arch or a section of an arch for use in a building such as a residential structure. The kit includes a pair of curved sides with each curved side including an inner face, an outer face, an upper edge and a lower edge. Formed along the inner face of each side is a curved groove. A flexible or pliable jamb is provided in the kit. Secured in spaced apart relationship along one side of the jamb is a series of clips. When assembled, the arch or arch section includes the clips extending between these sides and including portions that project into the curved grooves. The clips effectively secures the jamb to the sides.

Abstract: A three piece concrete culvert system includes a set of horizontally spaced precast side wall sections having inwardly projecting and opposing steps or surfaces which support opposite ends of a precast arched top wall section. The side wall sections include extension portions which project substantially above the ends of the top wall section for increasing the capacity of the side wall sections to resist thrust from the top wall section. Vertically spaced and generally horizontal layers of soil reinforcement members or grids may be positioned within the soil backfilled adjacent the outer surfaces of the side wall sections, and precast concrete anchor members may be attached to the side wall sections above supporting footers for the side wall sections. Shims are used between the footers and the anchor members for temporarily positioning and aligning the side wall sections before receiving the top wall section.

Abstract: An earth overfilled arched structure includes a shallow arch spanning a clear space. The sides of the clear space are formed by curved or straight walls. Solidified zones of earth material (backfill or in situ) against the springs of the arch and/or behind the walls form foundation blocks which are in intimate contact via arch footings with the springs of the arch and/or with the upper part of the sidewalls in such a way that the arched structure delivers most or all of its support forces into the foundation blocks. These, due to their size and weight, transfer and spread the support forces to the subsoil so that displacements, especially in the horizontal directions, are minimal.

Abstract: An earth overfilled arched structure includes a shallow arch spanning a clear space. The sides of the clear space are formed by curved or straight walls. Solidified zones of earth material (backfill or in situ) against the springs of the arch and/or behind the walls form foundation blocks which are in intimate contact via arch footings with the springs of the arch and/or with the upper part of the sidewalls in such a way that the arched structure delivers most or all of its support forces into the foundation blocks. These, due to their size and weight, transfer and spread the support forces to the subsoil so that displacements, especially in the horizontal directions, are minimal.

Abstract: A standardized arched jamb assembly includes an arched jamb member and a pair of opposite upright jamb members with angled cuts made at opposite ends of the arched jamb member and upper end portions of the upright jamb members where the arched jamb member meets and interfaces with the upright jamb members to form the arched jamb assembly. The angled cuts are two-sided and have substantially the same standard angular configurations, irrespective of variations in the radii of curvature of upper arched jamb members used with upright jamb members to provide wall openings of different widths. The two-sided angled cuts are preferably standard right-angled notches and end cuts.

Abstract: A standardized arched jamb assembly includes an arched jamb member and a pair of opposite upright jamb members with angled cuts made at opposite ends of the arched jamb member and upper end portions of the upright jamb members where the arched jamb member meets and interfaces with the upright jamb members to form the arched jamb assembly. The angled cuts are two-sided and have substantially the same standard angular configurations, irrespective of variations in the radii of curvature of upper arched jamb members used with upright jamb members to provide wall openings of different widths. The two-sided angled cuts are preferably standard right-angled notches and end cuts.

Abstract: An inflatable object includes interior attachment points to opposing interior faces of the object and rope or cord connections between these attachment points. The opposing walls have interior faces which include attachment points adapted to be connected together by predetermined lengths of material, the arrangement being such that upon inflation of the device, the walls are held in position relative to one another by the lengths of material. The connection material between the inner and outer panels is a flexible cord-like material. However any appropriate material may be used. The attachment points are located on webbing strips attached to the interior face of each wall at a seam, provided with eyelets. In the preferred embodiment, the cords are maintained at an angle substantially or averaging substantially 90 degrees from the inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: A foundation element in the form of a rigid monolithic prefabricated frame which includes at least two opposite containing side walls and cross-members interconnecting the two side walls so as to form a casting through-cavity between these two walls. The frame is intended to be located on the ground with the interposition of adjustable support devices and is intended to receive a hardenable fluid binder material poured into its through-cavity and adapted to spread onto the ground between this and the side walls and to fill the cavity, encapsulating the cross-members and the iron rods or other connecting members for connecting a superstructure element. Also provided are prefabricated structures including prefabricated tunnels, with foundation elements formed by means of the said prefabricated frames.

