Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing and lifting subsided slabs, flatwork, foundations of buildings or other structures, and, in particular, to the slab pier and bracket which are used in the repair and support of said subsided slabs, flatwork, foundations of building or other structures. The apparatus is advantageous in situations where extra support is needed for raising the subsided slabs, flatwork, foundations or buildings or other structures. In a specific embodiment, the subject method and apparatus can include a bracket, top piece, and pier column. In this embodiment, the subject apparatus can use these components as the means for lifting the subsided slab.

Abstract: A method for erecting structures composed of rammed-earth. A method of rammed-earth building construction is disclosed wherein walls are post-tensioned to enhance the ability of the wall to receive lateral loading without failing in tension. Post-tensioning rods are anchored to a concrete footing, and temporary forms erected alongside the footing. A protective sleeve is disposed around each post-tensioning rod. An earthen mixture is placed between the forms and around the sleeves, and rammed by compaction in a series of stacked courses. When the rammed-earth wall has obtained the desired height, it is topped with a concrete bond beam through which the post-tensioning rods extend. Using the bond beam as a brace against which a retaining plate may push, retaining plates are disposed upon the bond beam and around the threaded upper ends of each rod. A nut is threaded upon each rod and tightened against the retaining plate to draw the rod into tension.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a subterranean structure, having a continuous ribbon slab having a plurality of flights fabricated from concrete. The ribbon slab defines periodic openings therein which generally align between adjacent flights. Another embodiment provides for a method of fabricating a subterranean structure. The method includes excavating soil to form a downward sloping ramp, and forming a concrete slab on the downward sloping ramp. The method further includes continuing to excavate soil to extend the downward sloping ramp to a location under the concrete slab, and continuing to form the concrete slab on the downward sloping ramp so that a subterranean structure is formed having an essentially continuous concrete slab with a first portion which is above and spaced-apart from a second portion.

Abstract: A mounting plate and bolt assembly adapted for attachment to a top portion of a helice pier shaft. The helice pier shaft threaded into the top of a ground surface. The assembly is used for supporting various types of building, highway and other types of structures. The mounting plate and bolt assembly includes small circular upper and lower pierhead plates spaced apart and welded to the top portion of the helice pier shaft. Also, large circular upper and lower mounting plates with bolt holes are disposed next to the upper and lower small pierhead plates and held thereon using a plurality of threaded bolts received through the bolt holes. The bolt holes are disposed around an outer circumference of the large mounting plates. The top of the threaded bolts may be used for securing a base plate of a post. The post is used for supporting various types of structures thereon. The large mounting plates may be welded directly to the pier shaft if the movement of the post is not large.

Abstract: A sling-traverse device for lifting system for elevation of the massive objects (constructions) provides a possibility to lift the solid over size and over weight objects. An improved sling-traverse device for massive construction lifting system includes an arched form traverse, a traverse connector, comprising a traverse flange, a lower portion of which is by a traverse hinge coupled with the traverse, and a sling flange, an upper portion of which is intended for coupling with the lifting system, and the opposite sides of the traverse flange and the sling flange are rigidly connected to each other. The traverse includes two pairs of levers on each of side of the arch, and each two appropriate levers are coupled to each other by the stiffener and resting girder in their frontal lower part. Also the improved sling-traverse device includes a pushing spiral springs with a directional fingers respectively coupled with the appropriate brackets connected to the appropriate shackles and levers.

Abstract: In this invention, after the grade at a construction site has been excavated and/or graded to its preliminary rough grade, re-enforcing material, typically synthetic in nature, such as nylon or polypropylene mesh or rods, fiber-glass rods or mesh, or other specified re-enforcing material is laid across soil at the construction site and a reinforced base is formed by covering the reinforcing material with a polymeric resin, whereby upon curing, the polymeric resin and reinforcing material forms a contiguous thermo-structural base. Re-enforcement material comprising synthetic and/or non-synthetic components in the form of rods, rope, strapping, mesh, netting, geotextile fabrics or other dimensional forms laid longitudinally, or in a grid pattern, in single or multiple layers, tied or not tied all in situ sprayed with a high density closed cell, water resistant expanding two component polyurethane foam system.

