Modular Guide Sleeve Apparatus and Method

Abstract

An apparatus for lifting and supporting a pile is provided. The apparatus includes a modular support structure, which may include a modular support element such as a modular support helical pile. The modular support structure may further include a modular guide sleeve for guiding the support element as it is driven into strata. The portions of the modular support element and the modular guide sleeve may be installed adjacent a pile supporting a building even in the confined vertical space between the bottom of the building and the surface of the ground. Lifting device elements may be attached to the modular support structure and engaged with the building pile to lift and support the building pile.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY AND CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/945,119, filed Jul. 18, 2013, and entitled “Pile Lifting Apparatus and Method.” This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/945,119, filed Jul. 18, 2013, and entitled “Pile Lifting Apparatus and Method.” Applicants claim priority under 35 U.S.C §120 to U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 13/945,119.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to foundation construction and repair and, more particularly, to a modular guide sleeve apparatus for guiding a support pile and for supporting a lifting apparatus for lifting a foundation pile.

BACKGROUND

Buildings, including houses, office buildings, strip malls and the like, are often constructed such that a building frame rests on a foundation. Foundation types are generally known and can include concrete slabs, reinforced concrete slabs, pile-and-beam, footings, and other types. Sometimes foundations include structures that are deep enough to contact, or tie into, solid strata such as bedrock. Pile-and beam foundation structures may include a set of piers upon which a building structure rests. In a typical configuration, portions of the building structure, such as floor joists and/or sill plates rest on the piles. The piles are preferably in contact with bedrock to provide a relatively fixed support structure. However, sometimes piles are not driven completely to bedrock.

Changing soil conditions, improper building construction, effects of nature and the like can result in portions of the building sagging or drooping. The sagging and drooping can, in turn, cause damage to the frame, drywall, flooring, plumbing, and other components of the building. Foundation degradation can be caused by parts of the foundation sinking where the soil conditions are insufficient to support the structure. Piles may need to be lifted in order to strategically lift certain parts of the building structure. Piles may become damaged or degraded and need to be lifted to be repaired, reinforced, or replaced.

When a foundation structure sinks, it becomes necessary to raise the sinking portion and support it such that it does not re-settle or sink further. Prior techniques have involved jacking up the foundation and positioning pilings below the foundation for support. However, the pilings are not in contact with the solid strata, so additional foundation sinking can still occur. Additionally, these techniques can be very expensive and can be visually unpleasing as the repair components such as the pilings are typically visible after the repair work is completed.

Moreover, sometimes a foundation needs support within the perimeter boundaries of the foundation and in an area that is not easily reached from outside the edges of the foundation. For example, with a concrete slab foundation, support is sometimes needed in an area within the slab boundaries. In certain areas such as this, supporting an edge of the foundation is not sufficient. And, reaching certain interior areas from the exterior of the structure over the foundation, or from the outer edges of the foundation, may involve extensive excavation. This may include substantial drilling and tunneling underneath the structure, from the outside or outer edges, to reach the area that needs support. This can be cost-prohibitive. Prior methods have involved drilling a hole through the foundation, inserting a support device and raising the support device to support the slab.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments of the invention provide a modular guide sleeve which may be used in connection with a pile lifting apparatus. The guide sleeve may include a plurality of sleeve portions, which may be fitted together as necessary to provide a guide for a support structure. The support structure and the assembled guide sleeve may also support one or more components of the pier lifting apparatus. The guide sleeve and/or support structure may also be coupled to the pile being lifted.