Abstract: A method and system for use in forming arched openings in both concrete block and wood frame building construction. In block construction the present invention provides for the use of monolithic plant pre-cast and reinforced concrete header and arched filler combination units that is load-bearing, and in wood frame construction the present invention provides for the use of non-load-bearing pre-formed arch-filling members that could be made from recycled plastic attached to or including a lintel for overlaying the surrounding wall frame. Use of the present invention would eliminate the need for labor-intensive post and beam type headers with a site-built wooden arch and thereby reduce the on-site costs currently associated with site installation of windows and doors having an arched upper perimeter. The materials from which the present invention is made would determine its load-bearing capacity.

Abstract: A foundation element in the form of a rigid monolithic prefabricated frame which includes at least two opposite containing side walls and cross-members interconnecting the two side walls so as to form a casting through-cavity between these two walls. The frame is intended to be located on the ground with the interposition of adjustable support devices and is intended to receive a hardenable fluid binder material poured into its through-cavity and adapted to spread onto the ground between this and the side walls and to fill the cavity, encapsulating the cross-members and the iron rods or other connecting members for connecting a superstructure element. Also provided are prefabricated structures including prefabricated tunnels, with foundation elements formed by means of the prefabricated frames.

Abstract: A pneumatic structure in the form of a barrel roof which has openings at the opposite ends thereof includes outer and inner walls of a sheet or membrane material connected by a plurality of partition walls in the form of ribs provided therebetween to define a plurality of air compartments in the form of ribs between the outer and inner walls. The partition walls includes a plurality of openings for fluid communication between adjacent air compartments. The pneumatic structure has specific dimensions defined as follows. 1.20≦b/a≦1.35 1.10≦d/c≦1.35 0.2≦a/c≦0.5 where a: the maximum opening width of the pneumatic structure; b: the total width of the pneumatic structure; c: the effective height (between ground and the maximum height of the inner wall; and d: the total height (between ground and the maximum height of the outer wall.

Abstract: A universal modular tread and riser unit for positioning on a stairway stringer having a predetermined slope. The unit, including an elongate tread wall having two ends including a connecting end and a free end. An elongate riser wall having two ends including a connecting end and a free end. The riser wall having its connecting end joined to the connecting end of the tread wall with the riser wall oriented in a depending perpendicular relation to the tread wall. A pair of spaced apart vertical side walls is secured on either side of the connected tread wall and riser wall. The side walls are spaced apart sufficiently to receive a stairway stringer with the free end of the tread wall resting on the stringer and the free end of the riser wall resting on the stringer.

Abstract: A new prefabricated arch structure for aiding the construction of an archway. The inventive device includes a base wall with a pair of spaced apart side walls outwardly extending from the inner surface of the base wall. Each side wall is generally triangular and has a vertex corner, and a pair side edges extending from the vertex corner towards the ends of the base wall.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an apparatus and method for a storm shelter which can be used aboveground and belowground, and, may be skin supported. The present invention discloses that its top 11, front 13 and rear 15 surfaces can be made from a single, curved piece of material 12, and, that its sides 14 are made from two straight pieces of material all of which pieces are mounted onto parallel curved fine members 18 which are mounted onto a base frame 16 which is anchored to a foundation 34. The storm shelter of the present invention can be manufactured and pre-assembled in an embodiment having a single piece 12, top 11, front 13 and rear 15 construction or in an embodiment having a multiple piece 46 and 48, top 11, front 13 and rear 15 construction designed for on-site construction in the form of a kit or pieces which can be assembled on-site.

Abstract: The present invention provides a strong yet lightweight truss which could be used in many applications, and is adapted particularly to a support framework for those fabric covered structures utilizing a fabric stretched over the top of the supporting framework. The truss can be made up into sections comprising tubular upper and lower truss members separated by a continuous tubular web. The coupling plates may be attached to each end of the sections such that the top edge of the coupling plate is below the upper side of the upper member, providing a smooth upper surface to the truss and eliminating wear points which could damage the fabric or other material stretched over or supported by the truss. The truss is easily transported and manufactured.

Abstract: A drywall suspension grid system comprising a selection of various sized and specified pre-formed and pre-engineered "T" grid beams and components used to construct a grid having a grid face upon which drywall is mounted, thus creating a suspended drywall ceiling. The suspension grid system can be used to create flat ceilings, curved ceilings, soffits, fascia for floating edge ceilings, utility interfaces, or any combination thereof in a suspended grid drywall ceiling.

