Abstract: Foundation systems and methods using in-situ shaped pile-anchors that are particularly adapted for use in aquatic environments. The shaped pile-anchor of the invented foundation includes a concrete filled tubular metal casing, the bottom end of which is positioned at a predetermined depth in the ground (e.g., aquatic-floor soil) and the top end of which protrudes above the water or soil surface. Concrete fills the inside the metal casing, substantially all the way to the top end of the casing, forming an upper portion of a concrete column. The lower portion of the concrete column extends down below the bottom end of the metal casing and further into the ground. The lower portion is shaped to have a cross-section greater than the cross-section of the upper portion, which equals to the inner diameter of the tubular metal casing. A platform is coupled to one of more of the shaped pile-anchors to support a structure above.

Abstract: Soil inclusions (30) comprising an elongated, cured cementitious columnar body (72) are located within the soil (32) and include a tubular perforate structural reinforcement (56a, 56b) embedded within the body (72), with portions of the body exuded through the perforations (57) of the structural reinforcement (56a, 56b). The inclusions (30) are formed by driving a tubular mandrel (44) through vibratory means into the soil (32), with a flexible, tubular, perforate reinforcement (56a, 56b) about the exterior surface of the mandrel (44). When the mandrel (44) is fully driven, it is withdrawn, and simultaneously cementitious material (70) is injected into the mandrel (44). The material (70) exudes through the perforations (57) to complete the inclusion (30), which is deformation compliant. The inclusions may be installed in vertical or non-vertical orientations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a grout anchored rock bolt which includes an elongate cylindrical body of a suitable material which has at least one integral anchor portion which includes of a plurality projection, each of which extends laterally from the body in at least one radial direction, wherein the projections are consecutively serially arranged along the length of the anchor portion and wherein each projection is radially offset relatively to the preceding formation at an angle that is not orthogonal.

Abstract: A tip is described for attachment to a bottom end of a foundation pile. The tip comprises a cast iron tip body and an element partially molded into the cast iron tip body. A foundation pile assembly comprises such a tip. A method for manufacturing is provided for such a tip.

Abstract: A device (150) for splicing together a first reinforcement cage (10) and a second reinforcement cage (20), the first reinforcement cage (10) comprising a suspension band (18) adjacent one of its ends and the second reinforcement cage (20) carrying the said device (150) adjacent one of its ends, wherein the device (150) comprises: an anchoring portion (160) carried on a portion of the second reinforcement cage (20) adjacent its one end, e.g.

Abstract: A coupler interconnects adjacent sections of soil nails to extend the lengths of the nails. The coupler includes projections extending from the exterior surface of the coupler. The projections serve multiple purposes. One purpose is to center the soil nail within a drilled hole. Another purpose is to provide mixing for amounts of drilled material to remain within the hole, and/or evacuation of drilled material to be removed from the hole. Another purpose is to create a drilled hole with varying diameters in response to different geological layers encountered during drilling. The coupler may include a plurality of ports or openings formed in the body of the coupler enabling injected material such as grout to be further mixed by the rotating action of the coupler during use. The invention further includes a soil nail assembly and a method for installing a soil nail assembly including couplers with projections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine (10) for making columns in ground, the machine comprising a carrier (12) having a mast (14) extending along a longitudinal direction; a movable carriage (16) mounted to slide along the mast (14); a ground perforation tool (20) extending along a longitudinal axis parallel to said longitudinal direction and secured to said movable carriage, presenting a top end connected to building material feed means, and a bottom end provided with an orifice (28) for injecting the first building material; a rotary drive system (18) for driving the perforation tool (20) in rotation; and a body (40) extending around the perforation tool (20) so that the perforation tool is suitable for sliding through said body. According to the invention, the machine has a coupling system (60) for coupling together the body (40) and the perforation tool (20) in translation and in rotation.

Abstract: A method of installing a support pile when refusal is encountered comprising the steps of: side drilling a ground surface proximate to a support pile to a predetermined embedment depth; thereby creating a void; driving the support pile to a predetermined embedment depth; and backfilling the void using a suitable filler material.

