Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to construction of subsurface structural elements that are configured to redirect soil forces. For instance, a form may be used to construct a subsurface structural element such that the subsurface structural element redirects soil forces to vertically displace a foundation rather than have the soil forces crack or otherwise damage the foundation.

Abstract: An optimal design method and system for slope reinforcement with anti-slide piles includes: modeling a slope type to obtain a three-dimensional (3D) slope numerical calculation model; establishing different numerical calculation models for anti-slide piles according to different reinforcement schemes of the anti-slide piles; determining optimization indexes through a coupling analysis of the 3D slope numerical calculation model and the anti-slide pile numerical calculation model; calculating a comprehensive optimization value according to the optimization index; determining an optimal anti-slide pile reinforcement scheme according to the comprehensive optimization value, and determining whether the optimal anti-slide pile reinforcement scheme meets the optimization objective; and carrying out slope reinforcement according to the optimal anti-slide pile reinforcement scheme if yes.

Abstract: Provided are a pile foundation bearing platform settlement, reinforcement, lift-up and leveling structure and a construction method thereof. The structure includes a bearing platform and a plurality of pile foundations, a weak soil reinforcement layer under the bearing platform and a pile tip bearing stratum. The weak soil reinforcement layer forms a plurality of first grouting holes, and the first grouting hole extends through the bearing platform and communicates with the outside. The first grouting hole is used to perform primary grouting in the weak soil reinforcement layer. The pile tip bearing stratum forms a plurality of second grouting holes, and the second grouting hole extends through the weak soil reinforcement layer and the bearing platform, and communicates with the outside. The second grouting hole is used to perform secondary grouting in the pile tip bearing stratum.

Abstract: A grout plug assembly for use in forming a pipe pile system defining at least one pile assembly inner surface portion comprises a resiliently deformable plug body and a substantially rigid plug cap. The resiliently deformable plug body defining a plug outer surface, a plug inner surface, a first plug end surface, a second plug end surface, where the plug inner surface defines a plug passageway. The substantially rigid plug cap defines a cap outer surface, a cap inner surface, a first cap end surface, and a second cap end surface. The second cap end surface is rigidly secured to the first plug end surface. The plug outer surface is sized and dimensioned to engage the at least one pile assembly inner surface portion of the pipe pile system during formation of the pipe pile system.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide pressed aggregate-filled cavities for improving ground stiffness and uniformity are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes using a mechanism to press into a ground surface in a substantially downward direction to create a concavity. The method also includes substantially or completely filling the concavity with unstabilized or chemically stabilized aggregate, soil, or sand. Further, the method includes using the mechanism to press the aggregate within the concavity to achieve a desired ground stiffness.

Abstract: Hollow composite dowel bar assemblies, their manufacture, and apparatus for manufacture. The dowel bar assemblies may include an elongate and hollow core, a protective jacket coating at least the sidewall exterior of the core, and a sealing structure coupled with each end of the combined core and jacket, that are configured to protect the core from the environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foundation pile comprising a stabilization device that is located within the foundation pile and is connected to at least two inner surface sections of the foundation pile; the stabilization device allows compressive and/or tensile forces to be transmitted such that the stabilization device counteracts lateral deformation and/or torsional deformation of the foundation pile.

Abstract: A compressed gas supplier has a power-free decompression device and an expansion chamber. The power-free decompression device decompresses a gas in a high-pressure source into a decompressed gas. The expansion chamber connects to the power-free decompression device and receives and stores the decompressed gas. The pneumatic tool is driven by the decompressed gas in the expansion chamber. Thus, the compressed gas supplier for the pneumatic tool is small and easy to be carry. In addition, the decompressed gas stored in the expansion chamber is also benefit for supplying decompressed gas to the pneumatic tool that needs much gas to drive.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for forming a compacted aggregate pier at a target location. The system comprises a mandrel, which is a composition of a casing pipe and an inner steel shaft with close ended cone and convenient entry and exit of the inner shaft. The system further comprises a casing is equipped with water jet system, a rammer of mandrel attached to hydraulic hammer and an inner mandrel with a casing pipe having two valves with open and close capability. Using this system, the matrix soil radial density and the bearing capacity and the modulus of the reaction of the composite soil are increased and soil settlement decreases. This system also increases the density of loose soils or soils with dense sandy intermediate layers especially in shores and rivers in submerged conditions. Also, the loose granular soil is retrofitted against liquefaction.

