Casting In Situ Hardenable Fluent Material Patents (Class 405/233)
  • Patent number: 11970832
    Abstract: A vibrator assembly comprising a feed pipe that has a longitudinal axis as well as a first end and a second end. The vibrator assembly may further comprise a vibrator unit that is mechanically coupled to the feed pipe, and a filling assembly which extends into the feed pipe at the first end and is designed to pick up material and direct same into the feed pipe. The feed pipe may have at least two separate channels from the first end to the second end and parallel to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Inventors: Alexander Degen, Wilhelm Degen
  • Patent number: 11499285
    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 defining a plug outer surface, a plug inner surface, a first plug end surface, a second plug end surface. The plug inner surface defines a plug passageway. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: AMERICAN PILEDRIVING EQUIPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Dan Collins, Dan Miller
  • Patent number: 11214938
    Abstract: The present application discloses a construction method for pouring concrete in a karst cave. Concrete streaming is pumped into a hollow passage of a drill stem, then opens the one-way openable sealing cover with a pre-tensioned spring on a reaming drill bit and enters the karst cave to complete pouring of the concrete. When the karst cave is relatively low, low-slump plain concrete mixed with quick-setting agents is injected through a drilling rig and the hollow drill stem to form a concrete pier; when the karst cave is relatively high, the hollow drill stem is sleeved into a thin-walled steel shell, and the thin-walled steel shell is synchronously sunk into the drilled hole while drilling, enters the karst cave and is socketed into a stable rock stratum, then concrete is pumped into the thin-walled steel shell from the bottom of the pile, and finally, a reinforcement cage is inserted to form a cast-in-place pile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignees: GUANGZHOU INSTITUTE OF BUILDING SCIENCE CO., LTD., GUANGZHOU CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING CO., LTD
    Inventors: Mengxiong Tang, Hang Chen, Hesong Hu
  • Patent number: 11085165
    Abstract: A post-tensioned tube foundation for supporting a structure subject to high upset forces is described herein. The post-tensioned tube foundation includes an outer CMP, an inner CMP, and a tubular concrete base positioned between the inner CMP and the outer CMP. The outer CMP includes an inner surface that defines a cavity extending between a first open end and an opposite second open end. The outer CMP is positioned within an excavated hole defined along a ground surface. The inner CMP is positioned within the cavity of the outer CMP such that an annular space is defined between the inner CMP and the outer CMP. The tubular concrete base is positioned within the annular space defined between the inner CMP and the outer CMP. A plurality of bracing beams extend radially outwardly from the tubular concrete base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: RRC POWER & ENERGY, LLC
    Inventors: Hongbin Huo, Bill Bong
  • Patent number: 10961678
    Abstract: A vibrator assembly comprising a feed pipe that has a longitudinal axis as well as a first end and a second end. The vibrator assembly may further comprise a vibrator unit that is mechanically coupled to the feed pipe, and a filling assembly which extends into the feed pipe at the first end and is designed to pick up material and direct same into the feed pipe. The feed pipe may have at least two separate channels from the first end to the second end and parallel to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventors: Alexander Degen, Wilhelm Degen
  • Patent number: 10822762
    Abstract: A combination pier includes: a pile disposed in a bore hole from the bottom of the bore hole to a desired depth; and a pier disposed in the bore hole from the desired depth to the surface. A method for constructing a combination pier includes: forming a pile in a bore hole from the bottom of the bore hole to a desired depth; and forming a pier from the desired depth to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: PPI ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald D. Thomas, Tommy L. Williamson
  • Patent number: 10662605
    Abstract: A post-tensioned tube foundation for supporting a structure subject to high upset forces is described herein. The post-tensioned tube foundation includes an outer CMP positioned within an excavated hole. A foundation plug is positioned within the cavity of the outer CMP and extends across the bottom of the excavated hole. An inner CMP is positioned within the cavity of the outer CMP such that an annular space is defined between the inner CMP and the outer CMP. A tubular concrete base is positioned within the gap defined between the inner CMP and the outer CMP. A void forming element is positioned within the gap defined between the inner CMP and adjacent the top surface of the foundation plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: RRC Power & Energy, LLC