Abstract: A segmented jacket construction is proposed. The segmented jacket construction is for a foundation for a wind turbine installation. The segmented jacket construction has at least two grid segments, which are connected to each other by joints. The joint has two tubular jacket modules, which are bonded by a grouting material.

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

Abstract: The installation of a foundation enables a superstructure to be installed and supported in a desired attitude such as a vertical attitude at the foundation. An installation template is placed at the selected location and support sites on the installation template can be adjusted so that the installation template will support the foundation subassembly in a manner such that the superstructure can be supported in said desired attitude. The foundation subassembly is placed onto the installation template using a lifting subassembly that is secured to the foundation subassembly. The foundation subassembly is fixed in place by concrete or the like into which the foundation assembly is inserted. The superstructure can then be secured to the foundation subassembly. The superstructure can comprise a post adapted to hold a panel for deflecting road noise.

Abstract: A method of supporting a double hull platform section above the surface of the earth for the exploration of oil, gas, or hydrate reserves comprising lowering a platform to a distance above the surface of the earth, engaging a first set of supports with the surface of the earth, drilling holes in the earth, inserting a second set of supports in the drilled holes, adding a slurry in to the drilled holes, allowing the slurry to freeze to support the platform, and disengaging said first set of supports from the earth.

Abstract: A method of constructing a voided drilled shaft concrete structure is provided. Drilled shafts are large-diameter cast-in-place concrete structures that can generate extremely high temperatures during the concrete hydration/curing phase. The method includes creating an excavation, inserting a cage or an inner casing into the excavation, and filling with concrete the space between the outer surface of the cage or inner surface and the inner surface of the excavation.

Abstract: An equipment for constructing micropiles in soil, includes a drilling rod with a bit with at least one nozzle jetting fluid forward, and at least one nozzle jetting fluid substantially orthogonal; an element pulling a protective tube, not adhering to the rod. A corresponding method includes drilling with a drilling rod jetting liquid in front of the bit until reaching stable soil strata; drilling and injecting high-pressure grout with one or more lateral nozzles, while the drilling rod rotates; pulling the protective tube, the tube being inserted to the area of grout injection; when the required depth is reached, the proximal end of the drilling rod is anchored to a plate; when the grout is consolidated, traction is applied to the drilling rod if necessary. Grout is injected into the protective tube.

Abstract: The installation of a foundation at a selected location enables a superstructure to be installed and supported in a desired attitude such as a vertical attitude at the foundation. An installation template is placed at the selected location and support sites on the installation template can be adjusted so that the installation template will support the foundation subassembly in a manner such that the superstructure can be supported in said desired attitude. The foundation subassembly is placed onto the installation template using a lifting subassembly that is secured to the foundation subassembly. The foundation subassembly is fixed in place by concrete or the like into which the foundation assembly is inserted. The superstructure can then be secured to the foundation subassembly. The superstructure and the foundation assembly can be elongated lengthwise relative to their lateral dimensions, and the superstructure can comprise a post adapted to hold a panel for deflecting road noise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for drilling a hole and installing a geothermal transfer apparatus. A sonic drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The sonic drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating a hollow drill string into the ground, the hollow drill string having an inner space. The hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the hollow drill string into the ground while discharging fluid into the inner space of the hollow drill string. A geothermal transfer apparatus is lowered into the inner space of the hollow drill string following the drilling of the hole to the desired depth. The drill string is then removed from the ground.

Abstract: A joining device (8) for hybrid wind turbine towers (5) intended for the fixation of a metal portion (6) of a wind turbine tower (5) to a concrete portion (7) of said wind turbine (1) which comprises a metal body (9) having a generally tubular configuration that is suitable to be fixed to the metal portion (6) of the tower (5) which in use is adjacent to the concrete portion (7), and suitable for being at least partially embedded into said concrete portion (7), said metal body (9) being provided with a number of anchoring openings (11) adapted such that the material of the concrete portion (7) passes therethrough. A hybrid wind turbine tower (5) comprises such a joining device (8) provided between one metal portion (6) and one concrete portion (7).