Abstract: An inflatable roof (1), which can be unfolded and folded away by respectively inflating and deflating it, includes a plurality of longitudinal inflatable beams A, B, C . . . arranged side by side, a mechanism (4) for supplying the inflatable beams with pressurized fluid, and a mechanism for sliding the beams along at least one unfolding or folding-up track (2, 2a) formed by a rigid beam sealingly passing through the inflatable beams. The rigid beam is formed by a pipe (3) for conveying pressurized fluid for inflating or deflating the beams. The pipe communicates at least at one of its ends, with the pressurized-fluid supply mechanism (4), and with the interior of at least one inflatable beam via at least one orifice (5, 5a, 5b . . . ) formed in the wall of the pipe (3). The pipe is equipped with a device or devices for blocking off the at least one orifice.

Abstract: A structure frame made of arches is formed with a plurality of curved frame units in parallel arrangement, where the curved frame units having butt joints (6) are connected in length by several straight bars (16) and the butt joints (6). The straight bars are connected in line at right angles with the curved frame units in order to form a truss. The curved frame units include curved bars (14) and tie members (11) where the curved bars are connected to form the curved frame units by the tie members (11) and the butt joints (6). A tension member (9) is provided between the curved frame units and the trusses.

Abstract: An overfilled arch structure includes a spandrel wall that is formed of a plurality of separate segments, each of which is monolithic. The arch structure includes an arch end element having a curb thereon at one end edge, and the segments of the spandrel wall each have a front face that is in abutting contact with the curb and a rear face that is exposed to earth backfill. Vertical support for the segments is provided by the arch end element and the foundation and horizontal support is provided by the curb and the wingwalls. Stabilization is provided by the earth backfill. The lateral segments of the spandrel walls are mirror images of each other and can be formed in a single form. A joining spandrel segment is identical to two lateral segments in edge-to-edge relationship and is used for side-by-side structures. A central segment, like the lateral segments, has at least one arcuate side for snugly abut against the arch element, and can have two arcuate sides.

Abstract: An inflatable building construction, in particular suitable for use as a tunnel greenhouse comprising a film which is kept in an operative condition doming a predetermined useful space through an air pressure that has been increased relative to the environment, and which film has longitudinal edges anchored to the ground, wherein, for anchoring the longitudinal edges of the film, at least one flexible hose or tube is used which lies on and/or against a longitudinal edge provided in a trench in the bottom and which is filled with a fluid under excess pressure, which hose or tube clamps the film edges in the trench.

Abstract: Construction members and methods of forming archways and the like in wood or metal frame construction is disclosed. The member is of an elongate planform having a central body of the width of the archway to be formed, with a plurality of tabs at each side thereof which may be bent at right angles to the body and, once the member is curved as desired, nailed or screwed to the structure to define the desired shape prior to finishing the same. In an alternate form, the body is wider than the archway to be formed, with the tabs spaced inward from the edges thereof so as to be spaced in accordance with the archway width. The outer extending edges thereby provided in the archway, once installed, provide a finishing edge for the wallboard finishing the structure. Various embodiments and materials including metal and plastic for the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: An explosion resistant structure comprises arcuate interlocking cold roll formed profiled steel panels (59) over which an outer (51) of steel reinforced concrete is formed. The outer concrete skin (51) is formed integrally with a steel reinforced concrete base (60) in turn formed integrally with a steel reinforced concrete floor. Planar front and rear walls (54, 63) are formed by planar cold roll formed profiled interlocking steel panels of a similar configuration to the arcuate roof panels and a steel reinforced concrete skin is also formed over the planar steel panels. The profiled steel panels (70) are of a substantially U-shaped cross section, the upper portions (72) of the side walls (76) being interlocked and the entire side wall portions and interlocked portions are encapsulated in the steel reinforced concrete layer to form a substantially continuous steel skin over the inner surface of the structure.