Abstract: A method of construction includes positioning at least one support member (2) in the ground, forming a foundation (4) substantially adjacent the at least one support member, excavating ground beneath the foundation to a prescribed depth below the surface (5) temporarily forming cavities or voids (8) and supporting bridges (10) beneath the foundations, excavating the supporting bridges and dropping the formed foundation to the prescribed depth. Structures such as walls (12) may be constructed on the foundations prior to dropping the foundations and bracing members (22) may be used to prevent deflection of the walls.

Abstract: An improvement in an installation having a continuous water-impervious liner forming a barrier against the entry of water vapor and insects such as termites from the sub-soil into a crawlspace. According to the present invention, the water-impervious liner is provided with one or more access openings to the sub-soil, each covered with a flap, patch or cover which is openable to provide access to the sub-soil, and which is resealable to restore the water-barrier and/or water vapor-barrier properties of the liner in simple fashion as often as necessary.

Abstract: A scour platform to prevent scour of a moving body of water is constructed by placing an excavation adjacent to the body of water. The excavation is spaced laterally from the body of water and extends up or downstream a desired length. A stabilizing sheet material covers the bottom of the excavation. Aggregate is placed within the excavation over the sheet material, and a free end of the sheet material is then folded back over the upper surface of the emplaced aggregate. Any remaining gaps between the excavation and the sheet material may be backfilled and compacted as necessary. The scour platform is completed once the free end of the sheet material is folded back over the aggregate. For additional prevention of scour, micropiles may be emplaced between the scour platform and the body of water.

Abstract: The invention provides a structure of a pile head joint portion and a pile had fitting tubular body which can absorb an execution error for constructing a pile leading to a problem in the case of precasting a board for supporting an upper structure in order to intend to shorten a process, and can improve a strength of the pile head joint portion. A precast board (5) is manufactured by embedding a pile head fitting tubular body (2) which is constituted by a side plate (23) forming a pile head fitting tubular body (2) and a closing plate (22) closing open one end of a tube body, and forms an opening portion (26) in another end open so as to freely fit a pile head. The pile and the board are integrally formed by fitting the pile head portion to the pile head fitting tubular body (2) after constructing the pile, and charging an injection material (4) into the pile head fitting tubular body (2).

Abstract: A system for the realization of caissons for containing concrete during capstan and which are due not to be removed in a following phase, includes: panels for containing the concrete, with air spaces or with spaces filled with insulating material; inserts for connection panels in vertical and horizontal direction, for hooking the caisson to the reinforced concrete and for controlling the position of metal reinforcements; containing squares that may be realized out of various materials with holes for hooking the panels during casting and for the perfect falling plumb of the pillars; connection rods for the squares; nails for fixing the rods and squares; at the end of the concrete casting the last components—nails, rods and squares are removed so as to be used again.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for positioning and fixing beams, in particular made from wood, in particular for the construction of ground foundations, by means of at least one ground dowel. The ground dowel receives, in a retaining part, a ground dowel insert part which can be fixed therein and which possesses a retaining means, attached to a baseplate, for determining the position of the beam relative to the ground dowel insert part, the ground dowel insert part being fixed at least adhesively on the pressed-on beam. After the ground dowel, placed at the desired position and provided with the ground dowel insert part, has been adjusted to the desired height, the beam is pressed on to the retaining means in the desired position. The ground dowel insert part is fixed on the removed beam in accordance with the position determined by the retaining means, and the beam thus positioned, with the ground dowel insert part fixed thereon, is inserted into the retaining section of the ground dowel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing and lifting subsided slabs, flatwork, foundations of buildings or other structures, and, in particular, to the slab pier and bracket which are used in the repair and support of said subsided slabs, flatwork, foundations of building or other structures. The apparatus is advantageous in situations where extra support is needed for raising the subsided slabs, flatwork, foundations or buildings or other structures. In a specific embodiment, the subject method and apparatus can include a bracket, top piece, and pier column. In this embodiment, the subject apparatus can use these components as the means for lifting the subsided slab.