    Inventor: Hongbin Huo
  • Patent number: 10480144
    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 circumference 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 circumference after compaction by the lateral compaction protrusion. The bore is filled with grout while leaving the pile in the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Inventor: Benjamin G. Stroyer
  • Patent number: 10407859
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a module, system and technique to enhance end bearing stiffness of pile/drilled shafts. In particular, methods, systems and loading modules which account for tip resistance in overall pile/shaft capacity are provided which increase the stiffness of the bearing soil. The techniques utilize a mechanical system to preload the soil under the shaft tip, thus allowing the users to confidently account for the gained resistance at an acceptable level of movement. Each shaft/pile is preloaded during construction to verify its load carrying capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE NEVADA SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION ON BEHALF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO
    Inventors: Sherif A. Elfass, Gary M. Norris
  • Patent number: 10280643
    Abstract: A concrete wind turbine tower segment is provided with a bearing plate formed by a plurality of individual smaller plates secured within the concrete body of the tower segment. The tower segment may include an anchor bar cage assembly made of an embedded plate with a plurality of anchor bars extending there through and through the plates. A protective sleeve may be positioned over the anchor bars. A method of forming the tower segment includes attaching the plate segments to a precision formed template ring as part of the cage assembly, pouring concrete/grout around the cage assembly against the plates, and removing the template ring to reveal a precision mate face of the bearing plate. The single large, expensive ring may be reused to form multiple tower segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignees: WIND TOWER TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC.
    Inventor: Matthew J. Chase
  • Patent number: 10179985
    Abstract: A structural tensioning system for selective coupling to a pier pipe having an elongate threaded rod and a tensioning device. The tensioning device having an elongate body that is configured receive a treaded end of the threaded rod and defines a slot in a distal end portion, a pair of opposed co-axial elongate openings, and a pair of opposed passages that communicate between respective portions of the slot and respective portions of the pair of opposed co-axial elongate openings. A portion of each elongate opening is configured to receive a bolt that is mounted in the pier pipe when the tensioning device is positioned in a tensioning position and portions of the slot, the pair of opposed co-axial elongate openings and the pair of opposed passages are configured to selectively receive the bolt that is mounted in the pier pipe as the tensioning device is moved to the tensioning position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Geobasics, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Queen, William T. Kitchens
  • Patent number: 10100481
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ground-working machine and a method for producing wall panels, with the ground-working machine having at least two elongate drilling and mixing tools arranged parallel to each other, which comprise a rod-form base body, on which a first screw conveyor and at least one second screw conveyor are arranged, the second screw conveyor being axially spaced apart from the first screw conveyor. According to the invention it is provided that at least on one drilling and mixing tool at a lower end the first screw conveyor is formed with an outer diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of the second screw conveyor which is arranged above the first screw conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: BAUER Spezialtiefbau GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Karl, André Seidel, Mario Perconti, Albert Rieblinger
  • Patent number: 10081964
    Abstract: The invention introduces a connection system for connecting a shaft of a wind tower to a support surface, by means of a shaft, a foundation cage and a plurality of pairs of tendons wherein each tendon has a lower anchoring adapted for the placement thereof inside the foundation, an upper anchoring, at least one strand with a first end and a second end, the strand extending from the upper anchoring to the lower anchoring, a pair of sleeves for each strand, a sleeve fixed to the upper anchoring and a sleeve fixed to the lower anchoring, each sleeve housing a segment of the strand. Additionally, the system introduces a method for connecting a shaft of a wind tower to a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: DYWIDAG SISTEMAS CONSTRUCTIVOS, S.A.