Abstract: A structural assembly and a method are disclosed for an improved foundation element post-grouting technique incorporating a piston arrangement that consists of a barrel at the base of a pier or pile. Grout is pumped into the barrel via one or more conduits and the pressure from the grout exerts downward pressure on the barrel forcing it into the geomaterial below the foundation element and increasing the load bearing capacity of the foundation element. This assembly and method functions to contain the grout within the target grout area beneath the foundation element while simultaneously providing a means for measuring the strength of the geomaterial below the foundation element and the strain and movement associated with the geomaterial and the pier or pile.

Abstract: An equipment for constructing micropiles in soil, includes a drilling rod with a bit with at least one nozzle jetting fluid forward, and at least one nozzle jetting fluid substantially orthogonal; an element pulling a protective tube, not adhering to the rod. A corresponding method includes drilling with a drilling rod jetting liquid in front of the bit until reaching stable soil strata; drilling and injecting high-pressure grout with one or more lateral nozzles, while the drilling rod rotates; pulling the protective tube, the tube being inserted to the area of grout injection; when the required depth is reached, the proximal end of the drilling rod is anchored to a plate; when the grout is consolidated, traction is applied to the drilling rod if necessary. Grout is injected into the protective tube.

Abstract: A piling machine with high-pressure jet spiral bit, including an underpan, a pile frame, a drill pipe, a drill bit having an upper leaf helix, a lower leaf helix and a middle leaf helix, a power system, a high-pressure concrete casting system and a high-pressure jet grouting system. The drill bit is disposed at the head of the drill pipe and has multiple nozzles disposed thereon, a diameter of the middle leaf helix is constant from the top to the bottom thereof, a diameter of each of the upper leaf helix and the lower leaf helix decreases from the top to the bottom thereof so that the drill bit with upper and lower tines is formed, the drill bit is spiral, the high-pressure jet grouting system is disposed in the drill bit, and the nozzles are disposed on the drill bit. A piling method is also taught herein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of splicing pile cages, to a set of components therefor, and to assembled pile cages, and in particular to a method of splicing together two pile cages of a reinforced concrete pile. The method employs two pile cages which are each assembled from a number of cage bars and at least one frame, one of the pile cages having a suspension band adjacent to one of its ends, the other pile cage having at least one support plate adjacent to one of its ends, the support plate having a hole therethrough. One of the pile cages is lifted into a pile hole with its end projecting therefrom, and the second pile cage is lifted over the first pile cage and lowered until a part of the cage bars of the second pile cage overlap a part of the cage bars of the first pile cage, and the hole in the support plate lies below the suspension band.

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.

Abstract: A form system is provided for forming a structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like, such as a concrete column or footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The system includes a support system, including a wire support member and an associated base foam ring having an offset center hole corresponding to the centerline of the concrete footing, which is placed at the bottom of the earthen hole. A lower vertical form system, including multiple interlocking pieces, is assembled and joined at one end to an offset disk member. The disk member of the lower vertical form system is then placed onto the base foam ring in abutting engagement. The form system is then plumbed and positioned, e.g., in relation to one or more layout strings. Once the form system is in the correct position, the earthen hole is backfilled, e.g., with dirt or other material, thus holding the properly positioned form system in place. The lower vertical form system is then cut to grade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for drilling a hole and installing a geothermal transfer apparatus. A sonic drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The sonic drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating a hollow drill string into the ground, the hollow drill string having an inner space. The hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the hollow drill string into the ground while discharging fluid into the inner space of the hollow drill string. A geothermal transfer apparatus is lowered into the inner space of the hollow drill string following the drilling of the hole to the desired depth. The drill string is then removed from the ground.

Abstract: A method for increasing the load-sustaining capability of structural elements in soil, wherein metallic rostrums are positioned in a hole in the soil and subsequently extruded telescopically to force them to penetrate into the surrounding soil at a desired depth and inclination. Mortars or consolidation mixes may be injected through the rostrums to fill a volume in the soil to form reinforcement bulbs.

