Abstract: Systems for underground energy storage and methods for their construction. Methods include forming a plurality of chambers underground connected to a plurality of multiple flow conduits, the plurality of chambers including an upper chamber and a lower chamber each containing a working fluid, each multiple flow conduit of the plurality of multiple flow conduits comprising an inner tubular segment having a flowbore interior to the inner tubular segment configured to flow the working fluid, and an outer tubular segment containing the inner tubular segment, wherein each multiple flow conduit defines an annulus between the outer tubular segment and the inner tubular segment configured to flow a compressed gas, by drilling a borehole in the earth formation, installing an outer tubular segment in the borehole, cementing the outer tubular segment at a target location, and installing the inner tubular segment inside the outer tubular segment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a special soil conditioner for soda saline-alkaline paddy fields and a preparation method thereof, relating to the technical field of soil conditioner preparation. The raw materials of the soil conditioner include calcium chloride dihydrate, anionic polyacrylamide, mineral potassium fulvate, diethylaminoethyl (DA) polyamine, DA-7 or DA-8, brassinolide, potassium indolebutyrate, sodium ?-naphthylacetate and powder anti-caking agent. The above components are mixed according to a specific weight ratio to obtain the special soil conditioner for soda saline-alkaline paddy fields.

Abstract: A subsurface soil purification method including: warming an activator liquid, for stimulating decomposer microorganisms that decompose a contaminant in subsurface soil, to a higher temperature than a groundwater temperature, and feeding the activator liquid into the subsurface soil by injecting the activator liquid into an in-ground injection well; warming an activator liquid, for stimulating decomposer microorganisms that decompose a contaminant in subsurface soil, the decomposer microorganisms being infused in the activator liquid, to a higher temperature than a groundwater temperature, and feeding the activator liquid into the subsurface soil by injecting the activator liquid into an in-ground injection well, or warming a purification liquid for decomposing a contaminant in subsurface soil, to a higher temperature than a groundwater temperature, and feeding the purification liquid into the subsurface soil by injecting the purification liquid into an in-ground injection well.

Abstract: A retaining wall block including a pair of curved engagement surfaces extending convexly from a rear side of the block and being symmetrical about a transverse axis are configured to engage a planar surface of a setback lip of similar overlying blocks when stacked in successive courses to form a wall structure, where the curved engagement surfaces maintain a desired setback distance successive courses for straight, convex, and concave wall structures.

Abstract: Provided are a pile press-in device and a pile press-in method that allow an efficient construction even when electrically powered devices and hydraulic devices coexist in order to give drive members a driving force. A pile press-in device (1) comprises a chuck (5) for gripping and rotating a pile (4) in order to press the pile (4) into a ground while rotating the pile (4). The pile press-in device (1) causes electric motors (6) corresponding to the electrically powered device of the invention to give the chuck (5) a driving force for the rotation. The chuck (5) is moved up and down by lift cylinders (7) which are hydraulically powered hydraulic devices. An integrated control board (50) controls the electric motors (6) and the lift cylinders (7) in an interlocked manner.

Abstract: A seismic wave shield for protecting an area from seismic vibrations and a method of shielding an area from seismic waves by installing a seismic wave shield. The seismic wave shield comprises a set of columns embedded in regolith and in contact with bedrock. There is a material contrast between a material forming the columns and the regolith.

Abstract: The EPX2 Resilient Waterfront Platform is a new and useful process, a resilient building technology that provides for the efficient adaptation and safeguard of waterfronts against adverse events. It is an optimized, elevated Waterfront Resiliency infrastructure solution that is legible, practical, high quality, highly efficient, and deployable, and provides a timely go-to standard for new and existing Waterfront communities and historic districts at risk to Climate Change. One purpose of this resilient building technology is to improve public safety and minimize property damage in response to accelerating climate change forces, including seismic, flooding, and sea level rise. The platform assembly is comprised of several components including elevated sea walls, wharves, piers, buildings, accessways and the rehabilitation of historic architecture components, as applicable.

Abstract: An end seal placement tool for placing an end seal in a host pipe within a manhole includes a pole with opposite proximal and distal ends. An end seal holder is disposed at the distal end of the pole. The end seal holder includes an end seal chamber configured to hold the end seal. The end seal holder is sized and shaped to be at least partially inserted into the host pipe. A launcher is arranged with respect to the end seal holder for ejecting the end seal from the end seal holder into the host pipe.

Abstract: A manhole rehabilitation system where in one example an existing cross-pipe is exposed and a manhole base and riser are cast around and above the existing cross pipe to form a manhole. In one example an FRP base liner and FRP riser liner are placed before casting in place. In one example casting is made of an aggregate. In one example, a collar and manhole cap rest upon the casting, and are supported thereby such that the liner need not be structural. In one example an existing pipe or manhole forms the outer surface of the casting. In one example shoring is placed and used as the outer surface of the casting.

Abstract: A sump overflow protection system for use in a building having a floor and a drainage field for collecting water from the perimeter of the building. The sump overflow protection system includes a portion of the floor proximal an opening of a sump crock having a first level defining a base and wherein the rest of the bottom floor generally has a second level higher than the first level of the basin surface of the floor and communicates water overflowing the sump crock to an outlet coupled to a building drainage outlet separate from the sump crock and to be located in the basin surface of the floor and spaced a predetermined distance from the sump crock.

