A method for making a low cost, lightweight carbon aggregate from coal at, above, or below atmospheric pressure, and a lightweight concrete composition utilizing the lightweight carbon aggregate is described.

A concrete reinforcing member for admixture into a concrete composite. The concrete reinforcing member has a body extending in a longitudinal direction along an axis, the body having a lateral width. At least two anchor segments are axially spaced on the body, each anchor segment having at least one lateral extension projecting in a lateral direction along an associated plane that extends radially relative to the axis of the body. The associated plane of the lateral extension of one of the anchor segments is offset radially about the axis at an angle of greater than 0° and less than 90° relative to the associated plane of the lateral extension of the other anchor segment.

The invention is an improved macrosynthetic fiber for concrete reinforcement.

A formwork stud system includes a plurality of studs, a top channel, a bottom channel and a plurality of horizontal and vertical rebars. At least one of the plurality of studs is a formwork stud. The formwork stud includes a web and a pair of flanges. The web has opposed side portions extending from the top of the formwork stud to the bottom of the formwork stud and a plurality of lateral spaced apart connectors extending between the opposed side portions. The opposed side portions and the lateral spaced apart connectors define a plurality of spaced apart holes. The holes are configured to allow concrete to flow therethrough. The pair of flanges extend generally orthogonally from the opposed side portions of the web.

Disclosed invention comprises innovations in the fabrication process and the associated design methodology for producing refined prestressed concrete elements/components. The innovations disclosed are fabrication using multiple stages, the use of ultra high strength materials for only critical subcomponents, utilizing thinner sections made of ultra high strength materials, and a unique method of inducing and controlling camber. The embodiments of this invention enable the accelerated construction of concrete structures that are both durable and cost effective. This disclosure demonstrates the significant improvements to the prior art in the areas of durability, constructability, and cost reduction for prestressed concrete components. The embodiments presented in this disclosure are for bridge superstructure applications.

The present invention provides a fiber reinforced polymer composite having a plurality of layers containing a plurality of fibers. The layers may be configured to maintain predetermined load sharing ratios among the layers at different load levels to produce a gradual load transfer between the different layers during the progressive failure of the composite. The composite is comprised of mono-fibers and the load sharing ratios of the layers have coefficients of variation that are less than 20%.

Building materials and methods of making a building material are disclosed. An exemplary method includes receiving algae; and subjecting the algae to an oil extraction process, in order to produce vegetable oil. The method further includes producing synthetic fibers by processing the vegetable oil from the oil extraction process; and processing the synthetic fibers to produce a tension and pressure resistant material.

Improved structural column assemblies and related fabrication methods are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides improved systems/methods for the design and fabrication of structural column assemblies having improved mechanical properties and/or improved resistance to multiple hazards (e.g., earthquakes, blasts, high temperatures, etc.). Disclosed herein is a structural column assembly having a uniquely designed fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) tube filled with concrete to be used as a structural column (e.g., in bridge and/or building construction). The exemplary composite or FRP tube can include layers of metallic and/or non-metallic fibers wound at improved/optimized angles. A multi-hazard resilient column system which can negate the need for additional concrete reinforcement or formwork at construction sites is provided. The novel tube is highly resistant to corrosive environments, and will facilitate accelerated bridge construction (ABC), while providing a solution for columns at risk from multiple hazards.

A cementitious composite includes a first layer, a second layer, and a cementitious mixture disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The cementitious mixture includes (i) cementitious materials and (ii) a viscosity modifier and/or an accelerator. The cementitious materials provide a void fraction between 0.64 and 1.35. The void fraction is defined as the ratio of the volume of the voids within the cementitious mixture per unit area of the cementitious composite to the volume of the cementitious materials per unit area of the cementitious composite. The cementitious mixture is configured to absorb a mass of water that provides a maximum 28 day compressive strength of the cementitious composite. A ratio of the mass of the water relative to the mass of the cementitious materials of the cementitious mixture per unit area of the cementitious composite that provides the maximum 28 day compressive strength of the cementitious composite is between 0.25 and 0.55.

A composite rebar includes a cylindrical body having a cylindrical opening formed therethrough from a first end to an opposing second of the cylindrical body. The composite rebar is formed from a fiber reinforced polymer. The opening is cylindrical in shape and is arranged concentric with an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body.