Provided is a support structure and a method for manufacture thereof. The support structure, in one aspect, includes first and second expanded metal structural pillars positioned within the ground by a distance (d.sub.1), the first and second expanded metal structural pillars comprising a metal that has expanded in response to hydrolysis. In at least one other aspect, the support structure includes one or more beams spanning the first and second expanded metal structural pillars.

A composite manhole cover includes a body made of a polymer that has a mass of magnetic material embedded there within. The mass of magnetic material is detectable by a metal detector and, therefore, the composite manhole is locatable by the metal detector when the composite manhole cover is obscured by a material such as pavement, dirt, sand, grass/sod, etc.

Provided is a support structure and a method for manufacture thereof. The support structure, in one aspect, includes first and second expanded metal structural pillars positioned within the ground by a distance (d.sub.1), the first and second expanded metal structural pillars comprising a metal that has expanded in response to hydrolysis. In at least one other aspect, the support structure includes one or more beams spanning the first and second expanded metal structural pillars.

A cover for an underground enclosure may include an upper surface comprising a pattern of bosses, a first slot and a second slot disposed on the upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface. A first reinforcement member may be coupled to the lower surface. The first slot may extend into the first reinforcement member, and a second reinforcement member may be coupled to the lower surface and aligned with the first reinforcement member. The second slot may extend into the second reinforcement member. The cover may be configured to be lifted by the first slot and the second slot.

A composite manhole cover includes a body made of a polymer adapted to accommodate an embedded magnetic material embedded as well as function enhancing electronics.

The present invention relates to a self-supporting, prefabricated, folding form structure or mechanism to be used in the construction industry. It is based on various types of geometries, providing enhanced strength and stability for the concrete and other building material casting process. The object of this invention is a foldable, prefabricated, self-supporting form and does not require a structure. It is configured in a variety of geometric shapes and is based on structural elements that have internal casting chambers or ducts interconnected between each other through perforated holes. This is done by means of internal assembly channels or cavities forming casting chambers. The casting chambers are interconnected with each other, through holes drilled in the structural elements. This way the form features an assembly between its walls through cracks or assembly cuts, creating an architecture of superior engineering that provides higher resistance and stability.

A cover for an underground enclosure may include an upper surface and may include a pattern of bosses, and a first slot and a second slot each disposed on the upper surface. The cover may also include a lower surface opposite the upper surface. A first rib or reinforcement member may be coupled to the lower surface. The first slot may extend into the first rib or reinforcement member. A second rib or reinforcement member may be coupled to the lower surface and aligned with the first rib or reinforcement member. The second slot may extend into the second rib or reinforcement member. The cover may be configured to be lifted by the first slot and the second slot.

A new seismic isolation bearing assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a first isolation bearing plate, a second isolation bearing plate, and a moveable bearing element disposed between the first and second isolation bearing plates, each of the first and second isolation plates comprises a solid material and a surface facing the other isolation plate comprising a polymeric material different from the solid material. The polymeric material is effective to enhance the operability of the assembly.

A pile is comprised of a pipe, i.e., a tube or hollow cylinder of annular cross-section, with a coextensive internal reinforcement comprised of a plurality of intersecting walls forming a plurality of vertices. Each vertex intersects the pipe. Adjacent intersections are evenly spaced around the annular cross-section. The pile is comprised of a blend of PVC and 20 to 50% (pbw) chopped strand glass fibers. A groove is cut into the pile adjacent to an end for frictional retention in a sea bed.

A protective device, in particular an anti-erosion protective device, preferably a geotextile, is at least configured to be planarly spread over a surface, in particular an earth surface, that is to be protected, and which is at least largely implemented of a plurality of synthetic fibers interconnected via force-fit connection and/or substance-to-substance bond and arranged in such a way that they form an essentially three-dimensional structuring, wherein at least a large portion of the synthetic fibers are at least largely biodegradable.