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 As the probe is incrementally withdrawn, the cavity is filled with granular material that is compacted in place by the probe.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: 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 wood support piling is reinforced by a composite wrapping. The composite wrapping is formed on the wood piling by a filament winding process. Filament strands are impregnated with resin and wrapped around the wood piling under tension. The resin is allowed to cure to form a seamless layer which is uniform in thickness and materials. The composite wrapping is bonded to the wood piling and applies a compressive force on the wood piling to improve its strength characteristics. The composite wrapping may be applied to a portion of the wood piling where reinforcement is needed so that the piling can be manufactured economically. The composite wrapping protects the piling against deterioration and reduces the need for chemical preservatives which are harmful to the environment.

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

Abstract: Apparatus to install small diameter columns of granular material in soil which includes a hollow shaft element advanced into soil, a storage hopper containing granular material at or near the base of the apparatus with an elongated system to move granular material to and through the hollow shaft element to fill the cavity formed in soil as the hollow shaft element is withdrawn to form each column. Granular material may be moved from the storage hopper to the hollow shaft element by conveyor, pumping, and by fluid under pressure. A feed tank may be positioned to initially retain granular material moved from the storage hopper and subsequently pass the granular material into and through the hollow shaft element to fill the cavity formed as the hollow shaft element is withdrawn from the soil.

Abstract: A Device for transferring a vibrating movement to a rigid pipe for letting it penetrate into or removing it from a bed in upright or inclined position, comprises a clamping member for clampingly holding the upper end of the pipe for transfer of the vibrating movements thereto. The clamping members can be biased away from each other for clampingly engaging—exclusively—the inner surfaces of the pipe. The device further comprises a body to be attached to a vibrator block. The clamping members form a rigid unity with the body, considered in the axial direction of the pipe.

Abstract: A device for placing survey flags, and similar devices having stems, is operated so that the stem is locked or otherwise held to an elongated shaft or similar aligning device. Pressure on the shaft or aligning device forces a portion of the flag stem into the soil or other sound substrate. Then, an operator can carry out an operation to separate the placing device from the stem.

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 drive system for elongate members comprising a drive plate, a support system, an insertion housing, at least one drive gear, and a vibratory system. The suppression system resiliently opposes relative movement between the support plate and the insertion housing. The drive gear displaces the elongate member along its longitudinal axis. The vibratory forces are transmitted to the elongate member through the at least one drive gear. The drive gear and the vibratory system simultaneously crowd and vibrate the elongate member into the ground.

Abstract: A ground-boring apparatus for boring the ground within a casing tube, which is driven into the ground by a casing tube pusher machine to prevent the surrounding soil from collapsing into a to be formed hole. The soil removed by an extensible kelly bar to be suspended by a movable crane, a boring bucket attached to the lower end of the kelly bar, a supporting frame unit to be placed on the casing tube for holding the kelly bar rotatably about its vertical axis, hydraulic motors provided on the supporting frame unit for turning the kelly bar about its vertical axis, and clamping devices for joining the supporting frame unit and the casing tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a mooring anchorage, and a method of drilling and installing a pile in ground comprising the steps of: providing a pile, providing a drill bit at an end of the pile rotatable relative to the pile, engaging the ground with the drill bit, and rotating the drill bit relative to the ground and the pile generating a hole into which the pile is received.

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

Abstract: The present application relates to a method of installing a pre-cast pile in the ground which involves applying an enlarged head forming tool to the ground until a volume of soil has been displaced or removed so as to form a void at the surface of the ground. The pre-cast pile is then driven into the ground to a predetermined depth below the void and the void is then filled with concrete or grout to form a cast-in-situ pile head. The diameter of the pile head is greater than the diameter of the pile shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus to install multiple small diameter columns in soil which includes a hollow shaft element to form a cavity in soil, a storage hopper to contain granular material at or near the base unit of the apparatus from which an elongated conveyor moves the granular material to a feed tank at the top of the hollow shaft element through which granular material passes as it is withdrawn from the soil to form each column of granular material. The storage hopper, the conveyor, the feed tank and the cavity forming element are arranged and move to successive column locations in a manner to permit granular material to be conveyed from the storage hopper to the feed tank without interrupting the advance and removal of the hollow shaft element from soil without rotation.

