Abstract: A method of building an underground structure using concrete columns to be vertically installed at corners and at positions between the corners and concrete panels to be filled between adjacent concrete columns. The method comprises the steps of determining positions for the concrete columns, digging a trench for a guide composed of outer and inner frames, drilling holes for the columns, the holes being deeper than a level where the concrete panels are placed, installing the columns into the holes and setting with concrete, removing the outer frame of the guide, deepening the trench, fitting concrete panels between the columns, installing a reinforcing metal beam using concrete on the columns and panels to prevent inward buckling, and removing the inner frame of the guide after the concrete on the reinforcing beam has set.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning steel reinforcing rods within a precast, moment-resisting frame of a building. The apparatus includes a uniquely configured hand-receiving component that can be embedded within the concrete beams that make up the building frame to permit access to the steel reinforcing rods that are slidably carried within rod receiving passageways formed within concrete beams. The apparatus also includes a uniquely configured-bladder receiving component that can be embedded within the concrete beams that make up the building frame and is so constructed and arranged as to permit as expanable bladder to readily be positioned within the cable receiving passageways formed in the beam during the grouting of the interfaces between the beams and the columns.

Abstract: A ground anchor (10) for boring in soil (90) generally includes an elongate shank (20) having auger blades (34) on its lower end (30) and a attachment mechanism (41) on its upper end (40) for attachment of anchor lines (48), a compression cap (60), and a bearing member (80). Compression cap (60) includes a plate (62) that is freely journaled on shank 20 above blades (34) such that plate (62) can freely tilt through a tilt angle to align with surface (91) of soil (90). Bearing member (80) includes a bearing surface (85) adapted for applying coupled bearing forces on compression cap (60) over the tilt angle such that compression cap (60) compresses soil between cap (60) and auger blades (34). In exemplary embodiment, bearing surface (85) is inverse conical or spherical.