Abstract: A subsurface support includes a protective outer member that encases an interior support member. The inner support member may typically be a steel or iron rod which is held within the outer tube as by grout or cement. The outer tube is preferably emplaced by forcing the outer tube into the ground by use of a launching device. The distal end of the outer tube is pointed thus allowing easier penetration of the outer tube into the ground. The subsurface support may be used in numerous functional ways to provide support for an overlying man made structure, or to stabilize surrounding rock and soil. The support can be used in compression, tension, bending, and/or shear.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for increasing the concentric bearing load capabilities of the length of liner is disclosed. Overlapping ends of vertically aligned pipe lengths are joined by a coupling which provides aligned throughholes through the respective pipe ends. A cylindrical liner having a length substantially equal to co-lengths of an individual pipe member is positioned such that a series of throughholes passing through an approximate mid-length portion of the liner are positioned opposite to and aligned with the pipe coupling throughholes. Fasteners are then used to secure the two vertically aligned overlapping pipe ends to the interior liner pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a test setup for determining the bearing behaviour of displacement piles. The displacement piles are produced by making a hole using a displacement head and subsequently filling the hole with a hardenable suspension, whilst leaving the displacement head in the hole. The resulting test pile is subject to the action of a test load using a loading device and the bearing behaviour is measured by a measuring device. An efficient test performance results from the fact that the displacement head is introduced into the ground by means of a metallic pile string, which forms part of the test pile.

Abstract: A means and method for rigidly elevating a structure includes a base member securable in the ground and which has a portion extending above the ground. A pole section, having a bore inside a lower end, and an upper end, can be stacked upon the base means upwardly by slip fitting the pole section onto the base end and securing it in place. A flexible, easily transportable and durable system is thereby created for elevating structures.

Abstract: The present invention may be embodied as an eccentric vibration system comprising a major eccentric member, a minor eccentric member, first and second motor assemblies, and a transmission system. The transmission system operates in a first mode when a torque of the first motor assembly is less than a torque of the second motor assembly and in a second mode when the torque of the first motor assembly is greater than the torque of the second motor assembly. When the transmission system operates in the first mode, longitudinal vibratory forces generated by the major eccentric member substantially cancel longitudinal vibratory forces generated by the minor eccentric member. When the transmission system operates in the second mode, longitudinal vibratory forces generated by the major eccentric member are added to longitudinal vibratory forces generated by the minor eccentric member.

Abstract: The foundation stabilizer includes a bearing plate (31) that is mounted in a stationary position on the upper end of a ground anchor (20). A foundation lifting bracket (28) is positioned below the bearing plate (31) and lifting screws (57, 58) are connected at their lower ends to the foundation lifting bracket (28) and extend upwardly through openings in the bearing plate (31) for lifting the foundation lifting bracket with a jack (63) temporarily mounted on the bearing plate. The foundation lifting bracket (28) is configured so that it does not exceed the height of the bearing plate (31) when it is raised by the lifting screws (57, 58).

Abstract: A pile driver comprises a hammer for impacting a pile, a velocity sensor for measuring the velocity at impact, and a control system for adjusting the hammer stroke in accordance with the readings from the velocity sensor so that the optimal impact energy is imparted to the head of the pile. Optionally, the system further comprises a pile driving analyzer (including at least one strain gauge and/or an accelerometer) mounted on the side of the pile itself to determine whether the impact loading on the pile is below the maximum allowable stress. If the pile driving analyzer senses an overload of stress on the pile, the control system will reduce the velocity of the subsequent hammer stroke so that it no longer exceeds the maximum allowable stress.

Abstract: A pile driving device for driving in piles, with an axially-guided impact body movable in a hammer housing, an impact hood and a pile sleeve. So that the pile driving device can be transported by land without requiring surveys and preparation, the pile sleeve comprises two or more parts, with the pile sleeve being divided into radial or circular concentric partitions.