In one example, a modular guide sleeve is provided. Modular guide sleeve includes [NOTE TO JAY: Finish after claims are complete]

One or more of the embodiments may provide some, none, or all of certain of the following advantages. One advantage is that a guide sleeve is provided, which is modular. In certain applications, for example, the modular guide sleeve may be easier to use than a pre-assembled, full-length guide sleeve. For instance, in confined spaces under a structure, the modular guide sleeve may be easier to position than a full-length guide sleeve. A portion of the sleeve may be positioned, followed by the attachment and positioning of another guide sleeve portion. Another advantage is that the modular guide sleeve may be easier to transport from one location to another. Given that the length of each guide sleeve portion is less than an overall length of the fully-assembled guide sleeve, a shorter transport container may be used. Thus the module guide sleeve might be transported on a shorter truck or trailer, for example. Another advantage that components of a pile lifting apparatus may be attached to portions of the guide sleeve in stages, as opposed to positioning the guide sleeve and then attaching all of the components, or first attaching all of the components and then positioning the guide sleeve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its features, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of modular guide sleeve portions in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a side view of a modular guide sleeve in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the modular guide sleeve being used with a pile lifting apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lift head in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an upper support bracket in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a gravity vice in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a support roller strap in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lower support bracket in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a pile lifting method in accordance with an example embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modular support structure used in conjunction with the modular guide sleeve in accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. In summary, various embodiments provide an apparatus for guiding a support structure. The support structure may be used in methods for repairing foundations, for example. For instance, the support structure may be a helical pile used in connection with a pile lifting apparatus. The modular guide sleeve may be positioned, for example, beside a pile to be lifted. In cases where the support structure attached to the lifted pile must be positioned underneath a building structure, particularly where vertical space is confined, the guide sleeve may be positioned in parts. For example, a first portion of the guide sleeve may be positioned, followed by attachment of a second portion of the guide sleeve to the first portion. The various portions may be attached and positioned in this manner in order to provide a complete guide sleeve for guiding the support structure.

The guide sleeve and/or support structure may be attached to one or more components of a lifting apparatus. The lifting apparatus may be used for lifting and/or supporting a pile, such as might be used, for example, in a foundation support structure. The apparatus may lift a pile hydraulically and, at least in certain embodiments, incorporates a gravity-operated lifting head to engage the pile during lifting. The apparatus may also, in certain embodiments, incorporate a gravity-operated vice for holding the pile in place while a hydraulic mechanism is being retracted.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a modular guide 10 sleeve is provided. Modular guide sleeve 10 includes a plurality of guide sleeve portions. In the illustrated example, modular guide sleeve 10 includes first guide sleeve portion 12, second guide sleeve portions 14, and third guide sleeve portion 16. It should be understood that more than three, or fewer than three, guide sleeve portions may be used.

The guide sleeve portions are adapted to connect to one another in order to form a complete guide sleeve. As illustrated, the guide sleeve portions are connected by way of threaded ends. Thus, first guide sleeve portion 12 has a first end without threading, and a second “female” end with a threaded interior portion. Second guide sleeve portion 14 has a first “male” end with a threaded exterior portion adapted to interfit with the second “female” end of first guide sleeve portion 12. Second guide sleeve portion 14 also has a second “female” end with a threaded interior portion. Third guide sleeve portion 16 has a first “male” end with a threaded exterior portion adapted to interfit with the second end of second guide sleeve portion 14. Third guide sleeve portion 16 also has a second end with no threads.

It should be understood that the respective first and second ends of the various guide sleeve portions may have either no threads if that respective end is not going to be fitted with an adjacent end of another guide sleeve portion. Also, even if a respective end of a guide sleeve portion is not intended to interfit with an end of another guide sleeve portion, the end may still be threaded. Further, the first and second ends of a particular guide sleeve portion may be configured as both being “male” ends or “female” ends, as long as they are interfitted with the appropriate opposite configuration on the end of another guide sleeve portion. In at least one embodiment, it is preferred that all guide sleeve portions are the same and that all portions have a first “male” end and a second “female” end. This results in several advantages. First, there is uniformity in the process of manufacturing the guide sleeve portions. Only one design is necessary of all portions. Also, the process of installing the guide sleeve portions at a foundation repair site (or pile lifting site) is simplified in that all of the attachments between respective, adjacent guide sleeve portions are made in the same manner.