Abstract: A post-tensioned pile anchor foundation and method therefor creates a void or highly compressible region between a drilled or driven pile anchor surrounding a post-tensioned anchor bolt or tendon and the bottom of a foundation cap. The void or compressible region can be formed by compressible spacers or void forming elements placed between the top of the pile anchor and the concrete cap. As the anchor bolt or tendon is post-tensioned against the cap, the void forming element is compressed or crushed, allowing the cap to be pulled downwardly and the pile anchor to be pulled upwardly toward the cap against the resistance of the surrounding soil.

Abstract: A reinforced-concrete column contains reinforcing cage and inserts made monolithic with concrete mix and comprises the upper bearing and lower foundation parts. The method of construction of the column includes operations of manufacture of the column reinforcing cage with inserts, placement of concrete in the non-removable casing in the project position in single- or multi-slit pit with the column making monolithic. The column reinforcing cage is loaded vertically into the pit, centered vertically, and the upper part is fixed from horizontal displacements, the lower foundation part of the column and the inner part of the non-removable casing with the closed-type casing in the upper bearing part of the column are made monolithic with concrete from down to top. After making monolithic, the soil base is widened and cemented via the process pipeline placed inside the reinforcing cage; the space between the non-removable casing and the pit walls in the upper bearing part is filled with granular material.

Abstract: There is provided a method for drilling a cased hole and installing a micropile. A sonic drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The sonic drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating a drill string into the ground. A retrievable drill bit is operatively connected to the drill string. The cased hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the drill string into the ground. The retrievable drill bit is retrieved from the cased hole following the drilling of the cased hole to the desired depth. A micropile is lowered into the cased hole following the retrieval of the retrievable drill bit. Grouting material may be discharged into the cased hole before or after the drill string is removed from the ground. In another embodiment, a removable drill bit may be used in place of the retrievable drill bit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of splicing pile cages, to a set of components therefor, and to assembled pile cages, and in particular to a method of splicing together two pile cages of a reinforced concrete pile. The method employs two pile cages which are each assembled from a number of cage bars and at least one frame, one of the pile cages having a suspension band adjacent to one of its ends, the other pile cage having at least one support plate adjacent to one of its ends, the support plate having a hole therethrough. One of the pile cages is lifted into a pile hole with its end projecting therefrom, and the second pile cage is lifted over the first pile cage and lowered until a part of the cage bars of the second pile cage overlap a part of the cage bars of the first pile cage, and the hole in the support plate lies below the suspension band.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring the difference in alignment between a first plan position of an element (1) and a second plan position of an element, the method comprising the use of: i) at least one rigid or taut connection (4) extending between a first point (2) at the level of the first plan position and a second point (3) at the level of the second plan position, the first and second points being at an identical displacement from the element; and ii) one or more electrolevel gauges (5) provided on the or each rigid or taut connection, so as to measure the inclination of the rigid or taut connection.

Abstract: A method of construction using sheet piling sections that includes the steps of: (a) installing a sheet piling wall in the ground to enclose a first area and a second area; (b) excavating a plurality of holes in the first area; (c) excavating the second area; (d) installing a plurality of first area structural supports; (e) leveling the first area; (f) forming a first floor in the first area; (g) excavating the first area to form a first area chamber; (h) leveling the bottom surface of the first area chamber; (i) forming a first area chamber floor; (j) repeating steps (g) through (i); (k) installing a plurality of second area structural supports; (l) forming a bottom floor in the excavated second area; (m) forming a ceiling above the bottom floor to form a second area chamber; and (n) repeating step (m) until a plurality of second area chambers are formed.

Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus and method for placing an element (14), such as a steel column or concrete section, into a pile shaft (1) during top-down construction techniques. The apparatus is provided with an upper and lower positioning means (2, 3) which allow the plan position of the element at upper and lower levels respectively to be adjusted.

Abstract: A reinforced-concrete column contains reinforcing cage and inserts made monolithic with concrete mix and comprises the upper bearing and lower foundation parts. The method of construction of the column includes operations of manufacture of the column reinforcing cage with inserts, placement of concrete in the non-removable casing in the project position in single- or multi-slit pit with the column making monolithic. The column reinforcing cage is loaded vertically into the pit, centered vertically, and the upper part is fixed from horizontal displacements, the lower foundation part of the column and the inner part of the non-removable casing with the closed-type casing in the upper bearing part of the column are made monolithic with concrete from down to top. After making monolithic, the soil base is widened and cemented via the process pipeline placed inside the reinforcing cage; the space between the non-removable casing and the pit walls in the upper bearing part is filled with granular material.