Abstract: A monolithic cast bridge broadly includes a unitary, monolithic structure (12) having a pair of spaced haunches (14, 16) a span (18) having upper and lower surfaces (20, 22) and a pair of axially extending webs (24, 26). Haunches (14, 16) define support-engaging undersides (28, 30) which are provided for supporting the bridge above a support level (48). The lower surface (22) of the span (18) extends upwardly from each of the haunches (14, 16) to present a maximum rise relative to the haunch undersides (28, 30) at a midpoint (50) of the span (18). The webs (24, 26) are spaced and substantially parallel with respect to each other, and respectively include lower surfaces (52, 58). The lower surfaces (52, 58) are substantially flat and correspond to the haunch undersides (28, 30). A pair of reinforcement cables (64, 66) are advantageously positioned within respective webs (24, 26), and are configured for reinforcing the structure (12) along its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A curved, inflated, tubular beam consists of braided fibers and axial fibers on an elastomeric barrier. The construction can be accomplished on a short, straight mandrel. The curvature along the beam can be varied to suit the design needs. The angle of the braid in the bias fibers determines the inflated curvature when axial fibers situated within the braid along the inside of the curvature constrain the elongation on the inside of the curvature. The curved shape can be reinforced by having tape cemented to the outside of the inflated tube. While very small and very large tubes can be perfected for a range of inflation pressures and beam strengths, the preferred embodiment is a 12 3/4-inch diameter tube, 60 feet long forming an arch for a tent 30 feet wide and 24 feet high.

Abstract: A method for the fabrication of a composite structure made from a profile plate and concrete. The relatively lightweight steel profile plate is placed at the building site. At the building site the concrete is sprayed on the surface of the profile plate to form the composite structure. The profile plate can be sprayed with concrete, layer by layer, with each layer being allowed to at least partially set between sprayings. Thus, the inherent load-bearing capacity of the structure increases as the layers are applied and the weight of the structure increases.

Abstract: A process for the construction of a semi-buried structure for the protection of a subgrade formed on a mountainside, and the structure thus constructed. The structure consists entirely of precast concrete elements forming a succession of adjacent sections, each consisting of three precast elements, respectively an upper covering element bearing, via longitudinal articulations, on two side elements comprising, respectively, a solid wall on the uphill side and at least one pillar on the downhill side, and each provided with a widened footing enabling the element simply to be placed on the ground, and with an upper portion in the form of a stringer on which are formed longitudinal portions for the articulated bearing of the corresponding lateral edge of the covering element. The invention applies, in particular, to the protection of highways or railroad tracks in mountainous locations.

Abstract: A pattern for defining the profile of an arch is produced from a unitary block of material or materials having the required structural strength to support the arch materials during construction and sufficient ductility or resilience at its surface to accommodate irregularities present in the arch materials. The pattern may be produced from a single block of polystyrene material whose upper profile corresponds to the desired underside of an arch to be constructed using the pattern and whose undersurface is generally flat.

Abstract: The vaulted building structure comprises a shell (1) made of a composite construction material and formed of arcuate elements (4) of a uniform width having their ends (5) mounted on a base (3). The shell (1) is shaped as a cylindrical vault of which the vertical axis of symmetry includes a vault ridge (2). The ends (5) of the arcuate elements (4) are hingedly braced to the base (3) for rotation about a horizontal axis parallel with the vertical plane of symmetry. The convex outer surface of each arcuate element (4) has its curvature gradually diminishing lengthwise of the arcuate element (4) towards its ends (5) and ridge (2) for levelling out strains generated in the shell (1) upon rotation of the ends (5) of the arcuate elements (4).

Abstract: A primary forming member is associated with a secondary supporting structure to allow rapid construction of elongate concrete structures of uniform cross-section by removing the primary forming member before the concrete mass supported by the secondary supporting structure is set or self-supporting. The primary forming member provides plural spaced forming arches, foldable for transport, and supported for vertical motion on a carriage providing for horizontal motion along the axis of symmetry of the formed structure. The primary forming member supports a plurality of spaced support arches of the secondary supporting structure with a plurality of cross elements therebetween to support rigid panels that create a forming surface for plastic concrete and remain as a part of a formed concrete structure to provide insulation. The forming system forms a self-supporting arched concrete surface with spaced depending arches by being sequentially moved axially therealong.

Abstract: A protective structure comprises a plurality of individual sections each one of which coacts with adjacent sections on both sides that are arranged seriatim to form an elongate unit. A closure at one end is removable affording access and egress from the structure and a closure at the other end is fixed in position. The individual sections are made, preferably, of FIBERGLAS that are spray-coated on the inside with a plastic.