Abstract: A device for repairing the foundation of a building comprising a base frame being defined by a front end and a rear end. The front end and rear end are supported by wheels. A plate member is transversely mounted upon the base frame proximately near the rear end. A crane assembly is supported by the plate member. The crane assembly further comprises a three hundred sixty degree swivel joint mounted upon the plate member, a vertically extending shaft being swivelly connected to the swivel joint, a horizontally extending arm being mounted on the top of the shaft, and a lifting mechanism connected to the arm such that the arm can be lowered and raised. A fifth wheel assembly is situated underneath the base frame and is pivotally connected to the wheels supporting the rear end. A steering mechanism is connected to the fifth wheel assembly for maneuvering the direction of the rear wheels. A drive stand is swivelly connected to the arm at its far end. The drive stand is adapted to contain a foundation pier assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for driving and extracting piles that includes a vibration/tension load absorber assembly mounted between a housing and the vibratory unit which includes shear-type vibration absorbers connected between the housing and the vibratory unit and operating in combination with at least one compression-type vibration absorber positioned to be compressed between first and second compression plates when the tension load reaches a predetermined level.

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: The invention is a reinforcement unit for reinforcing a footing element by laying a pile foundation with a foundation pile with at least one through-going longitudinal cavity and a method for placing the foundation pile and reinforcing a footing element with the reinforcement unit. The reinforcement unit includes at least one shaped and articulated reinforcement member that is pivotably connected to a centrally arranged, annular element, so that the reinforcement unit has a folded mounting position and an extended position of use, and is connected to the foundation pile by one or more tension members.

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 pier-repairing and reinforcing panel is used in a method of repairing and reinforcing a pier. The panel includes locking members, locking ribs, reinforcing ribs, and clips. The method includes the steps of: installing a watertight caisson around a pier and removing water from the gap between the caisson and pier. Impurities are removed from the pier's surface, and a plurality of panels are installed around the pier while sealing the junctions of the panels. A plurality of reinforcing steel bars are arrayed in the gap between the pier and panels, and the panels are then affixed to the steel bars or the pier using anchor bolts. The gap between the pier and the panels are then filled with concrete. The pier is effectively repaired and reinforced while separating the reinforced concrete from water, thus protecting the concrete and steel bars for a desired lengthy period of time.

Abstract: Device for producing bored piles having an auger, which along at least part of the auger length is surrounded by a rotating encasing tube and during boring the encasing tube is rotated in or counter to the rotation direction of the auger and in which the auger and the encasing tube are introduced essentially simultaneously into the ground during boring. To facilitate material discharge, the surface roughness of the auger helix surface pointing in the feed direction is increased compared with the roughness of the rolled surfaces in a complete or partial surface manner by additional machining. The increase in the surface roughness extends at least over the auger length necessary for feed purposes.

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: Installation of support piers for a structure comprises the steps of positioning a hollow tube in a soil matrix followed by removal of soil from the hollow core, filling the core with an aggregate, subsequent raising and lowering of the hollow tube, compacting the aggregate by means of a mechanical device affixed to the bottom of the hollow tube to and also applying lateral forces to the aggregate against the walls of the cavity formed in the soil matrix, thereby pushing a portion of the aggregate laterally into the soil matrix.

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: Apparatus to install small diameter columns of granular material in soil which includes rotating hollow shaft mandrel with external projections to aid mandrel advance into the soil and define the size of the cavity formed in the soil, the cavity being filled with granular material to form the column as the mandrel is withdrawn. The apparatus includes a storage hopper in the vicinity of its base, with the hopper sized to hold material to form more than one column, from which material is incrementally conveyed or pumped to a feed tank system which supplies granular material to the cavity along a flow path extending through the hollow shaft mandrel to produce the column. When a group of columns is required, as in a sand drain grid, the columns can be completed sequentially with reasonable continuity in the multiple column formation cycle.