Abstract: A wind turbine tower includes a plurality of tower sections axially aligned and connected together. Each tower section includes an inner wall having a tapered cylindrical shape concentrically positioned within an outer wall having a tapered cylindrical shape. An annular space is defined between the inner wall and the outer wall, and a layer of concrete is disposed within the annular space. A plurality of post-tensioning cables extend longitudinally within the annular space or outside the outer wall, such that a first one of the tower sections is connected to a second one of the tower sections by a plurality of the post-tensioning cables.

Abstract: A pile guide is provided comprising a base frame and a superstructure comprising a pile guide member for guiding the pile as it is driven into a substrate when the base frame is resting thereon. At least part of the superstructure defines an arm that is rotational with respect to the base frame about a first and second points of rotation, to rotate the pile guide member with respect to the base frame. At least one of the first and second points of rotation is translatable with respect to the base frame in a first direction, thereby rotating the arm about the first and second points of rotation with respect to the base frame. At least one of the first and second points of rotation is translatable in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second points of rotation with respect to the base frame direction. A method is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing pile design based on pile driver data are provided. A pile driving performance monitoring (PDPM) system captures pile driver data for a pile in an identified location using a pile driver data capture device. The pile driver data comprises a pile penetration depth and pile penetration rate based on percussive hammer. The identified location can be determined using a global positioning system. A parsing program component analyzes the pile driver data for the pile. The parsing program component determines whether the pile driver data of the pile meets an anticipated-pile driving criteria, the anticipated-pile driving criteria comprises a test pile driver data that correlates with a predefined capacity for a pile in the identified location. The pile is added to an acceptance report when it meets the anticipated-pile driving criteria or added to exception report when it does not meet the anticipated-pile driving criteria.

Abstract: Method of design and manufacturing concrete structures subjected to relevant cyclic loads along their service lives, as wind towers, and a fatigue testing machine. The method consists on the design of concrete structures conditioned by cyclic loads considering a fatigue strength value specified by the project as one of the main design parameters, which will be verified during the manufacturing phase as one of the control parameters of the quality assurance plan by performing fatigue strength test on concrete samples representative of the concrete structural elements produced on said manufacturing phase. The method allows to decouple the concrete fatigue strength from the compressive strength of the material, which is why includes a verification of the fatigue strength as a part of a quality assurance plan of production according to a new developed procedure.

Abstract: A pile assembly to be driven into the ground comprises an elongate member, a drive member, and a plurality of flight members. The drive member is supported by the elongate member to facilitate axial rotation of the elongate member. The plurality of flight members is supported by the elongate member. Axial rotation of the elongate member causes the plurality of flight members to auger the elongate member into the ground. The flight members are arranged to balance the loads on the elongate member as the elongate member is driven into the ground.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of building a foundation (1) comprising a steel monopile (2) and a precast concrete part (3) on top of the monopile (2), comprising:—arranging a support structure (12) inside the monopile (2), the support structure (12) having a plurality of rods (16) extending radially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the monopile; —bringing the concrete part (3) above the monopile (2), with supporting columns (13) interposed between the support structure (12) and the concrete part (3), wherein reinforcement bars (14) protruding from a bottom surface (9) of the precast concrete part (3) extend downwardly beyond the support structure (12) by passing between the rods (16) of the support structure (12); —arranging tendons (15) between the support structure (12) and the concrete part (3) and tensioning the tendons (15); and—pouring concrete into an upper part of the monopile (2).

Abstract: A device for reducing underwater sound has a holding device and a hydrosound damper with noise reducing elements. The device has a transport housing for transporting the hydrosound damper, a first end of the underwater sound damper being fixed to the transport housing and the transport housing being connected to a holding device via a support device has a cable winch with a support cable arranged on the transport housing and has a motor-driven drum, wherein using the support device, the transport housing is lowered from the holding device to the sea floor.

Abstract: A hydraulic noise suppressor for reducing water-borne noise, and method for handling the same, especially in the area of a construction site when an object is driven into underwater soil. The hydraulic noise suppressor can have at least two rigid holding elements, at least one support structure, and noise reducing elements secured to the at least one support structure, an upper end of the at least one support structure being secured to at least one of the at least two holding elements. The hydraulic noise suppressor can be divided along lateral flanks extending between the upper end and an opposite lower end of the at least one support structure.

