A system and method are provided for manufacturing a tower structure. Accordingly, one or more layers of a wall element are deposited with a printhead assembly. At least one recess is defined in the wall element. The recess(es) has a single, circumferential opening positioned along an inner reference curve or an outer reference curve of the wall element. The recess(es) also has a depth which extends in a radial direction and intersects a midline reference curve. A reinforcing element is placed entirely within the recess(es) at the midline reference curve.

The disclosed technology provides a module useful in constructing an energy efficient, durable building structure, the module including walls to form a vacuous, sealed chamber substantially void of structural elements, materials and gaseous molecules. One or more ribs are affixed to or formed integral with an exterior surface of the exterior wall of the module, extending the width of the module. The disclosed technology further provides a vacuum apparatus which may be incorporated in communication with the vacuous, sealed chamber, for creating and maintaining a vacuum within the module. A method of controlling heat transfer within a structure is also provided, utilizing the modules as herein disclosed, each module being coupled with a vacuum apparatus in communication with the vacuous, sealed chamber, for creating and maintaining a vacuum within the module.

A transverse span for an airform membrane is disclosed that can include a material having a perimeter defined at least in part by a longitudinal edge having opposite ends that terminate at a base edge further defining the perimeter. The longitudinal edge can be configured to couple to a longitudinal edge of an adjacent transverse span of the airform membrane. The base edge can at least partially define a base perimeter of the airform membrane for coupling with a base support structure. The transverse span can also include a load compensated region with a length dimension and/or a width dimension reduced from an intended final dimension to compensate for stretch of the material when the airform membrane is inflated. In addition, the transverse span can include a flare region between the load compensated region and the base edge. The flare region can transition in the length dimension and/or the width dimension between the load compensated region and the base edge.

Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for self-constructing structures. In particular, a mold for forming a structure includes an inflatable inner balloon, a non-inflatable outer shell coupled to the inner balloon about a base circumference, the outer shell having an apex and an opening disposed at the apex, and a pump in fluid communication with the opening of the outer shell; wherein, when the inner balloon is inflated, a gap is formed between the inner balloon and the outer shell for containing a building material, and the outer shell comprises a dome shape.

A method for producing a three-dimensional construction material component preferably having at least one curved surface. A plurality of spacers are arranged in a formwork. A textile reinforcement is supported on the spacers, such that the textile reinforcement has a defined position within a formwork interior of the formwork. A tensile force is applied via a tensioning device to the textile reinforcement in at least one tension direction. Construction material is introduced into the formwork interior and surrounds the textile reinforcement. The construction material is then hardened, wherein the tensile force is maintained during the hardening. During this process, the spacers are integrated into the construction material component. The tensioning device has at least one clamping unit for clamping an end portion of the textile reinforcement between two clamping surfaces. The clamping surfaces are provided on clamping insert bodies, which are of a plastic material of a defined hardness.

The disclosed technology provides a module useful in constructing an energy efficient, durable building structure, the module including walls to form a vacuous, sealed chamber substantially void of structural elements, materials and gaseous molecules. One or more ribs are affixed to or formed integral with an exterior surface of the exterior wall of the module, extending the width of the module. The disclosed technology further provides a vacuum apparatus which may be incorporated in communication with the vacuous, sealed chamber, for creating and maintaining a vacuum within the module. A method of controlling heat transfer within a structure is also provided, utilizing the modules as herein disclosed, each module being coupled with a vacuum apparatus in communication with the vacuous, sealed chamber, for creating and maintaining a vacuum within the module.

Stay-in-place forms and methods and equipment for installing thereof. A concrete form includes a vertical component and a horizontal component, the vertical component located substantially perpendicular to the horizontal component. Also, the form includes an interior surface, at least a portion of the interior surface providing a form for supporting uncured concrete; wherein the uncured concrete forms a concrete structural portion upon curing of the uncured concrete; and wherein the interior surface remains attached to the concrete structural portion after curing. The form may include inserts and compatible form attachments. Also, forms including recesses may be utilized to reduce the weight thereof. Lifting equipment and accessories may be utilized to lift the form from a form holder and set same in place. Forms contain the work area as soon as it is installed to minimize fall hazards and the time, costs, and downtime associated with installation of safety measures.

A tornado shelter apparatus includes a substantially unitary shell positionable at least partially below a ground surface. A cover is slidably movable over an opening of the shell. The cover has an arced shape with a substantial center point of the cover being positioned higher than a side edge of the cover. At least one lock is provided for removably locking the cover to the shell.

The present invention corresponds to a formwork mechanism for casting and molding concrete, comprising a coffer having a sheet and four plates around the sheet perimeter. Each plate has holes arranged on its front face. Also, the formwork mechanism includes a structural element, connected to one of the plates by fixing means. On the other hand, the structural element has lateral perforations that are aligned with the holes of one of the coffer plates. Fixing means pass through the holes and side holes. The structural element may be a beam, a three or four-beam T, and combinations thereof. On the other hand, using several coffers interconnected with structural elements, formworks are constructed for casting flat reticular slabs; and also for curved reticular slabs with greater slab thickness near the beams supporting the slabs in comparison to the span of the slabs.

Stay-in-place forms and methods and equipment for installing thereof. A concrete form includes a vertical component and a horizontal component, the vertical component located substantially perpendicular to the horizontal component. Also, the form includes an interior surface, at least a portion of the interior surface providing a form for supporting uncured concrete; wherein the uncured concrete forms a concrete structural portion upon curing of the uncured concrete; and wherein the interior surface remains attached to the concrete structural portion after curing. The form may include inserts and compatible form attachments. Also, forms including recesses may be utilized to reduce the weight thereof. Lifting equipment and accessories may be utilized to lift the form from a form holder and set same in place. Forms contain the work area as soon as it is installed to minimize fall hazards and the time, costs, and downtime associated with installation of safety measures.