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: Apparatus for placing pipe piling (90, 90?) in the ground including a support frame (10) and a motor (66) mounted on the support frame (10). The motor (66) has a downwardly extending rotary output shaft (68) which extends into an opening (70) in a drive head (76). Rotation of the output shaft (68) by the motor (66) will rotate the drive head (76) about a vertical axis. The drive head (76) is drivenly connectable to the upper end portion of the pipe piling (90, 90?). A clamping apparatus is mounted on lower side portions of the support frame. The clamping apparatus includes a pair of horizontally disposed linear hydraulic actuators (128). Each actuator comprises a fixed outer end portion (130) and a retractable/extendable/rotatable inner end portion (132). A pair of pipe piling engaging clamps (148, 150) are connected to the inner end portions (132) of the actuators (128). The clamps (148, 150) confront each other across space between them.

Abstract: A method of repairing and reinforcing a pier using stones. The method includes installing a watertight caisson around a pier and removing water from the gap between the caisson and pier prior to repairing the pier. The method can also include removing impurities from the pier's surface; arraying a plurality of reinforcing steel bars around the pier; laying stones outside the arrayed steel bars while fixing the stones to the steel bars or the pier, and filling the gap between the pier and the stones with concrete.

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 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 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 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 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: 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: The present invention is directed to a system and method provided for electronic gathering, monitoring, analyzing, managing, and utilizing of grouting information in order to facilitate and control drilling, testing, installation of grouting materials, and other grouting operations. The present invention permits electronic creation of a grouting plan, initiation of grouting operations pursuant to the plan, and monitoring, manipulation, and control of grouting operations, and storage and retrieval of data from said grouting operations. The apparatus and method utilize electronic apparatus and software to provide graphical user interfaces to monitor and control all phases of grouting operations.

Abstract: A segmented piling system and a process of installing the system for supporting a structure on unstable soil. A first or starter pile segment is driven into the soil adjacent the structure. A connecting rod is inserted into the upper end of the starter pile segment. A second or follower pile segment is placed on the upper end of the starter pile segment, over the connecting rod, and driven into the soil, driving the starter pile segment further into the soil. That step is repeated with additional connecting rods and follower pile segments until the pile (i.e., the combination of pile segments and connecting rods) are driven the desired amount into the soil, whereupon the top of the pile is supportingly connected to the structure.

Abstract: Systems, components, and methods relating to subterranean containment barriers. Laterally adjacent tubular casings having male interlock structures and multiple female interlock structures defining recesses for receiving a male interlock structure are used to create subterranean barriers for containing and treating buried waste and its effluents. The multiple female interlock structures enable the barriers to be varied around subsurface objects and to form barrier sidewalls. The barrier may be used for treating and monitoring a zone of interest.

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: 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: 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: The invention relates to a pile driving device for driving in piles, with an axially-guided impact body movable in a hammer housing, an impact hood and a pile sleeve. So that the pile driving device can be transported by land without requiring surveys and preparation, the pile sleeve comprise two or more parts, with the pile sleeve being divided into radial or circular concentric partitions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting and stabilizing a foundation including a pier having a top end and a bottom end, the pier being disposed in shaft drilled proximate the foundation to a desired underground formation suitable for supporting the foundation, a slab bracket connected to a side of the foundation and not supporting the foundation from the underside thereof, a jacking bracket attached to the top end of the prier and positioned below the slab bracket, and means for supporting the foundation positional between the jacking bracket and the slab bracket.

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: The invention relates to a device for producing columns of material in the ground, especially in the ground under bodies of water, comprising the following: a first material tank (8) and a second material tank (10) connected to the first tank; a deep vibrator element (11) connected to the second material tank (10), a first supply lane (5) connected to the first material tank (8) and used to supply material; a second supply line (6) connected to the first material tank (8) and used to equalize pressure in the first material tank (8). The invention also relates to the production of a column of material in the ground.