    Inventor: Fernando Martinez Perez-Beato
  • Patent number: 9915050
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for ground improvement includes a device having a plurality of tines extending downwardly from a top plate in a manner to achieve displacement of ground material downward and radially outward. The tines may include ridges spaced vertically along an outer surface of the tines. The tines may also be in the form of opposing plates. The device is mechanically driven into the ground to achieve predetermined depths of penetration by the tines/plates. The device is retracted and driven repeatedly to achieve densification. Optionally, voids made by the device can be filled with a flowable media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: GEOPIER FOUNDATION COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Maher, Kord J. Wissmann
  • Patent number: 9739027
    Abstract: A perimeter pile anchor foundation is built by forming a plurality of individual perimeter pile anchors in a large generally circular pattern to form a perimeter wall. The individual pile anchors are contiguous, each pile overlapping the adjacent piles on either side. The overlapping pile anchors form an arch such that compression and friction between the pile anchors resist soil caving and sloughing pressure when soil inside the perimeter wall is excavated, enabling the perimeter pile foundation to be effectively constructed in weak saturated soils and/or cohesionless sands that will not allow conventional concrete foundation excavations. A concrete foundation ring is formed inside the pile perimeter wall to support a tall and/or heavy tower or other structure subject to high upset forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Henderson
  • Patent number: 9670909
    Abstract: A wind energy plant foundation is provided with a plurality of ready-made concrete foundation segments. The foundation segments have a plurality of first and second sheaths which serve to receive tension wires for bracing the foundation segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Hölscher
  • Patent number: 9399851
    Abstract: The invention relates to a piling apparatus for pile assembly comprises at least one walled pipe (26), a clamping frame (29) having a clamping mechanism to link to a walled pipe (26) which has been inserted into the earth, a pressing stand (24) linked to the clamping frame (29), pressing cylinders (35) having one end linked to the base of pressing stand (24), another end linked to a holding clamp (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Inventor: Thanh Minh Vo
  • Patent number: 9340944
    Abstract: A device for a pile anchorable in the bottom of a lake or sea and/or in the ground and of the screw- and/or push-type. The device includes a force-transmitting part arranged at an upper portion of a front tubular part of the pile. The force-transmitting part includes either a disk-shaped part with a substantially vertically extending flange directed toward the front tubular part, or a threaded portion along the pile that includes at least approximately one turn around and a cylinder-shaped part extending in a longitudinal direction of the threaded portion and completely around the threaded portion. The front tubular part includes apertures for debouching water and air from the upper portion. The force-transmitting part enables transmitting downwardly directed axial forces and laterally directed horizontal forces to the bottom or ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Sture Kahlman
  • Patent number: 9243379
    Abstract: A primary earth penetrating mandrel formed of a hollow shell steel plate has an upper end and an open lower end joined by an upwardly and outwardly tapered wall. The mandrel is driven downwardly in the earth to simultaneously form a vertical cavity while compacting the sidewall of the cavity to provide structural integrity. The mandrel is then moved upwardly from the bottom of the cavity and aggregate is deposited in the bottom of the cavity following which the mandrel is lowered so that its lower end engages the deposited aggregate and densifies the aggregate by vertical vibratory action and static force with these steps being repeated until the pier top is near the surface of the earth. A second embodiment includes a conduit in the primary mandrel for injecting concrete or grout into aggregate previously deposited in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kord J. Wissmann, Alan L. Moxhay, Nathaniel S. Fox
  • Publication number: 20150117959
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Dennis P. Cassidy
  • Patent number: 8992130
    Abstract: An arrangement for a down-the-hole hammer drill, for use in soil consolidation by jet grouting, and comprising a cylindrical machine housing, an impact mechanism driven by pressurised fluid that impacts onto a drill bit mounted in a chuck in the machine housing that allows reciprocating motion, whereby the machine housing has a central supply line for the driving fluid to the impact mechanism in which channels in the drill bit constitute outlets for used driving fluid. The machine housing is provided with a grouting nozzle for jet grouting, that the grouting nozzle is directed in a sideways direction and arranged at the periphery of the wall of the machine housing, that a rinsing channel for conducting a grouting mixture through the machine housing to the said grouting nozzle is arranged whereby the rinsing channel for the grouting mixture is separate from the supply line for the driving fluid of the impact mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: LKAB Wassara AB
    Inventors: Magnus Hörman, Peter F. Johansson
  • Patent number: 8974150
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Crux Subsurface, Inc.
