Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a system and method of constructing drilling and production platforms that are particularly useful in remote, inaccessible and/or environmentally sensitive operating environments. According to one aspect of the invention, an arctic drilling platform is provided wherein various methods and means of interlocking neighboring platform modules are provided. Methods and means for sealing the intersections formed between a plurality of interlocked platform modules are also disclosed. According to further aspects of the invention, improved platform floor plans are provided, and various wellhead cellar layouts and sealing means are also described. Methods and means of enhancing the usefulness of modular storage platforms are disclosed, and a number of support post installation and removal techniques are also provided.

Abstract: A support structure (1) that includes a support panel (11), at least one pile (14) having associated therewith at least one bracket (17) and at least one mounting strap (20), is described. Each bracket (17) includes a lower portion (70), at least one extension (91, 92) extending upward from the lower portion (70), and a retainer (85) extending outward from a first surface (73) of the lower portion (70). The retainer (85) of the bracket (17) is received within an aperture (67) of an apertured sidewall (64, 215, 218) of the pile (14). At least one mounting strap (20, 23) maintains: the first surface (73) of the lower portion (70) of the bracket (17) in abutting relationship with the apertured sidewall (64) of the pile; and the retainer (85) within the aperture (67) thereof. A first surface (94) of the extension (91, 92) of the bracket (17) and the apertured sidewall (64) of the pile (14) together define a vertical slot (112) having an open top (115) and a closed bottom (118).

Abstract: An arrangement for supporting a building wall, such as a foundation wall, against inward movement caused by shifting of adjacent soil or by hydrostatic forces or other forces acting on the exterior surface of the wall to push it inwardly. The support arrangement includes upper and lower jacking members that each engage respective upper and lower sections of a support beam that is placed vertically against the surface of the wall to be supported. Each jacking member includes a respective jackscrew that is rotatable for applying a wall holding or a wall restoring force to either or both of the upper and lower sections of the wall.

Abstract: A bracket for a deep foundation construction system includes a rail and channel structure including an integrated top plate having a substantially flat surface for mounting to a first beam. A post having a first end is mounted to a channel portion of the rail and channel structure. The post opposes the substantially flat surface of the top plate. The post is oriented substantially perpendicular to the top plate. The post incorporates a second end adapted to couple to a screw or push pile apparatus.

Abstract: A process is provided for making thermoplastic-composites from recycled thermoplastics (polyolefins) together with phosphogypsum waste by-product from the phosphate fertilizer wet process or, in an equally preferred embodiment with fluorogypsum waste by-product from fluorine production wet process to produce lumber profiles. The process involves (a) admixing phosphogypsum (calcium sulfate) and/or fluorogypsum (calcium fluoride) waste byproduct and/or Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) gypsum and/or crude gypsum and/or calcined gypsum with thermoplastics and a functionalized compound with or without coupling agents to produce a filled thermoplastic-composite composition, and (b) melt processing the composition to produce a filled thermoplastic-composite article.

Abstract: A pier (10) to be driven into a ground surface includes an auger member (11) having a shaft (12) that is rotated in a first direction to drive the auger member into the ground surface, and a compaction member (16) having a sleeve (17) surrounding a portion of the shaft. The compaction member (16) includes a compaction part (18) attached to and extending laterally outwardly of the sleeve (17). A threaded rod (23) engages the shaft (12) and is rotated to cause the compaction member (16) to move down the shaft (12) and compact the soil around the shaft.

Abstract: A structural reinforcing layer made from wire, a structural reinforcing composite layer made from wire, and the resulting load bearing structures made from or retrofitted with wire reinforced plastics and cements. Said layers and structures made from monofilament metallic or pre-cured composite materials twisted into multi-strand wire geometry optimized to mechanically shear load into rigid thermoplastic, thermoset, metallic or cementious resin systems. Wire geometry, count, size and strength/stiffness can be varied in combination with resin type, sheet structure, permeability and orientation to create layers intended for use in composite and cement based structures as originally molded reinforcement or retrofitted structural upgrades.

