Abstract: An economical and easy-to-install method for repairing cracks, including structural cracks, in recreational surfaces is described. Cracks are cleaned and completely filled with a mixture containing a high strength acrylic polymer binder mixed with sand and cement to form a crack patch of harder consistency than the surrounding asphalt. The repaired crack is then covered with a liquid which dries to a non-adhering surface which in turn is covered over with a fabric capable of stretching and then returning to its own original shape. The fabric is covered with an acrylic adhesive, which when dry secures the fabric at its peripheral edges (which extend beyond the non-adhering surface) to the asphalt playing surface. In this manner, expansion and contraction of the asphalt surrounding the acrylic based crack patch is effectively isolated from the playing surface, preventing reflective cracking in the playing surface for extended periods of time.

Abstract: A rising crack prevention system between the structural and wearing courses of a roadway is provided which includes a geotextile layer impregnated with a first asphalt binder, and further includes a layer of roadstones coated with a second asphalt binder adjacent to the geotextile layer impregnated with the first asphalt binder. The unique double-layer construction of the rising crack prevention system is efficient in preventing or at least greatly slowing down the spread of cracks from the structural course to the wearing course of the road.

Abstract: A paver or other apparatus used to convey paving material is provided with a conduit including a hood and a duct for directing fumes from the paving material to a fume processor. A paver having an extendable screed or other moving parts is equipped with a roll of screen material. The screen material is unrolled and fastened over the extended screed to contain and direct the fumes to the conduit. The fumes are burned in an engine of the paver or otherwise processed to remove or reduce noxious components thereof.

Abstract: An automated pavement repair vehicle includes a vehicle and its various computer-controlled subsystems. The various subsystems, including a vacuum system, heating system and spray patch system, for completing pavement repair, are located on the frame and rear of the truck. A robotic cell at the rear of the truck includes an assembly of retractable doors. The doors are lowered around the pothole to allow control of ambient conditions during the pavement repair procedure.

Abstract: Marker devices, each comprising a base with an upright post thereon, are molded from an elastomeric material. A marker device is attached by adhesive on the base thereof to each paint striping on a worn down street and each maintenance cover mounted on the worn down street. Once the marker devices are in place on the worn down street, the posts thereof must withstand the punishment of not only being flattened by truck tires, and the tracts of a paving machine that is being used to lay down the new coating of hot asphalt on the worn down street, but also the hot asphalt, and still spring back to their upright position. Thus, when the stripings are to be repainted on the resurfaced street and when the maintenance covers are to be adjusted upwardly to the level of the new coating of asphalt on the resurfaced street their exact locations on the street are immediately indicated by the posts of the marker devices without having to make any measurements.

Abstract: This invention discloses a high rate, cement slurry mixing system and method which produces a highly dispersed slurry with the lowest possible viscosity in respect to the water cement ratio and the type and amount of chemical dispersant used in the slurry formulation. The slurry so produced is used in soil-cement construction operations and has the advantage of delayed hydration to allow reasonable time for slurry transport, spreading, intermixing with the soil, plus time for grading, shaping and compaction before a significant amount of cement hydration (setting) occurs.

Abstract: An asphalt paver includes a microprocessor controlled integrated control system to control both the operation of a tractor unit of the paver and the positioning of the screed during a paving operation. A paver operator may operate the paver and monitor the screed position with respect to a grade reference. The correction of grade or transverse slope errors is accomplished by monitoring the linear advance of the paver and then measuring a any deviation of the screed with respect to a grade reference. The amount of vertical deviation and the linear advance since a most recent correct reading allows a rate of deviation per unit advance of the paver to be determined. A correction is applied as a change in the angle of attack of the screed, the change being equal and opposite to the determined rate of deviation. A transverse slope change is also measured directly at the screed.

Abstract: A method for reducing at production levels sticky, abrasive waste shingles and portions thereof into a reduced shingle material for use of a patch for potholes and cracks and as paving for roads and the like comprises shredding of the shingles to pieces, milling the pieces to particles and granules and impinging the particles and granules with intermittent blasts of compressed air to prevent clogging and sticking and to assist in discharging of the reduced shingle materials. The method may also include the step of spraying water upon the shingles and inside of the apparatus. The apparatus includes an improved hammermill with a compress air manifold with apertures therein for intermittently discharging compressed air which impinges upon the inner chamber of the hammermill and upon the pulverized waste materials. A pressurized water manifold with apertures may also spray the mill chamber of the hammermill with water to prevent clogging or sticking of the hammermill.