As shown in FIG. 9, a helical pile 928 may also have a modular configuration. Thus, helical pile 928 may comprise a plurality of pile sections including first, second, and third pile sections 902, 904, and 906. First pile section 902 includes a shaft 903 with a helical head 908. First pile section 902 may be coupled to section pile section 904. Third pile section 906 may be coupled to an end of second pile section 904 opposite first pile section 902 to complete helical pile 928. The coupling of pile sections may be accomplished threaded portions at the ends of the respective pile sections. Alternatively, any other suitable connection configuration may be used. Also, it should be understood that fewer or greater than three pile sections may be connected to create the modular helical pile 928. Further, it should be understood that the support structure may have a modular configuration whether or not it is a helical pile.

As shown in FIG. 2, a pile lifting apparatus is provided for lifting and/or supporting pile 2. It should be recognized that although apparatus 20 is shown in conjunction with a pile 2, apparatus 20 may be used for lifting and/or supporting a variety of pole-type structures. Further, various features and elements of apparatus 20 may be used in other devices where repetitive lifting is performed. Moreover, although all of the components (less pile 2) illustrated in FIG. 2 is described as being part of apparatus 20, it should be recognized that other inventive embodiments may include fewer than all of the components illustrated.

Apparatus 20 includes a support structure including a helical pile 28 and a pile extension (not expressly shown) coupled thereto. In FIG. 2, the pile extension is within a modular guide sleeve 26 and, therefore, cannot been seen. Modular guide sleeve 26 may include first, second, and third guide sleeve portions 12, 14, and 16 as previously described, for example.

Helical pile 28 and its pile extension provide a support structure, which may be driven into strata. Preferably, helical pile 28 is driven to a depth where it contacts solid strata, or bedrock. Modular guide sleeve 26 both guides and supports the pile extension while it is driven, along with helical pile 28, into the earth.

Preferably, the support structure is driven adjacent pile 2 that is to be lifted and/or supported. In some embodiments, helical pile 28 and its extension are first driven to desired depth and then coupled to pile 2. In other situations, modular guide sleeve 26 may be coupled to pile 2, and then helical pile 28 and its extension are driven. It should also be recognized that in certain situations a helical pile is not required. Certain aspects and functionality of the apparatus may be achieved as long as a support structure is provided adjacent pile 2, which is the pile to be lifted.

Lower support bracket 24 is coupled to modular guide sleeve 26 and abuts pile 2. Preferably, lower support bracket 24 abuts pile 2 to provide lateral stability to pile 2 while allowing pile 2 to be moved vertically during a lifting process. Lower support bracket is illustrated in further detail in FIG. 7. Lower support bracket 2 includes a coupling cylinder 71, an extension plate 72 extending perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis of coupling cylinder 71, and a vertical support plate 73 coupled to extension plate 72. It is the vertical support plate 73 that abuts and laterally stabilizes pile 2. Preferably, the vertical support plate has holes formed therein for allowing attachment of the plate to the pile, and thus coupling of the pile to the support structure, by way of bolts, nails, spikes, screws, or other appropriate attachment devices. In certain embodiments, lower support bracket 24 is connected to modular guide sleeve 26 by sliding the coupling cylinder 71 of lower bracket 24 over and onto modular guide sleeve 26 such that coupling cylinder 71 surrounds an exterior surface of modular guide sleeve 26. In some embodiments, lower support bracket 24 is allowed to freely move up and down modular guide sleeve 26 (or other components of the support structure, such as, for example, the helical pile extension) during the lifting process. In other embodiments, during the lifting process, downward movement of lower support bracket 24 may be limited by an upper end of modular guide sleeve 26. This may be the case, for instance, if the lower support bracket's coupling cylinder 71 has a large enough diameter to slide over the helical pile extension, but a small enough diameter to be prevented from sliding over the guide sleeve. In still other embodiments, during the lifting process, lower support bracket 24 may be temporarily attached to the support structure.