Abstract: A drill head has a domed leading face and carries cutting teeth. A tubular drill string can be used to drive the head into the ground. An off-center aperture communicates with the bore of the string, by means of a connecting passage, which defines an oblique cone. During drilling, a flushing medium can be pumped down the bore and out through the aperture. As the drill string and head are withdrawn, an elongate member can be introduced down the bore, out through the aperture, to be left in the passage drilled by the head. The form of the mouths and connecting passage avoid the elongate member encountering any discontinuities which would prevent it leaving the head. The elongate member could be reinforcing bar for a cast-in-situ pile, or part of a ground loop for a ground heat energy system.

Abstract: A reinforced-concrete column contains reinforcing cage and inserts made monolithic with concrete mix and comprises the upper bearing and lower foundation parts. The method of construction of the column includes operations of manufacture of the column reinforcing cage with inserts, placement of concrete in the non-removable casing in the project position in single- or multi-slit pit with the column making monolithic. The column reinforcing cage is loaded vertically into the pit, centered vertically, and the upper part is fixed from horizontal displacements, the lower foundation part of the column and the inner part of the non-removable casing with the closed-type casing in the upper bearing part of the column are made monolithic with concrete from down to top. After making monolithic, the soil base is widened and cemented via the process pipeline placed inside the reinforcing cage; the space between the non-removable casing and the pit walls in the upper bearing part is filled with granular material.

Abstract: A method for the earthwork of a foundation sunk for a wind energy facility, which has the following steps: an anchor cage is provided, consisting of an anchor plate and several anchoring bolts which are connected with the anchor plate, the free ends of the anchoring bolts are guided through bores in at least one load distribution plate the load distribution plate lays on at least three bolt nuts, which are screwed on the anchoring bolts, a reinforcement for the foundation sunk is mounted and the anchor cage is poured in with the reinforcement, the anchoring bolts protruding with the bolt nuts in this, upon subsequent tightening of the anchoring bolts between anchor plate and load distribution plate, the bolt nuts are stripped over the thread of the anchoring bolt and loose their supporting capability.

Abstract: A subsurface support includes a soil nail of two-piece construction. The body of the soil nail is constructed of fiberglass. The tip of the soil nail is constructed of a machined metal piece that is secured to the distal end of the fiberglass body. The soil nail is preferably installed by a launching device.

Abstract: A method and the corresponding equipment for constructing concrete micropiles of the type used for soil consolidation, which involves the use of a drilling rod which also acts as reinforcement for the pile, and injection of cement grout directly during drilling, the injection being performed from the surface downwards, that includes the following stages: soil drilling with a rod consisting of a drilling bar fitted at the tip with a bit equipped with nozzles, and simultaneous high-pressure injection of grout through said nozzles; when the bar has fully penetrated into the soil, connection of a second bar by means of a sleeve coupling and continuance of drilling with simultaneous grout injection; when the design depth has been reached, detachment of said rod, which is left in the ground to act as reinforcement for the pile thus constructed.

Abstract: A tool system is provided for aligning and plumbing a poured concrete form (e.g., a lower vertical form portion) for forming a structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like, such as a concrete column or footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The system includes a center line running vertical to the length of the tool and a two-way level system incorporated therein. The tool can be used to line up the lower vertical form portion with a layout string and plumb the lower vertical form portion square. A metering pole that can be locked in place is used to lower and raise the tool into and out of the lower vertical form portion, wherein the tool is completely rotatable about the metering pole. Once the lower vertical form portion is aligned with the tool, the earthen hole is back filled, thus holding the lower vertical form portion in place in the correct position.

Abstract: A piering member includes a generally tubular body that has a flarable end so that when the piering member is inserted into the ground, the flarable end of the piering member can be flared outward to increase the area of support for the foundation that rests upon the piering members. The flarable pier includes slits formed in the body to allow a flaring member to force the segments of body, formed by the slits, outward. The flaring member may be inserted from the top of the piering member or may include a conically shaped flaring member inserted into the bottom of the pier.