Abstract: A ground anchor with an upper helical member attached to or near the upper end of an elongated rod and at least lower helical member attached to the elongated rod below the upper helical member. The upper helical member includes a fixed, spiral-shaped, curved flange. Near or on the outer edge of the curved flange is a continuous or intermittent vertical wall. The lower helical member includes a curved flange similar to the curved flange used on upper helical member. The upper neck of the elongated rod engages a torque generating tool that rotates the anchor into the subsea floor until the helical members are embedded in the subsea floor. A swivel arm attaches to the neck that connects to a line that extends downward to a floating buoy or dock. A piling may be longitudinally aligned over the neck and threaded connectors securely attach the piling to the anchor.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide pressed aggregate-filled cavities for improving ground stiffness and uniformity are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes using a mechanism to press into a ground surface in a substantially downward direction to create a concavity. The method also includes substantially or completely filling the concavity with unstabilized or chemically stabilized aggregate, soil, or sand. Further, the method includes using the mechanism to press the aggregate within the concavity to achieve a desired ground stiffness.

Abstract: The invention refers to a pile for an offshore monopile type foundation structure comprising an elongate cylindrical steel tube comprising a first length with a first wall thickness, a second length with a second wall thickness, wherein the second length comprises several reinforcement ribs extending longitudinally and equally spaced apart from each other over the entire second length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for activating the lateral friction of pile-like load-bearing members which are founded in solid rock. The apparatus includes a device which is suitable for reducing a height of the apparatus when the apparatus is subjected to loading by a compressive force. The loading with the compressive force can cause a pile-like load-bearing member to settle in a controlled manner in the ground, the level of settlement being sufficient for activating the lateral friction on the pile-like load-bearing member. The invention also relates to pile-like load-bearing members and building constructions which include such an apparatus as well as to a method for activating the lateral friction of pile-like load-bearing members and a method for erecting a building construction.

Abstract: A pile system for permafrost comprising a pilot hole, at least one pile, and frozen slurry. The pilot hole is formed to a pilot hole depth. The at least one pile is arranged at least partly within the pilot hole and extends to a pile string depth. The frozen slurry is within the pilot hole and is at least partly around the at least one pile.

Abstract: An aggregate pier compacting system for forming a compacted aggregate pier (AP) at a target location includes a mandrel, a tamper device, and a finishing tamper device. The mandrel includes a casing for housing a drilling shaft (DS). An external vibratory hammer (EVH) repeatedly impacts a hammer element (HE) extending from the DS. The DS transfers the impact to a bore head to form a cavity at the target location. The DS is removed and the casing is filled with aggregate. The tamper device includes a compacting shaft. The EVH impacts a second HE extending from the compacting shaft and transfers the impact to a compaction head to form the compacted AP. The finishing tamper device includes a shaft. The EVH impacts a third HE extending from the shaft and transfers the impact to a finishing head compacting a top layer of the AP to form a finished AP.

Abstract: A grouting assembly receives grout and delivers the grout to a pipe assembly for delivery to underground soil. The grouting assembly may have a drive shaft assembly with a rotary output shaft and a drive socket, a grout tube, a drivable coupler, and a grout plug assembly. The grout plug assembly inserts into the drivable coupler and accepts the grout tube in sealed engagement. The rotary output shaft, grout tube, and grout plug assembly define a conduit that provides an unobstructed flow path for the grout into the pipe assembly. The bottom-most pipe segment of the pipe assembly is designed to receive grout introduced through the pipe assembly so that the grout can be emitted through grout ports during the driving of the pile assembly into soil. The emitted grout forms a grout/soil mixture jacket within the disturbed soil along an exterior of the pipe pile assembly which adds appreciably to the overall stability, and particularly the lateral stability, of the pipe pile column created.

Abstract: Extensible shells and related methods for constructing a support pier are disclosed. An extensible shell can define an interior for holding granular construction material and define a first opening at a first end for receiving the granular construction material into the interior and a second opening at a second end. The extensible shell can be flexible such that the shell expands when granular construction material is compacted in the interior of the shell. A method may include positioning the extensible shell in the ground and filling at least a portion of the interior of the shell with the granular construction material. The granular construction material may be compacted in the interior of the extensible shell to form a support pier.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a pile splicing system and method uses a pile segment adapted to form part of a spliced pile, the pile segment including an elongated concrete body having first and second ends, one-way anchor embedded in the body that is adapted to resist passage of a post-tensioning strand in a direction toward the first end of the body; and a splicing duct embedded in the body that extends from the first end to the embedded one-way anchor.

