Abstract:
Various implementations comprise methods and apparatuses for constructing a concrete structure. An apparatus according to one implementation includes a structure comprising a pre-cast concrete component that includes at least one post-tensioning duct, a post-tensioning tendon extending through the post-tensioning duct, and a poured in place concrete surface disposed above and coupled to the pre-cast concrete component.
Abstract:
Various implementations include methods and apparatuses for connecting concrete structural elements, such as pre-cast concrete structural elements. In one implementation, an apparatus includes a first concrete structural element into which a first duct is pre-cast, a second concrete structural element into which a second duct is pre-cast, and a duct coupler that couples the first duct in fluid communication with the second duct and prevents adhesive from flowing into the first or second duct when the first and second concrete structural elements are coupled together. In another implementation, a method of forming a concrete structural element includes disposing at least a portion of a duct within a form for receiving poured concrete, disposing a duct holder through an opening in the form and coupling the duct holder with the duct to hold the duct in position within the form during pouring, and removing the duct holder after the concrete hardens.
Abstract:
Various implementations include a corrugated concrete floor system that includes a plurality of elongated pre-cast concrete floor support units disposed in a horizontal arrangement relative to each other for each floor of a building. The concrete floor support units are disposed between floors of a multi-story building. The units define a plurality of supply air plenums and return air plenums that are arranged alternately in the sandwich space between each floor. The supply air plenums are in fluid communication with the building level above them, and the return air plenums are in fluid communication with the building level below them. By having the supply-air plenum and the return-air plenum share the volume occupied by concrete floor support units, the height of the sandwich space is reduced.
Abstract:
The present invention broadly comprises a method and apparatus for constructing a concrete structure. In one embodiment, a structure includes a column section and a beam section. One of the column section and the beam section includes an assembly with a threaded rod, and the other of the column section and the beam section includes an assembly having an aperture configured to receive the threaded rod.
Abstract:
The present invention broadly comprises a tower and a method and apparatus for constructing a tower, where one embodiment of apparatus includes a foundation, a plurality of lower staves located on the foundation, and a plurality of upper staves located above the lower staves, the upper staves having a poured in place concrete or grout joint between each adjacent upper stave.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for constructing a tower, where the apparatus may include a structure including a foundation including a plurality of hydraulic cylinders; a truss tower located on the foundation and configured to support a tower built on the foundation; and a controller configured to control extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinders.
Abstract:
Various implementations include a structure. The structure includes a precast concrete column cap having a first side surface, a second side surface opposite and spaced apart from the first side surface. The structure includes a bottom surface, and a top surface opposite and spaced apart from the bottom surface. The precast concrete column cap includes at least one post-tensioning duct extending between the first side surface and the second side surface. At least one of the first side surface or the second side surface defines a shear key interface. The structure includes at least one precast concrete column having a top surface. The bottom surface of the precast concrete column cap is disposed on the top surface of the at least one column.
Abstract:
The present invention broadly comprises a method and apparatus for constructing a concrete structure, where one embodiment of apparatus includes a pre-cast concrete component and a poured in place concrete surface supported by the pre-cast concrete component. A structure comprising: a pre-cast concrete component; and a poured in place concrete surface supported by the pre-cast concrete component.
Abstract:
A pipe rack and a method for making a pipe rack where the pipe rack may include at least one foundation, two legs, and a horizontal support. The two legs are supported by the at least one foundation. Each of the two legs includes at least one aperture. The horizontal support has two ends. The first end is located in an aperture in a first leg of the two legs and a second end of the horizontal support is located in an aperture in a second leg of the two legs. The first end of the horizontal support has a cross-sectional area that is at most 75% of a cross-sectional area of the aperture in the first leg and the second end of the horizontal support has a cross-sectional area that is at most 75% of a cross-sectional area of the aperture in the second leg.
Abstract:
Various implementations include a duct coupler including a body, a first and second arm, and a first and second tooth. The body has a first end that faces a first axial direction, a second end that faces a second axial direction, and a wall. The first and second arm each have a fixed end coupled to the second end and free end axially spaced apart from the fixed end. Each of the free ends are resiliently urgable in a radial direction. The first tooth is coupled to the first arm, and the second tooth is coupled to the second arm. The teeth are shaped such that, when the teeth are engaged with a corrugation of a corrugated duct, the teeth allow the duct coupler to move in the first axial direction with less axial force than moving the duct coupler in the second axial direction.