Abstract: A polymer geo-injection apparatus for protecting an underground structure is provided. The apparatus includes: a mechanized vehicle for moving on the ground in order to transport the apparatus while the apparatus forms a subsurface polymer layer that protects the underground structure; a polymer supply tank coupled to the mechanized vehicle and configured to supply solid polymer during the forming of the polymer layer; a polymer melting unit coupled to the mechanized vehicle and configured to receive and melt the supplied solid polymer and to supply the molten polymer during the forming of the polymer layer; and a subsurface ripper coupled to the mechanized vehicle and configured to move through the ground in response to the movement of the mechanized vehicle while receiving and injecting the supplied molten polymer into the ground above the underground structure in order to form the polymer layer and protect the underground structure.

Abstract: A polymer geo-injection apparatus for protecting an underground structure is provided. The apparatus includes: a mechanized vehicle for moving on the ground in order to transport the apparatus while the apparatus forms a subsurface polymer layer that protects the underground structure; a polymer supply tank coupled to the mechanized vehicle and configured to supply solid polymer during the forming of the polymer layer; a polymer melting unit coupled to the mechanized vehicle and configured to receive and melt the supplied solid polymer and to supply the molten polymer during the forming of the polymer layer; and a subsurface ripper coupled to the mechanized vehicle and configured to move through the ground in response to the movement of the mechanized vehicle while receiving and injecting the supplied molten polymer into the ground above the underground structure in order to form the polymer layer and protect the underground structure.

Abstract: A trenchless system for subsurface delivery of a polymer-based mesh to protect an underground structure is provided. The system includes: a body for moving above the ground and over the underground structure while the system delivers the mesh below the ground; a polymer mesh supply coupled to the body and configured to supply the mesh during the moving of the body; and a ripper assembly coupled to the body and configured to move through the ground in response to the moving of the body without digging a trench and while receiving and delivering the supplied mesh below the ground and above the underground structure to protect the underground structure. In an embodiment, the polymer mesh supply includes a polymer mesh spool configured to rotate during the moving of the body in order to supply the mesh. A method of trenchless subsurface delivery of the mesh is also provided.

Abstract: A system for covering and protecting buried pipes or cables including a plurality of covering and protection plates, and a plurality of assembling devices suitable for allowing adjacent covering and protection plates to be assembled at covering areas, where each assembling device has a first assembling member including a first bearing surface configured to bear against a first face of a covering and protection plate, and a first assembling portion configured to extend through a through-opening provided in a covering and protection plate; a second assembling member including a second bearing surface configured to bear against a second face of a covering and protection plate, and a second assembling portion configured to extend through a through-opening provided in a covering and protection plate, the second assembling portion being configured to cooperate with the first assembling portion so as to assemble two adjacent covering and protection plates; and a blocking member configured to block the first and seco

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for covering and protecting buried pipes or cables, including a substantially planar plate (2) made of a single piece of synthetic material, the plate having a first surface (3) and a second surface (4) opposite the first surface, the plate (2) comprising complementary assembly means (5-8) at at least two of the edges thereof, which are arranged so as to enable the assembly of two adjacent plates, the complementary assembly means being designed to enable two adjacent plates to be hinged about an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the adjacent plates. The plate comprises a plurality of through-openings (9) leading onto the first and second surfaces (3, 4) of the plate, respectively.