Abstract: A fiber sheet system suitable for controlling erosion and stabilizing soil is described that comprises a fiber sheet comprising a natural fiber felt. The fiber sheet has a top side width smaller than the height and the length of the fiber sheet. A netting contacts the front and rear sides of the fiber sheet.

Abstract: A system and method for installing an aggregate pier in a soil matrix includes a pipe configured to interface with a torque driver for rotating the pipe. A helix is disposed on the pipe and configured to advance/withdraw the pipe based on direction of rotation. A compacting device is disposed between the distal end of the pipe and the helix. It extends radially outward and upward. In some embodiments, the compacting device is configured as a frustum. A lift in an aggregate pier is formed by rotating the pipe in a second direction to withdraw a portion of the pipe from the soil matrix thereby creating a void; (b) filling the void with aggregate; (c) rotating the pipe in the first direction to advance the pipe. The compacting device contacts the aggregate disposed in the void and imparts an axial and radial force.

Abstract: Individual four-sided shaped modules used in an assembly for underground storage of storm water and other fluid storage needs. Modules are assembled into a resultant four-sided tiling shape for maximized structural strength and material use efficiency. Internal four-sided shaped modules are assembled and encased by external four-sided shaped modules. Internal adjacent modules are in direct fluid communications with one another through a channel-less chamber. Internal four-sided shaped modules drain into four-sided shaped modules chamber where fluid is either stored or drained. Assemblies include various top and side pieces along with access ports for entry into said assembly.

Abstract: A temporary pipeline protection apparatus. The apparatus includes a cylindrical sleeve having a pair of halves, each of the halves having a pair of opposed edges parallel to an axis of the cylindrical sleeve. A first edge of each pair of edges of the halves are connected together by at least one hinge assembly configured to move among a closed position, an installation and removal position, and a shipping and transportation position. A latch is configured to close the cylindrical sleeve at a second edge of each of the edges when in the closed position.

Abstract: A method for installing a TLP based floating object at anchor points. The floating object includes a central body and buoyancy assemblies positioned around the central body in a horizontal plane, with each buoyancy assembly connected to the central body and connectable to one of the anchor points. The method includes: attaching a mooring leg including a mooring line at each anchor point; for each anchor point connecting a pull-down line between the buoyancy assembly and the anchor point; tensioning the pull-down lines so the floating object is lowered to an installation level below an operational level; for each anchor point connecting the mooring leg with the buoyancy assembly in slack mode; and after connecting the mooring lines with the buoyancy assemblies, paying out the pull-down lines so the floating object rises upward from the installation level to the operational level where the mooring legs are tensioned.

Abstract: An underground infiltration crate for collecting, detaining, infiltrating, and storing grey water, rainwater, and/or storm water, may include a plurality of large plates attached to a plurality of small plates engaged to form a crate with tubular members positioned therein, wherein each tubular member is secured between a pair of large plates. Each of the large plates may be a framed panel that includes a four-sided periphery formed of a top periphery wall, a bottom periphery wall, and two side periphery walls; alternating parallel channels extending between the top periphery wall and the bottom periphery wall; at least one aperture extending through each of the alternating parallel channels; and at least one built in fitting integrated into the framed panel, wherein the built in fitting may be a ring-shaped groove that is sized to friction fit a tubular member therein.

Abstract: Proposed is a construction method for an underwater concrete block structure. The concrete block structure is formed by stacking a plurality of concrete blocks on a foundation concrete block structure by using a guide pipe, and a concrete column is formed by, before removing the guide pipe, inserting a concrete column forming set such as a waterproof membrane through the inside of the guide pipe, so that the waterproof membrane can be inserted conveniently and safely and the construction speed of the concrete block structure can be further improved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drainage system (1) comprising: at least one water receiving unit (20) having: a water receptacle (22) for receiving water from an adjoining surface of an upper stratum; and at least one drainage unit comprising: a body; wherein: the water receptacle (22) can be integrated into the upper stratum; the drainage unit can be provided and oriented, at least in part, in a central stratum at a distance under the surface, with respect to its uppermost face, such that water flowing out of the water receiving unit (20) can flow into the drainage unit through a connection between the water receptacle (22) and the body; and the connection can be maintained irrespective of a change in this distance. Also disclosed are drainage units and methods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling stratum deformation in a shield construction process, a non-volatile storage medium, and a processor are disclosed. The method includes: monitoring settlement characteristic parameters in a shield construction process; predicting a settlement proportion according to the settlement characteristic parameters, the settlement proportion being a ratio between a predicted settlement value and a corresponding settlement threshold; and determining construction parameters in the shield construction process according to the settlement proportion.

Abstract: A diving helmet apparatus includes a diving helmet that is based on a 98th percentile anthropomorphic head form. The helmet is relatively smaller and lighter than convention diving helmets. The center-of-gravity and center-of-buoyancy of the helmet are co-located to reduce diver fatigue. The apparatus has unique neck dam latch devices that use cam mechanisms. The neck dam and the opening in the helmet that receives the diver's head both have a substantially oval shape that contributes to a significant reduction in the volume of the helmet. The apparatus also uses unique face mask latch devices. The neck dam and face mask latch devices allow a diver to easily secure and remove the helmet and face mask without the assistance of dive tenders.