Abstract: A pile guide for supporting a pile as it is driven into a substrate, comprises: a base frame; and a pile guide member (100) which is mounted on the base frame and defines a passageway with an inner peripheral surface (102) to which a plurality of elongate members (104) are attached. The plurality of elongate members (104) are configured to engage a pile and guide it in a predetermined direction through the passageway as it is driven into a substrate. At least one elongate member (104) and the inner peripheral surface (102) of the passageway have releasable inter-connecting profiles for releasably attaching the at least one elongate member (104) to the inner peripheral surface (102). The at least one elongate member (104) may readily be removed and replaced by a narrower/wider elongate member to accommodate piles of different diameter.

Abstract: Foundation equipment for a pole, in particular, or a lighting pole. The equipment includes at least one screw element adapted to be screwed into the ground; and at least one box-like body, mechanically fixed to the screw element. The box-like body is divided into two compartments by a partition wall. One compartment is adapted to receive the lower end of the pole.

Abstract: A pile driver assembly consisting of a plurality of pile driver units interconnected together to a rigid base frame that uses the push and pull method to drive a group of raked piles. The pile driver units progressively push one pile at a time for a short distance into the ground while being pull down by the rest of the stationary driven piles in a repeated cyclical driving sequence until the required pile driving force is reached for every pile in the group. The pile driver assembly consists a plurality of interconnected pile driver units, a pile driver base adaptor, a pile clamping system and strong base frame to drive the piles in a two dimensional array of variously raked pile group from 1V:1H to true vertical in the z-axis and rotated to any angle in the x-y plane at a minimum pile's spacing of three times the pile's diameter.

Abstract: A drill assembly for forming in ground granular columns without the need for vibratory compaction, the drill assembly includes a first drill (10) and a second drill (11), where the first drill is a tube (7), and the second drill includes a drill flight (26), wherein the first and second drills are concentric, and the second drill (11) is configured to lie at least partially within the first drill (10); such that the drill assembly is configured to form the granular column with primarily vertical compaction; when the drill assembly arrives at the required depth, the second drill (11) is used to feed an aggregate to a lower terminal end of the drill assembly, thus forming the granular column as the drill assembly is withdrawn.

Abstract: For supporting a foundation of other structure, there is provided a system for driving a pile into the ground using a rotary power device. In one example, a system includes a first member with a first end connecting to a drill and a second end having a keyed protrusion; and a second member having a hollow pile adapted to receive the first member therein, one or more blades along a perimeter of a lower portion, and a keyed opening for receiving the keyed protrusion. In use, a drill is connected with the first member, and the first member is inserted into the second member, and the drill drives the first member into and through the ground. The drill and the first member are removed, leaving the second member positioned into the ground at its desired depth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foundation structure vertically installed on the ground, and comprising: an upper support layer 10 formed on the ground in the vertical direction; and a lower support layer 20 formed so as to extend downward from the upper support layer 10 and such that the width thereof is less than that of the upper support layer 10. The disclosed upper support layer 10 and the lower support layer 20 are structures formed from soil solidified by means of feeding and mixing an earth and soil-solidifying agent therein, and therefore are efficient and prevent overload due to boring equipment.

Abstract: The disclosure describes, in part, apparatuses and methods for installing structures (e.g., foundations, footings, anchors, abutments, etc.) at work sites, such as difficult-access work sites. In some instances, a rotating drill assembly is assembled over a target location in order to excavate a radial array of batter-angled shafts associated with the target location in preparation for the installation of a radial array of micropiles. An operator utilizes the rotating drill in combination with a foundation pile schedule/decision matrix to design and install the radial array of batter-angled micropiles. This disclosure also describes techniques for designing, fabricating and installing structural caps to be coupled to the installed radial array batter angled micropiles. These structural caps are lightweight and, thus, more portable to difficult-access sites where they are coupled to the micropiles forming a foundation for structure to be installed at the difficult-access site.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for securing a hollow pile in the ground. The pile has a wall with an inner surface. The apparatus is positionable within the pile. The apparatus includes a housing having an interior and a plurality of apertures. The apparatus includes a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions slidably extending through the apertures of the housing. The protrusions are moveable outwards from the housing for selectively deforming portions of the wall of the pile and creating anchor knobs in the pile upon pressurized hydraulic fluid being applied to the interior of the housing. The apparatus includes a plurality of support members extending outwardly from the housing. The support members are shaped to selectively abut and support the inner surface of the wall of the pile when the anchor knobs are being formed.