Abstract: The method and system for lifting of the massive constructions provide a possibility to lift the assembled at the ground level over size and over weight objects, such as a sport arena roof with the attached columns and/or bridge section with the attached piers. An improved method for massive constructions lifting includes steps providing lifting process by at least two of a plurality of lifting supports, each of which is formed by two vertically positioned H-girders connected by their lower parts to the supporting base and coupled each to the other along their length by a plurality of strengthening (stiffening) girders. Each support includes a sling-traverse, comprising a pivoting stand, a lifting tape, the rests, and the lifting device, including the hydraulic jacks.

Abstract: An anti-jacking pile solution particularly suited for use in permafrost or cold regions. The pile includes bond breaking material for preventing frozen soil from directly gripping a pile near the surface of the soil and pulling the pile upward. A collar is attached to the pile to prevent damage and/or displacement of the bond breaking material during driving of the pile. The pile may be attached to a building by way of an adjustable connection system allowing for future adjustments in the event of vertical movement.

Abstract: The method and system for lifting of the massive constructions provide a possibility to lift the assembled at the ground level over size and over weight objects, such as a sport arena roof with the attached columns and/or bridge section with the attached piers. An improved method for massive constructions lifting includes steps providing lifting process by at least two of a plurality of lifting supports, each of which is formed by two vertically positioned H-girders connected by their lower parts to the supporting base and coupled each to the other along their length by a plurality of strengthening (stiffening) girders. Each support includes a sling-traverse, comprising a pivoting stand, a lifting tape, the rests, and the lifting device, including the hydraulic jacks.

Abstract: A building levelling system is provided for a building having a basement or foundation supported on expansive soil. A water management system is included for maintaining water in the expansive soil at a level adjacent the foundation to saturate the soil with water and thereby prevent the cyclic shrinking and expanding of the soil when the soil is normally repeatedly dried and wetted, causing damage to the building supported thereon. An injection system may also be included for injecting water into the soil spaced well below the foundation to lift a foundation which has already settled significantly due to shrinkage of expansive soil upon which it is supported. The injection system includes a level sensing mechanism for determining when a level of water in a prescribed area of the expansive soil falls below a reference level of the system and injectors for feeding water into that area.

Abstract: A sling-traverse device for lifting system for elevation of the massive objects (constructions) provides a possibility to lift the solid over size and over weight objects. An improved sling-traverse device for massive construction lifting system includes an arched form traverse, a traverse connector, comprising a traverse flange, a lower portion of which is by a traverse hinge coupled with the traverse, and a sling flange, an upper portion of which is intended for coupling with the lifting system, and the opposite sides of the traverse flange and the sling flange are rigidly connected to each other. The traverse includes two pairs of levers on each of side of the arch, and each two appropriate levers are coupled to each other by the stiffener and resting girder in their frontal lower part. Also the improved sling-traverse device includes a pushing spiral springs with a directional fingers respectively coupled with the appropriate brackets connected to the appropriate shackles and levers.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a subterranean structure, having a continuous ribbon slab having a plurality of flights fabricated from concrete. The ribbon slab defines periodic openings therein which generally align between adjacent flights. Another embodiment provides for a method of fabricating a subterranean structure. The method includes excavating soil to form a downward sloping ramp, and forming a concrete slab on the downward sloping ramp. The method further includes continuing to excavate soil to extend the downward sloping ramp to a location under the concrete slab, and continuing to form the concrete slab on the downward sloping ramp so that a subterranean structure is formed having an essentially continuous concrete slab with a first portion which is above and spaced-apart from a second portion.