Referring further to FIG. 2, pile lifting apparatus 20 also includes a support roller strap 22. As can be seen in more detail in FIG. 6, roller strap 22 includes a strap 61 and a roller 62 coupled to strap 61. Strap 61 comprises a length of a metal plate, which is bent in a generally U-shaped configuration, such that the seat of the U shape is adapted to fit around one side of modular guide sleeve 26. The arms of the U, near their distal ends, are provided with inward-facing pegs or a bar extending between the arms (not expressly shown) for supporting roller 62. Roller 62 is adapted to fit next to a side of pile 2 opposite modular guide sleeve 26. Support roller strap 22 provides additional lateral stability to pile 2 and prevents pile 2 from moving laterally away from modular guide sleeve 26. Roller 62 allows pile 2 to slide upwardly within support roller strap 22 during the lifting process. Preferably, outward pressure is created on the support structure during the lifting process to prevent the support roller strap from spinning around the guide sleeve. Also, the fit of the support roller strap on both the support structure and the pile being lifted helps to prevent the support roller strap from spinning about the supports structure. These aspects also help to prevent the support roller strap from moving downward along the support structure. Downward movement is further inhibited by the lower support bracket.

Referring again to FIG. 2, pile lifting apparatus 20 also includes an upper support bracket 23. Upper support bracket 23 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 4 and includes coupling cylinder 41, a pair of extension plates 42, and a C-shaped support plate 43. Extension plates 42 are coupled to coupling cylinder 41 and extend laterally away from coupling cylinder 41 in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of coupling ring 41. Distal ends of extension plates 42 are coupled to C-shaped support bracket 43. C-shaped support bracket 43 is adapted to abut and laterally support pile 2. During the lifting process, movement of the upper support bracket along the support structure is inhibited in the same way as per the lower support bracket.

Referring again to FIG. 2, pile lifting apparatus 20 also includes a gravity vice 18. As can be seen in greater detail in FIG. 5, gravity vice 18 includes a U-shaped support 51 having a back section adapted to rest adjacent modular guide sleeve 26 and a pair of arms extending away from modular guide sleeve 26. Gravity vice also includes a pair of hinges 52, each having a gripping plate 53 hingedly attached thereto. Preferably the free ends of gripping plates 23 are disposed in a generally upward from the arms of U-shaped support 51 such that they cannot rotate downwardly past the plane defined by U-shaped support 51. Both of gripping plates 53 have a C-shaped cutout portion adapted to fit about an exterior surface of pile 2. When no lifting force is being applied to pile 2, the weight of gripping plates 53 causes them to engage the sides of pile 2. The weight of pile 2 pushes down on the C-shaped ends of gripping plates 53 causing the ends of plates 53 to dig into the sides of pile 2, thereby preventing further downward movement of pile 2, when a lifting force is no longer being applied to pile 2. In at least some embodiments, gravity vice 18 is coupled to upper support bracket 23. This keeps gravity vice 18 in place and provides stability to gravity plate 18 during the times that pile 2 is engaging gripping plates 53. It should be noted that the cutout portions of the gripping plates may have different shapes and/or configurations.

Referring again to FIG. 2, pile lifting apparatus 20 also includes a jacking cup 29. In certain embodiments jacking cup 29 rests atop an upper end of the pile extension coupled to helical pile 28. Jacking cup 29 may have a cylindrical shape, or other shape to match the cross section of the pile extension. Jacking cup 29 may have a pair of slots extending partially along its length from the bottom. The slots are positioned to match the pair of extension plates 42 of upper support bracket 23. The slots of jacking cup 29 interfit with extension plates 42 to provide stability to the unit and to prevent jacking cup 29 and/or upper support bracket 23 from turning about modular guide sleeve 26 and/or the pile extension that is within modular guide sleeve 26 in FIG. 2.

Jacking cup 29 preferably supports a lifting device 27. Preferably, lifting device 27 is hydraulically-actuated. The downward end of lifting device 27 buts against the upper end of the pile extension and/or modular guide sleeve 26. Alternatively, jacking cup 29 may be provided with an interior plate on which the lower end of lifting device 27 may rest. Preferably, when lifting device 27 is actuated, an upper end of lifting device 27 extends upwardly (i.e., away from jacking cup 29 and the upper end of the pile extension).