Abstract: A tractor carries a vertically adjustable frame supporting a horizontal shaft for a supply roll of silt fence fabric. A flat vertical plow blade is mounted on the frame and has a front surface and a rear surface. A thinner flat vertical fin is supported directly behind the plow blade by a horizontal fabric guide bar attached to the frame. The fin has a downwardly and rearwardly curved front surface for receiving an intermediate portion of the fabric directed around the guide bar and for folding an edge portion of the fabric into the slot formed by the plow blade. After the ground is compacted by a tractor wheel, wood stakes are driven into the ground by a hydraulically actuated cylinder device mounted on a side of the tractor frame between the front and rear wheels, and the fabric is attached to the stakes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for supporting a building and to a system and method for connecting sections, such as pilings, pipes, conduits, and the like, in an end-to-end, abutting, relationship to form pilings for the support system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of monitoring the diameter of columns made in the ground by jet grouting. In the method, a measuring instrument is provided which is constituted by a tubular element of length substantially equal to the length of the column, said tubular element being fitted with a plurality of emission electrodes for creating an electric field, and with a plurality of measurement electrodes for measuring the resulting potential differences; a reference borehole is made in the ground; an axial borehole is made in the column to be tested; said measuring instrument is inserted in the borehole in said column and voltage measurements are performed at different depths; and said measurements are processed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening system with an anchoring device (1) and a method for fastening an object (2) in the form of a stake or post projecting up from the ground, with an anchoring portion (4) which can be introduced into the earth of the ground and can be removed again from it, or can be releasably fastened on the surface of the ground, and with a holding portion (5) for receiving the object, the holding portion having a cup-shaped or tubular filling portion (6), provided with a filling opening (12), for receiving a filler (7). The filler (7) comprises a coarse-grained, hard material in the form of sand, loose chippings or rock.

Abstract: A machine for making bored piles. The machine includes a vertical guide mast; a rotary drive head that is movable relative to the mast; and an auger having a hollow core and at least one helical blade. An extender tube has a bottom end that is secured to the top end of the auger, the drive head co-operating with the extender tube to rotate both the extender tube and the auger. A dip tube is slidably mounted in the hollow core of the auger and the extender tube, the dip tube having a top end connected to a concrete feed pipe. An annular actuator has a first end secured to the top end of the extender tube and a second end secured to the top end of the dip tube.

Abstract: A rotary displacement piling equipment for boring a hole within the soil includes a rotary displacement bit, driving rod members connected to the bit, a casing surrounding the driving rod member, and a casing adapter having a lower end provided with a cylindrical collar for co-operating with the upper part of the casing for keeping in line the casing with respect to the driving rod member and with an horizontal thrust face for applying a thrust at the upper end of the casing, the driving rod member passing through the casing adapter. The equipment may also include a rotary drive box co-operating with the driving rod member for rotating the driving rod means and provided with connecting member to be connected to the upper end of the casing adapter, and vertical supporting and guiding member for supporting and vertically guiding the rotary drive box.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the reduced skin friction bore casing is particularly suited for driving into, and removal from, soils. Preferably the bore casing is composed of a material such as steel, and includes both an exterior and interior surface that are substantially concentric about a longitudinal axis. A friction reduction coating is applied to portions of both the exterior and interior surfaces with enough strength and abrasion resistance to withstand abrasion forces applied to the bore casing during driving operations into the soils as well as extraction when required.