Abstract: A structural helical pile having an elongate shaft member defining a longitudinal axis. The structural helical pile also comprises a radially extending, generally helical load bearing member integral with the shaft member and projecting outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the shaft member. The helical load bearing member has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The respective leading and trailing edges intersect the shaft member in spaced relationship along the longitudinal length of the shaft member. The helical load bearing member further comprises at least one rib integrally formed therein. In this aspect, each rib extends outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the shaft member and has a substantially uniform cross-sectional thickness.

Abstract: A bracket assembly rests upon a pier set adjacent to a foundation and a secondary component elevates the bracket assembly. The bracket provides adjustable engagement to limit rotation of the bracket with respect to an installed pier. The bracket assembly has an housing, a bearing member, load transfer plates, reinforcing means, and an adjusting bolt beneath the bearing member. The housing is either two parallel plates or a tube. In the plates embodiment, two slots receive either a pin, a gate alone, or a gate with a moveable plate. In the tube embodiment, the pier fits snugly within the tube. Further, the bracket permits locating tools over the piers to reduce induced bending moment at the junction of the pier and the bracket. The bracket assembly stabilizes and lifts piers.

Abstract: A method and device for stabilizing slopes that are at or near failure preferably due to a shallow, translational slides. Once a target slope has been identified, a plurality of plate piles is inserted into the entire at-risk slope to stabilize the slope. The plate piles preferably consist of a steel plate attached to an angle. The plate piles are inserted below the soil surface, with the pile extending into the bedrock, preferably in a diamond-shaped lattice pattern over the entire slope.

Abstract: A pile comprising a tapered steel tube of convex polygonal cross-section driven into the ground and then filled with concrete provides high load carrying capacity even in cohesive soils.

Abstract: A vibration-proof construction method for preventing and reducing vibration around a structure which generates vibration or receives vibration includes construction work wherein a hard member having higher stiffness than the surrounding ground and a rubber elastic member are adjacently laid underground, around or directly underneath the building structure, thereby forming a hard layer and an elastic layer. The hard member is preferably concrete, hardening-treated soil, or iron material, and the rubber elastic member is preferably scrap tires or pulverized scrap tire material. Thus, a practical and excellent vibration-proof construction method is provided, whereby even better vibration-proof effects can be obtained, and which contributes to reduction in construction costs.

Abstract: A structural helical pile having an elongate shaft member defining a longitudinal axis. The structural helical pile also comprises a radially extending, generally helical load bearing member integral with the shaft member and projecting outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the shaft member. The helical load bearing member has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The respective leading and trailing edges intersect the shaft member in spaced relationship along the longitudinal length of the shaft member. The helical load bearing member further comprises at least one rib integrally formed therein. In this aspect, each rib extends outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the shaft member and has a substantially uniform cross-sectional thickness.

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 system for controlling pile orientation comprises a pile (14) and a pile guide (20) for supporting the pile as it is driven into a substrate, the pile guide comprising a base frame (10) and a pile guide member (22) mounted on the base frame. The pile (14) and the pile guide member (22) have slidaby interengaging profiles (30, 40) comprising first and second parts (32, 42), which are configured to axially rotate the pile to correct any misorientation relative to the pile guide as the parts slide past each other, and third and fourth parts (34, 44), which are configured to maintain a predetermined orientation of the pile relative to the pile guide once any misorientation has been corrected by interengagement of the first and second parts.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of installing a pile in unstable soil before a building foundation is installed on that unstable soil. The apparatus includes a tractor; an arm pivotally attached to tractors; a mechanism for moving the arm between raised and lowered positions; a driving platform attached to the arm; and auxiliary weight attached to the front member of the arm. The method includes the steps of placing the first end of a starter pile on the unstable soil; positioning the driving platform of the tractor on the second end of the starter pile; and activating the mechanism for moving the arm between raised and lowered positions to move the arm to the lowered position and cause the driving platform to drive the starter pile into the unstable soil.

Abstract: A conductive polymer backfill composition and method of use for setting or resetting utility poles is described. The backfill material is effective in simultaneously reinforcing and electrically grounding the utility pole.

Abstract: A novel foundation system, method of manufacture and method of implementation are disclosed, comprising a simplified cast structure/pile combination strengthened by dispersed steel fibers within the cementious material.