Abstract: A foundation comprising one or more layers or mattresses of tires, and a fill material provided within and/or between tires of each of the mattresses. The fill material is preferably a relatively coarse aggregate and provides a porous bed having relatively high drainage capacity. The lowermost mattress is typically wrapped in a porous sheet such as a geofabric cloth which is designed to allow the passage of water across the lowermost mattress whilst preventing the ingress of relatively finer material into the fill material and which can otherwise lead to degeneration of the foundation. At least some of the tires typically also have an upper sidewall removed therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for lifting and leveling an existing building from a position underneath the existing building. At least a first non-cylindrical support section having a substantially rectangular shape and first and second ends is located within the earth at a position underneath the existing building. A cap support section is placed in contact with the second end of the first non-cylindrical support section. A jack is disposed on the upper side of the cap support section and raised until the foundation of the existing building has been lifted to a desired height. The non-cylindrical support section has low bearing and high friction characteristics. The low bearing characteristics enable the apparatus to be driven further into the earth than cylindrical pilings that are commonly used to lift and level existing buildings. The high friction characteristics assist in maintaining the stability of the apparatus once it has been installed.

Abstract: A foundation for a tower is formed of a plurality of prefabricated slabs coupled together so as to function as a monolithic foundation.

Abstract: An antijacking pile solution particularly suited for use in permafrost or cold regions. The pile includes bond breaking material for preventing frozen soil from directly gripping a pile near the surface of the soil and pulling the pile upward. A collar is attached to the pile to prevent damage and/or displacement of the bond breaking material during driving of the pile. The pile may be attached to a building by way of an adjustable connection system allowing for future adjustments in the event of vertical movement.

Abstract: A structure jacking system for raising a static structure, such as a building, to a desired level with respect to a supporting surface, such as the ground, includes a bracket that is attached to the structure and to a lifting assembly. The lifting assembly drives pier sections into the supporting surface and then elevates the structure once the pier assembly reaches the point of refusal. Once the structure reaches the desired level, the bracket is fixed to the pier assembly to retain the structure at the proper elevation. A preferred embodiment of the bracket includes a ledge having friction elements to inhibit relative movement between the bracket and the structure.

Abstract: A backfill material fabricated from shredded rubber tires may be used to backfill different types of foundations to provide lateral support to the foundation without creating lateral forces that will push in a foundation wall. The backfill material may be used over substantially the entire height of the foundation wall. The backfill material also allows water to pass through the backfilled-section and into a drain pipe. In one embodiment of the invention, the backfill material is provided in one inch square pieces that will not settle and will not clog the openings in the drain pipe.

Abstract: An anti-jacking pile solution particularly suited for use in permafrost or cold regions. The pile includes bond breaking material for preventing frozen soil from directly gripping a pile near the surface of the soil and pulling the pile upward. A collar is attached to the pile to prevent damage and/or displacement of the bond breaking material during driving of the pile. The pile may be attached to a building by way of an adjustable connection system allowing for future adjustments in the event of vertical movement.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a subterranean structure, having a continuous ribbon slab having a plurality of flights fabricated from concrete. The ribbon slab defines periodic openings therein which generally align between adjacent flights. Another embodiment provides for a method of fabricating a subterranean structure. The method includes excavating soil to form a downward sloping ramp, and forming a concrete slab on the downward sloping ramp. The method further includes continuing to excavate soil to extend the downward sloping ramp to a location under the concrete slab, and continuing to form the concrete slab on the downward sloping ramp so that a subterranean structure is formed having an essentially continuous concrete slab with a first portion which is above and spaced-apart from a second portion.

Abstract: A foundation protector for a foundation wall prevents moisture being retained in the foundation wall and also provides drainage for surface water so that water does not rest against the surface of the foundation wall. The foundation protector has a smooth exterior surface so that it remains attached to the foundation if earth subsidence occurs. The foundation protector includes a waterproof dimpled sheet with spaced-apart protrusions and an outer waterproof membrane which covers recesses formed by the protrusions and provides a substantially smooth exterior surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foundation comprising one or more layers or mattresses of tyres such as 12 and 14, and a fill material provided within and/or between tyres of each of the mattresses 12 and 14. The fill material 16 is preferably a relatively coarse aggregate and provides a porous bed having relatively high drainage capacity. The lowermost mattress 14 is typically wrapped in a porous sheet such as a geofabric cloth which is designed to allow the passage of water across the lowermost mattress 14 whilst preventing the ingress of relatively finer material into the fill and which can otherwise lead to degeneration of the foundation. At least some of the tyres typically also have an upper sidewall removed therefrom.