Abstract: A pile includes a tapered bottom section of polygon-shaped steel tubing and a top cylindrical section of steel tubing spliced together with a transition ring to form a composite pile, which, after being driven, is filled with concrete.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for lifting and leveling an existing building. At least a first non-cylindrical support section having a substantially rectangular shape and a second support section are coupled together by a fastening device that provides the apparatus with stability once the apparatus has been installed. A jack is used to raise the foundation of the existing building to a desired height. The apparatus is attached to the foundation of the building from underneath the building or from a location adjacent a side of the building. 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 with a pier installation apparatus of the type employed in lifting and supporting a foundation is provided. A mounting beam assembly for mounting hydraulic power cylinders in a straddling position around a pier to be driven into the ground by the installation apparatus. The beam assembly is a planar member having a central opening for receiving the pier therethrough. It is comprised of opposing plate members beneath which the hydraulic cylinders are mounted. The plate members each have an opening which allows passage of the piston rod through the hydraulic cylinder. Alternatively, the beam assembly may be comprised of a unitary plate member having a lateral opening at a side edge. The mounting beam assembly allows for lateral placement around a pier in the installation apparatus, and may be completely disassembled for quick and efficient installation and removal.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for attaching a pile to a pile driving apparatus for inserting and/or extracting the pile, comprising a housing; a first pivot assembly pivotably attached to the housing; a first gripping assembly rotatably attached to the first pivot assembly; a second pivot assembly pivotably attached to the housing; a second gripping assembly rotatably attached to the second pivot assembly; a first actuating assembly for displacing the first pivot assembly and the first gripping assembly such that first gripping assembly moves towards the second gripping assembly; and a second actuating assembly for displacing the second pivot assembly and the second gripping assembly such that second gripping assembly moves towards the first gripping assembly; wherein as the first and second gripping assemblies move towards each other, the pile is gripped between the first and second gripping assemblies to inhibit relative movement between the housing and the pile.

Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle-mounted pump is used to pump water from a suction pile, causing the suction pile to sink into the seabed of the ocean. The remotely operated vehicle exhibits a first mating member, and the pile exhibits a second mating member. The mating members define a channeled interface, channeling the first and second mating members to a common axis.

Abstract: The present invention particularly relates to a foundation body and method of disposing additional reinforcing materials in foundations formed with a reinforced base which obtains a high underpinning strength with respect to detaching loads. The natural ground 4 is excavated. A plurality of rod shaped additional reinforcing materials are fixed in the peripheral earth which extend radially from the formed main foundation body and which are disposed at fixed intervals in the radial direction. The additional reinforcing materials are disposed so as to be corresponded with the direction of minimum principal strain in the earth peripheral with respect to the foundation body when a detaching force acts.

Abstract: A system for displacing an elongate member relative to the ground. The system includes a drive rack, a support assembly, a vibratory assembly, and a drive assembly. The vibratory assembly comprises a vibratory housing defining a vibratory chamber and a vibratory axis and a vibratory system mounted within the vibratory chamber to generate a vibratory force along the vibratory axis. The drive assembly comprises a drive housing comprising a main portion defining a drive chamber and, in certain configurations, a sleeve portion defining a sleeve chamber, where a drive axis extends through the drive chamber and the sleeve chamber and a drive system mounted within the drive chamber and comprising a drive gear that rotates to generate a drive force along the drive axis. The vibratory housing is mounted onto the support assembly to reduce the transmission of vibratory forces from the vibratory housing to the support assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and kit for repairing a construction component that has a damaged portion. First, the damaged portion is removed from the construction component. Next, a durable portion is provided that is preferably a cellulosic/polymer composite material which is moisture, decay, and insect resistant. The durable portion preferably has about the same shape as the damaged portion. The durable portion is then connected to the construction component to replace the damaged portion. The materials for repairing the construction component may be provided in a single kit.

Abstract: An economical pet restraint device and method of making thereof for use in one's lawn which is readily installed and removed. A concrete block having a ringed pin with the ring disposed in a cylindrical recess defined in the top surface of the concrete block is implanted in the lawn. The pet's tether can then be attached to the ring by a spring clamp. Multiple animals can be leashed to the anchor.

Abstract: A drive system for inserting an elongate member into the ground. The drive system comprises a drive plate, a support system, an insertion housing, at least one drive gear, and a vibratory system for creating vibratory forces. The support system that engages the ground and supports the support plate at a substantially fixed height above a desired location. The suppression system is operatively connected between the support plate and the insertion housing to support the insertion housing above the desired location and resiliently oppose relative movement between the support plate and the insertion housing. The at least one drive gear is mounted to the insertion housing and engages the elongate member such that rotation of the drive gear displaces the elongate member along its longitudinal axis. The vibratory system is mounted to the insertion housing such that the vibratory forces are transmitted to the elongate member through the at least one drive gear.