    Inventors: Nickolas G. Salisbury, Scott R. Tunison, Freeman A. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20150023739
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive point for a substantially tubular, in particular hollow cylindrical, driven pile having a pile core through which concrete can be introduced into the driven pile, wherein the drive point can be fitted onto one end of the driven pile, wherein at least one first supporting web with a first contact surface for an end face of the pile end is arranged on an inner wall of the drive point, wherein starting from the plane of the first bearing surface the drive point has a cavity which extends at least partially in the driving direction and into which concrete can be introduced through the pile core when the driven pile is fitted, wherein at least one concrete outlet channel is provided which connects the cavity to an upper edge of the drive point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Jerome COULON, Hermann MUTSCHLECHNER
  • Patent number: 8926228
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Ben Stroyer
  • Patent number: 8920077
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Darin Kruse
  • Publication number: 20140314496
    Abstract: A polymer grouting method for constructing multi-wing pile, includes steps of: (1) arranging the positions of piles; (2) producing multi-wing drilling tool and locating holes; (3) installing grouting pipes; (4) polymer lifting grouting; (5) forming polymer multi-wing piles. According to the geologic characteristics, the three-wing drilling tool or the four-wing drilling tool are produced through pressing the drilling tool into each location of pile by a static pressure equipment to form the multi-wing holes, and injecting two-component expansive polymer materials to the holes, wherein the polymers expand and solidify after reacting for filling the holes and the gaps in the soil of slope to be fully integrated with the surrounding soil and form the polymer multi-wing piles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Henan Polytech Infrastructure Rehabilitation LTD.
    Inventors: Fuming Wang, Bei Zhang, Xiaolong Li, Hongliang Chen, Xianfeng Zhao
  • Patent number: 8834072
    Abstract: A suspended slab (14) is spaced apart from a surface of the ground (18) by a void space (20). Structural supports (16) are provided to extend upward from the ground (18). Removable supports (22) are placed on top of the ground (18) and extend upward to a desired height. The suspended slab (14) is poured on top of the removable support (22), suspended at least in part by the plurality of structural supports (16). The removable material (22) is removed after the material of the suspended slab (14) sets, leaving the suspended slab (14) suspended by the structural supports (16) with a void space (20) of the desired height extending between the bottom of the slab (14) and a top side of the ground (18). An enclosure skirt (26) is placed around a perimeter of the suspended slab (14) to enclosed the void space (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: William T Donald
  • Patent number: 8801335
    Abstract: There is provided a wind power installation foundation having a reinforcement comprising a plurality of steel bars and radial steel bars and a lower pylon segment having a plurality of holes in the wall of the pylon segment for receiving the bars or radial bars. In addition there is provided a concrete body which covers the reinforcement and the lower portion of the pylon segment. The foundation has a plurality of holders for holding the bars or radial bars of the reinforcement. The holder has an upper bracket for fixing to the pylon segment and a lower foot for receiving the bars or radial bars of the reinforcement. The length of the holder is adapted to be variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventors: Meik Schacknies, Markus Schade
  • Patent number: 8794876
    Abstract: A device and a method for surveying jet grouting piles in a subsoil, which is suitable for a drilling and grouting linkage assembly for creating a hole and a jet grouting pile in a region of the hole. A measurement device is integrated in the drilling and grouting linkage assembly and comprises a scanning element that is movable from a retracted position to an extended position. The scanning element is deflected inside the measurement device through a retraction and extension housing mounted on the measurement device. The scanning element comprises at least in segments a shape-memory alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: GuD Geotechnik und Dynamik GmbH
    Inventor: Nikolaus Schneider
  • Patent number: 8789427
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a hydraulic jack is provided having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion attached to a first section of a structure and the second portion attached to a second section of the structure. When a pressurized fluid is forced between the first portion and the second portion, a load is transferred to the first section and the second section by the pressure of the fluid on the first portion and the second portion. The first section and the second section are forced apart by the load, thus creating or enlarging at least one void in the structure. The pressurized fluid fills or partially fills one or more of the at least one void, thereby increasing the surface area effectively normal to the direction of the load in contact with the pressurized fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Loadtest, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Hayes, William G. Ryan, Nicholas K. Yankopolus