Abstract: An improved method of making a foundation for a wind turbine comprises: a) forming a pit, b) providing a cylindrical open-bottomed steel can, c) lowering the can into the pit, d) accurately aligning the steel can, e) concreting the steel can in position in the pit, and f) back-filling the interior of the can.

Abstract: A system for encapsulating a crawlspace against the entry of sub-soil water vapor and also against the entry of external ground water from the crawlspace walls and for completely isolating the building from water vapor from the earth. The present system comprises applying over the floor of the crawlspace, generally a dirt floor but sometimes a poured concrete floor, a continuous durable sealed plastic film barrier layer or laminate, and extending the barrier film vertically-upwardly to cover and seal the interior peripheral walls enclosing the crawlspace to an elevation at least slightly greater than the elevation of the ground in contact with the exterior surfaces of the peripheral walls and preferably to the tops of the peripheral walls. This encapsulates the dirt surface of the entire crawlspace against the penetration of external ground water or floor water and also sub-soil water and water vapor onto the surface of the plastic barrier film and into the crawlspace atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention provides a reinforced concrete having improved corrosion resistance in which the content of voids in the concrete at the surface of the steel reinforcement is below 0.8%, preferably below 0.5%, more preferably below 0.2% by area of steel and in which there is a layer of solid alkali, preferably at least one micron in thickness on the steel surface. The reinforced concrete preferably has a chloride threshold level of at least 0.5% preferably at least 0.8% by weight of the cement. The invention also provides a process for reducing corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete which comprises forming a reinforced concrete in which the voids at the steel surface are below 0.5% by volume and in which there is a layer of solid alkali on the steel surface the layer being at least 1 micron in thickness and covering at least 20% of the steel surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and stabilizing sunken or settled foundations, slabs, footings, etc. includes a lifting plate having a pipe section solidly secured thereto, for passing concentrically over the anchor pier used in such operations. The concentric lifting plate pipe precludes cocking or tilting of the plate relative to the anchor pier and foundation structure, thereby greatly improving the security of the lifting operation. As a result of the increased lifting plate stability provided by the present invention, only a single clamp is needed for securing the lifting assembly to the foundation. The clamp is adjustably positionable as required, to secure to a solid area of the foundation structure. The present system secures the plate to the pier using mechanical fasteners, thus precluding requirement for costly welding and other metal forming equipment. A method of raising or stabilizing a foundation or similar structure using the present apparatus, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A foundation comprising one or more layers or mattresses of tires, and a fill material provided within and/or between tires of each of the mattresses. The fill material is preferably a relatively coarse aggregate and provides a porous bed having relatively high drainage capacity. The lowermost mattress is cloth which is designed to allow the passage of water across the lowermost mattress whilst preventing the ingress of relatively finer material into the fill material and which can otherwise lead to degeneration of the foundation. At least some of the tires typically also have an upper sidewall removed therefrom.

Abstract: A system for the determination of pile parameters includes at least one structure for measuring pile data. The structure for measuring pile data is disposed within a measurement range from a pile. A wireless transmitter is communicably connected to the structure for measuring pile data, the wireless transmitter for transmitting the pile data to at least one remotely located receiver. Pile data is preferably encoded in the transmitted data signal. The remotely located receiver is communicably connected to a device for determining at least one pile parameter from the pile measurement data. A method for driving piles includes the steps of wirelessly transmitting pile data to at least one remote receiver, determining at least one pile driving process parameter from the pile data, and driving the pile using the determined pile driving parameter.

Abstract: A foundation for a tower is formed of a plurality of prefabricated slabs coupled together so as to function as a monolithic foundation.

