Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a support pier having a single or multiple compacted aggregate lifts in a soil matrix, wherein the apparatus includes a vertical, hollow tube with a bulbous leading end or head element that is forced into the soil matrix. The hollow tube includes a mechanism for releasing aggregate from the lower head element of the tube as the tube is lifted incrementally. The same hollow tube is then utilized to compact the released aggregate. The process may be repeated to form a series of compacted lifts comprising a pier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a support pier having a single or multiple compacted aggregate lifts in a soil matrix, wherein the apparatus includes a vertical, hollow tube with a bulbous leading end or head element that is forced into the soil matrix. The hollow tube includes a mechanism for releasing aggregate from the lower head element of the tube as the tube is lifted incrementally. The same hollow tube is then utilized to compact the released aggregate. The process may be repeated to form a series of compacted lifts comprising a pier.

Abstract: Apparatus and an associated method for forming a pier in a soil matrix includes a hollow tube with a restricted expansion section connected to and adjacent a soil penetrating bottom head element which is configured to facilitate discharge of pier forming material such as grout. An expansion device in the form of an expandable bladder or expandable mechanical device is positioned along a section of the length of the restricted expansion section. The hollow tube structure is inserted into a soil matrix with the expansion device in the retracted condition. Subsequently, the expansion device is expanded to enlarge the formed cavity in the soil matrix. Then grout or other pier forming material is injected into the cavity as the expansion device is retracted or deflated and as the hollow tube structure is raised incrementally to form a pier with one or more uniquely shaped lifts.

Abstract: A method and special mechanical apparatus for installation of support pier for structure comprises positioning a hollow tube apparatus in a soil matrix wherein the hollow tube apparatus has a hollow core and is susceptible to lateral and longitudinal movement, removing soil from the hollow core and then filling that core with an aggregate followed by raising and lowering of the hollow tube apparatus by means of a special bottom mechanical device in a manner which compacts the aggregate and also applies lateral forces to the aggregate against the walls of the cavity in the soil matrix, pushing a portion of the aggregate into the soil matrix.