Abstract:
A method and apparatus for forming insulated concrete blocks in which at least two and preferably three concrete blocks (66,68,70) are fed concurrently to the inlet end of the apparatus having a pair of opposed, continuous upper and lower conveyors (26,28) for concurrently passing said blocks through the apparatus, and a foam injection system (48) for delivering foam to the cavity or cavities formed between the blocks, wherein continuous strips (100,102,112,114) of an impermeable material such as polyfilm are fed to bottom, ends and upper sides of the cavity or cavities to form an impermeable barrier between the foam and conveyors to substantially prevent escape of said foam from the said cavity or cavities. The centre block (66) of three concrete blocks forming a unit is split longitudinally after curing of the insulating foam to expose an aesthetic block face.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for forming insulated concrete blocks in which at least two and preferably three concrete blocks are fed concurrently to the inlet end of the apparatus having a pair of opposed, continuous upper and lower conveyors for concurrently passing said blocks through the apparatus, and a foam injection system for delivering foam to the cavity or cavities formed between the blocks, wherein continuous strips of an impermeable material such as polyfilm are fed to bottom, ends and upper sides of the cavity or cavities to form an impermeable barrier between the foam and conveyors to substantially prevent escape of said foam from the said cavity or cavities. Former plates secured to end frames carried by the lower conveyor and former plates secured to transverse segments comprising the upper and lower conveyors interact with the former plates secured to end frames to provide a desired shape to the foam insulation. The centre block of three concrete blocks forming a unit is split longitudinally after curing of the insulating foam to expose an aesthetic block face.
Abstract:
A method and structure is described for containment of waste or contaminated material where the waste body is completely contained within a sealed impermeable membrane envelope encased within a concrete structure. Inspection and repair of the structure is enabled by a series of access tunnels running through the structure under the waste body. Overlying the waste body is a self-supporting parabolic arch which enables buildings to be constructed over the structure. Noxious gas build-up within the waste body can be removed by venting to the exterior. Leakage from the waste body may be collected for analysis at various points of the structure.
Abstract:
An insulated construction block incorporates improved insulating features which minimize thermal conduction through the block itself and the mortar joints between adjacent blocks in a masonry wall. The block contains one or more moulded cavities extending the full length of the block into which insulation material is foamed in place to completely fill the space of the cavity or cavities and is designed to extend beyond the top and ends of the block to provide insulation through the mortar joints between the blocks. Through the adhesive property of the insulation foam, the cementitious surfaces of the cavities are bonded to the foam and the block's structural characteristics, when compared to present day blocks, are greatly enhanced.