Abstract: A method for securing piling segments together to form a single foundation piling using an alignment securing assembly and vibrations sent through the piling as. Piling segments are driven into the ground on top of each other, forming a piling. A single piling passageway is formed when the piling segments are in alignment. An alignment securing assembly is placed in the passageway. Vibrations are sent through the piling so that grout will not gather in the upper portions of the passageway before the lower portions of the passageway are filled with grout. The grout cures and the piling segments are secured so that the segments will not slip. The alignment securing assembly uses an anchoring device that is lowered and set in the passageway so that tension can be applied by a cable. The tension from the cable and anchoring device causing a compressive effect on the piling.

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 device for use in combination with a pile driving apparatus for driving piles into the ground. The device (1) including a main body (13) which carries side grippers (18) and (19) each of which comprises a ram consisting of a piston and cylinder (20). A further gripper (23) is included, which extends downwardly of the main body (13) which grips the lower end of a pile, while grippers (18) and (19) are used to pick up and position a pile. A vibratory force generator (16) is operated to cause the main body (13) to vibrate thereby applying a downward vibrating force to the main body (13) and the pile held by the grippers (18, 19, 23), so driving the pile into the ground.

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 process for producing a pile in the earth with a pipe is provided. The pipe is provided internally with a conduit, which emerges on the bottom side of the pipe, for feeding pile-forming, hardening material into the earth. The pipe is introduced into the earth, and the pipe is removed from the earth while a space created by the removal of the pipe is simultaneously filled with the pipe-forming, hardening material.

Abstract: A helical pier assembly having a helix mounted on the end of a pier shaft. A pier-cap stabilizer is driven with force down over the pier shaft until the top of the pier meets a stop pin secured in the pier cap. A platform screw jack is placed op top of the pier cap under the footing or foundation. The jack screws are extended down onto the pier cap until the platform jack comes into contact with the bottom of the footing or foundation. The jack screws are turned until the required support contact is achieved between the pier cap stabilizer and the footing or foundation. A bag of concrete is placed between the screw jack and the bottom of the footing to prepare the footing.

Abstract: Compacted granular or stone columns are constructed in soil to increase the load-bearing capacities or drainage capabilities of the native soil. A vibratory probe is penetrated down into the soil to the desired depth. As the probe is incrementally withdrawn, the cavity is filled with granular material that is compacted in place by the probe. Granular material is transported directly to the tip of the probe through a transfer pipe running along the length of the probe. A material container located at the top of the probe mechanism contains the granular material that feeds the transfer pipe. The rate and quantity of flow of the granular material from the material container is visually monitored in real-time by the operator on a closed-circuit television monitor so that the construction process can continue uninterrupted and the operator can adjust the contents of the material container according to the in situ soil response.

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 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: A method for securing piling segments together to form a single foundation piling using an alignment securing assembly and vibrations sent through the piling as. Piling segments are driven into the ground on top of each other, forming a piling. A single piling passageway is formed when the piling segments are in alignment. An alignment securing assembly is placed in the passageway. Vibrations are sent through the piling so that grout will not gather in the upper portions of the passageway before the lower portions of the passageway are filled with grout. The grout cures and the piling segments are secured so that the segments will not slip. The alignment securing assembly uses an anchoring device that is lowered and set in the passageway so that tension can be applied by a cable. The tension from the cable and anchoring device causing a compressive effect on the piling.

Abstract: A process for installing piles for supporting a structure upon the earth including the steps of driving a first pile segment into the earth a desired distance from the structure, aligning a second pile segment upon the first pile segment such that a conduit in the second pile segment is axially aligned with the conduit of the first pile segment, driving the first and second pile segments into the earth a desired distance from the structure, affixing a strand into the conduits of the first and second pile segments so as to form a starter section, and sliding another pile segment along the strand so as to reside upon the starter section. A plurality of pile segments are positioned along the strand so as to reside in stacked relationship upon the starter section. A cap member is positioned between a portion of the structure at an uppermost pile segment of the plurality of pile segments. An end of the strand is anchored in the cap member.