Abstract: A collar for repairing a marine support has a tubular upper segment, a tubular lower segment, and a middle segment providing a transition region between the upper and lower segments. The collar can be opened and closed along a slit extending from the upper end of the collar to the lower end of the collar. To repair a marine support, the collar is opened and positioned so as to surround the marine pile and the extension. The collar is then closed and secured along the slit. The upper end of the collar is secured to the extension, and the lower end of the collar is secured closely along the perimeter of the pile. A flowable fill material is then injected into spaces between the collar and the marine support, filling or encasing voids or damaged areas on the marine support.

Abstract: A system to measure the installation torque of a screw pile comprises machinery suitable to drive the screw pile into the ground, said machinery further comprising a rotary drive suspended by means of a universal joint-type coupler. A load pin, having at least one sensor, is mounted through the universal joint-type coupler as a pivot pin and is oriented within the universal joint-type coupler so that at least some of the installation torque is transmitted through said load pin and is measurable by said at least one sensor. Preferably, the load pin further comprises a pair of bores and a plurality of sensors are provided and mounted within the bores. More preferably, a differential bridge network is used to obtain a measurable signal from the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: An underpinning pile assembly has a first pile with an inner diameter and an outer diameter, a second pile having a first portion and a second portion in which the first portion has an outer diameter less than an outer diameter of the second portion, and a ring affixed around the first portion of the second steel pipe. The ring has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the second portion of the second steel pipe. The ring is releasably positioned over the first portion of the second steel pipe. A cable is affixed within an interior of the first steel pipe so as to extend through the interior of the second steel pipe. A plurality of additional steel pipes can be arranged in stacked relation upon an end of the second steel pipe opposite the first steel pipe.

Abstract: A vibrating arrangement includes at least one elongate silo tube for receiving filling material, the silo tube having a longitudinal direction, a lengthwise filling material outlet at one end of the silo tube and a casing. At least one vibrator is disposed on the silo tube. At least one outer closure is disposed on the casing of the silo tube. At least one filling material container is disposed so as to be movable along the longitudinal axis of the silo tube before the outer closures, in which the filling material container has at least one opening facing the casing of the silo tube.

Abstract: A remotely operable drilling apparatus (6) comprises a body such as frame (10) and drive means arranged to drill annular pile (8), which is loaded in the drilling apparatus (6) into the floor of a body of water. The annular pile comprises a cutting shoe (24). The drive means comprises a power swivel (12) which attaches to the top of the annular pile (8) by means of a drive head. Delivery means is also provided which comprises at least one nozzle to enable flushing fluid and grout to be injected around annular pile (8). The power swivel (12) is raised and lowered by rack and pinion means 14 disposed on either side of the power swivel (12).

Abstract: Forcing equipment meant for forcing piles, steel profiles and other elongated objects into the ground which forcing equipment comprises a body (1) which can be attached to a working machine, a vibration device (6) attached to the body (1) with the help of damper cushions (9) and moveable grip jaws (10) adjusted to the mentioned vibration device (6) in order to grip the object to be forced at least with a side grip. The body (1) comprises an upper part (2) including an attachment arrangement (4), (5) for attaching it to the working machine and side parts directed from the upper part (2) downwards between which side parts the vibration device (6) and grip jaws (10); (17, 18) can be attached through cassette (7) comprising damping rubbers (9) in which case the attachments comprise pin/hole attachments (11, 23, 14); (20, 8) or (21, 8) which can be opened by detaching the mentioned pins (11, 20, 21).

Abstract: Described herein are shallow post tensioned foundation systems for mounting light to medium weight structures. Methods of installation are also described. The systems, apparatus and methods described can reduce waste, increase efficiency and reduce cost and installation/construction time.

Abstract: The disclosure describes, in part, apparatuses and methods for installing structures (e.g., foundations, footings, anchors, abutments, etc.) at work sites, such as difficult-access work sites. In some instances, a rotating drill assembly is assembled over a target location in order to excavate a radial array of batter-angled shafts associated with the target location in preparation for the installation of a radial array of micropiles. An operator utilizes the rotating drill in combination with a foundation pile schedule/decision matrix to design and install the radial array of batter-angled micropiles. This disclosure also describes techniques for designing, fabricating and installing structural caps to be coupled to the installed radial array batter angled micropiles. These structural caps are lightweight and, thus, more portable to difficult-access sites where they are coupled to the micropiles forming a foundation for structure to be installed at the difficult-access site.