Abstract: A method for reducing at production levels sticky, abrasive waste shingles and portions thereof into a reduced shingle material for use of a patch for potholes and cracks and as paving for roads and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing, mixing and applying coating constituents to traffic surfaces has a carriage to which are connected 1) at least portions of a dispensing system that serves to dispense coating constituents from one or more reservoirs onto traffic surface portions that are to be coated, and 2) at least one rotatable set of mixing and applicator tools that extend in a radial array beneath the carriage. A wheel supported vehicle such as a truck or tractor is connectable to the carriage for guiding and moving the carriage across traffic surface areas that are to be coated. The vehicle also may be used 1) to support at least portions of the carriage, 2) to support at least portions of vehicle-connected components of the apparatus, and/or 3) to provide a source of power or to support at least portions of a source of power for operating vehicle-connected and/or carriage-connected components of the apparatus.

Abstract: An ambient temperature applied asphalt emulsion material is disclosed for repairing traffic-bearing surfaces. A method of applying the asphalt emulsion material for quick hardening by the addition of a hardening agent is shown. An applicator wand which applies the emulsion and hardening agent mixture to a surface and smooths the applied material for hardening level with the surface.

Abstract: A sensor measuring support strut pressure on a cold planer provides a signal for controlling extension of the struts to maintain contact between the ground and the strut in the event of a kickback. Rotation of the planing cylinder is also interrupted in response to the signal, and resumption of vehicle operation is prevented until the support strut pressure is sufficient to enable the operator to control movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A bituminous sandstone material, which can be applied to damaged pavement areas at ambient temperatures, is prepared by comminuting naturally occurring bituminous sandstone in the presence of water to form an intimate mixture of bituminous sandstone having particles which pass through a one-quarter inch minus screen, preferably through a one-eighth inch minus screen, with sufficient water to form a material having a water content of from about 3% to about 20%, based on the weight of the mixture. In a preferred embodiment, the naturally occurring material is solidified into discrete bodies for transportation and/or storage. The discrete bodies can later be comminuted in the presence of water to form the prescribed mixture.

Abstract: Apparatus for spreading a fluid or like substance, for example, an emulsion for bonding bituminous coated material on the surface of a road including a mobile machine, at least one spreading bar along which the spreading is at least partially effected, and at least one ejection nozzle associated with the at least one spreading bar. A supply circuit supplying emulsion to the nozzle. The at least one nozzle is associated with a mechanism for controlling delivery of the emulsion and a mechanism for controlling positioning of the nozzle relative to the machine. Both of the mechanisms are operated simultaneously, in dependence on the movement of the mobile machine, in such a manner that the nozzle effects spraying by sequenced jets of the substance to continuously cover the surface which is to be spread. The machine provided with this apparatus is of the finisher type.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing, mixing and applying coating constituents to traffic surfaces has a wheeled transport carriage that supports a reservoir for coating constituents that are to be dispensed. A dispensing system regulates the dispensing of coating constituents from the reservoir onto traffic surface portions that extend centrally beneath the carriage. A power drive system moves the carriage across selected portions of traffic surfaces, rotates a set of mixing and applicator tools that extend in a radial array beneath the carriage, and rotates a set of blending blades within the reservoir to maintain coating constituent homogeneity, with these functions characteristically being carried out concurrently during the dispensing of coating constituents from the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soil compactor equipped with at least one movable drum. To generate the desired compacting forces, the drum is equipped with two oppositely rotating exciter shafts which are matched to one another in their phase positions so that, if the exciter shafts are vertically superposed, their centrifugal forces act horizontally and in the same direction, thus causing a moment free horizontal force to be exerted on the drum axis, while, with the exciter shafts disposed in a juxtaposed arrangement, the centrifugal forces are amplified in the vertical direction and compensate one another in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A pavement patcher has a frame supported on the back of a truck. An operator's platform is movable horizontally and transversely on the frame across the back of the truck, and longitudinally for a short distance. The platform carries a hydraulic control console and a blacktop hopper with a hydraulic rotor and an auger. The platform also carries a steel roller mounted on hydraulic rams. The truck driver stops with the frame over a hole. The operator riding on the platform positions the side delivery opening at the bottom of the hopper next to the hole and operates the auger to dispense the required amount of blacktop. The operator then extends the rams to lower the roller and moves the platform to roll the roller across the patch. Significant force is developed on the roller from the hopper's platform, carriage, frame and truck to seal the patch. A hydraulic package is mounted at a side of the frame with a motor, pump and reservoir.