Abstract: A conductive polymer backfill composition and method of use for setting or resetting structures such as utility poles is described. The backfill material is effective in simultaneously reinforcing and electrically grounding the utility pole.

Abstract: A system for driving a large diameter caisson into the ground, comprising a crane assembly, a plurality of vibratory devices, a clamp assembly, a suspension assembly, and a timing system. Each vibratory device generates a vibratory force. The clamp assembly rigidly secures each of the vibratory devices to one of a plurality of predetermined angularly spaced locations about the caisson. The suspension assembly connects the vibratory devices to the crane assembly such that transmission of vibratory forces from the vibratory devices to the crane assembly is inhibited. The timing system operatively connects the plurality of vibratory devices to synchronize the vibratory forces generated thereby.

Abstract: A continuously interlocked segmental precast concrete underpinning pile using a method of installation where a cooperating extension on one segment engages a cooperating depression on an adjacent segment and aligns the precast segments during installation, which provides a laterally stable pile. With the addition of an adhesive, a locking engagement or both the piling has both linear and rotational stability.

Abstract: A sand pile driving method for making a sand pile which does not cause trouble in terms of strength even at a soft point in the actual ground, and enables secure limitation of the increase in total construction time and total amount of sand. A compaction procedure is a procedure for compacting a granule pile 15 by pressing and rotating the casing pipe 13 downward. This is performed based on thrust force P by which the casing pipe presses a granule pile and a driving torque T for rotating the casing pipe against a granule pile.

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 special mechanical apparatus for installation of support pier for structure comprises positioning a hollow tube apparatus in a soil matrix wherein the hollow tube apparatus has a hollow core and is susceptible to lateral and longitudinal movement, removing soil from the hollow core and then filling that core with an aggregate followed by raising and lowering of the hollow tube apparatus by means of a special bottom mechanical device in a manner which compacts the aggregate and also applies lateral forces to the aggregate against the walls of the cavity in the soil matrix, pushing a portion of the aggregate into the soil matrix.

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

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 circular concrete cap foundation poured in-situ within a perimeter forming corrugated metal pipe set atop or within an excavated pit and enclosing a series of circumferentially spaced pile anchors. The circular concrete cap foundation supports sets of inner and outer circumferentially spaced tower anchor bolts having their lower ends anchored to an embedded anchor ring and their upper ends projecting vertically and upwardly out the top of the circular foundation to engage the base flange of a supported tower. The pile anchors are formed with perimeter corrugated metal pipes set deep in subsurface soils with cementitious material surrounding and partially bonding to a centralized steel bolt or tendon which extends through the cap foundation. The tower anchor bolts and the pile anchor bolts are both partially encased in a PVC sleeve so that the bolts can be post-tensioned. The pile anchors are in tension only and serve to pull the cap foundation down to compress the underlying ground soils.

Abstract: A pile comprising a tapered steel tube of convex polygonal cross-section driven into the ground and then filled with concrete provides high load carrying capacity even in cohesive soils.

Abstract: A method for casting a partially-reinforced concrete pile in the ground includes installing an elongate hollow tubular casing in a hole in the ground with an elongate portion of the hole extending downwardly beneath the lower end of the casing. Hardenable fluid concrete is conducted into the hole and casing so as to substantially fill the respective hollow cross-sections thereof. The concrete is permitted to reach a hardened state while the casing remains within the ground, thereby forming a concrete pile partially reinforced by the casing against side-loading in an upper portion of the pile.

Abstract: A pile guide, for supporting a pile as it is driven into a substrate, has a base frame and a pile guide member mounted on the base frame. The base frame comprises one or more substrate-engaging supports, moveable between an inoperative position and an operative position, with movement of the or each substrate-engaging support into the operative position resulting in an increase in the area of the base frame which, in use, rests on the substrate.

Abstract: A conductive polymer backfill composition and method of use for setting or resetting structures such as utility poles is described. The backfill material is effective in simultaneously reinforcing and electrically grounding the utility pole.