Abstract: A feed storage arrangement for use with a sheet like feed barrier, the storage arrangement comprising at least one elongated leachate channel having an outlet end; and at least a first feed pad section extending along at least a portion of a length dimension of the leachate channel, the first pad section including first and second lateral edges and upper and lower edges wherein the first lateral edge is located proximate the leachate channel, the second edge is spaced apart from the first edge, the upper edge is proximate the outlet end of the leachate channel, and the lower edge is opposite and spaced from the upper edge, the first pad section sloped downward starting at the second edge and toward the first edge, wherein, with feed supported on the first pad section adjacent the leachate channel, the feed barrier is positionable on top of the feed with an edge portion extending over the leachate channel to a side of the leachate channel opposite the first pad section.

Abstract: A bioretention system includes a number of connected wall portions defining an enclosure. Each wall portion includes a pair of spaced supports that support one or more panels that are interlocked with the pair of supports via mating interlocking features. Where a wall portion includes an upper panel atop of a lower panel, a lower edge of the upper panel and a top edge of the lower panel are in contact with each other to form the wall portion. The supports are then connected in spaced relation on the transverse axis by internal bars or beams which provide support for the wall portions without the need for external soil reinforcement.

Abstract: A portable winch and method of use is shown. One advantage of winches shown includes an ability to lower a boom or boom sections into limited access exit pit for winching operations such as pipe bursting. Sectional boom designs shown provide the ability to easily raise and lower a boom large distances without the need for a single long boom. Selected winch designs shown include flexible inserts between the boom and the winch frame that help resist damage from unforeseen shifting of the device during operation. Designs and methods shown also include multiple pulleys on a boom end unit. Fasteners are shown that reduce build up of debris.

Abstract: A Tunnel Digging Machine (TDM) is a shield machine to excavate tunnels with almost any desired cross sections including rectangular, square, sub/semi-rectangular, sub/semi-square, horseshoe/U-shaped, elliptical, circular, sub/semi circular and such sections through a variety of soil and rock strata. The TDM can be designed to dig through anything from hard rock to sand with large range of width and height configurations. The TDMs can limit the disturbance to the surrounding ground and produce a tunnel lining. The TDMs may be used as an alternative to the current conventional Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) or continuous miners. The major advantage of the TDMs over the TBMs will be their higher speed (higher advancement rate), fully sealable face, flexibility in the desired cross-section and reduced construction costs due to the mentioned higher speed, efficiency and optimized cross-section.

Abstract: A method of installing a trench for containing a cryogenic spill, including the step of constructing multiple precast concrete sections at a first location, each section preferably having a bottom wall and spaced apart side walls connected to and extending up from the bottom wall. Each section preferably has end portions that enable connection to another said concrete section. The method includes (at the first location) preparing multiple panels of polymeric concrete material by filling one or more molds with a slurry or liquid polymeric concrete material and after time allowing the material to cure and harden. The mold can have a cavity that is lined with a release material. At the first location, one or more of the panels can be adhered to the bottom wall and side walls of each concrete section preferably using an adhesive. After adhering of the panels to the concrete sections, the concrete sections can be transported from the first location to a second location that is remote from the first location.

Abstract: There provides an auxiliary structure for floating and sinking the whole offshore wind turbine with suction bucket foundation(s), which includes an upper bracket floated on water and a lower bracket sunk synchronously with a support structure. The upper bracket includes upper floating boxes; upper cross-connectors each of which is fixedly connected to the upper hoop and a corresponding upper floating box; and an upper hoop configured to sleeve on an outer side of the support structure. The upper bracket and the support structure are relatively moved in an up and down direction, and are connected in a manner of limiting position. The lower bracket includes lower floating boxes, a bottom of each of which is adjustable in height; lower cross-connectors each of which is fixedly connected to the lower hoop and a corresponding lower floating box; and a lower hoop that holds the support structure tightly.

Abstract: A method for mitigating flooding in existing coastal plain areas includes: A dyke (or dykes) is (are) set/built on seabed outside partial existing coastline of an existing coastal plain area to form an enclosed area; the enclosed area, together with the dyke(s), the reservoir inlet(s) and outlet(s), constitutes a reservoir for containing rainwater; or, part(s) of the enclosed area is (are) of a reclamation area (or reclamation areas). Before the start of forecast heavy rainfall or continuous rainfall, the water level in the reservoir is lowered in advance and the water level of water area for containing rainwater in the existing coastal plain is also pre-lowered, so effective storage capacity for containing rainwater against flooding caused by rainfall in the locality is substantially increased. The present invention is applicable for the flooding control works, reclamation works, roads and highways and their integrated works in existing coastal plain areas.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatus, systems and methods useful in forming vertical structures.

Abstract: A pulsed power drilling (PPD) component includes a functional gradient of material from a first portion to a second portion of the PPD component. The functional gradient of material provides a greater wear resistance of the first portion relative to the second portion and a greater electrical conductivity or resistivity of the second portion relative to the first portion.

Abstract: A polymer mesh for skin control in hard rock mining conditions is provided. The polymer mesh is manufactured using a knitted or woven design that further includes one or more pairs of solid cut-resistant bands. The bands are positioned in pairs, each band in a pair having a width of at least about 2.5? and being generally parallel with the other band. The bands are spaced from one another at a distance of between about 1.5? and about 4? to create a reinforced aperture between the bands. One or more reinforcement bolts are installed within the aperture with the bands on opposing sides of each bolt buffering the edges of the steel plates associated with the bolts to prevent the plates from tearing the polymer mesh.