Abstract: A method for strengthening a weak stratum using a solidified composition is provided. The method comprises the steps of: forming a horizontal drainage layer on the weak stratum; building-up mound structures on the drainage layer-formed weak stratum to the critical mound height; vertically forming holes in weak stratum; and mixing a first mixture comprising 25-35 parts by weight of cement, and on the basis of 100 parts by weight of the cement, 0.2-0.4 parts by weight of high fluid adjustment and 0.1-0.2 parts by weight of gel retardant, with a second mixture composed of 65-75 parts by weight of dried sand having a particle size of 0.074-5.0 mm, and on the basis of 100 parts by weight of the cement, 0.3-0.8 parts by weight of aluminum powder, then introducing the first and second mixture into the holes.

Abstract: A method of forming an in-situ void system including the steps of determining an expansion potential of soil adjacent to a structure and forming an array of voids in an area adjacent to the structure so as to accommodate the expansion potential of the soil. The array of voids is formed by drilling an array of holes beneath the structure or around a perimeter of the structure. The holes are drilled to a depth of the expansion potential. A liquid can be introduced into the voids so as to swell the soil. The top of the array of voids is covered prior to laying the foundation over the array of voids.

Abstract: A method and jacking assembly used for forming a concrete foundation pierhead. The pierhead is attached integrally to a foundation and/or floor system. A plurality of pierheads are used for leveling the foundation and floor system. Each of the pierheads include a jacking assembly which is used for jacking the pierhead on top of a vertical support member. The vertical support member may be a helix pipe pier, steel beams, posts, piers and the like. The pier pipe is installed into a ground surface and next to the foundation. The method steps include excavating a hole next to the foundation and installing the vertical support to a selected depth in the ground surface. The jacking assembly is then attached to the foundation and to a top of the vertical support. The pierhead is then poured around the jacking assembly and next to the foundation and floor system and allowed to cure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique wherein a complex structure is adopted as a joint structure between each head of plural piles (1) and a bottom of a footing (2), and the complex structure may be selected among either a complex of a roller bearing structure (Y) interposing a sliding member (12) and a pin bearing structure (X) interposing a sliding member (32), another complex of a rigid joint structure (Z) and the roller bearing structure (Y), or still another complex of the rigid joint structure (Z) and a pin bearing structure (X). This can restrain the rotation of an upper structure (A), reduce stress concentration applied to a joint portion and occurrence of a bending moment on the pile (1) in applying a great external force such as an earthquake thereto, prevent damages or destroys of the joint portion and the pile, and also enhance excellent positional restoration performance for restoring the upper structure (A) to an initial position thereof, after the earthquake happens.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting a pier-supported structure includes a pier support assembly for engaging a pier of the structure. The system also includes a guide assembly coupled to the pier support assembly and a piling extending through the guide assembly. The system further includes a clamp assembly adapted to engage the piling upon downward movement of the piling and a drive system coupled to the clamp assembly and the pier support assembly. The drive system is operable to drive the piling downward relative to the pier support assembly until the piling encounters a predetermined resistance.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising a buried housing or other article includes a frame, a plurality of support leg assemblies, a plurality of lifting members for attaching the frame to the buried housing, and a device for raising the frame, and thereby the buried housing, relative to a supporting ground surface. Preferably, the frame includes a pair of pivotally attached crossbar sections, the lifting members constitute chains, and the support leg assemblies include threaded rods and pivotable support feet. The apparatus is adapted to be supported above a buried article which is attached to the frame through the lifting members. Thereafter, the frame is lifted relative to the support leg assemblies to raise the article to enable back-filling beneath the article in order to maintain the article at a desired height upon disconnection of the apparatus.

Abstract: A foundation forming tool is comprised of an upper base and a lower base wherein the upper base is for resting upon the opposing planks comprising a foundation form well, and the lower base extends below the upper base, into the form well, for purposes of precisely and consistently defining the form well's width. The lower base can be made in 6, 8 or 10 inches in length, to conform to standard widths of foundation form wells. Additionally, this forming tool can be made to be telescoping and adjustable between these standard widths, so that one tool could accommodate a variety of forming needs. Finally, this forming tool further comprises a leveling apparatus for allowing a precise horizontal and vertical level to be achieved across a foundation form.