Abstract: A piering device includes a shaft having interspaced threaded portions and unthreaded portions extending axially along at least a portion of its length. The unthreaded portions of the shaft are radially recessed with respect to the threaded portions. A helical plate with a threaded passageway can engage the threaded portions of the shaft at any desired location along the shaft. A key is then inserted into the passageway between the helical plate and an unthreaded portion of the shaft to hold the helical plate at the desired location on the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a support column in soil using a reverse circulation down-the-hole hammer apparatus. The method includes drilling a hole with a reverse circulation down-the-hole hammer apparatus having a drill string with a return outlet and a down-the-hole hammer, and forming a column of mortar-like substance by pumping a mortar-like substance down the return outlet while lifting the apparatus out of the hole.

Abstract: A pier assembly (20, 60) is provided that utilizes a rotatable shelf (12, 70) structure to place a screw jack assembly (15) under a footing (28) of a foundation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for arranging a foundation pile in the ground using a ground displacement drill, wherein a hollow drill pipe with a ground displacement drill attached thereto are jointly introduced as a foundation pile, with the aid of a pile cap coupled to the hollow drill pipe, into the ground under axial pressure, whilst rotating, and wherein during the introduction into the ground, via a liquid supply extending through the pile cap and the foundation pile, a liquid medium is supplied through the ground displacement drill to the ground, and wherein, after the foundation pile has been arranged sufficiently deep in the ground, the pile cap is thereupon uncoupled from the foundation pile and retracted from the ground, leaving the foundation pile behind, wherein during retraction of the pile cap, liquid is supplied via the pile cap to the space formed between the pile cap and the foundation pile.

Abstract: A reinforcing concrete pier comprising a concrete member 1a, and structural main reinforcing bars 1b embedded in the concrete member so as to extend along an axial direction of the concrete member. A high-strength core member 2, which is higher in strength than the structural main reinforcing bars, is embedded in the concrete member inside the structural main reinforcing bars so as to extend along the axial direction. One end portion 2b with a gap of the core member is fixed to the concrete member at a base portion of the pier, and the other end portion 2a of the core member is fixed to the concrete member at an intermediate portion 1d of the pier. Further, the core member has an unbounded region D in which the core member is not bonded to the concrete member between the one end portion and the other end portion.

Abstract: A tubular piling apparatus and method for penetrating the soil comprises, in a preferred embodiment, elements such as a drive shoe and/or other earth displacing structures which may be, in one presently preferred embodiment, of larger outer diameter than the surface conductor pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a collar mountable to the pilings having an earth displacing structure formed thereon. In another aspect, a drive shoe, being of a larger size than the conductor pipe and connected to the bottom section of the conductor pipe is provided with an exterior band mounted on the outer diameter of the drive shoe. The exterior band may be located proximate the lower end of the drive shoe. The drive shoe may include teeth formed such that causes compression of earthen formation away from the inner surface of the drive shoe.

Abstract: A system for driving a large diameter caisson into the ground, comprising a crane assembly, a plurality of vibratory devices, a clamp assembly, a suspension assembly, and a timing system. Each vibratory device generates a vibratory force. The clamp assembly rigidly secures each of the vibratory devices to one of a plurality of predetermined angularly spaced locations about the caisson. The suspension assembly connects the vibratory devices to the crane assembly such that transmission of vibratory forces from the vibratory devices to the crane assembly is inhibited. The timing system operatively connects the plurality of vibratory devices to synchronize the vibratory forces generated thereby.

Abstract: A pile array assembly system for use in interaction with a ground site having adjacent building or structure footing or equivalent foundational support for reduced soil liquefaction in the event of seismic disturbance. The system is provided with a number of pile array subassemblies which relate to each other positionally and structurally to cooperate in deflecting seismic shock waves and also densifying the ground site to provide reduced soil liquefaction. Various arcuate or arc-linked pile units are placed as pile array subassemblies, in preferred embodiments, to utilize multiple configurational peripheries or perimeters of pile units. Additionally, in preferred embodiments, individual pile units within a subassembly are slanted or slanted and rotationally advanced or spun to achieve positioning for improved and advanced subground seismic wave deflection and dissipation.