Pile lifting apparatus 20 also includes a lift head 25, which may be coupled to an upper end of lifting device 27. As can be seen in greater detail in FIG. 3, lift head 25 includes a coupling cylinder 31, a pair of extension plates 32, and a bracket plate 33. Coupling cylinder 31 is adapted to fit on, and surround an exterior surface of, a lifting arm of lifting device 27. Extension plates 32 extend from coupling cylinder 31 in a direction away from lifting device 27 and toward pile 2 (when pile 2 is engaged by pile lifting apparatus 20). Bracket plate 33 is coupled to the distal ends of extension plates 32 in a vertical manner (i.e., such that it is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lifting arm of lifting device 27). Like the vertical bracket plates of the upper and lower support brackets, bracket plate 33 helps to support and laterally stabilize pile 2 when coupled to pile lifting apparatus 20.

Extension plates 32 also accommodate a hinge pin support tube 34. Tube 34 is coupled to extension plates 32 in a transverse manner wherein its axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support structure of pile lifting apparatus 20, and wherein its length is disposed within a plane that is perpendicular to the support structure of pile lifting apparatus 20.

Tube 34 supports hinge pin 35, which is disposed through tube 34. In the illustrated example, tube 34 may be a single tube that is disposed through holes in extension plates 32. Likewise, hinge pin 35 is a single pin disposed though tube 34. Alternatively, tube 34 may comprise two or more smaller tubes. For example, a smaller tube may extend outwardly from each extension plate. Also, another smaller tube may be provided between the extension plates. Preferably, in this alternative embodiment, the tubes would axially align with holes in the extension plates. In another example, a tube extends outwardly from each of the extension plates. A small hinge pin is disposed within each of the small tubes (i.e., there are two hinge pins). Any suitable alternative is viable as long as one or more hinge pins is provided and supported to allow swinging movement of an associated lift head plate, as described below.

Lift head plate 36 is hingedly connected to hinge pin 34 to allow for up and down swinging movement of a distal end of lift head plate 36. Lift head plate 36 preferably has a cutout portion at a distal end thereof. In the illustrated example, the cutout portion is V-shaped. However, other shapes may be employed. The cutout portion provides a plurality of gripping edges for gripping pile 2 when engaged by pile lifting apparatus 20. Lift head plate 36 is adapted to grip pile 2 during a lifting process. As pile 2 is lifted, the distal end of lift head plate 36 falls downward due to gravity. Downward movement of lift head plate 36 is limited by contact with pile 2. With continued lifting, the gripping edges of the cutout portion of lift head plate 36 are adapted to dig into the surface of pile 2 to impart upward movement of pile 2 while lift head 25 is being raised.

Referring to FIG. 8, a method 800 for lifting a pile (e.g., pile 2) will now be described in connection with the flow chart provided in FIG. 8. It should be understood that various embodiments may add steps, eliminate steps, modify steps, and/or reorder steps.

In one step 801, a helical pile drive head is attached to a pile extension to create a support element. It should be understood that the support element may be a helical pile or other type of support structure. Preferably, the support element is a driven pile of some form. It should also be understood that the support structure may be modular as described above in connection with FIG. 9. Likewise, it should be understood that, if the support element is modular, such as a modular helical pile, then the support element may be positioned and driven piecemeal. In certain cases, the helical pile drive head may be partially inserted into a modular guide sleeve portion and positioned adjacent the lifted pile, prior to the helical pile extension being coupled to the helical pile drive head. In other example embodiments, the portions of the modular support element and the portions of the modular guide sleeve may be respectively installed, positioned, driven, coupled, etc., in any suitable order.

In another step 802, the support element is at least partially disposed in a guide sleeve. The guide sleeve may be a modular guide sleeve as described elsewhere herein.