  • Patent number: 8740501
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for ground improvement includes a device having a plurality of tines extending downwardly from a top plate in a manner to achieve displacement of ground material downward and radially outward. The device is mechanically driven into the ground to achieve predetermined depths of penetration by the tines. The device is retracted and driven repeatedly to achieve densification. Optionally, voids made by the device can be filled with a flowable media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Maher, Kord J. Wissmann
  • Publication number: 20140105689
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: American Piledriving Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Klekotka, Paul W. Suver, Gerald A. Cors
  • Publication number: 20140086692
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for introducing a filling material into a hole in the ground, with a channel-like filling means which can be introduced into the hole and has an upper feed opening for feeding in the filling material and a lower discharge opening for discharging the filling material in a lower area of the hole. The filling means comprises an upper feed section and a flexible hose section arranged below. During the filling of the hole with the filling material the flexible hose section can be moved upwards along the feed section. During upward movement of the flexible hose section a severing means severs an upper area of the hose section in a longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for introducing a filling material into a hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: BAUER SPEZIAL TIEFBAU GMBH
    Inventor: Ulli WIEDENMANN
  • Publication number: 20140017015
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for supporting a structure. Beneath the structure there is arranged a cohesion structure, which transfers the structure load through shaft adhesion to surrounding ground (2). The cohesion structure includes an expansion element (6) having a wall of flexible material, inside which there is injected along an injecting pipe (7) unreacted polymer (8), which reacts in the expansion element (6). The expansion element (6) with the reacted polymer (8) therein constitutes the cohesion pillar (5). The polymer (8) is water absorbing material and the wall of the expansion element (6) is of water-permeable material, whereby the cohesion pillar (5) is arranged to absorb water from the surrounding ground (2) so as to improve the adhesion between the expansion element (6) and the surrounding ground (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: URETEK WORLDWIDE OY
    Inventors: Sami Hakkinen, Tuomas Liebonen, Antti Perala
  • Publication number: 20140003868
    Abstract: A concrete pile is cast in the ground by driving a plate into the earth with a tubular mandrel to create a shaft. Fluid grout injected into the mandrel can flow from the mandrel to fill the shaft. The plate is tethered to the mandrel and is recoverable for reuse when the mandrel is withdrawn from the grout filled shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Tyler Wayne DeWitt
  • Publication number: 20130343823
    Abstract: A pile is provided for installation into earth, comprising, a shaft that includes a shaft axis, a plurality of helices, and a metal that is capable of being welded so as to securely attach the helices; the shaft is provided with an end that has been configured for successive piling; the helices are shaped so that, when the shaft is torqued, the helices screw the pile into the earth about the shaft axis; a bladed portion provide with a shaft-accommodating section, a pile securing structure, a collar, and a blade; the shaft-accommodating section of the bladed portion is shaped according to the end of the shaft; the pile securing structure is configured to cooperate with a fastener; the collar of the bladed portion is generally concentric about the shaft axis; and the blade is shaped, at least in part, to agitate grout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Wei-Chung Lin
  • Patent number: 8608410
    Abstract: Unit plates are supported by unit frames connected consecutively together for turning about axes being remote from and crossing a longitudinal axis of the frames with the ability to alternately be shifted about the turning axes by rams coupled between the plates and frames and expanded while the frames are shifted continuously. The front frame supports alternately a face-and-end pumping mill, facing disk or wedge or endless chain cutter. A ski tenon supported on the front end of the front frame that is able to be engaged with a ski-trak means of adjacent from behind the same unit frames for relative turning about the axes and disengaged in the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventors: Vladimir Anatol Shreider, Natalia Shreider