Abstract: A pier or dock adjustment method permits adjustment of a height of a pier platform relative to a pier structure, the pier structure including at least a first post. The method includes the step of providing a platform height adjustment apparatus, the platform height adjustment apparatus including a platform support member and a height positioning mechanism. The platform height adjustment apparatus is slidably mounted on the first post. The post position of the platform height adjustment apparatus is fixed relative to the first post, the post position being situated above and proximate the pier platform. The platform support member is moved into a platform supporting position relative to the platform. The height positioning mechanism is actuated to thereby one of lower and lift the pier platform.

Abstract: A conductive polymer backfill composition and method of use for setting or resetting utility poles is described. The backfill material is effective in simultaneously reinforcing and electrically grounding the utility pole.

Abstract: An elongated pilot member is forced into the ground and an auger with a hollow stem is positioned around the pilot member and rotated to move the auger into the ground. A second elongated member is coupled to the pilot member and an upward force is applied to the auger stem or to an extension thereof to enable a downward force to be applied to the second elongated member to force the second elongated member and the pilot member into the ground. The second elongated member and the auger stem then are attached together and to a foundation support member for providing support for a foundation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a wellbore casing. A mandrel is used to position a tubular member within a wellbore. The mandrel is then driven into the bottom of the wellbore. The tubular member is then radially expanded by the mandrel.

Abstract: A pile guide, for supporting a pile as it is driven into a substrate, has a base frame and a pile guide member mounted on the base frame. The base frame comprises one or more substrate-engaging supports, moveable between an inoperative position and an operative position, with movement of the or each substrate-engaging support into the operative position resulting in an increase in the area of the base frame which, in use, rests on the substrate.

Abstract: An arrangement for connecting tubular articles, particularly piles and pile sleeves, in which a first tube (4) fits into a second tube (2), the first tube having a first circumferential recess (10) and a second circumferential recess (12), and the second tube has a first set of latches (8) and a second set of latches (8′) which are resiliently biased to engage in the first and second recesses respectively. When the latches and the recesses are mutually engaged, axial movement is prevented by abutments in the recesses and the latches by one set of latches in one direction and the other set of latches in the opposite axial direction. Latching engagement is only possible when the first set of latches is opposite the first recess and the second set opposite the second recess. This ensures positive connection and the use of preferred elements (30) which extend from one set of latches through the outer casing of the second tube. A mechanism can be provided to readily unlatch the tubes.

Abstract: A monitoring device (14) for a continuous flight auger is connected between a continuous flight auger (11) and a drive mechanism (12) and rotates with the auger. A strain measurement arrangement provides strain signals for use in deriving the rotational torque and axial force of the auger. The axial strain and rotational torque information are used to build up a model of the ground. In particular, the shear strength of the soil can be determined which enables the maximum pile capacity to be calculated without a detailed site investigation.

Abstract: A caisson for use as a support structure in building construction. The caisson has an inner, metallic core and an outer portion surrounding the inner core. Both the inner core and the outer portion are cylindrical. Metallic straps or bands can be disposed peripherally, in spaced apart relation, around the inner core for anchoring it to the outer portion of the caisson. The inner, metallic core is usually steel and the outer portion is concrete or grout. A 22″ diameter caisson manufactured in accordance with this invention is capable of supporting more than 2,400 tons. A hollow, cylindrical, steel shell optionally surrounds the outer periphery of the outer portion of the caisson.

Abstract: A pile comprising a hollow steel bottom portion of convex polygonal cross-section having at least four substantially equal sides. This bottom portion is driven into the ground and is then filled with concrete.

Abstract: A precast concrete beam element, used as a continuous bearing structural foundation member supporting wall and floor slab loads in soil, includes a bearing surface for spreading vertical loads into the soil and a wall section having a height sufficient to place the bearing surface at a specified bearing depth in the soil. The precast beam element also includes a formed-in notch to serve as a block ledge to facilitate weathertight wall installation. The beam element is manufactured offsite in a mold capable of changing dimension to cast elements with differing bearing heights and differing wall thicknesses as soil and loading conditions require.

Abstract: A foundation pile has an innermost element, a structural tubular element surrounding the innermost element and composed of a non-metallic material, a tubular layer of a composite material surrounding the structural tubular element and connected with the later, and a friction coating applied on an outer surface of the layer of composite material.