Provided are a concrete foundation structure capable of firmly fixing a precast concrete foundation to a ground, and a method for constructing the concrete foundation structure. A concrete foundation structure 10 includes a precast concrete foundation 16 having a projecting portion 30 embedded in a ground G. An anchor plate 20 is placed inside an excavation hole 18 formed in the ground G, and the precast concrete foundation 16 and the anchor plate 20 are connected by a connecting member 22. In the excavation hole 18, a backfill portion 24 is formed of a backfill material 94 including a solidifying material and soil. A filler layer 26 is formed of a filler 96 containing a solidifying material between the precast concrete foundation 16 and the backfill portion 24. The precast concrete foundation 16 has a through-hole 42 through which the connecting member 22 is inserted, and the filler 96 forming the filler layer 26 is filled through the through-hole 42.

One example embodiment includes a steel and foam foundation. The steel and foam foundation includes a main body, where the main body is formed of EPS foam and a sloped exterior. The sloped exterior is formed of EPS foam on an exterior surface of the main body and ensures that the bottom of the steel and foam foundation is wider than the top of the steel and foam foundation. The steel and foam foundation also includes a first I-beam and a second I-beam. The first and second I-beams are placed on opposite edges of the main body. The steel and foam foundation further includes a first piece of L-metal, a second piece of L-metal, a third piece of L-metal, and a fourth piece of L-metal. Each piece of L-metal includes a first flange and a second flange and is placed around the remaining edges of the main body.

One example embodiment includes a steel and foam foundation. The steel and foam foundation includes a main body, where the main body is formed of EPS foam and a sloped exterior. The sloped exterior is formed of EPS foam on an exterior surface of the main body and ensures that the bottom of the steel and foam foundation is wider than the top of the steel and foam foundation. The steel and foam foundation also includes a first I-beam and a second I-beam. The first and second I-beams are placed on opposite edges of the main body. The steel and foam foundation further includes a first piece of L-metal, a second piece of L-metal, a third piece of L-metal, and a fourth piece of L-metal. Each piece of L-metal includes a first flange and a second flange and is placed around the remaining edges of the main body.

A wall structure comprising horizontal concrete base and top beams; two or more concrete vertical support members integrally joined to the base and top beams and meeting at an essentially right angle; wherein the two or more vertical support members define left and right wall boundaries, and wherein the top and base beams define top and a bottom wall boundaries, respectively; an exterior wall shell extending from the left to the right wall boundaries, and extending from the top to the bottom wall boundaries, and continuous with the base and top beams, and the support members; H-shaped insulation encompassing the vertical support members, attachment strips attached to the insulation along its length with fasteners joining the attachment strip to the vertical support member, wherein the fasteners pass though the insulation; and insulation attached to the exterior wall shell between the vertical support members.

Foundation footing system for a load-bearing structure comprising a hole in the ground and a post in the hole extending above the hole. A gap present between the sides of the post and the sides of the hole contains a cured, hydrophobic, closed-cell, polyurethane foam to firmly hold the post in place and protect the post from moisture. Alternatively, a foundation footing system for a load-bearing structure comprising a hole in the ground filled with a cured, hydrophobic, closed-cell, polyurethane foam and a post place on and connected to the top of the foam.

Foundation footing system for a load-bearing structure comprising a hole in the ground and a post in the hole extending above the hole. A gap present between the sides of the post and the sides of the hole contains a cured, hydrophobic, closed-cell, polyurethane foam to firmly hold the post in place and protect the post from moisture. Alternatively, a foundation footing system for a load-bearing structure comprising a hole in the ground filled with a cured, hydrophobic, closed-cell, polyurethane foam and a post place on and connected to the top of the foam.

The bridge construction system and method according to the present invention provides a lightweight, efficient, economical, long-lasting, and easily implemented composite steel structure that can be filled with concrete in place for the construction of pedestrian and smaller road bridges, specifically those found in rural areas. The bridge construction system of the present invention is unique in that it is a steel-frame reinforced composite bridge with decking and rebar caging that provides a permanent, non-removable form for poured-in-place concrete. The composite nature of the bridge allows for installation of the bridge to take place in one day, while the entire process from site preparation such as grading and excavation to cleanup takes a week or less. The quick installation of the bridge is designed to have a minimally invasive impact on the surrounding environment.

A molded pool step, a method of fabricating the pool step and a method of matching a decorative pattern on the pool step to the decorative pattern on a pool liner is disclosed. The pool step is fabricated by applying a decorative pattern to one surface of a transparent sheet of moldable material; positioning the sheet of material on a pool step mold such that the sheet contacts a molding surface of the pool step mold; molding the sheet of material on the pool step mold such that the decorative pattern is located a distance inwardly from an outer surface of the pool step and is thereby prevented being contacted by pool water or people using the pool. When the pool step is molded and installed the decorative pattern on the three-dimension pool step is substantially continuous with the decorative pattern on the liner adjacent the pool step.

A system for use with a connection comprising a terminus opening into an underground vault. The system includes a perturbation detector and a system controller. The perturbation detector is configured to detect values of each of one or more properties and transmit a signal encoding the values to the system controller. The system controller is configured to receive the signal, use at least one of the values to determine whether a fire is occurring or has occurred, and alert a user when the system controller determines that the fire is occurring or has occurred.

A flow restrictor for installation in a connection having a terminus opening into an underground vault. The flow restrictor includes an annular restriction device and a concentration member. The annular restriction device is configured to be installed in the annulus near the terminus opening and to restrict a flow of one or more gases through the annulus of the connection. The concentration member is configured to concentrate the flow and includes a through-channel configured to allow the concentrated flow to flow between the underground vault and the annulus.