  • Patent number: 8596922
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for establishing and securing a foundation in a substrate. For example, in one embodiment, a pump conveys a first fluid (e.g., water) through a pile member to produce an elongate opening in a substrate, which allows the pile member to be advanced into the substrate. After the pile member has been advanced into the elongate opening in the substrate, a second fluid (e.g., fluidized concrete) is conveyed out of openings on the side (and the bottom) of the pile member to substantially secure the pile member in the elongate opening defined in the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventors: Michael McVay, Peter Lai, David G. Bloomquist
  • Patent number: 8596924
    Abstract: A plastic gel grouting material, which comprises a silica type non-hardening powdery material and water or a silica type non-hardening powdery material, a calcium type hardening developing material and water as active ingredients, is statically pressure-injected into a soft, loose or weak ground to thereby form masses derived from the grouting material per se in the ground, and concurrently therewith, to compact the surrounding earth and sand, thereby increasing density of the ground. A plastic gel grouting material is provided which loses its flowability with time or by dewatering to form masses derived from the grouting material per se in a ground and which comprises a silica type non-hardening powdery material and water or a silica type non-hardening powdery material, a calcium type hardening developing material and water as active ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Kyokado Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunsuke Shimada, Miki Oba
  • Publication number: 20130272799
    Abstract: A pipe assembly may have one or more pipe segments that are coupled together or coupled to a drive socket by a coupler. The bottom-most pipe segment being a bottom pile segment that may have a body with a central axis, an exterior surface an upper end connectable to the pipe pile assembly, and a bottom end, the bottom end inhibiting grout from passing through the bottom end, helical flights extending from the exterior surface of the body substantially perpendicular to the central axis, and grout ports through which the grout is emittable. The bottom pipe segment is designed to receive grout introduced through the pipe assembly so that the grout can be emitted the 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Paul W. Suver
  • Publication number: 20130272798
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the installation of pipe pilings into the ground for use as structural building foundations, geothermal piles, or both, are disclosed. In addition to specialized fittings for pipe pile assemblies, the inventions include specialized drive mechanisms used in conjunction with rotary or vibratory motors. Methods of installing pipe pilings are further improved with the disclosure of methods of adding grout or similar materials during or after installation of the piles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Suver Paul
  • Publication number: 20130243533
    Abstract: A method for installing a helical pier using a polyurethane resin grout that results in a support structure capable of bearing heavy loads and exhibiting high lateral strength which is also nontoxic and non-hazardous to the environment
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Concrete Alternatives & More, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Tarapchak
  • Patent number: 8523493
    Abstract: In a vessel utilized for providing powdered materials, such as binder, for the construction of an in-situ piling, the vessel has a binder feeding system having a fluidization chamber, where the fluidization chamber receives air at a higher pressure than the substantial portion of the remainder of the vessel. This higher pressure enhances the fluidization of the powered materials as the materials are dispersed through an actuated valve at the bottom of the vessel. This system results in a decreased volume of air required for transporting the powdered materials through the feeder hose to the tool in the piling borehole, thereby reducing the creation of air pockets in the in-situ piling. This feeder system replaces the cell wheel currently used in binder feeder systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Johan Gunther, David Blomqvist, Henrik Persson
  • Patent number: 8511941
    Abstract: A device (1) for drilling and tamping grounds is constituted by a tamping tip (1A) rigidly connected to a shaft (3) which constitutes the connection to the end part of a battery of rods moved by a drilling machine, which gives it movement in a vertical direction and a rotation around its longitudinal axis. The battery of rods is inserted into a covering tube (14). Between the tamping tip (1A) and the tube (14) a substantially cylindrical tamping element (9, 9a) is interposed, adapted to define a tamping diameter of the ground which forms the walls of the hole obtained by the device (1) at least equal to the diameter of the tube (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Soilmec S.p.A.