Abstract: A method of crack repair for building and paving material which lowers an existing surface (S) to a new working surface (W) which is low enough to effect repairs without changing the elevation or attitude of the original surface: which fills the crack (C) with grout (1) which is in turn sealed by a bridging material (2). An initial overlay material (3) is placed over the bridging material and a reinforcing strip (4) embedded in the overlay material followed by a second layer of overlay material (5) sufficient to return the repaired area to the elevation and attitude of the original surface.

Abstract: A seal-cover is provided for paving material filled pavement openings such as pot holes. A hot mix (used in good weather) or a cold mix (used in bad weather) of asphalt paving repair material is used to fill a hole in the existing pavement. A coating or layer of tar is put down covering the asphalt fill in a pavement hole and extending outward beyond the hole periphery to the extent of being approximately eight inches larger than the hole patch. A roofing material such as roofing tar paper, an asphalt or tar and fiberglass coating material or even a vinyl flooring material slightly less area than the layer of tar is then laid down over the layer of tar previously laid down. This water tight construction over asphalt fill repaired pot holes, keeping water out of patch areas, greatly aids in new repair standing up to heavy traffic and thereby greatly extends patch life running to many years.

Abstract: A multi-purpose apparatus to prepare a road surface is disclosed. The apparatus includes a scoop which cuts, profiles and collects material. A conveyor connected to the scoop transports the material from the scoop to a rock crusher. The rock crusher reduces the size of the rock and deposits the crushed rock back on the road bed. An articulated bucket assembly is mounted on the apparatus to excavate overburden and to deposit the overburden into the scoop.

Abstract: A pre-packaged bituminous sandstone material, which can be applied to damaged pavement areas at ambient temperatures, is prepared by comminuting bituminous sandstone in the presence of water to form an intimate mixture of bituminous sandstone having particles which pass through a one-quarter inch minus screen, preferably through a one-eighth inch minus screen with sufficient water, to form a material having a water content of from about 3% to about 20%, based on the weight of the mixture. The mixture is then packaged in a vapor-proof container, to maintain its water content. Damaged pavement is subsequently repaired simply by removing the mixture from the container and applying the material, at ambient temperatures, to the damaged areas.

Abstract: A cutting tool for cutting depressions in the shoulder or along the center line of a roadway comprises a plurality of rotatable cutting heads which are aligned generally in parallel with one another and which are fixedly connected to one another and to drive means for rotating the cutting heads. Each of the cutting heads may be rotatably mounted within a respective drum housing. First and second ones of the drum housings are rigidly connected to one another via a rigid connecting member to form a first cutting head set, and third and fourth ones of the drum housings are rigidly connected to one another to form a second cutting head such that the first and second cutting head sets is self-aligning. A least one of the cutting members is driven to rotate in a direction opposite from that of the other cutting members to prevent the cutting heads from pulling the cutting tools down the roadway.

Abstract: A system for applying a coating to a traffic surface utilizes a power driven unit that dispenses coating constituents onto the traffic surface as the unit moves forwardly across the traffic surface along a path of travel. The unit includes a wheel supported transport carriage beneath which is provided at least one set of applicator tools that rotates relative to the carriage about a substantially vertically extending center axis. A hollow, tubular stub shaft and bearings connect the set of tools to the carriage for rotation about the center axis.

Abstract: A method for forming load-bearing road and ground constructions on a ground bed having a low load-bearing capacity includes assembling rigid support elements on the ground bed, forming a wearing layer above the support elements and disposing a light material having a bulk density lower than the ground bed below the support elements. The support elements are designed to be rigid so that point loads are distributed over the supporting surface of the ground bed. Before positioning the support elements, the ground bed is excavated to a predetermined depth such that the weight of the excavated ground mass in the area in which the support element is to be positioned corresponds essentially to the weight of the support element itself.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing grooves in plastic concrete bridge decks, airport runways and the like having a cutter bar supporting a plurality of parallel cutter blades adapted to be imbedded in the surface of a deck. The cutter bar is adapted to be moved transversely across the deck and is mounted for pivotal movement on an axis normal to its transverse movement. The extent of pivotal movement is such as to raise and maintain the leading ends of the cutter blades slightly above the surface of the deck during the transverse movement.

Abstract: A road surface conditioning machine having an adjustable height shearing blade, side delivery blades, and an adjustable height striker blade to spread the material cut by the shearing blade and side delivery blades, the leading end of the shearing blade being adjustable in height with respect to the trailing end.