Abstract: A device for use with a pier installation apparatus of the type employed in lifting and supporting a foundation is provided. A mounting beam assembly for mounting hydraulic power cylinders in a straddling position around a pier to be driven into the ground by the installation apparatus. The beam assembly is a planar member having a central opening for receiving the pier therethrough. It is comprised of opposing plate members beneath which the hydraulic cylinders are mounted. The plate members each have an opening which allows passage of the piston rod through the hydraulic cylinder. Alternatively, the beam assembly may be comprised of a unitary plate member having a lateral opening at a side edge. The mounting beam assembly allows for lateral placement around a pier in the installation apparatus, and may be completely disassembled for quick and efficient installation and removal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a waterstop, 10 or 11, for restricting or preventing the flow of water across the joints of foundation elements 8, such as between or along individual diaphragm wall panels or between or along individual secant wall piles. The present invention also relates to a method of installing a waterstop at or near the joints between adjacent foundation elements. The waterstop consists of one or more longitudinal strips, 1 or 2, of hydrophilic material, wherein the or each hydrophilic strip extends vertically along the interface between adjacent foundation elements, from a position at or near the top of the foundation elements, to a position at or near the base of the elements.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for supporting a building and to a system and method for connecting sections, such as pilings, pipes, conduits, and the like, in an end-to-end, abutting, relationship to form pilings for the support system. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure; and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims under 37 CFR §1.72.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for elevating a house, building, or other structure. The apparatus of the system includes a plurality of beam elements. The beam elements include a space-frame structure and include mateable ends whereby a first beam element may be connected to a second beam element in an end-to-end fashion for forming an elongate unitary consolidated beam. Thus, any number of beam elements may be connected to one-another for forming a consolidated beam of any desired length. The beam elements are provided in several lengths, and are light enough so that one or two individuals may lift and carry the beam elements by hand for installation in a structure and removal from a structure. The system may further include additional equipment to enable use of the system without the necessity of significantly damaging the exterior walls of the structure. A plurality of consolidated beams are constructed within a structure's interior and fastened to the structure for forming a lifting grid.

Abstract: A lifting system for massive constructions provides a possibility to lift the solid over size and over weight objects. An improved lifting system for massive constructions includes at least one of a plurality of lifting devices, each of which comprises at least one of a plurality of main hydraulic jacks, the major jacks, the auxiliary jacks, the supports and the lifting sectional tape comprising the removable sections having the apertures for the fixing of the appropriate section in its position by the locking fingers. Each lifting device also includes a sling-traverse, a pivoting stand and a bearing respectively coupled to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to building structures that are floatable so that damage is reduced in the event of a flood. A sealed floor structure is described such that the entire superstructure can float under the influence of flood waters. The floor structure is supported above grade upon corbels and thence by a series of columns disposed around the perimeter of the building. The perimeter columns generally lie outside the superstructure envelope and continue up to or beyond the eaves level of the structure. As the building floats vertically these columns, via a sleeve mechanism, act to limit any horizontal movement of the structure. Mechanisms incorporated within the columns and floor structure limit the upward travel of the structure under the influence of flood waters.

Abstract: A universal block made of concrete designed to be used with different size posts and beams. The pier block is a conical, six-sided structure and includes two concentrically aligned, post-receiving voids designed to receive the ends of a (4×4) or (6×6) inch post. The (6×6) inch void is positioned above the (4×4) inch void. Formed horizontally on the top surface of the pier block are two transversely aligned beam-receiving slots. Each beam-receiving slot includes a narrow and a wide slot longitudinally aligned. The wide slot is positioned above the narrow slot. A vertically aligned drain hole is formed through the pier block from the bottom surface of the (4×4) inch void to the bottom of the pier block, which allows water to drain from the post-receiving voids.