A method for producing concrete pipes in a vertical casting mould comprising a moulding space (4) between a core (2) and a mantle (3) divided lengthwise and comprising mould sleeves (5, 9) which terminate the moulding space (4) at the bottom and at the top is described, wherein pourable concrete is poured into the moulding space (4) and the pipe body (7) is demoulded after setting of the concrete by opening the mantle (3). In order to be able to cast high-quality concrete pipes, it is proposed that the pourable concrete is poured into the moulding space (4) in a predetermined quantity when the upper mould sleeve (9) is removed and that the upper mould sleeve (9) forming a closed ring is pressed in a shaping manner into the end face of the pipe body (7) only after a setting time for a predefined setting volume of the cast pipe body (7) between the core (2) and the mantle (3).

Described are improved devices and processes for manufacturing concrete articles, including concrete pipe. In one embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus that has a first platform that is located beneath the floor of a manufacturing facility. The first platform includes a top surface and is configured to move bi-directionally along an axis. Two form bases can reside on the top surface of the first platform, each form base further including a form core that extends vertically from the first platform through respective holes in a second platform that resides above the first platform at an elevation even with or just above the floor's surface. The second platform is configured to move bi-directionally with the first platform between one of two cranes disposed on either side of a concrete mixer. A form is placed over the first core, which is then positioned under the outlet of an auger that receives concrete from the mixer. After filling is complete, the first core is positioned under the first crane which provides ballast to compress the concrete, and the second core (with a form) is placed under the auger's outlet for filling. After compression of the first form complete, the form can be removed using an overhead crane, and the second core is relocated to the second crane for concrete compression.

A method for producing concrete pipes in a vertical casting mould comprising a moulding space (4) between a core (2) and a mantle (3) divided lengthwise and comprising mould sleeves (5, 9) which terminate the moulding space (4) at the bottom and at the top is described, wherein pourable concrete is poured into the moulding space (4) and the pipe body (7) is demoulded after setting of the concrete by opening the mantle (3). In order to be able to cast high-quality concrete pipes, it is proposed that the pourable concrete is poured into the moulding space (4) in a predetermined quantity when the upper mould sleeve (9) is removed and that the upper mould sleeve (9) forming a closed ring is pressed in a shaping manner into the end face of the pipe body (7) only after a setting time for a predefined setting volume of the cast pipe body (7) between the core (2) and the mantle (3).

Described are improved devices and processes for manufacturing concrete articles, including concrete pipe. In one embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus that has a first platform that is located beneath the floor of a manufacturing facility. The first platform includes a top surface and is configured to move bi-directionally along an axis. Two form bases can reside on the top surface of the first platform, each form base further including a form core that extends vertically from the first platform through respective holes in a second platform that resides above the first platform at an elevation even with or just above the floor's surface. The second platform is configured to move bi-directionally with the first platform between one of two cranes disposed on either side of a concrete mixer. A form is placed over the first core, which is then positioned under the outlet of an auger that receives concrete from the mixer. After filling is complete, the first core is positioned under the first crane which provides ballast to compress the concrete, and the second core (with a form) is placed under the auger's outlet for filling. After compression of the first form complete, the form can be removed using an overhead crane, and the second core is relocated to the second crane for concrete compression.

An apparatus and method for manufacturing precast concrete pipe couplings used in municipal and infrastructure systems includes a mold apparatus particularly configured for the formation of monolithic, unitarily formed concrete pipe couplings that facilitate the joining of intersecting and/or bending sections of straight concrete pipes. The mold apparatus comprises a base, adjustable mold walls, and primary and secondary mold cores that shape the internal flow channels of the couplings and that allow for the creation of complex geometries without the need for scoring, cutting, or rejoining pipe sections, resulting in couplings with smooth internal surfaces that enhance fluid flow and reduce maintenance requirements. A monolithic concrete pipe coupling formed by the foregoing method and apparatus exhibits flat external surfaces, facilitating easy stacking, storage, and installation.

An apparatus and method for manufacturing precast concrete pipe couplings used in municipal and infrastructure systems includes a mold apparatus particularly configured for the formation of monolithic, unitarily formed concrete pipe couplings that facilitate the joining of intersecting and/or bending sections of straight concrete pipes. The mold apparatus comprises a base, adjustable mold walls, and primary and secondary mold cores that shape the internal flow channels of the couplings and that allow for the creation of complex geometries without the need for scoring, cutting, or rejoining pipe sections, resulting in couplings with smooth internal surfaces that enhance fluid flow and reduce maintenance requirements. A monolithic concrete pipe coupling formed by the foregoing method and apparatus exhibits flat external surfaces, facilitating easy stacking, storage, and installation.

A pallet includes a rigid body that supports a concrete product and a polymer layer that corresponds to a geometry of the concrete product within a predetermined tolerance. One or more flanges with apertures are provided with the rigid body for the polymer layer to attach thereto. The polymer lay can extend outward from the rigid body to form a portion of the dimensions for the concrete product within predefined tolerances.

A lightweight aggregate-based non-steam-cured high-performance pipe culvert and a preparation method thereof. The lightweight aggregate-based non-steam-cured high-performance pipe culvert is prepared from a raw material including the following components by mass per unit volume: 300-450 kg/m.sup.3 of a low-carbon sulfur-aluminum-ferric cementitious material; 800-920 kg/m.sup.3 of a solid waste-based lightweight aggregate; 300-550 kg/m.sup.3 of a solid waste-based artificial sand; 0-100 kg/m.sup.3 of a mineral admixture; 0-50 kg/m.sup.3 of an auxiliary material; and 110-160 kg/m.sup.3 of water; and the lightweight aggregate-based non-steam-cured high-performance pipe culvert further includes a water reducer and a retarder. The lightweight aggregate-based non-steam-cured high-performance pipe culvert of the present invention can be demolded within 4 hours during forming, with short demolding time and no need for steam curing, resulting in a low production cost and high production efficiency. The obtained product has high strength, good impermeability and durability, and can utilize solid waste in a high proportion.

A lightweight aggregate-based non-steam-cured high-performance pipe culvert and a preparation method thereof. The lightweight aggregate-based non-steam-cured high-performance pipe culvert is prepared from a raw material including the following components by mass per unit volume: 300-450 kg/m.sup.3 of a low-carbon sulfur-aluminum-ferric cementitious material; 800-920 kg/m.sup.3 of a solid waste-based lightweight aggregate; 300-550 kg/m.sup.3 of a solid waste-based artificial sand; 0-100 kg/m.sup.3 of a mineral admixture; 0-50 kg/m.sup.3 of an auxiliary material; and 110-160 kg/m.sup.3 of water; and the lightweight aggregate-based non-steam-cured high-performance pipe culvert further includes a water reducer and a retarder. The lightweight aggregate-based non-steam-cured high-performance pipe culvert of the present invention can be demolded within 4 hours during forming, with short demolding time and no need for steam curing, resulting in a low production cost and high production efficiency. The obtained product has high strength, good impermeability and durability, and can utilize solid waste in a high proportion.