A clearspan structure including component systems, and methods of forming a clearspan structure including component systems, for mitigating hazards to personnel or equipment from explosions, fires, toxic material release, and other hazards in hazardous locations. The exemplary clearspan structure is also capable of withstanding environmental conditions such as snow loads and wind. The exemplary clearspan structure is, for example, a tent or fabric structure which includes a plurality of frame members forming a support system for the clearspan structure, and fabric roof portions and walls for enclosing the clearspan structure.

The present invention concerns a construction system for a building module, whose main elements are made of plastic material, providing a robust construction in an easy and quick manner. The system includes a set of main beams (1) adapted to be assembled end-to-end to form an open structure in the shape of a 3-dimensional rectangular frame. The system further includes secondary beams (11), adapted to be assembled between parallel and opposite main beams, and flat facade elements (3) insertable against each other between two adjacent parallel beams. Each facade element (3) includes a rectangular flat plate provided with two folded opposite edges (3A) intended to be hooked with adjacent parallel beams. Each main beam has a rectangular cross-section including, on the four sides thereof, a projection (21) parallel to the side and spaced therefrom leaving an opening to receive a folded edge of a flat facade element. Each secondary beam (11) includes, on two opposite faces, at least one projection leaving an opening to receive a folded edge of a flat facade element (3).

The present invention concerns a construction system for a building module, whose main elements are made of plastic material, providing a robust construction in an easy and quick manner. The system includes a set of main beams (1) adapted to be assembled end-to-end to form an open structure in the shape of a 3-dimensional rectangular frame. The system further includes secondary beams (11), adapted to be assembled between parallel and opposite main beams, and flat facade elements (3) insertable against each other between two adjacent parallel beams. Each facade element (3) includes a rectangular flat plate provided with two folded opposite edges (3A) intended to be hooked with adjacent parallel beams. Each main beam has a rectangular cross-section including, on the four sides thereof, a projection (21) parallel to the side and spaced therefrom leaving an opening to receive a folded edge of a flat facade element. Each secondary beam (11) includes, on two opposite faces, at least one projection leaving an opening to receive a folded edge of a flat facade element (3).

A high strength, low density modular columnar structure. In the preferred embodiment, each module is a prism or cuboid having three or four vertical rectangular sides which meet in the module corners. The module ends perpendicular to the sides are the module faces. At least one face has a brace panel. The brace panels and the face are preferably the same shape, but off-set. A plurality of preferably triangular brace arms extends to the module corners. Each brace panel is preferably provided with a centrally located aperture. The lower face of each module is preferably provided with a lip, while the upper face is configured to receive the lip. A cylindrical column extends vertically through the center of each module, and a plurality of struts extends radially from each column. A stack of modules may be secured with a bolt run through the module apertures, an adhesive, or simply gravity.

A high strength, low density modular columnar structure. In the preferred embodiment, each module is a prism or cuboid having three or four vertical rectangular sides which meet in the module corners. The module ends perpendicular to the sides are the module faces. At least one face has a brace panel. The brace panels and the face are preferably the same shape, but off-set. A plurality of preferably triangular brace arms extends to the module corners. Each brace panel is preferably provided with a centrally located aperture. The lower face of each module is preferably provided with a lip, while the upper face is configured to receive the lip. A cylindrical column extends vertically through the center of each module, and a plurality of struts extends radially from each column. A stack of modules may be secured with a bolt run through the module apertures, an adhesive, or simply gravity.

Fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) sheet or jacket systems and methods are provided as an alternative splicing method to connect driven pile segments or other structural members. These systems are applicable to both unforeseen and preplanned splicing situations and can be used in the unforeseen condition when other splice systems may fail to provide the required capacity.

A prefabricated building module is described. The building module may provide structural stability for a building, including when stacked with like building modules. The building module may provide a service riser for the building. The building module may provide fixtures for the building, including bathroom, kitchen and laundry fixtures. Also described is a building including prefabricated building modules and a method of constructing a building using prefabricated building modules.

A prefabricated building module is described. The building module may provide structural stability for a building, including when stacked with like building modules. The building module may provide a service riser for the building. The building module may provide fixtures for the building, including bathroom, kitchen and laundry fixtures. Also described is a building including prefabricated building modules and a method of constructing a building using prefabricated building modules.

A method and apparatus for forming cemented ground support columns is disclosed. Namely, driving mandrels are provided for the efficient construction of incrementally enlarged diameter support columns. For example, the driving mandrel includes a feed tube that has a top portion and an expansion head portion. The expansion head portion further includes an expansion (or compaction) chamber and a flexible tubular egress port. Further, construction methods are provided of using the driving mandrels for the efficient construction of incrementally enlarged diameter support columns.

A method and apparatus for forming cemented ground support columns is disclosed. Namely, driving mandrels are provided for the efficient construction of incrementally enlarged diameter support columns. For example, the driving mandrel includes a feed tube that has a top portion and an expansion head portion. The expansion head portion further includes an expansion (or compaction) chamber and a flexible tubular egress port. Further, construction methods are provided of using the driving mandrels for the efficient construction of incrementally enlarged diameter support columns.