In another step 803, the support structure and guide sleeve are positioned next to a pile needing lifting and/or support, and the support structure is driven into the strata. Preferably, the support structure is driven downwardly until the helical pile contacts bedrock or stable strata capable of supporting the structure, or foundation of the structure, associated with the pile.

In one embodiment, a modular guide sleeve is used and the guide sleeve is installed in pieces. Thus a first portion of the guide sleeve is positioned, followed by a second portion of the guide sleeve being connected to the first portion. Then a third portion of the guide sleeve is coupled to the second portion, and so on, until the complete guide sleeve is created and installed. Then the helical pile (or other support structure) is installed so that at least a portion of the shaft of the helical pile (or other support structure) is disposed within the modular guide sleeve. Then the pile is driven into the strata so that the combined modular guide sleeve and support structure is adjacent the pile being lifted.

In another embodiment, the helical pile (or other support structure is partially driven. Then, a portion of the modular guide sleeve is installed. Then, a second support structure portion is attached to the support structure portion that has been partially driven. T this and other points in the method, the combined support structure may be driven further. Additional portions of the guide sleeve and support structure may be installed, and the combined support structure may be further driven. This is repeated until the complete combined guide sleeve and support structure is installed and the support structure is driven to be adjacent to the pile being lifted. In other embodiments, the helical pile or other support structure may be installed and driven in portions, through a modular guide sleeve that has already been assembled. Or, the support structure may be installed and driven through a guide sleeve that is created and installed piecemeal while the support structure is being driven, or at intermediate points during the driving process.

In another step 804, a lower support bracket is coupled to the guide sleeve and positioned to abut the pile being lifted.

In another step 805, a support roller strap is coupled to, or positioned on, the guide sleeve and positioned so that the pile being lifted is disposed in the gap created by the roller and the strap of the support roller strap. In some cases, the support roller strap may be lowered onto the pile and then onto the guide sleeve. In other cases, the strap of the support roller strap may be positioned on the guide sleeve. Then the roller of the support roller strap may be attached to the strap to encompass the pile.

In another step 806, an upper support bracket is positioned on the guide sleeve. In at least certain embodiments, the support roller strap is disposed between the lower support bracket and the upper support bracket.

In another step 807, a jacking cup is placed atop the guide sleeve and/or the support structure.

In another step 808, a gravity vice is place on the pile being lifted, such that pile is disposed within a void between the cutout portions of the gripping plates of the gravity vice.

In another step 809, a lifting device is fitted into the jacking cup.

In another step 810, a lift head is positioned on a lifting arm of the lifting device such that the lift head plate of the lift head surrounds the pile.

In another step 811, a first lifting process is performed. According to this process, the lifting device is activated to extend the lifting arm. As the lifting arm extends, it pushes the lift head upward. Gravity causes the distal end of the lift head plate to drop downwardly with respect to the level of the other components of the lift head. The downward swinging movement is stopped when the gripping edges of the lift head plate engage the surface of the pile being lifted. As the lifting arm continues to extend, the gripping edges of the lift head plate dig into the surface of the pile being lifted. This imparts a lifting force to the pile and the pile is lifted along with the lift head.

It should be understood that activation of the lifting device with the resulting extension of the arm of the lifting device is an example only. Other lifting devices may be incorporated. Activation of the lifting device is intended to convey that state of the lifting device which performs lifting.

In another step 812, the lifting device is deactivated such that extension of the lifting arm is halted. Preferably, extension of the lifting arm is halted at a predetermined distance corresponding to the maximum extension range of the lifting arm.

In another step 813, the lifting arm is retracted. This causes the lift head to begin to be lowered. As the lift head is lowered, the gripping edges of the lift head plate release from the surface of the pile and gravity causes the pile to tend move downwardly. However, as the pile begins its downward movement, the gripping plates of the gravity device engage the surface of the pile. The edges of the cutout portions of the gripping plates of the gravity vice dig into the surface of the pile and halt downward movement of the pile due to gravity. The lifting arm of the lifting device may thus be fully retracted while the pile is supported in its partially lifted position by the gravity vice.