Abstract: The EarthLoc Steel Foundation Modular System is comprised of one module (“ESFM”) or a grid of interlocked ESFMs that comprise an EarthLoc Steel Foundation Grid (“ESFG”) design-engineered to support structures that will be subjected to forces from compression, overturning, torsion, sheer, and uplifting. The ESFM is comprised of a Loc-Cylinder, Torsion-Plates, LogLugs and a top-plate, designed to be interlocked with self-aligning LocPlates and/or InterLoc-Pates that conjoin multiple ESFMs to form a grid or array that creates a foundation that will support massive loads in virtually any location or soil composition. ESFMs are installed with a vibratory device with virtually no disturbance to the environment. The components of the ESFM System are removeable and reusable. Cost and installation time is far less than a traditional concrete foundation, is not affected by weather, is environment friendly, and provides a cost effective, practical, and logistically attractive alterative to concrete.

Abstract: A driver 10 for a fence post is disclosed. The driver comprises an elongate hollow body 12 having an open in-use lower end 14. A guide 16 is removably locatable at the lower end.

Abstract: An accessory mounting system a swivel assembly has a swivel member defining first and second swivel member connector portions, a swivel housing, and first and second bearings operatively arranged between the swivel member and the swivel housing. The accessory mounting system operatively connects a helical pile driving system having a rotational drive system and at least one clamp system to an accessory. The first swivel member connector portion is adapted to operatively connect the swivel member to the drive system. The second swivel member connector portion is adapted to operatively connect the swivel member to the accessory. The swivel housing is adapted to engage the at least one clamp system such that the clamp system may be operated to fix a position of the swivel housing relative to the drive system. The first and second bearings are configured to allow rotation of the swivel member relative to the swivel housing.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a method and apparatus for placing an auger grouted displacement pile or helical pile in soil. The pile has an elongated shaft with at least one lateral compaction protrusion which establishes a regular bore diameter in the supporting medium. The pile also has a helical blade configured to move the pile into the supporting medium. The bottom of the shaft includes means for forming irregularities in the bore diameter after compaction by the lateral compaction protrusion. The bore is filled with grout while leaving the pile in the soil.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for transmitting a drive force from a pile driving system defining a drive axis to a pile defining a pile axis comprising a base assembly and an adapter assembly. The base assembly is operatively supported such that the drive force is transmitted to the base assembly. The adapter assembly comprises a plate member, a skirt member defining a skirt chamber, and an adapter connector configured to support the skirt member relative to the base assembly, the plate member, and the pile member. The adapter assembly substantially aligns the drive axis with the pile axis. The drive force is transmitted from the base assembly to the plate member. The pile is received within the skirt chamber such that the drive force is transmitted from the plate member to the pile. The skirt member is substantially isolated from the drive force.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling a hole in the ground has a hammer drill installed at a bottom of a rod assembled in multi-stages at support structure on the ground. The hammer drill has a pilot hammer drill and a reamer hammer drill coupled to each other through a key structure formed in the vertical direction so as to allow simultaneous rotations and up-and-down movements relative to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and supporting a foundation is provided. The apparatus includes a pivoting bracket that is rotatably coupled to a slab bracket plate having a sleeve. The sleeve is adapted to slide onto a support structure driven into strata within a hole formed in a foundation in an area needing support. The pivoting bracket is pivoted into an insertion position in which one arm of the bracket is up and one arm is down. This enables the bracket to clear the sides of the hole in the foundation. The bracket is then pivoted to a support position and drawn upwardly with guide rods and a seating plate until seating portions of the bracket engage an underside surface of the foundation. The apparatus is then raised to lift the foundation. The sleeve of the apparatus is then affixed to the support structure to support the foundation.

Abstract: An improved transition coupling for a helical soil pile assembly transfers a compression load between two coupled shaft segments with little or no compression loading on the bolts that fasten the parts together. The coupling body has a shaft-receiving socket that extends axially into the body from one end to a socket bottom that axially abuts the end of one of the shafts. The body also has at least one shoulder between its ends that extends laterally outward and faces toward the end remote from the socket. A cylindrical portion of the body, which fits closely within the hollow end of the other shaft, extends axially toward the socket end up to the shoulder, which is adapted to abut the end of that shaft. At least one pair of aligned transverse holes in the body is adapted to receive a fastener.