Abstract: The method comprises spreading a layer of bituminous binding material on the surface, spreading at least one layer of aggregates on the layer of binding material, and compacting the layer of aggregates in contact with the layer of binding material. The aggregates consist of loose chips covered with a mixture, which has a pasty consistency, of bitumen and of pulverulent material. The layer of binding material contains at least 11% of the total quantity of bitumen used in the coating. The operations of spreading the binding material and the aggregates and of compacting and surfacing the coating are performed in succession within a period of less than 5 seconds, the speed of advance of the site being at least ten meters per minute.

Abstract: Cracks in concrete structures are repaired by attaching over the crack a series of cutoff agent-sealing members having a predetermined open area and volume necessary for filling the crack. A blowing resin is introduced under pressure into internal chambers of the cutoff agent-sealing members to elevate the pressure within the cutoff agent-sealing members. Inlet and outlet valves of the chambers are closed, whereupon the elevated pressure causes the cutoff agent to intrude deeply into the interior of the crack, whereby an inundation and leakage of water from the crack can be prevented.

Abstract: A multi-purpose apparatus to prepare a road surface is disclosed. The apparatus includes a scoop which cuts, profiles and collects material. A conveyor connected to the scoop transports the material from the scoop to a rock crusher. The rock crusher reduces the size of the rock and deposits the crushed rock back on the road bed. An articulated bucket assembly is mounted on the apparatus to excavate overburden and to deposit the overburden into the scoop.

Abstract: An aggregate material spreader which is suitable for spreading aggregate material especially concrete on driveways, roadways and other paved surfaces. Work is performed by a roller-skid assembly adequate for rolling on forms and also skidding on the ground. It may have a built-in vibrating system and screed plates to grade material off at a desired level. Because of the skid embodiment it is designed to slip form. Finally a gliding float moves over the surface smoothing out all wrinkles.Also an alternate embodiment exists with a hopper built above the spreader with a sloping top attached on at the rear of said hopper at a lower position for concrete to discharge through for a finished product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying or re-applying retro-reflective glass beads to in-place thermoplastic pavement marking lines. A heated container warms the beads to a temperature below their melting point but above the melting point of the line. The heated beads are then uniformly dispersed onto the surface of the line. Heat from each bead is thereby transferred into the surrounding thermoplastic material, causing the material to melt and the bead to adhere. The beads are then embedded into the thermoplastic by suitable means such as a roller. By adjusting the temperature of the beads and/or the downward force of the rollers, the depth of the embedded beads can be controlled for optimum reflectivity and adhesion, and variations in ambient operating conditions can be accommodated. The line is usable by traffic essentially immediately after bead application. The same apparatus can be used to apply beads of varying sizes.

Abstract: A method of posttreating a concrete structure to provide corrosion inhibiting properties by heating the structure to remove entrapped water, cooling the structure under a maximum temperature gradient of +2.degree. C./in. thickness, applying an aqueous solution of corrosion inhibitor and then an aqueous wash.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering asphalt-aggregate material from a plurality of supply trucks to a finishing machine. In a preferred form of the invention, the apparatus is a self-propelled storage vehicle including a hopper having a capacity substantially equal to the capacity of one of the supply trucks, a high capacity loading conveyor, and a high capacity unloading conveyor system. A tranversely disposed screw auger is provided for remixing the asphalt-aggregate material in the hopper prior to its discharge to the finishing machine. In the first method of operation the storage vehicle shuttles between the finishing machine and a remote location of the supply trucks and in the second method of operation the storage vehicle travels in tandem with the finishing machine as the paving operation is performed. The high capacity loading conveyor can be equipped with an extendable trough which has a pivotally attached trough floor with front and side plates.

Abstract: A system for removing and relaying asphaltic concrete pavement using a planer pulling a laydown machine and pushing equipment for (a) screening the cuttings produced by the planer, and (b) mixing the screened cutting, with a suitable binder, wherein the mix is conveyed back to the laydown machine.

Abstract: After a mortar layer is formed on the surface layer of placed concrete, an ultrasonic vibrator is caused to vibrate while being pressed against the mortar layer surface, and a thin surface layer is scraped off, obtaining a dense water-shielding layer. Mortar with a low water-cement ratio is spread onto the surface of the water-shielding layer, and adhesion between the mortar and the water-shielding layer is strengthened by using the ultrasonic vibrator. The pressing force of the ultrasonic vibrator is then increased to make the mortar and the water-shielding layer densely integrated together, thereby forming a hard concrete surface excelling in abrasion resistance.