Abstract: A column for use in post-frame construction having a two piece construction in which a first or foundation column portion of the column is set into the earth with a proximal end thereof protruding from the earth. The proximal end of the foundation column includes a column bracket for joining the foundation column to a wooden column comprising the second portion of the two piece column of the present invention. The foundation column of the present invention comprises a precast concrete column. The foundation column of the present invention advantageously resists degradation of its mechanical properties due to environmental influences while providing the necessary strength to support a post-frame building, including, e.g., the environmental loads received by the building. The wood column comprising the second portion of the two piece column of the present invention advantageously provides ease of workability to complete construction of a post-frame building.

Abstract: A reinforcement structure includes multiple steel bars, a primary spiral hoop enclosing the multiple steel bars, wherein joints of the primary spiral hoop and the steel bars are securely combined, multiple secondary spiral hoops, wherein multiple steel bars are inserted into each of the secondary spiral hoops from outside of the primary spiral hoop to inside of the secondary spiral hoop so that joints between the primary spiral hoop and the secondary spiral hoop are formed. A steel bar is sandwiched between the primary spiral hoop and the secondary spiral hoops and joints of the steel bar to the primary spiral hoop and the secondary spiral hoops are securely combined via steel wires. The reinforcement is thus formed by the steel bars, the primary spiral hoop and the secondary spiral hoops.

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: An underground shell-pile continuous wall job practice, which utilizes a special drill for constructing a continuous wall underground, is initiated by sinking two coupled special drills connected together by male and female connectors fixed on the main trunks of them respectively. Then, the first special drill is withdrawn while simultaneously pouring concrete into it until the first shell pile is finished. The process of sinking special drills and withdrawing and pouring concrete to build shell piles is repeated until the whole continuous wall is finished. In this way, building an underground continuous wall is rapid, economic and effective. The special drill has a simple structure which provides for simultaneous insertion and draining of displaced soil, thereby reducing the sinking drag force. Thus, earthmoving normally required to build underground walls is reduced greatly.

Abstract: A method for constructing the foundation and support structure for an elevated transportation system, such as an elevated guideway for use in a light rail mass transit system. In particular, this invention discloses a method of constructing a tubular steel or other material-encased concrete foundation pile that also functions as a support pier. The method utilizes advanced surveying, mapping, and global satellite positioning for locating and constructing the monolithic foundation and support pier, thereby resulting in greater efficiencies and cost savings than traditional construction methods.

Abstract: A pier system has a plurality of footers each formed with a base fabricated of concrete with a top face having a downwardly extending bore. A plurality of pilings are each formed with a hollow tubular shaft with a top region and a bottom region coupled to a footer. Each piling has a reinforcing bar with an upper region and a lower region coupled within the bore of a footer. Each piling further has a plurality of apertures formed within the upper region of each shaft. A deck has a plurality of stringers with spaced free ends located within the shafts. A supplemental quantity of concrete within each shaft couples the shafts, footers, reinforcing bars, and stringers. A plurality of planks have mechanisms that couple the planks to the stringers.

Abstract: A screw pier has an elongated shaft with a screw adjacent one end thereof. Soil displacing members are disposed on the shaft. The soil displacing members may be drawn through soil by turning the screw. A soil displacing member closer to the screw may be smaller than one or more soil displacing members farther from the screw. A driving tool may be provided for turning the screw.

Abstract: A piering member includes a generally tubular body that has a flarable end so that when the piering member is inserted into the ground, the flarable end of the piering member can be flared outward to increase the area of support for the foundation that rests upon the piering members. The flarable pier includes slits formed in the body to allow a flaring member to force the segments of body, formed by the slits, outward. The flaring member may be inserted from the top of the piering member or may include a conically shaped flaring member inserted into the bottom of the pier.

Abstract: A concrete pile construction method and an apparatus used for improving soft earth ground by constructing reinforced bar concrete pile structures in the earth. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a process for securing firm concrete piles having a reinforced bar core with uniform concrete by a pile apparatus in which projections are radially formed and a conical-shaped bit is formed pointedly on the pile apparatus.