Abstract: A pump 12 is (or pumps are) located in a blind foundation pile 14 that has been driven into the sea floor. The top of the pile 14 is provided with a fitting that includes an inlet 18, a hanger 24 for the pump 12, and an outlet 20. water is delivered from a filtering and treatment apparatus into the pile 14 through the inlet 18. The pump 12 delivers the water under pressure through the outlet 20 into piping that directs the water to the water injection well.

Abstract: There is provided a screwed steel pile, the end portion of which is open, characterized in that: an apparent resistance at the pile end portion of the pile is reduced when the ground strength is suddenly increased, so that the pile can be easily penetrated into the ground and an intensity of the finally obtained bearing capacity of the pile is high.

Abstract: A method of drilling and installing a pile in ground comprising the steps of:

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a pile or load-bearing element into soft ground, wherein a non-percussive force, rather than a percussive force such as that applied by a hammer or a jack, is applied to the top of a hole-forming tool or pile (1) so as to push the hole-forming tool or pile (1) in a substantially continuous motion to a first depth into the ground, and wherein the hole-forming tool or pile (1) is then pushed in a non-percussive manner to a second depth while being simultaneously rotated. A cast-in-situ pile is formed in soft ground by pushing a hole-forming tool (1) provided with fins (3) at its base into the ground. Once the required level has been reached, the hole-forming tool (1) is rotated and concrete or grout is pumped through the body of the hole-forming tool so as concomitantly to help displace and replace the soil swept away by the fins (3).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a capping beam across two or more cast-in-situ piles (11), wherein a precast or preformed guide wall structure (1) having holes (5) for receiving and guiding a piling auger is placed into an excavation, forming a number of cast-in-situ piles (11) by applying a piling auger to the ground through the holes (5) in the guide wall structure (1), removing the guide wall structure (1) and filling the excavation with concrete so as to form a capping beam. This results in much improved construction times, since it is not necessary to remove excess hardened concrete before forming the capping beam, and also results in less waste, since the guide wall structure can be reused.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for leveling and supporting a slab foundation on a column of piling sections. A vertical hole is bored through the slab foundation and an anchoring cylinder is inserted in the hole. An adhesive is used to adhere the outer surface of the anchoring cylinder to a portion of the foundation. The cylinder has a plurality of downward-facing load shoulders which are engaged by upward-facing shoulders of a reacting member positioned across and above the hole. Piling sections are inserted into the anchoring cylinder and forced into the earth with a driving device that reacts against the reacting member. The anchoring cylinder is then supported on the piling sections to maintain the desired level of the foundation.

Abstract: A coupler assembly (46, 48) is suspended from a forward section (12) of a boom (14) that projects from a mobile base (18). An upper end portion (160) of a pipe piling (P) is gripped by a pair of clamp jaws (148, 150). The clamp jaws (148, 150) are movable together and apart and they are mounted for rotation around a common axis. This allows an end portion (160) of a pipe piling (P) to be gripped by the clamp jaws (148, 150) while the pipe piling (P) is in a substantially horizontal or some other non vertical position. Then, the coupler assembly (46, 48) can be lifted to lift the gripped end portion (160) of the pipe piling (P) upwardly. As end portion (160) moves upwardly, the clamp jaws (148, 150) will rotate in position so as to enable the pipe piling (P) to swing upwardly while its lower end is on a support surface. The rotation of the clamp jaws (148, 150) will continue until the pipe piling (P) is suspended from the lifting boom section (12) and is in a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: An economical, high strength, highly corrosion-resistant, multi-section concrete support structure includes a first concrete section attached to a second concrete section. The first concrete section consists of a first concrete type and the second concrete section consists of a diverse, second concrete type.