Abstract: A method for renewing a road surface based on bituminous mix and granular mix, comprising removing the road surface to be replaced, by scarifying; collecting the removed material and conveying it to devices for screening and crushing to predetermined particle size, and then to a mixer where aqueous bitumen emulsion is added, the mixture obtained being recycled directly to form the new road surface by depositing and levelling the mixture after spraying bitumen emulsion, and finally rolling the road surface thus formed. A self-propelled machine for implementing said operations is also provided.

Abstract: A system for applying a coating to a traffic surface utilizes a power driven apparatus that provides a plurality of sets of applicator tools that are rotated in tandem to effect mixing in situ of traffic surface coating constituents, and to effect a controlled application of the resulting coating. The apparatus includes a transport carriage that mounts an array of horizontally spaced bearing assemblies, each of which journals a separate vertically extending drive shaft for rotation about a separate vertically extending center axis. Each of the drive shafts drivingly connects with a separate set of the rotary applicator tools. The tools of each set extend substantially horizontally in a radial array about the center axis of its associated drive shaft. A power drive system rotates the sets of applicator tools in tandem as the carriage is moved across a traffic surface. Also described are methods of employing the apparatus to mix coating constituents in situ and to effect their appliction to a traffic surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for pivoting a screed assembly during screeding of placed and/or poured, uncured concrete or like loose, spreadable materials to maintain proper screeding contact by the screeding assembly with the concrete or like material by counteracting the force of concrete or other like material acting against the screed assembly as it is moved along the concrete. The apparatus includes a support, preferably of the self-propelled type, a boom and boom mount, and a pivot between the boom and the screed assembly. The axis of the pivot extends generally perpendicularly to the screeding direction in which the screed sassmblyis moved. A power source, such as a pair of fluid cylinders, rotates the screed about the pivot axis, preferably in response to an electro-hydraulic leveling sensor mounted on the screed. The lateral incline of the screed perpendicular to the screeding direction may be controlled about additional pivot axes orthogonal to the first.

Abstract: A controller for controlling the slope of a screed supported by support arms wherein the screed is moved over a distance includes a first slope sensor which develops a first sensor signal representing the slope of the screed, a second slope sensor which develops a second sensor signal representing the slope of the support arms and a first summer which sums the first sensor signal and command signal indicative of a particular screed slope to develop a first error signal. An integrator integrates the error signal over distance to develop an integrated first error signal. A second summer sums the integrated first error signal with the second sensor signal to develop a second error signal which is utilized to control actuators which adjust the slope of the support arms.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus are provided for resurfacing recreational (e.g., tennis) courts and other surfaces. The apparatus includes self-contained drive means including drive wheels mounted on an elongated frame structure, and additionally supported for rolling movement on a plurality of casters. The apparatus is provided with flexible blade and brush elements for spreading and smoothing court resurfacing material uniformly across the surface. In a forward resurfacing direction, flexible squeegee-type blades, with or without associated brushes, engage the resurfacing material ahead of the device, while flexible brush elements engage the resurfacing material behind the device to erase tracks caused by the drive wheels and casters, and to effect final smoothing and texturing of the resurfacing material. The drive wheels may be moved into and out of ground engaging contact, and a steering device provides for lifting one or the other of the drive wheels out of ground engaging contact.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for resurfacing recreational (e.g., tennis) courts and other surfaces. The apparatus includes self-contained drive system including drive wheels mounted on an elongated frame structure, and additionally supported for rolling movement on a plurality of casters. The apparatus is provided with flexible blade and brush elements for spreading and smoothing court resurfacing material uniformly across the surface. In a forward resurfacing direction, flexible squeegee-type blades, with or without associated brushes, engage the resurfacing material ahead of the device, while flexible brush elements engage the resurfacing material behind the device to erase tracks caused by the drive wheels and casters, and to effect final smoothing and texturing of the resurfacing material. The drive wheels may be moved into and out of ground engaging contact, and a steering device provides for lifting one or the other of the drive wheels out of ground engaging contact.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a weldless pavement module and a method for making a weldless pavement module. Each of the primary load bearing bars is formed with openings for receiving slotted secondary load bearing bars which are passed through the primary load bearing bars in a substantially horizontal position and which are rotated into a vertical position. The size and shape of the openings and the slots permit the combination of primary load bearing bars and secondary load bearing bars to be skewed to form a nonrectangular parallelogram configuration. Simple tack welds are used to temporarily hold the grating in its desired configuration. A concrete component encases at least the top surface of the grating base member and permanently secures the elements of the grating base member together. The use of tack welds eliminates the requirement that the grating base member be bent into a convex shape prior to welding. A simple flat jig is used.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for compacting and smoothing freshly poured concrete during the construction of a floor or other flat surface. The apparatus is a screed divided in two portions. The first portion is used to level, compact and remove excess concrete and the second portion allows the screed to float on the freshly poured and soft concrete.