    Inventors: Jasmin Curic, Paolo Cavalcoli, Ezio Biserna
  • Patent number: 8511176
    Abstract: An embodiment of the subject invention is directed to a jack incorporating one or more strain gauges. The one or more strain gauges can be positioned on, within, or integral to the jack. When a load or force is applied by the jack, one or more materials within the jack are deformed or displaced as a result of the applied load. The one or more strain gauges are used to measure the deformation or displacement and thus measure the strain. The measured strain can be used to determine the magnitude of the load applied by the jack. In an embodiment, a plurality of strain gauges are used and the resulting strain measurements can be combined to determine the applied load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Loadtest, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Hayes
  • Patent number: 8444349
    Abstract: The grouted pile splice for pipe piles includes a lower pile section, and an upper pile section including an integral driving portion adapted to apply a driving force to the lower pile section. The upper pile section includes a stabbing portion sized to extend through a proximal end opening and into an inner bore of the lower pile section to form an annulus space between the upper pile section and the lower pile section to receive grout. The driving portion may include a wall thickness greater than a wall thickness of the stabbing portion, and an annular land positioned to contact a proximal end of the lower pile section. A grout distributor assembly may be mounted in the upper pile section to receive grout. A grout line assembly is inserted into the upper pile section and mated with the distributor assembly to supply pumped grout to the annulus space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Keystone Engineering Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolph A. Hall
  • Patent number: 8397583
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a hydraulic jack is provided having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion attached to a first section of a structure and the second portion attached to a second section of the structure. When a pressurized fluid is forced between the first portion and the second portion, a load is transferred to the first section and the second section by the pressure of the fluid on the first portion and the second portion. The first section and the second section are forced apart by the load, thus creating or enlarging at least one void in the structure. The pressurized fluid fills or partially fills one or more of the at least one void, thereby increasing the surface area effectively normal to the direction of the load in contact with the pressurized fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Loadtest, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Hayes, William G. Ryan, Nicholas K. Yankopolus
  • Publication number: 20130051927
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Darin Kruse
  • Patent number: 8360689
    Abstract: A method for ground improvement with hardened inclusions includes providing a device having a plurality of tines extending downwardly from a top plate in a manner to achieve displacement of ground material downward and radially outward. The device is mechanically driven into the ground to achieve predetermined depths of penetration by the tines and to create cavities at the location the tines are advanced. The device is at least partially retracted and hardening cementitious material backfill is added into the cavities for forming a plurality of hardened inclusions within the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Geopier Foundation Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Maher, Kord J. Wissmann
  • Publication number: 20130011204
    Abstract: Pile forming includes providing an anchor having a shaft with a major axis, a bit fixed at one end, and a stop releasably coupled to the shaft. A casing having a major axis, is co-axially aligned with the major axis of the shaft, between the bit and the stop. A centralizer maintains separation between the shaft and casing, creating a region therebetween. The anchor is placed in soil, ground or substrate, the shaft turned and pressure applied to advance the anchor, forcing material out of a region surrounding the shaft. The stop is decoupled from the shaft. The shaft is continually turned and pressure applied to further advance the anchor. A fluid grout is flowed into said region surrounding the shaft and into the region between shaft and the casing. The turning and application of pressure are stopped, and the fluid grout allowed to solidify.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: AMCON LIMITED
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Andrews