In another step 814, the lifting arm is again extended. The lift head engages the pile and begins to lift the pile upwardly. The upward movement of the pile causes the gripping plates to swing upwardly and release from the surface of the pile. The lifting and retracting steps are alternately repeated until the pile has been lifted to a desired height.

In another step 815, one or more of the lower support bracket and the upper support bracket may be attached to the pile that has been lifted. This allows removal of the remaining components of the lifting apparatus while the pile remains supported in its lifted position.

Claims

1. A modular guide sleeve apparatus for guiding a pile lifting support element, the apparatus comprising:

a plurality of guide sleeve portions connectable to one another to form an assembled guide sleeve,

at least one of the guide sleeve portions having a receiving opening for receiving a first portion of the pile lifting support element,

the assembled guide sleeve operable to guide the first portion of the pile lifting support element as it is being driven into strata.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, the plurality of guide sleeve portions comprising a first guide sleeve portion adapted to receive the first portion of the pile lifting support element; and

a second guide sleeve portion,

the second guide sleeve portion connectable to the first guide sleeve portion to form at least a part of the assembled guide sleeve.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus being adapted to guide the pile lifting support element, wherein the pile lifting support element is adapted to couple to a pile lifting device for lifting a pile supporting a building structure, wherein each of the plurality of guide sleeve portions is shorter than a predetermined distance between the building structure and ground, beneath the building structure.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first guide sleeve portion has a male-threaded end and a second guide sleeve portion has a female-threaded end, the male- and female-threaded ends adapted to interfit with each other to connect the first and second guide sleeve portions.

5. A pile lifting support structure adapted to be coupled to a pile lifting device for lifting a pile supporting a building structure, the pile lifting support structure comprising:

a modular guide sleeve having a plurality of guide sleeve portions, the guide sleeve portions connectable to each other to form an assembled guide sleeve; and

a modular pile lifting support element comprising a first pile section having a helical drive head, and a second pile section adapted to be connected to the first pile section to form an assembled support pile,

the modular guide sleeve adapted to receive at least part of the assembled support pile and guide the assembled support pile as it is being driven into strata.

6. The pile lifting support structure of claim 5, wherein the assembled support pile has a first end comprising the helical drive head and a second end distal the first end, the modular guide sleeve adapted to receive the distal end of the assembled support pile.

7. The pile lifting support structure of claim 5, further comprising:

a hydraulic lifting device coupled to the modular guide sleeve, the hydraulic lifting device operable to move between an extended position and a retracted position;

a lift head coupled to the hydraulic lifting device and adapted to engage the pile supporting the building structure upon movement of the hydraulic lifting device toward the extended position, and to disengage from the pile supporting the building structure upon movement of the hydraulic lifting device toward the retracted position; and

a gravity vice coupled to the modular guide sleeve and adapted to engage the pile supporting the building structure upon movement of the hydraulic lifting device toward the retracted position.

8. A method of lifting and supporting a pile, comprising:

positioning a first support pile section adjacent the pile to be lifted, the first support pile section having a helical drive head;

driving the first support pile section into strata a first distance;

positioning a first modular guide sleeve portion onto the first support pile section;

coupling a second support pile section to the first support pile section;

driving the first and second support pile sections a second distance;

coupling a second modular guide sleeve portion to the first modular guide sleeve portion; and

driving the first and second support pile sections a third distance.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising coupling a hydraulic lifting device to the modular guide sleeve;

coupling a lift head to the hydraulic lifting device and positioning the lift head about the pile to be lifted;

coupling a gravity vice to the modular guide sleeve and positioning the gravity vice about the pile to be lifted;

extending the hydraulic lifting device to engage the lift head with the pile to be lifted, thereby imparting lifting movement to the pile to be lifted; and

retracting the hydraulic lifting device to disengage the lift head from the pile to be lifted and engage the gravity vice with the pile to be lifted, the gravity vice supporting the pile to be lifted.