Abstract: During the laying of a marking line with the aid of at least one paint spray gun (2), profile particles (5) are introduced by means of a profile particle dispenser (4) into the marking composition (3) and thereby enveloped all round by the latter. The dimension of the profile particles (5), which are preferably reflective beads, is greater than the layer thickness of the bare painted line, so that profile elevations are formed. Subsequently, reflective beads (8) which also adhere to the profile elevations are scattered onto this profiled painted line (6), which beads thus ensure a good night visibility in wet conditions and when a water film is present, from which they project. The profile particles (5) can either be directly introduced into the jet of paints emerging from the paint spray gun (2) or, subsequent to the application of a painted line, be scattered thereon and then completely covered with marking composition by means of renewed spraying of a thin film of paint.

Abstract: Material, such as old unsound concrete material, is removed from a work surface by discharging water against such work surface at a pressure of from about 10,000 to about 25,000 psi from a rotating nozzle. During operation, the nozzle traverses the work surface along a series of linear paths and is incrementally moved in a longitudinal direction so as to pass over the work surface in a sequence of preferably overlapping transverse bands. An apparatus for carrying out the method of the invention comprises a support structure usefully in the form of a vehicle having an extendible arm driven by an extension means for incremental movement of that arm in a longitudinal direction. A rotatable nozzle is mounted on a nozzle support in turn secured to the extendible arm for bidirectional movement of the nozzle along a transverse linear path. Casters are also provided for maintaining the nozzle at a predetermined spacing from the work surface during operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of producing a penetrative binder product for stabilizing absorptive granular material. The binder product comprising a combination of resin asphaltene residuum, paving grade asphalt, and a non-evaporative diluent to yield a penetrative binder which neither pollutes the air or loses significant viscosity during application to the absorptive granular material to be stabilized, the diluent further acting to inhibit the capillary movement of moisture in material underlying the originally penetrated depth.

Abstract: Method of regenerating a worn road surface when using a road surface reconditioning machine.A method characterized in that in a first phase the characteristic features and content of regenerating binder which must be added to obtain a regenerated coating of which the characteristic features correspond to those of the initial surfacing material are determined and then, in a second phase, the worn surfacing material is cut away by means of particular cutting/milling apparatus in order to break up the cut material which is conveyed to the level of the mixing apparatus where regenerating binder is added, the characteristic features of which have been determined during the course of the first phase.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting roadbed erosion and damage to roadways utilizes an underdrain system for removing water which causes such damage. Underdrains in the form of perforate pipes, preferably covered with a geotextile sock as a filter, are disposed transversely to the lengthwise direction of the roadway in close proximity to faults, cracks, joints and other fissures in the roadway. The underdrains conduct water away from such fissures thereby preventing roadbed particulate material from being pumped upwardly through the fissures together with water which collects below the concrete roadway. Such an installation is highly useful for preventing further damage to existing roadways, and may be installed without interrupting traffic or destroying the road surface by means of a pneumatic underground piercing tool.

Abstract: A vertical drainage element is constructed and laid in position while at the same time forming a narrow vertical channel in the ground by means of an excavating machine or trencher by performing the following successive operations:a strip of filtering material is unwound from a rotating roll of strip behind the trencher;the strip is introdued within the channel formed in the ground while being shaped in the form of a trough, the bottom of the trough being placed at the bottom of the channel while the side walls of the trough are placed against the channel walls;the top edges of the trough are held in position one against the other while filling the trough with bulk material in granular form which subsequently constitutes a vertical filtration block;the top edges of the trough of filtering material are closed on top of the completed block and are fastened together so as to form a closed jacket around the block.

Abstract: A mat construction usable in the construction, mining and the like industries wherein tire beads from used tires are tied together into an array with the use of strips of used tire casing. The mat can be used as an underlayment for roadways built over unstable ground surfaces, or a number of the mats can be superimposed one upon the other to form a blasting mat. The mats can be formed by inexpensive laborers at the construction site, for example.