Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for producing subterranean walls comprised of granular material. The apparatus comprises a beam for making insertions into and extractions out of the ground to form a series of voids therein. The beam includes a hollow interior portion which receives a supply of granular material. The beam also has a plurality of outwardly projecting spurs on the outer faces thereof for scarfing the sidewalls of the void as the beam is extracted. The apparatus also includes a disposable shoe which is removably attached to the open bottom portion of the beam to prevent earthen material from entering the hollow interior portion of the beam as the beam is inserted into the ground. An actuating mechanism detaches the shoe from the open bottom portion of the beam after the beam has been inserted into the ground so that granular material is released into the void as the beam is extracted therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for producing subterranean walls comprised of granular material. The apparatus comprises a beam for making insertions into and extractions out of the ground. The beam includes a top portion, an open bottom portion, and a hollow interior portion therebetween which receives a supply of granular material. In usage, the beam is inserted into the ground to form a void therein. The apparatus also includes a disposable shoe which is removably attached to the open bottom portion of the beam. In usage, the shoe prevents earthen material from entering the hollow interior portion of the beam as the beam is inserted into the ground. The apparatus further includes an actuating mechanism which detaches the shoe from the open bottom portion of the beam after the beam has been inserted into the ground so that granular material is released into the void as the beam is extracted therefrom.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for forming successive overlapping voids in the ground along a predetermined course of travel and for producing a subterranean wall therein. The apparatus includes a mandrel for forming voids in the ground, and a pattern guide templet having repeating contours arranged on the ground for accurately guiding the mandrel along the predetermined course of travel during successive mandrel insertions. The mandrel includes a plurality of downwardly projecting spaced-apart cutting teeth for facilitating penetration of the mandrel into the ground, and a plurality of downwardly projecting high pressure nozzles for discharging an injectable material (e.g., slurry material or water) into the ground as the mandrel is inserted therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a slurry wall in a trench utilizing a trenching apparatus equipped with slurry barriers behind the digging chain adapted to slidingly engage the opposite side walls of the trench from the ground level to the bottom of the trench and a trailing unit also behind the trencher straddling the trench and comprising plows near the point at which the digging chain deposits excavated soil at the ground level and a slurry injector for introducing slurry into the trench behind the slurry barriers. In a preferred embodiment, actuators are employed to shift the slurry barriers from a retracted position into an operative position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for building below ground slurry walls utilizing a single vibratory beam for making successive overlapping insertions into and extractions out of the ground with a rearwardly projecting fin adjacent the lower end of the beam for penetrating substantially into the web of slurry material left in the ground after the previous insertion and extraction and a nozzle for injecting slurry material beneath the fin as the beam is extracted. Adjustable plumbing and stabilizing means are also provided.

Abstract: A continuous mixer includes a hopper for depositing sand on a conveyor belt, an adjustable striker for controlling the quantity of sand, a bentonite bin and a rotary feeder for controlling the quantity of bentonite deposited on the conveyor belt and a plurality of mixing units through which the conveyor passes each with a pair of rotating paddle wheels for lifting the sand and bentonite off the belt and vigorously mixing it in a chamber. A spray manifold and moisture supply and regulating means are provided for adding moisture to the mixture at a predetermined rate.