LOAD-BEARING PRODUCTS AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME
A method for the construction of load-bearing products. Load-bearing and substantially fluid impenetrable products are constructed for protection against leaks and provide for simple and efficient transportation and set-up. Also disclosed is a load bearing product having a substrate such as an expanded polystryrene encapsulated by an elastomer such as a polyurea.
1 . A method for constructing a load-bearing product comprising the steps of:
a) choosing a substrate;
b) designing said substrate as a support for a loaded structure; and
c) coating the substrate with an elastomer.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said substrate comprises expanded polystyrene.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said designing step b) comprises forming said substrate into at least one portion.
4 . The method of claim 1 ,wherein said designing step b) comprises designing the substrate as a containment tank base.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said designing step b) comprises designing the substrate as a stairway.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said designing step b) comprises designing the substrate as a square pipe stand.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said designing step b) comprises designing the substrate as a circular pipe stand.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said designing step b) comprises designing substrate as a pipe support.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said designing step b) comprises designing the substrate as a separator base.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said designing step b) comprises designing the substrate as a heater treater support post.
11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said coating step c) is performed until the substrate coating is at least approximately 50 mils.
12 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said load-bearing product is capable of bearing loads of at least about 800 pounds force.
13 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said coating step c) is performed using a spray device that operates at a temperature of about 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
14 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said designing step b) comprises forming said substrate into more than one portion to provide said load-bearing support.
15 . A load-bearing product comprising a substrate encapsulated by an elastomer, wherein said product comprises a compressive strength of between about 1,056 lbs/sq foot and about 12,500 lbs/sq ft.
16 . The load-bearing product of claim 15 , wherein said substrate is comprised of expanded polystyrene.
17 . The load-bearing product of claim 15 , wherein said elastomer comprises polyurea.
18 . The load-bearing product of claim 15 , wherein said elastomer is at least about 50 mils thick.
19 . The load-bearing product of claim 15 , wherein said product is capable of continuously supporting a load of at least about 800 pounds.