Abstract: An offshore structure includes an adjustably buoyant hull including a plurality of vertical columns and a plurality of horizontal pontoons. Each pontoon extends between a pair of the columns. The adjustably buoyant hull is configured to receive a topside. Each column has a central axis, an upper end, and a lower end. Each pontoon has a longitudinal axis, a first end coupled to one of the columns, and a second end coupled to another one of the columns. The offshore structure also includes a foundation assembly attached to a lower end of the hull. The foundation assembly includes a column skirt extending downward from the lower end of each column and a pontoon skirt extending downward from a bottom surface of each pontoon.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle for moving above ground while fabricating a subsurface polymer layer to protect an underground structure is provided. The robotic vehicle includes: a body; a rotational member that contacts the ground and moves the body over the ground; a ripper assembly having a proximal end that moves with the body, and a distal end that moves underground at a fabrication depth in response to the movement of the proximal end while fabricating the polymer layer; a ground penetrating radar (GPR) that locates and measures a depth of the underground structure below the ground; and a computerized control system that controls the rotational member, the distal end of the ripper assembly, and the GPR to move the body over the located underground structure while tracking the location of the underground structure and fabricating the polymer layer at the fabrication depth and above the measured depth of the underground structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods of greenhouse gas removal and subsea sequestration are described herein. Disclosed systems and methods include a direct air capture device capturing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, a transport apparatus fluidly connected to the at least one direct air capture device, an underwater disposal well fluidly connected to the transport apparatus, and an underwater work apparatus operatively connected to the underwater disposal well. The transport apparatus transfers the greenhouse gases to the underwater disposal well, and the underwater disposal well injects the greenhouse gases into an underwater geologic formation. The greenhouse gases may be solidified as mineral deposits and permanently stored in the underwater geologic formation. Disclosed systems may include a loading system configured to be periodically connected to the transport apparatus. The loading system has a plurality of rotatable joint modules connected by independently actuatable joints.

Abstract: Injection fluids formed of reverse emulsions and related methods of forming and using reverse emulsions for cavity control in solution mining. The reverse emulsion can reduce the volume of oil required to create an oil pad at the roof of a solution mining cavern in order to prevent vertical leaching and cavern collapse. The reverse emulsion can be formed from an emulsifier, a brine solution and oil. The emulsifier concentration can range from about 1% to about 5% by weight of the reverse emulsion. The emulsifier and the oil can be combined to form an oil/emulsifier mixture, wherein the oil/emulsifier mixture is combined with the brine solution to form the reverse emulsion. The oil/emulsifier mixture can be from about 1% to about 5% by weight of the reverse emulsion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for pushing four piles into the ground or into a seabed in a square configuration or in a diamond configuration, the device comprising: —a bridge assembly which defines a first, second, third and fourth connecting location arranged in a square or diamond configuration, —four connection assemblies via which in use each of the four piles is connected to the bridge assembly, wherein each pile connection assembly comprises: ?an actuator comprising an upper actuator part and a lower actuator part, wherein the actuator is configured to extend, ?a pile connector connected to the lower actuator part, ?a control device configured for alternately letting each of the actuators extend, and configured for letting the pile which is pushed into the ground or seabed receive a greater force than the opposite pile of the square or diamond configuration, wherein the exerted push force is transferred into the bridge assembly and transferred at least partially from the bridge assembly as

Abstract: A tunnel for detention, infiltration, and retention of water.

Abstract: An interlocking modular smart seawall diversion and recreation system provides step-shaped diverter sections arranged side-by-side along a shoreline. The diverter sections slope from a base end up towards an upper end. To break kinetic energy of waves, and divert waves, the diverter sections form steps with curved risers and horizontal treads. The system forms a diversion path for the waves that reach the upper end of the modular walls and recirculate the wave energy back to divertor chamber and natural environment. Foundation pilings project into the ground and extend up to support the wall sections. The bottom end of foundation pilings terminates at sheared attachments having a tapered cross section and an edge for securely anchoring into the ground. A platform atop the diverter sections provides a pathway; a lighted platform for recreational activities; and transparent skylight portals for observing aquatic wildlife in water below and creating an indigenous ecosystem.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of putting a boat in the water and removing the boat from the water and to a boat launch and recovery platform (1) comprising a frame (10) for receiving a boat (2), flotation means (20) fixed to the frame (10), and a floating floor (30) coupled to the frame (10) so as to be vertically translatable. The launch and recovery platform (1) is arranged for, and the methods enable, a transition from a configuration in which the floating floor (30) rests on a support floor (11) when the launch and recovery platform (1) is out of the water, to a configuration in which the floating floor (30) floats on the surface (S1) of the water when the launch and recovery platform (1) is afloat.

Abstract: A motorized apparatus for use in maintaining a pipe includes at least one drive portion including a body assembly, a plurality of leg assemblies coupled circumferentially around the body assembly, a plurality of drive mechanisms coupled to the plurality of leg assemblies, and a drive portion coupling mechanism. The motorized apparatus also includes at least one maintenance portion including a body, at least one maintenance device coupled to the body, and a maintenance portion coupling mechanism configured to engage the drive portion coupling mechanism. The at least one drive portion is releasably coupled to the at least one maintenance portion by engaging the drive portion coupling mechanism with the maintenance portion coupling mechanism. The drive portion coupling mechanism and the maintenance portion coupling mechanism are each configured to engage another coupling mechanism when the drive portion coupling mechanism and the maintenance portion coupling mechanism are uncoupled from each other.

Abstract: A sump overflow protection system for use in a building having a floor and a drainage field for collecting water from the perimeter of the building. The sump overflow protection system includes a portion of the floor proximal an opening of a sump crock having a first level defining a base and wherein the rest of the bottom floor generally has a second level higher than the first level of the basin surface of the floor and communicates water overflowing the sump crock to an outlet coupled to a building drainage outlet separate from the sump crock and to be located in the basin surface of the floor and spaced a predetermined distance from the sump crock.