Abstract: A pile driving apparatus for jack-in piling system according to the invention utilises two hydraulic cylinder barrels moving along two vertical support structures. An uppermost horizontal member is employed to maintain a working space in between the two vertical support structures. The actuating rods are fixed to the uppermost horizontal member. The cylinder barrels are free in guided movement, exerting a force on a working pile with the assistance of two drive heads. In a first stroke of piling action, the upper drive head is employed to drive half of the working pile into the ground. In a second stroke, the lower drive head is employed to drive the rest of the pile into the ground.

Abstract: A method of drilling and installing a pile in ground comprising the steps of providing a pile, providing a drill bit at an end of the pile rotatable relative to the pile; engaging the ground with the drill bit, and rotating the drill bit relative to the ground and the pile generating a hole into which the pile is received.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a groundwater monitoring system and a monitoring system formed using said method wherein a housing containing a groundwater monitoring well is slidably attached to a sheet piling section. After the sheet piling section is inserted in the ground, the housing is withdrawn so that the groundwater can be monitored by the well.

Abstract: Methods for augmenting the load bearing characteristics of short aggregate piers include preloading matrix soils, adding chemical additives to matrix soils and using mesh reinforcement in matrix soils and in cooperation with the aggregate lifts associated with pier constructions. Methods for expanding the feasibility of short aggregate piers include the use of gradations of aggregate, reducing friction between the short aggregate pier and adjacent matrix soils using liners or lubricating materials, controlling liquefaction by employing aggregate drains in short aggregate pier constructions, the use of non-impact forces alone or in conjunction with vibratory forces in construction short aggregate pier lifts, and the use of indigenous materials in short aggregate pier constructions.

Abstract: A pile guide (1) has an open-ended tubular guide member (3), supported on base frame (2), which is adapted slidingly to receive a pile (7) to be driven into the seabed (9) by a hammer (6). The tubular guide member (3) comprises two parts (4) which are held together in the operative position by a latch (14). As the pile (7) is driven into the seabed (9), latch trigger (8) disengages the latch (14) causing the parts (4) to rotate under gravity about points (12) away from the pile (7). As soon as the parts (4) are remote from the pile (7), the pile (7) may be driven fully into the seabed without the hammer fouling the guide member (3).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing old, in-ground hydraulic elevator lift cylinders in which a portable tower is erected within the elevator hoistway and a shoring sleeve of larger diameter than the old cylinder is secured to a head plate slidably mounted for vertical movement on the tower and facing downwardly. After loosening the hoistway floor and subsoil surrounding the old cylinder, a drive mechanism such as a winch or hydraulic jack is actuated to lower the shoring sleeve into the ground to surround the old cylinder. The head plate is then attached to the old cylinder, and the drive mechanism is actuated to lift the head plate and cylinder upwardly until the cylinder is raised completely out of the ground. The old cylinder is discarded, and a new cylinder is attached to the head plate and lowered into the area surrounded by the shoring sleeve.

Abstract: A ground stake is disclosed having a plurality of blades extending outwardly from a longitudinal axis. The blades are connected along the length of the axis by at least one conical rib to promote retention of the stake within the ground.

Abstract: This auger tipped rotational method of installing electrical ground rods Is superior to the current methods. The installation will be safer,quicker and and more cost effective. The installation will also be less fatigueing to the Installer. This system will also result in the ground rod being more conductive To ground.

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 device 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 member 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. An integrated pole for elevating light fixtures and all other necessary components such as electrical components, can be predesigned, shipped, and easily installed at a desired location. A pole top member, including rigidly secured cross arms, can be inserted on the top of a pole. All wiring for both the pole top cross arms, and the pole itself can be preconfigured and require simple connection of plugs between wiring segments.

Abstract: An apparatus, connectable to a driving machine with an articulated boom system, which is operated by percussion energy and drives into or draws up from the ground piles or walls and grasps with its gripping jaws objects (17) on the ground or objects that are to be driven into the ground characterized in that the apparatus comprises a turning equipment system that transmits percussion energy to the object in order to grip with its jaws (16) the object both with a firm hold of the jaws in the blow direction and an essentially vertical grip of the jaws and that the apparatus transmits the percussion force to the object in line with its travel direction when both grips with the jaws are used.