Abstract: A molded roof section for use with dwelling units includes a domed main body portion which is arranged with a leading edge, an opposite trailing edge, and two side edges. The leading edge is configured with strengthening ribs and a defined groove while the trailing edge also including strengthening ribs is configured with a tongue such that the leading edge of one roof section may be assembled to the trailing edge of the contiguous roof section by a tongue-in-groove assembly concept. The side edges of said roof section are arranged with downwardly opening channels which are spaced so as to correspond to the spacing between dwelling unit sidewalls. Each roof section is molded of a high-density polymer foam as a homogeneous, unitary member and each roof section may be easily and readily lifted in place and lowered onto the sidewalls such the sidewalls fit into the downwardly opening channels of each section.

Abstract: A molded roof section for use with dwelling units includes a domed main body portion which is arranged with a leading edge, an opposite trailing edge, and two side edges. The leading edge is configured with strengthening ribs and a defined groove while the trailing edge also including strengthening ribs is configured with a tongue such that the leading edge of one roof section may be assembled to the trailing edge of the contiguous roof section by a tongue-in-groove assembly concept. The side edges of said roof section are arranged with downwardly opening channels which are spaced so as to correspond to the spacing between dwelling unit sidewalls. Each roof section is molded of a high-density polymer foam as a homogeneous, unitary member and each roof section may be easily and readily lifted in place and lowered onto the sidewalls such the sidewalls fit into the downwardly opening channels of each section.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are a generally arched, prefabricated PC shelter structure, a pair of unit half plates for forming an arched unit together to construct the arched shelter structure when a plurality of pairs are fastened together side by side, and a process for prefabricating the paired unit half plates together. The shelter structure is constructed of a plurality of pairs of unit half plates prefabricated of highly strong concrete. Any paired two of the unit half plates are peripherally curved to form the generally arched unit together when they are assembled to have their tops abutting against each other. Peripherally fastening means is incorporated for peripherally fastening the abutting tops of the paired two unit half plates together to form the generally arched unit. Transversely fastening means is also incorporated for transversely fastening a plurality of generally arched units, which are arranged side by side, together to construct the generally arched PC shelter structure.

Abstract: A molded roof section for use with dwelling units includes a domed main body portion which is arranged with a leading edge, an opposite trailing edge, and two side edges. The leading edge is configured with strengthening ribs and a defined groove while the trailing edge also including strengthening ribs is configured with a tongue such that the leading edge of one roof section may be assembled to the trailing edge of the contiguous roof section by a tongue-in-groove assembly concept. The side edges of said roof section are arranged with downwardly opening channels which are spaced so as to correspond to the spacing between dwelling unit side walls. Each roof section is molded of a high-density polymer foam as a homogeneous, unitary member and each roof section may be easily and readily lifted in place and lowered onto the side walls such the side walls fit into the downwardly opening channels of each section.

Abstract: A concrete arch buried bridge made up of upper and lower arched parts of corrugated metal provided with a reinforced concrete cap with a footing at each side, having an abutment extending inward under the margin of the upper part. The margins of the respective upper and lower parts have a connection which can be left loose to enable their relative movement and tightened so that they are rigidly held together. Each margin of the lower part has a permanent connection to the adjacent abutment which allows movement in the upward and downward direction, but resists lateral movement. The bridge is constructed by first placing the lower part on a compacted fill and making the connection between the margins of the upper part and the lower part. Then, the concrete cap is formed on top of the upper part and when the concrete is set sufficiently, the connection loosened and the fill completed on top of it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular construction system for a covered structure of large section produced by assembling prefabricated elements, namely floor elements (1), side elements (2) placed on each side of the floor, and roof elements (4).

Abstract: A modular reinforced concrete building is in a generally elongated hexagonal shape, with a roof having peaks at both ends of the building and sloping downwardly toward the central portion of the building from such peaks to form a concave ridge. The building is constructed on temporary, removable frames by forming metal lath over a roof frame in the desired shape of the roof. Wall metal lath then is suspended from the roof and extends downwardly into a foundation ditch. Temporary sheeting is placed against the underside of the roof metal lath and the outside of the wall metal lath. Concrete then is poured into the foundation ditch, into which the wall metal lath extends, to anchor the lower edges of the walls in the foundation. Concrete is applied to the wall metal lath and, after that has hardened sufficiently, the roof is covered with concrete applied from above. After the concrete hardens, the temporary sheeting material and the supporting framework are removed.