Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
A method of carbonation-hardening a concrete mass, which has already been formed, without using a special curing chamber or autoclave comprising the steps of: subjecting the formed mass to a vacuum under a hermetic seal simultaneously to dewater the mass and to compact the mass by the action of atmospheric pressure, thereby creating in the mass a capillary system under pressure; and thereafter, directly introducing carbon dioxide gas into the mass and simultaneously releasing the vacuum, whereby the pressure is removed so that the gas is efficiently and autogenously absorbed into the mass quickly to harden the mass.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
98 words
A method of carbonation-hardening a concrete mass, which has already been formed, without using a special curing chamber or autoclave comprising the steps of: subjecting the formed mass to a vacuum under a hermetic seal simultaneously to dewater the mass and to compact the mass by the action of atmospheric pressure, thereby creating in the mass a capillary system under pressure; and thereafter, directly introducing carbon dioxide gas into the mass and simultaneously releasing the vacuum, whereby the pressure is removed so that the gas is efficiently and autogenously absorbed into the mass quickly to harden the mass.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
87 words
A method according to claim 1, in which the vacuum is applied to an external surface of the mass via a vacuum mat hermetically sealed to the surface and connected to a source of vacuum through a line, characterised by disconnecting said source and simultaneously supplying carbon-dioxide gas to the mass via said line and mat whilst utilizing the partial vacuum prevailing in said mass to draw said gas into said mass in a direction opposite to that in which the water is removed by the vacuum.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 1, characterised by applying the vacuum, and supplying the gas, to at least two external surfaces of the mass.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
34 words
A method according to claims 1 or 2, characterised by providing an internal portion of the mass with passageways; and applying the vacuum, and supplying the gas, via said passageways to said internal portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method according to claim 1, characterised by applying the vacuum to one surface of said mass, and supplying the carbon-dioxide gas to a different surface of said mass.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 2, characterised by repeating said vacuum applying and gas supplying steps while the vaccum mat is left in position on the surface of said mass.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
46 words
A method according to claims 1, 2, 3, 5 or 6, characterised by subjecting the concrete mass to a subatmospheric pressure of 0.1-0.95 kp/cm 2 and subsequently supplying the carbon-dioxide gas to said mass at a pressure which exceeds atmospheric pressure by 0.01-0.5 kp/cm 2 .
Claim 9
Independent Claim
42 words
A method according to claims 2 or 6, characterised by regulating the pressure of the carbon-dioxide gas, supplied to the concrete after the vacuum treatment thereof, in such a way that the pressure under the mat does not exceed the atmospheric pressure.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
20 words
A method according to claims 1 or 2, characterised by supplying the gas combined with steam or hot humid air.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
26 words
A method according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the concrete mass has a water-cement ratio of 0.1-1 prior to subjecting the mass to the vacuum.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
37 words
A method according to claims 1 or 2, characterised by using concrete mixed with substances of an organic, or inorganic, or mixed nature, or carbonated water, said substances affecting the structure formation and properties of carbonated concrete.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
19 words
A method according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the concrete mass has an initial temperature of 30°-90° C.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
75 words
A method according to claims 1 or 2, characterised by impregnating one or more surfaces of the concrete mass by, after the gas supplying step, again subjecting the mass to a vacuum, and supplying to the mass a solution of sodium-, potassium- or fluor-silicate, or polymer or another organic or inorganic or mixed viscous substance so that said solution is sucked into the capillary structure, resulting in increased density, strength, and durability of the mass.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
18 words
A method according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the mass is previously partially hydrated and hardened concrete.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
11 words
A method according to claim 10 wherein said ratio is 0.3-0.5.